So I Missed the Maelstrom...

Charybdis was a good time. Really. Like going to amusement parks is a good time. Or nano-festing is a good time. Or herding unicorns is a good time. But, like amusement parks, nano-festing, and herding unicorns, it is best for some things to come to an end before you suffer boredom, confusion, or severe injuries.

I missed the Maelstrom immensely, the posting format, the user-friendly sidebar skillz, the blogger community. Medeia explains the more complex issues surrounding our switch (other than my few months of emo-wordpressage) on her own blog. Good thing she is immensely more eloquent than I or we would be stuck in quite the cyber-lurch.

So in the words of a wise man. "And we're good. And we're dancing. And we're back!"

Until soon,
Aella Siofra

Warning: Do Not Read This Book...

So, in preparation for last night, Medeia and I stalked the local library for Holly Black books. The Spiderwick Chronicles to be exact. And then, as a reward for our "efforts" we went to see the movie. Despite the irritating green line projected down the middle of the screen by faulty equipment for the duration of the film, I must say that it was greatly enjoyed. And I don't know how it happened.

Seeing as I tend to be something of a purist in book to movie transitions I was shocked by how much I liked Spiderwick. Although the first half was accurate enough, the second took great liberties with the plot, building on the events in the very short books. But the dialogue was humorous, intelligent, sometimes even snarky and the characters turned out to be well acted. Freddie Highmore, a young English actor, played both of the Grace twins wonderfully, adopting completely different persona whenever he made the switch. And Mallory was noteworthy as well (note* expect swords and plenty of green blood). Happily, even through the big screen portrayal, the essence of the books remained. The fantastical and borderline macabre sensations from the works of Holly Black's incredible talent were maintained and worked upon to make a film that the target audience could enjoy as well as the older set (leaning, but not catering, to a younger crowd).

Not to mention that the creatures looked as if they had come from the Field Guide itself. There were griffins, sprites, rock trolls, goblins, griffins, flower fey, brownies, boggarts, griffins *blithers for another hour or so*. Even Mulgarath, the ogre, closely followed the illustrations of the honorable Mr. Diterlizzi and was suitably fearsome.

To say the least, Medeia and I's conversation while leaving the theater went something like...

M: And did you see...
A: I know and then the sword *jabs air* in that part...
M: That was brilliant! And the rock troll...
A: And HOGSQUEAL!!
M&A: *burst into laughter*
Father Siofra: *odd look*

So go see it, but with an open mind. There might be room for compromise in novelty cases after all.


Bewildered and Searching the Sky for Griffins,
Aella Siofra