TV Show vs. Movie: A Series of Unfortunate Events

Hey Guys!
It’s time for another post on A Series of Unfortunate Events. This time I want to shed some light on both the TV show and the movie. Which one is better?

 

The Plot:
A Series of Unfortunate Events follows Violet, Klaus and Sunny Beaudelair. After a fire destroyed their home and killed their parents, they struggle with their new guardians. The first new care-taker they get is Count Olaf who is only after their money. However, each time the Beaudelair children seem to get rid of him, some new peril awaits them…
There are 13 books in total, and Netflix dedicated 2 episodes to each book. So the first season consists of 8 episodes and deals with the first four books. As that would be far too much for just one movie, only the first three books were adapted in the film.

 

TV Show vs. Movie:
I was hooked from the first episode on. In this TV show everything plays together perfectly. The casting is amazing, although I had my doubts about some of the actors, I ended up more than delighted. So far they keep very close to the novels, thus really making the story come alive. Furthermore, Lemony Snicket is very present in the TV show in his function as narrator. He is part of every episodes and makes several comments. This may sound a bit weird, as it’s not the usual thing to do, but believe me, it works out wonderfully. Another point I love about the show is the music. The title song for each episode is a little different and especially the song in the last episode was marvellous.

Movie Mania: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Hey guys!
Today I want to share one of my all-time favourite action-adventure movies: Steven Spielberg’s famous Raiders of the Lost Ark.

 

The Plot:
Archeologist and professor Indiana Jones heads to Egypt to prevent the Nazis from finding the Ark of the Lost Covenant, as it would make their armies invincible. On this very dangerous trip he even reunites with his old love Marion…

 

The Rating:
Harrison Ford has starred in many impressive films throughout his career, but the Raiders of the lost Ark series is definitely among the very best. The only way to describe this movie is as hell of a ride. It’s a fast paced adventure that takes you around the world.

Movie Mania: Love in the Afternoon

Hey Folks!
Today I have a classic for you. Directed by Billy Wilder in 1957, Audrey Hepburn and Gary Cooper are the shining stars in this romantic comedy.

 

The Plot:
Young Ariane overhears a telephone conversation her father, a private detective, has with one of his clients. He suspects his wife to have an affair with Frank Flannagan, a notorious playboy and wants proof. The young girl gets mixed up and decides to warn Flannagan, and maybe, just for once, the player gets played…

 

The Rating:
As you know, Audrey Hepburn is one of my all-time favourite actresses. In Love in the Afternoon she is just as lovely and charming (and maybe a little bit naive) as always. But what bothers me about this film is her chemistry with Gary Cooper: there is none. As lovers the two simply don’t work out on no level whatsoever. Unfortunately this awful match destroys the entire film, as the basic line is the love-story between them.

Movie Mania: Peter and Wendy

Hey guys!
Today’s movie is a new take on a classic tale. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the story of Peter Pan, but this little TV film transports it to the here and now.

 

The Plot:
Lucy is a teenager with a severe heart condition. While she is in hospital waiting for a risky surgery that might save her life, she read Peter Pan. Soon she falls asleep and dreams of going to Neverland…

 

The Rating:
I know, there are tons of Peter Pan movies out, so why is this one worth checking out?

Old vs. New: Evil Dead

Hey guys!
Today I have something very interesting for you. I’m sure most of you have watched one or maybe several movies/TV shows of the Evil Dead franchise. Since the three original films are one of my favourite horror flicks in general I was sceptical about the new one that came out in 2013. Is it as good as the old stuff?

 

The Plot:
Your basic horror movie scheme: A group of friends is alone in the woods, having the time of their lives in some cabin they rented. Soon before they encounter something evil that lives there too…

 

Old vs. New:

Sam Raimi’s 1981 movie had been a revolutionary step when it comes to horror films. I remember my mother telling me that back in the The Evil Dead was just about the toughest thing out there. No wonder such a huge franchise and fan base built around it!

Movie Mania: Bram Stoker’s Dracula

Hey guys!
It’s time for a movie review! Today I’ll write about a topic that has been adapted quite a few times already. One of those adaptations is Bram Stoker’s Dracula, directed by Francis Ford Coppola in 1992. Let’s see whether this version is any good!

 

The Plot:
It’s 1897. The solicitor Jonathan Harker travels to Transylvania to meet with one of new clients, the rather weird Count Dracula. However, Harker soon realises that there is something very wrong, while his fiance Mina has an interesting encounter back in England.
Dark powers are at work here and only few know how to battle this kind of evil…

 

The Rating:
I’ve seen my share of Dracula adaptations ranging from the classic Nosferatu to Wes Craven’s modern take on the story. This version is certainly one of the better takes on the story.
The cast is chosen very well, except for one role. While Winona Ryder, Gary Oldman and Anthony Hopkins excel in their roles, Keanu Reeves simply does not work as Jonathan Harker. During the whole movie he just doesn’t seen to fit in. He’s most certainly no match to Gary Oldman, his performance seems rather weak and becomes even more pale in the scenes Reeves shares with Oldman.