by Caitlin Glenn | Staff Writer
For people everywhere, one of the best parts of reading a book is using their own imagination to bring the characters and locations to life. For that reason, creating a film adaptation of any novel leaves readers breathless with anticipation to see how their favorite characters will be shared with the rest of the world. Despite the high risk of disappointing loyal fans, adaptations have been popular since their conception, and in the upcoming year many new adaptations will be released to theaters. Here are a few of the highly anticipated book-to-film adaptations of the 2013-2014 film season.
Catching Fire– Hunger Games fans rejoiced last year when the first in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy hit the big screen, attracting fans and newcomers alike. Dealing with the consequences of the events in it’s predecessor, Catching Fire promises action, adventure, and romance that will bring out the Katniss Everdeen in all of us. Look for it in theaters November 22, 2013.
The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug– Fans of the Lord of the Rings trilogy flocked to theaters last December when the first installment of the Hobbit was released. The adaptations, breaking J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel into three movies, have generated much excitement from fans of the books and Lord of Rings movies alike, but many worry that splitting the storyline into three parts will result in an overly drawn out plot and additions and deviations from the original tale. The next installment in the fantasy series is guaranteed to take even the most timid of us on an adventure that we won’t soon forget. Look for it in theaters December 13, 2013.
Jack Ryan– Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan series has been undertaken in the past by the likes of Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford, and Ben Affleck, and is now being tackled by actor Chris Pine. Following an analyst’s sudden position as a field agent, the spy thriller brings a promising mix of action and suspense and is guaranteed to add some excitement to the holiday season. Look for it in theaters Christmas Day, 2013.
Divergent– The dystopian universe brought to life by Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy has gained substantial popularity in the last few years and has finally culminated in the series’ first film. Starring Shailene Woodley as leading lady Beatrice Prior, Divergent will be the perfect reward for surviving the week after Spring Break. Look for it in theaters March 21, 2014.
The Fault in Our Stars– Running rivers have been created with the tears shed by fans of John Green’s The Fault In Our Stars, and with the upcoming release of the book’s adaptation there are a few angst-fueled lakes coming our way. The story follows the heartwarming- and heartwrenching- relationship of two tragedy-stricken teenagers. The film promises the share the insightful and soulful events of the book and is a sure-fire way to bring even the most stoic person to tears. Look for it in theaters June 6, 2014.
