Lifetime fans, the 2005 drama, The Dive from Clausen’s Pier starring Michelle Trachtenberg is now available on DVD.

Release Date: July 13, 2010
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 88 Minutes

In this endearing coming-of-age tale based on the best-selling novel by Ann Packer, just as Carrie (Michelle Trachtenberg, “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” Mercy) comes to the difficult realization that she’s no longer in love with Mike, her childhood sweetheart and fiancé, a tragic diving accident leaves him paralyzed. Confused, Carrie makes a rash decision to escape her small town life and heads to New York City to rendezvous with a mysterious older man she just met. Amid the craziness of Manhattan, Carrie attempts to figure out once and for all where she belongs in the world.

Based on the book of the same title by bestselling author, Ann Packer, this is quite an interesting story that I believe is best experienced through reading. Having not read the book from which this film was adapted, I can tell you that this is an incredibly strong story with lots left uncovered in the film. Of course it is expected for everything not to make it into an adaptation, but this was different. The story was choppy and the character development was not strong at all for the supporting characters. There is nothing to appreciate about the supporting characters, they are just there. To me, that is a complete disservice to the author, because every character counts. On top of that, the cast was not very intriguing.

But then there wasn’t much to work with in this script, so it’s hard to say which was more irritating. As for the story, there was an issue with consistency in that lead, Michelle Trachtenberg was not even old enough to drink when this film was shot and has the look of a young teenager. So I did not buy her appearance through the film, as it takes place over a course of years – past her character’s college years. Yeah, right. What is so frustrating in watching this is that viewers can tell that there is an incredible story to be told.

In the end it just was not well executed. There were just too many missing pieces in the story and in the characters. Without having read the book, I can tell you that this was one of the weakest adaptations I have seen. If you are looking to be engaged, this is not the film to watch. This is one of those Lifetime sleepers. If you are really looking for a good story, pick up the book.

There are no bonus features for this DVD. Too bad. It would have been interesting to see what Ann Packer thought of this adaptation.

You can own The Dive from Clausen’s Pier on DVD today.