"Bother, I've left my heart in Narnia again"

So I recently finished "Prince Caspian" and have felt compelled to do another blurb, I thought about doing one for "The horse and his boy" but couldn't come up with anything I wanted or needed to say (even though it is my favorite Narnia book).

So the Pevensie's are back. And Narnia has changed, (let me indulge you with a quote)

"And so they feel, or rose, or blundered or dropped right through, and found themselves in this world, in the Land of Telmar which was then unpeopled. But why it was unpeopled is a long story: I will not tell it now. And in Telmar their descendants lived and became a fierce and proud; and after many generations there was a famine in Telmar and they invaded Narnia, which was then in some disorder (but that also would be a long story), and conquered it and ruled it."

Ok can we all agree that we need a complete history book of Telmar and Narnia? Because I'm absolutely dying to know every detail of everything related to these kingdoms. But of course Aslan has a point to make so we do not get to hear the tale. 

And I avoid fanfiction myself because... not really sure, its just not the same, it often contradicts with the author, or is just too silly or stupid in my admittingly closed-minded opinion. But in this case I would relent, heck I'd write the stories myself.

Another comment I must make is how surprisingly long the Pevensie's journey to Aslan's How is. I only had about 2-3 chapters left by the time they actually met up with Caspian. But my complaint is not how overall long but short the book was, I need more! A longer battle! more later-on-Caspian-scenes! (two very detailed history of telmar and narnia books!...)

I mean of course it was a page turning, book hugging, five-star rating read, I'm just saying.

Okay, movie/book rant.

*takes deep breath*

"The movie was far more epic than the book"

*hides as bookish insults, various items and possibly a raw egg is thrown* 

All calmed down? No? Usually this would be my reaction to someone seemingly preferring the movie of a book over the book, but let me explain. As I said the book was mostly Caspian's back story and the Pevensie's journey to join him. The movie adds a far more exciting story-line that involves a raid on Miraz's castle, an undeniably EPIC battle (come on! they came out of the ground!) and Lucy going to find Aslan and waking the trees last minute. In the book the battle is over before it is even begun.

And of course I love the book, I love the details, Caspian's backstory, the dancing lawn banquet, the dancing and feast of the nymphs, wine god (and entourage) and the collecting of those who believe, to drop everything and follow Aslan, and of course the involvement of Doctor Cornelius and the reunion with the nurse. 

They are equally good.

Still, the movie has more epic plot points, a Caspian with an undeniably gorgeous accent (really ticked he lost it in The Dawn Treader) and more king-worthy Caspian moments. The fact that in the movie he had to spare his uncle's life twice is a really good way to showcase his character and strength. I also liked that his aunt was one of the first to go through the doorway back to our world. I do not really care for the romantic tension between Susan and Caspian, and the whole kiss thing. There's no realistic room for it in the story. 

And I'm not trying to convince you that the movie is better than the book, its not, its more epic is all I said (doesn't equal better). And I find that movies tend to develop their own story-line overall as a series progresses and should be taken with a grain of salt and a tablespoon of objectiveness. 

And when I acknowledge the fact that it's not the book as a movie, (it's just a movie based on the book) I can start to love both in their different ways. If I had to speak from a producers point of view I would probably say that the book line for line would not have made for the exciting cinematic experience audiences want, and I get that. I enjoy both the book and the movie for their differences not despite them.

Before I move on can I please shower you with pictures of a beautiful specimen?

Sorry Edmund...

And finally, a character analysis (this is really an observation and thoughts on some of the characters). I won't do a top # list just because the book characters differ from the movie characters too much so I'd need separate lists. 

Caspian the tenth

Of course I have to start this list off with him. I just adore how interested in, and passionate he is about Narnia's true history (we have so much in common!:) And of course he's brave and humble and really cares for those he leads. (Did I mention his movie accent?) 

Susan Pevensie

I don't want to say she's my least favorite Pevensie sibling (sounds too harsh), but I would rank her last. Overall she patronizes Lucy a lot in this book, (also in the LWW) and you can see the direction she's going starting in this book. As you know, she stops believing entirely later on and chides her siblings for still remembering. So I find her to be the weakest sibling in that aspect. Another observation is that Susan is a lot more battle-ready in the movies, but in The horse and His Boy she was described as the kind of proper lady who didn't go to war,  and she isn't called Susan the Gentle for nothing. 

Caspian's Nurse

She's so underrated, she doesn't even have a name or a proper illustration. (But I managed to get an image of her portrayed in a play) She literally changed the course of History by being the first to introduce Caspian to the tales of the old Narnians and their ways, instilling in him a passion so strong it could not be doused by Miraz and led to Caspian becoming the rightful King of Narnia. (Because the King of the old Narnians is responsible for all the talking beasts and their well-being, as commanded by Aslan at the beginning of it all in The magician's nephew).

