Top War Movies: From Braveheart to Platoon

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

This article will highlight a popular field, that of the war film. No one person can watch them all and remember, but I will elate a few words on some of the better war films I have seen. The list could be more comprehensive, as I don’t have titles like “Saving Private Ryan” and “Apocalypse Now” on this list, but in the spirit of brevity I chose to list some new and old, mixing the newer films you can probably rent or buy for a reasonable price with some classics you must see on DVD.

Braveheart – William Wallace was immortalized by Mel Gibson in this classic. And it is a classic, the only non-modern warfare film here. The battle scenes were epic, but the telling of the story of Wiliam Wallace, though not always accurate, served to make it a favorite for film fans.

Instead of putting two Mel Gibson films on this list, or having an honorable mention, check out “We Were Soldiers,” which is right up there with “Platoon” and “Full Metal Jacket” in terms of a story of the Vietnam War.

Platoon – Another Sheen in a top role (Martin Sheen was in “Apocolypse Now”). “Platoon” was likely Charlie Sheen’s best, and one of the better stories of the Vietnam War ever. The battles were a fast paced, thrill ride, making it hard to turn away from the screen. The characters were easy to get close to, only to see them get killed in the climax. Tom Berenger was a classic villain, and an American GI, who wasn’t afraid to kill innocents with the bad guys. Willem Dafoe is also notable in this film. If you have to watch any Oliver Stone directed film, this would be it.

Full Metal Jacket – Stanley Kubrick made a lot of odd classics in his career, and with “Full Metal Jacket” he didn’t disappoint. Like “Platoon” this was about the Vietnam War, and the devastation that it caused not only the country but the people involved. Of all the films here, it can be the most disturbing look into a mind of a soldier. You’ll understand after you watched it.

Patton – A World War 2 film has to be here, and instead of “All Quiet on the Western Front” or “The Guns of Navarone,” “Patton” seems to be the best film made on WW2, being that it was about one of the most interesting generals in American history, George S. Patton. From his battles in Africa against Rommel, his conquest of Sicily, to his eventual race into Germany, it can all be captivating to watch. George C. Scott made Patton even more of a legend.with this his greatest role.

Over on A Writer's Eye: A Review of Power Screenwriting

Over on A Comic Eye: A Review of Batman Superman: Supergirl

Travels in the Scriptorium by Paul Auster

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

Novelist Paul Auster has always been able to tap into the humanity ofhis characters. Auster is a master of mystery. It seems he intends the story to take the backseat to his characters. He makes the characters the mystery, not the story.

“Travels in the Scriptorium” is Auster’s new literary masterpiece and is in the vein of his previous classics “City of Glass” and “The Book of Illusions.” Perhaps he sticks to a format throughout his stories, but because his characters are fascinating his voice is one of the strongest in modern literature. Auster awakens an interesting compassion for the main character with this novel. The process of going to the bathroom, of being aroused, and of aging all provide the framework for a character who seems lost both in the real world and in his mind.

“Travels in the Scriptorium” is one of Auster’s shorter novels, being about 150 pages. Even though it is brief, the Brooklyn writer created a masterful look into events similar to his other novels. It begins when Auster’s character, which the narrator calls “Mr. Blank,” who finds himself in a locked room. Even the

narrator is unsure of who this character is and how he got there. “He can’t escape the feeling he is the victim of a terrible injustice,” Auster writes.

Then he finds a manuscript in the enclosed room and begins reading it. It tells a scathing story of a man bordering on madness, a madness Blank believes might come into his life. While studying the manuscript, a woman named Anne who Mr. Blank has a history with, comes into the room, adding another mystery to the tale. She provides the needed background for Blank, and offers him a way to escape the madness. While explaining this, she says “We might be the ones to suffer, but there’s a reason for it, a good reason, and anyone who complains about it doesn’t understand what it means to be alive.”

Blank continues reading the manuscript. It appears to be a chronicle of a man who went through the same version of hell that he was going through. “Each time I write another word, I hear the sound of my own voice even though my lips are silent,” writes this broken man. With the plot thickening, the themes of humanity appear. Auster writes of a man trying to find himself.

An Interview with Fantasy Novelist Jim C. Hines

Interview by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

”Goblin Quest” is one of those humorous books that keeps on giving, playing on the typical tropes of fantasy, and adding in enough serious points to make it a compelling read. In this interview “Writers of the Future” winner Jim C, Hines talks about his book and his views on fantasy in general.

Q: Why did you decide to make your protagonist Jig more of a lowly figure - running away from battles, etc. - instead of a typical hero who chooses right over wrong?

A: It's not that Jig chooses wrong over right; goblins just have a different sense of right and wrong than we do. I have a lot of respect for them, actually. They're aware of their role in the grand scheme of things. They're at the bottom of the monster food chain, and they understand that every knight, wizard, elf, and barbarian is going to kill some goblins on their way to bigger things.

So they do what they have to do in order to survive. If that means stabbing your companion in the back so the "heroes" stumble over his body, giving you time to escape, then so be it. There's a sense of honesty to the goblins that I like. Sure, they'll kill you and eat you if they get the chance, but they're very up-front about it. Goblin politics are much more straightforward than our own.

Jig is exceptionally clever, for a goblin. He's a complete coward, too. That combination is a great deal of fun to write. Everything he does is driven by the urge to survive. But in order to survive, he basically has to help the heroes get through their stupid little quest. Or kill them all in their sleep. Whatever's easiest.

Q: Your dialogue seems to slip off the tongues of the characters; it's real, and seems to fit the characters of “Goblin Quest.” How do you approach dialogue in fantasy?

A: For the most part, the characters' voices come from their personalities. The princes are stilted and stuck-up, and their dialogue reflects that. Jig is constantly scared, which means he's usually trying not to talk, because he doesn't want to draw attention to himself. But when he does, he tends to blurt out more than he should.

