Have not read the books so I can't compare, but this movie just started to rub me the wrong way that I had to quit before I threw something at my monitor. The Budget was obviously reasonable and I applaud the art department they did an amazing job, the only reason i gave it 5 stars. I just started to loathe all the main characters and especially MFL. I'm not attacking the actress just the character who just came across selfish and naive and just so unlikable that I didn't care what happened to her. Awful character set up for all cast. When you just wish they'd all die so it can end whats the purpose of continuing to watch, only got about 3/4 through. Definitely not for me.

I've read the book more then 100 Times and so I know every detail. To be honest I think the director of the movie never read the book because not even 1 detail is like the book. The entire Plot of the Movie is different. If I hadn't this emotional connection to the Book I would give 1 Star even that the Movie is nothing like the Book. Was it to hard to stick to the Book like why is Liv's dad death and not living in Germany. An really Graysons wish being to be Students President what a joke. I am actually sad about how nothing from the book is adapted and Characters are just not there even my favourite character Lotti is just not there.

First of all: the actors are alright and the movie would be fine if it wasn't a book adaptation.

But: Apart from omitting important characters like Lottie or changing family backgrounds (in the book Liv and Mia's dad is very much alive, Greyson and Florence's mum is dead and very much not French) the filmmakers also changed the plot and didn't even include one of the lighthearted scenes like the cheese incident at the airport, the many names of Persephone and the snobby school etiquette.

Also: what the hell is the deal with the drugs and changing absolutely everyone's appearance?

Yes, diversity is great and they did a good job in creating a diverse cast. But: if a character is described as "being bald and having big ears" or having a haircut like duchess Camilla: why not do that? The ethnicity doesn't matter in that case.

Also changing the entire dynamic between the characters and the weird sub-plot lines are annoying while vital plot lines from the book are missing making the story way too confusing and fast paced. Really disappointed by this adaptation.