If the weather is getting you down, then you're in luck, because our latest Books into Movies feature is spotlighting two big-time blockbusters to cure you of your winter blues. First up is The Eagle, an action-packed rendering of Rosemary Sutcliff's THE EAGLE OF THE NINTH. Travel back in time to the height of the Roman Empire and join a young warrior named Marcus as he sets out with his slave, Esca, to investigate the disappearance of his father --- the famed commander of the Ninth Legion. But there's more to Esca than meets the eye, and as their journey continues, it will take an unexpected twist, culminating in an epic battle that will have moviegoers everywhere clamoring for more.

Or, if you're in the mood for some contemporary excitement, you'll be happy to know that I Am Number Four has exploded onto the big screen. This highly anticipated film version of the sci-fi novel of the same name by James Frey and Jobie Hughes (aka Pittacus Lore) relates the gripping saga of John Smith, a fugitive teen with extraordinary talents. Pursued by a band of remorseless enemies, John embarks on an amazing adventure that will lead him towards unexpected love and a host of other unforeseen events --- and reveal an incredible destiny that will blow the minds of every book-loving film fanatic out there.

The Eagle
Cast: Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland, Mark Strong
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Distributor: Focus Features
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Release Date: February 11th (wide)
Based on: THE EAGLE OF THE NINTH by Rosemary Sutcliff

In 2nd-century Britain, two men --- master and slave --- venture beyond the edge of the known world on a dangerous and obsessive quest that will push them beyond the boundaries of loyalty and betrayal, friendship and hatred, deceit and heroism...

In 140 AD, the Roman Empire extends all the way to Britain --- though its grasp is incomplete, as the rebellious tribes of Caledonia (today's Scotland) hold sway in the far North. Marcus Aquila arrives in Britain, determined to restore the tarnished reputation of his father, Flavius Aquila. It was 20 years earlier that Rome's 5,000-strong Ninth Legion, under the command of Flavius and carrying their golden emblem, the Eagle of the Ninth, marched north into Caledonia. They never returned; Legion and Eagle simply vanished into the mists. Angered, the Roman Emperor Hadrian ordered the building of a wall to seal off the territory; Hadrian's Wall became the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire --- the edge of the known world.

Driven to become a brilliant soldier and now given command of a small fort in the southwest, Marcus bravely leads his troops during a siege. Commended by Rome for his bravery, yet discharged from the army because of his severe wounds, Marcus convalesces, demoralized, in the villa of his Uncle Aquila, a retired army man. When Marcus impulsively gets a young Briton's life spared at a gladiatorial contest, Aquila buys the Briton, Esca, to be Marcus' slave. Marcus is dismissive of Esca, who harbors a seething hatred of all things Roman. Yet Esca vows to serve the man who has saved his life.

I Am Number Four
Cast: Alex Pettyfer, Diana Agron, Callan McAuliffe, Jake Abel, Timothy Olyphant, Theresa Palmer
Director: D.J. Caruso
Distributor: DreamWorks Studios
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Release Date: February 18th (wide)
Based on: I AM NUMBER FOUR by James Frey and Jobie Hughes, writing as Pittacus Lore

Three are dead. Who is Number Four?

D.J. Caruso helms an action-packed thriller about an extraordinary teen, John Smith, who is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri, John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events --- his first love, powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny.

John is an extraordinary teen, masking his true identity and passing as a typical high school student to elude a deadly enemy seeking to destroy him. Three like him have already been killed.... He is Number Four.