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I just got a chance last week to watch Pan’s Labyrinth on DVD. for those of you who haven’t heard about it (where have you been) it’s a movie from the director Guillermo del Toro the guy who directed Blade II and Hellboy (don’t let those movies deter you, this one is good, not that that the other two aren’t they just aren’t on the same level).

To put it simply, this movie is excellent. It does all the things a good fantasy should do in my opinion. Makes you question reality. Is set against a backdrop that reinforces the fantasy aspects and makes reality just that much harsher, and is in some ways a metaphor for what is happening in that “reality”. The setting is Spain post WW II and is rife with the political tensions of the time. Fascists are taking hold in Spain, and though there are a few groups of rebels trying to fight, the fight seems hopeless. When the movie opens, the main character Ofelia and her mother Carmen are on their way to a remote and old mill that Ofelia’s new step father–Captain Vidal–has converted into a military outpost to scrub the back country of the last of the rebels. Carmen is very pregnant, and weak, and it is obvious that Captain Vidal wants little to do with Ofelia. In fact, his very demeanor is cold and calculating. They did a great job with character development with all the characters, but Vidal’s very presence is foreboding, and the details in his character make him more so.

Ofelia is a dreamy girl, who lives in her own fantasy world and carries with her books of fairy tales and magic. Despite her mother telling her it is time to give them up, she holds on to them as her lifeline. Once at the old mill, Ofelia finds the entrance to a labyrinth and is drawn to it. But one of the locals–a woman named Mercedes who is a serving woman for the Captain–warns Ofelia it is dangerous and befriends the young girl. From there the darkness of not only the labyrinth but the mill and the people in it begin to ooze out into the open.

Ofelia finds eventually in the center of the labyrinth a faun or pan. traditionally these are tricksters in myth, and don’t usually bring good things to those who see them. But Ofelia is entranced by the faun and the story he has to tell her, and agrees to take on three tasks to prove she is worthy.

Despite the fact that Ofelia is a young girl, this is not some touchy feely,fairy tale. There are moments of violence in this movie so quick and brutal they are lodged in my mind. And from that first act of violence, committed by the Captain against a local old man and his son, the shadows begin to lengthen in the movie. Ofelia falls deeper into the secrets of the labyrinth, Mercedes tries to keep her own secrets from the Captain, and Carmen becomes weaker and weaker as her time to give birth nears.

The tension between the story lines builds and eventually hits a head on collision. Ofelia’s fantasy world, and brutal “reality” intersect, and the results are not pretty.

Still it’s hard to say if the movie ends badly or not. I suppose it depends a lot on how you look at the world. At where you draw the lines between the real world and the world in your head. That is in essence the theme of this story. The derailing of reality, and the subtle hidden world that lies beneath. Not just the fauns and fairies that are hiding, but secrets, loss, fear, and oppression. The things we hide from ourselves and others. All of us carry our own myth, our own fantasy world in our heads, but it is a fantasy of who we are and why we do the things we do. A fantasy of what it is to be human, and what the difference is between good and evil.

I cannot recommend this movie highly enough. It’s one of the rare movies that you can watch time and again and take something from it every time.

Happy viewing.

The other day I picked up the newest Entertainment Weekly Normally I don’t read this magazine. I like the Stephen King essay in the back and some of the book reviews, but sometimes it’s so shallow I couldn’t get my big toe wet in the puddle that is their gene pool, but they got me with a Spiderman III picture. And the promise of the scoop on 115 summer movies.

It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again, a geeks favorite time of year. Not only because we can break out our sandals and white sock ensemble for another year, but the movies, oh the glorious, action packed, butt-kicking, web-slinging movies.

So, here’s the ones I’m looking forward to the most. In no particular order, as my brain doesn’t work that way.

