Spreading magic

I might as well say it outright—I'm not really a big Neil Gaiman fan. But here's the disclaimer, in case I do become one, like many of my friends: I'm not a big fan yet. This is because I've only read one of his many works, the children's book Coraline. I've got a borrowed signed copy of Neverwhere in my stash, but I haven't gotten beyond the first page—and this isn't a good sign, if my reading habits are concerned.

I enjoyed reading Coraline, but not enough to rave about it. Over the years, I've been told by countless friends and acquaintances that I should start with Smoke and Mirrors, if not The Sandman series. I swore I'd give it a try one of these days.

It was a good thing I yielded more easily to an invite to watch the film adaptation of Gaiman's “Stardust.” Watching the story unfold was really a magical experience. Written and directed by Matthew Vaughn, “Stardust” tells the enchanting story of Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox), who, according to his special friend, the star Yvaine (Claire Daines), is not a shop boy but a boy who happens to work in a shop. There's a big difference—and you'll see this as the fairy tale progresses.

This boy who works in a shop is in love with the quintessential unreachable woman, Victoria (Sienna Miller) and when a star falls from the heavens one night, he promises to get it for her in exchange for her hand in marriage. Little did Tristan know that this vow would bring him into a three-way struggle: one that involves himself, who wants the star to win his lady love, the witch Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer), who wants the Yvaine's heart because it brings eternal youth and beauty, and the prince Septimus (Mark Strong), who wants the necklace the Yvaine is wearing because it will earn him the right to be king.

It was really a magical adventure from start to finish. Everything about “Stardust” is captivating: the main characters, the secondary characters, the world of magic, the humor, and, of course, the romance. The last time I felt this way about a film was when I saw “The Princess Bride,” which I consider to be a perfect film.

I think what sets “Stardust” apart is that it brings viewers back to when the line between good and evil was clear, and things were simple, but not simple enough that they can't become extraordinary one fine day. Tristan is undoubtedly good, Yvaine's love is refreshingly pure, Septimus' and his brothers' quest for power is decidedly clear. Nothing is iffy, even Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro), the pleasant surprise in a film that's already thick with enjoyable moments. 

I'd say “Stardust” captures what magic really is, where movies are concerned. If I would find a place for it among its contemporaries, it's in that moment the boy Harry receives that first Hogwarts envelope—the moment that kept us committed to six more books/movies. It's in that scene the bored Pevensie children discover the lamp post in the snowy Narnian wood at the back of the wardrobe. Or, the first time May Belle crosses the bridge to Terabithia. Or, in the scene Gandalf first arrives in The Shire.

I highly recommend you watch “Stardust.” You'll never look at stars in the same way again.

Reader Feedback

I'd like to thank Bill Ramos, a medical doctor, for sharing his thoughts on last week's piece. His comments read in part: "The moment I received a text about (the Desperate Housewives issue), I stopped reading and deleted it…when I sensed some negativity. But after reading some feedback that you posted, somehow I felt some positive comments may perk you up a little. But that's all I have to say about the issue. I also loved the way you said that Tessa Prieto Valdez was all heart and all about having a good time… and you can never go wrong with that. That's my truth as well. Thank God for you and the positive energy you share to everyone."

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