Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Adapting

I've written before about the dangers of having high expectations for movies based on some of my favorite books, but here I am again eagerly anticipating two upcoming releases.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was always my favorite book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. As a middle schooler and teenager I read it multiple times and when I read the series to my kids, it was still my favorite of the seven. The Narnia movie that came out in 2005 was probably my favorite adaptation of a book EVER. Even though they changed the story a bit, the changes worked and (dare I say it?) even improved on Lewis' original.

So, yeah, my expectations for Dawn Treader may have hit an all time high. I keep trying to reign myself in, certain that I've set myself up for disappointment. But I have to say, the trailer has me excited. See for yourself.


Chronicles Of Narnia 3

And then there's Harry Potter. My son has convinced me that we must go to the midnight showing. I've never gone to a midnight movie, not even for the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Yet here I am, ready to sacrifice sleep (and prime NaNo writing time) to go see the movie, knowing that the comfy seats and late hour mean I'll probably be asleep before Harry ever pitches his tent.

Speaking of the boy wizard, Melissa wrote a BRILLIANT post on the Mythical Creatures in Harry Potter. They might might not be as mythical as you think. If you're a Rowling fan, you must read this.

Four more books I loved that are being made into movies: Shiver, The Hunger Games, The Dark Divine and The Great Gatsby. Yes, another adaptation of The Great Gatsby, this time starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby and Carey Mulligan as Daisy. The scary part -- Baz Luhrmann will direct. Yeah. Remember what he did with Romeo + Juliet? Much as I love Gatsby, that's one adaptation I'll probably save for Netflix.

Word count for WiP = 14,020

17 comments:

Mother Hen said...

It looks fab, I can't wait! The H.P books were brilliant and I have loved the movies so far too. Like you, I' not sure about a midnight viewing. Interesting idea though.

C.R. Evers said...

I'm looking forward to that movie too, though I am also cautiously optimistic whenever I see a movie based on a book.

Kelly Polark said...

My fam hopefully will see Harry Potter next week! Can't wait!
I am looking forward to Shiver and Hunger Games too whenever they make those.
I almost always like the book better than the movie and go into the movie with those expectations. I still enjoy the movie because I already know the book is better!

Laura Pauling said...

I thought they've done a great job with the Narnia books that are movies and with the HP series. Too bad Percy Jackson was a flop but it was about impossible to capture his voice - same with Twilight. So much of what makes Twilight are her thoughts and that doesn't transcribe to a movie.

Kristan said...

I'm sooo glad they didn't give up on the Narnia series. I mean, I know Disney axed it for financial reasons, but thank goodness someone else picked it up. The trailer is great. :D

Actually I really enjoyed Romeo + Juliet... And I think Leo and Carey will be good. (Just saw Carey in An Education and she was excellent.) But then, that's just me...

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Movies from books. Sigh. Very few work for me. But the Harry Potter films have been fabulous and I'm super excited to go. Probably I'll pick a matinee first day of release but not the midnight show. Toooooo late for me, but my daughter has done it for several releases and loves it.
I know I'll go to see Shiver and The Hunger Games, too, because I loved those books (just have to cross my fingers)

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

PS: Thanks for the link to Melissa's post. That was indeed brilliant!

Bast said...

I can't wait to see both of those movies as well. And I couldn't agree more about the first Narnia movie.

Sometimes you can't help but have high expectiations.

Susan R. Mills said...

I can't wait for The Great Gatsby. That was one of my favorite required readings in high school. The first movie is a little dated, so I'm looking forward to the new version.

Lydia Kang said...

I haven't seen the last one yet! I have so much catching up to do with the Narnia movies.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Dawn Treader was my favorite as well, so after Prince Caspian, I'm concerned. If this one doesn't rock, I'm sure the series will end.

Janet Johnson said...

I can't wait to see it either. And this is a rare thing for me, but I agree, the plot changes do improve on Lewis' story. :) Enjoy HP!

Lori W. said...

I loved that Harry Potter Post. Thanks for the link. I'm dying to see the new HP film!

Both of us mentioning Great Gatsby today? Hive mind. ;) To me, Gatsby's not an adaptable book in the same way A Prayer for Owen Meany as a movie was lame (Simon Birch was the sort-of adaptation). I hope Hunger Games and Shiver don't get wrecked on screen!

Stina said...

I've only read Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrope, but I definitely want to see this Narnia movie.

I didn't know there's talk of making Shiver into a movie. Cool!

Krispy said...

I'm excited about Dawn Treader as well, though I've never (*gasp*) read the book!

Midnight showings are fun (but very crowded)! I hope you enjoy it! I was going to go to one, but I have work the next day, boo. Going Fri night instead.

OMG Baz is directing the new Gatsby?! That's 2 surprises for me. I sort of love Baz Luhrmann, but probably because I love Moulin Rouge. Romeo + Juliet was pretty weird, but I kind of like the artistic direction he took with it.

Jamie Grey said...

The Dawn Treader was always my favorite Narnia book too - I can't wait to see the movie! I'm being cautiously optimistic - loved the first one they did, Prince Caspian not so much...

And of course I already have my tickets to see HP this weekend.

Have fun at the midnight show!

Carolyn V. said...

I hope they are all good. I hate to go to a movie and be disappointed, but I don't think HP will disappoint or The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. At least I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...