EDITION: INTERNATIONAL U.S. MÉXICO ARABIC TV: CNNi CNN en Español Set edition preference Sign up Log in Home Video World U.S. Africa Asia Europe Latin America Middle East Business World Sport Entertainment Tech Travel iReport SHARE THISPrintEmailMore sharingRedditStumbleUponDelicious/* push in config for this share instance */cnn_shareconfig.push({"id" : "cnn_sharebar1","url" : "http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/31/showbiz/movies/books-to-movies/index.html","title" : "From book to big screen: Your guide to film adaptations 2014"});From book to big screen: Your guide to film adaptations 2014By Emily Zemler, Special to CNNJanuary 31, 2014 -- Updated 1311 GMT (2111 HKT)if (typeof cnnArticleGallery=="undefined"){var cnnArticleGallery={};if(typeof cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList=="undefined"){cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList=[];}}var expGalleryPT00=new ArticleExpandableGallery();expGalleryPT00.setImageCount(12);expGalleryPT00.setAdsRefreshCount(3);//cnn_adbptrackpgalimg("From book to big screen", 1);.cnn_html_slideshow_metadata > .cnn_html_media_utility::before{color:red;content:'>>';font-size:9px;line-height:12px;padding-right:1px}.cnnstrylccimg640{margin:0 27px 14px 0}.captionText{filter:alpha(opacity=100);opacity:1}.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a,.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a:visited,.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a:link,.captionText a,.captionText a:visited,.captiontext a:link{color:#004276;outline:medium none}.cnnVerticalGalleryPhoto{margin:0 auto;padding-right:68px;width:270px}
out January 31. Kate Winslet plays Adele, the divorced mother of Henry (Gattlin Griffith), who meets mysterious stranger Frank (Josh Brolin). Adele and Frank embark on a soapy, sensuous romance that involves an unforgettable pie scene. Click through to see more." border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto001" style="margin:0 auto;" width="640"/>2014 kicks off a year full of film adaptations of classic and beloved books. We start with "Labor Day," out January 31. Kate Winslet plays Adele, the divorced mother of Henry (Gattlin Griffith), who meets mysterious stranger Frank (Josh Brolin). Adele and Frank embark on a soapy, sensuous romance that involves an unforgettable pie scene. Click through to see more.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":true,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":1,"title":"From book to big screen"}
(February 7) This romp follows a group of nubile vampires who face off against a clique of evil bloodsuckers. Sarah Hyland, right, of "Modern Family" stars." border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto002" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"Vampire Academy" (February 7) This romp follows a group of nubile vampires who face off against a clique of evil bloodsuckers. Sarah Hyland, right, of "Modern Family" stars.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":2,"title":"From book to big screen"}
(February 14) Based on the Mark Helprin novel, this melodramatic, supernatural period piece features Colin Farrell and Jessica Brown Findlay and her character's bout of tuberculosis." border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto003" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"Winter's Tale" (February 14) Based on the Mark Helprin novel, this melodramatic, supernatural period piece features Colin Farrell and Jessica Brown Findlay and her character's bout of tuberculosis.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":3,"title":"From book to big screen"}
(March 21) The first movie in the young adult book series stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller and more in what's being hailed as the next "Hunger Games." The story centers around a dystopian version of Chicago, where people are divided into sects based on their personalities, and not everyone is pleased about that." border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto004" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"Divergent" (March 21) The first movie in the young adult book series stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller and more in what's being hailed as the next "Hunger Games." The story centers around a dystopian version of Chicago, where people are divided into sects based on their personalities, and not everyone is pleased about that.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":4,"title":"From book to big screen"}
(June 6) Shailene Woodley holds down this film adaptation too, along with Ansel Elgort. Although the film centers around two cancer patients falling in love, this tale has a decidedly un-saccharine edge." border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto005" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"The Fault in Our Stars" (June 6) Shailene Woodley holds down this film adaptation too, along with Ansel Elgort. Although the film centers around two cancer patients falling in love, this tale has a decidedly un-saccharine edge.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":5,"title":"From book to big screen"}
(August 8) Helen Mirren stars as eccentric French chef Madame Mallory, who competes with an Indian family that opens a competing restaurant close by. Oprah Winfrey produces. " border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto006" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"The Hundred-Foot Journey" (August 8) Helen Mirren stars as eccentric French chef Madame Mallory, who competes with an Indian family that opens a competing restaurant close by. Oprah Winfrey produces. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":6,"title":"From book to big screen"}
