With tomorrow being Independent Bookstore Day, I wanted to celebrate books a little today. And while many times when a book gets a film adaptation it is not the best ever, there are exceptions. And you may enjoy an adaptation more than everyone else does, and that is ok too. So here are my favorite book-to-movie adaptations.
Coraline
Coraline is the only book on this list that I read after seeing the movie version, and I really enjoy both. I’d even argue that the film ending is done better than the book’s version. Overall, the film does the book justice and helps visualize the spooky and kooky story that makes the book better.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter as a whole is easily my favorite series ever. And of all of the film adaptations, I enjoy the Prisoner of Azkaban the best. Is it the most perfect adaptation, no. But I enjoy the aesthetic direction it went in, and it does tell the story of that book well. It doesn’t feel rushed like other films in the story *cough Goblet of Fire cough*. There is nothing I’d change about the Prisoner of Azkaban film.
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games series is also one I enjoyed, and the first book is my favorite of the trilogy. And I find that the film version does a good job of telling that story. Yes, it does cut out some big pieces that many fans will argue is unforgiving. This book, in particular, is difficult to turn into a film since the majority of it is all Katniss’ thoughts. I was skeptical of how the movie would turn out after reading it, but I have to admit it did a good job in my eyes.
The Great Gatsby
I know so many people will not agree with this, but I love Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby. First off, it is gorgeous cinematically. You can’t watch this film and tell me it’s not stunning. Second, I think it tells this story beautifully. It follows the story very well and depicts the roaring twenties cautionary tale in a captivating way. If you only look at the glitz and glamour of the film, of course, you won’t like it because you think it’s missing its somber side. But it is there, just maybe not as obvious as some may want it.
Perks of Being a Wallflower
Perks of Being a Wallflower is an interesting choice for me and here is why. Without spoiling it, a major plot point was lost on me when reading the book. I decided to watch the movie and my mind was blown at the revelation of this plot point. It’s a coming of age tale of mental health, first love, friendship, and so much more. And the movie made me truly realize how good the book is.
What book-to-movie adaptations do you enjoy? Share them with me in a comment. And don’t forget Independent Bookstore Day and visit your local bookstore.
Dan brown’s Da Vinci Code. Casting Tom Hanks was one of the best decisions taken in cinematic history. Now i cannot even imagine someone else playing Robert Langdon and the script was also well written and actual location of historical sights were breathtaking.
I really enjoy Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, they are like, awesome!