#THE WAY THEY DID THE SCENES. THE ANIMATION GOD. AND HOW WELL THE VOICES FIT SPY AND SCOUT
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stoopidstapler · 2 years ago
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27.04.2023 HAPPY 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO MY FAVOURITE SFM VIDEO OF ALL TIME, GENTLEBOT HELL BY MISTERMULLUC ON YOUTUBE
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scimagic · 1 month ago
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SMG4: WOTFI 2024 Thoughts and Analysis Masterpost
WOTFI 2024 is finally here and I had so much fun watching it! I've even watched it a few times already!! I'm so glad this was my first ever live WOTFI, it makes me wish I knew of SMG4 earlier but alas! I'm still so happy I found SMG4 and it's wonderful community the way I did!
This is one large compilation of all my reactions, opinions and deeper analysis... -es on WOTFI 2024! I will go over the entirety of the video almost scene-to-scene with my OWN OPINIONS! (And yes, it gets hella long) I divided it into sections of the video and even included pictures for viewing convenience!
Hope you enjoy reading essays <33
Warning: Spoilers (duh).
✧ Before The Show
As said before this was my first live WOTFI, since the episodes release at 9AM for me I had to put on my alarm one hour before but I shut it off fhjkdsa
So you can imagine my panic when I had to make my breakfast 10 minutes before it started
Not my greatest planning but I managed to (somewhat) make it on time!
✧ Let's Jump Right In!!
WHUH HAPPEN
Loved the spin off of Mr Puzzles' jingle, I knew I was going to get it stuck in my head the moment the lyrics switched
I was amused when Puzzles re-enacted his life, thought he'd give a little more meat to work with but I'm glad he just explained what we already knew. Some of his charm lies in the mystery that is his life
"So I did what any ambitious, misunderstood young soul would do... I locked myself in my room and watched TV all day!" So real tho-
I'm surprised I didn't see many people react to Puzzles cursing so loud hfdskja maybe we're all busy with the rest of WOTFI but I SCREAMED when he went "-WERE VIOLENTLY FUCKING CRUSHED BY YOU LOT!!"
LET THAT MAN CUSS FREELY!!!!
"... yyyou!" <3
LOVE EVERYONE'S COSTUMES TOO!! They all look great!!
Maybe it's because of the teasers they gave but I thought the crew was going to go against Puzzles himself with the challenges, but pitting them against Mario and SMG4 made me pleasantly surprised (I will be a lot throughout all this!)
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I ADORE THIS INTRO SO MUCH!! It's so fun and vibrant and the way it was animated was so cool!! I WANT THE POSTER SO BAD!!!
Haeheh big Puzzles from the website!!
Love how Saiko is just screaming at Puzzles too fhdskja
✧ Fun Carnival Torture Metho- Games!!
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I didn't say what my challenge was but it was called Chuck N' Dunk: Who can dunk the other first in shark-infested waters?
It didn't make it but I do see shark-infested waters, so either I gave a bit of inspo or I'm just delusional hfdsjka
"I have to deal with internet comments all day! This is nothing!" HAH!!! THAT'S MY FUCKING YOUTUBER RIGHT THERE!!! (He still lost)
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Love to see SMG3 and Puzzles appreciate the beauty of destruction together, gotta love two villains vibin over causing chaos, it'd make for a fun dynamic if SMG4 ever considers it
On that note, when SMG3 tries to shake Four's tight rope I knew that was Three straight up
Even under Puzzles' control, the cast still retains a bit of their personality, as shown here and in the Puzzlevision episodes
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Bob has like- the coolest costume ever holy shit- I really wanna draw it some time
I KNOW IT'S JUST A MASK AND SOME RECOLORING ALRIGHT IT JUST FITS HIM AND HE LOOKS COOL
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I LOVE HIM SO. FUCKING. MUCH. HE'S SO SMUG THE BASTARD
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This is a really funny joke actually
PIE GUN GO BRRRRRRRRRRRR
I liked seeing Karen included in this WOTFI, she was a main character in a few episodes and her dynamic works well with the others! Just a tired mom wanting to work but pulled along silly adventures, grounding in a badass caring way
CHANGE THE WORLD. MY FINAL MESSAGE. GOODBYE!! God I haven't heard that meme in so long
Plus [Italian vc] YOU SONSOFFA BITCHES
"Hope you two have your running shoes on!" said in the gayest villain voice ever, I love him your honor
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Bob going for the clown girl instead of the exit is the Bob-iest thing ever and it just drives my point of the crew retaining their personalities even under control, so people shouldn't be surprised when it happens fhdjksa (cus I've seen it!)
FOUR ONLY WINNING BECAUSE HE'S A CLOWN IS SO FUNNY YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND
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So... Ben (SMG4's Thumbnail Artist) posted a lot of Gokus when someone mentioned Metallica's For Whom The Bell Tolls
That's why I thought there'd be some kind of reference to it in WOTFI which... now that I say it out loud sounds kinda dumb hfsjdka
But the moment Mario appeared as Goku I immediately thought of Ben and it had me gigglin fhdsjka
You'd think Tari would be in the ducky mini-game but you'd be wrong! <3
Final thoughts of the games, this year's WOTFI challenges were delightful!! They were all very clever from the audience and well chosen from the crew! Congratulations to the folks that got their prompt in!
✧ WHACK-A-LEGGY (aka forgive me father for this next part)
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You........ CANNOT tell me he wouldn't treat you right- God- DAMN.
LISTEN. HEAR ME OUT. YES I'M GONNA BE SIMPY IN THIS REACTION POST FUCK YOU.
Puzzles is the type of guy to give you the best of the best simply because you say so and deserve it, doesn't matter if it's as tame as a big bouquet of flowers OR as extreme as absolutely destroying your enemies through the most painful torture you have ever witnessed
He would treat you RIGHT!!!!
THAT IS THE MOST PERFECT MAN RIGHT THERE
Oh yes and I love his interactions with Leggy, they're adorable, yes FHDSKJA
THEY MAKE A CUTE DUO
Speaking of Puzzles treating you right: I am on the FUCKING FLOOR. THAT MAN IS PROTECTIVE TOO.
It's just so endearing to me how protective he is of Leggy (yes yes I know I know he's done evil shit to Meggy I know) BUT LISTEN.
In an actual redemption arc, I can see Puzzles as the most loyal motherfucker that you've ever befriended, that man is going to go to the edge of the earth and fight for you if needed BECAUSE you're his friend and that is so lovely to me
It's cute how he's trying to tell Leggy where to go, where to hide and just how worried he is of her
Mind you, the contrast between Puzzles being worried and SMG4 and Mario wanting to curve-stomp that goomba to death is hilarious fhdsjka
So forgive me if I giggle like a schoolgirl over that man
✧ I'm Gonna Get Real With You For A Moment
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MR STINKY
Oh this scene now- lots to unpack
First: Adore how this scene plays out, I love the portrayal of Puzzles' meltdown, induced by grief, sadness, anger and frustration over how things are playing out. It's a big "I'm supposed to win! Why don't you let me win!" moment, I simply adore when those happen.
The pitiful cries when you don't get your way when you've meticulously planned everything and done Everything to get it, and do everything did Puzzles indeed try
Second: The colors, the dramatic red light, the destruction of the park out of anger and overcharging it seems
It's basically a tantrum
Third: The voice acting is phenomenal, and that's been said all throughout the Puzzlevision arc, Brendan (Mr Puzzles' voice actor) is so good at his job- he's perfect in those high pitch inflictions of emotion and the lower threatening tones, that scream is chilling and painful
Fourth: I can try and decipher that blue screen
FATAL ERROR A problem has been detected and Mr. Puzzles has been shut down to prevent damage to himself. PUZZLEVISION.EXE Check to make sure any new show or movie is properly installed. If this is a new installation :It's not: ask your hardware or software manufacturer for any PUZZLEVISION updates you might need. :I don't need any: If problems continue, disable or remove any newly installed hardware or software. Disable CPU(?) memory options such as Unused Shows or Movies. If you need to use safe mode :I don't: to remove or disable components, restart yourself, press :nuhuh: to select Advanced Startup Options, and then select Safe Mode. :NO: Technical Information: *** STOP: 2xREADING (... xACTUALLY)
That last line is ineligible to me but I tried my best for y'all <3
Lots to unpack just in this tiny little message
In his system, Puzzles is programmed to shut down if damaged. Which is CRAZY TO THINK ABOUT. His OWN SYSTEM shuts down to prevent damage to himself.
Also he's SPEAKING THROUGH THE BLUESCREEN, he's actively saying No to "Safe Mode" and REFUSING any repairs his system suggests
THIS MAN DOES NOT CARE FOR HIS BODY (if you couldn't tell by the TV head part)
AND HE'S SO UNSERIOUS HE STRAIGHT UP TELLS HIS SYSTEM NUH UH!!!!
