Three Books that Should Be Movies

It often seems as if Hollywood is intent on making the same movies over and over again. This is surprising considering that there are thousands of books that would make new, different, and exciting movies. These are just a few of the books that I think would make exceptional feature films.

Wizard's First Rule

Wizard's First Rule, by Terry Goodkind would be a great movie. This first book in the Sword of Truth series includes magic, a love story, and an epic battle between good and evil. Goodkind has created original characters unlike anything you have read or seen before. The Wizard's First Rule would make a good Spielberg/Lucas collaboration. The main character Richard Cypher/Rahl would be a perfect part for Russell Crowe. Crowe is the only actor that I can think of that could come close to pulling off the complexities that Goodkind wrote into the Richard Rahl character. Opposite Russell Crowe, Angelina Jolie would make a very acceptable Kahlan Amnell. Sam Elliot would have to be cast in the part of Zedd, Wizard of the First Order, grandfather to Richard, and major player in the storyline of the Sword of Truth Series. It is almost as if Terry Goodkind had Sam Elliot in mind when he created the comedic and wise character. Wizard's First Rule, as with all books in the series continually introduces new characters. This continuing saga of Richard and Kahlan begs for sequels that could keep me in movie-lovers bliss for years to come.

The Fourth K

The Godfather by Mario Puzo is one of my favorite book-to-movie adaptations, but that was not the only great book that Puzo penned. The Fourth K is a fictional account of the next President Kennedy that bears a striking resemblance to modern political situations. Oliver Stone should direct The Fourth K based on his success and experience in capturing the essence political leaders on the big screen. President Francis Xavier Kennedy should be played by an actor with an incredible capacity for the portrayal of good and evil, like Kevin Spacey. Dazzy, a close confidant of President Kennedy should be played by Morgan Freeman. The role of Vice President Helen Du Pray was tailored to fit Nicole Kidman. Rounding out the cast would be Amy Adams as Theresa Kennedy, Gael Garcia Bernal as Yabril the terrorist, and Michael Caine as the oracle. The Fourth K is an example of that classic Puzo intrigue that plays so well on the big screen.

Blasphemy
With the horrible, tragic mess that was made out of the movie adaptations of The DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons, it is understandable that filmmakers might want to steer clear of religion-based movie topics. I feel that this decision was made a little hastily. Blasphemy, a book by Douglas Preston, is a fictional account of the search for a higher power, that is strongly based in the world of today. Jeff Goldblum is my top candidate to play the part of Gregory North Hazelius, genius, Nobel laureate, and eventual founder of a unique and new religion. As the Yin to Hazelius' Yang, Wyman Ford, ex CIA operative would be played by No Country For Old Men star Tommy Lee Jones. While Blasphemy is a serious fictional attempt, the witty dialog and inclusion of various cartoonish religious figures leaves room for laughs. The colorful televangelist Don T. Spates would be a great place for Nicholas Cage to exhibit his unique type of talent.