Today's RTW topic is a bit controversial. Here it is: What movie have you seen that actually (gasp!) improved on the book?
Uhhhhhh...yeah. This one is a bit tough. I can give PLENTY of answers when it comes movies that sucked compared to the book (*cough, Ella Enchanted, cough*), but that's not the topic. It took a little bit of thinking, going through my DVDs to see what movies I had that were based on books, and I found one. And it's not necessarily better, I just enjoyed it a bit more than the book. Okay, here it is...The Princess Bride. Yup. Here's why: while I truly enjoyed the book, I felt like slapping Buttercup across the face through the whole thing. She is a complete ditz in the book, and it kind of ruined her for me in the movie. She actually delights in telling Westley what to do all the time, it's kind of sadistic. And she cries too much for my liking. She's a silly girl and it makes me upset to see her so...weak. Especially because in the movie she seems to be quite the opposite. I guess that was my biggest gripe with the book. And I love the movie so much I'm afraid that the book might not have lived up to expectations even if I wanted it to. It's a tricky thing when it comes to favorite movies vs. the book. At the end of the day I think you should still read the book, if only to get a better grasp at the world William Goldman created, it's quite inspiring. And it's a funny book. You'll definitely laugh. Who knows, maybe you'll love the book more than the movie.
Oh this one has to be on my list, too. Though the book is very, very funny, the movie is such a CLASSIC. And I completely agree---the film's Buttercup is a pretty big bada** considering the situation she's in.
ReplyDeleteI loved both equally The Princess Bride movie and book. I saw the movie before I read the book but laughed out loud SO much harder at the book. I also agree that Ella Enchanted was a FABULOUS book and that the movie stunk!
ReplyDeleteI also did RTW: http://rachelwritesthings.blogspot.com/2012/07/road-trip-wednesday-what-movie-actually.html
I have the book, but have never read it. I think it would be hard for me to like anything better than the movie. I love that thing so much! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm ashamed to admit... I've never seen The Princess Bride. My friend swore she'd make me watch it, after I made her watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but she never did.
ReplyDeleteI have the book, and intend to read it soon. I'm glad you say it's laugh-out-loud funny; I was hoping it would be. The movie is so good, the book has a lot to live up to! :)
ReplyDeleteHave the movie. In fact it's one of my husband's favorites. :) But never read the book. I don't know, the movie was just always enough for me.
ReplyDeleteI liked Buttercup better in the film too. I think Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter will be a better movie because the book itself was dry. It needed visuals and the movie hopefully provides them.
ReplyDeleteI'm sort of torn on this one, since this book is one of the first ones that I ever ADORED. I wasn't so huge into reading at the time, but this blew me away when I was a kid. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteThe movie is a classic, though. And I have a hard time disconnecting the two anymore, so I guess they're on equal footing for me :)
I actually have never read this book. The movie has been a fave of mine since I was a kid and I have almost every line memorized. I've never really wanted to mess with the awesomeness that is the movie!
ReplyDeleteI really love The Princess Bride movie. The book, not so much. The Wizard of Oz is another improvement over the book and the play.
ReplyDeleteLOve This Dear! i enjoyed seeing it, Thanks For Posting ♥
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Blow a Rainbow
I don't think I have an answer to this Roadtrip. BTMAs usually have the opposite effect on me - the books are always so much better.
ReplyDeleteAgree on Princess Bride. I have to cast a vote for WICKED, the play, trumping the book. I also have enjoyed the Twilight movies more than the books. I think the spectacular scenery has been a big part of that.
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