Today’s prompt:  #AMonthofFaves On the Screen – What did you watch this year that you absolutely loved and did you see any movies inspired by books you’ve read – what did you think?

Movies in the Theater 🍿

Crazy Rich Asians was one of my top movies of 2018. I loved the books and thought they were hilarious, entertaining and easy to read. The movie adaptation was brilliant and the casting was spot on. Some people didn’t like the lavish descriptions but I was fascinated!

🍊🍊🍊🍊🍊/5

The Hate U Give was excellent. The book and the movie are both important and relevant. The actress that played Star was perfect and even though I knew what was going to happen, it was still emotional to watch.

🍊🍊🍊🍊🍊/5

Instant Family isn’t based on a book but it is based on the director’s own experience with adoption. Mark Walhberg and Rose Byrne played their parts with humor and charm. Tig Notaro and Octavia Spencer had me rolling on the floor. It was heart wrenching to see the teenagers at the “kid fair” being ignored in favor of the babies and toddlers. Thought provoking and realistic portrayal.

🍊🍊🍊🍊🍊/5

Crimes of Grindenwald – I am determined to see this movie before the end of the year. Stay tuned for updates!

The Bookshop – I haven’t read the book by Penelope Fitzgerald but the premise sounded like something I would enjoy. I loved the acting especially by Emily Mortimer and Bill Nighy and the scenery was spectacular. But after the lovely widower drops dead and Florence loses the bookshop – I was done. I actually walked out of the theater. Maybe if I had known what was coming?

🍊🍊/5

A Simple Favor – I haven’t read the book by Darcey Bell so I went in with zero knowledge of the plot. It was kind of the worst. 😞 Blake Lively was the only good/talented/interesting part. I admire Anna Kendrick especially in her non Pitch Perfect roles, but she just didn’t seem to fit this part. Someone said it was supposed to be “black comedy” but I think it missed the mark.

🍊/5

On the Small Screen 📺

Bosch (Amazon) – I am a big big big fan of Michael Connelly and have followed closely the process of getting Bosch made. Did you know he sold the rights to Harry Bosch and then the producers never went ahead with any scripts? I was surprised to learn that once that happens, the author has to wait for the contract to expire. After something like 20 years MC got the rights back and was finally able to bring Harry to life. MC has been involved in every step of the script, filming etc. It’s a HUGE hit for Amazon original programming and Titus Welliver, Jamie Hector and Amy Aquino ARE Harry, j. Edgar and Lt. Billets. Execs have approved a sixth season before the premiere of the fifth season!

🍊🍊🍊🍊🍊/5

YOU (Lifetime) – Caroline Kepnes is the only author who can write a character that you can’t help but like – even if he is a homicidal stalker. Penn Badgley wouldn’t have been an obvious choice but he did the character justice.

🍊🍊🍊🍊/5

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society (Netflix). I read the book this year and loved it. It’s written in epistolary form so I was curious how they would do it for the Netflix movie. The movie was delightful and sweet. It was an old fashioned romance and mystery and I was engaged from start to finish.

🍊🍊🍊🍊/5

The Darkest Minds (Amazon). This book and movie were not on my radar until my daughter watched the movie and then told me repeatedly that I need to watch it too. I’m curious enough to read the book to see how it compares. The movie felt small budget and a little cheesy. I wasn’t surprised that it was a theater release. The bright spot was actress Amandla Stenberg (also in THUG). 🍊🍊/5

HONORABLE MENTION

Avengers: Infinity War – What just happened?!

Oceans 8 – Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett were perfect and I loved the storyline of Danny Ocean’s little sister pulling off a heist.

A Star Is Born – Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper were magnificent. Storyline was difficult.

Travelers – Hundreds of years from now, surviving humans discover how to send consciousness back through time, into people of the 21st century, while attempting to change the path of humanity. And it’s got Eric MCormack!

Return to Oak Island – I don’t know why we are mesmerized by this show? It’s a 200 year old treasure hunt which is cool but the real talent lies in the voiceover narrator who is constantly making dramatic statements!

WORST BOOK TO SCREEN ADAPTATION

Ready Player One 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻 👎🏻👎🏻

Don’t even get me started. This book by Ernest Cline is one of my top favorite reads of all time. The anticipation for this movie was very high and we were supremely disappointed. I know, I know licensing issues blah blah blah. Still makes me mad.

Okay deep breaths…

QOTD: What was your favorite movie or TV show this year?

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