Spring Break
The worst book-to-movie adaptations
Sub-par movie releases throughout the years
Natalie Abreu
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: Focus
"The Da Vinci Code" (2006)
Remember the days when Dan Brown's 2003 novel about a theory that Jesus had a child was at the top of the debated topic list? Not to mention the top of The New York Times bestseller list for two years? Now it seems the only thing the "The Da Vinci Code" is noted for its silver screen adaptation. Director Ron Howard and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman are Oscar winners and the cast was outstanding. It included Alfred Molina, Paul Bettany, Jean Reno and Ian McKellen, who steals every scene he's in. But the main characters of Professor Robert Langdon and Sophie were miscast with Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou to enable zero on screen chemistry between them that was so palpable in the novel. This one missed the target and it might make Dan Brown fans cringe to hear that "Angels and Demons" is soon to be the next casuality.
"Running With Scissors" (2006)
Based on the 2002 memoir by Augusten Burroughs, the film version takes Burroughs' relatively dark and sad history of growing up with a dysfunctional family and tries to make it whimsical, fun and way too over-the-top in acting styles. Audiences don't even get to see Augusten's adolescence because the actor playing Augusten looks like he's in his early 20's rather than his early teens. The book goes into some dark territory that doesn't make it as dramatic, especially with an obviously older actor playing the main role. The tone of the film is almost as schizophrenic as its characters going from whimsical to a tugging-at-the-heart-string's drama to satire. Fans of the book say that Burroughs' wit can never be captured in real dialogue and this film captures not wit but something else: pretentiousness.
"Eragon" (2006)
With all the fantasy films based on novels coming out these days, you'd think filmmakers would bring their "A" game, or at least read a book fully enough to incorporate more than a few chapters into a film before going totally haywire with the plot. Such is the case with "Eragon," based on the 2003 fantasy novel about a boy who can save the world from an evil king with his dragon. The film cheesed up the fantasy factor with horrible dialogue for great actors such as Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich and Djimon Hounsou. But it says a lot when the best acting comes from Rachael Weisz, who voices a talking dragon. If films like these are trying to become the next Harry Potter, filmmakers should at least do their homework.
Remember the days when Dan Brown's 2003 novel about a theory that Jesus had a child was at the top of the debated topic list? Not to mention the top of The New York Times bestseller list for two years? Now it seems the only thing the "The Da Vinci Code" is noted for its silver screen adaptation. Director Ron Howard and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman are Oscar winners and the cast was outstanding. It included Alfred Molina, Paul Bettany, Jean Reno and Ian McKellen, who steals every scene he's in. But the main characters of Professor Robert Langdon and Sophie were miscast with Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou to enable zero on screen chemistry between them that was so palpable in the novel. This one missed the target and it might make Dan Brown fans cringe to hear that "Angels and Demons" is soon to be the next casuality.
"Running With Scissors" (2006)
Based on the 2002 memoir by Augusten Burroughs, the film version takes Burroughs' relatively dark and sad history of growing up with a dysfunctional family and tries to make it whimsical, fun and way too over-the-top in acting styles. Audiences don't even get to see Augusten's adolescence because the actor playing Augusten looks like he's in his early 20's rather than his early teens. The book goes into some dark territory that doesn't make it as dramatic, especially with an obviously older actor playing the main role. The tone of the film is almost as schizophrenic as its characters going from whimsical to a tugging-at-the-heart-string's drama to satire. Fans of the book say that Burroughs' wit can never be captured in real dialogue and this film captures not wit but something else: pretentiousness.
"Eragon" (2006)
With all the fantasy films based on novels coming out these days, you'd think filmmakers would bring their "A" game, or at least read a book fully enough to incorporate more than a few chapters into a film before going totally haywire with the plot. Such is the case with "Eragon," based on the 2003 fantasy novel about a boy who can save the world from an evil king with his dragon. The film cheesed up the fantasy factor with horrible dialogue for great actors such as Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich and Djimon Hounsou. But it says a lot when the best acting comes from Rachael Weisz, who voices a talking dragon. If films like these are trying to become the next Harry Potter, filmmakers should at least do their homework.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Kat
posted 10/01/08 @ 8:51 AM EST
I agree completely about "The Dark is Rising." I loved those books as a kid and was so excited when the movie came out and went to see right away - then it completely sucked. (Continued…)
Eric
posted 10/01/09 @ 1:44 AM EST
Even worse than "The Da Vinci Code" was "Angels & Demons." I almost walked out of the theater.
Dheak
posted 10/12/09 @ 5:17 AM EST
Wow, this is a surprisingly short list here considering the level of bile that Hollywood gives us when adapting books to film.
The worst offender that I can think of is Dune. (Continued…)
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