As soon as the first pictures of the movie Newt Scamander were released, people started remarking that he looked like a wizard version of Doctor Who. However, I was instantly reminded of another Doctor: Doctor John Dolittle, of Hugh Lofting’s classic children’s series. Please note that I am talking about the *real* Doctor Dolittle of the books, not Eddie Murphy (his films 
have nothing in common with the books other than the name and the fact he can talk to animals and will *not* be further discussed here!) or even the Rex Harrison version–though his 1967 movie musical included elements from several of the 12-book series, the handsome, singing and romantic lead Harrison bore little resemblance to the mild-mannered, portly and completely asexual John Dolittle of the books. Though Newt is younger, slimmer and has more hair and less hat than Dolittle, the coat and vest, as well as the mannerisms and demeanor in the trailer (“It was open?” “…Just a smidge.”) evoked my mental picture of Doctor Dolittle… just a smidge.
Could Fantastic Beasts be Doctor Dolittle with a Wand?
MuggleNet Academia: Michelle Markey Butler’s UMaryland Class on Adaptations
On Harry Potter, adaptations, and the ‘real story’with Professor Michelle Markey Butler!
Once More into the Games, Dear Friends, Once More! Mockingjay Part 2 Flies into Theaters
For the past four years, a wonderful local theater, the Yancey in Burnsville, has graciously hosted the readers of Mayland Community College for our own showing of the newest installment of the Hunger Games film adaptations. On Friday, November 20, once again the theater played the movie just for us, and, as we took in this, the last of the films based on Suzanne Collins’s remarkable trilogy, I once again toted my notebook and pen (along with lots of tissues) to collect my thoughts to share with you here. So, the pieces are in place; the countdown has begun. Let’s enter the arena, one last time, to see how the conclusion of this epic and complex tale survived its journey to screen. (Fair warning: this detailed review contains major plot elements.)
Shared Text: The Cauldron of Spoilers — and Repent, America!
Colbert may joke about Headmasters coming out of the Narniad closet but some folks don’t think this is funny. They’re still out there!
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