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Jenny Saville recommended The Waste Land in Books (curated)
Stevie Nicks recommended The Mabinogion Trilogy in Books (curated)
Suswatibasu (1702 KP) rated Post-Truth in Books
Aug 8, 2017
Terrifyingly ominous, separating facts from fiction
Journalist Matthew D'Ancona does the arduous task of showing how to fight the current stream of fake news spouted by our current institutions. He is explicit in saying that this isn't the beginning of a radical idea, but something that has been building for some time, offering methods to combat the phenomena. It is deeply troubling how facts are pushed aside and myths are upheld by loud-mouthed establishments despite ample evidence to the contrary. An important read for current times.
Suswatibasu (1702 KP) rated Autobiography Of Red in Books
Jan 3, 2018
Stunning poetry but unrelated to the Classics
Anne Carson is definitely among the class of rare poets, seen in this work which takes you on a journey through the medium of words. That being said, I was hoping for something a little more in time with the classical world it invokes. Despite the characters being called Geryon and Herakles, they have little in common with their mythical namesake.
Carson leaves most traces of classicism behind. That isn't necessarily bad, but it begs the question of why she uses these myths in the first place. Nevertheless, the poetry is solid and evocative, so read it without the mythologies in mind.
Carson leaves most traces of classicism behind. That isn't necessarily bad, but it begs the question of why she uses these myths in the first place. Nevertheless, the poetry is solid and evocative, so read it without the mythologies in mind.
David McK (3485 KP) rated Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures in Books
Jun 24, 2020
Second of the (currently) two of Stephen Fry's straight retelling of Greek mythology, this time focusing on the Greek heroes rather than the Gods and Goddesses of Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold, told more or less chronologically.
I say 'more or less' as the setting of these tales are in constant flux, with characters popping up all over the place long before (or after) they otherwise should! That's not a criticism of the retelling: just a statement of fact.
This volume thus covers the likes of Bellerephon and Pegasus, Oedipus (yes, that Oedipus!), Heracles - who the Romans renamed Hercules - and his Twelve Labours, Jason and the Argonauts, Theseus and the Minotaur and many (many) others!
Worth it for the educational value alone!
Now, hurry up and release part 3 (Troy) ...
I say 'more or less' as the setting of these tales are in constant flux, with characters popping up all over the place long before (or after) they otherwise should! That's not a criticism of the retelling: just a statement of fact.
This volume thus covers the likes of Bellerephon and Pegasus, Oedipus (yes, that Oedipus!), Heracles - who the Romans renamed Hercules - and his Twelve Labours, Jason and the Argonauts, Theseus and the Minotaur and many (many) others!
Worth it for the educational value alone!
Now, hurry up and release part 3 (Troy) ...
David McK (3485 KP) rated Clash of the Titans (2010) in Movies
Dec 18, 2019
Remake/reimagining of the 1981 original, I remember the big thing about this at the time as the special effects. Or, rather, the post-production 3D effects added released, as this was, only a few short years after James Cameras na exceptional 'Avatar'. Whereas 'Avatar', however, was filmed specifically in and for 3D, this film owes more of a debt to the older 1980s 3D films: watching this in 2D it's quite obvious to see what scenes were added specifically for the effects (I'm thinking mainly of the attack of the giant scorpions, or the Kraken at the end),
Starring Sam Worthingon - whatever happened to him? - as Perseus, the plot of this obviously takes inspiration from Greek myths, even down to having Liam Neeson playing the part of Zeus himself, and of the Pegasus.
Starring Sam Worthingon - whatever happened to him? - as Perseus, the plot of this obviously takes inspiration from Greek myths, even down to having Liam Neeson playing the part of Zeus himself, and of the Pegasus.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Superman (1978) in Movies
Feb 20, 2018
The first blockbuster superhero movie is still one of the best, treating its subject matter as one of the great American myths (and quite right too). Benevolent father-figure somewhere in the sky sends his only son to Earth, to do good deeds with his special powers and inspire people by his example (religious subtext is not laboured, thankfully).
Not especially like the Superman comics of the time, but a classy, charming movie all the same, performed by a charismatic and rather eclectic cast. Third-billed Christopher Reeve was instantly type-cast as Superman, but then Superman was also type-cast as Christopher Reeve for many years afterwards. The ending is somewhat confused but the movie's depiction of Superman himself is so very nearly perfect that it earns itself a pass on this.
Not especially like the Superman comics of the time, but a classy, charming movie all the same, performed by a charismatic and rather eclectic cast. Third-billed Christopher Reeve was instantly type-cast as Superman, but then Superman was also type-cast as Christopher Reeve for many years afterwards. The ending is somewhat confused but the movie's depiction of Superman himself is so very nearly perfect that it earns itself a pass on this.
David McK (3485 KP) rated Eternals (2021) in Movies
Jan 30, 2022
I've lost track of how many Marvel movies there are - we must be into our 20s at least by now!
And, unfortunately, I found this one of the weakest so far, despite the 'star power' that it includes in its cast (most woefully the massively underused Salma Hayek or Angelina Jolie), with its large cast of central character - 10, I think - all on the earth since millennia BC, all un-aging (and the inspiration for our myths and legends) and all massively bored.
Which, unfortunately, is how I felt for large parts of the movie - it actually took me several attempts to make it the whole way through (watched in Disney+).
