In case you’re unfamiliar with Every Day, the story, both the book by David Levithan and the film, follows A, a person who switches bodies every 24 hours. Full disclosure, I did not like the book. I couldn’t even finish it, honestly. I thought the concept was interesting but the story itself was boring and I think I gave up after the first few chapters.
That being said, when I saw the trailer for the film adaptation I actually thought it looked good. Maybe it was because the film was more in the love interest’s perspective than the character of A, who’s switching bodies. Whatever the reason, I was intrigued and since I have a MoviePass, which meant seeing the film didn’t really cost be anything, I decided to give it a try. Also, another full disclosure, Levithan is currently teaching my Lit Seminar so I was a little curious to see what my professor’s book was all about.
Anyway, I actually enjoyed the film. It was a pretty cute love story that, as I said, really focused more on Rhiannon (Angourie Rice), who I loved. I thought her story was really interesting, especially when it came to her home/family life. It was also interesting to see how dating A really affected her life at home and at school. However, I wasn’t totally convinced about A as character. As one of my friends said, I kind of couldn’t see A as a character, because everyone who was A was different and so it just felt like Rhiannon was falling in love with different people, not the same person. There were also some weird flashback scenes that I could’ve done without.
Overall, I’ll probably never watch this movie again, but it was a cute one time watch. My friend claims the book is better, which, based on my history with books to movie adaptations, I can believe. So maybe just read the book and skip this one.
I loved Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon when I read it last year so I was super excited to see the movie, especially when I discovered Amandla Stenberg was playing Maddy.
For those that haven’t read this book (for shame!), the story follows 18-year-old Maddy who has spent the majority of her life inside her house because she has a disease that basically makes her allergic to everything. However, when a boy named Olly (Nick Robinson) moves in next door, Maddy begins to think maybe some things are worth the risk.
I thought the casting for the film was really well done. I was hesitant about Robinson as Olly at first but seeing him in the role, I thought he was perfectly casted. I also thought Anika Noni Rose as Maddy’s mom was a good choice though I do wish they would’ve chosen an Asian actress since Maddy’s mom was Asian in the book. However, as I suspected when I first saw the trailer, the movie basically flipped the races of Maddy’s parents, making her father Asian. Still, her father is dead in the film so this diminished the opportunity for Asian representation, which is disappointing.
Besides that, the film did make a few other changes that I wasn’t particularly fond of. For one, Maddy and Olly’s text conversations were shown in the form of them meeting up in Maddy’s architectural models, along with the astronaut she includes in each of her models. I just thought this was a strange way to show their conversations and didn’t like it at all. I especially didn’t like that the astronaut kind of became a character. It just seemed strange to me.
I was also disappointed that the film took out Nick’s friend but he wasn’t necessary for the story so I get the change. Another change, which I actually did like, was that Carla’s daughter and Maddy were actually friends in the film because they weren’t in the book. It was nice that Maddy had a friend that was around her age.
Overall, I did like the film. Of course it didn’t hold a candle to the book but it was decent. Would I see it again? Probably not, but it was a nice romantic film and as far as book to movie adaptations go, I’ve definitely seen worse.
Have you seen the Everything, Everything movie yet? Let me know your thoughts on it in the comments below.
I was lucky enough to win two “free” (up to $12 value which in NYC doesn’t cover the whole ticket) tickets to see Me Before You and I was super excited because I absolutely loved the book. I feel like I read the book recently enough to do a full comparison between the two and thus begins a new segment on my blog I’m calling From Page to Screen. I hope to do this with some other books to movie/TV in the future but for now here’s my full assessment on Me Before You.
*Note: If you don’t want to be spoiled about the movie and/or the book look away!*
Characters
Source: MGM
Emilia Clarke was the perfect Louisa. She was totally awkward and quirky, exactly as I imagined she would be. And the outfits! So spot on! Sam Claflin played such a good Will Traynor and the chemistry between the two of them was undeniable. I absolutely loved it.
Matthew Lewis as Patrick was surprisingly good. Not to say that Matthew is a bad actor but it’s always hard to see an actor who you know as one character (Neville) become someone completely different. But Lewis did an amazing job. I hated Patrick almost as much as I hated him in the book, which was the point.
