Based On the Book

September 24, 2012

I love books...I love movies...And sometimes, I love movies based on books! There are a lot of movies coming out in the next year that are based on some really good books. Here are some titles that I am looking forward to watching. I plan on reading, or in some cases, rereading the books to prepare for the film version.

First, there is Alex Cross (October 19, 2012). This movie is based on the Alex Cross series by James Patterson. It follows the films Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider.

Second is The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2 (November 16, 2012). Finally, the end is here! This is the final film in the Twilight Saga film series. Time to reread the books!

Next, there's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (December 14, 2012). I am a huge Lord of the Rings fan. I LOVE the films, and I have read all the books. But, to be honest, I prefer watching the movies. The books were almost too much for me. However, The Hobbit was a little easier, and I think I’ll try reading it again. Time for a movie marathon!

Les Misérables (December 25, 2012) is another adaptation of the successful stage musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel set in 19th-century France. I have never actually read the novel, but I have seen filmed versions. Maybe I will try reading it. I have plenty of time before it is released...

Jack Reacher (February 7, 2013) is based on the Jack Reacher series by Lee Childs, and stars Tom Cruise as the main character. I have never read any of these books, but I think I might try them. I have heard good reviews, and the film trailer has spiked my interest! Try reading One Shot by Lee Childs before the film is released.

Beautiful Creatures (February 13, 2013) is based on the book of the same title. It is the first in the Caster Chronicles series by authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I hope the movie does the book justice. If you like stories about magic and mystery, then try this book.

Oz: the Great and Powerful (March 8, 2013) is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz (1939). James Franco stars as the man who becomes the Wizard and ruler of the Land of Oz. I have seen the 1939 film version many, many times. I read the novel a long, long time ago, but what I did not realize is that the author, L. Frank Baum, wrote a total of FOURTEEN Oz books!

The Host (March 29, 2013) is based on Stephanie Meyer’s novel of the same title. While I loved the Twilight series, I had some trouble getting into this novel. I’m hoping that I like the film version better. Maybe after I see the film, I will try the novel again!

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (August 16, 2013) follows Percy Jackson & the Olympians: the Lightning Thief. The first movie got me into the book series, and I have been looking forward to another film in the series!

Baz Luhrmann and Leonardo DiCaprio have teamed up again to bring us The Great Gatsby (May 10, 2013). I still love Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet starring DiCaprio. I had to read The Great Gatsby in one of my literature classes in college. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to watching this new film.

Jordan P.
Edgerton Branch