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A little easter egg that someone else on Twitter found :)
Puzzles has become a rage horror monster and I'm here for it, the horror elements do go hard when they're played
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URGH. AND THIS MOMENT. Many have pointed it out by now BUT THE TRAUMA OF THE CASTLE!! I AM SO WEAK
Puzzles REALLY plays into those psychological torture methods, it is so RUTHLESS of him, intentionally or not!!
✧ STEP RIGHT UP, MY FRIENDS, TO PUZZLEPARK!
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He looks horrible in armor despite being everyone's pathetic knight in shining armor FHJDSKA
"You're MINE" I SURE AM SIR!!!
THAT GROWL THO- BRENDAN STRIKING AGAIN WITH THEM VOCALS!!!
AND THIS!! IS THE MOMENT WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR OH BOY!!
The transition into the actual song is SO GOOD, instead of going higher like the actual Disney intro it goes LOWER and it's PERFECT for the intro!! It makes Puzzles sound INSANE (RIGHTFULLY SO!) It also tricks you because you know the melody so well until UH OH!! WE'RE IN DEEP SHIT!! LET'S GET THE FUCK IN!
3!
2!
1!
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IMMEDIATELY threateningly playful I LOVE IT!!
It sounds so much like the songs in Nightmare Before Christmas, Kidnap Sandy Claws, Oogie Boogie's song, it has their same vibes! The same devilishly playful with their victims kind of vibes and it's RIGHT UP MY ALLEY BABY
It has SUCH an energizing beat too!! It makes you wanna jump in your seat to the beat!
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The set up is so fun too, purple is an interesting choice to go with.
I cannot stress enough how GOOD THE VOCALS ARE TOO I WAS ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT
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AND THIS PART. GOES EXTREMELY HARD. THEY ALL LOOK GREAT
They cooked with the choir of minions fr!! They sound great together!!
The chorus of the song is just as catchy as Creative Control, I had worries that I wasn't going to like this one as much as CC but I was SO wrong!! It's right up it's alley! They both have their strengths and their unique way of presenting Mr Puzzles, I wouldn't be able to decide which one is "better" since they both have different points to send across
Creative Control is jazzier, it taunts the crew and introduces Puzzles as the master villain with a bit of backstory, it's used to show the control on the crew both visually and lyrically with Puzzles putting them in different scenarios while singing how they can't leave
Meanwhile Puzzlepark, while similar in the controlling part, has more going on. It's not just Puzzles trying to control/stop Meggy, SMG4 and Mario, it's also them fighting back when they couldn't in CC. It also has the rest of the group trying to detain them, mind-controlled by Puzzles. It's crazier than just putting them in shows and popular culture references, it's throwing things at them, attacking them and messing with the world, trying to enact revenge yknow!
I particularly like when Meggy and Puzzles sing together, their voices contrast well
"But it's time for you to die now." Haehah! Hello!! This is the part where I kill you!!
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AND A LAWSUIT ARC REFERENCE TOO!? OH I'M IN HEAVEN!!!
The lyrics scratch at a very nice part of my brain, I think SMG4 has always had a knack for rhyming, they've perfected it over the years and it's paid off well
And combined with the change in beat it goes for extra points, mwah!! Chef's kiss!!
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"That child is gone... Six feet under right WHERE YOU AND YOUR STUPID FRIENDS BELONG!!"
MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PART FUCKING EVER!!!! THEY ABSOLUTELY COOKED
IT'S ABOUT HOW THREATENING PUZZLES IS IT'S ABOUT MEGGY STILL TRYING TO HELP HIM DESPITE IT ALL IT'S ABOUT HIM ABSOLUTELY REFUSING THE HELP BECAUSE THAT'S. JUST. HIM. PUZZLES. REFUSES. HELP. THINGS go his way or they don't go at all!!!
AND THAT ENDING NOTE MYYYY GODDDD GIVE THIS MAN AN EMMY RIGHT ABOUT FUCKING NOW!!!!
That was such a clean note, Brendan has an amazing singing voice and I'll be listening to this on repeat for A WEEK
SMG4 RELEASE PUZZLEPARK ON SPOTIFY NOW AND MY LIFE!!! IS YOURS!!!!
✧ In The End... It's For The Better...
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They like using the trope of going inside a character's brain/heart/whatever to talk to them huh...
I'm not saying it as a bad thing! It's just a pattern I'm sure we've all noticed! I think it's cute!
SMG4 wouldn't be SMG4 if they at least didn't Try to save their villains, sure there's distasteful ones like that lizard that absolutely deserved it, but all the other villains had redemption arcs, heart to hearts, sympathy before dying... SMG4 is about chances, finding your people and having a heart even towards those who wronged you, even if in the end the worst happens to them
And I think that's beautiful
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Regardless of having a heart, however, Meggy has the absolute right to be angry at Puzzles, maybe it wasn't right but I don't blame her for snapping at a kid, that kid Is Puzzles after all
I see two possible interpretations of Meggy becoming Leggy one more time: either- Truly to get close to Puzzles and become a true friend, or simple manipulation to get him to stop. Either are possible in my book, maybe with a little more thought I'd be able to know which one but for now I remain satisfied with being skeptical on this one, I don't care to find what the real intentions were since I know the ending.
Plus nothing is in black and white, there's a lot of layers to Puzzles' and Meggy's relationship........
And speaking of that ending-
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HAH!!!!
I THOUGHT THAT SHIT WAS HILARIOUS!!
IN TRUE SMG4 FASHION YOU (SORTA) REDEEM A VILLAIN AND CELEBRATE SAVING THE DAY WITH A STUPID MEME
WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO FOLKS IT'S SMG4 IT'S THE FUNNY HAHA MEME SHOW!!
STOP TAKING IT SO FUCKING SERIOUSLY THE WHOLE TIME!!
IT CAN BE SERIOUS AND STUPID!!!!
Mr Puzzles SHOULD go to the psych ward, HE'S FUCKING INSANE
YOU DON'T GET REDEEMED IMMEDIATELY AFTER ALL THAT!!
I'm glad they didn't redeem him completely! I didn't believe him at all when he said he learned a valuable lesson! I was like No The Fuck You Didn't!
You can have a redemption later! That's okay! I trust the writers with handling the arcs and making them good! And you heard Luke, they might bring him back later! (Which is a definite yes!)
I would love for them to take it slow with Puzzles, not immediately of course, let him breathe and write another arc right now, settle things with everything and everyone and THEN you can break him out, the universe is full of possibilities, and I'm SURE I will enjoy whatever the SMG4 crew writes
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Haeheh she looks like a nerd with those goggles
Someone's Artist Puzzles AU just came true btw-
"And Didney shut down..!" :D
The Showgrounds is gonna start looking more like an actual carnival too!! Wahoo!!
I WANT THAT FUCKING HOODIE-
That Puzzle plushie looks so ugly I LOVE HIMMMM
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I WANT THAT FUCKING POSTER AND KEYCHAIN
SOMEONE PLEASE FUCKING COMMISSION ME SO I CAN BUY THEMMMMMM AEUGHHHHHH
Thank YOU LUKE AND SMG4 CREW FOR GIVING US THIS WOTFI!!! I LOVED IT WITH ALL MY HEART <33
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I would love to hang out and go get some pizza with Mr Puzzles :(
And finally... that lil jingle to end with the rolling credits
✧ Final Thoughts
Believe me when I say I think this is the best possible ending for Puzzles, he doesn't die, he doesn't get completely redeemed, but he does face consequences and he gets a chance for the future, best of both worlds me thinks
I loved this rollercoaster that was Puzzlevision, I might've hopped on the train sorta late but I stayed for all the duration of the ride and I had a blast <3
Mr Puzzles was great and maliciously loveable, learning about all these characters and growing to care about them was amazing, I'm really happy I have a new series I can watch and analyze and enjoy!! I'll be remaining in my seat with my one ticket until I get off the SMG4 train, not sure when!! But until then you can expect me to still love this show, draw for it and analyze it much more than any reasonably normal person should.
If you've read this far, I love you soso much and hope you enjoyed this hell of a scroll, because I spent so many hours on this shit YOU WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND-
K BYEEEE <333
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nijigasakilove · 4 months ago
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I’ve been sat here with tears in my eyes for the last 10 minutes just screaming at my Twitter mutuals in all caps about how great this episode was, didn’t even know it was the finale I’d have woken up way earlier if I did.. but whatever who cares, this was the greatest superman adaptation I’ve ever seen. Very long write up coming. TLDR: best western animation I’ve ever seen.
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Thank you so much to all the staff and voice actors and writers and just everyone who poured their hearts and souls into this. It’s palpable. You can feel how much every single person involved in this loves and understands the characters. You combine that intimate knowledge with a spice of anime and knowing the types of things modern audiences want to see and you have a very special series.
Idek where to start with the finale, it feels like every character got a really nice wrap to their character arc from the season. Livewire and the others showing up to help Clark and Kara get to brainiac’s ship, I loved their redemption arc so much. But that 10 minute or so climax with Kara getting taken over by brainiac and then breaking free of his control thanks to the love of her friends and cousin.. just beautiful.
