The Three Musketeers (2011) DVD Review

DVD Review of the adventure film The Three Musketeers starring Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson and Luke Evans adapted from the book by Alexandre Dumas


Image Courtesy of Alliance Films
Legal Line (C) 2011 Constantin Film Production GMBH, NEF Productions, S.A.S and New Legacy Film LTD. All Rights Reserved By Constantin Film Verleih GMBH. Distributed Exclusively in Canada by Alliance Films. All Rights Reserved.

Dir: Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Death Race (2008), AVP: Alien vs Predator)
Cast: Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, Matthew Macfadyen, Mads Mikkelsen, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, Christoph Watlz, Orlando Bloom, Freddie Fox, Juno Temple, James Corden
USA/UK/France/Germany, 2011

Reason to see: 2011 Book to Film Club Selection plus it was on my list of Most Anticipated Films of 2011 (#21)

I wasn't quite sure what to make of The Three Musketeers (2011) before heading in, as it's a highly noted classic adventure story that has been adapted in to so many films over the years and then to have the man who brought us the Resident Evil films, Paul W.S. Anderson directing, I was even more dumbfounded. But the trailers looked fun and I adored the cast (Mads! Milla! Ray! Oh my...), so I picked it for the Book to Film Club and said I was going to give it a chance.

Now, I do have to admit that getting through the book The Three Musketeers was a HUGE challenge. It was the hardest read (but I didn't dislike it) and the biggest challenge of the 2011 Book to Film Club because it was so long and so dense. Thankfully, the film is a lovely adaptation trimming away oodles and oodles of things I didn't miss and keeping all the adventure, including main story and the spirit of all of the characters. Before reading the book I was mostly excited because of the casting. I'll see anything that Mads Mikkelsen (After the Wedding / Efter brylluppet, Valhalla Rising) & Ray Stevenson (King Arthur, Kill the Irishman) are in, especially together, and I continue to love Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief) , Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil Series) & Luke Evans (Tamara Drewe, Immortals). Plus, now I have to know where the heck Matthew Macfadyen has been hiding (period films?) because he in instantly going on my to-watch list as he is an excellent actor.

I know that is a lot of names, but that is because the film has so many delicious characters from our young protagonist D'Artagnan (Logan Lerman) who is off to prove himself and quickly becomes entangled with the Three Musketeers of Athos (Matthew Macfadyen), Porthos (Ray Stevenson) and Aramis (Lucas Evans) who although highly skilled are not really needed anymore and come to odds with the Cardinal's (Christoph Watlz) guards lead by Rochefort (Mads Mikkelsen) and pretty much rule the place even though it's in the hands of a very king Louis (Freddie Fox). And then of course we have Milla Jovovich as the cunning Milady, whom is highly skilled in many ways.

How they flushed out all of the characters so well is a huge feat in it of itself, I'm a big fan of ensemble casts in action/adventure films and they are able to create and hone the characters including their own unique set of skills, they interpersonal relationships, histories and motivations all without feel like it's being telecasted to you. And I didn't go in super knowledgeable reading the book - I could barely tell the Musketeers apart! But here, it was easy and delightful to know who was who; and what trouble they are getting into. And there is a lot of trouble to get into, the film is full of plots and trickery and the mystery of solving your counterparts motivations and the meticulous planning to work on and through the deception. Honestly, the planning won me over more than I anticipated. But the art direction and styling was also gorgeous, although they certainly took some liberties with devices which gave it a fun vibe and you really just have to go with it.

I loved watching The Three Musketeers, it is literally one of the most fun out of all of the movies I have seen all year. It's outrageous, outlandish and over the top but it's backed by a solid plot, a fantastic set of characters and a brilliant cast. I really enjoyed the performances of each and every person in the film who breathed in the joy, romance, adventure and life into the film. Absolutely wonderful!

DVD Extras:

• Feature Commentary with director/producer Paul W.S. Anderson and producers Jeremy Bolt and Robert Kulzer discussing the draw to the film, the influences which run the gambit from classic Hollywood to current games, a fair amount of character & character dynamics especially in reference to how close they tied them to how they are depicted in the book including the age of D'Artagnan, lots of detail on the locations especially the amazing amount of real locations (including a private castle) as well as what (if anything) was changed/altered/enhanced by visual effects. They also chat the sword work including the fact almost everything is done by the actors with real swords and the individual fighting styles, the elaborate costumes, the influences that developed the look and feel of the film, the different romance stories in the film, the conscious choice to ensure the characters and struggles were relatable to a current day audience, the appeal of the film to a large audience, challenges (and luck) with the weather and the authenticity of many of the weapons and creations at least conceptually to the time. It's quite an informed and entertaining commentary, and I loved how well they know and note the book, and share which moments are straght from the book as well as reasons behind changes made - it was great to hear their perspective.
• Cast and Crew (20 minutes) behind the scenes, film clips and interviews withdirector Paul W.S. Anderson, producer Jeremy Bolt & on the actors and their connection to their character; the actors discussing bringing their characters to life and also the connection of the characters to the book and the different takes they took to other ways the characters have been portrayed in other Musketeer films. Really great character bios on each of Althos (Matthew Macfadyen), Milady (Milla Jovovich), Aramis (Luke Evans), Porthos, (Ray Stevenson), D'Artagnan (Logan Lerman), Richelieu (Christoph Watlz), Buckingham (Orlando Bloom), Rochefort (Mads Mikkelsen), Planchet (James Corden) & a look at them as Paul W.S. Anderson's Three Musketeers.
• Achieving the Look (15 minutes total) 4 Featurettes on the Costumes (5 minutes), Production Design (4 minutes), A New Dimension of Musketeers on the film being in 3D (5 minutes) and Uncovering France in Germany (2 minutes) with behind the scenes, concept art, on set & on locations footage, film clips and interviews with director Paul W.S. Anderson, producer Jeremy Bolt, costume designer Pierre-Yves Gayraud, production designer Paul Denham Austerberry, stunt coordinator/2nd unit director Nick Powell and actors Matthew Macfadyen, Orlando Bloom, Mads Mikkelsen, Freddie Fox, Gabriella Wilde, Milla Jovovich, James Corden, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, Logan Lerman.
• 17th Century Action (10 minutes) 5 Featurettes on different action elements of the film from Fencing to specific fight & action sequences and new concepts/combinations used for the film including re-invisioning Milady. Includes interviews with director Paul W.S. Anderson, stunt coordinator/2nd unit director Nick Powell and actors Matthew Macfadyen, Luke Evans, Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, Mads Mikkelsen, plus behind the scenes on shooting, rehearsals with fencing instructor Imke Duplitzer, plus discussing individual styles of the fighting styles of the different characters, the fact that the actors trained & did their own fights,plus the huge sets and amazing locations for the and the impressive amount of actual sets over green screens which are used more for enhancement
• Deleted & Extended Scenes (12 scenes, 13 minutes) really interesting added footage, and I absolutely loved that they added an 'extended footage' watermark for the extended scenes to indicate what had been added.
  

