# I went and saw Eragon. Read this before you do. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 16, 2006, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377 "2006-12-16T05:42:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Crowbar\_of\_Irony\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f08c70/32.png) [@Crowbar\_of\_Irony\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crowbar_of_Irony_3)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/81 "2006-12-19T13:57:15Z")
[QUOTE=MrDibble] There was a SciFi Channel miniseries of Earthsea, in fact. Haven’t seen it, but reviews were…not kind. [/QUOTE] There is a Japanese animated movie called _Tales of Earthsea_, and it is done by the same studio which produced _Spirited Away_ and _Howl’s Moving Castle_. Trailer here: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU-0g26feDA&mode=related&search=](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU-0g26feDA&mode=related&search=) ---
**Author:** ![Kat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b19c9b/32.png) [@Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kat)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2006, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/82 "2006-12-20T06:09:33Z")
[QUOTE=MrDibble] That’s because the Pern books _are_ cheesy. Good cheese to start with, a Brie or Camembert, but the later books? Cheese-wiz. Or possibly Ch’z-w’z. [/QUOTE] Ch’wiz. I think the Pern books could be translated fairly well into movies. And for some reason, I don’t have the “They’d completely _ruin_ the books” fear over it that I usually get over the idea. ---
**Author:** ![jali](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ecae2f/32.png) [@jali](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jali)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2006, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/83 "2006-12-20T13:52:47Z")
Taste. Who are the people who determine what is good and what is not? Those who disagree with their determination: wrong - naive - dumb? Majority concensus doesn’t sway me - I like what I like. I didn’t enjoy “A Game of Thrones”. I kept hoping that I would feel some type of empathy for the characters and was disappointed. I will not continue reading the saga. I’ve been told that G.R.R.M. is a “master”. Meh. Does this make me less of “tasteful” person than some of you? My favorite colors are black and tan. Do I have bad taste? If I were better educated would I like green more? ---
**Author:** ![Revenant\_Threshold](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f1d935/32.png) [@Revenant\_Threshold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revenant_Threshold)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2006, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/84 "2006-12-20T13:57:07Z")
[QUOTE=Kat] Ch’wiz. I think the Pern books could be translated fairly well into movies. And for some reason, I don’t have the “They’d completely _ruin_ the books” fear over it that I usually get over the idea. [/QUOTE] Mating flights could be interesting. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![well\_he\_s\_back](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ab097/32.png) [@well\_he\_s\_back](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/well_he_s_back)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2006, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/85 "2006-12-20T16:18:59Z")
Jali - The discussion of “taste” could make for a several page thread all on its own. Here, we’re discussing people’s opinions of Eragon, book and movie. It’s interesting to hear other peoples’ opinions - that’s why I like Cafe Society. I strongly dislike Eragon (the book; won’t bother with movie). If you or anyone else likes it, that’s your right and I’m interested in those opinions too. I view this forum to learn about arts I’m not so familiar with, as well as reading opinions expressed in interesting ways. I don’t expect to change others’ minds, and I know on many subjects (not all) no one will change mine. I’m old enough to accept & appreciate that people & their taste differ. Nor does what seems like “bad taste” to me reflect on the quality of the person involved. ---
**Author:** ![saoirse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@saoirse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saoirse)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2006, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/86 "2006-12-20T17:07:34Z")
[QUOTE=jali] My favorite colors are black and tan. Do I have bad taste? If I were better educated would I like green more? [/QUOTE] I think it will fall to me to say yes, you do, and yes, you would. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2006, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/87 "2006-12-20T17:44:43Z")
**MrDibble** -thanks for the clarification. I have avoided SF (I have never even heard of the abbreviation SF for speculative fiction-have never heard of the category!) because I really didn’t want to read about machines taking over man and all that. So, looks like I need to read some more contemporary stuff. (that said, I did enjoy books like Fahrenheit 451 and other stuff by Bradbury, but you’re right-I stopped with him). Again, I am no Paolini apologist–his book (I am reading it aloud to my 8 year old son) is tedious and derivative (my son is loving it). I have noticed that really good books are also good read aloud books-not so Eragon, but I digress. I will have to look at EarthSea and some of the others mentioned here (in my copious free time of course! I will try to remember titles to check out–I like new things to read). But it’s a bit like talking to wine people (oeniphiles-spelling?). Everyone’s an expert, everyone’s a critic. The film may well be shite-some how, I haven’t even managed to see a preview of it–and that’s a shame (what happened to that old saw re bad books make good movies and vice versa?), but AFAIAC, if Eragon gets my son to read more things like it–it’s all good. It’s nice that people are passionate about their interests, but it’s also a bit offputting when someone new to the genre is told that what they like is crap. That’s all I’m saying. Taste is a whole nother thread–and what a can of worms that would be! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![OneCentStamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/13edae/32.png) [@OneCentStamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OneCentStamp)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2006, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/88 "2006-12-20T18:04:54Z")
[QUOTE=jali] My favorite colors are black and tan. Do I have bad taste? [/QUOTE] [No, not at all.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Blackandtanbeer.jpg) I like a black and tan every once in a whle myself. 🙂 In seriousness, though, of course there’s no accounting for taste. And, being a matter of opinion, there’s no real “right” or “wrong.” However, if I went to Baskin-Robbins with someone and they ordered a single scoop of vanilla, I’d probably at least ask (politely), “Um…have you at least tried some of these other 30 flavors?” ---