Brainiac projected all his own insecurities and feelings of uselessness onto Kara. He knew the kryptonian empire would no longer have a need for him if they were in peacetime and so he destroyed his own people. The audacity of this bitch to call Clark and Kara traitors of house El when he destroyed the house and planet lmao.
THEY COOKED for all the action scenes. Playing the OP when Kara broke free of the mind control and firmly rejected Brainiac. “I SAID NO”, Clark and Kara pushed Brainiac ship into space, Brainiac’s last ditch effort to take Clark and Kara out with him.. Clark and Kara’s power up and new suit.. just bra fucking o. I had goosebumps the entirety of the last 12 minutes.
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Kara finally being hailed as a hero and cheered for after being manipulated and used to destroy worlds for brainiac. God I am so happy for her. She deserves nothing but happiness. She fits in so well at the Kent home!
Lois deciding to be her own person rather than follow in Vale’s footsteps showed a ton of character growth for her too. She’s def not the annoying girl we knew from season 1 anymore. Both she and Jimmy got themselves a kryptonian now 😂 loved the scene of them all flying off together, this show has perfectly nailed the team aspect. Saving the day isn’t something Clark can just do by himself. It truly takes a village. The biggest issue superman as a character has always had, and DC to a larger extent, is that the characters dont feel relatable. They completely remedied that in this series. It truly feels like Clark and Kara are just normal people like us and that’s perhaps the biggest praise.
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Can’t wait for s3!
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ozonecologne · 7 months ago
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So, I love animation history, and I've been watching a lot of forgotten animated films for the last couple of weeks...
Fire and Ice (1983): the rotoscope thing is very interesting. I love Darkwolf's design and how hot Teegra is in those early scenes, but not much else. It looks too much like He-Man and the plot drags. 2/10
A Troll in Central Park (1994): charming at the heart of things. Especially with Dom DeLuise as Stanley -- what a comforting voice from my childhood. "Anything that's real starts with a dream." I do very much wish I could live in an underground garden paradise like a little socially awkward troll. 4/10
The Princess and the Goblin (1991): a little bizarre and not very compelling, but I love the bits with grandmother Irene. The way that the attic is animated to transform into an Edenic homestead is so beautiful. 4/10
Quest for Camelot (1998): have you ever wondered what Sinbad would have looked like if they had like half the budget and story? Eric Idle is going to hell. I want to fuck the griffin. 3/10
The Ringing Bell (1978): it's considered a classic for a reason! The idea that you create what will destroy you, and love it for doing so... the idea that when you force yourself to grow up you can never go back... There will come a time when you don't fit into your old life anymore, and you did that to yourself. You destroyed what part of you was innocent and belonged here, but you've also turned your back on the world that changed you. So where do you go? What are you now? What good is a strength that requires you face the world alone? 9/10
The Sea Prince and the Fire Child (or, The Legend of Sirius) (1981): a Romeo and Juliet retelling that kind of dragged, to be honest. I love the way that the fire is animated and the underwater backgrounds; they're whimsical but there's a real primordial quality to them that I like, because the ocean is weird! The sea god design is excellent and there are some sea creatures that are truly delightful, like the bunny fish and whatever Mabuse is supposed to be. Sirius is offputtingly noodly though, and he's 80% of the movie. Didn't love this one. 5/10
Faeries (1981): I cannot believe how they pronounce "Niamh" in this. The folklore designs are really cute though. 2/10
Freddie as FR07 (or, Freddie the Frog) (1992): terrible. I should make a video essay about this film because it is batshit insane in like the worst way. Completely not worth your time but I'd love to tell you about it sometime. 0/10
Felidae (1994): what is it about violent cat series that get at me!!!! A gory noir film made about cats solving a series of cat murders? Some of the imagery really was wild here; I loved the nightmare with Mendel and the puppet corpses. Trauma and eugenics and vengeance at the heart of this one too, the villain was without a doubt a monster but you still felt for them anyway. Decently scary and well-paced, a great tribute to the source material. Also, uncomfortable cat sex scene. 7/10
The Last Unicorn (1982): all of my female friends apparently decided to watch this one at the same time, and we all got weirdly emotional about it. To escape a fetishized genocide your body is violated and turned into something that will no longer interest the conquerers. You do not want this change because this is not your body. Every day is a torment knowing that you slip further and further away from what you know you are. Every day you forget more and more of what you used to be. Eventually, you wouldn't want to go back even if you could remember. Even if you are not happy, you are safe. You are alone, all alone with the ghosts that haunt your footsteps. 9/10
The Plague Dogs (1982): GOD ok. These poor things. These poor dogs haunted by pain that they don't deserve -- "I'm a good dog." "I don't think they're doing it because they think you're a bad dog." -- and are just trying to live a good life once they escape their captors. One of them even remembers life before the torture, when he had a comfortable home and love. But now he thinks it's his own fault he's lost it. They wander the wild, hopeless, unloved except by each other, and what can they do? The world is so much bigger than them. Every decision that shapes their lives is out of their hands, and has nothing to do with them. They're cursed by the narrative. They didn't ask for this. They don't even know what they're doing out here, or where they're meant to go; they have no purpose and no reason to keep fighting for their own survival except that it's the only thing they know how to do. You start this life treading water and you end it treading water. The water swallows you all the same. 10/10
Rock a Doodle (1991): Elvis chicken???????? 5/10
Happily Ever After (1989): truly one of the most bizarre films I've ever seen. A sequel to Snow White that quite literally no one asked for and no one saw coming. I am forever haunted by "dwarfelles." I do love the prince's grubby little creature design though, he's so cute! 1/10 for him only.
Once Upon a Forest (1993): I remember so vividly watching this one when I was home sick from school one time. I don't why it stuck with me; it's not very good. 3/10 because cute animal designs
Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland (1989): gorgeous. adorable. such beautiful paintings and incredible character design! there were so many people connected to this project and it's such a labor of love. it has such a ghibli style and feel about it even though that's not technically the studio that produced it! 8/10
I also tracked down some of The Animals of Farthing Wood (1993-1995), but I'd love to watch the whole thing sometime. The Redwall series is also on my list, I loved those books as a kid.
Definitely taking recommendations! Have you seen any weird animated films you need to inflict on others?
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eurydicees · 6 months ago
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so i’ve had a night to sleep on it and a full day of work and i still feel fucking deranged. so. thoughts on the haikyuu movie (*SPOILERS* + long post under the cut):
ok general impressions first—
oh my god it was so good. i’m inconsolable. it was really really good.
i was so strong and normal in the public movie theater until the start of the third set.
at which point i started trembling violently.
which turned to silent crying at the last like five points until the end of the movie.
i’m so sorry to the one other guy sitting in my row.
Anyways. i know we were all apprehensive abt it being a movie but i think it actually worked really well
pacing was good and iirc they managed to fit almost everything in there, which. is very impressive
plus the experience of getting to watch this game all at once in a theater was really fun
HUGEEEE props to the sound editing team oh my god. i could FEEL every spike in my chest and every breath was tangible and the cheering sections were phenomenally mixed and the squeaking of sneakers on the floor throughout….and then the CRAZY moments of pure silence…….man.
AND THE SOUNDTRACK. THE MUSIC. THE MUSICCCCCCC. there is one thing haikyuu will never do and that is miss with the music. oh my god even just the OPENING had me shaking. the music added SO MUCH and was SO well done.
the animation in general was REALLY good. especially that final point of the game which i will mention more later bc man. god. the animation was REALLY GOOD.
the characters were all so well done. like yeah ofc but. they were so good.
i walked in with an already deep love for nekoma and i walked out feeling like my heart had burst with how much love i have for them
kuroo and kenma in particular were REALLY good. there was a good amnt of childhood kuroken and when i tell you i was sobbing for half of it…
also very good was tsukishima!! he’s not one of my faves usually but he had me silently screaming in the movie theater during this game
and OF COURSE hinata. how could i not mention him. he was done so well. i watched it dubbed and the voice acting was VERY good.
no fukurodani game so. Sad. but also i do think if they had put that in there it would have broken the tension in a bad way, so i’m not actually upset about it. praying for an ova or smth
overall good blend of memory/flashback and realtime gameplay
re: flashbacks--a lot of them were to childhood kuroken and a lot of them were also just to training camps and scenes we've seen before but in a different pov....biting down on things rn
re: gameplay--saw some review that was like "gah they expect you to care about the characters/teams already and dont tell you who to root for" bitch YEAH and that's the POINT ! so yeah. if you care about the characters already and love both teams. *chef's kiss*
besides that they did NOT pull ANY punches. the game is REAL from the FIRST whistle, maybe only 10-15 minutes in
which like. that was the only way to do it. and they did not fucking hesitate
some stand out moments for me, in no particular order—
*disclaimer i have a rly bad memory so if im mixing some moments up i apologize. you shouldn't take this as an official source for anything.*
oh my god the last point was done BEAUTIFULLY. it’s already such an insane way to end the game and i swear the movie was just as insane.
they did the last few minutes of the game through kenma’s eyes, so you’re seeing his pov of the court and the ball, and that glimpse of the practice match moment, until the ball slips and it cuts to his eyes. oh my god. i went crazy i went crazy i am STILL going CRAZY.
kenma falling down and “that was fun” going into kuroo’s laugh……………changed LIVES !!!!!!
similarly, kenma’s last speech of the game oh my god oh my god oh my god
we KNEW it was one of my favorite speeches in any manga ever but they genuinely did it justice. the cuts between shots of the court and kuroo inviting kenma to play volleyball and kenma following him out the door and leaving behind a video game controller and a volleyball magazine……what if i went crazy forever and ever and ever !!!!!!!!