The Three Musketeers (2011) is available on DVD as of March 13, 2012. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it; I grin from ear to ear for the entire time, every time I watch it
I'll own it
I highly recommend it to fans of adventurous and fun-spirited films

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews


(Left to right) LOGAN LERMAN (white shirt), LUKE EVANS, RAY STEVENSON (back to camera) and MATTHEW MACFADYEN star in THE THREE MUSKETEERS, an Alliance Films' release.


(L-R) CHRISTOPH WALTZ and MILLA JOVOVICH star in THE THREE MUSKETEERS 3D, an Alliance Films release

(L-R) ORLANDO BLOOM and CHRISTOPH WALTZ star in THE THREE MUSKETEERS 3D, an Alliance Films release.

© Shannon Ridler, 2011 - 2012
Originally reviewed for Theatrical Release - November 28, 2011

Movie Moxie Podcast 61: The Woman in Black & Coriolanus

On this weeks episode of the Movie Moxie Podcast it's time to get literary with chatting Book to Film Club selection of The Woman in Black as well as the Shakespearean adaptation of Coriolanus. I also catch up with 2 weeks of DVD releases including reviewing the African-set UK zombie film The Dead. Thank you for being patient with my week 'off' last week, thankfully things are less rocky and more happy this week! Yay!

0:00 - 3:50 Intro
3:50 - 12:20 The Woman in Black
12:20 - 24:20 Coriolanus
24:20 - 34:00 2 Weeks of DVD Release including review of The Dead
34:00 - 36:20 Upcoming Next Week
36:20 - 37:37 Outro

• I mention the Book to Film Club selection The Woman in Black and The Secret World of Arrietty based on the Borrowers; our current book selection is The Hobbit, you can join us here!
• I mention my current challenge to read & watch all the Shakespearean plays and my previous reading & watching of Coriolanus
• See DVD releases for February 7 & February 14, 2012
• See my DVD review of The Dead here
• I will be reviewing the DVD release of Breaking Dawn Part 1 in depth over at Before the Dawn early next week.
• See recent Theatrical releases in my weekly Film Fan Fridays & DVD Releases in my DVD Tuesdays Post

I'll be back next week to chat The Secret World of Arrietty and possible one or more of Chronicle, Journey 2 and/or Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.

Movie Moxie Podcast - A 100% spoiler-free film review podcast
You can also subscribe to the Movie Moxie Podcast here:
Subscribe through iTunes here.

Book to Film Club Film: The Woman in Black

Time for our first year-over-year Book to Film Club experience, with our October 2011 book The Woman in Black by Susan Hill having it's film release this past weekend on February 3, 2012.

The Woman in Black stars Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter series), Ciarán Hinds (The Eclipse) and Janet McTeer, directed by James Watkins (Eden Lake). The scary and atmospheric feel of the film was definitely what I was hoping to see and it was exciting to see Daniel Radcliffe's in a new world in the role of Arthur Kipps.

Here are some things to ponder when thinking, writing and/or journaling about the film:

• Did you enjoy the film?
• Was the film what you expected from reading the book?
• How did you feel about the tone of the film?
• Did you feel that the captured the time period well?
• How did you feel about the casting? Were the characters what you expected?
• Were there characters, moments or ideas you liked better in the book? If so, what were they?
• What was your favourite thing about the book?
• Were there characters, moments or ideas you liked better in the film? If so, what were they?
• What was your favourite thing about the film?
• Was there anything you understood more after seeing the film?
• Was there anything you felt was missing from the film?
• Did the film capture the spirit of the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?
• Who would you recommend the film too?
• Are you happy you read the book before seeing the film?
• Would you recommend people read the book before seeing the film?
• What was the impact of reading the book before seeing the film?

I hope this month doesn't feel to film heavy with both The Woman in Black and The Secret of Arrietty coming out, but I was thrilled to The Woman in Black in releases as when I chose to include it in the Book to Film Club it was a gamble as it had no release date back in January 2011. But here we are now with it in theatres for all to see!

The Movie Moxie Book to Film Club is going strong again in 2012, and you can join at any time. For title announcements, Book to Film Club news and monthly selections you can sign up for email updates here.

Movie Moxie Podcast 59: Haywire, Underworld Awakening, Tyrannosaur Q&A and Oscars

On this weeks podcast I talk about the recent Oscar nominations including recommended approaches to how to choose what to see or even the option of seeing everything! Plus I review recent releases of Haywire, Underworld Awakening and share my vlog review of Tyrannosaur as well as share the intro and Q&A from the TIFF 2011 screening with writer/director Paddy Considine. There is a lot of cheering and clapping during the Q&A, as the film received a well-deserved standing ovation.

Time Coding
0:00 - 0:30 Intro
0:30 - 16:45 Oscar Nominations
16:45 - 25:25 Haywire Review
25:25 - 33:00 Underworld Awakening Review
33:00 - 41:30 Tyrannosaur Review from TIFF 2011
41:30 - 55:45 Tyrannosaur Intro and Q&A with writer/director Paddy Considine
55:45 - 1:03:45 DVD Releases including The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mom Review
1:03:45 - 1:05:10 Outro

• I mention my traditional 3 lists for Oscar nominations including a details list, a film list with the details of what it's nominated for and a simple film list with # of nominations (great for printing & highlighting).
• I mention my Facebook Fan Page where I've been Sharing complicated characters who combine charisma and combustion.
• See my vlog and review of Tyrannosaur
• I mention Oscar Noms Hugo, The Help and Jane Eyre were all part of 2011 Movie Moxie Book to Film Club.
• I mention Oscar nominated film Monsieur Lazhur opens January 27, 2012 here in Toronto
• See recent Theatrical releases in my weekly Film Fan Fridays & DVD Releases in my DVD Tuesdays Post

Movie Moxie Podcast - A 100% spoiler-free film review podcast
You can also subscribe to the Movie Moxie Podcast here:
Subscribe through iTunes here.

