Golden Compass

I watched The Golden Compass on DVD tonight. I had seen it in theaters in December. Even though I really enjoyed the book by Philip Pullman, my favorite of the His Dark Materials series, I was underwhelmed by the movie yet again. I think it shares a problem with many adaptations; the assumption is made that the viewer is familiar with the story so it is strung together more like a series of vignettes than a complete narrative. The movie jumped from plot point to plot point without smooth transitions. That being said, I liked the special effects. It must have been a monumental task to provide every person with a demon. Nicole Kidman must get the highest praise for acting. Her Mrs. Coulter was deliciously amoral. The scene where she slaps her demon made me shiver. It has been quite a while since I read the book, so I can't remember all the differences between the book and movie. The most glaring and unsatisfying is the ending. The DVD I got from Blockbuster didn't have any extras. When I buy it for myself I'll probably go for the two disk set so I can view some of them.

The Water Horse

I saw The Water Horse when it came out last Christmas. My reaction to it was that only the names have remained the same. Dick King-Smith's book is set in Scotland, but a decade or so earlier than the movie's setting, which is set during WWII. The book doesn't have the level of tension or drama that is in the movie, particularly regarding the safety of Crusoe (and that dog -- did it survive in the movie???). In what was probably an attempt to appeal more to boys, in the movie the younger brother Angus, played by Alex Etel (who also appeared in Millions) is made the main character, and his sister Kirstie plays a supporting role. Also the role of Grumble is gone, replaced by a good-looking iternant, thus providing a hint of romance for all the moms who accompany their kids to the movie. The movie was good, although a different kind of experience than the book. It has a more violence, and some more mature themes than the book. The DVD was released on April 8, 2008.

City of Ember

There was a small note in a recent issue of Entertainment Weekly that Tom Hanks is producing an adaptation of City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau. IMDB says it is supposed to come out in October 2008, but with the writers' strike that might change. Bill Murray and Tim Robbins have roles. Saoirse Ronan, who is in Atonement, will play Lina.

Pictures of Hollis Woods

On Sunday, December 2nd at 9:00 pm, CBS will show the made-for-tv movie, Pictures of Hollis Woods based on the Newbery Honor winning book by the same title by Patricia Reilly Giff. The movie stars Sissy Spacek and Alfre Woodard. Hollis Woods is played by Jordelle Ferland.

Prince Caspian

Can't wait for May 16th 2008? Get your Narnia fix at Narnia Fans. Find out what's happening with the Prince Caspian movie.

The Water Horse

The movie adaptation of Dick King-Smith's The Water Horse opens on Christmas Day. I've seen the trailer, and it looks promising. Hope it turns out as well as the adaptation of his book Babe.

Life gets in the way

Ok, so like I haven't posted anything to my blog in six months. And, I've hardly gone to see any movies. Actually, I did see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix a couple of times. Like Goblet of Fire, I liked the move better than the book. Although I think HPatOotP didn't have to be the shortest of all the movies so far. The music was good, especially the theme for Professor Umbridge -- played wonderfully well by Imelda Staunton. I'm not sure I like what they did to poor Cho Chang, making her the betrayer, but Professor Snape did make it clear that she was under the influence of veritaserum. Evanna Lynch did a good job as Luna Lovegood. Has anyone noticed that Neville has taken on tasks that Dobby did in the books? In GoF he comes up with the gillyweed solution and in OotP he finds the Room of Requirement. There were also those lingering looks from Ginny (that girl has quite a reducto curse!). The DVD is supposed to be out on December 11th. I'll have to watch it again then.