Here is a gallery featuring photos from the second "PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN" movie - "Dead Man's Chest":
"PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: Dead Man's Chest" Gallery:
Second Look: "THE BLUE AND THE GRAY" (1982)
In 1982, CBS television aired a three-part miniseries about the experiences of two families during the Civil War. Sounds familiar? It should, for John Jakes had wrote something similar in three novels between 1982 and 1987 – namely the ”NORTH AND SOUTH” Trilogy. Jakes’ novels were adapted for television in 1985, 1986 and 1994. However this miniseries was produced by Larry White and Lou Reda. And despite the mildly similar theme to the ”NORTH AND SOUTH” saga, there are some vast differences.
”THE BLUE AND THE GRAY” had not been based upon any particular novel or series of novels. Instead, it was based upon a story concept by Bruce Catton, a famous historian who had written a book on the Civil War with the same title. As I had stated before, the miniseries told the story of two families and their experiences between 1859 and 1865. The two families in question are the Geysers and the Hales. The Geyers and the Hales are linked by two sisters portrayed by Colleen Dewhurst and Diane Baker. Although the miniseries revealed the families’ experiences via many characters, the two main characters in the story are John Geyser (John Hammond), who is the third son of the Virginia Geysers and Jonas Steele (Stacy Keach), a former Pinkerton agent and abolitionist who befriends John and marries the latter’s Pennsylvania cousin, Mary Hale (Julia Duffy).Many sagas about the Civil War – especially those on television – tend to focus upon wealthy families or those from exclusive families. Prime examples of this would be ”GONE WITH THE WIND”, the ”NORTH AND SOUTH” Trilogy, ”BEULAH LAND” and ”LOUISIANA”. ”THE BLUE AND THE GRAY” took another route in which its main characters hailed from a middle-class background. The patriarchs of the two families seemed to reek of the middle class. As I had earlier pointed out, John Geyer’s father was a middling farmer named Ben Geyser (Lloyd Bridges). And his uncle by marriage – Jacob Hale Sr. (Robin Gammell) – happens to be the owner and editor-in-chief of a small newspaper in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Even after twenty-six years, I still enjoy ”THE BLUE AND THE GRAY”. It has not lost its allure one bit. It rarely played footloose with history. And aside from the miniseries’ last fifteen to twenty minutes, it managed to maintain a brisk pace despite being at least eight (8) hours. The two leads – John Hammond and Stacy Keach managed to create an excellent chemistry and it was easy to view the pair as close friends. And both men were ably supported by a first-class cast. But amongst them, I was especially impressed by the performances of Julia Duffy as Mary Hale – John’s cousin and Jonas’ wife; Brian Kerwin as Malachy Hale, Mary’s oldest brother; Cooper Huckabee as Matthew Geyser, John’s oldest brother; Dan Shor as Luke Geyser, John’s irrepressible younger brother; and Gerald S. O'Loughlin as the Hale brothers’ sergeant, O’Toole. I also have to commend upon Gregory Peck’s steady, yet humorous take on Abraham Lincoln and Sterling Hayden for refraining from an over-the-top performance, while portraying abolitionist John Brown.
Someone once complained that the battle sequences in ”THE BLUE AND THE GRAY” came off as rather bloodless. I found this complaint a little ridiculous, considering that this story was presented as an eight-hour television miniseries, rather than a theatrical movie. Besides, I saw plenty of blood in the miniseries. But two of the most chilling scenes in ”THE BLUE AND THE GRAY” barely featured any blood:
*John Geyser’s brother Mark (Michael Horton) found himself badly wounded during the Battle of the Wilderness, while the woods surrounding him burn from shellfire.
*John’s close friend, a free black named Jonathan Henry (Paul Winfield), is lynched for helping two runaway slaves by a local slave patrol led by a fanatical pro-slavery preacher (Warren Oates). What is amazing about this scene is that it happened partially off screen.
As much as I like ”THE BLUE AND THE GRAY”, it does have its flaws. My main complaint about the miniseries has a lot to do with the vast number of extras and minor characters in the story. Granted, there are some minor characters portrayed by veteran character actors like Rory Calhoun, Christopher Stone, Julius W. Harris and Geraldine Page. Unfortunately, their presence could not hide the number of amateur . . . or should I say very untalented actors and actresses in minor roles. A prime example would be a nameless actor who portrayed a patriotic Union officer that John Geyser met at the Willard’s Hotel. And there was the actor who portrayed Confederate general Barnard Bee, whose declaration of a famous line was at best hammy. I have no idea why producers White and Reda had hired these people in the first place. Perhaps they were desperate to fill as many roles as possible.
Another problem I had was the romance between John Geyser and the daughter of a Massachusetts senator named Kathy Reynolds, portrayed by Kathleen Beller. Quite frankly, they made quite a boring pair. There is nothing more boring than a couple consisted by two people inclined to be reserved. Superficially, they looked cute. Individually, both John Hammond and Beller gave very solid performances. But as an on-screen romantic pair . . . they bored the pants off me.
But ”THE BLUE AND THE GRAY” had some memorable scenes. Two of them featured actor Cooper Huckabee. Portraying the oldest Geyser sibling Matthew, I believe that he gave the best performance. And Huckabee had the opportunity to shine in the following scenes:
*A brief, yet emotional reunion between Matthew and John Geyser (Hammond) in the lines right outside Vicksburg, Mississippi.
*Matthew’s death, following a minor battle at the Geyser Farm (beautifully acted by Huckabee).
And there were other memorable scenes, as well. There was what I consider to be the two funniest in the entire miniseries – namely Malachai Hale’s hilarious encounter with a Confederate soldier, while both were trying to hide from a battle; and the barn dance behind enemy lines that the Hale brothers and John Geyser had attended at the invitation of John’s younger brother Luke (Dan Shor), a mischievous Confederate soldier. The latter scene also featured Canadian actor Duncan Regehr (”Zorro”) as a Confederate officer, affronted at the idea of two Union soldiers and a correspondent behind enemy lines at a barn dance. I also enjoyed the scene featuring the Hale family witnessing a speech by President-elect Lincoln at a whistle stop in Southern Pennsylvania. And both the lynching of Jonathan Henry and the entire Battle of the Wilderness sequence seemed both poignant, yet too harrowing to believe.
It seems a shame that ”THE BLUE AND THE GRAY” is barely mentioned by film critics or fans in regard to Civil War movies in the theaters or television. Quite frankly, it is one of the better ones I have ever seen. It gave a view of the late antebellum period and the Civil War through the eyes of the masses rarely seen in movies like ”GONE WITH THE WIND” or the ”NORTH AND SOUTH” trilogy. I heartily recommend it.
”INDIANA JONES and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” Review
As much as I had enjoyed this latest installment of the INDIANA JONES saga - ”Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”, I found myself perplexed by it. There was something about its tone that did not strike a similar chord, in compare to the other three movies. It took a second viewing of the movie for me to understand not only the movie’s story, but its entire atmosphere. And it had a lot to do with its setting.
”INDIANA JONES and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” is set in 1957, in which Colonel-Doctor Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) leads a convoy of Soviet troops, dressed as American soldiers on a mission to infiltrate a military base in the Nevada desert called "Hangar 51". Spalko and her men force Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) to lead them to a crate holding the remains of an extraterrestrial creature that crashed ten years before in Roswell, New Mexico. When Jones attempts to escape, he is foiled by his old partner, George "Mac" McHale (Ray Winstone), who reveals that he is working with the Soviets. Jones then escapes on a rocket sled into the desert, where he stumbles upon a nuclear test town and survives a nuclear blast by hiding in a lead-lined refrigerator. While being debriefed, Jones discovers he is under FBI investigation because his friend Mac is a Soviet agent. Jones returns to Marshall College, where he is offered a leave of absence to avoid being fired because of the investigation. As he is leaving, Jones is stopped by Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf) and told that his old colleague, Harold Oxley (John Hurt), disappeared after discovering a crystal skull in Peru.Like ”LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD” of last year, I had harbored some serious doubts on whether George Lucas and Steven Spielberg could relive the old magic of their previous three Indiana Jones adventures of the 1980s. Needless to say, my fears proved to be groundless. Like the Bruce Willis "DIE HARD" movie, this fourth installment ended up being very entertaining. And although it had some of the old magic of ”RAIDERS”, ”TEMPLE OF DOOM” and ”LAST CRUSADE”, it had a tone that made it different from the other three. It took a movie review by someone named Lazypadawan and a second viewing of the movie to not only notice the difference, but to eventually appreciate it.
The main problem I originally had with ”CRYSTAL SKULL” was the presence of a spaceship at the end of the story. The City of Gold that Indy, Spalko, Oxley and others wanted to find, ended up with something to do with . . . an inter-dimensional being. One might as well call it an alien, judging by its look. This is something that has never been seen in an Indiana Jones film before. And of course it has not. The other three movies had been set in the 1930s. It would be only natural that they had a feel of a 30s B-serial adventure. But I made the mistake of expecting a 1930s serial adventure in a story set in the late 1950s. What I should have realized – and what Lazypadawan had pointed out in her review – was that ”KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL” was not supposed to be a 30s serial adventure set in the 1950s. It was supposed to be a send up of the 1950s “B” movies. And what are the elements of a “B” movie from the 1950s? Here are just a few:
*atomic power
*the presence of Soviet troops or spies
*science fiction
*horror
*hybrid of science fiction and horror
*conflicts between biker hoods and high school/college jocks
*the “Red” scare
*Soviet (and American) interests in psychic paranormal activities and UFOs
”KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL” had most, if not all elements in the film. I had just read a review in which someone had complained that the movie seemed like a "rip-off" of a cheesy B-movie. I had made that same mistake when I saw the spaceship sequence near the end of the movie. But now I know better. Lucas and Spielberg had every intention of the movie being a "rip-off" of 1950s B-movies. Like I had said before, it would only make sense.
Someone else had mentioned that Harrison Ford had not seemed this animated in years. I am not surprised. Indiana Jones had always been amongst his favorite characters. And it really showed in his performance. It is also nice to see that after 27 years, his chemistry with Karen Allen (Marion Ravenwood) seemed as strong as ever. By the way, she was great. And I was very impressed by Shia LaBeouf as Marion and Indy’s love child – Mutt Williams aka Henry Jones III. As much as I liked his performance in ”TRANSFORMERS”, I have always thought it seemed a bit too frantic for my tastes. I much preferred his role as Henry III (I’m sorry, but I can barely bring myself to say – let alone write – “Mutt”). LaBeouf managed to convey a strong screen presence that matched Ford, without resorting to the frantic acting he had utilized in "TRANSFORMERS". Like Ford, I could tell that Cate Blanchett really enjoyed her role as the villainous Soviet Colonel-Doctor Spalko. She was as obsessive and ruthless as the past Indy villains. But Blanchett’s performance had a verve and theatricality I have not seen since Amrish Puri’s portrayal of Mola Ram in ”THE TEMPLE OF DOOM”. And John Hurt filled Denholm Elliot’s role as friend/mentor of the Jones family quite beautifully. But unlike Marcus Brody, Harold Oxley had a good reason for his loopy behavior. I also enjoyed Ray Winstone's performance as Indy's treacherous old friend and colleague, McHale. In a way, he reminded me of the Elsa Schneider character in "LAST CRUSADE". But as much as I like Alison Doody, I must say that Winstone's take on a very morally ambiguous character had been handled with more skill.
