Nowadays it is common for people to avoid reading books at all costs. People would rather watch a movie based on a book than actually read the book. However, the movie doesn’t always do a great book justice. There are only rare instances where the movie is actually worth watching. Coincidentally, Emma Watson stars in 3 out of 4 of these movies. 

• Little Women (2019)

Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of Little Women has become one of my favorite movies. It stars three of my favorite actors: Timothee Chamlet, Florence Pugh, and Saorise Ronan. This book has been previously adapted five times. The newest one still has the famous scenes that make this movie memorable. However, what makes this one different is that it is a poioumenon, the story is about the process of creating this story, blurring the lines between Louisa May Acott (author) and Jo March (main character). 

One thing from the book that I miss in the movie is more of Amy and Jo’s relationship. Although, the movie does a good job of showing that they didn’t always get along. Also, Laurie and Amy’s relationship feels rushed and random in the film. Bethpage senior, Sarah Shokoor said, “The main flaw within the movie is the inability to portray the relationships. Watchers aren’t able to capture the true essence of Laurie and Amy’s relationship due to the quick pace of the film.’

Also, I think that unlike the previous version, Gerwig opted to not cast a younger actress to play Amy as a child. It is interesting to watch Florence Pugh portray a child in one scene, and an adult in another.

•  The Great Gatsby (2013)

The Great Gatsby movie turns a boring book into an intriguing story glamorizing the “Hollywood” life of Gatsby. The modern upbeat music and fast-paced visuals used by the filmmakers represent how chaotic the lives of the rich were and how extravagant their parties were. My favorite part of this movie is watching Tobey Maguire portray Nick Carraway. Maguire perfectly demonstrates that Nick is a watcher and just an outsider in Gatsby’s life. 

After watching this movie you will either want to read the book (and end up disappointed in it) or have the song “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Ray stuck in your head. Maybe read the book first, so when you watch the movie you will be wildly impressed how someone can make such a boring book look interesting. 

•  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

I know that saying Harry Potter is the best film adaptation is a cliché, but there’s a reason it’s a cliché. The various directors and actors did a great job recreating such a famous book series; these books and movies had an impact on most people’s childhoods. The Prisoner of Azkaban isn’t my favorite movie of the series, but it most closely resembles the book. The movie honors the book by keeping a serious tone and mostly the same plot. This movie sets up the continuation of darkness that will appear in the rest of the series, compared to the somewhat light-heartedness that is in the first movies. 

I also enjoy this movie because it introduces some of my favorite characters: Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. With the introduction of these characters comes the background of the Marauders. I know that the movie can’t include everything, but I would’ve liked more background on the Marauder’s friendship and they’re hatred towards Severus Snape. 

• The Perks of being a Wallflower

Steven Chbosky—the author of The Perks of being a Wallflower—directed and wrote the screenplay, which made this adaptation almost flawless. The characters were casted perfectly; it seems like Chbosky went back in time and wrote the book based off of the actors. Since the novel was an epistolary (in the form of letters) the movie couldn’t be an hour and a half of a voiceover of Charlie’s letters. However the movie still includes parts of Charlie’s thoughts with some narration reciting his letters, while getting other characters’ points of view, unlike the book. 

My favorite part from the book that is shown in the movie is when Sam is standing out of the truck, while they drive through the tunnel. Then Charlie says my favorite line, “I feel infinite.”

The only thing I didn’t like about the book is, it kind of ignored the situation with Charlie’s aunt. Bethpage senior, Lauren Robertino said, “I didn’t like the movie because it didn’t give every detail the book gave you. It leaves out a huge chunk about his aunt.” The reveal about the aunt plays a major part in the story, which the movie is unfortunately missing.