Some Pig!

As I mentioned in my last post I saw Charlotte's Web on Christmas Day. It's been so long since I read the book that I can't comment on how closely they followed it. But, did Fern make eyes at a boy in her class in the book? The movie didn't lack big names. I have to say, I never forgot that Julia Roberts was voicing Charlotte -- ok maybe I've watched Pretty Woman, Notting Hill, etc. too many times. I didn't realize who was voicing Ike the horse until the credits. That would be Robert Redford. Maybe I need to watch some more of his movies. None of the movie was filmed in Maine as far as I can tell (that's why they didn't have a horse pull at the Somerset County Fair). And, they didn't try any Maine accents. That's good. It's something you're born to; it can't be acquired. Ayuh.

Bridge to Terabithia

When I went to see Charlotte's Web on Christmas day, I saw the trailer for Bridge to Terabithia. Seemed a little on the fantastical side compared to what I remember from the book. Also, when I checked at movies.yahoo.com I saw it was rated "PG for thematic elements including bullying, some peril and mild language." 'Some peril?' I'd say there was great peril. Are they going to stay true to the book or what? Katherine Patterson's son is one of the producers, and she wrote the book after a friend of his was killed when he was a child. I hope nothing gets glossed over.

Take the Polar Express

Books, movies, music... There's a gazillion choices that relate to the Christmas season. The Polar Express is a recent example of movie based on the Christmas picture book by Chris Van Allsburg. The movie was most popular in IMAX theaters. I, for one, I liked it ok. However, I found the animation -- based on the new and groundbreaking process called performance capture -- a little creepy. Anyone else feel this way? What do you think about taking picture books, such as Chris Van Allsburg's Jumanji and Zathura, and turning them into feature length films? Can anyone hear a bell ring?

Charlotte's Web, Live Action or Animated

The new live action version of Charlotte's Web is receiving good reviews. But, how does in compare to the well-loved animated version?

Eragon, Thumbs Down?

The reviews are in for Eragon, and they don't paint a pretty picture. Rotten Tomatoes gives it only a 15% fresh rating. I haven't seen the movie, and I must confess, I have not read the book. When the book came out, adults and kids seemed divided in their opinions -- kids loving it, adults tolerating it. Will reactions to the movie break down the same way? I guess I should take some time over the winter holiday to read the book and go see the movie. Then I can have an opinion too.

Superheroes

I'm watching my new DVD of Superman Returns, and it prompted the question: are the superhero movies, book adaptations? The movies aren't based on storylines from the comic books, but they include characters we all got to know in the comics. I'm leaning toward no. Not because I don't consider the comics "real books." But for the same reason I would not consider the travesty of the made-for-tv-movie, Anne of Green Gables: the Continuing Story, an adaptation of the Anne books (unlike the wonderful first movie in the series). The only things that movie had in common with the books were the character names, just like the superhero movies. So the Superman, Batman, X-Men, Spider Man movies are not adaptations in my opinion.

Wahoo Moments

Many movie versions of books have what I call wahoo moments. In last year's Narnia, for example, when the hilt of the sword and then the kids rise out of the river. Or, any number of times in Harry Potter. My favorites are when Harry rides Buckbeak in Prisoner of Azkaban and when he reappears on his broom during the First Task in Goblet of Fire. Of course, when Mr. Darcy shows up in the early morning in the newest version of Pride and Prejudice. What other wahoo moments are out there?

Prince Caspian

Keep up to date on what's happening in the world of Narnia Fans. The site has posted an interview with C.S. Lewis' stepson Douglas Gresham about the Prince Caspian movie. They're going to start filming in February 2007 and its due out in 2008.

Charlotte's Web

The other book-to-movie offering on December 15, is the classic Charlotte's Web starring Dakota Fanning, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, John Cleese, and even Cedric the Entertainer. Visit the Zuckerman's Farm and meet all the animals there. You can your own Charlotte-themed story to the website!

Eragon

Eragon is one of two kids' books-to-movies that is being released on December 15th. Check out the Eragon website. Want to know more about the books. Find out at the Alagaesia site.

Alex Rider book vs movie

The movie Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker, didn't get great reviews. But Stormbreaker gets almost five stars at Amazon. The way the book read, it should have been a fun, exciting movie. What happened from page to screen? Check out the movie's official site and the author, Anthony Horowitz' site.

Harry Potter trailer

The trailer for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be with the movie Happy Feet. For more information visit the official Harry Potter movie website.