Fandom Freak Out: Anticipating TFiOS

If you are yet to read the novel, this post does include spoilers!

 

Yesterday, I booked my tickets for the advanced screenings of The Fault in Our Stars being held next Thursday in the UK(#FeelItFirst), which I couldn't be more excited for. In January last year, I picked up John Green's novel and had my heart cracked like a glass into fragments that I couldn't retrieve. That I still can't retrieve. Having followed this book to movie adaptation since the moment Shailene Woodley was announced as playing Hazel, there are a lot of scenes I'm looking forward to seeing, especially after the faultless trailer that debuted a few months ago - which added to my expectations of the movie. They can't really get much higher.

 

It's been a while since I read the book, admittedly, and with no time to reread, there are definitely things I may have forgotten. However, when sitting in the cinema next week, I'll be waiting to see how the leads bring the characters to life - and the attention to detail throughout the film. In the trailer, Hazel's canulla is always there, and I absolutely love this. It's an honest representation of illness; exactly what the book sets out to achieve. I, for one, also noted the oxygen tank Hazel pulls along, and I felt like applauding the team of people behind this film. When I first found out that Shailene and Ansel - who play brother and sister in Divergent - would be taking on the roles, I was worried. Would I be able to see them as Hazel and Gus? The two teenagers in a relationship? I think so.

 

Remember this?

One of my favourites things about The Fault in Our Stars is how it shows that having an illness doesn't define a person. That we should see past the cannula Hazel wears, for example, as she lives An Imperial Affliction and obsession with America's Next Top Model are all what I want to see in the adaptation - it makes the characters real. Of course, I can't wait to see the first Cancer Kid Support Group, where we hear of Gus' fear of Oblivion. This is perfectly done in the trailer; but seeing the final cut is something I can't wait for. The Cancer Kid Support Group is where it all begins, and it leads straight into my favourite metaphor in the book: "You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don't give it the power to do its killing." After watching the clip that was released a few weeks ago, I'm a little hesitant, as Gus does come across quite arrogant. Although, John Green has assured us that the whole scene was cut to be shorter, so hopefully it will be how I pictured it.

 

Issac's storyline is so powerful, and I can't wait to see Nat Wolff take it on; especially now it has been announced that he will be Quentin in the adaptation of 'Paper Towns'. My only worry is that the sub-plot with Monica, that is always present in the book, will only be skimmed over in the movie to keep non-readers interested. Honestly, I would welcome a five hour film if it meant that everything would be included. I've never seen a YA film with a character who is blind, so this is definitely going to be really interesting to see, and I have complete faith that this will be done well.

 

Gus Waters. From his quote-filled family home to funky bones, and his level of wit and charisma, I'm brimming with excitement to see his character brought to life. How he breaks all of his football trophies, his pre-funeral and those phone calls with the familiar tagline, as they were the parts of the book that had me reaching for a box of tissues.

 

On a lighter note, we're yet to see an image or still of Peter Van Houten in character, who seems to have been forgotten! With no idea of what Van Houten looks like in the film, I'm really anticipating his scenes, and the likes of Hazel and Gus visiting the Anne Frank House, and their meal out that we have seen in all of the trailers. Whilst reading, my particular favourite part of the book includes a 'paedophilic swing set', just for the humour and I'm hoping a certain Venn Diagram is featured!

 

Okay? Okay.

 

So, what scenes are you anticipating the most?
When are you planning on seeing the movie? An advanced screening? Opening night?

 

Tell me in the comments!

Sophie
x

Fandom Freak Out: Divergent(Film Review)

Last week, I went to see Divergent with a friend, wearing my faction colours(blue for Erudite). Admittedly, I didn't have high expectations for this film, after my disappointment over the casting for Four and how the trailer lacked in making me really anticipate this film. At one point, I considered not seeing this adaptation, in fear that it would destroy the image of Veronica Roth's world I had in my head - something I'm extremely glad I didn't stick with, as from the opening sequence, I knew this film was going to be good. So good, in fact, that I managed to throw half a pack of Mini Eggs in the bin as we talked on our way out of the cinema - a blur of excited chatter about what may happen in the next instalment.

