Last night, my good friend Brittany tweeted me and asked, “Did you see Sloppy Firsts might become a movie?”
Of course, the Sloppy Firsts she was referring to was the first book in Megan McCafferty’s epic Jessica Darling series.
In my head, I was all,
“OHMYGOODNESSWHAT?!OHMYGOODNESSCANTHISREALLYBETRUE?!”
You see, I’m a huge Megan McCafferty fan thanks to Meg’s recommendation to give the series a try. I wasn’t immediately sucked in, but by the time I had read and reviewed all five books, I was hooked. I had the opportunity to see McCafferty herself speak at Temple University, my alma mater last year and I was amazed at how down to earth and cool she was. You could totally see her sitting down and getting into Jessica Darling’s head.
Then, Brittany sent me this link. It’s to Anna Christopher’s website. Anna is the director and writer who adapted McCafferty’s first book into a screenplay. Apparently, Sloppy Firsts is on Entertainment Weekly’s list of young adult novels that should become movies. The script is now being considered by buyers.
I have two different stances on this new development:
1. I would LOVE to see Jessica Darling’s life played out on the big screen. I’d especially love a life-size Marcus Flutie to swoon over for an hour and a half.
HOWEVER,
2. This just doesn’t seem like the kind of book that will adapt well to the big screen and in a way that fans will be able to appreciate. The book is told through Jessica’s diary and letters to her best friend Hope. We hear her deepest thoughts and inner dialogue. I’m just not sure that can come across as strong as a movie as it does on the page.
I’m not saying it CAN’T be done. I’m sure it can be. And I’m sure Anna Christopher was super sensitive to the book in her script, considering she is a fan. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Either way, I will of course support this if it becomes a movie. You’ll see me there on opening night with all the other YA and Megan McCafferty fans.
Now, the important question is, who will play Jessica Darling and who will play Marcus Flutie? Leave your casting suggestions in the comments! Are you excited about the possibility of Sloppy Firsts becoming a movie?
Oh my Lord, I would be STOKED to see a “Sloppy Firsts” movie! In fact, I might have to drive to Philadelphia so we can see it together. But you’re right: it would be tough to translate so much of what makes Sloppy Firsts awesome onto the big screen. Plus? No Marcus Flutie could ever be good enough for me!
You’re going to laugh, but I’ve always pictured Marcus as Jason Castro… just with red dreads. I think he looks pretty smokin’ hot here when he’s singing! A Jason look-a-like might be too pretty for Marcus, though. Not sure.
And Jessica? Oh man — I have no clue who could play Jessica. I’d hope for an unknown actress so we can really “see” her in the part!
It would pretty much be epic and I ALMOST wrote in the post that I’d prob have to drive to MD. Maybe we could meet in the middle! Haha.
I agree that Jessica should be an unknown. That would definitely help with some of the issues I think I’ll have with it. Let me check out this Jason Castro. I’ve never heard of him. Hmm, just looked. I just don’t think he’s hot! That’s definitely not how I picture Marcus, even though I’ve definitely taken some creative liberties in my own head. Oopsies! 🙂
I am super, very much excited. Even if I think the adaptation will lose a little magic “something” from the books… I think it’ll still be amazing.
No clue who they’re going to cast though. I almost feel like it should be relative-unknowns… but maybe not. Hmm. Now I’m excited.
I completely agree with you! Relative unknowns would make it more intriguing/much more believable. I can’t wait!
I think movies like Harry Potter have spoiled us and what we expect from a book turning into a movie. There’s so much money and such a following involved in Harry Potter, they make such an effort to be true to the book and not disappointed to big fans. But when they adapt lesser know books, they sometimes try to adapt the movie to give it a bit broader appeal than the original book. Don’t get me wrong, I’m always excited when I hear a book I love is getting turned into a movie. But quite often I’m disappointed when they don’t quite live up to my expectations.
I guess I’m just a huge book person, but even the HP doesn’t seem good enough to me 🙂 They are pretty darn close though.
I’m excited to see this- I know there will be several changes, but I think it will still be entertaining.