Publishing Information: April 22nd 2008 by Greenwillow Books
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Magic, Adventure
Series Information: Book one in the Howl’s Moving Castle Trilogy
Format: Paperback, 429 pages
Source: Borrowed from my public library
Recommended For: Readers looking for a fun and quick read that will bring them back to their childhood.
Related Reviews: Check out Amy’s post and Brittany’s post
Hi friends! Here again for our On the Same Page post! This month we read a classic that we had all neglected to read while growing up! Howl’s Moving Castle is one of those books that I have always regretted not reading, not to mention the fact that people keep telling me that I absolutely needed to see the movie – and we all know that I can’t watch it before reading! So that is just what I did, I set out to read Howl’s Moving Castle and I devoured it in a day! I loved this book so much, it reminded me of growing up reading The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, which I think is my go to highest compliment! Okay so let’s get into the comparison…
The first thing that I should tell you is that I am finding that those who watched the movie prior to reading the book enjoy the movie a lot more, and vice versa. Actually, multiple people have told me that they were unable to even finish the book because they were not enjoying it as much as the movie! I read the book first and found that I enjoyed the book so much more than the movie. I don’t really see how I can write this post without ruining some of the plot so, spoilers ahead! Continue reading →
Today we have Candice from The Grown-Up YA chatting about different adaptations of Much Ado About Nothing! As I told you guys before, this play has the best adaptations! Enjoy her reviews and clips below and then head over to a Rafflecopter giveaway to enter our giveaway for a chance to win a Shakespeare retelling of your choice!
One of my favorite Shakespeare plays is Much Ado About Nothing. I’ve loved this one since I was young and feel like I get more out of it every time I watch it! My favorite thing about this particular play is the two main characters, Benedick and Beatrice. I’ve always been a fan of witty characters who banter with each other, although wouldn’t surprise me if the reason I loved these types of characters was because of these two!
Today I’m talking about 3 different adaptions of this play, all of which I encourage you to go watch! I’ve focused on the two main characters, Benedick and Beatrice, and about how great I found these performances to be!
Much Ado About Nothing (2012) – Joss Whedon version
When I heard my favorite director was going to be adapting my favorite play starring my favorite TV couple I swear I squealed for DAYS. I literally became the ultimate fan girl. What made this one even better is that it is chock full of Whedon-esque actors.
With a modern day setting and only minimal changes, I was very glad to see that this adaptation stuck to the original play. At first I might have had a teensy bit of trouble separating Benedick and Beatrice from Wesley and Fred, but after a little while that went away. The film definitely has that indie, college film student, foreign film vibe going on but I thought that just added oh so much to the story.
One thing I did notice about the portrayals in this adaptation was that it was very somber at times. While in other adaptations the interactions between these two characters are active and almost border-line comedic, I felt this one took on a darker tone and certain lines felt like a punch in the gut. There was a little back story created between Benedick and Beatrice, so hearing some of their dialogue changed the meaning from light banter to pain-tinged arguments.
Much Ado About Nothing (2011) – Wyndham Theatre/DigitalTheatre.com Version (aka Doctor Who edition)
Now for some more fangirling! Did you know that there is a Doctor Who edition of Much Ado About Nothing? Did you? DID YOU?! I didn’t either.
But there is!!!
So maybe it’s not ACTUALLY a Doctor Who edition, but it does star some of my favorite Doctor Who actors! David Tenant and Catherine Tate star as Benedick and Beatrice and honestly these two can do no wrong! This is actually a stage version but you can watch it at DigitalTheater.com (I know I will be!)
I watched a few clips from it and man oh man David Tenant really knows how to stretch his acting legs. While I love how he acts anyway, there is nothing better than when he really gets going. His whole body expresses what he is saying, his facial expressions are top notch, and throw in that Scottish accent and it’s like something magical happens! And Catherine Tate is just phenomenal period. I love her humor and the way she can deliver a line. While I can’t see her as anything but Donna Noble, the little I’ve seen of her as Beatrice was perfectly endearing!
One thing that I think is oh so important to these roles is the chemistry between the two actors. Benedick and Beatrice, while disliking each other, have this perfect chemistry that allows them to banter and bicker flawlessly. It’s a battle of wits, to the death! Tenant and Tate have great chemistry already which I think makes them both perfect for this bantering couple.
