Twilight

Twilight
Artist: Arthur Rackham (1867-1939)

Monday, December 26, 2016

Ring in the New Year with Harry Potter

Potterheads can celebrate the New Year with a Harry Potter Weekend on Freeform. 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the publication of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in the U.K. There’s no better way to kick-off this anniversary year than with a Harry Potter movie marathon. The marathon is part of Freeform’s “Moments to Celebrate” programming event which runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, but the movie marathon ends on Jan. 2, 2017.

Below is the complete schedule for the Harry Potter Weekend. Times are U.S. Eastern Standard Time. Please visit Freeform’s official website for more information:

Friday, Dec. 30:   
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” – 3:30 p.m.
“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” – 7 p.m.

Sat., Dec. 31:
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” – 7 a.m.
“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” – 10:30 a.m.
“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” – 2:30 p.m.
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” – 5:30 p.m.
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” - 9 p.m.
“Tom Felton Meets the Superfans” – 12:30 a.m.

Sun., Jan. 1:
“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” – 7 a.m.
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” – 10:10 a.m.
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” – 1:50 p.m.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” – 5:30 p.m.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” – 9:58 p.m. (Follow “Beyond” series preview)

Mon., Jan. 2:
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” – 1:30 p.m.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” – 5 p.m.

Gather your fellow Potterheads for a New Year’s Eve Hogwarts feast, and toast to a magical 2017 with a glass of butterbeer. Join in the festivities with Freeform on Twitter and Facebook. Happy New Year!


Monday, December 19, 2016

The Julenisse: Scandinavian Yule/Christmas Fairies

Julenisse by Curt Nystrom Stoopendaal (1893-1965)
In the Norse tradition, a type of fairy called a nis or nisse takes the place of Santa Claus, bringing gifts to good children on Christmas Eve.

Nisse, according to the nineteenth-century Irish historian and author Thomas Keightley, are the same type of fairies called “brownies” in southern Scotland and England, “kobolds” in Germany, and tomte in Sweden. They are also sometimes called “gnomes.” Keightley suggests that Nisse is a shortened form of the name Nicholas, in the same way that the names Niels, Niclas, and Klas or Claas are. So the Julenisse is the nis that comes during the pre-Christian festival Jul or Yule, the celebration that is held at the winter solstice. When Norway converted to Christianity in the tenth century, King Haakon I moved the Yule celebration to coincide with Christmas, and over time Yule became the Norwegian name for Christmas.

In Scandinavia, Yule is not just a day—it’s an entire season, beginning in mid-December and lasting until mid-January. It begins on December 13, the day when the sun sets the earliest. December 13 is celebrated in Scandinavia as Santa Lucia Day, which, according to travel writer Rick Steves, “kicked off a period when gnomes and trolls ran wild and no work was allowed.” During that time, people left out a gift of food—porridge with a pat of butter on top was traditional--for the Julenisse, just as children leave cookies and milk for Santa. Rick Steves says, “Many farms would make up a bed for the nisse on Christmas Eve, and set an honorary place for him at the table.”

The Julenisse resembles Santa Claus in more than just his name. He looks like an old man with a white beard. According to author Edain McCoy, his face is “merry and kind.” Traditionally, he wears a grey suit and a red cap, although some illustrators make his suit red rather than grey. He also rewards good behavior by performing work around the family farm, like sweeping the kitchen and currying the horses.


The Julenisse is also like Santa’s elves: he is smaller than a human (Keightley says that he is about the size of “a year-old child”), and he is an expert worker. His clothes and hat also resemble those of Santa’s elves. Some sources say that his ears are slightly pointed, and some refer to the Julenisse as an elf. It seems likely that the Julenisse influenced our modern concept of Santa—and of Santa’s elves.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Rowling magic is back!

'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' is in theaters nationwide
So often these days, once you’ve seen a couple of trailers from a movie you’ve seen the best the film has to offer. This is not the case with David Yates’s “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”  This prequel to the Harry Potter saga, written by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, has so much more going on beyond the enchanting teaser trailers.

Its 1926, dark wizard Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) has gone underground, and the wizarding world is on alert. English wizard/magizoologist Newt Scamander (Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne) arrives in New York City carrying an enchanted suitcase full of magical creatures. Unfortunately, the suitcase isn’t quite able to properly contain the beasties. A kind no-maj (muggle) named Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) gets dragged into the center of the action when he accidentally switches suitcases with Newt, and unwittingly allows some fantastic beasts loose in the city.

A witch named Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) notices Newt looking suspicious outside of a bank, and decides to investigate. When she witnesses him expose magic to no-majes, she arrests him, and takes him to MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America). She reports to an auror (magical law enforcer) named Graves (Colin Farrell), who’s up to no good. Graves is having secret meetings with an orphaned boy named Credence (Ezra Miller) whose guardian is out to prove that witches are real and living among them. Newt, Jacob, Tina, and her sister Queenie (Alison Sudol) must recover the magical creatures or face dire consequences.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” has the same kind of intensity as a Marvel superhero movie. It’s fast paced, and jam-packed with story and action from start to finish. It sports outstanding cinematography, writing, directing, music, and acting. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is not just some attempt by producers and movie studio to make a bunch of money by trading on the popularity of the Harry Potter franchise. Creativity, vision, talent, hard work, care, and love was put into every aspect of this movie.

Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars, a must see! “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a sensational thrill ride. It is definitely not just for kids, this is a grown up movie featuring grown up characters and story. For more information visit the “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” official website and Facebook Page.




Friday, November 11, 2016

Harry Potter marathon during Fantastic Beasts opening weekend

Harry Potter Weekend on "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" opening weekend 
As every Potterhead knows, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” opens Friday, November 
18. Freeform is adding to the excitement by airing a Harry Potter Weekend. “Fantastic Beasts and 
Where to Find Them” is the title of one of Harry Potter’s school books at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The book was written by wizard/magizoologist Newt Scamander. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” tells the story of Newt Scamander’s adventures in the magical community in 1920s New York City.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is the first film in a five picture deal. Producers and Warner Bros. announced that the movie series will also focus on the story of dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald who, along with Albus Dumbledore planned to conquer the muggle (non-magical) world. No word yet on who will play Dumbledore, but Johnny Depp has been cast as Grindelwald, whom Dumbledore split from, and defeated in 1945.

Fans will be able to see “Fantastic beasts and Where to Find Them, and then head home and continue the magic with the “Harry Potter Weekend” on Freeform. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix won’t air during the movie marathon. The TV rights to the fifth movie in the Harry Potter series currently belong to HBO/Cinemax.

“Harry Potter Weekend” schedule (times are Eastern Standard Time, times subject to change by Freeform):  

Friday, Nov. 18:
3:30 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
7 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”

Sat., Nov. 19:
7 a.m. – “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
10:30 a.m. – “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”
2:30 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”
5:30 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”
9 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”
12:30 a.m. – “Tom Felton Meets the Super Fans”

Sun., Nov. 20:
7 a.m. – “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”
10:10 a.m. – “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”
1:50 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”
5:30 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1”
9 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the deathly Hallows, Part 2”

Mon., Nov. 21:
2 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1”
5:30 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2”

Tues., Nov. 22:
5 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the deathly Hallows, Part 2”

As always, viewers will be able to tweet along with Freeform’s  official Twitter account using  #HarryPotter, and #HarryPotterWeekend all weekend. Freeform will also post some fun content on their official Facebook Page. Visit Freeform’s official website for more information.




    

Saturday, October 29, 2016

'J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World Movie Magic, Volume 1' book review



'J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World Movie Magic: Extraordinary People and Fascinating Places' by Jody Revenson.
There are only a couple of weeks to go until the release of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” the new movie from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter universe. To add to the enjoyment of Harry Potter fans, Candlewick Press has released Jody Revenson’s “J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World Movie Magic: Extraordinary People and Fascinating Places.” The book is an insider’s guide to all eight Harry Potter movies, plus “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”

Revenson tells the story of how production designers, digital artists, graphics designers, hair stylists, set designers, makeup artists, and more brought the Fairyland that is the wizarding world to life on the big screen.  This magical volume features settings such as Diagon Alley and the Great Hall at Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films, and 1926 New York City from “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” It also features beloved witches and wizards such as Harry Potter and Sirius Black from the Potter series, and introduces Newt Scamander and characters from the New York City of the 1920s.
Opening Volume 1 of “J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World Movie Magic” is like opening a magical treasure chest. It’s not only full of beautiful photos and art, it’s made interactive with inserts, a pair of Death Eater masks, flaps to lift, and more. Each character and place has feature pages with quotes from actors about their characters, trivia, and inside information from movie makers about how places and characters were conceived and brought to life through movie magic.

Verdict: five out of five stars, buy it. “J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World Movie Magic: Extraordinary People and Fascinating Places” is a beautiful coffee table style book printed on heavy coated paper with an embossed cover. It’s ninety-six pages long, and has something for everyone ages ten years to adult. It’s a great gift for the Potterhead in your life. It's available online and in book stores now.

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Harry Potter Funday Weekend marathon on Freeform

Harry Potter Funday Weekend marathon Oct. 14-17.
Freeform’s next Funday weekend starts Friday, Oct. 14, and this month’s Funday is a Harry Potter Weekend. Harry Potter fans can share in the magic by visiting Freeform on social media. Follow Freeform on Twitter and Facebook. Tweet along and post on Facebook while watching the Harry Potter movie marathon. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix won’t air during the Funday weekend because the TV rights for the fifth movie in the series currently belong to HBO/Cinemax.

Harry Potter fans can visit Freeform’s Funday app site and download the app for a more interactive experience of the Potter magic. Use the #FUNDAY on social media when posting. This Funday, Freeform is looking for Harry Potter themed selfies.

Harry Potter Funday Weekend schedule (all times are U.S. Eastern Time):

Friday, Oct. 14:

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” – 3:30 p.m.
“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” – 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 15:

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” – 7 a.m.
“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” – 10:30 a.m.
“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” – 2:30 p.m.
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” – 5:30 p.m.
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” – 9 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 16:

“Tom Felton Meets the Super Fans” – 12:30 a.m.
“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” – 7 a.m.
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” – 10:10 a.m.
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” – 1:50 p.m.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” – 5:30 p.m.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” – 9 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 17:

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” – 1 p.m.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” – 4:30 p.m.

