Tagged with Stephenie Meyer

Movie Review: The Host

The Universe & U

This is how I see it. We spend years preoccupied with a series, constantly wishing they would select it for the big screen. Detailing lists; compiling scenes and particular components we absolutely want and don’t want. We debate casting decisions; obsess over initial snapshots and overdue theatrical trailers. We buy advance tickets; scout theatres. We do everything a dedicated fan would do.

The night of the premiere, we wait anxiously in our seats, giggling with anticipation, smiling throughout the preamble. Eventually, biting our lips when a favorite scene is done to our satisfaction; constantly dissecting every alteration, every similarity. Ultimately, we frown as the final credits roll, as we inherently remind ourselves the film is never as good as the novel.

I can tell you, I’ve been through this process many times, and frankly, it sucks. So much excitement and expectation is built up, the film never has a chance to prove itself. The Host was my surrender. I was going to go in, enjoy, and shut the hell up. Despite everything, I was not going to nitpick. Nope. Instead, I would observe as a true nonpartisan and cite no overly critical criticisms whatsoever.

Nah. Just kidding. Where would the fun in that be? [Warning, there be spoilers ahead!]

More of My Review After the Cut!

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Random Ramblings: Black Friday, Breaking Dawn, and The Host

Three Rants for the Price of One

Source: Google Images

Black Friday

Black Friday will be here next week. I’m guessing you already knew this, of course. But for you unfortunate fangirls overseas, this is the time of year – the day after our Thanksgiving – when Americans get up at ungodly hours of the morning, and freeze to death waiting in ridiculously long lines, just to grab a bargain or two for things we most likely don’t need.

Don’t look at me like that, it’s tradition, especially in my family.

The sale papers are read weeks ahead of time; plans are made; items listed, highlighted, and circled. It’s all rather tiring, I admit. You rush through the sliding doors, hoping and praying the other thirty or so people ahead of you don’t want the exact same thing as you. You got there early enough, so it shouldn’t be a problem, but the incessant butterflies – from the cold or your upcoming secret mission (No one really knows) – make you determined to throw and elbow or two, if need be.

For film and TV nerds like me, it’s an especially wonderful time of year. TV seasons usually priced at forty dollars or more suddenly transform into ten-dollar deals. Films you’ve been dying to see or have been waiting to add to your overstocked collection follow similarly, prices falling lower than you’ve ever seen before. Clothes. Electronics. Music. Games. Everything you could ever want or need discounted for a reasonable price. It’s a smorgasbord of sales!

More Random Ramblings After the Cut!

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10 Things That Need to Be In ‘The Host:’ Part 2

“I held you in my hand, Wanderer. And you were so beautiful.”

Image Source: Google Images

Dear people (who are making this film),

Hi. How are you? Nice to see you again, as always. You might remember, last week we began our detailed discussion, itemizing our requirements for the film adaptation of The Host. Our lengthy list got underway with the first five things that need to be in the film. Tell me, have you taken what I’ve said into consideration?

I know. Reshoots are expensive nowadays. But it doesn’t change the fact, we want to see this film succeed. We don’t want a repeat of what happened the last time they decided Stephenie Meyer’s novel should be reworked for the big screen, do we? No, we don’t. Fans want a film they can be proud of; a film worthy to be associated with the novel – an exemplary adaptation of a story we love. Really, is that so much to ask? I can see you’re shaking your heads no. Good, we’re on the right track. What’s that? You actually want more of my help? All right. No need to shout. All you had to do was say so.

6. The Caves: The great thing about this certain film adaptation, is that there is a good amount of wiggle room in particular areas. Some things I won’t miss (Yes, I can’t believe I’m saying this, either – considering my need for complete accuracy with that other S. Meyer series). If you follow the basics, pretty much everything else regarding The Caves can be up for interpretation, except selected plot points, of course. By no means do I expect you to include Walter (the oldest Cave member and one of Wanda’s most avid supporters). Would it be nice if you did? Sure. I won’t complain. Frankly, there is a lot more dialogue than action in the novel. I’m not telling you to add more or anything. Seriously. I’m not. Don’t do it. It’s just that I will require those particular points of conflict to be especially good. For example, Kyle’s ambush (That’s Ian’s brother. I shouldn’t have to tell you this). Wanda’s just had a very long night, caring for Walter and whatnot. Cough. Taking some personal time in the bathing room, she is suddenly attacked by Kyle. After receiving some heavy blows, Wanda attempts to flee. However, the floor begins to cave in and Kyle is knocked out. Oh no! With some opposition from Melanie, Wanda does what any Soul would do – pulling Kyle back from certain death. Her grip slips, but Ian appears and saves them both. This scene has to be fantastically nerve-racking. Very action-y. It’s one of the most notable scenes in the entire book. Do you understand? Great.

More After the Cut!