And then there’s this scene…
David Tenant never ceases to entertain me!
Much Ado About Nothing (1993) – Kenneth Brannaugh version
I would be absolutely remiss if I didn’t talk about the performance that made me absolutely fall in love with this play, the 1993 film with Kenneth Brannaugh, Emma Thompson and every other popular 90s actor.
Let’s be honest: Kenneth Brannaugh is phenomenal. I have yet to see a role he has played that I have hated. Ditto times a million for Emma Thompson. These two are like the Hollywood dream team in my opinion and their performances as Benedick and Beatrice were spot on.
I love this particular scene. Even though they’re both being pretty scathing to each other, you don’t feel like you’re watching something completely awkward and horrible. It’s like either of them could say something absolutely horrible to you but with the way they said it you would probably laugh and go have a beer with them afterwards.
What strikes most about these two characters is their range as actors. They can both express a myriad of emotions and feelings and thoughts seamlessly. These two characters certainly have a way with words and their tongues are extremely quick; while I’ve never played either role (obviously) I imagine with all those words their meaning can easily be missed. I never felt that Brannaugh nor Thompson let me miss a single thing thanks to their spot on delivery.
This play truly has it all: deception, love, mystery, romance, deception (so much that I listed it twice!), comedy, wit, pain, passion… Out of all Shakepeare’s plays, this one really captured my attention and my heart.
Today, we have Lily from ChaptersPagesWords reviewing the (in my personal opinion) FANTASTIC Kenneth Branagh adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing!! This is one of my favorite Shakespearean adaptations EVER! Enjoy Lily’s review and don’t forget to head over and check out a Rafflecopter giveaway to enter for a chance to win a Shakespeare retelling of your choice!
Title: Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Main Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Imelda Staunton
My Rating: 4 stars
I very much enjoyed this movie not only because of the plot but because of the characters, setting and overall experience. I would recommend this movie to anyone thirteen or older because I found this movie fun and entertaining.
Much Ado About Nothing was a great retelling of the play by Shakespeare. Branagh does a good job of taking the best part of the play and making them into the movie.
The movie is set in Messina in Italy so the setting throughout the entire film is beautiful. The setting is an important aspect in this film and was in my opinion well chosen. Much Ado About Nothing is meant to be set in 1598 and Branagh chooses to show this in an interesting way that made it fun for me to watch.
This movie / play is a comedy and it did make me laugh. So many things go wrong in the plot of this movie and the actors/actresses become characters that you sympathise with and grow to love. Although the film is in Shakespearean language, the movie was easy to follow and at times the plot benefited from this asset.
I think this movie was very well adapted from the play. With the amazing choice of cast and setting, this movie was overall very enjoyable and loyal to the play.
That’s all for this review, I hope you enjoyed and I’ll see you soon!
On the Same Page is a new feature here on Books Take You Places that I am hosting along with two of my very dear friends, Amy (Tripping Over Books) and Brittany (The Book Addict’s Guide). Essentially, we will be reading one book a month together and then doing a non-traditional review such as a playlist, character analysis, and so on…To find out more about this new feature, head on over to its dedication page!
Today I will be talking about Vicious by V.E. Schwab and in a few days I will be getting into a more traditional review of this novel because it really got me thinking about SO MANY THINGS that I want to share! For now, I thought it would be fun to go a different way (that is, away from the villains that I usually focus on) and focus on the different types of literary heroes. Keep in mind that these are all my personal opinions and the beauty is that these are layered characters and can therefore be defined in different ways.
The Willing Hero:
The willing hero is adventurous, committed, and brave. He (or she, except this is unfortunately uncommon) is willing to take great risks and make sacrifices to save others. Someone who is “born great” instead of “having greatness thrust upon him,” is also another important factor in the case of the willing hero. An obvious choice would be King Arthur; he was born with responsibilities and chooses to be a willing and kind leader. A lesser known example would be Jean Valjean, in Les Misérables, when he rushes to the barricade to try to save Marius for the sake of Cosette.
The Unwilling Hero:
An unwilling hero is a more passive person, full of self doubt and hesitant to do anything to take themselves out of the safety they have built around them. This hero uses things such as brainpower to overcome obstacles, instead of brute strength that he (or she) is perhaps missing. You will almost always find this hero with a sidekick or some other outside force of motivation as they will lack the willpower to move forward on their own. A great example of the unwilling hero is Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings.
