Send us a text

What if you could step into a world where the balance of power is reversed? Discover the fascinating contrasts between Mallory Blackman's novel "Noughts and Crosses" and its TV miniseries adaptation, as we dissect the intricate changes and the impact they have on the story. Join me, Lluvia, in exploring the alternate universe where Black people (Crosses) hold power, and white people (Noughts) face discrimination, through the lens of Sephy and Callum's forbidden love story. Hear how the TV adaptation's introduction of new characters and plot twists adds fresh dimensions to the narrative, and learn about Malorie Blackman's involvement in these creative decisions.

Dive into the details of Sephy and Callum's relationship as we contrast the book's slow-burn romance with the TV series' accelerated pace, driven by their older age in the show. We'll also shed light on the introduction of Yaro, Kamal's son, and how the different family dynamics play out in each version. Discover how Callum's father's involvement with the Liberation Militia unfolds differently, influencing the core motivations and progression of the plot.

In our final discussion, we delve into the expanded role of Kamal in the TV series and its implications for Sephy's character development. From Callum's intense experiences at Mercy Point military academy to the dramatic festival incident that reshapes his life, we'll compare the key moments of family betrayal and acts of terrorism by the Liberation Militia. Stay tuned for insights into upcoming changes to our podcast release schedule and heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support. Don't miss this engaging and thought-provoking episode that bridges the gap between literature and television!

All episodes of the podcast can be found on our website: https://booksvsmovies.buzzsprout.com/share

Connect with me: Instagram | Threads | Bookshop | Goodreads | Blog

Send us a text

Have you ever felt an unexpected spark of joy while revisiting a story from your past? Join me, Lluvia, as I recount my journey with Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women." Initially hesitant to dive back into the classic, a reading challenge rekindled my appreciation for the book, and I found myself enjoying it far more than I anticipated. This episode takes you through my personal history with "Little Women," its myriad adaptations, and why it continues to resonate with audiences across generations. Whether you've read the book once or watched every film adaptation, there's a nostalgic charm that keeps us coming back.

In this episode, we dissect Greta Gerwig's 2019 adaptation, analyzing its artistic choices and how they contrast with the original novel. From the non-linear storytelling to the modernized portrayals of Amy and Mr. Bhaer, we scrutinize the film's impact on the narrative. We also discuss Jo's character, closely aligned with Louisa May Alcott's own life, and explore how the movie integrates historical accuracies and deviates in fascinating ways. If you’ve ever been curious about the differences between the beloved 1994 film and Gerwig's take, this discussion offers a comprehensive look into both versions and their unique contributions to the story.

Lastly, I share my mixed feelings about Gerwig's adaptation compared to the 1994 classic. With standout performances by Florence Pugh and Saoirse Ronan, and Timothée Chalamet's Laurie juxtaposed against Christian Bale's unforgettable portrayal, there's much to unpack. Despite some minor flaws, like Emma Watson’s accent, the film's compelling monologues and commitment to Alcott's vision breathe new life into the timeless tale. Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering "Little Women" for the first time, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of why this story remains a beloved classic and an examination of its enduring impact.

Micarah Trewers' thoughts on the Little Women Costumes: https://youtu.be/_sBqqERMblo?si=K2K-pF7Nh511IQlQ

All episodes of the podcast can be found on our website: https://booksvsmovies.buzzsprout.com/share

Connect with me: Instagram | Threads | Bookshop | Goodreads | Blog

Send us a Text Message.

Ever wondered how a simple digital tool like Google Earth can reunite a lost child with his family across continents? Join me, Lluvia, as we embark on the heart-rending journey of Saroo Brierley through his memoir "A Long Way Home" and its film adaptation, "Lion." In this episode of Books vs Movies, I recount my deeply personal experience of finally reading the book and watching the movie, which brings to life Saroo's incredible real-life story of loss, adoption, and an emotional quest to find his roots. We’ll uncover the gripping narrative, from Saroo's perilous childhood escape to his life-changing adoption by an Australian couple, and his persistent memories of an Indian home he could barely recall.

