ARC Review: Five Came Back

by Mark Harris
5/5 stars
The Penguin Press, 2014
444 pages
Adult Non-Fiction Cinema History
Scheduled to release February 27

Source: Received an ARC through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.

Some years ago I spotted an interesting sounding book in Entertainment Weekly and promptly put it on hold. When it came in at the library, I devoured it and got my parents to read it as well with them both loving it as well. What book was this? Well as you might have guessed, it was by Mr Mark Harris called Pictures at a Revolution about the five Best Picture nominees of 1967 and it inspired me to attempt to watch all five (still haven't managed as some are boring *ahemdoctordoolittle*) as well as sparking an interest in classic Hollywood. Thus it was a no-brainer to request his next book about cinematic history. While I recognized the five director's names (John Ford, George Stevens, John Huston, William Wyler, and Frank Capra) that are the focus of this book, I didn't know that much about any of them and certainly next to nothing about their experiences during World War II.

The book opens in 1938 following the five men in their Hollywood careers, some at the height of their popularity while others were just beginning their career until the United States entered the war and all five joined up, bringing their knowledge of film making to aid in the production of films about the war for both a military and civilian audience. Harris skillfully weaves in a discussion of propaganda and the impact of war while tracing the activities of the men.

As I shared, I didn't know much about the personal lives of these men so everything in this book was revelatory. My personal favorite sections did relate to actual movies I knew (such as a look at the excellent postwar film The Best Years of Our Lives) bringing back my enjoyment of Harris' previous book but I liked all of the other sections too. The five men had such experiences journeying to the Pacific and the European theaters and serving in different branches. But they also knew each other and were united by a Hollywood background and similar challenges while in the military that help keep the thread of the story moving.

Overall: I just click with his writing-now I want him to explore the anti-Communist movement in Hollywood during the fifties as we get hints of that in this book!

The Dark Knight Rises-Some Thoughts

Like many people, I eagerly went out to see Christopher Nolan's conclusion to his Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises. Sadly this movie has become part of a tragedy with that gunman killing appearing at a midnight showing in Colorado. My deepest sympathies are with the survivors and family members as they mourn their losses.

Going in to the film, I had some worries. I wasn't sure I would be able to understand the villain Bane's speaking voice with the mask over his mouth. I was terrified of the long running time (2 hours, 45 minutes). And I was wondering if this could possibly top The Dark Knight, a tremendously amazing picture that only keeps improving, the more I watch it.

Of those three concerns, the first one was eased early on. I thought Bane was very clear and easy to understand-this comes from someone who always puts subtitles on if they're available because I often need a little help. In my theater, he sounded a little louder than the other characters and I was able to understand almost everything he said (there were some trouble spots at the end).

I did think the movie was a tad on the long side. I was fully absorbed in the film (unlike, say, Avatar where I fell asleep) except for some stretches in the middle. The climatic scenes were excellent and I loved the ending although there was some ambiguity (highlight to read spoiler: I would have liked to see JGL as Robin and then to step up in to the Batman role. I loved loved loved Alfred seeing Selina and Bruce at the end though :)

However at the moment I still prefer The Dark Knight with its more charismatic villain and what felt like a tighter plot. Saying that I did not like the film very much after my first viewing, feeling overwhelmed by the darkness. It is entirely possible that this will become my favorite of the trilogy due to my favorite character.

As you might guess from the picture, my very favorite character was Anne Hathaway's Selina Kyle (Catwoman). In my opinion, every time she appeared, the movie pepped up from her energy. She's slinky with some killer black dresses, red lips, and crazy long legs (seriously impressive legs-I'm totally using them as inspiration for my exercise regime). Her hair was never mussed and she remained poised in every situation. I love Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman so I'm not comfortable saying that either is my favorite but I'm fine saying they are tied.

Did you see The Dark Knight Rises this weekend? What did you think?

The Vow

So surprise, surprise! I saw another movie this week: the highly anticipated romantic drama The Vow, starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum! In this film, they play a married couple who are in a car accident. He is mostly fine but she loses her memory of her life with Tatum, prompting him to try to make his wife fall in love with him again.

