So, at the end last month I was lucky enough to go to a screening of If I Stay in Chicago. Now that the movie is coming out this week I want to share my thoughts and the goodies I got! Read on for a spoiler-free recap and a giveaway!
Recap:
My lovely friend Anna sent me a link to get screening tickets and I was super lucky that they still had some available. Tara was also going and I called up Liza to join us! I love spending time with my bookish friends 🙂
Liza and I went down early hoping to see the author, Gayle Forman (and actress who plays Mia, Chloe Grace Moretz) at Sprinkles Cupcakes in Chicago but the line was SUPER long and we decided we’d rather get to the movie early. We did have time to snap a photo while scoping out the line:
We also got to meet some really fun teens who were super excited about the book, the movie, and meeting Gayle and Chloe!
It’s a good thing we headed out early. The line for the movie was already long and not at all organized! We were extremely lucky that we all made it in. There were numerous people who didn’t and they were not pleased. I don’t blame them since the movie theater didn’t have an organized system, but it does say seats not guaranteed on the tickets. And it for sure wasn’t the fault of anyone connected to the movie itself!
As for the movie itself, here are a few quick thoughts:
* I loved the soundtrack! Like, you need to buy it. (I don’t get anything for saying that. I just really like it!)
* While I liked all the actors/actresses, Mia’s grandfather was PERFECTION!
*I lost it in the movie during the same scene where I lost it in the book.
*Teddy. That is all I have to say about that.
*I sat next to Anna, Tara, and Liza. I noticed we all tensed up/gasped in anticipation of what we knew would happen next. Read the book people.
*Seriously, read the book… I really liked the movie but think re-reading the book prior to seeing it really helped me connect to it better. But that’s just me personally 🙂
I think anyone who is a fan of the book will enjoy the movie. Of course there are changes…. some bigger than others (Before you get upset, the band has a different name for legal reasons. There is an actual band called Shooting Star so that name couldn’t be used free and clear!) But, and I’ve said this before, THAT IS OKAY! Book to movie is not a direct translation. That would just be weird. The heart and soul of the story are the same. I couldn’t be more thrilled for Gayle and the If I Stay movie!!! I plan to see it on Friday for a friend’s birthday. I highly recommend you see it as well. Again, I don’t get compensated for this. I just know that if we don’t go and support the YA book to movie translations we’re excited about fewer will be made. I WANT ALL THE MOVIES!!!!
After the movie Gayle and Chloe came out to do a Q & A.
It was fun to hear what they had to say about the making of the movie. Gayle is such an incredibly brilliant and talented person and Chloe was very poised. I was impressed by her maturity! After the Q & A, the movie company sponsored an afterparty with food, temporary tattoos and a movie swag vending machine:
Which brings us to the part I’m sure you’re excited for…
Giveaway:
I have a copy of If I Stay signed by Gayle Forman as well as some movie swag for one lucky winner:
That’s a cloth lunch bag, chapstick, gum (I think, maybe mints?), and Live for Love tattoos. I also have a small movie poster. That will be folded up and added to the prize pack. Use the rafflecopter below to enter. US only. Must be 13 or older to win.
Danah A
This would be so cool to win! I went to the Sprinkles signing, but I only got a picture because they were running late for the screening.
Danah A
I’m excited to see If I stay because it looks like a great adaptation of the book
Len D.
because I loved the book!
Liza
I had so much fun with you! So glad we went together. <3 <3
Christina R.
Because I LOVE this book and I’m so happy the movie does it justice 🙂
thank you for the giveaway and the awesome post 🙂
Emily
I’m excited to see If I Stay because it looks like its the same emotional roller coaster as the book and if the soundtrack is any indication of how good the movie will be it will be incredible.
Samantha
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!!!
Samantha
Oh and I’ve already seen the movie and I love it!
Sanya M
Ooh I’m glad the book to movie adaptation is just as heart wrenching as the book! I can’t wait to see! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Edna
I’ve already seen the film and I really loved it. It definitely stayed true to the book. I’m planning to see it again opening day.
Tiffanee Z
I’m very excited to see the movie! It looks like it follows the book very closely and it has some great actors.
Cassie H
If want to see if they do justice to the book!
Maria Malaveci
I loved the book!!
Dustin Summer Smith
I can’t wait to see it because I get to be with my best friend in the theatre and see an awesome adaptation of an awesome book!! Bringing my tissues!
Aidmar
I’m excited for the If I Stay film because I love the story and I loooove Chloë Grace Moretz. I think she’ll do an amazing job as Mia. 🙂
Emerson
I loved the book! Can’t wait to see the movie.
Jordan
Seeing it tonight! It looks really emotionally powerful!
geoffrey
love the book
Rudy
My girlfriend wants to see this movie! I would be her hero if I won this!