#But First acting is top notch and he always deliver

[justwriting]

Kant, a truly misunderstood protagonist (THK EP 1-6)

Welcome to First’s 101 class in microexpressions to understand the journey of how Kant by Ep 6 has fallen deep into the clutches of our baby assassin (because it seems some people out there skipped the entirety of KB’s scenes and missed out K having a brother and was being blackmailed by Captain Christ – like how? This scene was pretty much in the first ½ hour of the show)

EP 1:

We can all at least agree Kant is super attracted to the cute dude in red, yeah? – Instant attraction:

And immediately falling in bed with a beautiful man like Bison – the whole red room scene (which I am not putting up for reference in this post because it will just chew up my photo limits – but go rewatch the scene to learn what First and Khaotung are portraying): pure lust & desire (no emotional attachment involved).

However, by the next day, where Kant still has no idea who Bison was apart from his hottest (to date) ONS – he was reminiscing and smiling like a fool about said encounter (and here, let me outline it for you what First was trying to portray – Kant having a crush on his ONS), daydreaming of what he just experienced:

When he finally met up with Bison again in the diner, which he engineered – that’s when his mission started. We can assume Captain Christ (CC) painted the picture Bison as a hard-ass killer. But how to reconcile this with sweet, baby face Bison?

There is certainly an element of deception to Kant – it was easy for him to “fake” some of his attraction (if you want to call it that) because at baseline, there is already an instant connection. Bonus if he can score some kisses and make out session with this beautiful assassin. This is a guy who has tangled with drug lords before and some danger excites him, yes?

So, the rest of Ep 1 was Kant being flirty and suave (and yes, with some trickery to those flirtatious manner). And you can tell, because Kant was putting all these big, exaggerated moves (like wanting to date and become boyfriends with Bison straight away) when he normally would have started cautiously:

However, he mixed this deceit with sincere tidbits about himself like the conversation by the lake when he shared the meaning of his name and his aquaphobia:

But by end of ep 1, Kant was starting to get slightly desperate. Bison is happy to flirt but not commit. Fadel is also in his way. Bison, being a good younger brother wants Fadel approval, and I suspect, a way for Kant to prove he is serious about pursuing him. Bison is also diabolical in that way because he is a cheeky, not-so-naïve baby boy (as proven by his sharp observant of Babe and James) – the only blinkers he appears to have been when Kant is involved (or Fadel) – the 2 persons he cares for the most.

And so, he enlists his trusty bestie (who else would he have called? Kant circle of friend starts and ends with Style. Otherwise, he only has Captain Devil breathing down his neck and his baby brother who he wants to protect from the big, bad world). Yes, it was misleading of Kant not to tell Style the truth immediately. However, Style is 100% chaos and unhinged at best (and to be honest, I don’t think he would have said no if Kant explained his situation).

** Style comes off as charming, but he is also annoying, has stalk-ish tendency, does not know personal boundaries and outside of Thai BL world, we would have called what he did to Fadel (in the locker room at the gym) sexual assault (because you don’t kiss someone without consent and get away with it as easily in real world).

EP 2:

The desperation is now in full force. Kant wants to get this mission underway quickly. He turns up the volume of his charm and repeatedly try to sneak in kisses or showing his big boba eyes to Bison in the hope of melting Bison’s heart. Bison does clock on desperation – but he is happy to continue to with the charade. After all, having a gorgeous, hunky tattooist hitting on you will be good for the ego (and soul)?

Kant and Bison’s scene at the tattooist place? – when Bison was showing his “cat underneath the Northern Lights” design, followed by Kant trying to feel up Bison’s thigh - now that was Kant being sleazy and Bison incredulously laugh, and smile showed he is very much aware of it but still attracted to him.

Despite the sleaziness though, there is still hint of Kant being attracted towards Bison too (see exhibit below) - that lips biting and quick top to bottom survey by Kant 👌

And while it was not shown, we can assume Kant is being hounded by CC about his mission. Thus, to get his mission further, we have Tawan and the whole “make Kant jealous and showing his possessive side” towards Bison. However, Bison does not seem that impressed with it. Amused, yes – he knows he can kill these 2 buffoons with his pinky if he wants to.

By now, Kant is starting to get annoyed. Bison is still playing hard to get. The whole milkshake scene – when Bison challenged him to prove his worth and join him in the dance-off challenge. Here, again let me point out to you the micro-expressions First were making – fond smile by how cute Bison was acting, followed by the minute change to his eyebrows and clenched jaw to express how irritated he was but quickly smoothing it out to hide his annoyance (link)

Now, the whole dance sequence is a masterpiece. Yes, it’s campy and an ode to Pulp Fiction but it also showed the state of Bison’s mind and if you look closely, you can see both boys relaxing and giving in to the silliness of the dance as it progresses until they become a unit and converge at the end – where Kant gives a genuine smile to Bison:

It was also the first time Bison finally gave in and gives those sweet pecks to Kant when the latter asked for it (I truly think it was the first time Bison saw the person underneath the suaveness, and he liked what he saw – someone who is happy to indulge in a bit of silliness and fun):

EP 3:

Just as Kant was relaxing somewhat, we have CC coming down like the devil he is. Kant expression at the pool – that’s a man who is fed-up and frustrated.

Because of his conversation with CC, he had to accelerate his timeline. This is when he started to make huge mistakes in the name of his mission.

Firstly, by hastily agreeing he is into BDSM. Oh, I have no doubt he could have learn to enjoy it in the right circumstances and if Bison had the opportunity to show it in a safe and controlled environment. At the very least, we could agree these 2 were horny of each other - as shown by the beautiful gifs: link here. And remember, this was after Bison put on the nipple clamps on Kant.

Alas, with Fadel cockblocking them, all that was left was lingering pain + bad experience for Kant. So, it was not surprising he looked wary and hesitant when Bison brought up the BDSM expect to their wager at Kant’s friend bar. Nevertheless, Kant pressed on because he needed to finish this mission (and preferably before his feelings get even more tangled up).

Either way, Kant is starting to feel fonder of Bison. Mission is still on the front, but cute scenes such as him helping at the diner is a reminder to the viewers that Kant does have some feelings for him (even as he used it to get ahead of his mission):

The whole bar scene followed by the sequence in Bison’s room was designed to provoke uneasiness. Here are 2 men who are not on the same wavelength in terms of their sexual desire. I hope people can at least read how uncomfortable and discompose Kant was even as he allowed Bison (in his drunken state) to tie him up.

EP 4:

The cracks are starting to show. Kant taking pictures of the BDSM gears and Northern Lights photos are unnecessary for the mission – and after revisiting the episode, I think he took those pictures as part of him learning more about Bison (just as he jots down all of Bison likes/dislikes when they officially start dating in Ep 5). Similarly, him caressing the trophy he won with Bison? – that is Kant subconsciously showing his fondness (and perhaps wistfulness) to simpler time:

Anyway, this episode was when Kant and Bison starts to communicate slightly better – progress! I mean, it’s more about Babe but you know – baby steps. All Bison wanted was for Kant to open to him (one of the main reasons why Bison has hesitated before because he could sense that Kant has never fully made himself feel vulnerable).

So, Babe and “being bullied in school” is the catalyst for KantBison to truly form a connection – they both value family and brotherhood above all others, and in this, we can see Bison softening towards Kant (especially as Kant opens up about his past as a car thief, admitting he is not proud of it but he does want he must to feed Babe). Similarly, Kant is starting to see Bison as more than just a beautiful, merciless killer. This man helped him without hesitation, be his Robin to his terrible Batman. He sees someone with some moral compass – Bison powerful statement to the paedophile about “grooming” must hit a nerve in the boys (because I hope we can agree here that both Madam Lilly and CC ‘groomed’ our boys). Bison since he was a child and Kant, barely out of high school, not knowing about laws and scared out of his wits, agreeing to do the police dirty works to make sure Babe is not put in the foster system (which really hits me – HOW LONG HAS CAPTAIN DEVIL BEEN USING KANT AS HIS LACKEY???)

By the end of this episode, Kant is oscillating between relief, joy and guilt depending on what is the most pressing thing in his mind at that time –  CC or his blossoming affection towards Bison. Sadly, no matter how much he likes Bison, Babe will always come first – all good parents put their children first and Kant who has parent-fied his younger brother for god knows how many years, will do the same.

The scenes when Bison gave his heart (and HeartBurger pin) at the bar followed by Kant’s showering scene highlights this beautifully:

(such a contrast when Bison is the one initiating the sweet pecks - Kant looking pleasingly surprised)

Guilt in his face

EP 5:

Kant is now slowly falling in love with Bison. All the little things he jots in his phone about Bison’s quirks, likes and dislikes show this. He didn’t have to show this off to Bison for his mission. Same with the date at the Arcade as it doesn’t really add on anything else towards his mission. He did all of these because he wants to learn about his boyfriend.

However, the introduction of James does highlight several things about Kant.

It underscores Kant’s worry about Bison (and how much he still does not know about Bison’s core values even as he is slowly getting to know him). We know Bison won’t kill the innocents (even if those people are jerks like James) but Kant doesn’t know this. Even then, he is still concerned for both James AND Bison. He doesn’t want Bison to hurt anyone not just because of altruistic reasons but he has started to care for Bison (and his soul).

Kant reaching out to Fadel and getting Style to persuade the latter to call Bison proves this. Even more when he subconsciously called Fadel “brother-in-law.” Kant said it in a rush as he quickly ran out to catch up with Bison – which means he really didn’t have the time to “plan” this encounter.

However, Bison and James confrontation made Kant determine to finish his mission off. It’s a reminder that dating Bison comes with risk. The double-date may have doubled (heh, a pun!) as a cover for him to put his shoddily espionage plan in motion – yet we could see Kant really enjoying himself when he was singing with Bison. Even those sweet pecks and pinkie gestures were genuine (or as much as it could be given the circumstances):

But by the end of the episode, when Bison worshipped Kant’s body (and I must say, what a wonderful scene to see Bison choosing to yield when he would have previously challenged Kant), that’s when viewers could see it. Kant’s soft tone as he gently caressed Bison’s jaw. And that tortured look as he closed his eyes even as Bison trustfully snuggled by him – yup, this is man who is regretting and tormented by his choice. I think we can safely say, he has truly fallen in love with Bison.

EP 6:

Kant is now way too deep and stuck in a hard place. He tries to get out of his deal with Captain Devil without success. His silence speaks volume when Captain Devil stated Kant has fallen in love with Bison.

His discussion with Style further emphasized this point – Style asked whether Kant could give up Bison. But he also pointed out Kant is toast if Bison finds out the truth.  

And so, if he must give up the boy he has fallen in love to make sure Babe is not left to fend alone in this world – he planned the most elaborate, romantic date of what he wished he could have with the man who gave his heart to him in the initial place he saw said man when everything was clearer without any lies between them.

Kant broke countless of rules (as listed by Bison including trespassing, breaking & entering, destroying property and thieving) to have one special, magical night of what he envisioned to have with future Bison if things were simpler.

It is a testament to First (and Khaotung) as amazing actors that we can feel the wistfulness and bittersweet feelings from Kant while Bison shows a hopeful beginning to what he thinks is a joint future together. It was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time:

Link for above screenshot here

After the ill-fated mission where we sees Bison saving Babe, Kant has truly fallen for Bison. Even as he tries to convince Style to move on, he struggles to do it himself. Style intuitively perceives this when Kant joined him to find their respective lovers at the burger joint – hence, why he suggested that Kant adopts Bison’s black cat.

So, by the end of the episode 6 – we see Kant pining away while drowning his sorrow and regrets by drinking at his friend’s bar. The hope and guilt in his eyes when Bison called out to him is palpable:

If you reach the end of this long post - I salute you. Because this was just me rambling on to make sure I did not misjudged Kant's character (and I didn't!) - First has done a wonderful job portraying himself as a single parent who sacrifices his needs and desire to make sure his younger sibling has every comfort and leisure he can give - even if it means he plays dirty and make deal with the devil.

