When there is an immensely popular book, a film adaptation inevitably ensues. In most cases, movie franchises fall short of living up to the expectations that their literary counterparts have set (“The Golden Compass,” anyone?) due to the movie’s failed attempt to capture the essence of the characters from the “original” script. However, that still does not mean that all motion pictures will disgrace their corresponding work of fiction. Here is a compilation of other highly anticipated book to movie adaptations releasing this year that will hopefully meet fans’ expectations:
“Oz: the Great and Powerful” (March 8): Recounting the events that led up to the classic film “The Wizard of Oz,” “Oz: the Great and Powerful” focuses on Oscar Diggs, a small-time magician, and his journey to become the powerful Wizard of Oz. In addition to the star-studded cast, including James Franco and Mila Kunis, the captivating storyline will almost certainly live up to the high standards set forth by the 1939 film.
“The Host” (March 29): A science fiction film based on the book written by “Twilight” author Stephenie Meyer, “The Host” centers around a human, Melanie, who is injected with a Soul, which is part of a new alien race ready to take over the planet. Melanie’s memories of the love from her family and boyfriend transform the wickedness of the Soul into human emotion. Like most book devotees, the vast fan base of “The Host” hopes to see the movie convey the depth of the characters as well as or even better than Meyer’s “Twilight” franchise did.
“The Great Gatsby” (May 10): Set during the Roaring Twenties, the film adaptation of the renowned novel “The Great Gatsby,” has been one of the most anticipated movies of 2013. Exhibiting an enhanced version of the 20s than the novel did, the trailer shows dramatic events that will pique anybody’s interest in this riveting film. The plot follows the lives of Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), an ostentatious millionaire, and Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire), a humble Midwesterner who moves to the Big Apple for his career. As “The Great Gatsby” is one of the greatest American novels, the film adaptation will have to pull out all the stops to meet the already high expectations.
“Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” (Aug. 16): The second installment to the beloved Percy Jackson series, “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” will resume the adventures of Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) and his friends as they look for the golden fleece to save their camp from enemies. Due to the first film’s mixed reviews, the sequel now has a chance to redeem themselves.
“The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” (Aug. 23): Hugely popular among teens, “City of Bones,” the first book of the New York Times bestselling series “The Mortal Instruments,” is about a 15-year-old girl’s attempt to retrieve her captured mother from a demon, all while discovering a world full of mythical creatures and the truth about her bloodline. The film adaptation’s epic trailer has stirred up excitement in eager fans hoping the film will do the book justice.