Ben Hur is better than the Bible.

When I read a book, I don't just see words on a page but I see a whole video evolving in front of my eyes or my brain. I "see" the characters as they are described and all the events that follow. Sometimes I am so deeply into those same people that it's almost sad when I get to the last page and I have to let them go.

When a book is that all-consuming, the film rarely lives up to your own expectations. It's still nice to see, if only to compare, but a lot of times so much detail or facts are missed or just skimmed over.

Clockwork Orange.

Yes that's a good one, I did enjoy the book as I was learning Russian at the time.

The James Bond movies.

The original Millenium series films (not the remake).

Almost any of the film and TV versions of Agatha Christie's novels are better than her books, but particularly the David Suchet Poirots and the Joan Hickson Miss Marples.

Strangely enough I enjoyed the James Bond books more, coming to them after the movies.

The original 'Midsomer Murders' books are very entertaining and well-written.

The original 'Midsomer Murders' books are very entertaining and well-written.[/QUOTE]

Agreed. I read somewhere that Caroline Graham was upset by the inanity of the TV series, (though presumably she wept all the way to the bank).

The Beach - excellent book - hideously crap movie , probably not helped cos I cant stand Di Caprio!

I generally find the books are better than the movies as they explain more, whether its characters or feelings or surroundings.

Having now read the Boy in the Striped Pyjamas I would like to see the film. I was told I would cry at the book - I didn't, I have since been told oh you will definitely cry at the film though and I wonder if I will or if I won't because I have already cried at much more harrowing tales?

I have enjoyed the Jack Reacher books over the years. Can I predict the film is not as good, if I promise to go when it comes out?

I cried at the book, but not at the film. It's worth watching, but you just don't get the child's perspective in the same way as the book IMO.

Another book I disliked. Very oddly written. So maybe the film would be better for me

Maybe. Give it a try. If you like reading children's fiction, I would recommend 'Holes'. The film is quite a good adaptation, but the book is far better. Once again, only in my opinion.

I'll look out for it.