[brokoala-soup]

South Indian cinema: Part 1

I think we (I) don't talk enough about my obsession with the South Indian film industry. I'm less of a star or fame powered fangirl and most of my obsessions start from very niche observations and qualities. Both me and my mom are good cinema enthusiasts, that being said, we love not just watching movies but also analyze them and talk about them in great lengths and detail; and it isn't always just about the actors but also the scenes, the cinematography, the dialogues and so on. We enjoy a good story based cinema that's more about carrying the characters in place and action than about how much hype a movie gets. I enjoy old movies, including monochrome movies of the yesteryears and the faded coloured classics of the 70's and 80's.

Let me go from one obsession to other. First, comes my unexplainable obsession with actors who are also trained dancers. That's a sexy characteristic because it adds an edge to the actor's identity over being just a movie star and IMHO, it also refines the depth of character and acting skills (many talented actors who aren't dancers do exist, this is just my view). I have this captivation with dancers because something in them, be it the unseeable depth of efforts and practice and hurdles they cross before they set foot on the stage or be it the inordinate amount of beauty they express and portray in both costumes and jewelry or be it the grace with which they carry themselves or be it the way the fluidity, fragility and fierceness of dance entwines with their soul and body making it indistinguishable, obvious and redefines their identity and adds meaning to their character for the better. Irrespective of gender, classical dance forms in my opinion, have a profound effect on the individual and somehow makes them all the more charming to me because it's art that flows in their body and art has that unique fragrance to which you can never turn a blind eye to. It also anchors you down to your inner zen because gender conforms and norms are all broken (atleast in Indian classical dances) as both male and female dancers play either roles in dances and it's all the more about expression and emotion than the role per se. And that I think is a very liberating thing and I love Indian classical dances for it.

So here goes the list: Kamal Haasan is a trained Bharatanatyam and Kathak dancer; the best of which is seen in his performance in the movie Sagara Sangamam which is a majorly dance based movie. My most favorite scene is when he humbles Sailaja when she opposes his critique. Padmini, one of the famous Travancore sisters, was a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and in her retired days also opened a dance school and taught abroad. Shobana, one of my favorite actresses, who is also the niece of the Travancore sisters is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer; she also received a national award for her performance in the Malayalam movie Manichitrathazhu which was the original for the famous Chandramukhi, Bhool Bhulaiya, Nagavalli, Aatmamitra etc. I rate her acting top notch because her expressions and her eyes often speak way more than the dialogues. Revathi, is again a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and has delivered multiple box office hits and is also one of my favorite actresses. Bhanupriya, who's pretty famous in tamil and telugu cinema, is a trained Kuchipudi dancer and appeared in the film Sitaara which went on to win the National award for that year. Jayalalitha, apart from her successful political career was a leading film actress in the tamil industry. She was trained dancer of multiple forms like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Kathak etc. Sukanya, who famously starred against Kamal Haasan in Indian, is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer. Prabhu Deva, who we all know as the Michael Jackson of India, is a trained Bharatanatyam and Udupi dancer. Amala Akkineni, is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and also has a degree bachelor degree for the same from Kalakshetra. Vineeth, who works mostly in tamil, telugu and malayalam films is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer; lesser known but he's Shobana's cousin and Padmini's nephew from her husband's side. Asin, who is well known for her role in Ghajini, is also a trained Bharatanatyam dancer. Jayam Ravi, now well known as the Ponniyin Selvan after the famous novel adaptation, is also a trained Bharatanatyam dancer.

This is in my list (can't think more, brain fried) do feel free to add more. Tagging @sister-of-satan @voidsteffy and @bipdf because I think y'all will enjoy reading this

Do reblog and tag people who'd enjoy reading this

[muldoonlives]

"What is wrong with Danny Glick?"

The first window scene is what people remember the most about 1979's "Salem's Lot". I at least watch the film once a year or skim through the DVD. First seeing it at 11 going on 12, I worried about what was going to happen to Danny Glick. In my experience, people who were attacked by vampires died or became one right away. They didn't get "sick" and go to the hospital. As soon as I saw the fog outside the hospital window and Ralphie glide through it, my question was answered. I knew Danny was going to be a dead kid. Well, an undead kid.

Ralphie's hypnotic power seemed stronger during the second visitation. No fear turned to smiles from Danny this time around. He robotically got out of bed to open the window like it was a nightly ritual. As he flew towards Danny, Ralphie looked content like a hungry vampire should when they find a host. His facial expression abruptly became a grimace as he raised his head and bobbed down to sink his teeth in to Danny's neck.

It was something different to see. Up to that point, evil kids I saw in movies and tv shows spoke with arrogance and acted like mini-adults. This kid who looked truly scary was a silent predator. Hell, he wasn't even a kid vampire to me. Ralphie was a creature. The only sound he made was a bat-like screech right before he made the kill.

Danny was the first vampire to speak, but it didn't make him more human to me. The moment Mark grabbed the window latch, Danny let out a short gasp of delight. He reminded me of a dog watching its owner dragging a bag of kibble to the dish. Another creature pretending to be a kid. "It's okay, Mark. I'm your friend."

This was late 1999 when I first watched "Salem's Lot". "The Shining" remake was released two years prior, and I had a feeling The Lot would be revisited in the future. I knew it wouldn't happen, but I desired to play Danny Glick in a remake. Almost five years later, the remake premiered on TNT, and I recorded it on a VHS player. After it ended, I wasn't disappointed that an Australian actor got to wear Danny's communion suit(what the character was buried in according to the novel). Andre De Vanny did a good job, and the window scene was more accurate to King's telling of it. Although, the updated version as a whole just wasn't very good. No scares and the changes made to the original story weren't impressive. It was simply okay and worth a watch.

I'm happy The Glick Brothers haven't been forgotten. Custom made toys and clothes with their likenesses is something I dreamed of long ago. The only thing needed is official action figures by Neca so I can pack out my bedroom some more.

This is something I never have told anyone except my dad once. A few months after watching "Salem's Lot" for the first time, I had a dream about it. I never really had nightmares about scary things I watched as a kid which is why this dream was such a standout. In the beginning of the dream, images played out like scenes on television. Loud speakers were shown installed on the power poles of my neighborhood. The next scene was Ben and Mark inside a rundown building. They stood behind a desk cluttered with sound equipment.

"Ten minutes until sundown," Mark said to Ben. Ben craned his neck towards a microphone, but the scene cut off before he delivered the message. I was finally in the dream then. I heard Ben's message over the speaker. For some reason, I was about to leave my bedroom, but I opened the door to see Danny Glick standing in the hallway. The dream ended with me wrestling to close the door on Danny.

"He commands it!" whispered Danny as he peered in while leaning against my door. After that, I woke up. I don't like to speak on things like this. Some people really have dreams like that while others bullshit for attention. I always fear being thought of as the latter.

Brad Savage and Ronnie Scribner were credited at the bottom of the cast list, but their performances were top-notch.

“The town knew darkness…but no one dared talk about the high, sweet, evil laughter of a child…and the sucking sounds…”

[ghostlightreviews]

A paint-by-numbers first act gives way to a snappy fun second act and a powerful third. Nimona is overall quite wonderful.

A far cry from Netflix’s BIG foray into Animation last year with the flawed but affable Sea Beast, hopefully, this signals a revitalization of the Animated feature.

It does feel like we’re in quite a special place for Animation, with Disney and Pixar bribing out one cookie-cutter sludge block after another, other studios are picking up the slack and taking advantage of the hopeful Whale Fall of Disney studios.

I’ve never read the graphic novel, and so all the following is purely based on my experience with the film alone.

Like, wow. An animated feature that is, not only, so UNABASHEDLY Gay from the outset, but queerness runs through the veins of Nimona like no other animated project I have seen. With Trans and Non-Binary themes serving as the heart of the story, it holds its themes closely but never shows its hand. The ideologies seamlessly integrated with the world-building and narrative effortlessly.

A particularly poignant and timely commentary on the demonization and segregation of marginalized groups, PARTICULARLY Trans and Non-Binary Youths. More to absorb here with subsequent and inevitable rewatches.

Visually really quite something, if not somewhat an acquired taste, at least for me anyway. Sometimes it looks stunning, other times it feels a little off in ways I can’t explain. In all of the best and worst ways, feels like watching a really well-made GameCube game. Gorgeous but occasionally a bit too much.

Riz Ahmed is a startlingly good actor…on screen. Unfortunately for him, every line he delivers here sounds like a dry read at a table. Not true but his whole performance sounds like he was seated for every line. It’s just not great, and it feels like an actual Voice Actor could have done Ballister higher Justice here.

Chloe Grace Montez is really good though, her energy is perfect for Nimona, and vibrant enough to bypass the lacklustre performance of her counterpart.

Eugene Yang is pretty good here as Goldenloin, a good debut!

I just wish Hollywood wouldn’t be so coy about hiring actual Voice Talent for its animated features, especially when they are as good as this one. Elevate your production, fuck star power, get the right talent.

Nimona, both on and off screen is a scrappy story of self-discovery, perseverance, identity, and fucking sticking it to the man as hard as you can. If I was Disney I would be SHITTING myself right now. Top-notch filmmaking here.

Banana Splits will always be the hardest possible track you could use in any action sequence. Just a true denotation of an unhinged chaos demon.

4.5/5

[fastrateauto23]

Real Customer Stories: Best Brake Repair Experiences in Milwaukee

Ever had that heart-stopping moment when your brakes don’t feel quite right? It’s a situation no one wants to face, but when you do, finding a reliable brake repair shop becomes the number one priority. In Milwaukee, countless drivers have shared their inspiring stories of how top-notch repair services saved the day — and their vehicles. Today, we’re diving into some real-life experiences to show you what makes a brake repair service truly exceptional.

Why Customer Stories Matter

We all know that online reviews can feel like a mixed bag. But real customer stories? They’re like finding the golden ticket. They give us insight into what really happens behind the scenes — the good, the bad, and the extraordinary. These testimonials aren’t just tales; they’re roadmaps to trust, showing us which repair shops deserve our time and money.

Key Indicators of Great Brake Service

What separates the pros from the rest of the pack? It’s not just about swapping out old brake pads. Exceptional brake repair shops in Milwaukee stand out for their:

Quality Workmanship: Repairs that last, with no shortcuts.

Speed and Efficiency: Getting you back on the road without unnecessary delays.

Transparency: Clear communication about costs and services.

Customer Care: Making every driver feel valued and respected.

These markers set the foundation for trust and satisfaction.

Customer Stories from Milwaukee

Story 1: The Emergency Fix

Picture this: It’s a snowy Milwaukee morning, and Jane’s car suddenly starts making a terrible screeching noise. She’s got a packed day ahead and no time to waste. Desperate, she calls a local brake repair shop known for emergency services. Within hours, the team not only diagnosed the problem (worn-out brake pads) but also replaced them on the spot. Jane left with her car purring like a kitten and a sense of relief she’ll never forget.

Story 2: Family Safety First

Meet the Johnsons, a family of four who value safety above all else. When their minivan’s brakes started feeling spongy, they turned to a highly recommended repair shop in Milwaukee. The technicians didn’t just fix the issue; they went the extra mile to ensure everything was in tip-top shape. From test drives to double-checking every detail, the Johnsons felt like they were in the safest hands possible. Their verdict? “We wouldn’t trust anyone else with our car.”

Story 3: Going Above and Beyond

Then there’s Mike, a delivery driver who practically lives in his car. When his brakes started acting up, he worried about losing work time. Not only did the repair shop handle his problem quickly, but they also offered a courtesy inspection of other components, ensuring he could hit the road with confidence. For Mike, it wasn’t just about fixing the brakes — it was about feeling supported by a team that truly cared.

Lessons from These Experiences

What can we learn from Jane, the Johnsons, and Mike? First, always choose a shop with a track record of reliability and honesty. Second, don’t underestimate the power of customer care — it can make or break your experience. And finally, pay attention to reviews and recommendations; they’re often rooted in genuine experiences like these.

