Category Archives: Movie Adaptations

Stephen King’s The Dark Tower May Yet Light Up Theaters

Between movies based on the re-imaginings of fairy tales, literary remixes and one shot book deals, production companies are looking for the next big franchise. For popular comic book titles like Batman and Spider-man, some properties can even be remade until the heat death of the universe. So what will be the next big thing? Who will take over for the Harry Potter series or the Twilight Saga for multi-film dominance? (editors note: The Hunger Games!)

According to Deadline, Warner Bros. Is very close to completing a deal which will bring the Stephen King name once again to the movie screen. Not a contrived horror story about an evil lamp or stapler; Thank you Simpsons; but instead the films will be adaptations of King’s Dark Tower series.

This screen adaptation has currently been written by Akiva Goldsman, who will also produce the movie alongside Brian Grazer and Stephen King. Ron Howard has been brought on to direct the first feature film in what might be many more to come. To compound the ability to make money in this multi-film deal, there is even talks of a television series that might supplement the action between films; lots of Spartacus like prequels. Wow. I just realized that’s what they might end up doing for Ender’s Game if they go into sequels. Not only are there little short stories that serve as prequels, but they’re making new comics based on the life of Mazer Rackham.

King’s Dark Tower is a post-apocalyptic story that is equal parts spaghetti western and Tolkian fantasy. Portions I recall from the bits and pieces of comics I’ve read involve a wandering gun slinger who paid with things from his grow-bag; a magical pouch that would spit out coins and the occasional gem. The movie was initially pitched to Universal Studios back in 2010 as a three film deal with two limited-run television series. Probably thinking it was too much of a gamble to fully commit, the studio only gave the green light for one film. It’s the safe choice to make considering that the Dark Tower series is seven books long. As popular as the series has become, The Dark Tower is not as family friendly as Harry Potter was; a lot more violent and more horrific.

Nothing is written in stone yet, so don’t get your hopes up too soon. Warner Bros. Hasn’t fully committed, but with the momentum that the Howard and his team has built up, The Dark Tower looks like it’s prime for Hollywood plucking. So who will play Roland Deschain, the last living member of the knightly order of gunslingers? When the film adaptation was in Universal Studios’ hands, Javier Bardem; No Country for Old Men; was attached to the lead role. Who else would be more perfect to play an emotionless, compassionless killing machine? If schedules all work out in time for the potential filming of The Dark Tower, Bardem will likely keep the role.

Paramount Delays World War Z Release Date

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Paramount recently reported that they had pushed back the release date of the upcoming film adaptation, World War Z. The film will now be pushed from this year to next year. It was originally supposed to open in theaters on December 21, 2012, however, the studio has set the film back by 6 months. It will now open on June 21st, 2013.

The film is the big screen adaptation of the fictional oral history novel of the Z-day (or the zombie apocalypse) and was written by Max Brooks. It is directed by Marc Forster and is starring Brad Pitt who also produced the film.

The move of the film might have to do with the incredibly christmas season of movies this year. Including, The Hobbit, Les Miserables, Life Of Pi, This Is Forty, and The Great Gatsby. With all these high profile films being released, it is understandable to want to hold off to a time when World War Z can be the center of attention. The move to the new release date now puts World War Z one week after the release of the new Superman reboot.

And in case you were wondering, Tom Cruise’s One Shot has been moved into World War Z‘s December 21st spot for 2012.

Personally, I am pretty bummed this has been delayed so far. I LOVED the novel (read it like three times) so I was pretty pumped for the adaptation. My only worry was that Brad Pitt was too big of a name to be in the starring role. But now we have to wait till next year to see this film.

The novel is a collection of individual accounts in the form of first-person anecdotes. Brooks plays the role of an agent of the United Nations Postwar Commission, who published the report a decade after the Zombie War. The United Nations left much of his research out of the official report, choosing to focus on facts and figures from the war rather than the individual stories that form the bulk of Brooks’ novel. The interviews chart a decade-long war against zombies from the view point of many different people of various nationalities. The personal accounts also describe the changing religious, geo-political, and environmental aftermath of the Zombie War.

If you haven’t read this book, DO IT.NOW. Seriously.

