Movie Reviews – Fantastic Mr. Fox and Where the Wild Things Are December 7th, 2009
Fantastic Mr. Fox is probably the most accessible Wes Anderson film, though it’s still quirky in places, especially with the odd dialog and affected character deliveries. However, the the visual flairs that his films are known for were a treat to watch. The stop-motion puppetry was a little jarring at first, and the tall and thin character designs looked a little odd, but it was easy to get pulled into the world they created.
The movie both embraced, and at points highlighted, the limitations of the medium, but in a nice way and the film was wonderfully charming. There were spots where the previously mentioned dialog dragged things down a bit, but on the whole it was a lot of fun. The film might not be for everyone, especially if you don’t appreciate at least some indie film styling. It might also be a little weird for young kids, but older children and hip teens and adults could dig it.
Where the Wild Things Are was a surprisingly good adaptation and expansion on a children’s picture book. It’s more of a film for adults who remember what it was like to be a kid, with all the joys and heartaches than it is a kid’s movie as it might be a bit emotionally intense for at least young kids. It’s a lot like other Spike Jonze’s films (Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind) where the story is more about characters’ relationships than a lot of action happening, so based on that you’ll either love or hate the film.
It was very engaging and moving, emotional, sweet, disturbing and sad, and I appreciated how evocative it was. The character design and animation of the Wild Things was wonderful, giving them both physical realness, but with some cartoony physics, to make interesting and fantastic visuals.
AD Extra 003 – Spirits of the Brotherhood November 11th, 2009
For Veteran’s Day, we offer this tribute in remembrance of those canines who have served along side human soldiers, offering companionship and protection during wartime.
“Spirits of the Brotherhood” by Vargr Dragonwolf
Read by Belic Bear
Music cue by Infinity Squared
More information on the topic can be found at the United States War Dogs Federation.
AD 015 – Witch’s Promise November 10th, 2009
Lend me your ear while I call you a fool
You were kissed by a witch one night in the wood
And later insisted your feelings were true
— Jethro Tull, “Witch’s Promise
An additional Halloween treat, better late than never, recorded at a podcast panel last month at Fur Fright .
“Witch’s Promise” by Will A. Sanborn
Read by Peter Katt
Escape Pod – Little Ambushes November 10th, 2009
Escape Pod ran an interesting story, Little Ambushes, which examines the idea of a cultural exchange program with aliens from a distant world. It covers some interesting ideas, like what it would be like teaching art to someone with different senses. It also deals with a non-human intelligence and culture well, but in an understated way with a nice bit of character drama as well.
AD 014 – The Thing in the Toyshop – Chapter 4 October 29th, 2009
Our serialized novella concludes with a mix of action and drama. Happy Halloween!
“The Thing in the Toyshop” Chapter Four by Simon Barber
Read by Peter Katt
Music from the Podsafe Music Network
Intro song: “Restless Spirits – Halloween 2” by composer David Beard
Outro song: “Creepy Doll” by Jonathan Coulton
“The Thing in the Toyshop” also appeared in the dramatic horror fiction anthology Alone in the Dark.