I saw that Jessica cast the characters of the books she would want to see on the big screen, and I really wanted to borrow that idea, but I'm having such a hard time picking actors and actresses that would do my favorite characters justice. Kudos to you, Jessica, for picking such awesome people in your post! And, I realized there were several movies based on books that I wanted to mention in this post, so I jumped between a few different related topics. I hope you don't mind!
First, in answer to Jessica's actual prompt, I wanted to talk about one series that I'm very surprised hasn't been adapted for the big screen yet: Uglies. I think the story would do very well at the box office, especially considering what a huge hit The Hunger Games has been. I already compared the two series in this post, but I think Uglies, Pretties and Specials would make fun films. We can just leave Extras out; it's a weird fourth book that never should have existed, in my humble opinion.
Regarding books that have already been turned into movies, there are actually a few films that I think turned out better than the book. (I know, that's bibliophile blasphemy! Stone me now.) Most notably, I recall Atonement (which I explained here) and The Notebook (the movie added a lot more scenes of Noah and Allie's young relationship, which I liked better than their affair).
Usually, I can still enjoy movies based on books even when they aren't as good as the novel, because I understand the film can't fit all the intricacies of the novel (e.g. The Other Boleyn Girl, The Time Traveler's Wife and the Harry Potter films). When I don't like the actors/actresses, however, it makes it very difficult for me to enjoy the movie. For example, I still haven't seen My Sister's Keeper, even though Jodi Picoult is my very favorite author of all time, because I just cannot picture Cameron Diaz as the mom, and I don't even want to see her try. (Anyone who has seen the movie: Am I justified in not watching it? Or should I give it a chance?)
What are your thoughts on books turned to movies? Do you typically read the book before you see the movie? (I always try to!!)
Interested that you haven't seen My Sister's Keeper. The movie is the reason I got into to Jodi Picoult books. She has become one of my favorite authors thanks to Hollywood making a movie. I personally liked the movie although it wasn't nearly as good as the book. I always try to read books before I go see the movie, but sometimes I don't know there is a book for the movie or I simply don't have the time. If the movie is good I will make sure to read the book and I still usually end up liking the book better.
ReplyDeleteWell, it's been a while since I saw it.... But as for My Sister's Keeper, I would worry less about Cameron and more about the fact they changed the whole ending from memory!!! I'm pretty sure I was pretty mad...
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen My Sisters Keeper but my mom saw it and she loved that book and apparently, they changed the ending! I hate when they do that. I bet Uglies would be good as a movie.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up today :)
I haven't read or seen The Notebook, am I the worst girl or WHAT. I wanna see that movie though. I'm really impressed with the Lord of the Rings movies, and I'm also really excited about Great Gatsby. I think some books are done justice, it's just always really hard to wrap our minds around our favorite novels on the big screen. I haven't read Uglies, but really should! I've only heard great things.
ReplyDeleteI like to read the book first because I can envision my own characters and get my own feel for the tone of the story. I think The Notebook was more emotional in the book, but I still really enjoyed the movie. The Harry Potter films were disappointing to me...but of course I watched them all. I still have yet to see My Sister's Keeper too. I'll get to it eventually.
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