Is there anything about ”KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL” that I disliked? Well, I was not impressed by John Williams’ score. There was nothing original or memorable about it, aside from moments of the old Indy theme being rehashed. Rather disappointing. Nor was I fond of the movie’s heavy-handed style of action and special effects. However, I could honestly complain about the same about the other three films. But the one thing that really irritated me was the sequence featuring the villain’s defeat/destruction. In the end, it was not Indy who had defeated the villain or set her destruction in motion. It was the inter-dimensional being. In other words, Indy became nothing more than a passive bystander of the villain's defeat. This is the one major fault I have noticed in two other Indiana Jones films. And it gave those films - at least in my eyes - an anticlimatic feeling that I found disappointing. In ”RAIDERS”, the opening of the Ark of the Covenant set in motion Belloq and the Nazis’ deaths. Both Indy and Marion were tied to a pole, unable to do anything except keep their eyes closed. In ”THE LAST CRUSADE”, Elsa Schneider turned out to be responsible for the main villain’s death and the destruction of his men through her handling of the Grail Cup. Perhaps Lucas and Spielberg were trying to convey some message about humans being too arrogant to take heed of things/beings that are more powerful or more evolved than mankind. But that same message had also been conveyed in ”TEMPLE OF DOOM”. Only in that particular movie, it was Indy’s actions – invoking the power of Shiva with the Sanakara stone – that led to Mola Ram’s destruction. Perhaps this is why I have always found the 1984 movie’s finale a lot more impressive than those of the other three movies.
But despite my initial confusion on what Lucas and Spielberg were doing with the movie’s 1950s theme, along with my disappointment of the score and the handling of the villain’s defeat, I found ”KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL” to be very enjoyable. It was great to see Indiana Jones back in action, again. And even more satisfying was his marriage to his lady love, Marion Ravenwood, in the end. After 30 odd years, those two finally got it right.
Below is a gallery of photos and publicity stills from the 1939 classic, "GONE WITH THE WIND", from the following two links:
"Tomorrow Is Another Day"
and "Scarlett Online":
"GONE WITH THE WIND" Photo Gallery
"SECOND POWER"
PART SEVEN
The following day saw Olivia and Cole among the first to arrive at the McNeill manor for brunch. The former brought along two Quiche Lorraine pies that she had prepared in the early morning hours. She had decided to leave behind Cole's birthday present and give it to him later in the evening.
The McNeill family converged in the hallway to greet the newcomers. They welcomed Cole back like a long lost friend. Jack and Bruce McNeill slapped Cole on the back, declaring it was good to see him. Olivia's mother and grandmother welcomed him with warm hugs. And to Olivia's surprise, Harry and Cole merely exchanged knowing smiles, leaving her to wonder what had transpired between the pair.
"You're rather early," Elise McNeill commented. "The brunch probably won't start within another two hours, or so."
Olivia nodded. "I was busy preparing the Quiche, this morning," she replied, handing over the two pies to Bruce. "So Cole and I thought we would use the extra time for a few exercises."
Jack frowned. "So, is everything okay with you, Livy? Are you still having problems with your new power?"
Cole answered, "Actually, she's doing pretty good. I think that Olivia has finally learned to maintain basic control of it."
"That's marvelous!" Gweneth McNeill declared happily. "And you did it within a week. Congratulations, darling!" She planted a small kiss on her daughter's cheek. "It took me a lot longer to learn basic control my electrokinesis. At least over two weeks."
Olivia added, "It's not much, but it's a start. I probably won't use my power until I can really get a handle on it. Or at least that much."
Bruce asked, "So, do we get to see you use your new power?"
"I believe you did, last week. When I burned the ceiling," Olivia replied with a smirk.
Gweneth grabbed her oldest child's shoulders and steered him toward the hallway. "I'm sure that you'll get a demonstration, later. Right now, you need to help me and Davies in the kitchen. You too, Harry," she said to her youngest.
The two men groaned and followed their mother and Davies out of the foyer. Elise excused herself and headed upstairs. Looking somewhat sobered, Jack faced his daughter. "Listen Olivia, there's something I need to talk to you, about. It's very important."
"What is it?" Olivia asked.
Jack began, "Do you remember a story that your grandfather once . . ."
Gweneth reappeared in the foyer. "Jack darling, could you help Harry set up the buffet tables in the drawing-room?"
Irritation flitted across her husband's face. "Why can't you get Davies to help him?"
"Because he's helping me in the kitchen. Now, come along. Hop to it, pet. The other guests will be arriving soon." Gwen disappeared just as fast.
Jack grumbled, "I knew I should have hired more permanent servants for this house. Why didn't I?"
"Because maintaining a full permanent staff of servants is expensive," Olivia replied. "Even for us." She peered at her father, who seemed to be brooding. "Dad? About that talk?"
Nodding, Jack said, "Later. Meanwhile, don't you and Cole have something to do?" He disappeared into the hallway, calling Harry's name.
Olivia faced Cole. "Well? What did you have in mind for this morning?"
"How about a little meditation?" Cole gently grabbed Olivia's arm and led her toward the garden.
* * * *
The guests began arriving nearly two hours later. Among the first were the Halliwells. All of them. Paige noted the McNeills' surprise at her family's appearance. The Halliwells, on the other hand, welcomed Elise McNeill back from vacation.
Barbara Bowen and her father, Philip, arrived fifteen minutes later, carrying food in a Tupperware dish and a wrapped package. "Hey! We're not too late for the party, are we?" the blond woman greeted.
