contact: Larra Clark
Media Relations Manager
312-280-4393
lclark@ala.org
for Immediate Release
December 6, 2004
What did the library community have to say about TNT's
"The Librarian?"
(CHICAGO) Last week, the American Library Association (ALA) sought volunteers to watch and share their thoughts on the newest "reel" representation of librarians - TNT's "The Librarian." About 180 librarians and library workers sent responses to a short questionnaire as of the morning of December 6, 2004.
As might be expected, reactions ran the gamut and can be read below. Reponses will be compiled and posted throughout December 8. Thanks to everyone who participated.
Spotlight Reviewers:
Sara Ann Long
Wheeling, IL
Sarah Long, director of the North Suburban Library System in Wheeling,
Illinois has a weekly column in the Daily Herald. A colleague contacted TNT and got a screening copy for Sarah. She watched it, as did a couple 20-something staffers. The link to the column, published this past Sunday follows: http://www.sarahlong.org/article.asp?articleID=182
###
Ann Seidl,
Producer/Director "The Hollywood Librarian: a Look at Librarians on Film"
Madison, WI
"Nobody Talks Like That About The Librarian, Not Even The Librarian."
Flynn Carsen is a teacher's pet that even the teacher finds irritating. He is the übernerd, the geek/smartypants/know-it-all who can't get a high five, can't get a girl, and can't get a life. The only thing he can get is more college degrees. Noah Wyle stars in The Librarian: Quest for the Spear, a film better named The Librarian: Quest for a Spine because of its lily-livered theft of other, better Hollywood action pictures. A TNT original, its paper-thin structure is a compilation of uncomfortably recognizable snippets from Raiders of the Lost Ark, Sherlock Holmes, and Romancing the Stone after gender reassignment surgery. The result is a collection of stone-cold cliches warmed over by the slightly original choice of a librarian for a hero.
Finally ejected from college, Flynn unwillingly takes up a quest offered by his mother (Olympia Dukakis), who tells him that life cannot be thought deeply, it must be felt deeply. This insight gets him his first job, at the Metropolitan Public Library. The Librarians (Jane Curtain and Bob Newhart) possess vast power and the secrecy to protect it. Entering the vault in the bowels of the library, Wyle inquires about the hypersecurity: "Isn't this what the Army uses to guard nuclear weapons?" Newhart deadpans, "Where do you think they got the idea?" Wyle must protect humankind's most mythic treasures: the Ark of the Covenant, Pandora's box, King Arthur's Excalibur, even the Golden Goose for heaven's sake. Then, the eponymous Spear in the collection is promptly stolen by the nefarious Brotherhood of the Serpent and our nerdy hero must effect its return. The Library thoughtfully provides a bodyguard in the form of Nicole, a gorgeous kick-boxer type.
The first half of the film is likeable, with Newhart and Curtain good-naturedly overplaying their caricaturish roles together with Wyle. But as the film continues, self-effacement turns to self-consciousness and one can literally see the actors wondering how to commit plastic surgery on this part of their resumes. Cheesy CGI effects, shopworn close calls and barely interesting plot points push the film toward the conclusion, when our librarian, having gotten both a job and a girl, is finally able to tell his mother, "Being a librarian is actually a pretty cool job."
Librarians will undoubtedly enjoy that the librarians in this movie possess terrific power and a certain self-confidence. Although the film has a bad case of Raiders envy, it does have a grudging respect for the library profession. Only the most erudite (Wyle) is entrusted with the protection of the priceless treasures, and the message is, Don't mess with librarians, they've got the goodies. Best of all, the blond bodyguard brooks no disrespect for Flynn's exalted title. When he bemoans his initial failure to discover the Spear, saying that "maybe I'm not as smart as I think I am," she slaps him across the face and says, "Nobody talks like that about The Librarian, not even The Librarian." We doubtless could use more of that sentiment.
Ann Seidl, a research librarian in Madison, WI, is producing and directing a documentary about librarians entitled The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Librarians in Film. More at www.hollywoodlibrarian.com
###
Andrew P. Jackson
(Sekou Molefi Baako)
President, BCALA
Queens, NY
Overall Estimation: 3 Stars
Good action movie. I like the quest concept.
Image Makeover: 3 Stars
I would like for The Librarian to have been a stronger character an not so silly. It is an improvement over the image of years back. However, even though he was portrayed as smart and knowledgeable, he came off as weak at the same time. He did however overcome his fears and perservere throughout.
Brief movie review:
Good action movie with some great references to our profession. Just the idea that the quest was performed by a librarian was special and timely. I really hope they make it a continuing series.
Admire most:
He didn't give up. He was smart and his knowledge gave him power. He gave off a positive image for our profession, libraries and reading for knowledge. I also like the positive image given to libraries.
Real aspect:
I saw the librarian as the best person to pursue the quest, as we all do each time a customer comes looking for information. Their reference to hiding secrets in plain view was and is so accurate. I've told students and audiences that for years.
What would I love to have seen?
For interest in the role and subject, it was great as was.
Future challenges:
A modern day quest in a local city talking a quest in America, possibly one dealing with students. When can we look for another one?