Why Milwaukee Stands Out

Top-Notch Shops and Services

Milwaukee’s automotive repair scene is nothing short of impressive. With highly skilled technicians and a customer-first approach, the city has become a hub for quality brake repair services. Whether it’s a mom-and-pop garage or a larger service centre, Milwaukee’s shops consistently deliver excellence.

A Community of Trust

Beyond the technical skills, Milwaukee’s repair shops thrive on building relationships. They’re not just fixing cars; they’re creating bonds with drivers who know they can always count on them. This sense of community trust is what sets Milwaukee apart from other cities.

Conclusion

So, what’s the takeaway? Real customer stories remind us why it’s so important to prioritize quality and care when choosing a brake repair service. Whether you’re in the middle of an emergency or simply want peace of mind for your family’s safety, Milwaukee’s car brake repair shops have proven they’re up to the task. Next time you hear a strange noise or feel something off with your brakes, you’ll know where to turn — and who to trust.

First Rate Auto

5424 W State St, Milwaukee, WI 53208, United States

+14147743738

Get Direction From Google Map

[scoopflash]

Unmasking Katt Williams' Net Worth: A Peek into the Wealth of a Comedy Genius

When it comes to stand-up comedy, few names are as recognizable as Katt Williams. With his sharp wit, unique style, and unapologetic approach, he's carved out a niche in the entertainment industry that's all his own. But beyond the laughter and the headlines, there's a burning question many fans have: What's Katt Williams' net worth? Join us as we delve into the life and career of this comedy icon and uncover the financial journey that has made him one of the wealthiest comedians in the business.

The Rise of Katt Williams

Early Life and Beginnings

Katt Williams, born Micah Sierra Williams on September 2, 1971, in Cincinnati, Ohio, didn't have a silver spoon in his mouth. Growing up in a less-than-privileged environment, Katt faced numerous challenges. But it was these very challenges that would eventually shape his comedic genius. Moving to Florida as a teenager, Katt began to hone his comedic skills in local clubs. His big break came when he moved to Oakland, California, and started performing in the Bay Area comedy scene.

Breaking into the Big Leagues

Katt's unique comedic style quickly caught the attention of audiences and industry insiders alike. His first major breakthrough came with his appearance on BET's Comic View. From there, his career took off, leading to roles in movies like Friday After Next and stand-up specials that became instant classics. Each gig not only boosted his fame but also his bank account.

Katt Williams' Net Worth: The Numbers

The Comedy Goldmine

So, how much is Katt Williams worth? As of 2024, Katt Williams' net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This impressive figure isn't just a result of his stand-up comedy gigs. Katt has diversified his income through acting, writing, producing, and even music.

Stand-Up Comedy Specials: Katt's comedy specials, like The Pimp Chronicles and Kattpacalypse, have been hugely successful, earning him millions.

Movies and TV Shows: With roles in films like Norbit and TV shows like Atlanta, Katt has shown he's more than just a comedian.

Touring: Live performances have always been a major source of income for Katt, with sold-out shows across the globe.

Acting and Producing Ventures

Katt Williams isn't just a stand-up comedian; he's a versatile entertainer. His acting career, while not always in the spotlight, has significantly contributed to his wealth. Roles in movies like First Sunday, Scary Movie 5, and Father Figures showcase his range and ability to draw audiences. Additionally, Katt has taken on producing roles, further expanding his portfolio and income streams.

Music and Other Projects

Did you know Katt Williams dabbled in music? He released a comedy rap album titled It's Pimpin' Pimpin' in 2009. While it wasn't a chart-topping success, it added another dimension to his career and another source of revenue.

Challenges and Comebacks

Legal Troubles and Financial Hurdles

Katt Williams' journey hasn't been without its bumps. He's faced numerous legal issues, ranging from assault charges to tax problems. These legal battles have undoubtedly impacted his finances. However, Katt's resilience and ability to bounce back are commendable.

Mental Health Struggles

Katt has been open about his mental health struggles, which have also played a role in his career's ups and downs. Despite these challenges, his ability to return to the stage and deliver top-notch performances speaks volumes about his strength and determination.

Conclusion

Katt Williams' net worth of $10 million is a testament to his talent, resilience, and ability to entertain audiences across various platforms. From his humble beginnings to his rise as a comedy superstar, Katt's journey is a remarkable story of perseverance and success. Despite facing numerous challenges, both personal and professional, he continues to make audiences laugh and remains a beloved figure in the entertainment world. Whether through his hilarious stand-up routines, memorable movie roles, or unique ventures into music, Katt Williams has proven that he is a multifaceted entertainer with a legacy that will undoubtedly endure.

In the world of comedy, where fortunes can be as unpredictable as the punchlines, Katt Williams has managed to carve out a substantial net worth and an indelible mark on the industry. So next time you watch one of his specials or catch him in a film, you'll know a bit more about the man behind the laughter and the wealth he has built along the way.

[mint-moon25]

JORDAN WELCH

$6 MILLION

PAY - ATTENTION - HE - SAID

'2 - FIND - YOUR - FIRST

$10,000 - PER - MONTH

PRODUCT' - JUST - ONE

HE - SOLD - HIS - ONLINE YES

STORE - AT - SHOPIFY

BLUETOOTH - HEADBAND

EVENTUALLY - HE - HAD IT

CUSTOMIZED FR ALI EXPRESS

CHINA - IN - BEGINNING - FRM

WHAT - I - REMEMBERED

JUST - 1 PRODUCT

MADE - JORDAN - $1.8 MILLION

LESS - THAN 1 YEAR

2 HAND PICKED - WINNING - PRODUCT

DELIVERED DAILY - WEEKLY - COACH'G

WITH - JORDAN - PERSONALLY

CRASH COURSE - SHOPIFY - DROPSHIP

2 PLUG & PLAY - VIDEO ADS

DESCRIPTIONS - IMAGES - 2

ADD - FREE - 2 - TIK TOK

INSTAGRAM - YOUTUBE

I'M - EXPERIMENTING - WITH

INSTAGRAM - MY - EMAILS R

FLOODED - WITH - LOGIN YES

EMAILS - FR - INSTAGRAM

NO - ONE - GOT - BACK 2 - ME

ALLOWING - ME - 2 - FOLLOW

THEM - INCLUDING

JOEL OSTEEN

MOVE - WITH - NICOLE

SO - ADDING - VIDEOS - IF - NO

RESPONSE - WON'T - ADD - YES

ANYMORE - LIKE - DEAD - ACT 2

BADDIE - IN - BUSINESS

SHE - ONLY - TRUSTS - TIK TOK

MOST - LIKELY - JUST - TIK TOK

YOUTUBE - HAS - AD - FREE

SO - JUST - TIK TOK - YOUTUBE

UNTIL - JUST - TIK TOK

WHO - TAKES CARE - OF - ME 2

WHAT - I'M - GATHERING - FROM

THIS - AND - HIS - OTHER VIDEOS

LET's - SAY

FACE - BEAUTY - MAKE UP - AND

FACE - CREAM

GATHERING - 2 - JUST - MAKE

THAT - SHOPIFY - ONLINE YES

STORE - ONLY

SKIN CARE - AND - BEAUTY

NOT - HOW - MANY - ITEMS

BUT - CHOOSING - OUR YES

NICHE - JORDAN WELCH

MADE - $1.8 MILLION - FR

I - ITEM - MAKING A - TOP

NOTCH - ONLINE- STORE

SHOPIFY - CHEAPER NOW

DOMAINS

EXAMPLE

SKIN - CARE - MAKE UP

HEALTH - AND - BEAUTY

SHOP - CAILEY

cailey . us

SO - I - WAS - THINKING

SEVERAL SHOP CAILEY

ONLINE - STORES

EXAMPLE

FITNESS - CLOTHES

EXERCISERS - PRODUCTS

SHOPIFY - DOMAINS

cailey - fitness . us

I - DON'T - LIKE - ALWAYS - ( com )

MOST - POPULAR - DOMAIN

cailey - fitness . us - $16 - YEARLY

cailey - fitness . com - $15 - YEARLY

GOOD - QUESTION - 2 - ASK

JORDAN WELCH - PRICE MARK UP

WHICH - ONE - ( us ) - WHAT I HAVE

OR - MOST - POPULAR

cailey - fitness . com

CHEAPER - $15 - YEARLY

BUT - I - WANT - 2 - ESTABLISH - ( us )

ONE - SHOPIFY - ACCOUNT

CAN - HAVE - OTHER - YES

ONLINE - STORES

EACH - MUST B - $39 - EA

MONTH - CHARGED - PER

ONLINE - STORE - SAME

ACCOUNT - AT - SHOPIFY

WE - SHALL - SEE - WHAT

JORDAN - HAS - BUT - HE

SAID - $10,000 - A MONTH

FIND THAT - 1ST PRODUCT

FIND - THAT - 1 - PRODUCT

2 DAILY - HAND PICKED - &

VIDEOS - IMAGES

DESCRIPTION - NOT 2 - BE

A - SMALL - AMAZON

BUT - FIND - YOUR - NICHE

WOMEN's - DRESSES PURSES

SANDALS - BAGS - JEWELRY 2

CHAT GPT

MOST - HELPFUL - SO - WITH

WOMEN's - CLOTHES BAGS 2

SANDALS

cailey - fashion . us - $16 - YEARLY

MOST - POPULAR

cailey - fashion . com - $15 - YEARLY

SO - THAT - IS - WHAT - JORDAN IS

SUGGESTING - FIND - THAT 1 ITEM

NOT - 2 B - A - SMALLER - AMAZON

WILL - DECIDE - ONCE - ENTERING

TRY VIRAL VAULT . com - $67 EACH

MONTH - TAX - DEDUCTIBLE TRUE

7 DAY - MONEY - BACK

DEAR - KOREA - GIRLS,

OUR - FIRST - PROFITABLE

SHOPIFY - STORE

FIND - YOUR - 1ST - $10,000

A - MONTH - PRODUCT

JUST - ONE

WHICH - MADE - ANOTHER

MALE - MORE - THAN ALSO

$1 MILLION - IN - ONE YEAR

TIK TOK

FREE - UPLOAD

TIK TOK - ADS 2

[steelcityreviews]

REVIEW: CCPAC’S PRODUCTION OF THE ADDAMS FAMILY IS A SPOOKY-OOKY TREAT

(The cast of The Addams Family - Photography by: Haughland Media)

Curtain Call Performing Arts Company (CCPAC) has come far since their first foray into the Hamilton community theatre scene. They have grown substantially as a company and now offer a variety of programming geared toward all age groups and experience levels. Their upcoming season of challenging musical theatre selections suggests high levels of production value and a sense that their skilled company leaders have what it takes to nurture and develop talented individuals of all ages.

For their production of The Addams Family musical, the Advanced Musical Theatre program allows its participants to work toward "putting together a full scale musical production with a more mature storyline."

The company focuses on choreography, character development and vocal skills while also being given a mentoring opportunity from industry professionals who play ensemble roles (in this case, delightful ghostly ancestors) within the show. Despite this not being the full version of the musical (choosing a condensed edition instead), CCPAC's The Addams Family delivers a spooky, ooky musical comedy that showcases their mission statement: a place where everyone, no matter what, belongs.

Immediately upon entering Hamilton Theatre Inc, the atmosphere is awash in classic gothic vibes, complete with creepy sound, fog and lighting effects to establish the mood. As per usual, the lighting design is consistently top notch throughout. The set includes multiple levels (which always benefits the limited staging room at HTI), effective stage dressing and even secret passages which helps us remember what a weird "fun house" feeling the Addams homestead embodies.

We are introduced to the family via loveable father Gomez Addams (portrayed with gusto by Ash Carey) and the story unfolds. Wednesday Addams is all grown up and has met the boy of her nightmares. The problem? He's normal. This sets the main conflict between her parents, ancestors and herself as the two families meet for a dinner party that they'll never forget.

The entire cast is absolutely committed to their character. There are a few instances where the vocal performance doesn't quite match the necessary vocal range requirements but that's where this program shines. It's a learning experience for this company and even in those rare instances, you are left grinning and applauding their efforts.

