The Worst Book to Film Adaptations
Photo by Chris Bair on Unsplash
As you well know, I love books. Any writer will tell you that books fuel their creativity and inspiration. Having your book turn into a movie should be one of the best experiences of your life. But writers hardly have control once they sign the rights over for a movie. This is why some of these books to movie adaptations might be so bad. Being a fan of a book franchise can have its woes. So I am going to share with you 5 of the worst book-to-film adaptations ever!
Vampire Academy
Vampire Academy was one of the first books I read in high school, making me fall in love with reading again. I had gone through a bit of a dry spell in middle school. The book dives deep into mental illness, racism, and self-harm. You wouldn’t ever think that a book about vampires could contain heavy material, mainly centering on teenagers. This story was horribly recreated on-screen and glossed over all of the heavy material. This movie is one of the most disappointing films I’ve ever seen. I am so sad how much they left out of the film and how shallow it was. Thank goodness they stopped while they were ahead. Never watch it. Just read the book.
The Percy Jackson Series
Do I honestly even need to explain?
My Sister’s Keeper
The book encompasses how fragile life is and has one of the most shocking twists for a cancer story. The sister with cancer lives, and the sister without cancer dies. However, they ruin the story’s whole point in the movie and turn it into another typical cancer-centered film.
City of Bones
Out of all the movies mentioned on this list, this is the most watchable one. I enjoyed the magic I felt at specific parts of the film. There were times that it had its charm. But just like the television show (yes, there’s one), it didn’t fulfill my love for the world of The Mortal Instruments. I rewatch for that brief appearance of Lena Headey as Clary’s mom.
I Am Number Four
This novel took me on a whirlwind that engrossed me into the world Pittacus created. I was invested in Lorien Legacies because of this book. So when I saw the movie, my disappointment reached Vampire Academy levels. Not only was the acting subpar, but the plot was a very shallow grave. You could trip over the rot this movie left.
I can find good in a bad movie. But finding the good in an awful film? No way should anyone have to endure that. Tell me do you agree with this list? Anything you think that should be added? Let me know in the comments!
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