Books To Movies

It seems that most movies these days are based on books. Maybe that's the way it's always been and I'm just now noticing. In any case, there are quite a few movies coming out this fall that have been based on novels or memoirs. We won't get into the Harry Potter fiasco. You can see my previous rant here.

Coming in September:
The Duchess, starring Keira Knightley, is a chronicle of the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was reviled for her extravagant political and personal lives. Based on the biography by Amanda Foreman, Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire.

Miracle at St. Anna, based on the novel by James McBride, chronicles the story of four black American soldiers who are members of the all-black 92nd Buffalo Soldier Division stationed in Tuscany, Italy during World War II. They experience the tragedy and triumph of the war as they find themselves trapped behind enemy lines and separated from their unit after one of them risks his life to save an Italian boy.

Choke, based on Chuck Palahnuik's novel, depicts a sex-addicted con-man who pays for his mother's hospital bills by playing on the sympathies of those who rescue him from choking to death.

Nights in Rodanthe, based on the novel by best-selling author Nicholas Sparks, starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane. Adrienne is a woman who's trying to decide whether to stay in her unhappy marriage. Her life changes when Paul, a doctor who is traveling to reconcile with his estranged son, checks into an inn in a North Carolina beach town where she is staying.

Coming in October:
Appaloosa, based on the novel by Robert B. Parker, starring Jeremy Irons, Ed Harris, and Viggo Mortenson. When Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch arrive in Appaloosa, they find a town suffering at the hands of a rancher named Randall Bragg. Cole and Hitch are used to cleaning up after scavengers, but this one raises the stakes by playing not by the rules. Cole and Hitch are hired to save the town from Bragg, but a young attractive widow arrives to complicate matters.

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, based on the humorous memoir by Toby Young, starring Simon Pegg. A British writer struggles to fit in at a high-profile magazine in New York.

Body of Lies, based on the novel by David Ignatius, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. A CIA operative is sent to Jordan to track a high-ranking terrorist. The spy is aided by the head of Jordan's covert operations in an uneasy alliance that leads to cultural and moral clashed between the men.

The Secret Life of Bees, based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd, starring Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson and Dakota Fanning. Set in South Carolina in 1964, fourteen-year-old Lily Owens is haunted by the memory of her late mother. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father, Lily flees with Rosaleen, her caregiver and only friend, to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Taken in by the intelligent and independent Boatwright sisters, Lily finds solace in their mesmerizing world of beekeeping, honey and the Black Madonna.

Coming in November:
Twilight, based on the best-selling young adult novel by Stephenie Meyer. When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, based on the young adult novel by John Boyne. Set during World War II, a story seen through the innocent eyes of Bruno, the eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences.

The Road, based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy, starring Viggo Mortenson. A father and his son walk alone through a post-apocalyptic America. Their destination is the coast, although they don't know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing, just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road and each other.

Coming in December:
Yes Man, based on the humorous memoir by Danny Wallace, starring Jim Carey. In the habit of saying "no" to everyone and everything, a guy challenges himself to say "yes" for an entire year.

Revolutionary Road, based on the novel by Richard Yates, starring Kate Winslet and Leo DiCaprio. A young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children.

Marley and Me, based on the popular memoir by John Grogan, starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. An impossibly cute, but impossible-to-live-with yellow Labrador retriever named Marley teaches his newlywed owners a thing or two about patience and parenthood.