March 2015 Movie Prequel Guide: A Checklist
Another month, another busy agenda of non-original movies. As is the case each month, I’ve compiled a working list of the “prequel materials” (originals, novels, comic books, etc.) you need to look at before seeing its movie predecessor. They’re below in order of release.
As always, I’ve categorized them based on Essential (meaning you should definitely catch-up with them before the movie), Useful (meaning it’s suggested but not necessarily required), and Extra (meaning it’s more for fun than anything else).
Enjoy!
Extra:
Tetra Vaal (short film) – Just like District 9, Neill Blomkamp’s Chappie is based on a short film he did long before he started directing feature films. Check it out if you can find it.
Useful:
Hayride – If you didn’t know there was an original Hayride then you likely don’t need to see it before its horror sequel. However, as is the case with most sequels, it’s suggested to watch the first one first.
Useful:
“Kidnapping Mr. Heineken” by Peter R. de Vries – Our first novel belongs to the interesting tale about the successful kidnapping of Freddy Heineken (yes, the beermaker). The story sounds interesting, so check out the book if you get a chance.
Essential:
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – The surprise ensemble drama hit The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has, of course, spawned a sequel. I’m not sure how much carryover there is in terms of plot but it’s probably still worth watching before the sequel releases this weekend.
Extra:
“These Foolish Things” by Deborah Moggach – Before The Second Best could exist, the original novel had to. It probably has little to do with the film sequel but I thought I’d mention it nonetheless.
Essential:
Cinderella – The 1950 animated classic, Cinderella, is a must-see before the live-action adaptation.
Useful:
“Cinderella” folktales – Cinderella’s origins stretch all the way back to 1600’s if you can check out any of the original folktales. The story has changed a lot over time but it may be worth trying to get your hands on.
Extra:
Other films – There are hundreds of other retellings you could try to get around to as well.
Useful:
“Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare – The latest film adaptation of a William Shakespeare play belongs to Cymbeline starring Ethan Hawke. I’ve never read the play but this could be the time.
Extra:
BBC Television Shakespeare – There’s also a version of this story that played on BBC.
Useful:
“The Prone Gunman” by Jean-Patrick Manchette – The Sean Penn-starring crime action-thriller is also based on a book you could check out.
Essential:
Divergent – The biggest book-to-film adaptation is for Insurgent. I was mixed about its predecessor (Divergent) but would still suggest watching the first movie before seeing the sequel on March 20th.
Useful:
“Insurgent” by Veronica Roth – The most pressing novel to read would obviously be the second novel in Roth’s trilogy.
Extra:
The “Divergent” Trilogy by Veronica Roth – However, you could just read all three books to get the entire story.
Useful:
“The True Meaning of Smekday” by Adam Rex – The children’s book “The True Meaning of Smekday” is the basis for DreamWorks’ Home adaptation. You could find it before the animated flick debuts.
Useful:
“Posh” by Laura Wade – The other play being adapted into a film is for The Riot Club. The British film stars Max Irons (The Host) and seems like an interesting premise.
Useful:
“Serena” by Ron Rash – When you hear Jennifer Lawrence and film adaptation, Serena may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, this month will finally see the release of the drama adaptation. Get the book soon!
There you go! Good luck!
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