Movie Review: Water for Elephants

I'm always a little weary when it comes to book adaptations.  9 out of 10 times, I prefer the book.   7 out of 10 times I hate the movie adaptation.  Water for Elephants happens to be one of my favorite books and  I was a little worried that the movie wouldn't be able to capture the grittiness and the feeling of that era.  But I was excited to see Robert Pattinson in a different role than his popular Twilight Saga. 

Fortunately, the movie didn't disappoint.  While I still prefer the book version of the story, the movie was very well done.  I don't know if I'll visit a circus anytime soon (or a zoo-caged animals make me sad), but the directors really brought the story to life.  All of the scenes of the traveling circus, the rise of the big tent, the glamour and awe of the big animals completely drew me in.  The reality of the circus and everything behind the scenes was heartbreaking.  There was definitely a cruelty and violence that not everyone remembers or even realized existed.  Christopher Waltz played an incredible villain and his cruelty was so hard to watch at times.  The goodness and compassion we see from Pattinson and Witherspoon gave the movie just the right amount of emotional punch.  Oh, and speaking of Pattinson, I LOVE seeing that tan and smile on his face.  I love him in Twilight, but he transforms in this movie with revitalized life and energy.

And who could not love Rosie?  Circus elephants have captured my heart since the first time I saw Dumbo.  Yes, I realize that Dumbo is an animation elephant, but he still has those deep, soulful eyes that seem to be so characteristic of elephants.  And Rosie absolutely stole the show. 

I give this movie 4-stars!