In this day and age, Hollywood is a swarming hive of arguably creative minds, and all of this genius and artistic ability and pure raw talent has joined their hands together in order to produce the dazzling, the daring, the absolutely amazing and completely world-altering concept of … remakes. And ….. !!!! Sequels. Oh yes. Reusing somebody else’s content is not plagiarism when it’s Hollywood, folks!
For us bookworms, this trend has largely worked in our favor. Hollywood is increasingly looking to books for inspiration for their next big blockbuster hit, each studio hoping that they will be the ones to produce the next Harry Potter. And what with the recent release and instant success of both To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Crazy Rich Asians, I don’t think they’re wrong. In fact, 2018, I hereby dub thee as, “The Year of Adaptions.” Just take a look at some of 2018’s releases to see why:
In case it’s not already obvious, all of these movies are based on books.
With so many adaptions being released, the age-old debate about books vs. movies is not only relevant, but as hot as a waffle iron. (Yup, I’ve gotta throw in at least one illusion to waffles somewhere in this post. Wait, are you rolling your eyes at me, Dear Reader? Why, I do believe you are!)
In recent weeks, my husband and I finished reading the book, Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children together, so naturally we also had to watch the movie directed by Tim Burton. Both movie and book are still fresh in my mind, so I figured it would be appropriate to have them participate in a battle to the death to the pain in order to see which one I liked better.
Who shall be the winner? Let’s find out! *insert wrestling match bell sound effect here*
THE BOOK |
THE MOVIE |
|---|---|
|
Jacob is a wet sandwich. -1 HP If a turtle and a slug had a child, that is what the beginning of this book would look like because it was just so slow. We don’t even meet Miss Peregrine of said Children’s House until page 146 (That’s 40% through the book, people). -1/2 HP
Mental Illness Representation = :) + 1 HP
Not as rushed as the movie +1/2 HP
The photographs are cool and unique, but the story sometimes feels a bit contrived in order to include them. -1/2 HP
Relationship between Jacob and Emma is kooky dooks. Like, Emma was in love with Jacob’s grandfather. And now she’s in love with Jacob. And… everybody’s okay with this? DID I MISS SOMETHING!? -2 HP [Critical Hit]
|
Jacob actually has a personality! Thank you, Asa Butterfield! You will forever and always be Mordred to me. #Merlinforever (I’m still not over that ending though *sobs*). +1 HP
Pacing is off. It feels rushed. Too much happens too fast, especially at the end. – 1 HP
Miss Peregrine is obsessed with time and keeping a schedule, which is fun since her Peculiar is time manipulation. Plus, she is pretty BA. She’s kind of like a crazy-but-lovable drill sergeant. +1/2 HP
The characters’ names and powers are different. Some have been aged up and a pointless love triangle/arc was added in (NoooOooOO)! -1/2 HP
Samuel L. Jackson is a Sassy McSass Face +1 HP
Director = Tim Burton +1,000,000,000,000 HP (Okay, not really, but can we just all agree that his style is totally perfect for this weirdish book) |
GASP!!!!! I liked the movie better than the book? GASP AGAIN!!!!!
Unpopular Opinion Alert: Although both the movie and the book were a solid 3 Stars for me, I think that I enjoyed the movie just a teensy-weensy bit more. (Though my reasoning for that is probably biased. I mean, how could I not be influenced by Nick Fury Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Burton, and Asa Butterfield??) To be honest though, neither were that amazing to begin with, and even with the movie I like the idea of it better than the actual execution.
Here’s a discussion question for you: Is it fair to compare books and movies when they, as Stephen King said, “taste completely different?” Gosh, all this talk about apples and oranges is making me hungry. Anybody else want some fruit now too? I guess that’s what I get when you blog around lunchtime.
Have you read or watched Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children? What did you think?
What do you think about movies based on books?
Is it fair to compare a book to a movie, or vice versa, when they are very different media?
46 Comments
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I’ve mellowed out so much when it comes to movie adaptations. At this point I’m just like, did I enjoy this movie? And if I did, I consider it a success. I might still compare it to the source material and wonder why some decisions were made or certain parts changed, but I usually don’t get upset anymore if it wasn’t completely perfect.
On the other hand, I can’t figure out why they thought it necessary to change Emma’s powers in the film?!
SO TRUE ABOUT EMMA’S POWERS. I think that maybe they thought that the whole floating thing was more visually appealing/unique than fire? But it’s still totally confusing because now the book characters and the movies characters don’t even feel like the same people.
Exactly! I mean, overall I enjoyed it, but I have so many questions.
Yeah, seriously. Especially the ending.
Great post 😲💝💝
Thank you, Priyasha!
