David M. Brown's Blog, page 71
February 2, 2013
Book Review: Why Are You Atheists So Angry? – Greta Christina
Is it because they’re selfish, joyless, lacking in meaning, and alienated from God?
Or is it because they have legitimate reasons to be angry — and are ready to do something about it?
Armed with passionate outrage, absurdist humor, and calm intelligence, popular blogger Greta Christina makes a powerful case for outspoken atheist activism, and explains the empathy and justice that drive it.
This accessible, personal, down-to-earth book speaks not only to atheists, but to believers who want to understand the so-called “new atheism.” “Why Are You Atheists So Angry?” drops a bombshell on the destructive force of religious faith — and gives a voice to millions of angry atheists.
Amazon USAmazon UKGoodreadsReview: Why Are You Atheists So Angry?
I am not an angry atheist. I am an atheist who has a great deal of respect for others’ practices and beliefs, provided they don’t expect me to share them. I’ve seen the solace that religion can provide, but I’ve also seen the hurt that has been caused in the name of religion. Like anything, it has many points, good and bad and many arguments can be made for and against. I am not here to fight my corner, for one very good reason: my corner is my own. I won’t try to extend it to encroach on yours or drag you kicking and screaming into mine. I feel it is important to make this distinction very clear: I am not anti-religious. Rather, I am anti-intolerance.
The reason I have to make that so clear is that I don’t want this to be a review that really just provides a soapbox for an anti-religion rant. I don’t care what faith anyone follows as long as they don’t hurt others – physically or mentally – in its name. Here’s the kicker: I would passionately and ardently argue that this applies to atheists too.
And there, I think, lies the source of my discontent about this book. It made many pro-atheism points, some of which had been fundamental in my own decisions about God and, as it was the religion I was most exposed to, Christianity. However, in the defence of an atheistic standpoint, it also made many anti-religion points. Well, that’s fair enough. I’m not opposed to debate, where it is sensible, productive and courteous. That said I am fiercely opposed to the idea of one person trying to convert another.
Perhaps it’s fair to say that my desire for tolerance rates more highly with me than my desire to proclaim my faith, or lack of. Therefore, when Greta Christina began to discuss “atheistic activism” I became incredibly uncomfortable. I am happy to explain to anyone why I don’t follow a faith and may be passionate about my reasons. There is a huge difference, however, between being passionate about something you believe in and passionately insisting it is the only thing anyone should believe in. So when Christina talks about activism, I feel profoundly uneasy. Isn’t that just another form of judgement?
The truth is, whether we judge someone based on their skin colour, language, gender, sexuality or religion, we demonstrate intolerance. The choice is whether you keep your views private and remain passively intolerant or if you take them out into the world. To me, the activism Christina advocates is just another form of active intolerance.
So, are we atheists angry? Some are, I’m sure. I do get a little angry when people make assumptions about me because of my lack of faith. My lack of religion has not robbed me of a moral compass or a sense of kindness. I also find it frustrating that when we share our reasons – so often based on logic and science – we are accused of being angry. I guess it does make you a little defensive. But am I angry? No. As I said, I am not anti-religion. To be an angry atheist would just demonstrate the active intolerance that irks me so much.
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins was a well reasoned book. There was a fair amount of passionate rhetoric and, yes, some anger. His anger was largely aimed at those who have lampooned him or those who have used religion as a basis to commit atrocious deeds. Yet, despite this anger, the book was a stunningly crafted argument about the reason he has taken his stance. I suppose you could argue that publishing that was a form of activism but I don’t believe so, any more than publishing the Bible is, or the Koran. When compared to Dawkins’ book Why Are You Atheists So Angry? really does come across as an aggressive rant. Good points are made but the book does little to denude the idea that atheists are foaming at the mouth in rabid fury.
Recently, someone asked me if I recited the prayers and sang the hymns for a church service, such as a wedding or christening. I replied that I did and was asked if it made me feel like a hypocrite. My answer was succinct. I don’t believe but that doesn’t stop me respecting the feelings of those who do. In times of love or sorrow, compassion binds us all. That isn’t unique to religion or atheism. We can always choose tolerance.