Dialogue can be tricky. It has to sound natural, but if you wrote dialogue the way people actually talked, it would be full of interruptions and "um's" and long-winded, confusing sentences that jump all over the place until people are completely confused. Or maybe it's just me who talks that way.

Q: Obviously you meant this novel to have a humorous side. Do you think some fantasy takes itself too seriously?

A: I think we all take ourselves too seriously sometimes, myself included. Life can get pretty stressful, and it's easy to overreact to the little things. No matter how stressed I might be feeling, the world really isn't going to end if I'm a minute late to the movies and I miss the first preview.

Of course, with fantasy, you're often dealing with the literal end of the world. Dark overlords and black magic and an eternity of evil should our unlikely-and-reluctant-but-still-feisty-and-destined-for-greatness hero fail in his quest. But isn't that when we're most in need of a little laughter?

Q: How much planning was involved before you actually wrote “Goblin Quest”? Was it in your mind for years? Or was it a sudden inclination that created itself?

“Goblin Quest” is the most spontaneous book I've ever written. I had just moved back to Michigan from Nevada, so I was unemployed at the time. I was reading another book from the monsters' point of view, and I hated it. I kept thinking about how I would have written a completely different story. Eventually, I got so frustrated that I did exactly that.

Six weeks later, the book was done.

These days, I have a job and a family, and it takes me closer to nine or ten months to write a novel. But it's fun to be able to say I wrote a book in six weeks.

Q: How did you come up with Jig's pet, the spider Smudge?

A: Smudge is one of my favorite characters ever. Personally, spiders give me the shivers. But I really wanted to challenge myself to write a spider that people would love. And how can you not love a big, fuzzy spider who sets things on fire? The more I wrote about Smudge, the more his personality developed, until he started to turn into a bit of a scene-stealer. If I'm not careful, he's going to want his own book soon.

Q: Your prose is very tight; you rarely wander. Did you leave anything on the cutting room floor?

A: All sorts of things! I just turned in the manuscript for “Goblin War.” Over the course of revisions, I cut out several secondary characters, a magic cloak, an entire town, and a walking tree, among other things. (The tree went back in to the final draft, because he was too much fun.)

My first drafts tend to be pretty messy. I start with an outline, but I usually meander from that outline as I get a better sense of the story. I'll try new things, then discard the ones that don't work. I even write scenes where my characters yell at me for messing with the plot. Jig in particular spends a lot of time in first drafts muttering things like, "Stupid author. Can't you write a simple fight scene without forgetting where everyone's standing?"

Once that draft is done, I usually rewrite at least once from scratch, eliminating things that don't work, smoothing out the rough spots, and hammering everything into shape. There have been a number of scenes I've really liked, but if they don't contribute to the story, they get chopped.

Q: What scene did you enjoy writing the most (without giving anything major away)?

A: You know the scene near the end, where Jig is just about to [cut for spoilers], and then Smudge [cut for spoilers], so Jig kicks [cut for spoilers] right in the [cut for spoilers]? That was a blast to write!

Q: In chapter 7, at the point the adventurers are trying to pick a lock, you seem to show an understanding of suspense. How did you mingle serious things like this with comedic elements?

A: One of the most important things about writing a story is that your readers have to care about your characters. Humor is one way to do that. Early on, Jig has some troubles with his pet fire-spider Smudge. A number of people have told me that Jig's furious whispers to Smudge are one of the funnier parts of the book. But at the same time, we're getting a sense of the deeper relationship there, and we also sympathize with poor Jig, because most of us have dealt with unruly pets at one time or another.

So when Jig or Smudge are in danger, we care about them, and we're more invested in learning what happens.

Q: “Goblin Quest” doesn't branch of into dozens of narratives, though you have a sequel to Goblin Quest. What is your opinion on never-ending storylines by writers like Robert Jordan?

I try to write every book with the assumption that I could turn in the manuscript, walk out the door, and be squashed by a runaway cement truck. Obviously I hope that won't happen, but if it does, I don't want my readers cursing my name for leaving things unfinished. I've written three goblin books, and someday I may do more, but I'm not going to leave people hanging if I can avoid it.

Q: You mentioned not being a writer full-time. What other work do you do? Is anything as fulfilling, or rewarding, as writing?

I'm a state employee. Sadly, writing doesn't pay well enough for me to make a living at it. Not yet, at least. I'm also married with two young children, which means I need benefits -- another thing you don't get as a writer.

The state job isn't as fulfilling as the writing, but it's not a bad job. I'm able to write during my lunch break, and my coworkers are good people. Most of them actually bought copies of the first book, and they've been very excited about “GOBLIN HERO” coming out.

Q: You won the “Writers of the Future” award. Can you give readers a little background on the story that won it? Any advice on that particular market?

“Writers of the Future” is an annual contest for new science fiction and fantasy authors. There's no entry fee, and winners get some nice prize money, in addition to being paid for their story's inclusion in the annual anthology. All of the winners are also flown out to a week-long writing workshop with some of the bigger names in the field. So personally, I think it's a great contest, and I'm quite happy to have been a part of it.

My story was called "Blade of the Bunny," and was in many ways a foreshadowing of my goblin books. It was humorous sword and sorcery, and I had a lot of fun writing it.

In terms of advice, I'd say write the best story you can, and submit one every quarter. You can enter every three months, so the contest provides a nice deadline to motivate new writers. I've talked to some of the judges, and there's no real preference in terms of genre. The year I won, the anthology included a wide variety of stories, including horror, a SF piece about cloning, a serious fantasy piece, a little league vampire story, and of course my own.

Q: You published a few articles on writing, including on “Writing-World” and “By-Line.” What's your approach to pieces intended for writers?

