By Amy Chesler
As a literary lover, it’s always a thrill to see a story that I’ve seen play out in my mind come to life on screen. But sometimes, the movies just don’t cut it. Whether the characters fall flat, or the interpretation of the story is off, there are some reworkings that don’t meet expectations. Here are my five least favorite page-turners-turned-movies.
It
Stephen King is surely the Sultan of Scare, and with timeless stories such as his, filmmakers have enjoyed recreating his ideas for decades. However, not all projects can capture the magic of his tales. 2017’s IT may have been a blockbuster, but it didn’t adhere to King’s story nearly as much as a true fan would like. So, to director Andy Muschietti, let’s see what else you’ve got.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was Tim Burton’s take on Roald Dahl’s book of the same title, and as one can imagine, it was especially spooky. Although this jives with Dahl’s dark writing and morbid undertones, it still didn’t do the story justice. If only Burton had focused a little less on creepy and more on candy.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I
Of all the Harry Potter films, the Deathly Hallows: Part I seems to have missed the mark the most. H.P. fans know it’s impossible to squeeze all of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ awesomeness into a single film, but the ending of Part I seriously lags. It leaves us a bit more bored than thrilled, and as the book was one of the most exciting of the series... seriously dissatisfied.
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is the tale of a would-be-writer who moves to New York in the 1920s in search of success. Sucked into the world of glamour and wealth, the main character Nick (played by Tobey Maguire in Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 version) discovers the secret, sordid world of the rich. Although the 2013 of the same name offers us an over-the-top taste of the decade, it doesn’t quite capture the spirit of the famed novel. Apparently, adhering to a book doesn’t always produce the same powerful feeling.
The Cat in the Hat
Dr. Seuss created a classic when he dreamed up The Cat in the Hat, and although Mike Myers’s portrayal stays true to his slapstick comedic style, the two do not mesh well. Myers's manic episodes cause Bo Welch’s imagining of The Cat in the Hat to become downright creepy, maybe even borderline horror film-esque. Let’s try again soon, eh? How about Green Eggs and Ham?
Amy Chesler is an author, content creator, blogger, and family woman from Los Angeles, California. Her most recent publications include four different contributions in six different Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies, as well as her first solo children’s book, A Man and His Books. Follow her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/abchesler), Twitter (@abcauthor), or Instagram (@abc_author) for updates, giveaways, and much more!