The whole Clark family was spot on but I definitely liked Treena more in the movie than I did in the books. I think that’s mainly because we don’t really see a lot of her in the movie. In the book she was very bratty to me and I didn’t like how she just expected Lou to pick up the slack and support the family while she went off to school. In the film Lou and Treena are very close and you don’t really see the different dynamics to their relationship as much as you do in the book.
Also, I don’t remember Lou’s mom’s religion be the explicit reason why in the books she didn’t approve of Lou going to be with Will in Switzerland, however in the movie it is heavily implied that that’s the case. Still this was something minor and the fact remains that they got the character of Lou’s mom perfectly.
One character that didn’t make it into the movie was Will’s sister, Georgina. Honestly, I didn’t really miss her that much. She didn’t play a big role in the book so her being taken out wasn’t that big of a deal.
Plot
Source: Wander or Ponder
For the most part the movie stuck to the book but I was very upset that they removed Lou’s rape scene in the maze. This was a major part of the book and the main reason why Lou was so stuck in her town. If you didn’t read the book, Lou went out with her friends and got very drunk. They, along with a group of guys they met, went to the castle and went in the maze. Lou got lost and couldn’t find her way out and she was surrounded by those guys. The next thing she knows she wakes up naked and alone, and Treena had to take her home.
Lou and Treena never spoke about that night again, Lou never hung out with those girls again, and Lou never told anyone about that until Will challenges her to go through the maze and she has a panic attack. Lou finally opens up about what happened that night and how she cancelled the trip she was supposed to take and decided it was better and safer to just stay in her little town.
That was a major plot point and the fact that it wasn’t even mentioned in the film was devastating to me because when I read that in the book I finally felt like I understood Lou. It explained so much about her and why she was the way she was. More than that, to me, it made her relationship with Will seem more real. Will helped her in a lot of ways but Lou opening up to him about that night was a huge turning point in their relationship. To me, that’s when they really started, or at least realized, they were falling in love with each other.
Some smaller plot points that were missing was Mr. Traynor’s (Will’s dad) affair and Lou moving in with Patrick. Both of these weren’t really that big of a deal to me. I hated when Lou moved in with Patrick in the book so I didn’t miss seeing it in the movie. And I was glad Will’s dad was less of a jerk in the movie, plus you could still see how Will’s parents marriage was strained in the movie, just without the affair.
Overall
Source: MGM
As always the book was better than the movie. Still, the movie came pretty close and I would definitely see it again. It made me cry just like the book did and I loved seeing these characters come to life on screen. It’s definitely worth seeing if you haven’t already.
Have you seen Me Before You yet? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments below!
It seems now more than ever books are being turned into movies. From Harry Potter to Paper Towns it’s gotten a little out of control. It’s almost strange now if a best selling novel doesn’t become a movie. But is this a good thing? Yesterday guest poster Shant Istamboulian discussed books that were turned into great movies but that’s not always the case.
How do you feel about books becoming movies? Is it a bad idea or is it cool seeing your favorite books becoming films? Vote in the poll below.
This was probably the closest poll I’ve ever had on this blog, which isn’t surprising. With a majority of only 30.77% the winner is The Prisoner of Azkaban. Also, Happy Birthday Harry!
There’s no better time to catch up on your Black Pop Culture than during Black History Month. Whether it’s a historically based film or a comedy, “black” films tend to be underrated. If you haven’t seen these films before now’s as good a time as any to see what you’ve been missing.
1. The Best Man
The 90s were a great time for Black films. This film is a hilarious dramedy focusing on Harper, a novelist, who’s recently written a book based on his college days. However, the books contains a secret that Harper has been hiding from his best friend, Lance, who is about to get married. Filled with a very attractive cast this movie will have you laughing, crying, and gasping all the way through.
2. The Wood
1999 was clearly a good year for films that revolved around a wedding and a group of guys. Friends, Mike, Slim, and Roland, reminiscence on their high school days (shown in flashbacks) as Roland prepares to get married (or maybe not). Showing the hilarity of a man (or boy’s) mind this one is definitely a goodie.
3. Love & Basketball
Seriously, if you haven’t seen this film before I just can’t. I love this movie. Following two kids from the first day they meet on the basketball court all the way through their college years we get to see all the drama, laughs, and fights that define their relationship. As they say in the film, “Nothing’s fair in love and basketball.”
