Classics: A Review of Death By Lightning By Lauren Ennis

 "Assassinations can be no more guarded against than death by lightning; it is best not to worry too much about either" President James Garfield infamously said. Tragically, he could not have been more wrong. 2025's Netflix drama Death By Lightning chronicles Garfield's unlikely meteoric rise from obscure congressman to president and his tragic fall to an assassin's bullet. At once a compelling portrait of a largely forgotten chapter of US history and an eerily prescient warning for the present, Death By Lightning truly captures lightning in a bottle.

"I have never had the presidential fever; not even for one day"

The story begins in the 1960's with National Archives employees discovering the brain of Charles Guiteau. The series then flashes back to 1880 with Guiteau drifting between jail, local communes, and his sister's sofa as he searches for his call to greatness. Meanwhile, congressman James Garfield resists his call to greatness when he is recruited to speak at the Republican National Convention. After a barn-burner speech the party turns its attention to the morally upright Garfield in hopes that he will rid the party of the corrupt spoils system. Guiteau witnesses Garfield's unlikely assent and does everything in his power to attach himself to the grassroots movement behind it. When Garfield ultimately wins the presidency Guiteau seeks what he believes is his rightful place in the new administration. Much to his dismay, he soon learns that there is no place for him in Washington. Meanwhile, Garfield struggles to fend off the rampant corruption in the capital and usher in the reforms that he promised voters. When the two cross paths the stage is set for an American tragedy.

In an era dominated by glamorized and sanitized portrayals of history Death By Lightning brings its tale to gritty, startlingly relevant, life. Rather than transporting viewers to a bygone era of polite manners and elegant costumes the series takes viewers on a journey into the darkest depths of American history. The series' portrait of the era's machine politics is at once fascinating and revolting. The blunt depiction of 'how the sausage gets made' in Washington proves to be both timeless and especially timely in today's political climate. Similarly, the depiction of Guiteau's grandeur-fueled descent into madness takes on an eerie resonance in the midst of influencer culture, as more people than ever desperately pursue their moment of fame. His turn from supporter to assassin proves especially visceral in a news cycle dominated by political violence. Even as it portrays some of the darkest aspects of American culture, however, the series still offers hope in its depiction of one man's efforts to make his country a better place. Experience American politics in all of its grit and glory in Death By Lightning.

"Mark my words, my name will be known one day all across this country"

The series transports viewers to the gritty streets of the 1880's America thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. Bradley Whitford blends charm with shrewdness as political kingmaker James Blaine. Betty Gilpin is a portrait of quiet strength as Garfield's wife, Lucretia. Nick Offerman expertly portrays Chester Arthur's evolution from corrupt, incompetent, congressman to reluctant leader. Shea Whigam makes for a villain viewers will love to hate as political boss Roscoe Conkling. Even in the midst of compelling supporting performances, however, the series belongs to Matthew Macfayden and Michael Shannon as Guiteau and Garfield. Shannon proves himself to be leading man material as he infuses Garfield with integrity, warmth, and unassuming charm. Macfayden steals each scene in which he appears in his manic depiction of Guiteau's delusional quest for greatness. What easily could have been a cartoonish caricature of a madman is in Macfayden's hands a nuanced and tragic portrayal of a man undone not only by mental illness but also by his all too relatable desire to be somebody.

Through its depiction of one of America's forgotten tragedies Death By Lightning delivers four of the most compelling hours of television in recent years. The script portrays the stranger than fiction history of the Garfield assassination with startling accuracy while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The performances bring the cast of historical characters to vivid, breathing, life. For truly electrifying viewing tune in to Death By Lightning.

"Here and only here, a man can be anyone"

Podcast with a Fellow Middle-Grade Author!

 Hello Readers,

I just couldn't resist sharing my latest podcast appearance with Isabelle Knight. She's a fellow middle-grade author and an emerging talent to be on the watch for!

https://www.youtube.com/@isabelleknightbooks

Wishing Shelf Awards Finalist!

