Admired books are adapted for the big screen every season, and this fall is no exception. Here’s the scoop on some of the highly anticipated movies based on books.
Everyone’s favorite middle school read is set to hit theaters on Nov. 1. Based on the best-selling sci-fi book by Orson Scott Card, “Ender’s Game” tells the story of an unusually talented boy who is sent to a military school in space to prepare for an alien invasion. The film stars Harrison Ford and Hailee Steinfeld, and introduces Asa Butterfield as Ender Wiggin.
The much anticipated sequel to last year’s “The Hunger Games” soars into theaters in November with “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” based on the book by Suzanne Collins. In the second installment, Jennifer Lawrence reprises her role as the rebellious “girl on fire,” Katniss Everdeen. In the film, Katniss and fellow-victor Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) find themselves battling previous victors for survival in the 75th Annual Hunger Games, called The Quarter Quell, while a rebellion against the oppressive Capitol ensues.
Tolkien fans rejoice! “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” is arriving in theaters on Dec. 13. The sequel picks up where the first film ended. In the movie Bilbo, Gandalf and the dwarves continue their never-ending journey to get their gold back from Smaug, a wicked dragon.
Pair Kristen Wiig with Ben Stiller and what do you get? “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” a surefire comedy that will have you laughing into the new year. The movie, out Christmas Day, tells the story of Walter Mitty, an introverted visionary who has elaborate dreams of adventures in which he is the hero. Walter’s dreams come to life when he meets a mysterious woman who changes his life forever. The film is based on the short story “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” by James Thurber.
In addition to the fall blockbusters, fans can look forward to these movies, based on best-selling novels, to hit theaters in 2014.
Prepare for the big screen to get steamy when E.L. James’ hit, “Fifty Shades of Grey,” heats up theaters in August. After casting Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam in the coveted roles of literature student Anastasia Steele and billionaire Christian Grey, this movie must prove it has the chemistry to bring the passion to life. Expect to see numerous steamy love scenes, chains and whips when this book comes to life on the big screen.
Rounding out our list of books turned movies to keep on your radar is “Divergent.” Based on the trilogy by Veronica Roth, “Divergent” tells the story of a skilled girl living in a dystopian society where children’s futures are shaped by their results on aptitude tests. Shailene Woodley plays the go-against-the-grain protagonist, Beatrice Prior. “Divergent” is set for release on March 21 and has already become one of the most anticipated films of 2014.