2011 Book to Film Club Film: Brighton Rock (DVD Review)

Image Courtesy of Alliance Films
Legal Line © StudioCanal S.A/UK Film Council/BBC 2010. All Right Reserved. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Alliance Films. All Rights Reserved.
Writer/Dir: Rowan Joffe - feture film directorial debut
Cast: Sam Riley, Helen Mirren, Andrea Riseborough, John Hurt, Andy Serkis, Phil Davis, Nonso Anozie, Craig Parkinson, Sean Harris
UK, 2011

Reason to see: The book was the November 2011 Selection for the Book to Film Club

I was very excited to finally get to see Brighton Rock as it was our November 2011 Book to Film Club selection, and although it did release in the UK, New York & LA in 2011 it didn't make up to my neck of the woods here in Toronto. The film is an adaptation of the Graham Greene novel that follows gang activity in Brighton, and specifically hones in on the character of young Pinkie played by Sam Riley (Control, Franklyn). This film adaptation changes the period from the 1930s to the modern 1960s and although I love mods I was a little confused at the switch over, even though the styling is definitely one the things I enjoyed most of the film. The cast of characters is flushed out with young Rose (played by Andrea Riseborough), a mousy girl who becomes inadvertently connected to shady characters and her boss Ida (played by Helen Mirren) who is a sly stickler for the justice that doesn't like to see people go down the right path.

In terms on an adaptation, I was impressed by the overwhelming sense of forces against everyone that they build up through the music, sound and visuals which is very effective. There is definitely a tone of destruction and a force with a huge power behind it. This is nicely contrasted with the vacation-like setting that has its own seedy underbelly that pitches the pretty against the painful. Although there are only some changes in the story from the book, I was mostly okay with them as the often fitting with the time better and helped align some of the characters so I can see why most of those choices were made. I was very surprized and disappointed though in some of the changes or choices with both the Pinkie and the Ida characters. I'll preface this by saying the book was quite a challenge to read and very much outside my comfort zone but what kept me drawn in was the uniqueness of the perspective of Pinkie who in the book we get to see more internally and then with Ida who was brash and bold and didn't have a care in the world to these thugs. With Pinkie they just left out some of the most interesting parts of his character, and although I always found his motivations were clear in the film I couldn't empathize with his character at all and in the book I found a way to. With Ida, they just went a different direction in the film making her more motherly, concerned and womanly which was there in the book but I always felt like she was our of place or against the odds and in the film she felt in her element. It's an interesting choice, and certainly something that I wouldn't question at all had I not read the book.

I enjoyed Brighton Rock for its stylish turning of the times and the story, and it clearly got across the darkness of the journey of a young man craving power and avoiding loss, but I felt it much harder to connect with the characters than I had hoped for. The performances are very good though, and it's a challenging story to tell and I think they made some interesting choices but it made me realize how strongly I felt about different parts of the story were the ones that drew me in. It also reminded me how well I had remembered and understood the book, which honestly was not the experience I was feeling like I was having at the time! That was a fascinating comparative experience for sure.

See also my book review of Brighton Rock by Graham Greene here.

DVD Extras:

• Interviews with producer Paul Webster, writer/director Rowan Joffe, actors Sam Riley, Andrea Risenborough, Helen Mirren, Phil Davis, Nonso Anozie, Craig Parkinson, Sean Harris & John Hurt
  
• Featurette
  
• Behind-the-Scenes
  
• Trailer

Brighton Rock is available on DVD as of January 10, 2012. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it, but wanted to love it
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it to fans of period and/or crime films

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2012

A scene from BRIGHTON ROCK, an Alliance Films release.


Helen Mirren as Ida in BRIGHTON ROCK, an Alliance Films release.

Movie Moxie Podcast 55: Hugo, Dragonslayer & New Faces and Ones to Watch from 2011

This week on the Movie Moxie podcast Shannon has spoiler free reviews of recent releases Hugo and Dragonslayer, looks at 2 weeks of DVD releases for films available just before the holidays and gives some shout out love with her 2011 New Faces & Ones to Watch List*.

Time Coding:
0:00 - 4:10 Intro
4:10 - 12:35 Hugo
12:35 - 15:45 Dragonslayer
15:45 - 25:05 DVD Releases Dec 13 & 20, 2011
25:05 - 39:33 Movie Moxie List of New Faces & Ones to Watch from 2011
39:33 - 42:33 Outro

Show Notes:

• I mention the Golden Globe Nominations & Toronto Film Critics Awards have been announced
• I mention my paranormal TV podcast Hexed: Sisterhood of the Supernatural
• I mention the 2011 Book to Film Club and a Survey to Help Decide 2012 Titles
• I mention the upcoming Book to Film Adaptation Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card and here's a great link with lots of casting details
• Check out my review of the skater documentary Dragonslayer
• See my review of the book The Invention Of Hugo Cabret
• Check out my interview with actor Aaron Poole (one of my Ones to Watch from 2011)
• See DVD review: Fright Night, 13, Tanner Hall, Warrior & Saint
• See more selections of DVD Releases from December 13 & December 20, 2011

Movie Moxie Podcast - A 100% spoiler-free film review podcast
You can also subscribe to the Movie Moxie Podcast here:
Subscribe through iTunes here.

*And Yes, I will do a write up of the New Faces & Ones to Watch from 2011 but I'm going to give myself a little holiday over the... holidays. Look for it soon :)

I'll be back next week when I hopefully catch up with the last set of 2011 titles that are still on my to see list and possible give a glean into my first marathon of 2012. Until then - Happy Holidays!

Movie Moxie Book to Film Club Honourary Selection: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Honourary December 2011 Book Selection: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

When I put together the 2011 Movie Moxie Book to Film Club I always envisioned it being 11 books adapted to 11 films from January - November with December off. Because, we are all busy in December with the holiday season being upon us and shopping and cooking and cleaning and preparing for fun times ahead. But last week I found myself in a bit of a predicament. I didn't have anything to read! I was so confused, and surprized. Realizing this may have happened to fellow book to film clubbers I decided to select an honourary book for the last month of the year in case you need some reading too. So, here it is:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The book follows young and resourceful Katniss, a hunter who provides for her family during trying times in the post-apocalyptic world of Panem, where areas are sectioned off into districts and Tributes are chosen from each area for a yearly fight to the death. It's a total page turner and really exciting to see a unique, strong, young female character in the lead.

Why isn't it included in the actual book club? Two main reasons: It's part of a trilogy and I'm trying not to include series in the book club as much as possible. I also loved both the first and second books, but absolutely hated the third so much that it makes me resist recommending the series. But, there is no denying that the film is going to be HUGE next year, and I would hate for any book to film clubbers to miss out of reading it first. Plus, they've already announced the second book in the trilogy (Catching Fire) release date of November 22, 2013. So looks like we are in for the long haul. And the second is, ...I've already read it :)

The Hunger Games will be released on March 16, 2012
The film starts Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Lenny Kravitz, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci and is directed by Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit).