Enjoy Freeform’s Harry Potter Funday Weekend event to celebrate the countdown to J.K. Rowling's “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” which debuts in U.S. theaters November 18. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” stars Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, a magizoologist who travels the world collecting specimens of magical creatures. He is author of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” which is used as a text book at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry when Harry Potter is at school. Harry’s friend Luna Lovegood married Newt Scamander’s grandson Rolf sometime after the defeat of Lord Voldemort. The new movie tells the story of the English wizard’s adventures in 1920s New York City.

  

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Autumnal Equinox: A fairy holiday

August Malmstrom (1829-1901)
The Autumnal Equinox marks time at which the Sun crosses the celestial equator, it’s one of those special in-between, or “’tween” times when humans might see fairies.  The equinox takes place today, Sept. 22 at 10:21 a.m. EDT (or 14:21 UTC).  The word equinox means “equal night,” from the Latin words aequus (equal), and nox (night). It’s the time when Summer fades into Autumn, and day and night are of equal length. Of course, in the southern hemisphere today is Spring Equinox day.  

Equinox days happen twice each year, in the autumn and in the spring. At the moment the equinox occurs on these magical days, the sun appears to cross the equator. It’s an “In-between” time, a time when the invisible magical veil between the mundane human world and the magical world of Faerie thins. During these “in-between” times, when the veil is thin, fairies might cross over into the human world, and humans might cross over to Faerie.

Beware, though, because Faerie can a dangerous place, and humans who go there are forever changed. In addition, liminal, or “in-between” times themselves can be dangerous. So, venture with caution and don’t be too quick to seek out the fairies. Fairies are not humans and don’t share human ethics, culture, rules, or morality. They can be tricksters, too.


Be cautious and respectful, they may let you see them. Celebrate the day by inviting like-minded friends over for a bonfire and leave some raw, unseasoned nuts, seeds, or fruit for their fairy feast. Always be kind to animals, nature, and fellow humans, and the fairies may make an appearance.     

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

'The Pressed Fairy Journal of Madeline Cottington' book review

'The Pressed Fairy Journal of Madeline Cottington' by Brian and Wendy Froud. Copyright 2016, Abrams Books.
Fairy artist Brian Froud says that he’s spent most of his life pursuing undeniable proof of the existence of fairies. Just after midnight of January 1, 1990 he received a mysterious envelope containing a scrap of paper with some pressed flowers and what appeared to be a squashed fairy. He soon received more of these fairy pressings, and his life has never been the same since. It turns out that the pressed images were actually psychic impressions left behind by the fairies, and no fairies were harmed in creating the images. In fact, the fairies enjoyed it, and began competing to see who could leave the most artistic or most outrageous impression. After receiving more and more documents about the creator of the pressed fairy images, Lady Angelica Cottington and her family, and their interactions with the fairies, Froud published “Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book” in 1994. The book became an international best seller, and is still in print.

Brian Froud has since published three other volumes about the Cottingtons, as well as a 10 ¾ anniversary edition of “Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book.” Now, Brian and his wife Wendy Froud present “The Pressed Fairy Journal of Madeline Cottington.” Madeline Cottington, or Maddie C., is a young descendant of the Cottingtons who grew up in the U.S. knowing nothing about her ancestors or their relationships with the fairies. She does see “floaty things” around her which also begin to appear in photos of her.

After her family moves to England she begins to find evidence of the family secret. Her search for the truth leads her to Cottington Hall, her ancestral home where the mystery of her family’s relationship with the fairies is gradually revealed to her. Eventually, she finds herself being drawn out of the mundane human world, and into the world of Faerie. In the end, she must make a difficult decision, but is she deciding for herself, or has her destiny been decided for her all along?

This new book features fairy art by Brian Froud, along with a foreword by the artist and text by Wendy Froud. It’s full of quirky dark humor, mystery, and even tragedy. The story is told through Maddie’s journal entries, old family notes and letters, photos, and pressed fairy images. It’s on the dark side, so it’s not for children. This ninety-six page hard cover volume is a coffee table book printed on heavy coated paper. It features ninety-six color illustrations and includes a bee tattoo and a paper hat.


Verdict: 4 stars. Diehard fans of Brian Froud will want to add this to their collection of his works. It’s not on the same order as his classic book “Faeries” from 1979, but those who enjoy his darker works and the previous books about the Cottingtons will like this one. This darker story is in keeping with the upcoming Halloween season. “The Pressed Fairy Journal of Madeline Cottington” is published by Abrams Books, and will be available in stores and online beginning September 27.

Friday, September 16, 2016

Review of Dana Simpson’s Razzle Dazzle Unicorn

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Phoebe. She spent a lot of time alone as she was a bit of a misfit. One day, the lonely girl was skipping rocks on a lake when she heard someone say “Ow!” She looked across the misty water to see whom she’d hit and beheld a being of Faerie – a unicorn. Thankfully, the unicorn wasn’t angry; in fact she was grateful to Phoebe for freeing her from being trapped by the beauty of her own reflection. Thus began the story of Phoebe’s fairy tale friendship with Marigold Heavenly Nostrils.

