As fairytale connoisseurs, the team has been looking forward to the film Into the Woods for a long while. Most are extremely pleased, but someone has some issues with the plot.
Adaptation #111: Into the Woods of Deconstruction
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Category Archives: Medium
Vlog: Five Worst Fairy Tale Adaptations
In which new vlogger Dorin details our list of worst adapted fairy tales and bemoans their inadequacies.
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Related Podcasts:
#9: Snow White and the Stranger Danger
Dream Cast Vlog: The Two Princesses of Bamarre
Vlog: Five Best Fairy Tale Adaptations
Adaptation #110: We Got Annie
After rolling their eyes through the 1982 Annie, the hosts are pleasantly surprised with the 2014 version. The plot changes, the updated music, and better character development led to an incredibly fun film experience.
*NOTE* We tried a few things with the audio this time, trying to make it a bit louder for you commuters out there. Let us know if this is better, worse or the same!
iTunes – Twitter – Facebook – Tumblr – YouTube – Download This Episode
For a similar discussions, check out our episodes on Big Hero 6, Alexander and the Very Bad Day, The Boxtrolls and The Giver.
Trailer Talk: Insurgent
Here is the trailer for the second installment of the Divergent series Insurgent.
I admit, it has been a good while since I read the book. I read it before the first movie came out. This trailer does seem to stay true to the story, though I am missing the recklessness behavior that Tris displays throughout the second book. It is only the first trailer though, I am sure there will be another. I also don’t recall the dream that she seems to be having about saving her mother from a burning house.
I think what I am looking forward to seeing the most is how Tris reacts to the fear serum. I remember the scene being fairly dramatic and as well as shocking since it actually works on Tris. Though, I am not looking as forward to seeing Tris’s character devolve after her parent’s death. I find that in most YA fiction, the heroine is not always likable. For example, I cannot stand the heroine from The Mortal Instruments series, Clary. Half of the time she is being a complete idiot and the other she is whining about how hard everything is. I just want to smack her. I got a small tickle of that feeling for Tris in this book. I realize that she feels guilty for the death of her parents and doesn’t know how to cope with the pain, but she becomes so selfish at some points that I just can’t stand it.
I am also really eager to see into the world of the factionless. And we get to meet a certain leader who becomes very significant to one of the main characters. I really want to see that dynamic on screen and see how they handle it.
What about you guys? What are you looking forward to seeing? What are you hoping they leave out? Leave your comments below.
Also, don’t miss out podcasts on Divergent the Book and the Film and keep your eyes open for our casts on the book and film for Insurgent.
Vlog: Most Anticipated Adaptations in 2015
Adaptation #109: And a Hobbit with the One Ring
In discussing the final installment of The Hobbit, the hosts get into a heated debate about where the film starts, but agree on many of the other aspects like the fantastic fight choreography and the over-done love story. Make sure you let us know what you thought of the film, the end of the series and our discussion in the comments!
*NOTE* This episode is unusually quiet because of some problems with the recording. We promise to do better next time.
Be sure to check out our other Hobbit podcasts: (novel) (part 1) (part 2)
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For a similar discussions, check out our episodes on A Feast for Crows, The Maze Runner, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and Emma Approved.
Staff Recommendations – December 2014
The Adaptation staff have been relaxing over the holidays with the following. How about you?
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
My recommendation is Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. It’s a comedy about the apocalypse (yes, you read that right), and about an angel and a demon who are trying to stop it because they’ve come to like the earth too much. It is freakin’ hilarious, and for Supernatural fans out there, there is a demon called Crowley.
-Jess
Good Omens on BBC Radio 4
Capitalizing on Jess, my recommendation would be the BBC radio play of Good Omens starring the voices of Peter Serafinowicz and Mark Heap! Only 3 weeks left to listen to the first couple episodes. You can find all 6 episodes via this link!