A few standout performances include the ensemble (Vanessa Barbara, Kat Baranowski, Owen Quinn and Jared Morado) who effortlessly provided set changes, choreographed routines, comedic moments and backup vocals for the major numbers. Three of the four also acted as the program's mentors and bravo to them for their guidance and skill sets. The role of Granny was an unexpected treat thanks to the excellent physical comedy by Genevieve Dent. Fester Addams, played by a hilarious Haleigh Wallace, showed such a sweet side to an otherwise unhinged character and, of course, Wednesday Addams played by Eco Malec whose vocal performance alone was jaw dropping. Let’s see more from this performer please!

It is a shame that the run of this production will be, to pardon the pun, so short-lived. If you have never experienced a CCPAC production, now is the time. I foresee great things from this company and the tutelage and passion from the artistic directors, crew and students will only continue to showcase what astounding talent can be found in the Hamilton area theatre community.

Full company of The Addams Family - Photography by: Haughland Media

[pankajbanerjee-official]

কি অপূর্ব এই অপূর্ব:

Ziaul Farooq Apurba is that Bangladeshi actor my favorite, who has captured the hearts of millions with his acting skills and charming personality. He has become a household name in Bangladesh and beyond, and for good reason. Apurba's performances on the screen are always heartfelt and captivating, and he has a natural ability to connect with his audience. In this article, we will take a closer look at the qualities that make Ziaul Farooq Apurba a unique and talented actor.

First and foremost, Apurba has an undeniable talent for acting. He has a way of bringing his characters to life, making them seem real and relatable. Whether he is playing the role of a romantic lead or a villain, Apurba always manages to embody the character fully, delivering a performance that is both authentic and captivating. His ability to convey emotions with his facial expressions and body language is truly remarkable, and it is no wonder that he has become one of the most sought-after actors in Bangladesh.

Another quality that sets Apurba apart from other actors is his dedication to his craft. He takes his work very seriously and always puts in the time and effort to ensure that his performances are top-notch. He is constantly striving to improve his acting skills, taking classes and workshops to hone his craft. This level of dedication and commitment is rare in the entertainment industry, and it is a testament to Apurba's passion for acting.

In addition to his acting skills, Apurba is also known for his kindness and humility. He is always gracious with his fans and colleagues, taking the time to connect with them and show his appreciation. He is also deeply committed to giving back to the community, participating in charitable events and initiatives whenever he can. This generosity of spirit is truly inspiring, and it has earned him the respect and admiration of many.

Finally, Apurba's charisma and charm are impossible to ignore. He has a natural charisma that draws people in, and his charm is infectious. Whether he is on the screen or off, Apurba exudes a warmth and sincerity that make him instantly likable. It is this combination of talent, dedication, kindness, and charisma that has made Ziaul Farooq Apurba a beloved figure in Bangladesh and beyond.

In conclusion, Ziaul Farooq Apurba is a unique and talented actor who possesses a rare combination of qualities that make him truly special. His dedication to his craft, kindness to others, and natural charisma have endeared him to millions, and his performances on the screen continue to captivate audiences. It is no wonder that he has become one of the most celebrated actors in Bangladesh, and we can't wait to see what he will do next.

[antifictionsfiction]

Worth the Free Admission - Part 1/6

Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / AO3

Fandom: Children’s Theater Critic with Alfred Molina (a comedy skit, go watch it if you haven't already, it's priceless)

Pairing: Arthur H. Cartwright (children’s theatre critic) x gender neutral reader

Rating: T

Genre: comedy, fluff (romantic), psychological (kind of)

Warnings/tags: age difference, insecurity, mutual pining, mildly suggestive

Summary: The play you had rehearsed with your young students was supposed to be fun and easy. Getting the attention of a feared critic was far from your intention. Turns out one of you wasn’t ready for serious critique, the other for a serious relationship.

Reader character specifics: reader’s implied to be shorter/smaller than the critic, and significantly younger (in their late 20s)

POV: 2nd person

Chapter word count: 3576

A/N: A HUGE thank you to @scorsesedepalmafan for support, brainstorming, helping me figure out some details and letting me use the top-notch gif he created! ❤ And to my dear @castanierprosper for always being so supportive 😊

You watched from behind the curtain, dreading what was about to come next. So far the kids had been performing without any serious mishaps, or rather, the play was still going. You weren’t delusional about the artistic qualities of the little play you had written for your very first children’s drama class. Not because you didn’t have faith in the kids’ acting chops, but simply because they were far too young to remember more than a few lines of dialogue or a few basic instructions on how to move and where to stand.

You hadn’t had to interfere yet, at least not in a significant way – nothing that would disrupt the continuity of the play. A few whispered lines here and gentle nudges there were all it took for the tiny actors to do more or less what you had practiced with them over and over again.

But now the time had come for the most hyperactive, unfocused little beast of the ensemble to come on stage as the Tiger, the main antagonist. And boy, you were waiting for that moment with anxious eyes hypnotizing the other side of the stage. The spazzy six-year-old, Ollie, had managed to miss his cue every single time during rehearsals. You cursed yourself for letting him enter the stage from the other side, where you couldn’t help him come out at the right moment. The small stage at the school auditorium didn’t really have any backstage area, making it impossible to get to the other side if you didn’t want to run straight across the stage.

Erin, the gifted girl playing the fairy – your personal favorite, not that you let her or any of the other kids know – had just delivered one of the more difficult lines of the play perfectly: “You didn’t listen and now the beast will come. What will happen to us?” As proud as you were of her, you were also very aware this was the Tiger’s cue. And sure enough, he was nowhere to be seen. You waited for a few seconds before you noticed a sign of confusion in the other players’ faces, and you knew you had to step in.

“The beast is coming! It’s a tiger!” you screamed from behind the curtain. “A tiger!” you repeated just to be sure, enunciating every syllable with precision that sounded almost dumb, to be frank. It did the job, however, as Ollie dressed in a fluffy tiger onesie finally jumped on stage with an impressive roar. The audience responded with a roar of their own, laughing at your intervention as well at the little tiger’s sudden appearance.

As the laughter was dying down, you heard a loud, obnoxious scoff. You leaned forward a bit to take a peak at the rows, about halfway filled with parents, grandparents, siblings and friends, to locate the source of such unasked-for negativity. Your guess was a bored teenage brother or maybe a particularly snobby grandfather. Your gaze was travelling from one smiling face to the next, until it stopped on a half-disgusted, half-distressed expression on a man you would have never expected to see in person. Not during your first year as a drama teacher at least. The unforgettable face currently contorted with intense negative emotions belonged to the infamous children’s theatre critic, Arthur H. Cartwright.

What the hell was he doing there? The school you worked at was a small one, nothing prestigious, the drama club had been founded by you less than six months ago and today’s performance had been advertised by exactly three badly-drawn posters made by the kids themselves, with a little help from you. It just didn’t make sense for Cartwright to sniff out your production and show up at a random school in Upstate New York, when dozens of much more desirable children’s shows were surely happening all around the States at the same time.

You spent the rest of the play biting your fingernails, metaphorically and sometimes quite literally. The thought of Cartwright’s horrified expression never leaving your mind, you were lucky to even pay attention to what the kids were doing. The performance wasn’t good, you were self-aware enough to admit that to yourself. But who in their right mind would expect it to be? Take a group of ten five to seven-year-olds and make them carry a whole play on their shoulders? Most of them weren’t even old enough to tie their own shoelaces properly, for God’s sake! The feared man couldn’t just come and force his critique on you or the kids, you were sure. You couldn’t stop him from publishing whatever verbal diarrhoea he felt the compulsion to spit out after the performance. You sure as hell could prevent him from ruining the kids’ self-esteem by giving them one of the entitled lectures he was so revered for, though.

When the majority of the audience erupted into a cheerful applause and you joined your little ensemble onstage, you kept up a wide, proud smile both for the kids and their parents. However, your eyes kept darting back to where Cartwright was sitting, slumping in his seat like he was embarrassed to be present in the same room as the rest of you. Well, nobody was forcing him to stay, that was for damn sure. Even buried in his chair, he looked ready to tear everyone taking their final bow apart, and you smiled even brighter, looking straight at him. He clearly wasn’t expecting such reaction to his obvious displeasure from you, his brows arching in confusion for a second. You would swear you even saw the corners of his lips twitch, almost turning up before shooting back down into an ugly grimace.

Once the applause was replaced by excited chatter of the families, you hurried to draw the curtains to give the children some privacy and, more importantly, let the critic know you weren’t eagerly awaiting his enlightening comments. To your dismay, the man couldn’t just take a hint. As you were about to close the remaining gap in the curtains, you saw him climb up on the stage and carry himself over to you in long, confident steps.

“You must be the teacher and the director,” he said without as much as a hello. You were still clutching both curtains in your hands, blocking the narrow gap with your body. You had to tilt your head up uncomfortably to look Cartwright in the eyes, his physique was as imposing as his reputation. You hated how puny his large frame made you feel. You straightened your back as much as you could, never breaking eye contact with him to compensate for his unfair physical advantage.

“And the writer. What can I do for you, Mr. Cartwright?” you asked with a pleasant smile, as though you hadn’t just spent the last thirty minutes hoping you would never have to speak to him. He gave you a smug little smile back at your acknowledgment of his name.

“I would like to have a word with the actors, naturally. And even you, should you care to know what you did wrong.” The nonchalance with which he spoke was making it increasingly hard for you to keep up your friendly façade.

“That’s very generous of you, but no, thank you. What the children need right now is to grab a mug of hot chocolate and have some fun. You saw how young they are, and this was their first performance.” You doubted your reasoning would deter him from doing his so-called job, but even futile effort seemed better to you than just letting him unfurl his whole “big bad critic” charade as he pleased. His thick, pronounced eyebrows shot high above the rims of his glasses and his large hands grasped your shoulders for a second, catching you off guard.

“Hot chocolate? Are you out of your mind? The actors require professional evaluation. Immediately,” he said, absurd urgency evident in his voice and in his almost manic eyes, magnified by the thick lenses of his glasses. He took a determined step forward, making you clear the way, against your better judgment.

“Kids! They’re just kids, Mr. Cartwright.” You tried and failed to reach for his arm as he strode to where the kids were either rolling around on the floor in their costumes or running and pestering one another. Their joy from a challenging job well-done was evident, but it wasn’t destined to last.

“Excuse me, what is this-“ Cartwright stopped, gesturing all over the place as though he was offended by the mere sight of kids just being kids, “this anarchy?”

The kids slowed down, peering up at the man they had never seen before in their short lives. Ollie called out your name and the whole group joined him, asking who the rude guy was and why he was there instead of you, all in a high-pitched chorus of whines and giggles. You took a breath so deep it almost made your lungs burst as you struggled to find a suitable explanation for the unexpected presence of an angry, bald old man.

“Calm down now! This is Mr. Cartwright, he knows a lot about theatre and fairy tales and he’s going to give you advice on how to act. He’s something like a teacher, too,” you gave them an encouraging smile, feeling like a traitor for keeping the worst from those poor sweethearts. Cartwright turned to you in disbelief before giving the kids his attention again.

“That is a gross misinterpretation, not to mention an underestimation, of the complex art of critique,” he said, or rather declared. You barely stifled a sudden laugh at the sheer absurdity of the situation. You could only hope the kids wouldn’t understand anything he was about to overwhelm their brains with.

“No wonder a troupe where neither the actors nor the director seem to take the craft of theatre seriously would produce such an underwhelming performance,” he flashed another fierce look your way. Good, let him take it out on me and leave the kids alone, you thought.

“I have rarely seen a waste of potential this severe,” he went on as the kids gaped at him, too confused to even fool around or whisper among themselves, “A promising script and inventive stage design, buried underneath a muddy layer of hectic stage directions, childish humour and atrociously inconsistent acting. Can any of you imagine an O’Neill play where half of the actors are doing Beckett? I didn’t think so.”

A tiny hand shot up, and the enthusiastic girl, Lexi, didn’t wait for a permission to speak: “Mister, I have a hamster, his name is Neil!”