All in all, an interesting book that I’m glad to have read. Though I would probably recommend it to other atheists, I doubt I would spread my recommendations any wider. Thought-provoking books are always a good find. Books that incite us to try and change the beliefs of our friends and neighbours? A step towards intolerance…
Verdict: 3/5
Book Review: Why Are You Atheists So Angry? – Greta Christina | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave
February 1, 2013
Book Review: Kiwi in Cat City – Vickie Johnstone
One dark night, Amy cannot sleep and she looks out of the window into the garden to see her cat, Kiwi, transfixed by the moon, which is glowing brightly like a cat’s claw. Waking her brother, James, Amy suggests they follow Kiwi to see where she goes… whether it involves a hunt for mice or something else. Little do they know that, with a flick of her tail, Kiwi is going to magically change them into kittens and lead them on the adventure of their lives to a land they never knew existed in their wildest dreams. In the blue-lit world of Cat City, the budding detectives help Inspector Furrball to solve the mystery of the missing catizens and find out what happened to Madame Purrfect.
This book is the first in the Kiwi Series. So far, there are six books.
Amazon US Amazon UK Goodreads Review: Kiwi in Cat City
The first in Vickie Johnstone’s Kiwi series, Kiwi in Cat City tells the story of Amy and James who observe their cat Kiwi in the garden one night at the start of a nocturnal wander around the neighbourhood. Curious to know where Kiwi is going, the two children follow their cat only for her to disappear in a puff of colourful smoke. The two children are taken aback when Kiwi returns and not only speaks to them but magically turns them into kittens. The trio then transport themselves to Cat City, inhabited by catizens (love it!), where they find themselves working with the law following a series of catnappings, or kidnappings if you prefer.
Kiwi in Cat City has the audience appeal of a film such as Shrek. Although the book may seem to be for younger readers, there is also plenty on offer here for teenagers and adults too. Aside from nostalgic visits to the Asterix comics, it’s not often I will read children’s books but I was happy to experience the world of Kiwi and what a world it is. The blue-lit Cat City is beautifully crafted with the catizens having their own businesses and not being as lazy as you might expect given what we know about our furry friends in the real world. Law enforcement is more humane with the weapons deployed too. This isn’t a violent place but the law is taken very seriously. Our trio of friends assist Inspector Furball who is investigating a series of kitty disappearances in the city with no ransom demands or anything. Amongst the missing is the highly respected Madame Purrfect.
Kiwi in Cat City is a delightfully imaginative and simple read that should appeal to a wide audience, especially all you kitty lovers out there. Intended for ages 9+, teens and adults this is a quick and enjoyable story with Cat City being well worth a visit if you’re planning a holiday any time soon. Everything from shops and lights, to roads and cars has been carefully thought through and given that special kitty polish. Cat City may have many features you would expect in our world but it’s definitely a cat paradise. No humans here, folks. My only issue with the book was the ending seemed a little abrupt but with five more books in the Kiwi series available it’s hard to be disappointed for long.
Kiwi in Cat City is a wonderful opening to this series. The start of Amy and James’ adventure, mirroring the curiosity of Alice heading into Wonderland, is a nice touch. There are some great characters and settings and it’s safe to say that Johnstone is kitty crazy, which isn’t a bad thing.
Verdict: 4/5
(Book source: reviewer received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review)
Book Review: Kiwi in Cat City – Vickie Johnstone | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave
Kiwi in Cat City – Vickie Johnstone
One dark night, Amy cannot sleep and she looks out of the window into the garden to see her cat, Kiwi, transfixed by the moon, which is glowing brightly like a cat’s claw. Waking her brother, James, Amy suggests they follow Kiwi to see where she goes… whether it involves a hunt for mice or something else. Little do they know that, with a flick of her tail, Kiwi is going to magically change them into kittens and lead them on the adventure of their lives to a land they never knew existed in their wildest dreams. In the blue-lit world of Cat City, the budding detectives help Inspector Furrball to solve the mystery of the missing catizens and find out what happened to Madame Purrfect.
This book is the first in the Kiwi Series. So far, there are six books.
