tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post114709487173443871..comments2024-03-07T17:13:54.927-05:00Comments on A Fuse #8 Production: Podcast Edition: The Worst 13 Films Made From Children's Booksfusenumber8http://www.blogger.com/profile/16216979020263363698noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-46290696230260749982011-05-19T01:49:29.226-04:002011-05-19T01:49:29.226-04:00I read CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN in english class but i...I read CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN in english class but i understand they made it inro a realy horrid remake and a worst off sequile and worst off is they modernized it to suit a more PC crowd of wackos The director should be sent to outer siberiaSpurwing Plovernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-42111135155806492882009-08-13T11:27:03.697-04:002009-08-13T11:27:03.697-04:00What drives me crazy about Cheaper by the Dozen is...What drives me crazy about Cheaper by the Dozen is that they didn't trash a fictional book, this was a biographical tale of a family that actually existed...in the first half of the 20th century. If Steve Martin wanted to make a movie about a big family, why couldn't he have used a little creativity and made up his own title?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-69771125653786060572009-08-13T10:52:12.345-04:002009-08-13T10:52:12.345-04:00You forgot "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!" (I...You forgot "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!" (I'd like to call it something that rhymes, but I'm a lady!) They took Ian Fleming's caper tale and turned it into teeth-rotting cotton candy -- with music no less! And then they had the nerve to make a Broadway musical out of it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-51889445395339591182009-08-13T09:27:22.632-04:002009-08-13T09:27:22.632-04:00Great list. And I agree for the most part, but my ...Great list. And I agree for the most part, but my number one worst adaptation ever is Phillip Pullman's The Golden Compass. Just like picture books, long tales do not translate to the screen well, but as long as you can keep the heart of the book I can live with it. This did not. Just horrible.besszillahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00972974673390915780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-46351819964832488032009-04-30T12:14:00.000-04:002009-04-30T12:14:00.000-04:00The Jungle Book`s only main problem was that it to...The Jungle Book`s only main problem was that it took away the serious parts on the story and turned it into a comedic musical. But nevertheless, the movie is entertaining,fun, and well-animated. Shere Khan is even better as a villain here than he was in the book. Besides, jazz music fits the story very much.<br /><br />But the Secret of NIMH is a bad movie? Balooney! I understand that you find the use of magic unnecessary, but I think it was meant not only for dramatic effect, but for symbolic matters concerning the character development of Mrs Brisby. In fact, her character is much better fleshed out in the film than in the book, and the darker drama on the film makes it more adult than one would expect. Besides, the animation on The Secret of NIMH is ABSOLUTELY PERFECT.<br /><br />But it seems that you forgot to mention the worst adaptation in here: Disney`s Little Mermaid. I know many people love this film, but I can`t stand how they took the depressing, dark but hopeful atmosphere of the fairy tale and turned it into a campy, light and pastel-colored comedy. The animation in this movie isn`t that great either: the characters look too cartoony and caricaturish, the backgrounds are either gray and dull or bouncing with pastels and singing background characters. Not to mention that there are no elaborate color effects or strong character expressions like Bambi had. The voices aren`t very memorable, and Sebastian... The most useless and annoying Disney sidekick I´ve ever seen. Well, I guess fans of princessy flicks like Pocahontas, Swan Princess and Thumbelina likes this better, but I couldn`t care less about this overrated candy floss.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-53963424359141606902007-09-19T11:39:00.000-04:002007-09-19T11:39:00.000-04:00I have to agree with you. Those are the worst movi...I have to agree with you. Those are the worst movies for kids ever made. The Jungle Book was the most disappointing one, they ruined the story for me. I bought it because that was one of my favorite stories as a child, they could have done a better job!! . However, Peter Pan is one of the greatest movies ever, i disagree with you, i don’t think it should be in the list. I read the book and got the movie and love them both!. ;-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-7627333639237341352007-04-16T23:19:00.000-04:002007-04-16T23:19:00.000-04:00Ella Enchanted should be the number one WORST adap...Ella Enchanted should be the number one WORST adaption. I wanted to see the movie so badly, but I didn't, and when I caught the last twenty minutes on television I was so appalled I thanked my lucky stars I didn't pay $10 to see it in theatres.