###
Rochelle Hartman
Blogger
LISNews
Stars out of four for overall estimation of The Librarian:
If it was meant to be campy and awful, 3 out of 4
If it was meant to be a real adventure film: 2 out of 4
My gut reaction overall: 1 out of 4
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in The Librarian:
1 out of 4. Makeover?
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
My initial reaction to this movie is quite harsh, as I was looking at the portrayal of librarians (and could not help but notice how the movie was pretty awful in general). While it was plagued with bad acting, cheesy special effects and a lame script, it succeeded pretty well as camp, and I suspect it will become a favorite for librarian film festivals along with Desk Set and Party Girl. Despite its underlying theme of "knowledge is power," it was rife with librarian/smart person stereotypes that do nothing to serve the profession. Our hero is a socially awkward, but loveable bookworm, who is flanked by updated versions of the cranky female librarian stereotype, a pre-menopausal manager-from-hell and a cold-fish hottie. At least people now know that librarians do get laid.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
The main character, Flynn, had a good sense of humor about himself and his situation.
What was the most real aspect of the film?
That a good librarian is not just a bookworm, but is a problem solver.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
While I am not humorless about librarian stereotypes, what this movie demonstrated is that librarianship is for freakishly smart people. These are words I heard in reference to the main character: freak (2), nerd, geek, and from my 13 y.o. daughter, "The Librarian is a dork." I would like to have seen a character who was more real and much less of a cardboard cut-out bookworm/nerd.
What would you like The Librarian to tackle in any future sequel?
No! Please-no sequel!
###
Bonnie Kunzel
Past President - YALSA
Trenton, NJ
I loved "The Librarian" and am delighted to have an opportunity to let you know how much fun I thought it was.
3 Stars (out of four) for movie
4 Stars (out of four) for librarian makeover.
(Not since Buffy left network TV and we lost Giles have I had so much fun with a librarian on television.)
Brief review:
In a delightfully campy spoof of the Indiana Jones genre, Noah Wylie (a Renaissance Man if ever there was one) wins a job at the Metropolitan Public Library. Bob Newhart and Jane Curtin are perfect foils for his bumbling bravery and brilliant problem-solving technique. The female lead (sorry, I can't remember her name) was gorgeous, with a terrific kick-butt attitude and the gymnastic skills to carry it off. The Spear that drew Christ's blood is the object of the quest, but any excuse would be fine with me. And I do so hope the problem at the end really does appear in a sequel -- the search for H. G. Well's stolen time machine and a promised battle with time-jumping Ninja assassins. I can't wait.
What I liked about the lead character.
To begin with I was delighted to see Noah Wylie in the role. He's suffered more than enough angst for anyone in his years on ER. It's time to let him kick back and have some fun, which he appeared to be doing throughout the role. I love the image of "The Librarian" as hero -- standing strong against the forces or evil; using his brains and his knowledge -- of the head and of the heart -- to get them out of one tight squeeze after another. He's honorable and likeable and knowledgeable and he won't stop until he solves the problem. I especially loved the fact that he carried a book with him throughout this series of adventures. True it was written in the language of the birds -- but he broke the code and then was the only one who could interpret the text and use it to guide them to the the other pieces of the spear.
The most "real" aspect of the film
The awe he experiences when he first enters the library. His horror when his professor tells him he has to stop hiding behind his student persona. His indignation at the fact that his professor only gave him an A- in his last course -- obviously the man was a dyed-in-the-wool villain. His curiosity when surrounded by all the precious artifacts at his new job (and the fact that he couldn't keep his hands off.) Bringing coffee to Jane Curtin, in spite of the way she treated him.
What I would have loved to have seen shown in the film
More shots of the library and what he actually has to do there -- in addition to going out to save the world. More of his relationship with his sidekick/romantic interest. More of his bewildered coming to realize that he has taken on the mantle of a person of consequence -- that being "The Librarian" is a hard act to follow, but that he is capable of doing so. More of the hints that Bob Newhart gave him -- by appearing on TV or whatever. In fact, more of a sidekick role for Bob Newhart. He was terrific in the final battle, knocking out one villain after another. But then as he pointed out, he was a librarian in his own right. What fun!
What would I like to see him tackle in the future:
First and foremost the Time-Machine theft and the Ninja attack. Then the sky's the limit. Any famous artifact anywhere in the world is fair game. Maybe the Quest for the missing Holy Grail? Or an artifact from a mummy's tomb? Sunken treasure? He went so many places in the first episode. But he could always go back to the same places and get help with new quests. There's so much Reality TV now; this is a welcome and much-needed antidote. We need lighthearted humor and impossible quests and cartoon-type violence. (Kelly Hu was terrific as the villainess -- maybe she could make a play for him again in a future episode.)
I haven't enjoyed a first episode of any show as much since Buffy. I'd love to see this one have the same kind of successful run.
I watched it several times (I love the fact that TNT does back-to-back broadcasts of shows) and enjoyed the repeats as much as the original.
###
Reviews from around the country:
ARIZONIA
Jack M. Guzman
Phoenix, AZ
The Security Guards in the movie should have silencers on the machine guns. After all...it is a Library...we can't be disturbing the patrons.
