Every once in a while I read a book and am blown away by the creativity of the
concept. So blown away, in fact, that I wish I had written it myself. One of
these books is “Wings” by Aprilynne Pike. It's a YA Urban Fantasy wherein a
teenage girl named Laurel discovers what looks like giant pedals growing from
her back! While trying to hide her body’s strange reaction to adolescence, she
seeks out the answers to her true identity. Because it turns out her parents
aren't her parents, she was found on their door step when she was three. So who
is she really? It just so happens she's a Fairy, and those pedals on her back
are her wings. In this story the author creates her own folklore wherein
Fairies are really highly-evolved intelligent plants. That’s right, plants.
They are grown, not born. Once they hit maturity the females grow giant flowers
out of their backs that humans have always mistook for wings. The Flowers can
be pollinated by the males who have spores on their palms.
Sorry if I'm giving too much away here but the concept is so original, it's too
cool not to talk about it. But never fear there’s a lot of story going on with
our heroine, Laurel, as she comes to terms with who she really is and how to
balance her life between the human and the Fairy world. Filled with adventure,
action, love triangles, and teenage angst, it's a great read for anyone who
enjoys a fun twist on the classic Fairy lore.
“Wings” is book one in a four-part series by Aprilynne Pike. I've read the
first two: “Wings” and “Spells.” They are both excellent. I just bought book
three “Illusions” and I can't wait to see what happens next in Laurel’s crazy,
mixed-up human/Fairy world.
I give “Wings” a five star rating. A good-clean-fun and wildly imaginative
read. Now go forth and check it out for yourself. Aprilynne Pike, whose work is
worth getting to know.
I don't know about you, but I love to read series. However, sequels
rarely tend to live up to the first. This is as true in books as it is in film.
If you've read my review of book one “City of Bones” then you already know how
much I loved it. There were a few things that made me mad though. At first I
was so angry with how all the relationships got resolved yet completely torn
apart by the end of the book that I seriously considered not reading the next
one. However, the author cleverly included a sneak peak of book two at the end
of book one. After I read it I knew I had to go out and buy the next book a.s.a.p.
So, with some trepidation I started “City of Ash.”
Now, I'm assuming that you've read the first book already because
otherwise the rest of this review is going to spoil it for you. So you've been
warned. Picking up where we let off, we dive back into Clary's strange new
world. Nothing is what she thought it was. Her artist mother (who’s still in a
coma) is really a trained demon hunter. Her father is a derange psycho bent on
doing whatever it takes to remake the Clave even if it means aligning with
demons and possibly destroying the world. Did I mention that her first love,
the gorgeous Jace, turns out is really her... BROTHER! Yeah, that’s the part the
made me so mad! Of course this makes things awkward between her and Jace. In
case you forgot they made out once before they knew they were related. However,
this is good news for Simon, Clary's best friend, who’s always been in love
with her. At the beginning of book two he finally makes a move on her, and
Clary is willing to give it a shot since she can't be with the man she loves.
You'll have to read the book to see how that turns out. On top of that
Valentine (her crazy dad) is still on the loose, and he has the mortal cup. Now
that everyone knows that Jace is really Valentine’s son, no one trusts him. Especially
when another Mortal Instrument goes missing and Jace is the only one who knows
who has it. If this wasn't stressful enough for Clay, there’s something strange
going on with Simon, he's not quite feeling his usual self. You'll see what I
mean. Also, Clary and Jace discover that they both have interesting talents
they never knew of.
The farther you get into the book the more the tension
builds. It's discovered that Valentine is up to no good again. Jace is forced
to stand up to his father and decide which side he’s really on. There’s even a
Luke and Darth Vader moment between them. I'm happy to say that “City of Ash”
is one of those rare sequels that lives up to the first. I thoroughly enjoyed
it. Again a few things that didn't quite work for me but all together it’s a
great read. I was so tantalized by the ending of the book I was going out of my
mind till I bought the third one. Let me tell you that it's a series that’s
worth reading all the way through.
I give “City of Ash” a four and a half star rating.
Now go forth and read it yourself. I will be back soon with a
review of book three “City of Glass”.
