Thundarr the Barbarian (1980-1981)

Set in a post apocalyptic world where the moon has been split in two by a passing planet creating a new earth, Thundarr and his companions Ariel and Ookla must travel a world whose ruins are much like our own battling evil wizards and sorcerers who plan to use the technology of Old Earth to take New Earth over. Thundarr has a magic sword capable of shooting out light and reducing to just a hilt when not in use (basically a light saber). The show is wonderful in its simplicity and fun adventure.

Marvel

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has spanned over ten years and dives both into fantasy and science fiction. For the sake of time and space I am only including the first movie where the characters appeared and then only ones I like J.

X Men (2000)

The first in the current running X Men cinematic universe. Hugh Jackman in his heyday makes for a wonderful conflicted Wolverine. He doesn’t need anyone but as they fight Magneto he joins up with the X Men to save the young Rogue from Magneto’s evil plans. Such a great movie with a conflicted villain that doesn’t actually seem all that bad.

The Fantastic Four (2005)

I love Ioan Gruffudd and I love his adaptation of Reed Richards. A sort of shy absent minded professor who really only wants to do the right thing. I guess the one I always felt the worst for was the Thing. The rest could pretend to be human, but Ben was always stuck looking like a rock monster.

The Amazing Spiderman (2012)

This I think is my favorite version of the hero bit by the radioactive spider. I guess because I think Andrew Garfield is cute. Anyway it is the same story just perhaps a little better written.

Iron Man (2008)

The first of the official Marvel cinematic universe. Iron Man is egotistic and a little annoying, but he admits this and continues with his life trying a little to stop the weapons that he created. You can get behind a hero like that.

Thor (2011)

And now we get to where science fiction meets fantasy. Thor is a part of Earth’s mythology. He is the Thunder god. But in this version he is simply a greatly advanced alien but with a little bit of magic thrown in. It is one of my favorites in the Marvel universe.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

When watching this movie you can relate the words of Mrs. Whatsit, “There is such a thing as a tesseract.” Captain America is perhaps one of Marvel’s most noble of heroes. He’s fighting for a cause he feels is right (against the Nazis and Hydra) and is all together a good guy. Perhaps why this one is also a favorite.

The Avengers (2012)

And everyone comes together to defeat Loki and a bunch of aliens. What’s not to like?

The Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

The first time I watched the trailer for this movie I couldn’t get over that two of its main characters are a raccoon and a talking tree. But afterwards I really enjoyed it. Because of its subject matter it doesn’t take itself too seriously and I love it!

Doctor Strange (2016)

A character that shows who really does show character growth, Doctor Steven Strange goes from being a very self-centered surgeon to a slightly humbled wizard. And that’s what makes this story so great, he is a wizard!

This is of course only a small sampling of all the Marvel movies made over the years but enjoy all the same. 

Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story (2001)

Everything you know about Jack and the Beanstalk is a lie! The giant was kind and loving and Jack was truly a thief and murderer killing the Giant when he tried to recover the treasures stolen from his kingdom. Since 1611 all the consequent Jacks have been paying the price for their ancestor’s treachery, dying before they reach their 40^th birthday. Jack’s mother has in turn been cursed to live down through the centuries watching as one son after another dies. When the original Jack’s 15th great grandson learns of his forefather’s treachery he returns to the Giant Land in order to try to right the wrongs. Will he succeed in his quest? Only time will tell.

Mairelon the Magician by Patricia C. Wrede

Mairelon is no ordinary street magician, as Kim soon finds out. He is a real wizard with real magic and now he needs Kim’s unusual skill set to right a wrong four years in the making. Because Mairelon has been accused of stealing a priceless magical artifact and he needs a thief to help him steal it back and salvage what is left of his reputation. So Mairleon, Kim, and Mairelon’s servant Hunch must leave London for the English countryside. A great magical mystery. One of my favorite books.

The Rescuers (1977)

The Rescuers is another great movie from Walt Disney. In it we meet two small mice from the Rescue Aid Society: Belgium’s Miss Bianca and the janitor, Bernard. When a little girl named Penny sends a message in a bottle asking for help it finds its way to the Rescue Aid Society. Miss Bianca asks to take the case and chooses Bernard as her partner, perhaps because he was the only male not clamoring to be a part of her adventure. Bernard is highly superstitious, disliking the number 13 for instance while Miss Bianca is thrilled with the adventure. It is a charming movie, and as a rarity in Disney sequels, the next one The Rescuers Down Under is also a lot of fun. Enjoy them both!

The Swan Maiden by Howard Pyle

The Swan Maiden is another story where the girl has to save the boy, or perhaps mutually save each other might be a more apt description. The youngest King’s son finds out that a beautiful swan has been stealing his father’s golden apples. When he captures the swan, she turns into a beautiful maiden. She tells him that she is being held captive by an evil witch. The Prince goes to save the girl and is given three impossible tasks. The Swan Maiden does them all for him. They then escape and live happily ever after. It has always been one of my favorite fairy tales.

Gods of Egypt (2016)

Gods of Egypt is based very loosely on Egyptian mythology. The original myth tells how Set murdered his brother Osiris and how Horus, Osiris’ son, avenged his death. The movie basically tells the same myth but adds in a couple of mortals that help Horus achieve his goals. Also the gods are a noticeable presence in this world, showing up as giants opposed to the smaller mortals. Some may argue that this movie is too white-washed. I don’t think there are a lot of Middle Eastern people in this movie. But for me, if the acting is good I can still enjoy the movie! Plus I really know very little of the original mythology so I enjoyed this movie.