Books to Movies… (A Critical and Dangerous Transformation)

So, in the book worm realm, there is a very dangerous, fear-filled realm, one that all readers both anticipate and dread…

The transformation from book to film.

We all know the feeling. One of our favorite books/series’ are being turned into either a movie or TV show, and we are torn between total excitement and fear that they will completely botch the story.

So, in this post I will be discussing some book-to-movie adaptations, and how well I believe the transformation occurred.

(Remember everyone, these are opinions, not fact. If you disagree with anything I say, feel free to say so in the comments! But, also, please don’t bash on me or others for their opinions.)

Also, this may also be a tag, I’m not sure! But I asked my mom for ideas for different blog posts, and she immediately suggested this one! Sounded ridiculously fun, so I had to give it a shot! 🙂

So, let’s get started with my most favoritest adaptations ever!!!! (GRAMMAR POLICE PLEASE DON’T ARREST ME I’M SORRY)

Harry Potter

Me too Harry, me too.

So, many people dislike the Harry Potter movies for leaving things out. Many people love them for, well, everything.

Me, personally?

I adore them.

I know they do leave quite a bit out, but I can’t blame them, it’s so hard to incorporate everything, so I 100% forgive them for it. Plus, they’re brilliantly done and have a perfect cast. So. Yeah.

I’ve watched them so many times that, for the first three movies at least, I can quote along with them, line for line. They’re my not-so-guilty pleasure, my equivalent of comfort food. As a matter of fact, my dad said the other day, “Don’t make fun of me for this, but whenever we watch Harry Potter, I feel…. Good. Comforted. Like everything’s right in the world.” I melted. Because, jeez, isn’t that just the truth? I grew up on Harry Potter. I remember seeing the last several in the theater and the ridiculous excitement…. *sigh*

Okay I seriously need to move on, because this is just making me way too emotional right now! XD

Harry Potter Adaptation: 5/5 BLOODY BRILLIANT STARS

 

The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings

(THIS GIF IS MAKING ME EMOTIONAL. WHY DID I THINK THIS POST WAS A GOOD IDEA?! I BLAME YOU MOM.)

I don’t really think anyone dislikes Lord of the Rings?? At least I’ve not heard anyone not like it?? (Unless they just don’t like sci-fi/fantasy.. *cough* my grandma *cough* I’ve heard some people not like The Hobbit since they did add some things in, but not many.

These movies are right up there with Harry Potter. Asking me to choose between the three… It’s impossible. I love them all too much!!

So, ridiculously attached to the characters, rewatched them tons. These are some of the absolutely most brilliantly done movies I have ever seen! (Peter Jackson, can you please work on some more adaptations?!?) And the cast is A+. SO MUCH LOVE FOR THEM! (Have I mentioned I totally *stared at (*stalked) Sean Astin at ComicCon? ;))

Lord of the Rings Adaptations: 5/5 precious rings

The Hobbit Adaptations: 5/5 fire-breathing dragons

(Alright, gonna get a bit more controversial now.)

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

So, this movie gets a lot of hate for being so so so different from the books. While having so many things be changed, I did actually enjoy the movie! It isn’t one of my favorites by far, but I find myself able to enjoy it.

Some of the scenes and lines were so cheesy, a couple of the actors were…. yikes. And, a lot of it felt rushed. But other than that, pretty enjoyable. I feel like if it wasn’t an adaptation/I hadn’t read the book, I would have really loved it.

The Mortal Instruments Adaptation: 3.5/5 mortal cups

 

Percy Jackson

Once again, these two movies get a lot of heat for not staying loyal to the books. And here’s my thoughts:

I really enjoyed the first movie. Like, a lot. It’s a very rewatchable movie! The second one I thought was pretty good as well. But these are if they were strictly movies, not adaptations.

In terms of adaptations, I still give the first movie a very high rating! Sorry. I’m gonna get judged for this. Oh well! Just my opinion. The second one….. Eek. NEWS FLASH: the prophecy wasn’t supposed to come in for another couple books. *sigh* whatever.

Percy Jackson Adaptations: 3.75/5 pens that are actually swords

 

The Hunger Games

Once again, a great adaptation here! (At least, I think so!)

The cast is phenomenal, the writing incredible, the effects spectacular, and the story beyond compelling.

This is the series that took the world by storm. And I can see why!

If you have seen Mockingjay part 2, you’ll know what I mean when I say that I have never, in my life, cried so much in a film. In public. (Pro tip: do NOT wear mascara while watching it.)

I feel like some parts in the films could have been done a little better, but jeez, these are some fantastic adaptations right there.

The Hunger Games Adaptations: 4.75/5 cornucopias

 

So, there are plenty more adaptations I could talk about in here. But, this post is already a lot longer than I meant it to be, my laptop is starting to get really hot, and it’s almost dinner time, so I won’t bore you all with more of my weirdness. XD

What do you think of the adaptations I talked about above? What are some of your favorite not-mentioned-above adaptations? What books would you like to be adapted into (well done) films/TV shows?

Adios my dears! ❤