I don't know about you but I enjoy me a good fantasy every now and again. Recently I saw "Oz the Great and Powerful". I was really looking for to this one. I'm a big fan of James Franco, Mila Kunis, and Rachel Weisz. So, with a great cast, stellar effects, and another tale out of the land of Oz, I thought this had to be a great flick! I have to say though it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
The story starts in black and white boring old Kansas at the county fair. We meet the Wizard/con artist Oscar Diggs a.k.a Oz a carnival magician who dreams of bigger things but isn't a very honest fellow. Needless to say his little white lies get him into trouble and he has to flee the carnival in a hot air balloon. Then, suddenly he's caught up in a tornado and when the storm is over he finds himself in a strange new (colorful) land. He happens to meet a very attractive young Witch called Theodora the Good. She informs him that he has landed in Oz and that it's been prophesied that a great Wizard would fall out of the sky and save Oz from the evil Witch. So she assumes he's the Wizard they've been waiting for and takes him to the Emerald City to rule as King. However, on the way, he puts the moves on Theodora and she becomes convinced their in love and she will be his Queen. At the Emerald City he meets Theodora's sister, Evanora another good Witch, of course. Oz decides to pretend to be the Wizard they've been waiting for after seeing the royal treasure. Only problem is he can't be crowned King until he kills the evil Witch. So begins his real adventure. Up to this point I really enjoyed the movie.
I won't tell you to much more of the plot since I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it. I will tell you why it lost me a bit in the second half of the movie. (SPOILER ALERT) At one point one of the "good" Witches is convinced to eat a poison apple that will kill her heart so she will not feel heart break. One of the side effects is that it turns her from a beautiful woman into the the horrible green faced wicked Witch of the West we all know from "The Wizard of Oz". It's not a bad twist to the tale, however, the make up and fake nose are a tad corny. When the newly-turned wicked Witch of the West appears to confront Oz the Wizard the actress's performance was lacking. It's supposed to be a menacing scene but it's rather lame if you ask me. Part of the reason I say this is because of her costume in this scene. She is dressed in a black classic Witch hat and a black low-cut dress (showing lots of cleavage with tattered frayed skirt that shows lots of leg). I felt this was out of place because she decided to turn evil because she hated the Wizard, when the poison apple turned her into a hideous creature, she said she wanted to stay that way instead of fixing it, that she wanted the Wizard to see her that way and know it was his fault. So, if this is the case, I don't think her character would then choose to wear a sexy outfit to go with her new ugliness. It's not a big deal but it took me out of the film a bit. Also, I felt Michelle Williams was a little disappointing as Glinda the good Witch of the North. She looks the part but I felt she was a little stiff. Rachel Weisz was by far the best Witch in the film in my opinion. Even James Franco (the Wizard) delivered a few lines that were sort of lame. Over all it was a good film but it definitely could have been a little better. So, all in all, I have to give this film a rating of two and a half stars. It's fun, the production quality is great, and if you're a fan of family friendly fantasy's then this movie will appeal to you. You can view the trailer of this flick below.
Now go forth and check it out for yourself. And afterwards drop me a line and let me know what you thought of it.
Yes! Finally, "The Hobbit" is now
available at redbox! So, we checked it out last weekend and enjoyed it with our
son, who loved it. "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." by Peter
Jackson based (loosely) on the novel of the same title by J. R. R. Tolkien. It
is the prequel to "The Lord of the Rings Trilogy" (in case you didn't
know). I read this book right after high school when "The Fellowship of
the Ring" was about to come out in theaters. Immediately afterward I read
the rest of the series.
I, for one, love Tolkien's elaborate and poetic
storytelling and enjoyed the books immensely. However, since I read the book
over ten years ago, I couldn't remember it all with perfect clarity. After
watching the film version I felt like I needed to re-read the book; just to
verify whether what's in the film's plot was an invention of Tolkien or a
creative liberty taken by Jackson.
