Books to movies, 2013.

Have you seen this list of movies based on books that are opening in 2013?* The entire list pretty much makes me snore,** although I adore Baz Luhrmann (director of Strictly Ballroom and Moulin Rouge) and wouldn't mind seeing his take on The Great Gatsby.

Anything on this list that piques your interest? I must admit I'm not the most highbrow of movie fans; I think the only movie I got to see in the theater last year was the James Bond pic Skyfall, and the only movie I'd really like to see this year is the new Star Trek (particularly because I want to see Benedict Cumberbatch as the villain).

*Thanks to the Reader's Advisor Online for the link.

**Except for the movie Admission, which bugs me. I liked the novel by Jean Hanff Korelitz and I am in love with Paul Rudd. But Tina Fey? TINA FEY? My beautiful Paul Rudd has to act attracted to Tina Fey? I guess we'll see if he's got real acting chops or not.

Comments

[Ruthiella]

Hey, what is wrong with Tina Fey? I think she is adorable.

I haven't been to a movie theater in over two years. Generally with books to movies, I prefer to read the book and leave it at that.

I will make the effort to see the new Star Trek movie when it comes out, however. I thought the first reboot was fantastic.

[Citizen Reader]

Ruthiella,
I too really, REALLY enjoyed the last new Star Trek. Enjoyed the whole thing but particularly loved Leonard Nimoy's appearance--I'm a big Nimoy fan.

Well, Tina Fey. Tina Fey is okay but I just don't find her to be God's gift to comedy the way everyone else does. And I just LOVE Paul Rudd, so I can't picture it. If you do see "Admission" let me know how it is--I liked the novel.

Actually, weirdly, I like books and movies separately for what they do well. I've seen a lot of stinker movies based on books, but I've also seen some good movies based on books (I thought they did a good job with "The Accidental Tourist," for example). And when there's a good book AND a good movie--"A River Runs Through It"--well, that's just the best of all worlds.

[Brandon]

Ah, Baz Luhrmann. I was watching "Romeo + Juliet" the other night (it takes me back to high school, which just makes me feel old) and, even after all these years, I still can't decide if it works or not. Part of me says "yes"--it's Shakespeare, after all--and a part of me says "no"--I don't like DiCaprio*, the acting is terrible, and the music video editing is confusing. I haven't seen any of Luhrmann's other movies, but since "The Great Gatsby" is one of the most boring books I've ever read, I think he could spice up the story.

*Did you know he was the studio's first choice to play Patrick Bateman in "American Psycho"? Can you imagine? I think it would've been hilarious. Eventually, they decided they can't have the heartthrob from "Titanic" killing and raping women.