With so many negative reviews on the movie, I felt compelled to ask the question...could this movie just be another revolution in the wheel of Ka? In the last book, when Roland finally reached the top of the Dark Tower, he ended up starting all over again. As it only could have been, as Stephen King says. So to me, the movie is just another installment in the series, starting at the end of the last Dark Tower book(Not the flashback book that followed), only this time, it is on the big screen instead of the wonderful pages we have all have read and loved. And with that assumption, can we all assume that each time Ka turns the wheel, Roland comes back as a different person(Irdis Elba this time) with a slightly different story line but moving towards the same end, to stop the continuing decline of the Dark Tower? The movie hints at this in many places, for example, when The Man in Black says that every time Roland embarks on his journey, everyone he walks with dies. So my question to all of the fans of the Dark Tower books is, rather than all the negative criticism from the movie reviewers that have more than likely never read the books, and all of the fans of the books that hate the movie because it doesn't follow the book story line exactly, can the movie actually be just a new version of the story and can we hope that this time, Roland actually finishes the job and stops the Dark Tower from falling for good? If that is true, then we all have some more installments to the story to look forward to, that may one day end with the Dark Tower actually being saved, and everyone living happily ever after...Assuming that the big screen lets the next version of this storyline be made, disregarding the poor reviews and criticism. Let me know what you think. And if you agree, promote the new view so more movies or books(This one if for you Steve) may be made so we can continue our walk down the path.
The Dark Tower Movie is just another rotation in the wheel of ka?
- Thread starter Henry Jones
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I'm going to get the dvd this weekend (I think it is out by now?) and have a gander. Also, will be reading a cool short story that I will be setting time aside for. The yearly SKMB Hallowe'en tale! I hope I like the movie. I know I'll like the story.
....Just got my DVD....will take a look and see if the "next chapter in the tale" analogy holds-as I believe it will....incidentally, Hiya Henry!!.....
I didn't like the movie either. I think it wasn't a DT movie. But I like your interpretation. Welcome.
I took the stance that it was another level of the Tower before I went to see it and I enjoyed it under that pretense.
Robert Gray
Well-Known Member
My view on it is simply that it wasn't very good. Just because I love the books and the setting doesn't mean I have to become an apologist for the films. Not holding their toes to the fire when they do a mediocre or poor job simply encourages them to do it again, and prevents us from ever getting it done right. I went once. I watched it. I won't buy it or support DVD sales. I wanted to like it, I really did.
Robert, I get it. The movie is not for everyone. Just seems like there are a lot more negative reviews out there because the movie didn't reproduce the books, which is unfortunate, because that is not what they were going for. Flake Noir, thanks for the link from Ms. Mod confirming what I was assuming to be true. And thanks for the welcome everyone.
Robert Gray
Well-Known Member
Ok; I'll play along. Why exactly is that unfortunate? Personally I disagree with your whole premise. There are a lot of negative reviews because the film is mediocre. But for the sake for argument, I'll accept your premise. Let's pretend all the negative reviews are because the film didn't try to faithfully adapt the books. What does that tell you? To me it would seem to indicate that:
1. If you are going to allude that you are adapting a popular book by using its title that you should give people what they want... which is the books they love.
2. Beloved books are popular for a reason, i.e. they already got the story right and it doesn't need to be re-imagined. Save re-imagining for stories people got wrong.
3. What they were going for was stupid, rehashed Hollywood garbage.
Now that we have gotten past accepting that premise for the sake of argument, let's get down to the nitty gritty. Do you really want to talk strictly about the film on its own merits? I can do that. I'd be happy to break it down scene by scene and point out what is wrong with it that has NOTHING to do with the books. The majority of reviews by professional critics do just that. Why don't you start by telling us what you think is so great about the film? My advice is to make a statement and support it with evidence. I assure you that I will do the same. I didn't crucify that film because of my love for the books. If anything, my love of the books kept me from giving it both barrels instead of just one. But to put things in perspective, they spent roughly $638,578.00 per minute of screen time, employed excellent actors, and had multiple scripts as well as decades of work to pull from (others on the project who had worked on trying to do it before) and went to market with a tired retread of the Last Action Hero.
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The unfortunate part is that they will probably not make any more movies in the series because of the negative reviews. Thus they won't have a chance to expand upon the storyline that they began with this movie. What I think is really great about this movie is that it is a continuation of the storyline presented at the end of Book 7. Personally, I didn't like the ending to Book 7. I get that the ending was really the only thing King could do because he painted himself into a corner, but it left me wanting to see what happened the next time around. I think the movies are an attempt to fulfill that need to see what happens next. Can he finally save the tower this time around?
As far as the film being crappy on its own merits, everyone is entitled to their opinion. And while I appreciate yours, I definitely don't agree. Please don't misunderstand, I don't think the film was great by any means. I just don't think it was as bad as you make it out to be. I think you are just pissed that they didn't recreate the books on the big screen, and I was also a little ticked at first that I didn't get to see the entire first book from start to finish on the big screen. But after I got over that, I realized that I might get to see some new adventures in Roland's universe that I haven't read or thought about yet, and for that I was glad they made the movie.
Do I wish I could have gotten to see all the cool **** that happened in all the books over again on the big screen, absolutely. And I will always miss that part of it if they make more movies. But I also like to read new stories and I hope that if they do make more movies, the story will mature and and be as good as the last time around the wheel. And for your sake, I hope the cinematography will improve.
