The Ending

[Seb Shaw]

Very true there ally88, i have not yet read the book, nor do i have it in my possession but i thought the movie was great

[NeuralDefekt]

The short story is one of my favourites and I really rather enjoyed the movie aswell. As for the ending, I can say that I lovedthe one in the book but I thought the movie's ending was quite well suited in its own way. I wasn't disappointed by it really, I just preferred the book ending.

- ND

[smashingblouse]

I didn't like the book. Felt the animal cruelty was not needed for the plot. I also found nothing to like about either main character. I would not recommend nouvella nor movie.

Out of curiousity, must you like the main character to enjoy a book? I hated them both, but I loved this story and would highly recommend it. As for the animal cruelty thing, I think it was effective in showing the true evil of this kid and I would argue that it is very essential. I mean, that is the classic sign of a future serial killer, isn't it? Don't the profilers look at that as a sign? To me, that's like saying murders aren't needed in The Godfather?

[vivazebool]

If Tarantino were to have written the screenplay and directed "Apt Pupil," he would have had the balls to have Todd shoot the Kedman, then go shoot up people on the freeway before the cops took him down. It would have gritty, just like the story.

[michal]

I'm with you on that. I preferred the book's ending. But I also agree with some of the comments here: I think the acting and casting was great and it's a movie that I remember well even though it's been years since I've seen it last.

[Teddy Duchamp]

If Tarantino were to have written the screenplay and directed "Apt Pupil," he would have had the balls to have Todd shoot the Kedman, then go shoot up people on the freeway before the cops took him down. It would have gritty, just like the story.

Got to agree with you. To say I "loved" the book would be a lie - I was glued to the story with horrified fascination. And yes I feel you can hate the characters yet still gel with the story.

The movie was SUCH a disappointment. I dont like to see gratuitous violence for the sake of it, but the movie dodged away from anything "too" much, which, in my opinion completely destroyed the point of the story - it was EVIL not evil.

[SeventhSinger]

I'd have to say that i enjoyed the ending to the book better than that of the movie. It left more to imagine. I also found the character development to be better in the written form than that of the movie.

Not to bash the movie, the casting and acting were great and the directing was well done. I still prefer the book, as is typically the case for me, over the movie.

[cheech721]

I thought the movie was pretty good... In a way the different ending was nice because it wasn't expected, but the book ending was better.

[Seb Shaw]

I thought the movie was fab, (I have also read the novella now) The acting was great, what a fantastic chemastry they had together. I have to be honest here, I really enjoyed BOTH endings, the movie ending was a typical Hollywood ending, too scared to offend anyone. The Novella ending, well that's just harrowing.

Just a thught here, did King suggest to change the movie ending, because of what happend with 'Rage'?

[Homer403]

I thought the movie was great! The ending completely surprised me though.I prefer the written ending.As I sat watching the movie and the end was near I was waiting for the big grand finale.....which didn't happen.Too bad it was left out.I think it was a very significant part of the story!