AMC Theaters Unleashes an Ultimate Marvel Marathon

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AMC Theaters has announced today that they will be holding an all-day Ultimate Marvel Marathon on May 3 in select cities. The event that will start at 11:30 AM, will show five previous movies from Marvel Studios, beginning with Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, in that order. Mind you that these movies are the ones that Marvel acknowledges as being tied into The Avengers movie. This will culminate towards a midnight showing of The Avengers.

You can watch all six movies as a special movie package for the one time price of $40, that you can purchase now from select AMC theaters.

Boston Common 19 Boston, MA

Burbank 16 Burbank, CA

Downtown Disney 12 Anaheim, CA

Aventura 24 Aventura, FL

Empire 25 New York, NY

Garden State 16 Paramus, NJ

Downtown Disney 24 Lake Buena Vista, FL

Metreon 16 San Francisco, CA

Alderwood 16 Lynnwood, WA

Tysons Corner 16 McLean, VA

Depending on how ticket sales go, I’m sure there will be more theaters announced; AMC says on March 16^th; and more tickets will go on sale the same day.

There are several reasons why this is a good and bad idea.

To begin, a person will spend $40 for the honor, nay, the privilege of being the first to watch new super hero movie. This will include a long lineup that begins well before the 11:30AM start time, as hard core fans camp out the night in a line up, all in attempts to jockey for the best seats in the house. You can definitely expect there will be many people in attendance so you will have to be prepared to spend the evening in a cramped busy place.

Yes, like the Rocky Horror Picture show fan base, this movie event will draw in cosplayers. So if you are someone who that might make you uncomfortable, then you might want to stay at home. On the other hand, if you love cosplaying (or at least don’t mind it) then you will probably have a great time here!

Then comes concessions. This is how the theater makes it money back. During the thirteen some odd hours of being cooped in a pig pen like atmosphere, people are going to want to eat. Hopefully there will be unlimited refills on all large sized drinks, because $20 to $30 for popcorn, candy and a drink is a lot of money to be spending. Then again, can you last that long without real food? Woe to the person who sits next to someone who’s smuggled in tin foil wrapped food. The crinkling of bags and foil throughout the theater will drive everyone mad.

The best argument going for why this is a great idea is for the experience and the atmosphere. Somehow the expected camaraderie of what may be a nerd support group is suppose to make the entire experience worthwhile. Who doesn’t love experiencing things like this with others who feel the same as you do? Having others there who are enjoying it as much as you, can make this event even more fun for attendees.

Frankly, the only thing that makes this idea seem bad for me, is that it might be tough being there all day (but anyone who has camped out for a premiere will not find this a problem) and the large crowds of people this is sure to attract. But in the end, true superhero fans and self-proclaimed geeks/nerds will find this a fantastic night and definitely worth the money to attend.

Note: this article was edited and rewritten in certain parts by the editor.

Critics and Celebs Tweet Love For Hunger Games Film

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The official Hunger Games film premiered last night, and to ease the worries of many fans, critics and celebs alike have been tweeting their love and support for the highly anticipated adaptation. While there are not many full reviews out (those will come later) we do have a collection of tweets from those at the premiere last night.

One critic, Germain Lusser has said that the film was exceptional and that the director had “knocked this movie out of the park.” And many others have claimed it be one of the best adaptations in a long time.

Lussier went on to tweet that,

The Hunger Games – B+. An exciting, emotional adaptation that gets most everything right. Its one flaw is it might be too smart for itself.

Glee star, Darren Criss, took to Twitter last night to also show his love for the film.

In short, The Hunger Games was great. They did an awesome job. Fun at the premiere tonight with @JoeyRichter … http://t.co/3MytBxUg

Joey Richter countered Criss’ tweet with,

The Hunger Games premiere w/ @DarrenCriss was oodles of fun Especially the badassery of @jackie_emerson. Not ashamed to say I sobbed.

Kelly Osbourne gave the film a “must see” rating when she tweeted,

Just got out of seeing #HungerGames all I have to say is wow! It really is a must see!

Steven Weintraub added to the mix by putting the worries of fans to rest with his statement,

If you’re a HUNGER GAMES fan, happy to report the film is great and you’re going to be very happy with Gary Ross’ film.

