book discussion

5 Book-to-Movie Adaptations You Don't Want to Miss This Year (2017)

Tuesday, January 17, 2017


At the beginning of each year, I always make a sizable list of books I need to read soon because the movie adaptations are happening this year. This year is no different, with a lovely amount of movies I hope do some amazing books justice. Here's 5 movies you should be on the lookout for this year (in where I also slipped in a movie from last year that I still need to catch):

A Monster Calls


Movie Release Date: 1/6/17

The monster showed up after midnight. As they do.

But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting. He’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming…

This monster is something different, though. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.

It wants the truth. - Goodreads

Ascendant


Movie Release Date: 6/9/17

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered - fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she's known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris's new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningliess. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend to complexities of human nature - and of herself - while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, ALLEGIANT, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the DIVERGENT series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in DIVERGENT and INSURGENT. -Goodreads

Let it Snow


Movie Release Date: 11/22/17

Sparkling white snowdrifts, beautiful presents wrapped in ribbons, and multicolored lights glittering in the night through the falling snow. A Christmas Eve snowstorm transforms one small town into a romantic haven, the kind you see only in movies. Well, kinda. After all, a cold and wet hike from a stranded train through the middle of nowhere would not normally end with a delicious kiss from a charming stranger. And no one would think that a trip to the Waffle House through four feet of snow would lead to love with an old friend. Or that the way back to true love begins with a painfully early morning shift at Starbucks. Thanks to three of today’s bestselling teen authors—John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle—the magic of the holidays shines on these hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and breathtaking kisses. - Goodreads

Wonder


Movie Release Date: 4/7/17

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances? - Goodreads

Carrie Pilby


Movie Release Date: 9/16

Teen Genius (and Hermit) Carrie Pilby's To-Do List:1. List 10 things you love (and do them!)2. Join a club (and talk to people!)3. Go on a date (with someone you actually like!)4. Tell someone you care (your therapist doesn't count!)5. Celebrate New Year's (with other people!)Seriously? Carrie would rather stay in bed than deal with the immoral, sex-obsessed hypocrites who seem to overrun her hometown, New York City. She's sick of trying to be like everybody else. She isn't! But when her own therapist gives her a five-point plan to change her social-outcast status, Carrie takes a hard look at herself—and agrees to try.Suddenly the world doesn't seem so bad. But is prodigy Carrie willing to dumb things down just to fit in? - Goodreads

What movies are you most excited for?

Movie Monday

Five Reasons Why The 5th Wave Killed It

Thursday, January 28, 2016

When I read The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey, I was floored. I hate science fiction and to actually LOVE a book from the genre was simply mind blowing. Since that was way back in 2013, a reread definitely is in order.  Especially since the movie released and I went in remembering the main plot but not much else. This is the sort of post that I will likely revisit, after a reread.


However, The 5th Wave, the movie, certainly took the audience on a captivating ride.  The book will always be better but this movie had some stuff going for it (and maybe not).  If you haven't found out already (especially with 10 Reasons Why the Premiere of Shadowhunters Turned Out to be Incredibly Lame), I am a true believer in finding the laughs in something bad.  The 5th Wave was, by far, not bad but I couldn't help snorting out loud in many parts.

The 5th Wave killed it, in a sense.  The special effects were phenomenal, the acting was superb, but some of the writing --- I just can't.  Here's five reasons why the movie totally rocked and sometimes didn't:

Evan Walker puts Mr. Darcy to shame.


I'll wait while you unglue your jaw from the floor. Then I'll hit you with the rest of the scene. 

Move over, Mr. Darcy because Evan Walker is taking your spot in the lake.  (Source: Tumblr)  It's pretty terrible that I decided to put this scene first. I mean, there were plenty of awesome scenes (like every scene with a depiction of a Wave, but I don't even mention them in this list. Why?: I don't know many details about their budget for the movie, but I'm sure it was big to create those sort of special effects.) Before we move on, let's firmly push Mr. Darcy out and welcome Evan Walker.  Total hunk: part time sniper and full time Cassie's bodyguard. (I ship these two so hard.)


Liev Schreiber nails his role.

I'm not all about noticing pretty faces (and abs). Liev Schreiber rocks every role I've seen him in. This one, as Colonel Vosch, is no different.  The first role I saw him in was in Kate and Leopold, where he plays a dreamer who believes he found a loop in time. (It's a really good movie!) Schreiber has since been in countless other films and now best known for his lead role in the TV show, Ray Donovan.

