Sherlock Holmes Returns!

Join us in January 2013 for a new Sherlock Celebration Series!  We'll read A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the novel that originally introduced the characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, and we'll enjoy three new Sherlock films. 

Screening Parties
Sunday, Jan. 6th @ 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan 13th @ 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 20th @ 2:30 p.m.

Our AfterParty discussion program is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 29th @ 6:30 p.m.  Click here to download A Study in Scarlet.

A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens' classic novella has never been out of print since its first publication in 1843 and has been successfully adapted to film, stage, opera, and other media multiple times.  Join us Sunday, Dec. 2nd at 2:30 p.m. for a special screening of the 2009 film adaptation of A Christmas Carol.  Our AfterParty discussion is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 11th at 6:30 p.m.

Read Dickens' abridged version of the text prepared for public readings.

The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins' best-selling novel has earned a global following, sold more than 23 million copies in the United States alone, and has spent more than 3 years on the New York Times bestseller list.  The film adaptation is one of the most eagerly anticipated movies of 2012 and has earned critical raves as well as box-office success.

Set in a dystopian post-apocalyptic future in the nation of Panem, where boys and girls aged 12–18 must participate in the Hunger Games, a televised annual event in which the "tributes" are required to fight to the death, the story follows Katniss Everdeen's battle to for survival after volunteering to take her younger sister's place in the games.

Join us Sunday, Nov. 4th at 2:30 p.m. for a special screening of The Hunger Games. 

May the odds be ever in your favor.

The Creature from the Black Lagoon is Coming . . .

A strange prehistoric beast lurks in the depths of the Amazonian jungle.

Join is Sunday, Oct. 28th, at 2:30 p.m. for a special screening of this classic Universal creature feature as we wrap up our Monster Mash Movie Madness series.

The Monster Mash Continues with The Mummy!

Our Monster Mash Movie Madness series continues Sunday, Oct. 21st, with a screening of the 1932 Universal classic The Mummy starring the incomparable Boris Karloff.  Join us at 2:30 p.m., and remember not to read any ancient scrolls you might find out loud!

It Came from Another World!

Although viewers may be more familiar with John Carpenter's 1982 remake or the recent 2011 prequel also entitled "The Thing," the original 1951 film is still considered the cinematic blueprint for melding horror and science fiction.  Both the 1951 and 1982 films are based on the novella "Who Goes There?" by American science fiction writer John W. Campbell first published in the August 1938 issues of Astounding Science Fiction magazine, of which Campbell also became editor.

Read and/or download the original story of a remote research station terrorized by an enigmatic alien <here> and join us Sunday, Oct. 14th at 2:30 p.m. to view science fiction at its blood-curdling best! 

We'll discuss the short story and its film adaptations at our AfterParty Tuesday, Oct. 23rd at 6:30 p.m.

"Watch the skies, everywhere! Keep looking. Keep watching the skies!"

The Movie Madness begins!

Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers by night,
may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright.

Join us Sunday, Oct. 7th @ 2:30 p.m. as we kick off our 3rd annual October movie series here at Avondale Library.  We'll be screening the 1941 classic The Wolf Man, starring Lon Chaney, Jr., Claude Rains and Bela Lugosi!

Monster Mash Movie Madness!

I was working in the library one afternoon
When I beheld a sight to make me swoon
Monsters of every shape and size
Rose from the stacks, and to my surprise

They did the mash

They did the monster mash . . .

For our third annual October film series we'll celebrate monster movies with a creepy classic creature feature every Sunday in October! 


Monster Mash Movie Madness Series

The Wolf Man
Screening Party: Sunday, Oct. 7th @ 2:30 p.m.

The Thing ("Who goes there?" by John W. Campbell, Jr.)
Screening Party: Sunday, Oct.14th
AfterParty Discussion: Tuesday, Oct. 23rd @ 6:30 p.m.

The Mummy
Screening Party: Sunday, Oct. 21st 7th @ 2:30 p.m.