 

 

Set in dystopia Chicago, the city has been divided up into five factions based on human traits: Abnegation(the selfless), Amity(the peaceful), Candor(the honest), Dauntless(the brave) and Erudite(the intellectual). Sixteen year old Beatrice Prior, played by Shailene Woodley, does not fit in. She is Divergent; and to save her life she must hide in a faction where nobody will find her. Director Neil Burger has brought to life an incredibly detailed world, where the intricate faction-system that I would struggle to explain is easily understood by even those who have never read the books before. Stylistically done, 'Divergent' is thrilling and terrifying; especially when you take a moment to contemplate the future of our own society(or remind the person sitting next to you about the ending to 'Allegiant').

 

Shailene Woodley portrayed Tris faultlessly; I couldn't help but grin to myself every time she delivered a line straight from the book. Woodley captures what Tris is feeling before the Choosing Ceremony perfectly - just from the admiration you see when Dauntless run past. In the book, Tris is not this intentionally strong character, and you see her grow throughout training - a transition you really see in the film, despite it being much shorter than the five-hundred page novel. Woodley, as she leaves behind her character's Abnegation traits, is unflinching and powerful, demanding every moment of your attention. Theo James, without a doubt, was Four; taking his hard and cold demeanour and bringing it to the screen alongside Woodley. The way their relationship developed was one aspect of the film I adored - along with the inclusion of Ellie Goulding in the films score.

 

Let's talk about the supporting-cast! Zoë Kravitz captured Christina's character perfectly, with the right level of wit and humour, while Ansel Elgort(Caleb), Miles Teller(Peter) and Ray Stevenson(Marcus) brought their characters alive effortlessly. Peter's character was sarcastic and bitter; I grew to both love and hate him. Jai Courtney(Eric) chilled me to the bone - along with Kate Winslet(Jeanine Matthews) who was the intimidating figure I imagined Jeanine Matthews as while reading.  

Throughout the reviews I've read, the cinematography has been applauded, and from the opening sequence(which was breath-taking) you could see the effort that had gone into adapting Roth's world to the screen; opening up the world that fans of the novel have been craving a look at for years. From simulations to zip-lining and climbing a Ferris wheel, it was all believable - and visually stunning to watch. Finally, though, we have an adaptation that stays true to the book, only deviating slightly at the end to make it better. Going into the cinema, I knew that the ending was different, but it's not to a huge extent. Instead, it's an unimaginable scale of action and excitement, where Woodley and Winslet steal every shot.

 

 

My only complaint? The initiation process took up a huge portion of the film with little actually happening. As much as I thought having all of the smaller details in there went well, at that point the tension dropped slightly.

 

4 Stars

 

Have you see 'Divergent'? What was your favourite scene?

Tell me in the comments!

My Love/Hate Relationship with...The Final Split

Ever since 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' was split into two movies, despite being one book, films such as 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' have followed it's lead. Now, it's 'The Hunger Games' that is joining this group - with the final book of the trilogy, 'Mockingjay', having Part 1 adapted this year, with the conclusion of the franchise taking place next year with the release of 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay(Part 2)'. For some people, this is something they hate; believing that it is only a way for the companies behind the films to make more money out of it's teenage audiences, and for others, it's an idea they adore.