“Excuse me? Are you drawing a comparison between Eugene O’Neill and a… rodent?” the tension in Cartwright’s voice extended to his posture, his shoulders tensing up.

“Mr. Cartwright, Lexi’s five. She’s just learning to read,” you chimed in, though you knew at this point your input would have zero impact on him and his ridiculous, snobbish opinions.

“Then the blame is on you for not educating them properly,” he said, stern and still as serious as ever, “But even the best of teachers cannot save an utter lack of talent and discipline.” You watched in dismay as his glare fell on Ollie. Of course he would choose that poor kid as the target of his critique, you wondered why you hadn’t anticipated that. Now you could only hope Ollie was strong enough not to let what he was about to hear influence his sense of self for the rest of his life.

“You, young man, dressed in what appears to be your pajamas, delivered a performance as lazy and shapeless as your ‘costume’. Watching your slack attempts at intimidation, I shivered, not in fear but in embarrassment. With this attitude and your obvious disregard of your colleagues’ hard work, you will never contribute to a performance worth watching.”

Ollie, who usually had a wide smile on his face and a joke ready to tell, was staring at his orange and black tiger feet, blinking rapidly. He wasn’t crying, but it was obvious he felt the weight of Cartwright’s words, despite not fully understanding most of them. He mumbled your name along with a faint “I’m sorry”, and that served as the final impulse for you to act. Yes, Ollie was a difficult kid to coax into focusing, but you couldn’t complain about his warm-hearted nature and natural comedic talent. You often found him sharing his snacks with his classmates and entertaining them with jokes and impressions. If the five months you had had the chance to observe him were anything to go by, you would swear all he needed was to grow up a little bit and get a steady, patient guidance, and he could very well turn out to be an excellent artist in the future.

“Mr. Cartwright?” you called out to the critic, who appeared to be done with his review. You made sure to maintain a pleasant tone, as you were about to kill him with kindness rather than use his own method on him. You kept an eye on Ollie who was still looking quite bewildered – you would comfort him as soon as possible, but first you needed to have a good heart-to-heart with Cartwright.

“Yes?” he walked back to you, dismissing the kids with a firm nod. His energy had transformed somewhat, he caught on to your friendly tone and failed to register the tension underneath. To him, he had done his job as usual and the consequences didn’t concern him anymore. For the first time he smiled at you.

“I would like to have a word with you in private, is that okay?” you asked and he agreed immediately, still unsuspecting of your intentions. You let the kids run to their parents and excused yourself for a moment, noting that some of the parents clearly recognized Cartwright as well, based on their stunned stares at the man by your side. You led him into the office you shared with a couple colleagues. It was empty now, as you had chosen Saturday for the performance.

You gestured towards the most comfortable padded chair in the room for Cartwright to sit on.

“Coffee?” you offered. Cartwright sunk deep into the chair and watched as you poured yourself a cup from your favourite pot.

“Yes- actually, do you happen to have some tea?” he stammered and your eyebrows arched in amusement. What was he playing at again?

“I might. You’re not a fan of coffee then?” He shifted in his seat nervously, and now you really had to hold in laughter. He had to be the oddest man you had ever met, and you couldn’t wait to probe him further.

“No, well yes. I like coffee very much, I just thought-“

“I know you’re British, Mr. Cartwright, but it’s completely alright if you have coffee with me. Milk? Sugar?” you smiled as if you were having an ordinary conversation with an ordinary man. Against all odds, his cheeks turned muted pink as he cleared his throat.

“Both. Please,” he said, coming forward in his seat until his hands were resting on his spread thighs. You marvelled at how quickly his intimidating aura vanished, he thanked you sincerely when you handed him his mug, peering up at you with a smile. You couldn’t deny he was almost cute like this, when he let his guard down and showed more of his casual side instead of spewing his wisdom all around. Still, you weren’t about to forget he had just traumatized one of your pupils. To make it up to you, he had to do way more than agree to share a cup of coffee with you. You pulled out a chair and sat opposite him, adopting the same position he was sitting in to tune in to his peculiarities.

“Listen, while I don’t doubt you’re a professional, I really don’t appreciate the way you talked to my class back there,” you said, calm but sincere, locking your eyes with his. He blinked slowly; it was obvious the sudden change of topic took him by surprise. He leaned back as though he was trying to escape your determined stare or perhaps regain some of the dominance he had been so sure of up until moments ago. When he didn’t make to speak and instead proceeded to sip his coffee, you didn’t wait for his request to explain yourself.

“I know the play was no work of art, that’s something we can agree on. But for God’s sake, how are those kids supposed to get better if not by trying and learning from their mistakes? You could’ve shared your critique with me, I can handle it and I can use it to help the kids improve. Tell the same thing to them, and all they’ll take from it is that they did so poorly that a total stranger felt the need to let them know. But they don’t understand why - they’ll carry this awful feeling of failing with them, and I just hope they’ll listen to me when I try to undo the damage. All I’m saying is, you have a right to critique children’s theatre, but please, tailor your message to your audience,” you took a deep breath as the stream of words and emotions flowed out of your lips. How was that for a dramatic monologue, you almost felt like asking the critic.

He shook his head like he hoped the movement could sort his thoughts in a literal sense, and swallowed heavily before responding:

“Are you going to just disregard everything I’ve told the children just to avoid them getting upset? Does my work seem so insignificant to you? Does theatre, for that matter?” there was a hint of disappointment in his voice rather than arrogance, although you should have expected him to misunderstand your point. Still, you noted he acknowledged the ‘actors’ were literal children at last, so maybe there was the possibility of getting somewhere if you managed to stay patient with him and his rigid attitude. You understood you had to thread lightly now and assure him you felt no contempt towards him.

“No, Mr. Cartwright. I feel great respect for both, I just wish you and I would get on the same page. Do you have children of your own?” you silently cursed at yourself for attacking him with such a personal question, but to your relief he didn’t seem offended by it, though he looked away for a second before breathing out a simple ‘no’.

“And have you ever gotten the chance to watch children rehearse?” you asked further, satisfied when he shook his head, an unspoken question in his dark eyes. You felt bold when you slid forward again, hoping to make the conversation more open and ease some of the tension that had built up in the past minutes. Again, his reaction wasn’t unfavorable by any means. If anything, he appeared to relax a bit, his jaw unclenching and brow softening. You found it natural to smile this time as you proposed the idea that had been developing in your mind throughout the conversation.

“Well, I thought – if you would like – that you could watch my class, once or twice, as we rehearse the next play. I believe it could be beneficial to all of us. I could learn from your input and incorporate it into our rehearsals, and you��d see for yourself what it’s like to actually work with kids. Maybe you’ll find you can elevate your writing with some insight into the process,” you explained, praying you hadn’t struck a nerve by implying Cartwright’s writing could use some improvement.  Your doubts vanished once again as he stood up, positively beaming. You followed him, taken aback when he placed his large hands on your shoulders again, only this time in a much warmer manner.

“I’d be delighted to-“ he paused, “I believe I’ve neglected to ask you for your name, I apologize.” You assured him you didn’t mind and introduced yourself.

“Thank you. Yes, I’d be foolish not to take this opportunity. You’re the first director to ever offer this to me. And you’re absolutely right, I can’t believe I have never thought of this before, either. In fact, I would love to be present during the entire process. I can’t wait to see where my guidance can take a group so desperately lacking in skill and consistent direction – no offense.” He adjusted his glasses and smiled wide in excitement, the upper row of his teeth showing. Strangely, the first thought on your mind as he belittled your work was that he struck you as quite charming like this, maybe too charming for a middle-aged man with obnoxious demeanor. You shook off the thought and hoped you hadn’t stared for too long, offering him a professional handshake.  

“Yeah, I’m sure it’s going to be a very interesting experience,” you agreed, the slight sarcasm going completely over Cartwright’s head. You peeled a neon yellow sticky note from a stack on your desk and wrote down your name and three numbers – the time your class usually took place, the number of the rehearsal room and your phone number. You handed the piece of paper to Cartwright with a sunny smile matching his.

“We’re starting in two weeks, Thursday. Be on time, Mr. Cartwright, show the kids how it’s done.”

[aliveandfullofjoy]

When we rang in the new year, I was super sick with what might have been Covid (but also might have been the flu? idk, I got three negative PCR test results, it’s very weird). I’m much better thankfully, so now, over halfway through the first month of 2022, I’m finally sitting down to do my yearly tradition: it’s time for my ten favorite new-to-me movies of 2021!

The rules are the same as always: no movies from this past year (2021) or the year before (2020). Every other year is free game.

All ten of these movies are wonderful and well worth your time, so consider this a strong endorsement for all of them. I’ve also included ways to watch all of the films (as of this writing: Jan. 17, 2022).

01. Yi Yi (dir. Edward Yang, 2000; Taiwan) Over nearly three hours, Yang explores the emotional struggles of a middle-class family living in Taipei. It's not quite a spoiler to say the film opens with a wedding and closes with a funeral, because the plot isn't necessarily the important thing in Yi Yi. What matters are the moments of human connection -- a casual chat with a work colleague, a one-sided conversation with a comatose grandmother -- and those nearly imperceptible turning points in our lives -- a new hobby, an unexpected tragedy, a visit to an old friend. This is the first film I've seen from Yang, but if Yi Yi is any indication, he really understood people. As a work of cinema, as a human drama, as a meditation on the act of being alive, Yi Yi is magnificent. It's as rich and empathetic a film as I've ever seen. (Yi Yi is streaming on the Criterion Channel and is available to rent online.)

02. The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek (dir. Preston Sturges, 1943; USA) I have no earthly idea how The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek got made. Mercilessly skewering practically every tenet of the American way, from motherhood to virginity to marriage to the press to the war effort, this film is a screamingly funny screwball comedy with a surprisingly huge heart. Sturges guides his phenomenal cast to a host of great performances: Eddie Bracken, Betty Hutton, Diana Lynn, and William Demarest (who delivers some shocking pratfalls) all turn in top-notch work. It’s breathlessly ridiculous and I loved it so, so, so much. (The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek is available to rent online and to view at this link.)

03. The Big City (dir. Satyajit Ray, 1963; India) At this point, I don't really feel like I'm being too hyperbolic when I call Ray one of the wisest and most empathetic dramatists of the 20th century. Anchored by a tremendous performance from Madhabi Mukherjee, The Big City follows the tension in a middle-class conservative Calcutta family after Arati, a housewife, gets a job to earn the family some extra money. It's a terrific feminist film, one that paints a vivid picture of 1960s attitudes towards womanhood in India without being too on-the-nose about it. And, like in Ray's best films, the conflict that arises from the rest of the family unfolds honestly and poetically. There are no bad people in this Big City -- just complicated people who sometimes hurt each other. A masterwork from one of the best to ever do it. (The Big City is currently streaming on the Criterion Channel and HBO Max.)

04. A Woman Under the Influence (dir. John Cassavetes, 1974; USA) I'm a little embarrassed to confess that this was my first experience with John Cassavetes. The film lives and dies by Gena Rowlands, who does GOAT-level work here. She's legendary, and rightfully so: her Mabel emerges as an unflinchingly authentic human being, a whole bunch of nervy contradictions bundled together into one woman stuck in a marriage with an emotionally stunted husband who doesn't fully understand her. Brutal and shocking, raw and warm, exhausting and devastating, this is an undeniably great -- if taxing -- film. (A Woman Under the Influence is currently streaming on the Criterion Channel and HBO Max.)

05. Three Colors: Red (dir. Krzysztof Kieślowski, 1994; Switzerland/France/Poland) I'm not proud of the fact that it took me over four years to finish watching the Three Colors trilogy, but from what I can remember, Red is by far the most satisfying chapter. With two fully-fleshed out characters played beautifully by Irène Jacob and Jean-Louis Trintignant and a script that feels comfortable wrestling with multiple big ideas (god complexes, odd couples, fate, artistry, justice, the cyclical nature of love, etc.), Red feels far more complete than its predecessors. It probably helps that it's inarguably the warmest and most optimistic film of the trilogy too. An utter joy to watch and to dig into. (Three Colors: Red is currently streaming on the Criterion Channel and HBO Max.)

