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xtian54
Reviews
C.S. Lewis: Dreamer of Narnia (2006)
Marvelous documentary!
This documentary is part of the 4-disc Special Extended Edition of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe", and is an excellent introduction to the man behind the mythology of Narnia. I have to say that I would have paid the price of the set just for this disc alone--it's just that good.
The film features interviews with Douglas Gresham, Ben Kingsley, Ray Bradbury, and many others who either knew Lewis or have had their lives touched in a special way by him. Sections of the Chronicles are read by English schoolchildren or portrayed with animation cleverly devised from the Pauline Baynes illustrations. The score is first-rate, and the narration by "Lewis", in the form of a letter written to children, is a marvelous conceit.
There are many details about Lewis's life that are passed over, but the overall presentation of the man and his impact on the world is by far the best I've yet seen.
Rose Red (2002)
Some Scripts Are Born Bad
While I usually enjoy Stephen King's nods and re-workings of previous authors, this one was a slap in Shirley Jackson's face. Even "The Haunting" succeeded at the psychological aspects of the Jackson novel, in spite of the gore & SFX. I kept waiting for "Rose Red" to get better, more engaging--but it didn't. Watched the whole first installment and about 1/2 hour of second. Won't be watching the conclusion. "Storm of the Century" ( a nod , in a way, to "The Lottery" by Jackson) was a better experience by far, as tv fare goes, and a morality tale to boot.