Based on the trailer, I thought I would get a sentimental weepy picture that would shamelessly tug at my emotions. However I didn't cry once and the story took some turns I did not anticipate nor did it give me the ending I wanted, something big and emotional with both hopefully crying. Instead it was pretty calm with some optimism.

What surprised me the most was the role that McAdams' family plays. They are not very present in the trailers I've seen but they play a huge role in aiding McAdams after her car accident and in pulling her away from Tatum, of whom they do not approve.  See McAdams remembers her life up to about 5 years before the accident. In those five years, she became disillusioned with her family, dropped out of law school, became a sculptor, and married Tatum. That is all forgotten due to the car accident.

I really loved seeing Tatum be romantic even though I've never thought he was very hot. And it was so sad to see his heartache as his wife pulled away. McAdams is lovely as usual-I'm a huge fan of her and have missed seeing her on screen. Ultimately though I didn't get the cry that the trailers led me to expect so I ended up disappointed.

The Artist (2011)

After seeing the great success of The Artist at the Golden Globes as well as the adorable Uggie, my mom became interested in seeing it. Since it expanded to a theater near us, I readily agreed and we set off. There were lots of reasons to be excited. I love classic films and what I knew about this evoked "Singin' in the Rain" and "A Star Is Born" as well as the only silent film to win Best Picture "Wings."  I am also trying to watch every Best Picture winner and I'm more than halfway through that goal; I will be ahead if The Artist triumphs on February 26.

We set off and settled in to our seats and were promptly surrounded by people. My sister mentioned that The Artist hadn't done that well since expanding to more theaters but it sure seemed crowded there! The audience definitely skewed older and we saw some pretty lame trailers.

The movie itself was pretty good. My absolute favorite part was the dance sequence that closed the film; this picture is from that scene. I was pretty astonished at how much I enjoyed the no talking part. I'm very comfortable with black and white films but have had a harder time with silence. I also really loved the actress Bérénice Bejos-she is so beautiful. Her and the lead actor both have very expressive faces, necessary for a film like this.

All in all, I am happy that I saw this movie but I'm not insistent in recommending it. I probably would have enjoyed seeing Mission:Impossible Ghost Protocol again more (in fact, I almost bought tickets for that instead, just because I was thinking of it!)

The Making of Star Wars

The Making of Star Wars by J.W. Rinzler
Ballantine Books, 2007
353 pages
Non-fiction; Hollywood
5/5 stars

Source: Library

This is a massive coffee-table book but it is covering a big topic: the genesis and making of Star Wars (A New Hope).  There are so many pictures, excerpts from early scripts, quotes from many of the principal figures, both on and off screen talent.  The best part is that those quotes are culled from interviews from about 1975-79, right as the instances happened and not as involved in the success and hype that followed.  Nobody anticipated the runaway success Star Wars was!

While I knew about some of the challenges faced during production, I didn't know the half.  In general, the technology of the time was not able to cope with the demands of George Lucas for this film, which resulted in a lot of frustration and compromise.  I think that helps to explain Episodes I-III, where the technology was so much more advanced.  Some of the parts were confusing to me as there are many people and technologies mentioned that were previously unfamiliar to me.  However a careful reading helps to sort that out.

My favorite sections were about the actors and John Williams' score, as they were the parts I sort of knew already.  It definitely made me want to go rewatch Star Wars and also listen to the soundtrack because it really is such great music.

Looking forward to The Making of The Empire Strikes Back so I can find out how they created Yoda and came up with that spoiler-you know the one ;) because as of the first film, that wasn't part of the plan.

Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho

Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho by Stephen Rebello
Open Road
99 pages
Non-fiction; Hollywood
4/5 stars

Source: Received a free e-copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Read: Today is Alfred Hitchcock Day and I recently rewatched Psycho so I thought this would be a good way to celebrate.

This book is a good summation of the path Psycho took to becoming film.  First a real-life crime inspired novelist Robert Bloch to write the novel that Hitchcock would end up optioning in order to create something new for audiences after the failure of Vertigo.  He assembled a cast and crew and made the film in a manner more reminiscent of a television program than the usual lavish color films.  And it was a huge success-audiences around the world loved it. But Hitchcock was never able to replicate that success in his other later films, instead struggling to find quality scripts and to keep the audience in suspense.