-Dorin
Columbo, Concluded after 10 Seasons
I recently watched through some episodes of Columbo, which is an old police procedural series. It stars Peter Falk as Lieutenant Columbo, a seemingly bumbling police officer whose talent for observation is nothing short of Sherlockian. Each episode starts off the same: we as the viewers actually see how each crime–most likely a murder–is committed, and by whom, so there is always a sense of dramatic irony. The fun part, though, is seeing exactly how Columbo works out what we already know–which he inevitably does in the course of the episode. It’s a really interesting show, and pretty darn funny too, which is always a good thing.
-Jenn
Lost Girl, Sundays on Showcase
I just recently caught up on Lost Girl, which follows a succubus, Bo, as she navigates the world and rules of the Fae after not knowing what she was or how her powers worked for most of her life. The show is really great at pulling out really obscure faery myths for Bo and her friends to tangle with, and though there are a few characters that fall flat for me, the other ones completely make up for it. I got stuck at the end of season 3 for a while because I wasn’t entirely interested in what was happening, but watching season 4 showed me that it was a mistake to stop. I felt like the writers finally hit their stride and the end of the season had me openly sobbing several times. If you’re into kick-ass female characters, empowering female sexuality and weird mythological creatures, be sure to check it out! I’m off to start season 5!
-Kendyl
That’s it for us this month, but be sure to leave your own recommendations in the comments!
Vlog: Favorite Adaptations of 2014
Adaptation #108: Do You Hear the Districts Sing?
After multiple issues with the first try at recording an episode on Mockingjay Part 1, we’ve finally gotten out an episode for you to listen to and discuss with us. The hosts talk about what was cut, what was added, and how the film will transition to Part 2 in this long-awaited episode. Let us know what you thought in the comments!
Our other HG episodes: The Hunger Games (book) (movie), Catching Fire (book) (movie), and Mockingjay (book).
iTunes – Twitter – Facebook – Tumblr – YouTube – Download This Episode
For a similar discussions, check out our episodes on Divergent, The Maze Runner, The Giver, and Emma Approved.
Vlog: Favorite Holiday Adaptations
Commentary #3: Annie (1982)
The team sits down to watch and dissect the 1982 film version of Annie to prep for the upcoming remake. Pop in your DVD and watch with us!
iTunes – Twitter – Facebook – Tumblr – YouTube – Download This Episode
For a similar discussions, check out our episodes on The Boxtrolls, Maleficent, Once Upon a Time season 3, Frozen, and Snow White.
Other commentaries: The Lion King and The Princess Bride
Vlog: NaNoWriMo Reflections
In which Jenn talks about her first time NaNoWriMo-ing!
Jess’s novel on Fanfiction.net
Adaptation #107: Victoria “Ghoulish” Frankenstein, MD
There are just too many things to talk about with Pemberley Digital latest endeavor Frankenstein MD. After reading a record number of comments, the hosts go over how a gender-swapped Frankenstein is pulled off, Victoria’s likability, and what things they wish had been included. Pacing, sexism in STEM, Steve’s acting ability… it all leads to a jam-packed episode!
If this series got you thinking about reading Mary Shelley’s novel, check out Kendyl’s book review!
iTunes – Twitter – Facebook – Tumblr – YouTube – Download This Episode
For a similar discussions, check out our episodes on Emma Approved, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, I, Frankenstein, Frankenweenie, and Once Upon a Time (season 2 and 3).
Staff Recommendations – November 2014
The Adaptation staff have some recommendations for you from their November exploits!
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Concluded after 1 Season
I’ve been watching through Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, starring Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet, Bradley Whitford, and many more. It’s a show about a sketch comedy show (think Saturday Night Live) that is in a bit of trouble in its prime-time slot. The executive producer had a bit of a meltdown on air, and the network is trying to recover from its downfall by bringing in the wonder team: new producer Danny and writer Matt, not to mention an ambitious and liberal new network president, Jordan. They’ve got their work cut out for them though, with a eclectic and opinionated cast and the media set against them! It’s a really clever and entertaining show. Set primarily as a drama, but with plenty of comedy thrown in, the characters are endearing and three-dimensional. I still can’t believe it was cancelled after only one season! It’s like Firefly all over again!