ALL of the childhood kuroken moments…..literally feeling deranged about them
TSUKISHIMA SOMETIMES ITS ACTUALLY FUN !!!!!!
everything about tsukishima and kuroo’s banter across the net was incredible
tsukishima laughing...... im EMOTIONAL !!!!
all of the little glimpses and montages they had to training camps and practices outside of actually playing, when they were just hanging out……sir im crying !!!!
they all reminded me a lot of the special one shot where kai has that moment of reflection on his volleyball career but all that came to mind were the breaks where he was hanging out with his friends…..i’m gonna cry thinking abt it.
HINATA’S CENTER BOOM JUMP. oh my god. oh my god. oh my god. i think i actually like. gasped. <<< knew it was going to happen
OOOOOOH. when kenma has his panic moment of oh what do i do and then kuroo comes up and it flashes between that spike and them learning to spike together as kids……what if i went ballistic right fucking now
the “we are each other’s teacher” moment jesus fucking christ. they didn’t say that line but. you’ll know it’s that scene when it happens. i think it broke something inside me.
that might've been around when the tears started coming but it's all kinda a blur lol
kurodai hug. yeah.
after the game kai's im glad i spent these three years with you...felt that scene in my bones
kenma "keep surprising me, shoyo. this is good" << lines that will live in me forever
getting to see kenma and hinata's first meeting again but from kenma and kuroo's pov.......killing biting kicking maiming sobbing
lmfao post-credit scene. daishou <3
the glimpses of tendou and goshiki watching together were rly funny. obsessed w tendou as always.
kenma "i thought kageyama would lose interest in hinata if he had no wings" kozume vs tobio "i will make you fly" kageyama.........showdown of the century
THE CAGE IMAGEERYYYYYYYYYY. THE CROW BREAKING FREE. IM NOT NORMAL ABT IT.
oh my god. fuck ok i can't forget this one, in that final “i never want this to end” scene youre in kenma’s pov and you fall down and all you can see is kenma’s reflection in his own sweat dripping onto the court i am SHAKING remembering it
speaking of, they wove the foreshadowing w the sweat on the court and the ball etc into the game really seamlessly and aghadlgkjahg;ajdgfkal. god. ok. this is fine.
anyways. the animation in that sequence goes SO HARD. the animation overall goes so hard. im in hysterics.
ok this got long but there's DEFINITELY more things that im missing...idk these are just my first thoughts. i want to see it again. i NEEEEED to see it again. oh my god i feel crazy. i love haikyuu so much. i love it so much. like so much. did you know i love haikyuu.
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twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat · 6 months ago
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@scarabrat asked for my fav jjk osts so i shall deliver >:33 ….. i tried to limit myself but. it didn’t go very well. i love these soundtracks so fucking much oughhhhhh
anyway!!! in order of appearance:
ryomen sukuna
FULL-BODY SHIVERS . GORGEOUS . TERRIFYING. LITERALLY PERFECT FOR HIM . godddddd literally every single part of this song is SO sukuna and it’s just so seamless??? the choral parts fading into more traditionally eastern melodies….. it’s just . such a gorgeous gorgeous ost. i love that the choir in particular returns so much in sukuna’s s2 tracks ……. i can’t help but love him he’s so fucking sick
countermeasure for domain expansion
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HYPE . SOSO HYPE. I WILL CRY . i have nothing to say for this one it’s literally just earworms for my shounen meathead brain (BUT GOD IT’S JUST . suchhh a beautifully constructed track it drives me wild)…….
stand in the darkness
my goddddddddddddddd this one….. the vocals are gorgeous... the instrumentals are stunning…. AND THE LYRICS . ”swear that you’ll still watch over me”………. :((((((( hhhhhh . it’s just such a lovely song. it makes me cry . i especially love the final ”the world keeps on spinning // as if nothing had happened” line…………….. it’s so perfect for yuji :(((( also sugu . but we can’t get into that i’ll cry and throw up
hollow purple
:3333 MY BELOVED . you know i had to. the beat drop goes so ridiculously hard it’s ????????? i’m STILL not over it this ost is such a mindtrip 😭 and the build up is soooooo tasty. wowow. the chorus goes so crazy it sounds like a geometry dash song and i love it SO much . it’s ear candy . perfect for gojo and his silly little reality breaking attack / out of this world attitude <333 i’ll love this track forever and ever it’s so FUNNNNN!!!!!
special grade vengeful cursed spirit: RIKA
SOOOOO INSANELY HYPE. I LOVE RIKA. this is such an insane track and it’s sooooo perfect for her. the way it starts so strongly only to slowly fade into a tender melody…. it’s just so good. her scenes are so good !!!! the dichotomy she has!!!!! honestly i just love every single part of this i think it’s so wonderful….. but the first part esp scratches my brain :33
this is pure love
we all knew it was coming <3333 it’s just. suchhhh a gorgeous track . the soft piano motif coming back full force…. i absolutely ADORE the geto vs yuuta fight and their final clash never ever fails to get me emotional!!!! then there’s obviously the stsg scene right after :’3 the fact that this track only plays for yuuta/rika and satosugu will never not make me feel insane . i like to think of it as the one and only moment they both opened their hearts to one another completely so . the name is fitting. stsg against the world that is all 🙏 this track paired w sakurai’s voice acting made me cry like a BABY……
if i am with you
OUGHHHHH . OUGH . another one that Has to be on this list bc it’s just …,.. soooooo fucking beautiful i love every single scene that it’s used in and i love how much it adds to the scenes in question. the aquarium!!!! satoru’s enlightenment!!!!!! his ”the world just feels so, so wonderful right now.” line is one of my favs…… this track is just so stunning i can’t even believe it :((( esp when it gets to the climax….. feels so unbelievably bittersweet. i think it conveys the whole theme of ”all good things must come to an end” soooo well …..
delirious
BANGERRRRRR . BANGER . toji vs gojo round 2 my BELOVED when this started playing i fell to my knees and wept 🙏🙏🙏 IT’S SO GOODDDDD i absolutely adore the hollow purple leitmotif at 1:20!!!!!!!!!! soso much!!!!!!! it’s the perfect theme for gojo…. it’s just so hype and fun………. top 3 anime osts to go insane to
arrogance
THIS OST . GOD . GODDDDDDD . :(((((((( our sugu’s turning point …… i think what breaks my heart most is how Hopeful it sounds . how light it is. one thing i wish people talked about more when it comes to suguru’s choice is that it really did save his life!!!! i think it was always very much a ”me or them” situation…… one has to die . and just… hearing this theme . which really does sound so enlightened . to me . almost like a condescending parody of if i am with you/all of gojo’s themes…… i just love it so muchhhhhh this is one of my absolute favs…. gosh……… it adds so much to the scene it’s insane!!!! i love suguru geto . sobs.
premature
give it up for cult leader geto our beloved <33 i HAD to mention this one bc i just . am so weak. for auditory storytelling . the uncoordinated clapping turning controlled once geto makes his choice……. once he gains control of his mind again. it’s sooo terrifying in a way . for the record the scene where this plays is one of my Absolute Favs in all of jjk i literally cried dilly . episode 5 my BELOVED.
