NERVE: Movie Review!

Rating: PG-13

Release: July 27, 2016

Hello, everybody! Today, I was finally able to head to the theater after long last to not only see a new movie but of course, to see a new book-to-movie adaptation that I've been anticipating for a little while now! I was super excited about this movie after I found out it was based on a book, which you can check out the book review for by clicking the link. So, anyhoo, I just love books and storylines that have to do with games such as Sword Art Online (1st season), The Eye Of Minds by James Dashner, and a few others. I get that players being stuck in a game of a sort isn't the most original idea ever but I still very much enjoy them from time to time.

So, obviously, I had to pick up NERVE and read it because I just loved the synopsis for the book and, well, the movie was coming out soon. I somehow managed to get my brother to read the book after showing him the trailer for the movie and he ended up loving it and we both went to see the movie earlier today and, surprise, I can't decide if I like the book or the movie better. For the first time ever I can't decide if I prefer the book to the movie or not. Like, what is this madness?

There were a lot of changes the movie adaptation made but overall, there was an equal amount of things we both liked about the movie and the book themselves. For starters, even though there were a lot of changes, the movie still kept the main plot points, pace, characters of course, and the themes and dares, even though there were different settings and the dares were different than in the book. Other changes included what our main character Vee is interested in such as in the book, she's set on going to fashion school. In the movie, her passion is photography and she rocks at it. The whole deal with her wanting to go to an expensive art school is still the same, though Vee's family life is changed a bit with her living with only her mom, no dad, and having a deceased older brother.

Some of the changes didn't really seem all that necessary but then again, it added some emotion, drama, and made Vee's character more willing to play NERVE since there was only one source of income and her mother was scared to let Vee go off to an expensive school for fear of not being able to pay the bills as well as still dealing with a death in the family. The dares were different than in the book but I didn't mind it that much since they were more realistic than in the book. The game is played in New York instead than in the original story, Ian's background is a little bit different and his reason for playing NERVE is also a little bit darker but the changes worked with the adaptation from page to screen.

I really liked the casting for all the characters. The pace, romance, excitement, and the overall story was well translated without getting boring or cheesy and the dares were exciting, even having me cringe just watching the characters do some of the dares and almost dying a few times in the process of playing the game. I would honestly go see this movie again since I really loved it despite the ending being totally different than the book and the way NERVE is operated being tweaked a little bit. I loved the book as well and I would say that the movie is good just as it's own thing, maybe not the best adaptation, but well worth watching for sure. I would give the movie about four stars based on just how much I personally enjoyed it. Even my brother, who's very picky just like me about book-to-movie adaptations, really liked it and enjoyed a lot of the changes.

So, do you think you would play NERVE if it was real? Let me if you're a player or a watcher in the comments. Read on, bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

The Fifth Wave: Movie Review

WARNING: Spoilers May Be Ahead

There's really nothing I love more than books except life itself, Disney, and going to the theater as often as possible to check out some new flicks. I also really love seeing specifically action films during the cold months, I don't really know why though. It could be just because it's exciting and makes me forget that I'm cold when things are blowing up every five seconds. Anyway, I read The Fifth Wave about a year or two ago and I wasn't all that impressed by it and didn't really understand why everyone was raving about it. I didn't think it was bad, it was just okay. I read quite a lot of sci-fy so it's a bit hard for me to be impressed by another alien/military/survival story. Regardless, I felt like I shouldn't give up on the series just yet before seeing the movie. I literally just now got home from the theater and I'm very excited to be writing this review for you guys, but for other reasons.

PROS:

1. Action

The movie is surprisingly faster paced than the book itself. Not a lot happens in the book and it's faster paced scenes are too drawn out for it to be as exciting as it could have been. However, I loved that the movie added a lot more intensity to the scenes, you know with all the bullets flying, kids going into war and all that jazz. Because most of the action takes place in Ben's POV, the movie wasted no time when it came to building up his character and story-line just like the book did but at a bit of a faster tempo. The movie is more exciting because of that and they were my favorite parts of the movie. 

2. Plot

The whole plot of The Fifth Wave is that aliens have officially invaded earth and are for some reason not making contact or even giving a reason for their mayhem, which is what drew me to the book in the first place. Aliens? Guns? Lots of 'what the heck; moments? That never gets old. The movie stayed pretty much even with the plot of the book, which was nice considering the trend with book-to-screen adaptations is to NOT follow the plot at all and do its own thing. I really liked that the movie didn't stray from the whole point of the aliens gearing up for who knows what. I'm not going to lie, I was not at all impressed with the trailer for this movie because it seemed that it wasn't going to follow the story but I'm happy to say that it kept a lot of the book in and only took out parts that I'm happy were skipped over since it wouldn't have added anything to the movie. 

