I stumbled across this fun gallery via Entertainment Weekly the other day on Twitter. EW is a big fan of numbered lists, and this time they've compiled 21 video games begging to be movies. I especially enjoy the fact that the writer included cast picks and details on possible Hollywood production.
Many of the picks are pretty obvious, such as Bioshock, Uncharted, Halo and Metal Gear Solid. I'll admit that I've considered some other ones on the list - Zelda and Grand Theft Auto, for instance - but I'm doubtful that these titles could translate to the silver screen.I've always wondered why Hollywood hasn't touched Zelda. Honestly though, I think it would turn out really badly. Since Link doesn't have any real dialog in the series, some writer would have to come up with an entirely original script. I don't know that I can even imagine Link talking. I'd also be really nervous that Hollywood would transform Zelda into a cheesy experience as opposed to an epic one.
As far as Grand Theft Auto is concerned, I just don't buy it. EW claimed it would inspire an interesting storyline for a crime drama, but no one plays the GTA games for the plot. Hollywood could never translate GTA into a movie without losing all of the elements that make it fun (I was always a pretty big fan of running people over myself). I asked my boyfriend what he thought and what was his reply?
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...my thoughts exactly :P
Here's the big question: which games would you choose for possible film adaptations? I had two initial ideas. First off, Chrono Trigger. If you've played the game, you know the storyline relies heavily on time travel. With a strong cast and solid director, we'd get quite the fantastical adventure.
Second, I'm a little surprised that Hollywood doesn't have a live-action Professor Layton series in the works. Sherlock Holmes has been an incredibly successful franchise (in film and on TV), and Layton could follow a similar path. It might even be a great movie for both kids and adults.
What do you think? With so many crappy adaptations, some of you may not even want to see your favorite games turned into movies, and I don't blame you. Either way, thoughts, comments and criticisms are appreciated :)
-The Girl Informer
Zelda had a TV adaptation a long time ago, in 1989. Most critics agree it was just bad, and yes, Link did have VERY cheesy lines ("Excuuuuse me, princess!").
ReplyDeleteYou can bet fans of the Zelda series would be divided on giving Link a voice, just as much as fans of the Metroid series were divided over Other M. Personally, I thought it was mostly good, though they did go a little overboard at times with Samus's lines, but apparently I was in the minority on that one. With most games now doing voice acting, though, you have to think there's a good chance Nintendo will do it with the next Zelda on WiiU. HD graphics without voice acting just seems like a waste.
I just don't know that I could picture what Link's voice would sound like in a live-action interpretation. In my mind, his voice should be a LITTLE bit younger, but he is also an epic hero at the same time. Going for a more mature voice would probably give the movie credibility. The series certainly has a lot of potential to transfer over to the silver screen. As you mentioned, It would just pull a lot of criticism in the process since the fanbase is so strong.
ReplyDeleteYou make a really good point about the WiiU. It's going to throw fans off for sure, and I'm sure there will be plenty of uproar. Nintendo is evolving though, and that means Link has to evolve too.
Heh, speaking of movies, this made me giggle! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBCzkz3gHb8