Bruce took the dish from Barbara's hand and they exchanged a light kiss. "Just in time, honey," he replied. He greeted his future father-in-law with a nod.
The Bowens warmly greeted the McNeill matriarch, before Barbara turned her attention to Paige. "So," she said, "have you considered my offer? Do you want the job?"
"What job?" Phoebe asked. Feeling slightly uncomfortable, Paige told her sister about Barbara's job offer. A frowning Phoebe added, "But I thought you were more interested in learning the Craft, full time. Isn't that why you quit your job at Social Services?"
Paige hesitated, aware of everyone's eyes upon her. "Uh, well . . . yeah."
"So, why are you suddenly interested in getting a new job?"
Harry interrupted, much to Paige's relief. "Hey! Barbara has offered you a job at her shop? That's great! No one understands potions the way she does. Right Bruce?" Before his brother could answer, he continued, "Barbara can teach you a lot. Different herbs and spices used for potions and spells." He turned to Barbara. "How much are you willing to pay?"
Barbara answered, "Eight-and-a-half dollars an hour. With Saturday afternoons and Sunday off."
Paige made her decision at that moment. "Okay, I'll take it," she said, ignoring her family's startled expressions.
Smiling, Barbara replied, "Great!" She and Bruce wandered toward the buffet table to join her father.
Phoebe, along with Piper, stared at Paige with almost accusatory eyes. "Why didn't you tell us about this job offer?" she demanded.
"I don't know," Paige replied with shrug. "To be honest, I had forgot." Liar, she mentally accused herself. She had been reluctant to tell her family, knowing their feelings about Barbara and the McNeills in particular. And considering Leo's recent anxiety over Olivia's new power, Paige had not wanted to add to the tension.
The look on her sisters' faces told the youngest Charmed One that they did not completely believe her. Heaving a sigh, Paige glanced out of the window. And at the garden, beyond. "Oh my God!" The words spilled out of her mouth before she could stop herself. "Wow! Would you look at that?"
"Look at what?" Phoebe demanded. She glanced out of the window and gasped.
The others joined the two sisters and reacted just as strongly. In the middle of the lawn sat Olivia and Cole, facing each other. A circle of fire surrounded the pair. Slowly, the flames grew higher, until they formed a wall. The tips rose even higher, creating intricate circles and other designs.
"Oh no!" Leo wailed. Sheer horror was stamped on his face. "Oh my God! What is he . . .? I've got to stop them!" He rushed toward the room's French doors.
Jack grabbed the whitelighter's arm. "No! Leo, stop! Leave them alone!"
"Are you crazy?" The whitelighter shook off the witch's grip. "Cole is doing something to Olivia! We've got to stop him!"
With surprising speed, Elise McNeill blocked Leo's path. "Leave them alone, Leo!" she sternly barked. "Don't you understand what's going on? They must be in the middle of some psychic connection! Or forming one."
"A . . . a what?" Realization filled Leo's eyes. "Oh my . . . oh no!" Before anyone could stop him, Leo orbed out of the drawing-room and onto the lawn, outside. Paige peered through the window, once more. She saw her brother-in-law rush toward the couple, waving his arms and crying, "Stop! Stop!"
* * * *
It began as a simple meditation session. Olivia and Cole had sat down on the grass, facing each other. They closed their eyes and allowed their bodies to relax. Olivia had become aware of every nuance in her body. She became aware of every breath she took and every sensation, due to her nerves. She then extended her realization outward, feeling the air that surrounded her.
Her breath had begun to slow down. Her heartbeat decreased. To Olivia's surprise, she became aware of another sensation - the touch of flesh. Flesh that was alien to her own. She relished in the taut skin and the fine hairs that brushed the surface. As she continued her meditation, Olivia's exploration ascended beyond the flesh. Olivia became aware of another subconscious. One that belonged to Cole. Even more surprising, she could sense him exploring her.
Not only had Olivia received glimpses of Cole's past - his father's murder, childhood in San Francisco, Dublin and the Source's Realm, those he had murdered, his time with Raynor and the Brotherhood of the Thorn, surprising acts of past kindness, and his relationship with Phoebe; but also his secrets, his fears and desires. One particular desire nearly took Olivia by surprise. Yet, before she could further explore it, the pair came together and began a journey down a long tunnel. Where a bright light illuminated the end. Before they could reach that end, Olivia heard a voice cry out, "Stop! Stop!"
Leo? Did she just hear Leo's . . .?
"Olivia! Stop! Olivia! Can you hear me?"
The tunnel disappeared. Olivia released a loud gasp and her eyes snapped open. Aware of what had just transpired between them, she and Cole stared at each other with shocked expressions.
Leo rushed toward the couple. "Olivia! Are you okay?" He offered his hand to the witch. Feeling dazed, Olivia allowed him to help her to her feet. "God, Olivia! What did he do to you?" Leo glared at Cole.
"Huh?" Olivia stared at the whitelighter, wondering what he was talking about. "Do what?"
"What the hell did you do to her?" Leo furiously turned on Cole. "What was it? Some kind of damn spell?" A speechless Cole merely stared at the whitelighter.
The McNeills, the Halliwells and the Bowens rushed forward. "Is everyone all right?" Olivia's father asked, looking concerned.
"I'm fine," Olivia insisted. "Just a little dazed. I guess . . . I guess we ended our meditation just a little too abruptly.
Leo's eyes continued to stab Cole. "If you can call it, meditation."
"It probably was," Elise McNeill stated calmly. "The same thing happened between Kenneth and me on several occasions. We had formed a psychic bond. Became each other's familiar. Just like Jack and Gwen. I believe the same has happened to Olivia and Cole."
