R. L. Stedman

Writer

Movies

Here’s to Escapist Media: Books, TV and Movies

By

Escapist Media - Escape Rooms

Ever feel like relaxing on the couch and turning off the world? Yeah,me too.

This is my pick of escapist media-porn from 2021. Okay, so it’s not actually porn, but sometimes there is sex, or good looking bods. And there’s almost always action and adventure, because that’s my jam.

Here’s the list (in no particular order of) TV, Movies and Books. Enjoy!

1. TV Series

The Witcher

Henry Cavill in tight pants. Swords. Intelligent scripts, great characters, amazing world building. Humour. Oh, and Henry Cavill. There’s two seasons now. If you haven’t seen it yet, go and binge watch it immediately.

Warrior Nun

Great premise, the title tells you all you need to know! In this TV series you’ll find a secret order of warrior nuns, sworn to protect an angel’s halo. Here’s the description from Wikipedia: Ava Silva, a quadriplegic orphan, discovers she now has supernatural powers which force her to join an ancient order of warrior nuns. They shot the series in Spain, so the setting is gorgeous, and the plot speeds along with lots of satisfying twists. Second season coming soon.

The Foundation (TV Series)

This series is based on the Asimov series of the same name, but it’s a lot more interesting in than the book (yes, I actually said that). For a start, there are females in the plot, and the cast is diverse. The scope is epic, with a premise that the Galactic Empire is fading, and only the Foundation, a creation of psycho-historian Hari Seldon, can prevent the inevitable slide into chaos. The costumes are amazing, and there’s a good podcast that goes with it (only available on apple media, so sorry if you’re on android), but don’t listen to the podcast until you’ve watched the series, because: spoilers!

Resident Alien

A strange yet appealing series, staring Alan Tudyk (Wash, from Firefly), an alien sent to wipe out humanity who crash-lands on Earth before he can fulfil his mission. Able to shape change, he becomes the town’s pathologist. The story is about the moral dilemma of failing to complete his mission, solving murders, dealing with a nine-year-old boy who can see who he really is, while trying to blend into this strange, inexplicable world of the humans. It’s funny and thought-provoking, and great entertainment.

2. Movies

Dune

I’ve been a huge fan of Dune since I first read the series as a teenager. This movie doesn’t disappoint. True to the book (but not as good as, of course), Dune relays the tale of Paul, heir to the Atriedes dukedom, transported to the desert-planet of Dune. Dune, where Spice, the most valuable substance in the universe, is found. This epic, multilayered adventure is great watching, but it is only the first half of the novel. I’m looking forward to the second movie.

Free Guy

This is a great popcorn movie. Bright, funny, staring Ryan Reynolds as an NPC character in a game (I didn’t know the premise when I went to see it, which made it even funnier), who wants a better life for him and his friends. It’s not deep or meaningful (okay, it is, but only a bit), but it’s heaps of fun.

3. Books

I’ve had a dearth of reading this year. I’ve found it really hard to get my hands on books that are exciting, intelligent, not sexist, and funny. That’s why there’s only a few books here, which is a little embarrassing, because it looks like all I’ve done this year is watch TV. Although, thinking about it, that is pretty much true!

I’ve linked these books to their Amazon pages, so you can check them out for yourself.  Full disclosure: These links are affiliate links, so I may earn a (very tiny) commission if you click on them.

 

Kate Daniels series – by Illona Andrews.

Set in a futuristic fantasy Atlanta, Kate Daniels is a mercenary who fights monsters and saves the day. Oh, and falls in love with a hunky shape-changer. This is like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but better.

Find on Amazon here

Thorn Jack – Katherine Harbour

This YA gothic fantasy has a beautiful setting and intriguing characters. Serafina Sullivan, haunted by her sister’s suicide, moves to Fair Hollow, an old-moneyed town in upstate NY. At her new college she meets the enigmatic Jack, and the ageless, scarily beautiful Reiko. The book reads like a Tim Burton movie: lots of gothic vibes and extraordinary clothes. I loved it – I read it while in hospital, and it was a fantastic escape.

Find on Amazon here.

DreamScapes

Okay, so DreamScapes is my own book, but hey, I edited the final version of this short story collection this year, and fell in love with the stories all over again. I hadn’t read them for some time, so the re-reading became a welcome escape. My favorite story in this collection is Blessed Creature – a dark tale starring Jenny, a magic-worker with magical tattoos, a monobrow and serious mother-in-law issues.

