The Colour of Magic

The Colour of Magic is the story of a book of The Great Eight Spells and the poor Wizard that has one of them stuck in his head. This wizard is played by David Jason, best known to fans of PBS in the U.S. as Granville from Open All Hours, though he has been busy with countless projects since then. He was also a star of Terry Pratchett's Hogfather, another Skyone Production about The Disc World.

Sean Astin stars as a tourist-he is best known as the reluctant adventurer Hobbit who followed Frodo around and eventually saved the world, though he too, has many more credits to his name. He plays the part of a rich and stupid traveler who just wants to look at things-a totally baffling idea to everyone else on the Disc World. David Jason is his unwilling guide and together they have many near death experiences, with several very funny bit involving the legendary Christopher Lee as the voice of Death.

There is also the sinister presence of Tim Curry, looking a little plumber than he did the last time I saw him, but just as evil. He is a wizard that lusts after power and proceeds to kill anyone that stands in his way. It is the will of the Eight Spells that they all be said at the same time, but preferably not by the Tim Curry.

This is a fun and funny story with great special effects and all kinds of small gags. For example, when the Disc World is threatened by a giant red star, The Tourist decides that it needs a name, so he suggests The Death Star. The hapless wizard scoffs at him, what kind of stupid name is that?

There are dragons, heroes, villains, and mobs with torches and pitchforks. While Death does not have nearly as large a role in The Colour of Magic as he did in The Hogfather, he does make rather a lot of cameos and a lot of jokes. The story is silly and seemingly random, but the ending is great and surprisingly touching. I really liked The Colour of Magic and highly recommend that you see it as soon as possible.

I know this wasn't really about London, but that doesn't mean I can't still mention London once or twice here at the end. I'm sure the people of London liked The Colour of Magic just fine.