Everyone knows America’s favorite industry has been cranking out films for as long as they can remember. Yet just when we think they have run dry of fresh ideas, Hollywood proves they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.
Whether you have your nose in a book or your eyes fixed on a screen, you’re in luck this coming season. It’s time to turn to the bookshelf, dust off a few of our favorites and sit back as they are adapted for the Silver Screen.
Film adaptations of popular novels is not a new concept (remember The Notebook!?), but it certainly seems to be a growing trend in the past few years. With the commercial success of some of these novels-turned-blockbusters in the past few months alone (The Fault in Our Stars, If I Stay, The Giver), why not continue to capitalize on this movie movement? But I don’t have to tell you that, Hollywood. According to the plethora of novel-based films on tap for the rest of the year, you already seem to know.
The Maze Runner
September 19, 2014
Action alert! Based on the 2009 dystopian novel written by James Dashner, The Maze Runner is a film about a boy named Thomas who is suddenly transported to a strange place, having no memory of his past life. After realizing his situation, Thomas (and some other characters, of course) must fight for his life in a post-apocalyptic world.
Gone Girl
October 3, 2014
A personal favorite of mine, Gone Girl stars Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike and Neil Patrick Harris. This gripping thriller will have you on the edge of your seats as you follow the journey of Nick Dunne, possible murderer, as he searches for his missing wife and faces the grilling media scrutiny. Twists and turns aplenty, Gone Girl is bound to make a KILLER movie.
The Best of Me
October 17, 2014
Oh yes, you knew a Nicholas Sparks novel was in the works! This one follows the story of old high school sweethearts as they reunite 20 years after their breakup in their old hometown. I’m not sure what this one has in store but I can only guess it’ll include some romantic, yet cheesy kissing scenes. Starring the gorgeous Michelle Monaghan and even more gorgeous James Marsden.
Love, Rosie
October 24, 2014
Based on the 2004 novel Where Rainbows End, this romantic-comedy follows a boy-girl best friendship through many years and various places. I’m thinking the ending is predictable, but it looks super cute!
White Bird in a Blizzard
October 24, 2014
Follows the up-and-coming mega star Shailene Woodley (think Divergent or The Fault in Our Stars) as she plays the young protagonist whose mother’s sudden disappearance rocks her entire world. Thrilling plot and star studded cast? Yes please.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay
November 21, 2014
Odds are you have heard of the Hunger Game series, but on the off chance that you have not here is a quick summary. The story follows bad-ass Katniss Everdeen as she and her friend, Peeta, are thrown into an arena and tasked with fighting other young people to the death while the whole post-apocalyptic world watches. Violent, emotional and absolutely amazing, this series has proven extremely successful and people are just dying to see the third installment of the franchise.
Wild
December 5, 2014
Wild is the story of a girl who, after a divorce and the death of her mother, sets off on the Pacific Crest Trail to hike over a thousand miles alone. Based on the Cheryl Strayed memoir, this film stars Reese Witherspoon.
So whether you are into action, romance or a little bit of mystery, it seems Hollywood is planning on serving you exactly what you want. I personally think the trailer for each of these looks totally captivating. My advice, though: read the book first. It’s always better anyway.
Photo credit: pagetopremiere.com
