Magic, Etc.

Saw PRISONER OF AZKABAN tonight. Easily my favorite of the three. Since Cuaron wasn't burdoned with the exposition needed in the first two (and the cast has aged nicely into their roles), this take on the world of Potter is artful and disarmingly moving. Everything from improved FX (Buckbeak is unquesionably real, and not over-animated as so many digital beasts are), lovely digital image grading (atmospheric but subtle, rare in this post-LOTR world), and a superior, well-choreographed script that manages to pare the essence of the third book down to a pleasing rhythmic tick-tock flow (the silent-movie-style iris fades were a nice touch), this third chapter in the saga nailed the tone of its namesake book far better than the by-the-numbers first two.

Also saw DAY AFTER TOMORROW last week. I *heart* disaster movies so very much, ever since I saw EARTHQUAKE at the Chinese when I was four -- I even own a copy of METEOR, folks. This one didn't disappoint at all, so if you're a fan of silly mass destruction and an even sillier cast, then don't miss it.

Also just finished reading LUCKY WANDER BOY, and if you're a child of the 80s and you're a fan of authors like Douglas Coupland, then it's worth a read. Quirky and thoughtful, it morphs the golden age of videogames into a sort of modern mythology.

And speaking of Douglas Coupland, just started reading HEY NOSTRADAMUS! Full report once finished.