The Dark Tower-Film

[Shell B]

I went to the 19:19 showing of The Dark Tower last night with the hubby. I know a lot of people are panning this film. Much like Ghostbusters, I think people wanted to hate it before it ever had a chance because they loved the source material so much. To that, I say, "Get over it." That's the attitude I gave myself going into this. I knew this wasn't going to be the book(s) by any stretch, so I let myself enjoy it, and I did very much. For perspective, Tibs hasn't read the books, and he enjoyed the film with fresh eyes. I wish people would give it a chance.

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For fans of the novel, know that is is not at all an adaptation of "The Dark Tower." Its the next turn of the wheel after the end of the series. So, Roland is on yet another quest for the tower. It draws a lot from "The Wolves of the Calla." However, it's also not at all like that novel either. There were references to the Man in Black fleeing across the desert and the Gunslinger following, but it just isn't happening that way. Don't expect it to. Remember also that while Roland being white was a BIG plot point in the novels, it doesn't matter here because Roland is just starting his journey again. Susannah isn't around to hate his pale guts.

Don't get me wrong. I couldn't help but be annoyed on very many occasions at the differences. It was a knee-jerk reaction. I could have sat there and nay-said just about every scene in the film in one way or another. Then, I would have missed out on what's ultimately another cool addition to the Gunslinger's adventures.

If you see it and you're a King fan, keep an eye out for Easter Eggs. They are fucking everywhere.

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[Jackalope]

Not reading any spoilers, we have tickets for tonight. We're going into it open minded.

[Jackalope]

FWIE, I think some people will never be pleased with screen adaptation of such things. Adaptations are never going to be completely faithful, the director and writers have thier own vision, material and characters have to be cut, compressed, and composited.

Even as a big fan of the original material, I loved the film adaptation of LOTR. I didn't care for every decision made that went into it, I sure didn't like them cutting Tom Bombadil, the Barrow Downs, and the Scouring of the Shire, but I get why it needed to be done. That disappointment didn't ruin it for me. I really didn't like the interpretation of Faramir - he was never tempted by the One Ring in the book, but w/e.

Fortunately, I have not read the original three Dark Tower trilogy in many years, and I haven't read any of the later material, so I'm practically going in a blank slate.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Boss Lady and I saw it at the 19:19 showing yesterday as well. I've never read the books so I had no baggage going in. It was a fun movie, Matthew was a pure dick, something he can do well.

[Shell B]

FWIE, I think some people will never be pleased with screen adaptation of such things.  Adaptations are never going to be completely faithful, the director and writers have thier own vision, material and characters have to be cut, compressed, and composited.

Yep. I will always nitpick at them just for the fun of noting the differences, but I don't let it take away from my enjoyment.

Even as a big fan of the original material, I loved the film adaptation of LOTR.  I didn't care for every decision made that went into it, I sure didn't like them cutting Tom Bombadil, the Barrow Downs, and the Scouring of the Shire, but I get why it needed to be done.  That disappointment didn't ruin it for me.  I really didn't like the interpretation of Faramir - he was never tempted by the One Ring  in the book, but w/e.

As adaptations go, it was one of the best, even with those flaws. It's funny, I just mentioned the cutting of Tom to Tibs a few weeks ago. They seriously could have fit him in and cut one "elves stare at each other and lower beings meaninfully" moment.

Fortunatepy, I have not read the original three Dark Tower trilogy in many years, and I haven't read any of the later material, so I'm practically going in a blank slate.

I re-read the first one last week. I regretted it immediately after.

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Boss Lady and I saw it at the 19:19 showing yesterday as well. I've never read the books so I had no baggage going in. It was a fun movie, Matthew was a pure dick, something he can do well.

I really doubt this reply is spoilers, but I'll do it anyway. I'd hate to ruin a thing.

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I'm so jealous. I wish I could have done that. Even as dicky as Matthew is in the film, I still didn't find him as evil as Walter in the novels. Then again, you can't quite capture Roland either, even with someone as amazing as Idris Elba. I swear his gravelly voice was the main attraction. He sounds the part of a man ravished by lifetimes spent chasing an evil sorcerer.

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[Gawdzilla Sama]

My question would be "is this a new beginning for the Dark Tower-verse? "

[Jackalope]

Even as a big fan of the original material, I loved the film adaptation of LOTR.  I didn't care for every decision made that went into it, I sure didn't like them cutting Tom Bombadil, the Barrow Downs, and the Scouring of the Shire, but I get why it needed to be done.  That disappointment didn't ruin it for me.  I really didn't like the interpretation of Faramir - he was never tempted by the One Ring  in the book, but w/e.

As adaptations go, it was one of the best, even with those flaws. It's funny, I just mentioned the cutting of Tom to Tibs a few weeks ago. They seriously could have fit him in and cut one "elves stare at each other and lower beings meaninfully" moment.

Yeah, I was a bit disappointed that the path from Hobbiton to Bree was so compressed. One minute they're leaving the Shire and crossing the Brandywine, and the next they're knocking on the Bree gate. (Great Forest? Barrow Downs? Wuzzat?). They missed some opportunities for some quality filmography by making that decision. But w/e, I still enjoyed the films.

[Shell B]

I'm with you 100%. The movie made it look like Bree was across the river from Hobbiton. If that were the case, they should have known the Ring Wraiths would catch up in like five minutes.

I enjoyed them too. Among the best adaptations in movie history. I didn't like the Hobbit "trilogy" as much.

[Jackalope]

I'm with you 100%. The movie made it look like Bree was across the river from Hobbiton. If that were the case, they should have known the Ring Wraiths would catch up in like five minutes.

I enjoyed them too. Among the best adaptations in movie history. I didn't like the Hobbit "trilogy" as much.

I didn't either. I didn't think they were bad, per se, but they just didn't have the feel of the original book.

[LadyForCamus]

I wish so badly I could get out to see this, but I don't think it's possible with two kids and no babysitter. The Dark Tower was the greatest love affair of my life. It crashed and burned in the end (IMO) and part of me may never forgive King for rushing to complete it, but I'll be head over heels in love with Roland and his ka tet forever.