Terry Pratchett's Hogfather

I have not yet had the opportunity to talk about Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, and to start I need to say that I think it's the best fantasy series ever to have been concieved. Starting with The Colour of Magic in 1983, the series has spread to include 40 novels, 4 Science of Discworld books, a few short stories and a collection of other publications that use the characters featured in the novels. I'm not going to lie and say I've read all of the books, but I have read quite a few. And Hogfather was one of the first.

It's the night before Hogswatch, and the Hogfather is missing. In his place, Death (voiced by Ian Richardson, performed by Marnix van den Broeke) and his assistant Albert (David Jason) are making sure that the presents are being delivered. Death's granddaughter, Susan (Michelle Dockery), meanwhile is trying to find out what has happened to the Hogfather, with the assistance of the Bilius, the Oh God of Hangovers (Rhodri Meilir) and the Archchancellor of the Unseen University, Mustrum Ridcully (Joss Ackland). But it seems a sinister plot to inhume the Hogfather is taking place, being led by the creepy Mr Teatime (Marc Warren). Will Susan be able to save the Hogfather while there is still enough belief in the world for him to exist?

When I first heard that Hogfather was going to be made into a miniseries, my first response "Why aren't they making it into a film?" After I had come to my senses and read the book again, I realised that there was no way any of the Discworld books could be adapted into a feature film format. Simply because there is too much going on. Every book has a main plot with a full ensemble of characters, and they also usually contain at least two other subplots. Hogfather is no different. And because the plots require a lot of explanation, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the Discworld universe, the plot of the miniseries is quite slow. The whole first part is basically build up for the second part, and takes it's time introducing the characters.

But if you don't mind something a little slower, and a little bit different for a Christmas special, then I can't recommend this enough. Terry Pratchett is very clever at commenting on something in our society by putting it into a different setting and changing only the bare minimum. In Hogfather, he looks at how belief is structured and created, and how humans need to believe in things like the Hogfather otherwise they wouldn't be human. And that's another reason why this is different from other Christmas specials. While some may deal with the concept of belief, and what it means to believe and why you should believe in Santa (the obvious ones are The Santa Clause and Miracle on 34th Street). But Hogfather talks about where that belief came from and why it's important.

Another thing that makes this stand out is how dark it can get. But then again, you can't have a TV film where one of your main characters is an assassin and not have it be dark. Especially in the second part, where people start dying very rapidly. So, I wouldn't show this to really little kids unless you think they can take it. Me personally, I don't see what's wrong with something being a little dark, especially a Christmas movie. When there are so many awkward Christmas comedies, it's nice to see something a little more serious that's still quite humorous in it's own right.

Let's talk about the characters. Because I love Susan Sto Helit. If I had a favourite Discworld character, it would probably be her. Mainly because she is unlike any other heroine around. She's very logical and can be quite cold yet still caring in her own way. And she don't take no shit from no one. Michelle Dockery is perfectly cast here, which is something you could say for most of the casting, actually. Marc Warren is suitably creepy as Mr Teatime, with a strange high-pitched voice that really makes him memorable. Joss Ackland is also very Ridcully-ish, David Jason is very Albert-like. I'm sorry if I'm not describing them that well, but it really is almost perfect casting. Each actor is well suited to his character, even minor ones like Tony Robinson as a conniving department store owner.

So if you're looking for something a little different this year, or are just looking for something with a little more intelligence and less schmaltz than your typical Christmas movie, then I would most certainly recommend this. But I would also recommend reading the book, either before or after. The film follows the book so closely that there is hardly anything left out, but a bit more information is given for some characters. If you haven't read any Terry Pratchett, then don't be afraid. His books are incredibly easy to read. I hope to look at his other media adaptations sometime in the future. Not sure when. But until next time, readers, have a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hogswatch and everything in between. 

LM - Underrated British Actors

Well, here we are with the second of my pretty random posts. This time, if you didn't tell from the title, it's all about those actors and actresses who never get the credit or attention they deserve. I live in an old fashioned kind of world, hence why I still say actress. Also, I find that whenever someone says actor, I think male actors.

