Movie Mondays: On Mondays, I will review a book series or novel that has been made into a movie. I will then answer the question that everyone asks: which is better, the movie or the book? Here is this week’s offering:
Book: Avalon High by Meg Cabot | Movie: Avalon High (2010)
Which did I read/see first? the BOOK
Book Cover | Movie Poster
The Book:
Series: Not a part of a series but it does have a graphic novel set. See full list here .
Genre: Young Adult, Arthurian, Romance, Action, Mystery
Point of View: First Person
Thoughts:
Back in the day, I read everything by Meg Cabot and I continue to read most of adult books now that I am older. But even if I wasn’t familiar with her work, I would have grabbed this book anyways because the cover and synopsis really interested me.
This book is a lot of fun! I loved Ellie’s character: she was strong, smart and independent. Will was also a great character and an excellent match for Ellie. The rest of the cast is intriguing as well and all contribute to the story in a positive way.
While this story does feature a lot of the typical “high school drama” there is a lot more to it. I love Arthurian stories and this book has a great interpretation of the Arthurian legends. It’s a cool spin and quite the mystery which makes it a joy to read.
I only read the first graphic novel which takes place after the events of Avalon High but I never bothered with the rest. They just weren’t as exciting as the other story once everything is revealed but I was also quite a bit older by the time they came out.
Conclusion:
This is probably my favourite Young Adult novel by Meg Cabot. It’s a lot of fun, has a great plot and a strong female lead. A winner!
Rating: 4.5/5
Similar Reads: Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs (Oh. My. Gods #1)
The Movie:
I was really excited to final watch this as a movie when it was announced because I loved the book. It’s got a great plot and I could easily see how they would make this novel into a movie.
It is important to keep in mind that this is a made for TV movie so the acting and special effects aren’t fantastic–but I can simply appreciate the fact that this was made into a movie and I’d take it anyway I can.
I’m not a huge Britt Robertson fan so I was a little disappointed that she was cast. She wasn’t what I pictured Ellie (or Allie as she is called in the movie) and I don’t particularly love her acting (she overacts or something–I’m not sure but I’ve never enjoyed her previous roles). In the end, she did an alright job but I don’t blame her for the slight flop this movie turned out to be.
I think the fault lies in the adaption. I know that things get cut and changed when movies are made–and I can respect that–but sometimes the cuts really take away from what makes the book so great in the first place. The movie just lacked the excitement of the novel and the lack of chemistry between Allie and Will in the movie hurt that aspect of the story as well.
This is definitely one of those movies that you watch before you read the book so you can appreciate how awesome the book is 😉
So, which is better: the book or the movie?
In this case, the winner is the BOOK. The movie was just flat and not as exciting as the book. The book is a must read for YA fans; the movie is a guilty watch on a rainy weekend day.
Do you agree? Leave a comment below!
Synopsis for Avalon High (from Goodreads):
To newcomer Ellie, Avalon High seems like a typical American high school, complete with jocks, nerds, cheerleaders, and even the obligatory senior class president, quarterback, and all-around good guy. But it doesn’t take Ellie long to suspect that something weird is going on beneath the glossy surface of this tranquil hall of learning. As she pieces together the meaning of this unfolding drama, she begins to recognize some haunting Arthurian echoes, causing her to worry that she has become just a pawn in mythic history.
Trailer: