Book Vs. Movie Podcast

Stephen King Bonus Ep

"The Stand”

The 1994 Movie Cast Our Picks for the Cast of the Upcoming TV series

It’s another special “Stephen King Bonus Ep” and Margo D. and Deana Marie of the Twisted Philly are back and wanting to discuss quite possibly the biggest piece of Stephen King news that we have heard in ages. For many years there have been rumors of adapting King’s 1978 novel The Stand to either a TV series or as a film trilogy.

So far we have had one adaptation--Mick Garris’ 1994 mini-series which ran on ABC-TV and is either beloved or reviled by hardcore fans.

None other than Ben Affleck himself wanted to create a movie trilogy but the project never took off and remained in turnaround.

So CBS All Access decided to say “hold my beer!” and create their own 2020 limited TV series which has King fans buzzing.

The story is about an apocalyptic flu virus (“Captain Trips”)  that is spread across the U.S. and wipes out 99% of the population is one of King’s most revered works. The people who survive the flu break up into two camps:

• The “good people” (including Stu Redmond, Frannie Goldsmith, and Mother Abigail Freemantle) head off to Boulder,  CO.
• The “evil people” (including Trashcan Man and Lloyd Henreid) make Las Vegas their home

In 1990 King released an unabridged version of the novel with an additional 400+ pages. There are scenes including a character called “The Kid” and Stu meeting Jim Morrison--but the1994 mini-series is mostly based on the abridged version.

Will CBS All Access include anything from the 1990 version?

In this ep, Margo D. Deana are all about casting. We go in depth on how we feel the 1994 casting of our favorite characters and then each pick our personal choice for the new show. CBS casting people--please let us know if you are listening!

You can listen to this episode using the link below.

In this special Stephen King bonus episode Margo Deana discuss:

• A quick story behind The Stand and why SK fans revere it so much.
• Our personal history with both the novel and the 1994 TV mini-series
• Our favorite (and least favorite) casting choices for the mini-series
• Our top casting picks for the new TV series
• Just how close to the book will the shows be compared to the 1994 mini-series?

Clips used:

The Stand 1994 trailer

Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult

Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/

Find us in Apple Podcasts

Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.com

Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com

Brought to you by Audible.com You can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial here http://www.audible.com/?source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R

Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com

Margo P. @ShesNachoMama http://thechingonahomesteader.weebly.com/

Book Vs Movie

“Forrest Gump”

Yes, it was a book first and WOW are their differences between the two!

The Margos know that life is more and better than a box of chocolates and one of our favorite books to movie adaptations, Forrest Gump, deserves the full Book Vs Movie treatment. Did you not know that it was a book? Well, get ready to hear the story about author Winston Groom’s background and his real feelings about the 1994 film. (Spoiler--he is NOT a fan!)

So just how different is the book from the movie? Well, the book Forrest is a 6’6” and 240-pounds--large enough to draw attention everywhere he goes just in his appearance below. During his lifetime he is a high school football phenom, joins a folk music band with his on and off sweetheart Jenny (more on her in a bit!), joins the army and serves in Viet Nam, is a ping pong champion in China and then works for NASA.

Want more? How about the fact he winds up in the stranded in a jungle for years, has an orangutan for a companion, dabbles in chess, becomes a professional wrestler called “The Dunce,” is a stuntman who runs into a naked Raquel Welch, and eventually he winds up running a shrimp business in honor of his deceased friend Bubba.

The book is a heck of a ride, let’s just say.

And most of the characters you know from the film are featured in the book but are very different in attitude and behavior. For example, Forrest lifelong love Jenny is much more level-headed in the novel and “Momma” is not nearly as sweet as Sally Field portrays her in the movie.

There are so many more changes and tons of movie trivia to impart here, so be sure to click on the link at the bottomed to listen to what we think and decide which we like more.

This episode is once again sponsored by Penguin Random House!

New York Times bestselling author Brendan Reichs has created an incredible YA action “Fie Lake” trilogy--first with Nemesis which was described as “Orphan Black meets Lord of the Flies” and became an instant hit in 2017. Here we are introduced to the world of Fire Lake and a vast conspiracy involving 64 students and an enormous asteroid threatening all life on earth.

Genesis is the followup to Nemesis and continues with the students struggling to live in a world where morals have no meaning and brute force passes for leadership. It is now available in paperback!

