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jakeangry1
Reviews
Game of Thrones (2011)
Game of Thrones - Looking forward to more.
I cringed when I heard that Game of Thrones was being made into a series. Initial thoughts were that things would be grossly out of place and simply not nearly as well told. Then I heard that the series' author was on hand to ensure that the writing for the show would be consistent (not exactly the same but consistent) with how the characters were written.
This concept created one of the most amazing TV shows out there. Of course having HBO's budget sure helps create the most amazing sets and wardrobe imaginable helped out substantially.
This being said - Game of Thrones is not simply an adaptation of the novels. I tell people that the TV series is a visual companion to the novels; which are so big that you almost need the TV series to help your mind see all of the pieces moving. From the Wall, to the Horse Lords, to the Eyrie, to well you name it - the scenes are breathtaking. But for as amazing as it all is none of it is as good as the cast. I tip my hat to the casting directors - they had one heck of a job putting this crew together. Every cast member fits so perfectly into the shoe that is their character. My novel favorite is Tyrion Lannister - played by Peter Dynklage - is just as I imagined reading him. Special kudos to the entire cast however as they are as ruthless/loving/amazing as the characters they portray.
However I will say that there are differences in the show from the novel. This is to be expected. Some of the major differences include: Raising the ages of the children (some are married/in adult situations - this is a good thing as the novels never really "held back"), cutting scenes short, providing information sooner, situations not in the novel, and some name changes. Game of Thrones has so much History, developments, events, and characters that this must be done. But it happens with much care. In a particular TV scene, the Queen and King are sitting together talking about events that brought them together. This scene (If I recall correctly) is for the show - to sort of wrap some information for the watcher, but it's done so well that I doubt anyone can complain. The series certainly keeps the tempo moving, the characters lively, and the audience engaged in the events. The show could have scripted word for word many events, but I think the brevity they have shown in season 1 works very well into their favor.
Unlike most written works to screen, Game of Thrones does a great job capturing and bringing to life possibly one of the greatest modern fantasy stories ever written. I hope you enjoy this show as much as I have.
The Lying Game (2011)
Completely Terrible.
I don't believe I am providing any spoilers with this but honestly I doubt it could spoil any worse than it already is. But just in case I've tagged this with the spoiler flag.
For those of you who have never watched an episode of the Lying Game - prepare to be....bored. The entire show is based around a set of twins who were separated at birth by unfortunate circumstances. They grow up in completely different environments - one in foster care, the other by rich parents. By some means of event they are connected, determine they are related, and then decide to live as one another.
And no one figures it out.
That's right. No one. Best friends, parents, teachers, no one. Btw - the rich one is a total jerk to people. The foster child is humbled comparatively. And yet no one starts to question the overnight change in personality, clothing tastes, behavior, writing style, or academics. Things that completely stump adult spies with years of intensive training in counter intelligence and deep cover techniques somehow are overcome by adolescents with "a plan" to figure it all out.
The Lying Game is terrible. The things that would totally tear apart their "game" are the exact things glossed over in the show. There is more to this than them simply living as one another but as a parent I'd know if my kid was suddenly someone different. This show relies heavily on anyone who should figure this out being completely oblivious.
Had this some how been explained this show might be bearable.