In other words, pretty dang awesome.
But sometimes, they're done wrong. I hate it when I start watching a film like that and have to grit my teeth. Cover my eyes in disgust. And I understand that, because books are subjective, a lot of people might love the films I hated, or vice versa, but here I would like to give some awards for films that, in my opinion, excelled at certain things.
Or didn't:
Best Casting: Harry Potter Series
The Harry Potter series is effectively a who's-who of British acting. I mean, seriously - these casting agents discovered Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe. Not forgetting Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Evanna Lynch, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, James and Oliver Phelps, Alfie Enoch, Devon Murray...
Sorry, lost myself there. The point is that these actors are the best possible to play these characters. I mean, could you imagine Severus Snape being played by anyone other than Alan Rickman?
Best Costume Design: The Hunger Games
Just look at this picture. Just look.
At a glance, you can tell how impoverished Katniss and the rest of District 12 are, and how Effie is an outsider; it's all from the costumes. You just know how rich Effie is, and how she wants to show everyone. She just has to be the centre of attention, and I can't think of any other film which uses costumes as such an effective metaphor for the plot.
Plus, that make-up. Fabulous.
Sticks best to the Story: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
I'm sure I've said before on this blog how much I adore the Narnia series. One of my earliest book-related memories is being read Narnia bedtime stories - I remember plaiting the bookmark over and over so it looked 'more Narnian' - and I can't remember more than a couple of scenes that didn't make it into the film. True, it's been a while since I read it, and I have nothing against films with a different interpretation of the source material, but this one was just . . . nice. It felt so comforting to see the exact book I'd imagined from brought to life.
Plus, Georgie Henley? Skandar Keynes? Awesome.
Best Set: Divergent
I'm going to do this one in pictures:
*clunk* That was the sound of my jaw dropping.
Absolute Worst Adaptation in the History of the Universe: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Please, please don't throw virtual tomatoes at me! I just used that title to get your attention! There were good things about this film, and quite honestly, I can't pledge for all of it, because I couldn't get through more than the first twenty minutes. However, there were many, many faults going on.
What's going on with Annabeth's hair? She's blonde! And why is Grover a cool guy? Plus, Camp Half Blood does not look how I imagined it. Do you feel the same way?
I'm sure this is an okay film, but in terms of book adaptation, it just didn't work for me.
What about you guys? Do you agree with me about Percy Jackson, or do you have your virtual tomatoes ready? And what other films do you think need a mention?
Oh my gosh, yes to Percy Jackson. That was a train wreck. Even Rick Riordan hated it. xD
ReplyDeleteHarry Potter!!! I know the movies get a lot of crap, but I love them. All of the characters were perfect. So, so good. I can' wait for the "Fantastic Beasts" movies.
Holy wow, I'd never seen Effie's makeup up close . . . that's amazing.
@Magic Violinist - I didn't know Rick Riordan hated it too! That would explain a lot, especially how much they changed in the second film. Siriusly, though? How could anyone hate the Harry Potter movies? You'd have to be Luna. AND YES TO FANTASTIC BEASTS!
ReplyDeleteAlso "Holy wow"? I'm stealing that.