Hi guys, it’s Jami B. again.
I did some Nancy Drew style sleuthing and uncovered a link to the Ryan Seacrest/Obama interview that I mentioned in my last post right here.
If you’re curious, The Seacrest also does daily readings on his morning show from Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight, in anticipation of the upcoming film release. There are links to some of his recent reading passages on the same webpage if you scroll a bit. Good for a chuckle, since he has some colorful commentary.
And finally, I’d like to get some thoughts about Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist off my chest. I had high hopes for this film. The novel, coauthored by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, is pretty kickass. Like seriously. Kick. Ass. Reading. So the suggestion that some Hollywood studio might smear this adorable, yet meaty book with bubblegum pop music and cheescake tween idol actors really gave me pause. What if they f’ed it up? Really, I was concerned.
I’ve seen the movie, though, and it’s actually pretty good. Its not 100 percent accurate to the book, but it does get the important stuff right. As a screenwriter who loves YA books, I was ready to roast this film if need be, but it’s really been done right. The lead actors (Michael Cera and Kat Dennings) deliver spot on, emotionally real performances as the titular Nick and Norah. The soundtrack, of course, is respectable. And the big diffs — including edits to the Tris and Caroline characters — mostly result in more laughs for the audience or help to trim bulky plotlines to make the 2 hour movie work. I also just liked it because the chemistry between the two leads totally crackled, and that’s how it comes off in the book! Finally, a movie that gets it! GETS that they have to make the audience feel what it feels like to be living-reading-breathing it as if you’re on your own night-in-the-life of adventure!
Bottom line: It’s a good adaptation, because it gets the feelings and tone of the book down pat. In Hollywood, that’s almost unheard of. So bravo Columbia Pictures, director Peter Sollett, and screenwriter Lorene Scafaria. Let’s hope others follow your lead and we get more great page to screen adaptations like Nick and Norah and a lot less like … City of Ember.
That’s what I loved most about the Nick and Norah’s film—no matter what it changed (which wasn’t too much…I liked the more Caroline and tHom, not so much on the movie Tris) it had the SPIRIT of the book. Which is the point, really.
I’m new to yanewyork.com but already love all the commentary and book recommendations. And your Nick & Norah comments made me wonder if you’re thinking Twilight will sway towards N&N or City of Ember. Thoughts?
There’s been so much hype about the movie though, so I’m trying to stay away from joining in. I understand if you feel the same! haha…
Frankly, I’m a little bit worried about Twilight. The casting is not what I imagined — especially not for Edward — and from the trailers the vampire makeup seems overdone. Meyer’s vampires (yes, I finally read a few of the books!) are pale, yes, but they are normal-looking enough that no one suspects them for what they are.
Jami, are you going to review Twilight for us? And have you read the books? Maybe you and I can do a point-counterpoint on this particular film. (I’ll compensate you for any money you have to spend going to see this thing, if you like. I have incredibly low expectations.)
I have no opinion on the Twilight movie except that I LAUGHED UNTIL I CRIED when I read an interview (no longer remember where) where the guy playing Edward talked about how, “the more I read the script, the more I hated this guy, so that’s how I played him, as a manic-depressive who hates himself.” Because that is just hilarious.
Does the movie of city of ember really suck??
I for one would LOVE to see a point-counterpoint for Twilight – books and movie. Do it!
Oh, I’m definitely reviewing Twilight. I’ve read the first 2.5 books, and I am thoroughly looking forward to the entire production (the actual film and all of the public fangirl-ism) unfolding in a few weeks. I’ve already purchased my tix for one of the 12:01am screenings here in LA …
In that case, I challenge you, Ms. Jami B., to a point-counterpoint: You, me, here, the Sunday after Twilight opens. Since you’re the film buff, you get to go first. Oh, and in the interests of fairness, though I do have to edit your post for grammar and style, I’ll not change a word of your text. That would just be wrong.