The Princess Bride is another classic movie from the 80's. And though, yes, technically it is a book too, most people remember the movie first.
The thing about the Princess Bride is that, no matter what age you were when you watched it, whether you were a boy or a girl, there was always something to interest you. Most little boys were attracted by the sword fighting and wanted to be the Dread Pirate Roberts. And most little girls watched it for the love story and wanted to be just like Buttercup. And if you were a weird child, like me, you wanted to be Inigo Montoya, but that's 'cuz he kicks ass.
The storyline of the Princess Bride was so attractive because it followed the same path of everyone of your favourite fairytales...if they were all mashed together! It was perfect. The scenes were intense, no matter if you're with Princess Buttercup and Westley in the Fire Swamp avoiding capture by Prince Humperdinck or if you're Inigo Montoya finally face-to-face with the six-fingered-man. It's a very gripping tale.
And the cast, you couldn't find better people for the roles. Of course, young girls everywhere had swooned over Cary Elwes as Westley. And Mandy Patinkin portrayed Inigo Montoya with unforgettable grace. And Andre the Giant made Fezzik a truly amazing character. There really wasn't anybody who could play these characters better than the chosen cast.
Really, I can't see how anyone can leave this classic movie out of their DVD collection.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Book - Laura Resnick's Disappearing Nightly (2005), Doppelgangster (2010) and Unsympathetic Magic (2010)
Okay, so I do usually review books and novels with some sort of following, but I think it's time to make an exception. Laura Resnick's Esther Diamond novels are a must read. Seriously, if you haven't heard of them -- and you probably haven't -- you need to find the closest book store, now.
The premise of the books is that the main character, Esther Diamond, a character actor struggling to make ends meet keeps falling into these mystical situations. The first book it's disappearing magician's assitants and actors, the second book it's the doppelganger of mobsters and this third book it's zombie and gargoyle-like creatures controlled by a Petro Vodou Mambo. Or, an evil voodoo priestess.
The reason I started reading the Esther Diamond series was simply because a friend recommended them to me, and she hadn't steered me wrong in the past. The reason I continue to read the Esther Diamond series? Well, I can't point just one thing out anymore. The characters are so compelling. Esther, as odd as she is, can still be so easy to relate to. You can feel what she's going through and you can tell what she's about to do as she goes from scene-to-scene. Dr. Max Zadoc is a genius and although he has his quirks, you learn to fall in love with him. He'll remind you of your uncle, your father, your grandfather. He's so compassionate, yet he can be fierce. And don't get me started on Detective Connor Lopez. Seriously, Laura Resnick's had me swooning over him since the very first book and chapter-after-chapter, you learn to love him a little bit more. Even the supporting characters are amazing, you start to care for them so deeply that you long to find traces of them in books or scenes where they are not.
Another reason I love the Esther Diamond series is that it's a fantasy, a horror, a monster story taking place in the here-and-now. It's an urban fantasy. Magicians disappear off stage. Mobsters in Little Italy are seeing their doppelgangers. Zombies are present in Harlem. All of this is happening in our world. In New York City to be precise. It's something you can trick yourself into believing could happen anywhere.
The books are all very easy to read, while still being educational. They all go into different mythology or travel different aspects of religions. Like in Doppelgangster, we take a look at the beliefs of different cultures on the topic of doppelgangers. And in Unsympathetic Magic, we look into many different aspects of Vodou beliefs and how all religions have their dark side but that doesn't mean the religion itself is bad.
They read almost like murder mysteries or crime books. You follow Esther and Max as they try to piece together a mystical crime before it's too late. You pick up clues and evidence from Lopez and supporting characters. And honestly, you can't put the book down until you're through. They're very quick reads as well. I read the last book in five hours. And I probably timed around the same for the previous books.
Seriously, I'd recommend these books to everybody. The Esther Diamond series is so gripping and enticing, I can guarantee that no matter what your flavour is, you'll love the books as much as I do. The very first book leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to read Vamparazzi and I hope Laura Resnick still has many books planned for this series.
Go read them, now!
The premise of the books is that the main character, Esther Diamond, a character actor struggling to make ends meet keeps falling into these mystical situations. The first book it's disappearing magician's assitants and actors, the second book it's the doppelganger of mobsters and this third book it's zombie and gargoyle-like creatures controlled by a Petro Vodou Mambo. Or, an evil voodoo priestess.
