Shadow Plague Contagious

One of the effects that J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series had on the world was the proliferation of dozens of "wanna be" novels giving rise to a new genre of "Bubblegum Fantasy." Books like Leven Thumps, Eragon, Twilight, and many others all fall into this category. And while a lot of these are just two dimensional attempts to cash in on Potter's success (see Leven Thumps), some of them actually have a bit of substance. Such is Brandon Mull's Fablehaven series. The latest installment and third volume in the series, Grip of the Shadow Plague, continues the adventures of fourteen year old Kendra Sorenson and her mischievous twelve year old brother Seth as they work to protect their grandparents "preserve for the protection of magical creatures" from a demonically inspired plague spreading amongst the creatures of Fablehaven and turning them darkly feral. From the first chapter, Grip of the Shadow Plague hooked me and didn't let go until the book's exciting climactic battle with a tragic villain that you can actually feel sorry for. However, in spite of Mull's impressive Rowling-like ability to hijack the imagination, Fablehaven 3 continues to suffer from the series's patches of embarrassingly amateur writing (some of the descriptions are really awkward) as well as some painfully unsuccessful attempts at humor that dragged on and made me wince. Yet in spite of its narrative blemishes, Brandon Mull has made a substantive and imaginative contribution to the Harry Potter genre. I really enjoyed this book and would call it the strongest in the series thus far. On a scale of 1-10, Fablehaven Grip of the Shadow Plague gets an 8.

The Wheel of Time Turns

So you're probably asking yourself, "Why is Jason posting a review for a book that is almost three years old?" Because I just finished it for the first time, so back off! Actually, I only got into the Wheel of Time series last year, so like my experience with the Harry Potter books, I've had the opportunity to enjoy the series almost all at once and it has easily become my favorite fantasy saga thus far. In this the eleventh installment of the Wheel of Time, we get to experience the "calm before the storm" suspense of Rand, Mat, and Perrin along with WoT's numerous cast of characters preparing for The Last Battle. This being said, there is little calm about Knife of Dreams, the story being rich with emotional drama, intense confrontations, and epic battles. Which was a relief as the previous book, though a solid WoT adventure, was quite sedentary and dragged in places. In Knife of Dreams Robert Jordan again proves himself the master of the epic as dozens of subplots are artfully woven together throughout the narrative (or pattern), and its several characters and their world are brought to life by Jordan's unique thoroughly descriptive style. Tragically, Jordan passed away late last year before he could complete the final installment in this bestselling series. And so now we wait for homegrown hero Brandon Sanderson of Provo Utah to finish the story in the final volume due out next November. Thousands of fans will be eagerly awaiting the epic conclusion, especially those who've been following the series from its beginnings in 1990. No pressure Brandon. On a scale of 1-10, I rate KoD a 9. A worthy last work of an incredible story teller.

Stargate: Continuum, A Paradox of Medocrity

When the Star Trek TV series's ended, I had a painful Sci-Fi void that needed filling. I found that fulfillment in the Stargate television franchise (I love Atlantis). Consequently, I was thrilled when I learned of the two direct to DVD movies that were released this year: The ARK of Truth and Continuum. For those who aren't familiar with the series, ARK of Truth (released this past March) completed the ten season SG-1 TV series story line, making Stargate Continuum the franchise's first stand alone movie. Unfortunately, the creative forces behind Stargate decided to make yet another story about time travel and alternate realities. This wouldn't be a big deal except that SG-1 has been down this road at least five times (AT LEAST, and I am seriously not exaggerating). And each time its the same old plot: heroes thrown back in time or into an alternate realty, must convince bizzarro versions of friends and allies to help them get back, and lots of people die but are alive again by the end of the episode because none of it really happened. And I couldn't help but notice the plot's uncanny resemblance to that of Star Trek First Contact. Having said that, I must admit that it was fun seeing all my favorite characters come together again for more Stargate. And that's really this movie's saving virtue. It's more Stargate. Fans won't be disappointed as the time apart hasn't eroded the chemistry between the SG-1 cast one bit, and it's always cool to see Richard Dean Anderson back in action (although not very much of it, he being only in about a half hour of the 100 minute film). If it weren't for the nostalgic factors, this film would hold little appeal. But because it's more Stargate, I enjoyed it. Makes me miss the series. Oh well, I still have Atlantis. Two stars for Stargate Continuum.

Disgustingly Cute

Let's face it, Pixar knows what they're about- virtually everyone of their films being a success. And while WALL E is not the strongest addition to their expanding CG film library, it won't disappoint. I mean how can anyone not like a story about a kind, child-like, garbage robot (one who bears a striking resemblance to Johnny-5 from the Short Circuit films) falling in love with a sleek, futuristic, space droid (was it weird that I found EVE kinda hot?). In WALL E Pixar does what they do best, delivering gorgeous animation with a creatively original plot, and lots of laughs and even some tears (I DID NOT CRY! - even though I wanted to). In spite of the film's environmentalist agenda (Al Gore would be proud), WALL E is a harmless, heartfelt adventure the entire family can enjoy. Two and a half stars for WALL E.

