First book in the thrilling trilogy hits it off in movie form

In the summer of 2010, I became obsessed with Stieg Larsson's Millennium book trilogy, the first of which is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I quickly devoured the books and, shortly afterward, heard the producers were starting production on an American movie version of the first book. David Fincher (The Social Network) donned his director's cap for this movie, which came out in 2011. I was simultaneously looking forward to and dreading this adaptation. One of my favorite parts about the book was that Larsson described the scenes he wrote in such great detail that I was able to easily imagine exactly what was going on, but with my brain filling in the tiny, unmentioned details-something I love about books. So, I worried about how the detail-rich text would translate into a movie-a problem all book-to-movie adaptations face. Fincher's interpretation of the book was spot-on: He captured the anxiety-ridden and eerie setting created by Larsson's words and perfectly altered them to suit his medium. Because the novel was lengthy, there were some plot points and details left out of the movie, but I did not find myself wishing that a specific part had been represented that wasn't. Also, I found that I cared more about Fincher's adept representation of the feel of the novel than every tiny detail being exactly the same as the book. This was one of the best book-to-movie adaptations I have seen.
-Marielle Temkin

Classic romance novel evolves well into movie

A Walk to Remember, a 1999 romance novel by Nicholas Sparks, tells the story of an unexpected love that blossoms between two high school seniors from complete opposite ends of the social spectrum. Landon Carter (Shane West), who is class president and considerably popular, is required to ask a girl to the school dance due to his position. He asks Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore) and after she changes Landon's life and priorities, Landon learns that she is terminally ill with leukemia.
The 2002 film, directed by Adam Shankman, was based on Sparks' best-selling novel. Due to the fact that the film takes place in the 1990s and the novel takes place in the 1950s, Landon's character becomes more delinquent and troubled in the film, but Jamie is more similar to her original character.
Moore plays the role perfectly with a shy yet confident air; she is quiet and sweet, while also being poised and determined. "Only Hope," a song by Switchfoot, was performed by Moore, whose vocal performance is incredibly touching lyrically-listening to her dulcet sound adds to the experience.
West's performance is just as convincing. West is able to transform himself from a teenage boy trapped by social expectations of high school to a young gentleman who would do anything for the love of his life.
The extent to which Jamie changes West's life in the film is more exaggerated due to his previous actions and family situation, making it a more touching experience. I suggest either reading the novel or watching the film to see how the story pans out. Your perspective on what is most important in life will change. Take it from me. I am not a fan of romantic novels, specifically those by Sparks such as The Notebook. For me, however, the film was certainly more effective in getting the point across, specifically due to the use of a score and the musical choices throughout the film.
-Marissa Ditkowsky

Hunger Games venture fails to adapt into an action-packed film

The movie The Hunger Games, based on the first book of a popular trilogy by Suzanne Collins, does an excellent job representing the grim, dystopian world described by the novel. The makeup and special effects are fantastic and the fight scenes got my heart racing in a way that I wasn't necessarily expecting from a movie rated PG-13.
However, the movie is brought down a rung by poor acting and a lack of character development. While Jennifer Lawrence has been rightly awarded plaudits for her roles in other movies like Silver Linings Playbook and Winter's Bone, her portrayal of Katniss-the protagonist-falls flat on the big screen. Lawrence gets the fighting and action right, and she looks great while doing it, but when she tries to push through the emotion that is a big part of the character in the novel, she seems monotone and unengaging. Lawrence's co-stars, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson, seem similarly emotionally detached; Katniss and Peeta's (Hutcherson) relationship just doesn't pop with the same level of melodrama that the book showcases. Gale (Hemsworth) seems slightly more authentic, but it still seems like Hemsworth is there more for his good looks than his acting ability (after all, we're talking about an actor who's previous biggest role was in Knowing-a Nicolas Cage movie.)
Overall, I found that the bad acting made it hard for me to enjoy the movie, despite the fact that the filmmakers successfully created a beautiful and haunting world that mirrored the novel well.
-Sam Mintz

Film adaption still entertains

I read the book version of It's Kind Of A Funny Story in my rebellious, lost soul days of high school, and I immediately connected with the main character, Craig. Written by Ned Vizzini and based off of his own psychiatric hospitalization, the book chronicles Craig's rehabilitation after being hospitalized for depression, among other things. While in the hospital, he meets an array of other patients-all of whom have their own psychological issues. Vizzini develops the characters with expertise and precision and I was completely consumed by the novel. Not only did I love the storyline, but the novel also reveals themes about mental illness, growing up and problems we face that I have kept with me since then. When I saw that the movie version was coming out, starring Emma Roberts, Keir Gilchrist and Zach Galifianakis, I could not wait to see it. I watched the movie with my little sister and though the performances of all the actors were great, it was much less hard-hitting than I had hoped. But I think it comes down to the fact that the book had such a profound effect on me and had already left a powerful mental image that a movie version couldn't live up to. With that said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the movie version and appreciate its existence.
-Jessie Miller

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Chbosky's coming of age themed novel makes a powerful translation to film

On the surface, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, a novel written by Stephen Chbosky and adapted for the big screen this past November, represents the typical coming-of-age narrative. Charlie, the protagonist, struggles to adapt in the "survival of the fittest" environment of high school, and along the way, overcomes adversity with a fiercely loyal friend group.
Yet, as one embarks on this cinematic journey, it is anything but a cookie-cutter film. Even though I had read the novel three years prior, Chbosky reeled me in. Logan Lerman, acting as Charlie, stirringly displayed the rapid and troubling emotional growth of his character. I quickly became immersed, applauding Charlie's accomplishments while tearing up at his struggles. Yet, I also developed that intimate emotional connection with Sam and Patrick, Charlie's two "guardian angels," played by Emma Watson and Ezra Miller respectively. It is tough for any director to connect with a teen audience and depict the intricacies of high school life. I felt as if Chbosky, though, did just that. The signature track of the film was "Heroes" by David Bowie, and throughout the film, we see how the most familiar host of characters-the popular beauty, the Harvard-bound intellectual and the outspoken yet troubled gay friend-can be heroes in their own right. Yes, The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller's Day Off stand as the icons of a genre; however, for me, Perks and its powerful representation of the difficulties of teen life should stand right alongside both.
-Adam Rabinowitz