 Hello readers,

I'm thrilled to announce that A Boy's Best Comrade has been named a finalist in the 2025 Wishing Shelf Book Awards. Wish me luck in the finals next month!

Award Finalist!

 Hello Readers,

I have exciting news. A Boy's Best Comrade was chosen as a finalist in the 2025 Reader Views Reviewers Choice Awards in the Young Readers category. I sure didn't see this coming when I got the idea reading a dog trivia calendar! https://readerviews.com/literaryawards/winners/2025-category/#childrens-categories

Classics: A Review of A Face in the Crowd By Lauren Ennis

 "I'm not just an entertainer, I'm an influence, a wielder of opinion, I'm a force!" declares television host and rising populist political star Lonesome Rhodes. In its depiction of Rhodes' fictional meteoric rise and inevitable fall 1957's A Face in the Crowd predicted the modern media and political landscapes, offering a dire warning against both. Considered both a critical and commercial flop by its contemporaries the film has since gone on to obtain classic status as it continues to gain in relevancy with each passing year. Follow the road to stardom with Lonesome Rhodes in A Face in the Crowd.

The story begins with ambitious radio producer, Marcia, on the search for 'the next big thing'. While recording a segment at an Arkansas jail she encounters drifter Larry Rhodes. While Rhodes is an obvious drunken lout, Marcia sees potential in his folksy charisma and southern charm. She soon books him on a segment in Memphis in which his humorous ad-libbing and politically tinged music leaves the audience captivated when a stunt against the show's sponsors leads to increased ratings and sales the station realizes that Rhodes' full persuasive powers. He is then offered his own show in New York City, catapulting him to national stardom. His celebrity status inspires a national movement and puts him on the road to a political career. As his fame increases, however, so to does his callousness, recklessness, and need for power. It's up to Marcia to expose the monster that she's created before it's too late.

Panned by critics and audiences for its naturalistic performances and bleak tone A Face in the Crowd was an unquestionable flop upon its release. In the decades that followed, however, the film has gone on to attain classic status and it's little wonder why. In its depiction of Rhodes' meteoric rise and inevitable fall the film expertly captures the fickle nature of celebrity and the manipulative power of the media. Beyond merely commenting on the failings of its time the film uncannily predicts the modern media landscape. For example Rhodes; folksy television chats remarkably resemble the modern fascination with unscripted programming offered by reality tv. Similarly, the grass roots movement that he inspires eerily parallels the phenomenon of online influencers. Through its portrayal of his foray into politics the film mirrors our own political landscape in which politicians rely upon celebrity endorsements and hire influencers to official positions. Perhaps most prescient is the way in which Rhodes' appeal to the 'common man' of rural America foreshadows the rise of populist politics across the globe. Beyond merely commenting upon the changing media and political landscapes the film offers a dire warning against giving in to them which has only become more relevant with every passing year. Witness the dazzle and darkness of modern media with Lonesome Rhodes in A Face in the Crowd.

I'm not just an entertainer. I'm an influence, a wielder of opinion, a force... a force!

Each member of the cast offers a tour de force performance. Anthony Franciosa is the epitome of sleaze as Rhodes' smarmy manager. Lee Remick aptly balances naivete with sex appeal as Rhodes' teen fan turned wife, Betty Lou. Walter Mathau blends integrity with grit as television writer turned crusading journalist, Mel. Patricia Neal is captivating in her portrayal of Marcia as a capable, modern ,woman nearly undone by the manipulations of a common grifter. Andy Griffith is a revelation in his magnetic turn as Rhodes. 

In just over two hours A Face in the Crowd captures the emerging media phenomenon of its time while eerily predicting our own. The biting script predicts everything from reality tv to social medial to the reemergence of political populism with uncanny prescience. The performances bring each of the characters to life iwth a depth and nuance that ensure each of the characters is fully three dimensional. At once perfectly capturing its era and entirely ahead of its time, A Face in the Crowd still stands out from the crowd nearly seventy years after its release.

