The Winter months have typically been a dumping ground for studio films saddled with low expectations, though in recent years a few galloping hits have emerged, like last year's The Passion of the Christ and How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. In 2005, however, there may be a few surprises.
One of the few movies likely to boost book sales is In Her Shoes, a star-studded adaptation of chick-lit doyenne Jennifer Weiner's first novel that opens April 15. While it remains to be seen if the down-to-earth allure of Weiner's books will translate into a must-see movie, it's still likely to expand the market for her fiction.
The 2002 adaptation of Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood did only moderate box office business, but put Harper Torch's mass-market tie-in edition of Rebecca Wells's 1997 novel on the New York Times list for a total of 16 weeks, including four weeks at #1.
Another promising adaptation is Because of Winn-Dixie (release date: Feb. 18), based on Kate DiCamillo's bestselling children's novel and produced by Walden Media, whose first project was the film version of Louis Sachar's Holes, which grossed more than $67 million.
Graphic Novels Galore
Movies based on graphic novels and even video games are becoming increasingly common in the lineup for any season. Though Constantine (Feb. 18) has a potentially schlocky premise—a man investigates supernatural mysteries, walking a thin line between good and evil—it's based on DC/Vertigo's long-running adult Hellblazer comic book series, which was conceived by the legendary Alan Moore and fleshed out by other authors. Hollywood screwed up Moore's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, but the trailer for this one is more promising: it has a Matrix-like gothic quality and features that film's star, Keanu Reeves.
Another graphic novel legend, Frank Miller, who is credited with reviving the format with Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, co-wrote and co-directed the adaptation of what is arguably his masterwork: SinCity (Apr. 1). Though noirish thrillers often have trouble at the box-office, this one is aiming for the success of 2002's Road to Perdition. Headliners Bruce Willis and Mickey Rourke aren't encouraging, but actors like Jessica Alba, Benecio del Toro and Josh Hartnett lend promise.
Schlock Alert
Other big adaptations seem a bit tired: Sahara, based on Clive Cussler's book in the venerable Dirk Pitt series and arriving March 25, looks potentially clunky. Cussler sued the producer for altering the script without his approval, which could be promising or damning. A Sound of Thunder (Mar. 11), about a time traveler who steps on a butterfly and screws up the universe, is based on a Ray Bradbury short story, and also inspired a sextet of science fiction novels by Stephen Leigh. But with Ed Burns in the lead role and director Peter Hyams (The Relic) at the helm, it's almost sure to tank.
Sequels are rampant during the early part of the year, though there's only one based on a book: BeCool (Mar. 4), adapted from the continuing Chili Palmer adventures by Elmore Leonard. John Travolta is joined by "The Rock" (yowch!) and takes on the music business, having found Hollywood too fickle. And horror titles such as Boogeyman (Feb. 4) and a remake of The Amityville Horror (Mar. 29) aren't likely to break out beyond the category faithful.
Literary Doldrums
None of the more serious book-based titles seem likely to benefit from major studio marketing support. Asylum(Mar. 4) is based on Patrick McGrath's anguished love story set in a mental institution, while TheGreat Raid (Feb. 18) is adapted from William B. Breuer's nonfiction tale of Col. Henry Mucci's raid on a Japanese death camp during WWII.
Newmarket's Niche
Two films with screenplay tie-ins from Newmarket Press may pique some interest. In Good Company (Dec. 29)—which comes from Paul and Chris Weitz, the writer/director team that superbly adapted Nick Hornby's About a Boy—is the story of a 52-year-old executive who's forced to work under a 26-year-old hotshot who has the chutzpah to fall in love with his daughter. The trailer conveys some real heart, but one wishes it were based on a novel, which would be more likely to draw a large readership, than a screenplay.
Newmarket is also publishing a "making of" book based on Hotel Rwanda(Dec. 22), Terry George's gripping film about a true-life hero who saved 1,200 lives during the 1994 Rwandan massacre. Viewers in need of an antidote to holiday saccharine need look no further.
