Search - Flowers for Algernon on DVD

Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL
Reviewed on 10/14/2022...

Synopsis: A touching story of a gentle, mentally-handicapped man who faces the chance of a lifetime and the hard changes that come with it. After undergoing experimental brain surgery to increase his intelligence, Charlie (Matthew Modine) is emboldened with his newfound genius but finds himself questioning the value of his intellect and struggling to accept his former self. He confides in Algernon, a lab mouse who has had the same procedure, and his teacher, Alice (Kelli Willilams) who he begins to fall in love.

This movie has everything from jokes to tears. It's heartwarming and heartbreaking. It's the kind fo movie that makes you think...would I do it if I were in his shoes?

0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 1/10/2021...

Slow start but then the characters developed and then the plot got going. A real tear jerker ending! Check out Charley as well if you liked this.

3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

90 minutes I'll never get back

David Pederson | Oconomowoc, WI USA | 06/07/2010

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I will admit to being a little leery when a favorite story of mine gets adapted to the screen (be it a movie or TV), and "Flowers for Algernon" is on my top five list of best short stories of all time (the novel is another matter entirely). While I understand that no story survives this transition completely intact or unaltered, this movie should be used as a case study of what not to do when making an adaptation: everything that made the original such a heart-breaking record of Charlie Gordon's rise and fall has been gutted from this script. Charlie is barely sympathetic in this rendition, and Matthew Modine's lackluster performance is just the rancid icing on the tasteless cake. Avoid this one at all costs."

Eighth grade pick

Mrs. B | 06/05/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am an eighth grade Language Arts teacher, and my class reads "Flowers for Algernon" each year. Our school has a copy of the old video "Charly," but I really don't like it, especially since I have to watch it three times in a day. I took a chance on this new one, never having seen it before showing it in class. It is much more enjoyable. First of all, it is a more modern style of videography (no split screens or long montages). It also has no drug referrences. It does have implicit sexual activity, but it is not violent, like in the old version. My kids all enjoyed this movie. They laughed at different parts, and it was easy for them to identify the characters after having read the short story. I do recommend this video to anyone who enjoyed the story."