"I choose you." A bad Pokemon pun or a shameless plug for the upcoming film, The Choice.


The choice. So dramatic. So cliche. My brother and I just started laughing in the pin-dropping quiet of the theater.  The full line, said by amazing Evan Walker, is:
"I was wrong, when I said I was both one of you and one of them.  You can't be both, you have to choose.  I choose you."
*Snort.* The way it is said, Evan starts out by implying the (SPOILERS, if you have't read the book or seen the movie) "you" as humans and the "them" as aliens. But by the end of his line, he clearly is talking about Cassie, alone. The whole scene is super serious and well-played.  The pickup line is clearly picked up. Cliches work.

A movie that targets both girls and boys.

There is a stream of new super-hero movies and shows on TV now, ever since the Avengers hit it big.  It is no question who those movies and shows are targeted to.  Marketing knows gender roles and what each one likes and dislikes.  The majority of the Avengers audience is probably male.  The 5th Wave is perfect for EVERYONE. That's right, isn't that awesome?  It's got aliens, action, attractive boys, an awesome female protagonist! Mentioning The 5th Wave's protagonist...

A strong, independent female protagonist who intends to save her brother all by herself.


You know how much I love strong female protagonists! They are all the rage, what with Katniss and Tris making headlines.  Move over, girls, Cassie is taking over! She is awesome!

After I reread the book, I'll have to watch the movie again and look at all the things I've looked over because I'm sure there is a lot.  Like Ben Parish. I remember there being quite a more Ben Parish in the book.  Until next time, then.

Have you seen The 5th Wave yet? What did you think of it?

book discussion

10 Reasons Why the Premiere of Shadowhunters Turned Out to Be Incredibly Lame

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

It is not a secret that, here, at The Bucket List love the Mortal Instruments series.  Way back in 2011, we brought you an awesome City of Bones discussion.  We freaking love anything that Cassandra Clare gives us.  As much as the City of Bones movie was okay, I always knew it had to be a TV show.  That way, I feel that we could get more of the book and focus less on the bad effects.  It was a win win when I heard there was going to be a TV show.  Titled the Shadowhunters, it premiered last night.  Much to my dismay, it wasn't as great as I hoped.  Actually, it turned out to be incredibly lame.  Here's why:

Shadowhunters is Supernatural meets a procedural cop show.

Why did Luke have to be a cop? It serves a purpose to all those procedural cop show fans but do we really need another one? Luke owns a bookstore in the book, come on.  So the creators of Shadowhunters are playing it up as this group hunting demons that may or may not find its way into the legal system.  Ugh, why!


Non subtle things that happened in the book become super subtle in the show.

The reason the club is called Pandemonium is clever for those who get it.  But, seriously, it's clever because it wasn't literally flashing the word DEMON in front of your face.  For real, the show literally has it flashing.  It doesn't seem so clever, it seems just bad now.

You could play a drinking game with how many times Jace was confused in the first episode.

Jace is supposed to be a confident, borderline cocky jerk the first time we meet him.  Instead he turns out to be a really confused guy who doesn't know how to roll with things.  Yep, Clary can see you through your Glamour. Confused. Yep, she's been drawing runes in her sketchbook. Confused.  Come on, Jace.  This isn't you.

Isabelle does a sexy dance.

Did not see that one coming.  The gang got all the demons in one place and closed the curtain (even though they were glamoured). The demons are in one place-- what are you waiting for? Oh, the boys mutter something like, "Isabelle, you're up." Like, Isabelle, we only hang out with you only for your looks and how you do a sexy dance before killing demons.  What was the point!

It would all be somewhat bearable IF the script wasn't so cheesy.

So let me bring you up to speed.  Clary gets bit by a demon and falls unconscious.  It is the one time we see Jace not confused.  He picks her up and holds her and says, "I got'chu." I literally died. She;s unconscious and I just can't. There were tons of other moments but that one stands out so much.  Also, a play on Harry Potter where Hagrid reveals Harry's power, Jace gets all quiet and tells Clary, "You're a Shadowhunter, Clary Fray." Like she even knows what that is.  I just can't.  The script was cheesy at best.

It's strange how Clary's sketchbook shows up everywhere.