The film starts off with old Bilbo Baggins writing
his memories of his adventures from his youth to leave for Frodo after he's
gone. (This is supposed to take place before Bilbo's birthday party in
"The Fellowship of the Ring"). From there we go back into the tale
and see Bilbo as a young man meeting Gandalf as he passes by his home. The
conversation turns to adventuring and somehow, without even knowing it, Bilbo
agrees to go on a quest. Later that night random Dwarves-- whom he's never met
before in his life--start showing up at his door and inviting themselves in for
dinner. Finally, when Bilbo is at his wits end, Gandalf arrives to explain
everything. It turns out Bilbo is to be the 13th member of this company, sworn
to take back their home, Erebor, from the evil dragon, Smaug. From there we go
on a whirlwind adventure into unknown parts of Middle Earth. Along the way we
learn the history of the Dwarf Prince, Thorin Oakenshield, and his fallen
kingdom. I remember some of this from the book, but then they tell of the Dwarf
Prince and all the homeless Dwarves trying to take back the ancient Dwarf
kingdom called Moira. Only problem is there are Orcs already squatting there.
So a battle ensues involving a legendary Pale Orc astride a white Warg (Giant
Wolf) who has sworn to end the Dwarf royal line of Thorin.
However, he doesn't succeed in killing Thorin
because the Dwarves end up winning the fight but not regaining the mines of
Moira (this is all back story). Before the company of 13 finally reaches The
Lonely Mountain, Bilbo the Hobbit accomplishes many things. First, he saves the
Dwarves from being eaten by Trolls. Second, he escapes capture from an Orc
hunting party. Then, he stumbles into the Elvish kingdom of Rivendale. Then, he
escapes from the Goblin fortress. And finally, he saves Thorin's life. Not to
mention he wins a magic ring of invisibility from Gollum in a game of riddles.
For such a humble little fellow, Bilbo Baggins proves to be quite the hero in
this tale.
As far as the movie goes, the production value is
just as excellent as "The Fellowship of the Ring". The story is well
told if only a bit off course from time to time. The only things that really
bothered me were the parts that turn out aren't in the book. The Pale Orc
astride a white Warg is a Jackson invention to give us more of a definite
villain. In the book it was always Smaug the dragon. However, since Peter
Jackson decided to break this tale up into a trilogy, Smaug seems more like a
mythical creature instead of an imminent threat. Also, the whole thing with
Moira confuses me. This is why: in "The Fellowship of the Ring",
Gimli, son of Glóin, takes Frodo and the Fellowship through the mines of Moira
expecting to meet his kinfolk who rule there. However, they find out that the
Dwarves are all dead, and Balrog, the fire demon, and his orc minions, now
inhabit it. Now if "The Hobbit" happened quite some time before
"The Fellowship of the Ring" then how come no one knew Moira was
inhabited by evil until they got there? Why didn't Gandalf warn anyone? (Listen
to me, I sound like A Tolkien fanatic!) I was confused a little, yes, however
these plot holes did not take away from my enjoyment of the film.
Overall I give "The Hobbit: An Unexpected
Journey" three and a half stars. It was well done and definitely got me
excited to see the next film in the series. Now go forth and see it yourself
(if you haven't already). Or, go re-read the book that inspired it. Either way
you'll be having a good time.
Here’s another post of my favorite movie quotes. This one is
of American film classics. By this I mean films from the golden age of
Hollywood. I’ve always enjoyed older films, whether black and white, Technicolor,
comedies, or epics. So here are some of
my favorite classic movie quotes.
1)“Of all the
gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.” – Rick
Blaine, Casablanca (1942). Starring Humphrey Bogart,Ingrid Bergman,Paul Henreid. During the beginning of World War II, Rick
Blaine (Bogart), an American without a country, owns a bar in unoccupied
Casablanca (Africa). He helps refugees escape from the Nazi’s for a price.
Until one day the girl that left Rick without a word in Paris shows up at his
bar with a husband, and in need of his help.
2)“I don't think I've
ever drunk champagne before breakfast before. With breakfast on several
occasions, but never before, before.” - Holly
Golightly, Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). A young New York socialite (Audrey Hepburn,) becomes
interested in a young man (George Peppard)
who has moved into her apartment building. There really isn’t
a whole lot to the plot of this film, but the writing is good and the
characters are interesting. The performances by both leads (especially Audrey)
are fantastic. It’s one of my favorite movies of all time.
