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Harry Potter

     One of the greatest book remakes of all time was the Harry Potter series. The books are an amazing world of mystery and excitement. They are an appropriate read for anyone ranging from pre-teenage up to any age of adults. As we all know the books were hugely popular and there was a mass of people who couldn’t wait for the next in the series to be released. For most fans it was unfathomable that the series could become any more loved.

     That was before it was remade into a film series. The first film took off and in my opinion became an instant classic. The adaption of the first book was spot on. It was one of those rare occasions where the book completely matched the film. They didn’t miss any important parts and it felt like you were watching the actual book come to life.

     The series continued until each book was remade. None were as accurate as the first, but each director did a good job of getting the necessary parts into the films. Ultimately the franchise came to include everything from toys and posters to décor and costumes. There is even a Harry Potter amusement park in Florida. (Pictured in the slideshow)  The craziness came to its culmination in July of 2011 with the release of the final installment of the film series. Fans stood in line for hours and even days to be at the last midnight showings of their favorite film. Many were also dressed in costumes to celebrate. Topeka was no exception.  I was there with 3 of my nieces and nephews and people took pictures of them over and over, because they were dressed like the three main characters. (Pictured in the slideshow) We are sad to see the series end but thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

 

Sarah Plain and Tall

Every summer the Kansas Historical Society promotes a family film series on their lawn. The event allows families to sit on a blanket and enjoy a drive in style projection of the selected film. The second film of the summer will play on July 22nd. It is the film adaptation of Sarah Plain and Tall.

Sarah Plain and Tall is a childrens' book intended for third graders and up. It is the first in a series of five and it won the Newbery medal in 1986. The book was widely popular and is often included in school reading programs.

The film was released in 1991 and was nominated for both Emmy's and Golden Globes.

It is my opinion that the book is better than the film. This is often the case with film adaptations. Yet the film is worth seeing and it is appropriate for the family to watch together. This is a great opportunity to compare with your kids. Pick up a copy of the book and begin a family reading night. Once you have completed the book the whole family can go out to watch it together. Then compare the two and have everyone discuss which they thought was better. If you aren't interested in a family reading situation, then read the book yourself and compare the film on July 22nd. Just don't forget to come back here and comment on what you thought. :-)

Below is a map indicating how to get to the film showing.

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#4 Madonna no wait Lady Gaga?

Sometimes you have something that isn't a remake or even a remix but it sure seems like it is. I for one think that if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck.

Today's comparison is of Lady Gaga's song "Born this Way" and Madonna's 1989 hit song "Express Yourself". Lady Gaga's says that she is always inspired by greats like Madonna, Michael Jackson and others. Madonna has been vague with her opinion on the topic. No matter who you ask this is a controversial topic.

I would say that Lady Gaga has to many similarities to Madonna as it is. So cutting a song that is so very similar to any of Madonna's is probably a bad idea. On the other hand it sure did give them both a ton of free press.

You decide, did Lady Gaga cross the line with this song?

Madonna "Express Yourself"

#3 Annie are you ok?

In honor of my Birthday today I thought I would compare two songs that metion my nickname. Most of my friends and family call me Annie. A variation of my middle name Anne. During my high school years the band Alien Ant Farm remade the Michael Jackson song Smooth Criminal. The songs are very different as well as the videos.
I really like the way AAF hinted at some of Michaels dance moves in their video. They also hint at  things Michael Jackson is known for. Take a look at the Alien Ant Farm video, can you see the various odes to Michael Jackson?  Comment and let me know what you see!

#2 Rumor has it and Apologize

I considered moving on to a new art form this week. I thought a film or television show would be a good way to keep us well rounded, but I find myself replaying another song over and over in my head.  I have to admit The Voice is a pretty amazing show.  The renditions the contestants come up with have taken me by surprise. 

This week a contestant by the name of Sharon Mathai sang her version of Rumor has it. There was a bit of a twist on the song. The main difference was how the song was cut. On air they only showed the fast paced sections of the song. This of course is also the catchy part of the song and therefore has been stuck in my mind ever since. The original version of Rumor has it was done by Adele on her album “Adele 21” that was released in 2011.

 I think the original Adele version is better.  There is something about the way Sharon’s voice sounded, but I think we’ll find that is her sound and not specific to this song. In the end I liked both takes on the song.

There was another contestant that did a great job singing One Republic’s hit song Apologize.  The contestant Charlotte Sometimes has a raspy voice that gave a new sound to Apologize. The song is no stranger to changes. It also had a remix done by Timberland which catapulted the song to its current fame (remix version).

I feel like both Charlotte Sometimes and Sharon Mathai are artists with interesting and beautiful voices. I don’t believe they did much to change the songs but what they did was enough to garner some attention.  The Apologize remix is one that originally angered me. I loved the original and didn’t feel the “beat” Timberland added was necessary.  Going back for this article and hearing them again, shows me how over time I can feel differently about something. The Timberland version is so recognizable, I now prefer it. What about you? Which ones do you like?

#1 Say Ahh

There is an entire artistic industry of remakes, redo’s remix’s and revamped products. Songs are covered time and time again. Movies are updated, reshot and sometimes completely redone. What are the differences between the original and the RE? Is the original better and if so, why was the RE ever made? The answer is ultimately up to each one of us but I’m going to give you some information to help you decide.

I came across a song that had been given a new spin.  The original version was written and performed by Trey Songz. In 2009 the song “Say Ahh” reached number nine on the pop charts. It’s a club song that features a catchy chorus with rap sections. The song is a bit ordinary and expected. The lyrics are vaguely interesting but not worth writing home about. Listen for yourself. Trey Songz

In Season two of The Voice, Lindsey Pavao sang and inspired remake of Songz’ “Say Ahh”.  Pavaos’ version is deeper and soothing.  Her voice is reminiscent of Fiona Apple or Regina Skeptor.   The lyrics that were mediocre in the rap song are now one of the interesting aspects of the remake.  You feel like they should be out of place but somehow they work. Overall I believe the remake is worth producing and clearly outshined the original.  Listen to it for yourself and decide. Lindsey Pavao