'The Giver'

I haven't read 'The Giver' but reaction online is an odd mix.  Many note the trailer isn't in black and white, or isn't like the book, or is 'so wrong', while others have what at best would be called guarded optimism. Nobody loves it.

And, there are hundreds such comments -- far more than normal. So, the trailer strikes a nerve, elicits responses, but hasn't gone over great. Usually, for this kind of property, people either love it or hate it. For this one, they're squarely on the fence, or a tad wary. It's off, somehow.

On the plus side, 'The Giver' is directed by Phillip Noyce, who brings a blend of technique and solid handling of character and story. There's also a certain level of sureness to be found in the cast: Alexander Skarsgard, Jeff Bridges, and of course Meryl Streep -- though, 'sureness' in actors isn't a high priority for younger audiences, who are seduced by plot only.

On the other hand, this is writer Michael Mitnick's first time out. Then there's the fact that Taylor Swift -- who I guess plays a major character and will be in most scenes -- is doing her first role in a feature film and you can't help but wonder how that will go.

To me, the tone is heavy, overtly philosophical, dry. I'm left wondering if I would want to see the movie more, or want to see it less, had I read the book. Not what you'd call scintillating.