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!

Opinion: "I Hate Twilight!"

Wait! Before you start firing at me in the comments! This is only something I hear a lot; not what I actually think.  In fact, I decided to write this post because of a discussion I had on Twitter last weekend about the teen romance-series by Stephanie Meyer.

 

I admit, I judged Twilight before I even read it; something I regret now. I thought it would be a silly romance story with glowing-vampires because, it seemed 'cool' to dislike it. This is a similar scenario as you would find in a school! Although - when I finally decided to read the novels last summer - I loved the whole series and immediately regretted the misconceptions I'd made. I understood why people liked this series, why people wanted to get involved in the whole 'Team Edward' or 'Team Jacob' debate and why it has such a huge fan-base.

 

Twilight receives a lot of criticism; all of which I feel is not thought-out before it is said. Just like every-book on the shelf at your local bookstore, there's a chance it will either enjoy it or it will fail to live up to the expectations you had when you first read the synopsis. The Twilight Saga got teenagers and young people reading, especially after Harry Potter came to the end or those readers were looking for something different. You can make any comments you want about how 'silly' Twilight is, or come to the realisation, like I did, that most of us bloggers are here today because of books like Twilight. These books saw teenagers hurrying to the library to grab copies, purchasing them at local shops and more than anything, supporting YA and making this genre popular.

 

The Love Triangle Begins(Eclipse)

One thing I find I spend a lot of time discussing is love-triangles, and whether you love or loathe them, Twilight was the book that started this era! I don't think any of us can resist the urge to pick a 'Team' and, in a way it's a guilty-pleasure of mine! When Stephanie Meyer started these novels, the 'love-triangle' was un-heard of in teen-fiction and when girls got their hands on a copy, they were excited! I even remember, when I hadn't heard of 'Twilight', seeing mentions of Edward and Jacob in magazines that I would read. If Twilight got people reading, it should be celebrated! I feel like it's stereo-typed and shouldn't be.

 

 

I mentioned above how it's seen as 'cool' to make jokes about Twilight but, I can't help but think about, "What if a person who wanted to read Twilight felt they shouldn't?" What if all books were made out to be one huge joke, when actually they're not that bad? Looking at how successful the books and movies have been, it makes you realise how many people have decided to read them - and as a book-blogging community, some of us may have gotten involved through the franchise.

 

This post isn't to say you can't have an opinion; we're not all going to love every book we read. Of course, I think as a reviewer I understand more than anything how important it is to respect another person's views - I can't count how many times I've read a review of a book where points I don't agree on completely have been made. Although, the book based in the rainy-town of Forks has lead a huge pathway for not only YA but other Vampire-filled pages(let's not mention Fifty Shades of Grey here!).  To sum my argument up, despite being full of 'sparkling-vampires', it got people reading! I, for one, will always appreciate Stephanie Meyer's imagination and work for that!

 

For the record, I am Team Jacob!

The Best & The Rest 2012: Book to Film Adaptions

This is my second post in my the new feature as we head into 2013! About two weeks ago I posted about t The Best & The Rest: Books. This week, I'm taking a look at the book adaptions in 2012.

"Moments, my life is made up of a series of moments,

Let them go" - Tessa

Now Is Good is an adaption of Jenny Downham's novel, Before I Die. Now Is Good was truly fantastic! It was tear-jerking and moving but was also had funny moments throughout. It had such a strong story-line and Tessa, (Played by Dakota Fanning) was so powerful. It was also set in Brighton, so it brought the message close that Tessa is just a normal girl but going through such a heart-breaking experience although, she is still inspiring as she just wants to live. On Tessa's bucket list are take drugs, go on a date and break the law. Definitely one of my favourite films of the year! I'm yet to read the book but I've got on my wish-list for Christmas.