When the announcement came that 'Mockingjay' would be split into two, I would be lying to say I was surprised. Hesitant, of course, but I did see it coming. The final book in the 'Hunger Games' series is one that builds up to an extremely emotional climax and, without that in Part 1, will it be seen as 'boring' - possibly? Sometimes, not all, there is just not enough content in a novel to make it work as two movies. This could be seen as the case for 'Mockingjay', where most of the action and excitement, rather than the build-up to it, happens near to the end of 'Part II - The Assault'(where Peeta reveals information to warn those in District 13 about a bombing). Does this mean that Part 1 will lack any of the gripping, heart-pounding and emotional scenes we are used to from the books, and the movies? This is the case for any book in the final series being split. When you reach it, the following of them is huge; and, there is no doubt that fans want the best adaptation. Yes, there's another film, but is there always enough to make one that won't be boring? You expect the biggest shocks to come at the end of the last book, which they do. So, what will happen to Part 1?

One of the main reasons for making two parts is the money. YA Adaptations have been doing incredibly well at the box-office recently; and it seems like they are not going to stop. This year alone, there are both stand-alone adaptations and new series' starting - recently 'The Fault in Our Stars' movie caused a huge amount of excitement when just the trailer was released - so, if a series is doing well, why finish? This is very much the case for 'The Hunger Games', since 'Catching Fire' was the biggest film of 2013 in the US last year, and broke too many records to list here. Clearly, if there's a chance not to just repeat it once, but twice, making even more money, it is going to be grasped with both hands? However, I hate to think that the only reason these books are being adapted is because of the money they make - which is quite manipulative. There are other, much more important reasons for adapting a book - such as the themes, which can change a generation - rather than just the amount of money it will gross.

 

I love book-to-film adaptations and I can be someone who likes seeing the conclusion of a series being split in two. I need the attention-to-detail that a longer running-time over two films can provide. Not only does this mean I get to see more from the characters I could connect to, or the world that I pictured in my mind, but the back-stories and more complicated details can be there. All of this detail is on my 'must have' list for adaptations - as the smaller scenes that don't move on the film as quickly if there's a limited time would have to be cut-out. Not only does having two films scream, "MORE BOOK SCENES! " at me, but it also means that these books that have inspired us can continue to make their way to the screen for a slightly longer time. There's another year of waiting for trailers, reacting to them, sticking posters up on your bedroom wall and anxiously awaiting release-date. When you love a series you just want it to continue - and trilogies are quite short anyway.

 

Personally, I fell in love with the choice of breaking-up the final instalment of the 'Twilight Saga' because it definitely worked. There were three main events and these were equally-spread out, giving us enough time to be introduced to the new characters that join the cast in Part 2. Hopefully, this will work for 'Mockingjay.'

 

So, do you have a love or hate relationship with the final book in a series being split into two films?

Tell me in the comments!

Fandom Freak-Out #2 - TFiOS Trailer Reaction

Unless the internet is the bane of your existence, you may have not heard of a small book called 'The Fault in Our Stars', written by John Green, about two teenagers - who are both cancer sufferers - that meet at Cancer Kid Support Group, and fall in love. If you have not yet picked it up,  I can't urge you enough to do so, as it is a beautiful and compelling novel, and, admittedly, a tear-jerker. Why I am writing this post, though? The adaptation of the movie(which will have it's official release in the UK on June 20th) now has a trailer, not the leaked version, but a high-quality one, and it is perfection. Now, this is not cookie dough ice-cream perfection; this is not curled up with a hot-drink and a good book perfection; but instead this is the use of the word 'perfect' that involves staying true to a book when making it into a film - not re-creating it.

 

If you haven't yet seen the amazing trailer - grab the tissues!

 

 

Let's start at the beginning - the beginning of what could be a blabber of completely incoherent thoughts, and I apologise for that! I don't think I could have been more hesitant when it came to the announcement that Shailene Woodley would be playing Hazel-Grace. I have never seen any of her films before, but I was worried, as she is already one of my favourite YA book-characters in the adaptation of Divergent. Even so, I regret doubting her, as not once did I think, when watching the trailer for the first, or fifth, or tenth time, "She's Tris" and I've only just remembered. Woodley has Hazel's mannerisms, actions and voice spot-on, like she came straight from the book!