Cartoonist/author Dana Simpson continues to amuse and enchant with her fourth book in this series. “Razzle Dazzle Unicorn” starts with Phoebe and Marigold spending the holidays together. The best buddies discuss what they’re grateful for at Thanksgiving, Marigold finds a new rival in Phoebe’s Christmas tree, and Phoebe and Marigold ponder New Year’s resolutions. Phoebe’s frenemy Dakota is as mean as ever, but at least she’s still being plagued by a goblin. Phoebe has problems with school, piano lessons, and her ongoing social awkwardness. And Marigold once again accompanies Phoebe to summer camp, where Phoebe reunites with her quirky friend Sue, and Marigold finds a little romance with the lake monster.      

“Razzle Dazzle Unicorn” is taken from Dana Simpson’s nationally syndicated comic strip “Phoebe and Her Unicorn.” The previous books in the series are: “Phoebe and Her Unicorn,” “Unicorn on a Roll,” and “Unicorn vs. Goblins.” The “Phoebe and Her Unicorn” books are marketed to the middle grade reader demographic, but it really is written for people of all ages. While it is kid friendly, some of the humor and references are directed at adults. This book and the daily comic strip offer something for everyone, especially for those of us who love fairies.

The author writes the introduction this time, sharing how “Phoebe and Her Unicorn” came to be. She writes, “Sometimes a unicorn shows up in your life and makes everything better.” That’s exactly how Marigold changes Phoebe’s life as well. And we all get to come along on the adventure.


Verdict: Fairytastic! 5 out of 5 stars. Buy it, and the other books in the series. Dana Simpson has created a classic with her funny, sweet, clever, and unique comic strip. The daily “Phoebe and Her Unicorn comic strip appears in newspapers nationwide, and online at GoComics.com. “Razzle Dazzle Unicorn” is published by Andrews McMeel Publishing as part of their AMP Comics for Kids books. It will be available in stores and online starting Sept. 20.   

Monday, August 29, 2016

Michigan Renaissance Festival 2016: Meeting Fairies

( The MRF Faeries, L-R: Sandshell, Zephyr, Sweetheart, Wyvern, Icelia, Cobweb, Sunburst, and Foxtail)
 Copyright, Kenneth R. Shepherd

Each year for seven weeks, during the ‘tween time betwixt summer and autumn, the enchanted English Renaissance village of Hollygrove appears in a fairy wood in Holly, Michigan. It is a place out of space and time, where modern humans can meet fairy folk, Renaissance villagers, royalty, and all manner of colorful characters. This annual event is called the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

How this mysterious thing came about is anyone’s guess, but I’ve always compared Hollygrove to Brigadoon. A magic spell must have been cast when the world was split into the realm of Faerie, and the mundane world of the humans. There may have been some human folk who couldn’t bear to be parted from their fairy friends, so the fairies cast a spell to allow the humans and fairies to stay together, yet still allow some contact with the outside world. Now, even the human residents of Hollygrove are charmed. Hollygrove appears each year, but only on Saturdays and Sundays from August 20 through Oct. 2 from 10 A.M. to 7 P.M., plus Labor Day Monday (Sept. 5), and Festival Friday (Sept. 30). During this special time, humans may visit Hollygrove to meet the fairies and the charmed villagers.

There are all manner of fairy folk to see and meet in Hollygrove. The Michigan Renaissance Festival Faeries can be found in the Children’s Realm. This fairy troupe provides pleasant diversions for children throughout the day. There’s a Fairy Tea in the afternoons around 3:30, arts and crafts in the Arts & Crafts Pavilion, a children’s parade, and a pie eating contest. The fairy troupe includes Cobweb the Dream Faerie (the head fairy), Zephyr the Wind Fae, Sunburst the Art Faerie, Foxtail the Animal Faerie, Dewdrop the Bubble Faerie, and Icelia the Frost Faerie. There are three new fairies this year: Sandshell the Shore Faerie, Sweetheart the Charm Faerie, and Wyvern the Dragon Fae.

It was lovely catching up with fairy friends and meeting the delightful new fairies. When asked if he likes interacting with humans Zephyr said, “Aye, fascinating creatures they are.” Wyvern said, “I eat humans. I am a dragon, after all.” Cobweb went on a quest to rescue some fairies during a great storm. Upon her return, she said her journey was “Treacherous, it reminded me of the time I went up a water spout. As a result, I now suffer from IBSS – Itsy Bitsy Spider Syndrome!”