three years of youth overflowing
i am nothing if not predictable <33 but i really do love this track soooo much. it caught me so off guard!!!!! i love how they adapted the reunion scene….. the SMILE on gojo’s face that only lasts a split second :((((( this just sounds so nostalgic and lovely and it really does encompass their most cherished moments together!!!!! the piano……. sniffle…. genuinely just The most gorgeous ost ever
that one unreleased ost that plays at the very end of the kenjaku confrontation and completely shattered my brain chemistry
KENNY THE ACTUAL LOMLLLLLLLLL HE’S SO GOOD. THIS OST IS SO GOOD. IT BLEW ME AWAY. it’s so. imposing somehow. but also so calm. it has this magical vibe…… it literally sounds like a ghibli ost at the very end and i love it SO much it’s so perfect for him. it changed who i am as a person. when kenjaku does their speech and flaunts the prison realm before leaving… LIFE CHANGING . it’s just gorgeous i’m PRAYING that it makes a comeback in s3 maybe specifically for my belovedest jjk fight yuki vs kenny vs choso…. though i could honestly see this playing somewhere during the zenin confrontation. ANYWAY i just love it the final part is soso tasty :3
OKKKK THAT’S ALL.,… i lied here r the honourable mentions :333
occult phenomenon research club / the beginning / straw doll technique resonance / it’s a promise / a mission / toji fushiguro / no hesitation / memories / jujutsu sorcerer - nobara kugisaki / highest jumping …. (nobara 🤝 having banger theme songs)
anyway . THANK YOU FOR READING THIS DILLY plspls share your favs as well …. if you want……. no pressure ……… (a little pressure)……………. (i Really want 2 know 😔) here is a cute sugu for you. he loves you <3333
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minijenn · 10 months ago
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Jen Tortures Herself With Every Dreamworks Animated Movie Ever: Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
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Holy shit, ya'll, holy shit. This movie, THIS FUCKING MOVIE is probably one of the most insanely BEAUTIFUL, expertly crafted MASTERPIECES, not just from Dreamworks, but from any studio EVER. Like what the hell, how did they DO THIS? How did they take a sequel to a decent, but somewhat forgettable spinoff movie and turn it into something THIS FUCKING GREAT? It's utterly unbelievable, and yet absolutely magical in every way. So let's get into me gushing about how much I adore this movie because how can I not?
After losing the eighth of his nine lives, Puss falls into something of a slump, until he hears word of a magical Wishing Star. Hoping to use the star's power to get his nine lives back and escape from the (utterly terrifying) clutches of Death, he once again teams up with Kitty Softpaws, and a new addition to the group, the adorably innocent Perrito, to brave the Dark Forest and find the Star. However, they're not alone in the race to the star, as Big Jack Horner and Goldilocks and the Three Bears are all determined to beat Puss and crew to it and take the wish for themselves.
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So there's like... so much happening in this movie, you'd think it'd be a jumbled mess of characters and plotlines with nothing getting the focus that it should, and yet... I don't know how they did it but everything just... fits so perfectly here? The pacing is some of the best I've seen in any movie, all the plot beats and scenes go on just long enough and everything flows so naturally and right? The charactesr are all given so much depth and time to just interact here, and not just our leads either (I'll get into that more in a sec). At no point does anything feel like its dragging and at no point does anything feel like its going by too fast. I don't know how they did it, but it all feels, in the words of Goldi and the Bears, just right.
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As for our characters, Puss is just as great as always here, with a really compelling arc of him learning to value his life and the people in it. Kitty herself has a good arc too of learning to trust as her and Puss rekindle their relationship. Perrito is absolutely precious and adds this genuine sweetness and heart to an otherwise grizzled and world-wary duo. Goldi and the Three Bears are absolute standouts though, like oh my god, ya'll oh my god the feels I had for this sad little orphan girl and her theiving bear family? I want an entire series or spinoff movie about them, Dreamworks, PLEASE I'm BEGGING you, I need MORE of this beautiful little found family!
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We have two villains here, and both are pretty great in their own right! Jack Horner is our more traditional insane villain played for laughs (the fact that he's voiced by John Mulaney helps) and he's pretty funny while also being appropriately sinister and ruthless, making him effectual to boot. But then there's Death and holy shit, if this movie had come out when I was a kid, I think this wolf would have had me pissing my pants because he is terrifying. Like seriously, hands down, the scariest villain in any Dreamworks movie by both design and in terms of just the way he moves, the way he speaks, his eerie whistling any time he enters a scene? No wonder Puss has multiple panic attacks when faced by this motherfucker, because honestly, I would too.
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The themes of this movie are all so wonderful as well, from the ones I mentioned above (learning to value life, trust, found family, etcs), but I think its overaching message is absolutely beautiful and shines its way through all of its various subplots. The idea that sometimes, the thing you're wishing for most is something you already have. Like damn, Dreamworks, hit me hard with that kind of beautiful, inspiring truth.
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Also fucking hell, the ANIMATION??? IS UNREAL??? This is by and large the most BEAUTIFUL movie dreamworks has ever made, with such a unique and vibrant style that makes everything feel so... dreamlike, I'd say. The texture work here is so complex and yet so simple, the backgrounds are so intricate and colorful, the MOVEMENT IN SOME OF THESE FIGHT SCENES? Insane, unbelievable, Idk how they did it, but they DID it, and it's GORGEOUS. Also so is the music! The score SLAPS, especially in those fight scenes and also I just gotta say, Favorite Fearless Hero? Gonna be stuck in my head for a week. I ain't even mad about it.
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So yeah, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is probably one of the single greatest things Dreamworks has ever made. It just hits in every way, an excellent ride from beginning to end with a story that flows so well, characters that are just a delight to watch, animation and music that practically make me foam at the mouth, gah, its just... perfect. Truly, utterly perfect. (Or Purrfect, if you want to be catty about it (ok, I'll stop).
Overall Rating: 10/10
Verdict: Have a realistic depiction of a panic attack
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Previous Review (The Bad Guys)
Next Review (Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken)
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deltastra · 3 months ago
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My Thoughts on Tower of God Season 2 Episode 5
Time for a new arc! And this episode we get to meet "the other team"!
WEBTOON SPOILERS WAS TEASED BUT NOT OUTRIGHT STATED
Rating: 8/10
Summary: Tower of God is certainly at its best when they focus on the characters. The tone was well done and I loved how they adapted that ending speech by Khun. Music went hard as well!
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Hm. I think this is anime original? I like how they showed it from Khun's POV while also typign up the loose ends over Bam and Endorsi's relationship in the anime. Season 1 skipped a lot of scenes where it insinuated that she was developing feelings for him. This scene feels a bit shoehorned in but I understand why they did it. They plan on following the webtoon properly this time so they need to show that she had crush on him.
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RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH KARAKA MENTIONED!!!!
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His running looks a little goofy ngl. Music slayed tho
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Okay, compared to the other first person POVs we have gotten, this one actually looks like he's going fast.
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Oooo they drew this beautifully!
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I still love how quickly Edin Dan accepted that this is his life now. He didn't throw a fit over being outsmarted, just frustrated that he fell for it. I always liked the guy even if he didn't get too much screentime.
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Holy shit Rachel looks really good in this artstyle. I'm glad they kept the snake-like eyes on her!! And her VA kills it as always
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Love the knife behind her symbolism. But I also love how Khun's face can clearly be seen as "Do you seriously think I'm falling for this?" if you already know the outcome!
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HES HEREEEEEE. Come back to the webtoon, child!!!!
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HOLY SHIT HER VA MAN. THAT TONE SWITCH WAS PERFECT. We're in for a treat when we get more scenes with her being manipulative because damn!
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I love how he says it in a noble way but his eyes show he is doing this for revenge. Bam may be named after the night, but he was his light.
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BAHAHAHAH THE YAMCHA POSE
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I get that this wasn't an important fight so they didn't go all out with the animation and kept things simple. So I won't complain. I do like the lighting though!
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HELP I STILL LOVE HOW HE BOUGHT THE NUMBER 1 T-SHIRT FOR HIMSELF AND NUMBER 2 FOR RAN. Little details like this really help in understanding the characters more. Norvick is so silly!
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Okay, so when I first read the webtoon, I genuinely thought that the light was the Sun. But then I thought it was Rachel's lighthouse. But now I have no idea. I guess SIU just wanted there to be some cool imagery to snap Khun's amusement to his more sinister side.
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And the way they narrow the screen?! Very good in setting up tension.
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I love everything about this. Portraying Khun's inner monologue this way with his voice sounding a bit distorted along with shaky text is so good!!! Khun isn't just some sneaky guy, he is sinister when he wants to be and this is a perfect way of showing it in the anime!
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Gosh, and the way the screen glitches out and his voice gets even MORE distorted is just amazing. A good way of showing that although he his explaining his plan to his team in a calm and rational manner, inside, he is SEETHING over explaining to his team why he hates Rachel.
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The way Khun's eyes glow in the dark paired with Rachel's laugh thinking she won?? LIKE DAMN GO OFF. I LOVE THIS.
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Hehe Team Sweet & Sour domestic life I love this. Feels awkward to have this right after such a serious scene but I guess they wanted it to end with Viole and FUG instead since the ED song showcases scenes with Viole or Wangnan for every episode
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QUEEN HWARYUN IS HERE AND HER "yaho! :D" WAS SO CUTE. NEXT EP WE WILL GET FUG LEZGO.
Okay this was a really good episode, they absolutely nailed the Khun and Rachel scenes and the style they chose to go with for Khun's speech was such a good decision. It's clear that the studio definitely does best when the scenes involve talking because they show the tension really well. Kevin Penkin went off in this episode too I love it!
I do hope the animation improves more before THAT episode and that now they won't be skipping important plot points. Hopefully the characters will look less stiff too!
