Feeding on Fantasy

There's a seismic shift from science fiction to fantasy flicks in America. The double bill of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" and Tolkien's "Two Towers" are expected to be the season's monster hits. It seems America can't get enough of swords and sorcerers. The past, not the future, is today's battle cry.

Popular culture is the most sensitive barometer we have for gauging shifts in our national mood. So, what's behind the lure of the rings and all-things medieval? It's the topic of this week's Time Magazine cover story and we dig in with the author, a movie maven, and cultural historian for some perspective.

Are we running away from reality when we indulge in fantasy? Is it more than just clever marketing by movie moguls?

Guests:

Lev Grossman, book editor Time Magazine, wrote "Feeding on Fantasy" story in the magazine's current issue

Garen Daly, "On Point" movie maven

Carolyn Marvin, professor of communications at the University of Pennsylvania

Darren Chermack, sword-carrying member of the Society for Creative Anachronism