Since the beginning of time (okay, not really), a lot of books have been adapted into movies. A lot of people like this idea because they think they don’t need to read the book anymore or they’re just happy to see their favorite books come alive on the big screen. But there are some people, though, who are not happy with the film version because of the director’s changes or it wasn’t what they had in mind.

There are some directors who have succeeded in adapting the book, and some who have failed miserably. Who succeeded? Who didn’t?

1. Lord of the Rings

Peter Jackson had a dream, when he was 18 years old, of adapting this literary masterpiece into a first-class movie. Decades later, he was able to make his dream into a reality. It was not an easy job, and that is probably why Jackson decided to make the three books and films continuously to focus on making it work. In the process, he created a classic.

2. A Walk To Remember

I did not like the book at all. It spent too much time describing a lot of unnecessary stuff. It was a good thing the movie did not do the same and gave us a clearer picture of the characters’ love affair. To tell you the truth, I don’t remember if the movie resembled the book in the slightest way. All I can remember is that I had to force myself to read the book, but I loved the movie because of its visual storytelling. It’s a 50-50 thing, so it’s best to read and watch at your own risk.

3. Twilight

I wasn’t expecting much from this movie. And I already had trouble getting used to it because of the wrong casting. When I watched it on the big screen, I knew what to expect it, and it was a movie to satisfy the book’s teenage fans. It obviously was made in a hurry and clearly unfocused. If the studio had given the director and writer more time to develop the screenplay, then it could have been good. But it wasn’t. I just hope they do better with the next one.

So, what’s your favorite movie-from-a-book? Did it turn out the way you wanted it to? Or was it better than you expected?

Recently released was Breaking Dawn, the fourth and last book on the gripping love story of Edward, a vampire, and Bella, a mortal. It all started with Twilight, the first book of the series, released in 2005. Isabella “Bella” Swan is the new girl in the town of Forks, Washington, coming from Phoenix, Arizona, to live with her father. She is quickly befriended by students in her new school and becomes the object of affection of a lot of her male schoolmates. Except for Edward.

Edward Cullen sat beside her in biology class and becomes repulsed at the sight of her and tried to stay as far away from her as possible. This confuses Bella as she has done nothing to explain his behavior. Bella soon finds out that Edward is a vampire, a vampire in love with her. Their story becomes the ultimate story of forbidden love between a vampire and a mortal.

In the next book in the series, New Moon, Edward goes into hiding to protect Bella from other vampires. He believes that this will keep her safe, not knowing that an old family friend that Bella spent a lot of time with is actually a werewolf. Problems arise when Edward’s sister gets a vision that Bella is dead. Fearing the worst, Edward seeks the help of a band of peace-keeping vampires who tell him to kill Bella because of everything she knows.

In the third book, Eclipse, Bella realizes she is in love with both Edward, the vampire, and Jacob, the werewolf. How will she decide? Who will she choose?

And in the concluding book, Breaking Dawn, Bella must decide once and for all, if she will continue to live life as a mortal or part of the undead world.

This vampire love story series has captivated the attention of the world and has spawned a movie to be released worldwide this December 2008.

Have you read these books by Stephanie Meyer? Is it a love story to rival all love stories? Do you think the love of Bella and Edward should endure? Who should Bella choose?