-Jess
Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
For NaNOWriMo, I’m writing a fantasy story that is an adaptation and combination of two lesser-known fairy tales (as you can tell, I’m a sucker for this genre) and since I haven’t been able to read much this month, I figured I would recommend something I’ve read before that is similar to what I’ve been writing. One of my favorite adaptations that also combines multiple fairy tales into one story is Wildwood Dancing, by Juliet Marillier. This book takes and expands on the tale of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, told from the point of view of Jena, the second eldest of five princesses. Wildwood Dancing also successfully weaves in certain elements from The Frog Prince as well, in the guise of Jena’s constant amphibious companion, Gogu. For years on the full moon, Jena and her sisters–and Gogu–have been able to travel to the enchanted world of the Other Kingdom through a secret portal in their castle–a portal that only they know about. But their idyllic existence is threatened after their father falls ill and their controlling cousin, Cezar, is put in charge of their care. It’s a story of magic and love and trust and–you guessed it–‘once upon a times’ and ‘happily ever afters’. I guarantee that you will be hooked by this story within the first couple of pages. And if you don’t want your own Gogu by the end of it…well, then we’re clearly not reading the same book.
-Jenn
Constantine, Thursdays on NBC
I wasn’t sure about Constantine at first because I loved the film version with Keanu Reeves and Rachel Weisz and in the TV version Weisz’s character left after the first episode. Maybe we will see her again, but I don’t know. However, after allowing the show to progress with a new girl companion, who is clairvoyant and not as easily scared away, I have realized that it is an amazing show. Instead of Keanu’s own brand of snark, we get Matt Ryan, a Welsh actor, who gives us an even snarkier, “I work alone” type, smoking, drinking, guilt-ridden Liverpudlian (i.e. from Liverpool, England) and Master of- or as he likes to say “dabbler” in- the Dark Arts. He’s a bit of a sorry excuse for a man, but that’s why the character is so great! It has really great writing and lines that make you giggle in the middle of it all, much like Supernatural, and honestly, if you liked the film version with Keanu Reeves, you will LOVE this! And if you didn’t like the film, you will STILL LOVE this.
-Dorin
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Tuesdays on ABC
So far this fall television season, the standout favorite for me has been Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which is a bit of a surprise since last season I would only begrudgingly watch if I was caught up on all my other shows. But the show has really hit it’s stride now and I’m always eager to watch the new episode. Agents follows a team put together by Phil Coulson, of Marvel Cinematic Universe fame, as they track down advanced, often alien technology (and sometimes humans infused with the tech) to keep it out of the hands of those who are up to no good and protect humanity. The end of season 1 coincided with the events in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which (without spoiling) gave the team a whole new dynamic that has really worked in season 2. Coulson is simultaneously always good for a one-liner and to make you feel all the feelings, May is possibly the best kick-ass female character I’ve ever seen, and scientists Fitz and Simmons are awkward, fast-talking and brilliantly lovable. If you’re into Marvel, or just the MCU, I don’t know why you haven’t already been watching, but trust me, the world-building of having a show coincide with the films will make you giddy. And if you’re not into Marvel, this show will still appeal to you if you’re into action, weird alien tech and great characters.
-Kendyl
That’s it for us this month, but be sure to leave your own recommendations in the comments!
Vlog: Worst Friendship Chemistry in Film
Vlog: Four Book Characters We Want Origin Stories For
Adaptation #106: Big Hiro 6
The gang discusses the film Big Hero 6, wondering why it wasn’t set in Japan, wanting their own Baymax, and loving the range of characters and emotional depth in the storyline. Dorin evens comes up with a storyline for the sequel.
iTunes – Twitter – Facebook – Tumblr – YouTube – Download This Episode
For a similar discussions, check out our episodes on Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Adaptation #105: Of Mockingjays and Monopoly
Jess, Jenn and Corey come together this week to discuss the final book of The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. The trio talks through their own emotional wounds as well as the characters and make predictions about the upcoming film Mockingjay Part 1.
Check out our previous THG podcasts: The Hunger Games (Book) (Movie), Catching Fire (Book) (Movie), Mockingjay (First Movie)
Adaptation Podcast 