There's a strong "Pay it forward" tradition in the science fiction/fantasy field. A number of writers gave me a lot of good advice when I was starting out . . . heck, there are writers who are still holding my hand and helping me out. So when I learn something useful, I try to share it. Something that means posting an insight on my LiveJournal. Other times it means a full-fledged article that will get out in front of a wider audience.

Mostly, my approach is to be honest and up front. "I'm not an expert, but I've been doing this for 12 years now, and here are some things I've learned." Hopefully, they'll be helpful for someone out there.

Q: What are your plans after your Goblin novels?

At the moment, the third goblin book is turned in and I'm waiting for revision requests from my editor. I'm planning to leave Jig and his fellow goblins alone for a while, in part because I don't want the series to get stale or repetitive. DAW (my publisher) has purchased a fourth book from me called “THE STEPSISTER SCHEME.” It's basically a cross between fairy tale princesses and Charlie's Angels. I'm hoping to do more in that series, if all goes well.

Being Matt Damon: Bourne Identity and Goodwill Hunting Star in Short

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

Matt Damon is one of the hottest stars in Hollywood today. With many films to his credit, he often doesn’t get mentioned as much as he said.

Damon is a talented actor in his own right, and is starting to became a major star in Hollywood, acting in the big leagues in the recent Oceans films with such stars as Brad Pitt and George Clooney.

Damon first starred in “Goodwill Hunting,” which he co-wrote with star Ben Affleck.

“Goodwill Hunting” was a tale of redemption for a young janitor too smart to be another nobody. He had a dark past, including beatings by his father, and therapy helped bring this out. Robin Williams also starred in this film, which really brought Matt Damon into the limelight, and to Hollywood recognition.

Recently Damon is known for a series of spy/detective movies in the stories of Jason Bourne, a rogue agent who can’t remember much of his past, but has special abilities when it comes to fighting. He doesn’t know his true name and has many nightmares of things he can’t recall doing. There were two films based on Robert Ludlum’s character: “The Bourne Identity” and “The Bourne Supremacy.” Each had a series of action sequences that could be compared to the likes of director John Woo, but had a quality story to go along with it, not to mention Damon’s dynamic acting as a man looking for his past.

Matt Damon seems not to take himself to seriously. He has had cameos in many Kevin Smith movies, notably “Dogma” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” In “Dogma” he played an angel (this film also starred Ben Affleck), while he played himself comically in “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” making fun of his most serious role in “Goodwill Hunting.”

Perhaps Damon’s most important recent work is his role in Project Greenlight. Project Greenlight is similar in a sense to American Idol, where regular people with no connections in Hollywood have a chance at stardom. Scripts are chosen, then directors and actors, and films are made. So far there have been two films out of Project Greenlight, one a serious picture and the other a horror film.

While Matt Damon hasn’t always been in the best written films or the best directed, his acting is always in league with the greats. He brings his dynamic elements to every film role he has been in. He is an important and accessible star in Hollywood whom every movie fan should watch.

Upcoming: Being Harrison Ford, an interview with fantasy novelist Jim C. Hines, and a novel review. Please come back.

A Letter to a Horror Film Fan: Cheezy Movies

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

You stayed up so you could watch “Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers” on AMC. That was a mistake because, after the film, you had to tip-toe up the stairs, check the closet for the boogey man, turn on your night light, and try your best to sleep with one eye open.

While that may be an exaggeration, I can recall seeing the first two Halloween films when I was about 12, and going up those stairs to my room afterwards put more fear into me than any one scene in the movie.

Hopefully you have some knowledge of horror films, of men like John Carpenter and Clive Barker, and if you do you should find this piece interesting. A basic definition of a slasher film can be read as a sole killer hunting down others with a weapon. It can be more than one killer, but even “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” had a slasher in :Leather Face. The basic movie that all other slasher films should be compared to is the first Halloween film by Carpenter.

The best slasher series ever are the Halloween films. The case of Michael Myers going after his sister (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) in the first two films set a bench mark upon which other slasher films would be compared. The first Halloween was the best of them all but not my favorite slasher film ever.

The winner of that would be “Friday the 13^th: The Final Chapter” (4^th of the series). I picked “Friday the 13^th: The Final Chapter” as my favorite just because I was scared stiff by Jason Voorhees as a young man, and found that I liked this series more than the others. “The Final Chapter” had all the things that a good slasher film needs: The pretty girls, the realistic killer who is willing to run after you, talented actors (most of them), and enough suspense to keep you entranced and biting your nails. It told the story of Jason Voorhees better than any other “Friday” film.

Both series seemed to borrow from each other, but as a whole, and until recent incarnation, Halloween told the better stories. Anytime Donald Pleasance was involved the film was sure to be entertaining. He was a talented actor and fit his role well as a former doctor for Michael Myers trying to stop the monster.

Both “Friday” and “Halloween” have had some cheap imitations over the years, of which I won’t name, and some classics of the slasher genre based on them like “Madman.”

Then the creators of “Friday” made “Jason in Space” and “Freddy vs Jason” and my respect for the series went down. Not to mention they made the final Friday film, so they said at least, until several other films came about, getting worse and worse.

I even went to the comic shop the other day and saw some Friday the 13^th comics for sale – don’t ask me if I bought them.

Halloween has had some odd films, but at least the writers didn’t send Michael Myers into space.

The first Halloween is scary too, just like “Final Chapter”, but something about that hockey mask and the way Voorheees was presented as a character made “Final Chapter” a superior film.

As a whole, most slasher films of the past five years have been completely terrible. Still, there is a wide fan base for films like “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” so they keep on making them.

“Halloween” and “Friday the 13^th” scare me to this day not because of the writing, directing, or acting, but of the simple idea of one man going mad on others. It happens in real society, even makes it into the front page, so it’s not completely illogical that it could happen.