Amazon US Amazon UK Goodreads Review: Kiwi in Cat City
The first in Vickie Johnstone’s Kiwi series, Kiwi in Cat City tells the story of Amy and James who observe their cat Kiwi in the garden one night at the start of a nocturnal wander around the neighbourhood. Curious to know where Kiwi is going, the two children follow their cat only for her to disappear in a puff of colourful smoke. The two children are taken aback when Kiwi returns and not only speaks to them but magically turns them into kittens. The trio then transport themselves to Cat City, inhabited by catizens (love it!), where they find themselves working with the law following a series of catnappings, or kidnappings if you prefer.
Kiwi in Cat City has the audience appeal of a film such as Shrek. Although the book may seem to be for younger readers, there is also plenty on offer here for teenagers and adults too. Aside from nostalgic visits to the Asterix comics, it’s not often I will read children’s books but I was happy to experience the world of Kiwi and what a world it is. The blue-lit Cat City is beautifully crafted with the catizens having their own businesses and not being as lazy as you might expect given what we know about our furry friends in the real world. Law enforcement is more humane with the weapons deployed too. This isn’t a violent place but the law is taken very seriously. Our trio of friends assist Inspector Furball who is investigating a series of kitty disappearances in the city with no ransom demands or anything. Amongst the missing is the highly respected Madame Purrfect.
Kiwi in Cat City is a delightfully imaginative and simple read that should appeal to a wide audience, especially all you kitty lovers out there. Intended for ages 9+, teens and adults this is a quick and enjoyable story with Cat City being well worth a visit if you’re planning a holiday any time soon. Everything from shops and lights, to roads and cars has been carefully thought through and given that special kitty polish. Cat City may have many features you would expect in our world but it’s definitely a cat paradise. No humans here, folks. My only issue with the book was the ending seemed a little abrupt but with five more books in the Kiwi series available it’s hard to be disappointed for long.
Kiwi in Cat City is a wonderful opening to this series. The start of Amy and James’ adventure, mirroring the curiosity of Alice heading into Wonderland, is a nice touch. There are some great characters and settings and it’s safe to say that Johnstone is kitty crazy, which isn’t a bad thing.
Verdict: 4/5
(Book source: reviewer received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review)
Kiwi in Cat City – Vickie Johnstone | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave
January 31, 2013
Film Review: The Lovely Bones
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Stanley Tucci, Susan Sarandon
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Runtime: 135 minutes
Studio: Paramount
Amazon US Amazon UK IMDB Review: The Lovely Bones
It’s only in recent months that I’ve read The Lovely Bones and I did enjoy it though some elements I found disappointing. Peter Jackson took the helm for this big screen adaptation and after his excellent adaptation of Tolkien I was quietly confident of a good job here. The film tells the story of Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan), a fourteen year old girl who is murdered on her way home from school by a neighbour George Harvey (Stanley Tucci). Susie ascends to her own personal heaven where she watches her family, friends and George Harvey continue with their lives while she struggles to let go and complete her own journey in the afterlife.
Being a Peter Jackson vehicle it was inevitable that the effects in the film would be fantastic and they are. Susie’s heaven if often rich in colour and beautiful but there are many dark moments for her as well as she feels the struggles of her loved ones. Much of the novel has been changed with some key elements left out. The gulf that develops between Jack (Mark Wahlberg) and Abigail Salmon (Rachel Weisz) seems more sudden in the film and Abigail’s affair from the novel is left out here. There were three particulary moving scenes in the novel which affected me more than anything else but sadly only one has been retained in the film which is a shame.
It almost feels as if the film could have been longer to pack in the entire story and give more substance to the characters. Susie’s love interest Ray Singh (Reece Ritchie) and a classmate Ruth Connors (Carolyn Dando) have some screen time but it doesn’t feel as prominent as in the book. Understandably, Susie’s murder is implied in the film but there are some difficult moments such as the sight of George Harvey bathing after the killing, his muddied and bloodied clothes discarded on the bathroom floor.
The high points of the film are undoubtedly Ronan and Tucci. Ronan puts in a commanding performance as Susie and conveys a multitude of emotions. Tucci is also excellent as the creepy George Harvey and it’s no surprise both he and Ronan were lauded by critics and were nominated for awards. The rest of the cast are a mixed bag really. I thought Susan Sarandon was amusing as Grandma Lynn but Wahlberg and Weisz didn’t quite seem right as Susie’s parents. The absence of some scenes from the book does leave the narrative somewhat disjointed and though a pleasant visceral experience it ends up only as good rather than brilliant.