This March will be the launch of the final book in the series--Chrysalis and it is an action-packed conclusion to an amazing series.

In this ep the Margos discuss :

• The life and writing career of author Winston Groom and the plot to his follow up novel Gump Co.
• How the cast was chosen including Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump,) Sally Field (Mrs. Gump,) Gary Sinise (Lt. Dan Taylor,) Mykelti Williamson (Bubba,) Robin Wright (Jenny,) and Hayley Joel Osment (Forrest Gump Jr.)
• The fact that there is a “Margo” in this movie! (Margo Moorer plays the maid, Louise)
• The many changes between book movie
• The use of music and popular songs to help move the plot along. (A little too on the nose? Maybe?)
• A plethora of trivia and behind-the-scenes gossip about the much-lauded film

Clips Featured:

• Forrest Gump  trailer
• Young Forrest  (Michael Conner Humphries) and Jenny (Hanna Hall)
• Young Forrest teaches “Elvis” (Kurt Russel’s voice!) how to dance.
• Bubba dies in Forrest’s arms
• Mama Gump dies
• Outro Music:  On the Road Again by Willie Nelson

Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/

Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.com

Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com

Brought to you by Audible.com You can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial here http://www.audible.com/?source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R

Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com

Margo P. @ShesNachoMama http://thechingonahomesteader.weebly.com/

Book Vs Movie

“Jurassic Park”

The 1990 nonfiction by the legendary author, director, and producer Michael Crichton

Vs the 1993 Steven Spielberg Blockbuster Film

Plus, The Margos pick their "Top 5 Steven Spielberg Properties"

Bring on the special, practical effects (with little CGI, please) because the Margos redo one of their more polarizing takes on a project created by two world-class geniuses--Michael Crichton and his good friend Steven Spielberg. Amazingly, Crichton came up with the original concept in the early 1980s and it took several drafts to create the novel that would be known as Jurassic Park.

At the time (1990) it was a publishing sensation, and Steven Spielberg was smart enough to grab the rights at $2 million. The film, which came out in June 1993, was a mega hit right from the start and it remains a cable TV staple to this day.

So between the book and movie--which did the Margos like better? Guys--it ain’t even close here. Check out the link below to hear our take on both.

Also, in this replay ep, the Margos the Margos pick their "Top 5 Steven Spielberg Productions" with the kicker being--they have not been covered on our show yet. 

In this ep the Margos discuss :

• The fascinating life story of Michael Crichton
• The friendship between him and director Steven Spielberg
• The annoying kids featured in the book (Ugh--the dialog is brutal!)
• The cast of the movie including Laura Dern, Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum and Sir Richard Attenborough.
• The box office records the movie broke
• Plus, tons of trivia and tidbits

Clips Featured:

• News clip from KTVU-TV (San Francisco) the day the movie opened
• Jurassic Park  trailer
• The first sight of the dinosaurs
• “Lexi” (Ariana Richards) and “Tim” (Joseph Mozello) meet the T-Rex  
• “The blood-sucking lawyer (Martin Ferrero) approves”
• The kids in the kitchen with the Raptors (the importance of sound design in this film)
• Outro Music “Jurassic Park Theme” John Williams

Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/

Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.com

Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com

Brought to you by Audible.com You can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial here http://www.audible.com/?source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R

Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com

Margo P. @ShesNachoMama http://thechingonahomesteader.weebly.com/

Book Vs Movie

“The Shawshank Redemption”

The Margos finally take on this classic Stephen King/Frank Darabont movie (you’re welcome!)

If there is one thing we can say about Book Vs Movie fans--they LOVE the Stephen King eps and cannot get enough of them. In particular, we have been getting requests for The Shawshank Redemption since we launched the show and finally had the time to get it together.

The story of the bromance between Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) and Red Redding (Morgan Freeman) is considered one of the best movies of all time and has continually been on syndicated TV since its debut on the TNT network in June 1997.  (Seriously, this movie is always playing on some channel somewhere!)

Unjustly convicted for the murder of his wife and her lover Andy spends decades of his life fighting to clear his name while learning to adapt to life as a prisoner. It’s a story about friendship, survival, revenge, deception, agony, and redemption.

Originally published as a novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption in 1982’s Different Seasons the differences between the original story and the movie are plentiful. So which did the Margos like better? Book or Movie? Check out the link below to find out!