You can buy Hunger Games at Amazon.ca or the Trilogy at Amazon.ca and Hunger Games at Amazon.com or the Trilogy Box Set here.

The Help (2011) Blu-Ray+DVD Review

BluRay+DVD Review of The Help starring Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer & Emma Stone based on the Novel by Kathryn Stockett


Dir: Tate Taylor (Pretty Ugly People)
Cast: Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Sissy Spacek, Chris Lowell, Aunjanue Ellis, Mary Steenburgen
USA/India/United Arab Emirates, 2011

Seen: August 12, 2011 at the AMC Y&D (#3) with my sister Jamie

Reason to see: It's the August selection for the Book to Film Club

The Help is based on the novel The Help by Kathryn Stockett, which was July 2011 Book Selection for the Book to Film Club and the impression it made on my from reading it is still very fresh in my mind. It was a stretch for me to read, as I don't normally go for historically set dramas that deal with racial tension and that's very much in the forefront of this 1960's set story of African American nannies & maids who work in white homes. I ended up loving the novel though, and was very much looking forward to the film adaptation although I wondered what on earth they would remove or truncate from the book as it's all so good.

I was impressed that the film retained so much from the book, following the lives and stories of the wise Aibileen (Viola Davis), mouthy Minny (Octavia Spencer), backwoods Celia (Jessica Chastain), ringleader Hilly (Bryce Dallas Howard) and the open minded Skeeter (Emma Stone), although the film arguably places Skeeter as the films protagonist, whereas the book feels more balanced between Aibileen, Skeeter & Minny. I think the film did to a great job of creating the very distinct time and place, the social pressures of conformity as well as the element of fear and limited options. I was very suprized that alongside these elements was the repeated use of comedy, even though it was clearly drawn from the book as well. It's really hard to separate out the book reading and film experience, and although it took a much lighter tone and picked different threads to emphasis than I would have chosen it was interesting to see the story though a different eye.

Although the film is in general very faithful to the book, I was very surprized that it softened a lot of the moments and characters, especially the fact that it makes it clear cut who is in the right and who is in the wrong. I think it's a bit ironic that it makes everything black & white in terms of the issues and the characters. It's clear cut on how the audience is suppose to react to every character and situation: who you are suppose to cheer for & who to are suppose to hate, who to empathize with & who to feel gets what they deserve. There is no grey. And that's the one thing that literally doesn't hold true to the book, which dealt with the layers of grey on several levels as well as the fact that people can change. I can appreciate that it's harder to deal with those more murky waters in film, I wish something had been there even if it was to just show the gradual come to change in someone's mind. Without growth of character in this way, it's hard to buy into the idea that people and society would (and did) changed.

Overall I felt it was a powerful film, an interesting adaptation and I enjoyed several of the strong performances, particularly Viola Davis & Emma Stone. I oddly loved how it was very much about the women, with the few male characters being peripheral at best. I think it's an enjoyable film, but I wanted and expected more. I would easily recommend it but would highly encourage people to read, enjoy, learn and appreciate the book first.

DVD Extras:

• Deleted Scenes (2 scenes, 5 minutes) with Introductions by director Tate Taylor explaining about how not all scenes make it into a film & why these particular scenes didn't while also setting them up. The 2 scenes include A Senator's Son (Stuart meeting Skeeter's Mother for the first time) & Keep on Walking (alternate depiction of completion of Minny's story line which actually make me cry)
• The Living Proof music video by Mary J. Blige (5 minutes)

BluRay Extras:

• Add DVD Extras (noted above) plus:
• More Deleted Scenes
• Making of The Help: From Friendship to Film
• In Their Own Words: A Tribute to the Maids of Mississippi

The Help (2011) is available on BluRay/DVD as of December 6, 2011. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I thought it was good, but the book was way more powerful
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it fans of important, humans rights centred dramas

Also see: 2011 Book to Film Adaptations, 2011 Book to Film Club or see more DVD Reviews

See also my book review of The Help & The Movie Moxie Book to Film Club Selection: The Help

© Shannon Ridler, 2011

Originally reviewed for Theatrical Release - August 16, 2011

One Day (2011) DVD Review

DVD Review of the book to film adaptation One Day starring Anne Hathaway & Jim Sturgess, directed by Lone Scherfig, adapted for the screen by author David Nicholls


Image: Courtesy of Alliance Films - Anne Hathaway (left) and Jim Sturgess (right) star in One Day, an Alliance Films release. Photo Credit Giles Keyte
Legal Line © 2011 Focus Features LLC and Random House, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Alliance Films. All Rights Reserved.

Dir: Lone Scherfig (An Education)
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess, Rafe Spall, Patricia Clarkson, Ken Stott, Romola Garai
USA, 2011

Reason to see: It's part of the 2011 Book to Film Club and on my list of Most Anticipated Films of 2011 (mid-year addition)

I was really excited to watch One Day. I loved the book, which we read in May for the Book to Film Club and book selection especially it's unusually narrative structure of touching base with out two protagonists Emma & Dexter on the same day year after year. I thought the casting for them was perfect with Anne Hathaway (Devil Wears Prada, Rachel Getting Married) as the bookish Emma and Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe, Heartless) as the flash hipster Dexter, and the both completely embody their characters which made it easy for me to love the film. And I really loved the film. I LOVED it. I love how it incorporated the unusually narrative structure and stayed very true to the book (I actually can't think of any deviation), which I can only imagine would be due to the writer David Nicholls also penning the screenplay.

I love how the film shows a lot of the everyday lives of Dex & Em, and how it can vary on good days to bad day because it's always on the same day of the year and you just don't know how it will turn out. How Emma can be down on herself and Dexter can be too high on himself and somehow they barrage each other to meet in the middle. It's a slice after slice after slice of their lives, each of them building, growing and toppling in different directions but still always being themselves, for better or for worse. It also manages to accomplish feeling of the depth you get from slow burn building of the stories, but it in fact the film goes by rather quickly. The result is a compromise of knowing rather than seeing the depth of the friendship between Dexter and Emma grow over time, which is my only criticisms of the film. And that's barely a criticism of the film because I didn't actually need it, but I did want it. I always believed the stage and strength or fragility between them, no matter when in time it was. I just wanted to see it more of them.

