Book to Movie Reviews | indiereadergirl0329

Okay? Okay. The Fault in Our Stars Book to Film Review

July 1, 2014

Indiereadergirl Book to Movie Reviews Ansel Elgort, John Green, Shailene Woodley, The Fault in Our Stars 2 Comments

The Fault in Our Stars (2014) Poster

Oh my, almost a month ago the movie many of us have been waiting for for a long time hit theaters. You know the movie– The Fault in Our Stars. I had the pleasure of going the Saturday of the weekend opening. Now, I am a big fan of the book by John Green. I haven’t read it more than once, but seeing the movie makes me think twice (they cut my favorite line towards the end of the book out! I need to reread it now!). There was something about this movie, this story that makes it not just another teen story or movie. There are so many parts worth watching to watch. Moments worth remembering.

Now, as I gush, let’s move on to the acting. I am not a fan of Shailene Woodley at all. I immensely disliked her in The Spectacular Now and her awful, AWFUL, ABC Family TV show that has a title that is far too long to remember correctly. But, she has become the It-girl. Now, I love Hazel Grace. She is perhaps in my top 10 favorite teenaged girls in fiction ever. So, I was not happy about the casting. Not at all. I almost didn’t see the movie because of it. Boy, was I wrong. Woodley was a breath of fresh air. She brought something new to the character. At times, although I love you Hazel and you struggled hardcore, Hazel was a little (just a little!) whiny. Shailene was none of that. For that I was grateful. I’ve seen Shailene whiny. It’s not cute. She gave life to Hazel in a way I think only she could. I can’t see Chloe Grace Moretz doing that. Even a more mature Elle Fanning. Or, some other young actress I like. I draw a blank because THERE IS NO ONE. She was that good.

Next, there is Ansel (Augustus) Elgort. Again, I wasn’t too big of a fan on his casting. I was proven wrong, again. Good thing I’m not a casting agent, right? The chemistry these two had! Elgort was great as Gus. There was a scene towards the end where I cried and his acting (and Green’s writing) made me. Mostly, his acting. It was so raw. I felt his pain.

Let’s just say, if the book made you cry, seeing it in person is attending a big cry fest. The tears!! I stayed pretty stoic for a while. I didn’t want to cry. I wanted to prove myself wrong. Nope, I lost it. Once I started to tear, the fest began. The person I went with never read the book and was crying more than I was! Each actor made you feel everything. It was a great adaptation. I have very little complaints except the quote about the title of the book was taken out; and, it’s my favorite quote.

I want to see it again. And own it. Watch it again. And again.

Okay? Okay.

Happy reading! Thanks for stopping by!

The Invisible Woman Film Review

June 18, 2014

Indiereadergirl Book to Movie Reviews 3 Comments

The Invisible Woman

Starring: Ralph Fiennes and

Felicity Jones

Directed by: Ralph Fiennes

Rating: 4 stars

The Invisible Woman tells the story of the epic, over a decade long love affair between Nelly Ternan and Charles Dickens. Based on the non-fiction title of the same name by author Claire Tomalin, The film introduces us to Nelly Ternan, an eighteen year old actress performing in Dickens The Frozen Deep. An admirer of his already, their relationship spans thirteen years, where in that time Dickens separates from his wife and Nelly drops into obscurity. Through this film and book is Nelly’s story told; and is she remembered.

This film was excellent. I have been a fan of Felicity Jones since her indie movie Like Crazy with Anton Yelchin. This bears no resemble. Her performance is raw, emotional, and relatable. You can truly feel everything she feels. Her performance was great. Ralph “Rafe” Fiennes also gave a phenomenal performance. They fed off each other’s energy so well. I can’t imagine two other actors playing these parts. Fiennes played Dickens the way I’ve always imagined him to be like. He was jovial, funny, and very serious. Fiennes brought real artistry to the role.