So, you can see that the Halloween series is a good buy (don’t buy Halloween 3, Michael Myers isn’t in it) and is available on DVD. The Friday the 13^th series is also available, but I wouldn’t blame you if you only watched the first couple, before Jason became some sort of Frankenstein super villain who could catch up with everyone by walking.

Both play on TV still, so you can see the market is still big. Horror is a good venue to write a piece on, and has kept me entertaining for years. It deserves just a little more respect than it gets, but the best slasher films were made decades ago.

Editor's Pick:

Confessions of a Music Fan

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

I have a long history with music. The first album I ever bought was a Mariah Carey CD, the second Bone Thugs & Harmony, the third is forever lost to my memory.

There were gifts prior to all of that, ones that I wouldn’t listen for years, ones that had a profound effect on my music tastes when I was old enough to listen to them.

I received a Neil Young album over ten years ago, and didn’t pull it out of the shrink wrap for another five years. When I did, I still didn’t give it respect. I wanted something with more of an alternative or rap sound

Something happened to me after that. I wasn’t sure what changed my tastes, but I began to enjoy older rock music.

I pulled out the Neil Young album, listened to his voice, and found his lyrics as good as any other musician I had listened to. The voice was not great, but the pureness of the rock & roll and the great writing made it powerful in my mind.

Bob Dylan came to the forefront after that, as well as other rock legends like The Rolling Stones, even some old R&B musicians like Al Green.

I still listened to the popular stations like 101.7 and 96.5, but my tastes in music were changing.

I recall hearing Radiohead for the first time – it was the song Idioteche – and found a new love for alternative music. I must have listened to their album Ok Computer soon after, and, to this day, they are my favorite band.

Sparklehorse was the next band that I experienced that I had never heard of. Their song “Eye Pennies” moved me and reminded me of Neil Young (who Sparklehorse is often compared to.)

Where did I find most of my favorite? Sometimes I found my music through luck like o the radio, other moments came from friends or family.

Radiohead and Neil Young were big when I first listened to them, my dad was huge on Neil Young. and still are still popular.

Sparklehorse was all luck, I read a short article in The New Yorker about them, found there music, and started hearing them some on The Impact (88.9).

Most of my favorites for music don’t get played often on the radio, though that is where I get exposed to the majority of my music.

My music loves might not seem huge, and I vary on what I love, but I think I’m still going to keep listening.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Watching HBO and Loving It

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

HBO regularly makes top notch films and TV Series. What can’t be said on regular television, or portrayed, can be found on this channel. It is worth the price of admission in almost every sense, as top actors, directors, and writers are regularly involved in making the series found on the channel.

This article will highlight some of the better HBO series in recent years. It can be considered a guide, in short, to some entertainment that you will find pleasing. It is not a top ten or top five list, as all the series have a quality to them that seems to be beyond ratings.

Rome – “Rome” lasted two seasons, not because it wasn’t popular, but likely because the budget had been too big to continue it like a Seinfeld or Simpsons extended series. “Rome” was far from comedy. It told the story of two Roman soldiers and their travels in one of the greatest of ancient cities. In it’s first season, it chronicled the rise of Caesar, and by the end his eventual assassination by Brutus. There was plenty of sex and bloodshed to be had, but the stories were always sound. This is one of the best historical epics ever, and superior in every way to how the hit “300” was presented. The battle scenes here were more realistic, and the characters believable. This is a series that can’t be missed.

Band of Brothers – “Band of Brothers” told one of the better epic stories of World War II, in film or Television. It was the chronicle of Easy Company, from victories in invading Europe, to inner battles between characters not used to war. “Band of Brothers” was a moving rendition of what it meant to be a groundpounder in the war against Hitler. The series was produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, both known for taking part in creating “Saving Private Ryan.” “Band of Brothers” is really different from Rome, but both are impressive in terms of scope.

Sopranos – “Sopranos” doesn’t need to be summarized, as it’s a hit in almost every adult home. There was plenty of success and violence, but Tony Soprano was a real character to be watched. He had depression, but didn’t mind sending enemies to sleep with the fishes. He also constantly cheated on his wife. It was a humanistic portrait of one family on the inside of the mafia. “Sopranos” is comparable to “The Godfather” trilogy in many senses, but perhaps a more entertaining take on organized mafia.

A Pulitzer Prize Winner: Washington's Crossing

Review by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

Washington’s Crossing

By David Hacket Fischer

New York: Oxford University Press, 2004 . Pp. x, 564., append.,historiography, Bib. Notes. Maps. index. 19.95. ISBN:019518151X

Washington’s Crossing is part of the Pivotal Moments in American History series by Oxford University Press. Written by David Hacket Fischer, Washington’s Crossing won the Pulitzer Prize for history in 2005.

“No single day in history was more decisive for the creation of the United States than Christmas 1776.” Fischer opens the book with this important statement, and by explaining the importance of the time, he sets the reader up to be enthralled.

Many are familiar with the picture of “Washington Crossing the Delaware” but the true story behind it has been told in many different ways – and not all of them were correct. Fischer sets out to debunk all the rumors around the critical battles of the battles of 1776.

The book shows the plight of the American army well; defeat after defeat, and running instead of fighting. The odds of winning the war looked grim Christmastime 1776. Yet Washington, who was the biggest player in turning the tide of the war, didn’t give up on himself or his men, even with all the frustrations. As described in the book, it’s surprising he even survived all the battles he was in, as he wasn’t shy about getting in the front lines.

After several defeats around New York, and being pushed into New Jersey, the Continental army was poised to succumb to the British army. Still, there was a strange optimism brewing. The colonists seemed to sense that things would change. For one, the people of New Jersey didn’t look kindly on the brutal British and the looting Hessians. Also, the British army had spread itself out across the state. All of this gave Washington and the ragged Continentals a chance.

