series, and it finally presents us with a litany of new characters. Not only new characters, but a new setting as well. We see Anderith for the first time, and we get to meet a whole bunch of the twisted jerks who live there. (if you haven't already, make sure you read my fantasy casts for Wizard's First Rule, Stone of Tears, Blood of the Fold and Temple of the Winds. You need to know your Mord Sith and wizards before we get rolling here)
First up, the master manipulator himself, Dalton Campbell. At first, I really liked this guy. And then, of course, as times moves on I realize he is the biggest slimeball on the planet. Serves him right in the end, honestly. Political ambitions, and absolute ruthlessness, yet totally and completely trusting of people around him. Hypocrite? You bet. I pick Michael Vartan.
Teresa Campbell is Dalton's wife. She has all the same ambitions and gets all starry-eyed every time Dalton makes even the most minuscule movements upward. She is vain and just as ruthless as he is. I love Helena Bonham Carter.
Minister Chanboor is a pompous, self-absorbed, power- hungry jerk. He is so corrupted that he uses his position of power to sexually abuse any woman he wants. Sounds like an awesome guy, right? Don't worry, his wife is just as bad. I think this guy, Jean Reno, is the right man for the job.
Hildemara Chanboor is the Minister's wife. She's cut from the same mold as the Minister, and his stooge Dalton. She might even be worse. How about Kim Basinger. She's cold. Calculating. Completely believable as a woman who uses sex as a political weapon, right?
Fitch is the hopelessly naive little stooge that Dalton gets to do all of his dirty work for him. I really, really wanted to like Fitch at first. But, as things move along, I realize that although he doesn't know up from down and has been mistreated his whole life, he is still a selfish, immature jerk who almost deserves all that he gets. Any actor who plays this part needs to be able to play to an audiences sympathies, but also be convincing enough as a jerk. I think Michael Cera.
Beata is the young lady with whom Fitch is completely smitten. She is also unfortunately dealt with, and commands the sympathies of the audience at every turn. Your heart goes out to her and you pray that you daughter will never be treated so harshly as her. I kind of like Danielle Panabaker for this one. Honestly, is there a more likable girl around?
Franca is a bit of a wild card, and you don't really know what she's all about until late in the story. A little bit older, a bit mysterious and intimidating. How does Bebe Neuwirth sound?
And Stein; the douche bag from hell. The man wears a cape made entirely of human scalps. I'll give you two guesses as to how he collected those scalps. Andrew Pleavin. *shudder*
Agree? Disagree? Post your thoughts in the comments!
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