I think I like the movie better too! I liked that they swapped who the main protagonist was as well. Fire powers are pretty common, and a bit boring to read about. But being full of air is something pretty unique, and probably one of the reasons the movie stands out as much as it does ❤️
I’m glad that you agree with me! I thought maybe I was crazy for thinking it, but sometimes the movie is just better (though I find those to be rare occasions). Thanks for the comment :)
i have to put if out here. The graphics on your blog are AMAZING THEY’RE SO CUTE AND PRETTYY!!!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCHHHH. It means a lot to me that you would say that :) <3
Although I wasn’t blown away by either book or movie, I think I prefer the book a bit more! I thought the ending of the movie felt too rushed and couldn’t get over why they changed Emma’s powers! Haha. Lovely post tho!!! ❤️❤️
Yeah, the ending of the movie was like, “OOP, we’ve got to keep this movie around two hours so let’s just WRAP THIS UP REAL QUICK. Oh, the ending doesn’t make much sense? Eh. Whatevs.” And yeah, I didn’t particularly like either one much haha.
Great post!! I’ve tried reading the book several times but only ever to the point where Jacob actually gets to the house and meets the other kids. I never go further than that and I’ve picked it up three times already. I also have only seen part of the movie so maybe the story just isn’t for me. And I love comparing books and movies. In the end they are both just different methods of storytelling. And even though they are completely different it all comes down to how well they manage to tell it and how the stories make you feel!
Thanks for your wonderful comment, Angelica! I liked your thoughts about how movies and books are both just storytelling methods. And yeah, I can see why you’ve never been able to finish reading the book. I found it to be pretty slow and hard to get into.
I really liked book 1 of this series bu not enough to continue the series. Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy the movie very much. :( I couldn’t agree with your review more oh I have a similar feature called “Page to screen”! My last reviews were Ready Player one and Simon. next review which is THUG is coming up in a couple of weeks because the movie is hitting the theaters mid October. I REALLY REALLY like when a book is made into a movie so those became a MUST read for me. A Wrinkle in Time and Darkest Minds were DNFs :( I’m excited about All the Bright places and The Knife of Never Letting Go now :)
LOVE THIS POST SO MUCH! :)
Thank you so much, Daniela! I didn’t know The Knife of Never Letting Go was getting a movie adaption! I’ve been wanting to read that one for awhile, so I’ll have to bump it up on my list and make it a priority. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
I love this post SO much and how you compared these two, that’s SO cool. I admire your creativity so much <3
I have read the book a little while ago and… well, it was an okay read, but I wasn't a fan of the relationship either, it just felt too awkward and strange and…. ugh, why hahaha. I haven't watched the movie though, but you're making me consider it now :D
Dawwwww, thank you so much, Marie! It’s fun to try and find new ways to review books! I’m trying to change things up a bit so that I get less bored doing the same sorts of post all the time. And the movie is alright, nothing special, but interesting enough for at least one watch :) Thanks again!
Interresting post !!
I haven’t read the book, but I really loved the movie !! Though, from the look of the movie, the book would’ve been way too much descriptive and difficult for me to read and I would’ve just ended lost in the way.
In the movie, I really loved Miss peregrine’s role and play and the scene in the Titanic (??) underwater, it looked so cool !! i’m not a movie gal, but I def wanna rewatch it again.
The movie was pretty visually interesting, wasn’t it? The book’s writing was less so, but it did include lots of old photographs, so that was something different (though I’m not sure I loved the execution).
Oooh – I’ve never tried reading any of thoses graphic novels with pictures..
I loved this post so much!!
I’ve not seen the movie yet but I’ve read the first book… never continued on with the series though haha. I found the relationship between Jacob and Emma so weird as well – it creeps me out just thinking about it!
Thanks so much, Rose! I’m so glad that I wasn’t the only one who was creeped out by the relationship…it’s just so weird.
Your blog graphics are so cool (especially the one on your about page)! LOVING the waffle theme – waffles are my favourite.
I enjoyed Peregrine but have yet to see the movie. Interesting to hear that you enjoyed both but in different ways.
Thank you so much, Becky! It makes me really happy to know you like the graphics, cause I kind of obsess about making them all perfect haha. And yeshhhhhhhh, aren’t waffles just great???
Oh wow this is such a great way to compare those two, I’m really digging the format :D I actually liked the book a lot, but the movie also had some great points :) and “Jacob is a wet sandwich” made me laugh so much 😂
Thanks so much, Caro! I’m glad I was able to get you to laugh :)
This post was incredibly fun to read! I love video games and movie adaptations and this was a super cool way to compare book vs movie.
I’ve read Miss Peregrine but ages ago and I loved the found photos A LOT but overall the story was kind of bland. And I just haven’t watched the film because I’m kind of burnt out on Tim Burton? Burntoned out? Anywho!
