The Dive from Clausen's Pier (2005)

I haven't read the book, but even so, I thought the movie was far from good. It's supposed to be... well, the movie doesn't make that all too clear. We learn that main character Carrie wants to become something else, and that's about it. From reading other comments, though, I've learned that it is supposed to be about a young woman's journey to find herself and face her demons. I'm not sure about WHAT demons...The movie, in short, is about Carrie's boyfriend Mike breaking his back diving, and Carrie breaking up with him (not because of the injury) and going off to New York to get a life, so to speak. She meets supposedly mysterious 35-year-old Kilroy and they become a couple. Then everybody leads complicated lives for a while, and she finally goes home - although the movie does not reveal for what reasons.This movie confused me a bit right from the start, mostly because of the very young appearances of the characters; in the opening scenes we see Carrie (Michelle Trachtenberg) and her boyfriend, and him giving her a ring, at the same time as her voice tells the story of their several years long relationship - and the first thought that popped into my head was: "So, you met when you were like 9?" Sadly, in my opinion, she never rises to the challenge of portraying a young woman in this movie, but stays on a teenager-trying-to-act-adult level (it doesn't help that she looks and sounds like 15-16), which makes a lot of her lines and her relationship with Kilroy literally unbelievable. She's too young to play the part.Meanwhile, Kilroy (Sean Maher) is, I guess, supposed to be this mysterious, secretive handsome stranger, but to me he seems exaggerated and a bit over-acted. Also, there doesn't seem to be the least bit of chemistry between him and Michelle Trachtenberg. I'd guess they were brother and kid sister sooner than lovers.All in all, the movie felt unnecessary. Nothing that pulled me in and kept me concentrated, but rather something to mindlessly doze to. We never get to see past the surface of any character, and the story is high-paced in a bad way.

It's nice to know that everyone has doubts about decisions they have made in their lives.. This movie was very uplifting from the point of "Mike" finding out that he COULD live without "Carrie", and eventually forgive her unforgivable deed!! Running when the going got tough! And to discover that not everyone in the movies, "Carrie" can be a hero all of the time. She got scared, and she gave up everything, because of her fear. She grew emotionally and finally figured out that there was just no way to have a real future with "Kilroy" or anyone else until she finally did the right thing and face her past. I don't think that running away is the right answer, but sometimes it is easier to face things after the dust has settled a bit. Good movie, would recommend watching it. Would have liked to see a different ending though.

I expected the Dive from Claussens pier to be at least 3 stars since the book was completely amazing, but i was quite disappointed..This movie just didn't excite me, and i don't think Michelle whatever her last name is should of been the lead..she seemed far to young, and bored me to death..The rest of the cast seemed to be OK..you most likely would not know any of there names, because they've only been in a few movies..So i guess this move was OK, but i really don't recommend watching it..but i do recommend reading the book!! It was interesting, had an excellent plot, and was not at all boringMegan

I read the novel "The Dive from Clausen's Pier" and found it to be heart-wrenching and a great look into the mind of a torn young woman. The Lifetime movie just chopped it up, altered it horribly and left me appalled. If you have not read the book and watch the movie, fine. But if you've read the book....I recommend not watching the movie. If you must though, be warned. There was so much richness in the book and important moments and character development that the movie skips over and alters. Originally the character was named Carrie Bell in the book and the movie changes her to Carrie Beal...not a huge deal, but that is the gateway for all the changes in the plot. I understand films adapt books into the given time slots, but this movie wasn't adapted but more of chopped up and shoved into a formulaic display of scenes that do not capture half of the emotional journey Carrie undergoes. The most difficult part of the movie was the rapid progression of time that is never explained or detailed well. Carrie seems to always be wearing the same clothes so distinguishing the passage of time and seasons is difficult. If you must watch this movie...supplement the choppy pace and lack of depth with reading the novel.