OMG I was so stoked just to watch Parakiss, I was screaming at the opening credits. Like most I read the manga and watched the anime series, both made me eager to see the live action adaptation. Some live actions do NOT work but I really think this one did. I actually like the movie and probably will watch it again.
Most criticize the story line for the movie, and yes if you have seen the anime it is a watered down version of the original story. Look people they have to sell it to a general audience, so of course instead of seeing an awesome neon color, you are getting pastels. The ending was changed, parts are left out and a lot of it felt rushed. The characters are a watered down version from the original story as well, which kind of made me upset but I understand I guess. Miwako is not as colorful and child-like, Arashi is not as punk rockish or ecchi, and Isabella really looks like a dude playing a woman. They did get George's suave essence, but they missed how much of a jerk he was. Well I understand that you have to sell it, so it was ok.
They did leave out characters and story lines, so the story centered on George and Yukari, and her dreams which is cool, I would have wanted to see Miwako's sister though.
The only parts I really didn't like was the fashion (Where did they go to get all the clothes in the movie the 1980s?) and Yukari's model poses (she literally uses all the same ones!). Other than those, I loved seeing another interpretation of a great story that never quite felt completed. I loved the ending and seeing that many cute guys didn't hurt either.
p.s. Keiko can NOT cry. it was awful.