The chances of winning on the open field with an amateur army vs. a group of seasoned troops gave Washington few options. He decided a sneak attack on the Hessians at Trenton. The Hessians are analyzed in detail in the book; but there is one myth that should be forever done in with the publication of Washington’s Crossing: They were not drunk. Continental soldier John Greenwood wrote in his memoir, “During the battle I did not see a solitary drunken soldier belonging to the enemy.”

The battles come and Washington, seizing the opportunities, decides to stay on the offensive for the most part. After winning the famous battle of Trenton, there is the element of the second battle of Trenton, which has rarely been documented, and where the regulars of the British army were repulsed by the Continental army. Washington made his name emboldened in the battle of Princeton, for after there could be no doubt that he would forever be remembered in American history.

By focusing on a few years of the war, when the battles could go either way, Washington’s Crossing is a hallmark of historical writings. Fischer brings hundreds of eyewitness letters into the book, using them as clear proof of what really happened. The maps are excellent, brought from various libraries; the notes extensive, consuming almost a hundred pages; and Washington’s Crossing has a vast bibliography as well.

In the end, the battles of Trenton and Princeton showed the critical triumph of the indomitable American spirit. Fischer captures how hard the years of misfortune were, and how glorious the Continentals were after the battle of Princeton. The revolutionary war was years from being over, but the superiority of the British army was in question.

Upcoming: A look at top HBO series

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Memories of Babylon 5: Space adventurers from J.Michael Stracznski

This article explains the importance of Babylon 5 to science fiction, and why it had such a profound effect on me.

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

The Babylon 5 series was called a “novel in space” by many because of the deep complexity to the series (Wikipedia). From the outset, it was going to be an epic. I wasn’t onboard initially, as science fiction epics had been done to no end in Star Trek and Star Wars, but I found myself addicted once I started watching.

The whole plot behind Babylon 5 was centered around a space station at a critical juncture between different empires of the universe. It made friction and constant conflict a major point of the series, as rivalries between different alien races was prevalent.

The majority of the aliens were humanoid (meaning they walked upright, and looked close to human in other physical characteristics). The major races were the Humans, Minbari, Narn, Centauri, and Vorlons. There were other minor races who would play a part, but the majority of the Babylon 5 storyline focused on these civilizations.

In the past, the Minbari had come conquering the human race, but, as the show told, stopped when they found out both races had connections.

The Centauri and the Narn were in constant war for the majority of the Babylon 5 series, creating conflicts between their ambassadors on the Babylon 5 station.

Of all these races, the least was known of the Vorlons, who only a selective few humans ever had contact with. According to Wikipedia, the Vorlons were on of the first sentient races in the universe.

One major race not cited there are the Shadows. This race provided a key point for the series, moving away from the stories on the station for an interstellar war that would consume many races.

The leader of the Babylon 5 station was initially Jeffrey Sinclair, but he was replaced by the experienced Captain John Sheridan (played by Bruce Boxleitner) by the second season. Sheridan lead Babylon 5 for the duration of the series, and played a key role in the interstellar war with the Shadows, as well as a revolution against the government of Earth.

The Babylon 5 series was in my estimation superior to the Star Trek Deep Space Nine series. The actors were better, as was the stories. Both filled a niche, and were similar, but the writing and graphics of Babylon 5 were incredible for the time.

The Babylon 5 universe was one of the most intricate ever devised for Television. Instead of many solo stories – which on occasion it had – there was always a galaxy spanning storyline in action. It was created like the old 1950s science fiction serials, with cliffhangers to an ever-changing story, but enough resolution to the small stories to make it acceptable.

Babylon 5 was an important series. It justly made the career of J. Michael Stracnski. It would be nice to see it fit into the graphic novel form at some point. There are plans for future movies (some due out soon after this article) but only time will tell if the series will ever reach such a wide audience again.

Upcoming: Thoughts on Gaming, Alan Moore, and and interview with Wolf Boy writer Evan Kuhlman. Please check out my other blogs at A Comic Eye and A Writer's Eye

Thoughts on Virginia Woolf: Too Good

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

I am currently finishing up a book for writers. If you would like to know when it comes out send me an email at jfmalewitz at gmail dot com.

As a writer of fiction, I turned away from reading Virginia Woolf’s works for many years. Then, after reading a review of a biography of William Maxwell (A noted New Yorker fiction editor) I heard her name again; Maxwell said the Virginia Woolf novel “To the Lighthouse” was one of his favorite books.

Still, I avoided it for a few days, but I did end up reserving it at my local library. After reading it, I understood why the editor William Maxwell thought it was such a great novel. It wasn’t really about story, as can be seen in many novels of Virginia Woolf, but it was the plays on language that captivated Woolf’s audience.

How could a writer come up with such a lucid piece as “To The Lighthouse?” It seems the work of fiction was written by Woolf during a time of intense struggle. What made Woolf different than most people with mental diseases, depression being one, was that she was at her best when she was writing. It seems the periods in between writing is what killed her, and led to her eventual suicide.

She did marry, as noted on her Wikipedia biography, and even founded a small press which published much of her work. But underneath,. Virginia Woolf was a person not meant for a regular relationship.

She is most famous for her novels, but, as Wikipedia notes, she also had the classic essay “A Room of One’s Own,” that stated "a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.”

This is a clear statement from a woman ahead of her time. She had peers, as woman writers were gaining in popularity, but many publishers frowned on this audience. Publishers would prefer their female writers to take male names.

It seems that Woolf had more of a vision of being a writer. I recall her writing that she regretted having not started writing sooner; as a late-bloomer, I too can understand this statement.

Woolf may forever be remembered for her novels, but in “A Room of One’s Own,” she also became a quasi-feminist pioneer, especially in the field of fiction.

Her work cannot be taken or told in short; they are monumental masterpieces the likes of Ayn Rand. Though not as long as “Atlas Shrugged” or “The Fountainhead” this comparison can be made in terms of importance to female literature.

