Book and Movie Reviews Archives - Books & Movies OMG https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/category/book-and-movie-reviews/ From pages to movies Sat, 18 Jan 2025 18:47:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-Books-_Movies-OMG-32x32.jpg Book and Movie Reviews Archives - Books & Movies OMG https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/category/book-and-movie-reviews/ 32 32 Dr. DOA: A Review of the Book by Simon R. Green https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/book-review-dr-doa-by-simon-r-green/ Mon, 17 Jun 2024 16:28:00 +0000 https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/?p=21 Simon R. Green is an author known for his ability to combine elements of detective fiction, science fiction, and fantasy …

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Simon R. Green is an author known for his ability to combine elements of detective fiction, science fiction, and fantasy into a unique literary canvas. In his book Dr. DOA, he immerses the reader in a story that intertwines horror, mystery, and intrigue, leaving an unforgettable impression.

What is this book about?

“Dr. DOA” is the first novel in the series about a character named Dr. DOA (Dead on Arrival). He is not an ordinary doctor or researcher. He is a killer who chooses his victims with great calculation and cold blood. However, don’t rush to judge him by his first impression. The mask of a ruthless killer hides a complex and multifaceted character whose motives are clear only at a certain stage of the novel.

The story is centered on an investigation that leads the hero into a world of deadly conspiracies, dark secrets, and magical powers. By combining the real and supernatural worlds, Green creates an atmosphere of tension, where every step can be the last.

The main character and his internal conflict

Dr. DoA is not just a hero, but a character torn between his deadly mission and the desire to find meaning in his existence. His name itself hints at his fate – he is a man for whom death has become an inevitable companion, and this shapes his worldview. In the book, he is revealed as a complex character whose journey forces the reader to ask questions about morality, justice, and the nature of good and evil.

Writing style and atmosphere

Green is a master of the art of creating atmosphere. He uses details that may seem insignificant at first glance, but eventually turn out to be key to the development of the plot. The whole novel is imbued with a sense of danger and uncertainty, which keeps the reader on edge.

The language of the book is simple, but not without depth. The author is able to find a balance between dialogues, descriptions, and internal monologues of the characters, which adds dynamics and emotionality. The reader feels that every moment brings him or her closer to the denouement, which, as it should be in a good detective story, is unexpected and shocking.

The theme and message of the book

The main theme of Dr. DOA is the exploration of the nature of life and death, as well as the essence of moral choices in situations where there are no easy answers. Greene raises important questions about the nature of the human soul, what it means to be a hero or a villain, and whether we always have the ability to change our future.

Conclusion

“Dr. DoA is a book for those who are looking for not just another detective story or fantasy, but a story that makes you think about life and its meaning. Simon R. Green has created an interesting, rich and deep novel that will appeal to both fans of dark detectives and those who want to get acquainted with new approaches to genres where the line between the real and the magical is blurred.

This novel is an excellent first installment in a series that has everything to become a genre classic.

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Kitty and Her Greatest Hits: A Book Review by Carrie Wong https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/book-review-kittys-greatest-hits-by-carrie-vaughn/ Tue, 21 May 2024 15:18:00 +0000 https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/?p=15 Carrie Wong is an author who has gained popularity for her series of books about Kitty, a character who lives …

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Carrie Wong is an author who has gained popularity for her series of books about Kitty, a character who lives in a complex world where magic and reality are intertwined. In her book Kitty’s Greatest Hits, Wong collects the best moments from the stories of Kitty and her adventures, offering readers an unforgettable journey into the dark but fascinating world of vampires, magic, and sinister secrets.

What is this book about?

“Kitty and Her Greatest Hits” is not just a collection of short stories, but a whole collection of stories that reveal the most interesting stages of the main character’s life. Kitty, who has become a celebrity among vampires and other magical creatures, finds herself in situations where her strength and intuition are put to the test. Wong effectively combines action, humor, and drama, giving readers a variety of emotional experiences.

Main characters

Kitty is not just an ordinary vampire. She is a radio host who chooses to make her identity known by telling her listeners stories about the life of vampires. Her show, which often covers topics related to supernatural creatures, becomes an informal arena for conversations about living in the shadows, the cruelty of the magical world, and the struggle for justice. Although Kitty is a symbol of strength, her vulnerability and internal conflicts make her very human.