 Good Night you stupid idiots. Good Night, you miserable slobs.

Sample Pages!

 Dear readers,

Thank you for all of your support! To show my appreciation I'm sharing sample pages of my new graphic novel Daughters of Attrition.

                            As their world unravels two girls find strength in each other

                          In the face of oppression Noor and Laila find freedom in their imaginations and comics!

The Big Day!

 Hello readers,

Just a heads up that my graphic novel Daughters of Attrition is now available via ebook and will be available via print tomorrow! The story follows the friendship between two young girls set against the backdrop of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan.

https://www.amazon.com/Daughters-Attrition-Lauren-Ennis-ebook/dp/B0GLFR898P/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DVK49D9EXG5R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DDOlpJF6ulb25nwQ8gFKkM_NBNWn-ao2dzScnUlKQJzGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.ijE1c_RtoGP_5BAUkOD0YqDSPTserBhDGKeTAWXpQlA&dib_tag=se&keywords=daughters+of+attrition&qid=1770675254&sprefix=%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-1

Classics: A Review of Fatal Attraction By Lauren Ennis

 Where is the line between love and lust? Or, better yet, where is the line between love and hate? These are the questions that lie at the heart of the 1987 thriller Fatal Attraction. Shocking, scintillating, and suspenseful, the film captures the danger in giving in to desire. For a Valentine's Day that 'can't be ignored' join Alex and Dan in Fatal Attraction.

Scaring straying husbands straight since 1987

The story begins with successful attorney Dan Gallagher enjoying a stable but predictable life with his wife and young daughter. When his wife and daughter leave town for a family visit he crosses paths with book editor Alex Forest. Stifled by his humdrum existence he gives in to temptation and has what he believes is a one night stand with her. It becomes apparent that she has other plans when she insists that he spend the following day with her. He soon learns that she is deeply troubled when she attempts suicide after he remains firm in his intention to return home to his family. Despite his repeated rejections Alex continues to pursue Dan with increasingly desperate methods that ultimately turn dangerous. What ensues is a game of cat and mouse that takes the term pot-boiler to a whole new level.

Fatal Attraction sets itself apart from both romances and erotic thrillers in its unabashed celebration of the stability of family life. Whereas most romances would have depicted Dan and Alex's affair as an empowering, intoxicating, experience the film depicts it as ultimately empty and harmful. Similarly, while romance would have justified Dan's infidelity as a necessary respite from a family who don't understand or appreciate him the film instead depicts his dalliance as an act of selfishness and immaturity. Despite is sensual start the film also distinguishes itself from the erotic thrillers that would dominate the 1980's and 1990's by showing not only the allure of Alex's sexual assertiveness but following that trait to its terrifying conclusion. Fatal Attraction's depiction of its central pair's sordidness of the pair's tryst and its devastating consequences stands in stark contrast to its wholesome portrayal of Dan's family life. While the film aptly portrays his restlessness in his marriage it is the very predictable stability that he is trying to escape that he ultimately fights to return to. Whereas Alex represents the promise of excitement and danger Dan's wife, Beth, symbolizes the fulfillment of long-term commitment. Similarly, while Alex offers devilish temptation it is within Beth's quiet strength and moral fortitude that he ultimately finds his redemption. This Valentine's Day cuddle up with that special someone for dear life and enjoy a Fatal Attraction.

The film's lurid tale is brought to visceral life thanks to its stellar cast. Ellen Hamilton Latzen is a portrait of innocence as Dan's young daughter, Ellen. Anne Archer infuses Dan's loving wife, Beth, with warmth and charm. Michael Douglas makes for an amiable and relatable everyman as Dan. Glenn Close is a force of nature as the by turns charismatic, cloying, and utterly fatal Alex.

This cautionary tale of and lies is enough to keep many viewers safely home with their spouse. The script blends sensuality with suspense to take viewers on a journey into the darkest corners of the human heart. The performances bring the characters to at once relatable and terrifying life. This Valentine's Day discover just how much love can hurt in Fatal Attraction.