This episode is sponsored by Penguin Random House! Song of the Dead is Sarah Glenn Marshall’s followup to her YA hit Reign of the Fallen and will be available on Tuesday, January 29th on Kindle, hardback and on Audible. The story is the continuation of our hero Odessa who is determined to leave the borders of Karthia to mend her broken heart.

She is joined on her journey with Meredy and they find a land where the Dead rule at night and dragons roam the streets. Just as they are being enchanted at the new world (and each other) growing political issues bring them back to Odessa where specters from their past haunt their tenuous relationship.

As a member of the LGBT community, author Marshall is especially proud of creating an inclusive fantasy world in which race, gender, and sexuality are non-issues.

In this ep the Margos discuss :

• The 1982 novella from Different Seasons and how it differs from the movie
• How director Frank Darabont originally paid one dollar (!) to adapt King’s short story The Woman in the Room in 1983 and how after he wrote the screenplay for Nightmare On Elm Street 3--it gave him the confidence to take on this story.
• The incredible cast including Robbins, Freeman, Bob Gunton (Warden Norton,) William Sadler (Heywood,) Clancy Brown (Captain Hadley) Gil Bellows (Tommy,) and James Whitmore as Brooks Hatlen.
• The history behind the casting and setting of the movie
• A plethora of trivia and behind-the-scenes gossip about the much-lauded film
• Why King never cashed his $1000 check for the rights to the film!

Clips Featured:

• The Shawshank Redemption  trailer
• Andy meets Red for the first time
• The “rooftop scene” between Andy and Captain Hadley
• Brooks finds out he is leaving Shawshank
• The “opera scene”
• Outro Music:  Duettino--Sull’aria “Le Nozze di Figaro” By Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin

Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/

Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.com

Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com

Brought to you by Audible.com You can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial here http://www.audible.com/?source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R

Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com

Margo P. @ShesNachoMama http://thechingonahomesteader.weebly.com/

Book Vs Movie

“Catch Me If You Can” (Replay) 

The 1980 nonfiction (ish) book by Frank Abagnale Stan Redding Vs the 2002 Steven Spielberg Film

Plus, The Margos pick their all-time favorite Hanks DiCaprio performances

The Margos go for the short con here and discuss all things Frank Abagnale, a man who between 16-21 years old was the most competent (and weirdly likable) fraud impersonating a pilot, lawyer, doctor, and teacher before finally getting caught by the FBI. He also cashed fraudulent checks around the U.S. and around the world to the tune of over $2 million.

Frank’s story is incredible and it makes for both a fun read and movie (though we do have a definite preference in this episode!)

The film ultimately adapted by Stephen Spielberg and filmed in over 100 locations in 54 days which is unheard of and adds to the pacing of the movie.  But what changes were made to make Frank’s life seem more “movie-friendly?” Do they add value? What does Frank himself think of Catch Me if You Can? Find out in this episode!

In this ep the Margos discuss :

• The real story of Frank Abagnale (and what changes that were made for the movie)
• The likeability of Frank even though he is kind of a skunk
• The look of the movie
• The cast of the movie including  Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, and Christopher Walken
• The Academy Award nominations the film earned

Clips Featured:

• Frank Abagnale on To Tell the Truth (1977)
• Catch Me if You Can  trailer  
• Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) impersonates being an FBI agent in front of Carl (Tom Hanks)
• Jennifer Garner’s scene
• Outro Music “Come Fly with Me”

Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/

Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.com

Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com

Brought to you by Audible.com You can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial here http://www.audible.com/?source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R

Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com

Margo P. @ShesNachoMama http://thechingonahomesteader.weebly.com/

Book Vs Movie

“The Wizard of Oz”

The Margos follow the yellow brick road and my, have their been some changes between the book and movie!

“Toto, I don’t think we are in Kansas anymore.” The Wizard of Oz is filled with some of the most quoted-lines in cinema history along with a truly scary villain and one of the most covered songs ever--Somewhere Over the Rainbow. So how does it compare to the 1900 book written by the enigmatic L. Frank Baum?

The Margos covered this very topic a few years ago and the results were--let’s just say a bit messy. (We had NO idea how to record properly back then!) However, we loved learning all about Baum and the trivia behind the Judy Garland classic film--that we decided to revisit Oz.

