zannatlaws Reviews

Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

Heart of the story without the waffle

[6/10 · 8 July 2018]

This is one of those rare incidences where the adaptation is better than the books! I've read the books and prefer the series. It's grim, grimy and everyone, except a few, are truly nasty!! Brilliantly done and fantastic acting. As yet I don't know how the story wraps up but Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) had better survive!!

However, there is a big HMMMMMM coming on!!

At the moment I'm reading the fabulous Helliconia Trilogy (Spring, Summer, Winter) by Brian Aldiss. This majestic tale encompasses (amongst other things) extreme climate change and in the final volume published in 1985 there is the repeated phrase 'Winter is Coming'.

1985? You do the math!

Childhood's End (2015)

The Bitter End?

[6 July 2018]

I only needed to watch the trailer to know this film is not worth watching. The book is amazing. Read that instead.

Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

Everything but the kitchen sink

[6/10 · 15 April 2012]

The series Game of Thrones is a very entertaining précis of the enormously thick books! The production values are very high and it all has a gritty and real feel to it. Extremely well done and I hope they are able to adapt the whole saga. Trouble is, whenever something good comes along it always seems to be the first thing to be cancelled!

However, after reading the books I thought - I've read this story before - often word for word. I am not sure if I am remembering correctly but Robin Hobbs 'Assassin' series springs to mind. Anyway, whichever series it was all I recall of that other story is that it was tedious and repetitious - at least George Martin made it more interesting!!

The Secret of Moonacre (2008)

Try reading the book for the answers!!

[3 June 2011]

I haven't seen the film yet but I have read the book and this would seem to be the simplest way to answer many of the questions on the message board. For instance - yes, Robin and Maria have a relationship - they get married (which seems a bit creepy to me today as she would only have been about 14!!) and when she dies she strongly believes the little white horse will come to carry her away. I recently reread a reprint of the book and was disconcerted to see that it was a bit more religious than I remembered and missing all the illustrations. But still so cute!! If the film maintains the humour, mystery and wonder and the values of loyalty and friendship then it will have done a good job.

Well, I have now watched the film and it only bears a passing resemblance to the book. I missed the vain Wiggins and Zachariah the cat (who was obviously as much a housecat as Wrolf is a dog!!) and Robin was supposed to be Loveday's son but it is still very entertaining.

The Dresden Files (2007–2008)

Another good show bites the dust

[7/10 · 14 January 2011]

I have only just discovered The Dresden Files - I had never heard of it before. Very entertaining, cleverly written and CANCELLED. I also don't understand why networks constantly air these types of show with the episodes missing or out of order. It is almost as if they are determined that they should be cancelled. What is worse - the episodes on DVD are also out of order. This was done with American Gothic too - it made nonsense of the whole thing. I was one of many petitioners who waited 10 years for it to be released on DVD only to find it was a total mess!

I agree with many of the other reviewers that whenever a series comes out that is remotely intelligent it gets taken off the air. Bring back the aforementioned American Gothic and FIREFLY and all the other really good, short lived sci-fi series. There is too much dumbing-down going on. Start catering for those with more than half a brain cell and a desire for a good yarn - PLEASE!!

Surface (2005–2006)

Surface - Sci Fi Series

[1/10 · 21 April 2007]

I had never heard of Surface until I spotted it in the Video rental store the other day. I was told that the series had been cancelled and I began to suspect the reason why as I watched with horror as scene after scene rolled out almost EXACTLY as they appear in Close Encounters, X Files etc. Tiny, tiny changes were made but still the scenes are almost word for word AND the entire storyline has been lifted from John Wyndham's 'The Kraken Wakes'. There is nothing original about this series except for its ability to circumvent the copyright laws! I'm glad this series was cancelled and I hope there won't be a film.

If you want a brilliant science fiction series watch Firefly - sadly too short lived.

American Gothic (1995–1998)

American Gothic MUST be brought out on DVD or we'll pine away!

[26 March 2005]

It is so nice to know that there are other people out there in the world who remain as passionate as I do about American Gothic ten years on.

I loved this series even though the TV network showed the episodes in the wrong order or often missed them out completely. It was wonderfully written showing a facility with language that is very rarely seen in American programmes (sorry USA but it's true!). The acting was fabulous - but then I have long been a fan of Gary Cole!

So, I have signed all the petitions to bring this series out on DVD but still nothing seems to have happened. I accidentally taped over the few episodes I had managed to copy and have bitterly regretted it ever since.

With so much interest in American Gothic continuing worldwide - surely someone must get the hint?!