We won’t shy away from examining the artistic liberties the filmmakers took—such as changing the gender of a pivotal character and dramatizing Saroo’s relationships, especially with his friend Asra (Amita in the film) and his adoptive brother, Mantosh. I’ll dissect these differences, questioning their necessity and impact. This episode also celebrates the raw performances of Sunny Pawar and Dev Patel, who breathed life into young and adult Saroo, respectively. Expect an in-depth discussion of Patel’s surprising nomination for Best Supporting Actor and my reflections on why the book remains closer to my heart despite the film’s accolades.

Finally, we honor the selflessness of Saroo's adoptive parents, Sue and John, who chose to change a child's world rather than expand their own family. Their decision is a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the real-life goodness at the core of this story. From the poignant escape scenes to the touching reunion, join me for an insightful comparison of the book and movie, celebrating the incredible tale of Saroo Brierley and the power of human resilience and connection.

All episodes of the podcast can be found on our website: https://booksvsmovies.buzzsprout.com/share

Connect with me: Instagram | Threads | Bookshop | Goodreads | Blog

Send us a text

Can a film adaptation ever truly capture the essence of its source material? Join me, Lluvia, as I candidly share my thoughts on the beloved Scott Pilgrim graphic novels by Bryan Lee O'Malley and their 2010 film adaptation, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Despite the film's cult status among my friends, I offer a different perspective, discussing the expansive narrative of the six graphic novels and the inherent challenges of condensing such a detailed story into a two-hour movie. We'll explore Scott's relationships and personal growth in the graphic novels, and acknowledge some elements that haven't aged well over time.

Ever wondered how Scott's battles with Evil Exes Todd Ingram and Roxy Richter differ between the graphic novels and the film? This episode dives into the key differences, from Scott's relationship with Envy Adams to the unique twists in Todd and Roxy's showdowns. The graphic novels present a richer context with more complex subplots, such as Knives' dad seeking revenge and the iconic "power of love" moment with Ramona. We'll also compare Ramona’s journey of self-improvement and the evolution of the band Sex Bob-Omb, highlighting the more nuanced character development in the graphic novels versus the film.

As I reflect on my evolving opinions about the Scott Pilgrim series, I note how the graphic novels have improved over time, in contrast to the film’s perceived shortcomings. Despite an all-star cast, the film is seen as lacking in character depth and overall impact. For those seeking a fresh perspective, I recommend the animated miniseries, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, filled with engaging Easter eggs and featuring the return of the original film's actors. Lastly, I preview our next discussion on A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley and its film adaptation, Lion. Don't miss it!

All episodes of the podcast can be found on our website: https://booksvsmovies.buzzsprout.com/share

Connect with me: Instagram | Threads | Bookshop | Goodreads | Blog

Send us a text

What would you do if the ending of a story you've been following left you utterly perplexed and frustrated? In this episode, I, Lluvia, take you on a journey through personal milestones and literary intrigue. Transitioning from celebrating my new role as godmother to Dahlia Rose and watching my partner Orlando's play "Burritos Pa Morir" shine at the South Texas New Latinx Play Festival, we shift gears to dissect Sarah Pinborough's psychological thriller "Behind Her Eyes" and its 2021 Netflix adaptation. We’ll tackle the intricate plot and its shocking twist ending that took the UK by storm, exploring whether it left you satisfied or scratching your head.

Join me as we unpack the controversial ending involving unexpected astral projection twists and body swaps that dramatically alter the story's trajectory. Despite the initial promise of a gripping resolution, the outcome stirred mixed emotions. Our character analysis will spotlight the noteworthy performances of Simona Brown as Louise and Eve Hewson as Adele, whose portrayals added layers to the narrative. We’ll also discuss the remarkable acting of Tyler Howitt as Louise's son, Adam, particularly in his heart-wrenching final scene. This episode promises a thoughtful critique of both the book and its screen adaptation, examining their successes and shortcomings in bringing this psychological thriller to life. Tune in for a compelling conversation that bridges the worlds of literature and television.

All episodes of the podcast can be found on our website: https://booksvsmovies.buzzsprout.com/share

Connect with me: Instagram | Threads | Bookshop | Goodreads | Blog

Send us a Text Message.

Ever wondered how an anime adaptation can offer a fresh spin on its manga counterpart? Join me as I navigate the mystical universe of "Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan," comparing the unique touches of the 2019 miniseries with the original stories in "Thus Spoke Rohan Kishibe, Volume 1" by Hirohiko Araki. From the consistent backdrop of a cozy café in the anime to the deadly perils faced by Rohan and his friends, I'll walk you through my journey from screen to page. Discover how the anime honors its source material with only minor variations and why these changes add an unexpected flavor to the storytelling.

