Hogfather
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Movie Reviews of Hogfather
Movie Review: Ah death..
Summary: 5 Stars
Unlike the others you can actually get in the US, I don't have one complaint with this one. As near as I can tell, without rereading the book, its as close as you can get to that as possible. Fools in the good old US should take a clue from the Brits on this stuff, and stop mangling other people's good works.
Mind.. nothing in the US is ever exact anyway. Ever hear of, "based on a true story", here is a hint - it means some clown told a short, information free, story over a cup of tea, some other clown, that specializes in that sort of stuff, wrote a book on it, embellishing it out of all sense of the original, then Hollywood got hold of it, and promptly mangled it so badly that even the people that told the original wouldn't claim recognition of it, if they where not being payed royalties for both the original, and subsequent manglings of their half a paragraph of made up nonsense.
And this is what happens with "true stories", which often never actually happened. When they got hold of something actually honestly labeled fiction...
So, yeah, Hollywood badly needs to look at some of the stuff being done, like Hogfather, and get a clue how to actually write screen plays, based on original works. This DVD edition has all of the fun, satire, etc. of the original, and who wouldn't love mister Tee-ah-tim-ee. lol
Movie Review: Just a great fun movie
Summary: 5 Stars
The strange thing about Terry Pratchett is how he manages to include murder and mayhem in his works, yet somehow makes it all seem lighthearted. I just reviewed Nation and I was embarrassed by how much I relied on the word "delightful" and sadly, I have to use it here too. This dvd sacrifices none of the humor or lighthearted weirdness in translation from print to video.
The story is another one with Death vs. The Auditors. This time the Auditors are out to destroy the Disc World equivalent of Xmas by sending an assassin after The Hogfather. Susan of Stohelit (my personal favorite) is on hand to provide a human face, but for the most part this is Death's show. And Death riding around on a sleigh pulled by reindeer is the best visual I've seen in a long time.
Yes, there are some flaws. It gets a bit slow by the end of the second act and the plan to kill Hogfather doesn't make any sense whatsoever, but I watched this on the third night of a Con where I was exhausted and cranky and wishing that I had decided to go home. I had a big stupid grin on my face the entire time. There's not a lot that can do that when I'm that cranky, in fact I can't think of anything else. So that alone makes it a five star must see.
Movie Review: Hollyweird Could Take Some Lessons From This
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw this on Netflix and it's now waiting in my shopping cart. Unlike "Avatar's" amazing 3-D imagery, but 2-D characters and the same tired old recycled gratuitous cliche lefty plot (that was a mouthful) this movie has amazing 3-D characters coupled with a stupendously funny, yet deeply sublime plot and very top of the line (2-D) CGI effects (this movie would be great even without the "eye candy" effects.) Mr. Tea Time oozes evil from every pore, Death's granddaughter displays a quiet and resigned strength that draws the attention, while the skull masked death portrays more depth of character and likability than I've seen in quite a long while. The premise of Death having to stand in for this world's version of Santa Claus (because there's a hit out on him) in order to save the holiday [Christmas] is absolutely priceless. Don't forget to bring your umbrella for raining "Tooth Fairy" castle guard corpses.
Hollyweird take note, this is the future of entertainment: the author, Terry Pratchett is a genius, and I understand that the movie does not stray from the book (I haven't read it yet [note to self: put in cart] but I've read his "Monstrous Regiment" and particularly enjoyed it, partly from being an old NCO myself coupled with the wry humor and surprise ending.)
Movie Review: a long-time science fiction fan
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been reading science fiction for over 4 decades. Normally, the books I like that are made into movies fall far short of the mark. For example, "I Robot" was a great guy-flick, but failed the book miserably. "2001" is my high water mark on book/movies.
I really liked "Hogfather". They got it right. I was very impressed on the way they stuck to the story. We have seen it twice so far.
I will not repeat the fine comments on the plot from the other reviews, because they do a good job.
You need to look carefully for what happens in the background. These folks put their hearts and souls into this fine movie. It is obvious they are fans. For those who are familiar with the Disc World, you will find references scattered about. If you have never read any of the stories, you will not have a problem following the story. (You should know that Death ONLY SPEAKS IN CAPITAL LETTERS.)
I loved the Pratchett cameo.
This should encourage folks to read other Disc World stories. I recommend "Moving Pictures", "Going Postal", "Soul Music", anything about the Witches (Granny Weatherwax ROCKS!!), and anything about the Watch. Of course, Cohen the Barbarian and the Grey Horde for those who like Conan.
Movie Review: A Fairytale for Adults
Summary: 5 Stars
We saw a "preview" for this at the beginning of another movie, and I immediately went online and purchased a copy of it. I have not read more than a couple of the Pratchett Discworld books, but thoroughly enjoyed them, and they are on the list for more reading as time allows. We both also enjoyed the Gaiman/Pratchett endeavor Good Omens.
So, once I was made aware of this, it was a "how soon can I get it?" sort of thing. The movie arrived very quickly, unfortunately, the length of the movie meant that it was a few weeks before we could sit down and enjoy it, which we just did on Sunday.
COOL!!!
I found that the little I had read of Discworld was more than sufficient, and my partner has not read any of them, and he had no questions about it. Pratchett writes firmly in fantasy, with a heavy dose of mythology, and it all seemed perfectly normal to us (as much as fantasy is normal). I very much enjoyed the strong female protagonist, she was crucial, but didn't beat you over the head with her sword. There is also a neat interview with Pratchett in the extras - a fascinating glimpse into his mind.
Watch, enjoy, and know the fantastic joy that comes with awareness of Pratchett's world.