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Best and Worst Children’s Books Turned Into Movies
When I first read that Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are was headed for the big screen, I cringed. I still haven’t recovered from what Simon Birch did to A Prayer for Owen Meany. But then I saw the trailers and, well, you know the rest. It looks breathtaking, and Maurice Sendak has put his stamp of approval on the project.
Sometimes when a children’s book is brought to life it’s a true treasure, exactly as you had imagined it … or sometimes even better. And sometimes, it’s a terrible flop. Hollywood.com recently share their list of the best and worst children’s book movie adaptions. Check them out:
They like:
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- Charlotte’s Web (1973)
- The Jungle Book
- Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
- James and the Giant Peach
- The Iron Giant
- The Princess Bride
This is a great list except for James, which I still can’t sit all the way through.
On their “wish it had stayed a storybook” list:
- The Cat in the Hat
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
- Ella Enchanted
- Curious George
- Eragon
- Jumanji
- The Secret Garden
I’m not sure I can forgive them for putting Curious George on this list, and Jumanji? Come on! But I think time has taught us to leave Dr. Seuss alone and in print.
Also on Babble, be sure to check out 10 kids movies that were better than the book.
Now tell us, what kids’ movies do you think were great, and which do you think should have never been made?
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0 Comments
Brian commented on Oct 15 09 at 2:34 pmI seem to be the only one who HATED Willy Wonka and the Chocoloate Factory compared to the book. I heard all over what a travesty it was that Tim Burton was remaking that movie. Frankly I thought the original travesty was what that freaky joke of a first effort.
Beirnes commented on Oct 15 09 at 2:35 pmThis is great..so that those children can easily recognize each character on every story book..
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snarky mama commented on Oct 15 09 at 2:43 pmI actually haven’t seen it (but did read the book), but my kids loved “Coraline” (as did my mom who brought them to see it).
Kaz commented on Oct 15 09 at 3:37 pmI thought I was going to hate Horton Hears a Who, but, to my surprise, I actually enjoyed it…
bethanysanders commented on Oct 15 09 at 8:29 pmI agree with you on Horton, Kaz. It’s the one good Seuss movie, I think. And Snarky Mama — just how scary is Coraline? Too much for a six-year-old?
snarky mama commented on Oct 15 09 at 11:09 pmMy oldest was almost 7 when he saw it, and didn’t think it was too scary (but he also watches Star Wars, Spider-man, etc.).
Marj commented on Oct 18 09 at 3:51 pmI really liked Jumanji and Ella Enchanted, although to be fair I have not read the books.
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