###
ARKANSAS
Bill Parton
Russellville, AR
Stars out of four for overall estimation of The Librarian
2 Stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in The Librarian
2 Stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer) :
Lightweight but entertaining spoof of action film genre. The film relied on a string of action film clichés (as a spoof should) to provide amusement, but it was too formulaic and shallow to warrant any serious analysis.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
He had an impressive encyclopedic store of information and occasionally demonstrated Holmesian powers of observation [but (in spite of his stylish appearance) seemed to be a fish-out-of-water socially].
What was the most real aspect of the film?
The willingness of a major metropolitan library to hire a non-librarian with extensive academic credentials and call him a 'librarian'.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
The Librarian putting in some time on the reference desk.
What would you like The Librarian to tackle in any future sequel?
Karl Rove's evil empire.
###
CALIFORNIA
Derek Antler
Del Mar, CA
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
3 Stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
4 Stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
The makers of the The Librarian seem to have had one primary aim, to make the librarian's occupation exciting and hip while keeping it exalted and hallowed. I've always known, as Flynn asserts at the end of the movie, that being a librarian is "actually kind of a cool job," and I didn't think the career needed such an extreme makeover - despite the fact that I enjoyed watching the hero jump out of an airplane, cross a raging waterfall, avoid speeding arrows, and endure various other adventures. The film's newly initiated librarian, along with several supporting characters, make deprecating comments about the profession, from the villain's exclamation, "You're the best they could come up with?!" to the librarian's humble wish to be "Flynn the not so embarrassing or Flynn the rather pleasant at parties." But ultimately, the librarian shatters all expectations, wins the woman, and earns the title of superhero. So if the filmmakers succeed in merging this fictional librarian's image with the public's real-life perception, they will have achieved a noble goal.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
His playfulness, curiosity, courage, ingenuousness - and his reluctant maturation.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
The exquisite physical danger with which librarians are daily confronted. But seriously, the story's most "real" aspect had to do with the character Nicole, who remained loyal to Flynn even though he entertained suspicions of being "cahooted." In this time of contorting plot twists in films, it was nice to have a somewhat stable story line without compromising interest.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
More shots of the librarians using computers and books. I would have liked to see more of the Secret Book's content - we only got flashes of it. And the "Surveillance Screen" was the only taste of technology we got to see the librarians use.
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
Judging from the tail-end of the script, the Time Machine of H. G. Wells is next. This vein could be a rich one. However, I would also like to see Flynn Carson in a period piece set not in the future but in Elizabethan or Victorian England. Perhaps we could then learn more about Nicole's backstory.
###
Kay Ikuta
Inglewood, CA
3 out of 4 stars for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
2 out of 4 stars for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
Movie review: presents a librarian as action hero & potential savior of the world. Is a cross between Katherine Neville's "The Eight" & the Indiana Jones adventures although not as lengthy or detailed. Admired the lead character's intelligence & constant thirst for knowledge. A bit nerdy but attractive & strong-willed.
Most "real" aspect of film was mention of both Dewey Decimal System & Library of Congress Classification (certainly not the endless queue of librarian applicants) Would have loved to see shown in the film somewhere a real library with a strong reference collection, computers & the buzz of patrons. The building, which was supposed to be a public library, looked like an empty museum.
In any future sequel "The Librarian" could tackle another theft of one of the other treasures or stop an evil hacker.
###
Shannon Sexton
Lancaster, CA
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
3 Stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
3 Stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
I enjoyed The Librarian. It portrayed librarians in a fresh light. Even though he was a "nerd" he showed the ability to overcome with brains and heart.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
I liked his desire to learn and the way he was intrigued by the puzzles put before him. Like a librarian he was seeking the answers to questions.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
The librarian needed to learn and adapt quickly to the situation around him. He was also underestimated because of his profession.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
I would liked to have seen the librarian have a degree in Librarianship, I would also liked to see him portray his "day job" as a regular librarian.
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future
sequel?
Wow, it could be pretty much anything, perhaps something to do with library history such a as a story about the Alexandria Library.
###
Corinda Humphrey
Long Beach, CA
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian."
1.5 Stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in The Librarian:
3 Stars - he was a cute guy
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
A cliche-filled script and silly CGI effects do not resurrect the image of librarians in the real world. This movie must be aimed at children, but then it was aired too late at night for them to watch it. The lead character was supposed to be very smart and had memorized many facts, but their application to a "Raiders of the Lost Ark" adventure did not do anything for the image of librarians utilizing their problem-solving skills in real life situations. The mean female library recruiter character did not advance librarians' image in any way either.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
Nothing
What was the most real aspect of the film?
N/A
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
Something relating to actual librarians.
What would you like The Librarian to tackle in any future sequel?
N/A
###
Cherice Hall
Los Angeles, CA
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
2 Stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
2 Stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
"The Librarian" is a predictable collage of several science fantasy movies of the last two decades. I happen to like science fantasy so I found it pleasurable. It had no foul language, graphic sex or violence. How refreshing!
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
Brilliant but humble is so attractive in a man. Oh, and that boyish face, of course!
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
When the lead character was being interviewed for the position he named setting up RSS as one of his librarian abilities.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
Better female roles-more realistic-better dialogue. A walk-on role for Harrison Ford.
