Armchair Commentary

The Surging Popularity of Films Based on Young Adult Books

Films based on young adult novels are hot right now--so hot they're breaking box office records. While a cursory look suggests that young adults have a much larger discretionary income and more autonomy in spending it than ever before and that filmmakers are just capitalizing on that opportunity, the audiences filling the theaters for these young adult films represent a surprisingly diverse age demographic. Why? Because both young adult fiction and films have become much more popular with adults in in the past few years thanks in part to better writing, more universal themes, and cross-genre marketing. The result is a sharing of experience between young adults and adults that translates not only to money at the box office and bookstore, but to a common ground between generations that's filled with promise.

Do we hand the credit to J.K. Rowling and say it all started with the Harry Potter books and films? Or did it really start with films like The Lord of the Rings? How do children's stories like the Lorax and The Borrowers or comics like Tintin fit in to the equation? 

 

 

The Hunger Games is certainly the most recent example of how insanely popular a young adult film can be and the film's momentum from its record-breaking first couple of weekends doesn't seem likely to slow down anytime soon. Of course, the books of the Hunger Games Trilogy have also been hugely popular with both teens and adults for the last several years. The idea of a dystopian world where kids are dropped into the wilderness and pitted against one another in a fight for survival is nothing new (think William Golding's Lord of the Flies way back in 1954), but the powerful way this story is told, both on the page and screen, absolutely captivates both teens and adults.

 

  

The Twilight Series of novels by Stephenie Meyer were ravenously devoured by the target young adult female audience, but what was a bit more surprising was how appealing these romance novels about vampires, werewolves, and true love were to adult women. Likewise, the first Twilight film was madly popular with women of all ages, fueled by the popularity of the books and some serious hype about the contemporary fascination with vampires and the promise of a tale of first love like no other. New Moon was equally strong as Bella battled a broken heart and came face to face with the Volturi. Eclipse explored a love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob which, if not completely believable in its presentation, was certainly compelling as was Bella's steadfast determination to give up virtually everything for true love. Filmmakers decided to break the final book into two films and Twilight Breaking Dawn Part One deals with the decidedly mature subject of childbirth gone extreme--suddenly what began as a young adult saga has matured into an adult story that's basically unsuitable for all but the oldest end of the young adult market.

 

 

Where does one begin with the eight iconic Harry Potter films that broke box office records and drew huge fans from every conceivable age group? Literally everyone was reading these books--kids, parents, and young adults alike--just as fast as they came off the presses. And how about the block-long lines of people that camped out to see the films at midnight on opening night? Harry Potter was truly a phenomenon unlike any other--one that brought together young and old in a powerful shared experience that created memories that will last a lifetime. 

 

 

 Hugo is another film that bridges the gap between the young adult and adult markets. It's a story of a young orphaned boy struggling to solve a mystery left by his father while simply surviving, but the story transcends the situation into a universally appealing message about hope. Five Oscar awards isn't too shabby for a young adult film!

 

 

Tolkien's classic Lord of the Rings Trilogy took on truly epic proportions in the three Lord of the Rings films that absolutely re-defined the role of animation in live-action films. A young adult book series to be sure, but the films are definitely now considered classics in the adult film genre.

 

 

 

The Secret World of Arrietty is a film based on Mary Norton's The Borrowers--a classic book that's captivated the imaginations of generations of young adults. Sure, the film is rated G and is great for kids, but like many of Miyazaki's best films, it's just as appealing to adults. 

 

 

 

The Adventures of Tintin is based on the classic comic by Herge, but again, the film transcends age barriers and appeals not only to kids and adults with fond childhood memories of Tintin comics, but animation fans of all ages.

 

 

 

 Dr. Seuss' The Lorax may look like a kid's film based on a kid's picture book, but it really deals with the very grown-up subject of environmental preservationism. Of course, the movie throws in a whole new sub-plot about young love as another lure to the young adult market. 

 

Other notable young adult films:

I Am Number Four--A young adult fantasy in which an exile seeks to discover his own heritage and the powers hidden within himself while experiencing his first love.

The Golden Compass--An orphan girl sets out on a perilous journey in search of truth and a lost friend.

The Chronicles of Narnia Series--Adventures of good versus evil that culminate (thus far) in a personal war against the darkness within.

Alice in Wonderland--An adventure tale that celebrates the strength of one young woman.

What's Up Next?

