Giveaway - A Dog's Way Home - Blu-ray™ and Book!

Based on the bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog's Way Home releases on Digital March 26 and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on April 9 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. And I have a combo pack of both the Blu-ray™ and the novel to giveaway to one lucky reader!

What's it about? "The film chronicles the heartwarming adventure of Bella, the brave and adventurous dog that embarks on an epic 400-mile journey home after she is separated from her beloved human, Lucas. A Dog's Way Home highlights the power of unconditional love between man’s best friend and its human companion. The film stars Ashley Judd.

A Dog's Way Home arrives with adorable extras including a DIY guide to creating your own tasty dog treats at home and several deleted scenes. Also included are interviews with novelist W. Bruce Cameron, director Charles Martin Smith and cast and crew as well as a heartwarming look at the film’s canine star Bella’s rags to riches journey from the shelter to the big screen.

A Dog's Way Home has a run time of approximately 96 minutes and is rated PG for thematic elements, some peril and language." Check out the official trailer here.

Read the book and want to see the movie? Haven't read the book yet? Enter to win a copy of each using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US only. Ends April 6/19.

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Film on Friday #57 - A Wrinkle in Time

©2018 Disney

A Wrinkle in Time is the award winning first book in Madeleine L'Engle's Time Quintet series. Walt Disney Studios has just released A Wrinkle in Time on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital format for home viewing. (This viewer received a copy free of charge from Walt Disney Studios in return for an honest review.)

As an avid reader, I had of course read the book many times - by myself and later on with my children. The adventure and the unknown was what I remembered the most.

The cast is star studded. Reese Witherspoon was perhaps my favourite of the 'Mrs.'s. She was warm and funny. Mindy Kaling has incredibly expressive eyes and facial expressions. Oprah Winfrey rounded out the three. I found it hard to separate Oprah's 'real life' persona from this role. I just kept seeing and hearing Oprah, despite the elaborate costumes and make up.Which were excellent by the way, and conveyed the magic of the beings. Storm Reid turned in a great job as Meg. Deric McCabe as Charles Wallace gave us a precocious performance. He is a talented young actor. I did find it hard to hear what he was saying sometimes as he talked quickly and his voice is young and high pitched. Levi Miller as Calvin ended up being my favourite player though. His understated performance was believable, touching and memorable.

The movie has a PG rating. Guidance is needed for some parts - notably when they are battling the evil IT. It may be too frightening for younger children, both visually, audibly and the event itself. Some of the bullying that happens to Meg at school is truly awful and should hopefully trigger some discussion if watching with children.

The special effects were  spectacular. I have to say the the living flowers were my favourite bit.

Did I find that sense of adventure in this movie version? Yes, I did. There were some additions and subtractions from the original book. Most were minor, some are larger. Mrs. Which is only a voice in the books. It is Meg who trusts the Mrs.'s, instead of Calvin and The Happy Medium is a bit different. The biggest bit not included in the movie was the section after they find Dad and before they return home.

This latest Disney screen version of A Wrinkle in Time, was good but not great for this viewer. I think every age bracket will take away something different. One with the universe as a concept will also need to be discussed with younger viewers. Check out the official Walt Disney Studio trailer below. See what others thought on Twitter using the hash tag #WrinkleInTime.

Lean on Pete - Willy Vlautin

I'm always a sucker for books and movies that champion the underdog, the overlooked, the hard luckers and the downtrodden. Willy Vlautin'snovel, Lean on Pete, is all that. It's recently been made into a movie.

Charley is fifteen years old and lives with his single father, often fending for himself. But tragedy strikes after they move to Portland, leaving Charley on his own. Determined not to be put into 'the system', Charley sets out to find a job and earn enough money to travel, looking for the only relative he has left in the world. He finds a job at the local racetrack, ending up in the employ of a crusty, somewhat shifty, old man named Del. Del is the owner of a number of failing racehorses, including one named Lean on Pete.

