505 posts tagged with Fantasy.
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Mystery Science Theater 3000: WIZARDS OF THE LOST KINGDOM II Season 11, Ep 11
"Across the Sea of Dreams... behind the Curtain of Time... lies the land of ultimate fantasy." I bet you weren't looking forward to another visit to the world of last week's movie. Good news, other than the name and executive producer Roger Corman, this movie has nothing to do with the first one! A shepherd who's also a wizard tries to save the world from bad wizards blah blah Tolkien Eddings Brooks. A lot of people think Part 1 was a highlight of the season, but many also think this is a lowlight, so beware guys. A subplot begins in this episode, with Kinga deciding to marry Jonah. And we have another visit from Pearl! Episode 1111 is available on Netflix. [more inside]
Mystery Science Theater 3000: WIZARDS OF THE LOST KINGDOM I Season 11, Ep 10
"On The Far Edge Of Fantasy The Ultimate Conflict Is Drawing Near" Young wizard apprentice Simon is aided by an ambulatory hairball and Rowsdower the Conquerer in a bid to overthrow the evil wizard Sherpa. What, it's Sherka? Whatever. Lots of people have proclaimed this the best episode of Season 11, so get ready for some massive goofiness folks. In host segment news, a plot line develops that takes us to the end of the season. Yeah yeah, just don't let it get in the way of the riffing guys! Episode 1110 is available on Netflix. [more inside]
Mystery Science Theater 3000: DEATHSTALKER AND THE WARRIORS FROM HELL Season 7, Ep 3
"The Most Action-Packed Deathstalker Yet!" A smug sword guy roams a standard fantasy realm trying to overthrow an evil wizard or something. General consensus is this is a terrific episode. The movie is deeply cheesy and bad, and yet the others in its series are just as bad but also contain tons more nudity, so count yer blessings! Plus great riffing, classic movie lines like "Potatoes are what we eat!", and a bunch of Lord of the Rings references before they were cool. Host segments take on Renaissance festivals and romance novels. YouTube (1h31m) Premiered February 17, 1996. [more inside]
Book: All the Birds in the Sky
Hugo and Nebula Award short-listed novel about the end of the world―and the beginning of our future. A sort of coming of age novel, philosophical exploration of nature and technology, action/adventure/romance with some bittersweet humor on top. [more inside]
Movie: Tideland
Because of the actions of her irresponsible parents, a young girl is left alone on a decrepit country estate and survives inside her fantastic imagination.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: THE SWORD AND THE DRAGON Season 6, Ep 17
aka "Ilya Mourometz" (USSR) "Eye-Filling Spectacle! Man Against Monsters!" "A cast of 106,000! 11,000 horses!" Russian folk hero Ilya Muromets is a chair-bound farmer who gains both the power to walk and the magic sword Invincor, and uses both to drive off the evil Tugars that threaten his land -- whose number includes his son. For once the opening ad blurbs and descriptions of this film aren't sarcastic, for this is a genuinely great movie, the third both of MST's treatments of the output of Russian director Aleksandr Ptushko. (The other two were 422 THE DAY THE EARTH FROZE and 505 THE MAGIC VOYAGE OF SINBAD.) Yet, while the movie is terrific, it's also very strange, which makes it excellent riffing fodder. Wait until you see the wind demon. It all adds up to a rare episode where you can appreciate both the film and the jokes. Also contains a favorite host segment, the "Joke by Ingmar Bergman." YouTube (1h37m) Premiered December 3, 1994. [more inside]
Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Skyfire Cycle Season 4, Ep 8
When Terry's all-time favorite fantasy author (guest star Fred Melamed) receives threats from a Sad Puppy-esque fan, Jake helps him overcome his jitters at meeting his hero to crack the case. Meanwhile: Gina launches an unstoppable charm offensive against Boyle's cousins; Amy and Rosa try to patch up a Monty Hall problem-related marital spat between Holt and Kevin. It's a nearly All-Previously-On-MeFi episode of B99!
