I confess: I saw Dragonball: Evolution today, in spite of the reviews, because I thought I could enjoy it as a variation of the story, as opposed to expecting a straight adaptation, and I did like it.
I think if everyone just called 'adaptations' of movies/books/games/shows 'variations,' then maybe we could lower our expectations without being completely let down, just a little disappointed but otherwise entertained.
Example:
Announcement
A: "They're gonna adapt my favorite video game into a movie? This is gonna suck."
V: "They're doing a variation of my favorite game's storyline for a movie? This could be interesting."
Previews
A: "I saw the previews...they're not adapting the story right at all and they're messing with the characters."
V: "I saw the previews...I can see already where the story is being varied as are the characters. It might be fun."
After seeing it
A: "I saw the movie and that was such a horrible adaptation. I should've walked out after the first lame-ass fight scene."
V: "I saw the movie and it was alright for a variation, but I think there were some moments where it could've been done better. Overall, at least I was entertained."
Recommendation
A: "Yeah, that adaptation sucked. Don't see it."
V: "For a variation it was interesting. Could've been better, but could've been worse, too. Give it a chance, though; I found some entertainment in it."
What really sucks is that Hollywood is at the bottom of the barrel of ideas. In all the movie previews there was 1 adapation, 2 sequels, 1 sequel of an adapation, and a CG movie that makes use of 3D glasses.
I think if everyone just called 'adaptations' of movies/books/games/shows 'variations,' then maybe we could lower our expectations without being completely let down, just a little disappointed but otherwise entertained.
Example:
Announcement
A: "They're gonna adapt my favorite video game into a movie? This is gonna suck."
V: "They're doing a variation of my favorite game's storyline for a movie? This could be interesting."
Previews
A: "I saw the previews...they're not adapting the story right at all and they're messing with the characters."
V: "I saw the previews...I can see already where the story is being varied as are the characters. It might be fun."
After seeing it
A: "I saw the movie and that was such a horrible adaptation. I should've walked out after the first lame-ass fight scene."
V: "I saw the movie and it was alright for a variation, but I think there were some moments where it could've been done better. Overall, at least I was entertained."
Recommendation
A: "Yeah, that adaptation sucked. Don't see it."
V: "For a variation it was interesting. Could've been better, but could've been worse, too. Give it a chance, though; I found some entertainment in it."
What really sucks is that Hollywood is at the bottom of the barrel of ideas. In all the movie previews there was 1 adapation, 2 sequels, 1 sequel of an adapation, and a CG movie that makes use of 3D glasses.
