Movie Review: "Tolkien" (2019)

Well, here's to wrapping up the 2019 Tolkien Blog Party hosted by The Edge of the Precipice. Many thanks to Hamlette for hosting such a wonderful party again this year!

4/5 Stars

I had originally intended to see this movie in theaters, but I couldn't find anyone with whom to go, so I decided to wait to watch it until it came out for rental. I can honestly say that I felt I didn't lose much by waiting; while the movie was enjoyable and even touching, it wasn't something that I felt I needed to see on the big screen. 

Tolkien focuses on the author's early life from the time his family moved from Africa back to England up through the start of WWI. While I was initially disappointed by the fact that we didn't get to meet the Inklings (including C.S. Lewis), the scope of the film was appropriate for the run time. 

Like all biopics, the film does take some liberties, at least according to critics that I could find. (I haven't done extensive reading on his life, so I had to take the word of some people on the internet). Mostly, it seems they added a few scenes for dramatic effect and shuffled a couple points around in the timeline. Overall, though, it seems the film did a good job sticking to the general facts of his life. 

The movie does lots of flashing back and forth between Tolkien's time as a soldier in the trenches and his earlier life and childhood. I'm not overly fond of this sort of format, but it worked well in this instance, serving to build tension throughout. 

The film mostly focuses on Tolkien's physical life, rather than his imaginative works. However, for those familiar with his writing, you can see how life events might have shaped the legends of Middle-Earth. (Ex. Edith dancing in the woods as inspiration for Luthien). Unfortunately, the film sidelines his Catholic faith and its role in shaping his stories, choosing to spend much more time on the friendship he forms with his classmates and his courtship of his future wife. I don't think it was necessarily a bad choice; nevertheless, it was mildly disappointing. 

I would recommend this movie as an enjoyable way to pass the time to anyone who has a mild to moderate interest in Tolkien's life or works, though someone who has an extremely deep interest may want to seek out a more traditional biography.

2019 Tolkien Tag

It's that time of year again! I'm pleased to present my answers to Hamlette's Tolkien Blog Tag as part of her Tolkien party over at  The Edge of the Precipice. Hope you enjoy!

Would You Rather...

...join Thorin's Company or the Fellowship?

I would have to say I'd rather join Thorin's company. While defeating a dragon is no small task, carrying a character-warping object into certain defeat seems like a horrible way to start off my questing career. 

...ride Shadowfax or an eagle?

I've always wanted to fly, so Eagles for the win! 

...travel through Moria or Mirkwood?

I detest spiders. Let's go with Moria. 

...learn to make elvish rope or mithril chainmail?

I mean, either would be cool, but elvish rope seems like something I would be more capable of learning how to manufacture. 

...try to outwit Smaug or Saruman?

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure that I could outwit either of them. Smaug's reasoning seems to be a little more susceptible to flattery, but being roasted alive seems rather unpleasant. On the other hand, Saruman has a rather wicked twist of thought, and if I lost, maybe it would just be better to be burned to a crisp instantaneously.

...spend an hour with Grima Wormtongue or Denethor?

Denethor might be the more dangerous of the two when it comes to manipulation, but he feels less, well, slimy, than Grima. Maybe I could get Denethor on a diatribe about Boromir and avoid too many overly probing questions.

...attend Faramir's wedding or Samwise's wedding?

Seeing as Faramir and Eowyn are my favorite LotR couple, I would have to pick theirs, even though the hobbits might have better food. 

...have to care for the One Ring or the Arkenstone for a day?

Perhaps I'm mistaken, but I feel that the Arkenstone is less dangerous than the One Ring. Thorin is also far less terrifying than the Nazgul. 

...have tea with Bilbo or Frodo?

I think I would have to choose Bilbo. He's a very homey, cheerful person in my mind, whereas Frodo seems to be more the tragic hero type. 

 ...fight alongside Boromir or Eomer?

I've only ever ridden a horse once, so I think I would be less of a hindrance to Boromir on foot,  though I prefer Eomer over Boromir as a character. 

