The Spiderwick Chronicles, by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black

This collection of 5 books is a delightful, quick read. Even though they are written like children's books, they are a bit dark and mature at times. Transitioning to a much smaller book (faster pace, fewer details, etc) is a little difficult, as the series seems like the opening act to a much larger epic. It is a strange concoction of idiotic simplicity and complex struggles, but one that I found enjoyable overall.

I am just a little anxious to see how this was translated to a movie.

Pan's Labyrinth, 2006 (El laberinto del fauno)

I was first enticed by this film when watching the trailer for Hellboy II, and hearing that Guillermo del Toro directed both pieces. Of course, I was quite ignorant about the whole story, first of all not realizing it was in Spanish, and not knowing that it had anything to do with Spain. Thank goodness for closed captions. =)

I really appreciated and enjoyed the fantasy aspect of this film. Guillermo did an amazing job bringing various caricatures to life and weaving them into what would otherwise be a wholly unbelievable story (hence, fantasy). Even though Hellboy has a bit more shallow of a plot, I can see from the trailer where Guillermo left his mark.

I also did not expect the film to be so grisly. The protagonist of the story is cruel, selfish and particulary deranged, as shown by his flair for torture and carelessness with human life. There is another part where the "pale man" captures a couple fairies and bloodily bites off their heads.

While I personally do not enjoy such gluttony for gore, I have to admit the scenes added more depth and desperation to the plight of the heroine. I enjoyed the struggle of the rebellion, and the single-minded Borg-like ruthlessness of the "bad guys" seemed appropriate. I found myself wanting to see more quests, and more interaction with the mystical book given to Ofelia. The faun was one of the better ones I have seen in a while, and while writing up this review I just realized (from the Spanish) that Pan is the faun. Duh!

The Field Guide (Spiderwick Chronicles), by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black

Having absolutely no idea what to expect not having seen the movie yet and not knowing anything about the authors, I was pleasantly surprised. I did not realize it was a children's book, but found it entertaining and refreshing all the same. While short, the plot is not necessarily simple, making it a good reader for young and old alike. The authors do not shy away from expanding on a simple vocabulary either, which is very good.

As other readers have noted, it is obviously reminiscent of Tolkien and Lewis. Duh! Tolkien and Lewis took notes from George MacDonald, considered to be one of the (if not only) fore fathers of modern fantasy writing. But I consider this to be a good thing. The authors have taken material from a genre and crafted it to their own vision, and I like the vision so far. It is not the heady, meaty stuff I have read from time to time. It is simple and enjoyable. With a slightly dark twist that seems intriguing.

More to follow as I read the rest of the chronicles...