 

I cried. I couldn't help it. This trailer really brings-across how emotional and heart-wrenching the story is, but it doesn't just do that. It's about hope, and life, and how it's not always perfect but it's what you do with the few infinities. The moment Ansel Elgort - as Gus Waters - appeared in the trailer, after the faultless beginning from Woodley(which is all-so-sweet until the truth hits you), this was around the time I began to sob. I've loved this casting choice for Gus since the beginning, and Elgort didn't let me down, the moment he said the infamous 'Oblivion' line, and then you saw the chemistry as Woodley as Hazel rolled her eyes - in what must be the most accurate description taken from book-to-screen of the 'Literal Heart of Jesus' -  I was drawn-in. There was not a line he said that I didn't remember from the book, and I, for one, was wishing for my own Gus Waters when he told Hazel that she's 'Beautiful.' You can see they are normal young-people, and they want that, and this was also one of my favourite parts of the book, so I honestly couldn't be happier as a fan to see that these castings are more than just believable.

 

One pet-peeve of mine is when the people behind film adaptations decide to change things; decide that the book, that has thousands, even millions, of fans is not 'good enough.' I think this is okay(unintended pun) when it wouldn't translate well on the screen, but with TFiOS, everything works. There is not one moment that I can't see working in June, and I was ecstatic to notice that that was what the people working on the movie must have thought too(only I do think John Green's complete involvement played a huge part). The trailer screamed, "DETAILS!" - and I adored it. For example, Hazel's Cannula, the way she pulls along her Oxygen Tank, the every-day clothing that is so simple, the way they didn't shy away from the fact Issac is blind, and finally the swing-set! I was hoping to see that, as it was part of one of my favourite scenes in the book! It's a gorgeous trailer, beautifully tied-together, and with most of the book-quotes I added to my 'Goodreads' list because I liked them that much, or highlighted when I read it on my Kindle.

 

 It's surprising how much they can fit-into one trailer, but they also leave enough for us to see when the movie is actually-out. It's not all sugar-coated, all about enjoying life, it's raw and honest, and I loved seeing how hard-hitting those parts were, as it did make me realise how I'm not going to be able to watch this in the cinema; although I still will. I have complete faith in this movie being one of, if not the best, adaptation I've seen!

 

"Okay." The final word of the trailer. The most heart-wrenching, gut-churning, tear-jerking moment that they could have thrown in, as if book-lovers did not already have tears pooling in their eyes. I have to admit, If not when we first meet Gus, this may just be my final moment. Okay? I don't think any of us were after seeing it!

 

What was your favourite part of the trailer?

Fandom Freak-Out #1 - TFiOS Movie Poster/Stills Discussion

The first still released by no other than Augustus Waters!

 

2014 is the year that 'The Fault in Our Stars' movie arrives at cinemas, something I am so excited for, as I've got a feeling this will be as close to the book as you can possibly get it. The two year anniversary of the book's release was yesterday, and this means it's a good time to discuss the impending adaptation, since lately, I have been arriving home from school to find movie stills filling my Twitter and Facebook feeds, something I'm not complaining about! The first-look at Shailene Woodley as Hazel and Ansel Elgort as Gus came when the first movie-poster was released, something I can't wait to put up on my bedroom wall. There is a rumour that the trailer for the movie will be released on the 14th Feburary, after a tweet was posted by the directors father(which has been deleted) on New Year's Eve, meaning that we will see it on Valentine's Day! I don't think we'll be seeing the Swing-set scene yet, but here's hoping!

