Just perfect...

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

After watching LIfetime's attempt at the second novel to screen, it seems as if they are improving...Since I read petals on the wind first, it is my favorite book of the series, mostly because Cathy is brilliant at her revenge plotting against her mother! Unfortunately the movie doesn't pay enough homage to characters like Paul Sheffield but thats alright since we get to see Heather graham portray Corrine exquisitely! She has now proved to be the right choice to play this character, she was wicked and charming and nutty in all the right proportions! Nash and McIver were wonderful, their creepy chemistry was enthralling to say the least. I didn't enjoy the addition of Sarah too much but it was a wonder to see the adoration and torture in the eyes of Christopher for his love of Cathy. Julion was disappointing but entertaining nonetheless. Carrie's character though short lived was done quite well even though her death didn't really tug at my emotional strings.In conclusion I think that Nash, McIver and Graham were a delight and they are the main reason that I gave this movie a 7. I am intrigued to see how they will bring Jory and Bart's outlook to the screen in If There Be Thorns...

The first story in this Dollanganger series was disturbing enough especially the incestuous nature of the storyline. The children have escaped the attic at Foxworth Hall and survived with the help and kindness of Dr. Sheffield. At the beginning of the film, we see his funeral where Cathy had brought the audience up to date. Cathy and her brother Christopher still have a disturbing attachment to each other. The younger sister Carrie never recovered from losing her twin brother Cory. Cathy, Chris, and Carrie have not forgotten the attic nor their mother and grandmother. I have to say the best part of this film is Ellen Burstyn's performance. Even at the end, she is still worth watching. This series is a lot more faithful to the V.C. Andrews' Gothic novel series. It is shocking and disturbing especially the incest element. I'll miss Ellen Burstyn though as the grandmother.

Petals on the Wind is the second installment of Lifetime's V.C. Andrews Flowers in the Attic series. It picks up ten years after the kids escape from the dreaded Foxworth manor, and you see that they have grown into the Dresden Dolls that they were always meant to be, but they still cannot escape all that the attic turned them into or the storm that is brewing because of it.The story is slightly altered and rearranged from the original narrative but the essence of the story, struggle and characters are all there in full. Cathy (Rose McIver) and Chris (Wyatt Nash) are grown with the careers they've always wanted, but are still trying to overcome their attraction to each other. They know it's wrong and you (the viewer) know it's wrong but we're all rooting for love to win out. The movie really pulls you in and you laugh and pout as the ensuing tale unravels. Ellen Burstyn once again shows the sympathetic side to the evil old woman and McIver does a fine job showing the resentment and passion that Cathy could not hide. (Nash was a bit unfeeling as Christopher, but he looked the part spectacularly) This movie was not as well written or acted as the first installment but at this point you don't really care because you are already invested in what happens to these unfortunate kids. The twists, manipulations and corruptions throughout it are funny, shocking, sad and inevitable all at once. It's a fine sequel that does justice to the continuing tale. 7/10

It's unfortunate a 1 is the lowest rating available. I fell in love with The Flowers In The Attic series the first time I read them. I've been waiting a long time for V.C. Andrews books to be made into movies. While I expected there to be some minor changes - and a few things left out - I was NOT expecting the movies to be so drastically changed from the books - and not for the better either. The names of the characters actually depicted - not counting the made-up ones that we're never in the book are the same. Chris did become a doctor and Cathy did become a ballerina and Chris and Cathy did fall in love with each other from being locked in the attic and only having each other - but beyond that the movie bears very little resemblance to the book. I have no doubt this is not how V.C. Andrews would have wanted her books brought to life in a movie. I'm only glad I didn't waste my money seeing this at a movie theater!If you have not read the books than I strongly encourage you to do so - than you will understand what a travesty these movies really are.