Reply #26: You are correct. [View All]

[LWolf]

I know I'm too extreme on this issue; I spent a decade in a children's library, working to wake them up to the magic of the written word. When they can sit and watch it passively on a screen, they don't have to engage in the story the same way they do when they read it.

When Robin Williams did Jumanji, I was so offended that I refused to see the movie for 5 years after he made it. You see, I'd been reading that book for years in the library; we even made our own large game and played along. It somehow took the wind out of the sails of that experience when you could see it on the screen. Of course, when I finally relented and watched it, I was pleased with what they'd done...even with the additions.

And I just enjoyed Return of the King a couple of weeks ago. Even though I found discrepancies to complain about, overall they did a good job. I enjoyed it. And yet, there is still a part of me that resents the idea that people can engage in the story without reading; and think they really "know" it.

I'm a dinosaur; a confirmed bibliophile, ex-librarian and teacher that prefers to visualize the story in my imagination! So while I'm learning to enjoy the movie versions, there are many hidden jewels out there that I hope the screen writers never discover. ;-)