Charley bonds with Pete, pouring out his hopes, dreams, desires and fears to the horse. The horse becomes the boy's family. Loneliness populates Vlautin's book. The main characters are all wounded and isolated, as are many of the others we meet. Marginalized in so many ways. And yet, Charley's life and circumstances are not that far from the truth for many teens. I became quite worried as the book progressed and Charley is faced with many unsavory people and situations. I did feel that there were a few too many of these scenes (especially as Charley hit the road) and some seemed simply gratuitous and didn't add much to the overall narrative. Charley's voice is spare, matching his daily life - simply trying to survive. The reader can't help

Knowing nothing of the racing world, I found some of the racetrack practices and treatment of the horses quite disturbing.

I chose to listen to Lean on Pete and was excited to find that the author himself was the narrator. There's nothing better than listening to an author read his own work. Vlautin is also the lead singer of a band. He has a wonderfully resonant voice, with a slight gravelly undertone. His voice never raises, but keeps the listener closely drawn in to this haunting, harrowing tale. Listen to an excerpt of Lean on Pete.

Did I like it? Yeah, I really did. Vlautin's work has a touch of Steinbeck and Twain to it. Now, we'll have to see if the movie does it justice.

Giveaway - Disney's The Jungle Book on Blu-ray and DVD!

The Jungle Book was one of my favourite storybooks as a child. It's hard to believe it was published in 1893! Walt Disney produced an animated film of The Jungle Book in 1967.

And now, in 2016, Jon Favreau has reimagined that classic with stunning live-action in Disney's The Jungle Book!  The Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere releases on August 23, and the Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On-Demand on August 30.

And, I have a Blu-ray Combo pack to giveaway to one lucky reader, courtesy of Disney Home Entertainment!!

For those who haven't read the stories  here's a quick synopsis of the movie: "In an epic adventure, Mowgli, a man-cub raised in the jungle by a family of wolves, is forced to abandon his home when fearsome tiger Shere Khan promises to eliminate him. Guided by stern Bagheera and free-spirited Baloo, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery."

The all-star cast includes Bill Murray (“Lost in Translation”) as the voice of Baloo, Sir Ben Kingsley (“Learning to Drive,” “The Walk”) as Bagheera and Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) as the voice of mother wolf Raksha. Scarlett Johansson (“Avengers: Age of Ultron”) gives life to Kaa, Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad”) provides the voice of alpha-male wolf Akela, Idris Elba (“Beast of No Nation”) roars as the voice of Shere Khan, and Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter”) lends his iconic voice to King Louie.

Bonus features include ⦁ “The Jungle Book” Reimagined ⦁ I Am Mowgli ⦁ King Louie’s Temple: Layer by Layer ⦁ Audio Commentary. Feature Run Time: Approximately 106 minutes Rating: PG in U.S. and Canada.

Like The Jungle Book on Facebook, follow The Jungle Book on Twitter and connect with The Jungle Book on Instagram.

And if you'd like to own a copy of The Jungle Book, enter to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US only. Ends September 10/2016.

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The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge by Michael Punke

Michael Punke's 2002 novel, The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge, isn't one that I would have noticed or picked up were it not for the 2015 award winning film of the same name.

And that would have been a shame, as it's a he** of a good read. What surprised me even more is that it's based on factual historical events and persons. (At the end of the book, I went online to suss out the real story - absolutely fascinating reading)

1823 America. Hugh Glass is one of the best trackers and frontiersmen around, working for The Rocky Mountain Fur Company. When he is severely mauled by a bear, his compatriots carry him as far as they can in the winter mountains. Company Commander Captain Henry pays two men - Fitzgerald and Bridger - to stay with Glass until he dies, then bury him properly. But Fitzgerald has different ideas..... he decides that staying with Glass isn't worth his while. He forces young Bridger to leave Glass to die on his own and the two take off. But not before they steal Glass's gun and knife, leaving him alone and exposed to the elements.

And here's where the revenge part comes into play......Glass is as tough as nails and bent on revenge. And he wants his gun back. What follows is a nail biting fight for his life as Glass begins crawling towards the fort two hundred miles away where Fitzgerald and Bridger are to meet up with the rest of the company.