Verdict: 3/5
(Film source: reviewer’s own copy)
Film Review: The Lovely Bones | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave
Film Review: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Starring: Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner
Directed by: Julian Schnabel
Runtime: 113 minutes
Studio: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
Amazon US Amazon UK IMDB Review: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
There have been many remarkable writers in history. I remember reading something about Kerouac writing On The Road in a week but then we have ELLE Magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby who managed to write a novel following a stroke which left him paralysed save the use of one eye! The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, which takes its name from Bauby’s book, recreates his life following that stroke and the path that led to him writing an acclaimed novel.
Bauby suffered a stroke in 1995 when aged 42 and as a result he suffered with “locked-in syndrome,” the ability to still think and be aware but paralysis preventing the ability to express anything through verbal communication. Bauby wakes after his stroke to hear doctors surrounding him and discussing how best to treat him. He begins with the use of both eyes but the right one wasn’t working properly and consequently it was sewn close to avoid drying out and possible infection. Bauby was left with the use of just his left eye and remarkably he was able to communicate with people by blinking his one eye. The letters of the alphabet are read to him and he blinks whenever the appropriate letter is reached, each turn painstakingly written down so Bauby can communicate. The film deals with the aftermath of Bauby’s stroke initially, but then changes between the present and past as Bauby decides to write a book about his life and condition and we see flashbacks of the handsome journalist in his prime amidst a relationship with the mother of his children and in the arms of a mistress.
The film begins from the first person perspective of Bauby as he first opens his eyes and finds himself in hospital. We hear his thoughts expressed but, of course, no can hear him. A speech therapist is called in to help Bauby express his thoughts and the film soon changes so we move out of Bauby’s mind and into the outside world where we can see him properly for ourselves. It’s an intriguing opening designed to help us feel and understand what it must be like for people who have been struck down by “locked-in syndrome.” Bauby’s girlfriend is by his side from the start though he doesn’t wish to have his children see him the way he is. It seems a good relationship but as the film progresses we learn a lot about Bauby who is an editor for Elle Magazine and prior to his stroke had been contracted to rewrite The Count of Monte Cristobut with a female protagonist. After a self-defined period of wallowing, Bauby decides to get on with life and write a book about his experience.
During the lengthy writing process we bear witness to Bauby’s memories, his poignant relationship with his father, a fractious affair with another woman and there are even some fantasies thrown in as his mind and imagination remain very active. The title of the film and indeed the book are beautifully conveyed here. Bauby provides the image of a man in a deep-sea diving suit with a brass helmet hanging on the end a wire in the water, completely immobile and helpless, and this becomes the “Diving Bell” of the title. The “Butterfly” refers to the spirit and mind of Bauby that is alive and well and manages to overcome his prison and express himself through words. It was a long process for Bauby to write his book but the film is never monotonous in its depiction of Bauby’s journey to publication.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly was fascinating throughout and you have to have nothing but admiration for Bauby’s achievement. This is not to say he was a good man. In one of the most uncomfortable moments you’ll ever see in film history, a telephone call comes to Bauby’s room from his mistress with only his girlfriend present to relay his response. After asking her to leave the room for a minute, Bauby hears declarations of love from his mistress before having the mother of his children write his response. Bauby’s message is an equal declaration of love for his mistress and the promise he will wait for her even though she has said she can’t see him in his current condition. The film concludes with the depiction of Bauby’s stroke and the moving moment he learns that the publication of his book has been met with great success and acclaim. Sadly, Bauby died just ten days after his book’s release from pneumonia and has planned to write another.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is an absorbing depiction of the life of Jean-Dominique Bauby. While his achievement is without question and his plight very sad, the film never tries to portray Bauby as a hero and saint. His flaws are all revealed and this makes for a more realistic film. Very moving in places, this is an excellent drama that really makes you feel like you’re living in Bauby’s powerful mind that managed to overcome the paralysis of his body. Highly recommended.
