by Naomi K

Created on: April 24, 2008

I enjoyed the book by Annette Curtis Klause, which the movie was based on, although its target audience is about ten years my junior.

Needless to say, I'm annoyed and disappointed, and not just by the plot inconsistencies between the original material and the film. That's often to be expected. It still could've been done better than it was, and more truly to the spirit and moral of the book.

Vivian is faced more or less with the same issues in both versions of the story.

Loving her loup-garou nature and reveling in it, but still having to live in the world of unsuspecting and frightened "meat sack" humans.

Wanting to fit in with the humans because it's still part of who she is on a very general level. (And also because she's very young. What teenager doesn't want to fit in?)

The romantic interest of a boy who is completely removed from her loup-garou life and her pack. It's flattering, and has all manner of "Ooh! New, shiny experience!" over it, hence making it irrationally attractive. (We know what they say about the effect curiosity oft has on cats, but I've no idea how that wise old proverb should apply to lupine shape shifters or teenage girls, so go with me on this one.)

Also, I can't help but find that in both the book and film, she seems to have a slight "Aw, cute toy. Look, he's so widdle!" sort of mental perception of this tempting homo sapiens morsel, because for her kind, humans appear to be only half a person. Successful relationships between perceived equals generally don't flourish between partners when approached with this kind of indulgent condescension, regardless of how deserved it is.

Conflict and potential responsibility within her pack and community. She's in the thrall of hormonal teenage rebellion and balks reflexively against the traditions and practical authority of her pack.

It seems so cliche in my mind to be given the wisdom of your elders and immediately deflect it with "I'm a special snowflake and the rules of the world don't apply to me, you lame authority figures! The love of my life (who I've known for just about a week or two) and I don't need your silly logic or experience on general principle! We're blowin' this pop stand! Um... can I have ten bucks? Whattya mean I'm grounded?! Help, I'm being oppressed! This is going on my LJ! Let me tell you, internets..."

So in the book, Vivian goes through that teenage angst and rebellion. She foolishly makes the decision to overestimate her "meat boy" Aidan and show her other side to him (the

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