Can't wait for next episode!
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followmetoyourdoom · 9 months ago
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I've just finished watching the new Megamind movie and *sighs* thoughts below
I'll try to start with the positives - the Doom Syndicate without comparing them to the Doom Syndicate from either the game/s or the concept art were okay, decent even. Lady Doppler's outfit in motion makes a lot of sense and her powers are cool. Pierre Pressure is okay. Nighty-Knight is funny, I liked that he wanted the teddy bear and kept that throughout, plus he had cool powers. Behemoth was my favourite, seemed like he had layers to him, and not just bc he was made out of molton lava.
There was a very cute heartfelt scene between Keiko and Megamind about him being her inspiration to try to be a good kid, bc if he can go from a bad guy to a good guy, maybe a bad kid can be a good kid. It was very sweet and it's a good message to give kids.
Some scenes felt very in character - Megamind not knowing how to look after himself without Minion, Roxanne trying to help. There were also a lot of good one liners that made me snort or giggle.
The end picked up, I did like the absolutely pointless plan to put the city on the moon, that is exactly the sort of idiotic in-character plan that Megamind would make - the Doom Syndicate going along with it eeeeh less happy about, makes them seem just as idiotic, but then they sort of were in this.
Now, the not so good. The timeline is completely fucked, why change when it was set? Also setting it two days after the first movie was A Choice. It was even more of A Choice to have the city set post the statue unveiling which didn't seem like it would only be two days down the line at all.
The beginning felt too long and drawn out and not much actually happened? Roxanne was almost completely out of character - why the sudden existential crisis bc some kid has followers? Roxanne loves solving the stories and working out the truth, she didn't need a new job! And speaking of the kid, oh my god, her initial scene is incredibly annoying. I did grow to like her (due to the aforementioned heartfelt scene) but it was an uphill battle.
There were aspects of Lady Doppler's character that seemed... interesting shall we say, given they had decided to combine all of the women in the original Doom Syndicate into one person, it was very jarring and I'm not sure they pulled it off. I would have preferred to see OG Lady Doppler and either Rockatoo or Hot Flash (or a combo of those two perhaps). I just don't think that having a black woman be immediately catty towards the first woman she sees is a good choice. Give variety by having more than just one female villain and let them be their own characters.
Minion's name change, which I refuse to enforce, was stupid - they could at least have made it make more sense in canon. Maybe Minion wanted a name more fitting of his new position, something less evil sounding. But no, it was an in universe copyright thing. Stupid. And speaking of Minion, the relationship between him and Megamind oh my god where did that go? Megamind literally just learnt the lesson about valuing him as more than just a minion, as a friend. And they just threw that away immediately. Megamind and Roxanne's relationship seemed a little off as well, not as much as I've heard some reviewers saying, but enough to make me go :/ And then we have his past with the Doom Syndicate - founding member, yeah sure, but OG leader? Nah, not this twink. This twink couldn't lead his way out of a cardboard box.
I think I'm more disappointed than I expected to be, bc I went in with low expectations, I went in knowing the animation was bad (and looking past it bc low budget, they did the best they could), I went in knowing the voices were different, I went in knowing they had this stupid influencer storyline, but I thought the writing other than that would be at the same level as the first movie as it was the original writers. And some was at that level, but only in bits and pieces. It was incredibly inconsistent, both with OG lore and itself, and just seemed to throw away OG character development from the first movie in favour of re-doing it in this movie.
I wish they had more time to polish this, I wish they could have gotten a bigger budget, I wish they didn't have to include the influencer storyline to appeal to kids, I wish they didn't have to change Minion's name. I wish I wasn't as disappointed.
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thriveonanonymity · 22 days ago
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Okay I have some thoughts about the vengence saga. Unfiltered through thoughts, just what I think about it after only a few listens (like less than a dozen.
This is going to be a long one.
The first half slaps quite a bit; The voice of Calypso is great, Troy is always a pleasure to hear and the writing fits them just as well as it did in wisdom and circe sagas respectfully.
Ballads like 'I'm not sorry for loving you' are songs that take me some time to get warm to, so i want say much about it.
Dangerous is a little slowed and burdened by the intro; if it were a musical and the albums we got were a soundtrack, I would cut the song to begin basically after the ody intro (though that would be just a bit difficult because it follows exactly into hermes' parts). It feels somewhat expositiony and isnt written as well as it could have been? I might be wrong here, thing is, it just doest sit with me well writing wise. Soon as Troy enters stage, Dangerous goes HARD. The back half of dangerous slaps incredibly, no notes. Big fan of ody's verse too. and oh my god the livestream animatic. ody fighting monsters and hermes is there just DANCIN, my boy
Now charybdis feels like a transitional song a lot, which is okay. One that is more exposition than anything. Shit you need to talk about and set up; youre gonna have those in a 40 song musical. For a transitional song its quite cool, though its kind of hard for me to say much else on it. The instrumental shift at the end just as posiedon arrives feels damn right.
Get in the water is amazing. I dont like how some limes are timed though, 'ruthlessness / is mercy upon / ourselves' is an obvious as a way to chop it, but i feel like the vocal riffs on it couldve been made a bit more interesting, it feels a bit disjointed, and that might be the point. I might be wrong here, im not much of a musician. Now why he timed the lines delivered by the dead like he did i do not know, i dont like it. It just doesnt fit the timescale of the instrumentation. I might be obviously incorrect to someone more musically aligned, but thats what i see. If i am correct, it might be so off to serve the narrative, monster and all. To show that these calls from the dead aren't here to help him, basically, they're here to haunt him, which would be my first interpretation if the lines were more coherent. If it was more coherent, i would read it the same way i read the baby tele flashback in god games. But that NOT being the message, the dead NOT giving him the resolve to go on, it just doesnt really work with the lyrics for the upcoming anime battle i feel. Im starting to ramble so ill move on.
Six hundred strike is very cool. Except for about a half second when he screams his attack name, that goody enough to take me out of the story, and that aint good, and the last lines post torture. Firstly, i love the fact that we come straight in with electric guitars, you can tell that cunning ody ain't fucking around. The battle itself is very epic, very grand, again, except for the 'six hundred strike'. Like. Horge. Mr. Jalapeño. What does that even fucking mean. I would get it if there was a line previously that was like "for every pain you caused" but like. Even then. It ought be plural. It just feels incredibly goofy and incongruous with the otherwise epic battle. Moving on. Torturing an immortal scene is always aweosme, and the execution is very good, ody's screams are very nice indeed. Vocals convey emotion quite well here, from both Jorge and Steven. The one thing i DO have a problem with is how they handled the last few lines. I understand what they are intended to do, and they do that, but they don't do the idea justice. It could have been made LESS like a piece of exposition, and i wish it was.
Generally i liked it??? I guess?????? Im not sure. Im not as dead hyped as i was after underworld or circe, but underowlrd is an act finale, and circe has me biased as it has some of my top songa from the musical so far. Vengance hits a little weak compared to wisdom, but that might be that i didnt have time to really proccess it. I felt similarly about underworld when it first released, to a lesser degree, but still. Maybe ill get around to it.
Also not a single beloved character died horribly.
Im disappointed, captain.
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haemosexuality · 1 year ago
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FNAF MOVIE SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT DONT READ IF YOU HAVENT SEEN IT YET I MEAN IT!!!!!!!
my thoughts on the movie UwU
ok first of i LOVED what they did with mike's character???? its different from the games canon (or different from the most popular theories??? i can never remember what is actually canon and whats accepted fanon) but its sooooo interesting. making him the brother of one of the victims was SO unexpected but it worked really really well. tho going into the movie with preconceived notions ab the story fucked me up somewhat bc i took so long to accept he wasnt michael afton 😣 tho i feel the movie mightve been setting fans up that way lol
on that note his brother confused me somewhat? cuz he was one of the missing children but he wasnt one of the 5 spirits was he??? maybe he was and i just didnt notice KSBSKDBSKD ill look out for it on my second watch
WILLIAM. MOTHER FUCKING AFTON. OH MY GODDDDDDD THAT WAS FUCKING INSANE and honestly seeing everyones reaction to it was SO cool. when springtrap appeared everyone screamed and clapped. when he started dying everyone screamed and clapped even louder. and when he said "I ALWAYS COME BACK" everyone LOST THEIR FUCKING MIND SCREAMING CRYING YELLING CLAPPING WHOOPING IT WAS SO FUCKING GOOD
AND THE VANESSA REVEAL????? i think thats completely different from game vanessa lore mostly bc william aftons daughter in the game was elizabeth/baby and shes fucking dead but idk vanessa lore so who knows. all i know is that it WORKED MAN i did NOT see that coming but i HONESTLY REALLY LIKED IT AND AGAIN EVERYONE IN THE THEATER LOST THEIR MINDS WE WERE ALL LIKE "WHAT?????" (edit: i saw an youtuber point out that this cant be the same vanessa from sb bc this is set in like the 90s and sb's in the future. maybe this is something like, they put two vanessas so we know that sometimes different characters just have the same name and dont get too hang up on mike smith vs michael afton lol)
i also like how they did williams character. i usually dont like purely evil 2d villains but i feel that fits afton way more than "sad scientist goes insane cuz he lost his kid oh no :(". like it just fits fnaf!!!!!!!
