I thought this film was fairly average throughout most of it, but then there were big changes which really improved the film, and took it in a direction I never thought it would. I don't often warn for spoilers in my reviews in here, because they are already under cuts, but please dont continue if you want to see the film, because they will ruin it.
There were some delightful scenes early on, I loved Leslie and Jesse running the race, I loved the different camera angles when they were swinging on the rope, and I loved the bond that developed between them. Although nothing special really, I thought that the two lead kiRAB were teriffic actors (and looks wise, was it just me or did Leslie remind anyone else of a young Keira Knightley?). When it was revealed that she had died, I was actually in shock. I couldn't believe that they had done that. It really took the film in a totally new direction, and it really really made me think.
Like I said, it changed into a different movie...I half expected her to turn up at the end, even just in his imagination, but I am quite glad she didn't, it made it all the more poignant.
There were some creepy scenes, the black smoke being one such example (what is this, Lost?!), and a lot of cute scenes which worked well. Zooey Deschenel was marvellous as the teacher too.
So, what chugged along as a nice, but average film, pulled off a mid-movie swing, and turned it into a good one.
7/10