As expected from the title, Hitchcock is the central figure.  I was most intrigued by Saul Bass's claim to have directed the famous shower scene based on storyboards he created. I'm in the Hitchcock camp; he had his ideas and it was his picture, his set-no one but him would have final control.

I would have liked to read more about Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh's careers after Psycho.  As far as I know, neither worked with Hitchcock again and neither had such success.  In fact, I've read that Perkins was typecast and struggled a lot with that post-Psycho.

Overall: A fine work and good reading for those who would like to know more about this iconic film.  If you haven't seen Pyscho, you should definitely check it out and then maybe give this book a read.

Happy Oscars/The Social Network (Film)

The Social Network, 2010
Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Rooney Mara
Directed by David Fincher
Written by Aaron Sorkin

Summary: The creation of popular social networking site Facebook.

The good: First, Andrew Garfield is really hot in this! I had been seeing pictures of him on the awards circuit and I didn't quite get it but now I do and it makes me that much more excited about his performance in the new Spiderman.
Jesse Eisenberg is also good in an unsympathetic role; Zuckerberg seems to be fueled by spite and has little to no compassion for other people.
Rooney Mara, the American Lisbeth Salander, is also good in her handful of scenes as the girlfriend who dumps Zuckerberg and who he wants to prove himself to.
The script is also fantastic as you might have guessed from seeing that Sorkin wrote it.  It's very entertaining.

The bad: Justin Timberlake. I'm fine with JT in the music business but I do not want him in movies because he's awful.

While I mostly liked The Social Network, I definitely preferred The King's Speech and I'm rooting for it to win big tonight! What about you? Do you follow the Oscars? Will you be watching tonight?

Love, Actually

While not the most Christmas of films, I still like to watch this during the holiday season.  My top 3 stories:

1. Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon-I am a complete sucker for Hugh Grant and they're so cute.
2. Keira Knightley love triangle-Keira was the reason I watched this in the first place so her storyline is still pretty high on my list although it makes me sad :(
3. Bill Nighy's quest to have the number one song-I know, I'm surprised this made the top three as well but rewatching it recently I enjoyed this story a lot.

I love Alan Rickman's voice but at the moment I look more to the happy storylines.  I also love seeing Martin Freeman, soon to be Bilbo Baggins, as a character finding love.

Have you seen Love, Actually?  What are your favorite storylines?

Breakfast at Tiffany's (Film)

Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1961
Starring Audrey Hepburn and Mickey Rooney
Directed by Blake Edwards
Based on a novella by Truman Capote

I will admit that I'm not a big fan of this movie but after watching some really violent war films, my friend and I wanted to watch a film that a. featured no deaths and b. had some women.  Check and check plus the bonus of an adorable cat!  Of course there is Rooney's awful racist portrayal of a Japanese landlord which left us cringing and is definitely a minus.

But I loved her clothes and I could almost buy this as a romance, especially with the ending in the rain.  Overall I would say that you should see this film if you haven't!

The Hurt Locker (Film)

The Hurt Locker, 2009
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
Starring Jeremy Renner and Guy Pearce
131 minutes
Academy Award Winner-Best Picture

Summary: A look at a team that disarms improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the brash team leader and his two compatriots in post-invasion Iraq, 2004.

Thoughts: I was so excited about this and I couldn't wait to see it, whether by buying the DVD or renting it from the library.  A couple weeks ago I finally had the chance to see it.  And well...I really didn't like it.  I don't know if I overhyped it in my head, if I was a bit worn out because I watched it right after Saving Private Ryan, or if it's just not the kind of film I like (quite probably all of those reasons).

It opened strongly with a suspenseful ten minutes that had me sitting on the edge of my seat (not literally, I sprawl when I watch movies).  And then it just went on and I didn't like it.  I really like Pearce (Memento-yeah!) and Renner (I loved him on The Unusuals which is on hulu for Americans who might be interested).  I didn't know the other actors but they were fine.  It was the story I didn't like.

I'm really disappointed that I didn't love this movie.  But it still counts toward me watching all of the best picture winners (remember I'm over halfway there!)

Saving Private Ryan (Film)

Saving Private Ryan, 1997
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Edward Burns, Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi, Ted Danson, Paul Giamatti, Nathan Fillion
169 minutes
Rated R

Summary: Beginning on D-Day, this traces a group of American men who must find Private Ryan to return him home to his mother as his three brothers have all died in the war.