High King Peter

He's still awesomely and epically fighting for others. He doesn't think twice about dueling Miraz to buy their side more time while Aslan was at work, and he assures Caspian that he is fighting to put him on the throne, not to steal the spotlight.

Lucy

She's so strong, her faith, her spirit, her character. She's the first to see Aslan and has to convince the others, but is willing to go on without her siblings if they won't listen. I just love her.

Edmund

Always so proud of how far he came, and how much his character has grown. he's the only one who believes Lucy and helps to convince the others. And I just love the relationship between him and Lucy.

Trumpkin

Peter said it best, he's a brick. It might have taken him a bit to believe in the kings and queens of old, and even longer to believe in Aslan. But he's loyal, protective and a lot less surly than his movie counterpart (but not too cheerful, he is a dwarf after all). And the movie may have shown his duel with Edmund, but his shoot out with Susan was just as if not more epic. Here's my favorite quote to tie in with that,

"I think that apple hanging over the wall on the branch there would do,' said Susan. 'That'll do nicely, lass.' said Trumpkin. 'You mean the yellow one near the arch?' 'No not that,' said Susan. 'The red one up above-over the battlement.'The Dwarf's face fell Looks more like a cherry than an apple he muttered, but he said nothing out laud."

*foot note can I just say how hard it was to find an image of the dwarf Trumpkin? I was absolutely pummeled by images of Donald Trump's face merged with pumpkins (JUST WHY???!!!?!!!)*

So that's my little rant on this book. (A little long I acknowledge). Probably be back soon with another Narnia related post soon, as I continue with this read-along.

Till then, farewell my lovelies!

Thoughts on "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"

Soooooo I finished TLTWATW (still a pain to write) late last night. I'd been busy with work and umm ...minecraft but anywho here we are!

So I have some thoughts to share, and it'll probably be a short post but it didn't make sense to put them on Goodreads.

First of all, the movie wardrobe looks wayyyy more epic than the one in the book (which has a looking glass on the door). I mean it makes sense to have a more epic wardrobe with a cloth on it that is then epicly pulled off by Lucy. But it's kind of misleading. The movie wardrobe door also has a handle on the inside. And C.S. Lewis was very clear on how "foolish it it to shut one's self in a wardrobe" (of course Edmund did... how did he and Lucy get back..). I mean it's not a big deal, but I can't tell you how many times I was told in a single chapter how foolish shutting oneself in a wardrobe would be, and then you give me a handle in the movie? All that said I adore both the book and its movie:)

Secondly, my favorite scene (by far)

The Coronation!!! 

"Once a king or queen of Narnia always a king or queen of Narnia"  

also

"Long live king Peter!" "Long Live queen Susan!" 

"Long live king Edmund!" "Long live queen Lucy!"

This scene just made me hug my book to my chest lay back and sigh with happiness 

(yeah, that good:)

Random thought, I REALLLLLY want to live in Cair Paravel

Also I have my little proud spiels for each of the Pevensies.

First of all, Peter! Such a brave young man, he definitely deserves the title of High King (not just for being the oldest). He is the first to apologize to Lucy, constantly protected his sisters, took responsibility for Edmund's actions (even though it wasn't his fault) and to top it all off he lead and fought his first battle BY HIMSELF because Aslan wasn't there at the time.

Susan. As one of the two eldest she also protects her siblings. Though at first reluctant to stay in Narnia, after finding out about the witch and the Faun's arrest she agrees that saving Mr. Tumnus for sheltering Lucy is the right thing to do. Always kind, patient and gentle she comforts Aslan as best as she can before the sacrifice on the stone table.

I had that one so-proud-of-Edmund moment. Because yes he was a little jerk through most of the book but he was the one who turned the battle in Narnia's favor by destroying the White witch's wand (say that ten times fast) and he nearly died as a result. 

Aww Lucy. The first to enter Narnia, finding a faun in another world doesn't seem that strange to her. She easily makes friends, holds her family together, sees the best in people and cares for those around her. When she discovers that Mr. Tumnus has been taken by the White Witch she insists on going after him. She stays with Aslan the night at the stone table and is given the important job of rescuing those near death after the final battle. Valiant through and through, she is one of my favorite characters:)

And lastly I shall list my top eight favorite characters from this story.

1) Peter Pevensie

If my little spiel above didn't convince you how awesome he is, then you better go read the book for yourself

2) Edmund Pevensie

Yes the whole jerk thing. But you better let it go, Aslan said so! (shakes finger at you). He had the courage and sense to go after the witch's greatest weapon, her wand. He nearly died for it. And his experience with the witch helped him to become a just and fair king who believes that people can and do change.