In one particularly gripping chapter, I break down a hair-raising scene where Rohan must battle the mysterious weight of abalones to save his friend, only to be aided by an octopus in a puzzling twist of events. Through a vivid analysis of Rohan's Heaven's Door ability and the enigmatic resolution, I'll leave you questioning the fate of the characters and eager for more supernatural escapades. Wrapping up, I reflect on the parallels between the manga and its adaptation, especially the final episode, which might just surprise you! Stick around as I share how you can support the podcast and join our growing community of listeners.

All episodes of the podcast can be found on our website: https://booksvsmovies.buzzsprout.com/share

Connect with me: Instagram | Threads | Bookshop | Goodreads | Blog

Send us a text

Can a film adaptation ever truly capture the essence of its literary source? Join us on this episode of "Books vs Movies" as we tackle this question head-on with the novel "Erasure" by Percival Everett and its 2023 film adaptation "American Fiction." I'm your host Lluvia, and I'm thrilled to have Chantel Nx, Reader Extraordinaire and a devoted Percival Everett fan, and Raymond Williams, who appreciates Everett’s work but favors "The Trees," by my side. Chantel shares her admiration for Everett's intelligent and distinctive writing, while Raymond discusses the structural challenges he found in "Erasure." Together, we explore the novel's timeless relevance and its intricate portrayal of a middle-aged author navigating the stereotypes and expectations of the publishing world.

Ever wondered how a story transforms from page to screen? We delve into that metamorphosis by comparing the narrative priorities of the book and the film. While the film adaptation emphasizes relationships and family dynamics, the book retains a more literary quality. Tracy Ellis Ross and Sterling K. Brown deliver powerful performances that make the movie compelling, but we lament the loss of certain tertiary characters that enriched the original story's narrative. Despite the author's approval of these changes, we believe they left significant gaps, reducing the story's impact.

Did the film's character developments and casting choices resonate with you, or did they miss the mark? Chantel and Raymond engage in a passionate debate, especially about the portrayal of the sister’s character, whose profound role in the book is minimized in the film. The absence of the father's extramarital affairs and the casting changes for Monk's character are also points of contention. Speculations arise about these alterations—were they meant to streamline the story or to avoid contributing to Black trauma? Regardless, Chantel strongly advocates for reading the book to experience its full depth, as we conclude this spirited discussion.

Connect with Chantel: Website

Connect with Raymond: Instagram

All episodes of the podcast can be found on our website: https://booksvsmovies.buzzsprout.com/share

Connect with me: Instagram | Threads | Bookshop | Goodreads | Blog

Send us a Text Message.

Ever wondered who really created Flaming Hot Cheetos? Get ready to uncover the fascinating story of Richard Montañez, the man who claims to have taken the spicy snack from a janitor's experiment to a global sensation. Join me, Lluvia, as I navigate Richard's rise to corporate fame in "Flamin' Hot: La increíble historia real del ascenso de un hombre, de conserje a ejecutivo," and dissect its 2023 film adaptation directed by Eva Longoria. I’ll share my own journey reading the book in Spanish, the challenges of dealing with nonfiction vocabulary, and the rich tapestry of Spanglish that peppers Montañez's tale. Plus, we'll unpack the controversy surrounding who truly deserves credit for Flamin' Hot Cheetos—Montañez or Frito-Lay's Lynne Greenfield.

This episode promises a deep dive into the key differences between Montañez's written memoir and its Hollywood dramatization. We'll analyze how the book serves as both a personal account and a business guide, offering practical lessons on workplace resilience and innovation, while the film zeroes in on a more dramatized version of his breakthrough moment at Frito-Lay. Expect an unbiased comparison, noting discrepancies like timelines, family details, and even the ages of Montañez's children. Whether you're a fan of inspirational business stories, or you're just here for the drama, this discussion offers a comprehensive view of Montañez's incredible journey from the factory floor to the executive suite.

All episodes of the podcast can be found on our website: https://booksvsmovies.buzzsprout.com/share

Connect with me: Instagram | Threads | Bookshop | Goodreads | Blog