One personal treat of the film is the art director, costuming and hair. I might appreciate this more than other films as it's officially the first 'period piece' that I've lived through all the stages and I remember all the clothes, hair, glasses and heck even lighting trends of the time and they are all spot on. That gave the film something a little extra special because I could remember when I would have wore that dress or when everyone went for a certain style or when something was new, or when something had started to fade away. The film is very much about the long-term and how relationships can change and grow over time as well as how some things never change no matter how hard you try (or pretend to try).

But it's really about the characters of Em & Dex, and Anne Hathaway & Jim Sturgess are brilliant here, truly making the film. I think I'm slightly influenced as I heard the casting before reading it or just after I started and I could see them as the characters - especially Jim Sturgess as Dex. And I don't what they did to make him look different in the earlier years, but I didn't even really recognize him and somehow that was perfect too. Then all of a sudden it was like there! There he is! Really bizarre. The supporting I didn't know about going in and ended up being such a treat, Patricia Clarkson & Ken Stott as Dexter's parents gave a lovely depth to his character which can all to easily be brushed off as unlikable. But the biggest surprize was Rafe Spall as Ian, who is the funniest non-funny guy I've ever seen. Brilliant. So brilliant.

If you read and enjoyed the book I'd highly recommend seeing the film, and if you haven't I would recommend checking out the book first. For people that haven't read the book, it’s easy to misinterpret it as quirky cute or straight up romance but it's truly about life, love and real relationships. It's neither over the top whimsy nor gritty and dark, but fits solidly and perfectly as genuine and real. I loved it.

DVD Extras:

• Feature Commentary with director Lone Scherfig chatting about everything from the emotional resonance of the story and film, how she read the script before the book (wow!), how some of the dialogue is straight from the book, changes of the script along the way, the connection between the film and the book including discussing changes, shots and themes and items that are repeated or follow the characters throughout the, her draw to the story and the character of Emma and her insecurity, Dexter's character and when it's a challenge for the audience to sympatize with him or when you feel on his side, the continual culture clash between their two worlds, her philosophy on casting, the choice not to go with overly well known music for the time periods, notations of when there were deleted scenes or different/longer shots than what ended up in the film right down to the type face and the score and how because of all the time periods it's like 23 little films put together.
• Deleted Scenes (5 scenes, 5 minutes) combination of deleted scenes and extended scenes including more on 'the rules' on holiday, the seriousness of Dex's lifestyle, sympathy to Em's and great early scene of Dexter & Emma together.
• Em and Dex, Through the Years (3 minutes) film clips and interviews with producer Nina Jacobson, director Lone Scherfig, book author/screenwriter David Nicholls, actors Anne Hathaway & Jim Sturgess on the concept and the characters of Dexter and Emma and their relationship and the emotional impact of the story and how invested you become in the characters and the casting of Dexter & Emma.
• Anne Hathaway: Bringing Emma to Life (2 minutes) film clips and interviews with director Lone Scherfig, book author/screenwriter David Nicholls, producer Nina Jacobson, actors Anne Hathaway & Jim Sturgess on the character of Emma, including connecting to the character and Anne Hathaway portraying the roles (some crossover footage from Em and Dex, Through the Years)
• The Look of One Day (5 minutes) 3 Featurettes including Making a 20 Year Love Story, Creating Emma with Anne and Dexter's Transformation. Includes film clips and interviews with director Lone Scherfig, actors Anne Hathaway & Jim Sturgess, make-up designer Ivana Primorac, costume designer Odile Dicks-Mireaux on on the challenge of spanning 20 years and the approach and it's equated to how how it's like making 15 short films and having a different look for every scene, the creation of the feeling of being on a journey with the characters and how it's a subtle transformation over the years plus funny things like challenge of making Anne Hathaway look un-fashionable and Jim Sturgess saying he can tell the time and emotional place of Dexter by his hair. Brief, but interesting feature.

One Day (2011) is available on DVD as of November 29, 2011. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll own it
I'd highly recommend it to fans of the book, relationship dramas and dramas

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011
Originally reviewed for Theatrical Release - August 23, 2011


Anne Hathaway (left) and Jim Sturgess (right) star in One Day, an Alliance Films release. Photo Credit Giles Keyte


Jim Sturgess (left) and Anne Hathaway (right) star in One Day, an Alliance Films release. Photo Credit Giles Keyte


Jim Sturgess (left) and Anne Hathaway (right) star as Dexter and Emma in the romance ONE DAY, an Alliance Films' release directed by Lone Scherfig. Photo credit Giles Keyte

The Three Musketeers (2011)

Review of the adventure film The Three Musketeers starring Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson and Luke Evans adapted from the book by Alexandre Dumas



Dir: Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Death Race (2008), AVP: Alien vs Predator)
Cast: Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, Matthew Macfadyen, Mads Mikkelsen, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, Christoph Watlz, Orlando Bloom, Freddie Fox, Juno Temple
USA/UK/France/Germany, 2011

Seen: November 17, 2011 at Scotiabank in 3D

Reason to see: It's on my list of Most Anticipated Films of 2011 (#21)

I wasn't quite sure what to make of The Three Musketeers (2011) before heading in, as it's a highly noted classic adventure story that has been adapted in to so many films over the years and then to have the man who brought us the Resident Evil films, Paul W.S. Anderson directing, I was even more dumbfounded. But the trailers looked fun and I adored the cast (Mads! Milla! Ray! Oh my...), so I picked it for the Book to Film Club and said I was going to give it a chance.

Now, I do have to admit that getting through the book The Three Musketeers was a HUGE challenge. It was the hardest read (but I didn't dislike it) and the biggest challenge of the 2011 Book to Film Club because it was so long and so dense. Thankfully, the film is a lovely adaptation trimming away oodles and oodles of things I didn't miss and keeping all the adventure, including main story and the spirit of all of the characters. Before reading the book I was mostly excited because of the casting. I'll see anything that Mads Mikkelsen (After the Wedding / Efter brylluppet, Valhalla Rising) & Ray Stevenson (King Arthur, Kill the Irishman) are in, especially together, and I continue to love Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief) , Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil Series) & Luke Evans (Tamara Drewe, Immortals). Plus, now I have to know where the heck Matthew Macfadyen has been hiding (period films?) because he in instantly going on my to-watch list as he is an excellent actor.

I know that is a lot of names, but that is because the film has so many delicious characters from our young protagonist D'Artagnan (Logan Lerman) who is off to prove himself and quickly becomes entangled with the Three Musketeers of Athos (Matthew Macfadyen), Porthos (Ray Stevenson) and Aramis (Lucas Evans) who although highly skilled are not really needed anymore and come to odds with the Cardinal's (Christoph Watlz) guards lead by Rochefort (Mads Mikkelsen) and pretty much rule the place even though it's in the hands of a very king Louis (Freddie Fox). And then of course we have Milla Jovovich as the cunning Milady, whom is highly skilled in many ways.

