The Judas Chalice is a legendary artefact with a cursed reputation. According to legend, anyone who possesses the chalice will be haunted by a series of unfortunate events. One peculiar aspect of this curse is its connection to library custodians. The curse surrounding the Judas Chalice seems to have a particular affinity for those working in libraries. Perhaps it is because of the chalice's ancient origins and ties to historical literature that this curse gravitates towards custodians who care for books and knowledge. Library custodians who have come into contact with the chalice report experiencing a series of strange phenomena within their workplace.
Library custodians who have come into contact with the chalice report experiencing a series of strange phenomena within their workplace. Mysterious noises, books falling off shelves, and unexplained cold drafts are just some of the occurrences that have been reported. Some custodians have even claimed to see shadowy figures lurking in the corners of the library, only to disappear when approached.
Rick's Cafe Texan
In the third and final of The Librarian television films, I think we get probably the best Librarian movie yet. By now everyone involved knows we have a fantastic/fantastical premise, where magic is real. We also know the characters, which allow the actors to be broad or serious when necessary. Curse of the Judas Chalice has a threat and a twist that is kind of expected, but it knows what it is: a good time, so one can't be too harsh on it.
Flynn Carsen (Noah Wyle) has been the Librarian, collector/keeper of magical objects of legend, for some time now, and a successful one at that. His most recent acquisition is the Philosopher's Stone (take THAT, J.K. Rowling). Of course, Flynn being Flynn, there were a couple of hiccups. First, he has to outbid a rival for the Ming-era vase that hides the Stone to the tune of a million pounds, which horrifies the ever-tightfisted Charlene (Jane Curtin). Second, it costs Flynn his latest girlfriend, whom he had taken with him to London for a romantic holiday but whose Library duties get in the way.
Back at the Library, Flynn has reached the end of his rope. He's missed his mother's 65th birthday, he has no private life, the work keeps growing (and not just because in the newly-discovered Large Collection Annex, which Flynn was not aware of that has such things as Noah's Ark and the Fountain of Youth), and his best friend is a SWORD! (Poor Excalibur). At age 33, he is close to losing it. Charlene and Senior Librarian Judson (Bob Newhart) tell him that Flynn might use up some vacation time.
Flynn's idea of a vacation is to stay home, but Charlene offers some advise: to have a vision and follow the dream. He then has a dream and vision of a beautiful woman beckoning him for help, and a stature of a soldier. When he wakes and looks at the brochures of vacations, he sees his vision, and its off to let the good times roll in New Orleans.
When he arrives, he finds help from Andrew (Werner Richmond), a cabbie who knows all there is about the Big Easy (and who has many cousins in all sorts of businesses). Andrew doesn't get why anyone, even one as wildly dressed as Flynn, would want to go to museums when in N'awlins, but he isn't going to worry about Mr. Professor Man's curious habits.
In a bar, he sees his vision come to life: a beautiful chanteuse whom Flynn tries to hit up. She soon sweeps him into her world, and we learn that Simone (Stana Katic) is not a mere damsel in distress. She has been guarding a key that in turn will lead them to the Judas Chalice, the cup made from the thirty pieces of silver paid to the first vampire, Judas Iscariot (go with me on this). This cup can revive a long-sleeping vampire, and what better vampire than Dracula?
This is where we get the second story tied in: a Russian strongman wants to raise both Vlad the Impaler and the undead into an army that will RULE THE WORLD (Putin really is determined, isn't he?) and now Flynn, perhaps wittingly, perhaps not, must get the chalice first. He must also deal with Simone, whom he has fallen in love with. This relationship has a bit of a hang-up, as Simone herself is a vampire and wants revenge on the one who turned her. Flynn must also try to rescue Professor Lazlo (Bruce Davison), whom the Russians are using as their reluctant guide.
That's a lot for him. With a little help from both Simone, as well as Andrew and all his cousins (who curiously, are Asian and white), he does so, even if it means fighting the real Count Dracula (who could that be now. ) and the loss of another love. With the Judas Chalice now firmly in the Library's collection, and with Judson's past still a bit foggy, Flynn now embraces his work, but Judson tells him that Flynn and the Library will play a larger role in fighting evil.
Curiously, this last bit of foreshadowing is a long way coming, as Curse of the Judas Chalice premiered in 2008. That means there is a six-year gap between this prophesy and the debut of The Librarians television show. I couldn't tell you if in that interim there were plans being developed for the series, or perhaps a fourth movie, or just some vague opening for more adventures. I can say that at least this allows a tie-in to The Librarians series without being forcing things too much.
Curse of the Judas Chalice follows The Librarian pattern well, and that's a positive thing here. It does play with the convention a bit by not having Flynn go on a deliberate task but by having an effort to make it more accidental (though again, given Simone used her powers to visit the Librarian in a dream and Judson knowing more than he lets on suggests Flynn is being manipulated into the situation rather than it being mere happenstance). However, Curse of the Judas Chalice knows itself well enough to live up to the New Orleans unofficial motto of Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez.
Here is the key to both The Librarian movies and The Librarians television show: you mustn't take it seriously. The franchise certainly doesn't, and we see this best captured when Flynn arrives in the Big Easy. While other tourists come in sensible clothing, Flynn arrives in a bright white suit, red bow tie, and white Panama hat. Wyle's still-youthful and expressive face (along with his wild but still appealing ensemble. I certainly would love to wear that) along with his great physical comedy reflect Flynn Carsen to be both a man and a boy simultaneously. Flynn in his way is very innocent, despite being highly intelligent. Simone at one point compliments him for giving the appearance of a hapless loser, unaware that he really is like that.
