Inspired by the recent release of Disney’s The Jungle Book, I figured I’d look into other film adaptations coming soon….and oh boy did I find them! Disney’s adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic was, simply put, amazing. The effects, the story, the songs! Of course, the story is a little different then readers will remember, but all in all, the changes they made simplified Mowgli’s story to make it a little more kid friendly. My only real complaint is that they had to make Kaa a bad guy…and a girl. My favorite scene from the book is Mowgli’s rescue from the monkeys, which would have never been done without the hypnotic powers of Kaa.

What did you think of the movie?

From action to drama to romance to horror, if The Jungle Book isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other releases to fill it. And, it’s not too late to pick one up for your readathon this weekend!

April

A Hologram for the King – Friday, April 22nd

Tom Hanks stars in the adaptation of Dave Eggers 2012 novel. From Goodreads: “In a rising Saudi Arabian city, far from weary, recession-scarred America, a struggling businessman pursues a last-ditch attempt to stave off foreclosure, pay his daughter’s college tuition, and finally do something great.”

The Man Who Knew Infinity – Friday, April 29th

In The Man Who Knew Infinity, Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons star as a young pioneer in mathematics and his Cambridge tutor in this pre World War I drama. The film is an adaptation of Robert Kanigel’s 1992 biography on the mathematician and genius, Ramanujan.

May

Sunset Song – Friday, May 13th

Based on Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s 1988 novel of the same name, Sunset Song is a beautiful and heartbreaking tale of a young woman’s coming of age in the Scottish countryside. She decides to stay in her rural community and even falls in love, until World War I threatens to change everything she’s worked so hard to build.

High Rise – Friday, May 13th

Set in a luxurious London high rise, Tom Hiddleston and Sienna Miller star as once peaceful residents driven to madness and utter anarchy as an all-out class warfare erupts. Based on J.G. Ballard’s 2012 novel, the film is sure to be as intense as it is shocking.

Alice Through the Looking Glass – Friday, May 27th

All of our beloved characters, from Alice to the Mad Hatter, are set to return to the quizzical world of Wonderland. Based on Lewis Caroll’s series, Alice will have to travel back in time to save her friends.

June

Me Before You – Friday, June 3rd

Starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin, Me Before You is sure to be the romantic tear-jerker of the year. Young and quirky Louisa “Lou” Clark takes a job to care for a young banker, Will Traynor, who has been left paralyzed and cynical after an accident. Lucky for Will, Lou is just the spark he’s needed, and as their bond deepens, both of their lives will change in ways they could only imagine. Based on Jojo Moyes’ 2012 novel.

The Conjuring 2 – Friday, June 10th

Vera Famiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. While The Conjuring 2 isn’t based on the series, it’s still a great time to revisit Andrea Perron’s House of Darkness House of Light  in which she details her family’s experience with the paranormal. She might not be the best writer, but her story is absolutely terrifying and worth a read for fans of The conjuring.

Free State of Jones – Friday, June 24th

Matthew McConaughey stars as Newt Knight as he rallies his neighboring farmers and a group of slaves to lead a rebellion against the confederacy in Jones County, Mississippi. The film is based on Victoria Bynum’s 2003 work on the Civil War.

Are you reading any of these? What films are you excited about?