Love hurts

Calling all comics fans!

 Exciting news! The graphic novel adaptation of my screenplay, Daughters of Attrition, will be available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble February 10. The story follows two young girls as they find solace in friendship and imagination amidst the turmoil of the 2021 American withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Latest podcast appearance!

 Hello readers,

Be sure to check out my latest podcast appearance on Books, Brews, and Dogs' Indie Author Spotlight in which I discuss my debut novel, A Boy's Best Comrade!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrC36CgyIHM

Classics: A Review of The Black Cauldron By Lauren Ennis

 Over the course of more than a century Walt Disney Studios has become a media juggernaut synonymous with Western animation. Even as it has turned out decades of classics, however, the studio has not been without its struggles. One of its most dire moments came in the aftermath of its infamous flop The Black Cauldron. Infamous for being "the movie that almost killed Disney, film's blend of mature themes, relatable characters, and timeless lessons have earned it a cult following in the decades since its release. For a journey into the dark side of Disney, gaze into The Black Cauldron...if you dare.

The story begins in the fantasy world of Prydain (inspired by medieval Wales) where orphaned Taran dreams of leaving the farm where he lives with his guardian, Dallben the Enchanter. The adventure he craves soon arrives when Dallben reveals that their pet pig, Henwen, possesses psychic abilities. He goes on to explain that Henwen's powers have drawn the attention of the wicked Horned King. The Horned King hopes to utilize Henwen's powers to locate the black cauldron, a magical relic that can summon an army of the undead. Dallben instructs Taran to take Henwen into hiding. Almost as soon as his journey begins, however, he loses her to the Horned King's minions. So begins an epic journey that will take Taran literally to Hell and back as he struggles to stop the Horned King before it is too late.

While the film proved to be a critical and commercial failure upon its release, it has since gone on to gain a cult following, and it is easy to see why. In spite of its medieval setting populated with princesses and monsters, The Black Cauldron actually marks a stark departure from Disney's tried and true formula. The film features surprisingly mature themes including loss, self-sacrifice, and the pain of growing up. The film also sets itself apart from its contemporaries through its depiction of characters who are flawed, complex, and relatable. Rather than a noble hero, Taran is every bit as reckless self-involved, and stubborn as any other preteen. Through its focus upon a refreshingly realistic protagonist the film ensures that viewers will relate to Taran, and invest in his struggles. Similarly, the grounded foundation of his character makes his eventual evolution into a selfless friend and capable leader both believable and satisfying. The film also deviates from studio standards in its portrayal of plucky Princess Eilonwy. While Disney princesses are often criticized as helpless damsels, Eilonwy proves herself to be more than capable. For example, upon their first meeting it is Eilonwy who rescues a captured Taran and later acts as their group's co-leader. Perhaps the film's greatest surprise is the ultimate reveal of its true hero, the frightened, unassuming, but ultimately noble Gurgi. Through its depiction of Gurgi's heroism the film serves as an apt reminder that even the most seemingly insignificant amongst us cam make a difference. The film brings its innovative adventure to dazzling life thanks to some of the most intricate, ominous, and vibrant animation that the studio ever set to film. Follow the call to adventure with Taran with The Black Cauldron.

The film brings its story to brilliant life thanks to the work of its vocal cast. Freddie Jones imbues Dallben with warmth and wisdom. Nigel Hawthorne infuses hapless bard Fflewddur Fflam with comedic charm. Susan Sheridan perfectly captures Eilonwy's independence and intelligence while still highlighting her vulnerability. John Hurt is a nightmare worthy villain in his sinister turn as the Horned King. John Byner steals each scene in which he appears as the by turns adorable, comic, cowardly, and ultimately heroic woodland creature, Gurgi. Grant Bardsley makes for a relatable everyman as he aptly portrays Taran's evolution from reckless, selfish, child to mature, self-sacrificing, young man. 