The Tragic Hero:
Yay we get to use our brains! Let’s break it down into some characteristics of a tragic hero:
Overcome by inner demons
Hamartia – Tragic flaw or error that leads to his or her downfall
Peripeteia – A reversal of fortune brought about by his or her tragic flaw.
Epiphany – The hero becomes self aware of his actions and consequences.
Catharsis – The audience feels pity for the hero.
Excellent. Now who does this remind you of?
His call to action is of course, Dumbledore literally calling him to action to protect Harry as he grows and he is overcome by too many inner demons for us to count.
Hamartia – Ohh it could be so many things! Trusting Dumbledore? Not trusting enough? Let’s say his inability to let go of the past and allow himself happiness.
Peripeteia – By holding back (even from Lily as a child) he misses out on so many opportunities for happiness. He had hoped that Lily would be avenged by his saving Harry but then learns that Harry must die in order for Voldemort to die as well.
Epiphany – He recognizes that Harry has Lily’s ability to love as well as her eyes, he realizes that had he let go of his hate and loved as Lily would have wanted him to he could have led a happier life.
Catharsis – Of course the audience feels pity for the hero while he begs Harry to take his tears and look at him one last time so that he can see the eyes of his beloved!
The Byronic Hero:
This hero has often been described as unsmiling, broody, self respecting but also critical of himself and others. He is often a loner and is generally smarter than average. Ahh who does this bring to mind? My new beloved:
As I previously stated, these heroes can fall into different categories but for fun let’s see how Sherlock fits in with the Byronic hero. He is broody, mysterious, has distaste for social norms, is arrogant and self-destructive. All beautiful qualities of a Byronic hero in literature. Sigh.
The Anti Hero:
Ohh one of my favorites! The anti-hero is usually a rebel, someone who is perhaps looked at as an outlaw to society but who usually gains the audience’s sympathy. This is Victor Vale in Schwab’s novel Vicious, but it also relates to the one and only..
Jack Sparrow! Willing to take the law into his own hands to obtain his goals yet he is simultaneously charming and selfish. He often chooses the “wrong” path if it is easier and gets him to his goal faster. I love him anyway!
Since we are tragically missing females in this list I am going to provide you with my favorite female anti-hero: Scarlett O’Hara!
She is incredibly self serving and uses her beauty and charm to obtain whatever she wants, at any cost. She doesn’t care who she hurts, and sometimes she works solely out of malice. Her drive? Survival. Self preservation at its finest.
Please, discuss! Tell me what you think of my choices and who you would choose as your heroes! Other fun posts related to Vicious by V.E. Schwab can be found on Brittany and Amy’s blogs, so head on over!
It’s almost Halloween! Last year we showed you some of our favorite Halloween shows and movies, so this year I thought I would go out on a limb and watch something that Netflix keeps recommending to me: The Devil’s Carnival. You guys, The Devil’s Carnival is a horror film. It is also a musical. A horror musical. STOP IT. You had me at hello.
The Devil’s Carnival uses Aesop’s Fables (I KNOW!) at the core of its story and long story short, the three main characters arrive in Hell and have to live out the punishments for their sins committed during their life on Earth.
Arguably, the best thing about this movie is the soundtrack. The songs sound at first like simple and fun tunes, but once you delve deeper and listen to the lyrics they are very dark and deadly. It was the songs “In All My Dreams I Drown,” and “Trust Me,” that I heard on a whim while listening to a Halloween playlist on 8tracks that had me sold on the film. Take a listen..
While we are on that topic…Let’s just be honest, we’re all friends here, so you guys know that I love me the macabre. What do I love more than the macabre? Bad boys. Just wait for it though…how about a bad boy, in a leather jacket, with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, brooding, begging, and singing at you to “trust him,” I die. Am I right? Everything about this screams YES PLEASE. Which brings us to my favorite character/song/part of The Devil’s Carnival: The Scorpion (played by Marc Senter). The official website describes him as,
I can’t even. With the hair and the singing.
“A rebel even in Hell, this drifter is always seeking beautiful, new targets for his death-defying knife-throwing act. Any takers, ladies?”