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
Current government conspiracy theories, the ramifications of the Patriot Act.
###
Nancy Norris, M.L.S.
Los Angeles, CA
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
2.5 Stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
2.5 Stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
Geared towards a younger audience, except for rather slow pace. Too much talk and not enough clarity. Nice turn by Bob Newhart as an exMarine/Librarian. Doesn't replace Goldie Hawn's librarian in Foul Play for showing a "librarian."
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
Nice comedic turn by Noah Wylie. Nerd-factor nice.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
Realism doesn't seem to have been the point.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
Something showing how a librarian rather than a "Mr. Know-It-All" might solve a problem. Librarians' talents are not knowing everything, but knowing how to find the answer to everything. It would be fun (and educational) for the audience to see how that works the way good mysteries work.
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
There could be a more fun balance between the "real" vs the "magic real". I'd prefer less mumbo-jumbo, quasi-religiosity.
###
Barbara Eales
Oxnard, CA
DMLIS student at University of WA - degree to be awarded at the end of THIS
quarter (woohooo!)
Library Tech at Ventura County Library, Camarillo branch - 3 years
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
2 1/2 stars overall
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
3 1/2 stars for librarian makeover - would have been 4 except all the librarians were men (or was Jane Curtain a librarian? It wasn't mentioned though she had that typical librarian look/behavior).
Review: Nice, light adventure romp with good balance of action and humor. Bob Newhart was the key ingredient to making this a sucessful presentation and Jane Curtain sealed it. If the humor hadn't been there.... well, let's not say. Great oneliners at key moments such as, "I believe this belongs to the library." Nice portrayal of the librarian as a somewhat cool nerd.
Most real aspect: The invitation to be interviewed. Ahem. Perhaps the speaking of "secrets" only the librarian knows (too bad, because we will share those secrets!) and the really cool - wish I worked there - underground library.
Would have loved to have seen that one actually must have a MLIS degree from an ALA accredited university to become a librarian, even if one has 22 other degrees.
Would like to see "The Librarian" travel into cyberspace using his knowledge of network connections, database structure, and MARC records to mine accurate retrieval of authoritative, relevant, timely answers amid all the garbage. A sort of TRON-like Incredible Journey ("But wait, is this journal peer-reviewed?")
###
Kathy L. Haug
Richmond, CA
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
4 stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
4 stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
Flynn, a young man who loves learning (he has 22 college degrees)lacks direction until he is offered a job as "The Librarian." He goes on a quest to find the missing pieces of "the spear of destiny" before it can be used by evildoers to conquer the world. Using a book filled with clues he must interpret, he travels the Amazon and the Himalayas with a bodyguard named Nicole. Together they save the world, and Flynn convinces his mother that being a Librarian is a cool job.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
Flynn showed how fun it can be to find answers to questions because they are interesting, not just for school or work purposes. Also the "Indiana Jones" feel of the movie and that Flynn needed a bodyguard who happened to be female.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
For the public -- people not understanding that being a Librarian is a cool job.
For myself -- the joy of finding answers to intriguing questions and using the information "for good" (helping people).
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
Children being helped by a Librarian somehow.
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
Alice in Wonderland, King Arthur, Dracula, or Sherlock Holmes theme. I hope there are sequels because it could be a boon to our recruitment efforts if people start thinking of librarianship as an exciting and interesting career.
###
Brenna and Barbara Ring
San Diego, CA
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
2 Stars - It was fine if you liked the action genre.
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
1 Star
The movie upheld the following myths:
1) Librarians do not need degrees in library science to be librarians (the lead character had 22 or so degrees but none were stated to be in library science).
2) Libraries only have books. (The emphasis in the movie was on books. The lead character only made one reference to online searching and resources. The overwhelming evidence was that librarianship only deals with books).
3) Librarians know everything. Librarianship deals only with arcane knowledge. It has nothing to do with searching for information.
4) Librarians have read and love all classics. They only read the "best literature". (The lead character knew Shakespeare well).
5) Modern librarianship has nothing to do with computers, helping people with their email, teens, kids, current social problems, etc.
6) Libraries look like museums. The lead character was more of an archivist than a true librarian.
7) Librarians are bunglers and nerds. To make a librarian into an action hero is a "funny" idea.
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
The Librarians" is a light-hearted version of Raiders of the Lost Ark. What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
He was likable and he valued knowledge, reading, and books.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
The lead character wanted to go to a bookstore. Little in the film was meant to be taken seriously.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
Realities of modern librarianship.
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
The lead character had "22" degrees. Having multiple degrees (as long as one is in library science) is actually a good basis for being a librarian because it is easier to find information if you have some understanding of the topic. Someone with that background would be a good reference librarian. See the comic book series known as "Unshelved" for what a public reference librarian's life is like.