Thoughts: I had started to watch this another time but got derailed because it is so long and difficult to watch.  Then my friend found out that I hadn't seen it so she said we should.  I don't really have much to say. Tom Hanks is amazing of course. The ending made me cry and as I type this I'm tearing up again remembering it.

I mentioned Nathan Fillion above even though he has a very small role because it made me smile and I was so pleased to recognize him.

I'm not sure how realistic all of the battle scenes are (re troop actions, weapons used) but it was an awful experience to watch the men fall and hear all of the noise.  While I already knew that war was hellish, this confirms that impression.

To go in a different direction, I've heard it said that Shakespeare in Love should not have won the Best Picture Oscar over this film.  I personally prefer SiL to SPR because it had a female lead (SPR has no major female characters) and it's a comedy, a genre frequently ignored or denigrated by the Academy in my observations.  Of course it's hard because both are really good films and in different years each could have emerged as the clear contender.

A Little Princess (Film)

A Little Princes, 1995
Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron

Summary: Sara Crewe is going to boarding school as her father goes off to war.  While there, she shakes the establishment up. Then comes news that her father is dead and his assets have been seized; because of this, Sara is now a poor orphan forced to work at the school she formerly attended.  But she maintains her belief that all girls are princesses which helps her keep up her spirits.

Thoughts: I watched this because my friend loves it and I had only seen it the once a long time ago.  I remembered the story but not all of the specific details. It was also great watching with her because she laughed at all my silly comments.  One serious comment though is that her father goes to serve England in WWI as it's 1914.  They arrive in New York and we see another guy going off to serve.  But America didn't enter until 1917.  Are we supposed to believe that guy is British? Because there are no indications of that.  There were a couple of other incidents (race is blipped over...in 1914 America-come on; latex balloons appear) but that was the most egregious.

There were some very cute scenes and it made me a bit teary-eyed at the end.  I don't think I've read the book but after skimming the internet, it seems that there were a lot of changes and I'm not sure I'd like it as much.

Gladiator (Film)

Gladiator, 2000
Directed by Ridley Scott
Starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Richard Harris

I watched this as part of my quest to watch all of the best picture winners.  My friend said it was really good and I mostly agree.  It was very different from what I expected.

I thought that Russell Crowe pissed off the emperor Joaquin Phoenix and was then forced to participate in Gladiator games to his death.  There is actually more to the story.  Emperor Richard Harris wants Russell Crowe to take over and restore Rome to a republic; presumptive heir Joaquin Phoenix does not like that and wants Crowe dead.  Crowe manages to survive and ends up a slave fighting for sport before appearing before emperor Phoenix.

There is a lot of violence, blood, and death (after all the film is rated R).  I generally prefer funny movies and well this is not one but it is still worth watching when you have a chance.

A Tale of Two Cities (Film)

A Tale of Two Cities, 1935

Produced by David Selznick

Starring Ronald Colman as Sydney Carton, Edna May Oliver as Miss Pross, and Basil Rathbone as the Marquis de Everdeme (SP)

4/5 stars

Summary: An excellent adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic novel.

Thoughts: One problem I've had with versions of this story is the difficulty of finding Cartons and Darnays who look alike, which is an important plot point. This one did not succeed in that regard. But Ronald Colman is wonderful and was in fact my main reason for wanting to see this. Another reason was that it was produced by Selznick before he did Gone with the Wind and I wanted to see some of his other work.

Now this is one of the few Dickens novels I've read and of course a lot is cut or condensed but overall I think this is a very good production and worth seeing if you ever have the chance.

Ella Enchanted (Film)

Visit Irena at This Miss Loves to Read for information on this wonderful meme!

I remember when the Ella Enchanted movie came out and many of my friends were upset with its treatment of the plot (let's just say it's VERY different from the book).  I however wasn't sure why they were so upset when the gorgeous man pictured above was in the film.  When you're looking at a charming, good-looking British man, it's hard for me to be too angry!  That man is Hugh Dancy and he plays Prince Char (see the names are the same!) and this was my first introduction to him.  I was able to recognize the many changes made to the plot but I still thought it was a pretty good film once you disassociated it from the book.  He and Anne Hathaway are super cute together and I liked seeing Cary Elwes as a villain after only knowing him as Westley in The Princess Bride.

