All cartoon characters and fables must be exaggeration, caricatures. It is the very nature of fantasy and fable.
Walt Disney
In my review of the fantasy genre itself, I have learned so much. I have always known fantasy to be a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. This genre is most popular today with young readers, in the novels by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter. One of the topics I like to discuss when bringing up this book for students to read is how many governments have banned these types of books being read in their countries. Primarily because they believe it promotes ideals not befitting of their beliefs. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common.
In popular culture, the genre of fantasy is dominated by its medievalist form, especially since the worldwide success of The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. However, many readers find it difficult to get through those texts because of the language, the medieval language being used. Fantasy has also included fairy tales, wizards, sorcerers, or witchcraft, in events which avoid horror. In its broadest sense, however, fantasy comprises works by many writers, artists, filmmakers, and musicians, from ancient myths and legends to many recent works embraced by a wide audience today.
Many fantasy, science fiction, "fractured" fairy tale books that have been published are made into movies which have proven to be successful. Hollywood creating these movies based on books have been a success. Many students love to read the book, and then compare it to the movie. For example, the U.S. Hollywood movie Journey 2: The Mysterious Island directed by Brad Peyton addresses reading throughout the whole movie. Although some critics might argue that it is primarily mystery, I believe fantasy abounds, partly because of the titile Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.
Also, fantasy is very useful for academic study in a number of disciplines for example, English, cultural studies, comparative literature, history, medieval studies. The fantasy genre fits into these types of studies. I have noticed, even myself as a reader, when I was taking some of those courses in my undergraduate courses, I have study mostly fantasy books. I remember reading those books, and the discussions were endless and abound with possibilities. I particularly enjoy reading fantasy, as it takes me on new adventures and most especially new ways of thinking.
I have learned a new genre, a “fractured” fairy tale. However, I was familiar already with a fairy tale usually being longer than most folk stories and taking place in the nether realm of far, far away and a long time ago. It often has some sort of royalty involved in the story the main character go on a journey where he/she is tested. For example in the famous tale of Little Red Riding Hood the main character may have some sort of magical help along the way. In any event though the fairy tales always end the same way—good triumphs over evil or there is a transformation or reward at the end. They usually start with "a long time ago, in a place far away" and end with "happily ever after." The characters in most fairy tales and the journey are often metaphors for people either in the government or in everyday life which have challenges that are universal.
A fractured fairy tale is a fairy or other folk tale that has been modified in such a way as to make us laugh at an unexpected characterization, plot development or contrary point of view. In my review of this genre, many ideas began to take shape in my mind. Ideas of writing projects, or Readers Theater, guiding the students to address issues they face today, such as bullying or even making an important decision. To my surprise, fractured fairy tales have been around for so long, they have helped students understand issues facing the government or individuals in today’s society.
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Modern fantasy and Science Fiction extensions, in the form of movies, seem to have taken the viewing audience by storm. Popular movies such as the "Harry Potter" series, "Twilight," and "Star Wars" have become "must see" movies for all ages, young and old. I think that one of the biggest reasons why, is because there is always that part in us that believes in "magic," and by watching these movies, we are in some way transformed into the "reality" of it. SciFi movies demonstrate a more sophisticated kind of "magic," through computer technology. Both types of genres bring out the imaginations and creative minds in everyone.
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