Todd Gilchrist agreed with the sentiment when he tweeted his approval of the film.

I’m getting in line behind my colleagues to say that The Hunger Games is terrific- thoughtful, thrilling, well-acted & emotionally engaging.

Silas Lesnick wasn’t shy about really loving The Hunger Games. After the premiere he tweeted,

I can now tell you all that I’ve seen — and really loved — THE HUNGER GAMES. It’s not just a great adaptation. It’s a new sci-fi classic.

One of the actresses from the film, Annie Thurman, took to Twitter after the premiere saying,

The Hunger Games premiere was absolutely flawless. Thank you soo much Lionsgate, Gary Ross, Cast and crew, and all you fans that made this..

Jeremy Smith said he was surprised by the film, praising the film and actress Jennifer Lawrence.

Completely surprised by THE HUNGER GAMES. Loved it. Dark, exciting, ambiguous sci-fi allegory. Another amazing performance from J. Lawrence.

The actor who plays Thresh in the film, Dayo Okeniyi, only had one thing to say about the premiere,

What a night, What a night, WHAT A NIGHT!!!

Kimmy West gave the film one of the highest compliments when she said,

Just saw #TheHungerGames. Most faithful adaptation of a book I have EVER seen. Just amazing.

And amazing writer (and twitterer) Neil Gaiman did a “brief” review of the film for his followers:

And brief review: I enjoyed The Hunger Games movie a lot – Donald Sutherland is wonderful. Maddy liked it, but she much preferred the book.

This over pouring over love for the film has definitely settled worries that it may not live up to my expectations. Personally, March 23rd can not get here fast enough. You can watch the trailer below if you need something to hold you over till we can see the film next week.

The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

The plot for the film is as follows:Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the Capitol, of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.You can see the official cast below:

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
Amandla Stenberg as Rue
Alexander Ludwig as Cato
Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
Leven Rambin as Glimmer
Jack Quaid as Marvel
Donald Sutherland as President Snow
Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
Latarsha Rose as Portia

6th Annual Book Tournament Match-Up: Dark Inside VS Bumped

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Round 1 of the 6th Annual BSC Book Tournament begins with match-ups between the Female Leads and the Male Leads brackets. If you missed it, you can see our announcement of the brackets here as well as the unveiling of the full tournament schedule here. But now it is time for the voting to start!

We are keeping each round in its own post, but don’t worry! They will all be linked together to make it easier for you.

8: Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts VS Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Continue on to the next one here!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the Female Leads VS The Male Leads bracket. If you experience any technical issues with the polling, please email Sarah@boomtron.com with the problem. Polls will be open until Wednesday night, and results will be announced on Friday, March 16th.

Dakota Hood Talks The Hunger Games and Being A Tribute

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Dakota Hood will soon appear as one of the 24 tributes in the upcoming film adaptation, The Hunger Games. She portrays the District 10 Tribute Girl. She recently took the time to sit down with us and discuss the film, working on set, and the main cast.

Hood plays a young lady who is chosen in the reaping to be a tribute for District 10, a district known primarily for their livestock. Unfortunately her character doesn’t last to long into the 74th Hunger Games. The actress, Dakota Hood, is very talented and is already making a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Be sure to watch her and her male counterpart in The Hunger Games, hitting theaters March 23, 2012.

Optionated: Dakota Hood

Have you read The Hunger Games? If so what was your favorite scene from the novel?

I have. I was a big fan of the books before I got the role, so when I heard I was cast I was so excited. I love the last scene between Katniss and Rue it’s so touching and I cried when I first read it.

Did you know the role your character played when you got the part?

I did since I knew the storyline. I was very excited to be cast in District Ten.

How faithful do you think the adaptation is going to be based on the book?

I think fans of the books are going to be very happy with what they see.

What the best part about working on the set?

Everyone on set was so amazing. Everyone in the cast was so professional. I was floored with how much talent is in this cast.

On set, which actor/actress was the funniest, and which one was the most serious?

Everyone on set was always making each other laugh in between takes. The guys always had something to say to make us laugh.

How well do you think that Jennifer, Liam, and Josh embody their characters?