But don't get worked up by all this man...I am a fellow Gunslinger fan, and I am part of the ka-tet, just as you. So please respect my opinion, as I have yours, and quit flaming me already. It's my first post
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As far as the film being crappy on its own merits, everyone is entitled to their opinion. And while I appreciate yours, I definitely don't agree. Please don't misunderstand, I don't think the film was great by any means. I just don't think it was as bad as you make it out to be. I think you are just pissed that they didn't recreate the books on the big screen, and I was also a little ticked at first that I didn't get to see the entire first book from start to finish on the big screen. But after I got over that, I realized that I might get to see some new adventures in Roland's universe that I haven't read or thought about yet, and for that I was glad they made the movie.
Do I wish I could have gotten to see all the cool **** that happened in all the books over again on the big screen, absolutely. And I will always miss that part of it if they make more movies. But I also like to read new stories and I hope that if they do make more movies, the story will mature and and be as good as the last time around the wheel. And for your sake, I hope the cinematography will improve.
But don't get worked up by all this man...I am a fellow Gunslinger fan, and I am part of the ka-tet, just as you. So please respect my opinion, as I have yours, and quit flaming me already. It's my first post
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Fair comment, Henry Jones.The unfortunate part is that they will probably not make any more movies in the series because of the negative reviews. Thus they won't have a chance to expand upon the storyline that they began with this movie. What I think is really great about this movie is that it is a continuation of the storyline presented at the end of Book 7. Personally, I didn't like the ending to Book 7. I get that the ending was really the only thing King could do because he painted himself into a corner, but it left me wanting to see what happened the next time around. I think the movies are an attempt to fulfill that need to see what happens next. Can he finally save the tower this time around?
As far as the film being crappy on its own merits, everyone is entitled to their opinion. And while I appreciate yours, I definitely don't agree. Please don't misunderstand, I don't think the film was great by any means. I just don't think it was as bad as you make it out to be. I think you are just pissed that they didn't recreate the books on the big screen, and I was also a little ticked at first that I didn't get to see the entire first book from start to finish on the big screen. But after I got over that, I realized that I might get to see some new adventures in Roland's universe that I haven't read or thought about yet, and for that I was glad they made the movie.
Do I wish I could have gotten to see all the cool **** that happened in all the books over again on the big screen, absolutely. And I will always miss that part of it if they make more movies. But I also like to read new stories and I hope that if they do make more movies, the story will mature and and be as good as the last time around the wheel. And for your sake, I hope the cinematography will improve.
But don't get worked up by all this man...I am a fellow Gunslinger fan, and I am part of the ka-tet, just as you. So please respect my opinion, as I have yours, and quit flaming me already. It's my first post
Robert is a long-time member and is sometimes very passionate about certain books, but he is also very gracious and I'm sure he will welcome you into our community and then perhaps the discussion may respectfully continue.
Robert Gray
Well-Known Member
Good, that is what is supposed to happen when someone makes a mediocre film. If you encourage or reward mediocre to bad films, you will only get more of them.
And what would that be? The paper thin story they had was all wrapped up and over at the end.
Well.... hrm.... I'm not sure what to say to this. The only continuation to the story in the books will be if Stephen King writes another one. But let me make sure I understand you clearly... you are actually saying that you didn't like what Stephen King wrote, so you want some crappy fan fiction written by someone else to give you an ending you think is more satisfying?
The movies are an attempt to make money, not fulfill any need on your part. I want to stress that it is a need on YOUR part. Clearly, given the turnout for the film, the rest of us don't share it. However, let me cue you in on a little secret. You can make up any ending you want. Since you are willing to accept a continuation written by anyone (not just the author Stephen King)... your own fan fiction would be just fine for you (one would think). So give it whatever ending you want. Your need is fulfilled. Let me point out right here that you just undermined your entire position. You just ceded that the film wasn't good.
I said it was mediocre. I've seen worse. But films are pass/fail for me. It is either good or it is a waste of time. Hell, I value a bad film over a mediocre one because at least they are fun to make fun of. Mediocre ones are just sad.
One, if that was my attitude I would have barbecued the new It movie. That is my favorite of his books, and the new film is not a recreation of the book on the big screen. I loved the new film based on its OWN merits. You presume a bit too much about me I'm afraid. And no, you are NOT getting to see any new adventures in Roland's universe. You are simply seeing visual fan fiction. I'm a stickler on this. If the author didn't write it, it isn't canon. If the film had been good, I would have given it credit, but it still would not have been anything more than GOOD fan fiction.
My suggestion would be to hope that Sai King writes another book. For my own part, I'd bet good money that we have not heard the last of Midworld. I only hope that if they make more movies... they are going to do them right.
But don't get worked up by all this man...I am a fellow Gunslinger fan, and I am part of the ka-tet, just as you. So please respect my opinion, as I have yours, and quit flaming me already. It's my first post
I'm not worked up; I'm thorough. I'm afraid I'm a bit of fixture in this respect. If you feel this is you being "flamed" you need to grow a thicker skin. So far we have been discussing a topic that you initiated. I refrain from talking about you. I only address the ideas in the conversation. I am respectful, but no... I do not have to respect your "opinion" nor you mine. We can disrespect each other's opinions all we want as long as we do it ethically, politely, and within the rules. I think you are a fine fellow, and clearly another Constant Reader. I think your opinion in this matter is as mediocre as that film. Do you see where I'm going with this? You can stand, or you can cry off. You don't get to start a discussion, however, and then say you are being bullied when someone disagrees with you. Welcome to the board; I mean that sincerely.
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I may have already said this but I thought the film was Ka Ka.
...by the nature of the Thread, one could expect Spoilers......
I'm not clicking on any forums on books I haven't read anymore.