thanks to Lauren A.E. Schuker  at the Wall Street Journal

This fall, Warner Bros. is trying to reinvent Sherlock Holmes, with Robert Downey Jr. starring as the fictional sleuth. Spike Jonze, who directed “Being John Malkovich,” will put a modern twist on the storybook classic “Where the Wild Things Are.” And some recent best sellers, including Walter Kirn’s “Up in the Air” and Alice Sebold’s “The Lovely Bones” (in an adaptation from “Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson) will hit the big screen.

Hollywood is racing to adapt novels, comics, and children’s stories, as the ability of movie stars to draw audiences wanes. Popular books, with built-in fan bases, pose less risk for Hollywood studios trying to eke out a profit in a tough economic climate. One of the most-anticipated adaptations is the November sequel to “Twilight,” based on the best-selling book series by Stephenie Meyer.

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The article also mentions remakes, like Fame. With so many new movies coming out each year, I think Hollywood was having trouble coming up with new ideas. But I love seeing books made into the movies. I think it will get people reading more too, which is the best thing about this.

Are there any movies based on books you’re looking forward to? Are there any books you would love to see made into a movie?