Riding the Bus with my Sister

[Jackie]

Go to the Book Club section to read a review of the screening for this Hallmark presentation.

Jackie

[steffipoo]

yea Jackie MAY 1st can't wait to see it. Thanks for reminding me.. Steff

[Becky]

Jackie,
I did finaly read the book and enjoyed it very much, so now Im looking forward to seeing the movie.
Becky

[Jackie]

I want to see it too....a screening review of it has been posted on the BB ....its in the Book Club section. Rachel invited me to the LA screening but I had a previous trip already planned....it sounded like fun.....Marnie also had to pass on the DC screening as she is in Vegas with Emily!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jackie

[christie]

I am watching this movie right now and OMG I am in tears

I sure hope it gets easier to watch

CC ~

[momofrussell]

OK.. I have a brag to do about this TV movie! This movie has been posted about on this site and the other site I go to.. and I hadn't really read anything about it nor did I know Rosie was in it. I DO know that there is a book but have not ever read it or seen it.

Well... Regan told me yesterday out of the blue "Mom, there is this movie I TIVO'D called "Riding the bus with my sister" and it looks good, is that ok? ;D ;D Regan and I talk about disabilites and books and such but I had NOT mentioned this to her, I totally forgot.. and the girl clued into it and decided to tape it all on her own. She now is dying to go to the book store because she wants to read the book too!

The movie is on now but we are getting Regan ready for 6th grade camp tomorrow and and we don't have time to watch it right now.. I can't WAIT to watch it now....

And I am proud of my Regan!

A.

[kattykat]

I just finished watching the movie, and I thought it was very well done.

[Ericsmomma]

Evening all,

I just finished watching the movie too. I can't say I liked it that much...the story line was excellant, but I couldn't take Rosie O'donnells portrayal. I thought it was way "over the top". Too loud, and very, very,
exaggerated for me. I didn't read the book, so I don't know if this is how the main character was portrayed.
I thought Andie Mcdonnell was okay...and I loved "Jessie", the boyfriend. He was very believable.
Maybe I should read the book...might put things in perspective. Dolly

[Ericsmomma]

oops..forgot something...I absolutely loved the commercial with the young man with Down syndrome who moves out of his house...and his sister comes to see his apartment. I think it was for Hallmark cards.
very sweet...Dolly

[christie]

DOLLY, YES me too, I LOVED that commercial ;D ;D

As for the Movie, Hmmmm not sure to be honest. Maybe it wasn't the right day for me to watch but OMG all I did was cry most the movie Why did I cry you ask, LOL, well you didn't ask, BUT I will share why

Actually I am not sure why other then it made me feel very sad for Christopher's future

To me honestly, the 2 min commercial with the young man that also had DS was my favorite part of the whole 2 hour show, just my thoughts

CC ~

[kellyds]

I liked that commercial, too! I'd love to know that one of Joshua's sister will visit him in his own apartment like that some day.

Here are some pictures of the real people the movie was about.

www.rachelsimon.com/photos.htm

[ourangelalicia]

I taped this but have not watched it yet, I watched parts of it during commercials of Extreme Home Makeover though. As soon as I saw the previews I knew that this would not be my favorite movie. I was immediatly disappointed that Rosie was in it. It is one thing when you don't use an actor that actually has a disability, but it is a totally different story when you use one so publicly well known. If they had used someone who nobody knew didn't have a disability it may have been more believable. From the few minutes I did see, Rosie's portrayal did remind me of the people from the developmental center here that I used to ride the bus with. Beyond that I don't yet have much of an opinion as I hadn't seen the whole thing...but the parts I did see also made me a little sad. I'm going to have to go fast forward through it though to find that commerical now!

[Ericsmomma]

Kelly,

I didn't realize this movie was based on a true story...now it makes more sense to me. I guess I'm just not a big Rosie fan. But she certaintly looked the real Beth. Thanks for the info.........Dolly

[vicki]

My husband and kids and i went to a sib shop last year and Racheal was at it. She was a main speaker and showed pictures and talked about Beth and the family growing up.
She talked about the book and autographed it. She also told that there was going to be a movie. Racheal and Beth talked about the movie and when Racheal asked who Beth wanted to play her, they both said at the same time Rosie so that is why they picked Rosie because that is what Beth wanted.
And Racheal also said when Rosie read the book she called Racheal and said she wanted to play Beth.
Vicki

[PaigesMom]

I dont know. I saw it and I agree that it was a little saddening, but the truth is that I thought that Beth was quite 'high functioning' and if Paige is able to do all of the things she could do safely, and without assistance or minimal assistance, I would be very proud of her. I think the sadness just comes from constant reality checks, at least for me, that this IS her life and she DOES have Down syndrome and I CANT make it better or take it away.

I'm not sure I thought it was all that 'over the top' either. But I think that all people with disabilities are different, like people without disabilities are different. Looking at my girl, she is LOUD, she is CONSTANTLY on the move, and she has quite the BEHAVORIAL problems, some days (temper outbursts, defiant, yells at people and is very very strong willed), however, she also functions very well.

The Hallmark commercial with the man with DS was also moving as well.

All and all I am glad I saw it, even if it was another reality check for me, however at the same time it was inspirational in that people with mental retardation can live productive lives with minimal assistance.

That's my review, lol.