When books become movies
By Lisa Nicklanovich
There are many popular books that have been adapted to film recently, giving us the opportunity to see how the same story can be reimagined and beloved characters brought to life. The following film adaptations have been released to streaming platforms for rent or purchase due to theater closures. Check for film ratings, as some have mature themes.
The Invisible Man: A science fiction horror film based on the 1897 novel by H.G. Wells. Elisabeth Moss plays Cecilia, who after the apparent suicide of her abusive and wealthy partner, believes he has acquired the ability to become invisible and is stalking her. (Amazon Prime Video)
The Call of the Wild: An adventure film based on the Jack London 1903 novel and 1935 film adaptation. The 2020 version stars Harrison Ford and an animated dog. (Amazon Prime Video, Fandango Now, Vudu, Google Play, iTunes)
Emma: The book by Jane Austen was adapted in 1996 in a film starring Gwyneth Paltrow. The 2020 version features Anya Taylor-Joy in the lead role as the meddlesome matchmaker. Bill Nighy stars as Mr. Woodhouse and Johnny Flynn is George Knightley. (Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu)
Dolittle: An American fantasy comedy-adventure film. Based on a character created by Hugh Lofting and primarily inspired by the book The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, the film stars Robert Downey Jr. who plays a veterinarian who has the ability to communicate with animals. The 2020 film is a reboot of the 1967 film Doctor Dolittle. (Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu)
Little Fires Everywhere: A television miniseries based on the 2017 novel by Celeste Ng. It consists of eight episodes following the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and the enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives. (Hulu)
The Laundromat: A widow investigates an insurance fraud, chasing leads to a pair of Panama City law partners exploiting the world’s financial system. Based on the book Secrecy World by Jake Bernstein, the film stars Meryl Streep as the main character. (Netflix)
A Dog’s Journey: Based on the 2012 novel by W. Bruce Cameron, this is the sequel to A Dog’s Purpose. It continues the spiritual journey of a dog’s reincarnation and unwaivering loyalty to his owner Ethan (played by Dennis Quaid). The dog carries on through the life of Ethan’s granddaughter. (Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, iTunes)
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: A British drama film based on the memoir by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. Kamkwamba is a young boy seeking to save his village from drought. The boy devises a plan to build a windmill to power an electric water pump that he had scavenged earlier. (Netflix)