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10 Things That Need to Be In ‘The Host:’ Part 1

Rules & Restrictions

Source: Google Images

As you know, here at Kim the FanGirl, we take our novel to film adaptations seriously. We like to give writers, directors, and producers some much-needed help translating our favorite stories from page to screen (because, you know, they need all the help they can get). Although The Host has already finished filming, I thought they might need some further . . . guidance, if you will. And who could be better than me to assist in such a quandary? I’m an expert in the field, you see – previously the frontrunner to make certain all went accordingly for another beloved series; guiding the powers-at-be into making the right choices for Breaking Dawn (Parts 1 & 2). It was my obligation as a fan to aid them in their time of need, to reach out and hold their hand, to instruct them on how to make a film we want to see. I guess it’s not enough to simply suggest they FOLLOW THE BOOK. Needless to say, that is why I felt the same needed to be done for another treasured narrative: Stephenie Meyer’s sci-fi hit, The Host.

At the helm of this big screen adaptation – debuting March 29, 2013 – writer/director Andrew Niccol (Gattaca, The Truman Show) and S. Meyer herself. I know. That’s enough to make you squee with delight, but wait, there’s more. Summit is nowhere near this film adaptation, having, I assume, a restraining order insisting they leave this one alone. All in all, a good start. Right? Yeah, not so fast. I’ve made it very clear on several occasions, my – how shall we say – lack of faith in the casting. Choosing an exceptionally younger cast than the characters in the novel has kept me from truly embracing the reworking, I admit. Of course, Saoirse Ronan is a brilliant actress. The first thirty minutes of Atonement are my favorite! I just don’t want the same mistakes to be made like the ones that brought down that other series. Cough. This is a chance for redemption. Isn’t it somewhat sad they didn’t feel the need for accuracy right at the beginning? All right, I may still be a tad bitter that they didn’t cast Jensen Ackles, but that fact is neither here nor there.

More After the Cut!

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Comic Con 2012 Wrap-Up Extravaganza

The Return of the Nerds

Once again, Comic Con has come and gone, leaving hours upon hours of interviews, sneak peeks, and trailers in its wake. For those who couldn’t attend this year’s event, like myself, I’ve compiled a few highlights, a few of your favorites, so you too can be up-to-date will all the latest from the Con.

Breaking Dawn (Part 2)

Twilight‘s reign over Comic Con has finally come to a close. Sigh. The highly anticipated panel did not disappoint, as fans were treated to Rob Pattinson’s classic one-liners, equal parts awkwardness and hilarity, and seven minutes of the final film. From what I’ve heard, the footage shown detailed the early hours after Bella Cullen’s transformation, including Bella and Edward’s first hunt together, and Bella’s attempts at acting human for the blissfully unaware, Charlie. Unluckily for us, the scenes from the series last installment are unavailable to the rest of us non-con goer’s. However (start getting excited), you can view the rest of the panel right here, right now. Just click on Mr. Pattinson and he will direct you to your new destination. Enjoy!

CLICK FOR VIDEO
Image Source: ROBsessed Blog

More After the Cut!

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FanGirl Addiction: Twilight

“That was the first night I dreamed of Edward Cullen.”

Source: Google Images

It’s been almost four years since I fell in love with this vampire-romance novel and its subsequent sequels. Over the years, my obsession has gone from excessive to fanatical, casual to calm, but never waning. There was a time when you could find me on the forums, elbow-deep in discussion, talking about anything and everything that had to do with Twilight. There were posters, shirts, buttons. I spent hours reading, imagining this extraordinary world. I was a Twilight addict.

I am a Twilight addict.

There was never a choice. It was always Edward (Oh, wait. I think that’s supposed to be Bella’s line). The idea of soul mates – true love – the main idea of the novels, has been the foremost component in my mind as to why I love the series. Nothing can keep them apart. It doesn’t matter if he’s a vampire or she’s a human, they belong together; fate transcends the impossible.

Somewhere along the line I forgot that; distancing myself from the pop culture phenomenon, completely avoiding the movies, instead keeping myself busy with hours upon hours of fanfiction; keeping close to the domain I once knew, but straying from the source. Two years had gone by and I still hadn’t picked up the well-used anthology. A title I read two or three times year was abandoned, cast to the side! All of a sudden, that didn’t sit well with me. I needed to know these characters again. I needed to find that attraction, what had kept me coming back again and again.

More After the Cut!

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Trailer Talk: The Host

Invasion

Attention all fans of Stephenie Meyer’s sci-fi drama, The Host. It’s time. The first official trailer for the big screen adaptation is here and waiting especially for you. I know, I know. Just calm down for a minute, then you can proceed to squee. The film, which is still in production, and is expected to be released May 29, 2013 – Yes! We have another entire year to wait – stars Saoirse Ronan as Wanderer, the alien creature occupying host, Melanie Stryder. Written and directed by Andrew Niccol, The Host follows Wanda as she searches for her humanity, sorting through Melanie’s memories, trying to unite the still present Melanie with her family. The trailer features the delicate voice of Ronan setting the initial stage for the adaptation: “The earth is at peace . . . the world has never been more perfect, but it is no longer your world.” A plethora of faces show the ominous truth; their eyes give them away. They are not human. “You will be one of us.” This simple teaser is enough to give anybody chills, with the combination of haunting, rough melodies, and the look of Ronan’s icy stare. It’s easy to see the promise for a successful reworking of Meyer’s novel. Go ahead, Host fans. Tell me what you think.

