Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
When are English teachers going to realize that the last thing on our minds during the months of June, July and August is our summer reading assignment? If only reading these classic novels didn’t take up so much time and energy…Oh wait, it doesn’t have to! It’s 2014! This means it’s time to take summer reading assignments to the next level. By the next level, I mean streaming them…duh! Be sure and catch up with these film adaptations this Labor Day weekend and sound like the smartest person in class next week.
'The Great Gatsby' (2013)
Based on the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, Leonardo DiCaprio depicts the ultimate party animal, Jay Gatsby. After two hours and 40 minutes, you may question all the past high school ragers you’ve attended, because no one throws a party quite like Mr. Gatsby himself. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself addressing people as “old sport” quickly after watching…we are all guilty of that. If anyone says otherwise, they are lying.
Find out where to stream The Great Gatsby.
'To Kill a Mockingbird' (1962)
Luckily, this movie doesn’t stray too far from Harper Lee’s original novel: the story is told as a flashback by Scout, Atticus Finch defends a African American man named Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley is still relevant. Streaming this classic is definitely a safe replacement to the physical copy of the book. Plus, the movie is in black and white…so watching it would make us more appreciative of Hi-Def, right?
Find out where to stream To Kill a Mockingbird.
'Pride & Prejudice' (2005)
The story of the five Bennet sisters is much more bearable in this two-hour depiction (versus the five-hour 1995 BBC/A&E miniseries). Keira Knightley turns in her pirate garb for a ballroom dress to play the lead role of Elizabeth Bennet. BEWARE: Because this film is much shorter than the miniseries, the characters aren’t as developed as they are in Jane Austen’s novel.
Find out where to stream Pride & Prejudice (2005).
'Romeo & Juliet' (1968)
Because it wasn’t hard enough understanding the Montague and Capulet family feud in Shakespearean English… (Plus, thisn Franco Zeffirelli classic features some very racy scenes, including Olivia Hussey in the buff!)
Find out where to stream Romeo & Juliet (1968).
'Lord of the Flies' (1990)
If you think being stuck in a classroom for an hour with your peers is bad, imagine being stranded on an island with them. Well, that’s essentially what Lord of the Flies is. If you find Lost and Cast Away entertaining, you won’t have a problem setting aside an hour and a half for this film.
Find out where you can stream Lord of the Flies (1990).
