Books and Movies

How many times have you heard or uttered the sentiment that the book is better than the movie? My guess is the majority of you have at the very least thought it if not had it exchanged in conversation.

Well, I just finished reading the first trade of Kick-Ass. If you scroll a couple posts down, you will see my greatly enjoying the film and actually being filled with a mysterious optimism because of it. This is not the book. The book itself was good as well. I think. I am not quite sure about that. I read it. It was an experience. I am pretty sure I do not regret said experience.

There have been a few interviews that said due to the production schedule on the comic and film that there were some divergences due to changes as well as the obvious editing necessary to make this film palatable by any sort of audience. This means sugar coat it. Seriously, the movie is a warm and endearing family experience compared to this book (I actually kinda thought this before reading the book as well, but I am not sure anyone else would have agreed with me). Anything slightly uplifting in the film is basically null in the book replaced with not a grittiness or even a darkness just an emotional beating. Not even how you would expect either. The book was too short for me to become emotionally invested in anyone except maybe the main character. This meant that whatever happened to anyone else was more or less whatever. The emotional beating more or less came in the form of what I could only conceive as a purposeful retention of any sort of happy or uplifting emotion. Even the one redeeming quality at the end meant nothing to my empty husk of a self at the end of the reading.

The quick read sucker-punched me, someone expecting a fairly parallel read to the film, cut me open, and spit in my wound. All the while aware that I would not notice anything after that first punch. This reading was certainly an experience, but it ultimately left me feeling bitter, empty, soulless, something. I am not quite sure. Maybe I will post again when I figure it out, or I manage to find my humanity again.

I am not sure this is a case where I would recommend reading the book. I am not sure this is a case where I would recommend not reading the book. I would say see the movie. The rest? I dunno, decide for yourself, I can't decide anything at the moment.