###
Ida Z. daRoza
San Francisco, CA
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
4 Stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
2 Stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
An academic with no direction in life is mysteriously invited to interview for a librarian position. He is hired for academic prowess and sent to recover a piece that is stolen from the library the day after he is hired. He has a female bodyguard and there are some super girl on girl kung fu fights. There are also great cheesy memorable lines, like ..."wow, don't underestimate the librarian." Should become a librarian cult classic.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
Flynn Carsen is a great looking and brilliant guy. He's not really a librarian, but an extreme academic. Many librarians are this way, academic I mean, not the attractive part. That's what makes it a great fantasy.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
Not one thing really, that's why it was fun.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
A library or librarian
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
I'd like to see him doing some public library service, helping patrons with tough questions. Helping the crazy difficult patrons that come into libraries, etc.
###
Clare Watsky
MLIS student
San Francisco, CA
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
2.5 stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
2 stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
A fun spoof of Indiana Jones, the title character a geeky perennial student who becomes "the librarian," the curator of a secret collection of treasures in the basement of a city library. The plot has some rather big holes but there's a snappy pace and great bits of dialogue, especially from supporting big names in comedy Bob Newhart and Jane Curtin.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
Pretty darn cute for a "geek." He is consistently sincere, humble about
his intellectual gifts, and a lifelong learner.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
The part that was true to librarianship was the title character's love of learning. (The negative side of that is the perennial student who is emotionally stunted--a stereotype that I suppose is sometimes associated with librarianship)
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
I would like the film to have shown how saving all these treasures was improving people's lives. I would like to the librarian to have shown some of the commitment to public service that motivates most people who go into library work--sharing knowledge with the world. The film showed the stereotype of librarians as introverted hoarders--the guy is going to spend his life down in a basement with treasures that no one else can see or touch (with brief forays to save more treasures in order to bring them back to the underground secret library).
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
I would like to see the show take on some of the real issues of librarianship--censorship, access to information, etc. In a fun way of course. Maybe the library's funding would be cut and The Librarian could take on City Hall.
###
Kerry Spears
SJSU MLIS Student,
San Pedro, CA
Stars (out of four) for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
4 stars
Stars (out of four) for librarian image makeover of "The Librarian"
4 stars
Brief movie review:
After earning 22 master's degrees, the title character is forced to leave school to join the "real world." While unpacking his books, he discovers a mysterious invitation to apply for a "prestigious position" at the Metropolitan Library. Selected for the position of "The Librarian," protector of the cultural treasures from all civilizations, he is off on an exciting adventure in the real world where he earns the respect and love of an amazing woman and, working as a team member, saves the world from evil.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
- Use of humor in even tense situations
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
- The librarian's answers to questions and problems solved were based on professional knowledge and education and he cited the sources
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
- I'm glad that computers weren't shown in this one.
What would you like to see "The Librarian" tackle in any future sequel?
- Some of the themes that Matthew Battles discussed in his book Libraries: an unquiet history like the building and then destruction of libraries and how book burning has been used throughout history to attempt to rewrite or erase
###
Alicia Yao
Sierra Madre, CA
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
Though he was a good-looking geek, I admired his ability for observation, skill in analysis and his dumb luck or courage to survive the obstacles.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
His mother's relationship seemed the most realistic.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
I would have liked to see a child's joy of reading anywhere in the film.
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
technology
FLORIDA
Raechel Gump
Leesburg, FL
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
3 Stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
3 Stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
This was a fun filled fantasy. It made me smile and giggle and say "I want to be THAT kind of librarian." Although very unbelievable, this was a very lighthearted film. Not atypical of life in the library and very cheesy, but a good kind of cheesy.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
Noah Wyle made the character believable and fun.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
The profession student ends up as a librarian.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
Something like library work: real research using several sources or cataloging.
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
An inventory that goes wrong and he finds things either miscataloged or missing and he has to get a Technical Specialist to help him sort out the problem.
###
Alexandra Olson
Miami, FL
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
3 stars out of 4
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
3 star out of 4
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
Its great to see movies out there about our line of work. Librarianship tends to be very misunderstood. I think the film takes a whimsical view of our profession and Noah Wiley does a great job, portraying an all-knowing librarian. Even though the film does go a bit over the top, it's a fun adventure.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
Noah Wiley does an excellent job. He is brilliant but has a comical side.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
The fact that librarians know everything and that we are all part of a secret society. No, but seriously, the most "real" aspect of the film was the fact that librarians play an important role in our society, they are the keepers of knowledge, the guardians of the written word.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
N/A
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future
sequel?
N/A
###
Jim Teske
Tampa, FL
I watched an hour and gave up, my wife didn't last that long and she is as close as we get to a librarian in this family.
I'd give it, perhaps, two stars--being very kind.
It was kind of a teenaged-juvenile cross between Indiana Jones and The DaVinci Code, but nowhere close to either.
The lead was good, Jane Curtin was ok, Newhart was Newhart. The plot cruised between stupid and almost like the entire project was swept up from the cutting room floor and sliced together randomly; at least for the hour plus that I was in attendance. My wife opined that a rerun of Law and Order, which was pre-empted, would have been preferred.
No sequel is necessary.
###
GEORGIA
Cinder Suite
Adairsville,GA
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
Portrays the librarian as the keeper of all knowledge and guardian of antiquities. The Librarian is sent on a quest to rescue the pieces of a sword from an evil gang who would use the sword's power to do evil. The triumph of good over evil, with the use of knowledge instead of brute strength is refreshing. I will look forward to any sequels. Good clean-cut family fun!
