Oh Charlie

The boy and I are almost done Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which we have both been enjoying a great deal. He has, of course, seen the posters for the new movie and wants to see it. Me I'm not so sure and I'll probably just let him see the original film. Plus I'm not so sure I'm up for bringing the boy to a movie theater, he doesn't actually like movies that much.

Steve Almond (a candy afficiando if I've ever seen one) wrote his thoughts on the new movie on Salon. While I agree with him I'd like to add my frustration that the movie is clearly a remake and not a new reinterpretation of the book. For me that seems so foolish.

I really wish I could find that comic thats Charlie meets the Heart of Darkness.

EDIT: seborn graciously pointed out that it is here.

The Pop Fantastic

So bryant recommended George RR Martin’s Armaggedon Rag. I must admit that at first I was hesitant as I’m not that big of a fan of his recent work, but Bryant persisted and smoagendash pointed out to me that Martin used to be well regarded for his horror. So I’m giving it a chance. And yes it is very good.

Reading it has me thinking that I can think of few good pieces of fantastic literature that uses modern and relevant pop culture. There is this, and then there is Roszak's Flicker and Elizabeth’s Hands work, especially Black Light with its Andy Warholish cult resurrecting itself 25 years later. Hand’s Mortal Love also has some good pop culture in it though she has a few short stories that deal with faerie modern music a lot better (and I loved Mortal Love but honestly it was heavier on the pre-Raphaelites and they don’t count here).

I’m almost tempted to include Irvine’s One King, One Soldier but its too firmly rooted to the turn of the 20th century. Christopher’s Veronica gets disqualified for similar reasons.

So what else am I missing? Charles de Lint and that ilk don’t count as they are always about some pure form of folk and nothing that’s based on a Ballad counts. While I’m also reading The Rose & the Briar ballads are not what I’m talking about as relevant here.

A recommendation

Since I'm seeking recommendations from you I feel I should reciprocate. So, go and read Chris Barzak's lovely "The Language of Moths". It is well worth your read this morning.