3)“Great balls of fire. Don't bother me anymore,
and don't call me sugar. “- Scarlett O’Hara, Gone with the Wind (1939). Starring
Vivien Leigh
and Clark Gable.
Based off the novel by Margaret Mitchell, a two hundred and
thirty-eight minute long epic about an equally epic love story during and after
the civil war. I loved the book, I love this movie, and I even love the sequel
“Scarlet.” And the mini-series spin off of that book, too. There are plenty of
good quotes in this film, but this one sounds a little like something I might
say myself, so it makes me giggle.
4)“He wouldn't have died of pneumonia if I
hadn't shot him! “ - Jonathan
Brewster, Arsenic and Old Lace (1944). A drama critic (Cary Grant) learns on his wedding day that
his beloved maiden aunts are homicidal maniacs, and that insanity runs in his
family. A very funny movie. If you haven’t seen it, you really should. The
whole film, start to finish, is a gold mine of comic timing and great one- liners.
5)“Boy. When you come on, you come on.“ - Cary Grant
“Well, then, come on.” - Audrey Hepburn, Charade (1963). Romance and suspense in Paris as a woman is pursued by
several men who want a fortune that her murdered husband had stolen. Who can
she trust? This film also stars a young Walter Matthau, and a lot of great performances
from a great cast. Audrey and Cary are great together in this romantic
thriller. Again if you haven’t seen it you should. They tried to remake this
movie a while ago. Perhaps you’ve heard of the awful Mark Walberg flick called
“The Truth about Charlie.” Yeah, it’s pretty bad. Tim Robbins does a pretty
good version of Walter Matthau’scharacter
from the original, and Thandie Newton was okay as a modern take on
Audrey Hepburn, but Walberg was, well… just terrible. So watch the original,
Charade. It’s by far superior.
If you have a favorite movie quote please share it on this
blog, or else go forth and check out these ones. Well, that’s it for now.
Thanks for reading.
Some of you out there may not know this but Tim Burton's film "Dark Shadows" is based off of the popular daytime soap opera. With Vampires, Witches, Warlocks, Werewolves, and other supernatural creatures, it was the phenomenon that ran on ABC-TV from 1966-1971. With two Dark Shadow films, multiple tries at re-vamping (pun intended) the series, a score of fans and even a Dark Shadows Festival, the show's legend has lived on in various forms. I, myself, am an old fan of the soap opera and watched the re-runs on the Sci-Fi Channel in junior high. When I heard that Tim Burton was remaking "Dark Shadows" with Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins, I was out of my mind with ecstasy. Burton and Depp are the perfect pair to tackle this project, and I knew they would do it justice. I have to admit if I had millions of dollars I might have done a "Dark Shadows" movie myself. The show started with Victoria Winters, the outsider who comes to Collinwood, to be the new governess. She soon finds out that the Collins family has more than just skeletons in its closet. In the soap opera Barnabas Collins wasn't introduced to the cast until nine months into the show, becoming the first Vampire with a conscious in pop-culture history. However, in Burton's film version the story begins with Barnabas Collin's mortal life before he was cursed by Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green)--his jilted Witch lover--and transformed into a Vampire and entombed for two centuries. We jump a head in time to 1972 with Governess Victoria Winters, played by Bella Heathcote, on her way to Collinsport Maine. When she arrives at the old gothic-style Collinwood mansion she meets the Collins played by an all-star cast. Michelle Pfeiffer plays her employer, and head of the Collins family, Elizabeth Collins Stoddard. The family's live-in-shrink, Dr. Julia Hoffman, is played by the very talented and always awesome Helena Bonham-Carter. The brother, Roger Collins, a drunken widower and negligent father, is played by Jonny Lee Miller (who was once married to Angelina Jolie just so you know). The Collins children are played by Chloë Grace Moretz (also seen in "Kick-Ass" and "Hugo") and Gulliver McGrath (also seen in "Hugo" and "Lincoln"). The family has plenty of personality all their own, but things get even stranger at Collinwood when Barnabas Collins is accidently released from his coffin. He returns to his home to find that Collinsport has changed considerably. His family's fishing company is all but extinct and his family manor in shambles. Luckily, he has a hidden stash of wealth in the mansion and goes about