Verdict: 5/5
(Film source: reviewer’s own copy)
Film Review: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave
January 30, 2013
Game Review: Farm Frenzy 3
Amazon US Amazon UK Review: Farm Frenzy 3 (PC)
Anyone who has ever believed that farmers have an easy life could learn a lot from Farmer Frenzy 3. Combining many aspects of the agricultural life into 95 intense levels, this game is a great test of your reactions and decision making.
The story begins with a renowned farmer, Scarlett, receiving a letter from her friend Morris who has a farm of his own in Africa. Morris has fallen on hard times with a sandstorm putting paid to most of his property while the Farmer’s Union has refused to help him. Scarlett makes the journey to Africa to help Morris get back on track and while there he insists that she should consider running for control of the Farmer’s Union. Scarlett thinks it over but in the meantime there is work to be done.
Scarlett’s travels take her to five farms throughout the game, beginning with Africa and taking in Europe, South America, the USA and most bizarrely the Arctic. Each farm contains 23 delightfully challenging levels which will have you working the keyboard or mouse at a frantic pace. Each level begins with a list of your targets and a record time for completion. If you manage to beat the time you will be rewarded with a gold trophy. If you fail to reach gold standard, a second time limit appears offering you the chance to win a silver trophy. If, like me, you fail to win either of the trophies your personal time will be recorded and you will receive a tick for successful completion of the level.
Each level takes place on one screen with a list of animals you can purchase in a menu at the top while your targets and the time are located at the bottom of the screen. You are in charge of your own livestock which you must feed by regularly watering the ground, each draw from the well costing you a small fee. On either side of the screen are situated a group of machines you will need to produce goods from the eggs, fur and other produce of your farm animals. At the bottom of the screen is your warehouse for the storage of any goods as well as a truck to transport it to the market for sale. Later in the game you will acquire other modes of transport such as a helicopter to order certain goods to combine with your farm’s produce to make food and clothing. An added complication to your working farm is the presence of interloping predators that will kill your livestock unless you quickly capture them in cages and stash them in your warehouse to be sold.
As the levels become more difficult and the time limits more severe you will need to invest in upgrades for your machines, the water well, warehouse and transport to meet the criteria specified. In many instances it is a requirement of the next level to have upgraded your technology, with failure to have done so meaning you cannot progress. Successful completion of each level sees you awarded money which can be used to modify existing farm buildings and erect new ones. You will also earn gold stars with bonuses awarded if you manage to collect a gold or silver trophy. The gold stars form your currency to improve your technology levels so they can produce a larger quantity of goods at a faster rate.
If there is any weakness to Farmer Frenzy 3 it is that 23 levels per farm will create a feeling of repetitiveness. Once you have mastered specific technology the levels will seem familiar with the stakes and severity of the time limits being the only thing has changed. Playing through a few levels at a time is probably more suitable than sitting for hours. Many of the levels are difficult with the targets seemingly out of reach even when you are frantically directing goods back and forth, watering the land to keep your animals alive and fending off predators. The only plus point about the difficulty is that even if you fail to earn a gold or silver trophy you will still progress.
Farmer Frenzy 3 is addictive, fast-paced and great fun. It will suit all ages with younger gamers gaining insight into the farming industry as they tend to their own farms. The similarity in some of the levels means you will probably not spend hours at a time on the game but with 95 levels to work through this still offers excellent value.
Final Score: 4/5
(Game source: reviewer’s own copy)
Game Review: Farm Frenzy 3 | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave
January 29, 2013
Book Review: The List – Karin Tanabe
And it is—but not at all in the way that she expects. The Capitolist runs at an insane pace: Adrienne’s up before five in the morning, writing ten stories a day (sometimes on her BlackBerry, often during her commute), and answering every email within three minutes. Just when it seems like the frenetic workload is going to break her, she stumbles upon a juicy political affair, involving a very public senator—and her most competitive colleague. Discovering that there’s much more to the relationship than meets the eye, Adrienne realizes she’s got the scoop of a lifetime. But should she go public with the story?
Inspired by Washington insider Karin Tanabe’s experiences at Politico, The List is a riveting debut novel bursting with behind-the-scenes details about what happens when media and politics collide.