Cobweb was so kind to introduce us to some fairy folk who are new to the Michigan Renaissance Festival as of last year: the elves. The elves wander about the village, interacting with guests, and mingling with villagers and fellow fairy folk. Members of the elf troupe include Canis, Shay, Dijuri, Ambrielle, and Jynx. Like the fairies, the elves are mysterious, magical, kind, and whimsical.
The Michigan Renaissance Festival Elves (L-R: Dijuri, Jynx, Shay, Ambrielle, and Canis)
 Copyright Kenneth R. Shepherd

Fairy folk, Renaissance royalty, pirates, and villagers graciously greet visitors and invite children to play. Everyone in this enchanted village is hospitable and welcoming.  Guests are encouraged to dress in Renaissance attire or in fairy costumes if they like. Renaissance costumes may be purchased or rented from shops in the village. There is even a rental shop just outside the festival entrance. The village offers lots of shopping opportunities for unique wares by talented artisans and artists. There are many diversions and spectacles to enjoy about the village, plus performances on seventeen different stages throughout the day.
(L-R: Hollygrove villager and friend Page Turner, Foxtail the animal faerie, and Sunburst the art Faerie)
Copyright Kenneth R. Shepherd 

The Michigan Renaissance Festival is at 12600 Dixie Highway in Holly Michigan, off I-75.  One day admission at the gate is $22.95 for adults, $13.95 for children ages 5-12, $20.95 for seniors and for students with a valid college ID. Tickets purchased online in advance from the festival website are discounted, but you must present a printed ticket to enter (so print those tickets at home before you leave).

Discount tickets are also available at southeast Michigan Kroger stores. Check the festival website for more discount ticket opportunities. Season passes are also available, as well as Royal passes. All other information is available at the Michigan Renaissance Festival website. Follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram.


Saturday, August 20, 2016

'Kubo and the Two Strings": An instant classic

Copyright: Laika Entertainment
“If you must blink, do it now. Pay careful attention to everything you see, no matter how unusual it may seem. If you look away, even for an instant, then our hero will surely perish.” ~Kubo
“Kubo and the Two Strings” is the new stop-motion animated fairy tale set in ancient Japan from Laika Entertainment. Laika is the studio that brought us such wonderful magical animated features as “Coraline,” “ParaNorman,” and “The Box Trolls.” Laika has certainly created a masterpiece with this tale of mystery and wonder.

Kubo is a one-eyed boy whose background and tragic beginnings are a mystery to him. He has a lot of responsibility for a young boy, as he is the sole support for himself and his disabled mother. He makes his living as a story teller in his little village, where people young and old drop everything to hear his serial epic. He spins the yarn of the warrior Hanzo and his battles with the wicked Moon King, while playing his enchanted shamisen. As he plays and tells the tale, origami characters form from paper and act out the wondrous saga.

Kubo never gets to finish the story because he must rush home to his mother each day before dark, as she has made him promise to do. His mother, who is slipping away from the world due to memory loss, also tells Kubo to wear his father’s robe, and to keep his wooden monkey charm with him at all times. She warns him to beware of her evil sisters and father, who took Kubo’s eye. One day Kubo fails to get in before nightfall, and the consequences are dire.  The young boy must set out on a quest, accompanied by a cursed beetle and a talking snow monkey to find his father’s armor in order to save himself from his mother’s magical, but dangerous family.

“Kubo and the Two Strings” takes the audience on a suspense-filled adventure that’s full of beautiful animated characters, landscapes, and visuals created by director Travis Knight, cinematographer Frank Passingham, visual effects supervisor Steve Emerson, the animation department lead by Malcolm Lamont, and character designer Shannon Tindle. Laika’s team of artists who craft the models are to be commended for the stunning and expressive characters they create. That team includes Toby Froud, son of legendary fairy artists Brian and Wendy Froud, who is best known for playing the baby in the classic fairytale movie “Labyrinth.” The film features a sweeping musical score by Dario Marianelli. The unique and compelling story is by Marc Haimes and Shannon Tindle, with a screenplay by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler.

The voice actors give outstanding performances. The witch sisters, both played by Rooney Mara are quite chilling. The much beloved George Takei (Mr. Sulu from the original “Star Trek”), and veteran actress Brenda Vaccaro give lovely performances as Kubo’s elderly neighbors. The great Ralph Fiennes as the Moon King is a frightening, powerful, yet nuanced villain. Oscar winners Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey are in top form as Kubo’s companions/protectors on his journey, and their characters are deep and broad. Young Art Parkinson is engaging as Kubo. He is vulnerable, funny, clever, strong, and heartbreaking.

“Kubo and the Two Strings” is a layered and multifaceted fairy story. It features themes of mystery, magic, love, and family. It truly offers something for everyone, but there are a couple of scenes that could be a bit scary for very small children. It has tragedy, action, adventure, tender family moments, heartache, comedy, and more. The resolution of the story is satisfying, yet unique and poignant.

Verdict:  Fairytastic! 5 out of 5 stars, please see this movie. Laika gives us beautiful stop-motion animation that takes lots of talent, time, and expense to create. Their films feature unusual stories that are like nothing else out there. They are long overdue for an Oscar.  