Punke has brought in many factual events and people - the conflicts between the native tribes and the white men who have come to trap and settle their land. The wilderness and the men living in it are brilliantly described, but it is Hugh Glass who captures the reader. The injustice done to him and his single minded desire to seek revenge on Fitzgerald will have the reader on the edge of their seat, urging him to take one more breath, one more step forward until.....

As I said not my usual fare, but I absolutely loved it. Punke is an absolutely wonderful writer.  Read an excerpt of The Revenant. And now that I've read it, I'm off to watch the movie....stay tuned for my review.

Film on Friday #38 The Longest Ride

The Longest Ride, based on the best selling novel by Nicholas Sparks, has just released on Blu-ray from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Director George Tillman Jr. does a fantastic job of bringing this love story to the screen. (And staying true to the book)

Bullrider Luke (Scott Eastwood) is 'back in the saddle' trying to return to the top of his sport after an injury, when he meets Sophia (Britt Robertson) - a college student ready to graduate and pursue her dream job in the art field. When the two meet, sparks fly - but can love overcome dreams and ambitions? What, if any, choices and sacrifices will each be willing to make?

What makes The Longest Ride such a wonderful film to watch is the parallel story set in the 1940's. Luke and Sophia rescue Ira (Alan Alda) an older man and his box of letters from a car crash. Sophia continues to meet with Ira and from her letter reading we relive the love story of Ira and his wife Ruth. (Oona Chaplin is fantastic as young Ruth. Jack Huston is young Ira) The two stories mirror each other across the generations, through good and bad, only serving to illustrate that love takes sacrifice and the path to happiness is never smooth.

Watching The Longest Ride is going to make you happy though. Who doesn't love a love story? Great sets and scenery, a perfectly cast group of actors, some tastefully done steamy scenes, lots of action in the bull ring and an ending that's just right, all add up to a sweet, satisfying movie night at home. The Longest Ride is perfect to share with that special someone in your life or maybe as a girl's night at the movies. (As one supporting character says early on "I want a cowboy." Uh huh.)

Tillman took great care with realistically portraying the bull riding. Two of the special features on the disc follow Eastwood's training as well as the real riders. Fascinating stuff. There's also some good interviews with cast members, director and Sparks as well.

The title refers to the eight seconds a rider must stay on the bull to score, but The Longest Ride is also a nod to relationships - staying the course through a bumpy ride as well. Well worth watching for this movie lover!

And in case you missed it - you have until midnight tonight to 

enter to win a Blu-ray copy of The Longest Ride from A Bookworm's World! 

Giveaway - The Longest Ride on Blu-ray!

Let's start the week off with a fantastic giveaway!

The Longest Ride releases on July 14th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment - and I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader!

"What would you do for the love of your life? Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment invites you to grab the bull by the horns in THE LONGEST RIDE, which releases on Blu-ray™ and DVD July 14. Up-and-coming stars Britt Robertson and Scott Eastwood will tug at your heartstrings as they bring Nicholas Sparks’ beloved novel to life. Also starring Jack Huston, Oona Chaplin, and Alan Alda.

Based on the bestselling novel by master storyteller Sparks, The Longest Ride centers on the star-crossed love affair between Luke, a former champion bull rider looking to make a comeback, and Sophia, a college student who is about to embark upon her dream job in New York City’s art world.  As conflicting paths and ideals test their relationship, Sophia and Luke make an unexpected connection with Ira, whose memories of his own decades-long romance with his beloved wife deeply inspire the young couple.  Spanning generations and two intertwining love stories, The Longest Ride explores the challenges and infinite rewards of enduring love.

THE LONGEST RIDE Blu-ray™ comes packed with 45 minutes of extra features that will take you further into the film’s two central love stories. Join Eastwood on the ranch as he learns from the world’s best bull riders to control the beasts and learn more about the production with audio commentary from director George Tillman, Jr. and star Oona Chaplin."

The Longest Ride Blu-ray™ special features include:

• Deleted and Extended Scenes 
• A Writer’s Journey: A Day in the Life of Nicholas Sparks 
• Beyond the Ride 
• Bringing it to Life 
• Meet The Real Bull Riders 
• Luke’s Bull Riding School 
• Audio Commentary by George Tillman, Jr. and Oona Chaplin
• Gallery
 


Sound like a movie you'd like to own? Enter for a chance to win using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada. Ends July 25/15. I'm looking forward to it as well - watch for my review.


