There are many high profile films coming out this year that are adaptations from critically acclaimed novels.
One anticipated book adaptation is also one of the most unique. “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” takes the story of our nation’s 16th president and gives it a dark twist. The movie is helmed by director Timur Bekmambetov, known for his high-octane films which keep the viewer on the edge of their seats, perfect for the type of film the book is being made into. Though the film may be panned by critics for taking liberties with history, they will be surprised by the serious tone of the film. Moviegoers who have not read the book may view the film as strange and out there.
“I’ve barely heard about it, it sounds weird,” said freshman Dane Pilcher.
One film that is being panned by fans and critics alike is the upcoming adaptation of Max Brook’s post-apocalyptic novel “World War Z.” People criticized the film for taking many liberties from the plot. The book is known for the various accounts of the zombie war by an international group of characters expressing their views of political, moral, and social issues during the conflict. Making the film’s hero present in all of the stories takes away from the human aspect of the book.
Director Peter Jackson, of “Lord of the Rings” fame, hopes to gain another award winning film with the release of “The Hobbit.” The film has a star studded cast, which includes Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman of BBC’s “Sherlock Holmes,” playing the Necromancer and Bilbo Baggins respectively.
“The Hobbit is going to be the freakin’ best movie of the year, no doubt,” said senior Ryan Gorkhalee. “It is a great book and Peter Jackson did a great job with the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.”
Leonardo DiCaprio will star in the titular role in “The Great Gatsby,” the novel that defined F. Scott Fitzgerald’s career. DiCaprio is known for his impressive acting skills and has recently forayed into the world of producing. The film is helmed by Baz Luhrmann, who previously worked with DiCaprio on “Romeo + Juliet.”
“I really admire Leonardo DiCaprio’s acting skills,” said senior Ben Moody. “He also has a magnificent chin; it was sculpted by the gods.”
2012 is also seeing the releases of many high profile comic book movies. “The Avengers” bring together heroes from the films produced by Marvel Studios. Fan reaction so far has been positive and most are genuinely excited about the film.
One of the most anticipated films this year is the adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games novel, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, and Josh Hutcherson as Katniss Everdeen, Gale Hawthorne, and Peeta Mellark respectively.
Die-hard fans of the New York Times bestselling series condemn the lead role casting choices, saying there are major inconsistencies with Collins’ book descriptions of the characters. Also, the film’s first trailer garnered criticism for failing to live up to original expectations, yet many remain excited for the action-packed film, which will be released to theaters in March.
Last but not least, Twi-hards will say goodbye to “The Twilight Saga” with the release of “Breaking Dawn: Part Two.” Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner reprise their leading roles in the conclusion of the Stephenie Meyer series. Judging from the monumental success of “Breaking Dawn Part One,” the series will end with quite a bang and likely break more box office records when it hits theaters in November.
In 2012, there is a film coming out which will fit all moviegoers’ tastes.
