I was surprised the other day when I went to a website and saw a big advertising banner for a movie that was “coming soon.” I was surprised because I had no idea the movie was being made, and it was based on a crazy popular MG book. A book I love! And that movie? HUGO, based on THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET, by Brian Selznick. And it’s directed by Martin Scorsese. Talk about a movie I absolutely HAVE to see!
* By the way, the movie releases November 23rd.
And this leads to my topic, which is: MG books to movies. It’s obvious that most movies were once books, and avid readers, like us, often feel a stronger connection to the story after reading the book version, and then we feel that strong connection when watching the movie version. We don’t want the sacred story we cherish to be chopped and sliced and diced the way they often are when books are turned into movies. And this is why we approach most movies with extreme caution when we’ve read the book version beforehand. I have a good feeling that HUGO will not be a let-down, due to the fact that the book had so many drawings that it was basically a storyboard Scorsese could use when adapting it to film. And then there’s the fact that Scorsese is a filmmaking god. Yes, I am very much hopeful the movie version will be a pleasure, much like the book was when I read it.
* By the way, the movie releases November 23rd.
And this leads to my topic, which is: MG books to movies. It’s obvious that most movies were once books, and avid readers, like us, often feel a stronger connection to the story after reading the book version, and then we feel that strong connection when watching the movie version. We don’t want the sacred story we cherish to be chopped and sliced and diced the way they often are when books are turned into movies. And this is why we approach most movies with extreme caution when we’ve read the book version beforehand. I have a good feeling that HUGO will not be a let-down, due to the fact that the book had so many drawings that it was basically a storyboard Scorsese could use when adapting it to film. And then there’s the fact that Scorsese is a filmmaking god. Yes, I am very much hopeful the movie version will be a pleasure, much like the book was when I read it.
So let me ask you a couple questions. What are the best MG books-to-movies? And tell me about a MG book that hasn’t been turned into a movie yet but should?
Well I loved the first two Harry's, and Spiderwick was good, but I haven't actually read that book. I also liked Lemony Snicket's a Series ... but my kids say the film is not that accurate.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd really enjoy an Artemis Fowl movie, as long as they didn't get TOO silly.
Yes, I saw the Hugo promo too!
ReplyDeleteI liked the movie they made of Tuck Everlasting. I don't think it was too sacriligious. And Charlotte's Web was pretty faithful to my beloved E.B. White's novel too. Then there's Matilda, with Danny de Vito and Rhea Perlman chewing up the scenery, and a magnificent portrayal of the Trunchbull!
Hi - I'm so pleased to meet you! Thanks for commenting on the interview over at Lydia Kang's. I'm now your follower.
ReplyDeletePotter wins for everything. Nothing compares in MG books to movies.
ReplyDeleteGa'hoole was very well done. :)
ReplyDeleteI would like to see a Shannon Hale book make it to a movie. Like The Goose Girl. I know, it wouldn't be the blockbuster type of movie that Potter was, but I'd like it.
ReplyDeleteEven though the book is ALWAYS better, I do enjoy watching books turned into movies.
ReplyDeleteI love the Potter movies. Is Smekday by Adam Rex going to be a movie? I thought I heard it was...
I've seen two different versions of Tuck Everlasting--the first one sticks in my mind as being more true to the book, but both were good. As for books that I'd like to see made into movies---Far North by Will Hobbs comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteI think that the Quantum Prophecy books could make a great movie.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see the Gregor the Overlander series made into a movie, but it would have to have a huge budget, so I'm not holding my breath.
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