(August 15) This story shows us what it's like in a dystopian future with no pain and no color. The movie stars Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Alexander Skarsgard and even Taylor Swift." border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto007" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"The Giver" (August 15) This story shows us what it's like in a dystopian future with no pain and no color. The movie stars Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Alexander Skarsgard and even Taylor Swift.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":7,"title":"From book to big screen"}
(September 12) This ensemble featuring Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Rose Byrne and Adam Driver tells of four combative siblings who reunite to fulfill their father's dying wish. Expect this group to bring the black comedy." border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto008" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"This is Where I Leave You" (September 12) This ensemble featuring Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Rose Byrne and Adam Driver tells of four combative siblings who reunite to fulfill their father's dying wish. Expect this group to bring the black comedy.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":8,"title":"From book to big screen"}
(September 19) Yes, another dystopian young adult novel that has been compared to "The Hunger Games." "The Maze Runner" stars mostly unknown actors grappling with what they are doing in a giant labyrinth and how to escape its clutches. " border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto009" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"The Maze Runner" (September 19) Yes, another dystopian young adult novel that has been compared to "The Hunger Games." "The Maze Runner" stars mostly unknown actors grappling with what they are doing in a giant labyrinth and how to escape its clutches. cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":9,"title":"From book to big screen"}
(October 3) This highly anticipated adaptation of Gillian Flynn's novel stars Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike as troubled couple Nick and Amy Dunne. Their problems escalate when Amy disappears and Nick is the prime suspect. The book has a surprising ending; the film may not." border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto0010" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"Gone Girl" (October 3) This highly anticipated adaptation of Gillian Flynn's novel stars Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike as troubled couple Nick and Amy Dunne. Their problems escalate when Amy disappears and Nick is the prime suspect. The book has a surprising ending; the film may not.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":10,"title":"From book to big screen"}
(October 10) The screen adaptation of the 1972 book stars Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner as the parents of 11-year-old Alexander. You may have figured out by the title that things aren't going so well for him, but that doesn't stop the laughs from coming." border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto0011" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" (October 10) The screen adaptation of the 1972 book stars Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner as the parents of 11-year-old Alexander. You may have figured out by the title that things aren't going so well for him, but that doesn't stop the laughs from coming.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":11,"title":"From book to big screen"}
(November 21) The Big Kahuna. The penultimate installment of the epic "Hunger Games" franchise. The first half of the conclusion to the series finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) reeling from the events at the Quarter Quell and out for revenge. Get 'em, girl!" border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto0012" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Part 1" (November 21) The Big Kahuna. The penultimate installment of the epic "Hunger Games" franchise. The first half of the conclusion to the series finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) reeling from the events at the Quarter Quell and out for revenge. Get 'em, girl!cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":12,"title":"From book to big screen"}HIDE CAPTIONFrom book to big screenFrom book to big screenFrom book to big screenFrom book to big screenFrom book to big screenFrom book to big screenFrom book to big screenFrom book to big screenFrom book to big screenFrom book to big screenFrom book to big screenFrom book to big screen<<<
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12>>>Event.observe(window,'load',function(){if(typeof(cnn_adbptrackpgalimg) == 'function' && typeof(cnnArticleGallery) != 'undefined'){cnn_adbptrackpgalimg(cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[0].image,"From book to big screen: Your guide to film adaptations 2014");}});STORY HIGHLIGHTSMany classic books will be made into films this yearThe batch kicks off with "Labor Day," released on January 31Culminates in highly anticipated "Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Part 1" in November(CNN) -- Many beloved books, new and old, are being transformed in movies this year. Tales from Lois Lowry's classic young adult tale "The Giver" to the popular dystopic novel "Divergent" are making feature film debuts.
Adaptations are always a tricky business, and sometimes it's more fun when you've read the book first. With that in mind, here is a guide to all the books becoming movies in 2014 and what you need to know."Labor Day"Author: Joyce Maynard Movie release date: January 31Cast: Kate Winslet, Josh BrolinWhat it's about: A 13-year-old boy and his depressed, divorced mother (Winslet) encounter an escaped convict (Brolin) who becomes part of their lives and initiates a romance with the boy's mother. What to expect: Directed by Jason Reitman ("Juno," "Up In the Air"), the film version seems like a romance-soaked melodrama. One of the film's key scenes centers on pie-making and has been turned into a marketing campaign urging fans to make the "Labor Day" peach pie. "Vampire Academy"Author: Richelle MeadMovie release date: February 7Cast: Zoey Deutch, Lucy Fry, Sarah HylandWhat it's about: Part of a six-book series, "Vampire Academy" centers on young vampires who are trained keep the peace against a group of evil bloodsuckers. The first incarnation follows a half-vampire/half-human named Rose Hathaway who is tasked with protecting a princess. What to expect: The film falls somewhere between "Twilight" and "Clueless," with paranormal teens and the tagline "They Suck at School." It's also a new look for "Modern Family" star Sarah Hyland, who puts her fast-talking teen skills to fresh use."Winter's Tale"Author: Mark HelprinMovie release date: February 14Cast: Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Russell CroweWhat it's about: A gang member named Peter Lake encounters a beautiful woman while attempting to rob her house in the early 20th century. After falling in love, he finds out she's dying from consumption. After her death, Peter gains mysterious powers and sets out to save her. What to expect: An epic, supernatural story that places Farrell as the romantic lead. The flick is being marketed as the perfect Valentine's Day date movie."Divergent"Author: Veronica RothMovie release date: March 21Cast: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate WinsletWhat it's about: In a dystopic version of Chicago, people are split into seven clans based on their personality traits. A young girl named Beatrice Prior (Woodley) is marked as a "divergent" who doesn't fit into one category, kicking off a rebellion against the sect-driven government. What to expect: This is the first adaptation in the "Divergent" trilogy, and it looks to be an epic young adult action film on the level of "The Hunger Games." The film will probably be one of the biggest book-to-movie editions of the year, based on the popularity of the series."The Fault in Our Stars"Author: John GreenMovie release date: June 6Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel ElgortWhat it's about: A 16-year-old cancer patient named Hazel (Woodley) falls in love with another patient. The book follows their unexpected relationship in a notably humorous way. What to expect: The film looks embraces the dark humor of the book, with the tagline "One Sick Love Story." But also? Bring tissues."The Hundred-Foot Journey"Author: Richard C. MoraisMovie release date: August 8Cast: Helen Mirren, Manish DayalWhat it's about: An Indian family journeys to France, where they open a restaurant across the street from a Michelin-rated competitor. The book follows the family's unlikely aptitude for French cuisine and their rivalry with French chef Madame Mallory. What to expect: Oprah Winfrey is among the film's producers, so the adaptation will probably be heartwarming and family-friendly. Mirren plays the commanding Madame Mallory and has presumably been working on her French accent."The Giver"Author: Lois Lowry Movie release date: August 15Cast: Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Alexander Skarsgard, Taylor SwiftWhat it's about: In a dystopian future, society has eliminated pain, emotion and color. A young boy named Jonas is named the Giver, a position responsible for keeping the memories of the community safe. The young adult novel follows his struggle to abide by the strictures of society. What to expect: Most of the film's hype has come from the casting of Swift in a bit part, but the 1993 novel has been a longtime favorite and will probably be more centered on Jonas, played by newcomer Brenton Thwaites. It will be interesting to see how director Phillip Noyce handles the book's explanation that there is no color in this society."This Is Where I Leave You"Author: Jonathan TropperMovie release date: September 12Cast: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Rose Byrne, Adam DriverWhat it's about: Four siblings reunite in their childhood home after the death of their father to sit shiva for a week in the Jewish tradition. As they fulfill their father's last wish, problems from the past are confronted. What to expect: Director Shawn Levy helmed comedies "Date Night" and "The Internship" so will naturally embrace the humorous nature of the story. Plus, the pairing of Fey and Bateman should be undeniable."The Maze Runner"Author: James DashnerMovie release date: September 19Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya ScodelarioWhat it's about: The first in a series of young adult books, "The Maze Runner" follows a group of teenagers who wake up in a place called the Glade that exists inside a giant maze. The group has to deal with power issues as well as how to escape the maze (and why they are in there to begin with). What to expect: An action-packed thriller akin to "The Hunger Games," with more mystery about what's going on in this dystopic society. The cast is mostly unknowns, which may make this a star-making flick."Gone Girl"Author: Gillian FlynnMovie release date: October 3Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund PikeWhat it's about: The popular novel follows the troubled marriage of Nick and Amy Dunne. On the eve of their fifth wedding anniversary, Amy goes missing, and Nick becomes the prime suspect in her possible murder. What to expect: Flynn wrote the screenplay and has said she veered away from the book's surprise ending for the movie version. David Fincher, who also directed the adaptation of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," will probably bring a dark sensibility to the movie. "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"Author: Judith ViorstMovie release date: October 10Cast: Jennifer Garner, Steve Carell, Bella ThorneWhat it's about: The funny children's picture book tells the tale of 11-year-old Alexander's worst day as he deals with a series of unfortunate events like waking up with gum in his hair. What to expect: The film will expand on the classic book, detailing how Alexander's family members are also having their own terrible, horrible days. Garner and Carell play Alexander's parents, perfect for some kid-friendly comedy."The Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Part 1"Author: Suzanne CollinsMovie release date: November 21Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam HemsworthWhat it's about: The final book in "The Hunger Games" trilogy has been split into two movies, so Part 1 will tell only the initial half of Katniss Everdeen's rebellion to overthrow the Capitol in the aftermath of the Quarter Quell shown in "Catching Fire" last year.What to expect: It's hard to know how much of the story this film will recount, but expect more audacious costumes in the Capitol and more intensity from Lawrence as she channels Katniss' struggle to become the rebellion's leader. Part 2 won't come until 2015.0Comments »SHARE THISPrintEmailMore sharingRedditStumbleUponDelicious/* push in config for this share instance */cnn_shareconfig.push({"id" : "cnn_sharebar2","url" : "http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/31/showbiz/movies/books-to-movies/index.html","title" : "From book to big screen: Your guide to film adaptations 2014"});
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| Advertise with us | License our content | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help CNN TV | HLN | Transcripts cnnad_ugsync(); var cnn_edtnswtchver="edition"; msQueueManager.init('requestFrame',ms_blankURL); if(ms_isLoggedIn()){ CNN_setCookie('CNN_member',true,854400,'/',document.domain); } var jsmd=_jsmd.init(),pageURL=location.href.toLowerCase();if (pageURL.indexOf("/.element/ssi/ads.iframes/")==-1&&pageURL.indexOf("/doubleclick/dartiframe.html")==-1&&pageURL.indexOf("/search/")==-1){if (_jsmd.plugin.gQuery("refresh")){jsmd.trackMetrics("dynamic-autoRefresh","autorefresh","cnn-autorefresh");} else if (_jsmd.plugin.gQuery("is_LR")){} else if (cnn_metadata.template_type_content!="gallery"){jsmd.send();}}/*globals CNN_CB, cnnsocial, cnnzite_mod, sectionName *//* configure apis to load and specify their callbacks */cnnsocial.setapiconfig([{'site' : 'facebook','success' : function() {/* trigger connect-cnnsocial.js calls */window.cnn_fbAsyncInit();}},{ 'site' : 'twitter' }]);var _vrq = _vrq || [];var vrId = 6;if(cnn_edtnswtchver === 'edition'){vrId = 396;}_vrq.push(['id', vrId]);_vrq.push(['automate', false]);_vrq.push(['track', function(){}]);(function(d, a){var s = d.createElement(a),x = d.getElementsByTagName(a)[0];s.async = true;s.src = 'http://a.visualrevenue.com/vrs.js';x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x);})(document, 'script');/* add the multiple config instance for sharebars */cnnsocial.share.setconfig(cnn_shareconfig);$j(document).ready(function () {'use strict';loadChartbeat("showbiz", "Emily Zemler, Special to CNN");CNN.initFlipperTicker();/* initialize cnnsocial */cnnsocial.init();});
It's based on a true story about a special World War II unit created to save some of Europe's most valuable art. The 1964 Burt Lancaster film "The Train" traveled some of the same track, but Clooney's version focuses on the art professionals and takes a more lighthearted view. And what a cast: Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett and Jean "The Artist" Dujardin. (February 7)" border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto001" style="margin:0 auto;" width="640"/>The year will be filled with Transformers and superheroes, biblical figures and Jersey Boys. We can't fit all of them here, but here are a few to look out for -- such as George Clooney's newest film, "Monuments Men." It's based on a true story about a special World War II unit created to save some of Europe's most valuable art. The 1964 Burt Lancaster film "The Train" traveled some of the same track, but Clooney's version focuses on the art professionals and takes a more lighthearted view. And what a cast: Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett and Jean "The Artist" Dujardin. (February 7)cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":true,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":1,"title":"Coming attractions: 2014\'s must-see movies"}
: The original 1987 "RoboCop" was as much a satire on modern media and business as it was a story about a cop solving a crime. Judging from its trailers, the new version -- which stars Joel Kinnaman in the Peter Weller role -- seems to have a similar wit, but only time will tell if Michael Keaton and Samuel L. Jackson will take their roles to the absurd places visited by Ronny Cox and Miguel Ferrer. Will we, in Clarence Boddicker's words, "give the man a hand"? (February 12)" border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto002" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"RoboCop": The original 1987 "RoboCop" was as much a satire on modern media and business as it was a story about a cop solving a crime. Judging from its trailers, the new version -- which stars Joel Kinnaman in the Peter Weller role -- seems to have a similar wit, but only time will tell if Michael Keaton and Samuel L. Jackson will take their roles to the absurd places visited by Ronny Cox and Miguel Ferrer. Will we, in Clarence Boddicker's words, "give the man a hand"? (February 12)cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":2,"title":"Coming attractions: 2014\'s must-see movies"}
and "Noah": The Bible has been a source for movies since Cecil B. DeMille was in short pants, and the late winter includes two ripped from Scripture. "Son of God" follows last March's hit 10-part television miniseries "The Bible," also from Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, and focuses on Jesus. "Noah" stars Russell Crowe (shown here) as the titular character coping with the flood; the director is Darren Aronofsky. ("Son of God," February 28; "Noah," March 28)" border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto003" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"Son of God" and "Noah": The Bible has been a source for movies since Cecil B. DeMille was in short pants, and the late winter includes two ripped from Scripture. "Son of God" follows last March's hit 10-part television miniseries "The Bible," also from Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, and focuses on Jesus. "Noah" stars Russell Crowe (shown here) as the titular character coping with the flood; the director is Darren Aronofsky. ("Son of God," February 28; "Noah," March 28)cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":3,"title":"Coming attractions: 2014\'s must-see movies"}
: For some people, Wes Anderson films are events to be savored. For others, they're arch comedies to be missed. Either way, the writer and director obviously has a fan base among actors. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" has a spectacular cast that includes Bill Murray, Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Jude Law and Willem Dafoe. (And, of course, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman.) The plot concerns a European concierge, a noted painting and various characters at a hotel between the world wars. Oh, and perfectly framed shots. Lots and lots of perfectly framed shots. (March 7)" border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto004" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"The Grand Budapest Hotel": For some people, Wes Anderson films are events to be savored. For others, they're arch comedies to be missed. Either way, the writer and director obviously has a fan base among actors. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" has a spectacular cast that includes Bill Murray, Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Jude Law and Willem Dafoe. (And, of course, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman.) The plot concerns a European concierge, a noted painting and various characters at a hotel between the world wars. Oh, and perfectly framed shots. Lots and lots of perfectly framed shots. (March 7)cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":4,"title":"Coming attractions: 2014\'s must-see movies"}
: "Imitation," the great comedian Fred Allen once said, "is the sincerest form of television." Allen was being too kind: It's also the sincerest form of most other entertainment media. Take "Divergent," based on a book that has been compared to "Hunger Games." Plucky teenaged heroine? Check. Post-apocalyptic setting? Check. A final battle? You bet. It was even purchased by Summit Entertainment, now a part of the same company as "Hunger Games" studio Lionsgate. But "Divergent" has its differences, including the identity issues at its core. The film stars Shailene Woodley (right in photo) and Kate Winslet. Meanwhile, surefire hit "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1" is due in November. (March 21)" border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto005" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"Divergent": "Imitation," the great comedian Fred Allen once said, "is the sincerest form of television." Allen was being too kind: It's also the sincerest form of most other entertainment media. Take "Divergent," based on a book that has been compared to "Hunger Games." Plucky teenaged heroine? Check. Post-apocalyptic setting? Check. A final battle? You bet. It was even purchased by Summit Entertainment, now a part of the same company as "Hunger Games" studio Lionsgate. But "Divergent" has its differences, including the identity issues at its core. The film stars Shailene Woodley (right in photo) and Kate Winslet. Meanwhile, surefire hit "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1" is due in November. (March 21)cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":5,"title":"Coming attractions: 2014\'s must-see movies"}
: The "Muppets" reboot was charming and clever, and on the surface the sequel also hits all the right buttons. Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey are in the cast -- as characters named Dominic Badguy and Nadya -- and even Kermit gets a chance to stretch as a lookalike named Constantine. The Muppets are on a world tour, but Constantine throws a wrench into their travels. Sounds like something even Waldorf and Statler would like. (March 21)" border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto006" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"Muppets Most Wanted": The "Muppets" reboot was charming and clever, and on the surface the sequel also hits all the right buttons. Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey are in the cast -- as characters named Dominic Badguy and Nadya -- and even Kermit gets a chance to stretch as a lookalike named Constantine. The Muppets are on a world tour, but Constantine throws a wrench into their travels. Sounds like something even Waldorf and Statler would like. (March 21)cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":6,"title":"Coming attractions: 2014\'s must-see movies"}
and "The Amazing Spider-Man 2": The Marvel universe continues to dominate the real world. Case in point: the sequels to "Captain America" and "The Amazing Spider-Man," due within a month of one another. In the new installment of the former, Captain America (Chris Evans) is still adjusting to modern life and trying to keep his distance from S.H.I.E.L.D. But, naturally, he's pulled back in and reteamed with Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson). In the other film, Spider-Man faces off against Electro (Jamie Foxx), a formerly mild-mannered Oscorp engineer, and the Rhino (Paul Giamatti), a Russian mobster in a particularly sharp suit. ("Captain America," April 4; "Spider-Man," May 2)" border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto007" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and "The Amazing Spider-Man 2": The Marvel universe continues to dominate the real world. Case in point: the sequels to "Captain America" and "The Amazing Spider-Man," due within a month of one another. In the new installment of the former, Captain America (Chris Evans) is still adjusting to modern life and trying to keep his distance from S.H.I.E.L.D. But, naturally, he's pulled back in and reteamed with Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson). In the other film, Spider-Man faces off against Electro (Jamie Foxx), a formerly mild-mannered Oscorp engineer, and the Rhino (Paul Giamatti), a Russian mobster in a particularly sharp suit. ("Captain America," April 4; "Spider-Man," May 2)cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":7,"title":"Coming attractions: 2014\'s must-see movies"}
: Once upon a time there were retellings of fairy tales that did well at the box office (such as "Snow White and the Huntsman"), and that time is now -- so, naturally, we're seeing more of them. "Maleficent" tells the Sleeping Beauty story from the point of view of "Mistress of All Evil," played by Angelina Jolie, who isn't as dark as she appears. The film is Disney's big summer bet, with a budget rumored to be in the $200 million range. (May 30)" border="0" height="360" id="articleGalleryPhoto008" style="margin:0 auto;display:none" width="640"/>"Maleficent": Once upon a time there were retellings of fairy tales that did well at the box office (such as "Snow White and the Huntsman"), and that time is now -- so, naturally, we're seeing more of them. "Maleficent" tells the Sleeping Beauty story from the point of view of "Mistress of All Evil," played by Angelina Jolie, who isn't as dark as she appears. The film is Disney's big summer bet, with a budget rumored to be in the $200 million range. (May 30)cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":8,"title":"Coming attractions: 2014\'s must-see movies"}
: The film version of Gillian Flynn's best-selling thriller has 
: A few years ago, 
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