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The Intern's Handbook - Shane Kuhn

They're everywhere. You just might not see them - or overlook them as your gaze sweeps around your workplace. They're somewhat invisible. They're.....interns.

From the opening pages of Shane Kuhn's novel The Intern's Handbook.

"You can tell executives your name a hundred times and they will never remember it because they have no respect for someone living at the bottom of the barrel, working for free. The irony is that they will heap important duties on you with total abandon. The more of these duties you voluntarily accept, the more you will get, simultaneously acquiring TRUST AND ACCESS. Ultimately, your target will trust you with his life and that is when you will take it."

Uh huh - paid assassins from a little company known as Human Resources Inc. John Lago is one of the senior ops - he's almost twenty five and won't be able to pass himself off as an intern for much longer. The Intern's Handbook is words of wisdom for those coming behind him - and a detailed description of his last job. One that doesn't go to plan. At all.

I thought The Intern's Handbook was a fun read - yes it's about hired killers - but it's darkly humourous. The dialogue is razor sharp and witty. Yes, some of the scenes and actions are over the top, but it makes for one heck of an action packed read. As I was reading, I started thinking this would make a great action film. Well, Kuhn himself is a screenwriter - and it shows. He absolutely knows how to write a fast moving thriller. And The Intern's Handbook is indeed going to be a movie (starring James Franco - good choice!) For those who might be thinking this is a male oriented book? I don't think I mentioned Alice - the FBI agent who puts a wrinkle or two into John's last job.

Read an excerpt of The Intern's Handbook. You can keep up with Shane Kuhn on his website and on Twitter. Keep your eye out for the next John Lago (and Alice!) book - Hostile Takeover - due out in July of 015. Readers who enjoyed Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell would enjoy this book. Fair warning - gentle readers may be offended by some situations and language.

Giveaway - Gone Girl Blu-ray/Book Bundle!!

Gone Girl on Blu-ray releases tomorrow from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment! I am so excited to watch this movie! And if you are too - well, I've got a Blu-ray copy to giveaway!!

I absolutely loved the book by Gillian Flynn (my review) and can't wait to see the movie starring Ben Affleck And Rosamund Pike.

And if for some unknown reason, you haven't heard about this book or movie (where have you been!?) - here's the premise:

"GONE GIRL — directed by David Fincher and based upon the global best seller by Gillian Flynn — unearths the secrets at the heart of a modern marriage. On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) reports that his beautiful wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick’s portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife?" Did he? Or didn't he? Oh, this was such a delicious thriller on the printed page and the movie received fantastic reviews in theatre.

Did I mention I have a copy of the novel, Gone Girl,to give away as well? Yes, one randomly chosen lucky reader will win both a Blu-ray copy of the movie and a copy of the novel as well! Open to US and Canada, no PO Boxes please. Ends January 31/15. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below.

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Giveaway - The Maze Runner on Blu-ray AND the novel!!

Happy Holidays to you readers! Here's one last (fantastic!) giveaway for you this week!

I participated in the Twitter viewing party of The Maze Runner on Blu-ray with author James Dashner last Friday night. I always wait with bated breath to see if a great book can make the leap to film without losing the original premise and everything I loved. Director Wes Ball's adaptation absolutely did.

There were a few minor differences, but Ball nailed it - helped along by a marvelous cast of characters that captured the mental images I'd created for these characters. The setting brought the Glade and the maze to life, the Grievers were suitably frightening and the action non-stop. And if you've read the book - the twist is beautifully played. And if you haven't read the book - well I have a copy of that to give away as well!

