Book Review, Final Verdict: '2001: A Space Odyssey' and 'The Last Unicorn'

So I managed to read most of 2001 and The Last Unicorn. Unfortunately, I have to turn in the books tomorrow since the renewal limit has run out, so I'll just go ahead and give you my thoughts on both books.

As I mentioned in the past, the books are basically what their movie counterparts are in written form, which is not surprising considering both authors wrote the screenplays. 2001: A Space Odyssey has basically the same plot as the movie but with unnecessary rambling. Whole pages are dedicated to explaining the advanced technology and locations, which can get annoying at times. It is because of that I would recommend watching the classic film instead of reading this book. The special effects are phenomenal, especially when you consider they were made without any CGI. Overall Score: 8/10

The Last Unicorn is also a beat-by-beat retelling of what happens in the film. What bothered me was when characters were thinking to themselves and the text didn't become italicized or given any indication that it's the characters' thoughts and not the narrator speaking. But that's just a minor gripe. Both the book and movie are great, and the film has the added benefits of being animated by Rankin/Bass and given an amazing music score by the band America. Overall Score: 9/10

Update on Book Reviews

I have decided to stop reviewing each chapter of the books 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Last Unicorn. Due to my unpredictable schedule, I don't always have time to sit down and write up a bunch of posts. That and I would like to focus on other things on this blog than just these books.

I will finish reading the books and then write a review post for each of them in the near future, hopefully by the end of the month. Thank you all for understanding, and have a good rest of your day, and if you are Christian, happy Pentecost.

Movie Review: 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters'

Source

Better than Godzilla 2014 in terms of monster screen time and action, but unfortunately contains some anti-human sentiment.

 

Book Review: '2001: A Space Odyssey' - Chapters 15-16: "Discovery," "Hal"

Hal 9000. Source

We now begin the third act known as "Between Planets." And yes, as the above picture would suggest, this is the first appearance of Hal 9000.

Book Review: 'The Last Unicorn' - "Chapter 5"

Molly Grue from the film. Source

In which we are introduced to the other side character of the story, Molly Grue.

Book Review: '2001: A Space Odyssey' - Chapters 13-14: "The Slow Dawn," "The Listeners"

Dr. Floyd et al entering the excavation site of TMA-1. Source

Here it is, the other famous scene from the film I was talking about!

Book Review: '2001: A Space Odyssey' - Chapters 11-12: "Anomaly," "Journey by Earthlight"

Moon excavation of the TMA-1 monolith from the film. Source

 Now we know what TMA-1 stands for! As for what it is...well, I can't say.

Book Review: 'The Last Unicorn' - "Chapter 4"

Schmendrick and the unicorn from the film. Source

 "Chapter 4"

After Schmendrick and the unicorn leave what's left of Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival, the magician weeps for a while in the rain near the road. Afterward, he looks up at the unicorn who states that she can never regret. She can feel sorrow, however.

Book Review: '2001: A Space Odyssey' - Chapters 9-10: "Moon Shuttle," "Clavius Base"

Clavius Base. Source

 Don't worry, you guys. The other famous scene from the film is coming up, but first we have to get through these chapters.

Article + Commentary: "Arthur's Mr. Ratburn has a gay wedding on PBS children's show"

Patrick (left) and Mr. Ratburn (right). Source

 USA Today: "Authur's Mr. Ratburn has a gay wedding on PBS children's show"

Today I found out that the PBS Kids series Arthur, currently in its 22nd season (!), has shown a same-sex "wedding" for the first time in its run. Mr. Ratburn, Arthur's teacher, has just been "married" to another man named Patrick in the episode "Mr. Ratburn and the Special Someone."