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
His ability to come up with the facts he needs to solve the problem at hand. Also his vulnerability and naïveté mixed with the pure wonder and awe with which he appreciates his collection.
Noah Wylie is perfect for the part as he retains that boy-like wonder necessary to the believability of the character.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
The fact that a similar collection is probably held somewhere.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
More of the collection.
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
Search for Atlantis, or an Inca Codex, or the Lost Dutchman Mine
###
Tom Budlong
Atlanta, GA
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
3 Stars
Stars out of four for the librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
3 Stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
"The Librarian" was a fun and clever take on the Indiana Jones concept with a librarian as the smart but bungling hero. There was a lot clever dialog involving "inside" jokes about historical and literary references such as the Ark of the Covenant, Pandora's Box, and the Goose that Laid the Golden Egg. I'm sure reference librarians everywhere got a kick of guessing them. The action was good and watching The Librarian use his superior knowledge rather than might to outwit the bad guys was fun. Jane Curtain and Bob Newhart provided excellent comic relief and the required quirky romance with the hero ended well for both which pleased his overly protective mother, Olympia Dukakis. It wasn't great but was a pleasant evening's entertainment.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
Noah Wylie's character certainly broke the stereotype image for for librarians, being a handsome young male. While still somewhat of a nerd, he proved that "knowledge is power" using his extensive book knowledge to solve problems.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
The story was somewhat fantastical, but showing that librarians are really smart and can use their reference skills to solve problems was about as close to reality as it got.
What would you have loved to seen shown in the film somewhere?
There were indications that the lead character had a lot of degrees, but never mentioned that one of them was a library degree! It didn't ring true that a huge line of people would line up to apply for a job as "The" librarian in a huge old public library without having a library degree. The general public would never guess that you needed special skills other than being generally well educated to be a librarian.
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
I would like to see "The Librarian" tackle a case involving censorship or the suppression of information in some way. The villains could somehow trample on the good peoples' rights a la the USA Patriot Act.
###
Nick Fogarty
Canton, GA
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
3 Stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
3 Stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
I had expected not to enjoy the movie, but I did stick with it for the full 2 hours. I thought the characters were well defined. Wyle and Olympia Dukakis were both very good as was the female lead. The special effects were great. The overall image of "Librarian" was not overdone, but was done in a positive fashion (although he just as easily could have been a museum currator). I had to draw an assumption that one of his many degrees was an MLS, since I never heard that stated. All of a sudden, he just "became the librarian."
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
Although the lead character was referred to as a "geek," he certainly is not the stereotypical librarian we've seen in the media and on TV commercials. The viewer had empathy for him.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
The interaction between Flynn and his mother
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
Tone down the first scene with Jane Curtin. That character and scene introduces an atmosphere of the library as cold and harsh. Her character and scenes, though well done, didn't do much to advance the plot or set a positive tone.
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
Screenwriters did a good job. Leave it to their imaginations (use, or keep using, librarians as advisors or reviewers).
###
Katie Cargle
Roswell, GA
I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.
I thought "The Librarian" was a fun and exciting program.
Noah was a good choice for the "librarian" just handsome and smart enough to be believable. His being unsure of himself but willing to try things was great.
Nothing was particularly "real" but that was a plus to me. I like the unbelievable in this type of story. I guess the jungle scenes looked "real" they looked believable. I liked the way the computer generated stuff was used along with what looked like real scenery.
I would love to see something in or from a big, major library in the USA, the Library of Congress or the library at Harvard or Yale. I don't think most people have ever seen those places. It would be fun for something exciting to happen in one. This could also be in a local public or school library, especially a small town. Most people never think of anything exciting happening in a library.
Overall, I liked the program and hope there are more to come.
###
ILLINOIS
Bernadine Reid
Burbank IL
Stars for overall estimation-
4 Stars
Stars for librarian image makeover-
4 Stars
Brief Movie review-
"The Librarian was an informative, funny, entertaining movie with Noah Wylie portraying a "Librarian" newly hired by the Metropolitan Library in New York, to take care of the treasures of the world. The treasures included, the arc of the covenant, King Arthur's sword, Pandora's Box and a part of the spear that pierced the heart of Jesus on the cross.
A group of thieves stole the part of the spear in the library, to search for the rest of the spear to gain tremendous power, the group was headed by the former "librarian", who was thought to be killed. It became the Librarian's job to search for the spear and bring it back to the library.
The search was exciting and funny, with 'the Librarian" using references from many, many books he read in his lifetime for clues to the recovery. He also carried a book of clues, written in the language of the birds that he deciphered and used throughout the movie.
What I admired about the character:
I was glad to see "the Librarian' refer many times to the knowledge of books and how all of his reading contributed to his knowledge.
The most "real" aspect of the film
The knowledge gained from books, and when the Director said to the librarian, "I hope you saved your receipts".
What I would have loved to see in the film:
More realistic pictures of the Amazon jungle, they looked fake.
What I would like the sequel to tackle:
Some of the facts about where all the artifacts came from, and who brought them to the library.
