Category movies

The Morning After…the Oscars

While most people are now buzzing about how incredibly boring James Franco was as the host last night at the Oscars along with Anne Hathaway, despite all of her dress changes and his, I’d like to discuss something a little more positive. Forget the chatter about Melissa Leo dropping the F bomb during her acceptance speech or the incredibly uncomfortable moment of award presentation by Kirk Douglas! So, what is one to do?

I’m glad you asked! Let’s do something fun and take a look at the nominees for Best Picture in their book form: 127 Hours, Black Swan, Social Networking, The Fighter, Inception (House of Leaves is a book similar to the film, Inception), The Kids Are All Right, The King’s Speech, Toy Story 3,  True Grit, and Winter’s Bone. And the winner for Best Picture in the year 2010? The King’s Speech won! Yeah for language!!

Extreme Books

There are some books that have been out for awhile but we often aren’t aware of them until the movie hits the big screen. Here are some upcoming movies that look spectacular based on lesser known books. What do you think? Are you going to read them or see them first?

 

 

Which Came First?

The movie or the book? Ahhh, that age old question and it’s for you to decide whether you will see the movie first, read the book, or both. My preference, of course, is to read the book before enjoying the film.

For the longest time I avoided reading the Twilight series. Finally, caving to societal pressures, I picked up the library’s well worn copy, and dove in. I finished it not within days but within hours. I was enthralled with and not yet annoyed by Bella’s odd interactions with other humans. That would come later with the movie where this was captured perfectly by Kristen Stewart. But guess what? I still loved the movie, for what it was. I thought it followed the book closely enough, although I still preferred the book.

What book turned movie do you absolutely love? Coming up blank? Here are a few suggestions showing popular book covers, so grab the popcorn and just click on each cover to watch the movie preview:

Teen Tech Week 2010!

Teen Tech Week is March 7-13 so mark your calendars for a fun filled week. During this time we want to help you find out that there is so much more to your library than just books. We’ve got DVDs, music, gaming, video production, online homework help, social networking, tech one-on-one tutoring, audiobooks and much, much more. Stop by and see what your library has for you! If you have time, friend us on Facebook.

No, It’s Not About a Blind Kid…

It’s usually the first question people ask when I tell them that I went to see the movie, The Blind Side. Well, the movie was awesome with a great storyline, compelling characters, and it’s based on the book and true story, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis. On top of that, no, it’s not about a blind kid!

Instead, this is the true story of a very large, very tall teenager who lives on the streets because his mother is a crack addict and as a result, her addiction has literally torn their family apart when he and his siblings were removed from their home at a very young age. In scene after scence we come to understand how much this has impacted his life but in a heartwrenching twist, we also learn that the kindness of strangers, who eventually become like family, can make all the difference.

In case you’re still wondering why it’s called The Blind Side, it refers to the value of the left tackle in protecting the quarterback’s blind side in the game of football. The movie relies on showing actual footage of the career-ending injury that snapped Joe Theismann’s lower leg as it buckled under the weight of a tackle by the Giants’ Lawrence Taylor. Consider yourself forewarned, it’s pretty nasty but since they show it in the beginning you could always go out to get the popcorn!

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

If you consider the fact that this author is more than willing to put on a cow costume to discuss her latest book, it might lead one to believe that this is not your grandma’s “young adult fiction” and you would be right!

libba_brayLibba Bray takes us into the world of Cameron. Your typical high-school loser, never made it with the ladies, non-conformist, and all around apathetic student who has a preppy, attractive, and annoyingly perfect sister, who happens to not only be a cheerleader but his twin as well! Could it get any worse? Well, yes and no, depending on how you look at things.

Once you get past all of the clever writing, amusing innuendos, and hilarious references to pop culture you will literally be assaulted with the reality of Cameron’s slow slide into an insane world. So, hang on for a wild ride as Cameron discovers what it really means to live only after he makes the realization that, “I’ve been dying my whole life”. Add to all this drama an angel named Dulcie who’s a punk-rocker with hot pink hair, fluffy wings, and thing for our man, Cameron.

If you go for this type of fiction but don’t want to read the book because, well, duh, it’s a book, then I would highly recommend the movie, Donnie Darko. While Donnie doesn’t get the cute angel, he does get a 6 foot scary rabbit with a trip just as haunting and an ending that is as satisfying as Bray’s, Going Bovine, along with an awesome soundtrack.

Which One Are You Wild For?

There seems to be a rash of movies based on books being pumped out one after the other. Some are good and some are not so good. One popular movie getting great reviews is the film, Where the Wild Things Are, based on the sometimes challenged children’s book. We often hear that the book is usually better than the movie and we’re curious to hear what you think. Make your vote count and let yourself be heard.where408390