How they flushed out all of the characters so well is a huge feat in it of itself, I'm a big fan of ensemble casts in action/adventure films and they are able to create and hone the characters including their own unique set of skills, they interpersonal relationships, histories and motivations all without feel like it's being telecasted to you. And I didn't go in super knowledgeable reading the book - I could barely tell the Musketeers apart! But here, it was easy and delightful to know who was who; and what trouble they are getting into. And there is a lot of trouble to get into, the film is full of plots and trickery and the mystery of solving your counterparts motivations and the meticulous planning to work on and through the deception. Honestly, the planning won me over more than I anticipated. But the art direction and styling was also gorgeous, although they certainly took some liberties with devices which gave it a fun vibe and you really just have to go with it.

I loved watching The Three Musketeers, it is literally one of the most fun out of all of the movies I have seen all year. It's outrageous, outlandish and over the top but it's backed by a solid plot, a fantastic set of characters and a brilliant cast. I really enjoyed the performances of each and every person in the film who breathed in the joy, romance, adventure and life into the film. Absolutely wonderful!

See also: The Three Musketeers (2011) DVD Review

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it - I was grinning from ear to ear the entire time
I'll own it
I highly recommend it to fans of adventurous and fun-spirited films

Also see: Most Anticipated Films of 2011, 2011 Book to Film Club and All Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011

Brighton Rock (Book Review)

Book: Brighton Rock by Graham Greene

Reason to read: November Selection for the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club

Stepping into Brighton Rock was a bit of a strange experience, my expectations were only knowing that it was a crime book and set in the 30's and that the reaction when sharing the title for the Book to Film Club was resistance, and maybe even recoiling. I'm not one for crime books myself, and even less so about power struggles and gangs which really is what the plot of the book hooks on, but for me this one was all about the characters. Wow. The characters. I had no idea what they would do, what their motivations were or what their histories were but I always believed what they did. Sometimes it was horrifying, sometimes it was heroic. Often it was a con, actually it might have always been a con, but there was always something intriguing going on. I felt that it had a very unique perspective on age and the associations and assumptions that come with it, and really explored this in relationship to power dynamics over individuals and groups of people. There was a lot of fear in the novel though, and the use of fear to bend and twist people's choices which honestly could be a deal breaker for me and others, but there was something about it that worked so well that I couldn't help but wonder and guess where it would go next (and I was never right). The writing is excellent, likely one of the best of the club this year although we've had many fine (and fun!) choices. Never to little nor too much it was always just enough of a reveal to keep you going and curious for more. I'd never want to be anyone in the book, or go through anything they went though, but I was completely wrapped in their world.

As a title for the Book to Film Club it had a rocky ride as I was confident from the get-go that it would happen as it had a Feb 2011 UK release date but all year I had hoped we'd see it theatrically here in Toronto. The closest it got was a New York & Los Angeles release in August and I had the possible opportunity to do some interviews but... I hadn't see the film! One day I will fly to New York just for a screening I tell you, I will do it! I am very much looking forward to the film version which shifts the film period from the 30's to the 60's and has a fantastic cast, thinking of Sam Riley as Pinkie is just extraordinary choice - he's a phenomenal actor (Control, Franklyn) and I can't wait to see what he does with it. I also love Helen Mirren as (Ida), although she's not what I envisioned from the book I can still totally see her in this role.

Although we won't be seeing Brighton Rock as a film theatrically here in Toronto, it will be released on January 10, 2012 on DVD.. And it's the last of our books for the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club for 2011! I'm actually a little sad and a bit off kilter as I don't know what to read now! I've had a great time reading all and watching most of the films together, and I'll be sharing my overall thoughst of the year later in December.

If you had fun too, I hope you'll join me in the 2012 edition because I know I'll be doing it again. You can sign up for updates here and never miss a selection.

Brighton Rock: November Book to Film Club Book

November 2011 Book to Film Club Book Selection: Brighton Rock - by Graham Greene

The book is a crime thriller set in the 1930's, and the film adaptation shifts the setting to the 60's. Film stars Sam Riley (Control, Franklyn), Andrea Riseborough, Andy Serkis, John Hurt and Helen Mirren and is directed by Rowan Joffe. Although it was one of the books I was more hesitant about, I ended up really appreciated it not only for the great writing but also for the fascinating characters. Crime thrillers aren't a genre I usually go for, but this one really worked for me. I hope you enjoyed it!

Things to ponder on the book:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• Did you enjoy the settings & time period?
• How did you feel about the characters & their challenges?
  
• What did you connect to with the book?
• How did you feel about the length of the book?
  
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?

About the upcoming film adaptations:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film?
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they will add anything new to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• If you've seen other adaptations, how do you think this one will be different with the period shift?
  
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

If you choose to shelf this out one:

• Was there a barrier (genre, focus, time period, density)?
• Have you already read it?
• Will you join us again in 2012? I certainly hope so!
  

Book reviews from Book to Film Clubbers:
Shannon

Film Release Date
The film has already released in a few locations like the UK in February 2011 and New York & LA in August 2011, and I was really hoping for a wider theatrical release here in North American but it looks like that isn't in the cards. The silver lining of that news is that *is* coming out on DVD in January 2012 so we will all be able to see it relatively soon. I'm quite looking forward to it.

Last Book for the 2011 Movie Moxie Book to Film Club!
Brighton Rock was the final book for the book club! Can you believe it? 11 months and 11 books since we started this awesome journey back in January 2011 with I Am Number Four. How many books did you make it though? I hope you enjoyed them!

If you are feeling reading withdrawal for December with no book to film club book I do have some suggestions for you. I would highly recommend reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins which I have a feeling is going to be one of the really big films in 2012. It's a young adult novel following a teenaged girl who lives in a down & out district of a post-apocalyptic world. I strongly considered it for the book club but I tried very hard not to include series, and this is a trilogy. I also had a strong negative reaction to the third book, which makes the series a hard recommend, but the first two books are phenomenal as well a being swift page-turners. The Hunger Games film comes out March 23, 2012 and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. The second book Catching Fire is also set for a film adaptation to be released the following year: November 22, 2013.

Keep in touch!
Although Brighton Rock was the final book in the Book to Film Club, it won't be the last *of* the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club. I'm definitely going to be doing it again in 2012 and am madly researching titles and refining the format. Be sure to stay in touch by signing up for updates and I'll be sure to keep you up to date on more book to film delights.

