Tag: top five

Top 5 Movies That Are Better Than The Book

It’s commonly acknowledged that the book is always better. Our first reaction when hearing about a new movie is generally, “They better not screw this up!” We go into the cinema with a preconceived number of allowances to give the filmmakers before writing them off. But sometimes, you get the pleasant surprise of finding a movie so well done you end up liking it better than the book. So today, I’m proud to brag on five movies that meet this phenomenon!

  1. First up, Princess Bride: It could just be that I grew up on the movie and didn’t know a book existed till recently. But I found it far too full of meta humor. Pro tip (stolen from a friend): If you have to read it, skip everything in italics or parenthesis and call it ‘the good bits of the good bits version’. But in my opinion, you’re not missing any ‘good bits’ with the movie.
  2. Phantom of the Opera: It was mostly the choice of narration style that did me in on this one. I also felt the focus could have been better placed on a more central character. I’m also in love with the visuals and music of the movie that you just can’t get from words on a page!
  3. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before: Overall, this was a close run thing. However, I felt like the movie did a better job with pacing, and the love interest was far more likable in the movie. Characters are everything for me and will make or break a good plot. So I’ve got to go with the movie on this one.
  4. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: Before you grab the pitchforks, let me just say that this is really a tie! I love the book immensely, but I also think they did a superb job with the movie. And once again I love the visuals. Also, please note this is specifically The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and not the entirety of Narnia. The movies went down hill pretty fast!
  5. And lastly, we have another tie with Inkheart: I mention this one mostly because I’ve always been on the fence about the rest of the trilogy. Therefore, I appreciate how the movie tied everything up with a happy ending. And the casting was perfect.

Have you encountered this rare experience? Share your answer in the comments!

Top Five Tricksters

It’s April Fools, and while I’m not much of a prankster, I love reading about characters that are. So, here are my top five trickster characters: ranging the gamut from harmless pranks to straight up treachery.

  1. Loki: The Norse god of mischief runs this gamut all on his own: from pranks that backfire to bringing about Ragnarok. One of my favorite Loki stories is when he puts Thor in a wedding dress to steal back Mjolnir. I also love Hiddleston’s portrayal of him in the MCU.
  2. Odysseus: One of the best known tricksters in all of classical lit, Odysseus is alternately portrayed as a cunning hero or conniving villain. However, no one can contest the fact that this man has a knack for getting out of a tight spot! If only I could get my characters out of theirs with half his poise.
  3. Fred and George Weasley: These boys sure know how to have a good time! And though they cause such delightful mayhem, they never take things too far. That’s not to say they can’t put their skills to practical use when needed. Fighting Umbridge and then Voldemort wouldn’t have been half so fun without them.
  4. Travis and Connor Stoll: Though considered by some to be Fred and George knock-offs, I’ve always like them. The Weasleys will sell you candy at an exorbitant rate, but the Stolls will rob a convenience store during battle and pass around the loot.
  5. Shawn Spencer: “I know, you know, that I’m not telling the truth. You know, I know, you don’t have any proof…” the theme song says it all. And while Shaw is more of hilarious-man-child than legit-trickster, I can never pass up a chance for Psych shenanigans. Pineapple anyone? *Side note: I didn’t include Gus here because the poor guy usually just gets drug along for the ride. But I still love him!*

And there you have it! Guess I cheated a bit with all my pairs, but they really come as a package deal. Have you got a favorite trickster? Drop them in a comment below!