The film also features: Diane Kruger as The Seeker, William Hurt as Uncle Jeb, Jake Abel as Ian O’Shea, and Max Irons as Jared Howe.

Teaser Trailer:

More After the Cut!

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Movie Review: Breaking Dawn – Part 1

The Saga Continues

Image Source: Google Images

Hello! This is Kim the FanGirl reporting live from my local movie theatre. I’m just moments away from stepping into the darkened cinema for my first viewing of Breaking Dawn – the fourth movie production of Stephenie Meyer’s beloved series. Fans are shaking with anticipation and excitement. They’re gripping their armrests, waiting for the opening credits to arrive. They’re clutching their Edward collectors cups and muttering something about feathers. They’re starting the film! Squee! Sorry. Here we go. We first see . . .

We interrupt this broadcast with breaking news. We’ve just been told that Team Edward and Team Jacob have actually put aside their differences; and both have agreed to represent Team Renesmee for the film. Sources can neither confirm nor deny these rumors, but fans are demanding to know the truth.

For more on this story, we take you to our special correspondent, Set In Motion. As a fellow TwiHard, FanGirl, and blogger, she was first on the scene to witness the epic romance intensify between Edward Cullen and Bella Swan. Today, she was kind enough to share her review of the film with all of you. Warning! Possible spoilers ahead. Here, take a look at The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. Now back to you, Kim!

Um . . . I think I’m going to need a moment here. I can’t even . . . Wow. Okay. Edward. Wow. You know what? I want to hear what you thought of Breaking Dawn. Gather all your thoughts and tell me what you thought of the movie.

What did you think of Breaking Dawn: Part 1? Love it? Hate it? What was your favorite scene? Favorite character? Favorite line? Can’t wait for Part 2? How did it compare to the book? Tell me in the comments!

For more Kim the FanGirl follow the blog on Twitter @kimthefangirl and on Facebook

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Nerd News: The Twilight Saga – The Official Illustrated Guide

Hey, where have you been?

Source: Photobucket

Please be free to let out a small squee at this time. It only seems appropriate. TwiHard’s have been waiting over two years for the release of the Encyclopedia Twitanica and it’s finally here. Well, next year. It was officially announced yesterday, that The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide will finally be on sale April 12, 2011 for $24.99. It’s a little pricey, but I no doubt think it’s worth it. With character profiles, outtakes, characters history’s (Alice’s back story! Yay!), genealogical charts, maps, and extensive cross-references, the Guide is sure to make any TwiHard’s heart go pit-a-pat.

Hopefully, this Twi news train will continue its momentum. Breaking Dawn Parts 1 & 2 begin filming in November. We just got the official update for the casting of the Denali clan. And The Host is also supposed to start filming early next year (Which I’m really excited for). I will definitely keep you up to date with all Host news and important Breaking Dawn news, as well. If we get enough people involved, I would love to start a Host read and discussion (Like a book club) on the blog. Thoughts?

Source: EW.com

Are you going to buy the Official Guide? What do you hope is included? Do you want to start a Host book club on the blog? Tell me in the comments!

For more Kim the FanGirl follow the blog on Twitter @kimthefangirl and on Facebook

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10 Things That Need To Be In Breaking Dawn: Part 2

I continue to be demanding as we count down the 10 things that need to be in Breaking Dawn

Source: Photobucket

If you remember yesterday, we broke down the first 5 things that need to be in Breaking Dawn. If this incited you to go and look for fan-made Breaking Dawn trailers (I did). I’m sorry. My mind will be forever scarred from the images I saw. If the movies are anything like that . . . *shudder* . . . there is no hope for any of us.

As I recall, Part 1 ended with a FADE TO BLACK (Always at the wrong moment. Eh, Stephenie Meyer?) We had left Jacob Black staring into the beyond, or in this case, the eyes of his newborn (And future wife, I assume) imprinty:

6. Renesmee: Alrighty, Summit. This is where you need to shell out the big bucks. Let’s not forget what happened the first time you tried CGI (If you really could call it that). You ended up with a sweaty looking vampire that didn’t really sparkle as much as he just looked weird.

I’m thinking you go with a half real/half CGI baby Renesmee, because she doesn’t have to talk, as we all know. Of course, we don’t see her until Bella does (Understand?). Being a halfer herself (Vampire/Human), it’s okay if she looks a little funny . . . Not!. I was just saying that to make you feel better. She better look ‘effin real! Go get Peter Jackson to help (That would be awesome!). He’s good at that.

The only thing you would have to worry about, is keeping Chris Hansen away from Jacob.

Continue reading

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