Amazon USAmazon UKGoodreadsReview: The List
Adrienne Brown has had enough of glitz, glamour and Town and Country magazine. She wants to work for a more serious publication. Thrilled to get a job at the Capitolist (“The List”), she initially overlooks the frighteningly long hours, low pay, extreme workload and lack of respect she has to endure – with a smile – until she can make her mark.
Laced with snarky humour and a (just about!) healthy dose of bitchiness, the novel sees Adrienne uncover the scoop that will make her but only if she’s willing to ruin others’ lives. Is she willing to go the distance?
Raising great questions about the balance of ambition versus respect for others, the value we place on success over decency and how difficult it is to hide secrets (both past and present), The List is as thought-provoking as it is enjoyable. Featuring an incredibly likeable heroine, you initially cheer for her and the success she could achieve but it is impossible not to feel a gnawing doubt as the novel progresses. If the right thing for you is the wrong thing for so many others, is it worth it?
I don’t normally read reviews from others about a book until I’ve written my own. Not that I’m easily led but it can be hard to sort your own opinions when you’re sorting through those of others. However, when adding The List to my Goodreads shelf, I noticed another had commented to say they expected something darker. I felt much the same, expecting something much more tense. That isn’t to say I was disappointed in the least. The List is edgy, funny and highly entertaining and makes for an excellent read.
If you enjoy edgy women’s fiction or some political intrigue and scandal, be sure to check this one out!
Verdict: 4/5
(Book source: Netgalley)
Book Review: The List – Karin Tanabe | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave
January 28, 2013
Film Review: Wuthering Heights
Starring: Anna Calder-Marshall, Timothy Dalton, Harry Andrews, Pamela Brown, Judy Cornwell
Directed by: Robert Fuest
Runtime: 104 minutes
Studio: MGM
Amazon US Amazon UK IMDB Review: Wuthering Heights
Emily Bronte’s classic novel from 1847 has been adapted for both television and the big screen many times. As with the likes of Jane Eyre and Pride & Prejudice, there is something enduring about these stories. Wuthering Heights was a more tragic novel than Jane Eyre, by Emily’s sister Charlotte, but the work of the Bronte sisters has endured for different reasons. In 1970 this version of Wuthering Heights was released with Timothy Dalton as Heathcliff and Anna Calder-Marshall as Catherine.
The film covers around half of the novel, focusing on the return of Mr Earnshaw (Harry Andrews) from Liverpool with a homeless boy, Heathcliff, who is raised alongside Catherine and her brother Hindley. Though Catherine adores Heathcliff, Hindley despises him and the rivalry between the boys culminates in Hindley being sent away to college. When Hindley later returns following his father’s death, he takes charge of the family home – Wuthering Heights – while Heathcliff is reduced to a mere servant. He still finds solace with Catherine though and their carefree wanderings through the English moors. However, things turn nasty when Catherine agrees to marry Edgar Linton (Ian Ogilvy) and Heathcliff sees this as the ultimate betrayal. Heathcliff leaves a poor and despondent man, but returns some time later as a rich and well-dressed gentleman intent on revenge against both Catherine and Hindley.
The film conveys much of the tragedy and frustration from the original novel. Heathcliff and Catherine are soul mates, somewhat wild as they stay clear of the well mannered society of the rich and instead enjoy their days in the countryside. Heathcliff has much to contend with at home with Hindley but he tolerates it for the sake of Catherine and for the kindly servant Nelly (Judy Cornwell). When Catherine is inadvertently left with the Linton family she spends a few days with them and returns well dressed and acting like a lady, critical of Heathcliff’s appearance. So begins the cracks in the rural idyll. Catherine’s new approach is merely a facade that Heathcliff cannot see through. She agrees to marry Edgar Linton though she dearly loves Heathcliff just as he does her but thanks to some confusion and unfortunate misunderstandings Heathcliff leaves only to return with the intention of causing as much damage as possible.
The film doesn’t focus on the fates of Heathcliff and Catherine’s children. It deals only with Catherine and Heathcliff and their doomed romance. This works well in the novel though the ending has been changed dramatically compared to the book. Calder-Marshall and Dalton are very good in the leads. Catherine is naive in the film just as Heathcliff is something of a wild child and even on his return as a wealthy gentleman there are parts of Heathcliff that remain untamed by social convention. Though it leaves out the second half of the book this is still a good adaptation.