trying to reconnect with his family and return the family business to its former glory. Only problem is his wicked Witch of an old flame is still alive and owns the rival fishing company and pretty much owns the town. What ensues is a hilarious farce of dark magic, Vampires, and 1970's culture. There's even a part where Barnabas kills a bunch of hippies (awesome)! I loved this movie and laughed out loud all the way through. However, they never explain exactly how Angelique Bouchard managed to live two hundred years. The film likewise does not explain where the modern day Collins descendants came from. In the beginning of the film, they portray Barnabas Collins as an only child; his parents both killed by one of the Witches' curses before he became a Vampire. These two plot holes bugged me a little but not enough to take away from my enjoyment of the film. I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes Tim Burton, Jonny Depp, supernatural beings, and has a dark sense of humor. You don't have to be an original "Dark Shadows" groupie to love the movie, but it doesn't hurt. Below is a link to the movie trailer and a dark shadows fan site for you to check out as well. Now go forth, children of the night, and view this flick. Love it or hate it, I'd love to hear what you thought of it. Till next time, R.J. Craddock
While out on a movie night with my mom I saw "The Host", a film based off of the novel by Stephanie Meyer. After reading the "Twilight" saga I was all Stephanie- Meyered-out, so when "The Host" came out I couldn't have cared less. However, seeing the film has changed my mind. Perhaps Meyer's talent lies with Science Fiction instead of YA Paranormal Romance.
The movie begins with a voice over of Uncle Jeb (William Hurt) telling how wonderful the world is now that the human race has been taken over by alien parasites. Yeah, sure the world finally has peace but it's no longer our world. The Seekers of this Alien Race seek out the last of the Human resistance. Amongst these last remaining few is Melanie Stryder, played by (Saoirse Ronan) of course; she gets nabbed by The Seekers at the very beginning of the film. In her attempt to get away from them she tries to kill herself. However, The Seekers just take her near-lifeless-body and heal it with their advanced alien medicine. Now her body can play Host to another alien soul, called Wanderer or Wanda for short. But unlike other humans who give in to the invading souls and lose control of their bodies, Melanie refuses to give in and fights Wanda for control of herself. Especially, when Wanda is asked by The Seeker (Diane Kruger) to access Melanie's memories and finds the rest of the human resistance. Melanie will do anything to protect her boyfriend Jared Howe (Max Irons) and her little brother Jamie (Chandler Canterbury). Melanie plays on Wanda's sympathy and convinces her to help her protect the ones she loves.
Wanda escapes The Seekers at Melanie's directions and goes in search of Melanie's uncle Jeb, the one place she knows Jared and Jamie would go to be safe. What proceeds is an emotional journey for both alien and host. Wanda learns to care for humans and their spirits and Melanie learns to Love Wanda. I can't tell you how the rest of the movie goes, of course, but it is an interesting tale of survival and the human spirit. Also, this story has the classic YA love triangle but with a twist. Melanie still loves Jared who she met while she was on the run. On the other hand Wanda begins to have feelings for Ian O'Shea, (Jake Abel) one of the humans living in the cave-like refuge on Uncle Jeb's property in the desert. This is a conflict since Melanie won't let Wanda do anything about her feelings, but also can't stand to let Jared kiss her because he's also kissing Wanda. Confused yet?
Overall I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I enjoyed all the casts' performances, even Saoirse Ronan whom I'm not particularly a fan. However, she felt like a good fit for this role of dual personages trapped in one body. I loved the location of the Human's cave hideout, not a bad place to live in a time of peace let alone during a global takeover. The ending was a little corny but not so much as to turn me off. Anyway, they kind of leave it open at the end for a sequel. I didn't know the book was part of a series but now that I do, I might end up reading this one after all. I'm still not a Stephanie Meyer enthusiast, and I'm most definitely not a Twihard (someone who is a die-hard "Twilight" fan). Still, I found this storyline far more to my liking than the melodrama that is "Twilight".