Book: The Traitor Baru Cormorant
In Seth Dickinson's highly-anticipated debut The Traitor Baru Cormorant, a young woman from a conquered people tries to transform an empire in this richly imagined geopolitical fantasy. [more inside]
Book: The Obelisk Gate
Continuing the trilogy that began with the multi-award-nominated The Fifth Season. The season of endings grows darker as civilization fades into the long cold night. [more inside]
Mystery Science Theater 3000: OUTLAW Season 5, Ep 19
aka "Outlaw of Gor," "Gor II." "The Adventure of a Thousand Lifetimes Continues!" "Fuera de la Ley de GOR" While John Carter fell asleep in a cave and woke up on Mars, one thing author John Norman's creation Gor has over Burroughs' Barsoom books is that at least Tarl Cabot has a magic ring to explain his ridiculous translocation to Barbarian Planet. You know Barbarian Planet, it's a world based on one of those oft-written-about fantasy times that never really existed historically, but all kinds of folk like to imagine, from Howard to Gygax. Well, at least this version has Jack Palance! When this episode aired, the movie was just four years old! I'm not sure it ever got a release in theaters in the US. Although he did it under a pseudonym, the main screenwriter is the same Harry Alan Towers who did the screenplay for 323 THE CASTLE OF FU MANCHU. Fortunately this movie is tons more watchable, thanks to massive amounts of flesh (both male and female, it's an equal opportunity exhibitor) and excellent riffing. One of the host segments refers to all the skin, one of the best sketches and songs MST ever did: Tubular Boobular Joy. Notes on Gor itself are after the break. Official YouTube, with annotations! (1h32m) Premiered December 11, 1993. If you want to fill in the blanks with the movie this is a sequel to (may god have mercy on your soul), here it is! (1h30m) [more inside]
Book: The Slow Regard of Silent Things (Kingkiller Chronicle #2.5)
Deep below the University, there is a dark place. Few people know of it: a broken web of ancient passageways and abandoned rooms. A young woman lives there, tucked among the sprawling tunnels of the Underthing, snug in the heart of this forgotten place. Her name is Auri, and she is full of mysteries. The Slow Regard of Silent Things is a brief, bittersweet glimpse of Auri’s life, a small adventure all her own. At once joyous and haunting, this story offers a chance to see the world through Auri’s eyes. And it gives the reader a chance to learn things that only Auri knows.
Book: The Wise Man's Fear (Kingkiller Chronicle #2)
My name is Kvothe. I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep. You may have heard of me... So begins the tale of a hero told from his own point of view—a story unequalled in fantasy literature.
Book: The Name of the Wind (Kingkiller Chronicle #1)
The riveting first-person narrative of a young man who grows to be the most notorious magician his world has ever seen. From his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, to years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime- ridden city, to his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a legendary school of magic, The Name of the Wind is a masterpiece that transports readers into the body and mind of a wizard. It is a high-action novel written with a poet's hand, a powerful coming-of-age story of a magically gifted young man, told through his eyes: to read this book is to be the hero.
Book: The Return of the King
The armies of the Dark Lord Sauron are massing as his evil shadow spreads even wider. Men, Dwarves, Elves and Ents unite forces to do battle against the Dark. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam struggle further into Mordor, guided by the treacherous creature Gollum, in their heroic quest to destroy the One Ring…
Book: The Two Towers
Frodo and the Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom. They have lost the wizard, Gandalf, in the battle with an evil spirit in the Mines of Moria; and at the Falls of Rauros, Boromir, seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to seize it by force. While Frodo and Sam made their escape the rest of the company were attacked by Orcs. Now they continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin – alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go.
Book: The Fellowship of the Ring
Continuing the story begun in The Hobbit, this is the first part of Tolkien’s epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, featuring a striking black cover based on Tolkien’s own design, the definitive text, and a detailed map of Middle-earth. Sauron, the Dark Lord, has gathered to him all the Rings of Power – the means by which he intends to rule Middle-earth. All he lacks in his plans for dominion is the One Ring – the ring that rules them all – which has fallen into the hands of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the Ring to his care. Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.
Book: Storm Front (Dresden Files #1)
For Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name.
Movie: Tale of Tales
From the bitter quest of the Queen of Longtrellis, to two mysterious sisters who provoke the passion of a king, to the King of Highhills obsessed with a giant Flea, these tales are inspired by the fairytales by Giambattista Basile. [more inside]
Mystery Science Theater 3000: THE MAGIC VOYAGE OF SINBAD Season 5, Ep 5
"All the Magic of 'Stone Flower' All the Power of 'Alexander Nevsky' All the Artistry of 'Grand Concert' Highly Recommended for Children" A strangely Russian Sinbad, upset with corruption in his home town of not-Bagdad, searches the world for happiness. This is the second of the Russo-Finish movies MST did, imports from the Soviet Union directed by genius filmmaker Alexandr Ptushko. Originally it was Sadko, a film production of an honest-to-goodness opera! One composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov! Vibrant, wonderous, astounding, and with music from the opera, this is much better fare than the SOL usually got. It is also a terrific episode, because the writing is the Brains at their best, and the movie, for all its wonders, is incredibly strange. Get your popcorn ready folks, this is one of the best. YouTube (1h32m) - Unriffed - Russian original Садко (Sadko) - With English subs - A performance of the opera Sadko (2h53m) [more inside]
The Flash: Trajectory Season 2, Ep 16
Having arrived in town intent on creating maximum chaos, Trajectory’s antics are misinterpreted as having been perpetrated by the Flash himself. Barry thus must quickly uncover the mystery of who is the girl under the mask — as well as what is driving her mad desire for speed and destruction.