The reason I started reading the Esther Diamond series was simply because a friend recommended them to me, and she hadn't steered me wrong in the past. The reason I continue to read the Esther Diamond series? Well, I can't point just one thing out anymore. The characters are so compelling. Esther, as odd as she is, can still be so easy to relate to. You can feel what she's going through and you can tell what she's about to do as she goes from scene-to-scene. Dr. Max Zadoc is a genius and although he has his quirks, you learn to fall in love with him. He'll remind you of your uncle, your father, your grandfather. He's so compassionate, yet he can be fierce. And don't get me started on Detective Connor Lopez. Seriously, Laura Resnick's had me swooning over him since the very first book and chapter-after-chapter, you learn to love him a little bit more. Even the supporting characters are amazing, you start to care for them so deeply that you long to find traces of them in books or scenes where they are not.
Another reason I love the Esther Diamond series is that it's a fantasy, a horror, a monster story taking place in the here-and-now. It's an urban fantasy. Magicians disappear off stage. Mobsters in Little Italy are seeing their doppelgangers. Zombies are present in Harlem. All of this is happening in our world. In New York City to be precise. It's something you can trick yourself into believing could happen anywhere.
The books are all very easy to read, while still being educational. They all go into different mythology or travel different aspects of religions. Like in Doppelgangster, we take a look at the beliefs of different cultures on the topic of doppelgangers. And in Unsympathetic Magic, we look into many different aspects of Vodou beliefs and how all religions have their dark side but that doesn't mean the religion itself is bad.
They read almost like murder mysteries or crime books. You follow Esther and Max as they try to piece together a mystical crime before it's too late. You pick up clues and evidence from Lopez and supporting characters. And honestly, you can't put the book down until you're through. They're very quick reads as well. I read the last book in five hours. And I probably timed around the same for the previous books.
Seriously, I'd recommend these books to everybody. The Esther Diamond series is so gripping and enticing, I can guarantee that no matter what your flavour is, you'll love the books as much as I do. The very first book leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to read Vamparazzi and I hope Laura Resnick still has many books planned for this series.
Go read them, now!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Book - Anne Rice's Interview With the Vampire (1976)
Lately, in the news, I had heard that Anne Rice, author of the most popular vampire series, had renounced her faith. After her husband had died, Rice turned to Christianity and stopped writing the Vampire Chronicles. I was heart-broken at the time. But, in light of the news that there will be at least another book in the works, I thought it may be appropriate to review the first book in the series.
Interview With the Vampire is meant to enthrall you in this world of vampires. It's written as one of the main characters, Louis de Pointe du Lac, looks back on his life with his maker, Lestat de Lioncourt. The book starts as an interview, but reads as if you're living the moments with the characters. And despite how strongly Louis feels for Lestat, you can read Lestat's character clearly with only a thin veil of Louis's bias.
I believe that Rice is a literary genius. While, I admit, I was a little hesitant to pick up the book in the beginning -- what with how many truly atrocious vampire tales there are to choose from these days -- and I had no idea what to even expect. Now, I am glad to say, I devoured the book in less than a week. Reading at any chance I had. Rice's writing style is simple to follow yet magnificently diverse as well. She captured the heart and soul of her characters in every word.
Despite the novel being written in Louis's perspective, it was plain to see what was going on in the other characters's heads. You could see how Lestat felt about Louis, see how frustrated and angered he was with Claudia. I was able to see how Claudia felt jealousy for Louis's relationship with Armand, you could see how immature she was as she'd pit Lestat against Louis. Yet, still, it doesn't give everything away. Not even from Louis. It leaves enough mystery to keep you wanting to read more. And each book after it continues that cycle.
I'm only a few books in. I still have not caught up entirely to the Vampire Chronicles. Honestly, I don't plan to drop the books until they are finished. Within the span of a few short chapters, you are captivated by these characters. They have such depth to them, such mystery. I can honestly say that not a single page has me feeling bored or disappointed. Anne Rice is a literary genius and I cannot wait to hear about a new Vampire Chronicles novel.
Interview With the Vampire is meant to enthrall you in this world of vampires. It's written as one of the main characters, Louis de Pointe du Lac, looks back on his life with his maker, Lestat de Lioncourt. The book starts as an interview, but reads as if you're living the moments with the characters. And despite how strongly Louis feels for Lestat, you can read Lestat's character clearly with only a thin veil of Louis's bias.
I believe that Rice is a literary genius. While, I admit, I was a little hesitant to pick up the book in the beginning -- what with how many truly atrocious vampire tales there are to choose from these days -- and I had no idea what to even expect. Now, I am glad to say, I devoured the book in less than a week. Reading at any chance I had. Rice's writing style is simple to follow yet magnificently diverse as well. She captured the heart and soul of her characters in every word.
