Monday, March 20, 2017

The Dark Tower? No, Thank You

Over on Facebook I saw the poster for the upcoming movie, The Dark Tower. The poster was cool, and I loved (loved, LOVED) the books, but I don’t think I can watch the movie. Why? Here are some reasons:

  • Most King movie adaptations suck. Heck, I can say that about most movie adaptations.
  • I have nothing against the actor, but he’s not Roland. I find it strange (well, maybe not, he was probably paid well) that King didn’t think Roland was any race. So why did he write him white? I mean, there’s a big conflict between Roland and Susannah because he’s white and she’s black. Don’t see how that can happen if Roland is also black.
  • Matthew McWhatchamacallit. Need I say more? Ugh.
  • This movie is some sort of sequel, and not really about the books. So why call it The Dark Tower? Talk about confusing.
Heck, it’s not like I get to the theatre all that often anyway. But I’d much rather see The Dark Tower turn into a television series (but not like Under the Dome—TV ruined that book, too!).

The movie I hope to see next is Beauty and the Beast. Tuesday is bargain day at the theatre. I’ll have to see if Hubby is up to going.

So… Are you a fan of movie adaptations? Which King film is your favorite?

Happy Monday!
 
Stacy

7 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I'm curious, but I haven't read the books. Kind adaptations can be hit or miss. I remember going to see Pet Cemetery because my wife said the book was really good - but the movie was just awful.

JeffO said...

I have no problem with Idris Elba as Roland--Elba is a fantastic actor (have you seen "Luther"? Great show, great role, great portrayal). As for the Roland/Susannah race thing, my first thought was they would shift it to Susannah and Eddie's relationship, instead. However, I just saw this tidbit: http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Dark-Tower-Finds-Its-Female-Lead-Who-Character-113187.html Perhaps the producers are "solving" the problem by replacing Susannah with Tirana, a minor (white) character from book seven. Now you can still have your racial tensions, problem solved! Or, they might just write that aspect of the story right out of the series, who knows?

King adaptations are all over the map. I'll consider this, but I'll have to see more. It's been a long time since I've read the Dark Tower series....

Maria Zannini said...

I simply don't like any film adaptations by King. I don't know if his stories are too complicated for directors, or there are too many cooks stirring the soup, but it's a mess.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Alex - The book Pet Sematary creeped the bejesus out of me. I don't think I could handle the movie.

Jeff - I'm thinking "Hollywood" is just making up a new story of The Dark Tower. Which is sad. The books are GREAT because the characters are GREAT! Don't mess with the characters!!!

Maria - King's novellas/short stories work better for movies (i.e. The Body (Stand by Me) and Shawshank Redemption). His novels work so much better as mini-series. I loved The Stand mini-series. Even though it wasn't quite like the book (what can be?), it was pretty darn close.

Tanja said...

Book made into movie, "Dune". Need I say more? OK. For everyone who says they liked the movie, "The Right Stuff", read the book. You're brain will thank you.

Tanja said...

"Your" brain. Sorry this iPhone dictionary likes to rewrite me.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Tanja - Never read or watched Dune or The Right Stuff. (don't hit me!)