Words

Several things are going through my mind.

1. First is New Zealand which is only 96 days away! Yesterday one of my managers at the book store asked if I was going to New Zealand because I was buying so many books about it. I almost froze. The "uh's", the "um's", and finally, the "yeah in May". I thought I had doomed myself. I still need to keep my job for three more months. Well, she just said "that's exciting," and moved on. It was then that I realized that she thought I was just 'visiting' New Zealand for a little vacation, not moving there. But who was I to correct her? So I didn't and took my book and left. Very quickly.

2. This whole kidnapping case thing with the two boys that were rescued. The media was all over it. I'm sure the first thing a boy who has been kidnapped for a few days, or the other one who was kidnapped for 4 years wanted to do when they were rescued was go on TV and tell everyone about it in great detail. I have no respect for Oprah who sits on her show and asks the boy on national and international television if he was 'sexually abused'. Why not let the world know his private business! Nor for And the magazines and newspapers and everyone who seemed to love exploiting peoples business! And the parents who let there child be on oprah and responses that sounded so rehearsed. These boys need help, not the media. Being kidnapped and abused is a very serious thing, not just some juicy piece of news that everyone will forget about tomorrow. I have more to say on this, but not the heart to say anymore.

3. Hollywood is a ghetto of sorts that people fall into and have a hard time getting out. It's all about conforming. It's very said to seeing our 'beloved stars', so to speak, focusing on dressing to impress, backstopping each other, cheating on each other, having babies together outside of marriage, divorces that happen way to commonly, arrogance, etc, etc, etc. There is a lot in common with the low class, inner city ghettos if you really think about. Ask me more about this later.

4. Dakota Fanning and the uproar about the movie at the film festival Good points on many sides. Maybe the movie is a good movie that needs to be shown. Maybe it's not. That's not the point. However, a young child should not be in a bed with a naked adult. Maybe and actress who was older (like 18) who played a young child would have been better. Or a stunt double. Or whatever. A child who is not old enough to see R- rated movies should not be put in that position no matter how 'grown' she feels. Also, faking a rape scene can be really hard on the mind for adults, and moreso for a child. Many thoughts on that. Ask me later.

5. How come all artsy film critics and peoples dress the same? Don't act like you don't know. Black turtle neck, or white old school wide-lapelled shirt, a black dress coat, and jeans. Oh yeah. Boots too. Can't forget the black snakeskin boots. Ha!

6. I'm artistically depressed and I can't seem to shake out of it. It's really bad because I have a commissioned piece to do, and it's about ready to be put on canvas.

7. There's a ton that still needs to be done with New Zealand. It can get overwhelming. Am I really doing this? And yet, I am. 96 days and counting.

On plane tickets coming

Plane tickets came.

They're pretty. Me=happy.

Moving to New Zealand on May 1st, 2007

On Eragon - the movie

Some good. More Bad. I won't write a detailed review like normal, but I will say this. The director of the movie was terribly afraid of being compared to Peter Jackson and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy to the point where the people in Eragon weren't allowed to mention even the name "Lord of the Rings". Seriously.

Believe me when I say this:

He was in NO DANGER of being anywhere near the level of being compared to the Lord of the Rings.

Apparently (in my opinion, of course) when directing the movie, the director never actually READ the book...or any fantasy book for that matter, that dealt with typical fantasy beings; elves, dwarves, evil creatures, etc. The 99 minute duration of the movie was my warning. It was too rushed and key things were changed. Key elements of fantasy were missing from the movie that were in the book. Characters weren't developed, scenes were done poorly, big cities were reduced to small villages, important parts were changed and then had to be made up for latter in the movie to fix the issues that arose, fantastical creatures were seriously lacking -- could you tell the girl was supposed to be a warrior elf instead of what they portrayed her as? And the acting of the "fortune teller" was so bad that I am still recovering from the shock. How can you have 5 lines to say and still mess it up? In the book, the old witch (not young goth fortune teller) had a bigger part. One good thing the director did was to cut most of her part out. This is why singers shouldn't act unless they really know how to. Another good thing I can say is that the graphics for the dragon was great!! Kudos to the dragon fight.

I thought there was a big enough following of Chris's books to force the director and screenwriter to stick within the main confines of this amazing fantastical story-- seeing how most people who went to see the film had read the book, or were planning to very soon. There are allowances for artistic expression and freedom, but it shouldn't disrupt the story. After all, by some miracle, Peter Jackson did it.

I didn't feel like I wasted money. After all, I did go during matinee prices. However, I was thoroughly disappointed.



Interested in great fantasy?





Do yourself a favor. Read the book.

It's a little rough around the edges, but the story is incredible!