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Seak (Bryce L.)'s Reviews > Stardust
Stardust
by Neil Gaiman (Goodreads Author)
by Neil Gaiman (Goodreads Author)
I've always considered myself a Neil Gaiman fan, but then I realized how can that be? Yes, I watched the movie Stardust and I DID read Good Omens...but wait. I never actually read a book solely by Neil Gaiman.
What kind of fan does that make me? A terrible one (if you were wondering about the answer).
But now, all that's changed...kinda. I'm still a crappy fan, but a fan nonetheless, one who's actually read a book solely written by the author. This will also not be the last. I loved Stardust.
The best way to describe this book is that it's a modern day fairy tale. It's lyrical, it's magical... whimsical would also work here. And the modern day part is evidenced in that Gaiman doesn't shy away from sex and one hilarious use of profanity.
Niel Gaiman is a master.
The Movie
I can't help but compare the book to the movie. I watched the movie first, so I was constantly comparing throughout, catching the subtle and brilliant uses of foreshadowing.
I know plenty of people hated the movie after reading the book, but having been sullied prior to my reading, I thought the movie did a great job capturing the atmosphere and humor of the book. Obviously there are some changes, especially with the ending, but overall the movie stays true to the book.
This is a movie I can watch over and over and over again...to my wife's constant chagrin (she's not a big fantasy fan).
Why Read Stardust?
If you watched the movie and loved it, this will only heighten your enjoyment. It's a quick read and a masterpiece. The movie captures the book impeccably, but it is still well worth your time to read.
5 out of 5 Stars
What kind of fan does that make me? A terrible one (if you were wondering about the answer).
But now, all that's changed...kinda. I'm still a crappy fan, but a fan nonetheless, one who's actually read a book solely written by the author. This will also not be the last. I loved Stardust.
The best way to describe this book is that it's a modern day fairy tale. It's lyrical, it's magical... whimsical would also work here. And the modern day part is evidenced in that Gaiman doesn't shy away from sex and one hilarious use of profanity.
Niel Gaiman is a master.
The Movie
I can't help but compare the book to the movie. I watched the movie first, so I was constantly comparing throughout, catching the subtle and brilliant uses of foreshadowing.
I know plenty of people hated the movie after reading the book, but having been sullied prior to my reading, I thought the movie did a great job capturing the atmosphere and humor of the book. Obviously there are some changes, especially with the ending, but overall the movie stays true to the book.
This is a movie I can watch over and over and over again...to my wife's constant chagrin (she's not a big fantasy fan).
Why Read Stardust?
If you watched the movie and loved it, this will only heighten your enjoyment. It's a quick read and a masterpiece. The movie captures the book impeccably, but it is still well worth your time to read.
5 out of 5 Stars
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Richard
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rated it 5 stars
Dec 04, 2011 08:01pm
This is one of my all-time favourites! Have you seen the film too?
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Good to hear. The film is one of my all-time favorites! I mean, Robert Deniro in a tutu, doesn't get much better. I'm just getting to the brothers, Primus, Secundus, etc. which was probably my favorite part of the movie (outside of the tutu).
Seak wrote: "Good to hear. The film is one of my all-time favorites! I mean, Robert Deniro in a tutu, doesn't get much better. I'm just getting to the brothers, Primus, Secundus, etc. which was probably my favo..."Yes, DeNiro was "tutu much." Actually, I really liked one character from the book who unfortunately does not appear in the film. Not sure how far you are yet, so I don't want to give too much away. So keep reading so we can compare notes! :)
It was so good, couldn't put it down. I think the movie got it down pretty well too. I wasn't really expecting the ending of this one though (on account of the movie).
Nicki wrote: "This was actually the first Gaiman book I ever read and in some ways my favourite, and I loved the film as well. :) It captured the essence of the story perfectly... and another thumbs up for Rober..."My first was Neverwhere. But I do love this one. I actually read it before the film came out. I love the film but I still think the book is better. But one reason the film is as good as it is, is that Gaiman had a lot of input there too.
In that respect, it's a lot like The Princess Bride: William Goldman, who wrote the excellent novel, also wrote the screenplay for the film; hence the latter is a classic as well.
I don't understand how anyone could not like the movie! It's brilliant! I actually read the book aaaages ago, read it thru twice in fact, and really enjoyed it at the time, but had forgotten all about it by the time the movie came out. Watched the movie on dvd and I was like 'Oooooh I know this!' LOVE <3 the movie, its one of my alltime favs now.
Yes, I completely agree. It's easily in my top 10 favorite movies. It just has everything right with it. Humor, magic, love, humor. It's the perfect combo. :)
Seak wrote: "Yes, I completely agree. It's easily in my top 10 favorite movies. It just has everything right with it. Humor, magic, love, humor. It's the perfect combo. :)"And don't forget Robert DeNiro!
Loved the book. Loved the movie.Have you seen the movie Mirrormask? Gaiman wrote the screenplay (I believe) but it's not a book. A dark Gaiman-esque Labrynth style movie. Not perfect but I really like it.