"Will you make it out alive? Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment invites you to unlock the mysteries of the maze on December 16 when THE MAZE RUNNER hits Blu-ray™ and DVD. Based on the book by James Dashner that made The New York Times best-sellers list for more than 100 weeks, THE MAZE RUNNER brings together an up-and-coming cast of young talent including Dylan O’Brien (“Teen Wolf,” The Internship), Thomas Brodie-Sangster (“Game of Thrones”), Will Poulter (We’re the Millers), and Kaya Scodelario (“Skins”) that do whatever it takes to survive. In this heart-pounding survival thriller based on the best-selling novel, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien of MTV’s “Teen Wolf” ) wakes up trapped in a massive, ever-changing maze with a group of boys who have no memory of the outside world. Facing dangerous obstacles at every turn — especially the deadly Grievers that roam the concrete corridors at night — Thomas and the others must race to piece together clues in order to discover their true purpose… and find a way out before it’s too late!

 THE MAZE RUNNER Blu-ray™ comes in a 2-Disc Combo Pack, including two hours of pulse-stopping bonus features that make for the ultimate fan gift this holiday season. Created especially for this release by BOOM! Comics, dive into the backstory world of the Gladers before Thomas’ arrival, with the limited-edition, twenty-four page prequel comic book written by director Wes Ball and co-screenwriter T.S. Nowlin. Fans will also receive a limited time offer for the mobile game featuring a bonus runner “Newt” plus free in-game currency on Blu-ray™ and DVD.

 SPECIAL FEATURES ● 24-Page Prequel Comic Book ● Deleted Scenes with Commentary from Wes Ball ● Navigating The Maze: The Making of The Maze Runner (A Five Part Documentary that includes: The Maze is Born, Creating the World, Finding the Gang, The Movie Inside the Maze, and The Digital Details) ● The “Chuck Diaries” ● Gag Reel ● Visual Effects Reels ● Ruin Wes Ball Short Film in 2D and 3D with Commentary from Wes Ball ● Audio Commentary by Wes Ball and T.S. Nowlin ● Galleries"

Sound like a movie you'd like to watch and own?! Simply leave a comment to be entered. One lucky reader will receive a Blu-ray copy of The Maze Runner AND a copy of the book by James Dashner. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. One entry per person. Let's let this one run until next year - ends January 4/15.

The Maze Runner Twitter Viewing Party

What am I doing Friday night you ask? Well, I will be glued to my Blu-ray player watching the newly released The Maze Runner and live tweeting with other fans....and @JamesDashner!

You're welcome to join the fun! Keep up with the conversation at

#MazeRunnerFriday

Don't own the movie yet? No worries - I'll be posting my review in the near future......AND I'll be giving away a Blu-ray copy of The Maze Runner with that review to one lucky reader!!

Giveaway - If I Stay - Blu-ray and Book!!!

There have so many great books made into movies lately! I missed seeing this one in the theater, but If I Stay has just released on Blu-ray November 18th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. And with all the great additional content, I'd rather own it and watch at home! You can too - I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. But that's not all! I have a paperback copy of the book by Gayle Forman as well.

"The Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital HD™ Combo, includes an original music montage, free song download from the Soundtrack, and a three-part immersive making-of experience featuring interviews with the cast and author/executive producer Gayle Forman!"

"Chloë Grace Moretz and Jamie Blackley star in this romantic film based on the best-selling novel. Seventeen-year-old Mia Hall (Moretz) thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam (Blackley). But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not only decide her future but her ultimate fate. Also starring are Mireille Enos and Joshua Leonard as Mia’s parents, Kat and Denny, and Stacy Keach as Gramps. Rounding out the main cast are Jakob Davies as Mia’s little brother, Liana Liberato as her best friend, Gabrielle Rose as Grandma, and Aisha Hinds as Nurse Ramirez."

"Fans of the beloved book can see the story come to life like never before with compelling bonus features and deleted scenes. Celebrate the film’s music with an original “Never Coming Down” music video, “I Never Wanted to Go” music montage, a free download of the song “Mind” from the soundtrack courtesy of WaterTower Music and music commentary by R.J. Cutler on songs from the movie. Then, dive deeper into the making-of the film with “Beyond the Page,” a three-part book, author and cast introspective."

