Review catch-up
Feb. 23rd, 2009 09:21 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alobearThis week's books:
Graceling, by Kristin Cashore - this had early promise. The world it described (seven kingdoms with uneasy alliances, certain people born with superhuman talent at one particular skill - anything from fighting to flower arranging) was well-drawn and interesting; the characters were engaging and likeable, and there was an intriguing mystery at the heart of the plot. Then the romance element was introduced and it all went downhill from there - the protagonist was annoyingly idiotic when she was being oblivious to the love interest's regard, and then it just turned unbearably mushy once they fell into bed together. Even the intriguing mystery petered out like a damp squib, leading to an unsatisfying conclusion where there could have been an excellent book. This is Cashore's first novel - I think, if she dials down the 'icky love stuff' (reference, anyone?) and concentrates on the politics and the action, she might have a career as a good writer.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard, by JK Rowling - frustratingly short but highly entertaining. The tales themselves are well-written and imaginative, and the commentaries by Dumbledore are delightfully in character. It was lovely to revisit the wizarding world via such a medium, gaining insight into wizarding childhood through the fairy tales young witches and wizards would be told, and thoroughly enjoying finding out more about Dumbledore's opinions about his society.
This week's films:
Confessions of a Shopoholic - this wasn't originally on my list, but it was suggested that I might enjoy it, so I gave it a go. I probably should have trusted my initial instincts (sorry to those who recommended it!), as this was pretty dreadful. Too much physical comedy for my tastes, and far too many 'amusing misunderstandings' of the type where the heroine ends up serving fish at a banquet because her dress is similar to the wait staff. Still, it had its moments, and Hugh Dancy is always nice to look at and listen to, so it wasn't all bad. Plus, I really want Isla Fisher's hair.
Anvil: The Story of Anvil - this also came highly recommended and wasn't quite as I expected. Mostly, it was just really, really sad. What the film seemed to be trying to say was that continuing with the band for thirty years without any success was a good thing, because its founder members refused to give up on their dream. However, the message wasn't exactly borne out by what was shown on screen. Lips maintained that all he needed to be happy was the opportunity to play, but it was quite clear that he was desperately bitter about never having made it as a rock star. Somehow, if playing was enough, I don't think he would have been quite so angry about not being paid in Prague. Still, the film was well put together, and very affecting.
The Painted Veil - despite the ending I saw a mile off, and which falls into one of my most hated categories (whatever terrible things happen to a woman, she'll be fine if she ends up with a baby), this was mostly extremely good. They managed to get through a vast amount of plot set-up in 30 minutes at the beginning (but without sacrificing believable character development), and then the main section of the film was beautifully crafted and perfectly paced. Edward Norton continues to impress - he had very little to work with here, but turned in a masterful performance of a very complicated man. It was also nice to see Toby Jones with a serious and sympathetic role, one which he played with consummate skill, as I think I've only seen him in comic roles before, and he's usually quite unpleasant.
Graceling, by Kristin Cashore - this had early promise. The world it described (seven kingdoms with uneasy alliances, certain people born with superhuman talent at one particular skill - anything from fighting to flower arranging) was well-drawn and interesting; the characters were engaging and likeable, and there was an intriguing mystery at the heart of the plot. Then the romance element was introduced and it all went downhill from there - the protagonist was annoyingly idiotic when she was being oblivious to the love interest's regard, and then it just turned unbearably mushy once they fell into bed together. Even the intriguing mystery petered out like a damp squib, leading to an unsatisfying conclusion where there could have been an excellent book. This is Cashore's first novel - I think, if she dials down the 'icky love stuff' (reference, anyone?) and concentrates on the politics and the action, she might have a career as a good writer.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard, by JK Rowling - frustratingly short but highly entertaining. The tales themselves are well-written and imaginative, and the commentaries by Dumbledore are delightfully in character. It was lovely to revisit the wizarding world via such a medium, gaining insight into wizarding childhood through the fairy tales young witches and wizards would be told, and thoroughly enjoying finding out more about Dumbledore's opinions about his society.
This week's films:
Confessions of a Shopoholic - this wasn't originally on my list, but it was suggested that I might enjoy it, so I gave it a go. I probably should have trusted my initial instincts (sorry to those who recommended it!), as this was pretty dreadful. Too much physical comedy for my tastes, and far too many 'amusing misunderstandings' of the type where the heroine ends up serving fish at a banquet because her dress is similar to the wait staff. Still, it had its moments, and Hugh Dancy is always nice to look at and listen to, so it wasn't all bad. Plus, I really want Isla Fisher's hair.
Anvil: The Story of Anvil - this also came highly recommended and wasn't quite as I expected. Mostly, it was just really, really sad. What the film seemed to be trying to say was that continuing with the band for thirty years without any success was a good thing, because its founder members refused to give up on their dream. However, the message wasn't exactly borne out by what was shown on screen. Lips maintained that all he needed to be happy was the opportunity to play, but it was quite clear that he was desperately bitter about never having made it as a rock star. Somehow, if playing was enough, I don't think he would have been quite so angry about not being paid in Prague. Still, the film was well put together, and very affecting.
The Painted Veil - despite the ending I saw a mile off, and which falls into one of my most hated categories (whatever terrible things happen to a woman, she'll be fine if she ends up with a baby), this was mostly extremely good. They managed to get through a vast amount of plot set-up in 30 minutes at the beginning (but without sacrificing believable character development), and then the main section of the film was beautifully crafted and perfectly paced. Edward Norton continues to impress - he had very little to work with here, but turned in a masterful performance of a very complicated man. It was also nice to see Toby Jones with a serious and sympathetic role, one which he played with consummate skill, as I think I've only seen him in comic roles before, and he's usually quite unpleasant.
