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A poster for Tomorrow, When The War Began - Source: ONE News -
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There I was, minding my own business and waiting for Iron Man 2 to begin, when a trailer popped up - and made my day.
I had heard rumours the film was being made - but until I saw the trailer, I hadn't really believed it.
Not only is it a reality, it stars former Home and Away cast members. Which, quite frankly, will earn any film instant access to my heart (with the exception of Letters To Juliet - not even little Nick Smith could save from being a cinematic train wreck...)
The film in question is Tomorrow, When The War Began , based on the hugely popular series by John Marsden.
The books - seven in total - were compulsory reading as a teenager in the '90s. And unlike Twilight , they were actually good.
They had action, drama, romance and comedy. And they were set just across the Ditch in Australia - so you could really visualise what was going on.
Marsden's writing was so detailed and evocative you could imagine every movement as you read the gripping stories. They were begging to be made into feature films.
And now they have been, I'm delighted. But also a little scared.
What if the Ellie in my head isn't the same as Caitlin Stasey? What if they cut all the romance and teen drama that made the books more than just war stories?
Of course, this isn't the first book ever to be turned into a Hollywood feature. But it's the first one I've ever really cared about.
Before I discovered Marsden's series, I wasn't a big reader. If there wasn't a teacher there to force me, I wouldn't even pick a book up.
My Dad bought me the third book in the series, The Third Day, The Frost, when we were on a particularly wet beach holiday one year.
I devoured the book. Dad was so impressed with my sudden interest in reading, he went and bought the previous two.
From then on, I counted the days until the next release.
In third form, we studied the first book in English. It was the first - and only - time I topped the class.
I know I'm not the only one who cherished the series so dearly. Fellow TVNZers of my era are also eagerly awaiting the film's release.
But I'm not sure if it is just an age thing. I'm not sure if I only loved the series because it was an intrinsic part of my teenagedom - or because it was exceptional literature.
So this weekend - I'm off to re-read the series. Or at least get started on it.
And as we all know films adaptations rarely live up to their inspiration - may I suggest you all do the same.
Read more of Joanna Hunkin's articles.