I think there were cast so amazingly in their parts. Each one of them are great actors and people.

I have to ask, Are you “Team Peeta” or “Team Gale”?

I just can’t choose one… It’s so hard, I love them both 🙂

If you could choose, which District would you have chosen to live in?

Ten of course 🙂

What do you think makes this series so successful and loved?

Suzanne Collins is one of the greatest writers of our day, and what she did with the books was incredible. I think you can’t help but fall in love with each character. They are loved by everyone at any age.

Have you seen the completed film yet? If so, what did you think watching it?

I haven’t. I can’t wait to see it though. Everyone worked so hard. I will see it at the premiere for the first time.

New Exclusive Clip: Peeta’s Interview With Caesar

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I hate myself a little bit for watching this clip. Some of you may remember that this scene was on my list of scenes I was most excited to see in the film. I kind of wish I hadn’t watched it, but I couldn’t resist! The film is less than two weeks away and I am getting antsy.

This clip features favorite character Peeta professing his love for Katniss Everdeen on stage in front of all Panem (and who wouldn’t love her?)

Good did come out of seeing this clip though. Peeta, being my favorite character in the whole series, I was a little worried that he wouldn’t be portrayed the way I wanted. I knew Josh Hutcherson was casted perfectly for the film, but when it comes to book adaptations, sometime you worry.

I think he did a fantastic job delivering this scene. And once again, I am incredibly anxious to see this movie at midnight next week.

You can watch the new clip below:

The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

The plot for the film is as follows:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the Capitol, of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

You can see the official cast below:

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
Amandla Stenberg as Rue
Alexander Ludwig as Cato
Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
Leven Rambin as Glimmer
Jack Quaid as Marvel
Donald Sutherland as President Snow
Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
Latarsha Rose as Portia

New Behind-The-Scenes Footage From The Hunger Games

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If you have any worries that Jennifer Lawrence would be passable as a archery expert, this video will definitely ease your mind. You can see in this behind the scenes video, Lawrence practicing her archery skills and talking about the training she did for the film.

Frankly, I think she is going to do a fantastic job. She obviously trained incredibly hard for the film and it really shows.

Just watch the video below!

The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

The plot for the film is as follows:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the Capitol, of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

You can see the official cast below:

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
Amandla Stenberg as Rue
Alexander Ludwig as Cato
Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
Leven Rambin as Glimmer
Jack Quaid as Marvel
Donald Sutherland as President Snow
Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
Latarsha Rose as Portia

Olivia Williams Joins The Seventh Son

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Olivia Williams recently signed on to the upcoming film adaptation The Seventh Son. Fans might recognize Williams from her role in Rushmore (one of the greatest films) and her role in Joss Whedon’s too soon cancelled television show “Dollhouse.”

The film has already has a few stars signed on along with Williams including Jeff Bridges, Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore, Alicia Vikander, Antje Traue and Kit Harington. The project is being directed by Sergei Bordrov with the script being written by Matt Greenberg and Chuck Leavitt.

This film should not be confused as being an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Orson Scott Card (although that would make more sense seeing as Ender’s Game is coming up).

The Seventh Son will be the big screen adaptation of the novel series, The Spook’s Apprentice written by (American title: The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch), written by Joseph Delaney, is the first story in the series “The Wardstone Chronicles.”

The novel follows 13-year-old Tom, a farm boy who lives in the countryside of The County. Tom is the seventh son of a seventh son, which allows him the ability to see things other cannot, such as boggarts, ghasts, ghosts and others which is tradition in the County.

The official description of the The Spook’s Apprentice:

“For years, the local Spook has been keeping the County safe from evil. Now his time is coming to an end, but who will take over? Many apprentices have tried… Some floundered, some fled, some failed to stay alive. Just one boy is left. Thomas Ward. He is the last hope. But does he stand a chance against Mother Malkin, the most dangerous witch in the County?”

Thomas J. Ward is special because he was born the seventh son of a seventh son. Based on an old folklore that the seventh son of a seventh son would have special powers; magic powers, healing, preternatural senses and hopefully eye beams; if he comes from an unbroken line with no female children born between. So with supernatural abilities, Tom furthers his training with the help of a learned Spook/Sorcerer/Wizard/Priest/Exorcist.