another thing that was completely different from the game was the animatronics. like in the game theyre "like animals" but in the movie they all seemed very, aware??? msking decisions? they def had a mind and it was cheesy sure but i also liked it. i just loved this movie. and everything about it. i went into it knowing it was absolutely not going to be 1:1 with the game so i dont mind im just so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IT IMMEDIATELY STARTING WITH A JOKE ON DREAM THEORY LMFAOOOOOOOO. "SOME PEOPLE BELIEVE IT"
MATPAT? MOTHERFUCKING MATPAT ARE YOU KIDDING ME
THE EASTER EGGS!!! THE REFERENCES!!!!!! THERE WERE SO MANY AND THEY MADE ME WANT TO SCREAM AND CRY EVERY TIME OH MY GOD
im not gonna remember all of them but I WANT THE MIDNIGHT MOTORIST HOODIE
max did NOT deserve to die that upset me. she was fine!!!!!!!
also the violence wasnt anything super crazy but it was def more than i expected. also they swore
THE ANIMATRONICS ARE SO FUCKING COOL DUDE OH MY GOD I CANT BELIEVE THEYRE REAL
also golden freddy wasnt a girl in the movie. F cassidy
i like mikes character sooooo much ive said so before and im saying it again. vanessa too
THE SONG THE FUCKING SONG THE LIVING TOMBSTONE PLAYING IN THE FUCKINF CREDITS OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD I CANT BELIEVE IT OH MY GOD DUDE DUDE DUDE DUDE DUDE
this one is only for the brazilians in here but i actually liked the dub? this sentiment might change after i watch the og version but it wasnt terrible. williams voice was 10/10
balloon boy was funny every single time. fuck this bitch. also the cupcake
THE ITS MEEEEEEEEEEE i wish they did more its mes BUT I SAW THAT!!!
the scene were mike calls abby to the kitchen so they could 'talk' and the aunt was there.... actually broke my heart how dare you
i missed phone guy 😭
OH IM PRETTY SURE I SAW THE FAKE DOG ANIMATRONIC PEOPLE THOUGHT EXISTED YEARS AGO???? I DONT REMEMBER HIS NAME BUT I THINK HE WAS THERE IN THE LIKE STORAGE PLACE i might be crazy tho dont quote me
i thought i wouldnt like it but i love how expressive freddy is its so funny. chica bonnie n foxy too but him especially
ok i those were all my immediate thoughts!!! i wrote this a few hours ago when id JUST gotten back from the theater and now im gonna go watch it again so bye <3
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hopefulwhisperswombat · 5 months ago
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...It is about time we talk about the songs from wish...now I know A LOT of people online HATE some of the songs of this movie(It didn't deserve the hate btw...) so...I am going to rank the songs of wish from "Welcome to rosas" to "Knowing what we Know now"...
(disclaimer: these are all just my opinions and I am not here to attack any one I am just saying things in my perspective...anyways let's continue...)
Welcome to rosas
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"Welcome to Rosas" is The first song of the movie and..it is actually pretty good,I really like the Mediterranean/spanish style in it,from the dancing(...💃...),to the music ect.It is a really is a good song to listen to on the radio(📻)..and no it is not a "family madrigal ripoff" (did y'all forgot there where other intro songs in the Disney animation cannon ..),My only gripe with the song is some of the lyrics..they where a bit awkward..(but don't worry I still like the song btw).
Overall I give it a 8/10
At all cost
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This one is the second song of the movie and it is my ✨FAVOURITE✨ song in the entire soundtrack,the song is a duet sang by asha and King magnifico and they both sang soo ✨BEAUTIFULLY✨,not only that but the instrumental is just...😭👏👏👏👏..,In the song they both sing about the wishes however asha sees the people's hearts in side the wishes while magnifico sees...nothing, which really established both characters in the way they both see wishes(and I LOVE that😭❤).
Overall I give it a 10/10
This wish
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This is the third song of the movie and Ariana debose ✨ ATE✨ this song,the song is sang by Asha after telling her family what is happening in the kingdom with the wishes (they don't believe her) so being conflicted and not knowing what to do she then makes a selfless wish on a star in desperate need...while also singing the most ✨BEAUTIFUL✨" I want "songs ever. (Also fun fact this was the song that got me interested in the movie and it holds a special place in my heart ❤☺️)..My only complaint are (AGAIN) the some of the lyrics..(like WTF does "throw caution into every warning sign" mean?) BUT I still love the song.
Overall I give it a 9/10
I am a star 🌟
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This is the fourth song of the movie and it comes STRAIGHT after "this wish" and...this is my least favourite song...the lyrics didn't make any sense(like "watch out world I are",here's a little fun allegory "💀),there where tooo many BUTT jokes and they didn't even bother to put the word elegant in the line "Effortless and Eloquent dancers"...like y'all didn't even bother to put elegant in the sentence😭😭( and no I am not attacking the songwriters of the movie Julia Michael and benjamin rice,they worked REALLY hard in the song and they tried their best..) The few good things I have to say about the song are the visuals (the animators ✨ATE✨ while animating the song👏) I really liked the message behind the song,also the animals are soo cute and adorable❤(yes I even like the high deer..)
Overall I give it a 5/10
This the thanks I get!?
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This is the fifth song of the movie sang by king (DADDY!!👁👅👁) magnifico the is song is sang after he is questioned by the people of rosas about the wishes and the song is...actually quite good,the internet has been saying that "it is the WORST Disney villian song ever" but...I actually don't see that,like it is not perfect but it is not the worst thing I have ever heard.The positives I have with the song are the visuals (mostly the scenes with forbidden magic),I also like that Chris pine sang the song too (with his SEXY singing voice😩👏) but not only that I like that the song fits the kings personality so very well, Of him being a narcissistic, power hungry man who sees himself as benevolent saint who can do no wrong (like the whole God damn song is of him complaining of how "ungrateful" the Kingdom is...) My only gripe with the song are...you guessed it...THE LYRICS...( "I let you live here for free and I don't even charge you rent"💀 bruh...you said the same thing...TWICE...😭)but I still like the song...it is fine...
Overall i give it a 7/10
Knowing what I know
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And this is the sixth song from the movie and it is REALLY great, it sang by asha convincing the teens to side with her to help her stop magnfico also the QUEEN 👑 joins them in this revolution (and she sang ✨AMAZINGLY✨) in fact EVERYONE sang great also the animation is really good (also the colours are just *chefs kiss*)though the song is not perfect but it is still a great song...
Overall i give it a 8/10
And that is my ranking of the songs of wish,as you know all the songs from this movie has flaws(one of them has A LOT of flaws)BUT it is not "the WORST Disney sound track ever" it has a lot of heart put into the songs of the movie and it is just sad to see people of the internet hate the movie😔.
(also I just want to point out the internet is lying when they said "AI wrote the songs of the movie",that is just a lie someone made up because AI is know popular ALL the songs of wish was made by REAL living human beings...)
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weirdcat1213 · 2 years ago
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STEVEN UNIVERSE FANS: WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH TRIGUN STAMPEDE (SPOILER FREE)
Hi there, it's been a while, isn't it? The whole show ended 3 years ago and honestly, nothing has felt the same. Most shows get axed/are on streaming which makes you binge them and you don't get to emotionally bond with that show.
Well let me tell you I got something that you may like
Ok so this post will summarize Trigun Stampede, its similarities to SU/SUF, questions you may have as someone who doesn't like anime that much and why it needs a shit ton of support.
Trigun Stampede:
The story is set on this desert planet where humans need special machines to survive called plants because they produce all the resources humans need to survive. In a world where fighting is the only way to survive, the outlaw Vash the Stampede decides to help people with their plants/personal problems without using violence. If he is a pacifist then why is he an outlaw? Watch the show.
SU/SUF similarities and pros:
-Did you like the sci-fi element in SU? Stampede has so much of that and they actually get deep into it. It has an important role in the story. (I wish I could say more but spoilers)
-Did you like the message of love and peace? Our beloved main character lives by that motto and yes there is conflict.
-Did you like cool villains with good reasons and grey morals? OH, WE GOT YOU ALRIGHT. Vash's main antagonist has that covered (again, spoilers) BUT I PROMISE YOU HE IS EVERYTHING YOU WANTED IN SU FROM A VILLAIN.
-Did you like pretty art? Orange, although mainly known for its CGI has done beautiful backgrounds + art concepts for the show.
-Did you like the gorgeous and smooth animation: Orange is the best studio when it comes to CGI and that doesn't mean "ok this is decent" kind of CGI, this is "I'm gonna eat this scene" kind of CGI. SU only got smooth animation when they brought guest animators but Stampede has that level on every. single. episode.
