I'm sitting here listening to the soundtrack and it's reinforcing my first impression that this film was an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
While it may not deal with typical issues in teenage angst like Donnie Darko/ Brick/ 2.37 or have the solid structure of an Alibrandi/ 10 things/Leo's Romeo, it does approach growing up differently-very gentle and yet it holds your interest and thankfully doesn't cop out in the end.
I have read the book and thought it was better, like most books, because it had the time to deal with Dan's innermost thoughts. There were things that I would have done differently but I imagine that they did not have a big budget on this
This film seems to have two distinct divided camps. I can understand why some may not like it but I don't think it deserves to be completely written off. I gave into its charm and was pleasantly surprised.
I would recommend those who have seen the film to get the soundtrack-it is really worth it. I think I'll go and see it again, seeing that it's "tight arse Tuesday" I'd be really interested in your responses to the music.