Hugo: November Film Selection for the Book to Film Club

Our November 2011 Film selection for the Book to Film Club is Hugo based on the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick and it was release just the past week on Wednesday November 23, 2011 (US Thanksgiving). I think it's a perfect holiday pick as it has a whimsical and fantastical feel to it, even though it's set in reality, and also has layers of nostalgia being set in the early 1930s. The book it's based on is a combination written & illustrated book and was inspired by "Georges Méliès, his surviving films, and his collection of mechanical, wind-up figures called automata (source)".

The film Hugo is directed Martin Scorcese (Shutter Island, The Departed, Gangs of New York, Goodfellas) and is the only book to film where they've changed the title on us, although it's a very recognizable transition. I hope the film keepsthat kind of feel! The film stars Asa Butterfield, Chloë Moretz, Michael Pitt, Jude Law, Ben Kingsley and Sacha Baron Cohen

Here are some things to ponder when thinking, writing and/or journaling about the film:

• Did you enjoy the film?
• Did you see it in 3D? What was that like?
  
• Was the film what you expected from reading the book?
• How did you feel about the tone of the film?
• Did you feel that the captured the time period well?
• How did you feel about the casting? Were the characters what you expected?
• Were there characters, moments or ideas you liked better in the book? If so, what were they?
• What was your favourite thing about the book?
• Were there characters, moments or ideas you liked better in the film? If so, what were they?
• What was your favourite thing about the film?
• Was there anything you understood more after seeing the film?
• Was there anything you felt was missing from the film?
• Did the film capture the spirit of the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?
• Who would you recommend the film too?
• Are you happy you read the book before seeing the film?
• Would you recommend people read the book before seeing the film?
• What was the impact of reading the book before seeing the film?

Hugo Film Reviews by Book to Film Clubbers:
Be the First

Hugo is the last film theatrical release for the 2011 Movie Moxie Book to Film Club, but some will still be seen on the big screen like The Woman in Black which comes out February 2012. I'll certainly be keeping everyone in the loop on when titles will be releases so make sure to sign up for updates here.

Woman in Black (Book Review)

The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

Reason to Read: October 2011 Book Selection

The Woman in Black is one of the books for the Book to Film Club that I was most excited about, in part because I rarely read supernatural books (although I watch a lot of supernatural & paranormal film & TV), and also because it was a risk including it with the book as back in January it only had a UK release date and now it's confirmed that it will be released in North America in early 2012. I wish all the selections ended up with a release date, but that's the thing with risks - you never know how they will work out!

Anyhow, the book itself follows a young lawyer who goes to small town to settle up the legal affairs of a woman who has passed, and when arrives all the townsfolk are leery of him being out where she lived and no one seems to have cared very much about her. The book really gets the creepy vibe across very well, an unsettling, unnerving atmosphere which I wasn't quite sure I would take to on the printed page but I really did. I also really enjoyed the character of Arthur, the young lawyer whose young but it's historically-set so he feels very much a man even though young - I think this makes casting Daniel Radcliffe in the role a perfect choice because it fits very closely to where he is as an actor, and I appreciate that he'll be playing a character that fits his age.

After some of the lengthy books in the past few months, it was also a treat to breeze through a less than 200-page novel that was full of atmosphere and an intriguing story. There isn't a heck of a lot of dialogue, but it's quite haunting and chilling but it's a great choice for an adaptation (and not the first - it's been adapted for the stage and TV) because of the tone, interesting story and they may even be able to get everything in the film which would be such a treat. I know that it's one where there are a few scenes I consider to be must be included in the film, although I've not seen anything alluded to them in the trailer (which could be a good thing). As it's a supernatural tale and a mystery, I'll leave those details to be their own mystery for now and will move on to anxiously awaiting the films release on February 3, 2012.

Although we only have one more month for this year, you can still join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. Sign up for updates here.

Book to Film Club November Book Selection: Brighton Rock by Graham Greene

November 2011 Book to Film Club Book Selection: Brighton Rock - by Graham Greene
The book is a crime thriller set in the 1930's, and the film adaptation shifts the setting to the 60's. Film stars Sam Riley (Control, Franklyn), Andrea Riseborough, Andy Serkis, John Hurt and Helen Mirren and is directed by Rowan Joffe. I think this one is the book I've looked the least in to, and I am just about to dive into it. I've rarely read crime thrillers so will be curious to see my own & others reactions to this one.

Film Release Date: This is a bit of an odd ball select for the club as it's already been released in the UK (Feb 4, 2011) and opened in New York & LA (August 26, 2011). I'm still hoping for confirmation on wider North American release date, but I do wonder if we'll only see in on DVD. Fingers crossed for theatrical!

If you haven't yet joined the Book to Film Club, you can join us now for our last 2011 selection and read Brighton Rock with us. We will be taking December off for reading for the club as I know the holidays can be a little squirrly, but I will share recommendations for rabid fans looking for reading options over one of the chiller months. Sign up for updates here for the club to keep on the up and up of Book to Film Club News.

Book to FIlm Club October Book: The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

October 2011 Book Selection: The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

The Woman in Black is a supernatural thriller following a young lawyer who goes to small town which has a menacing spectre and what better time than October to read a spooky story! I really enjoyed this one for several reasons, and I will admit it was refreshing to breeze through a less-than-200-pager after some of the tombs we've tackled. It was also an interesting change of pace to try a supernatural tale as well as a historically set book that was written fairly recently (1983).

Things to ponder on the book:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it a challenge to get through?
  
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• Did you enjoy the settings & time period? Can you tell it was written recently?
• Did you find it scary?
• What did you connect to with the book?
• How did you feel about the length of the book?
  
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?

About the upcoming film adaptations:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film?
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they will add anything new to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• If you've seen other film/TV/play adaptations, how do you think this one will be different?
  
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

If you choose to shelf this out one:

• Was there a barrier (genre, focus, time period, density)?
• Would you consider trying it later?
• Have you already read it?
• Will you join us again in November for our last book of the year: Brighton Rock by Graham Greene? I hope you do!
  

Book reviews from Book to Film Clubbers:
Be the first!

Film Adaptation:
The Woman in Black stars Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter series), Ciarán Hinds (The Eclipse) and Janet McTeer, directed by James Watkins (Eden Lake). The film has been building a lot of energy in the past few months with the trailer released and stills as well. The scary and atmospheric feel definitely fits what I am hoping to see and I can't wait to see Daniel Radcliffe's take on the role of Arthur Kipps. I'm also thrilled to see we are going to see the film as including it in the Book to Film Club was a gamble with no release date at the time but now we know it will hit theatres on February 3, 2012.