   

Friday, August 12, 2016

‘Pete’s Dragon’: Review of Disney’s reboot

Copyright Walt Disney Motion Pictures

Go north, go north with wings on your feet
North with the wind where the three rivers meet
Look all around you and see
Deep in the forest, there dragons will be
~ David Lowy and Toby Halbrooks

David Lowry’s reboot of Disney’s 1977 fairy story “Pete’s Dragon” is not so much a remake as it is a complete reimagining of the story of a boy named Pete, and his best friend and protector Elliot the dragon. The live action/CGI movie stars Oakes Fegley as Pete, Bryce Dallas Howard as Grace, and Robert Redford as Grace’s father Meacham. The screenplay was written by David Lowry and Toby Halbrooks.

Following a tragic accident, a tiny orphan named Pete is rescued by a dragon. Pete and the gentle dragon, whom he names Elliot, live happily together deep in a forest in the American Northwest. After several years their idyllic existence is interrupted when Pete is discovered by a girl named Natalie, and a kindly forest ranger named Grace. Grace takes Pete to stay with her until the authorities can find out where he came from.

Grace’s greedy future brother-in-law discovers Elliot, and decides to capture him and exploit him for money. Pete, Natalie, Grace, and Meacham must help Elliot before it’s too late. And, in the end Pete has a hard decision to make.

This is David Lowry’s first time directing a major motion picture. Previously he worked on indie films. With Pete’s Dragon he does a good job of giving us characters that we are invested in, and conveying magic, suspense, danger, heartache, and joy. The story has a very different feel as compared to other Disney films, and it’s a nice change.

There are some problems, though. For instance, he has a bit of trouble of wrapping things up, especially with the villain’s story arc. He also seems to have run out of time before he could tie up loose ends. Lowry gives us a lot of magical and heartwarming moments at the beginning of the film; however, spending too much time on that caused him to run out of time to wrap up other crucial parts of the story. It’s a matter of him learning to kill his little darlings, as Allen Ginsberg would say.

Lowry gets very good performances from his actors. Young Oakes Fegley gives an especially moving and natural performance as Pete. What can I say about Robert Redford? The gifted veteran actor is, as always, a delight on the screen. He’s an old man now, and has allowed himself to age gracefully, rather than fall into Hollywood’s trap of Botox, fillers, and cosmetic surgery. He’s still handsome, and that famous smile is as contagious as ever. Bryce Dallas Howard gives a gentle and understated performance. It's a nice change to see her play a truly kind person. She does it as well as she does the really vile characters she often portrays.

As far as the design for Elliot’s character, he’s more shaggy dog in appearance than dragon. He brings to mind Falkor the luck dragon from the classic fantasy film “The Neverending Story.” He does resemble the original Elliot from the original version of “Pete’s Dragon” with his snaggle-tooth, chubby tummy, sweet expression, and furry shock of hair on top of his head. His vocalizations were very nicely performed by actor John Kassir. Although the concept for the dragon could have been better, Elliot is a very lovable and cuddly character who can break your heart. One couldn't want for a better friend.

Overall, “Pete’s Dragon” is an enjoyable fairy tale. It does, however contain some really intense scenes that could be upsetting. The music, location, and cinematography are beautiful. While the story has some flaws, "Pete's Dragon" is enchanting and heartwarming. Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars; see it.     
   


Thursday, August 11, 2016

The Fairy Blog confirms the fate of Freeform’s Harry Potter Weekends

Copyright Warner Bros. Used with permission from Freeform.
It’s a sad day for fans of Freeform’s Harry Potter Weekend events. For many years the cable network which is part of the ABC/Disney networks has been the home for Harry Potter movies on basic cable. The TV rights for the beloved fairy tale film franchise have gone back and forth between ABC/Disney and HBO/Cinamax. Most of the time, though, the TV broadcast/cable rights to the movies belonged to ABC/Disney, allowing Freeform (formerly ABC Family Channel) to air Harry Potter Weekend events three to four times a year.

Part of what makes Freeform’s special Harry Potter events so special is that they air editions of the movies that can’t be seen anywhere else. Warner Bros. only released director’s cut editions of the first two movies, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” on home video. None of the other six films in the series got director’s cuts. Freeform presented special editions of all eight movies with deleted scenes seamlessly edited into the films.

On August 9, NBCUniversal announced that they had acquired the TV broadcast/cable rights to all eight of the Harry Potter movies, plus the rights for the upcoming “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” film trilogy. This will make the movies available to air on NBC, USA, and Syfy networks beginning July 1, 2018. NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast. They also own the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Studios Japan.  

The Fairy Blog contacted Liana C. Yamasaki of Disney/ABC Television Group to find out the fate of Freeform’s Harry Potter Weekends. According to Ms. Yamasaki, "NBCUniversal has an exclusive deal and Freeform will no longer air Harry Potter after their window starts in 2018." That means that the Harry Potter Weekends are coming to an end in summer of 2018.

Until then, Potterheads can still enjoy Harry Potter Weekends for almost two years. Freeform has a Harry Potter Weekend event coming up in September. Please click here for my post with the dates and complete schedule.  


Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Harry Potter Weekend on Freeform Labor Day weekend

Photo: Copyright Warner Bros. Used with permission from Freeform.
Cable network Freeform has been very generous with their Harry Potter Weekend movie marathons this year. It’s been such an exciting year for Potterheads, what with the upcoming release of the first movie in the three part Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” on November 18, and the premiere of London stage play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child last month. Fans can’t get enough of their favorite fairy story.