And like I said, I love when books get adapted because there’s always a chance they’ll be great, and some I do like better than the books (Fight Club) and some I love just as much (The Outsiders) and some I could never choose between because each version of the story is so perfect; Both. Both is good (Stardust and Howl’s Moving Castle).
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS WONDERFUL COMMENT. <3 Okay, too much caps lock. Gotta reel it back it. But seriously, thank you! I actually laughed out loud at your Burton pun. That one was SO good. And then you quoted The Road to El Dorado, and I knew that I had met a kindred spirit. Plus, Stardust and Howl's Moving Castle = <3
Ahhh yay (The Road to El Dorado)!! So chuffed you caught that :D
Ohhh boy if we’re quoting 90s/early 2000s cartoon movies, I’m your gal. Esp. if it’s Disney :)
Okay, I absolutely *love* the formatting of your post and your writing style! (Especially the illusion to waffles — that was brilliantly weaved in there, I don’t know how you did it so effortlessly 😂) I haven’t read either the book or seen the movie, but this creative post of yours is making me tempted to see the movie. Maybe I’ll watch it during Halloween season with some friends 😊 I loved reading this post of yours, Kat!
Haha thanks so much, Zoie! It was fun to write this post, so I’m happy you enjoyed it. ALSO – I was wondering when somebody would call me out on my horrible waffle reference 😂😂😂And yeah, it would totally make a good Autumn/Halloween read. :)
Oh, it wasn’t horrible at all! It was very seamlessly put in there 😂
Oh good :) Thanks for boosting my confidence!
Alright apparently I need to cave and watch the movie!!!!! But I agree with you that the book was a solid 3 stars. I love this post so much! Your blog is the best thing ever.
THANK YOU SO MUCH! That really means EVERYTHING to me! I’m not crying your crying 😭😭😭
This is the first time I’ve stumbled upon your blog, and it’s so pretty & the way you executed this post is genius!? I mean, TEACH ME YOUR SECRETS haha.
I *really* wanted to love the book, because it looked so pretty & one of my close friends adored it, but oh boy, was it a disappointment! Like you said, the characters felt so bland and the plot was soooo slooow. I actually love slow-burn stories, but this… wow, not good. ALSO, yes, it was very creepy how Emma used to be in love with Jacob’s grandfather…. and then promptly fell in love with Jacob. Wtf. I liked the movie A LOT, though – I saw it in the cinema, and it was just too pretty, so even if it was rushed, I was more or less satisfied. I’d rate it 7/10 probably. Okay fine, partly that is probably because of Eva Green, who I’ve loved since seeing her in Penny Dreadful.
Answering to your question, I think it’s okay to compare a book and it’s adaptation.. as long as we let the movie breath, and remember it doesn’t have to be exactly like the book and can be changed in bigger ways as long as its good.
Great post!!
Veronika @ The Regal Critiques
I haven’t read the book though I did watch a part of the movie! I liked it and will need to watch it entirely one of these days.
I absolutely love how your made this post – the graphics and writing were a fun combo!!
I do compare books with the movies, I mean, it can’t be helped! But most times I end up watching the movie and that’s just enough for me.
DAWWWW thanks so much, Cam! I really appreciate your wonderful comment :) And I agree with what you said about just ending up watching the movie. Unless it’s a story I’m actually really interested in, I’m usually just going to watch the movie. And if I like the movie enough, maybe I’ll read the book. Haha I wonder if that’s bad ???
[…] Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children // Ransom Riggs // ★★★☆☆ – I read this book back in high school and for some unknown reason, LOVED IT. Like, I rated it 5 stars on Goodreads. SMH. What were you thinking, past me? It just goes to show that your opinion of a book can change. […]
[…] Books vs. Movies || Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Kat @ Novels & Waffles […]
Great verdict, Kat! I’m not a fan of Miss P. I thought the book was boring and the pacing is excruciatingly slow. If there’s one director who can do justice for the book, it’s none other than Tim Burton and I’m glad he did. I enjoyed the movie a lot more (same with your rating, solid 3.) I just never thought Miss Peregrine would be young. While I was reading the book I thought she’s 50+ years old.
Also, I think there are scenes from Hollow City that are included in the movie? I’m not entirely sure because I’ve read the sequel ages ago. I laughed so hard when Ryu gave Guile an uppercut. Such a sassy review. :)
Okay, first off, THANK YOU SO MUCh for this wonderful comment, Beatrice :) It means the world to me! I’m glad you agreed with me on this one – I find it strange as a book lover to say that I enjoyed the movie better, but it’s good to know I’m not the only one. And yeah, I pictured Miss Peregrine much older too, but I guess that’s Hollywood for you. Everybody’s got to be young and beautiful. Again, I’m so glad you liked the review :)
Love reading your review and glad we shared the same thoughts! Keep doing this girl! You’re very welcome <3
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