We have all seen the movies that come out based off of popular books. They’re hyped up, advertised to both the unknowing and the pros in a way that is meant to draw you in. Their trailers are released and people go crazy from the excitement of being able to see their beloved characters in a visual reality. Those who haven’t read the books are drawn in by the high notes depicted in the trailers and by the hype from reading fans. They are a great idea, a huge profit due to large pre-established fan bases.

Yet, why do people always say the book is better? Isn’t it supposed to be more interesting, more suspenseful, more encapsulating to see it on the big screen than in little words in front of your face? I believe it is because the movie makers try to take a first movie out of something that is already loved. The book came first, so the movie is basically just a twisted sequel. Movies twist key events, change character connections, and alter the basic plots of our beloved books. It’s not that they’re bad, but that they are a mere let down.

I’ve been an avid reader my whole life. I can sit down and read a book in a few hours. I don’t know what it is about books that pulls me in and holds my focus until the bittersweet end. What I do know is that I get attached to the characters and the story of my favorite books very fast. The story guides me through their pasts, their thoughts, their emotions, and experiences. I know them, I relate to them. So, when a movie comes out about one of my favorite books, my heart leaps with joy. Finally, I will be able to see the characters in a clearer way than in my own imagination. Imagine my surprise when the movie trailer is released and my first thought is, “what were they thinking?” The characters don’t even look like the ones from the book. It only goes downhill from there.

After the initial character shock, I see how they have set up the plot. They add in moments that weren’t even in the book. If there are multiple books, then they might even mix part of book two with book one and completely eliminate the original storyline. I have yet to find a movie that completely matches the book it is based on. It’s like they believe what they add in or change will make it better somehow. How could you make something better when the reason you chose it for a movie is that people already love it? People love it because it is the best. There are no improvements needed. Movie producers and directors need to figure this out.

So, please, please, stop making movies based off of people’s favorite books unless you do it the correct way. Try to cast actors who look as similar as possible to how the character is described in the book. Don’t stray from the original plot or add in cheesy extra moments. The book already had that nailed down from the beginning. I guarantee you people who haven’t read the books will find them just as, if not more, interesting if you stick to the original. You’re supposed to be bringing a story to life, not rewriting it. You would also maintain a larger fan base by sticking to the story line which means greater profits. People want to see their dreams come to life. Let’s end this cycle now. Stop trying to be a grade-A spin off and stick to the true story, the one people actually want to see.