06. 2046 (dir. Wong Kar-wai, 2004; Hong Kong) I was nervous it wouldn't live up to the hype. I mean, how could it? In the Mood for Love is so singular a cinematic achievement, an all-time masterpiece that was rightfully canonized almost immediately, and then Wong Kar-wai tempted fate by releasing a sequel. I shouldn’t have worried: 2046 is a marvel that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, history and the imagined future. Unlike its predecessor, which is an intimate chamber piece, this is a much larger meditation on the very experience of heartbreak, of rebuilding oneself after a love affair has turned sour. This is a deeply empathetic, almost unbearably gorgeous film. (2046 is available to rent online.)

07. Rocco and His Brothers (dir. Luchino Visconti, 1960; Italy) Rocco and His Brothers is huge, but tremendously powerful and pretty handily my favorite film from Visconti so far. Brutal, precise, tragic, and beautifully realized, this epic family drama is anchored by a slew of great performances from Alain Delon, Katina Paxinou, Max Cartier, and Annie Girardot, but it’s Renato Salvatori who walks away with the film. His devastating portrait of toxic masculinity is astonishing to watch. Essential viewing. (Rocco and His Brothers is currently streaming on the Criterion Channel.)

08. Silkwood (dir. Mike Nichols, 1983; USA) Undoubtedly one of the high points in the legendary careers of both Mike Nichols and Meryl Streep. It’s a terrifying film -- terrifying because the ways Karen Silkwood was destroyed, psychologically and physically by men in power -- but it's also utterly infuriating in its clear distillation of her injustice. From the beautifully observed interpersonal relationships around the factory to the gradual fraying of the central friendship between Streep’s Karen and Cher’s Dolly, the film's human component is always firmly front-and-center. That doesn't make it any less politically toothy though: the story of corporations trying to destroy unions and the people who run them is as American as apple pie. That truth makes Silkwood one of the most essential films this country has ever produced. (Silkwood is currently available to rent and can be viewed at this link.)

09. 35 Shots of Rum (dir. Claire Denis, 2008; France) Claire Denis is indisputably a master storyteller, but she's also one of the most perceptive, empathetic filmmakers walking the planet. Taking inspiration from Ozu's Late Spring, she infuses the mundane beauty in the world and in the day-to-day intricacies of our familial relationships with an almost cosmic grace. A lesser film might put the father-daughter relationship in the background in favor of the romance, but not Ozu, and certainly not Denis, and thank goodness for that: 35 Shots of Rum comes most alive when we linger in the bittersweet, frustrating love that Alex Descas' Lionel and Mati Diop's Josephine have for each other. By the ending, the audience feels like they've spent several months with this family rather than just 100 minutes. It's a real wonder. (35 Shots of Rum is currently streaming on MUBI.)

10. It’s Always Fair Weather (dir. Stanley Donen & Gene Kelly, 1955; USA) I can’t believe I hadn’t even heard of this film before this year. It's Always Fair Weather is like if The Best Years of Our Lives and On the Town had a baby and also that baby had depression. I mean that in the best way possible. So much happens in this film (Betty Comden and Adolph Green’s script is a miracle) that it’s hard to describe without getting lost in the weeds, but there are two elements that deserve individual recognition: first, Dolores Gray, who steals the film as a vapid, manipulative TV hostess, and brings the house down with her big number “Thanks a Lot, but No Thanks;” second, just like in Singin' in the Rain, the most wonderful moment in the film is a solo performed by Gene Kelly on the street: “I Like Myself,” an irrepressible expression of joy and one of the best numbers of Kelly’s career. (It’s Always Fair Weather is available to rent and can be viewed at this link.)

Honorable mentions (in alphabetical order): Big Deal on Madonna Street (Mario Monicelli, 1958), The Bigamist (Ida Lupino, 1953), Blood Simple (Joel Coen, 1984), The Children’s Hour (William Wyler, 1961), Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt (Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman, 1989), Dance, Girl, Dance (Dorothy Arzner, 1940), Distant Voices, Still Lives (Terence Davies, 1988); The Eternal Breasts (Kinuyo Tanaka, 1955), Floating Weeds (Yasujiro Ozu, 1959), Funeral Parade of Roses (Toshio Matsumoto, 1969), The Gleaners and I (Agnès Varda, 2000), Hail the Conquering Hero (Preston Sturges, 1944), The Heartbreak Kid (Elaine May, 1972), It Should Happen to You (George Cukor, 1954), The Last Detail (Hal Ashby, 1973), Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday (Jacques Tati, 1953), Morocco (Josef von Sternberg, 1930), My Neighbors the Yamadas (Isao Takahata, 1999), News from Home (Chantal Akerman, 1977), Nights of Cabiria (Federico Fellini, 1957), One Week (Buster Keaton & Edward F. Cline, 1920), Paprika (Satoshi Kon, 2006), Point Break (Kathryn Bigelow, 1991), Popeye the Sailor Meets Sindbad the Sailor (Dave Fleischer, 1936), Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (Akiva Schaffer & Jorma Taccone, 2016), A Raisin in the Sun (Daniel Petrie, 1961), Salt of the Earth (Herbert J. Biberman, 1954), The Sea Wolf (Michael Curtiz, 1941), Sweet Smell of Success (Alexander Mackendrick, 1957), The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (Joseph Sargent, 1974), To Joy (Ingmar Bergman, 1950), Touch of Evil (Orson Welles, 1958), Twenty-Four Eyes (Keisuke Kinoshita, 1954), Uptight (Jules Dassin, 1968), Wanda (Barbara Loden, 1970), and Where is My Friend’s House? (Abbas Kiarostami, 1987).

And some miscellaneous viewing stats:

First movie watched in 2021: Carmen Jones (Otto Preminger, 1954)

Final movie watched in 2021: When Harry Met Sally... (Rob Reiner, 1989)

Worst movie watched: The Snowman (Tomas Alfredson, 2017)

Oldest movie watched: Les Vampires - Episode Two: The Ring That Kills (Louis Feuillade, 1915)

Longest movie watched: War and Peace (King Vidor, 1956; 208 minutes)

Month with most amount of movies watched: April (42 movies, including shorts)

Month with least amount of movies watched: September (7 movies)

First movie from 2021 seen: Judas and the Black Messiah (Shaka King, 2021)

Total movies watched: 282

[love-amihan]

| ʜᴏᴍᴇ | ᴊᴊᴋ | ᴀᴏᴛ | ʜǫ | ꜰɪʟᴏ | ᴛᴀɢʟɪsᴛs | ᴍɪᴍɪ |

GAMER BOYFIES PT. 2 // YUTA, JUNPEI, MAHITO

amihan's note: since the first one got lots of notes, i'm here to deliver more ~(^v^)~ this will be a bit different than the first one. ahh how i miss having our usual scimmage every night 😪 here's a few moments on how my teammates and i usually play our game, happy reading!

game; call of duty: mobile

bf!yuta x gn!reader, bf!junpei x gn!reader, bf!mahito x gn!reader

-okkotsu yuta

he's that teammate who always gets the dog tags

if ever he's the only one remaining and all of you are watching his gameplay, he gets all shaky

"stop, i'm shaking so much" he muttered on his mic while his character slides and jumps trying to find a good spot

but gets cheered up by the team, specially you

if it's the other way around, you're the last member. he will praise you nonstop;

your breath hitched as you see all your teammates get taken down one after another, good thing you manage to get into revival flight before your last teammate died. your teammates immediately reassuring you, lots of 'you got this' and 'you can do it' echoing your ears.

your character went down in front of the airdrop, you cursed seeing it has nothing in it, not even a rifle with a single bullet. you had no choice but to pick up the rocket launcher, you gotta use what's available. "enemy, enemy" your teammate alerted, you turn around and made some distance between the two of you as the enemy rains down bullets at you.

you used the rocket launcher doing some damage to the enemy, sadly you got taken out first. all of you groan as your screen shows big number 3, indicating your place. you felt yuta come closer to your side hugging you, "you did great, that was badass" he showers you with kisses causing you to giggle.

he loves playing with you

the way you're so focused with the game mesmerizes him

he can't help but get distracted all the time, causing him to die in-game

the boy is so whipped for you

the team always tease him for that

you will catch him staring at you and he will immediately avert his eyes back to his screen, blushing like crazy

he's acting like he's not your boyfriend, you can't help but shake your head smile evident on your lips

-yoshino junpei

i don't know if it's just me but he gives the gamer vibe, like a good one at that

his aim? top-notch, hands down

i feel like he's gonna be a shotgun user

his movements you ask? he flows like the wind he really said can't catch this ass

you can't believe your eyes sometimes, seeing how his fingers moves around his screen effortlessly fast

he assists you whenever, wherever you need him

will help you learn how to snipe!

well mostly because the team have lots of shotgun users

a lil side story; pls our clan master taught me how to use sniper and do hip-fire but my dumbass can never adapt (ಥ﹏ಥ) but one thing i did learn was use shotgun, it all worked out in the end ig ┐(´～｀)┌

he's the strategist of the team

will instruct you all what to do and not to do

an enemy squad approaching? he's already spurting out tactics as all of you took position listening to him

you are not that good with games like this compare to him but with all the one on one lessons he gave you, you can say that you're pretty decent with it. plus it was also another way of spending time with him.

you kept a look-out for the team as they take their needed loots, the team just did a flawless squad wipe thanks to junpei's strategies. your eyes caught something moving in the corner, just as you were about to say something bullets starts pouring at junpei's direction.

luckily, the enemy is within your range and you easily took them out without breaking a single sweat. junpei let out a whistle, pulling away from his phone for a moment to give you a quick peck on the lips, smiling down on his screen, "good job, love" you can't help but smile, this is definitely the best way to spend time with him.

-mahito

fuckin loud

like doesn't stop talking the whole game

yes, it was entertaining at first, all his jokes and funny stories

but as the game progressed, he just became annoying

you're the vice master, so if ever you can kick him out anytime :D

you never miss a beat threatening him, using your vice master card

the only thing holding you back from kicking him? he's really good!

like his sniping skills? spot on, sheesh he has no chill

loves poking fun of you

he will never say this but he really looks up to you and respects you as a player

there's this one time, he was waiting for the revival flight he saw your gameplay;

you scope in and move it to at least get a hit on the enemy. once you were confident on your aim, you pushed the fire button but it didn't even land a hit on the enemy. you heard a snort beside you as you groan, "that was so bad" he commented.

you glare at him, giving a reasonable excuse "the enemy was moving!" you were not wrong though, the enemy was indeed moving. smh mahito, you cocky bastard.

there's also this moment, where there's only two squads left. your team and an enemy squad;

you saw a lone enemy that had no clue with their surrounding, so you took this opportunity for a perfect ambush. you opted for a shotgun wanting to get closer to the enemy, once you were in range you began spamming the fire button as you circle around them.

at the same time you also took damage, you were reloading your shotgun but before you can finish doing so, your character dropped dead and a dog tag was displayed on your screen. you made a confused noise, mahito running towards your dog tag while laughing loudly. you look at him, a little upset "you really used a whole mag for one person?" he taunted.

his character scanning your dog tag, you cross your arms now more upset. "if i knew there was another one, i would've used two!" you complained, he reaches out to you pinching your cheeks "sure sure" you huff "plus i was reloading" he chuckles pulling you closer to his side, leaving a kiss on your temple.

copyright © 2021 by love-amihan all rights reserved. do not repost in other platforms. reblogs are welcome and highly appreciated! <33

tagging; @lumpiang-toge bcs yuta is adorable here usto q lang din umatake

[enchanted-lightning-aes]

Enchant Presents. . .