That's pretty much all I liked about the movie sadly. I did like about half of the cast when it came to Ben, Sam, Teacup, and Ringer. But that's about it. I'm not a big Chloe Grace fan and I had no idea who any of the other people were so I can't say much about their performances.

CONS:

1. Romance

I'm not going to lie to you guys, I hate romance when it comes to survival books. I don't know what it is about the whole romance/end-of-the-world type thing but it always feels so forced and really cheesy. And this movie was no exception. I didn't like the romance in the book and now I pretty much hate it after seeing the movie. I thought the romance should've been toned down immensely in the movie, and it seemed that it was at first. But then you throw in a couple of Nicholas Sparks type lines and a scene that could've been taken straight out of Twilight and you pretty much have the romance in the movie. Throw in the fact that there was absolutely no build-up whatsoever and it was kind of like 'hey, sorry I shot you but I love you, okay, cool.'. 

2. POV's

My favorite character from the book/movie was Ben and Sam. I thought Ben's part of the story was so much more interesting considering he's actually at the army base and being trained along with his unit to go in and hunt down the enemies. During his time at the base, he meets Sam and pretty much takes him under his wing. I loved Ben's parts in the movie and book because you find out a lot of what's really going on with the aliens invading and what the fifth wave actually is or might be. Secrets are exposed, revelations made and once Ben figures it all out for himself, he takes action in fighting for what's right. I think the entire book would've been so much greater had Ben been the main character. I think it would've made an even more interesting adaptation instead of following Cassie who didn't really do anything to contribute to fighting back against the enemies. But that's just my personal opinion on things. 

  

Overall, this movie was an okay watch for me, definitely not something I'd see again or buy on DVD. I'd say that if you loved the book, you might want to watch out when it comes to seeing the movie and it really all depends on how much of it you can take. I personally didn't like the book so I was bound to be disappointed with the movie.

If you haven't read the book or didn't know it was a book and are considering seeing the movie, just know that it isn't that great of a movie on it's own. There are a couple of plot holes that I assume are later filled in the sequel of the book and may I remind you that it does get really cheesy at some points in the movie. Basically, take your chance on it and decide for yourself if you love it or hate it.

I hope you guys enjoyed this movie review! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

Movie Review: Paper Towns

Rating: PG-13

Score: 4 1/2 stars

 

 

I was super excited for this movie when I first heard about a year ago of the book's adaptation. I actually didn't even know about the movie while purchasing the book until an awesome cashier let me in on the 411. Anyway, I was super excited earlier today about seeing the movie and I was sure to pay attention and be on the lookout for any changes that might've been either for the best or not. Here's my review:

 

 

One thing I really loved about the movie overall is the fact that it didn't stray away from the actual story at all. Which is something that's rare what with the recent releases on certain movies that I will not mention by name . . . We all know what they are anyway. I really liked that the movie followed the book almost to a T which was pretty awesome. I loved that it still had the comedic mystery going on throughout the movie just like in the book.

 

I also really loved how great the actors were in the movie when it came to bringing the characters to life. After seeing the trailer for the movie when it was first released, I wasn't really sure how I felt about at least half of the cast but after seeing the movie, it's actually hard to imagine anyone else playing these characters. I loved how animated and lively the acting was and it made the movie so much more than just that. Obviously, great acting always helps when seeing a movie. Duh. But there are few movies that really make an impact on me on a deeper level but this, I'm happy to say, was an exception.

 

If you've read the book, then you know exactly how witty, sarcastic and goofy some of John Green's characters can get in his books. Even the narration in his books is always sarcastic. I love sarcasm so that might just be why I love his writing so darn much . . . Anyway, I loved how hilarious this movie was! Even if you haven't read the book or didn't even know it was a book then I would still say to go see this movie if you want a good laugh. There were a couple of times where I couldn't stop laughing at the things the characters said and other times when I actually cried because I was laughing so hard. I would so see this movie again just because it was hilarious. The jokes were prime, the sarcasm was on point and can we just take a moment and remember the whole "sing-the-first-thing-that-pops-into-your-head" scene? Like, died laughing.

 

One thing some might not have noticed if you were too busy still laughing at a joke made twenty minutes ago, you've might've missed a couple of fun cameos that I thought were honestly kind of cute. If there was a whole author John Green cameo, then I obviously need to get my eyes checked because I'm usually good at catching those. BUT I did catch a couple of others to which I won't spoil for you guys because that's never fun. But I will say to pay close attention to the bass player in the concert scene and that very familiar gas station guy. (He likes dragons.)

 

So that's it! This is by no means a very professional movie review because (1) I'm no professional and (2) I'm very hungry. But I did my best to give you guys as much info as I possibly could without boring you all to death. There were a couple of changes in the movie such as the friends taking a road trip BEFORE graduation and a couple of differences on how the story played out in the "paper town" but I'll leave you guys to be the critics on those points because everyone's different and some get more critical on the smaller points than some. You can, however, look forward to lines from the book taking directly from it and making it's way into the movie which, again, is something rare.