The Creature from the Black Lagoon
Screening Party: Sunday, Oct. 28th 7th @ 2:30 p.m.

The Blind Side

For September, Adaptations tackles The Blind Side.  Michael Lewis' nonfiction tour-de-force combines a readable analysis of the evolution of football illustrated by the colorful life story of Michael Oher, who rose from homelessness to success in the NFL with the love and support of his adopted family.

Join us Sunday, Sept. 16th, at 2:30 p.m. as we screen the film starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw and Quinton Aaron.  Sandra Bullock won an Oscar for her strong leading role.  Our discussion session is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 25th @ 6:30 p.m.  Copies of the book and DVD are available for checkout through your local library.

Watch a preview of the film.
Explore the true story through ABCNews.
Read an excerpt from the book.

Watching the Watchmen

No comic book-to-film series could be complete without Watchmen, the most celebrated graphic novel of all time.  Writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons set out to create a comic book depicting a world changed by superheroes and created a graphic novel that changed the literary landscape.  Watchmen was hailed in TIME Magazine as one of the 100 best novels since the beginning of the magazine in 1923, and fans waited more than 2 decades for the incredibly-cinematic-but-(almost)-impossible-to-film novel to finally reach the silver screen. 

This film will complete our Super Summer Comic Book-to-Film Series with a special screening at Kingdom Comics at 5 p.m., July 15th.  This will be an adults-only screening of the R-rated film.

What and where is Kingdom Comics? and How do I get there from here?
Watch a preview of the film.
Read a review of the film.
Learn more about the groundbreaking graphic novel.

We'll discuss Watchmen at Avondale Library at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 31st.

Batman Begins . . .

This Sunday we continue our Super Summer Series with Batman Begins, Christopher Nolan's compelling reboot of the Batman movie franchise.  Batman Begins, which explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham, launches the trilogy that will conclude with The Dark Knight Rises.  The film stars Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes and Morgan Freeman.   Join us this Sunday, July 8th:  Same bat time, same bat channel.

Watch the trailer.
Read Roger Ebert's review of "the Batman movie I've been waiting for."

Spectacular Spider-Man Screening Party!

Join us this Sunday. July 1st, for an amazing Adaptations event.  We'll be screening Spider-Man, starring Tobey Maguire, and watching a preview of the new Amazing Spiderman film to be released in theaters July 3rd.

We'll also have some amazing give-aways provided by Columbia Pictures.  Wear a Spider-Man T-shirt, bring a Spider-Man comic, and brush up on your Spider-Man trivia to be eligible for some super prizes!

Spider-Man - When bitten by a genetically modified spider, a nerdy high school student gains spider-like abilities that he eventually must use to fight evil as a superhero after tragedy befalls his family.  Directed by Sam Raimi and starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and Willem Dafoe.  Rated PG-13.

Watch a preview of Spider-Man.

Visit the official site for the new film.

Read all about this ground-breaking comic book character on the Marvel wiki.

Meet the Living Legend

After being deemed unfit for military service in World War II, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending the USA's ideals.  The 2011 film is directed by Joe Johnston and stars Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving and Hayley Atwell.

Join us Sunday, June 24th, as we continue our Super Summer series with a screening of Captain America: The First Avenger.  The feature starts at 2:30 p.m., but come early for the cartoons.

Watch a preview of the film.
Learn more about the Marvel Comics character.
Read the movie reviews.

The God of Thunder Comes to Avondale Library . . .

. . . as we continue our Super Summer series with a screening of the movie Thor, directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins and Stellan Skarsgård. This epic adventure spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the mystical realm of Asgard, as a powerful but arrogant warrior's reckless actions reignite an ancient war.   PG-13

The feature begins at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 17th, with an animated short at 2 p.m.

Watch a preview of the film.
Read about the mythological Thor in the Encyclopedia Mythica.
Read about Thor in the Marvel Database.

Saddle Up This Sunday!