Are you hiding that thing under your shirt, Clary? You got bit by a demon, was unconscious for two days.  Unless Jace picked it up at your house (which would be kind of creepy, what a snoop he is), you must of hid it under your shirt because Jace is going through it, without asking, while you're resting.

It's the first episode and Jace has already gotten Clary naked.

Alec is pissed.  He was so upset that he had to leave the room.  Well, duh. Jace was too focused looking confused at Clary to really notice that one.  Recap: Clary came back to the apartment building and got bit.  Her pants were fine, nothing wrong with them.  So where did they go?  Jace is such a naughty jerk.  

Clary's mom, Jocelyn turns out to be a real jerk.

If I recall, in the book, Jacolyn never wanted to share her secrets.  She was against Clary finding out but then the spell wore off and, by that point, it was too late.  Instead, in Shadowhunters, her mom doesn't seem to care what bringing her into the Shadowhunter world would mean.  So, here, "Happy Birthday, Clary.  Here's a stele.  Use it wisely." And all the generic, "one day you will understand," but "trust no one," because "I'm about to be taken."

Did it really matter where Valentine is hiding out?

Guys, his hideout is in Chernobyl. Did that piece of information really matter?

The Institute turns out to be a sort-of police station for Downworlders.

There were so many people just bustling about.  It was complete with a white board with the latest Downworlder crimes and whatnot.  And not even a sign of Hodge, if you can believe it.


Now, don't get me wrong.  I didn't focus on all the strange and just bad things going on in that first episode.  There were some fabulous things happening too.  (Can we please talk about how Simon and how is awesome in every way?)

Did you watch the first episode of the Shadowhunters? How did you like it?

Movie Monday

This Summer's Gonna Hurt

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Are you ready for that new John Green film to come out? Paper Towns is set to release Friday, July 24!  Here's the trailer below:


To get you even more ready for the release of the movie, I'm recommending some awesome books and movies that are slightly John Green-related to get you in the mood!  (Definition to slightly John Green-related: anything that gives its audiences A LOT of feels.)


Let's Get Lost by Adi Alsaid --- Compared to John Green early on, this debut from Alsaid will have you thinking Paper Towns right away.  Complete with road trip and finding yourself.  Alsaid makes his characters even more real with his gorgeous narration.

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler --- Don't we all deserve an explanation-- a look on our past relationship-- to understand went truly went wrong?  In this heart-wrenching novel, we follow a couple unravel the reasons of exactly what was it that made them break up.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher --- Left on an old tape, the protagonist leaves approximately thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life.

Hate List by Jennifer Brown --- In the aftermath of a school shooting, the killer's girlfriend attempts to understand what happened to make her boyfriend do something like this.

After Hello by Lisa Mangum --- There is nothing more heartbreaking than realizing what happens after hello.  The inevitable goodbye.


Hwayi: A Monster Boy (dir. Joon-Hwan Jang) --- Kidnapped as a baby and raised by a group of killers, this young boy sets out to make things right.  Even if that means killing the people who raised him.

Doubt (dir. John Patrick Shanley) --- A well-known cast takes the stage as nuns conclude that their own Priest is having a forbidden affair with one of the children from the school. It is unclear whether this is true and that is when the doubt consumes them.

Shutter Island (dir. Martin Scorsese) --- Leonardo DeCaprio plays an investigator, hired to crack the case of a missing patient of Shutter Island.  Unfortunately, there is no escape except in death away from the island. 

P.S. I Love You (dir. Richard LaGravenese) --- The protagonist starts receiving letters from her late husband and finally starts learning how to live without him.

Norwegian Wood (dir. Tran Anh Hung) --- Gorgeous Kenichi Matsuyama plays the main character in this drama of a love gone wrong, a crush who patiently waits, and an ending that leaves audiences breathless.

Ready for all those feels? These books and movies will surely get you in the mood for John Green's latest film! Happy feeling!


Movie Monday

Movie Monday (Vampire Academy)

Monday, February 04, 2013

Every Monday I try to bring you some awesome news about the upcoming movies of your favorite novels, as well as, reviews of movies that have released from books that you've read. 
Over the weekend, I discovered that things are moving quite smoothly for the Vampire Academy film which will start shooting sometime this summer.  I am not entirely sure of the release date but a lot of sources say that the movie will be released this year, 2013.  I am super excited about this and can't wait!  Today, I wanted to share the casting choices with you.  