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Okay, I have a few issues with the books, and the last two movies were lacking in the story line a bit, but visually these movies are always stunning, and watching these kids grow up is so cute I might slip into a diabetic coma. Out: July 13th
• Spiderman III: What’s not to love? Three bad guys, a black spidey suit, possibly another woman, and Tobey Maguire going all dark and angsty. I love dark and angsty. Out: May 4th
• Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. Johnny Depp channeling his inner Keith Richards (who will play Captain Teague) complete with more eyeliner then a Vegas brothel, I am so there. I have to admit, I’ve been a Depp fan for years, nappy dreads or not. And While Mister Bloom grates on my nerves (it’s not his fault, it’s the whole Elf thing) I still can’t wait for this one. Out: May 25th
• The Simpsons Movie. They’re yellow, they poke fun at religion, society, Hollywood, and TV. They’re animated deviants after my own heart. Out: July 27th
• I Know Who Killed Me. I have no idea what this movie is really about. But the title coupled with the fact that it’s starring Lindsey Lohan, well that does it all for me. If Lohan dies the gruesome horrible death promised that’s worth the price of admission for me. Out: July 27th
• 1408 This one, based on a short Stephen King story, looks promising. If a bit experimental. It’s about a hotel room that becomes the occupants own personal hell. Mine would include Paula Abdul, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Elves, and certain relatives that will remain nameless (you know who you are and I want my CDs back).
• Stardust: Anyone who knows me knows I’m a Gaimen fan, hell anyone who’s given this blog more then a cursory glance can see that. I’d sell my soul for an hour to pick his brain, too bad I all ready sold it for chocolate and a good cup of coffee. Oh well, my mom always told me I should have higher standards and I never believed her. At any rate, this movie has been compared to another of my favorites; The Princess Bride, but with an edge. I know the book and graphic novel are awesome as I’ve read both and they do indeed have a lot in common with the Princess Bride . And from what I’ve seen in the trailers, it looks like they’ve added quite a bit to the story line while staying as true to the book as possible. And with stars like De Niro, Clarie Danes, and Michelle Pfeiffer I’m hoping this is everything the book was and more.
• Shrek III: I just have to see this out of some perverse sense of loyalty. And cause I’m hoping Justin Timberlake dies. Sorry Jusitn, you’re not as annoying as Lindsay Lohan I’ll give you that, but that’s all I’m giving you.

Okay, those cover all the bigger movies I’m really dying to see. There are a few that I know I’m going to end up watching eventually but that I won’t be sure of until after I see them. Transformers would fall into this category, to be honest I laughed out loud when a friend told me how excited he was they were making this movie. It just sounded preposterous. It still kind of does, but after looking at the trailers I realized I’d have to see it for myself. There is also The Bourne Ultimatum, The Invasion, Evan Almighty, Pathfinder, and Disturbia on my list of maybes. As in maybe I’ll watch it, maybe I’ll avoid it.

Oh and on a side note. I know Tony is really looking forward to the movie Sunshine. He’s all revved up to see the great special effects, and solid scientific principles. Here’s the proof.

I just finished a new book by a new author Patrick Rothfuss a few months ago; the book is called The Name of the Wind.

I’ve been planning a long winded gushing review for weeks now, but circumstances prevented me from doing so. Prepare for the gush.

First off, and because I suffer from the delusion that you actually care, I feel the need to describe my reading of the last few months. It can be summed up like this: I’ve been avoiding epic fantasy like a solider avoids syphilis while on leave, and with a good deal more success I’d imagine as epic fantasy is easier to spot. It’s not because I dislike epic fantasy, but because of late I’ve found it unsatisfying. Lots of foreplay, little pay off. Not that I don’t like big men with big swords, I enjoy a phallic symbol as much as the next girl. But I’d like my men with swords to have some depth, my damsels to be smart enough to do their own rescuing from time to time, and my wise wizards to be able to do more then just spout off stuff that sounds like it came from some New Age book. What can I say, I am a chick, I like characters. Occasionally I get lucky, I won’t deny that. I run across a great piece of epic fantasy that sticks in my head for weeks on end, that I have to finish as soon as I pick it up. A book that makes me think, inspires me to pick up my own pen, and just generally gives me chills. The Name of the Wind does all that and more.

I rarely say this but this is the best epic fantasy book I’ve ever read. I knew from the jacket blurb I was going to like it, but after the prologue I was hooked. Here’s a sample.

It was night again. The Waystone Inn lay in silence, and it was a silence of three parts.

The most obvious part was a hollow, echoing quiet, made by things that were lacking. If there had been a wind it would have sighed through the trees, set the inn’s sign creaking on its hooks, and brushed the silence down the road like trailing autumn leaves. If there had been a crowd, even a handful of men inside the inn, they would have filled the silence with conversation and laughter, the clatter and clamor one excepts from a drinking house during the dark hours of the night. If there had been music…but no, of course there was no music. In fact there were none of these things, and so the silence remained.

