I’ve been looking forward to the film version of Audrey Niffenegger’s novel The Time Traveler’s Wife since I heard it announced. My enthusiasm waned a bit when I heard Eric Bana was cast as Henry, because he wasn’t at all how I pictured the character, but I loved the choice of Rachel McAdams as Clare. I debated rereading the book before seeing the film, but figured my chances of enjoying the film were probably better if the book wasn’t as fresh in my mind.
Saturday night, I finally got to see it. I know a lot of people were just “meh” about it, but I actually really liked it. Because it had been more than a few years since I read the book, I didn’t notice any of the differences – and if I did, it wasn’t enough to bother me. And I was pleasantly surprised by Eric Bana – he was wonderful as Henry, in my opinion. The chemistry between the two was tangible, and I believed them as one of the great romantic couples of all time.
I did have one beef, and from reading other reviews, it seems I’m not the only one. I don’t think there was enough effort put into makeup and hair to differentiate between the younger Henrys and the older Henrys.
All in all, I enjoyed the movie – and it was a total tear-jerker. 4 out of 5 bags of popcorn.
Twitter: youvegottaread
says:
I’ve not read the book OR seen the movie. I must live on another planet. It is my intention to get to both at some point. I love Bana. Having just watched him in Munich, I was reminded of his total dudeness.
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..Monday Movie Meme – School Days =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Sandy – you must read the book – it’s one of my favorites of all time!
I haven’t read the book but I am finally going to see this tonight with a couple of friends. I just love Eric Bana so I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for the review!
.-= Jo-Jo´s last blog ..Monday’s Movie-Yes Man =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Jo-Jo – have fun!
Yep, I totally agree with your one beef. I enjoyed the movie too.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..The Last Song Winners =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Kathy – it was good, huh?
I really like Eric Bana so I thought it was a good choice going in.. and then when I saw the movie I thought he did a great job. I also debated re-reading the book because it had been a few years, but I decided against it for the same reason as you did. I didn’t want to compare to closely. ANYway, I am glad you liked it! I did too.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Lisa – yes, I think the more distance between a book and movie, the better.
I finally saw this last week. It was better than I was expecting, actually.
.-= Kailana´s last blog ..Five Soothing Songs for the Recently Unemployed =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Kailana – I was afraid to hope, but it was very good!
I definitely want to see this movie! I love Rachel McAdams. And I just saw a great review of Audrey’s new book – so it’ll probably be made into a movie, too.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Sarah – I haven’t read her latest yet, but I definitely plan to.
I really have a hard time watching movies based upon books as complex as The Time Traveler’s Wife. I like Eric Bana in general, though. I’d never heard of the actress before. I’m glad that you enjoyed it. I’ll think about renting it when it comes out.
.-= Literate Housewife´s last blog ..#201 ~ Her Fearful Symmetry =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Jennifer – yes, you have to expect that a lot is left out when they condense a book of this size and depth. I probably would have been bothered more if I’d read it more recently.
Twitter: bookingit
says:
I’m in complete agreement with your review, I agree that it probably helped that it had been a while since I read the book. I’m glad you enjoyed it too
.
.-= Laura @ ImBookingIt´s last blog ..Review: A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Laura – I think that’s going to be my new policy – never see the movie too close to reading the book.
It had been a good while since I had read the book so I wasn’t bothered by the differences. Couldn’t remember them! ha. But, the makeup part really bothered me because at first I was actually confused!
I liked the movie but I didn’t love it. I did think they did as good a job possible though turning the book to film.
.-= iliana´s last blog ..Whatif =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Iliana – it’s always hard when a book that you love is turned into a film – the expectations are high.