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Novels Adapted to Films in 2013
With 2013 coming to an end, it is worth looking back on all of
the great book adaptations that graced the silver screen. From The Hunger Games
to Ender's Game, there are countless adaptations that have enchanted audiences
around the world. Many of these films are helmed by renowned directors and
feature well-respected actors and actresses, but nothing can compare to the
initial reading of a great book.
Ender's Game
The long-anticipated adaptation of Orson Scott Card's cult
favorite, Ender's Game, was released in 2013 to vast critical acclaim. While
the novel has had its fair share of followers over the years, the film spurred
criticism of the author's alleged homophobic beliefs. This controversy did
nothing to stop the film from quickly rising to the top of the box office, and
the story of a gifted futuristic teenager participating in war games enthralled
audiences all over the nation with its engaging story and energetic special
effects.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
The Hunger Games became one of the highest grossing ebooks of
all time, and the series continues to please fans with its film adaptations.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is the second in the series, and it follows
heroes Katniss and Peeta after winning the Hunger Games in the first film. After
winning the "unbeatable" game, they must now escape the Districts of
Panem in this modern update of The Most Dangerous Game. The films carry an
eclectic cast including Jennifer Lawrence, Donald Sutherland, Woody Harrelson,
and musician Lenny Kravitz.
The Great Gatsby
Released in early 2013, this newest adaptation of The Great
Gatsby was met by lukewarm critical reviews, and audiences were also
drastically divisive. The film was directed by Moulin Rouge direct Baz Luhrmann,
and it starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, and Casey Mulligan in the
title roles. The film utilized a post-modern editing that incorporated rap
music, pages from literature, and hyper-stylized editing to update Fitzgerald's
famous 1925 novel. While more traditional literature and film fans may leave
the film with a headache, younger crowds may enjoy the film's style and
contemporary attitude.
Warm Bodies
This off-beat zombie film trades horror for romance in a modern
update of The Beauty and the Beast. After a zombie saves a young student from
certain death, she quickly falls in love with her undead savior. Their
relationship has its hardships, and the film provides laughs, scares, and even
some heartwarming moments for fans of unusual romances. As one quirkier
adaptations in 2013, Warm Bodies is guaranteed to become a cult classic.
Gone Girl
David Fincher, the acclaimed director of Fight Club and The Girl
with the Dragon Tattoo, directs this adaptation of Gillian Flynn's novel of the
same name. Centering around the disappearance of a beautiful young woman on the
day of her wedding, this film is guaranteed to provide visual scares, a
haunting score, and Fincher's trademark pacing. The film currently stars Ben
Affleck, Rosamund Pike, and Neil Patrick Harris, and it is currently scheduled
for a late 2013 release.
This list will remind you of the year’s best adaptations, and
you may find some new ones that are coming out just before 2014. Try reading
the book first, so that when the movie is released, you will be able to compare
it your initial experience. Make sure to program your DVR to keep an eye out
for these as they become available on your TV. Pick up the best DVR on the
market using DirecTV Genie. Whether
you are reading them for the first time or watching them
at home these stories are guaranteed to entertain.
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