Extra reading?
Would anyone in the Potter reread club be interested in adding in Rainbow Rowell's Carry On once the series re-read is completed? It's so directly a meta-commentary on the Potter storyline that I'd be curious to see what people think, and I know from threads on the blue that at least a few of the mefite Potter fans have read it. [more inside]
Movie: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry ignores warnings not to return to Hogwarts, only to find the school plagued by a series of mysterious attacks and a strange voice haunting him. Contains book and series spoilers! [more inside]
Book: Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets
Second book of the Harry Potter series. Thread contains series and movie spoilers! [more inside]
The Shannara Chronicles: Changeling Show Only Season 1, Ep 4
Wil and Amberle prepare to leave for the Wilderun. However the Changeling continues to murder inside the palace and frames Eretria for the crimes.
Book: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
The first book in the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling in which Harry learns on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard and soon after sets off to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. [more inside]
Mystery Science Theater 3000: THE MAGIC SWORD Season 4, Ep 11
"SEE the Green Fire Demons! SEE the 25-Foot Tall Ogre! SEE the Beautiful Vampire Woman! SEE the Boiling Crater of Death!" Lodac the Sorcerer has trouble finding a pet store that carries Dragon Chow, so he finds natural prey for it. Young George, a socially-awkward teen who's spent his whole life in a cave taken care of by witch Estelle Winwood, resolves to help protect the local princess population. The general consensus is that this is not a bad movie by MST standards. I concur; it's rather fun in a fairytale kind of way. Director Bert I. Gordon did good this time, and Basil Rathbone as the evil wizard helps to elevate things too. YouTube (1h33m). Premiered September 29, 1992. See comments for new information about our weekly showings.... [more inside]
Movie: Nightbreed
A troubled young man is drawn to a mythical place called Midian where a variety of monsters are hiding from humanity. [more inside]
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell Show Only Season 1, Ep 7
With England in chaos as magic returns, Strange comes back home to claim Mr Norrell and rescue Arabella. But can his plan possibly work? Or will the dark prophecy of the Raven King finally be fulfilled? [more inside]
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell Books Included Season 1, Ep 7
With England in chaos as magic returns, Strange comes back home to claim Mr Norrell and rescue Arabella. But can his plan possibly work? Or will the dark prophecy of the Raven King finally be fulfilled?
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: The Black Tower Show Only Season 1, Ep 6
Having fled England to Venice, Strange attempts to drive himself insane as a way of gaining access to the fairy magic that he believes can help his wife. In so doing, he unleashes a curse that threatens to destroy him utterly. [more inside]
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: The Black Tower Books Included Season 1, Ep 6
Having fled England to Venice, Strange attempts to drive himself insane as a way of gaining access to the fairy magic that he believes can help his wife. In so doing, he unleashes a curse that threatens to destroy him utterly.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: Arabella Show Only Season 1, Ep 5
Jonathan Strange's remarkable magic helps England win the Battle of Waterloo, after which Strange returns home hoping for a peaceful new life, but the Gentleman's scheme for revenge wrecks all of his and Arabella's plans, leaving Jonathan Strange a ruined man. [more inside]
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: Arabella Books Included Season 1, Ep 5
Jonathan Strange's remarkable magic helps England win the Battle of Waterloo, after which Strange returns home hoping for a peaceful new life, but the Gentleman's scheme for revenge wrecks all of his and Arabella's plans, leaving Jonathan Strange a ruined man.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: All the Mirrors of the World Show Only Season 1, Ep 4
Returned from war, Jonathan Strange joins Mr Norrell to try to cure England's mad king, George III, but is frustrated at Norrell's refusal to discuss the magic and legends of old times. Meanwhile, unbeknown to the magicians, the Gentleman embarks on a scheme to capture Arabella. [more inside]
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: All the Mirrors of the World Books Included Season 1, Ep 4
