Disney has transformed Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day -- a 32-page picture book by Judith Viorst -- into an 80-minute feature film. How can a short book like that become a big screen event? By using imagination and creativity, plus adding luminaries like Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner.
In Alexander, the boy’s bad luck isn’t just inflicted on him (as it is in the book). Instead, terrible, horrible, no good and very bad things happen to his entire family; a narrative that goes way beyond the source material.
This is not the first time filmmakers have placed their bets on bringing picture books to life and fortifying them with a big-name star or director. Here are nine more beautifully illustrated stories adapted for the screen. If your family loved the book, consider snuggling on the couch to see how Hollywood expanded these old favorites. A word of caution: The film versions for some books may amplify scary scenes and characters and could also include a bit of off-color language. So when in doubt, preview before you view.
The Polar Express: Rated PG
This 2004 motion capture extravaganza was based on Chris Van Allsburg’s fabulously rendered Christmas tale. It’s an adventurous ride packed with positive messages. In the movie, as in the book, a little boy discovers that Santa does indeed exist. New characters were added, plus the conductor’s role was expanded. They had to, really, since he was played by Tom Hanks.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: Rated PG
The tasty 1982 tale by Judi and Ron Barrett that was brought to the big screen in 2009 is a super fun film. Fans of the book should just be aware that this movie and its sequel include a bit of language (words like “hell”) as well as some insult talk (characters call each other “stupid” and “idiot.”) The film also focuses on a protagonist named Flint, rather than the grandfather who told the original story in the book. The film made over $243 million and was enjoyed by families worldwide, so it was a no-brainer that a Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 would be made in 2013.
Where the Wild Things Are: Rated PG
Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are, of course, had to be made into a feature film. It is one of the most beloved and iconic children’s books ever. But the book only contains 338 words. That’s where acclaimed writer Dave Eggers and director Spike Jonze came in. They created 101 moody minutes based on Max and all those monsters. Jonze is not known for family-friendly fare (Being John Malkovich and Her come to mind), and in this movie he creates a dreamy but dark landscape. And when the wild things threaten to eat Max or get destructive and wreck things (as they do in the book) it may come across as more intense on the big screen.
Jumanji: Rated PG
Chris Van Allsburg’s adventure book about a mysterious board game made for great fodder for the 1995 film Jumanji, starring Robin Williams. The movie added and expanded several characters including Williams’. He plays the grown-up version of Alan Parrish, the boy sucked into the board game. There’s lots of drama and excitement as wild animals tumble out of the game and come to life, so parents of nightmare-prone younger kids may want to preview.
Zathura: Rated PG
Yet another Chris Van Allsburg book got the Hollywood treatment with a movie directed by Jon Favreau. Zathura: A Space Adventure, is very similar in theme to Jumanji (kids play a game, wacky things start happening, they meet someone stuck in the game) but the narrative takes place in outer space. It’s a wild ride and parents should be aware that there is some language (use of words including “screwed”) as well as a bit of scary music and sound effects. Kids also get attacked by space aliens and a big robot.
Madeline: Rated PG
Madeline has been a classic for generations. In the 1998 cinematic take on the French schoolgirl, several of her books were combined – and embellished – to create a sweet family film for all. Frances McDormand stars as Miss Clavel, the nun who runs the Parisian boarding school. Note: While there are no real scares, there is a bit of mild swearing and a plus-size bra is referred to as a “boobie-basket.”
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Rated PG
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas was turned into the 26-minute TV Christmas special we all know and love in 1966. In 2000, the tale was expanded to 104 minutes with the addition of back-story, more drama, and the comic stylings of Jim Carrey, unrecognizable as The Grinch in his green face paint and prosthetics. He’s up to his usual antics that delight kids and adults alike, and the movie contains a bit of crude language. There is also some scary music when characters are in danger.
The Cat in the Hat: Rated PG
In 2003, another talented comedic actor took on a role of a famous Dr. Seuss character. Mike Myers put on the cat ears, fur and whiskers in his transformation into The Cat, the most iconic Dr. Seuss character there is. Meyers plays the role with a bit of what he brought to Austin Powers, so be prepared for potty talk, crude language and sexual innuendo that little kids won’t understand but some parents may not appreciate. It is a fun romp, but there’s comic peril that could be too intense for kids who are still little enough to enjoy being read the book at bedtime.
The Lorax: Rated PG
While the message of the dangers that industrialization poses to nature is present in both the book and film, the 2012 movie adds in a whole lot more story into the tale (such as romance). Kids may emerge from the movie ready to save the environment, but parents should note that the film is full of product tie-ins that give it quite a commercial feel.
Sunny Chanel is a regular contributor to Fandango Family, Babble.com, Mom.me, Cafe Mom and Mommy Nearest. When she isn't writing, watching movies, or doing crafts, she is playing dress-up with her 8-year-old daughter.