It's 1873 and aliens are invading the Old West.  Luckily Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford are there to lead an unlikely posse of cowboys, outlaws and Apache warriors against a common enemy from beyond this world in an epic showdown for survival.

Join us @ 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 10th, as we screen our Adaptations title for June.

Preview the film.
Read an interview with the C&A stars and director Jon Favreau in Sci-Fi Bulletin.
View a sample of the Kindle edition of the graphic novel.

Get Ready for a Super Summer!

It's time for our first-ever Super Summer Comic Book-to-Film Series – a 7-week series of movies based on graphic novels.  Popcorn, candy and soft drinks will be served, and the library’s selection of graphic novels and comic books will be available for check out. 

We also have some special surprises in store, and selected comic books and graphic novels will be available for purchase.

We've got a great line-up planned:

June 3rd - Iron Man
June 10th - Cowboys & Aliens
June 17th - Thor
June 24th - Captain America
July 1st - Spider-Man
July 8th - Batman Begins
July 15th - Super Special Screening: Watchmen @ Kingdom Comics

A Bold New Adaptation of a Timeless Story

Enjoy a new vision of a classic with a Sunday screening of the acclaimed 2011 adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre.

Starring Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender, director Cary Fukunaga's powerful reinterpretation of Bronte's passionate and timeless story was hailed as "a classic for a new generation" by Rolling Stone.

You can read more about it on the Focus Features website, and watch a preview of the film below.

Screening Party:  Sunday, May 6th @ 2:30 p.m.

AfterParty:  Tuesday, May 22nd @ 6:30 p.m.

April is Moneyball Month at Avondale Library

Join us Sunday, April 15th at 2:30 p.m. for a special screening of Moneyball, starring Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill and Philip Seymour Hoffman. 

Based on the book by Michael Lewis, the rousing story of how Oakland A's manager Billy Beane revolutionized the business of baseball was hailed as one of the best films of 2011 and nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Actor, Best Picture, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Watch a preview.
Check out the official movie site.
Read reviews.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Series Continues

 

If you found the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency as enjoyable as I did, you'll want to experience the whole series. 

All the titles are available through the library system in various formats, and the audiobooks are a special treat.  The DVD series is also available, and has some terrific bonus features on the filmmaking and the music and culture of Botswana.

The newest title in the series hits the streets April 3rd!  If you haven't read the twelve previous books, here's a list of the titles in order:

Enjoy!

1. The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (1998)
2. Tears Of The Giraffe (2000)
3. Morality for Beautiful Girls (2001)
4. The Kalahari Typing School for Men (2002)
5. The Full Cupboard of Life (2004)
6. In The Company of Cheerful Ladies (2004)
7. Blue Shoes and Happiness (2006)
8. The Good Husband of Zebra Drive (2007)
9. The Miracle at Speedy Motors (2008)
10. Tea Time for the Traditionally Built (2009)
11. The Double Comfort Safari Club (2010)
12. The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party (2011)
13. The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection (April 3, 2012!)

Visit The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

Based on the best-selling novels of Alexander McCall Smith, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency tells the story of Mma Precious Ramotswe as she pursues her dream of starting the first detective agency in Botswana while helping her clients solve the mysteries in their lives.

The HBO original series is the first major film/TV project to be shot entirely on location in the African nation of Botswana, and the pilot episode was the last film directed by Oscar-winning director Anthony Minghella.  The series starred Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Jill Scott.

Read more about it.
Watch a preview.
Read an interview with the author.
Explore Botswana.

Update on "The Help"

Montgomery native Octavia Spencer received an Academy Award AND a standing ovation last night for her role as Minny Jackson in "The Help." 

Spencer was the obvious choice to play the scene-stealing Minny because her friend, author Kathryn Stockett, based the character of Minny on her.  And the rest, as they say, is history.

We'll be discussing the book and film at our Adaptations AfterParty Tuesday, Feb. 28th, at 6:30 p.m.

Read more about it.
Watch the acceptance speech.

