Alexandra Florence Books: The Best Film Adaptations

Lots of books are deemed brilliant enough to work on the Silver Screen, but not all adaptations are successful. I'll be doing a series of three blog posts about books and films, starting with the film adaptions that I think are the best.

Cecily Cardew and Gwendolen Fairfax are both in love with the same mythical suitor. Jack Worthing has wooed Gwendolen as Ernest while Algernon has also posed as Ernest to win the heart of Jack's ward, Cecily. When all four arrive at Jack's country home on the same weekend the "rivals" to fight for Ernest's undivided attention and the "Ernests" to claim their beloveds pandemonium breaks loose. Only a senile nursemaid and an old, discarded hand-bag can save the day!

Oh my goodness, I LOVE this film. It's basically verbatim of the famous Oscar Wilde play, which I adore. Colin Firth, Rupert Everett, Reese Witherspoon, Frances O'Connor and Judi Dench are spectacular. I can't even describe what makes this film so incredible, it's a whole load of brilliance packed into 90 minutes. Okay, time for a confession, ever since first seeing Colin Firth on the big screen I've really liked him. Every time I watch this film I swoon, he's just so argh! (I can't find a suitable adjective!) Perhaps one of my favourite moments of the film is when Firth (Jack Worthing) and Everett (Algernon Moncrieff) serenade Cecily and Gwendolen. As in they sing. If you're a Colin Firth or Rupert Everett fan then you need to get this film in your life! I seriously recommend watching it!

In my opinion this is the best Pride and Prejudice adaptation, the Kiera Knightly one really disappointed me. Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth are the perfect Lizzie and Darcy. This is such a good adaptation of Austen's classic. Also, the infamous Colin Firth wet shirt moment. Enough said. Mr Darcy is probably one of my favourite male fictional characters, and with Firth in the role can you blame me?

If you're only going to watch one adaptation of Pride and Prejudice then it has to be this one. The cast is impeccable, the mother is exactly as I imagined her. I really can't speak highly enough of it!

I can't do a post about the best film adaptations and not include The Hunger Games, it's a firm favourite in my household, and it's safe to say my little brother and sister are OBSESSED. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins has a cult following. I remember when I heard the books were being made into a film and thinking how could they possibly do them justice? Well, they certainly did. Let's start with the cast. Jennifer Lawrence is incredible. For me she's the perfect Katniss. And Josh Hutcherson? Yet again a great casting choice. In fact the whole cast are pretty damn incredible. Haymitch and Effie (after Katniss and Peeta, of course) are my favourite characters.

The film didn't feel like it had been changed ridiculously for Hollywood, Gary Ross got it spot on. The setting for the games was just as I imagined it. The clothes and makeup for the people of the Capital were perfect. I love both of the films, The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. They're definitely two of my favourite adaptations. I can't wait for the final instalments!

Divergent (2014)

I loved this film, it's such a great adaptation, and I actually enjoyed the film more than the book. (Controversial, I know.) I liked the books, but they didn't wow me, the film on the other hand, well, it certainly did. Maybe this had a little to do with Theo James. I saw Divergent at the cinema with my friend, and every time Four looked hot/took his top off we shared a knowing look. He's hot, and for me, he's a great Four.

I read Warm Bodies purely because I saw the film was coming out and wanted to read the book first. I'd heard it was a zombie Romeo and Juliet, and with the names R and Julie, Marion's inspiration is pretty obvious. I really enjoyed the book and loved the characters R and Julie, the film is a very good adaptation, I love Nicholas Hoult as R, he's got zombie down!

SO FREAKING GOOD. I first heard about The Perks of Being a Wallflower from my English Literature teacher, she'd given her GCSE class a copy of the book for them to read, purely because she loved is so much. She told us that the film was exactly like the book. She played the film for us and I loved it, I simply had to read the book! She was right. The film is so similar to the book, it really annoys me when half the book is missing, or the film has been completely changed, but this was not the case with The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Logan Lerman is SUCH a good Charlie. I really felt for him throughout the film. The scene at the school dance when he's standing on the outskirts bobbing his head is just so sweet!
Also, how can you not love a film that has a dance number to Come On Eileen in?

I really liked this film, yes, they missed parts of the book out, but no it didn't alter the fact that I loved the film. Honestly, I think Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence as Pat and Tiffany were a brilliant casting choice, and they definitely added to my enjoyment of the film. With a book as good as The Silver Linings Playbook as inspiration it would be really difficult to make a bad movie.

These are some of my favourite film adaptations, would you add anymore films to the list? I'd love to hear what your favourite book adaptations are! If you're new to the blog then it would be great if you follow me on Bloglovin'!

The Best Film Adaptations | Books and Films #1