When is the Movie Better Than the Book?

In the world of book-to-screen adaptations, book lovers are often quick to assert that the book was better. While I understand the sentiment, I think it’s important to appreciate adaptations for what they are – a different interpretation of the source material. That being said, not all adaptations hit the mark, and I thought it would be interesting to take a look at a few from 2025 and one from late 2024 to see how they fared.

First up, let’s talk about “Mickey7” by Edward Ashton. This sci-fi story dives deep into philosophical questions about personhood and identity. The book follows Mickey, who is part of a colony settling on a harsh planet. Mickey is constantly facing life-threatening missions, where each time he dies, his memories are uploaded to a new body. However, things take a turn when Mickey 8 is printed while Mickey 7 is still around, leading to a complex exploration of what it means to truly exist. While the book captivated readers with its thematic depth, the film adaptation “Mickey 17” directed by Bong Joon Ho took a different approach, focusing more on spectacle and body horror. It’s safe to say that sticking to the book might be the better choice here, but I’d recommend checking out Bong’s other works like “Snowpiercer” and “Parasite.”

Moving on to “Murderbot,” a series that has gained a devoted following through Martha Wells’ The Murderbot Diaries. The books delve into the life of Murderbot, a security cyborg with a human brain who rebels against its programming. In contrast, the Apple TV+ series failed to capture the essence of the source material. While the physical portrayal of Murderbot by Alexander Skarsgård was spot-on, the show fell short in capturing the character’s depth. If you’re a fan of the books, you might be disappointed with this adaptation, but newcomers might find some enjoyment in it.

Switching gears to the Lincoln Lawyer series by Michael Connelly, the Netflix adaptation offers a lighter take on Mickey Haller’s character. While the books paint Haller as a morally ambiguous lawyer hustling for work, the TV series presents a more ethical version of the character. Despite some changes, the essence of the show remains intact, making it an intriguing watch for both fans of the books and newcomers.

In the world of adaptations, it’s important to recognize that each medium brings its own unique perspective to the story. While some adaptations may fall short of capturing the magic of the books, others offer a fresh take that resonates with audiences. So, whether you’re a die-hard book lover or a casual viewer, there’s something to be appreciated in seeing stories come to life on the screen.