###
Darlene
Chicago, IL
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
2 Stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
2 Stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
I thought that this was more of an action adventure movie then showing a librarian's skills in reason and deduction.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
Handsome
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
I did not see one.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
More librarians using their skills.
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
I don't think that should happen.
###
Dr. Alva R. Caldwell
Evanston, IL
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
3 Stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
4 Stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
Unfortunately, The Librarian continues to perpetrate the notion that libraries are warehouses where the treasures are locked securely away and the public can neither get to the treasures or even know of their existence. The Bob Newhart character appears and disappears in time, space, and various media as the public assumes librarians are from other parallel universe. Jane Curtin gives a hilarious appearance as the traditional stereotypical "shhh, be quiet" librarian. Noah Wyle and Sonya Walger certainly break all stereotypes about librarians! Bring them back!
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
His vast knowledge and his willingness to learn from others
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
Forcing the perpetual student into a job.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
People using the library
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
The Treasure Pit on Oak Island in Nova Scotia where no one has been able to reach the bottom of the Treasure Pit which may hold "Shakespeare's original manuscripts, or the Inca Treasures, or ???"
###
Ann Duncan-Gibbs
Evanston, IL
Overall Estimation of the Librarian:
3 out of 4 stars for the movie overall
Image of the Librarian:
2 stars out of four for the image of the librarian. It is still a somewhat sterotypical portrayal of the bumbling, overly intelligent librarian. Much better than some, though.
Brief movie review:
Very fun movie. It has a very campy type of humor, and it is very clear that Noah Wyle as the Librarian, is very willing to laugh at himself which makes him an endearing character. This would make a great tv series.
Admire or enjoy about the lead character:
I appreciate the fact that the lead character is admired for his intelligence. It seems in this day and age that "average" is often good enough. In many schools and throughout our society, we are encouraged to just get by, don't work any harder than is necessary, and certainly, don't think too much. Also, it's nice to see a librarian appreciated.
Most real aspect of the film:
Some of the scenery was very nice. Some of the special effects were ok. I was a nice touch to use the same Ark of the Covenant that was in Indiana Jones.
Loved to see in the film somewhere:
I think having a call number label on the Spear of Destiny label at the end would have been a nice touch. Or perhaps a copy of LCSH sitting somewhere.
Future sequels:
In the future, the Fountain of Youth or El Dorado might make an amusing quest. Perhaps Noah's ark would also be a potential subject. I would definitely like to see this turned into a series.
###
Patti Fleser
Highland Park, IL
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
3 out of 4 stars (2 out of 4 if you took the movie too seriously)
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
3 out of 4 stars (see above)
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
This light-hearted movie shows how a "permanent student" with an encyclopedia of knowledge lands himself a job at a city library as "The Librarian" who is charged with protecting the treasures of history and the world. If you watched "The Librarian" to see what a librarian's job is like, then this movie wasn't for you. If you watched the librarian to simply have fun and laugh at the stereotypes often given to librarians, then you were probably satisfied.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
I admired that the lead character Flynn could laugh at himself; he didn't take himself too seriously.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
The most real aspect of the film is the theme that librarians DO know quite a lot, they ARE helpful in all types of situations, and they ARE, at times, over worked.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
I would have liked to see that a Librarian does live a "normal" life. We are not all geeky, anti-social people who can't function as anything else. We CHOOSE to serve the community as librarians. (Though I was glad to see he DID get the beautiful girl in the end!)
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
If a sequel is produced, I'd like to see more use of the librarian's wealth of knowledge in more fun and entertaining Indian Jones-like chases.
###
Melissa Henderson
Children's Librarian
Libertyville, IL
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
3 Stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
3.5 stars out of 4 ... Carsen, the new librarian a young man (not an old woman). There wasn't a bun in sight. No shushing! And Bob Newhart, as a past librarian, certainly was one tough cookie!
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
A fun (sometimes silly) action adventure in which a brave and brawny beauty works alongside a librarian with encyclopedic knowledge to overcome the forces of evil to save the world. Along the way, there is great scenery, assorted double-crosses and a few surprises.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
His appreciation of life-long learning ... and that his knowledge was of critical importance in the quest. His enthusiasm and willingness to pursue his adventure (once he got started!) His sense of humor (a key asset in the work of a librarian).
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
The work of a librarian requires a depth and breadth of knowledge. A librarian never knows what she is going to run into on any given day. The library is a magical place full of powerful knowledge.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
Not quite so many evil female characters
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
Something related to the Arthurian Legend; lots of fun stuff to work with (Holy Grail, Round Table, Glastonbury Tor, Camelot, Avalon, Merlin, Morgan Le Fey). Another idea could be the search for Atlantis or another lost civilization.
###
Elaine Knight
Lincoln IL
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
2 Stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
1 Star
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer:
This Indiana Jones rip-off reinforces all the stereotypes it purports to challenge. Librarians, according to Flynn's example, are bookish nerds with limited people skills, given to spouting all manner of arcane facts but lacking in practical knowledge. No experience is necessary for the job. ("I've never worked in a library before," Flynn confides.) Furthermore, the library itself is a secretive place, isolated from the real world. ("Librarians are the only ones who know it exists.") While the film was mildly amusing as a made-for-cable potboiler, Flynn won't do for librarianship what Indy did for archaeology.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
Not much. He is a feckless professional student who has never held a job before, has no experience in library work and may not even be credentialed. (He has 22 academic degrees, but I heard no mention that any one of them was in library science, ALA-accredited or not :-) !) He has no personal life and no skill at relating to other people. This is hardly someone who I would consider a stereotype-busting librarian!
