Check It Out:

For years, Hollywood has looked to the literary world as a resource for the next big blockbuster. Although fans express feelings of trepidation at seeing their favorite books turned into movies, most adaptations have successfully captured the spirit of the work. Unfortunately, there are those that have not survived the transition from print to film, whether it is due to the book being “unfilmable,” a director or screenwriter’s misinterpretation of the source, poor casting choices or drastic changes made to the narrative. This week’s article provides a small collection of books that you’re better off reading than viewing their big-screen adaptations.

Judi Barrett’s “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” is a classic children’s book that recounts the unbelievable events surrounding the town Chewandswallow. A strange atmospheric event causes all types of food (from pizza to ice cream) to fall from the sky, delighting many at first, but soon the torrent of tasty treats forces everyone to abandon their homes. The 2009 film adaptation lacks the “rainy day story” feel of the book, as it removes the kindly old man telling the story to his grandchildren narrative. Instead, the film focuses on an inventor who creates a device that turns water into food, only to have it get out of his control.

While the film adaptations of J. K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series continue to be popular with movie audiences, most fans of the novels will be quick to point out that significant portions of each book have been left out. For instance, did you know that Hermione Granger created an organization to help out the house elves within Hogwarts in “Goblet of Fire”? Or that Harry’s visit to St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries is one of many sad moments in “Order of the Phoenix”? The films, at best, function as a highlight reel for the series, touching on primary themes and situations at the expense of the smaller things that make up Harry’s magical world.

Homer’s epic poem, “The Iliad,” recounts one of the most famous military conflicts in ancient history, the Battle of Troy. As a response to Paris of Troy taking Helen away, the Greeks launched a massive and lengthy siege against the Trojan city to get her back. Homer’s use of language paints a vivid picture of Greek brutality and resolve as they attempt to conquer the Trojan army. The story was romanticized in Wolfgang Peterson’s 2004 film, “Troy,” which took several liberties with the source material. The gods are no longer featured as picking sides in the conflict, key battles are changed for dramatic effect and the ending has been altered.

Robert Zemeckis attempted to tackle the famous Anglo-Saxon poem “Beowulf,” a famous Old English literary work that details the exploits of a hero who ventures to the land of Heorot, which is besieged by a vicious monster called Grendel. After successfully conquering the creature and its mother, Beowulf returns to his home where he is crowned king and ultimately meets his end during a fierce battle with a dragon. Zemeckis’ film drastically changes many aspects of the original work. It turns Beowulf into a braggart, altering the circumstances regarding his kingship, and suggests a secret relationship Heorot’s king and Grendel’s mother as the source of the kingdom’s plight.

There’s much more to the story of Beowulf than the film lets on, but considering how deep the material can be, filming the story in its entirety would certainly be a difficult task.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.