So, anyway, I had to restrict this to the British Isles, since otherwise the list would go on for ages. Also, this is also from the perspective of living in Australia, so most likely they are more well known in they're own coutry. Or at least one would hope so!

So without further ado, lets carry on!

7 Underrated Actors:

7. The Entire Cast of Dad's Army

Ok, not really one actor, but since all the mains are men, and since the only other people I know who's heard of this show are either related to me or were alive when it was on, I'm going to put it on here.
This show is incredible! The cast is so good, you cannot imagine anyone else playing the parts here. I'm going to have to highlight Clive Dunn, who plays Lance Corporal Jones, as being one of the best slapstick actors ever. Also for being able to play a 70 yr old when he was only 49. If you get a chance, have a look at this show, because the characterisation can never be beaten.

6. Marc Warren

OK, this dude is fairly well known in the UK, and I'm sure he is in Australia, but whenever I mention him, I always have to give an example of what he's been in, and every time the only thing down under that people remember him from is that Doctor Who episode. And he's been in so much more!!!
From a laid back con artist in Hustle, to a down right creepy Marilyn Monroe impression in Hogfather, this dude has probably done it all. But good is that when no one here knows!

5. Paterson Joseph

This guy pops up all over the place, from the suave and charismatic Marquis de Carabas in Neverwhere, to the selfish game contestant on Doctor Who. Whatever role he plays, he is completely different, and you can see him putting his all into it.
The reason he's on the list is because he doesn't get the attention he deserves, and I speak from experience when I say that no one knows who he is. This dude definitely needs some more attention from everyone out there. And to not be known just as Lyndon from Green Wing.

4. Kenneth Williams

For those who have seen a Carry On film, you will instantly know who this is. But for a lot of people, this fabulous talent has never been seen. Kenneth Williams was at the heart of the Carry On films, with the most recognisible reactions and nostril flares, perfect comic timing and ability not only to play completely daft characters, but also serious ones.
He is on this list mainly because I reckon people need to re-discover him, and his amazing abilities. He is, to me at least, among some of the great British comedians, like Peter Cook, Rowan Atkinson and Arthur Lowe. He will be missed.

3. Matt King

Matt King is one of those actors who pops up all over the place. His most famous role is probably as drug addicted Super Hans from Peep Show, but also has an extensive resume of films, theater and tv shows.
I put him on because he doesn't get the credit he deserves. He co-wrote and came up with the idea for the Alan Davies TV show Whites, he is currently starring in Spirited alongside Claudia Karvan, and has appeared in such films as Inkheart, Rocknrolla and Malice in Wonderland. But do you know who he is? I haven't a clue, but I'm not very hopeful. This dude deserves more recognition than he gets.

2. Jack Wild

"Hey! Isn't that the Artful Dodger from Oliver?" I hear you ask. And yes it is, and that is also the reason he appears on this list. Though he was a big star in his day, and one of the youngest people to get nominated for an Oscar, he is only known for one film and the Pufnstuf series.
Even though he wasn't in that many films, he did quite a few, most of which have disappeared into the anals of filmic history. you can find copies of Melody on Amazon and The Fourteen is available on youtube, any of his other films have vanished, and it would be awesome if they could be brought back again.


And now it's time for the final person! After all the ones before I bet you're dying to know who this will be, unless you got bored earlier on and stopped reading. But enough chatter. Time for no. 1!



1. Huw Rhys

Yep, you read correctly. Huw Rhys. This guy is so unknown that he doesn't even have a Wikipedia page. And don't try looking him up youtube either. While possibly more famous in Wales, he made a name for himself in the English mystery show, The Gil Mayo Mysteries or just Mayo (depending on which hemisphere). He has also appeared from time to time in bit parts on various TV shows such as Doctor Who and Spooks, but no one really knows who he is. And he is pretty awesome!

Anyway, the girls will have to wait another day or 2. I didn't this was going to be so long. I hope you enjoy, and please keep reading.