Friday, September 11, 2009
Reviews
The Reviews section lists the critiques. This list is not exhaustive. The Search Tool should be used for a more selective scan.
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Book/Literature Reviews*
TBA
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Film/Movie Reviews*
Let Me Have Some Easy Virtue
Screener Review - Dorian Gray
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Television Show Reviews*
Supernatural S5 Premiere
Vampire Diaries S1 Premiere
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*OHG EXCLUSIVES! Link but please do not repost.
For more information, please visit the Features, Columns, and Reviews.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Dawn Treader Concept Art
Scouring the web, the mention of some visual aids to help our imaginations touch a beloved movie got the mouse clicking. Unfortunately, the supposed concept art for the next Narnia movie has been removed from various sites citing "at the request of the artist." The notations not only included clips, but also links.
As a web savvy individual, I found the pieces in question without much fuss. The images are not labeled, so there is no direct

Though many questions were formulated: Why have such images on your website if no one is supposed to know about them? I understand not displaying an artist's art on another site without expressed permission, but why not a link? Are we not to appreciate the process by which the pieces were created?
All but a couple of images are generic and beautiful fantasy pieces. No real movie to tag the artworks to accept for the two other pieces I mentioned. A lion, really? Did you not think fans could make the connection?
If the artist truly wanted to keep his concept art a secret from the rest of us, then why put those two images up with the others? I would have kept back the works of art that are obvious and let mystery surround the rest as mere pieces to behold. The industry would be satisfied and the audience would be none the wiser.
As an artist myself, I could not believe the audacity of the artist's look but don't touch policy toward his art. No watermarks. High resolution images. Are you nuts? My pieces have my web address imprinted on them as well my art is not printer ready. Changes need to be made, but perhaps by the artist and not the fans. As you have just discovered, you're art is not safe on the web.
For anonymity's sake, I will not mention the artist's name or provide any links. What I will say is the art in question is fantastic, beautiful, and story tells. No wonder in my mind as to why this gentlemen is a professional artist and that the images displayed will supposedly not be in the film itself. (Then why the hooplah?)
OHG will respect the artist and/or any contractual obligations for silence, but OHG feels displaying images no one can touch, feel, or experience is not art at all. Art is a symbol of our society and should be enjoyed by us all, even from afar.
All we ask is to link and let fans decide if the images convey the heart of Narnia.
Update 9/22: The artist's website no longer displays the images viewed as potential Dawn Treader Concept Art pieces- none that was discerned anyway. His industry reel is in video format (good for him) and is spectacular. The video enhances the individual artworks and is a great experience for art/movie lovers. Also, Narniaweb updated its page and has a link to the artist's website for those fans who are curious.
--DL Mullan is an artist and writer- for more information, please visit the Staff and Editor page.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Abrams's Star Trek
3 1/2 out of 5 Shovels - Action/Adventure Movie
2 out of 5 Shovels - Star Trek Reboot
Trekkies hang on, JJ Abrams has taken off with his version of the beloved television and movie franchise. Though full of adventure and action, Abrams sticks a lot of attitude down the throats of the viewer. Kirk is a rebellious, yet genius level punk. Spock does not have control of his emotions. Uhura struts about as eye candy and Spock's love interest. No one can understand Chekov. Sulu is great with a sword. Scottie is rash and crazy. And Bones is a germ, space, and person -ophobe.

If someone who did not know the Trek universe and saw this movie, then this person would probably give the movie an above average rating. There is, however, an overabundance of danger, action, and whatever can be thrown at the audience, is, well thrown.
As a Trek lover since a very young age, I did not enjoy this film as a Star Trek movie. The departure from the original series is vast enough to leave a chasm in one's chest. Changes in the timeline left the characters scarred and stereotypical. Now Kirk is the unpredictable and hubrius laden hero. Spock will be forever be pulled in two emotional directions. Uhura will have no storyline accept what Spock does with her. Bones, Chekov, Sulu, and Scottie will remain comic relief; one-liner deliverers.
This balance isn't the same. The chemistry isn't the same. Spock is flat. Kirk is over the top. Bones is, I'm not sure what they've done to him.
Don't misunderstand, the actors did a great job bringing the nuiances of their iconic characters to life with voice, gesture, and intensity. The storyline and direction did not serve them well. Brilliant actors with little to act on. Action, danger, and suspense is great when in harmony with comedy, romance, and drama, but not in this piece. Abrams did not take liberities with the franchise he steamed rolled over it.
With a $76 million opening weekend, I doubt we have seen the last of the series. I just hope the second installment takes us back to a better movie instead of creating a live-action video game.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Warlock
4 1/2 out of 5 Shovels
In 1691, the town is set to condemn a warlock. Satan has other plans. The warlock is swept away into another time. Close behind, the Witch Hunter, Giles Redferne ends up in Los Angeles three hundred years later.
Caught in the middle of the battle is Kassandra (with a “K”). The Warlock turns her world upside down. Redferne is not a better influence.
As Kassandra helps Redferne stop the Warlock from revoking all of creation, a mutual respect and unrequited affection is shared between them.
This movie is humorous, creepy, and suspenseful. Julian Sands does an outstanding job as the Warlock. Lori Singer and Richard E. Grant have chemistry and charisma.
The movie runs 103 minutes and is Rated R. Cast and crew information is on the DVD but no extras except for the trailer.
Warlock is a cult classic that deserves its acclaim.