I've heard it works better the second time around, once you know a few key plot points and details, but I'm not in any hurry for a rewatch,
And, unfortunately, I found this one of the weakest so far, despite the 'star power' that it includes in its cast (most woefully the massively underused Salma Hayek or Angelina Jolie), with its large cast of central character - 10, I think - all on the earth since millennia BC, all un-aging (and the inspiration for our myths and legends) and all massively bored.
Which, unfortunately, is how I felt for large parts of the movie - it actually took me several attempts to make it the whole way through (watched in Disney+).
I've heard it works better the second time around, once you know a few key plot points and details, but I'm not in any hurry for a rewatch,
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated The Kid Who Would Be King (2019) in Movies
Jun 22, 2019 (Updated Sep 25, 2019)
Let's start by saying that this film is a wonderfully entertaining adventure, I don't remember the last time this sort of story graced our screens. I've always been a fan of myths and legends and this didn't disappoint.
I'm not really sure how well myths and legends are known these days, they were one of my favourite things as a child but the topic seems to go in and out of favour. I thought it was a nice start to the whole film to show a summary of the King Arthur legend, and the graphic novel style made a nice link throughout.
There are lots of great things about the film but I think my favourite is how they managed to align the fantasy and reality. The transitions between night and day, the depths of Morgana's prison and her army of the undead are all top notch. There's only one brief moment where I grumbled and that was during Morgana's transformation, she briefly resembles a poor quality Voldemort.
Louis Ashbourne Serkis gives a great performance as Alex our reluctant hero and he's supported by some solid acting, young and old(er). The little comedy duo of Alex and Bedders is so cute comparing themselves to Frodo and Sam *squee*. The adult cast was on form too, although we don't get to see much of Denise Gough, Noma Dumezweni and Mark Bonnar, which made me a little sad. Rebecca Ferguson fairs better with screen time and managed to get the evil thing down, she was particularly menacing as Morgana. Lastly cast-wise is obviously Patrick Stewart, I love him but this film made me a little glum. Firstly because young Merlin got more screen time and secondly because he looks old... that's not supposed to happen!!
At two hours it's quite long for a family film but it actually feels like it should have been longer. The ending of the film just sort of happens, the school montage and fight scenes feel relatively short when considered as part of the whole. I honestly think that the film could have taken an extra twenty minutes or so to properly complete that ending.
What you should do
You should definitely see this film, it's good old fashioned fun for all ages
Movie thing you wish you could take home
I could do with a personal Lady of the Lake who can bring me my things when they go missing.
I'm not really sure how well myths and legends are known these days, they were one of my favourite things as a child but the topic seems to go in and out of favour. I thought it was a nice start to the whole film to show a summary of the King Arthur legend, and the graphic novel style made a nice link throughout.
There are lots of great things about the film but I think my favourite is how they managed to align the fantasy and reality. The transitions between night and day, the depths of Morgana's prison and her army of the undead are all top notch. There's only one brief moment where I grumbled and that was during Morgana's transformation, she briefly resembles a poor quality Voldemort.
Louis Ashbourne Serkis gives a great performance as Alex our reluctant hero and he's supported by some solid acting, young and old(er). The little comedy duo of Alex and Bedders is so cute comparing themselves to Frodo and Sam *squee*. The adult cast was on form too, although we don't get to see much of Denise Gough, Noma Dumezweni and Mark Bonnar, which made me a little sad. Rebecca Ferguson fairs better with screen time and managed to get the evil thing down, she was particularly menacing as Morgana. Lastly cast-wise is obviously Patrick Stewart, I love him but this film made me a little glum. Firstly because young Merlin got more screen time and secondly because he looks old... that's not supposed to happen!!
At two hours it's quite long for a family film but it actually feels like it should have been longer. The ending of the film just sort of happens, the school montage and fight scenes feel relatively short when considered as part of the whole. I honestly think that the film could have taken an extra twenty minutes or so to properly complete that ending.
What you should do
You should definitely see this film, it's good old fashioned fun for all ages
Movie thing you wish you could take home
I could do with a personal Lady of the Lake who can bring me my things when they go missing.
Honeycomb by Joanne Harris is a collection of short fairy tales that are all connected by way of the Lacewing King so that a bigger picture of this world is built. The Lacewing King is a cruel and selfish ruler, as are many of the Kings and Queens of the Silken Folk. However the Lacewing King begins to learn that there are consequences to his actions.
I loved these stories. I’m a huge fan of fairytales, myths and legends - they’re most definitely not just stories for children, as these dark and often disturbing stories prove. In fact, these short tales are just like the original fairy tales, in that people are tricked, driven to madness and die (but not ALL the time!).
The seemingly separate stories gives the reader more insight to the world of the Silken Folk, and the overarching story of the Lacewing King was just perfection. The beautiful artwork by Charles Vess really does make this a very special book, and I’m going to be sad to see it go back to the library!
I’d highly recommend this wonderful book.
I loved these stories. I’m a huge fan of fairytales, myths and legends - they’re most definitely not just stories for children, as these dark and often disturbing stories prove. In fact, these short tales are just like the original fairy tales, in that people are tricked, driven to madness and die (but not ALL the time!).
The seemingly separate stories gives the reader more insight to the world of the Silken Folk, and the overarching story of the Lacewing King was just perfection. The beautiful artwork by Charles Vess really does make this a very special book, and I’m going to be sad to see it go back to the library!
I’d highly recommend this wonderful book.