I'd give this film a three and a half star rating. Below you'll find "The Host" trailer and the cover art from the book. Now go forth and read the book or go see the film if you're interested. I thought it was fun. You might, too.
A couple of years ago when I first began writing my book "The Forsaken" I was trying to explain the concept of my story to my sister--a former librarian and ex-Border's employee (so she's a book fanatic like me)--and she said it reminded her of these books about The Shadow Hunters. She couldn't remember what they were called, and I had no idea what she was talking about. Anyway, a year later I was at a Christmas party for my local chapter of The League of Utah Writers and I won a copy of "The Mortal Instruments, Book One: City of Bones" in a raffle. I was excited because I'd seen the cover at the bookstore and thought, "Ooohh! Nice Cover. I think I want to read that book." So, getting it for free was great. However, I was in the middle of three other series at the time and just put it on my bookshelf, saving it for another time; where it stayed untouched for two years. Then recently as I was designing the book cover for "The Forsaken", I was looking at some of my favorite books and came across "City of Bones." I decided to finally read it.
Now, I don't usually read much Young Adult novels because of three main factors: first, the story telling is watered-down for a younger audience, leaving it with very little atmosphere or description. Second, the conceptions of the stories (in Urban Fantasy and regular Fantasy at least) feel under developed because a younger audience apparently can't handle complex world building. Third, the characters and dialogue seem unrealistic because they exclude the natural sexuality of teenagers so it can be a YA book. I don't know about you, but I was a very hormonal, boy-crazy teenager, even though I was good girl. But nonetheless, those kinds of thoughts and feelings are natural at that age. However, I understand not wanting to include sex in these books, but all too often YA books seem to ignore sexuality all together which, to me, makes the characters seem unrealistic.
However, never fear Cassandra Clare has none of these issues in her book "City of Bones." As far as storytelling and description, Cassandra is awesome. I was not bored in the least; she gave great details at pivotal moments which really enhanced the mood of the book. The world building/concept of this series is amazing for a YA book, for any book really. "City of Bones" is rich in detail and unique mythology built off of biblical references and old legends. It's pure genius. Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised at how three dimensional her characters were, and appreciated the realistic sexual tension between them, while still maintaining a PG-13 vibe. The dialogue was great, giving each character their own individuality without seeming written or cliché. It even made me laugh out loud a few times.
Finally, someone has written a teenage heroine that doesn't annoy me! I love Clary Fray. She's got wit, sarcasms (one of my favorite things) personality and spunk. Like many books do, "City of Bones." has its own love triangle--well, it's really a love octagon--but unlike other YA books, I actually felt like this one made sense. I can totally understand why two guys would fight over Clary, she's irresistible. Also, I can see why she would be torn between her two male leads. She has the good boy next door in Simon, but he's got more to him than that with his own sarcasm and wit and an endearing sense of loyalty that every best friend should have. On the other hand we've got the bad boy, Jace who isn't just a stereo-type but has real depth and vulnerability, taking the edge off his cold, arrogant exterior making you want to know him better. Not to mention he's sexy as can be and the chemistry between him and Clary is electric and believable.
I have to admit that it took me until chapter five to really get into this book. Not because the story telling wasn't good, it was. Nowadays books are faster paced, like movies, where you start off the book with a life changing event. (inciting incident) The thing I've always preferred about books is that you can take your time to get to know a character, establish their background and hang on tight as their lives become a roller coaster ride. However, once I got to know the characters, I was hooked and stayed riveted until the very end. I have to hand it to the author for her subtle foreshadowing that gave hints of the outcome of the book yet left me completely unprepared for the twist at the end (you will be, too). All too often the ending of a book is less surprising and more predictable. Although I was a little mad about the ending, eventually I broke down and bought the next book because I was too invested in the characters not to read on. Overall I give this book a 5 star rating. The Mortal Instruments is my new favorite series from my new favorite author.