Paige said, "I thought familiars were supposed to be animals. You know, like a pet."
Elise shook her head. "Not always. Two humans can be each other's familiar. It was that way with my husband. Actually, a witch does not really need a familiar. But it's nice to have one."
"And how do you explain all that fire?"
Jack rolled his eyes. "What did you expect? Olivia is a fire witch. And I'm certain that some of Cole's powers are based on the fire element." He faced the half-daemon. "Am I right?"
Cole nodded wordlessly.
"When Jack and I first bonded and became each other's familiars," Olivia's mother continued, "Other members of the family claimed they saw an intertwining ring of earth and fire. Really Leo! There's nothing to worry about."
Leo's face hardened. "Is there? What about the Staff of Aingeal?"
"Aingeal?" Harry frowned. "Now why does that sound familiar?"
Jack replied, "Because your grandfather once told you about it, when you were kids. Why don't we all go back inside and discuss this matter."
* * * *
Inside the drawing room, Paige sat on one of the chairs, next to Harry. Jack McNeill stood in front of the fireplace - center stage. And explained about the Staff of Aingeal.
"It's a staff made from ash," he explained. "The staff was first given to Duncan McNeill, Laird of Dunleith, in the 11th century by a powerful wizard named Niallghas."
Leo frowned. "A wizard? Why would this Duncan McNeill even consider accepting anything from a wizard?"
Gweneth heaved a sigh that hinted strained patience. "Dear Goddess! I keep forgetting about the whitelighters' mistrust of wizards. Everyone knows that most of the wizards had rejected the Elders' authority and more or less told them to bugger off! Anyone who doesn't follow the Elders' code is always considered a major threat." She added under her breath. "No wonder there aren't many wizards left."
"We had met a wizard nearly a year ago," Piper spoke up. "He was trying to get his hands on the Source's Grimoire. And he was definitely evil." Leo shot her a grateful smile.
"I didn't say that all wizards were good, pet. But they're not all evil."
Paige glanced at her oldest sister. The grimace on Piper's face told her that the latter did not care for Gwen McNeill's dismissive tone. Or being called "pet".
Olivia's father continued, "Actually, Duncan happened to be Niallghas' illegitimate son by a woman named Brianag McNeill, a powerful witch. Niallghas was eventually killed by a warlock named Ceallach Keir, who wanted his staff - Aingeal."
"Aingeal? What sort of name is that?" Paige asked, before she bit into an English muffin.
Jack replied, "It means fire in Gaelic. Well, fire is one of the word's meanings. The staff's tip is made from gold and shaped like a dragon. And in the center, where the eye should be, is a small red carnelian stone. The stone represents ambition, drive, positive courage and protects the user from all negative emotions. Duncan was the first fire witch in the McNeill family. He had inherited the power from his father. And like his parents, he was very powerful. He managed to stop his cousin, Ceallach McNeill from stealing the staff and bringing about an apocalypse."
"That must be one powerful staff," Bruce commented. He paused momentarily. "Hmmm, that didn't exactly come out right. Did it?"
His grandmother spoke up, "In the hands of a McNeill fire witch, the staff is extremely powerful. And it only works with a McNeill fire witch, by the way. First of all, a staff or a wand is considered to be a magical tool for the fire element; and two, the bearer of the staff must be a descendant of Niallghas. And both Duncan and Ceallach were his decendants."
"I've heard of it," Cole finally said. Everyone stared at him. "The Source . . . uh, the old Source had been trying to get his hands on it for centuries. Never succeeded, though."
Jack added, "He wouldn't have been able to use it. The Source's best bet would either to have the thing destroyed or convert a McNeill fire witch to evil. He tried to recruit one of my dad's distant cousin - a woman named Ruth McNeill Thompson, back in the late forties."
"She was Ken's fourth cousin, once removed," Elise commented. "She had been killed in a car accident in the mid-fifties . . . about a week before Keith's fire power manifested."
Phoebe asked, "Why would the Source be so interested in the staff? Is it that powerful?"
"Oh yes," Jack answered. "With that staff, a McNeill fire witch could vanquish the Source."
A brief silence filled the room, before Leo declared, "What?"
"That's not possible!" Piper protested. "Only the Power of Three could vanquish the Source. It was prophesized!"
"By the Elders, right?" Jack nodded. "I can understand why they would put their hopes on you. They knew that Keith or any other Keeper of the Aingeal Staff would never vanquish the Source, unless it was a matter of self-preservation. Nor would a McNeill witch bother to destroy the Grimoire. The family believed in maintaining a balance of good and evil within ourselves and in the universe. Keith knew that without the Grimoire, the Source's Realm would fall into chaos, and eventually the entire supernatural world. Both Niallghas and Brianag McNeill believed this. And this belief was passed to their descendants." Paige glance at Leo, whose eyes were bright with anger.
Phoebe stared at Olivia, who seemed to be distracted. Or in another world. "So, are you saying that Olivia is or will be as powerful as the three of us? Together?" she demanded. "Just as strong as the Power of Three?"
"If she becomes the staff's new bearer. That is not certain, yet. I realize that many of you find this hard to believe. But I assure you that the Elders can confirm this." Jack glanced at Leo, as he spoke the last words.
More silence filled the drawing-room. Everyone seemed to be contemplating Jack McNeill's astounding revelation. And what they had earlier witnessed. At least Paige was. Davies entered the room and broke the deep silence with a slight cough. "Excuse me," he said. "More visitors have arrived."
Seconds later, a cheerful Darryl Morris entered the room, with his wife and two sons in tow. "Hey everyone! Has the surprise birthday party started, already?"
