Magpie marks author Sophie Draper's second novel. Her first novel (Cuckoo) being a critical success and a worthy addition to any psychological thriller genre fan. Following on in those footsteps, Magpie marks a return to the psychological genre, but with a focus on suspense rather than being a thriller. This marks a nice distinction between the two books (as both being named after birds with a similar font and cover, I wouldn't blame you if you thought they were part of a series).
I honestly can't understand why this movie didn't get just as much recognition as The Exorcist (X1). It wasn't as graphic or controversial as X1 so perhaps that's why it didn't get the notoriety? The thing is, The Changeling is every bit as good. It's got a fantastic cast, with our old friend George C. Scott, and even the venerable Melvin Douglas. So the acting solid and matched by a great character driven plot with solid dialog. The over arcing premises of the plot is clever, and it was the first of it's kind at that time. The story was brilliantly plotted, tho a bit poorly paced. And while there are a few questions sort of just left to interpretation, the plot is strongly devoid of holes.
“With the “Higher-Ups” now testing out the full potential of the prototype specimen, the last phase of their scientific discovery was at hand. Placing clinically insane criminals one by one into testing rooms, experiments to redesign their genetic makeup had taken place. The bio-weapon militia had began gathering in different parts of the United States and started changing those within it’s population. For it was the evolution seen first hand in the underground facility that allowed those in charge to strategize a way to destroy the human race. The take over of the realm of Darkness had begun.”
Mike Flanagan takes on the job of adapting Stephen King’s novel, titled Doctor Sleep, but there is a catch: Flanagan’s film exists in the same universe as Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of King’s The Shining. As soon as I was cognizant of this information, my feelings toward it were already conflicted. I was not going to criticize the film without having seen it, however—but, now that I have, I feel that it is appropriate for me to proceed with what I am going to say.
Supernaturals are being hunted down by hunters that can temporarily take the powers of those they hunt, allowing them to further hunt down more. Making them the ultimate killing machines. As the killings continue they gain more knowledge on attracting and killing supernaturals. 25 years have past since they've started and the supernaturals have started to fight back trying to regain their freedom and to preserve their kind.
Name's Sascha. I'm not as well-known as the male resistors. Yes, we're all made and resist the strain itself. We rebirth into our next lives with no memory of being made, but a strong sense of duty to our last left purpose as we died. We can't remember that unless we Awaken, which is the process of remembering all our lives. I'm reborn from Ileana, not Illona, Jusztina Szilagyi Tepes.
"Tell me what happened," the reporter said, his voice full of intrigue. "I want to know how the bodies got there."
If you lived through the 90's, then you are probably familiar with the TV show Sabrina the Teenage Witch, starring Melissa Joan Hart. A magical comedy show for kids that ran for seven seasons. It was a far cry from the original comics, keeping only the name and some of the original characters.