 If I Stay Blu-ray Exclusive Special Features:

⦁ “I Never Wanted To Go” Music Montage ⦁ Beyond The Page featuring interviews with the cast, crew and Author Gayle Forman ⦁ The Love of Music ⦁ Adapting IF I STAY ⦁ An Out of Body Experience If I Stay Blu-ray and DVD Special Features ⦁ “Never Coming Down” Music Video ⦁ Free download from the If I Stay Soundtrack of the song “Mind” courtesy of WaterTower Music ⦁ Deleted Scenes Commentary by R.J. Cutler and Alison Greenspan ⦁ Bookstore ⦁ Hospital Chapel ⦁ Audio Commentary by R.J. Cutler and Alison Greenspan ⦁ Music Commentary by R.J. Cutler ⦁ ⦁ Image Gallery ⦁ Theatrical Trailer  Subtitles: English / French / Spanish U.S. Rating: PG-13 Total Run Time: 171 minutes Closed Captioned: Yes

And if you want to watch If I Stay as much as I do, simply leave a comment (and a contact method) to be entered! One randomly chosen reader will win a copy of If I Stay on Blu-ray and a paperback copy of the book. Open to US and Canada, one entry per person, ends December 6/14.

Film on Friday #21 - The Fault in Our Stars

When a well-loved book is adapted as a movie I always wonder if the film can live up to my expectations.  In this case, it's John Green's fabulous book, The Fault in Our Stars. I didn't get to the theatres to see it, so I happily sat down with the newly released The Fault in Our Stars Little Infinites Blu-ray.

Director Josh Boone's vision of the book was excellent! For those of you unaware of either book or movie (and how can that be!) The Fault in Our stars is the love story of Hazel and Augustus - who meet at a teen cancer group. Actors Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort both did an amazing job bringing these characters to the screen. Supporting actors Laura Dern and Sam Trammel also embodied the mental images I had created for Hazel's parents. Woodley and Elgort nail the sarcastic dialogue, the poignant scenes and the 'get the tissue box moments' (seriously you're going to want to have that handy) and made me fall in love all over again with this story.

There are so many great scenes and lines from the book that stuck in my head as I was reading and I wondered if they would appear in the movie. They did - including my personal favourite - "Some infinities are bigger than other infinities." This Blu-ray edition is actually called the Little Infinities Extended Edition (and comes with a limited edition little infinities bracelet) The Fault in Our Stars tackles a serious topic with humour, grace, wit and so much emotion. It's impossible not to love the story.

Although I loved getting lost in watching the movie, I was also eager to see the additional features included - an extended version, deleted scenes (including a cameo cut from John Green), features on the cast, the process of taking a book to a movie and many more.

Is it a movie I would watch again? Absolutely. Definitely recommended to movie and book lovers - one of the best book to film adaptions I've seen.

 And if it's a movie you'd like to own, I have a copy of the The Fault in Our Stars Little Infinities version to giveaway! Open to US and Canada - you can enter here - share your favourite Fault in Our Stars moment. Ends Sept. 28/14.

 

Already own the movie? You might want to watch it again - with John Green. #TFIOSPARTY

 

 

Film on Friday #13 - The Book Thief

I look forward to seeing movie adaptions of books I've enjoyed. But there's always the question of comparison. Will the movie measure up to a beloved book?

The Book Thief is newly released on DVD and Blu-ray from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Director Brian Percival had a challenge on his hands to bring Marcus Zusak's bestselling The Book Thief' to the big screen. My opinion? He did a great job.

 For those who haven't read the book (and why haven't you!?) The Book Thief is the story of foster child Liesel, who lives in Nazi Germany in 1939. When she arrives at her new home, she cannot read. But she learns with the help of her new father. Her love of books grows as her things around her deteriorate. She 'borrows' books from a wealthy couple's library to share with her neighbours - and the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

There are some differences, (a few less characters and a few things happen in a different manner) but for me, there were no major ones that detracted from Zuzak's original story.

I thought that Sophie Nélisse was wonderful as Liesel.  Performances by Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson, as Liesel's parents, were just as standout. Their presentation  fit the mental images I had created of the character.

I knew the story going in - and the end - but I was captured from the first scene to the last. The Book Thief movie let me experience this wonderful tale all over again. And I cried all over again - so fair warning, have your tissues ready. Very well done in my opinion.