Book to Movie: One For The Money

Janet Evanovich's Hit Novel Comes to the Silver Screen. How Does It Fare?

By Chris Sabga

Janet Evanovich's series of novels about bounty hunter Stephanie Plum have a loyal and devoted following. Heads rolled amongst her fans when it was announced that the controversial Katherine Heigl would be taking on the plum role of Plum.

The book is witty and charming, wonderfully written, with a memorable main character. The film tries to capture the zany tone of its source material, but it never quite succeeds. Almost everything feels wrong: the tone, the colors, and even some of the casting choices.

The problem, however, isn't with Katherine Heigl. She does an admirable job of transforming herself into a down and dirty Jersey girl. It's just a shame that her metamorphosis is wasted in such a mediocre, bland flick. If only Heigl had saved this turn for a more prestigious, dramatic film, she might have gained deserved recognition as a serious, talented actress – perhaps even Oscar consideration – similar to what "The Blind Side" was able to do for Sandra Bullock, whose early career resembles Heigl's.

Turning an almost 400-page book into a 90-minute movie is usually problematic, but the film adaptation of "One For The Money" is edited reasonably well. Scenes from the book are condensed or combined, but nothing egregious.

As lighthearted as the book is, the movie goes too far in that direction, stripping the story of its dark edges and heart for the sake of unnecessary silliness. The character of fellow bounty hunter Ranger (Daniel Sunjata), in particular, feels whitewashed.

There is one major improvement from page to screen though: the prostitute Lula (played wonderfully by Sherri Shepherd) is far more engaging and dynamic in the film. Perhaps that's a credit to the talent of the actress, who takes a small role and almost steals the show from the main cast.

It's a generally accepted "fact" that "the book is always better than the movie," but the disparity between the two is extremely wide in this case. The earliest readers of "One For The Money" must've known they had stumbled onto something special. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Evanovich has written many more numbered Stephanie Plum novels. A film sequel, on the other hand, doesn't seem very likely.

The Silver Screen Surprises of 2012

Morticians, Robots, Crazy Danes, and More...

By Chris Sabga

This is a different kind of "best of" list. Instead of a routine top five or ten filled with the usual suspects and a hidden gem or two, here are simply some of the biggest surprises of 2012.

Bernie: There's nothing particularly surprising about a film directed by Richard Linklater ("Before Sunrise," "Before Sunset"), populated with major actors, being one of the year's best. The surprise here is Jack Black's career-redefining performance as Bernie Tiede, a small-town mortician who has a habit of befriending widowed old ladies. Even if you're completely sick of Jack Black, the role of Bernie is like no other he has ever taken. It showcases him in a new light as a supremely talented actor and well-deserving of an Oscar nomination.

Klown: This is a rude, raunchy, shocking comedy from Denmark about two friends who "kidnap" a young boy and take him on a canoe trip they've dubbed "Tour De Fuck." You won't believe what you're watching. There is no low this film won't stoop to. It's all wildly inappropriate but extremely funny. "Klown" makes "The Hangover" look like "Bambi." You have been warned!

Lockout: Is this a "great" movie? No. But it's a fun homage to '80s-style action flicks, with Guy Pearce playing a wisecracking action hero who seemingly has a one-liner for every situation. Pearce can do no wrong as an actor, and he proves it again in "Lockout."

The Other Son: Two boys – one Israeli, one Palestinian – were switched at birth. That irresistible premise is the basis for "The Other Son," which came out of nowhere to emerge as one of the best surprises of the year. Filmed in four languages, this thought-provoking tale follows both boys and their families as they find out and struggle with the truth.  

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Unfamiliar with the bestselling novel of the same name, I didn't know what to expect. As it turns out, "Perks" was written and directed for the screen by the book's author, Stephen Chbosky. That makes all the difference. This story about three high school friends in the early '90s packs an emotional wallop.

Robot & Frank: Frank Langella deserves an Academy Award nomination for his funny, touching portrayal of an aging former jewel thief who is given a robot to take care of him. Unfortunately, in what is sure to be a crowded Oscar field this year, Langella is likely to be overlooked for his beautiful performance in this little-seen hidden gem.  

Sleepless Night: Filled with tense pacing and wild fight sequences, this French import about a questionable cop trying to rescue his kidnapped son from a seedy nightclub proves that America isn't the only country adept at crafting a masterful action thriller.

Review: Silver Linings Playbook

Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Robert De Niro Are Their Best Selves

By Chris Sabga

"This is what I believe to be true: You have to do everything you can, and if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining."

There's no better way to kick off Silver Screen Surprises than with that quote from "Silver Linings Playbook" and a review of the film itself.

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As I walked out of the packed New Year's Eve screening of "Silver Linings Playbook" and into the chilly night air, the person next to me described what we just saw as "perfect." I think he's right.

As the film begins, Pat (Bradley Cooper) is being released from a mental treatment facility after eight months, the reasons for which will become clear as the story progresses. His house, job, and marriage are all gone, and he is forced to move back in with his parents, Pat Sr. and Delores (played by Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver). It doesn't take long for Pat's issues to manifest themselves in a variety of hilarious, sad ways. Shortly thereafter, he meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a young woman with psychological problems of her own.  

That's the setup for one of the most charming, touching, and – yes – funniest and just about perfect cinematic experiences of the year. 

Anyone not familiar with Bradley Cooper's pre-"Hangover" output will be surprised at what a versatile and talented actor he is. This is a character that's about as far away from "The Hangover's" cocky Phil as possible. It's raw, dramatic, and filled to the brim with pain. Even in such a competitive Oscar year, Cooper deserves to be on the ballot for Best Actor.

Jennifer Lawrence, who is no stranger to the Oscars, continues her streak of dazzling performances. Despite being years younger than her costars, her screen presence every bit as powerful. Spitting out memorable comeback after memorable comeback to Cooper, De Niro, and others, her commanding character is one you won't soon forget.

But the real surprise is Robert De Niro. At one point, Cooper's character says, "I'm my best self today, and I think she's her best self, and that's a good thing." A heavyweight actor in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s, De Niro hasn't been his "best self" on screen since then. That finally changes with "Silver Linings Playbook." The De Niro we all love is back!

As it turns out, Pat Sr. has more in common with his son than just an appreciation for the Philadelphia Eagles football team. De Niro is a hoot as his character obsesses over envelopes in his study and the "juju" surrounding his beloved ballgames. It's his best role in many years.

Jacki Weaver is rock solid as his wife, and familiar faces Chris Tucker and Julia Stiles round out the supporting cast. Of all of the smaller roles, the highlight is undoubtedly Anupam Kher, who plays Cooper's counselor, Dr. Cliff Patel.

Written and directed by David O'Russell, it is easy to compare "Silver Linings Playbook" to his previous film, "The Fighter." Both are about families, relationships, and sports. But "Playbook" is far richer and more rewarding, with deeper characters tapping into a wider variety of emotions. At both their best and worst selves, these people – and the viewers along with them – experience love, laughter, tears, and everything in-between.

A film as magical as "Silver Linings Playbook" represents the movies at its best (self).