This episode is chock full of information, trivia, and tidbits that you can feel free to drop on unsuspecting friends and family at dinner parties in the future.  Such as, how heavy was the Lion costume? What did Margaret Hamilton’s agent tell her when she was offered the part of the Wicked Witch of the West? The original color of Dorothy’s shoes from the book? What scenes and songs were deleted from the final version?

So after doing all of this research, which version did we Margos like better? Check out the link below to find out!

In this ep the Margos discuss :

• The interesting life story of L. Frank Baum which includes a rather horrible op-ed piece which he wrote before his career as a beloved writer of children’s books.
• The unbelievable trials the cast went through filming this movie
• Not all critics were impressed by this film in 1939. Just check out this scathing review.
• The excellent cast including Garland as Dorothy, Frank Morgan (Professor Marvel/The Wizard of Oz, etc.) Ray Bolger (“Hunk”/The Scarecrow,) Bert Lahr (“Zeke”/The Cowardly Lion,) Jack Haley (“Hickory”/The Tim Man,) Billie Burke (Glinda,) and the various Munchkins.

Clips used:

• The Wizard of Oz original 1939  trailer
• The Munchkins perform for Dorothy
• “Don’t pay attention to the man behind the curtain” (Frank Morgan)
• The Wicked Witch of the West “melts”
• Outro Music: Somewhere Over the Rainbow  by Judy Garland

Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/

Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.com

Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com

Brought to you by Audible.com You can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial here http://www.audible.com/?source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R

Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com

Margo P. @ShesNachoMama http://thechingonahomesteader.weebly.com/

Book Vs Movie

“The Wizard of Oz”

The Margos follow the yellow brick road and my, have their been some changes between the book and movie!

“Toto, I don’t think we are in Kansas anymore.” The Wizard of Oz is filled with some of the most quoted-lines in cinema history along with a truly scary villain and one of the most covered songs ever--Somewhere Over the Rainbow. So how does it compare to the 1900 book written by the enigmatic L. Frank Baum?

The Margos covered this very topic a few years ago and the results were--let’s just say a bit messy. (We had NO idea how to record properly back then!) However, we loved learning all about Baum and the trivia behind the Judy Garland classic film--that we decided to revisit Oz.

This episode is chock full of information, trivia, and tidbits that you can feel free to drop on unsuspecting friends and family at dinner parties in the future.  Such as, how heavy was the Lion costume? What did Margaret Hamilton’s agent tell her when she was offered the part of the Wicked Witch of the West? The original color of Dorothy’s shoes from the book? What scenes and songs were deleted from the final version?

So after doing all of this research, which version did we Margos like better? Check out the link below to find out!

In this ep the Margos discuss :

• The interesting life story of L. Frank Baum which includes a rather horrible op-ed piece which he wrote before his career as a beloved writer of children’s books.
• The unbelievable trials the cast went through filming this movie
• Not all critics were impressed by this film in 1939. Just check out this scathing review.
• The excellent cast including Garland as Dorothy, Frank Morgan (Professor Marvel/The Wizard of Oz, etc.) Ray Bolger (“Hunk”/The Scarecrow,) Bert Lahr (“Zeke”/The Cowardly Lion,) Jack Haley (“Hickory”/The Tim Man,) Billie Burke (Glinda,) and the various Munchkins.

Clips used:

• The Wizard of Oz original 1939  trailer
• The Munchkins perform for Dorothy
• “Don’t pay attention to the man behind the curtain” (Frank Morgan)
• The Wicked Witch of the West “melts”
• Outro Music: Somewhere Over the Rainbow  by Judy Garland

Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/

Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.com

Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com

Brought to you by Audible.com You can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial here http://www.audible.com/?source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R

Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com

Margo P. @ShesNachoMama http://thechingonahomesteader.weebly.com/

Book Vs. Movie Podcast (Replay)

"The Cider House Rules"

The 1985 John Irving Novel Vs. The 1999 Miramax Adaptation

Plus, the Margos pick their "Top 5 Hope-to-Cover" eps for 2019!

Finally! The Margos have been asked to cover John Irving ‘s The Cider House Rules many times so we decided to tackle it during the coldest winter known in the U.S. for ages.  Here we discuss the interesting career of Irving and how he adapted his own sprawling novel into a neat and tidy Miramax film. Book Vs Movie--which did we like better? Tune in to find out! (Link below.)

Also, in the pre-show, we each pick our "Top 5 Hope-to-Cover in 2019" books/movies! 