"Surprise birthday party?" Cole's expression became blank momentarily. Until realization hit him. "Oh, wait a minute! Is this a birthday party for me?"
Harry groaned. "So much for the surprise."
END OF CHAPTER SEVEN
"INDIANA JONES and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" Photo Gallery
Below is a gallery featuring photos from the new movie starring Harrison Ford and Shia LeBeouf - "INDIANA JONES and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull":
"CROSSROADS OF THE FORCE"
CHAPTER EIGHT
MALAG, MALDARE
"Corellian ale!" Mako Spince barked at the bartender. The latter nodded at the smuggler and turned away. He returned a few minutes later with a mug of Corellian ale.
Mako grabbed the mug. He took several swigs of the ale before he allowed his eyes to peruse his surroundings. The Omega Hole did not seem like much in compare to the Lumati Hotel's swankier establishment, the Twilight Star. But the former happened to be one of Mako's favorite bars throughout the galaxy. It was the type of place where a smuggler could make contact with new clients. Only . . . no one seemed interested in hiring him, tonight.
Several more swigs of ale followed before Mako's mind settled upon the dark-haired young woman who had interviewed him, last night. The Corellian had hoped that a little charm would convince her to hire him for whatever job she had planned. But apparently the old Spince charm seemed to have lost its luster.
Or had the woman's employer recognized him as the disgraced son of her colleague, Senator Ticho Spince? Mako had certainly recognized Senator Dahlma, when he spotted her and the young woman approaching Set Horus' ship in the hangar, this morning. So Dahlma's aide had hired Horus and Han. The revelation had left Mako feeling stunned and a little resentful. It irked him that the senator decided to hire the pair over him.
As Mako reached for his mug, a man appeared at his side and slid upon the empty stool next to his. The Corellian immediately recognized his new companion - the same man who had recruited him for an interview with Senator Dahlma's aide. Only now, the man looked nervous. And slightly desperate.
"Still searching for a spacer?" Mako politely asked. He took a swig of his ale. "Or have you found your man?"
The stranger gave Mako a sharp glance. "Excuse me?"
Mako allowed himself a knowing smile. "You don't remember me, do you? You tried to recruit me for a job, but apparently I didn't satisfy your employer." He paused, as he took in the man's growing desperate air. A thought came to him. "Or maybe you're looking for another spacer. Need to get off this rock?"
Recognition finally gleamed in the man's eyes. "Oh, now I remember you."
"I should think so." Mako's smile disappeared. "Perhaps you remember taking me to one of the suites at the Lumati Hotel, last night. To be questioned by a young woman, who was in need of a pilot." Again, he paused. "Only I never heard from either of you."
The man's face turned slightly red. "Oh yes. Um . . . apparently my mistress had someone else . . . in mind."
"And may I assume that your mistress happens to be Senator Zoebeida Dahlma of this . . . illustrious rock?"
Surprise flicked in the man's eyes. "How did you . . .?" He broke off and shot a suspicious stare at the pilot. "How did you know? You never got a chance to meet her."
Mako revealed that he had seen the good senator and her aide board a freighter, earlier this morning. "From what I had overheard, they were bound for Ord Mantell. Now why would a prominent senator want to visit a disreputable place like that?"
Casting a furtive glance over his shoulder, the man replied, "Look, you were right. I am looking for a pilot. I need to leave Maldare as soon as possible. And since you happened to be a pilot, perhaps I can hire you to fly me to Ord Mantell. We can leave tonight."
"Tonight?" Mako scoffed at the man's suggestion. "It's nearly morning. Midnight. I'll need at least a few hours sleep, first. We leave in the morning."
The stranger's mouth formed a thin line. "Fine. I'll simply find myself another pilot."
"Good luck," Mako retorted with a snort. "As you can see, this place is nearly empty. And right now, most pilots are either barely sober, sleeping off their drink or indulging in other nocturnal activities."
A heavy sigh left the man's mouth. "All right. We leave tomorrow. Unless you have a problem. I'm willing to pay you five hundred credits."
The fee satisfied Mako. He instructed his new client to meet him at the Vox Avenue hangar in the morning. "My ship, the Alastian Star, should be the only one there."
The man gave Mako a hesitant nod. "Thanks. For your help."
Anxious to return to his drinking, Mako waved the man away. "Yeah. Sure thing." The two men bid each other good night. After his new client left, Mako summoned the bartender. "Get me another mug of Corellian ale. And this time, leave the bottle."
----------
WORLPORT, ORD MANTELL
"This . . . friend of yours has two children?" Inside the casino nightclub, Anakin stared at his companion in disbelief. "And what exactly am I expected to do with them?"
Voranda Sen shrugged. "Become their friend? I don't . . ."
"Oh no! Thanks, but no thanks" Anakin retorted. "I have just spent nearly a decade raising Han. As far as I'm concerned, my stint with fatherhood is over."
With a snort, Voranda shot back, "As long as Han continues to breathe, fatherhood will never be over for you, Set."
"Perhaps you're right. But I do not need more responsibilities in my life. I love Han like a son, but one is enough."
Another dancer appeared on stage and began to perform. The wild orange-red hair, the close-fitting body suit and hoofed feet allowed Anakin to recognize her as a Human-Theelin hybrid. She struck him as a competent dancer, but not as sensuous as the Twi'lek. Bored, he eventually looked away.
Voranda continued to regard Anakin with knowing eyes. "You know, for a man of your temperament, you seem very determined to distance yourself from life. It almost seems as if you don't care."
"Perhaps life . . . or the galaxy is better off if I don't care." Then Anakin clamped his mouth shut, realizing that he had said too much.