Overall I would recommend this to people who like Hugh Dancy, who like fairy tale movies, and who can appreciate a movie that isn't 100% faithful to the source material.  Just think of them as a very separate entities and sit back and enjoy the hotness!

My Cousin Rachel (film)

My Cousin Rachel, 1952
Starring Olivia de Havilland and Richard Burton
based on a novel by Daphne du Maurier (author of Rebecca)

Summary: Philip Ashley (Burton) receives two letters from his cousin/guardian Ambrose that describe a man being tormented by his new wife Rachel (de Havilland).  When Rachel comes to visit though, Philip falls in love and eventually wills his estate to her.  Shortly thereafter she becomes distant and he falls ill with similar symptoms to Ambrose.  Is Rachel trying to kill him?

Thoughts: I didn't realize that Richard Burton was in this, at first.  It appears that it was his first big American role (although he was nominated for best SUPPORTING actor despite most definitely being the star).  It was after Ms de Havilland had already won two Oscars and she's the title character so it makes sense that the promotion centers around her.  I found it on hulu (expires October 1 which is why I finally watched it) and while I hate their commercial breaks, they weren't too intrusive here.

It's very suspenseful as the audience never knows if Rachel has good honest intentions or if she's masquerading for her personal gain.  Additionally there's romance as Philip is head over heels in love with Rachel (much to the disappointment of his childhood sweetheart Louise).  The ending is not resolved her; no clearcut answers here.

I also really want to read the book now.  I liked Rebecca and I've been wanting to read more of du Maurier's work.  This seems like a good starting point although I don't know when I'll have a chance.

The Old Maid (Film)

The Old Maid, 1939

Starring Bette Davis as the titular old maid Charlotte, Miriam Davis as her cousin Delia, and George Brent as the man they both love Clem.

2.5/5, which is mostly for the awesomeness that is Bette Davis

Spoilers

Summary: Based on Edith Wharton's short story (which I've read) and a Pulitzer Prize winning play by Zoë Akins. Charlotte secretly has a child who she cannot raise due to the strict moral codes of the 1860s so Delia takes them both in and adopts the child. Over the years, the child calls Delia "Mummy," basically driving a stake in to Charlotte's heart.

Thoughts: Miriam Hopkins's character is a *word that I do not want on my blog* and I very much wanted to slap her, which my friends on facebook got to read multiple times while I watched the film. She loved Clem but couldn't handle marrying a poor man. So Charlotte got to be with him. Then Charlotte was going to marry a man who would accept her loving of the ward Tina (short for Clementina), who was actually her daughter but no one knew. Once Delia knew it was Clem's, she ruins the chances for marriage. After Delia is widowed, she gets Charlotte and Tina to move in with her and gets Tina to call her mother. When Tina is an adult, Delia officially adopts her and thus gets Clem's child all to herself. After Charlotte confronts her, Delia realizes somewhat that she was a *word that I do not want on my blog* and has Tina give Charlotte her last kiss before leaving with her new husband.

I don't know if that explanation makes sense but this plot made me so angry. It was a little different in the short story (Delia doesn't ruin Charlotte's chance at marriage) but it provoked similar feelings. It is not helped by the fact that I LOVE Bette Davis and wanted her to claw out Miriam Hopkins's eyes but was sadly disappointed.

Overall: NOT RECOMMENDED!

Scott Pilgrim vs the World

Scott Pilgrim vs the World, 2010
Based on the graphic novels by
Starring Michael Cera as Scott Pilgrim, Anna Kendrick as Stacey Pilgrim, Kieran Culkin as Wallace, and Jason Schwartzman as Gideon
4/5 stars

Summary: Scott Pilgrim plays bass in a band and dates a high-school girl.  Then he meets Ramona Flowers and immediately tries to woo her.  Along the way, he has to fight and defeat her seven evil exes.

Warning: I believe this movie skews younger: my parents who were quite interested in the concept and actors, did not enjoy it very much. My sister and I quite liked it.