Other characters accompanying her on her journey are no less interesting. They help to complete the picture of the world in which vampires, werewolves, magicians, and other creatures live. Each of these characters has its own depth, which allows the reader to truly immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the work.

The theme of the book

Wong skillfully reveals the theme of identity, how it changes under the pressure of external circumstances and internal experiences. Kitty is constantly faced with questions that seem to concern only her as a vampire: how not to lose herself in the world around her, whether to fight to change the perception of vampires, or to accept her place in this cruel world?

However, the book also addresses important social issues, such as restrictions on freedom of speech, the struggle for rights and a place in society, even when it comes to magical creatures. All these issues become central during the most exciting scenes, where Kitty and her friends have to decide what is more important: power or dignity.

Writing style

Kerry Wong’s writing style in Kitty and Her Greatest Hits is captivating from the very first line. She skillfully combines deep emotion with dynamic action, which keeps the reader on their toes throughout the book. The plots of each story are not overloaded with unnecessary details, but each element is important for the development of the main theme and characters.

Wong also has a great sense of humor, which adds lightness to difficult moments without diminishing the seriousness of the main themes.

“Kitty and Her Greatest Hits is a book that will be a great choice for all fantasy fans, in particular for those who are looking for not just stories about vampires and magical creatures, but also a deep exploration of the inner world of characters struggling with the challenges of not only the outside world, but also their own fears and doubts. Kerry Wong has created a real literary treasure that will leave an indelible impression.

For fans of the series and newcomers to Kitty’s world, this book is an indispensable part of the collection.

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When a Book Is Better Than a Movie: 10 Examples Our Club Discusses https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/when-a-book-is-better-than-a-movie-10-examples-our-club-discusses/ Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:10:00 +0000 https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/?p=154 Plenty of popular books have been adapted into movies, but sometimes the film adaptations fail to fully capture the magic …

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Plenty of popular books have been adapted into movies, but sometimes the film adaptations fail to fully capture the magic that the text creates. Our club readers discuss which books are far superior to their movie versions. Here are 10 examples where the book was better than the movie.

“The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien

Although Peter Jackson’s films have become iconic, many fans believe that Tolkien’s book remains unrivaled. The books’ descriptions of the world, characters, and stories are deeper, and they offer more philosophical context that is difficult to convey in the movies.

“Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter film adaptations have inspired a generation, but many details important to the book have been omitted. The story, character development, and details of the magical world described in the books are much deeper than in the movies.

“Iron Man” Stan Lee

Although the Iron Man movies starring Robert Downey Jr. are known the world over, the comic books they are based on are full of more depth and philosophy than the movies could convey.

“Charlotte and Her Spidey” by E.B. White

The movie is certainly touching, but the book remains more emotionally intense. White manages to convey the tenderness and connections between the characters on a deeper level.

“Bridge Over Eternity” by Richard Bach

The book’s plot is filled with philosophical musings and spiritual quest, while the film adaptation simplifies the main message, losing the author’s fine-tuning.

“Dark Beginnings” by Philip Pullman

While the film adaptation of this work is interesting, Pullman’s book creates a more complex picture of the universe, philosophical and moral issues that are lost in the movies due to the simplification of the plot.

“Maze Runner” James Dashner

Movies about teenagers trapped in a maze failed to fully convey the atmosphere of the book, its tension and philosophical reflections on the nature of society.

“The Shining” Stephen King

Stephen King is a master of psychological horror, and his book is full of disturbing and heartfelt moments that Stanley Kubrick’s movie only partially conveys. The psychology of the characters and the darkness that surrounds them is much stronger in the text.

“Dracula” Bram Stoker

In screen adaptations, the image of Count Dracula is often turned into another vampire-lover, which contradicts the dark and intimidating appearance created by Stoker in his novel.

“The Invisible” by HG Wells

Although many films about The Invisible Man have moved away from Wells’ original idea, his book presents a deeper exploration of loneliness, power, and morality that screen adaptations fail to achieve.

These examples show how books can touch on deeper themes and develop characters with the same attention that is difficult to convey through the screen. Literature has the ability to create worlds and images that stay with us far longer than any movie.