The movie poster has had mixed-reactions - not because people are unhappy about the castings for the movie - but because of the controversial tagline.  I have a love/hate relationship with the fact 'One Sick Love Story' is written across the bottom. This in no way means I dislike the poster; I think that it's a beautiful way to show the romance between Hazel and Gus, as they really do look in love, while not shying away from illness, because you can clearly see that Hazel is ill from the tubes around her nose. You immediately see where the heart of this movie is going to be, and I love this. Of course, I didn't see the tagline straight away, and when I did I personally had to stop and think about it for a while. John Green likes it - and as the author of the book, he knows when a good decision has been made. My main 'problem' with it, is that people who haven't read the book and are not aware that there IS a book, could find it offensive. Fans know that the book shows much more than two teenage cancer sufferers, it shows that they are just like everybody else and deserve the chance to be in love. Although, If I saw this in the street, unaware of what the message of the book was, I think I would avoid seeing the movie. I would think it was being quite blunt, and trying to make a joke with what should be a careful-topic. I understand it; the main reason it was done was to be shocking, was to make people notice it and not hide-away when the topic of Cancer or illness is brought up, and have you ever seen a movie-poster that has made you think so much? I haven't.

One still from the movie appeared on Ansel Elgort's Instagram account(Gus teasing fans!), another was officially released a few days ago, and it's heart-wrenching. When looking at the still from the Anne Frank House, it's easy to admit nobody else could have the chemistry that Shailene and Ansel portray; they look in love, they look like Hazel and Gus with the simplistic clothing, they look like every-day teenagers walking down the street. The only thing is that Hazel's cannula is missing. The still released by Ansel does show Hazel's cannula, something I'm really happy to see as it's shows that they're sticking to the book on even the smallest details. Anyone else notice the chipped bench and broken-flooring?

So, what do you think of the TFiOS poster?

Do you have a love/hate relationship with it?

What are your thoughts on the stills that you have seen so far?

What scene are you hoping will be featured in the trailer on the 14th February, if the rumours are true?

 

Must-See Moments: Catching Fire

This is my 250th Post!

 

Must-See Moments is a brand-new feature that I will be writing when a new book-to-film adaptation is about to hit cinemas. Of course, I think we all know that adaptations will not be a direct translation from book to screen, and there will be parts that didn't make into the movie. Even so, there are certain moments that need to be in there or all that counting down will have been for nothing.

There will be spoilers in the post for people who have not read Catching Fire.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is out on November 21st(in the UK). This means there are just TWO WEEKS until I - and other Tributes - can see the next book come alive. I remember being excited when it was 'One Year Until Catching Fire' and now we are almost in single-figures. I can't quite believe how quite it has come around - especially saying I can remember using computers in school to check whether Finnick had been cast yet!

 

I've also found myself dancing-around-my-living-room due to the fact TV Spots have started to appear in the adverts.

 

1. The kiss shared between Katniss and Gale - When I read the books, at this point, I remember wanting Katniss and Gale to be together, as I'm one of 'those' people that wants the best-friend to get his/her happily-ever-after. When the kiss appeared in the trailer, I wasn't expecting it at all, and can't wait to see the build-up and the whole scene.
2. District 11 - This is the first time we get to see the other district and Rue's district is going to hit the hardest. The speech Katniss has to give with Rue's family there and the man raising his hand into the three-fingered salute. I'm looking forward to how dramatic this is going to be.
3. Gale's whipping - For some reason, and after over a year I'm still not quite sure, this was my favourite scene in the book. I can't recall why, I think it was the moment when the story changed for Katniss and she had to think-fast. Her best-friend being whipped really opened her eyes in my opinion so, I feel this was the driving-force of Catching Fire. In the first trailer, we saw Katniss say 'Go ahead' and I'm definitely ready to see how this resolves; to see how Haymitch steps in
4. The Reaping - I've heard this is emotional - and we've seen clips of Katniss turning to Effie with a tear rolling down her face. I also have a lot of questions about how this is going to play-out: will Haymitch volunteer for Peeta like in the book, or will Peeta just be reaped? How will the people from District 12 react?
5. Katniss' Skill - I have been wanting to see this scene come-alive for so long, and mostly, the Gamemakers' reaction.
6. The Interviews  - There are quite a few interview I'm excited for. Not only the 75th Games one's *cough, cough* Peeta announces Katniss is pregnant and we get to see the Mockingjay Dress but, the moment Peeta proposes!
7. Cinna's ending - There is a reason I'm carrying tissues in my pocket for this movie, as I know this is going to be upsetting. I'm curious about how this is going to happen, especially because of it's teenage-audience so, I will be sitting in my seat, knowing it is coming...
8. The first look at the Arena - From all the trailers, it's clear this is going to be visually- incredible. As Katniss rises up from the tube it's going to be immensely dramatic and, just getting a feel for how Francis has gone about designing the clock-face is something I am hugely anticipating.
9. Peeta's mouth-to-mouth resuscitation - I've been watching cast interviews other the past few days and all I have heard about is the snot that was in an out-take between Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Huthcerson at this point. Also, I really thought Peeta wasn't coming back and the way Katniss reacts will probably make me reach for my tissues.
10. The beach scene - This is the part, if you can remember the book, where Peeta hands Katniss the locket and they stay together while watching the arena. I thought this was such a powerful scene in the book, and a part where you truly have no idea what is going to happen because they both want the other to win.