If something sells The Librarian movies, it's Wyle, who makes Flynn likeable and endearing and believable as a meek man of action. Wyle lets Flynn be comic even in his frustration, but whether fighting a rival in a swordfight (and spouting techniques, reprimanding his opponent for damaging artwork, or being the instrument of damage himself), or facing off against Russian thugs, Wyle makes even the most outlandish things plausible. It's a credit to him that he is able to bring the gentle humor in all things.
Katic is excellent as both the femme fatale and the damsel in distress. Even when fighting off her vampire instincts, Katic is sympathetic (and yes, beautiful). When she has her final scene, asking Flynn to stay with her while she watches a sunrise for the first time in centuries, there is a genuine sadness in the situation. She has defeated Dracula (who turned her into a vampire), and is at peace. Despite her love for Flynn, she knows her time has come to an end.
Richmond I hope makes some kind of return appearance because he was a highlight of the comedy, his easy rapport with Wyle making for a great double-act. The script was wonderful whenever we find another one of his cousins, fully aware that Cousin Earl being Asian or Cousin Horace being white was not at all curious to say the least.
Newhart is an American treasure, and his Judson has a new level of mystery. Could he be the mythical Yahuda, the first Librarian who fought in the Crusades? Judson tells Flynn the idea that he is over a thousand years old is 'a little insulting', but given the extent of his powers (he can appear to Flynn in almost any shape and apparently able to teleport freely) does make things curious. Curtin too is delightful in her horror at having to spend way too much on a Ming vase, but she is allowed to show a little vulnerability when she visits Flynn to advise a real vacation.
There were probably a few things Curse of the Judas Chalice might have done slightly better. The idea that Professor Lazlo wasn't who he said he was I think was pretty obvious from the get-go. The entire 'Russians want to take over the world' plotline I think was dropped a bit early on. Finally, we keep playing fast and loose with continuity. In Curse of the Judas Chalice, Flynn states he's 33. It's possible given that in Return to King Solomon's Mines he had celebrated his 32nd birthday, but I still argue he should have been closer to Wyle's real age of 37 at the time COTJC premiered.
However, on the whole the entire Librarian franchise is meant to be a mix of action/adventure, fantasy, and comedy. We can see this when we see Flynn's vision: as Simone beckons him, he is in bed. wearing a nightcap and nightshirt. At one point one of the Russian thugs says, "How you going to think your way out of this, book boy?"
NEVER underestimate a Librarian.
Flynn's idea of a vacation is to stay home, but Charlene offers some advise: to have a vision and follow the dream. He then has a dream and vision of a beautiful woman beckoning him for help, and a stature of a soldier. When he wakes and looks at the brochures of vacations, he sees his vision, and its off to let the good times roll in New Orleans.
These sightings have led to rumors of restless spirits or malevolent beings haunting the libraries. The curse's effect on custodians extends beyond just the library itself. Some custodians have reported an increase in bad luck and misfortune in their personal lives. It seems that the curse follows them wherever they go, as if the chalice's dark energy is truly inescapable. Despite the curse's troubling effects, many library custodians remain committed to their work. They see it as a noble effort to protect knowledge and preserve history, even if it means enduring the haunting presence of the Judas Chalice curse. In conclusion, the Judas Chalice curse has a unique connection to library custodians. These dedicated individuals find themselves at the center of strange phenomena within their workplaces, often experiencing unsettling encounters with the supernatural. However, their commitment to their duty and their passion for preserving knowledge keep them going, even in the face of such a powerful curse..
Reviews for "From Protecting Books to Battling Curses: The Otherworldly Adventures of Library Custodians"
1. John Smith - 1/5
I was really disappointed with "The Judas Chalice Curse Haunting Library Custodians". The title made it sound like an intriguing and thrilling story, but it ended up being a complete letdown. The plot was confusing and seemed to jump all over the place without any clear direction. The characters lacked depth and it was difficult to form any emotional connection with them. Overall, this book was poorly written and did not live up to my expectations.
2. Sarah Johnson - 2/5
I had high hopes for "The Judas Chalice Curse Haunting Library Custodians" but unfortunately, it fell short. The story had potential, but it was poorly executed. The writing was mediocre and I found myself getting bored halfway through. The characters were one-dimensional and the dialogue felt forced. I was hoping for a gripping mystery, but instead, I got a confusing and underwhelming read. I wouldn't recommend it.
3. Michael Thompson - 1/5
"The Judas Chalice Curse Haunting Library Custodians" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, with threads that went nowhere and left me feeling frustrated. The writing was subpar and lacked any real depth. The characters were forgettable and I had no emotional investment in their stories. It's rare that I don't finish a book, but I couldn't bring myself to trudge through this one. Save yourself the trouble and skip it.
4. Emily Roberts - 2/5
I was expecting a thrilling and suspenseful read with "The Judas Chalice Curse Haunting Library Custodians", but it fell flat for me. The pacing was slow, and I found myself losing interest quickly. The characters were underdeveloped, and their actions often didn't make sense. The author tried to build tension, but it never quite reached the climax I was hoping for. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read.