2024 has been a year marked by major trends in music, technology and more. Yet, one of the most notable phenomena of the year has been the surge of book-to-film adaptations hitting theaters. From timeless classics to contemporary bestsellers, the transition from books to screens has continued to captivate audiences. Yet, the growing number of adaptations raise important questions: are these films doing justice to the stories that inspire them, or are they sacrificing the soul of the books for box office success? As technology advances and filmmakers get more creative with storytelling, the conversation around what makes a great adaptation has never been more relevant.
While many book and movie enthusiasts argue that film adaptations of books are a crime to the entertainment world, I think film adaptations of books can be done well but only with the right amount of energy, time and investment. The challenge comes when adaptations are churned out constantly. Without the necessary attention to detail and an adequate budget, many of these projects feel rushed or underdeveloped, often ending up on streaming platforms instead of making a significant impact on the big screen.
Take, for example, the movie adaptation of the award-winning novel “It Ends with Us” that left many fans dissatisfied. The film strayed from the book’s core message, leading to significant inaccuracies that diluted the story’s impact. “I feel like the movie really downplayed what the book was truly about—domestic abuse,” Cypress Ranch junior Aliyah Presley said. “They had the opportunity to make it powerful and impactful, but they didn’t do that.”
However, not all book-to-movie adaptations have been disappointing. Some have even become box office hits, leaving fans eager for more after leaving the theaters. One standout example this year is the Deadpool & Wolverine movie. Despite the limited content from the original comics, the film managed to capture the essence of both Deadpool and Wolverine, delivering a story that honored the legacy of these beloved characters and delighted fans who grew up with them. “The Deadpool vs. Wolverine movie was really good,” sophomore Mary Hearn said. “The comics were a childhood favorite of mine, so I was glad they got Deadpool right. Ryan Reynolds was the perfect actor for that role.”
In conclusion, 2024 has seen its fair share of hits and misses when it comes to book-to-movie adaptations. However, these experiences should serve as a lesson to movie studios that creating a great adaptation is possible, but it requires significant time, investment and attention to detail. Despite the mixed results, fans remain hopeful about the future of book adaptations. “I really hope that future adaptations are done well,” Presley said. “I hope movie studios take the time, listen to the fans, and consult with the authors to make the films as good as they can be.”