4. Remember the Titans
Again, another movie everyone should watch. Classic film. What I love about this movie is it deals with the issues of segregation in a way that keeps people interested but also makes it clear that this isn’t just for entertainment. This film tells the story of integration and how a football team was able to bring together two different groups of people in a way that hadn’t been done in that town before. Amazing.
5. The Great Debaters
Another amazingly moving film. This film not only has a great cast (Denzel Washington and Forest Whittaker amongst so many others) but was also directed by Washington and produced by Oprah Winfrey. The movie itself is great because it deals with a time that many don’t talk about. The time between the Reconstruction Period and the start of the Civil Rights movement. It has been argued that the civil rights movement started long before Martin Luther King, Jr. was around and I think this movie kind of shows that. Many stories of African-Americans doing great things has been lost to an American history that lacks color. The thing that I love most about this movie is it shows people there’s more to Black History than just the big names. There’s so many others that have been forgotten and people need to be reminded of that.
6. The Butler
If you’re looking for something a little more recent this movie was fantastic. Forest Whittaker and Oprah Winfrey did a great job in this movie. What makes it so inspiring is it shows two different generations of African-Americans: one who grew up being taught to be silent and respect the white man and one who challenged those ideas. I still can’t believe it didn’t get nominated for any Oscar. A shame.
7. The Color Purple
Based on the novel written by Alice Walker, this film tells the story of Celie, along with many other African-American women during the 1930s. The story demonstrates the trials these women faced, how they overcame them, and how some didn’t. I think this movie gets a bad rap sometimes because it’s not the easiest movie to watch but that’s because it deals with tough issues that can make people feel uncomfortable. However, I think it’s a great film and the musical was awesome as well, though it’s sadly no longer running.
8. Coming to America
I love Eddie Murphy. I think he is absolutely hilarious and talented. Playing multiple roles in this movie, he shows the story of a African prince traveling to America to find his Queen which of course leads him to Queens, NY. Naturally hilarity ensues as Prince Akeem (Murphy) pretends to be a normal American and falls in love.
9. Friday
Out of the whole trilogy (though supposedly they’re making a fourth one) this is the funniest one. Ice Cube and Chris Tucker make a hilarious pair. These two friends go through their Friday running from gangsters trying to kill them, trying to get money, and just plain trying to survive. These two are hilarious as is the whole cast. Definitely a movie to watch.
10. Set It Off
Last but certainly not least is Set It Off. This cast is filled with four amazing black actresses. The premise is four women getting even with a system that they feel is against them and in a way most certainly is. Obviously I’m not saying robbing banks was the best solution but it definitely makes for a good movie. A must see!
There are way more films that could be added to this list but for now I’ll leave you with these. Definitely try to expand your horizons this Black History Month by not only watching movies but actually learning about black history. Enjoy!
In honor of the first snow day of the semester here’s my top 10 favorite ways to enjoy the unexpected day off.
1. Drink hot chocolate
Source: Starbucks
Nothing feels better than sitting indoors, wrapped in a warm blanket, drinking some hot chocolate while watching the snow fall. Delicious!
2. Binge watch your favorite TV show
Another wonderful activity you can do in the safety of your own home (and bed) is catch up on your favorite shows. What’s better than comfortably watching Fitz “earn” Olivia while wrapped in some blankets (and drinking that hot chocolate).
3. Read a book
Source: Tumblr
I know this one isn’t for everyone but really if you haven’t tried reading a book by the fire place (even if it’s a fake one) you don’t know what you’re missing. Nothing is better than getting lost in a good book on a snowy, wintery day.
4. Cuddling
Source: Tumblr
There’s no better time to invest in a cuddle buddy then on a snowy, winter day. If you don’t have an actual cuddle buddy (it’s okay don’t be ashamed) there is now an easy solution for your problem: a cuddle pillow! However, if this sounds as weird to you as it did to me you could always just keep it old school and cuddle with your teddy bear. No shame in my game.
5. Movie Night (or day really)
Source: Tumblr
Missed Frozen last weekend? Still haven’t seen all The Fast and Furious movies (RIP Paul Walker)? Or just want to see some Disney classics for the fifth time? Well lucky for you we live in the 21st century where almost every movie you could think of is available at your disposable via the Internet. Enjoy!