Green eyes narrowed with curiosity. "Now what made you say that?"
Fortunately for Anakin, salvation arrived in the form of a grinning Han and Chewbacca. The young Corellian immediately sat down in an empty chair and declared, "You're looking at the proud winner of 20,000 credits." He turned to the table's sole female with a nod. "Voranda! Good to see you, again."
Smiling, Voranda replied, "The same to you, Han. You're looking handsome than ever." Her smile widened, as Han's face turned slightly red.
Anakin decided to come to his young partner's rescue, aware of Voranda's habit of flirting with the Corellian. "I guess that game of sabacc turned out pretty lucky for you."
"It was more than luck," Han boasted. "It was my skill as a gambler. There was no stopping me."
Amused by the younger man's cockiness, Anakin rolled his eyes. Then he noticed that Chewbacca had remained standing. He pulled out the last empty chair. "Have a seat." The Wookie nodded gratefully at the former Jedi and sat down. Anakin then introduced him to the red-haired pilot. "Chewbacca, this is an old friend of ours, Voranda Sen. Voranda, meet our new partner and co-pilot, Chewbacca."
Voranda and the Wookie exchanged friendly nods. "How long have you been with Set and . . ." She paused, as her eyes narrowed. "Wait a minute! You look slightly familiar. Have we met?"
Chewbacca gave her a questioning stare and growled. Han translated. "He wants to know where you know him from."
"Perhaps we've never actually met," Voranda explained to Chewbacca. "But you do look familiar. I believe it was somewhere in the Abrion Sector, about a year ago. Were you ever with the crew of a freighter called the Drunken Lady?"
Nodding, Chewbacca growled. Anakin glanced at Han, who said, "Chewie was with the Drunken Lady, until he fell into the hands of the Imperials, three months ago. Uh . . . Set and I helped liberate him from slavery." Han shot a look at Chewbacca. "Um, he wants to know you know of the ship's most recent whereabouts."
"On Tatooine, I heard that the Drunken Lady's crew had recently disbanded," Voranda replied. Anakin noticed the dismayed expression on Chewbacca's face. The redhead continued, "Apparently they had been searching for a missing crewman, until a close encounter with an Imperial ship in the XXXX Sector had convinced the captain to disband the crew." She paused before adding, "Did you know that the captain's daughter and several of the crewmen were former Jedi?"
Both Anakin and Han exchanged startled looks. "Really?" Han finally asked. "What was her name? The captain's daughter?"
With a shrug, Voranda replied, "Honestly, I forgot." She nodded at Chewbecca. "Perhaps he knows." Anakin glanced at Chewbecca, who seemed lost in his own thought. The redhead added, "However, I have another matter to discuss."
"Which is?" Anakin asked.
After a brief pause, Voranda continued, "I plan to hold a meeting, tomorrow afternoon. With a few pilots I've encountered here in Worlport. It's regarding a matter I want to propose to all of you. It should prove to be very profitable."
Han frowned. "What is it? A smuggling job?"
"More like a smuggling operation," Voranda corrected. "Possibly a long term operation for several years."
Again, the two partners exchanged looks. Although Anakin felt leery of being part of a long term operation, he also saw the potential for greater profit. He asked, "When is this meeting?"
The redhead replied, "Tomorrow afternoon. In one of the casino's private rooms, around three o'clock."
Anakin nodded. "Fine. I'll be there." He stared at his two colleagues. "Han? Chewbacca?"
"I'm game," Han said. The Wookie growled. "And Chewie says the same."
A bright smile illuminated Voranda's face. "Great! I'll see you two, tomorrow." She stood up and directed a flirtatious smile at Han. "By the way, Solo . . . congratulations." And she walked away.
The two men and the Wookie watched the red-haired pilot recede into the nightclub's crowd. "You know," Han began, "I have this odd feeling that she's interested in me."
A smile touched Anakin's lips. "And is that a bad thing?"
"I'm at least twenty years younger than her! Are you serious?" Han retorted.
"So? She looks very attractive for a woman twenty years your senior," Anakin slyly continued. "Since when have you ever been averse to older women?"
Han shot back, "When they're old enough to be my mother!"
Still smiling, Anakin said, "Really Han! You need to be a little more open-minded."
Han dismissed Anakin's teasing with a wave of his hand. "And what about this job of hers? The last thing I want is to get involved in some big smuggling operation on a permanent basis."
"Who said it was permanent?" Anakin replied. "Voranda has not told us everything." His eyes fell upon the stage. The Twi'lek dancer had returned. Anakin felt an inclination to remain in the nightclub. But the fatigue in his body reminded him that he needed sleep. "I don't know about you two, but I'm going to bed. Good night."
Both Han and Chewbacca bid him goodnight. Anakin shot one last glance at the dancer and slowly made his way out of the lounge.
-------
MALAG, MALDORE
Three Imperial stormtroopers entered The Omega Hole's empty barroom. One of the them headed straight toward the pudgy-faced bartender, who was in the process of cleaning the bar's long countertop.
"Hey! You!" the senior stormtrooper barked. "We're looking for someone. A human. This is him." He switched on a small holoemitter that projected the image of a stocky man with dark, curly hair. "His name is Chattal Rahm. Have you seen him?"
The bartender immediately recognized the image. Despite his instinct to lie, he remembered his employer's policy regarding the authorities - cooperate at all times. The bar came first - especially over any customer in trouble with the authorities. "Yeah, I've seen him," he replied wearily. "Nearly two hours ago. He had been talking to another customer."
The stormtrooper demanded, "Where did Rahm go?"
"How would I know?" the bartender retorted. "I didn't follow the guy."
