The Book Was Better discussion

I am a few chapters into the book and what the hell? It's nothing like the movie. I didn't bother reading about spoilers so I won't say much else other than the book and movie are completely different but the book is extremely well written. Any one else read the book after watching the movie and get caught off guard by this?

Let me know when you finish it so we can discuss further!!!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVED the short story, and although I like the movie a lot, it is NOT the same story...UGH!

For me when comparing this movie to the book, it is not the same at all! But, the short story is the first time I read a short story and walked away feeling like I just read an entire book! It was so well written and concise it felt like I read so many more than the short number of pages I got through. I only read it once when I was in college, but it stuck with me so immensely that I feel like I just read it a year ago! I for sure want to re-read it(many time) but have not gotten around to buying it just yet since it is usually found in this weird compilation book with some of the authors other stuff that I don't quite care to read. I recommend it to anyone who likes book...ever! haha

Tell us how you really feel Feliks, I thought it was decent entertainment, but then again I didn't go into it expecting a life changing SXSW film

J wrote: "Tell us how you really feel Feliks, I thought it was decent entertainment, but then again I didn't go into it expecting a life changing SXSW film"

haha I was thinking exactly the same thing but I do like ppl telling me how they see certain things. Coz until Feliks said it I had never really thought about the special effects compared to other movies. And have to agree it was pretty bad. I guess also the times have advanced, when I saw the movie it was Dec 2007... well i think thats when i saw it.

Ha, I know, I'm only joking. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, because how boring would it be if everyone agreed with me all the time? Then everyone would always be right... wait what?

I was not overly shocked by the special effects, but by no means considered them bad. I think it was interesting that all the creatures were digital, so it was interesting to see them in various ways in the movies. I do not know if they used guys in green suits to make the scenes or not, but it was well done enough for me to not hate it or be bothered enough by it to not like the movie.

I also liked that the movie had some really raw emotional scenes. When Will is in the video store (view spoiler)[ after the dog dies (hide spoiler)] and is talking to the mannequin, it was really heart breaking! I was blown away by the emotion in the scene the first time I saw it. Also, the tragic back story was not from the book at all, but added to the strong emotional pull you get for Will Smith's character.

The ending was a little frustrating for me....and not just because it was SO COMPLETELY different from the short story. It was noble enough, but still not fully needed in a way... I don't know... I have the DVD but still never watched the alternate ending. I think because I might dislike that one even more and then just have this overall moot feeling about it all....

Is this where we start talking about the medical possibility of an actual "zombie" virus yet? It's 1:30 am in Texas and I have to be up for work at 6:30 but I can make time for this discussion

It's almost midnight in Washington state and I am in charge of 30 k-5 kids all day tomorrow since there is no school. Perhaps tomorrow evening! Haha

You should watch the alternate ending! It's NOTHING like the book...don't get excited. I think in order to like the movie you have to let go of the idea that the movie is going to be like the short story. I like them both for different reasons. But I like the alternate ending because it changes the message of the movie. SO its like you get two movies in one.

Also, to clarify, I Am Legend was adapted into film multiple times; the Will Smith version is not the first or the only one:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Am_Leg...

Thanks for the Marika!! Knowing the other movies, and how those more than likely effected how this one was done is important. Also, I think a lot of people see this movie and judge it really harshly because of the background set up to what is going on in it, but the who last man there is really important from the book.

I really encourage EVERYONE, even if they did not enjoy the movie, to read the book. This group after all is about comparing the books and the movies, not about ripping apart movies or the audiences that watch them. Thanks!

Can I start a popular thread or what?

Haha ur thread rocks! I guess the reason I enjoyed the movie can be contributed to what I was feeling at the time I saw it... I'm not a film expert so don't notice bad cuts or anything like that. Tho I don't mind someone saying such things coz it does make me think about it. I guess I really need to read the story so I can input the differences :D

Thank you Marika and others for understand I was trying to say. I had to go to work, so could not respond to the continued comments being made.

I in no way want people in this group to feel they cannot state their options, but the point of this group is to chat about books that were turned into movies. Not to make fun of a country for the movies they produce, not to say rude things to people that belittle and demean then, and NOT to show off and be proud of already getting kicked out of 4 groups. Sorry if these "standards" are too high for some people, but I don't appreciate them at all.

I am glad for the members we have, and look forward to more respectful conversation in the future of this group. Thank you.

Holy hell, that was a great book. I mean I liked the movie but never have I heard of a movie that strayed so far from the book. I mean what? How? Huh? Great writing but the short stories after were just weird. I guess if you take the period they were written in into consideration they fit into the Twilight Zone era.

I can't help but feel that this book was the inspiration for the movie Daybreakers. I think a direct movie adaptation of this book would be awesome. Get the guy that stared in the Amityville Horror remake to play Neville and bam! We got a movie.

Glad you enjoyed it!! I am trying to get it from the library on my Kindle so I can read it again, but can only seem to find it in Audio book form....lame!

Lame?! How dare you? Lol, if it's the same audio copy I had the narrator was very good.

lol Sorry....I just feel like I can read faster than the book goes... I only listed to a little, but there was like music with it and I just could not deal.... Maybe if I go on a road trip in the next few months I will try audio books again. But when I am at home, it is just too weird..... sorry!

I agree with it feeling strange listening to someone read to me. But then I'm just weird coz my head gives the characters their own voice... dont think I'm explaining this properly *thinking face*

Ok its like this... when my sister was reading the Harry Potter books, I would read some chapters to her and put on the voices. She loved Hagrid's voice as when JK wrote the accent I would make sure to say it properly :D

So yeah others just dont read the same way I do...

Music background? What kind of hippie stuff is that. We do plain unabridged versions here ma'am.

Do you think the Authors approve voices to read their work? or is it all the publishers marketing?

Probably depends on the authors contract

I have a friend who record audio books sometimes....I will have to ask him about that for sure!

I don't know what version I have, but I agree with Sam with the voice a narrator should have I think. I like reading out loud sometimes just to focus on the words more, but I don't know that I can just listen without reading along. I will for sure try it again....but when I am at home and can just as easily pick up the book and read it, I choose that for sure!

sometimes authors read their own books for audio versions! Yeah I think it totally depends on the contract

Finally took the time to edit out some of the previously made rude comments from this feed. Kind of forgot about them for a while!

I have never read the book, but I have seen the movie twice. I thought the movie should have ended with the alternative ending on DVD. It was a much better ending. The movie is very sad as well. I was so happy that Will Smith at least had a dog to keep him company.

The book is awesome, I highly recommend it

I agree! The book is a short but AMAZING read for sure!!! Totally worth it, although not much like the movie. They are two totally different stories in so many ways...but both really entertaining as well!! :D

I remember watching this and enjoying it and someone spoiled the ending for me and I didn't believe em at first. Then it happened and I was so disappointed.

There is an alternate ending....but it is still not as good as the one in the book FOR SURE!

They have made a few movies, and I feel like they are good movies "inspired" by the book....but never really the actual book itself!