Based on the novel by Ernest Hemingway. Santiago goes out on his usual fishing trip and makes a huge catch, the biggest of his life. Then a shark attacks and tries to steal his catch. Santiago battles with the shark for days. He returns to the shore beaten, tattered and torn, and his catch consisting now of mostly bones.
I love this story. I recommend both the book and the movie.
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Rory C. Keel
TUCK EVERLASTING
Review by
Natalie Bright
This classic novel by Natalie Babbitt tells the story about a young girl who stumbles upon a family’s stunning secret. If you could live forever, would you? This book has always been a favorite of mine since an early age, but have you re-read any books from your childhood lately? The writing absolutely blew me away. The setting is stunning, the characters are perfection, and the emotion packs a punch. The story lingers in your head for weeks after. Don’t you love it when that happens? As a writer, I have discovered a whole new appreciation for the children’s literature. TUCK EVERLASTING is as entertaining for adults as well as kids. Watch the movie too, but the book is worth your time and study of story craft.
Now you have homework: pick up one of your favorite childhood book and savor the greatness with a completely new mindset as an adult.
Happy writing!
RESERVE CHAMPION
Lynnette Jalufka
Last week, I wrote that The Lion Kingsolidified its place as my favorite movie after I watched it in 3D. This happened shortly after I saw the last Harry Potter film, also in 3D. I’m referring to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, my reserve champion of movies.To be fair, it is only half a movie. You had to have seen Part 1 first to follow the story. And none of it makes any sense unless you’ve watched the other six films, because important things from them show up in these two movies.
Both parts of Deathly Hallows are amazing when put together. They tell the story of Harry’s final showdown with his enemy, Voldemort, who has taken over the magical world. Harry goes on a difficult journey with his friends to find and destroy objects called Horcruxes, which, once all are destroyed, will be the end of Voldemort. That is, if he can do it before the Dark Lord kills him.
Part 2 is the more action-packed and emotional of the two movies. It contains a huge battle at Harry’s school, Hogwarts. I love this line from Harry as he argues with Hermione about returning to the school. He says, “Hermione, when have our plans ever actually worked? We plan, we get there, and all hell breaks loose.” It summarizes what has happened before and foreshadows what is to come.
I read the book before and after I saw the films. I’m glad the novel was made into two movies, because they contain all the emotion from the book. (I have shed tears in Part 2 ever since I watched it in 3D, which is incredible since I don’t usually cry in movies, and this is an action-packed film.) In my opinion, these movies are as close to the book as films can get.
“The Dark Tower” Movie Review
by Adam Huddleston
So, I attended the premiere of “The Dark Tower” last night, and I wanted to throw my two cents in about the movie. Due to the fact that there are many who have not read the source material, and I absolutely loathe folks who spoil the story for others, I will do my best not to ruin the plot for you.
Ok, after months and months (years actually) of speculation and chatting on Reddit about the movie, I went in cautiously optimistic. If you read online reviews of the film, you will see a myriad of responses; some constructive, most destructive. My overall impression was this: it was mediocre.
I understand that, when trying to appeal to a wide audience (most of whom have never read the novels), you have to make the story interesting without overwhelming people with exposition. The filmmakers included a good mix of several of the books and most of the performances were great. I felt that Matthew McConaughey’s portrayal of the Man in Black was sufficiently menacing. Isris Elba and Tom Taylor did a respectable job as Roland and Jake, respectively.
The action was probably the best part of the film, even if it did border on absurd a few times. The dialogue was hit and miss, mostly miss (it seemed like sometimes they were just throwing in phrases from the books to try to make the “Constant Reader” happy). I’m hoping that the movie will make enough to allow them to proceed with a television series. According to the filmmakers, the series would be closer to the canon of the novels.
Anyway, whether or not you are a fan of Stephen King or have read the novels, I suggest you at least give the film one viewing. You just might like it!
CHARACTER TRAITS
Natalie Bright
Whether you craft detailed character profiles or you let the character take you on their journey, it is helpful to really KNOW your character’s personality. By understanding the inner core of your characters, you understand their personalities, motivations, and how they will react to conflict and to each other. There are several books that make your job easier.
Writer’s Guide to Character Traits by Dr. Linda Edelstein
From Sex to Schizophrenia: Everything you need to develop your characters! As a psychology-based book for writers, this is an excellent addition for your reference library. With insightful summaries, you can dig deep into motivation and conflict, and create complex characters that readers love.
45 Master Characters: Mythic Models for Creating Original Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt
This book explores the common male and female archetypes that have been used in story-telling for centuries. This gives you ideas for traits, habits, hidden secrets, desires and greatest fears as a foundation for creating compelling characters and storylines. Dig deep and ask why. This will help you understand your characters’ motivation, making them intriguing and realistic. And added bonus are the examples for each archetype drawn from literature, television and movies. This is a great book.
Happy Writing!
STILL THE KING
Lynnette Jalufka
It’s movie review month here at Wordsmithsix, and I’m starting off with my favorite, The Lion King. I can remember the first time I saw it in the theater. The opening scene took my breath away as a cheetah stood on a rock in the glowing sunrise. Okay, I love big cats. But it’s the story that matters.
Young lion cub Simba can’t wait to grow up to be the king of the Pridelands, like his dad. When his uncle tricks him into believing he caused his father’s death, he is driven into exile. Simba meets new friends who teach him how to live without worries. Life is good until a friend from his past shows up. Great songs, awesome music, and beautiful animation aid in the telling of this story about facing the past and accepting responsibility.
I’ve seen this movie in various formats, from a VHS tape on a small TV to 3D on the big screen, and it hasn’t ceased to amaze me. I happened to catch it in 3D shortly after I watched the last Harry Potter film, also in 3D. I took a moment to compare the movies as to which one I liked more. Without a doubt, The Lion King still reigns supreme.
Wordsmith Six 