Are there any answers you feel strongly about? Which Tolkien character would you like to spend a day with?

Blog and Reading Happenings

Unlike the last half dozen blog updates, I won't be promising to write more frequently, as that seems to induce an unexpected hiatus. But here's an update on a couple of things you can expect to see in the coming months, as well as some books I'm excited about that don't fit in with the overall blog. 

7th Annual Tolkien Blog Party

This will be my fourth year participating in Hamlette's fantastic blog tag and overall Tolkien celebration. It's one of the highlights of my blogging year. Be on the lookout for one or two additional Tolkien posts that week as well. 

Exciting Releases

I've been a fan of Pastor Wolfmueller for some time now. I give him and Pastor Jonathan Fisk credit for me having an appreciation for theology and the liturgy and being key influences in the development of my faith. I've been looking forward to this book since he first mentioned it on his Youtube channel. The book is set to release on August 27th.

You may recognize the name of Kathy Tyers from the Firebird Trilogy that I can't seem to be quiet about. (I really ought to adjust my rating from 4.5 stars to a favorite; I keep coming back to it).  I have not yet read this separate sci-fi installation, but I do look forward to it. If it's half as good as Firebird, I'm sure I'll enjoy it thoroughly. 

Recent Readings

Dracula, by Bram Stoker

This was the latest in my quest to read some more "classics"/ "books everyone ought to read". Surprisingly, I enjoyed it quite thoroughly (I really have no desire to read about vampires, romance, or suspense, so the fact I enjoyed says something significant about the quality of the novel). The novel is framed as a series of journal entries, newspaper clippings, and telegrams written by the characters, which lends it an interesting perspective. Don't read it at 2 o'clock in the morning when you're on overnight shift unless you thoroughly want to be creeped out, but it's worth the read for the sake of the prose and suspense. It's also an interesting study in how the role of men and women has changed in lit and how religion can be a central point in a story without it being overwhelming. 

The Inheritance Cycle, by Christopher Paolini

I read this series pretty much every summer. This year, I've taken to listening to it on Audible. (Amazon made me buy it, I swear!). Gerard Doyle does a marvelous job narrating the story, especially when it comes to different character voices. If you're really into audio books, I would highly recommend Audible, even if you end up unsubscribing after a few months; I've been able to purchase the books at under half price.  

The Butchering Art, by Lindsey Fitzharris

This was entirely an impulse buy when I was on a history of anesthesia kick. As usual, the surgeons get all the glory, but this was an interesting historical read nevertheless. If you ever have issues with how healthcare is run, you can find more than one reason to be grateful for how far medicine has progressed in the past two hundred years within this work. It's incredible to see how our understanding of germs, antisepsis, and surgery itself has evolved in so short a time. Fair warning: only read this if you have a strong stomach; it can be pretty medically graphic at times. 

The Four Loves, by C.S. Lewis

Speaking of Pastor Jonathan Fisk, he recommended this in a video a while back, so I picked it up to fulfill a Lewis deficiency in my life. I enjoyed it, but if you asked me to explain the main concepts, I would tell you that I need to read it again before I really understand it. (That's partially fueled by the fact that I read it on an overnight shift waiting for the phone to ring; my reading comprehension is not so good at those times). I look forward to revisiting it in the future, hopefully when I'm a little less sleep deprived and can more fully appreciate it and process it. 

What have you been reading lately? Are there any new releases you're waiting on?

Hound Dog Harmonies: "Sirens"

Song: "Sirens"

Artist: The Gray Havens

Genre: Folk/Pop

Selected Lyrics:

One taste of the sound
From the sirens in the water
And I'm thinking I should get out
The sharpest sword and suit of armor
So I can be ready to strike
But I pause, one more time
One last taste of the sound
Then I'll cut these sirens down
But as they sang, I forgot
They were death, so I brought them my heart
To be filled, and I followed them...

