Today's book and movie are:
Oh man - I love this movie so much. I could watch it over and over again - and I have. Because I love this movie so much I decided to read the book.
For those who haven't read or seen About A Boy by Nick Hornby - here is a brief synopsis:
Will is thirty-six, comfortable and child-free. And he's discovered a brilliant new way of meeting women - through single-parent groups. Marcus is twelve and a little bit nerdish: he's got the kind of mother who made him listen to Joni Mitchell rather than Nirvana. Perhaps they can help each other out a little bit, and both can start to act their age. - Goodreads
One of the issues I had with the book is the language. There was a lot of it. If a book is really good I can handle an F-bomb or two, but this book was full of F-bombs and the only reason I kept reading was because I loved the movie and I kept hoping it would surpass the emotional peak I experienced from the movie.
While I understand language is a subjective thing - the book never even came close to what the movie did.
Hugh Grant as Will is fantastic. The humor and wit, pitch perfect. The book was amusing at times, but never quite reached the movie. The characters were so much richer in the movie as well - more substance - which really seems strange, because books are usually where we find the real meat of the characters, but in this instance the book let me down.
The main reason I liked the movie more than the book was the ending. The movie has an incredible ending. The book ends differently and was somewhat disappointing.
Maybe I'm being unfair to the book though. With Hugh Grant singing Killing Me Softly in the movie - the book just didn't stand a chance.
I couldn't embed this awesome scene so follow the link and check it out - you won't regret it.
So, what say you. In your opinion was This Movie Actually Better Than The Book?
Haven't read the book or seen the movie, but the movie poster is definitely better than the book cover. Those disenfranchised legs are a little disturbing :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sensing a theme. Do you think that reading a book first then seeing a movie, or vice versa, plays into which is the favorite at all?
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the book... but yeah--Hugh Grant would win me over every time!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THIS MOVIE. I didn't even know it was a book, but holy cow I LOVE THIS MOVIE.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer - The legs are disturbing - ha - anyway you must see the movie - I think you'd really enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteHi Nisa - You may be right Nisa, but I do think since I'm already prejudiced that books are always better that I am capable of being discerning. There are many instances where I've seen a movie first and then read the book and thought the book so much better. For example - Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Anne of Green Gables, Jane of Lantern Hill, Little Women. There are more I just can't think of them at the moment.
Hi Sara - Yes - I agree - almost any comedy with Hugh Grant in it is awesome. His earlier stuff where he did more dramatic roles - not so good.
Hi Elana - Yay I LOVE THIS MOVIE too. Forget the book.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read it but I did like the film. Thanks for the tip :)
ReplyDeleteI very rarely read the book and watch the movie. The liberties with the story lines are usually disappointing.
ReplyDeleteAnn
Here's the thing: I hardly ever read a book if I can see the movie! I know! Strike me down! What kind of writer AM I? I did like this movie though, so I'll take your word on the book! :D
ReplyDeleteI saw that movie a long time ago and I actually can't remember it. Although I love Hugh Grant. ;)
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite movies! It was so unexpectedly touching.
ReplyDeleteJust finally got around to checking your blog again! :-) You're awesome. I miss you guys! Hope all is going great for you!!! Do you have a family blog? I need to see pictures of your kids! Bet they've grown like crazy since we left.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the book yet, but you chose one of my favorite scenes from the movie! Such a great film.
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