Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Sophie, the eldest of three girls, believes herself destined to fail in the fairy tale world she lives in, for isn’t that always the way in fairy tale stories. When Sophie insults the Witch of the Waste, she is turned into an old woman and cursed. So she sets out from home (a Hat Shop) to make her fortune and lands in Howl’s moving castle. The Wizard Howl has the reputation as the eater of young woman’s souls, thanks to Howl’s apprentice Michael. Sophie is soon at home with Michael, Calcifer the fire demon whom powers the magical castle, and Howl whom has created many different names and reputations in order to avoid the Witch of the Waste.
So goes this intricate, humorous and puzzling tale of fantasy and adventure which should both challenge and involve readers. Jones has created an engaging set of characters and found a new use for many of the appurtenances of fairy tales: seven league boots and invisible cloaks, among others. Sara Miller, “School Library Journal”
I was afraid I wouldn’t enjoy Diana Wynne Jones but I was wrong. I adore this book. It poked fun, had an intricate plot line with a most satisfying ending, and great writing. I fell in love with Howl right along with Sophie.
I am going to pop Miyazaki’s anime adaptation into my DVD player and make sense of the film! This is a great fantasy read for 7th graders and up.
Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief – Cast Update (part 2)
To see the existing cast members, see my earlier post.
Silena Beauregard (Daughter of Aphrodite)
Chelan Simmons
Luke (Son of Hermes)
Jake Abel
Hades
Steve Coogen
Persephone (Wife of Hades)
Rosario Dawson
Aphrodite
Serinda Swan
Sally Jackson (Percy’s Mom)
Catherine Keener
Fablehaven: Secret of the Dragon Sanctuary
I have rapidly worked my way through Brandon Mull’s Fablehaven series. I underestimated them! Much of the seemingly inconsequential early plot points have unfolded throughout the series. The humour nicely breaks up the mostly continuous action and Mull clearly knows his world. It unfolds like a night blooming cereus - seductively beautiful in a dark world. I feel completely comfortable in it. The ‘rules’ are clearly defined and the pacing is just right for a middle-grade reader. I love the boy appeal! Here are some more favorite passages:
Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague
“Grandpa!” Kendra yelled. “Seth has a secret to tell you about the nipsies!”
“You’re a traitor,” Seth grumbled.
“I’m just helping Smart Seth defeat idiot Seth.”
“I guess Smart Seth is glad,” he said reluctantly. “But be careful. Idiot Seth is the guy to watch out for” (p 52).
Fablehaven: Secret of the Dragon Sanctuary
“I hate how my past actions keep messing up my future options,” Seth muttered (p 193).
“That isn’t funny! What if it really is my last meal!”
Seth rolled his eyes. “It won’t be. I’m sure you guys will grab something at the airport” (p 274).
I’m already excited for the conclusion in Keys to the Demon Prison! According to Brandon Mull’s website: Fablehaven has been optioned by Avi Arad, who has produced many extraordinary movies like Spiderman and X-Men. I have seen a solid draft of the screenplay and the project continues to move forward.
Cirque Du Freak Movie
If you haven’t already heard, Darren Shan’s Cirque Du Freak series will be a coming to a theatre near you … possibly January 2010 (though I hope it’s sooner as filming has wrapped up, I believe). The first film will cover the content of the first three books: A Living Nightmare, Vampire’s Assistant, and Tunnels of Blood. Here are the main cast members (with more at IMDB):
Chris Massoglia (Darren Shan)
Josh Hutcherson (Steve)
Journey to the Center of the Earth, Bridge to Terabithia
John C. Reilly (Larten Crepsley)
Chicago, The Aviator, Step Brothers
Ray Stevenson (Murlough)
Rome, Punisher:War Zone
The Lightning Thief Movie: Casting Update
Logan Lerman will play Percy Jackson
Logan Lerman will play the part of Percy Jackson. Lerman’s previous movie roles include 3:10 to Yuma, in which he played Christian Bale’s son and Hoot (as Roy Eberhardt) . Brandon T. Jackson will co-star as satyr Grover Underwood. Jackson is best known for his role in Tropic Thunder.
Filming to begin in April. Read more at Rick Riordan’s blog!
Harry Potter and The Order of the Pheonix
There was so much in this movie that I adored! But let’s start with what I didn’t and end on a high note.
First, no St. Mungo’s. That means no reappearance of Lockhart and no Alice Longbottom. Now, the movie starts (in excellent form) with a dementor attack on Harry and Dudley. At the trial, it is suggested by Dumbledore that it could’ve been Voldy behind the attack… but those of us who read the book, know Umbridge reveals herself at the end on the book! Well, we never learn via the movie who was responsible for the attack. Hum… Also, no Mundungas. I guess he’s not a key player but I loved his style anyway! And finally, my only other complaint… that statues didn’t move. Come on, people. Dumbledore is imaginative and powerful. He dies in the next film. Let’s give him some time to shine!
That being said, I thought the “possession” scene was brilliantly done. I couldn’t have imagined it better. (I do slighly wish the quotes adhered to the books but, I’m over it!)
“… The production design (by Stuart Craig) and the cinematography (by Slawomir Idziak) are frequently astonishing in their aptness and sophistication. The interiors of the Ministry of Magic offer a witty, nightmarish vision of wizardly bureaucracy, while Harry’s angst and loneliness register in Mr. Idziak’s cold, washed-out shades of blue.
All the flashbacks were seamlessly woven into the new story to give perspective and depth. LOVED the Occlumency scenes!! I also agree with A.O. Scott of the New York Times:
The scariest color in his palette, however, turns out to be pink. That is the color favored by Dolores Umbridge (Ms. Staunton), whose cheery English-auntie demeanor masks a ruthlessly autocratic temperament. “
I was also extremely happy with Luna Lovegood. Perfection. Here is a picture of the fabulous Evanna Lynch in a very Wizarding World style dress (love the Pheonix colors – so elegant).