Despite the novel being written in Louis's perspective, it was plain to see what was going on in the other characters's heads. You could see how Lestat felt about Louis, see how frustrated and angered he was with Claudia. I was able to see how Claudia felt jealousy for Louis's relationship with Armand, you could see how immature she was as she'd pit Lestat against Louis. Yet, still, it doesn't give everything away. Not even from Louis. It leaves enough mystery to keep you wanting to read more. And each book after it continues that cycle.
I'm only a few books in. I still have not caught up entirely to the Vampire Chronicles. Honestly, I don't plan to drop the books until they are finished. Within the span of a few short chapters, you are captivated by these characters. They have such depth to them, such mystery. I can honestly say that not a single page has me feeling bored or disappointed. Anne Rice is a literary genius and I cannot wait to hear about a new Vampire Chronicles novel.
Movie - Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977), Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
Okay I know that everyone loves it, so I am just going to say it. Star Wars rocked!!!! I myself am a fan the original trilogy, episodes 4, 5 and 6. These movies started the huge war between the Star Trek fans -- I don't like Star Trek -- and the Star Wars fans. Everyone is always asking which is better and yet it can never be said because everyone has their own opinion on why they were the better one in their differences.
Episode 4 - A New Hope:
This movie was the very first Star Wars movie, made in 1977. This futuristic view of an everyday man turned into a hero was a huge hit the moment it came out. Gun fight, chase scenes, evil emperors, hot main characters and a woman in trouble..... kinda sounds like a western but with technology. At the beginning of this movie, it shows how normal and plain the main character, Luke Skywalker's life is. Like everyone his age, wanting something more, wanting something better. Soon after he realizes that his normal old life wasn't so bad. Then, the ever badass Han Solo, portrayed by Harrison Ford, shows up to help Luke with his journey. This movie marked the beginning of the original trilogy and the beginning of the Star Wars craze.
Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back:
Out of the original three, this movie was my favorite. It had the action, the strategy and Yoda. He rocks! When Luke goes to find out how to use his Jedi powers, passed-down to him, he encounters a short, green, powerful, old man who helps him. Being apart from his friends -- Han, Leia and C3P0 -- gives him time to concentrate on his own powers. Being apart from each other also gives Han and Leia time to argue uninterrupted...... except for one time by C3P0. Later in the movie, some people show up that give the audience a little understanding to what the main characters's pasts were like and how they came to be where they are now (an example would be Lando). This movie kicked the sci-fi genre's ass!!!!!
Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi:
The last movie that did the series justice. The fall of hope, no escape, close encounters with defeat.... sorry, I lost myself for a moment. This last movie put all of the missing pieces together, explains how this terrible war started, though you kinda have to figure it out yourself. And has an awesome conclusion.
Would I recommend this series to the world? Hell yes!!!! And if you don't watch it then you are way way behind the times and you obviously have no life, so watch it right now.... I can give you sites.
Episode 4 - A New Hope:
This movie was the very first Star Wars movie, made in 1977. This futuristic view of an everyday man turned into a hero was a huge hit the moment it came out. Gun fight, chase scenes, evil emperors, hot main characters and a woman in trouble..... kinda sounds like a western but with technology. At the beginning of this movie, it shows how normal and plain the main character, Luke Skywalker's life is. Like everyone his age, wanting something more, wanting something better. Soon after he realizes that his normal old life wasn't so bad. Then, the ever badass Han Solo, portrayed by Harrison Ford, shows up to help Luke with his journey. This movie marked the beginning of the original trilogy and the beginning of the Star Wars craze.
Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back:
Out of the original three, this movie was my favorite. It had the action, the strategy and Yoda. He rocks! When Luke goes to find out how to use his Jedi powers, passed-down to him, he encounters a short, green, powerful, old man who helps him. Being apart from his friends -- Han, Leia and C3P0 -- gives him time to concentrate on his own powers. Being apart from each other also gives Han and Leia time to argue uninterrupted...... except for one time by C3P0. Later in the movie, some people show up that give the audience a little understanding to what the main characters's pasts were like and how they came to be where they are now (an example would be Lando). This movie kicked the sci-fi genre's ass!!!!!
Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi:
The last movie that did the series justice. The fall of hope, no escape, close encounters with defeat.... sorry, I lost myself for a moment. This last movie put all of the missing pieces together, explains how this terrible war started, though you kinda have to figure it out yourself. And has an awesome conclusion.
Would I recommend this series to the world? Hell yes!!!! And if you don't watch it then you are way way behind the times and you obviously have no life, so watch it right now.... I can give you sites.
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