After seeing The Other Guys recently, I was very excited about seeing some women even if they weren't the stars.  I LOVE Anna Kendrick and cannot wait for her to star in a movie (not to be mean and off-topic but why does Kristen Stewart get so much love? Is sullen and withdrawn really that hard to do? I think sparkling and peppy is harder but Anna does it!)  She plays Scott's sister and there's not nearly enough of her but I was happy every time she appeared.  Then Aubrey Plaza (from Parks and Recreations) plays Julie, a foul-mouthed woman who works many jobs and is able to give Scott lots of advice. Ellen Wong as Knives, Scott's high-school girlfriend, is great as the dumped girl who ends up growing a lot.  Mae Whitman plays one of the exes and I've really liked her ever since "State of Grace;" nice to see her reunited with Arrested Development costar Michael Cera.  Two other ex-girlfriends of Scott's, Alison Pill as drummer Kim and Brie Larson as newly famous Envy Adams are also quite funny.  I also liked Kieran Culkin as Scott's roommate/best friend who says SO many funny things and just generally seems to be having fun.

Unfortunately Michael Cera as Scott and Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Ramona were somewhat blah for me.  What do they see in each other?  They were so flat compared to those around them.  And I really wanted him to get a haircut (this is addressed in the film).

Looking over what I've written, I clearly preferred Scott's everyday life to his battles with the exes although they provided some good moments and some comic bits.  By the end they were just too long and I kept hoping for more of the real-life stuff.  I also would also call this a pretty nerdy movie-not in a judgemental way because I really liked it and I consider myself a nerd but because of the style and the characters.  I would definitely recommend Scott Pilgrim vs the World.

Fairy Tale Friday

Friday is for Fairytales is a meme hosted by Irena at This Miss Loves to Read. Every Friday, you can choose a fairytale you love, or simply find interesting or haunting, and review it or simply say why you like it so much, or why it has captured your attention. Instead of a fairytale, you can choose a favourite fairytale character and describe him/her and tell us why you like them, or you can simply share an experience connected to a fairytale. Fairytales can be old and modern, written by a known author or anonymous, written down or passed on orally, short or in novel form (like re-writings of fairytales), international or typical for your country alone. In this case, present your country’s fairytale and we can all become acquainted with a new fairytale. So, make a post every Friday that is connected to the world of fairytales, be it a review, a character description or your own fairytale experience. Let’s celebrate fairytales and share our love for them.

This might be stretching the theme a bit but I feel that the movie follows a fairy tale structure: poor unpopular Mia uncovers the truth about her origins; a fairy godmother (and really what else could you call Julie Andrews) transforms her; she navigates the dangerous paths of high school; and ends up with self-confidence and a handsome "prince." Also because of this movie, I started reading Meg Cabot (I probably would have anyway but this accelerated it). It's a fun movie but beware the sequel (unless you like Chris Pine aka reboot Kirk)

Fairy Tale Friday

Friday is for Fairytales is a meme hosted by Irena at This Miss Loves to Read. Every Friday, you can choose a fairytale you love, or simply find interesting or haunting, and review it or simply say why you like it so much, or why it has captured your attention. Instead of a fairytale, you can choose a favourite fairytale character and describe him/her and tell us why you like them, or you can simply share an experience connected to a fairytale. Fairytales can be old and modern, written by a known author or anonymous, written down or passed on orally, short or in novel form (like re-writings of fairytales), international or typical for your country alone. In this case, present your country’s fairytale and we can all become acquainted with a new fairytale. So, make a post every Friday that is connected to the world of fairytales, be it a review, a character description or your own fairytale experience. Let’s celebrate fairytales and share our love for them.

I first saw The Swan Princess when I was pretty young. I fell in love with the songs and I enjoyed the romance. Then my sister discovered the film and fell even more in love with it, meaning that I've seen our favorite parts probably at least 100 times. It is based on the Swan Lake story (famously put to music by the great Tchaikovsky) which has many variations, this being one of my favorites. Odette is very pretty, the animal sidekicks are amusing, the villain is quite terrifying in the final battle, and good wins out in the end! Plus it's very quotable: "You should write a book: How to Offend Women in Five Syllables or Less" "What if Odette doesn't go for the merger? Urge her!" "And with some luck, their marriage may result in lower taxes!" Good stuff.