Verdict: 4/5
(Film source: reviewer’s own copy)
Film Review: Wuthering Heights | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave
Film Review: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Directed by: Mamoru Hasoda
Runtime: 98 minutes
Studio: Buena Vista
Amazon US Amazon UK IMDB Review: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
I do love the concept of time travel and there have been many films that have built their stories around this idea. The likes of Back to the Future (1985) and Donnie Darko (2001) are among my favourites but I’m always open to new takes on time travel and even plan to explore it in my own writing. Mamoru Hosoda’s The Girl Who Leapt Through Time draws on the wishes of many teenagers at school who wish they could go back in time and change things.
The film focuses on student Makoto who is average at school and often late. She’s at the age where students are starting to date though Makoto seems to shy away from such concerns, as do her two best friends Chiaki and Kosuke who she enjoys playing baseball with. One day Makoto discovers what appears to be a walnut in an empty classroom which she keeps hold of on her way home. Cycling down a hill, Makoto’s brakes fail and she is hurled through the barriers at a level crossing into the path of a train and killed instantly! Seconds later Makoto emerges prior to the accident and discovers the walnut-shaped object has allowed her to jump through time. With the ability to travel back and change a few things, Makoto has many fun ideas ahead but she doesn’t realise the impact her actions will have on others.
After briefly setting the scene and introducing us to the key characters we’re quickly up and running with Makoto’s death at a level crossing but having survived the accident thanks to a spot of time travel she soon finds there is a lot of fun to be had with making a few changes. Makoto improves her grades, engineers her way to arriving on time for school and even relives a karaoke session over and over again. All of a sudden life seems wonderful but complications soon arise. We’re left wondering if Makoto has a secret crush on one of her two friends – Chiaki or Kosuke – but she ends up being matchmaker for Kosuke who informs his friends about a girl who likes him but he simply shrugs his lack of interest. This paves the way for Chiaki to ask Makoto out but he persistently leaps back in time to prevent this from happening!
As good as Makoto’s life becomes she suddenly finds that her actions have an adverse impact on everyone else. An accident in class originally committed by her befalls another student thanks to her time leaping and the after effects are prolonged bullying for this unsuspecting victim! The film thankfully doesn’t have Makoto enjoying unlimited time leaping. One day she finds a number tattoo on her wrist and as she continues to leap the number decreases, signifying how many more times she can time leap. Makoto’s insistence on helping Kosuke get a girlfriend but spurning the advances of Chiaki leads to devastating consequences as the film reaches its conclusion and Makoto finally uses up the last of her time leaps.
The underlying message of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is certainly not a new one. Although many of us would like to be able to go back and change things in our past we often forget about the paradoxes such changes would insert into the timelines. Everything we do will impact on others in one or way or another and the film conveys that really well. Makoto begins in a selfish manner using her gift for her own personal benefit but she gradually begins to realise that helping others is more rewarding and the damage her actions do need to be corrected no matter what price she has to pay. I’m always glad to try out other anime, though Studio Ghibli are the anime gods to me, and I found this particular film to be very enjoyable, especially with the dark twist waiting in the wings for Makoto.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time may not seem the most original of films but it addresses the benefits and issues that time travel brings. The development of Makoto as a character is well depicted and the shocking turn of events at the film’s conclusion will be hard to predict for most audiences. This is well worth a look.
Verdict: 4/5
(Film source: reviewer’s own copy)
Film Review: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave
January 27, 2013
Tweedlers’ Jukebox Song of the Week – Jump
Van Halen’s most famous song ironically played a part in driving a wedge between David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen. Marking a more commercial turn for the group, Roth would later quit the group but that didn’t stop the song from being a huge hit, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 and nestling in the UK Top Ten as well. This is one of the most easily recognisable songs of the eighties.
Jump blends a sublime guitar solo with synthesiser that was prevalent throughout this decade and championed by the likes of Kraftwerk, Human League and Depeche Mode. The music to Jump is in many ways more memorable than the lyrics and truly defines one of the great rock songs of all time. One listen isn’t enough. Time to hit replay.
Tweedlers’ Jukebox Song of the Week – Jump | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave
