The Abhorsen Trilogy (1995, 2001, 2003)

Fiction/Fantasy


Jordan's Age Rating: 14+ (Violence, Disturbing Concepts, Complex Plot)


Jordan's Quality Grade: A

Author:

Garth Nix

Publisher:

Eos (USA)

The Abhorsen Trilogy, as far as High Fantasy goes, is a top-notch selection. If you are a fan of such writers as Robert Jordan, Ann McCaffrey, and J.R.R. Tolkien, do not pass this series up! It takes place in the mystical Old Kingdom, which is full of magic and magical creatures and beings, and Ancelstierre, a Kingdom which mirror's our own world in the early 20th Century. Both of these worlds are richly portrayed, though not overly detailed, so as not to distract from the main storyline. The story is epic on the same scale as the Lord of the Rings, though much more down to earth and easy to relate to. The trilogy abandons many of the popular cliches found in many other fantasy series, and provides a more gritty, realistic adventure, which really brings it down to the level of the reader.

Book I - Sabriel: The first and, in my opinion, best volume of the series. This book follows the strong willed daughter of the Abhorsen --a man charged with making sure that the Dead stay just that, dead-- on her quest to find her father and defeat a great evil which threatens to destroy the very fabric of existence! I really cannot find anything negative to say about this episode, other than perhaps that the antagonist, Kerrigor, was slightly cliche.

Book II - Lirael: This book follows a daughter of the Clayre, Lirael, and the young Prince Sammeth, Prince of the Old Kingdom and Abhorsen-In-Waiting, as they both struggle to discover their own identities and survive the paths they have chosen, or perhaps been chosen for. The characters in this volume are strong, and the story itself is riveting. However, in places the action seems to drag out, and Mr. Nix seems to ramble about things insignificant to the rest of the story. Also, Lirael can sometimes be something of a whiner, justified perhaps, but after a while it does get a bit old. There are also a few slight inconsistencies in the plot, which are quite irrelevant in the long run. Overall a fantastic read, despite it's small flaws.

Book III - Abhorsen: This episode is a continuation of the story introduced in Lirael. This volume more than makes up for whatever flaws may have been tangable in Book II, although Lirael still has some rather annoying tendencies, similar to those in the Second Book. This book starts with action right away, and doesn't slow down until it's magnificent climax, which will reveal to the reader unanswered questions, some from as far back as Sabriel, concerning the companion of the Abhorsens, Mogget, and Lirael's helper, the Disreputable Dog. In short, this book is a marvelous conclusion to a brilliant series, which I would recommend highly to any reader of Fantasy or High Adventure.

Also by Garth Nix:

Across the Wall: A Tale of the Abhorsen, and Other Stories

The Ragwitch

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Nix

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/104-5134436-0829514?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=The+Abhorsen+Trilogy

Vantage Point (2008)

MPAA Rating: PG-13
Jordan's Rating: PG-13
Jordan's Quality Grade: B
Runtime: 90 min.

Who's Who?

Noteworthy Cast:

Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, Sigourny Weaver

Director:

Pete Travis

Writer:

Barry Levy

An Original Film Production

Alright Ladies and Gents, this flick has many qualities, some good, some not so much. From the very beginning, this show has your heart and mind racing. Upon leaving the theatre after taking in this show, I felt like I had just run a marathon. There is no down time in this film, so if you have a heart condition, or are prone to getting up mid-film to heed the call of nature, this film is not for you. When it comes to action packed, this movie epitomizes the phrase, though this is not necessarily a good thing. The fast moving plot allows very little time for thinking and piecing together, which is integral to the story itself. You have to pay very close attention and be able to think fast if you want to stay a step ahead of the action. The film is also rife with current events, complete with international summits, anti-American sentiments, and suicide bombers. If you are like me, and enjoy getting away from the day to day events when taking in a flick, this is also a strike against the film. I half expected as much when I decided to see the movie, so I really have only myself to blame. Nevertheless, I had hoped it would not be quite as reflective of the current times as it was. On the opposite side of the coin, the acting is high grade in this movie, and the cast was very well selected. Dennis Quaid, despite having very little actual dialogue (Something like 26 lines?) delivered superbly. Matthew Fox did well also, but the character was not much of a stretch for him. If you are a follower of his hit television show, "Lost", you will see a lot of Dr. Jack shining through. Forest Whitaker is always an enjoyable screen presence, and this role is no different. I would venture to say he is my favorite of the characters presented in the film, and his "vantage point" as it were, was the one that kept me the most interested.
The writing and plot are above average, though not entirely outstanding. For keeping you thinking it does very well, but as far as originality goes, it could have done better. All and all, I would say that Vantage Point is worth seeing, though perhaps in the comfort of your living room in your pj's as opposed to in the theatre. It is worthy of a B grade review from me, though I doubt will be taking any Oscars this year.



http://www.vantagepoint-movie.com/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443274/