6. Build a snowman
Source: Tumblr
If you’re more daring than I and actually want to go outside in this whether there’s many things you can do, the first of which is building a snowman. So grab anyone that’s crazy enough to join you, get a carrot, some sticks, and maybe some accessories you don’t plan on using anytime soon and get to work.
7. Snowball Fight
Source: The Georgetown Voice
This is the best way anyone could voluntarily get me to go outside in the snow. Nothing is better than getting your team together and facing off with another team for a snowball fight. Definitely a fun time in the snow.
8. Snow Angels
Source: Wikipedia
I’m never one to voluntarily lay down in the snow and get all wet. However, something about making a snow angel just makes you feel like you five years old again. Plus, you can always change into some dry, warm clothes after you’re done.
9. Igloo
I have never successfully made one of these but I would love to be able to. I think this would be so cool (literally). It’d be a little house made of snow to play in. Maybe one day. *sighs*
10. Sledding
I’ve never actually gone sledding but I have gone snow tubbing and I think it’s kind of the same thing. Either way I love it. It’s really fun and doesn’t take much skill unlike skiing or snowboarding. Definitely one of my favorite winter activities.
As Hollywood gets less creative and innovative we see the increase of books being turned into movies. Of course, this isn’t a new practice its just become more frequent. Here’s the books that I’m most interested to see on the big screen this year (so far anyway).
1. The Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters (February 14)
I love this book series by Richelle Mead (I own almost all of the books), which is why I’m a little disappointed in what I’ve seen of the movie so far. This film looks more like a comedy then the drama and love filled series of books I remember. Even though I’m going to try to resist, I’m sure I’ll still end up going to see this movie in theaters. Maybe since my expectations are so low the movie will actually surpass them.
2. Divergent (March 21)
I’m still on the waiting list to get this book from the library so I can’t really say how the trailer compares to the novel. What I can say is the trailer looked so good I felt inspired to actually read the first book in this trilogy created by Veronica Roth. I’d heard a lot about these books and it was all over Tumblr but I resisted reading it because it sounded like just another dystopian novel with a heroine and her love interest. Even though I tend to love books like that I was getting sick of reading the same thing. Even so, this trailer does look really good so I’m willing to give a book a try to prep for the film.
3. The Fault in Our Stars (June 6)
I loved this book by John Green. It’s probably my favorite book by him and he’s written some great ones. There’s no trailer yet so I can’t say how close I think it’ll resemble the book but the movie poster looks great and Green was heavily involved in the making of the film so I have high hopes for it. All we can do now is wait and see. If you haven’t read the book yet I would definitely recommend it.
4. The Maze Runner (September 19)
(Source: imdb.com)
This is based on another book I didn’t read. I did try to read it however, I just couldn’t get into. I think I got three chapters in before I gave up. However, because Dylan O’Brien will be playing the main character and I’m obsessed with him I might still give this one a try. It depends on how the trailer looks when it comes out, which I’m guessing will be released when Divergent drops. We shall see.
5. Mocking Jay Part 1 (November 21, 2014)
In my personal opinion (and I’ve found many others agree with me) this was the worst book in the trilogy. Though I applaud Suzanne Collins for keeping it real with all the deaths that occur in this last book (because lets face it, this is a war; there will be casualties) it was still not the best book. Therefore I’m kind of hoping the writers, directors, and makers of this film take creative license over this one. As long as they didn’t stray to far from the novel I’d be okay with it. We’ve got a long way to go before this comes out but I’m hoping for the best. The first two films were great and I’m expecting these last two will be just as good.
6. The Giver (August 15)
I don’t even remember how long ago I read this book but similar to a lot of these novels that are being adapted into films, this is based on a dystopian world where the Giver is the only person who is allowed access to the true memories of the past. Every child is dictated what their job will be for the rest of their lives and the main character, Jonas, is chosen to learn from the Giver so he can become the next one. Its too early to tell how this will turn out. The fact that Taylor Swift has been casted in it doesn’t bode well for me since she didn’t do well in Valentine’s Day. However, Meryl Streep will also be in the film and I love her so I’ll give it points for that. Fingers crossed.
Zakiya N. Jamal 