See "The Help" this Sunday

Join us this Sunday, Feb. 12, @ 2:30 p.m. for a special screening of the critically acclaimed film adaptation of The Help. 

Based on the No.1 New York Times best seller by Kathryn Stockett, this controversial story about black and white women in the Civil Rights-era South won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and is nominated for 4 Academy Awards including Best Picture and acting nominations for Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer. 

Come see what you think.

Watch a preview.
Read a review.
Check out the author's website.

Coming Attractions!

Our Sherlock Holmes Celebration has ended, but the 2012 season of Adaptations is just getting started.  Here's what we have to look forward to:

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Screening Party:  Sunday, Feb. 12^th

AfterParty Discussion:  Tuesday, Feb. 28th

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Screening Party:  Sunday, Mar. 11^th

AfterParty Discussion:  Tuesday, Mar. 27th

Moneyball by Michael Lewis

Screening Party:  Sunday, Apr. 15th

AfterParty Discussion:  Tuesday, Apr. 24th

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Screening Party:  Sunday, May 6th

AfterParty Discussion:  Tuesday, May 22nd

Coyboys & Aliens by Fred Van Lente & Andrew Foley*

Screening Party:  Sunday, June 10th

AfterParty Discussion:  Tuesday, June 26th

Watchmen by Alan Moore*

Screening Party:  TBA (offsite)

AfterParty Discussion:  Tuesday, July 24th

The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum

Screening Party:  Sunday, Aug. 12th

AfterParty Discussion:  Tuesday, Aug. 28th

The Blind Side by  Michael Lewis

Screening Party:  Sunday, Sept. 16th

AfterParty Discussion:  Tuesday, Sept. 25th

The Thing ("Who goes there?" by John W. Campbell, Jr.)**

Screening Party:  Sunday, Oct.14th

AfterParty Discussion:  Tuesday, Oct. 23rd

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Screening Party:  Sunday, Nov. 4th

AfterParty Discussion:  Tuesday, Nov. 13th

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Screening Party:  Sunday, Dec. 2nd

AfterParty Discussion:  Tuesday, Dec. 11th

*Part of our Super Summer Comic-Book-to-Film Series

**Part of our Monster Mash Movie Madness Series

Sherlock Holmes Reinvented . . .

Our Sherlock Holmes Celebration series goes out with a bang this Sunday with a screening of Sherlock Holmes (2009), starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.

Guy Ritchie has reinvented Holmes as an action hero, as quick with his fists as his wits. And Conan Doyle's supersleuth was an expert boxer and swordsman, but I don't remember quite so many explosions in Sherlock Holmes' London. 

Join us Sunday, Jan. 29th at 2:30 p.m. and see what you think.

Watch a preview of the movie.
Read / Download A Study in Scarlet, the first Sherlock Holmes story.
Watch / Download a selection of free Sherlock Holmes films.

The Plot Thickens . . .

Our Sherlock celebration continues Jan 22nd with The Seven Per Cent Solution, Nicholas Meyer's imaginative reinterpretation of the Sherlockian canon.  Showtime is 2:30 p.m.


Watch the original trailer.
Read a review.
Read a sample of the novel on which the film is based .

The Adventure Continues . . .

Our Sherlock Holmes Celebration series continues with a screening of Billy Wilder's The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes.

Join us at Avondale Library at 2:30 p.m., Jan. 15th, and mark your calendar for the AfterParty discussion session Tuesday, Jan. 24th.

Watch a preview.
Read a review.

Sherlock Holmes Celebration Film Series

The game's afoot!  The year 2012 marks the 125th anniversary of the first appearance of Sherlock Holmes in print (A Study in Scarlet in 1887).  Celebrate 125 years of Sherlock Holmes with an Avondale Adaptations film series. We'll screen four different Sherlock Holmes feature films Jan. 8th-29th.

Join us at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 8th for The Hound of the Baskervilles starring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee.

Preview the film.
Read more about the film.
Access the free downloadable ebook.
Access the free downloadable audiobook.