<BR/>I'll stick with my books from now on. Hollywood can keep their movies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147316063904020542006-05-10T22:54:00.000-04:002006-05-10T22:54:00.000-04:00Many would agree with you. Hence my posting "Will...Many would agree with you. Hence my posting "Willy Wonka Frankenstein" in which I take the good parts from both. You are hardly alone in your dislike of both films.fusenumber8https://www.blogger.com/profile/16216979020263363698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147309519968422702006-05-10T21:05:00.000-04:002006-05-10T21:05:00.000-04:00I am doing this anonymously because people will pr...I am doing this anonymously because people will probably insist I surrender my library card.<BR/><BR/>The Gene Wilder version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an abomination. (And Johnny Depp is no Willy Wonka either.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147205654341359482006-05-09T16:14:00.000-04:002006-05-09T16:14:00.000-04:00I have to put in a vote of support here for both D...I have to put in a vote of support here for both Disney's Robin Hood and the Jungle Book. I loved both as a kid.Louisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00581172582234851178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147190904880845112006-05-09T12:08:00.000-04:002006-05-09T12:08:00.000-04:00The Princess Bride is not a children's book. Henc...The Princess Bride is not a children's book. Hence, it is not on the Best Movies List. That and I don't care for the book. Great movie, though, I agree!<BR/><BR/>Charlotte's Web!!!! How could I have forgotten the animated Charlotte's Web? Dreck with a tune, that is. Officially noted.fusenumber8https://www.blogger.com/profile/16216979020263363698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147167976704490222006-05-09T05:46:00.000-04:002006-05-09T05:46:00.000-04:00Don't forget that %$#@*& travesty of an adaptation...Don't forget that %$#@*& travesty of an adaptation of Charlotte's Web.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147138792460784882006-05-08T21:39:00.000-04:002006-05-08T21:39:00.000-04:00Actually, I have a real fondness for that "Robin H...Actually, I have a real fondness for that "Robin Hood". It's absolutely insane. I've never heard the word Nottingham infused with more Southern verve. I think there are two British voices in total in that film. It's akin to that moment in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" where Kevin Costner puts out his wrist at the beginning and says in a perfect American newscaster accent, "This is British courage".<BR/><BR/>I consider the book of "The Secret Garden" to be the finest children's book ever written. There's a perfection to it. And there's no shame in adoring that Hallmark production when young. I myself loved and watched over and over again "The Phantom of the Opera" done for CBS with Burt Lancaster and Charles Dance. Anyone else remember it? No? Exactly.fusenumber8https://www.blogger.com/profile/16216979020263363698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147134024233970272006-05-08T20:20:00.000-04:002006-05-08T20:20:00.000-04:00The first chapter of The Secret Garden is utterly ...The first chapter of The Secret Garden is utterly chilling. The unlikable child forgotten in her room with only a lizard for company, not knowing that everyone else in the house is dead or gone. Cried buckets when I read it.McKoalahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01457446171624585099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147125039861485982006-05-08T17:50:00.000-04:002006-05-08T17:50:00.000-04:00I read a review once describing The Secret Garden ...I read a review once describing <I>The Secret Garden</I> as "Young Lady Chatterly." And while I still love the book and most film versions, that description has stuck with me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147123286249479532006-05-08T17:21:00.000-04:002006-05-08T17:21:00.000-04:00Wait, you forgot Disney's 'Robin Hood' where Robin...Wait, you forgot Disney's 'Robin Hood' where Robin and his merry band speak with Western twangs. <BR/><BR/>Or Cinderella, in a fit of post-World War II regression that has our baby-voiced heroine incapable of doing a darn thing for herself. The animals save her scrawny butt each time. All so she can realize her true calling in life -- as Princess Doormat! <BR/><BR/>Otherwise, I agree with all the other choices, including Jungle Book.Bkbudshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07500606884621653876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147118932177842222006-05-08T16:08:00.000-04:002006-05-08T16:08:00.000-04:00Ok, so Hallmark's Secret Garden was one of those m...Ok, so Hallmark's <EM>Secret Garden</EM> was one of those movies I watched over and over again as a kid. I can still quote the thing. You see, (and I have not ever read the book) in this version Mary was just a family friend - not a relative - making the 'passionate' kiss socially acceptable. However, imagine my horror when, in 7th grade they showed some other version that was more accurate in my English class and I learned the truth about my beloved version - that Colin and Mary really, really shouldn't have been in love. Totally