In this episode the Margos discuss:

• John Irving’s writing career
• The world of Miramax films in the early 2000s
• The changes Irving himself made with the adaptation
• Michael Caine’s incredible performance
• The social politics of the movie (would it fly these days?)
• The gorgeous New England locations used in the film.

Clips used:

The Cider House Rules original theatrical trailer

John Irving winning the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay

Ukelele Lady by Vaughn De Leath

Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/

Find us in Apple Podcasts

Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.com

Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com

Brought to you by Audible.com You can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial here http://www.audible.com/?source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R

Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com

Margo P. @ShesNachoMama http://thechingonahomesteader.weebly.com/

Book Vs Movie

“It’s a Wonderful Life”

The Margos get out their hankies and talk about another holiday classic

“No man is a failure who has friends.” The Margos wanted to fit in one more holiday movie this year and what better way to celebrate than with the number one weepie of all time--It’s a Wonderful Life? (Yes, it was based on a short story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern and you can read it for yourself in under 15 minutes.)

The Greatest Gift is the story of a man named George Bailey who wants to commit suicide. An unnamed stranger gives George his wish to see how life would be like if he had never been born. In the end, he chooses life. Van Doren Stern wrote this short story (which took him several years to finish) in 1944 and at first, he could not find anyone willing to publish it. Eventually, he self-published 200 pamphlets and sent as a Christmas card to family and friends.

Director Frank Capra eventually landed the property and decided to completely revamp the story to include George’s childhood and more. It is now considered a classic film but at the time it was a bit of a box office failure and Capra never really had the opportunity to see how his work influenced generations of storytellers for decades now.

In this show, we discuss the differences between the short story and the film. Which version did the Margos like better? Check out the link below to find out!

In this ep the Margos discuss :

• The backstory of author Phillip Van Doren Stern and how his holiday pamphlet turned into a beloved movie.
• Director Frank Capra and his hard work getting the film made
• The stellar cast including Jimmy Stewart (George Bailey,) Donna Reed (Mary Bailey,) Lionel Barrymore (Mr. Potter,) Thomas Mitchell (Uncle Billy,) Henry Travers (Clarence,) Gloria Grahame (Violet) and Beulah Bondi (Mrs. Bailey.)

Clips used:

• It’s a Wonderful Life  trailer
• George and Mary sing “Buffalo Gals”
• Mr. Gower hits young George
• Clarence explains being “Angel Second Class”
• George wants to live again
• Outro Music: Buffalo Gals by The Pickard Family

Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/

Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.com

Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com

Brought to you by Audible.com You can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial here http://www.audible.com/?source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R

Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com

Margo P. @ShesNachoMama http://thechingonahomesteader.weebly.com/

Book Vs. Movie Podcast

Stephen King Bonus Ep

"Needful Things”

Let’s hear it for another Stephen King bonus ep! SK superfans Margo D. and Deana of the Twisted Philly are back and wanting to talk some more about the character of Sheriff Alan Pangborn after recapping Hulu’s “Castle Rock.”

So we dusted off our first editions, listened to the King-narrated audiobook (25+hours!) and dove right into “Needful Things”--both the 1991 novel and the 1993 movie directed by Fraser Heston.

In true “Book vs Movie’ fashion--we discuss the differences between the two versions and decide which one we like better. (Oh, and Margo’s “Alexa” makes a brief appearance.)

You can listen to this episode using the link below.

In this special Stephen King bonus episode Margo Deana discuss:

• The fact that this is Stephen King’s first novel after conquering alcohol and drug addiction
• The world of Castle Rock and where it appears in the Stephen King universe
• Our favorite characters from the book and those and that are missing in the film adaptation.
• The stellar cast including Max von Sydow (Leland Gaunt,) Ed Harris (Sherrif Alan Pangborn,) Bonnie Bedelia (Polly Chalmers,) Amanda Plummer (Nettie Cobb,) J.T. Walsh (Danforth Keeton,) and Shane Miller (Brian Rusk.)

Clips used:

Needful Things trailer

Leland Gaunt in action

Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult

Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/

Find us in Apple Podcasts

Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.com

Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com

Brought to you by Audible.com You can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial here http://www.audible.com/?source_code=PDTGBPD060314004R

Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com

Margo P. @ShesNachoMama http://thechingonahomesteader.weebly.com/