AIBU to think that they're usually not as good

[ZekeSnapSnap]

Just finished watching World War Z. I love the book, think it's really great but the film? Nope, not great at all, so disappointed. Now I'm hoping for a TV series instead, maybe that would be closer to the book I love.

Don't get me wrong, the zombies were freaky as hell, snapping and biting and screeching-yup scarier then the book, and faster too I think.

But the rest...no, a disappointment to me.

Which spurned the question with the three friends that I watched it with- are there any movies (or TV shows) made from books which are better then the book? Or at least as accurate?

I had to say no to the majority for myself, with the exception of 'The Shining' and Pride and Prejudice which I thought was as good as the book. I just wondered what everyone else thought, AIBU for thinking 90% of books to film/tv are crappier then the book?

Can anyone recommend any books to film which are better or the same, or does anyone want to join me in disappointing ones?

Goes to read World War Z again

[littlemissnormal]

I normally much much prefer books but ones that I have found equal are Sleepers, The Godfather and The Beach.

Can't bring myself to watch either Time Travellers Wife or One Day!

[ZekeSnapSnap]

Pacific I loved GOT and Hunger Games, I'm glad I didn't read the books first.

PorkPieandPickle I'm going to have to get that one, if it's there.

stargirl1701 I haven't read them but I have been told there's lots of singing in them and the hobbit too I think? Which they said detracted.

Thurlow, I know how awesome would it have been? 1 episode for each of the stories, more for a few of them. It would have been great. But I loved a film called 'Autumn' too, also zombies as well and it was made into a poor, poor film. Being a series, it would have been fantastic.

I have to go with the series myself, but I'm only on the fourth comic. The comics are darker though...

[BatPenguin]

Oh dear, I just did the zombie survival test and got 63% and that was with me lying to make me sound better oh shit.

Thurlow- I love walking dead. DH read the comics and says it's pretty true to the tv show. However he does keep saying 'when is Rick going to have his hands cut off???' Hope they don't keep that bit in!

[missmarplestmarymead]

It's only my opinion but I am so glad that people like Kenny Mc Bain were able to see the potential and that actors like John Thaw could bring it to life as Morse is one of my comfort viewings!

Nonetheless, I do like the way that the connection with the author is kept alive with Colin Dexter popping up for a couple of seconds in each episode.

[YouTheCat]

Hobbit.

LOTR. I do love Tolkein but I really think that Peter Jackson has done the books justice.

Sense and Sensibility (even though the casting was a bit off).

Green Mile.

Shawshank Redemption.

Beowulf and Grendel.

American Psycho.

Interview with a Vampire.

Stardust.

Kickass - much better than the comic.

It.

Carrie (original version).

[ZekeSnapSnap]

Pacific, It's a LotR review deathmatch! Cloud Atlas? Googles my friend for the most part here. I tred so hard to avoid the 'Dexter' books when watching the series but they're very different, and pretty wicked.

Poor Max, webwiz, I wonder if that's why filming took so long? That's the problem, once you sign 'your baby' away, they can creatively change it.

littlemissnormal, personally I'd avoid the time travellers wife, great book but the film was nothing but meh. I've never seen the Godfather, may have to put that on the list.

[Thurlow]

Noo, bat, that's a spoiler DP has kept from me! (You're forgiven as I don't think they'll keep it in)

I could see them doing WWZ as a mock-documentary, pretending to be filmed 10 years after rather than oral histories, it would have been amazing.

[Thurlow]

Youthecat, YYY on Stardust - the book was OK but the film is just wonderful.

[PacificDogwood]

Cloudatlas - David Mitchell is a genius

I love Shawshank Redemption, but, again, did not even know there was a book...

[MikeLitorisBites]

Agree that the beach was a pretty good attempt at a book adaptation.

Ive just started reading the green mile (99p on kindle a few days ago) and hope its as good as the film.

[YouTheCat]

Pacific, it's a Stephen King.

Probably 99p on kindle

[Thurlow]

The Beach was a good attempt, but IMO the book was much better. Possibly because Leo was hugely miscast.

[gordyslovesheep]

I liked WWZ but ONLY because I knew it would be nothing like the book (I've just read it again for the fifth time ) as a zombie film it's not bad - but ends oddly (who knew Cardif was the place to be in the zombie apocalypse so quiet!)

I agree a TV series or a trio of films would have been better

I can't think of many films BETTER than books but I did like the film version of The Colour Purple

[ZekeSnapSnap]

BatPenguin I got 79.9%, not too bad but no 100% ><

missmarplestmarymead, sometimes the actors do give you a better feel for the character's don't they? I've read a few books that I've thought would make great films because the character-emotion has been lacking but everything else has been spot-on.

YouTheCat, I've read some of those and definitely agree but others are going on my reading list. I had no idea Stardust and American Psyco were books

[PacificDogwood]

Stephen King??
He is a very good writer although I cannot stand the creepy stuff.

I did not like The Great Gatsby the book much (not at school and not when I reread it recently) - will I like the movie??

[ZekeSnapSnap]

gordyslovesheep, I was reassured it would be as good, or rather should be. Admittedly, the person telling me has only ready the first few chapters of the book but they neglected to mention that until after. :(

I was hoping for more UK zombies with the underground hide-outs and the queen fighting form Windsor Castle. :)

[littlemissnormal]

Shawshank Redemption is a short story I think?
American Psycho is a great book, very disturbing.

[gordyslovesheep]

ohh yes The Queen!

I hated that Japan was just missed out - and India to a lesser extent

[McRoo]

I preferred the first Bridget Jones film to the book. As I recall the book has a ridiculous ending.

Thought the second book was much much better than the second film though.

[YouTheCat]

The Great Gatsby is apparently a huge disappointment.

But I'm not a fan of Baz.

[BatPenguin]

Oh shit Thurlow sorry! if it helps I really don't think it will happen.

zeke, impressive. I will have to PM you in the event of an apocalypse.

And if Cardiff is the place to be as in world war z this is good news as I am 20 mins away, smashing

[PacificDogwood]

Oh, I detest Bridget Jones in all media

Thanks, Cat, so I've heard too. I was hoping as I did not like the book, maybe by reverse logic I would therefore enjoy the film?!
May still watch it, just for the frocks

[ZekeSnapSnap]

littlemissnormal I like dark and disturbing, time to download.

Gordy, they did miss out some bits, there was a lot of darkness that was pretty creepy in the book that was missed in the film. The film had it's own freakiness with the zombies themselves, especially in the WHO.

McRoo I love the films, haven't read the books though. I think any people mentioned the last one being a bit rubbish so I may miss that one out.

YouTheCat, the film or book? Or both?

[HepsibarCrinkletoes]

The Beach could have been better than the book if Leo hadn't got the job. I still absolutely loved both though.

Trainspotting - awesome in both forms.

[ZekeSnapSnap]

BatPenguin, I think where I work gave me points in the quiz though looking at WWZ film I somehow doubt it I'd have them. I've read many zombie novels yet I'm torn between barricading and holing up and finding a cruise ship and getting on board.