There may, however, be another reason for the frequency of Potter magic on Freeform, and it may mean the end of their beloved Harry Potter Weekends. For several years, now, the broadcast/cable TV rights for the Potter films have gone back and forth between ABC/Disney, which owns Freeform, and HBO/Cinamax. They've mostly belonged to ABC Disney, and that's what made the Harry Potter Weekends possible. Yesterday, there was big news about the broadcast and cable rights to the movie franchise. I emailed my contact at Freeform regarding the status of the Harry Potter Weekends, and will report here if I get a response.  

NBC is reporting that NBCUniversal has purchased the broadcast and cable rights to the entire Harry Potter movie franchise and the Fantastic Beasts movies from Warner Bros. The Potter movies will become available to NBC, Syfy, and USA starting July 1, 2018. According to NBCUniversal, their cable networks will “bring viewers content that includes extended director’s cut versions of the first two Harry Potter films; the 2011”When Harry Left Hogwarts” featurette; and 3D versions of the last two films in the Harry Potter series.”

This venture brings the Harry Potter TV rights under the NBCUniversal umbrella. Universal, of course owns the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Studios Japan. The acquisition of the movie rights opens up more opportunities for tie-in events between the Potter movies, the Fantastic Beasts movies, and the theme park attractions

In the meantime, fans can enjoy Freeform’s next Harry Potter Weekend which starts Friday, September 2, the day after back to school day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The current schedule is below. Air times are U.S. Eastern time:

Friday, Sept. 2:
2:30 p.m. – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
6 p.m. – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Saturday, Sept. 3:
7 a.m. – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
10:30 a.m. – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
2:30 p.m. – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
5:30 p.m. – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
9 p.m. – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Sunday, Sept. 4:
7:30 a.m. – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
10:30 a.m. – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
2 p.m. – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
5:30 p.m. – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1
9 p.m. – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2

Monday, Sept. 5:
2 p.m. – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1
5:30 p.m. – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2

Freeform sometimes changes their schedule, so I will publish the finalized schedule closer to the start of the event. Freeform always welcomes viewers to participate in Harry Potter Weekends by using special hashtags on Twitter. Follow Freeform on Twitter (@FreeformTV) to find out more. You can also participate on during the event on Freeform’s official Facebook page.


Monday, August 1, 2016

"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" book review

Image from Pottermore.

In 2013, producers announced a new London stage play, called “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” that would be the eighth story in the Harry Potter saga. The play was written by Jack Thorne, with story elements contributed by J.K. Rowling and John Tiffany. While this was exciting news for Potterheads around the world, almost immediately fans were hurt that only a small number would ever be able to attend the stage play. Later came the announcement that the rehearsal script for the play would be released in book form.  The book was released at midnight on July 31, 2016 – the birthday of Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling.

The story begins nineteen years after Harry Potter defeats Lord Voldemort at the Battle of Hogwarts. Harry is married to Ginny Weasley, and Ron and Hermione are married to each other. Harry’s middle child, Albus Severus, is starting his first year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. It’s also the first day for Ron and Hermione’s daughter Rose, and for Draco Malfoy’s son Scorpius.

Albus is very nervous about starting school, and is afraid that he will be sorted into Slytherin, the school house associated with dark wizards. In the book and movie, we see a loving, sensitive, and wise father comforting Albus, and assuring him that it wouldn’t be a bad thing if he were to be sorted into Slytherin because Albus was given the middle name of Severus, after a Slytherin, who was the bravest man Harry ever knew. Albus heads off to Hogwarts happy and excited. The final words of the book are: “All was well.”

According to this new story, all is not well. Albus is unhappy at school, and Harry has a lot of shortcomings as a father. He’s stressed out at work, and has to be prodded about doing his job properly. The story unfolds over three school years as Harry and Albus’s relationship deteriorates to the point that Albus’s anger towards his dad leads him to endanger the world and maybe even undo Voldemort’s downfall.

By all accounts, the stage play is quite enjoyable because of the excellent production, acting, directing, and wondrous special effects. Sadly, the story and dialog leave something to be desired. There is a secret love child, and a time travel mess reminiscent of the universally disliked second installment of the “Back to the Future” movie trilogy. There’s also a big heartbreaking scene that makes no sense because of what we know about the Fidelius charm from the original series, and that the charm was on Lily and James Potter’s house. It completely contradicts canon.

The dialog is not up to Rowling’s writing, and the kids don’t read as real, or as well as Rowling wrote them. J.K. Rowling’s kids’ dialog reads so true to life and feels authentic. Jack Thorne misses the mark here, and much of Albus’s and Scorpius’s dialog just isn’t as organic.   

The way time travel works is also not quite in line with the way it worked in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” In PoA, time travel followed the Novikov self-consistency principal, which asserts that if an event exists that would change the past in any way, or would cause a time paradox, the probability of that event is zero. We are told in PoA that what happened with Sirius Black was predetermined, and could not have happened any other way, because it had always happened that way. This story contradicts that.