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Pages vs. Frames: Which tells the Story Better? https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/pages-vs-frames-which-tells-the-story-better/ Sat, 09 Jul 2022 16:18:00 +0000 https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/?p=161 Pages vs. frames: which tells the story better? Every great story begins with an idea, but its perception depends on …

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Pages vs. frames: which tells the story better? Every great story begins with an idea, but its perception depends on how it is conveyed. Reading a book, we create our own world in our imagination, living every emotion of the character. Watching a movie, we are immersed in a visually created universe, where each frame is filled with atmosphere, music and details that may not be in the text. But what better reveals the essence of the story: the book or the movie?

A book: limitless imagination

One of the main advantages of books is their ability to immerse us deeply into the thoughts and feelings of the characters. The text reveals complex emotions, inner monologues that can rarely be conveyed through a screen. The reader sees the world through the lens of their own imagination, creating a unique experience.

In addition, books provide time for reflection. Each page is an opportunity to stop, think, reflect, and not just follow the plot. This is why many people feel that literary works leave a deeper mark.

The movie: the power of visual art

Movies, on the other hand, have an incredible ability to convey emotion through visual and sound images. The camerawork, acting, and music all create a unique atmosphere that cannot be experienced in the pages of a book.

Movies also simplify complex plots, making them accessible to a wide audience. In two hours, the screen can show large-scale battles, incredible scenery, and realistic special effects that are hard to imagine when reading.

Advantages and limitations

Each format has its own strengths. Books are more in-depth, revealing details that are difficult to grasp in movies. Movies, on the other hand, emphasize spectacle and emotion, giving the story in a concentrated form.

However, in the effort to adapt a book for a movie, important plot points are often lost. Simplifying or changing the ending, cutting out characters, can all disappoint fans of the original.

So which is better?

There is no unambiguous answer to this question. It all depends on personal preference. If you appreciate the details, want to deeply understand the motivation of the characters, the book will be the best choice. If dynamics, visuals and atmosphere are important to you, a movie will reveal the story from a new angle.

Ideally, both formats can complement each other. When you read a book, you discover a wealth of detail. Watching a movie, you experience the same story, but through the lens of the director’s vision.

Conclusion

The debate about whether a book or a movie is better will go on forever, because every story is unique, and so is its perception. So what will you choose? Share your thoughts and find like-minded people in our club, where pages and frames come to life!

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Movies That Inspired Books https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/movies-that-inspired-books/ Thu, 03 Mar 2022 21:57:00 +0000 https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/?p=151 Usually we are used to books becoming the basis for movies. But sometimes it is the other way around: the …

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Usually we are used to books becoming the basis for movies. But sometimes it is the other way around: the powerful impact of cinema inspires authors to create literary works. These books often reveal what is not told in the movies, deepen the plots and allow us to look at familiar stories from a different angle. Let’s dive into the world where the screen inspires the pages.

Star Wars

George Lucas’ sci-fi saga is not just an iconic movie, but an entire universe that has inspired hundreds of writers. After the release of the first installments of Star Wars, there have been books expanding the world of galactic adventure. They not only deepen the history of well-known characters such as Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, but also introduce new characters, planets, and events not available in the movies.

These books have become an integral part of the franchise and form what is known as the “Legendary” and “Canonical” lines of the universe.

Blade Runner

Although the movie is based on Philip K. Dick’s novel “Do Androids Dream of Electro-Ovans?”, the reverse process also took place. After the release of Ridley Scott’s cult movie in 1982, books inspired specifically by its atmosphere appeared. Authors including K. У. Jeter, have created a series of novels that continue the plot of the movie, exploring the world of replicants and the philosophical questions raised by the film.

Jurassic Park

Michael Creighton’s novel originally inspired a popular series of movies. However, the success of Steven Spielberg’s first film led to Creighton writing a sequel, The Lost World. Although this book is considered a sequel, its plot was largely inspired by the movie rather than the author’s original idea.

The Matrix

The Wachowski brothers’ philosophical and visual masterpiece has inspired many writers to create books that explore the movie’s concepts. Some flesh out the universe by revealing details of life in the simulation, while others analyze the philosophy behind The Matrix. These works have become favorites among science fiction fans.

Why do movies inspire books?

