Any time you go to a movie that’s based on a novel, you’re bound to hear some fat guy who wants to look smart proclaiming that “the book was better.” Usually he’s right, of course. But since everyone already knows that the book is almost always better, the only reason this guy loudly says that as he’s leaving the theater is so everyone who overhears can realize what a genius he is because he knows how to read. It’s annoying habit, and I promise I’ll stop doing it just as soon as I stop wanting to look like an awesome genius.

So yes, when a movie is adapted from a pre-existing novel, the novel is almost always the superior telling of the story. That’s not to say, however, that there haven’t been many great films based on great books. But one of the motion picture industry’s unique powers is to take a really fantastic book and turn it into a movie that profoundly sucks. Let’s look at a few of those.

Keep reading...

According to a new poll, reading is at a major low-mark in modern America. Yes, even lower than it has traditionally been for the last fifty years. As a movie/entertainment-based website, which regularly promotes other media, I feel like we at Melted Reel should address this sad state of affairs.

Keep reading...