Plenty more young adult novels are coming to the movies in the next year or so including J.R.R. Tolkein's The Hobbit, Lois Lowry's The Giver, Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Ally Carter's Heist Society, and Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. And I hear that Scott Westerfeld's Uglies is also in production!

So what's so important about the rise in popularity of young adult films? Authors of young adult fiction are selling more copies of their books than ever before and filmmakers are breaking records for money grossed at the theaters--that certainly helps the economy. But in my mind, an equally important result is that young adults and adults are finding a common ground through entertainment--their shared experiences reading these books and watching the films are forging a connection between generations and opening avenues of communication that might not otherwise exist. Does that mean that your teen is going to suddenly confide their deepest, darkest secrets and insecurities to you on the drive home from the theater? Or that your newly-on-his-own 20-something will call you up to solicit advice about his personal life? Probably not, but you never know where a conversation about Harry's complicated relationships with his classmates and teachers, Bella's struggle to choose between Edward and Jacob and then live with the far-reaching consequences of her decision, or Katniss' determination to survive without losing her own sense of humanity might lead.

 

--Tami Horiuchi

It’s “Movie Summer”! Time to Look at Would-Be Blockbusters Though Venn-Colored Glasses

Spring’s just sprung, but if you were to consult Hollywood’s calendar, you’d see that Movie Summer, the season of would-be blockbusters and sold-out midnight screenings, has already begun. And to help you decide where to spend your box office dollars this season, we’ve got a different kind of movie guide, from our friends at the Amazon Studios Hollywonk blog. It’s not about dates or ratings, it’s about you. 

Are you a comic book-collecting superhero-worshipper? Or a responsible investor with a popcorn-chomping kid in tow? (We’re sorry to say that if you’re neither, this summer holds for you few delights: but at least there’s Piranha 3DD, or Magic Mike, or Step Up 4, or... nope, we're just sorry.)

Click here to see the chart in all its glory.

Oscar-Winner Akiva Goldsman Talks "Fringe" and the Freedom of Low Ratings

When Academy Award-winning screenwriter Akiva Goldsman decided that he wanted to “do some directing under the radar,” he was able to get a little help from his friends — friends like Peter Berg, who encouraged him to try television. Ironically, Goldsman never directed Berg’s show, Friday Night Lights (probably for the best since he's "sports-challenged"). Instead, Goldsman ended up at another pal’s show: J.J. Abrams’ Fringe. Abrams told Goldsman that he was welcome to direct whatever he wrote, but that wasn’t as easy as it might sound. Goldsman said he was “utterly clueless” about how to write a TV episode and kept adding extra acts.

But co-showrunners Jeff Pinkner and Joel Wyman, who “do all the hard work on Fringe,” appreciated Goldsman’s love for the mythology of the show, which is about an FBI team investigating “fringe” cases of wild science and parallel universes. Goldsman wrote and directed an episode called Bad Dreams “and then somehow ended up never leaving.” And why would he? “I have the perfect job, I help break the seasonal arcs. Sometimes I write an episode, sometimes I direct an episode.”

The Fringe team is currently working on the closing episodes of what may be the show's final season. And, for what is not the first time, they're preparing for the end in their own way — doing what they want to do, and hoping it won't really be the end. "Our ratings are so low that we kind of have been given the chance to do what we want. Most of our mistakes are really our mistakes. I'm sure there many places where you can go, "They made us do this, that and the other for ratings." Not that we wouldn't love some, but we're so not getting them that we kind of are just like "Well, let's just try to end it the way we like it?"

Listen to more of the exclusive conversation:

“The Muppets” Have Arrived

Here at Armchair Commentary, we are unabashedly, head-over-heals in love with the Muppets and are  huge fans of the new movie.  So we were delighted when the masterminds over at Muppets-central brought us the opportunity to have a Q&A with the frog himself, Kermit T.  We polled our fans on Facebook and dug deep within our team to get the real dirt from Kermit about working with (human) celebrities, the backstage politics, and of course, his long-term relationship with the consummate diva, Miss Piggy.  The Muppets is available now on DVD, Blu-ray and at Amazon Instant Video.

• In 5 words, what is your favorite part about your new film The Muppets?

Being together again, of course.

• What was it like working with Jason Segel and Amy Adams?