In the end, I will always read the novels of Virginia Woolf with fear and intense love. Her ending was a tragic one, a suicide, making her comparable to the likes of Ernest Hemingway.

Upcoming: Book reviews, Actor profiles, and even some more gaming articles. Be sure to come back.

Are Video Games Art? An Analysis of games like Halo, Warcraft, Civilization, and Age of Empires

Article by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

I am currently finishing up a book for writers. If you would like to know when it comes out send me an email at jfmalewitz at gmail dot com.

TGC Get 4 books for $1 each

Do you stay up all night and don't know why? Is your attention span, which was once a healthy two minutes, now 30 seconds? Have you been forced to wear glasses because you stare at screens so long? Have your thumbs long ago lost any feeling of sensation?

Many consider Halo to be the best of the recent first person shooters, and also comparable to Doom.

You may have a condition doctor's call "Gamer's Side Effects."

All kidding aside, there are few countries as addicted to computer games as the U.S. According to Business Weekly, there is one country who games more than us, and that's South Korea. Games like Starcraft have come close to becoming national religions in South Korea. As a whole the gaming industry brings in billions of dollars in revenue to South Korean coffee shops and gaming stores, as noted by CNet.com. Experts say to watch out for China to take the throne of the $2 billion gaming industry soon.

Personally, I love playing video games. My drug was strategy games like Civilization, Age of Empires, and Warcraft. Time constraints and worldly goals have changed the dose of gaming I can play, but many games use to be a staple in my life. When Zelda came out it was like I was married to the TV screen. Games like this soon led to a major rise in the respect given to the gaming field. I have always been more of a computer game junkie than a console player, but I still have an X-Box.

When I found Halo it was a reawakening of the times in my youth.

There has been more than enough talk about the console wars. If one is really interested, check online and there will be whole bibles on the subject. Even the differences between computer games and consoles have been argued, though not as frequently and with as many headlines.

Often games are considered a waste of time, nothing close to an art form. If one chooses the right ones it can be better than a movie and more engaging than a book. Stories are almost always told and, like a Choose Your Own Adventure tale, one is at the helm creating a world through actions.

So, if movies and books can be considered art, why can't a game? Take a well put together game like Halo, one of my old favorites. Halo tells a story so "cool" that a successful book series was made about it. Or consider Max Payne, a stunning game of a cop-turned-rogue that is at worst good crime fiction. Warcraft has become a national religion, and it deserves it; World of Warcraft is one of the better RPGs around, while the strategy games like Warcraft 3 Reign of Chaos and its sequel The Frozen Throne are real time strategy games. I personally have never played the RPG, but Warcraft 3 took much of my time. I liked it because it required thinking, strategy, and, at times, teamwork.

There was once a day that novels had no respect, another where comics were just for fun. Many gamers are as odd as reclusive writers, and have a much broader vocabulary in terms of swear words.

Many consider Halo to be the best of the recent first person shooters, and also comparable to Doom.

Still, the men and women behind the latest hit series often put more work on it than many novelists do. A column by Chi Kong Lui on gamecritics.com stated that the rise of games as a medium has some similarities to the rise of other art forms like novels and movies.

A video game may be more expensive than a book or a movie, but if one is looking for mind-bending entertainment that is on average three times the length of a movie, they should give one a chance.

Will games like Starcraft or Halo be considered an art form at some point? In the final analysis, if it has a story, pictures, or both, it should be considered art.

Editor's Gaming Pick: Max Payne

I spent many vacations hooked on Max Payne. The gritty story of a New York cop gone rogue was set up like a graphic novel, with scenes taking directly from shoot-em-up films like the John Woo classics. Best part is, Max Payne comes cheap.

Rogue Angel: Destiny by Alex Archer

Review by Jacob Malewitz
Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

Rogue Angel begins on a sprint, showing a fascinating look into history at Joan of Arc. Then the mosaic begins with Archer’s short, direct sentences, which compliment the story well. All in all, the first book in the Rogue Angel series scores a victory for Archer, but not without a few miscues.

The storyline quickly switches from Joan’s time in medieval France to reporter and archaeologist Annja Creed. By trade Annja is an archaelogist, but as there is little pay in the profession she supports her dream by selling stories to Chasing History’s Monsters, a TV show. Annja Creed runs into trouble after looking into an old French legend, a mysterious creature called Le Bete, and finding a charm with connections to Joan of Arc. She falls into a tumult of secrets and shady characters, finding herself in countless dangerous situations, pacing the story well. Annja is led into a great mystery, full of threads of history and immortality.

Some of it isn’t wholly original, and secret orders like the Brotherhood of the Silent Rain smell like a take on The Da Vinci Code, and if you read the back cover many other elements would stand out as similar to that novel, but its all in good fun if it moves the story along, which for the most part it does.

Archer’s dialogue moves the story well; it’s short and to the point. The conflicts rise as the story progresses, with just enough mystery and suspense to keep a reader entertained. Characterization is handled well for the most part, but action and mystery is what Archer is hoping will entice the reader to continue. Perhaps by focusing on the interesting central character of Annja more the one could learn more about Archer’s characterization skills.

The potential for this story was great, but it could be better. When Archer lengthens his sentences he does well, making them complete, but many of his shorter ones are not even close to complete sentences. This can be forgiven in terms of pace, but simple grammar could have lengthened some of the sentences for the better. Once you get used to the style the many correlating storylines pick up, and Rogue Angel: Destiny turns into a fast read.

The speed of Rogue Angel: Destiny is its greatest strength. What lacks in sentence style can easily be forgiven by a good story, and Archer succeeds in bringing a fully captured world onto the printed page. That said more on the characters could have made them realized more for the reader. Yet the twists in the story keep you in your seat, maybe not falling out of it, but steady.

Many readers might find the idea of a monster overdone, but a search for an ancient monster provides a good backdrop for the story, focusing more on the history of the monster than the idea that it could still be around—which it isn’t.

