What book or movie ending(s) left you dissatisfied? What didn't you like about it, and most importantly, how would you have improved the ending to make it more enjoyable or gratifying?
I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
Thanks for reading!
Laurie
The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. The end was so open, it was almost a cliffhanger, but it was the end of the entire series.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. The ending was sad because I loved the characters so much and I wanted to know more about their lives after the book.
Great discussion topic/post!
Thanks for your comment, Spruce! I've never read The Inheritance Cycle, but I'm sure I would be really frustrated by such an open ending as well! I much prefer it when authors tie up all the loose ends. And I definitely know what you mean about series that you just don't want to end no matter how well the author wrapped things up!
DeleteFirst of all, I have to say I like happy endings! So, I don't want anyone I like to die, become hopelessly mentally compromised, or turn dreadfully evil. I can read about those kinds of endings in the newspaper, but I read fiction to relax and escape. I wasn't a fan of the endings of either the Divergent series or the Hunger Games, but I can't really explain why without revealing huge plot spoilers. Therefore, I'll just leave you to wonder. . . : ) Thanks, Laurie!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Erin! I totally agree, I like happy endings, too! Though I also get annoyed when the good guys win a little too easily, so I guess it's a tough balance. I thought J.K. Rowling walked that line really well in the Harry Potter series since some characters died but the ending still felt very positive. I agree that I didn't find the Hunger Games ending particularly satisfying - to be honest I felt like the plot fell apart a bit in the third book as a whole. I haven't read the Divervent series yet, but that's good to know in advance!
DeleteThis is a really great topic idea! I feel like I have felt dissatisfied with several book endings, and I can't think of many of them right now. I recently read a really amazing middle grade mystery, though, that had some paranormal things in the end. While it was interesting, it felt a little like cheating. I was a little disappointed there wasn't more funny business going on with the characters I had been suspecting. Good book, though. I don't want to say the title, because I don't want to spoil the end! Fun question!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Laura! I know what you mean about cheating, I've read some books that felt that way, too. For some reason, you mentioning that paranormal things came up at the end of that MG mystery reminded me of the TV series Twin Peaks from the early 90s, where they're trying to solve a murder mystery and towards the end it suddenly turns out there were paranormal forces involved. I felt like it was kind of a cop out after all the interesting story lines they had going with possible suspects.
DeleteExactly the same kind of thing. It felt like a letdown.
DeleteThe Two Princesses of Bamarre, by Gail Carson Levine. It was such a fabulous book. Until the end, I loved everything about it. I know we're not supposed to write predictable endings, but this one was so unexpected and strange that it bothered me. It was a happy-ish ending, but things didn't work out the way I wanted them to, so I didn't know how to feel about it. Great book, though!
ReplyDeleteBrenna
Thanks for commenting, Brenna! I loved The Two Princesses of Bamarre, too! I know what you mean about the end, though, it felt like it came out of left field. I do like a happy ending, and unpredictability is good to a point, but there still should be a basis for it.
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