Expect to see the film hitting theaters February 15, 2013.

Undying Love For Audiences Everywhere

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The vampire movie genre isn’t done yet. Even with Twilight nearing it’s long run come December, it seems that studios execs are under the impression that audiences want more vampire cow bell. Alexandre Aja of Piranha 3D is currently in talks to direct an action packed vampire adaptation of Undying Love according to Deadline.

Undying Love is a graphic novel series from Image Comics, written and illustrated by Tomm Coker and Daniel Freedman.

The story is officially described as follows:

A horror-action tale, equal parts vampire mythology and Chinese folklore, set in modern day Hong Kong. Ex-soldier John Sargent has fallen for a beautiful Chinese woman named Mei. The only thing keeping the star-crossed lovers apart: Mei’s a vampire. To free Mei from the curse, Sargent sets out to destroy the vampire that made her. The only problem: Mei was turned by one of the most powerful vampires in history…

Keeping with the times and being able to adapt, Coker and Freedman have written the script. This is refreshing to hear because it means the story will be more close to the authors vision than any re-write hack can come up with. It also means that if the story becomes corrupted, they have no one to blame than themselves. Chris Bender, Stephen L’Heureux and J.C. Spink will produce this movie. It is unclear whether or not Warner Bros. Is still attached to the property as they were last year.

First lets get into the story. “Boy meets girl. Falls in love. But can’t take vampire home to meet mom. So what does he do? He loads his guns and fills the gas tank.” – Tong, the chain smoking, ancient Chinese healer in the body of a ten year old. Tong, a character in the Undying Love story sums it up nicely.

Aside from the simple love story, there are so many layers from the four comics. There are the politics that come from meddlesome Chinese spirits, criminal activities in Hong Kong, and plain old racism.

One of the more interesting lies that Sargent is told is that the ancient vampires are being industrious. Picture beautiful Asian slave girls that never age and are instantly indentured with a few drops of blood. That’s actually believable and smart. With that kind of power and corruption, why wouldn’t you market it?

I can’t be sure if it was Coker or if it was Freedman, but one of them watched a lot of Chinese gangster movies. In one scene where Sargent crashes a vampire club, he finds three Chinese vampires doing their thing in a karaoke room. One singing next to a pile of cocaine. Second one drinking booze and playing with pai gow domino tiles, and the third just chilling and reading porn mags; which is weird becomes there are two semi-naked girls next to him. The best part of the image were the crazy spiral straws sticking out of the bloody chests of the girls. That is what I call class. If they wanted to get more cliched as to the lives of Chinese gangsters, they would have had one guy eating noodles while chain smoking and playing Chinese poker.

While the scenes are interesting, it takes a lot of understanding to know some of the finer things happening in the comic book. For example, there is a spirit in the form of an older lady who switches her appearance to that of a fox back and forth. It’s later that you realize that while they speak with one voice to Sergeant, they are distinctly different entities that argue with one another.

Then there’s the Chinese chi spells; called hex spells in the comic. It’s not explained yet how John Sagent not only understands the use of written symbols, but how to activate them. To barricade a door from an onslaught of shapes shifters, Sargent flips a Chinese calendar and searches for a symbol to activate; settling for the Chinese symbol of strength. When did he learn Chinese? Chinese girlfriends don’t teach you the good stuff that quickly.

The comic which is brilliantly drawn merges realism and high packed action. The writing though reminds me a lot of the Firefly television series as the writing lapses a lot into Mandarin. Thank goodness not everyone knows Mandarin, their racist terms and swearing slang.

Currently Undying Love is comprised on one volume containing four issues. The story isn’t even done yet, so either the movie will be a condensed story; that loses a lot of cool scenes; or chopped up and lead into a new saga of vampire movies. If they do make a movie,

If the movie does go to production, they won’t have to white wash the lead role for once; as the noble white guy saves the Chinese slave girl and all. I do hope however that they cast James Hong as one of the bad guys. I will never forget his villain role in Big Trouble in Little China. You know, the 80’s movie about the white guy with guns fighting a bunch of Chinese spirits. Bai ren kan bu dong.