 I am a huge fan of the books and think the books will translate very well to film.  Mark Waters is our director and his brother, Daniel Waters, is screenwriting.  It is going to be interesting to see what they do with it.  They already have a satisfying cast. 

First off, I love that the main leads are people we don't know a lot about.  It is a sign that they know the film is going to be a big hit with all the book followers so they are choosing the cast, not because of their fame, but because of how well they look the part.  Way back when I first read the book, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, I posted a dream cast video on Youtube.  However, the final cast seems much more better than my made-up one.  Zoey Deutch will act in the upcoming Beautiful Creatures movie.  She'll be playing the role of Rose, who is the main lead.  As of right now, I have no complaints.  She fits the appearance of Rose well enough, I just hope her acting is good enough for the starring role.


Here we have Lissa.  She looks like the Lissa I imagined.  Lucy Fry hasn't been in much but I may have seen her in an episode of H2O a while ago.   I don't remember much of her acting but she looks like she can play the role of our sweet Lissa.  

Oh, Dimitri.  Dimitri is one of those book characters that are on my top five sexiest book characters of all time.  (Another thing: Edward Cullen doesn't even make it to my top 20.)  As soon as this guy was cast, I am sure there were people who complained but not me.  I am fully content of seeing Danila Kozlovski play the role of sexy Dimitri.  Why?  Well, if you google his pretty face: he is definitely Dimitri material.  Plus, he is actually Russian.  There will be no fake accent going on.  We are actually going to get a taste of the sweet, western novel-loving, Russian boy we all fell in love with in the books.  That's Danila Kozlovski.  

 I am super excited about all the choices for the cast.  Are you?  Want to read more about the movie, go to ScreenCrush or Deadline.com.
Do you think Vampire Academy will be a good movie with these actors?

best of 2012

Best of 2012: Movies

Monday, December 24, 2012

Every year, the last full week of December is filled with posts for the Best of that present year and this year is no different.  Every day, excluding tomorrow, will be a day to celebrate 2012 so we will be able to say goodbye to  it on New Year's when we welcome 2013.  Today, The Bucket List is showcasing the best movies (which were adapted from books) of 2012 that I enjoyed:

The Hunger Games (March 23, 2012)
Why: It is a fantastic adaptation of the book and it's powerful and emotional.  I can't help but love Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss.  Read my review HERE.  Plus, it was a movie of an awesome beard.  Watch my favorite scene:


Life of Pi (November 21, 2012)
Why: This was so close to the original book that I walked out of the theater with a smile on my face.  With a few minor differences from the book, we follow Pi through his journey with Richard Parker, a tiger.  It's fantastic and thought-provoking.  If you haven't read this book, read it and then see the movie.  Truly beautiful.  Here's one of my favorite scenes:


The Hobbit (December 14, 2012)
Why: You can read my review HERE.  This movie was gorgeous and colorful.  And I always have a thing for those little hobbits because all of them are just so cute with their big feet and curly hair.  A few chapters in the book and it was basically word for word.  Peter Jackson is no stranger to making books come to life and he did not disappoint with this one.  Here's part of my favorite scene:

What was your favorite movie of the year?

Movie Monday

Movie Monday: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Monday, December 17, 2012

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

 Director: Peter Jackson
Rated: PG-13

Based on the Book: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Date Released: December 14, 2012
Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit from the Shire, seems like every other hobbit: happy with their quiet and safe life.  When Gandalf, a wizard, comes to town with an adventure in mind, he knocks on Bilbo’s door.  After hearing the dwarves’ story about how they lost their homeland to a dragon, Bilbo decides to join them in their quest with Gandalf to journey to the Lonely Mountain and take back what is rightfully theirs: their gold and their home.
Screenplay:
The Hobbit was great and much of the praise must go to the screenplay.  It was perfect measures of adventure, action, and the comic relief that lacked a bit in some of the Lord of the Rings movies.  Adding the familiar characters from the previous films was very clever and interesting to see them again.

Acting (list of cast):
Appearance-wise every character looked fantastic!  Way back in the spring of 2012, I watched BBC’s Sherlock and I remember mentioning how Martin Freeman reminded me of a hobbit.  To see him play a hobbit was fantastic and he was simply perfect. 

Editing by Jabez Olssen

Cinematography by Andrew Lesnie:
Middle Earth is visually stunning and it was such a treat to visit there again.  The coloring employed was beautiful.