When filmmakers create an intense world or a strong plot, it can remain unfinished. A book has the opportunity to reveal what is left out: the motivation of the characters, their inner feelings, the backstory or continuation of events. In addition, film, with its visual and emotional power, often becomes a catalyst for writers, awakening their imagination.

Books inspired by movies give viewers the opportunity to delve deeper into beloved worlds, explore them from a new perspective, and find answers to the questions left in the movie.

Conclusion

Stories can travel both ways: from book to screen and from screen to book. Such adaptations show that inspiration knows no boundaries or form. Movies and books combine to create entire universes that continue to live on in the hearts of viewers and readers.

What movies do you think deserve to be turned into books? Share your ideas and your favorite examples in our club discussions!

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Interview with Darren Doucet: A Look at Creativity and Inspiration https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/author-interview-daren-doucet/ Tue, 17 Aug 2021 12:25:00 +0000 https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/?p=18 Daren Doucet is one of those authors whose work combines depth and lightness, allowing readers to immerse themselves in a …

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Daren Doucet is one of those authors whose work combines depth and lightness, allowing readers to immerse themselves in a world where reality and fiction become integral parts of the same story. In our interview, he shared his thoughts on his writing career, sources of inspiration, and the importance of staying true to yourself.

On the beginning of his career and first steps in literature

“I’ve always loved writing, but the real impetus for my literary career was the realization that my stories could inspire others,” says Daren. He admits that his first works were purely experiments, but over time he began to realize how important it is to remain authentic when expressing his thoughts through words.

Sources of inspiration

Daren emphasizes that the inspiration for his books can come from any moment. It can be meeting interesting people, watching a movie, or even a walk in nature. “Sometimes an idea just appears when you least expect it. It’s important to have an open mind and be ready to accept new experiences,” he says.

On his writing style

“My style is a combination of deep drama with elements of humor and lightness. I like to create characters that you can love, even if their actions are not always perfect,” adds Daren. This desire for multifaceted characters has become the basis of his work.

The message of his works

Daren has repeatedly emphasized that the main purpose of his books is to show that everyone has the right to make mistakes, to find themselves and to change. “I want readers to feel that they are not alone in their experiences, that every story is important, and that even in the darkest moments, light can be found.”

Plans for the future

“I’m working on a new project that will be even more ambitious,” says the author. Daren promises that the upcoming book will be deeper, more emotional and contain elements that were not present in his previous works.

Daren Doucet’s work inspires new achievements, showing how important it is to believe in yourself and your ability to create something real.

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When the Plot Changes: The Most Unexpected Deviations of Movies from Books https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/when-the-plot-changes-the-most-unexpected-deviations-of-movies-from-books/ Thu, 18 Feb 2021 12:27:00 +0000 https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/?p=169 Screen adaptations of books rarely remain completely faithful to the source material. Directors and screenwriters adapt plots, add new characters, …

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Screen adaptations of books rarely remain completely faithful to the source material. Directors and screenwriters adapt plots, add new characters, or change endings to make the movies more dynamic and suitable for the screen format. Sometimes these changes enrich the story, and sometimes they disappoint book fans. Let’s break down the most unexpected deviations of movies from the original works.

“The Hobbit”: the adventure became an epic war

J. R. R. Tolkien’s children’s book “The Hobbit, or There and Back Again” is a light and kind story about the journey of Bilbo Baggins. However, Peter Jackson’s film adaptation expanded the narrative into a trilogy filled with epic battles, additional storylines, and new characters such as the elven girl Tauriel. The movie gave the book scale and drama, but lost its coziness and naiveté.

“Jurassic World”: science has gone by the wayside

Michael Creighton’s novel “Jurassic Park” explored the scientific aspects of cloning and the ethical issues of creating dinosaurs in greater depth. However, the films in the series have focused on action scenes and dinosaur fighting. This is especially noticeable in Jurassic World, where the theme of scientific responsibility has all but disappeared, giving way to spectacle.

“Forrest Gump”: a very different hero

In Winston Groom’s book, Forrest is a man prone to rudeness and not always sympathetic. The movie with Tom Hanks completely redefined his image, making Forrest a kind, sincere and touching character. There are also scenes in the book that are not in the movie, such as Forrest’s journey into space. As a result, the movie gained cult status while the book remained in the shadows.