What are your must-see-moments in Catching Fire? Tell me in the comments!

Film Review: Beautiful Creatures

Ethan Wate lives in a small country town called Gatlin. Waiting for the day he will finally get to leave and travel, he has been having strange dreams about a girl he wants to reach but can never recognise. When new-comer Lena Duchannes comes to town he knows it is her but as the niece of the town recluse Macon Ravenwood, everybody already has their opinions. Lena is a Caster, a witch who's powers will be Claimed by either the Light or the Dark on her sixteenth birthday. But, Ethan and Lena are already in love but a mortal and a Caster can never be together. With Lena's Claiming approaching things are only set to become more dangerous, putting their lives at risk. It all started with a Curse. (12A)

 

 Ethan Wate(Played by Alden Ehrenreich) was brought to life in this adaption along with the other characters that are loved from the books. Alden had the perfect portrayal of Ethan that was both moving and emotional but one that you could see the fight for Lena in. He fought for Lena throughout the film, and his love was clear throughout. Ethan also had some sayings that were so beautiful, and dug deep into the character. Lena Duchannes(Played by Alice Englert) was also a powerful gothic supernatural, with her struggle throughout the book, alive on screen but one that also brought a normal-teenage girl to life. The chemistry between Ethan and Lena was never forced, Alden and Alice completed embodied their characters and all they wanted to do was protect eachother. Macon Ravenwood and Link also brought humour to this adaption with Macon being wise yet exactly how he would be imagined when reading. The way both the Light and the Dark sides and Gatlin was brought to life was magical.

 

The plot built with excitement along with some gripping twists and turns that were unpredictable. It was also moving and tear-jerking that made a beautiful film. It was also funny and witty, parts that brought more to what could be seen as a serious film. Book to film adaptions also allow you to see things you don't get to see in the book. New parts were added that were perfect in the film and gave you an understanding of the plot beyond what the main character can see. My favourite scenes were one's from another character's perspective, which were all amazing to see. It also had gorgeous set designs and costumes. There were some CGI effects but all of them felt real. Seeing the Casters being brought to life along with their powers was great.

 

One thing I will point out is that you can't go into this adaptation expecting an exact replica of the book. There are changes to the plot, that change important parts in the story, with a twist ending that will leave you shocked but anticipating a sequel. The climax to the ending was fantastic, I preferred the ending to the film than the one of the books as it leaves you wanting to know what happens next. Although, there were things I missed about the book, some parts it was better without. The book was adapted here but despite the changes, It still delivered. It gave a supernatural romance with characters to root-for.

 

"Beautiful Creatures was an exciting, captivating adaption that took you into Gatlin and the world of the Dark and Light Casters. It brought to life a gothic romance with great chemistry between Lena and Ethan that was also moving and funny. Although it was not the exact book and had changes, it had a shocking twist-ending that left the door wide open to a very anticipated sequel. A film that you will love and want to see again and again"

****

 

Have you seen it yet? If so, what did you think?