Sound:
The only huge complaint I have is with the sound.  The score which was created for the Lord of the Rings trilogy was reused for this entire film.  When the sound becomes associated with certain things like Jackson had intended with the Shire theme, it becomes annoying when it is used for something else.  The location themes of Middle Earth were used; however, it was not those sounds which bothered me.  It was the battle scenes and different parts of the previous score that was reused that bothered me.  I associated those sounds with the scenes they were used for in the Lord of the Rings movies and to see them reused at a completely different scene was disorienting. 

I did enjoy their use of the dwarves’ songs.  The melody replayed throughout the film and kept the audience on the path of their quest and why they started out to do this adventure.   

If you are wondering what to see this weekend, you should watch The Hobbit.  It has everything for all ages but may be scary for kids under age 10.  For fans of Lord of the Rings, you definitely do not want to miss out on this one.






Screenplay: 4
Editing: 4
Acting: 4
Cinematography: 5
Sound: 3
Overall: 

Movie Monday

Movie Monday: Breaking Dawn Part 2

Monday, November 19, 2012


Breaking Dawn Part 2

Director: Bill Condon
Rated: PG-13
Based on the Book: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Date Released: November 16, 2011
Edward and Bella are back in this new and final installment of the Twilight saga.  Lots of things have changed since the last movie.  Bella is now a vampire and the newlyweds welcome a baby to the family.  Renesmee is different from your average cute baby; she is half vampire, half human.  When the Volturi hear of this, they are under the impression that the baby is a full vampire and must be killed.  The Cullens face pending doom with the war against the Volturi and no one except maybe Alice knows the outcome.
I went to see the movie the day after it released and the theater was packed.  Filmgoers, of course, will go see this movie because it will be talked about, no matter if it turns out to be good or not.

Screenplay by Melissa Rosenburg:

To begin with, it is extremely difficult to adapt books to film.  The screenplay is the building blocks of the process and Rosenburg, who wrote all the movies, did not do it for me.  However, this movie showed her writing the most through so many awkward conversations (that were not meant to be awkward).  These scenes came out wrong and even a bit laughable, where it is supposed to be serious.

One thing that I loved was the amount of interaction with Renesmee.  In the book, I hated both Edward and Bella’s parenting.  I didn’t find Edward to be the best of parents and it really put him in a negative light.  In the movie, I found that I enjoyed their parenting skills much better and loved to see them interact with Renesmee.

Acting (list of cast):

Repeating myself with the awkwardness of the conversations because it is not only the writing’s fault but also the ability of the actors.  They could have made some expression to make it less awkward but it seems that all vampires on this movie can’t show any emotion whatsoever.  It could be a vampire thing and it could also be an acting thing.  Every vampire had to be rigidly straight and look bored with life.  The only one who showed any expression was possibly Ashley Greene (Alice) who seemed most like the character in the novel, all bubbly and fun. 

I don’t know whose decision it was but it was a bad decision to constantly have everyone touching someone else.  Almost in every scene, each couple in the room had to be standing next to their partner so the audience knew they were together.  It was annoying and unnecessary.  Not every couple should be so clingy to each other.  The only couple that could stand apart happened to be Edward and Bella.

Editing by Virginia Katz:

I adored the use of the novel as the end credits to the movie.  It was a lovely wrap up to the series and how it was done was gorgeous. 

Cinematography by Guillermo Navarro:

The coloring of everything was so light and gorgeous.  As much as I would have loved to see the lighting get darker as the plot got a bit darker, it was still very beautiful.

Book to Movie:

I remember when I first read Breaking Dawn, right after the book came out and I remembered thinking that it didn’t feel like Stephenie Meyer’s style.  I still believe that and not just because so much that seems out of place happens in the novel, but because it doesn’t sound like the rest of the books.  That being said, I still liked the book and thought it was a good wrap up to the series.

How does the movie compare to the book?  Overall, I think the movie did a nice job at showing some of the scenes in the book well.  I did not like how the audience did not get into Jacob’s head like we had in the book.  But the best part had to be the war against the Volturi which totally caught me by surprise.  By not giving anything away, the war scene was riveting and something that is definitely different from the book but in an extremely good way.

Now do I suggest seeing this movie? Not if you haven’t read the book.  If you have read the book and loved it, you don’t want a miss a chance to see Meyer’s vision come to the big screen.  If you’re not a fan, I would skip it.