"I thought we would be safe forever,

but forever wasn't as long as I had hoped" - Bella Swan

Breaking Dawn Part 2 the conclusion to the Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer exceeded my expectations! I've never been a huge fan of Twilight but Breaking Dawn Part 2 was exhilarating! The climax was action-packed and exciting with the twist in the books' plot. I much preferred this ending because it brought so much to the film. Nobody could have predicted the ending. Overall, the film is also emotional and funny. Moments between Jacob and Charlie and comments by Emmet really bring laughter into this film. I really enjoyed this and thought is was an ending to tie all the loose ends together at the end. 

"I wish I could think of a way to show them that they don't own me, 

That I'm more than just another piece in their games" -Peeta Mellark

The Hunger Games, the first in the trilogy by Suzanne Collins, was exhilarating! It was true to the books by keeping in all the details that make them so special. It was emotional with the relationship between Katniss and Prim. It was exciting throughout the film, especially at the beginning and climax in the 74th Annual Hunger Games. Katniss was so powerful and was so honestly brought to life in this adaption. The Hunger Games was also captivating and took you into the world of Panem. You felt anger at the Capitol for forcing the 'tributes' to compete in this life-or-death game but the violence wasn't over-exaggerated. The Hunger Games was fantastic with every part of it from the music to the costumes being how I imagined or hoped them to be like.

Life of Pi is the book adaption of the novel of the same name by Yann Martel. I haven't yet seen this but, after seeing it advertising while in the cinema, I have to see it! It looks mesmerising! I'm hoping to go and see it after Christmas but I still think it will be incredible. From the trailer you can just see it will be such a unique.

What have been your book adaptions of 2012?

Is there anything you are looking forward to seeing come 2013?

Only 8 days to go!

BOOK REVIEW: Twilight Eclispe

'Bella? Edward's soft voice came from behind me. He pulled me tighter into his arms at once, and kissed me. His kiss frightened me. There was too much tension , too strong an edge to the way his lips crushed mine-like he was afraid we only had a matter of time left to us.'

Isabella Swan's graduation is fast approaching as Seattle is ravaged by mysterious killings and Victoria continues her search for revenge. With a difficult choice ahead for Bella, her best friend Jacob or boyfriend Edward, she has no idea who to choose. Bella is once again put in danger, along with the people she cares about most in life. When Bella's belongings go missing from her bedroom, the answer to the killings in Seattle becomes clear and once again the Cullens and Werewolves come together to risk their lives for her. The only thing is how can she survive the loss of Jacob and Edward? How can she just stand-by helplessly? What about Edward's conditions for changing Bella? As Jacob continues to fight until Bella's heart stops beating and Edward asks for her hand in marriage, Bella has her own conditions and one big decision to make. Life or death but what are the consequences? 

This story was exciting and unpredictable with twists and turns along the way. As Bella tries to make some of the toughest decisions of her human life, the story is made stronger. Her thoughts are powerful and emotional pulling you into the story and waiting on the decisions she will have to make. The bond between the Vampires and Werewolves could be so easily broken it keeps you reading, wondering if Bella's decision will cause a fight. I found that some scenes were a bit reluctant and could have been made more emotional. The Preface at the beginning of the Twilight novels instantly connect you to the books because you want to see what is going to happen to put these characters in this position. An exciting and unpredictable read from the Twilight Saga books!

Rating: 4.5/5

Recommended Age: 12+

Competition Results will be up very shortly and there may be a book prize!

REVIEW: Twilight New Moon!

 'Shoot' I muttered when the paper sliced my finger; I pulled it out to examine the damage. A single drop of blood oozed from the tiny cut. It all happened very quickly then.

 "No!" Edward roared...Dazed and disoriented, I looked up from the bright red blood pulsing out of my arm-into the fevered eyes of the six suddenly ravenous vampires.

For Isabella Swan Edward Cullen is the one thing more important than life itself to her. Who, she is unconditionally in love with. Edward has already rescued Bella from one dangerous vampire, James, a tracker and as Bella wakes on her 18th Birthday, after a nightmare that shows her as a frail old women with Edward she realizes she will forever be older than Edward. Edward, forever seventeen. Bella is put under danger once again at a birthday party planned by Edward's adopted sister Alice, where she paper cuts her finger, in a room full of six thirsty vampires. It's clear that their daring relationship is more dangerous that Bella could imagine. So, when Edward announces his family is leaving Forks forever, leaving Bella behind she's heartbroken, it's the end of what could have possibly been forever. As her friendship with Jacob grows and she tries to stop the pain, someone is back for revenge.