“I am a legend”: different finales

In Richard Matheson’s book, the ending emphasizes the main idea: the main character, Robert Neville, becomes a legend in the world of vampires, as he is their destroyer. However, in the 2007 movie starring Will Smith, the ending was changed: Robert sacrifices himself to save humanity, emphasizing heroism rather than philosophical ambiguity. Fans of the book were disappointed by this change.

Plot changes in screen adaptations are due to several reasons:

  • Time constraints. Books often contain many details that cannot be fit into a two-hour movie;
  • Audience expectations. Sometimes producers change endings or add more action to make a movie more successful at the box office;
  • Director’s vision. Some directors only take the book as a starting point and reinterpret its plot in their own way.

When the changes are for the good

There are cases when deviations make the story better. For example, the Lord of the Rings trilogy kept the spirit of the book but simplified a lot of secondary storylines, making the movies more accessible and entertaining.

Conclusion

Deviations from the book’s plot are always a risk. Sometimes they help adapt the story for a new format, and sometimes they cause a wave of resentment among fans. A book and a movie are different art forms, and each reveals the story in a different way. What changes in the film adaptations are you most remembered for? Let’s discuss together!

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Screenplays That Beat the Books: Myth or Reality? https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/screenplays-that-beat-the-books-myth-or-reality/ Sat, 04 Jul 2020 06:36:00 +0000 https://booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/?p=166 Screen adaptations of literary works are a complex and risky process. Films based on books often face criticism for inconsistency …

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Screen adaptations of literary works are a complex and risky process. Films based on books often face criticism for inconsistency with the original, cutting the plot or changing characters. But there are cases when the movie adaptation not only meets the expectations of the audience, but also becomes better than the source material. How is this possible? Let’s get to the bottom of it.

Why can movies be better than books?

The power of visualization

A book is a world created by words, and every reader visualizes it in his own way. A movie, on the other hand, gives a ready-made picture full of atmosphere, scenery and special effects. For example, the Harry Potter film series impresses with visual effects that bring the magical world to life, sometimes surpassing the descriptions in the books.

Plot dynamics

In the books, a lot of time is spent on character descriptions and musings, which can slow down the pace. Movies, on the other hand, focus on major events, making the story more dynamic. An example is Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, where many episodes are more exciting than in Tolkien’s novels.

Emotional impact

The movies add music, acting and camerawork that enhances the emotional immersion. The tragedy of Rose and Jack in the movie Titanic evokes a powerful response from the audience, while the documentary basis of the stories of the ship’s sinking in the books does not always achieve this effect.

Examples of film adaptations that have surpassed the books include

“The Green Mile” (based on Stephen King’s novel)

Although King’s original is a powerful story about the lives of prisoners, Frank Darabont’s adaptation managed to convey more emotional depth. Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan made the characters even more memorable.

“Forrest Gump” (based on the novel by Winston Groom)

The book differs significantly from the movie, and the main character in the novel is more severe. However, the film adaptation with Tom Hanks in the title role managed to convey the kindness, humor and touching of the story, which made it a cult.

“Fight Club” (based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk)

The novel offers a complex philosophy and a bleak view of modern society. But David Fincher’s film visualized the author’s ideas so powerfully that many consider the movie better than the book.

When screen adaptations fall short of books

Of course, there are times when a movie adaptation fails to convey the full depth of a book. For example, movies based on Jane Austen’s novels often lose the subtle psychology and social subtext. And adaptations of modern epic fantasy, such as “The Wheel of Time”, are sometimes criticized for oversimplifying the plot.

Myth or reality?

Is it safe to assume that screen adaptations are sometimes superior to books? Yes, but with reservations. Film and literature are different art forms with their own strengths. A movie may be more vivid and emotional, but a book often offers greater scope for imagination and deep immersion in detail.

For viewers unfamiliar with the source material, a movie can be a stand-alone work that eclipses a book. But for lovers of literature, film adaptations are just one reading of a favorite story.

Conclusion

Screenplays that surpass books are a rare but possible phenomenon. A successful combination of directorial talent, acting, and technical ability can turn a good novel into a cinematic masterpiece. However, is it better than that? The answer depends on each viewer’s perception. What do you think – should we expect more from movies than from books?

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