Find on Amazon here


Crown of Bones – A. K. Wilder

I stumbled onto Crown of Bones via the author’s twitter page, and man, I’m so pleased that I did. Crown of Bones is an epic YA(ish) fantasy, set in the world of Amarissa, where savants raise phantoms (creatures with magical powers), and non-savants are the underclass. The story follows Ash, non-savant scribe, sailor Kaylin with a secret past and Marcus, a prince and Ash’s best friend. It’s a fantastic read, full of excitement and danger, and I really loved the writing, especially how Wilder wrote in the first person for all three characters. The details of the world-building were outstanding and I highly recommend it. The second in the series is due Oct 22.

Find on Amazon here

Adore Old-Fashioned Romance? Here’s 7 Tales You’ll Love.

By

Do You Adore Old-Fashioned Romance?

Old-Fashioned Romance

Do you love secondhand stores, especially those that sell silver and hand-embroidered linen?  You know the kind: staffed by an old lady and her dog; the rooms smell faintly of talcum powder and every item is labelled with a hand-written price tag?

If you’re like me, you love these places because they remind you of old-fashioned romance novels. Novels that feature independently minded women, gorgeous dresses and all-conquering love.

So … because it’s a wet day and I’m feeling nostalgic, I thought I’d share a list of my favourite romantic couples with you.

Hope you enjoy!

Top Fictional Romances

1. Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blyth.

Who can forget the wonderful Anne-with-an-e Shirley from Anne of Green Gables, and the foolish boy who called her ‘carrots’? At first she hates Gilbert Blyth, but as she grows into adulthood she learns he was only seeking her attention.

One of the things I most loved about the Anne of Green Gables series was how the books continued after marriage.

This isn’t just a kiss-and-happily ever after romance; this is a long-term relationship!

I’ve not watched the Netflix TV series yet, but I loved the 80s TV version. Here’s a clip.

2.  Laura Ingalls and Almanzo Wilder

Okay, so this isn’t fictional; in the Little House in the Big Woods series Laura really did marry her Almanzo. But the way the stories are crafted reads like fiction. There’s the build-up, the tensions and finally the happily-ever-after resolution.

I think this was deliberate. Wilder’s earliest foray into writing was in writing non-fiction; she later crafted the Little House series into fiction, possibly to help it sell.

Like Anne and Gilbert, the series continue past the wedding, and because it’s based on real-life we know that Laura and Almanzo remained together until his death at age 92. Oh, how romantic!

3.  Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester

I have mixed feelings about this romance. After all, in Jane Eyre Rochester keeps his first wife locked up! How could anyone love such a man? But despite my modern ideals I can’t help seeing him through Jane’s eyes, and she is totally besotted.

The main reason that this is romance number 3 is the ending: ‘Dear reader, I married him.’ What a perfect, perfect ending!

5 Books I Fell in Love With

4.  Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy

Mr Darcy’s name is actually Fitzwilliam, but he’s only ever known as ‘Mr.’ in Pride and Prejudice.

Why do I love this romance? Partly (if I’m being honest) is because of Colin Firth’s starring role in the BBC TV series!

But the other great thing about this novel is how Mr Darcy changes.

When Pride and Prejudice begins he is too proud to invite Elizabeth dance (even though he acknowledges her as “tolerable”), and his first proposal is absolutely terrible! But by the end of the narrative he admits his mistakes. So in Pride and Prejudice, the heroine rescues the hero.

5.  Hero Wantage and Antony (Lord) Sheringham

Friday’s Child, by Georgette Heyer, is one of my fave period romances.

I mentioned Heyer in my last blog post. She wrote over twenty regency romances, and this is one of the best.

Friday’s Child is about Hero, who faces a future as a governess and her neighbour, Viscount Sheringham, who is in desperate need of a wife. Their runaway marriage creates chaos for their families and friends, but in saving his young bride, the erratic Antony finally learns maturity.

This is a hilarious book, because all the characters are just so stupid! It’s a perfect rainy day read.

6.  Gwendolin Fairfax and John Ernest Worthing

The Importance of Being Earnest isn’t a novel; it’s a play, but who cares? This is Oscar Wilde at his funniest. Although Gwendolin and John are gorgeously earnest in their nature, I have a sneaking love for Algernon Moncrieff, Cecily Cardew, and of course, Lady Bracknell.