They were both great. Working with the Muppets isn’t easy if you’re new to it. (Actually, working with the Muppets isn’t easy if you’ve been doing it for a very long time, like me.) But Jason and Amy got into the swing of things right away. Jason would do anything for a laugh…plus he co-wrote the script. (I bet you didn’t even know we used a script.)  And Amy…well, she is such a beautiful and talented actress, I could have spent forever talking with her. But, unfortunately, Miss Piggy wouldn’t let me go anywhere near her.

• Who was your favorite guest star/cameo to work with in the movie?

We had so many amazing and surprising people show up to be in our movie, but for sheer good will and good humor, I have to say Jack Black. After what we did to him in this movie, I’m surprised he’s still talking with us. Actually, come to think of it, maybe he’s not.  Who can blame him?

• Have those old critics up in the box EVER given you a positive review?

You mean Statler and Waldorf. Well, they mean well, even if they’re mean sometimes. But to tell you the truth they give us the best review of all just by showing up for each and every performance. We must be doing something right…Either that or they’re glued to their chairs.

• Besides Miss Piggy of course, which co-star do you enjoy working with on all the Muppets projects?

Yes, you’re right. I have to say that Miss Piggy is, of course, the co-star I most enjoy working with. I have to say that. She might be reading this.  And while I have a great time with all the Muppets, I must admit that there’s something special about working with Fozzie Bear.  He’s got a big heart….not a lot of good jokes, but he’s the best friend a frog could have.

• How have you and Miss Piggy had such a successful relationship? What are your 3 favorite things about her?

We have a great relationship; in fact, it’s the longest-running interspecies relationship in Hollywood history.  As for my three favorite things about her. Well, uh, gee, it’s hard to limit it to just three things, cause, after all, she will be reading this….but let’s give it a try.

One, she knows what she wants. Two, she never gives up until she gets what she wants. And three, once she gets what she wants, she never ever lets it go.  Believe me!

• What’s it really like being with Miss Piggy?

It’s indescribable, in every sense of the word.

• What are the backstage politics?  Is there anyone gunning for your position as emcee?

Gee, I wish there was. Being emcee is very stressful. The chaos, the crises, the squawking chickens, nervous cows and b’wakking penguins. I’d be happy to share this, but no one else seems to want it. Oh well, that’s show biz.

• When you get envious, do you turn a different color? Or sick—“green(er) around the gills,” so to speak?

Hey, good one. A frog joke, so to speak. Do you mind if I share that with Fozzie? I’m pretty sure he’ll work that into his comedy act.  But, to answer your question: when I get envious or sick, I just turn a darker green…kind of the shade of brackish pond water. Not a pretty sight.

• What has been your favorite gig so far?

I love ‘em all. But my favorite is whatever we’re in the middle of.  I just love putting on a show.

• Why don’t you do the news anymore?

Technology. Frogs have trouble tweeting. We prefer to croak.

 

• When will you and Miss Piggy have little ones? We want to see Tadpoles and Piglets!

 

No plans for this….at all. And I’d appreciate your not mentioning it to Miss Piggy.

• Why isn’t it easy being green? What are the most difficult things about being green?

Well, like the song goes, you tend to blend in with all sorts of ordinary things and not stand out or get noticed. You’re just…green.  But that’s okay, I like who I am.  As for the most difficult part of being green: For some reason, pigs like short green frogs. Go figure!

• What is Gonzo, really?

Oh, that’s easy. Gonzo is a…well, he’s not exactly a….he’s kinda more like a….I know, let’s just say he’s a “whatever” and leave it at that.

Dream Movie Posters: Ryan Gosling as "Walt" ... and Beyond

Artist Pascal Witaszek has created quite the stir with his poster for Walt, an “if only it were real” movie starring former Mouseketeer Ryan Gosling as Walt Disney.

“It seems that a lot of people share this funny association between two talented people,” Witaszek told The Huffington Post.

No kidding.

But this begs the question: Are people buzzing about this movie only because of some unique magic between subject and star?

Well, Witaszek has made more biopic posters, including one for ABBA, with an imagined cast of Chloe Sevigny, Dominic Monaghan, Chris Pine, and Malin Akerman.

What do you think? Does Olivia Wilde as Elizabeth Taylor rival Gosling as Disney?

Which movie do you want to see most?

A Recap of The Hunger Games World Premiere

As a longtime fan of the books who may (cough, cough) have watched the trailer obsessively, I’ve been waiting for March 23^rd like a little kid waits for Christmas. 

So when I learned I’d be going to the Hunger Games movie’s worldwide premiere a few weeks ago I just about stopped breathing--momentarily. Then I started talking about the books even more than I already was, much to the annoyance of my family, friends, and co-workers.