The prologue is only one page, and involves that three kinds of silence, but the language is so lovely, so visual, and so spot on it drew me in immediately. And I was more surprised when I found that the first chunk of the story to about page 53 is written in third person, and involves the “current” story line. Eventually the main character, Kvothe, begins to tell the story that brought him to that moment to a scribe. He tells of his youth in an acting troupe, of his time living as an urchin in the city streets, and subsequently his acceptance into a university that teaches…well magic of course.

To anyone reading this and thinking they have it all pegged, or that this story reminds of them of hundreds of others, and there’s nothing new here. You’re wrong. I know, I thought the same thing.

Like I’ve said, I’ve rotted my brain with more epic fantasy then any one person should lay claim to. And at those moments when I thought I knew where he was going, I was proven wrong. Sure, there is that level of predictability. Rothfuss is dealing with archetypes here. But rather then showing you the same archetypes, we’re taken on a little journey in what it takes to make a myth. On the man behind that myth, and on all his flaws, and weakness, and loves and hates. Kvothe spends most of this book getting beaten down just as much as lifted into story. He’s just a child after all, one still learning about the world, and women, and politics.

And it’s not just the epic personality of Kvothe, it’s the mundane details, those little things that make a story so real, that really brings it to life. From money worries to actually having to relieve one’s self (will wonder’s never cease) he doesn’t forget those little things that make the story so much more vivid.

I found it fascinating the way he layered the first person and third person narrative. Part of the problem with writing in first person is that a level of suspense is taken from the story because you know that your main character isn’t going to die (at least not if the author’s following certain writing rules and let’s face it we all feel cheated when those rules are broken). But by playing that third person story line up to its full potential we get that drama back ten fold. A good portion of the theme in that part of the book is given over to the fact that Kvothe has told himself he’s just a humble tavern keeper, and since the stories we tell ourselves dictate who we are, that is what Kvothe is becoming. He’s losing those parts of himself that had been more, much more.

It’s not just emotional death we need to worry about. There is also the threat of some kind of demon spider, called a scraeling. Somehow these scraelings have something to do with Kvothe’s past, or he’s run across them before, but I feel there is a connection between him and them, perhaps one that will come out in later books.

Kvothe is himself one of the strongest characters I’ve seen since Jacqueline Carey’s Phedre in the Kushiel’s series. And it’s not just the strength of the character, but the excellent characterization that I’m impressed with. From the moment I read the book jacket I could hear Kvothe whispering in my ear, and every time I put the book down he called me back. He is a compelling character to say the least.

Basically, this is a near perfect epic fantasy book. One I would proudly give to a friend to showcase all the positives that the genre has to offer. It was moving, funny, gut wrenching, and awe inspiring. And I think we should all be keeping an eye on Patrick Rothfuss in the future, he has a long and rewarding future in front of him.

Oh, and on a side note, Patrick’s blog is entertaining, and humorous. Couple that with the picture of him in his Joss Wheadon is My Master Now tee, and well…kindred spirits are truly a beautiful thing. Getting all chocked up just thinking about it.

Well two weeks in a row something actually happened, and Tony’s questions about Mr. Bennet have been answered. Unfortunately, new questions have been brought up. But that’s good, I was getting so sick of asking the old questions I’m glad to have some new ones. Now this week’s episode was focused primarily on Mr Bennet and his oh so artsy black and white flashbacks. Warning if you’ve TIVOed this and haven’t watched it yet don’t read any further (Tony). Another warning; I’m writing this deep inside a medication induced haze. Blame any omissions, mistakes, or grammar errors on the Nyquil and Thera-flu instead of on my unwillingness to edit, which is usually the culprit.

So here’s what we know for sure:

• Mr. Bennet did not some how activate these mutant genes, or in anyway cause certain people to have their powers come to the forefront.
• Hiro’s dad is in on it somehow. By the way, how awesome is it that George Takei leapt out of the closet and got a real acting job. It’s been a busy year for Sulu.
• THE MAN is behind it. Just like the voices have always told me. Never trust THE MAN.
• The Invisible Man, Claude, once worked with Mr. Bennet. Until Bennet shot him like a vicious bastard. Cold man, that was cold.
• The Haitian is working with someone else, though we’re not sure who yet, apparently for now he’s working to keep Clarie out of the clutches of the people Mr. Bennet works for.
• And much like I predicted it seems Mr. Lendermen has something to do with all of this. Perhaps he’s the leader of the organization Mr. Bennet works for, perhaps he opposes them. Either way, I’m betting he’s going to be one creepy guy.
• Now here’s something that hasn’t been answered yet, but I’ve been pondering on since early this season. You know that necklace the Haitian wears, right? Looks a lot like Nicki’s tattoo doesn’t it? Hmmm…something to dwell on.

