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| Photo credit: theglobalpanorama on Flickr |
So the TFiOS grand opening weekend is over, and like many others, I saw the movie on opening night. And I loved it.
Movie adaptations are tough. On one hand, we want them to be as faithful to the book as possible, but on the other, movies are not books, and they shouldn’t be handled the same way as a book. Sometimes, staying perfectly faithful to the book means making a not-so-great movie, so there needs to be a balance between making a great film representation of the book and remaining faithful to what’s on the page.
To me, the TFiOS movie hit that balance beautifully.
It wasn’t just the acting (which was incredible), or the casting (which was perfect), or the cinematography and plot and set design. It was the feel of the movie, with a tone that matched Hazel’s snarky, cynical attitude in the book. It was the carefully chosen direct quotes and perfectly timed voice-overs and actors that really embodied the characters just like I’d imagined them in the book. It was respectfully handled portrayals of disability and perfectly awkward, sweet, funny and heartbreaking moments that fit the book so well.
The TFiOS movie was everything I could have hoped for in an adaptation, and it gives me hope for future YA adaptations. Because the sooner people realize YA books to screen can be truly fantastic movies and take them seriously, the sooner people may stop writing stupid articles degrading a whole category of novels and the sooner I’ll see more of my favorites in theaters.
So if you haven’t seen it yet? Do it. You’ll probably love it.
Have you seen the TFiOS movie yet? If so, what did you think? If not, do you plan to?
Twitter-sized bites:
Why the #TFiOS movie gives one writer hope for future YA adaptations. (Click to tweet)
Have you seen the TFiOS movie yet? What did you think? Join the discussion on @Ava_Jae's blog. (Click to tweet)
I was so pleased with the adaptation too! The emotions hit me a bit harder than I expected, and I had a headache for hours afterwards from crying so much! Did you have the same problem? :P
ReplyDeleteHeh, welll I didn't cry...BUT I've only ever cried after watching one movie (years ago) and I haven't yet cried over a book. So...
ReplyDeleteWhat is wrong with you? You have no soul!!! Lol
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen it but I want to. The hubby wants to wait until it hits the cheaper theater cause we're anticipating being poor (for secret reasons lol) and saving money. But ya know. Priorities ;)
Ha ha I just don't cry easily, I guess. But it was still very sad! I can be sad without crying...
ReplyDeleteFair enough on the money aspect, though. You'll love it when you do get to see it. :)
Understandable! I'm definitely a crier though...I cried watching Ice Age!
ReplyDeleteI have friends and family like that. Everyone's different! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm going w/a friend next week, and to say I'm excited is an understatement! One, b/c I loved the book, and two, it's four hours of 'me' time and I get to eat w/out wrestling a child into a highchair. Yesss! And I am anticipating the cry- I cry super easily. I cry when watching The Kentucky Derby. Not the actual race, but all those feel good stories they do, that inevitably feature horses running in slow motion set to music. I am such a dork.
ReplyDeleteYay! Ha ha if you cry easily, you will most definitely cry. I've never been in a room full of so many sobbing people (I don't mean sniffling, I mean outright sobbing). So bring tissues. :)
ReplyDeleteSince you loved the book, I think you'll love the movie. It really is a fabulous representation.