You can join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. Sign up for updates here.

Book to Film News: Raven Trailer, Upcoming Films: Three Musketeers & Anonymous

The Three Musketeers in Theatres October 21, 2011

It's less than a week away to the release of our August Book to Film Club book selection and I'm very excited as it looks like an exciting & fun film full of action and intrigue and I'm very certain it will be more fun to watch the film than the challenge it was to get through the book! Wow, that was a long one. I'm very happy to see it interpreted on the big screen.

The Raven Trailer

October is a spooky month and it's perfect timing for the debut of the trailer for The Raven, which is a fictionalized period piece/biopic centred on Edgar Allen Poe (played by John Cusack), which drips of gothic with a mystery/suspense spin and a Sherlock Holmes-y feel to it. The film also starts Luke Evans & Alice Eve, is directed by James McTeigue (V for Vendetta, Ninja Assassin) and will hit theatres March 9, 2012.



Anonymous hits theatres October 28, 2011

Shakespeare fans I'm sure are looking forward to this film set in Elizabethan England and explores the idea of whether or not Shakespeare was the actual writer of all the plays we think he was. Stars Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill, Mr. Nobody), Rafe Spall (One Day) and Vanessa Redgrave as Queen Elizabeth I; directed by Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, 2012). It's currently tied for first in the current poll for most anticipated October releases so I know it's going to be one I'll be seeing as well, and happily at that.

October 2011 Book to Film Club Book Selection: The Woman in Black

October 2011 Book Selection: The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

The Woman in Black is a supernatural thriller followsing a young lawyer who goes to small town which has a menacing spectre. I can't wait for this one! Stars Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter series), Ciarán Hinds (The Eclipse) and Janet McTeer, directed by James Watkins (Eden Lake). I'm really excited because information (including stills & trailers) have started to be released and a North American release date has also been confirmed, this one was a bit of a gamble and looks like it will pay off - we'll read it in spooky October and have a few months to process before it hits the big screen.

What better time than October to read a spooky story? I'm really excited about this one, the trailer looks scary and atmospheric and I am really excited to see Daniel Radcliffe take on the role of Arthur Kipps. This was also a selection I took a risk on back in January to include in the Book to Film Club as at that time it didn't have a release date but now we do - it will be out on February 3, 2012.

You can join the Movie Moxie Book to Film Club at any time. Sign up for updates here.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (Book Review)

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Reason to Read: September Selection for Book to Film Club

This is one of our Book to Film Club selections that I knew very little about going in as it was a recommendation about a friend and once I saw that it was an unusual combination of illustrations and text as well as having a touchstone to the time of when film began, I knew it was a shoe in for the club. After selecting the title, I had to wait 9 whole months to actually get my hands on it and read it! Oh, I did browse it at the library once, but just once! Once I did have a chance to dive in I was hooked. I loved the illustrations and forgot that images can be such a quick and adept form of storytelling. I really liked how they followed particular moments with a sequence of images, often going deeper or pulling the specific focus of the moment.

I was surprized though that I didn't quite take to the character of Hugo right away, I was curious about his back story and wanted to hear more as well as being sympathic to his situation of fending for himself but it didn't quite click for me right away although it did build over time. I think he starts off pretty withdrawn with his sense of wonder being dimmed pretty low, but as it lights up and got more and more drawn into his world. And I really liked the world, the book does a great job giving the reader a sense of the time and the place and I loved the location of the train station, it felt so vast and piqued my curiosity.

Overall it was easy to sink my eyes and hands into this one, a very accessible story of wonder and enlightenment and I loved that. It's got a extra special something for the film historians & fans out there and that's one thing I'm really curious to see how or if they will incorporate into the film. It's odd because I usually have at this point a strong sense of how I feel about the casting, but I'm at a loss not having any reference for Asa Butterfield, who will play Hugo Cabret. I am familiar with Chloë Moretz from Kick-Ass & Let Me In, and it will be interesting to see her in the more subtle role in this film. Although I haven't matched up the rest of the cast of Michael Pitt, Jude Law, Emily Mortimer, Ben Kingsley and Sacha Baron Cohen to their roles, they are all actors I enjoy so look forward to seeing them on screen. I also totally forgot that Martin Scorcese (Shutter Island, The Departed, Gangs of New York, Goodfellas) is directing, which is likely the reason the film wasn't on my radar as I'm not always a fan of his films, although they are always gorgeous with great art direction and that's will be key to creating the Hugo's world.

If you haven't yet joined the Book to Film Club, you can still join us in the final stretch for with The Woman in Black by Susan Hill (October 2011) and Brighton Rock by Graham Greene (November 2011). Sign up for updates here.

Book to Film Club September 2011 Book: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Last Sunday of the month means it's time to take a look at our Book to Film Club Book Selection: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.

The book is a historically set fiction novel inspired by "Georges Méliès, his surviving films, and his collection of mechanical, wind-up figures called automata. (source)". I really got a kick out of this one, enjoying the combination of illustration and text which also made it a very quick read (and after The Three Musketeers that was a welcome change!). It took less than a week to get though and I loved the curious nature of the characters and the sense of wonder in the world. I am very curious about the adaptation, and have a feeling they might be able to keep lots of if not all of the story in the film. Here's hoping!

Things to ponder on the book:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• Did you enjoy the format?
• What did you think about the combination of pictures & text?
• What did you think about the writing style?
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Is there anything you would change about the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?

About the upcoming film adaptation:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film?
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

If you choose to shelf this out one:

• Was there a barrier (format, genre, focus, time period, reception) ?
• Would you consider trying it later?
• Have you already read it?
• Will you join us again in October for The Woman in Black? A supernatural tale that's hopefully a fitting selection for the spookiest month of the year.
  

Book reviews from Book to Film Clubbers:
Shannon
Norlinda

Film Adaptation
The adaptation has a truncated name, going with simply Hugo and will be in 3D. The film stars Asa Butterfield, Chloë Moretz (Kick-Ass, Let Me In), Michael Pitt, Jude Law (Gattaca, Repo Men), Emily Mortimer, Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, The House of Sand and Fog) and Sacha Baron Cohen and is directed by Martin Scorcese (Shutter Island, The Departed, Gangs of New York, Goodfellas).
Film Release Date: Wednesday November 23, 2011 (American Thanksgiving). See the trailer here.

If you haven't yet joined the Book to Film Club, you can still join us for the final 2 titles Our next book is a spooky selection for October 2011 with The Woman in Black by Susan Hill. Sign up for updates here.