Reviews by Artemis Panthar

Thoroughly Unique

Posted : 6 months, 3 weeks ago on 11 May 2009 12:02 (A review of The Welkin Weasels: Thunder Oak)

I admit, I have a big soft spot for animal fiction (specifically when the animal is the protagonist). I was introduced to the genre quite predictably by the Redwall series and as such I tend to consider the style/conventions of the Redwall series as the 'norm' for the genre. I was drawn to Thunder Oak because it starred weasels as good guys instead of villains (which is what they usually are). Since weasels are my favorite animal, well, this appealed to me. Needless to say, I had no idea what I was walking into.

Thunder Oak is the first book in the Welkin Weasels series. The plot is basically that humans mysteriously left the island of Welkin generations back and in that time the animals have become more human-like, taking on human values and such. Each species has its own unique customs and different extents to which they mirror humanity. Weasels and stoats are centered on in the story as weasels have essentially become oppressed by the more powerful stoats. A weasel named Sylver and his band of outlaws set out on a quest to find clues to find the humans and bring them back.

Pretty much all books with anthropomorphic characters are considered "Fantasy" but this is one of the first ones I've read that really takes advantage of that label. You go in expecting a sort of Robin Hood-esque story in a mirror of old England. Then you suddenly reach a paragraph that explains that in human's absense, statues have taken on life and wander the countryside. The world of Welkin is very magical, but not in the typical ways which makes it unpredictable and thus a great read. Highly recommended, especially for anyone who likes animal fiction.

Two words of warning - The books have unfortunately never been published in the US, so if you're American like me the book is a little more difficult to obtain and may be a little difficult to read at first since its written a wee bit differently than American books (all dialog is in 'single quotes' instead of "double quotes"). It isn't that hard to adjust to, though.
Secondly, its important to know that Thunder Oak does NOT answer all the mysteries it sets up - the next two books, Castle Storm and Windjammer Run, are directly connected and you need to read all three to finish the mystery of the missing humans and such.

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Se7en

Posted : 6 months, 3 weeks ago on 7 May 2009 01:46 (A review of Seven)

This movie is a classic and I constantly recommend it to people. A fantastically interesting crime movie following two detectives as they try to track and catch a serial killer. The quirk is that this killer chooses his victims based upon the seven deadly sins - Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Lust, Pride, Envy, and Wrath.

Its difficult to describe why I love this movie. Its just so engaging and interesting, I've yet to meet anyone who isn't interested in watching it to its end. Indeed, whenever its on TV I feel compelled to watch it (despite having seen in dozens of times and owning the DVD). One of the absolute best in the "detectives track serial killer" genre (up there with Silence of the Lambs!). A real must-see with a killer ending (no, that's not a pun).

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Love or Hate

Posted : 7 months ago on 27 April 2009 09:39 (A review of Stay)

This movie is for artists. At least, that's been my experience. The people who love it tend to be artists while it tends to completely lose the people who are not at all involved in the arts. I don't know if there's a correlation there, but it should give you some idea of what you'll think going in. It is VERY artistic, both in storytelling and visually. This is a very beautiful movie that keeps you baffled up until the end (then it becomes clear as crystal. Trust me). Its very inclusive and symbolic - almost everything in the movie means something and for a hyperanalytical movie-goer like me it can provide a lot of rewatch value just to investigate them.
Don't be fooled by the trailer, it's not a horror movie. Or, at least, not a conventional horror movie. One could call it a psychological horror, as it does have a lot in common with movies like Jacob's Ladder, albiet with less scare factor. Watch it to think, I warn against watching this passively.

This is hands down my favorite movie, its simply beautiful and fantastically told. But its not for everyone and some people will be confused by it. Want my advice? Watch it twice, then decide. Its a very different movie the second time around.

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Its Party Time!

Posted : 7 months ago on 27 April 2009 06:04 (A review of Titanic: La leggenda continua...)

Don't let the rating fool you, if you want a movie that's an absolute trainwreck, you must see this film.

Considering the plot of the movie is a "family friendly" version of the Titanic, its pretty clear that there was pretty much no way for this movie to not be horrible. Add to that ridiculous songs, poor animation, and rip-offs galore, you have the makings of an awful movie. The laundry list of animated movies blatantly stolen from here is long and can be a fun game when working through watching this thing.

The highlight is, of course, the rapping dog Fritz. The Party Time sequence is a must-see.

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