"The Mortal Interments: City of Bones" movie comes out in August 2013. I can't wait to see it. Below I included a music video of the song that I think should be Jace's theme song, or at least what Clary thinks of him. I can totally hear this song over the end credits of the movie. Also, I included the movie trailer itself. I hope you enjoy both the videos and go out and pick up this book. You will not be disappointed.
All things seem to go in phases in the mainstream entertainment industry. For a while Vampires ruled the world of entertainment. Although, for the die-hard Vampire enthusiasts, bloodsuckers always have and always will rule! However, it seems that Witches might be the new Vampire. This is good news for me, since my book, “The Forsaken”dabbles in magic. Perhaps my book couldn’t come out at a better time.
When I think of Witches, I think of the Salem Witch Trials, I think black cats, All Hallows Eve, superstition, and black magic. I don’t think of English kids goofing off with a wand saying, “Oh, gee whiz, magic is fun!” Don’t get me wrong Harry Potter is a brilliant series, and J.K. Rowling has a unique voice that makes her books rather entertaining. But after all, it is written for a young audience; hence the true darkness of Witchcraft is lost. Never fear, if you’re like me, and you like your Witches on the dark side, there is still hope.
“Beautiful Creatures” by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl is book one in “The Caster Chronicles”, a Young Adult series. Although I haven’t yet read the books I did see the film, and am happy to report that dark magic is on its way back.
Set in a small backwoods town in South Carolina, the film begins with the male lead, (this is his story really) Ethan Wate, played byAlden Ehrenreich. (I like having the movie start with the guy since it makes it feel like a general film instead of a chick flick) He’s bored with his life claiming: “There are only two kinds of people in Gatlin, those who are too stupid to leave, and those who are too stuck to move.” Not wanting to be trapped in this dead end town for the rest of his life, he dreams of something more.
Then enters the dark mysterious new girl in town, who as it happens is the same girl he’s been having ominous recurring dreams about. Her name is Lena Duchannes, played by Alice Englert. Drawn to each other by some unexplained force they start to fall in love. Ethan discovers that Lena is a “Caster” (essentially a Witch with a cooler name). It turns out she has been dreaming of him, too. At first their romance seemed a little forced because of the need to speed things up for a two hour movie, but over time the character’s natural chemistry made the relationship believable. They even have a fight, a real one, which is refreshing because reality couples fight all the time, especially teenage ones. Neither of the two leads is very attractive in my opinion, but they seemed to fit the characters well, and you grow to like them as the film goes on.
Of course there are the typical popular girls who treat Lena as the outcast and try to harass her, not to mention that the whole town is convinced that she’s evil. The teenage bullies were a little stereotypical and lame, but they’re just side characters really. God fearing town member,Mrs. Lincoln,who is adamant that Lena should be expelled from the high school because of her dark nature, is played by the very talented Emma Thompson(who I adore). Her character is neither a stereotype nor quite what she seems.Opposite her and the mentor/guardian of Lena is Macon Ravenwood, brought to life by the great Jeremy Irons. These two characters don’t see eye to eye when it comes to Lena and her future. Will her powers be claimed for the light or the dark? Is she an inherently evil Witch or a good Witch? And how will Ethan and Lena stay together when it comes to light that Casters are forbidden to love mortals? You’ll have to watch the film/read the books to find out.
Over all I love the dark moody tone of the film. Having it set in the South lends it some personality, especially with the legend of the Caster Curse coming from the civil war time; it even features a civil war reenactment. The set production and costume design are all rather excellent. There is a particular costume worn by Lena’s cousin Ridley, played by the beautiful Emmy Rossum, that is to die for, very Victorian, chic, and sexy (I kind of have a thing for the whole Steampunk fashion movement). The film’s visual effects are stunning; not too overdone and realistic. The “tornado in a dining room” scene, I thought was very well done. Although for me the ending was a little anti-climactic, they try to leave you with a cliff hanger, setting it up for the second film, but I think it lacked the impact they were going for. Still it was an enjoyable flick that I would recommend to any paranormal/ fantasy movie fan.
I give Beautiful Creatures three out of four stars.
Also I added the trailer for Beautiful Creatures below. Enjoy.
Now go forth and see this film. If you do, make sure to come back and share your thoughts and impressions of the movie in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.
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