**Author:** ![Illuminatiprimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/illuminatiprimus/32/11520_2.png) [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2006, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/89 "2006-12-20T23:24:08Z")
[QUOTE=Cisco] Don’t listen to this guy. I haven’t seen Eragon and I don’t plan on it but I’d bet my left testicle that it’s Shakespeare compared to Family Guy and/or American Dad. [/QUOTE] Thanks for that making the subtle point that your tastes and mine don’t match in the area of comedy, Cisco. I’m so glad you did it in a way that wasn’t openly dismissive. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2006, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/90 "2006-12-21T00:15:08Z")
[QUOTE=OneCentStamp] In seriousness, though, of course there’s no accounting for taste. And, being a matter of opinion, there’s no real “right” or “wrong.” However, if I went to Baskin-Robbins with someone and they ordered a single scoop of vanilla, I’d probably at least ask (politely), “Um…have you at least tried some of these other 30 flavors?” [/QUOTE] Completely useless hijack: I DID this-in 1971. My aunt came to town and as a treat, took me to 31 flavors (I had never been before-one of my sisters was newly diagnosed with diabetes and my parents just removed all sugar and treats). I ordered vanilla. My aunt told me I couldn’t do that in 31 flavors. So I ordered Rocky Road–and never looked back… ---
**Author:** ![Illuminatiprimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/illuminatiprimus/32/11520_2.png) [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2006, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/91 "2006-12-21T23:15:38Z")
**Eleanorigby** - if that isn’t the best post to read before I sign off for xmas then I don’t know what is. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2006, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/92 "2006-12-22T00:01:24Z")
[QUOTE=Illuminatiprimus] Thanks for that making the subtle point that your tastes and mine don’t match in the area of comedy, Cisco. I’m so glad you did it in a way that wasn’t openly dismissive. [/QUOTE] Eh, get fucked. I’m sick of apologizing before and after every statement I make on these boards. Grow a sense of humor or at least stop pissing on other people’s. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2006, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/93 "2006-12-22T00:20:58Z")
[QUOTE=Illuminatiprimus] **Eleanorigby** - if that isn’t the best post to read before I sign off for xmas then I don’t know what is. 🙂 [/QUOTE] have a happy Christmas. 🙂 I plan on checking out some Ursula LeGuin over break–but since I am taking young adult literature next semester, I may run into her again… ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2006, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/94 "2006-12-22T00:49:35Z")
[QUOTE=eleanorigby] Do I really have to go to this movie now with my 8 year old son (he’s dying to go)? Maybe if I took drugs prior to…anyone have any? [/QUOTE] Sorry; Dr. Kevorkian isn’t writing prescriptions any more. ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2006, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/95 "2006-12-22T01:03:29Z")
Whoa - I swear I thought this was the pit. I apologize for the personal insult. ---
**Author:** ![Ensign\_Edison](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ab992/32.png) [@Ensign\_Edison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ensign_Edison)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2006, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/96 "2006-12-22T02:14:11Z")
Fox showed a ‘special preview’ clip during House before this came out that had me rolling. Big fancy expensive graphical dragon thing swooping around the melodramatic scenery, and the boy riding it opens his mouth and shouts: ‘Let’s finish this!’ Oh, how I laughed. Way to spend the money, guys. That in a nutshell is what’s wrong with the industry. ‘Let’s finish this!’ Jeez, why put a line there at all? For the shot. Might as well have been static coming out of his mouth. ---
**Author:** ![Talon\_Karrde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Talon\_Karrde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Talon_Karrde)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2006, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/97 "2006-12-22T05:50:24Z")
[QUOTE=ExtraKun] There is a Japanese animated movie called _Tales of Earthsea_, and it is done by the same studio which produced _Spirited Away_ and _Howl’s Moving Castle_. Trailer here: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU-0g26feDA&mode=related&search=](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU-0g26feDA&mode=related&search=) [/QUOTE] It’s the first film by [Hayao Miyazaki](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayao_Miyazaki)’s son. Due to some kind of rights conflict, it won’t be released in the US until 2009. The trailer looks a lot different from the books. At least it’s nothing like how I imagined them. [QUOTE=eleanorigby] I will have to look at EarthSea and some of the others mentioned here (in my copious free time of course! I will try to remember titles to check out–I like new things to read). [/QUOTE] It’s a good series. I think I liked either the first one or the second one best, but I don’t remember the third one. I’ve heard the fourth one isn’t worth reading. A lot of time passes between each book, which is a little disappointing when you connect with the main character. He changes so much between them. ---
**Author:** ![Snickers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Snickers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snickers)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2006, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/98 "2006-12-22T14:25:53Z")
[QUOTE=eleanorigby] I have a question for those here who are so contemptous of Eragon. Why is it being judged and found deficent to SF? It’s not SF. It’s fantasy… [/QUOTE] Well, it’s not good fantasy either. I think it’s also being judged and found deficient to all fantasy books that have come before as well. Maybe that’s why people are contemptuous - it’s just a horribly derivative book all around, regardless of category. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/99 "2006-12-27T18:56:59Z")
I am off to see Eragon with #2 son soon. Not sure if I’m looking forward to it or not… ---
**Author:** ![Illuminatiprimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/illuminatiprimus/32/11520_2.png) [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377/100 "2006-12-27T19:53:20Z")
[QUOTE=Cisco] Whoa - I swear I thought this was the pit. I apologize for the personal insult. [/QUOTE] Apology accepted. Clearly I need to stay away from the pit, sounds dangerous in there! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-and-saw-eragon-read-this-before-you-do/384377.md?page=6)