Screenplay: 2
Editing: 4
Acting: 3
Cinematography: 4
Book to Movie: 3
Overall: 

Movie Monday

Movie Monday (Life of Pi)

Monday, November 05, 2012

Every Monday I try to bring you some awesome news about the upcoming movies of your favorite novels, as well as, reviews of movies that have released from books that you've read. 

 Today I want to discuss that amazing book-turned-movie.  I have talked about this upcoming movie before but since we are in the month of November and the film is set to release November 21, I am so excited that I want to discuss it further.  I have already interviewed the genius, Yann Martel which you can read HERE and to get you in the mood for the movie, I have talked about the cast HERE.  

 Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Since the summary on Goodreads is longer than the length of the spoon I am using to eat breakfast right now, I am going to give you a little summary:   Piscine, Pi for short, lives with his parents and their zoo.  His parents decide to escape their country.  However, when a terrible storm hits their ship, Pi is left to fend for himself.  Pi travels the ocean in a small boat, with a zebra, an orangutan, a hyena, and a very hungry tiger.      
If you haven't read this book yet, what are you waiting for?  The film is coming out and I definitely have high hopes for it.  Here's why:


I had a friend come to me after seeing this trailer and just shook her head at me, "What is going on?  What is this movie about?"  Well, I basically told you all what the book was about in the summary but let me break down the trailer for you.  This trailer, by the way, is close to perfect, I just hope the movie is the same way.

Ah, all the pretty colors in this trailer are just gorgeous!  Pi, who is supposed to be a young boy seems more like a high school-aged kid, which I don't think makes much difference.  When the trailer starts, you get to see the awesome ship wreck scene, it looks like.  Morning comes and he is now on a small boat, with very pretty colors in the sky.  Pi finds the scary tiger in the boat.  That tiger looks real; I wonder if its CGI.  We get a glimpse of the creepy meerkat island.  Oh, yes, I love the looks of this movie.  Check it out on its release date on November 21.  My review will be up sometime that weekend too because I am not missing this one.

Are you going to watch this movie?

Movie Monday

Movie Monday (Beautiful Creatures)

Monday, September 24, 2012

Every Monday I try to bring you some awesome news about the upcoming movies of your favorite novels, as well as, reviews of movies that have released from books that you've read.

Today, I want to talk about the beautiful trailer that released last week for the Beautiful Creatures movie.  I haven't read it so I will not be seeing the movie until I get my hands on the book.  If I have my way, I will be able to read it over break which starts on Wednesday.  Here, check out this book and then I'll discuss the awesome trailer:
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
There were no surprises in Gatlin County. We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.At least, that's what I thought.Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.There was a curse.There was a girl.And in the end, there was a grave.
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.--Goodreads
I have this one sitting on my shelf just waiting to be picked up.  I've been pushing it aside because I heard it's about witches and magic.  I haven't been in a witch-kind of mood so I haven't shown interest but after watching the trailer, I know I will be picking this one up sooner than I realized.  This is fantastic; take a look:
It looks good, doesn't it?  I have been hearing a lot of complaining about changes in the book and movie and since I haven't read it yet, I don't want to comment on any of it yet.  However, if you want to share what you are particularly upset or happy about, I want to hear about it in the comments.  

There were two specific things that got me and are pushing me to read this book:

1. The set.  Not the setting, but I do enjoy watching movies from the south: last movie I saw that was set in the south was The Help, which turned out to be great!  The set is what got me.  It is BEAUTIFUL!  In the trailer, first glimpse is the gate (which we see a snippet of in the end of the trailer), but it looks gorgeous and creepy and I want to have that gate in front of my house.  Whoever decorated the sets to make them look ancient and still gorgeous should get an award because I haven't even seen the movie yet and I'm already floored of how pretty all of it looks. 

2. I got chills.  While watching a movie trailer, it is usually hard to get that sort of emotion that makes chills go down your spine.  Well, Beautiful Creatures accomplished that.  It could have been partly because of the song that they had, playing in the background, Seven Devils by Florence and the Machine.  I love that band so much!  Florence and the Machine has that sort of mysterious and creepy, but gorgeous sound.  

Okay, while I go run and grab this book so I can finish by next week, I want you to watch the trailer.  I hope you are as excited as I am! (this film releases 2.13.13)

Are you going to watch this movie?