ew. *shudder* But then, I do still like <EM>How I Live Now</EM>, as did some other people...Jackie Parkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11142876691306805769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147114977258730922006-05-08T15:02:00.000-04:002006-05-08T15:02:00.000-04:00No no, I know you're not. I'm not entirely certai...No no, I know you're not. I'm not entirely certain what got into me this morning. My apologies. After much thought, however, "Jungle Book" shall stay on the list if only because it's resemblance to the book is trifling.fusenumber8https://www.blogger.com/profile/16216979020263363698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147103971545362242006-05-08T11:59:00.000-04:002006-05-08T11:59:00.000-04:00Yeah, it really is a great song. I can't contest ...Yeah, it really is a great song. I can't contest that. And the version done by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy? Supreme. You know what... I'm getting convinced. Maybe "Jungle Booke" should be taken off the list. People are making strong cases here.<BR/><BR/>However, The Borrowers and The Secret of NIMH stay. For God's sake they KILLED Nicodemus! Doesn't that count for SOMETHING???fusenumber8https://www.blogger.com/profile/16216979020263363698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147101327717283422006-05-08T11:15:00.000-04:002006-05-08T11:15:00.000-04:00Also, potential racism aside (and I'm not convince...Also, potential racism aside (and I'm not convinced), I Wanna Be Like You is a <I>great</I> song. I mean, finally a Disney song that swings.Dan McCoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16231241053500980570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147101125407785002006-05-08T11:12:00.000-04:002006-05-08T11:12:00.000-04:00Two bones to pick with you:I like the Borrowers. ...Two bones to pick with you:<BR/><BR/>I like the Borrowers. Granted, I haven't read the book, but I like the visual sense of the movie, and... c'mon, Jim Broadbent and Hugh Laurie! Side not: I saw this on a date, in one of the weirdest acts of movie-choosing ever.<BR/><BR/>I really like The Secret of NIMH. Sure, it makes changes from the book, but fidelity isn't always the greatest good when it comes to adaptations. I hear that Hoot follows the book down the line. I also hear that it sucks. Granted, the magic stone thing is bogus, turning the tale of a normal mother mouse's small struggle to save her family into something needlessly mystic (although I can almost accept it, if I view it as a metaphor for the strength of a mother's love). Even with that misstep, though, most of the way it's simply a touching story about the aforementioned normal, simple mother mouse, and it has some lovely animation in it-- Don Bluth's best and darkest, before he slipped down the drain into Pebble and the Penguin hell, probably driven mad by animating too many cutely-wiggling butts of anthropomorphized animals.<BR/><BR/>I agree with everything else. I remember seeing The Black Cauldron when I was a kid (and before reading the books) and thinking how cool it was, and loving the creepy, early computer-animated skeleton soldiers. Then the movie was never made available on video, and it grew in my mind into some sort of lost classic. Then I finally watched it in college (courtesy of a mutual friend's video collection) and boy was it awful. Yep. Some movies should stay lost.Dan McCoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16231241053500980570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147098129189759932006-05-08T10:22:00.000-04:002006-05-08T10:22:00.000-04:00So let's take a count. So far we've two people de...So let's take a count. So far we've two people defending The Jungle Book. One because Prima was white and therefore jazz loving apes are not racist (some pondering to be done there) and one because racism was okay in 1967 when the film was made. <BR/><BR/>Moving on...fusenumber8https://www.blogger.com/profile/16216979020263363698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147097288184103402006-05-08T10:08:00.000-04:002006-05-08T10:08:00.000-04:00I totally get that telling a story visually is dif...I totally get that telling a story visually is different from telling a story with words, so that things must change. <BR/><BR/>But when everything is changed? Except the title? And when the changes affect the core of the story?<BR/><BR/>Why bother?<BR/><BR/>Does Yours Mine & Ours count? On the one hand, not technically a children's book; on the other hand, the Cheaper by the Dozen remake was more faithful to its source material than YMO. Which is telling.<BR/><BR/>Let me think what else....Liz Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16671844475303001610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15089389.post-1147096372347053042006-05-08T09:52:00.000-04:002006-05-08T09:52:00.000-04:00I don't love Jungle Book, but I never had any prob...I don't <I>love</I> Jungle Book, but I never had any problems with the orangs, possibly because I know Louis Prima is white. And, seriously -- if you have an opportunity to put one of the great musicians of the jazz/swing era into your movie, you don't say no.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com