Hold on, my heart
You once were full and sang of grace...
You've tasted joy that's more than this

Discussion:

I've been on a Gray Havens kick lately. Their more laid back sound and thoughtful lyrics have been just what my heart has needed after a couple of crazy weeks.

This song in particular has become one of my favorites over the past few years as I've been listening to the group. The daily struggle against sin is something that ways heavily on my mind and heart from time to time and this song gives me words to voice how it feels when I'm struggling against something in particular. (And when I feel terrible about falling again and again, I follow this one up with "Storehouse"). The imagery of the sirens coming up and arming yourself to defeat them, only to stop mid-stroke to listen one last time always gives me pause.

I just discovered the music video for the song, but you can also find it on Spotify or your other favorite music outlets.

What's your favorite song when you're struggling with temptation?

Friday Fiction Fix: The 49th Mystic

4.5/5 Stars

I was recently thinking that it would be nice to get back to reading some Ted Dekker when I stumbled across this at the book store. I had completely forgotten that he had released anything after completing the Circle.

Rachelle Matthews might be blind, but she's the only person who can keep two worlds from being permanently blinded--or so she's been told. Can her dreams of an alternate reality help save the modern world from an impending crisis? Or will she not be able to see beyond herself to what God is doing? The resulting story is one of both modern and fantastical action and self-discovery.

As a proudly stodgy Lutheran, there were a few points of theology that made me raise my eyebrows a bit. This wouldn't have been a huge issue, but the theology at play is a central point of the plot and the novel, so the heavy discussions may be a bit of a turn-off for some readers.

Recommended for fans of fantasy, world-traveling, and modern/thriller action who don't mind some theological discussions mid-plot.

Friday Fiction Fix: "Dragonspell"

5/5 Stars (Target Middle Grade to Teen Audience)

Wow, it's been a long time since I've read this book! I credit this series as opening my eyes to the wonderful world of dragons and truly cementing my love for Christian fantasy. It was great to read it again, even if some of the prose seemed overly simplistic as an adult. There's just a sense of wonder and lightness to this novel that still appeals to me. 

Kale is a village slave, without much hope of a future--that is, until she discovers a dragon egg. Her accidental discovery sends her on a quest to the greatest city in all of Amara. However, when an unlikely band of companions sidetracks her to defeat the evil Wizard Risto, she finds herself wondering what her true purpose is and if she's cut out for the questing life at all. 

DragonSpell is definitely targeted toward a middle grade to young teen audience, so if you're looking for a heavy read, you might want to pass this one up. Nevertheless, the adventuresome nature of the book makes for a fun fantasy journey with some thought-provoking themes centered around identity in Christ. 

Recommended to those who enjoy Christian allegorical fantasy geared toward younger audiences. 

Sequel Review: "Flight of the Raven"

This review does contain spoilers for Mark of the Raven, book one in the Ravenwood Saga. 

5/5 Stars

Favorites Shelf

After re-reading Mark of the Raven, I decided that this series just has to go on my favorites shelf. Selene is one of my favorite characters in Christian fiction. She has multiple needs, wants, and desires that all come into conflict with one another. She also has emotions without letting them rule over her like some schoolgirl or entirely quashing them like some woman trying to be a he-man. High marks all around on character development. 

In Flight of the Raven, Selene finds herself thrust into the center of life at House Maris. Between trying to navigate her new marriage, fearing her dreamwalking abilities, and investigating the Light, she seems to have her hands full. But House Ravenwood will stop at nothing to get its lost daughter back--or to stop her permanently. 

Meanwhile, Damien tries desperately to trust his new wife, in spite of growing evidence that she's not all that she seems. It's a distraction he cannot afford as the Dominia Empire encroaches on the doorstep. Will he and Selene be able to trust one another in time to save the kingdom? Or will the Dark Lady and patrons find a way to stop them?

The resulting action and intrigue makes for a captivating, quick read. There is a fair bit of romance involved, but it's framed around a married couple trying to work things out, which is a welcome change of pace from most novels. 

Recommended to teens and up who enjoy allegory, fantasy, swordplay, and a touch of politics.