At once a classic fantasy epic and a much needed shake-up of the Disney formula, The Black Cauldron remains one of the studio's most original and entertaining efforts. The script takes viewers on a rousing adventure while still imparting timeless lessons. The vocal performances and animation transport viewers into the fantastical world of Prydain. Embark upon the adventure of a lifetime with Taran in The Black Cauldron.

Second podcast appearance!

  Hello readers,

I just wanted to share my podcast debut with all of you on The Wandering Scribe in which I discuss my debut novel, A Boy's Best Comrade, and my writing process. I hope that you enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr5O2LYfdJQ&t=187s

An Exciting Announcement!

 Hello readers,

I just wanted to share my podcast debut with all of you on The Wandering Scribe in which I discuss historical fiction and history. I hope that you enjoy!

The Historians Lounge Season 4 Ep 1: History & Historical Fiction with Author Lauren Ennis

Classics: A Review of The Chipmunk Adventure By Lauren Ennis

 What would you do for $100,000? That is the question posed to the Chipmunks and Chippettes. So begins the wild, zany, and surprisingly heartfelt caper that is the Chipmunk adventure. Blending the Chipmunks signature charm with Jules Verne style globetrotting. The film takes viewers on an adventure they won't soon forget. Join Alvin, Simon, and Theodore for the adventure of a lifetime in the Chipmunk Adventure. 

Off to see the world

The story begins with Chipmunks' guardian, Dave, leaving for a business trip to Europe. The boys are left in the care of scatter-brained babysitter, Miss Miller. While playing a competitive arcade game against the Chippette's they are approached by wealthy and mysterious siblings Claus and Claudia. The pair propose a wager that the Chipmunks and Chippettes race around the world for a $100,000 prize. Despite Simon and Jeannette's misgivings, Alvin and Britney sign their siblings up for an adventure that neither the Chipmunks nor Chippettes will soon forget.

The film takes viewers on an adventure the likes of which only the 1980's could offer. Much like the best family films of the era The Chipmunk Adventure explores dark themes, moral dilemmas, and genuine peril in a way that is still family friendly. For example, the film sheds light on the dark realities of child exploitation through Claus and Claudia's manipulation of the Chipmunks and Chippettes. The rocking rodents soon learn that stranger danger is all too real when they realize that the sinister siblings are actually using their race as a cover for a diamond smuggling operation. Similarly, they are faced with moral questions in the form of Claus and Claudia's initial offer and later when they realize that they have been acting as inadvertent smugglers. The ultimate lessons to e wary of strangers and admit to your mistakes are vital truths that the film presents without resorting to lecturing or pandering. The film also tests its young viewers by placing its heroes in terrifyingly real peril in the form of child marriage, hungry sharks, and even human sacrifice. Even as it puts its pint-sized protagonists to the ultimate test, however, the madcap musical never misses a comedic beat. See the world with the Chipmunks and Chippettes in The Chipmunk Adventure.

Culture shock

The film transports viewers on a trip around the world thanks to the vocal performances of its cast. Ross Bagdasarian Jr. More than lives up to his family legacy as rebellious Alvin, worry-wart Simon, and kind but overwhelmed single father, Dave. Janice Krman seamlessly shifts from naive Theodore to feisty Britney, to strait-laced Jeannette, to good-hearted Eleanor. Dody Goodman is an utter hoot as the Chipmunks' daffy but well-meaning babysitter, Miss Miller. Susan Tyrell makes for an apt femme fatale as equal parts sultry and sinister Claudia. Anthony De Long oozes sleaze as Claudia's partner in crime, entitled and smarmy Claus.

At once a loving homage to classic adventures and an awesomely 80's caper. The Chipmunk Adventure is a rocking good time. The script delivers thrills, tunes, and a even lesson or two without missing a beat. The vocal performances bring the colorful cast of characters to whimsical life. Take on the world with the Chipmunks and Chippettes in The Chipmunk Adventure.

Rock and roll!