JACK: Gwendolen, it is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. Can you forgive me?

GWENDOLEN: I can. For I feel that you are sure to change.

If you get a chance, do watch the Rupert Everett/Colin Firth version (Colin Firth seems to be a common thread of this post). I’ve posted a clip here, just to whet your appetite.

7.  Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler

Despite not being a happily-ever-after, Gone With the Wind is the archetype of character romance. The passion between the main characters is so intense that it’s easy to overlook the ‘frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn,’ ending.

I love how Scarlett transforms from society belle to independent woman. I love Rhett’s air of danger. But mostly I adore the setting; this book takes the reader into another world. Gone With the Wind is one of those addictive reads that are almost impossible to put down.

And for this particular story, even though the movie is a classic and the costumes are amazing, I prefer the book.

What do you prefer? Book or movie? And which romances do you love?

Books to Read if You Love Downton Abbey

By

Countess at Downton Abbey

Do you love period dramas that are absolutely BRIMMING over with romance?

If you love Downton Abbey: Here’s some books you’re guaranteed to love!

 

A Room With A View

I know, I’ve talked about this book before. For good reason: it’s gorgeous.

A Room With a View is my favourite E. M. Forster work. The book is about Lucy, an upper-middle class young woman embarking on her first trip to Italy. Lucy is disappointed when she fails to gain a room with a view in the pensione; a widower with a son offers her his room — and thus her adventure begins.

The story about tolerance and love, and hence ‘A Room With A View’ is also about how the character’s own views change. A Room With a View is a really easy read, but don’t be fooled by how easy a read it is; it took Forster nearly ten years to construct this small masterpiece. As a writer, I don’t find this at all strange. Simplicity is hard.

Why is it a great read? Partly because of Lucy’s transformation, but mostly because of the characters: Mr Beebe, the parson; Freddy, Lucy’s “unpromising” brother and Charlotte Bartlett, Lucy’s cousin.

The 1985 movie by Marchant-Ivory won 3 Oscars and is fabulous viewing, particularly Maggie Smith, who gives Charlotte Bartlett more depth than even Forster managed.  The score, featuring Kiri te Kanawa, is simply stunning.

Forster later wrote a satirical piece, called “A View Without A Room” as a postscript to this work.

The Remains of The Day

Like Downton Abbey, The Remains of the Day is set in a large country house in the years before World War Two, where a butler, Mr Stevens, and housekeeper, Miss Kenton, work together to ensure the comfort of Lord Darlington.

Mr Stevens is reluctant to admit his feelings for Miss Kenton and buries himself in his work of service. Only later does Stevens realise that perhaps this loyalty was misplaced; perhaps his days have passed, as have the days of the country houses.

The Remains of the Day won the Man Booker, but don’t let that put you off (!) — it’s a lovely read, especially if you like slower-paced period dramas.

The novel was made into a brilliant movie starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, and their nuanced performances make the story come alive. I watched the movie first — its one of those rare creations that almost (not quite, but almost) better than the movie!

Brideshead Revisited

Brideshead Revisited is a tale of love: the love of the protagonist, Charles Ryder, for an upper class family, the Fyltes. He falls in love with the oldest son, Sebastian, but then there’s the sister, Julia … but mostly, the house Brideshead, is what he loves.

Brideshead Revisited is told from the perspective of Charles, beginning when he’s billeted at Brideshead as a soldier in WW2, so the novel is gripped by a sense of nostalgia and loss. The story deals with the homosexuality of Sebastian, what it’s like to be a Catholic in an Anglican society (the Fyltes are Catholic), but mostly it’s about the end of a privileged lifestyle.

Personally, Brideshead Revisited is my least favourite of these novels, although it’s probably the best retelling of the era, and possibly the most autobiographical. It was made into a television series in the 1970s. I remember this series as being staggeringly popular, but to me it seemed inordinately long!

Jeeves and Wooster

Jeeves and Wooster Box set

A series by P. G. Wodehouse, the Jeeves and Wooster novels feature the all-knowing valet Jeeves and his inept-but-harmless upper-class employer, Bertie Wooster.  Wooster narrates over ten novels in a charmingly ignorant fashion, using pre-war slang; language that fits beautifully in the early Downton Abbey series.

The Jeeves novels are basically situational comedy. Wooster tumbles from complicated scrape to complicated scrape, requiring rescuing by Jeeves.