Movie Monday

Doctor Who Confessions

Monday, September 03, 2012

Before I came to college last year, I had no clue what Doctor Who was.  Sure, I was an avid fan of BBCA ever since the premiere of Robin Hood in 2006, but when Doctor Who airs sometime in the early morning, the Doctor and I never crossed paths.

Well, until I came to college.  That's when all of this Doctor Who "timey wimey stuff" really became popular.  That's when I met my future best friend, Jackie, who turned out to be a future Doctor Who fan.  She converted me into a part-time Whovian.  (Translation: Part-time Whovian- a casual watcher of Doctor Who, seeing the occasional episodes in no particular orders.  But when this watcher views any episodes of Doctor Who, believe me, she does not blink.)  The other part, or even the other full-time position, is being taken up by Sherlock and Supernatural, both, I am sure I will talk about sometime in the near future.


Today's post is being taken up by my thoughts on Doctor Who.  For those of you who do not know, Doctor Who's seventh season aired last Saturday and the entire episode was BRILLIANT.  Oh, that's right, it was fantastic!       

My first doctor happens to be Matt Smith.  I love him for three AMAZING reasons.  (1) He is crazy, awesome, and twitchy.  I realize, these are a lot of attributes to previous Doctors, but Matt Smith just does this personality in a way that makes me smile.  (2) He wears a bowtie.  I didn't know how much I loved bowties until I saw Doctor Who. (3) I am convinced he is part Nerdfighter because he definitely has some issues with his Puff Level.  Yeah, I seriously like this Doctor.

On to the episode: Doctor Who's Asylum of the Daleks (7x1)
5 Things that Made this Episode Awesome
Disclaimer: If you haven't watched this episode and fully intend to, there are spoilers below.

1. Humans can now be made into Daleks.  That was interesting, wasn't it?  Steven Moffat is definitely getting back into the swing of things, and is definitely not skipping any beats.

2. Daleks have eggs.  Rory wants to give the eggs to them.  I really thought the idea was cute and stupid at the same time.  Very nice comic relief HERE.

3. Oswin makes the Daleks forget the Doctor.  Which, of course, brings about the question we have been patiently waiting for forever.  Doctor who?  Well, Matt Smith shoves that question right back at the Daleks.  *sigh with frustration* Yeah, I wouldn't have told them either.

4. Rory and Amy work out their problems, well not really.  We finally discover the source of their problems.  After the heart-wrenching ending to adorable Pond Life, it was about time to figure out why they were fighting.  And I have one question, isn't River their child?  I realize that they didn't really get to raise her and all, but don't forget about River.  And if Rory wants kids and Amy can't have any, there is a reasonable explanation to this all.  They could always adopt.

5. Jenna-Louise Coleman, the new companion to the Doctor, shows up out of no where.  An unexpected plot twist already in the first episode of the season.  I am going to like her.  She has attitude which companions could use a lot more of (sure, Rose had attitude, but in that annoying way).  Oswin is made of awesome.  She comes on the show making souffles, terrible ones, but still that's pretty awesome.  For the rest of the episode, the Doctor kept asking about the milk for her souffles, part of me knew that there was a catch and secretly, I think the Doctor wanted to try to eat some.  Oswin seems like the best match for the Doctor and I can't wait to see her in more episodes.  And, yes, I will definitely remember her.
  
Any thoughts on the latest Doctor Who episode?

City of Bones Book Discussion

Movie Monday: Thoughts on Jace

Monday, August 13, 2012


When people were gushing over this Edward character, I was hooked on Jace.  In City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, Jace is this bad boy character with a very sexy edge.  He’s a freaking Shadowhunter, killing demons and playing with his Stele.  That’s pretty hot, especially because he is described as looking like this golden angel.  When in the middle of City of Bones, I just wish Jace would choose me over Clary, right?
When I heard they were making a movie two years ago, I was ecstatic.  A lot of casting news has been thrown around the blogosphere, which makes me even more excited.  I’ve been looking at all the choices, seeing what movies they played in, making a point on each one.  So far everyone, except one, looks like they should.  The cast appears phenomenal and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together in the movie.  The only problem: JACE!
Jamie Campbell Bower is going to be playing Jace.  I’ve known this fact for at least a year now and tried to write a post like this when the news was just released, but my work was deleted and so I just gave up.  It’s time to write it again.  This time I am going to try to be as nice as I can with my disappointment. 