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
Again, very little. Even the legends of the objects in the library were altered to provide some cheap laughs. Excalibur wouldn't be found stuck in a stone as it was returned to the Lady of the Lake at Arthur's death (or his departure for Avalon, depending on the version of the legend one prefers.) Pandora's box released evil into the world forever, not just for 1000 years--and would now contain only Hope--the one item that remained when the evils and cares escaped.
While these are minor points, the whole production shows a similar lack of cohesiveness. Other examples of inconsistency abound--If only the librarians know about the library, what do they tell the security guards? If the Spear of Destiny was too powerful to be kept intact before it was stolen, why is it OK to display AFTER thieves have got to it once?
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
Some evidence that Flynn actually used librarian's skills in the quest. His contributions were almost always memorized trivia, reinforcing the idea that librarians are walking encyclopedias. Note to TNT--that's not what "information specialist" means!
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
Please--no sequels! Once was mildly funny, but enough is enough!
###
Gina Sheade
Lincolnshire, IL
I saw the movie - here are my responses.
1. STARS OUT OF FOUR FOR OVERALL ESTIMATION - 2
2. STARS OUT OF FOUR FOR LIBRARIAN IMAGE MAKEOVER - 4
3. BRIEF MOVIE REVIEW - Outrageous but fun
4. ADMIRED OR ENJOYED MOST ABOUT LEAD CHARACTER - his apparent vast knowledge of ancient languages and civilizations; plus he's really cute!
5. MOST "REAL" ASPECT OF THE FILM - Can't think of a thing that seemed real!
6. WOULD HAVE LOVED TO SEE SHOWN - Flynn's MLS Degree and some "real" librarians at work, helping him with his quest
7. WOULD LIKE "THE LIBRARIAN" TO TACKLE IN THE FUTURE - The scariest monsters of all - Librarian Salaries From the Abyss!
###
INDIANA
Mechael D. Charbonneau
Bloomington, IN
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
Really bad -- no stars. A terrible "Indiana Jones" wanna be movie.
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
Interesting, but still didn't do much to improve our image! "I can do Dewey, LC classification, web searches. -- Everyone can do that -- the are all librarians."
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
Would have been nice if the facts of the movie were at least true. Just some things off the top of my head:
- You cannot view the northern constellation from the Southern Hemisphere (they were in the Amazon jungle, weren't they?)
- The Mayans were never in the Amazon jungle region.
- When spoken to in Portuguese, one does not answer in Spanish.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
Well, he was cute, but that was about it.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
Way too much fantasy. I don't know if anything would be considered as "real."
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
No idea ...
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future sequel?
No more, PLEASE!
###
Michele Fenton
Indianapolis, IN
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
1 out of 4 stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
4 out of 4 stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
I didn't find this movie to be as good as the advertisements made it out to be. The advertisements made it seem like you were getting "Indiana Jones" when all you were getting was a waste of film. I would have preferred Sonia Walger's character to be the librarian. She was much stronger and more sure of herself. She seemed more the hero, whereas Noah Wylie's character was more the stupid sidekick.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
He was nice to look.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
The bookshelves were the most "real" aspect of the film.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
A better storyline.
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future
sequel?
Nothing. As bad as this film was, there's no need for a sequel.
###
Janet Wallace, Library Director
Shelbyville, IN
Stars out of four for overall estimation of "The Librarian"
4 Stars
Stars out of four for librarian image makeover in "The Librarian"
4 Stars
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
The Librarian is a story of a professional student who becomes "The Librarian" of rare artifacts. He then has to find a missing spear which he does because he has the knowledge to uncover the clues.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
He could find out the answers by research and study.
What was the most "real" aspect of the film?
Knowledge can be the key to uncovering the answers.
What would you have loved to see shown in the film somewhere?
N/A
What would you like "The Librarian" to tackle in any future
sequel?
More of the same! Good movie.
###
IOWA
Laura Walth
Des Moines, Iowa
One star being worst and four being best:
One star for overall estimation of The Librarian
One star for librarian image makeover in The Librarian
Brief movie review (5 lines or fewer):
As a professional librarian I felt the movie was an insult to the profession. It was so poorly written and directed it made fools out of the professional actors who couldn't even salvage this show. The original writer may have had a better story, but this production was so unbelievable and corny it ruined what may have originally been a good story.
What did you admire or enjoy most about the lead character?
I would have enjoyed the character more if they hadn't portrayed him as a nerd. He seemed like a good actor that was forced into a role of comedy that was not comical. It was corny.
What was the most real aspect of the film?
There was no real aspect of the film. How could someone as young as The Librarian receive 22 degrees by his age? It portrayed a false image of what libraries and librarians are really about. It was like someone's fantasy of libraries that had no connect