Filed under: Literature, Movies, Pop Culture | Tags: Books, Entertainment, Hollywood
Is it just me, or have there been an unusual number of good movies this year? Perhaps its just me, since—while I enjoy many genres—I like good fantasy/sci-fi, family and adventure films the most. All the better when I get all three in one film.
The most encouraging consequence of the success of the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Narnia movies, is that Hollywood seems to have discovered books.
Hollywood is horribly afraid of anything new. It only makes sense; if I were the one putting up my millions to finance a film, I would want some assurance that I would get a return on my investment. Hence the regrettable practice of filming the same films over and over—whether it be the third remake of King Kong or the 27th Rocky sequel—Hollywood wants a sure thing.
But that practice has resulted in stale fare and declining box office.
Enter Harry Potter and Frodo Baggins. Someone finally explained to Hollywood execs what a “book” is, that there are millions of them, that they all contain stories (some of which are very good, in many cases beloved by millions)—and most of which have never been made into movies.
Ca-ching!
The result is there are good movies again. Movies that we havent all seen a hundred times in one incarnation or another. And thats what I’ve been experiencing lately. I must say, so far, so good. But the one big drawback, is that a bad adaptation can destroy a good book. But on the other hand, when one is well-made, it makes going to the movies fun again.
And I had a fun time at the movies tonight. I saw Stardust—which I’ve never read—and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was truly new.
I also saw previews for several more movies based on books that I love. The Golden Compass looks well-made and exciting; The Dark is Rising (a favortie), however, looks more questionable. Still, I look forward to both. The Spiderwyck Chronicles I have not read, but will have to look into, as it looks right up my alley. And finally, there’s Beowulf (not a book I loved, mind you, rather a book I was forced to plod through in high school) looks positively frightening—and not in the good way.
At any rate, anything that enfuses new life into the Hollywood line-up is great by me. (Click on the pictures to view the trailers)
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We saw Harry Potter yesterday. I’m not sure why, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I have the others.
Comment by rightwingprof August 13, 2007 @ 12:35 pmWell, it was darker, and it didnt have as much of the lighthearted elements, i.e. Quiddich, Yule Ball’s, etc–that may be it.
Comment by American Elephant August 13, 2007 @ 4:53 pm