A small stretch of silence followed. Then the stormtrooper asked, "What about the other customer? What were he and Rahm talking about?"
"What makes you think the other customer was a man?"
The stormtrooper removed his helmet and glared at the bartender with dark and intimidating eyes. He reminded the latter of a Mandalorian bounty hunter he had not laid eyes upon in over a decade. "Don't play games with me, Barkeep!" the trooper growled. "Who was this other customer and what were they talking about?"
The bartender sighed. He had done the best he could to protect Mako. "Okay, the other customer was a man. A spacer, I think. This Rahm fellow had hired him for passage. Don't ask me where, because I didn't hear everything."
"What did you overhear?"
After a brief hesitation, the bartender answered, "Well, the spacer's ship is located in the Vox Avenue hangar. It's called . . . the Alastian Star, I think. And they're supposed to leave tomorrow morning. I swear it's all I know."
The stormtrooper gave the bartender one long stare, before breaking into a cold smile. "Okay. Thanks for your . . . help." He donned his helmet and barked at his companions, "Let's go!"
The bartender heaved a sigh of relief, as the stormtroopers marched out of the Twilight Hole. Good riddance, he thought. Now, if only Mako Spince never learn who had ratted him to the Imperials.
END OF CHAPTER EIGHT
”THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: Prince Caspian” Review
I must admit that it took me quite a while to write a review of the latest cinematic installment of ”THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA” saga. This second installment, ”Prince Caspian”, tells the story of four Pevensie children’s return to Narnia to aid Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) in his struggle for the throne against his corrupt uncle King Miraz (Sergio Castellitto). I tried to think of something different about this chapter in compare to the first - ”The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. But it occurred to me that my reaction to this movie seemed more or less the same as the 2005 release.
And what does that say about my feelings about ”Prince Caspian”? Honestly, I thought it was a solid and entertaining film that both children and adult fans of C.S. Lewis’ saga might enjoy. That is all I can really say. There was nothing really unique about it. Like many other adaptations of literary works, ”Prince Caspian” did not faithfully follow its literary counterpart. Considering that I have never read any of Lewis’ works, I was not particularly disturbed by this. The only reason I am aware of any differences between the literary and cinematic versions, is the Internet.Like the previous movie, the cast is pretty solid. The actors who portrayed the Pevensie children returned for this sequel. Due to the rapid aging of children in general, work on the script began before ”The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” was released, so filming could begin before the actors grew too old for their parts. William Moseley (Peter), Anna Popplewell (Susan), Skandar Keynes (Edmund) and Georgie Henley (Lucy) all gave solid, yet slightly uninspiring performances as the four siblings. Whereas Keynes got the chance to show Edmund at his peevish worst in the previous film, Moseley portrayed a slightly darker side of oldest brother Peter, whose dissatisfaction with being back in England had produced boorish personality. Perhaps I should rephrase that. Peter’s boorish, which had been hinted through his handling of Edmund in the first film, was allowed to flourish in this film. It took a military failure against the main villain to give him a boot in the ass to improve his personality. On the other hand, Edmund seemed remarkably changed for the better in this film. One critic had described him as being the film’s ”Han Solo”. I would agree, except Edmund came off as more mature and intelligent than Han Solo. Anna Popplewell had convinced producer Douglas Gresham to allow Susan to appear in the movie’s major battles, because she feared the character came off as too passive in Lewis’ novel. Many fans of the novel were appalled by this. Not being a literary fan of the saga, it did not bother me at all. At least it gave her something to do. Of all the Pevensie siblings, Georgie Henley’s Lucy seemed to have changed the least. Although she seemed less tolerant of Peter’s boorishness than she was of Edmund’s darker side in the first film.
British actor Ben Barnes portrayed the title role of Prince Caspian of Telmarine with as much solid competence as the four actors who portrayed the Pevensies. Perhaps he seemed a little more competent than his younger co-stars in acting skills, but I could not sense anything remarkable about his performance. Portraying Caspian’s evil uncle and the Telmarine’s false ruler, King Miraz, was actor Sergio Castellitto. He made a very effective villain, but lacked Tilda Swanton’s memorable portrayal as the White Witch. Who, by the way, briefly returned to bring a much-needed spark in the middle of the story. If I must be honest, her brief appearance was probably the best scene in the film. But not even Swinton’s spectacular appearance could not overshadow what I feel was the best performance in the movie – namely that of Peter Dinklage as Trumpkin, a cynical red dwarf. I really enjoyed his sharp and caustic take on the dwarf, who is skeptic of the idea of Aslan and magic.
As much as I enjoyed ”Prince Caspian”, I must admit that I found it no more remarkable than the first. Also, I found it difficult to maintain interest in the film’s first half, as it switched back and forth between Caspian’s flight from his murderous uncle and the Pevensies’ arrival in Narnia. Director Andrew Adamson seemed to lack George Lucas and Peter Jackson’s talent for seemless transition between multiple storylines within one film. But once the Pevensies and Caspian finally met, the movie seemed to discover its pace as it flowed toward the heroes’ ill-fated attempt to attack upon Miraz and the final showdown. There were two scenes that gave me a sense of déjà vu – namely the attacks of the trees and the river god upon the Telmarine army. It seemed as if either Adamson or Lewis had a Tolkien moment. The attack of the trees especially reminded me of the Ents’ attack upon Isengard in ”LORD OF THE RINGS: The Two Towers”.
”Prince Caspian” is not the greatest movie I have seen this summer. Nor is there anything unique about it. But if one can overcome the fact that it is not an exact adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ novel, anyone might find the movie quite entertaining to watch. I heartily recommend it.
Here are more behind-the scenes photos of the new Bond film - "QUANTUM OF SOLACE":