In the end Rogue Angel: Destiny stumbles at times, and could be boring to some readers, but there are enough subplots to differentiate it with The Da Vinci Code (like the search for the monster). A strong editor could have done wonders for this book, but as it is in a series it’s too late to cut it up; instead, try to enjoy it for what it is.

The Science Fiction Book Club

Upcoming: Are Video Games Art? I am working on a book for writers. If you are interested, contact me at jfmalewitz at gmail dot com and I can put you on my email list.

Another Abaddon Thriller: Unnatural History

Review by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer’s Eye, A Reader’s Eye, A Comic Eye

The Science Fiction Book Club

Unnatural History By Jonathan Green
Abaddon Books 2006
PB 320 pgs

One day a dead man, the next a crime solver and a drinker of cognac, Ulysses Quicksilver has to be one of the more interesting fantasy characters in some time. The story of “Unnatural History” isn’t always consuming, not always fun, but it sure is nice to see a character come alive within the pages of a novel. And Ulysses isn’t clichéd; he has his vices, as the story tells. And the story …

A lawyer with a unique name, Screwtape, consults with Ulysses’s brother in the opening pages of “Unnatural History.” Screwtape is there to tell the brother that all of Ulysses’ assets are his. A problem arise: Ulysses, as one would expect, is far from dead, and shows up at the door during this meeting.

Ulysses quickly becomes involved in society again. After disappearing for over a year after an expedition into a mountain, he finds himself involved in a mystery. It seems minor, but the scope is big. A night watchmen at a major museum is murdered. He wasn’t just killed; he was killed brutally. The police think a thief did it, but Ulysses thinks something else is afoot—and has many questions. The second mystery comes when a professor at the museum is found to have disappeared as well. “The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became that he had been sent two different crimes committed by two different culprits.”

The world of Pax Brittania is different. The queen is in her 160^th year of reigning over the still strong British empire, space travel is common, and the sciences have speed ahead at an alarming rate. But, the destitute are more numerous, and the slums darker than ever. The factories have turned much of the empire into wastelands.

The history of this world is described in detail early. Jonathan Green holds nothing back in detailing it.

In Europe Brittania is powerful, even with many enemies like Socialist Germany. However, the true villains of “Unnatural History” come from within the empire.

What follows is more than mystery. “Unnatural History” has plenty of futuristic views, plenty of action, and just the right amount of characterization. It stands as another classic from publisher Abaddon books.

Editor's Pick: Precious Dragon

I am halfway through this Inspector Chen novel and I am enjoying it too much. Perhaps a departure from adventure fiction, this novel shows a portrait of a different form of hell. The characters fall into place as one wonders where all the dragons and ghosts are coming from. Published by Night Shade Books, this deserves the acclaim it is receiving.

Upcoming: I am currently working on a book so it is hard to say what will find its way here. However, I encourage you to read all my blogs because they will continue to be updated. Expect more fantasy, even a little Stephen King, and essays on a few well-written game stories.

A Late October Part 3: Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2

Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2: Starring Dennis Hopper

Review by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer's Eye, A Reader's Eye, A Comic Eye

Doubleday - Stephen King

“It seems to have no end,” the opening monologue for the film says. It retells what happened in the first “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” film, where four people were murdered by a family of cannibals, and where only one survived. The survivor said she had been in a window to hell.

Of course, director Toby Hooper doesn’t hold anything back in this slasher. He jumps into the scares immediately, with many an actor being fodder for the evil family bent on spreading horror.

The characters are a radio host and her assistant, and an old lawman (played by Dennis Hopper) who find themselves in the middle of another window to hell. There is, however, plenty of humor to encapsulate the film.

Hopper’s character calls himself Lefty. Members of his family were killed by the evil family over a decade ago. He seeks vengeance. Lefty is crucial in moving the story, and it is crucial that Hopper’s acting skills are brought to the film. The problem is, the cops for the town don’t want him around. “They live on fear,” Hopper finally says to the radio host. “They thrive on it. I got no fear left.”

Perhaps a common cop would have turned and ran from the situation that Lefty faced. But, being a classic Texas cowboy, he seeks to end the horror.

Now, there are plenty of chainsaws, plenty of disturbing imagery, and little for the feint of heart. “Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2” isn’t the best of the horror genre, but it can be hard to look away. If you do look away, make sure to avoid that window to hell.

Upcoming: A review of Abaddon Books "Unnatural History," more film reviews, more essays on reading. Please check out A Writer's Eye for more to read and how to write, as well as A Comic Eye for the best comics to read.

A Late October Part 2: The Gathering

The Gathering: Starring Christina Ricci

Review by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer's Eye, A Reader's Eye, A Comic Eye

It all began 2,000 years ago with a crucifixion upon a hill.

The opening scene of “The Gathering” shows the death of two lovers after falling through a hole in the ground. The mystery comes when Christina Ricci’s character appears out of nowhere and is hit by a car. The scene is England, and a ancient church has just been found deep within the ground. This church has a crucifix with Jesus on the opposite side where he traditionally is found. The Catholic Church immediately decides to cover it up, but nothing is that easy.

Ricci is connected to this church in a mysterious way. The car that hit her is driven by the wife of the man who found the old church deep within the ground. The beginning does have a quality hook, but more focus is needed, as much is happening with little explanation.

However, the film does draw viewers in because it makes one curious. Who is Ricci’s character? What is the truth about this crucifix?

Another religious film sounds just like it is. However, there are some stark differences to the typical, clichéd religious horror film.

The church, it appears, may have been built by a disciple of Christ, who saw him on the crucifix and knew exactly who watched the savior die.

“The Gathering” does bring in more than just religious connonations. For a horror film, even a high-budget one, the acting is well-done. Anthony Horowitz’s script melds well with each character. The film, in the end, lacks enough substance and mystery to really be horrifying, but it is enjoyable.