The Dark Knight Delivers

The first thing that came to my mind when the credits rolled was, wow! From beginning to end The Dark Knight draws you in and doesn't let go. Moody and intense, Christopher Nolan's second Batman movie delivers an emotionally charged plot punctuated by plenty of caped crusader action (and lots of neat bat-gadgets). But what really makes this movie is Heath Ledger's Joker. His chilling portrayal of the clown prince of crime is worth the price of admission alone and adds to the tragedy of the actor's untimely death. This man had a brilliant future, and after this role could've gone anywhere he wanted to in Hollywood. Christian Bale effectively reprises his role as Batman, but definitely shares more of center stage with Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, and of course Ledger. But I must disagree with some of the critics who are hailing this as the "perfect movie." Although sufficiently long, the Dark Knight sometimes felt as though it were going too many directions at once and was only barely able to pay off all of its subplots. The heartfelt chemistry between Alfred (Michael Cain) and Wayne from the first movie seemed lacking - Alfred's character becoming little more than Wayne's cheerleader and comic relief - and Maggie Gyllenhaal is the movie's weak link as the new Rachel Dawes ( although I must say she did a much better job than Katie Holmes). I was disappointed with the Scarecrow's cameo capture early in the film, and Eric Roberts is ugly (well he can't help that). Despite its flaws, The Dark Knight is an above average film, especially for its genre, and definitely wins the title of this summer's must-see movie. Three and a half stars for The Dark Knight.

Stop it George! Just stop it!

Ohhhhkayyyy. I think I've just about had enough of George Lucas defiling Star Wars with his reckless incompetence. Let's face it, this guy is really only good at one thing, special effects. Oh he did have a glorious story idea that he worked with other writers and directors to develop (the original trilogy), but let's face it, once he took back the reins it was all down hill from there. The prequel trilogy is what happens when someone with billions of dollars goes senile! Why I am ranting about Star Wars? Because I saw the Clone Wars trailer, and while Lucas didn't direct or write the movie, it's clearly his fault. What continues to baffle me is that he still has millions of rose colored glasses wearing devotees, paying their tithes in the millions to this fallen entertainer. Earth to nerds, THE STAR WARS PREQUELS SUCKED!!! Why I ask? Why another Star Wars prequel? I am well aware of the Cartoon Network series, having seen it, but no! NO! NO! NO! Bad Lucas! Bad!!! Mr. Lucas, admit that you are a terrible writer, director, and person. Well ok the last was a bit much, but I really think this man has gone mad with power. However, I am willing to give him one more chance if he will abdicate the writer/director's chair and produce a sequel trilogy to the original Star Wars. That could be really cool. Could be...

Life After Harry Potter: An Epilogue

It's been almost a year since I was standing in line outside Barnes and Noble with a bunch of freaks and weirdos waiting until midnight for the release of the last installment of the Harry Potter Series: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Admittedly, I am not one of those who was with Harry from the beginning, having become a fan in 2005 after giving into the persuasions of one of my best friends. But like so many other embarrassed adults (I think I now know what it must be like to go into a store and ask for an adult magazine after going into Barnes and Noble and reserving my copy without a ten year old escort), I got sucked into the world of Hogwarts. However, I have to confess, I was disappointed with J.K. Rowling's finale, and don't give me the "How can anyone live up to the expectations and hype" excuse. Peter Jackson did it! Return of the Jedi did it! SG1 did it! David Eddings did it! I just don't buy it. As good as it was, and I still class it as good, for the first half of the book I felt like Rowling didn't have a planned direction. Some of the narrative felt rushed, several payoffs from setups earlier in the series were ignored or only superficially addressed, and I felt like I needed a pad of paper to keep track of the arbitrary body count. Again, I really did like this book, but felt that maybe if Rowling had taken a little more time, perhaps made one more review of the rest of her series, it might have been a much more satisfying capstone to what truly is a "magical" epic. So in summary, here's what I think Rowling did right, and what she did wrong.
Virtues:

• Harry was a Horcrux (any other explanation would've been terribly disappointing).
• Snape was not evil (The Prince's Tale was my favorite chapter).
• Doby's heroic death (that almost made me cry).
• Harry had to die...kinda.
• THE BATTLE OF HOGWARTS!!! (can't wait to see that on film!)
• Neville Longbottom goes toe to toe with the dark lord.

Vices:

• Hallows? Why haven't we ever heard about this before? Was this really necessary?
• Dumbledore's dubious past. Not that interesting (at least not until Rowling outed him.)
• Ridiculous number of deaths. After a while, I just didn't care who died.
• Months of unsuccessful Horcrux hunting. The characters were bored, and so was I.
• Snape's death was anti-climatic.
• Harry essentially tricked Voldemort into killing himself. What a let down! Everyone in the book was always talking about how much hidden talent Harry had, and after he repulsed hundreds of dementors I thought that we would see that talent re-emerge in his final conflict with Voldemort. Harry and Ron have ANOTHER falling out. Come on, been there done that.
• The epilogue. WORST EPILOGUE EVER.

Now that the series is complete, I think Half Blood Prince ended up being my favorite. Well, that's all I have to rant about tonight. Let me know what you think. I dare you...