This book was full of twists and turns in the plot when you were least expecting them. The way Stephenie Meyer describes Bella's pain is so realistic it makes you feel like you know her so well. The best part about this book was the fact it was from Bella's perspective when she going through all this pain and trying to make these decisions. It was perfectly paced for a book full of so much. The Preface at the beginning is gripping. It makes you have to continue reading so you can find out what happens to put Bella and Alice in this situation. The main factor that makes Twilight stories so realistic, is Bella's way of describing things, her emotions, feelings, decisions are exactly how any girl would deal with things(Maybe a bit more fear).

Rating: 5/5

Recommended Age: 11+

I have finished The Twilight Saga now! So all of the reviews are on the way! New Moon was my favourite-Team Jacob!!

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer: Review!

You're all shocked by this post, aren't you? If you have been a member of this blog for a while you may have realized I have a slight obsession. The Hunger Games! And yes I am now reading The Twilight Saga. Shocked? Then to make this more jaw-dropping I will say that I actually really enjoyed Twilight! I know, believe what you are reading, it's true!  Here's my review,

About three things I was absolutely positive.

First Edward was a vampire.

Second, there was a part of him-and I didn't know how dominant 

that part might be-that thirsted for my blood.

And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably

 in love with him

When Isabella Swan moves to the small town of Forks in Washington she first lays eyes on Edward Cullen. Sitting in the corner of the cafeteria along with five others all chalky pale and dark eyes with bruise like shadows underneath them. All inhumanly beautiful. She looks up to find Edward's eyes fixated on her constantly and realises he is avoiding her in a class, where he pulls his chair as far away from her as you can get. Somehow Edward stops a car,hurtling towards Bella, when was too far away to reach her. When Bella spots the dent in the car, the same shape as his shoulder. Only after this near-death experience does she realize there's something different about the Cullens. They were Vampires and she was already unconditionally in love with Edward. But not normal Vampires, 'good' Vampires who don't hunt humans and drink their blood but satisfy their first by hunting animals. Before long they find themselves in an unlikely relationship but there's still a part of Edward that thirsts for Bella's blood. Her scent is just so delicious. And when Edward, who was born in 1918, is stuck in a seventeen year-old's body is there any way they can be together? How dominate is Edward's thirst? Is her scent to irresistible for Edward? and How much will this relationship put Bella and her family in?

This book really surprised me after getting mixed views from my friends. I was gripped to the story as Bella falls for vampire Edward and struggles to make the right decision. The PREFACE at the beginning instantly pulls you in as you want to know how Bella is facing her death. As the story goes on you follow Bella as she falls from Edward, it's like your reading her thoughts. It's a perfect romance novel. I would give this book a 9/10 review because it was written in American so I didn't completely understand what certain things were and this really annoys me in books! The ending chapters were exhilarating and I was literally on the edge on my seat but some parts lacked in excitement. I would recommend this book for ages 12+ as it's about vampire and characters face death in it. Which, would probably scare younger readers. Overall Twilight incredibly impressed me as it's an exhilarating, teenage romance novel with a twist! It is a great read for teenagers!

Of course Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2(the film) is out on November 16th. I'm now going to make my way through the films(My mum's got the box-set) ready to see Breaking Dawn. I felt like I was missing out not joining in with the excitement, and since there's still another 453 days till Catching Fire(Just saying..) I want to join in! Next on my list is the Divergent trilogy, which they're now making into a film!(Starts filming in March 2013)

Here's the trailer for the first Twilight(Nice snapshot!)

So yes, I really like The Twilight Saga! As much as The Hunger Games hmmmm....

Keep day dreaming!