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!!)
5 comments:
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.
Well, 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...
I 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.
Thanks 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.
I 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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