book or movie - which is better?

The girlies and I had a movie night tonight. We subscribe to Netflix and this week's movie was Because of Winn Dixie. You may have noticed that last month's mother daughter book club book selection was Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. M and I were excited to finally watch this movie even though S was not convinced it was worth watching. She came around very quickly, maybe she really liked it - she giggled enough and snuggled when the thunderstorm came. Or maybe she just appreciated the fact that the movie was 1 hour and 46 minutes - which meant bedtime would be later than usual! It is hard to say with S, she is crafty:)

M mentioned after the movie was over that she doesn't like when the movie is different from the book - because you are expecting things to happen in a certain way and then they don't. I know what she means! There are so many books that have been excellent books but have not made very good movies. Like the DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons by Dan Brown and Harry Potter books 3 and 5 by JK Rowling. These are awesome, suspenseful, and intriguing books with great descriptive language and style and/or nonstop action. The movies pale in comparison because they just can't live up to the book. Because the movie would have to be 7 hours long to include everything of value. Because the actors that were cast don't really fit the character. Whatever the reason, sometimes you just can't equal the book.

I would much rather read a book than watch a movie anyway, but I do enjoy going to the movies too. I like romantic comedies and thrillers. I like snuggling up to my husband and smiling/giggling at the silly antics. I like trying to figure out where the plot is going and who is the bad/good guy. Because I go to the movie theater so infrequently these days - unless it is for a G rated animated kid flick - I have found out that I love action movies too. I like the big explosions and car chases. If I am going to pay $10 a ticket and see a movie larger than life in front of me then I want it to be a movie like Mission Impossible or Die Hard. Cars flying up a ramp and into a helicopter. Assassins hiding out and giving chase through a crowded city street. Spies sneaking around trying to outsmart each other and save the day.

Having said that, I am also a great big fan of romantic drama. One book and movie that I love love love - The Notebook. Different from each other in a few areas but still brilliantly done. I love a book or a movie that can make you cry - I know I have talked about this before. But rarely do you find a book and a movie that are both so wonderful. If you have any other suggestions of this kind of book and/or movie please send a comment....I'd love to put then on my reading/watching list!