I just saw the movie The Chocolate War last night on the Independent Film Channel (I was having trouble sleeping!). For the most part I thought it was an excellent and fairly atmospheric movie. That said, they fundamentally changed the ending with Archie replacing Jannza in the ring. This made no sense and really ruined the movie for me. Still, it reminded me of a book I had not thought about in a long time. Evidently there is a sequal, Beyond the Chocolate War. Is it worth reading? Any thoughts on the movie or the book in general?
I remember not being enamored of the book, but even at a young age (14) being stunned by the stupidity and the changes in the book. They managed to ruin anything interesting about it by tacking on a cliched Hollywood ending. I don’t remember the second book very well, if that means anything (I know I read it).
I just finished listening to Beyond the Chocolate War on audiobook a couple of weeks ago. If you liked the first one, you’ll probably like the second one. Most of the cast is still there, though BtCW concentrates on different characters–Obie, a magician kid whose name I can’t remember, and Goober (Jerry’s friend).
Didn’t realize there was a movie of the first one. I think I’ll skip it, though, if they changed the ending.
I loved The Chocolate War and I loved Beyond the Chocolate War.
I recommend both books.