[ID: A teal banner with a small photo of Sam and Bucky standing next to each other on the right with blue Lora text that reads “Enchant Presents: FYSambucky Fic Friday Recs” /finish ID]

happy TFATWS and fic Friday, @fuckyeahsambucky! today, I will present recs with The Falcon Captain America and the Winter Soldier in mind. u kno me, I’m not very much into writing stuff that are super canon. however, I like reading stuff that takes place in it, especially if they wow me. so, here goes! this is pre-canon, post-canon, and canon divergence, so yeh.

this is also for the anon who told me my taste is flawless, sksksksk.

different with every shore by JoBones - I’ve read this story when I was supposed to charge my brain cells and it was worth it! Sam being perplexed by Bucky’s feelings for him is written as genuine and their banter was top-notch. this fic feels like an entire episode that I would watch a lot, ngl. great story along with narration. Semi Post-Canon. ✨

You’re Welcome by @siancore - first off, the banter here matches the vibes of my favorite couple of guys. it was witty, cute, and I love the scenarios especially the near kiss they could have shared with the tension close to exploding between them. to not spoil much, I very much admire the tone in this tale. also Sian deserves love for writing this much words after reblogging a certain gif-set and I am (still) in awe. Post-Canon. ✨

Friendversary by SamBucky_Fanzi - listen, you will laugh at this story. based on a certain vid and Sam and Bucky are so sick of others thinking they’re together even tho they’re so clueless that everybody and their mother can see they have something going on and won’t admit. I think y’all will enjoy how their efforts turned out, lmaooo. I know I did. Canon Divergence. ✨

Mission to Monte Carlo by @yavannie - this is a great fic with the right amount of humor and mission stuff. for those into this trope, this fic will deliver that along with dialogue that’s spot-on, the guys in well-dressed suits, and tie pulling. the side characters here are also a wonderful addition. Post-Canon. ✨

What I’ve Been Living For by @pianistwriter80 - color me impressed because this is a detailed take on the finale and the words make me heart eyes. the well-timed confession, the banter, and the lovely kiss shared between these two is stellar. Post-Canon. ✨

diving blind by yukla - also a very beautiful 5 + 1 things tale, where the tea is scalding amidst the fluff. it also has Sam Wilson feels, which I’m always up for. it flows very well and this is a wonderful tale. it’s got the Love is Requited They Just Don’t Know It vibes I’m always all about, yeet. Post-Canon. ✨

War Stories by Siancore - y’all really think I’m not gonna rec Sian again? guess what, here I am anyway! here’s a take that adds context to the burgeoning relationship between Sam and Bucky in canon. it’s got heart, love, banter, and characterization that pulls you in. the chemistry’s all over the place whenever these two are together. highly recommended, make no mistake about that. Pre-Canon or Canon Divergence, depends on how u look at it. ✨

this is it, love; it's you and me, love by @glittercake - ahhhh, yes, this sends me lots of feels. both are so dumb yet so in love with each other and I am here for the dialouge. the tension and chemistry is electric. that confession’s pretty sweet and so them, and the moment they shared in this tale is *chef’s kiss*! Post-Canon. ✨

Things Were Lookin’ Grim, But They’re Lookin’ Good Again by @jemgirl86 - if you’re me and wanted a longer apology from Bucko, this is for you! like I cannot, I cannot even, when I read this, I was so satisfied when Sam let his feelings out, when Bucky apologized and admitted how he did so wrong with receipts. plus, it fills the acts of service criteria, which I’m here for. still am glad to read this tale and this is a must-read, imo. - Canon Divergence. ✨

aranyhíd by @honestlyfrance​ - actually, I requested this fic and my bestie did this justice! this tale explores some Sam Wilson feels along with Bucky being a simp for him. cute banter and moments shared in the lingering traces of the evening. it also features beautiful depiction of the sunset in Delacroix and I knew the word would fit it well! highly rec. - Post-Canon. ✨

[ultrahpfan5blog]

Brooklyn Nine-Nine - Season 1 Retrospective

So I've started my rewatch of the entire show in preparing for the 8th and sadly final season of B99. I'm going to try and finish all 7 seasons before the start of season 8. It will be tough but I will give it a shot. The show is honestly in my top 5 shows of all time. Certainly my favorite show of the past decade. I watched it live from the day the pilot aired till date. Its one show that I have followed almost religiously and it was fun to dig back into the start of the show. Finished season 1 today so this is my retrospective.

One of the things that strikes me is how well the show had already formulated the characters. The pilot is honestly excellent and it did the things right that we needed to. Firstly, it established that the main detectives were not buffoons'. They were all competent and smart detectives. This was established from the very first scene with Jake and Amy at the electronics store. Jake could have easily come off as an obnoxious idiot if he wasn't so good at his job. And this is one element of the show that has been carried throughout. Jake, Rosa, Charles, Terry, Amy, Holt etc... are all very different characters but they are all very competent detectives/captains/sergeants so their professional worth is never in question. The show really figured out its characters very early. I think only Jake and to an extent Charles required a bit of fine tuning. With Charles, I think the only issue was with his slightly creepy obsession with Rosa. But the showrunners and writers seemed to realize this midway through the season and they moved him away from that. With Jake, Andy Samberg, Goor, and Schur have all admitted that it took them a few episodes to figure out what tone to strike with Jake. There were a couple of episodes where he was a little hard to take. But I think starting with Old School, they seemed to hit the right tone with the character. And after that Jake has been my fav on the show. A goofball with a heart of gold.

The show also hit its strides in terms of quality fairly quickly. I think the above two episodes had some questionable things. Certainly I don't think some of the stuff in 48 Hours holds up very well. However, starting with Halloween, the show had a very consistently strong season with some genuine all time B99 classics such as Halloween, The Pontiac Bandit, The Bet, Tactical Village etc... I was also surprised how many of the things we love about the show were established so early. Halloween was episode 6 and became an annual tradition. I still consider the first Halloween the second best of all the Halloween episodes. The Vulture first appeared in episode 5. Craig Robinson's Pontiac Bandit also became a recurring feature after appearing in episode 12. Title of sex tape joke started from Halloween as well.

Also to note are the characters and the relationships being so well developed. All the characters genuinely feel like they had lived in friendships. The Holt and Jake dynamic, which is the crux of the show, gets the father and son flavor very early. In episode 2 itself, Holt makes a comparison to how a deputy commissioner lets his son get away with anything as a way to teach Peralta how that is a bad thing. By establishing this dynamic early, I knew I was hooked. They also inserted character quirks that made me feel attached to certain characters. I knew I loved Terry when I saw his freakout and his fear of getting shot. It was a lovely way of grounding him. Amy's need for attention from Holt and being a total teacher's pet is totally something that made her adorable. Charles and his love for food was also gave him a distinct characteristic. Gina was Chelsea Peretti with a different name. That in itself made the character unique due to her personality. She was not necessarily always my favorite character but

The show also did a fantastic job establishing the beginnings of the peraltiago romance. The Bet is one my favorite episodes of the show till date. The rooftop scene is so naturally enacted that it doesn't even feel like acting. Plus, Melissa Fumero is so naturally adorable that I could totally see myself in Jake's shoes, falling for Amy. That dynamic is gradually built up in 'Operation: Broken Feather', 'Unsolvable', and then in 'Charges and Specs'. The scene in the finale where Jake confesses his feeling for Amy is incredibly sweet and Andy Samberg doesn't get enough credit for how well he does at nailing romantic sincerity throughout the show. In that scene he manages to deliver a performance where you can see that Jake is vulnerable and is uncomfortable with his emotions but feels he has to say them before leaving. It also showed the growth of his character over the season that he delivers it with as much maturity as he does.

I liked how the first season gave a full arc on the Holt and Jake relationship with Jake reaching a point where he trusted Holt unquestioned when Holt asked him to get fired on purpose. It was an interesting cliffhanger as well so it made me real excited for season 2. I think season 1 is arguably the 2nd or 3rd best season of the show. Barring a couple of episodes towards the beginning of the season, the quality of the rest is top notch and I had a blast rewatching it. On to season 2. Season 1 was a 9/10.

[masquayla-the-splendid]

Gracious yalls are raggin on SatAM in the tags more than I see anywhere else. "skrosksk environmentalism 🧠🔨" man I just wanna see fanart 🪑

Foist of all, the most common misconception I see is that every freedom fighter is anti technology. However, the only group we see that is true to this title would be the Wolf Pack. From the episode "Cry of the Wolf." Clearly stated with the main characters, we see that Sally has a device named Nicole, Rotor is The Tech Guy™, and Bunnie is literally half robot. Of course not by choice, but it gives a lot of advantages for the team. Heck even Uncle Chuck worked on this kinda stuff, considering he made the machine that defines Robotnik's character, which I'll get to later. Now yes, there are environmentalist undertones, but this was a common theme for 90s cartoons. I re watch this show a lot, and it never looks dead in the camera and tells you to plant a tree. If anything, Adventures of Sonic does that.

And then there's Robotnik. There's like an ongoing war with how this guy was interpreted. I'll give it a rating first.

Design: 6/10

Character: 7/10

Voice: 10/10

Starting with his design. Well, long story short, they didn't get his JP ref sheet. The producers of SatAM, among other fairly early Sonic continuity writers, were only given so much detail into this universe that they had to pull a few straws to make things a bit more...."consise." To put it in short terms, all they got was "Robotnik is the egg shaped bad guy who turns animals into robots." The concept art is very surreal, and just barely has the essence of Eggman. But hey, they kept the formula right. Red on top, black on bottom, yellow cape, big ol mustache. His villain generic black/red eyes are most likely AMSegas promotional art mistaking his glasses on his sprite for soulless caves. Not quite, but they got the right idea in the end. (the robotic arm is a nice touch)

His character is one that I exclusively tie to SatAM. Like if you say "Robotnik" instead of "Eggman," this is usually the first guy I think of. This is the only interpretation of him that actually took over, and poses as an serious threat, (that was well written *cough*Forces) so there's not a lot I can compare him to. A common complaint I see with this guy is that he always sits around while his robots or Snively do all the heavy lifting. While true, I see it as that he thinks so lowly of Sonic's team, he barely bats an eye or leaves his chair to deal with them. They're just that beneath him. Oh and the Naugus scene. Honestly, it was a little rushed. I feel like that's why it was so absurd. Naugus' little act was explained in one episode. They play Robotnik as this fearless warlord, so they wanted to give him something to be afraid of. Because despite his robotic appendages, he is a human. Don't even get me started on his an Snively's dynamic, that is for another day. As much as I like this interpretation, I hate the roboticizer twist. This ain't even a misinterpretation thing, they knew that was the whole point of his character. In short, he's your average edgy 90s big bad, except crank the darkness up like a few notches. Stands out across the sea of goofy eggmen.

Here's a cursed fact, he's got the same VA of Winnie the Pooh! Have that image brandished in your head. The deliveries of 80% of his lines really show how much of a creep he is. Like the shudders he does in between lines are actually unsettling. Snively does this too sometimes, but Robotnik's is too believably sadistic. There's a scene where there was like no music playing, in the beat of silence you could hear the frikkin harty inhale before delivering the next line and it made me physically recoil. Only one other character has successfully portrayed themselves with their voice alone, and got that reaction outta me, and that's the Pumpkin Rabbit from the Walten Files. Underground may have the same Robotnik design, but SatAMs got the fitting voice.

Obviously this ain't the perfect cartoon with a prime message. Heck, newer shows like Steven Universe tackle a lot of heavier topics, and it doesn't have the best writing either. But it stands strong for only having 23 episodes, with several airing and production issues, ie Antoine filler episodes/THE cliffhanger. There's so many "what could've been"s for this show that outweigh the "already are"s.

[yolkyeomie]

The Moon Is Beautiful | Kim Seungmin

summary — shooting your arrow into everyone’s heart had been so easy until you accidentally shot it into his

word count — 2.7k words

pairing — seungmin x gender neutral!reader (I tried to make it gender neutral,,,, let me know it’s not tho!!)

genre — fluff, high school au, CLIFF HANGER

disclaimer — this is for stayhaven’s valentine event so I hope everyone enjoys what I brought to the table :D !! sorry this is so??? messy and dumb and late LMAO just enjoy it for what it is 🧍🏾‍♀️

tags — @fluffyskzclub

You were bold and that’s what people liked about you. Well, bold in the sense that you had no problem doing things for others. Whenever someone was too shy, too anxious, too frightened to take charge you’d always be the one to do so instead.

