Magic Tree House #32: Winter of the Ice Wizard is a thrilling adventure novel written by Mary Pope Osborne. It is part of the popular Magic Tree House series, which follows the time-traveling brother and sister duo, Jack and Annie, on their incredible journeys. In this installment, Jack and Annie find themselves in the land of the Ice Wizard. It is a frozen and desolate place, filled with icy caves, towering mountains, and dangerous creatures. Jack and Annie must brave the harsh winter conditions as they search for the Ice Wizard, who has the power to help them. As they embark on their quest, Jack and Annie encounter various magical creatures, including a polar bear and a snow owl.
No matter how it’s being sold, make no mistake, LA LLORONA is a CONJURING spin-off and very much in the mold of the other films. Directed by Michael Chaves, who just landed a prime gig directing THE CONJURING 3 now that Wan has shot into the stratosphere with AQUAMAN, this is the kind of horror movie that works best for younger viewers (despite the inexplicable R-rating) and teenage couples looking for cheap scares.
Directed by Michael Chaves, who just landed a prime gig directing THE CONJURING 3 now that Wan has shot into the stratosphere with AQUAMAN, this is the kind of horror movie that works best for younger viewers despite the inexplicable R-rating and teenage couples looking for cheap scares. PLOT A widowed social worker Linda Cardellini , raising her kids in 1970s Los Angeles, inadvertently makes her family the target of an ancient curse.
As they embark on their quest, Jack and Annie encounter various magical creatures, including a polar bear and a snow owl. They also face challenges and solve riddles that test their intelligence and bravery. Throughout their journey, the siblings learn important lessons about friendship, courage, perseverance, and the value of helping others.
Review: The Curse of La Llorona
PLOT: A widowed social worker (Linda Cardellini), raising her kids in 1970s Los Angeles, inadvertently makes her family the target of an ancient curse.
REVIEW: The way THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA is being sold is puzzling. The posters all say “from the producers of THE CONJURING universe” but it’s actually directly related to that franchise. A minor character here, Tony Amendola’s Father Perez, was in ANNABELLE. Thus, it’s technically part of what’s become an extremely profitable horror franchise for Warner Bros, although perhaps La Llorona isn’t quite as immediately identifiable as Annabelle the doll or THE NUN, making it a harder sell. Part of me thinks the reason they’re not leaning into it being part of THE CONJURING universe is because they know it won’t be as big of a smash as the other movies and they don’t want articles out there saying that the franchise is running out of steam.
No matter how it’s being sold, make no mistake, LA LLORONA is a CONJURING spin-off and very much in the mold of the other films. Directed by Michael Chaves, who just landed a prime gig directing THE CONJURING 3 now that Wan has shot into the stratosphere with AQUAMAN, this is the kind of horror movie that works best for younger viewers (despite the inexplicable R-rating) and teenage couples looking for cheap scares.
It’s actually a shame LA LLORONA resorts to these kinds of cheap jump scares as Wan has typically avoided that kind of thing in his own spooky thrillers. This is more in the vein of a LIGHTS OUT than anything else, but the audience I saw it with seemed to love it, so these types of movies clearly work well enough for some.
If you’re a hardcore horror fan though, THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA is pretty weak, familiar stuff. It’s elevated somewhat by the presence of Linda Cardellini in the lead, with her bringing some real heart to her part as a new widow trying to juggle her job as a social worker with the new pressure of being a single mom. While one might question the logic of her bringing her two children to a crime scene where a couple of kids have been murdered, she’s sympathetic throughout, even if the premise is silly.
Basically, she inadvertently interferes with a mother’s efforts to protect her children from the curse, and thus finds it passed on to her. La Llorana is a vengeful spirit that seeks to possess and drown children (with the off-screen deaths of two kids early on being the only logical reason this tame horror flick would ever earn an R-rating). She goes to Amendola’s open-minded priest for help, and he hooks her up with a faith healer played by the always solid Raymond Cruz, who tries to defend the family from this evil spirit.
Overall, it’s very familiar stuff but as a pure genre exercise, undemanding audiences may enjoy it as disposable entertainment. It feels more like a dry run for Chaves before taking on THE CONJURING 3 than a fully realized film, with him playing around with tracking shots and long takes in an effort to give it some style. Even still, this is barely passable horror entertainment at best, with it a fairly bland outing that’s only for younger audiences. It’s immediately forgettable, and while some folks may have a little fun watching it none of the imagery will stick with you very long afterward.
It’s actually a shame LA LLORONA resorts to these kinds of cheap jump scares as Wan has typically avoided that kind of thing in his own spooky thrillers. This is more in the vein of a LIGHTS OUT than anything else, but the audience I saw it with seemed to love it, so these types of movies clearly work well enough for some.
The Winter of the Ice Wizard is a captivating read that takes readers on a thrilling and magical adventure. It combines elements of fantasy and folklore, weaving together mythology and imagination. Osborne's vivid descriptions allow readers to visualize the icy landscape and imagine themselves alongside Jack and Annie as they navigate through the frozen world. The book also incorporates educational elements, as it provides glimpses into the history and mythology of different cultures. Osborne seamlessly weaves in facts and information about the Ice Wizard, showcasing her skill in making learning an enjoyable part of the reading experience. Magic Tree House #32: Winter of the Ice Wizard is a fantastic addition to the series, captivating readers of all ages. It offers a unique blend of magic, history, and adventure that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Whether it's your first time delving into the world of the Magic Tree House or you're a seasoned fan, this book is sure to leave you wanting more..
Reviews for "Saving the Day in Ancient Greece with Magic Tree House 32"
1. Jessica - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Magic Tree House 32". I've been a fan of the series for a long time, but this book just didn't live up to my expectations. The plot felt rushed and the characters were not as well-developed as in previous books. Additionally, the storytelling felt repetitive and predictable. Overall, it felt like the author was just trying to churn out another book without putting in much effort. I hope the next installment of the series is better.
2. Jason - 3/5 - I've always enjoyed the "Magic Tree House" series, but book 32 was not one of the best. The story lacked depth and the adventure didn't feel as exciting as in previous books. The writing style seemed a bit lazy and uninspired. While it was still an okay read, it didn't leave a lasting impression like some of the earlier books in the series. I hope the author can bring back the magic in the next installment.
3. Emily - 2/5 - I have been a loyal reader of the "Magic Tree House" series since I was a child, but book 32 left me feeling unsatisfied. The plot felt disjointed and the story didn't flow smoothly. The characters lacked the charm and depth that I had come to expect from the series. Overall, it was a forgettable and mediocre addition to the series. I hope the next book can recapture the magic that made the earlier books so enjoyable.