As much as I loved both performances, the movie started off a little slow for me. I didn’t truly get into the movie until close to the middle. Then, I was riveted. I was entranced by the performances and what was taking place. What made this movie unique was the perspective. It starts off, briefly, with Nelly’s life after Dickens’ death. She is married with children. The next scene goes right into the past, a seamless transition. The movie goes back and forth between Nelly’s life Before/During Dickens and after Dickens’ death which not only added depth to the story, but to the character as well.

I believe I teared at the end. I won’t ruin it, but there is a beautiful quote Nell says about Dickens to a man when he finds out her true identity and relation to Charles Dickens. I’ll keep the quote to myself but will offer this spoiler, if you read Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, she slightly quotes the end of the story and fits it in with her life with him. It’s really powerful.

If you are a fan of historical movies, indie movies, or of either actor this film is for you. I really did love it. My only problem was with the beginning, but I got over that. It’s a beautiful film not to be missed. It’s a shame it is so underrated. Fiennes did a fantastic job directing. The cinematography and editing was perfect. I hope you check it out.

They did what? How the movies destroyed The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

September 2, 2013

Indiereadergirl Book to Movie Reviews Book to film adaptations, Cassandra Clare, movie reviews, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones movie 9 Comments

Earlier in the week I wrote a review on Cassandra Clare’s novel The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, the first book in the series. The main reason I decided to read the book was because the movie trailer looked really good. I was genuinely excited to see the film after only giving the book three stars. Now, I understand screenwriters have the daunting task of adapting movies because the script can’t cover every detail. But man did I leave the theater seething. A few major elements were missing, the beginning was totally changed and out of order, and I already had slight problems with the casting.

Now, if I did not read the book, I may have left more content. But, the bookworm that I am wanted to be well informed going in. Now, it may not be of uptmost importance, but whoever wrote the script clearly felt Clare’s beginning was below par. The book did not open with a poetry reading. That happens after the night club killing. Also, Clary does not repeatedly, creepily draw the shadow hunter sign everywhere. It is minor, but set me off already.

But, this next thing that happened made me annoyed. In the book, Simon turned into a mouse, not kidnapped and tortured by Vampires to get Clary. And, Magnus Bane gave Clary her first rune to enable her to see everything. The latter is what I really was bad at. That is a huge thing in the book. What Magnus did for her was important. But, they showed nothing of that. Barely anything of the conversation Clary had.

And, then there is the back story of Valentine and his circle that was totally ignored. How it got taken out, I have no idea. Another important element to me. I am not a hardcore fan of the book by any means. I liked it, but didn’t love it. But, this movie, it just butchered the book. Maybe I would have liked it more. I had higher hopes. Not every adaption of a fantasy book can be as good as the Harry Potter books to film.

I wouldn’t really recommend this movie if you have read the movie. I am trying not to sound overtly angry over the film; subduing my true feelings. Maybe see it if you haven’t read the books. The person I went with truly enjoyed the film. I just couldn’t stop being annoyed with the things that took place. The acting wasn’t terrible, though.

Book to movie adaptations for this year and next year

July 1, 2013

Indiereadergirl Book to Movie Reviews A walk in the Woods, Beautiful Disaster, Beautiful Ruins, Book/film adaptations, Dark Places, Ender's Game (Ender Quintet #1), Fear of Flying, Hector and the Search for Happiness, Live by Night, Secret Daughter, Six Years, The Double, The Fault in Our Stars, The Fault in the Stars, The Garden of Last Days, The Monuments Men, The Night Circus, The Rules of Inheritance, The Zoo Keeper's Wife, This is Where I Leave You, Three Little Words; A memior, Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) 2 Comments

Last week I received exciting news from BN about upcoming book adaptations.

In no order that I can see, here is a great list. What are you most excited about?

I am most excited for The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Released last year, it was my favorite book I read last year. Even if you don’t love YA, there is something for everyone, I think. It is a more mature YA novel that focuses on childhood cancer. Be prepared to cry. And, cry a lot.

I think there is something on the list for everyone.

indiereadergirl0329

Okay? Okay. The Fault in Our Stars Book to Film Review

The Invisible Woman Film Review

They did what? How the movies destroyed The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

Book to movie adaptations for this year and next year

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