Okay, that’s all my flu addled brain can remember right now. And you should know my husband disagrees with me. He doesn’t think anything happened, at least not anything we didn’t kind of all ready know. But I stopped listening to his opinions when we got married, it’s in the pre-nup. We get to stop listening to each other. It’s a good deal really.

Well I have finally done it, I have finally hit a new dork level. Really it didn’t take much, just a pure whim, to push me into this new, strange realm.

Sure, it started innocently enough, I was at my public library (for those of you who thought the internet did away with such arcane forms of information gathering they are still around) and I happened to notice a nice collection of graphic novels that is new to my library. Of course, I had to stop and look.

I must admit I’m not much of a comics reader. Not because I consider myself above them, mostly because my brain has gotten used to reading novels and making my own pretty pictures to play in my head. I’ve tried, I truly have. Last year a dear friend gave me the complete Elfquest Archives Volume One in a beautiful hard bound book. I love it, but I’ve never really been able to read it.

But for some reason at the library yesterday I decided to pick up one of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman graphic novels. I couldn’t find the first so I got the second volume, The Doll’s House.

I wasn’t planning on being able to really get into it, I just wanted to see the artwork and get a feel for the comic in general. But, when I actually sat down to read through it I discovered that if I forced myself to slow way down and keep my eyes trained only on one panel at a time I could actually start to get into the story and the art at the same time without feeling too overwhelmed.

Imagine my surprise when I realized that the trick to reading a comic isn’t slap dashing through it just brushing the surface, but really concentrating. Noticing the slump in a characters shoulders, the subtle body language conveyed in the art as well as the words.

Now, I had never really considered myself a comic snob before this, but little did I know I was carrying a few prejudices about comics. I think I assumed they were easy, mindless reads with only the smallest of intellectual value. And I don’t know if it’s the comic I decided to start out with or if there’s a whole world of very well done graphic novels I have yet to discover, but there was more depth there then I had imagined. As weird as it is, in some ways I had to work harder for the story then I do in a novel. Sometimes novel writers just say too much. Some announce every emotion the characters are experiencing on loud speaker, or their motivations are dissected for pages and pages, until the reader grows so bored we never actually get to the point where the action occurs.

Of course not all novels are written like this, I know that, but the comic seems to force a writer to be a little more subtle, to leave a bit more to the reader’s imagination even if the “mental pictures” are being supplied. There are certain things that there is simply no room to delve into in a comic and it forces you to get to your point, and not to forget it. Ah, if only I could cultivate that skill myself.

Now, I realize some of this is due to the fact that this is a new medium to me, maybe partially my past inability to read a comic was because of my dyslexia, I’m not sure. Either way though, I’m kind of thrilled to have gotten through my first one. I feel like I’ve been initiated into some level of fandom I’ve never been able to obtain before. And yes, that sounded as pathetic to me as I’m sure it did to you, but oh well I’m just happy I’m no longer a comic virgin.

Sci-fi Channel reported on February 14 that they would be picking up BSG for 13 more episodes, and stated that it’s move to Sunday had improved the ratings by some 8 percent.

Now, I love this show, I won’t deny it. As far as good sci-fi goes on TV this is by far number one on my list. It’s dark, it’s edgy, it’s got some great special effects, the acting is spot on, those are all the positives. There are unfortunately a few negatives, especially in this past season. And I’d say most of it stems from one plot twist…the jumping ahead one year at the end of last season.

I know, I know if I was going to complian I should have done it earlier, right? Well maybe, but I was waiting to see how they pulled this one out of the bag before I started moaning about it. The idea of jumping forward a whole year was so “out there” in terms of television drama that I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not. And now I can say with complete conviction, it screwed them up. (Read more…)

I have recently become a Gaiman convert, taken the vows, said the hail Neils, and swore to remain true to the god of speculative fiction.

Okay, maybe “god” is going a bit far, but demi-god surely. I first picked up a Neil Gaiman book years ago when Neverwhere was first published. I liked it, but I was in the midst of my epic fantasy phase and soon forgot all about it in favor of sweeping medieval-esque worlds inhabited by elves and large men with larger swords. Basically, I was young and wanted my stories all raw and exposed, with no subtext or subtlety to weigh me down. Pure escapism was my goal. I’m kind of sorry I missed my opportunity all those years ago to become a follower of one of the best writers on the market today. (Read more…)