Returned from war, Jonathan Strange joins Mr Norrell to try to cure England's mad king, George III, but is frustrated at Norrell's refusal to discuss the magic and legends of old times. Meanwhile, unbeknown to the magicians, the Gentleman embarks on a scheme to capture Arabella.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: The Education of a Magician Books Included Season 1, Ep 3
Jonathan Strange accesses ancient and troubling magic as he fights the Napoleonic armies, while Mr Norrell battles to keep his secrets hidden, and the mysterious Gentleman enrols Sir Walter's servant Stephen to help him enchant the beguiling Arabella.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: The Education of a Magician Show Only Season 1, Ep 3
Jonathan Strange accesses ancient and troubling magic as he fights the Napoleonic armies, while Mr Norrell battles to keep his secrets hidden, and the mysterious Gentleman enrols Sir Walter's servant Stephen to help him enchant the beguiling Arabella. [more inside]
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: How Is Lady Pole? Show Only Season 1, Ep 2
Mr Norrell takes on Jonathan Strange as his apprentice. However, it soon becomes clear that the pupil outshines the master. And something is clearly very wrong with the new Lady Pole. [more inside]
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: How Is Lady Pole? Books Included Season 1, Ep 2
Mr Norrell takes on Jonathan Strange as his apprentice. However, it soon becomes clear that the pupil outshines the master. And something is clearly very wrong with the new Lady Pole.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: The Friends of English Magic Books Included Season 1, Ep 1
Determined to prove himself England's greatest magician, Mr Norrell makes a dangerous pact with a mysterious being. [more inside]
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: The Friends of English Magic Show Only Season 1, Ep 1
Determined to prove himself England's greatest magician, Mr Norrell makes a dangerous pact with a mysterious being. [more inside]
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell posts
The BBC One 7-part adaptation of Susanna Clarke's novel Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell airs Sunday in the UK. The novel has a depth and breadth that may be tough to dramatize, and is part of a continuity that includes short stories by Clarke. Is there interest in having two sets of posts for this series, one for readers and one for non-readers? It would be similar with what's going on for Game of Thrones and Outlander, but for only a short while.
Garo: Honoo no Kokuin: Geste Season 1, Ep 14
Alfonso finds himself dealing with a group of thieves led by the Thief Knight Gaspard, and learns legends may not be be telling the actual story. He continues being aided by Germán against Horrors. León continues adjusting to farm life, and accidentally runs into Ema.
Movie: Labyrinth
CRFC9: The Constructed Reality Film Club is starting back up for the new year with a slight change in direction. 1986's Labyrinth tells the story of a young girl, Sarah, who is lost in her own fantasy world. When she asks for her baby brother to be taken away she gets more than she asked for, and must enter the Labyrinth of Jareth, The Goblin King, to get him back. [more inside]
Garo: Honoo no Kokuin: Burning Ashes Season 1, Ep 13
León is discovered by a farm girl, whose family takes in León and nurses him back to health. Meanwhile Alfonso must deal with reconstruction efforts in Santa Bard, as well as fighting Horrors. Garm remains as unhelpful as ever. [more inside]
Podcast: Judge John Hodgman: TL;DNR
A man suggested that his friend read a very long series of fantasy novels, but isn't satisfied with the pace of her reading. [more inside]
Garo: Honoo no Kokuin: Blood Moon Season 1, Ep 12
León succumbs to Mendoza's machinations while Alfonso battles the Horror summoned by Mendoza. Alfonso makes a decision regarding Garo in order to protect Santa Bard.
Garo: Honoo no Kokuin: Shadow Slasher Season 1, Ep 11
In the castle, Alfonso, León, and Germán encounter Bernardo, who is only interested in fighting Germán. While Germán and Bernardo confront each other, Alfonso and León venture deeper into the castle in search of Mendoza.
Garo: Honoo no Kokuin: Fallen Blood Season 1, Ep 10
Alfonso and León join forces due to their shared goal of freeing Valiante from Horrors. Alfonso is introduced to Ema and Germán. Germán misunderstands his relationship to Alfonso, which leads to his reminiscing about his younger days with Anna and Bernardo. Meanwhile, Alfonso prepares a plan for attacking the castle. News of Rafael's death leads Mendoza to remember the origins of his rift with the Makai Order.
Garo: Honoo no Kokuin: New Hope Season 1, Ep 9
Rafael sends Alfonso to fight the Chimera of Orvien as the final test to become a Makai Knight. León also decides to fight the same Horror and runs into Alfonso along the way. While fighting the Horror together, Alfonso finds out León is Garo. The Horror proves to be too powerful for the two, when Rafael appears to provide assistance.