From the bookshelf to the box office: fall 2009 movie adaptations

"The Twilight Saga: New Moon"
is one of several book to movie
adaptations coming this fall.
Photo: Summit Entertainment

The fall movie season is about to begin – and this year’s selection brings a nice crop of book-to-movie adaptations, ranging from children’s literature to classic novels of the 19th century to true stories to the most buzzed about young adult series since Harry Potter.

Here is your guide to the fall 2009 movie adaptations:

“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” (9.18.09)

Based on the beloved children’s book by Judi & Ron Barrett, this movie version morphs the charming illustrations into 3D computer animation. The movie has a star-studded voice cast – including Anna Farris, Neil Patrick Harris, Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, James Caan, Bruce Campbell, Benjamin Bratt and Mr. T – just to name a few. The movie tells the story of an inventor – whose creation causes giant food to fall from the sky.

“The Informant!” (9.18.09)

“The Informant!” is based on the book of the same title by Kurt Eichenwald, and is based on a true story. It follows a government investigation of a giant corporation accused of an international price-fixing scheme, with the company’s vice president serving as informant. But there are sure to be some twists along the way – and from the looks of the movie trailer, there will be some laughs, as well. Eichenwald covered the real-life story as an investigative reporter for The New York Times, before later writing his book – on which the movie is based.

“Whip It” (10.2.09)

“Whip It” tells the story of teen misfit Bliss Cavendar – as she rebels against her mother’s pageant competitions by joining a roller derby league. The film is Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut. She also acts in the movie, alongside Ellen Page, Kristin Wiig and Juliette Lewis – and the screenplay was written by Shauna Cross, who adapted it from her own novel.

“The Damned United” (10.9.09)

Based on a true story, “The Damn United” stars Michael Sheen as overachieving football manager Brian Clough. The story follows Clough as he takes over England’s top football club, Leeds United, in the 1970s. (This is British “football” … in the U.S., we’d call it “soccer.”)

“Where the Wild Things Are” (10.16.09)

Another beloved children’s classic comes to the big screen – in what looks to be a lovingly crafted adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s charming story, Where the Wild Things Are. The story has obviously been expanded upon for the feature film, but still tells the story of Max – the disobedient boy, sent to bed without supper, who then creates his own world where he is king. The visuals alone are stunning, and the use of puppetry – instead of CGI – to create the titular Wild Things is admirable.

“The Road” (10.16.09)

Based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy, “The Road” follows a father and son through post-apocalyptic America. The story follows them through a burned landscape, as they try to survive – with only a pistol to defend themselves against bands of cannibals.

“Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” (10.23.09)

The first of two vampire movies hitting movies this fall – both directed by one of the Weitz brothers. Paul Weitz helmed up “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” – based on the series of novels by Darren Shan. The story follows a boy as he becomes a vampire, after visiting the Cirque du Freak. These aren’t the brooding, sparkling vampires of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon" (which is directed by Paul Weitz's brother, Chris Weitz) – but this movie looks like it’s full of charm and family-friendly appeal.

“Youth in Revolt” (10.30.09)

Based on the novel by C.D. Payne, “Youth in Revolt” tells the story of 14-year-old Nick (portrayed by Michael Cera). While his parents linger on the verge of divorce, Nick sets his sights on losing his virginity to his dream girl. And he goes to extreme – and hilarious – lengths to meet this goal.

“Disney’s A Christmas Carol” (11.6.09)

Jim Carrey talks on the “Bah humbug!” of Ebeneezer Scrooge in this latest adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel of redemption. In this retelling, Disney employs the latest in image capture animation – then injects it with Disney Digital 3D. The preview alone – when viewed in full 3D – is impressive, though it is opening a bit on the early side for the Holiday season. Still, it’s a safe bet that families will be hitting up the theaters for this one.

“The Men Who Stare at Goats” (11.6.09)

Walking a fine line between fact and fiction, “The Men Who Stare at Goats” follows a reporter in Iraq, trying to lose himself in the “romance of war” following a failed marriage. While there, he meets a man who claims to be a former member of a U.S. Army unit that uses paranormal powers in their missions. Though the author claims the his book is a true story, there’s a fine, blurry line between what is true and what isn’t.

“The Box” (11.6.09)

Based on Richard Matheson’s short story “Button, Button,” “The Box” tells the story of a married couple (Cameron Diaz and James Marsden) who are greeted by a mysterious stranger. He gives them a small box – and tells them that pressing a button on the box will make them instantly wealthy, but will also cause the death of a person they don’t know somewhere in the world. They’ve got 24 hours to decide whether or not to press the button.

“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” (11.20.09)

Does this movie even need an introduction? It’s part two in Stephenie Meyer’s four-part Twilight Saga of books – and is the sequel to last year’s “Twilight,” which helped make Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart household names. “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” follows Bella (Stewart) after she is left by her true love, the vampire Edward (Pattinson). In his absence, friendship and possibly more blossoms between Bella and her pal Jacob (Taylor Lautner) – who may be harboring some supernatural secrets of his own.

“The Blind Side” (11.20.09)

“The Blind Side” tells the true story of Michael Oher – a homeless African-American teen, taken in by a wealthy white family. As Michael and his new family change each other’s lives – he is groomed into a star athlete and becomes a major NFL prospect. This has holiday season, feel-good movie written all over it – and I mean that in a good way. The trailer alone is a bit of a tear-jerker.

“The Fantastic Mr. Fox” (11.25.09)

One of Roald Dahl’s most beloved books finally comes to life on the big screen in this adaptation from Wes Anderson. The story follows the sly Mr. Fox as he steals food from three crooked farmers. Fed up with his wily ways, the farmers band together to rid themselves of Mr. Fox (and his family) once and for all. The all-star voice cast includes George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman.

“The Lovely Bones” (12.11.09)

Based on the best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, Peter Jackson’s adaptation of “The Lovely Bones” looks to be a sweeping and visually dynamic movie. It tells the story of a girl who is murdered – and watches over her family from heaven, as they try to come to terms with her death. She also knows who her killer is – and struggles to have him brought to justice.

“The Princess and the Frog” (12.11.09)

In the tradition of “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Aladdin” – Disney returns to its roots with this hand-drawn animated retelling of a classic fairy tale. In this case, Disney is giving a new twist to “The Frog Prince” – and is also introducing its first African-American princess ever. Disney’s come a long way, but it’s nice to see the studio returning to the classic, hand-drawn animation that helped Disney build its name. And this trailer certainly has the 8-year-old girl inside of me squealing with delight.

“Sherlock Holmes” (12.25.09)

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s timeless character Sherlock Holmes talks to the big screen in Guy Ritchie’s adaptation, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes and Jude Law as his sidekick, Watson. Ritchie’s adaptation follows Holmes and Watson – as they fight a nemesis who threatens all of England.