Jeeves and Wooster were incredibly popular characters, and the series influenced a number of British comedy writers: you can see aspects of Wodehouse in Blackadder and Monty Python, and Bertie Wooster and the sapient Jeeves have starred in a number of television shows.

(If you watch this clip you’ll see Downton Abbey in the background!)

Love in a Cold Climate

Love in a Cold Climate

I have to confess: I’ve not read Love in a Cold Climate yet, despite it being on my TBR pile for ages!

Written in 1949 by Nancy Mitford, the story narrates the adventures of Polly Hampton and her love for her paedophilic uncle (nicknamed “Boy”). The story was a huge best seller and is still popular today.

Love in a Cold Climate takes place in similar settings and characters to Downton Abbey, and as Mitford moved in these circles (she was a contemporary and friend of Evelyn Waugh) the settings are authentic.

Mitford’s story is as interesting as her fictional romances; one of the notorious Mitford sisters, she was probably the least political of the set. The Times described them as: “Diana the Fascist, Jessica the Communist, Unity the Hitler-lover, Nancy the Novelist and Deborah the Duchess.”

Love in a Cold Climate (I wonder if its title was the reason for Love in a Time of Cholera) was made into a number of mini series. Here’s a clip of the 1982 version, staring a very young-looking Judi Dench.

The Larnachs


The Larnachs

Unlike the other books in this blog post, The Larnachs isn’t set in England; the events in this story take place very close to my house – in Dunedin, New Zealand.

I’ve included The Larnachs in this list as the setting is similar in many ways to Downton Abbey, and there are similar themes of changing morality, wealth, privilege and class. However, unlike Downton, the events in this story actually happened.

William Larnach, a self-made millionaire, was a politician in colonial New Zealand. After the death of his first two wives he married Constance de Bathe Brandon, daughter of a well-to-do aristocratic family. William and Constance moved to Larnach’s new-built castle near Dunedin, where Constance met and fell in love with William’s oldest son, Dougie.

This is a sensitively-told story of a doomed love triangle. Marshall is a very empathetic writer, and sets the scene of this troubled family with compassion.

The story ends tragically, but the beautiful castle Larnach built has survived.

You can visit it today – we do, frequently. There’s supposed to be a ghost there, but we’ve never seen it!

 

I hope you enjoyed this list.

I know it’s not exhaustive; there’s plenty of other wonderful stories out there. Feel free to recommend your favourites in the comments!

 

Love Fairytales? Here’s 5 Enchanting Movies To Try

By

The Enchantment of Fairytales —

I love fairytales.

5 Books I Fell in Love With

The Brother’s Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson, Arabian Nights — fairytales are charming, exciting, heart-breaking and funny. Fairytales come from all nations, and we call them folktales, and we think they’re all made-up because, well, they’re fantasy.

But are they really?

The reasons fairytales retain their appeal is precisely because, although they’re fiction, they contain things we can all relate to. Like Cinderella, we’ve experienced people being mean to us, saying “you’re ugly”, “you’re worthless.” And like the Little Mermaid, we’ve had a helpless crush on someone who really just…is not interested.

But in fairytales (unlike real life) also contain a happy ever after. In fairytales, good always triumphs. And, as an added bonus, for some reason, fairytales seem to have beautiful dresses,  handsome Princes and True Love.

And because of this, fairytales make for fabulous movies and amazing TV. Here’s my top 5.

Hope you enjoy these clips!

 

5 Fabulous On-Screen Fairytales.

5.  EverAfter

Watch the clip to the end!

4.  Shrek

Who doesn’t love this great movie? And the sequels that somehow were just as good as the first! My favourite line: ‘Some of you may die, but that is a price I am willing to pay…’

3.  Enchanted

The Happy Working Song is the best! ‘Even though you’re vermin…’ I have no idea how Amy Adams managed to sing this song with a straight face.

2.  Whale Rider

This is a retelling of a Maori myth, and is an absolutely stunning movie. Its based on the book Whale Rider, by Witi Ihimaera. No actual whales were harmed in the making of this movie.

1. Beauty and the Beast – the animated version

The animation in this film is amazing, but really I love the characters, especially the French candlestick and Chip the cup (what a great name!)

 

Bonus! – An Extra Movie

And as an added little bonus, who could forget the amazingly sublime…The Princess Bride.

Okay, so it’s not really based on any actual fairytale, but it has a Princess, a Romantic Hero and, most importantly — the Best Movie Sword Fight Ever.