3) Lucy Pevensie

She's brave, strong, gentle and all around awesome. She instantly forgives Mr Tumnus for almost handing her in, is constantly lending people her handkerchief,  believes the most out of all the siblings, and she's so adorable too:)

4) The Professor

Also known as Digory Kirke all grown up. He's been there, he believes Lucy and tells the two eldest to believe her as well. He can't believe the modern school system and he is an all around sympathetic and likable chap.

5) Mrs Beaver

I just love her calm demeanor, yes the witch is coming but first lets pack some food. Also the adorable conversation about bringing the sewing machine.

6) Susan Pevensie

Just because she is a little lower than her siblings doesn't mean I don't love he, but she doesn't have any real defining moments in this book other than the ones listed in my spiel above.

7) Mr Beaver

Brave, almost reckless, sassy and definitely lovable Mr Beaver doesn't think twice about bringing the children to his home and endangering himself in the process. He fully believes in Aslan and hates the witch with all he's worth.

8) Mr Tumnus

Although the faun doesn't come into the story all that much he still holds a special place for being the first Narnian Lucy meets. He almost hands Lucy over to the White Witch but sees the error of his ways and takes it upon himself to return her to the Lampost so that she can find her way home. He is taken by the White Witch and turned into a statue but later revived by Aslan and went on to become a prominent member of the children's court.

Well its only the beginning, I look forward to reading The Horse and His Boy next (my favorite book in the series last time I read them)

Till then, farewell!

My lists of random Christmas related things

Hello blogger world! Yes, yes I know...

I moved to space and connection has been slow, you know how it is!

But seriously, between school, strep throat and Christmas it's been hard to find time for blogging (and I may have also been putting it off and procrastinating doing things I couldn't during a normal school week, mainly nothing.)

But my conscience has been nagging so you can thank my little Jiminy Cricket for this post. I thought I'd start with something fun and easy, so I have some Christmas themed lists about movies, music and all that, you may find it interesting and/or it might give you some ideas on what to watch or check out (I know i'm always down for a new Christmas movie:)

Short Christmas movie reviews:

Home Alone 1

Home alone is a seriously funny Christmas comedy about a boy left home alone when his family accidentally leave for vacation without him. Kevin soon discovers that he can do whatever he wants (so of course he does). But things get serious when a pair of bandits decide to break into his house, Kevin takes it upon himself to defend his house (this is where it gets good) he sets traps, and watching the bandits fall into them is as painful as it is fun. The movie also has its warm moments as Kevin makes an unexpected friend and his Mother tries frantically to return to him.

Home Alone 2

Kevin is lost again, this time in the big Apple! In Kevin-style he makes the best of the situation and uses his Dad's credit card to check into the best Hotel in the City, watching him fool the staff is the most hilarious thing you'll ever watch! Of course the bandits come back into play, they have escaped prison and have set their sights on robbing a toy store. The money from the store is pledged to go towards the Children's Hospital so Kevin knows he has to intervene, with a trap-filled house causing twice the pain it did in the last movie. Kevin makes another unexpected friend and is reunited with his family at the end of the movie. You HAVE to watch Home Alone, go, do it!

How the Grinch stole Christmas (Live action)

I haven't seen the animated (original) Grinch, but this one starring Jim Carrey is a must see! Hilarious, witty and yet dear to one's heart (Well it is starring Jim carrey). I can't say too much with dishin out spoilers but it's a great Christmas movie.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

This movie is one of the few that my family watches year after year. It's about a family enjoying just another Christmas, except things seem to go wrong at every turn. Between driving your neighbors insane, causing a blackout, electrocuting the cat, and having your brothers family pop in with the intention of staying until spring, what else could possibly go wrong? Well your brother kidnapping you boss might pose a slight problem as well... but in the end its a Merry Christmas all around! This is one comedy-filled movie to put on your "To-watch" list this christmas.

A Christmas Carol (Disney)

Starring Jim carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge, this movie sticks true to the book, just as Charles Dickens had written it, (and it's not really something for little kids) watch out for the doorknob scene in this one! (Made me jump two feet into the air). The movie is easier to understand if you have read the original novel, but still a great movie (and movies based on books that are true to the original story are hard to find!) Definitely a must-see!

The Polar Express

The Polar express is based on a book by that same title and as I recall is about a train that picks up children that don't believe in santa and brings them up to the North Pole so that they may believe he exists. It focuses mainly on one boy who has an adventure on his way up the pole. It is really a kids movie, and I haven't seen it in years but it seemed a movie worth watching.