 

Okay, seriously, that's it! Hope you guys enjoyed this movie review and have fun with your friends and see the movie! A great weekend laugh if you ask me! See you in the next chapter! 

Book Talk #3: Books That Need To Be Movies!

Recently in the past few months, book-to-movie adaptions have become a very popular thing in Hollywood what with the success of movies such as The Hunger Games, Divergent, Harry Potter and countless others. Almost every movie that comes out, you can almost be sure that there's a book to go along with the movie. So many great books have been adapted to the big screen but there are so many other books I wish would get their chance to shine! So here are the books I want to see in theaters ASAP!

8. To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han



 

When it comes to contemporary movies/books, I love the funny and quirky factor for both. I think this book would be an interesting book to adapt into a movie because of it's quirky characters and storyline. I would love to see this hit the big screen because it's a really fun and entertaining summer read. Yes, Lara Jean isn't the most mature teenage girl but I think we've all had our moments that weren't very prime examples of maturity. I should know because, well, I'm a teenage girl myself . . . Anyhoo, I think this would be a really fun movie!

 

 

 

 

7. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter

Obviously, this title is a little bit of a mouthful but nonetheless, I would love to see this book be turned into a movie. For years, us Gallagher Girl fans have been hearing rumors and announcements of movie companies and screen writers trying to get the process moving on getting this first book adapted and I have to say, I don't think I can wait any longer! It's not clear whether this book will ever be adapted but I really hope it does. I mean, come on now, bad-ass girl spies battling enemies from other countries while also balancing boys and homework? I'd buy a ticket to see that for sure!

 

 

 

 

 

6. The Young Elites by Marie Lu

 

Now this book has actually already been bought by 20th Century Fox and Temple Hill for adaptation but there still isn't anything locked in other than a couple of producers and a writer for the screenplay. Together, the two companies have brought YA fans movies such as The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, The Fault In Our Stars and Paper Towns. Right now, the companies are still optioning the book for adaptation and I'm beyond excited for this news! I really loved this book so much and I might be a little obsessed with it. This is my favorite book by Marie Lu and I really hope the adaptation comes soon!

 

 

 

5. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

 

This book has also been bought by 20th Century Fox as well but development has been very slow-going over the years. The rights to this book were bought back in 2006 and the company said the movie was set to come out back in 2011 but was pushed back. Since then, the company has announced that the movie was back in production as of July 3 2013 but still no word has been said since then as for casting or directing. I'm not so sure if we'll ever get an Uglies movie but I would love to see one in near future! I think it would be so cool form a society to see in theaters because of it's bizarre world and even characters.

 

 

 

4. Throne Of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

 

So far, there has been tons of hype surrounding the Throne Of Glass series partly due to the fifth book's release coming in September of this year. I didn't exactly love this book as much as every human being on this planet but I did get really into the world and characters enough to want a movie for this book. This book has tons of fantasy elements that I would love to see on the big screen and I think would be see come to life. Surprisingly, there has yet to be a movie company to show interest in this series for adaptation. A kick-butt female protagonist who's also an assassin? What more could you want in a book-to-movie adaptation?

 

 

 

3. Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

 

If you've ever read a book by Stephanie Perkins, then you'd know this book is probably the most loved book by her and the one every fan wants a movie for, including me. I really want to see this be adapted into a movie because it's such a cute, sweet, and quirky romance that's perfect for the summer time! I really want to see a movie for this in the future for so many reasons but we'll leave it up to my number one reason for now. So far, this book also hasn't had any attention from any movie company but let's hope that changes sometime in the future.

 

 

 

 

2. Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle

 

This is more of a seasonal book but I still would love to see this book become a movie. I really loved all the characters and stories and I think this following three different stories would be so cool to see come to life. I think this would be a great movie for the holidays more directed towards teens and YA lovers like the majority of us. With the witty, sarcastic and sweet moments in this book, I think it would be a very happy and heartwarming movie that'd be perfect for the Christmas season and really awesome for fans for the book and authors obviously!

 

 

 

 

1. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

 

The number one book I want to see be adapted is hands down this book! The rights to this book have also already been bought by a top-secret movie company that Marissa Meyer is keeping under lock and key for the time being. Apparently, a director is still being sought out for this potential book-to-movie adaptation and I really hope more news about this comes sooner that soon. It would be so awesome to see a cyborg Cinderella hit theaters since it's such an interesting twist on the story and this series is not exactly dying down with the release of the fifth and final book coming in October/Novmber later this year. Pretty much everyone has read this series and if you haven't yet, what are you waiting for?

 

 

So which YA novels do YOU want to see be adapted?