Movie Reviews

Chariots of Fire
I had never seen this movie in its entirety - only bits and pieces on random occasions. It's very good. It's about two runners who end up on the British Olympic team in the 1920s. But it's not really about running - it's about inner drive and motivation. I found the film thoughtful and fascinating.

Plunkett & MacLean
This is a fluffy, extremely fun movie about a pair of highwaymen in 18th century London. I wouldn't call it a historical drama or period piece, though. It's more of a light action adventure with period flavor. It stars Robert Carlyle, Jonny Lee Miller, Alan Cumming, and Liv Tyler - all looking like they are thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Book Review

The High House
The False House
By James Stoddard

These two fantasy novels are about Evenmere, a mansion that is at the center of all creation. The house is beautiful and vast (possibly infinite), containing many countries wihtin it. Both books center around the house's Master, Carter Anderson, and his compatriots as they struggle to maintain the balance between order and chaos and thus keep the universe going.
The style of the writing, and even of the plot and characters, is deliberately old-fashioned. It's reminiscent of L. Frank Baum and C. S. Lewis (Narnia especially). Also, like Lewis' work, Stoddard's books have some noticeable Christian overtones, but he has a lighter touch than Lewis. There are also some fairy-tale elements to the characters and plot (a wicked-stepmother-esque character, an enchanted sword, etc), which enhance both the old-fashioned feel and the adventure. The books are full of adventure and wonder - Evenmere is an endlessly fascinating setting. I really enjoyed the books - it was like being a kid again and reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe for the first time again.