The inconsistencies are really bothersome, and make the “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” inferior to Rowling’s original writings. It’s disappointing that she O.K.’d this story. There are a few fun elements, like seeing the grown up Draco Malfoy, and his son Scorpius, and the loving marriages of Ron and Hermione, and Harry and Ginny. But overall, it’s unfortunate that some elements of the story will now be considered canon.

'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' lacks the magic and enchantment of the original material. Potterheads are going to want to read this anyway, but it’s not great. It just reads like fanfic, and not very good fanfic at that. Verdict: 3 out of five stars. Maybe borrow a copy to read before paying for it.

  

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Harry Potter: A Fairy Story, Part 1

Jim Kay illustration for the Harry Potter illustrated editions. Copyright Bloomsbury.


The Harry Potter saga is one of the most popular, engaging, and compelling fairy tales of all time—and yes, the Potter saga is a fairy tale. According to Webster's Dictionary, a fairy tale is “a story involving fantastic forces and beings (as fairies, wizards, and goblins) – called also fairy story.” Harry Potter's wizarding world is Faerie.

Faerie is the magical realm where faeries live. This is J.K. Rowling's wizarding world. Faerie exists parallel to the mundane (muggle) world, on a different plane of existence. All magical beings are fairies (also known as fae). It could even be argued that witches and wizards are fae because they are magical beings who mostly live in the wizarding world (Faerie).

It is said that the fae and humans once lived side by side but that at some point a veil separated the magical from the mundane world. In the Potter world wizards hid their world from the muggle world and created laws to prevent the exposure of magic.

There are places where the veil is said to be thinner and people may enter Faerie or see fae. In the Potter books The Leaky Cauldron, the entrance to Diagon Alley, the entrance to Platform 9 ¾, and the Knight Bus are such places, where people cross the veil into the wizarding world.

Harry passes through the veil between the mundane world and Faerie throughout his life. After his family is attacked by Voldemort, he is taken from the wizarding world into the muggle world—rather like a changeling in reverse.


In the wizarding world Harry encounters all manner of fairy. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Hagrid is half-giant. He is the first fae that Harry encounters, and he serves as Harry's guide into the wizarding world. The first place Harry and Hagrid visit in Diagon Alley is Gringotts, which is owned and staffed by goblins. At Hogwarts, Hagrid introduces Harry to unicorns and to the centaur Firenze. He also shows Harry the baby dragon Norbert. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the house elf Dobby appears in Harry's room and follows him throughout his second year at Hogwarts. The hippogriff Buckbeak plays a major role in Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban, and merfolk and generic fairies appear in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Please come back for part 2 of "Harry Potter: A Fairy Story."

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Harry Potter Birthday Weekend this Friday on Freeform

Hagrid presents Harry with a cake for his 11th birthday. Copyright Warner Bros.
Fans of everybody’s favorite fairy story all know that Harry Potter’s birthday falls on July 31. This week, basic cable TV network Freeform will celebrate with a “Harry Potter Birthday Weekend” movie marathon. The special event airs July 29-31. The network will also begin airing the premiere of the documentary “Tom Felton Meets the Superfans” on the Freeform App.  Freeform has lots of ways for fans to participate in the celebration too!

Boy wizard Harry James Potter was born to Lily Potter, a witch, and James Potter, a wizard, on July 31, 1980, in Godric’s Hollow in the West Country of England. James and Lily named the wizard Sirius Black as Harry’s godfather. On Harry’s first birthday, Sirius gave him a toy flying broom as a gift. That would be the only birthday that Harry Potter celebrated with his family. Harry’s parents were murdered by Lord Voldemort on Halloween night, 1981.
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and founder and head of the Order of the Phoenix, decided to place Harry Potter with Lily’s cruel and abusive muggle sister and her husband rather than with his godfather when his parents were murdered. They never had a birthday party for him. The first birthday celebration in Harry’s memory was his eleventh birthday for which Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Grounds and Keys at Hogwarts, showed up to give Harry his welcome letter to Hogwarts and presented Harry with a birthday cake.  “Yer a wizard, Harry!” With those words, Harry Potter found out that he was a magic being. Harry Potter shares a birthday with J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, and screenwriter of the upcoming Harry Potter universe movies series “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”
Here’s the schedule for Freeform’s “Harry Potter Birthday Weekend.” All air times are U.S. Eastern Time:
Fri., July 29, 2016:
3:00 p.m. - “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
6:45 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”
Sat., July 30, 2016:
7 a.m. – “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
10:45 a.m. – “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”
3:15 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”
6:30 p.m. – “Harry Potter and Goblet of Fire”
10:15 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”
Sun., July 31, 2016:
7 a.m. – “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”
10 a.m. – “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”
1:30 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”
5 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1”
8:45 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2”
Mon., August 1, 2016:
1:30 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1”
5 p.m. – “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2”

Freeform won’t be airing “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” during the “Harry Potter Birthday Weekend” because of TV broadcast rights. Fans can celebrate along with Freeform their official Twitter account by adding #HappyBirthdayHarryPotter to all of their tweets. Freeform will also offer polls on Wishbone and animated social shareables. Potter Fans can also keep up to date by checking out Freeform’s official Facebook page.