Love, Simon is a movie that I have been waiting a really long time to see, and this Saturday, March 17th, I was finally given that chance. I went to the movies with my sister and we both can happily say that we loved it. It’s based on the novel Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, which is a favorite of mine. I thought the movie did a really great job transitioning this beloved book to the screen. It’s still good for people who haven’t read the book though, as my sister falls under that category. Whether you’ve read the book or not, you must see this movie.
The director has said that he wanted to create a John Hughes type of teen film but with a gay main character, an I think he definitely succeeded. Simon is an ordinary teen, with great parents and a cute younger sister, but he also has the big secret of being gay. He’s not sure that he wants to come out, even though he’s pretty sure his family and friends would be okay with it. Coming out is scary. I know when I first told people that I was bisexual, it’s nerve-wracking. I didn’t expect too many bad reactions – and it actually did go quite well – but at the same time, who wants to come out? One of the big questions in the book – and in the movie – is “why is straight the default?” I love this because it’s so true! We assume someone is straight unless they tell us otherwise. Straight people don’t have to come out.
This movie is sure to make most people cry. I know I did, a few different times throughout. When Leah talks to Simon about feeling outside of things (I relate the most to Leah, I think, out of all the characters), when Simon first tells someone he’s gay and they say “I love you”, and over and over. I’ve read so many comments on twitter about the film, so when my theater’s audience broke out into applause at the big reveal (you’ll know what I mean when you see it, or if you’ve read the book), it was no surprise – as it had been happening across the U.S. – but it was still emotional and wonderful. Here was an audience, yelling and cheering for a guy to get his happily-ever-after…with another guy. A girl near me yelled “YAAS! You go, Simon!” and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling. My sister and I joked that we were surrounded by straight date night – a couple on either side of us – but they were just as interested, and just as enthusiastic, about the film and it was beautiful.
Larger publications were asking “do we need this movie” and I’d say absolutely, yes. We will always need these movies, these stories. This is the first gay teen film produced by a major film studio. The first. I’d say we need more of these, not just Love, Simon, though it was a fantastic start.
So yes – go see Love, Simon. Give money to this movie and hopefully movie studios will realize that people will show up for LGBT+ movies. After all, “everyone deserves a great love story.”
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Love, Simon: A Movie Review (go see it...now) #ontheblog #lovesimonmovie Click To TweetI’ve been telling people on Twitter, but I’ll be sharing another post later this week about Love, Simon. It will have other people’s thoughts about the movie so if you want to share something, please let me know. I’d be happy to link to your own movie review if you do one as well! I want to spread the love. Also, if you’ve read Simon (or are thinking about it…or just want more of these characters), don’t forget about Leah on the Offbeat coming out next month. We get Simon’s best friend’s point of view this time – it takes place after the events in Simon Vs.
Ahhhh, this is a gorgeous review, Lauren for a such a lovely movie. I need to see this — so much love for this everywhere!
I didn’t really love the book, but I can’t wait to see the film eventually! 🙂 Great review!
Sounds like a great movie – thanks for sharing your review.
We took a picture with the poster for Love Simon because my son’s name is Simon! I wish the picture came out a little better. Have you seen the thing where people come out as straight? I forget what it is exactly, but I remember there were people being like mom, I have to tell you, I’m straight. And showing how it’s interesting / strange that straight is the default and people don’t have to come out if they are!
There’s a scene/montage like that in the movie, so you might be talking about that! That’s cute you got a photo of Simon with Love, Simon. 🙂
-Lauren
I haven’t seen this yet, but it is definitely on the list to see soon. Thanks for your review!
This is wonderful! I can’t wait to see this movie, I’m so glad to hear you loved it. And I agree that we need this movie, I think it’s good it was made.
I can’t wait to see this one!! I loved the book and hear the movie is great.
oh yes I was curious about this one
Ahhh!!!! We loved Love, Simon!!! I actually got advanced screening tickets to see it about a month ago and we absolutely fell in love! It also has a really awesome soundtrack too!
I want to see this so badly!
I can’t wait to see this!
What a wonderful review, Lauren. I’m more excited than ever to see this movie.
Glad to hear you enjoyed this and thought it was a good adaption, because I am supposed to see it this weekend with my sister. She actually borrowed the book from me to prep for the movie.
Yay! So glad you liked it! I still need to find time to sneak away and see it too!
ohhhhh I love that you loved it so much! applause, tears and all huh? OH MY ow I’m afraid to watch it LOL In such a chicken! I love that all that straight people were loving it too! YEAAAAH
Awesome review! And glad it was good! I have not read the book but now I want to, and I want to see it too.
I was a fan of all John Hughes movies too, and I’ve been hearing nothing but good things about this movie. You give a great review, and I can’t wait to see it! Hugs…RO
I have been hearing all good things about this movie and really want to see it .
I saw it Monday afternoon so not much of a crowd o cheering but I did tear up several times. It was really well done. Especially with the emails – which I wasn’t sure they could pull off in a movie.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
I really like how they did the emails! It worked well.
I can’t remember the last time I even went to the movies! Thanks for the review!
Oh I’m so excited with how much you loved this movie!! It’s definitely on my watch list AND I still need to pick up the book. I love that the theater clapped and people shouted out loud…..so amazing!!!!! What a beautiful experience, thanks for sharing!
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I can’t wait to see the movie, and I am super excited about the new book too! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the movie!! 🙂 XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Ah i really like the sound of this one! Hope to get to see it at some point. Sounds like a good one. Thanks for sharing with #bloggersbest x
Sounds like a great movie. I will have to check it out.
Awesome review! I can’t wait to see this movie. 🙂
[…] Movie Review: Love, Simon […]
I’d been wondering about watching this but l didn’t know much about it. You’ve sold me. #bloggersbest
This sounds like agreat movie and much needed. I saw the author being interviewed last week. She always wanted to write a book but wasn’t sure what it would be about. Well, she certainly wrote something amazing for what I assume was her first publication. I want to see this film now that I’ve read your review, Lauren. Plus, I’m a huge fan of Hughes’ films. They were all wonderful.
Yes, it was her first book, which is amazing! It’s such a good book – and film!
[…] Movie Review: Love, Simon […]
Sounds like a great movie and a much better adaptation than its book! So excited to see this!
I’m so excited to hear that the movie is good! I agree that gay teens need a fun romantic movie a la John Hughes, and I’m glad this fits the bill.
Great review! I can’t wait to see this one myself. 🙂
Glad to hear this movie was so well done. I haven’t read the book yet, but that’s good to know the movie is good to follow if you haven’t read the book as well. And its great that these stories come to film now as well.