While in France, ndless_mike and I happened to see the movie 'Eragon' (original language voice acting with French subtitles). It was very much a kiddie film, not particularly good or bad, rather short (good because we went to the 10 PM showing) and not really worth seeing more than once. Bad points: the plot was derivative, the dialog was stiff and there was no character development at all. On the other hand the conflict was fairly clear-cut and the actors did the best they could with their characters and the dialog.

Anyway, having seen the movie and wondering how this drabble made it to the bestseller list, I went out and bought the book. I've been reading it in between lectures and my homework, which is why this is only going up now, if you're curious.

So like I said, I bought the book. And now I see why they made it into a movie in the first place. The two are so different; it's almost like they took the theme of the book (boy with dragon), then wrote a completely different story for the movie. And then ripped off all the names for the characters.

There's plot! There's advanced conflict! World-building! Humor! There's actual character development! In other words, it's actually very good. Although the basic premise of the two is the same, the book explores the moral and political conflicts that the movie doesn't even acknowledge. Eragon isn't the naive do-gooder hero either, he starts out darker and actually grows into his role. And Brom nearly broke my heart.

All in all, I'd definitely recommend reading the book over the movie. It's actually good enough that I'm going to buy the sequel.

( Read more... )

It's been raining for the entire week. I really miss the sun.

Apparently, I can tie a tie on myself, but not on someone else.

So now lj is offering sponsored accounts. I'm kind of interested: more userpics, the scrapbook, phone entries. On the other hand, I'm wondering if this involves having to stick to a certain standard. Some of my entries are pretty out there, not to mention I don't update that often. Is anyone else going for these sponsored accounts? Why or why not?

And I'm now being devoured by the KHII fandom. rayemars this is all your fault!

( Savior, for 30kisses. )

Drat. Does anyone know how to make accent marks in lj?

Who remembers when I was asking for fanart? (No one I bet) Anyway I got something! Someone (you know who you are) mailed me a picture. Snail mailed a pencil sketch. Editing is up to my discretion apparently. Anyway, so now I need a place to hold the image online and a good paint program. And some pointers. But it's a start at least.

SasoSaku flash to the past. Something from Sakura's first few days, before she even met Sasuke.

( Jerk )

In one of these drabbles I mentioned that Sakura occasionally gets banned from Deidara's presence. I can't decide why that happens though. I've got two scenarios in mind: one involves cooking, the other involves posing nude. Which do you think would work out better? (Remember, my Deidara is a woman!)

And now something for the ByakuRuki fans!

( The Sound of Waves )

It's really strange but I have this weird idea that Byakuya and Hisana had an odd, chaste, Victorian-like marriage where they never ever touched each other yet otherwise lived their lives together. I'm not sure if I'll continue to use that portrayal in these stories, but the thought is appealing.

If you like vampire stories, but don't like Anne Rice or if you're a Robin McKinley fan, I highly recommend that you read Sunshine. It takes place in a sort of post-war alternate world. It's not too provocative (one of my objections with Anne Rice) or dark and there's a definite touch of whimsy. The main character is interesting (she's a BAKER! When's the last time you've seen that?) and the vampire's certainly not a cliche portrayal. Yeah, that's a really horrible description, but check it out anyway.

( First something for Naruto )

( First for my new pairing. Not that good yet. )

Wellesley commemorates it's students' last year by giving them champagne flutes. WPI gives it's students shot glasses. Interesting, ne?

Why can't I find anyone willing to draw a pic in exchange for a fic? (Maybe because I don't know many fanartists.) Maybe there's a community out there I can solicit?

( Sometimes, Byakuya thinks too much. )

Arrgh! I so need a beta. For everything, not just BLEACH.