YA in the Big Screen: Legend by Marie Lu

Another upcoming YA dystopian novel to be made into a movie soon! I’ve eyed Legend for a while. You all know, I like dystopian novels. So…I was really excited and happy for Marie Lu when I read this post at her journal!

LOS ANGELES - February 4, 2011 - CBS Films today announced that the company has secured exclusive rights to Marie Lu’s futuristic thriller Legend. Penguin Group has set the first novel in the series for publication in November 2011. Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey (The Twilight Saga, Dear John) will develop and produce.  

In a dark future, North America has split into two warring nations. The story follows Day, a young Robin Hood, and June, the teen prodigy hired to hunt him down; together they uncover an impossible truth about their totalitarian leaders. The adventure that follows will become Legend.

“The character of Day, a roguish teen outlaw on the run, has been in my head since high school. One night, I was watching an old time detective movie on TV when the idea of Day vs. the gifted teen June came to me,” said Lu. “I'm beyond thrilled about CBS Films' support for Legend, and the instant I spoke with Temple Hill I could tell that they really got the characters and the story. It couldn't be in better hands. I can't wait to see what they have in store."

Lu has planned the series as a trilogy and will be involved on the scripting phase as an Executive Producer. Temple Hill exec Isaac Klausner brought Legend to the attention of Godfrey and Bowen. Godfrey said, "Marie's book struck me first as a Dickens story by way of Ray Bradbury. It's both gothic epic romance and vivid science fiction. It will make a stunning movie."

Legend takes place in 2130 A.D., in Los Angeles, Republic of America, which is at war against the other, flooded half of the continent, the so-called Colonies.  

It tells the story of Day, a famous 15-year-old boy criminal struggling to survive undetected in what remains of the United States, and June, the 15-year-old girl prodigy hired to hunt him down. When their paths cross, the truth they uncover together will become legend.

Sounds awesome, I know! And there's also a trailer of Legend here: http://www.marielu.org/movies/teaser1_650x300.swf

YA in the Big Screen: Red Riding Hood

I actually didn’t know that Red Riding Hood was going to be a movie. I was unaware! But then…after mentioning the book to my friend, Brodie of Eleusinian Mysteries linked me to this awesome trailer.

Now, after watching that how could I not want to get a hold of a copy of Red Riding Hood?

Some of the things I liked in the trailer:

1.Upon clicking play, I could really sense this paranormal romance vibe in it.

2. I like how they really made it a point to have the perfect ‘Red Hood.’ Look at the color. It stands out amidst the snow and stuff.

3.Romance element. These are just snippets of the movie and yet these little scenes manage to get a hold of my heart and make me want to see more.

4. The wolf. I always read or watch werewolf novels and movies to see their interpretation of the ‘transformation.’ I hope I will like the transformation in this one.

Here's the description via Goodreads:

The body of a young girl is discovered in a field of wheat. Her flesh mutilated by telltale claw marks. The Wolf has broken the peace.

When Valerie learns that her sister has been killed by the legendary creature, she finds herself at the center of a dark mystery, one that has plagued her village for generations. It is revealed that the werewolf lives among them, and everyone in the village immediately becomes a suspect. Could her secret love Peter be behind the attacks on her town? Is it her betrothed, Henry? Or someone even closer to her?

As the men in the village hunt for the beast, Valerie turns to her grandmother for help. She gives Valerie a handmade red riding cloak, and guides her through the web of lies and deception that has held her town together for so long. Will Valerie discover the werewolf's identity before the town is ripped apart?

This is a dangerous new vision of a classic fairy tale, the happy ending could be hard to find.

  Do you like it too? Why or why not?