Mickey's Christmas Carol

You're never too old for Disney  (that's one of my mottos so don't argue). This was my first "A Christmas Carol" version, and is of course more kid-friendly than the last. My first sentence basically sums this one up.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

There are several versions of this classic tale, and I've watched most of them, every year since I can remember. So find a version near you! Mostly geared towards kids, but we kids-at-heart-teenagers (or adults) can still watch, I'd say for me it's more of a tradition and nostalgia thing so you might not enjoy it very much, but a shout out to you if you do!

Jingle all the way

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger (you know, the guy with the heavy german accent). He plays a father who is going to stop at nothing to find the one and only toy his son wants this Christmas. The problem? Christmas is almost here and everybody's kid wants the hottest toy of the year, finding one will mean, allies, double crossing and exposing an underground community of fake santas. This movie has it's cheesy points but also endearing and comedic moments, up to you I'd say 50-50.

Christmas with the Kranks

I found christmas with the Kranks a mostly nah... maybe kind of movie. It might generate some laughs but I found some parts rather boring, silly or over-the-top. But it also had some endearing and funny moments. It's a couple that decide to  skip out on Christmas for that year, but the neighbors are protesting... (that part I didn't get, it's not really their business, is it?)

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Yet another Christmas Carol version, it is a nice one (even funny) It's a very family-type movie for all ages, you already know the plot so I will just say, it's one to put on your list!

Ok enough about movies, let's move on to... music! I am going to compile a list of christmas songs that I love, and one of songs that I hate (or dislike... a lot) for different reasons that are all my own, so I hope your favorite Christmas song does not end up on my "Hate" list, if so I do apologize. And my "Love" list is longer, because, there is no other way.

My Top Ten Favorite Christmas Songs

1.

It came upon a midnight clear

So beautiful...

2.

O Holy Night

Again, beautiful.

3.

The Christmas song (a.k.a Chestnuts roasting on an open fire)

Sums up all the nostalgia so perfectly.

4.

All I want for Christmas is you

Might seem odd, but I do love this catchy get-up-and-sing song

5.

Little Drummer Boy

I like the German version best, but I think it's a nice song

6.

I want a hippopotamus for christmas

A lot of people find this song annoying, I like it (it's cute) and I want a piano for Christmas this year so...

7.

God rest ye merry gentlemen

Love this song on the piano!

8.

Feliz Navidad

Again a lot of people find it annoying, I love it. I song along to it. And I don't care what anybody says about that.

9.

Mary did you know?

SO BEAUTIFUL!!!

10.

Silver bells

Nostalgia...

11.

Hark! The herald angels sing

Love this song!

12.

Go tell it on the mountain

Catchy and joyous!

13.

I'll be home for christmas

Not quite sad, but very hopeful. I always imagine a WWI  soldier singing this

14.

Blue Christmas

Somewhat sad, but I like it. Besides, Elvis. (what can I say?)

15.

Rockin around the christmas tree

So old fashioned, I just imagine a cozy 50s style Christmas

16.

The Grinch song

What can I say? I'm a kid forever.

17.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Yes it is.

18.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

A little sad, but such a part of my Christmas playlist.

19.

River

Okay so I do like some sad-ish Christmas songs (Christmas Shoes was too much though)

20.

Where are you Christmas?

I love both the "Grinch" version and Carrie Underwood. It's simply a nice song.

 

Top Ten Worst Christmas Songs

1,

Santa Baby

A woman with a high pitched voice trying to seduce santa... sick

2.

Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa is a creepy stalker who has spies everywhere

3.

Baby it's cold outside

Overplayed and annoying

4.

Last Christmas

You gave away your heart you naive-heartbroken-... oh I'm being insensitive?

5.

Grandma got run over by a Reindeer

Who comes up with these songs?

6.

Run, Run, Rudolph!

Rudolph the red nosed reindeer is a classic, this isn't. End of story.

7.

Christmas Shoes

You know those happy Christmas times? Yes? Well listen to the lyrics of this song and a gloomy outlook is guaranteed.

8.

... 

I'm just not good at finding songs I don't like, there may be versions I don't like but overall I don't dislike a lot of Music in General... well heavy metal is definitely a "NO!" but other than that..

Here is a list words and things that I associate with Christmas

Peace

Joy

Butter cookies

Presents

Jesus

Stable

Shepherds

Bethlehem

Star

Wisemen

Mistletoe

Decorations

Red and Green

Scented Candles

Santa

Christmas Tree

Christmas Lights

Candy Cane

Family

Chocolate

Peace on Earth

Christmas songs

Fireplaces

Snow

Nostalgia

Tradition

Weihnachten

Caroling

Holidays

Advent calendar

Advent wreath

Holly

Red berries

Hot cocoa

Friends

Christmas movies

Gift wrapping

Pinecones

______________________________________

Merry Christmas!

I shall try to post again soon, even if only briefly, so

Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! & Frohe Weihnachten till then!