As I’m sure you know now from all the media coverage, last night was the night, although the excitement actually started a day earlier when hundreds camped out for one of 400 tickets inside the Nokia Theater in L.A. By the time I arrived at 3 p.m. yesterday, a new pack of Hunger Games fans were already lined up across the street. The crowd was electric as they waved around copies of the book or their homemade signs designed to capture the eyes of the arriving celebs.

After a few very brief glimpses of Josh Hutcherson (great smile!), Jennifer Lawrence (absolutely stunning!), and Liam Hemsworth (so tall!) I headed inside to relieve my eardrums, which stung from the shrieks of the crowd. Greeted with Hunger Games-branded popcorn boxes and commemorative cups I finally arrived at my seat in time to hear Gary Ross, the director, talk about how it took a long time to get to this night. Admitting the movie was at times difficult to make due to rain, bears and even snakes, Ross went on to thank The Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins for “trusting me with your book.” Amid cheers of “We love you, Gale!” and “Peeta!” Ross went on to introduce the main stars—last but not least of which was Jennifer Lawrence, who gracefully handled a few tripping mishaps in her shimmering gold dress, which made us all think she really is the girl on fire. “I don’t know where she [Lawrence] came from,” Ross said, “But I thank God for her every day.” On stage together Hutcherson, Hemsworth, and Lawrence waved at the seated guests and finally The Hunger Games began.

So what to say about the movie so many of us have been anticipating? Well, first off, it’s awesome. Really awesome, actually. Ross captures the stark, gritty atmosphere of the starving districts and, in contrast, makes the thriving Capitol with its wealthy, entertainment hungry residents sparkle. Speaking of sparkling, the acting is superb all around and Lawrence, especially, brings Collins’ strong and determined Katniss Everdeen to life. Like the books, the Hunger Games movie will captivate your imagination and keep you glued to your seat. Oh and word to the wise, bring a tissue.

From the roar of applause when the credits rolled I’d venture to guess many of last night’s attendees agree, catapulting The Hunger Games from the page and big screen to a full-fledged cultural event. Fingers crossed Catching Fire comes out in the not-too-distant future. I have a feeling a lot of us will be waiting for it.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go read the entire trilogy all over again. --Jessica Schein

Comedian Michael Ian Black on Why the Movies Get Love All Wrong

"Love," writes Michael Ian Black, "is cinema’s abiding theme, especially romantic love, the kind of 'meet cute' love that surmounts every roadblock on its journey to happy ever after."

But love in the movies, well, that bears little resemblance to the life that the comedian, actor (The State, Ed, Wet Hot American Summer) and best-selling author has found himself living, and, one might venture to speculate, the lives most of us live. Do you agree? Here's more of Black's take, written just for Amazon: 

"It’s no wonder that movies get marriage so wrong. After all, they are almost diametrically opposing experiences. Movies are about escape. Marriages are about 'no escape.' Once you tie your life to somebody else, there is no turning back, at least not without an attorney.

One of the things that inspired me to write my new book, You’re Not Doing It Right, is my annoyance at movie marriages, particularly the romantic comedy marriage. Hollywood has given us two, equally false, notions of marriage. Either it’s the joining of two gorgeous young people “destined” to be together, or as a wheezing and cold institution inhabited by miserable and middle-aged wheezebags, usually meant to illustrate a counterpoint to the love the gorgeous young couple in the film will share once their destinies are realized, and they are able to finally be together against all odds. Yawn. Boring. Wrong.

In my experience as a husband of thirteen years, marriage is neither of these things. Yes, my wife and I are both gorgeous. Hollywood got that part right. And yes, we had to surmount a few obstacles to be together, such as the fact that she was living with her boyfriend when we met.  But our trip down the aisle wasn’t the beginning of a perfect life together. It was the start of something else, something that cannot be encapsulated in ninety minutes and a soundtrack by Maroon 5."

Read more on the Amazon Studios Hollywonk blog.

"Justified" Renewed, Which Means More Amazing Words ... and Wordlessness

Justified, the FX series based on the novels of Elmore Leonard, has been renewed for a fourth season. Its third season is unfolding now, with U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) and his oldest frenemy Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins) facing a new threat in their old Kentucky home — the big-city mob. The dialogue is some of the best you'll hear anywhere, but the show is often a triumph of wordlessness.