Adaptation Releases: The Hunger Games, The Deep Blue Sea

In this feature, I highlight the book-to-movie adaptations that are being released each week.

The Hunger Games

Based On: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Directed by: Gary Ross (best known for directing Seabiscuit)

Screenplay Written by: Gary Ross and Suzanne Collins (also author of The Hunger Games)

Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth
Rating: PG-13  

Release Date: March 23, 2012

Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister's place for the latest match.

We all know it. We all have been waiting for it. I can't tell you how excited I am for this movie! I've been waiting for it since last year. So far, I like everything I saw. I heard some people say they wish they didn't see the clips because they spoil the surprise. I think that's true for those who haven't read the books. For me, I had no problems watching them because I already know what happens.

Every trailer and TV spot made me only excited and they couldn't have cast a better actress to play Katniss. Jennifer Lawrence embodies the character perfectly and I can't wait to see her in the movie. I'm rereading the first book right now, so I should have a review of it soon. I'm also gonna review the movie depends on when it's going to be released here. I'm guessing the beginning of April, but I hope it's sooner. I'll be looking forward to it.

And since I'm sure you all saw the trailer, I'll put the latest TV spot that has been released this week. You should check it out. It's awesome!

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The Deep Blue Sea

Based On: The Deep Blue Sea by Terence Rattigan (play)

Directed by: Terence Davies (also directed The House of Mirth)

Screenplay Written by: Terence Davies

Stars: Rachel Weisz, Tom Hiddleston and Ann Mitchell Hemsworth
Rating: R

Release Date: March 23, 2012

The wife of a British Judge is caught in a self-destructive love affair with a Royal Air Force pilot.

This movie was released back in 2011, but according to IMDb, it will open in NYC and LA this weekend. As a person interested in the process of plays moving to the big screen, I want to check this out. I like to see how something that's meant to be a stage play can work on screen. Maybe after I read the play first.

Are you as excited for The Hunger Games as I am? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Adaptation Releases: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

We only have one movie to talk about this week.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

Based On: Salmon Fishing In The Yemen by Paul Torday

Directed by: Lasse Hallström (Other movies include Chocolat and Dear John)

Screenplay Written by: Simon Beaufoy (Other works include 127 Hours and Slumdog Millionaire)

Stars: Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Amr Waked

Release Date: March 9, 2012

A fisheries expert is approached by a consultant to help realize a sheik's vision of bringing the sport of fly-fishing to the desert and embarks on an upstream journey of faith and fish to prove the impossible possible.

This looks like a sweet novel, even though I'm still not sure about the way it portrays Arabs though. I'm judging from the trailer. I haven't see the movie yet. I do however love Emily Blunt so I'm checking this movie out sometime. Besides, it does look really good. The concept is interesting.

Adaptation Releases: John Carter, The Lorax, Being Flynn, John Carter

Updated: added John Carter


There are a lot of book adaptations being made every year, probably more than we realize. Last year alone there was more than 50 book adaptations, 5 of them were nominated for best picture including Hugo, The Help and The Descendants. As book readers, we like to see how the movie lives up to its book counterpart. However, sometimes we don't realize that these movies were based on book until after their release or after we see them.


I myself like to keep track of the movie adaptations that come out each year. If you are like me, in this new feature I'm going to be spotlighting the book-to-movie adaptations that come out each week every Monday.


This week, we're looking at two movies.

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax 

Based On: The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Directed by: Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda

Screenplay Written by: Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul

Stars: Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Ed Helms, Rob Riggle, Betty White and Jenny Slate

Release Date: March 2, 2012

A 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.

I love Dr. Seuss. His works always give me joy. Unfortunately, no all the adaptations does his work justice. Let's hope this one is one of the good ones. It looks fun if nothing else.

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Being Flynn

Based On: Bullshit Night in Suck City by Nick Flynn
Directed by: Paul Weitz
Screenplay Written by: Paul Weitz
Stars: Robert De Niro, Paul Dano, Olivia Thirlby, Julianne
Release Date: March 2, 2012

Working in a Boston homeless shelter, Nick Flynn re-encounters his father, a con man and self-proclaimed poet. Sensing trouble in his own life, Nick wrestles with the notion of reaching out yet again to his dad.

I'm excited for this movie because it's about a writer, and it's about a father-son relationship. Also, you can't go wrong with Robert De Niro.

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John Carter

Based On: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Directed by: Andrew Stanton

Screenplay Written by: Andrew Stanton, Mark Andrews and Michael Chabon

Stars: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe, Thomas Haden Church

Release Date: March 2, 2012

Transplanted to Mars, a Civil War vet discovers a lush planet inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians. Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter a princess who is in desperate need of a savior.

This could turn out really good or really horrible. John Carter is the second work of Burroughs that Disney attempt to recreated. The first one is Tarzan which was released in 1999.

Have you read the books these movies are based on? If you did, what do you think of them?

Which one of these two movies are you most excited for?