Thursday, April 26, 2012

Book to Film Done Right

I'll be honest, I'm not a big Nicholas Sparks fan. 

There, I've said it out loudbut before you boo and hiss melet me explain. The man has managed to put his foot in his mouth one too many times whenever it's mentioned that what he writes is considered romance. Of course, he's protested so much about this label, and how his books are SO not romances, that I've gotten the impression he thinks he's too good to be categorized in the romance genre...like it's something so beneath him... However, he will proudly say that what he does write is simply "love stories"...um, I'm biting my tongue hard on that one. 

I've read (okay, mostly skimmed) two of his books that were left behind by friends. I can say that there are many many many talented romance authors out there who can write circles around him but...that's just my opinion. At the same time, I applaud him for following his dream and becoming the success that he is....he definitely has a talent for writing stories that attract a large readership...I can never hate on someone or discount the fact that he's put a lot of hard work and effort into this writing...believe me, I know exactly how difficult and challenging it is to be a writer....but it doesn't mean I have to love what he writes. That's just my own personal choice. See, there's a balance *big smile*.

Okay, so last weekend I decided to watch THE LUCKY ONE with some friends...purely because I think Zac Efron is a hottie (that's the cougar in me speaking). I had low expectations because I really wasn't all impressed with the book but wanted to see how it would translate to film. I must admit, the movie surpassed the book reading experience. I think that having an amazing director like Scott Hicks and a screenwriter like Will Fetters was the best choice for the project. Nicholas Sparks should thank these two profusely for making him more $$$$ and garnering even more recognition because it was one I totally wished I'd written. Of course, it didn't hurt to have Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling as the leads. The cinematography was gorgeous/brilliant, and I couldn't help falling in love with how Scott Hicks directed the movie. I won't spoil it for you.... I will say that the love scenes were subtle yet so HOT HOT HOT! I know it was pretty predictable at times but I didn't care. I really enjoyed the movie and  I'm glad I went to watch it. 

There have been plenty of book adaptations to film that I've thought were either lukewarm takes or have entirely missed the mark, but I would have to say this was one of the better romantic dramedies that I've seen in a long while. Sadly, I must admit defeat to Mr. Sparks on this one and endorse ticket sales for the movie. I give THE LUCKY ONE a big thumbs up...



If you're really curious, I managed to dig up a link from an old Nicholas Sparks interview  in the USA TODAY and an interesting article found on the Cracked website. I can't find the interviews that had turned me off of the man but you can at least understand why I feel the way I do....

7 comments:

Casey Crow said...

Glad I'm not the only non-Sparks fan out there. I read to feel good, not get depressed. Though anything with Zac Efron is worth watching. Does he take his shirt off? LOL

Wynter said...

I'm another non-Sparks fan! But this does sound good. I will have to give it a shot. Yeah, Zac Efron doesn't hurt;-)

Jax Cassidy said...

Oh, yes! I felt guilty drooling at him...but I can honestly say his eyes totally drew me in.

Jax Cassidy said...

I think you'd really enjoy it!

Naima Simone said...

I read that interview--and a couple of others--that turned me off of Nicholas Sparks. So I know what you mean about being a fan. And it's because of those interviews that I didn't care to read his books or see the movies--well that and the fact that someone is always dying.... But I'm going to admit, every time the trailer for The Lucky Ones comes on tv, I watch. Booooy, do I watch. That Efron boy grows more gorgeous with age! And I ain't afraid to say it, cougar or not!! LOL!! He's so pretty! If you say it's that good, Jax, I guess I can give it a shot. Like I said, he is pretty...

Jax Cassidy said...

Naima...you will definitely get a good eyeful of Zac-baby! :) It's worth it. LOL

Dalton Diaz said...

I have to wait until this one hits Netflix. I don't look too good when I drool. I don't usually go for younger guys but oh yeah, he brings out the cougar in me!

The only reason Nicholas Sparks isn't classified as a romance author is because he's a man.