Jamie Campbell Bower is adorable, but NOT Jace material.  Bower has a skinny, lanky figure.  I’ve seen enough of him in the TV series on Starz, Camelot, to say that he is not very buff and looks kind of awkward.  He was a genius pick for King Arthur, because everyone called Arthur out on being just a young man, who does not look like king material.  Bower has the sort of appearance that makes people believe he can’t do it: the Kind Arthur look.  I know I don’t believe he can pull Jace Wayland off.  Bower is very cute with his mousy face and stringy hair.  He is sort of golden, but could never pull off being an angel like Clare described Jace to be.  And as much as I have seen Bower in fight scenes, I don’t know how he will look with Shadowhunter gear on, fighting away demons. 

Maybe the director will want him to gain some more muscle.  Maybe they’ll shampoo and conditioner his hair.  Maybe they’ll give him awesome fighting clothes.  Maybe, after changing Lily Collins’ hair color to red, his mousy face and cuteness factor will fit right in.  Maybe, but who knows if they will even make those changes with Jamie Campbell Bower.  Where he stands now: he is not my Jace, nor will he ever be if he doesn’t do something.

I know I will probably eat my words when the movie releases in 2013, but until then, what do you feel about the cast of City of Bones?  Do you think Jamie Campbell Bower can pull Jace off?

Movie Monday

Movie Monday (Anna Karenina)

Monday, July 16, 2012

Every Monday I try to bring you some awesome news about the upcoming movies of your favorite novels, as well as, reviews of movies that have released from books that you've read.


Today, I am fangirling at the notion of Keira Knightley being in another classic.  Anna Karenina is a classic that I have not read yet but it sounds like I should.  It sounds like I would enjoy a historical novel about a love affair and it's the first in a series.  


Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy  


Publisher: Signet Classics
Publication Date: 1877
Pages: 940
Buy It: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
The sensual, rebellious Anna renounces a respectable yet stifling marriage for an affair that offers passion even as it ensnares her for destruction. Her story contrasts with that of Levin, a young, self- doubting agnostic who takes a different path to fulfillment. --Goodreads
Okay, maybe I am not reading this any time soon, due to the length but it sounds good.  Anna Karenina is no stranger to film and it will be interesting to see what this year's release (November 9) brings.

It does look very promising because it has both Keira Knightley and Jude Law on board.  Keira Knightley is an actress that I love to watch for, if she is in a movie than I might just watch that movie because she is going to make it.  Pride and Prejudice's Elizabeth Bennett was the role Knightley was made for, or rather the period she was made for.  She looks great in those dresses and works best with romance.  I think she will shine in this one.  Plus, Jude Law brought it in the Sherlock Holmes movies.  I can't wait until the movie comes out!  Check out the trailer:
 

So what do you think about another remake?  Will you go see this when it releases in November?

Movie Monday

Movie Monday (Why We Broke Up)

Monday, July 02, 2012

Every Monday I try to bring you some awesome news about the upcoming movies of your favorite novels, as well as, reviews of movies that have released from books that you've read.  


Today, I am showcasing the book-turning-movie called Why We Broke Up.  The book was published in December of 2011; I read the novel around spring break but couldn't find it interesting enough to write a whole review on it.  I had too many complaints about the book; the only question remains, will the movie be worth seeing?


Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler


Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: December 27, 2011
Pages: 354
Buy It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
I'm telling you why we broke up, Ed. I'm writing it in this letter, the whole truth of why it happened.
Min Green and Ed Slaterton are breaking up, so Min is writing Ed a letter and giving him a box. Inside the box is why they broke up. Two bottle caps, a movie ticket, a folded note, a box of matches, a protractor, books, a toy truck, a pair of ugly earrings, a comb from a motel room, and every other item collected over the course of a giddy, intimate, heartbreaking relationship. Item after item is illustrated and accounted for, and then the box, like a girlfriend, will be dumped. --Goodreads
The one thing that the book has going for it is the structure.  I really loved the structure of the novel and how the entire novel is a huge letter written by a girl who just got dumped.  I don't know how well this will translate to film because of the cool structure, but it will be fun to watch and see how they do.  The movie is being taken up by Fox.

The film sounds promising enough, especially because they may have Hailee Steinfeld, star of 2010's True Grit, on board.  (That is only a rumor, nothing is final at this point.)

What do you think about this book becoming a movie?  Would you go see it?