It was a habit from when you were a child that only continued to grow and cultivate itself as a primary piece of your personality. You hated the amount of hesitation others took when a job needed to be done, watching people squirm and excuse themselves from doing such minuscule tasks was idiotic in your eyes. So you had always taken it upon yourself to offer up yourself as a substitution, to save both you and your peers from the potential disappointment or embarrassment that a situation called for.

Somehow everyone slowly caught wind of your selfless acts and they began to flock to your side in an attempt to gain your assistance. The issues usually were rather small: presenting in group projects, asking questions for others, ordering food, starting conversation, anything relatively close to those. You didn’t mind either, you never truly got sick of helping those who couldn’t help themselves.

Sure, there were times when people you’d rather not interact with seeked your assistance, but the mere fact that they had to swallow their pride and come to you was enough for you to continue without any second thoughts.

That was until you became the residential high school “Cupid”. It was a one time request, a girl you had known in one of your classes had scurried you to you in a rush and asked for your services and you agreed. She had beens a rather quiet figure amongst the usual rowdiness of the other students so one could only imagine how loud you cooed at her when she asked you to deliver a love letter for her.

So you did as asked, finding the lucky person who had such a sweet secret admirer and delivering the letter in a small yet endearing manner.

Not long after you had given the love letter to them, the two had gotten together almost immediately and you were thrilled. But somehow instead of the focus being put on the new couple within the school halls, it was on you? It had immediately spread that you were the one to give the letter and helped them get together and somehow that equated to you becoming Cupid.

After the occurrence that should have only been a one time thing, it became all anyone ever asked of you. Every few days out of the week you’d have a multitude of students rushing into your classroom when they got the chance and begged you to send their love letters to their crushes.

You’d try to decline for the sake of your own sanity but watching them grovel at your foot and beg was a little… uncomfortable to say the least.

That’s how you became the Cupid of your class, your grade, your entire school, and accidentally made the old childish tradition of sending letters to confirm a mutual attraction popular.

There’s only been two people so far that your Cupid’s arrow never seemed to notch though, no matter how many love letters were shoved their way. One of those being the boy that was approaching you now, Hwang Hyunjin.

“Y/N!” Hyunjin exclaimed, frankly waving his arms in the air and his eyes sparklingly with pure glee when he finally caught your attention. You couldn’t help but smile back at him, his happiness being contagious if you had to be completely honest. You could see why he often received the love letters you were meant to deliver.

Though your eyes immediately caught sight of the pink envelope in his hand, the sight of the object was rather familiar in your time as the resident ‘Cupid’ of your school.

“I can’t believe my eyes,” you jeered, a smug smirk beginning to stretch across your face as he approached you. “Hwang Hyunjin, the infamous lover boy of this generation, handing me a love letter? Tell me, who is the lucky person? I’ve got to know, this is the biggest news of the century!”

The boy rolled his eyes at your teasing, holding the letter away from your gremlin hand as he spoke. “Haha, that’s so funny but no! It’s not mine.”

You involuntarily whine at his response, snatching the letter out of his hand with one big hop and collapsing into the desk. “What do you mean it’s not yours?” You question him scanning the letter up and down for confirmation. It was a nice rosy pink shade and smelled just like lavender, as if it had been sprayed with the specific scent. It was shut tight with a heart stamp placed on it like a wax seal and even had pretty neat hand writing at the top that you couldn’t quite decipher.

You did, however, know that the handwriting belonged to the boy that stood right in front of you denying ownership of the letter. “This is your handwriting, how is this not yours?” You argued, “and don’t try to lie and say it’s not, I’ve seen your essay drafts enough to know what your handwriting looks like.”

The boy winced at the thought, quickly reminiscing on the memories of the two of you working together on projects before returning to reality. “I know it’s my handwriting, but it’s not mine— the letter, I mean! I was asked to write everything down because the sender wanted to remain anonymous.”

“Anonymous?” You repeated making sure you heard him correctly. You searched the envelope for any sort of signature and lo and behold, there was none that you could find. All that was left on the outside of the card was a yellow sticky note with a locker number written on it.

This was… a first for you. Usually when people asked you to deliver the confessions of love to the receiver, they wanted their name mentioned so that they wouldn’t get you confused with someone else. Even then, just in case, they always had their name written somewhere on their envelopes to ensure that the receiver knew exactly who they would be responding to. No one had ever asked you to anonymously deliver letters.

“What? Are anonymous letters out of your requirements?” Hyunjin questioned, playing with a strand of his silky black hair as he grinned at you.

You shook your head immediately, though struggling to release your gaze from the mysterious letter. “No, not at all. It’s just… new I guess? I’m so used to knowing who exactly I’m going to and who I’m delivering for. It’s weird.”

“Why? Because you’re no longer in the loop?” You nearly jump out of your skin as you turn around, the hair on your neck standing straight up like a cat’s. The doggish smile of Seungmin stared back at you, a teasing glint in his eyes as he took the envelope out of your hands. “Wow Y/N, I never took you to the nosy type… but I guess being the school’s Stupid Cupid changes you.”

This was the second person who’s heart you could never strike with your Cupid arrow, Kim Seungmin.

You struggle to comprehend his words, ignoring his insults as your ears immediately begin to burn in a sense of embarrassment as you bite back at him. “I’m not being nosy!” You try to convince him, taking the letter out of his hands. “I’m just not used to giving these without any background information, that’s all.”

“Does wanting background information mean you're being nosy?” The boy questioned, his light chuckle like music to your ears despite his taunting words, “your trying to poke your nose into business you have no right to be in.”

“These letters are my business,” you snap back, “I’m the one who delivers them, for free even! I should know who is sending them and who is recovering them. It just… makes sense!”

You’ve known Kim Seungmin for awhile now, you weren’t strangers at all. In fact your mothers went to school together when they were your age, so in a sense the two of you were close. But Seungmin always treated you like an annoying little sibling any second he caught, pushing whatever button he could find. You never bickered, per se, he just enjoyed making fun of you and you were very easy to make heated.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah whatever…” He shrugged off, not even noticing how much he was pushing him buttons. “Whether you like it or not you are not entitled to that kind of information. Let’s be honest there’s probably a reason that it’s not stated who is going to and who it’s coming from.” 

After a moment of thought, Hyunjin nodded in agreement. “You’re a very well-known person around the school now, they’ll be put in the spotlight just because you’re involved in their romance. They probably won’t like all that attention but still want you to deliver the letter.”

“Well…,” You trail off seeing their side of the argument. As much as he wanted to know what was going on, you do have to respect their privacy. “Ugh, I hate it when you guys make sense it makes everything less fun.”

Seungmin grinned ear to ear at your surrender, quickly shooting an off handed comment,” we’re just trying to make sure that our Stupid Cupid doesn’t get into a fight with someone because they decided to invade someone’s privacy.”

“It’s not invading privacy!” you snap back at him, beginning your daily bickering once again. You knew he was right but you’d rather jump into the ocean and let Seungmin have the last laugh. “What, I should go deliver this before class starts… And before I decide to choke you out.”

“Wise decision,” Hyunjin laughed, side eying Seungmin as you stood up from your seat. “I’m almost one hundred percent sure Seungmin wouldn’t be able to fight back anyway.”

“Hey—!” Seungmin didn’t get the chance to respond, not when Hyunjin leaped over the desk to cover his mouth and you begin dashing out of the room. As popular and close to Seungmin as Hyunjin may seem, he would always cover for you at the end of the day. Which worked out well in your favor... most of the time.

Thankfully he had held off Seungmin long for you to get away, gleefully skipping down the bright hallways with a pep in your step. It didn’t matter how many times you had to deliver a love letter to someone, whether it was anonymous or not, you’d always feel a warm feeling in your chest knowing that the feelings you held in your hand were raw and true.

And if you had to be honest? Knowing that the letter you had now was completely anonymous to keep their emotions hidden from the rest of the student body made your heart warm. Oh young love… how sweet it must be to be in love.

“One thirty-two…,” you counted to yourself, scanning the numbers written on the lockers. It didn’t take long to get where you needed to be, luckily the love letter was being delivered to someone near your own locker. You knew this hallway like the back of your hand since this is where you usually could be found.

Every so often a student would notice your presence in the area and spot the love letter in your hands, chaos soon beginning afterward. The whole hall would flare up in eager whispers and trembling hands as everyone wondered, ‘is it me? Is it my turn to get struck by your arrow?’

Their hopeful smiles would soon drop into disappointed groans when you passed them without a second thought, still searching for the anonymous receiver’s locker. Constant questions of ‘who is it this time?’ would spread across the room as you continued your search, as curious as you to figure out who was getting their heart pierced by Cupid’s arrow.

“One thirty-nine…,” you continued, blinking your eyes rapidly as you looked back from the love letter to the locker not that far from you. The sticky note attached to the letter had been addressed to locker number one forty-one and somehow you hadn’t noticed that that’s you. You're locker one forty one, that’s the one you were occupying for the school year. “Wait, what?”

You glanced from the locker number to the sticky note and it wasn’t wrong. You were at the right locker, which meant the love letter was addressed to you in the end. It really was your business after all.

“What am I supposed to do? Prick myself with my own arrow,” you joked, leaning up against the metal compartments to look a little closer at the letter in your hands. You were notoriously known for setting couples up together just by giving the confessions to them, but what were you supposed to do if you didn’t know who it was?

You didn’t mind getting into a relationship yourself, honestly you didn’t, but you didn’t know who it was from! Hyunjin gave you no clue and he didn’t even point out the fact that the locker number written on the sticky note was yours. “This makes me infuriated for some reason,” you mumble, pressing your back up against the lockers as you begin to carefully open the letter for yourself.

As soon as you opened the envelope the scent of lavender became even stronger, as if the letter itself was sprayed heavily with a lavender perfume. You also didn’t mind that though, lavender was your favorite scent for perfume. You could often be found trucking through the halls with the smell of lavender groves trailing behind you.

To the Stupid Cupid,

The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?

From,

Your Psyche.

“Stupid Cupid?” You hissed, annoyed at the teasing that could be found in the love letter. If someone was going to write you a love letter, shouldn’t they have been a little nicer to win you over? You get other couples together, but that doesn’t mean you’d be won over so easily. “How rude… there’s no need for name calling.”

This saying however, you’ve seen it before. Well, not seen, more like heard of it every so often. It was A Japanese saying that was seen as a more intimate and poetic way of confessing your love to someone.

You knew specifically because every so often you’d have other students run up to you and ask if the “the moon was beautiful, isn't it?” was a good way to ask out their long (but usually short) term crushes. No one that had ever asked you had the guts to use it since it felt like an odd way to confess but here you are now, staring at the words written on the letter addressed to you.

“Wait a minute… Stupid Cupid?” You repeated, standing up to your full height as you read over the letter again. You read it once, twice, three times, four, maybe even more before you realized that no one who simply admired you from a afar knew your nickname was Stupid Cupid, only close friends. Even then, Hyunjin had never used it as a way to address you, the words have never even fallen from his mouth and he’s one of the closest people to you.

You could already cross out him as a potential candidate anyway because you knew exactly what his handwriting was like after working with him for so long. It was even on the front and back of the envelope too, but the writing within the letter wasn’t Hyunjin’s at all. You knew it was a little too neat and legible to him. The only person with handwriting like this hand for have been…

“Hey, Stupid Cupid!” You turn your head with neck breaking speed, your eyes widening as the familiar nickname matches to the voice and face of Kim Seungmin as he walks down the hall. He waved his hands to you innocent as he caught your attention, his teasing puppy grin growing wider with every passing second as he called, “did you deliver that letter already?”

You glance down at the love letter before you look back up at him, the feeling of disbelief morphing onto your face as you blurted out without thinking. “The moon is beautiful, isn’t it, Seungmin?”