Um, PICK ME! Honestly, gals, if you don’t watch this for the amazing soundtrack and life lessons, watch it for this guy. *fans self*
Need I say more? Head over to the official website to learn more about the other characters, or just to watch the music videos over and over again like yours truly. After that catches your attention, head to Netflix, take an hour out of your day and fall in love with The Scorpion.
Moving along with our Holiday love over here, we are focusing on our favorite holiday movies from our childhood! I have some of my favorites which I hope to review on the blog in the next few weeks. (Namely, those holiday classics like The Island of Misfit Toys and of course, A Muppet Christmas Carol) Brittany from The Book Addict’s Guide is here to share her favorite holiday films with us. Let’s see what some of her favorites are!
CHRISTMAS EVERYDAY
Christmas Everyday is a movie with YOUNG Erik Von Detten before he appeared in several Disney movies/TV shows and decided never to wash his hair again. This movie is sort of a Groundhog Day for a different holiday – Christmas, of course – and our protagonist EVD needs to figure out how to get his act together, be nicer to his family and his little sister and also figure out how to get the girl! He’s gotta get it all right or else he’s doomed to repeat Christmas (which doesn’t sound half bad to me) until he figures it out!
This was one of my favorite Christmas movies as a kid and every year I try to catch it on TV (when it’s actually on) and somehow each year I keep missing it.
THE SANTA CLAUSE
The Santa Clause is another Christmas classic – and this one I DO usually catch when it’s on TV. I love the idea for this movie and I usually enjoy Tim Allen’s roles (in case you didn’t remember, the Home Improvement episodes are my all-time favorite Halloween episodes…). I hated the mom’s haircut in this movie and totally didn’t get that, but I guess that’s only a minor thing, right? It distracted me as a kid. Loved Bernard’s role at the head elf – although I felt bad that Santa DIED. What!? – and I always thought that one other kid elf that kept popping up was kind of cute (I think I was young enough at the time to think that….). Anyway, love the movie and the message behind it! Lots of Christmas fun!
VARIOUS MUPPET MOVIES
My family has always loved the Muppets! No need to go into deep explanation here since (I HOPE) we all know who the Muppets are – but we used to watch Muppet Family Christmas MANY times over when my sister and I were kids (“Watch out for the icy patch!”) and for some reason our Christmas party at school when I was in elementary school (Catholic Pre-8 school) ALWAYS had a viewing of A Muppet Christmas Carol. I’m not sure why, but I’m pretty sure we watched it almost every dang year while we got sugared up with candy and cookies. These two are definitely a big part of my history!
WHITE CHRISTMAS
White Christmas isn’t specifically a kid’s movie, but it was another family favorite in my household! My mom always loved Danny Kaye and maybe a little less Bing Crosby since these were actors she grew up with in her home as well. We LOVE musicals and my mom, my sister, and I always used to watch old movies with Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby (Holiday Inn would be a good Christmas one too!) so I always get nostalgic when watching this one!
HARRY POTTER
So the Harry Potter movies aren’t Christmas movies (but apparently ABC Family doesn’t know that), but I really like the Christmas scenes that are in each one! The clip above is from HP1 and it’s one of my favorites! It still helps me get in the Christmas spirit.
ELF
I’m pretty sure I don’t have to say much about Elf! This is more of a movie for my sister and I – We try to watch one of the MANY showings that play on TV each year and I swear, I never get tired of it. I think I even saw it two, maybe three times in theaters when it first came out. Can’t wait to watch it again this year!!
MEAN GIRLS – JINGLE BELL ROCK
Mean Girls isn’t a Christmas movie either. Not by a long shot. But would it be Christmas without a skeazy rendition of Jingle Bell Rock? I guess the answer to that question is yes, but I still think this scene is ridiculously fun. Fun fact: One of my friends in high school (male friend, by the way) loved this scene in Mean Girls so much (yes, he loved Mean Girls) that he convinced our choir teacher to include Jingle Bell Rock in one of our holiday medleys. Very true story.
Britt, I also had a rather interesting winter show for choir after this movie came out. They wouldn’t let us do the moves so we added them (inappropriately) to our dance in the pep rally…Rebels, I know. I also agree with you, The Muppet Christmas Carol is like my FAVORITE and I put on every year while decorating my tree!! Also, HP totally counts.
Title: Howl’s Moving Castle
Books Take You Places 