This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Shock horror – the adaptations out at the cinema this month are… well… notably absent! There is actually some originality in the cinemas this April. So, for a change, let's have a look at the home cinema releases that will be ready to add to your DVD/Blu-ray collection over the next few weeks. There are three pretty spectacular adaptations there that deal with mental illness, adventure and the complexities of being stranded at sea with a tiger.
The Silver Linings Playbook
Based on the immensely powerful book by Matthew Quick, the film adation of The Silver Linings Playbook has received numerous accolades for the script, directing and acting. The film, which starred Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, was the only film this year to be nominated in every major category at the Oscars. At its heart, this is a story that takes an honest look at the constant battle with mental illness but what makes it such a joy to watch (and read) is that there is love and humour in there too. An all round great.
Life of PiBased on the Booker-winning book by Yann Martel, this stunning, very cinematic adaptation of Life of Pi was deemed impossible by many. The story follows teenager Pi Patel who is stranded at sea with a tiger for company after his boat – along with his entire family – sinks. Newcomer Suraj Sharma does a superb job as Pi and the effects mean that the tiger, named Richard Parker, is as believable as any human. An epic adventure and an immensely emotional tale.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey marks the first of three films that see Peter Jackson return to the Shire after his immense success with the Lord of the Rings trilogy. This time, it is Bilbo Baggins who takes centre stage and Sherlock's Martin Freeman takes on the role. It had mixed reviews on its cinematic release but die-hard Tolkien fans will surely love any excuse to return to Middle Earth.
Also out this month is a re-release of the stunning true story Schindler's List, the hilarious and very silly Pitch Perfect and a limited edition steelbook of Edward Scissorhands.