A Late October Part 1: The Wicker Man

The Wicker Man: A Cult Horror Film Treat
Review by Jacob Malewitz
Writer A Writer's Eye, A Reader's Eye, A Comic Eye

Horror films are supposed to be clichéd, right? What happens when the mythology of one island turns to evil? The questions may linger, the horror of humanity can be disturbing, and the pacing of suspense can work on watchers. “The Wicker Man” is downright disturbing.

The opening epic imagery fits the tone. A modest island called Summer close to Scotland, is flow over. The director, Robin Hardy, does well with Anthony Shaffer’s screenplay. A simple plan shown in the opening could have been done in a boring fashion, but it hasn’t.

A police officer comes to Summer island to investigate the disappearance of a twelve year-old girl. The parents of the girl sent him a letter asking for help. Little did the officer know he was going into a level of hell.

The soundtrack does sound like its from the “hippy” generation, but only adds to the disturbing scenes which soon become common.

Everyone on the island appears to want the officer off the island, as though they are hiding something. No one says they know of the missing girl. The village holds many secrets, and the officer intends to figure them out.

“The Wicker Man” turns the tables on the viewers. It is fraught with sexuality and lies.

Questions on religion, the role of society, and death are paramount in this film. The singing that is featured by the actors is also confounding, and adds to the ominous nature.

“The Wicker Man” becomes a legend within a legend. A mythological tale that is sure to surprise any movie fan. This is a horror film decades ahead of its time. However, it did find a cult following after a failed release at theatres. Perhaps this is the classic you haven’t heard about.

My First Negative Review: The Lightstone

The Lightstone by David Zindell

Review by Jacob Malewitz
Writer A Writer's Eye, A Reader's Eye, A Comic Eye

Want to get a review? Email me at jfmalewitz at gmail dot com. I review novels, non-fiction, comics, movies, websites, and more.

The Lightstone, a re-released novel by writer David Zindel, succeeds in showing the author's way with words, but the story seems unoriginal and moves slowly.

Valashu (Val), the seventh son of the ruling family of Mesh, goes on a quest to find a holy grail-like object to save humanity.

The evil Morjinn, lord of Ea, threatens The Nine Kingdoms, of which Mesh is a part and Val sets out to save the lands.

Val is seeking the Lightstone, an ancient artifact, believed to be the cup of heaven, that he feels can save the land. Val goes through dangerous lands on a gut-feeling that he has to find the Lightstone.

He is not sure he's cut out to be a hero. He questions his decisions, but at the same time stands up for himself, whether it be with words or actions. He also has been gifted with the ability to feel what others feel; whether they are human or animal.

Val's party soon grows to seven and the quest takes the group into dark territory.
As typical in Tolkien-esque fantasies, there is little originality: gather a group, find prized magical piece and confront the lord of all evil.

However, there are some sharp distinctions. The Lightstone is told from first person. There are few major dumps of backstory to explain a complicated world; and the dialogue is crisp.

All of that isn't enough to save a standard fantasy novel with not the right amount of conflict to keep the reader turning the pages. Zindell loads the pages with descriptions of setting, and other times he summarizes boring events that readers don't really need in the first place.

Zindell lays out a story with promise, but he doesn't capitalize on his strength of characterization; making his weaknesses in storytelling apparent.

The Lightstone lacks the interesting substance novels need, especially if they are to be a series of books, which The Lightstone could be.

Zindell is gifted and this book may win him some more fans, but with all that the novel did not live up to its expectations.

Zindell was the winner of the first L. Ron Hubbard's Writer's of the Future contest, and has had several successful novels before, including Neverness, but he stumbles in The Lightstone.

Tolkien purists may find the book and the series great. Yet for those who never put The Lord of the Rings in their "best" list, it may not be a enthralling read.

Editor's Sci-Fi Pick: Hyperion by Dan Simmons

I recall reading on a site that "Hyperion" is almost too good to be reviewed. I will try to review it someday, but today I will just enjoy the novel. "Hyperion" won a Hugo award, and for good reason. The futustic story had sequels, but the original is by far the best. For modern science fiction fans, this is a must read.

A Hybrid Novel That Deserves Fame

Wolf Boy

By Evan Kuhlman
Shaye Areheart Books
ISBN: 0-307-33696-4
314 pages

Review by Jacob Malewitz

Writer A Writer's Eye, A Reader's Eye, A Comic Eye

Want to get a review? Email me at jfmalewitz at gmail dot com. I review novels, non-fiction, comics, movies, websites, and more.

Evan Kuhlman shines in his debut novel with a fascinating look at the story of a family grieving and a boy’s desire to put his mind to use. Stephen, a boy enamored with the universe, has all the attributes of a teenager. He has the action figures, the comics, the swimsuit issues, all signs of a boy born in the eighties. But his life takes a turn when his older brother Francis dies in a car accident. He isn’t alone in the grieving, after all the entire family is chronicled in this novel, but he responds far different to the loss than the rest of his family. Stephen’s whole family is hit by the loss, and they all react in different ways. Gene (Stephen’s father) has trouble telling the story of Francis’ death; Stephen thinks that his parents would have preferred his death to his brother Francis; and Helen (Stephen’s mother) seeks to escape it all.

Stephen does his best to get out of the funk after his brother’s death. He plays with his friend Nicole, a girl who matched his enthusiasm for dreaming up things. Later, Stephen is encouraged by a reverend to pick up a pen and write. He does, and his first creation is Rabbit Man, but he soon surmised that rabbits were too wimpy and came up with Wolf Boy. Nicole draws the pictures for the comic while Stephen writes the stories. The Wolf Boy comic provides an entertaining aside to the novel. Wolf Boy battles with villains and attempts to figure life out. The Wolf Boy comic is an older stylized piece: the good guys always win and the bad