-Did you like SUF specifically for the trauma, growth and mental health themes? You will love Vash and some of the other characters. But Vash...dear god.
-Did you like the angst? Stampede is for you but don't blame me for the therapy bills
-Did you love the music? Stampede isn't a musical sadly the ost fucking slaps and it's so cool. It's on Spotify if you want to support it legally.
-Did you love the likable secondary characters? Stampede has a few characters but they are likable characters and feel real instead of NPCs. None of them follows an archetype strictly except maybe for one who is still pretty cool.
-Did you like the representation? Nothing can be perfect and it would be misleading to not mention this considering it's a great part of what makes SU special to me and others. Although it's not explicitly queer, there are some themes/ characters to whom queer people (myself included) have connected a lot. There's a non-binary character, and Vash's struggle with (spoiler) is relatable to a lot of queer people. Also, the guy really gives gender. Cmon, look at him. There's a fanon gay ship but the original creator (Nightow) and the Orange team really made Stampede *gay*. Like Yuri on Ice but better IMO
You can literally send me a dm with a "what about X" and I will reply.
Questions you may have as someone who doesn't like anime:
-I don't like Japanese voices and how they scream: The english dub is really good (like, omg VAs I will give you my life) good. They all fit and care for their characters, and the direction was amazing. If you're a zach callison fan I reassure you, Vash's voice actor GAVE that kind of emotion.
-I don't like generic anime looks: Guess what! Stampede is pure CGI and it looks awesome! If you don't like the generic design anime characters get you're in for a treat.
-I don't want to read the manga/watch the 98 anime to understand whats happening: And you won't have to! A lot of people got into Trigun as a whole with Stampede and the people watching the 98 anime now are doing so cuz they miss the characters, not because its crucial to understand Stampede.
-I don't like CGI, non of it: watch the 1st episode then come back to me. Not even that, just watch the trailer.
Why it needs a shit ton of support
Apparently, anime is just starting to take outside-of-Japan fans into consideration for things like renewals, so at the Orange panel, the staff told people to support the studio and Stampede if we want more of it. It sucks that this is the only way a show can get renewed but we already know what's that like because of SU. Even if we didn't know it, people talking about it, going to cons cosplaying characters from the show, and buying merch was giving power to Rebecca to keep pushing for the show. Even if we got season 5 cut we managed to get Future and maybe the movie thanks to the fan support. Stampede is so new and although its popular it got cast away just for being CGI and for not being the exact same as the 98 anime. It's literally a passion project and the staff (including Nightow) are so in love with it. They want us to look for clues and give us more content because they love Trigun as a whole. Animation is suffering and I know there are 100000 shows that need support but please keep this show in mind. It's made of love, you could say.
Here's the ways you can support it!
-Where to watch (sub/dub): crunchyroll/ the DVD is coming out soon but I dont think that has the dub.
-OST: Spotify, Applemusic
-Merch: I recommend CD Japan but there are other websites
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alismodworld · 2 years ago
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Alright well I might as well give my thoughts on the movie
SPOILERS TURN BACK WHILE YOU STILL CAN!!
Okay we clear? Cool. So, The Super Mario Bros movie. It was good but I honestly had no doubt it wasn't gonna be good after seeing the trailers and the promos. Of course as with everyone else my only point of fear was Chris Pratt's voice, but while I was watching the movie I realized its actually okay. It never annoyed me and it even fits Mario somehow (yeah I said it come at me). Now that I'm thinking about it, if Charles Martinet was casted it really wouldn't have worked. Whenever we see Mario in the game he's always happy and bouncy, rarely ever serious or emotional so having a voice like that probably wouldn't have made the more serious parts of the movie work at all and at best I would've laughed at how ridiculous it was and at worst I would've been sinking far back into my chair. No disrespect to the guy at all, he does a phenomenal job in the games, but I just don't think he'd work too well in the movie. He does get a nod to in the movie which is great!
The movie is gorgeously animated and I love how the characters translated perfectly on the big screen. The backgrounds were spectacular. And the way the incorporate the elements of the games into the movie to create this world is *chefs kiss*. Everything makes sense and it's not too on the nose, it's believable.
It's a very simple movie, nothing too crazy and if you have very basic knowledge of the Mario franchise you'll get what's going on like how I did. All the characters acted perfectly to how I expected them to and nobody really annoyed me. My only problem is with Cranky Kong's voice. Sorry, but Fred Armisen's voice just doesn't match up with Cranky's appearance.
Jack Black absolutely killed it with Bowser. He was the perfect amount of comedy and intimidation. AND THE PEACHES SONG THREW ME SO OFF GUARD I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO BUT JUST SIT AND STARE!!
Also, PEACH! Oh my god I loved Peach in this movie!! I was scared and honestly expecting her to be too much of a "strong female character" rather than a strong character who happens to be female and she's definitely the latter. She's kind, she's helpful, she's patient, she cares deeply about her subjects, kingdom and everyone in general and she can kick serious ass too. I'm gonna be honest, in my years of playing Mario on and off I never really cared for Peach, IM SORRY TO SAY, I WAS DUMB KID! But watching her in this movie, I absolutely love her!!! AND SHE GOT LORE ON TOP OF THAT?!??
Also usually I hate the whole male character and female character get shoehorned together and end up falling in love trope, but here? PERFECT!! I also never really cared for Mareach but, I'm a changed woman and I never wanted two characters to get together so bad. I absolutely loved their chemistry as it was so organic. Of course they don't which I'm fine with but, maybe potential in the sequel?
All the action sequences were done great in my opinion and actually exceeded my expectations in some cases as I was genuinely expecting nothing but slapstick but we got a healthy amount of slapstick and serious action.
The final battle and climax was amazingly done!! Ugh that hug Mario and Luigi shared was amazing!!!
Okay now for what I didn't like
I wish we had more Luigi scenes. I understand that he's the one who's kidnapped and is basically the whole reason the movie happens but we got only a few scenes with him either running away or being trapped or integrated. I would've loved maybe a scene with him trying to be brave and find a way out or rally others to help each other escape which could've added to his character. Like it's called The Super Mario BROS movie...
Also Toad is just...there. I get he's the comic relief but he really doesn't do much other than tag along. The most I remember him doing was showing Mario to the kingdom, that's it. Idk maybe do something more to flesh out his character, why is he so eager to help Mario and Peach? Why is he an adventurer? What are his goals? Stuff like that.
Also no chain chomps...worst movie, 0/10, D-tier/j
I heard people were talking about the pacing which yeah it's a little fast but it's not too quick in my opinion. I think if they let certain scenes play out longer it would've benefited the movie.
But over all it's a really good movie. Not ground breaking but really good, happy, healthy fun. And I'm quite impressed considering it came from Illumination.
Here's to hoping this movie will pave the way to a Zelda movie!!
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moondancer35 · 1 year ago
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Soooo I watched the Miraculous movie.
I have some thoughts.
(Spoilers under the cut)
First, my pros:
1) The animation. Oh my god the animation. It felt too good to be true in all honesty. It took me a minute to get used to it, but once I did, I was in love.
2) The character designs of Adrien, Marinette, and Gabriel are all BEAUTIFUL and so are their hero counterparts. Plagg and Tikki are also adorable and I love them.
3) Ladybug’s yo-yo is gorgeous. All of the gold detail work makes it look so much more alive and charming. I fell in love with the promo featuring it the second it came up on my feed.
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LIKE LOOK AT IT ITS GORGEOUS WHAT EVEN?? If they ever make a display yo-yo that looks like that I’d lose my everloving mind. I love the yo-yo :)
4) Canon footage of Gabriel actually caring about Adrien’s well being??? No way!!! When we saw that hug, me and my friend freaked the fuck out because Gabe was actually being a good dad?? But seriously, the Gabe rewrite was very necessary in my opinion. He shows real, genuine remorse for his actions for one of, if not the first time in the entire cinematic universe and having him regret what he did in the movie was very, very needed. Especially with the shorter run time.
5) Fu is a weirdo and I am living for it. The way he chases Marinette through the street after she saves him is hilarious to me. He was an absolute delight to watch and he managed to make me laugh more than once.
6) The sparring scene on the rooftop? Best scene in the entire movie and I will fight someone if they try to argue with me. You can practically taste LB/CN’s chemistry as the scene unfolds. The way they’re fighting against one another yet still working together?? Ugh. Brilliant.
7) The instrumentation was amazing. All the little motifs and parts tying the music to one another? Absolutely brilliant. I wasn’t a huge fan of the singing, nothing against Lou and SQVARE, it was just jarring to hear the Marinette voice drop. Thank god Bryce didn’t do the vocals for Adrien though I would have cried.
Now, it’s time for my issues (oh boy)
1) The entire movie felt rushed, ESPECIALLY the second act. They should have just committed to 2 hours in my opinion. Just 20 more minutes would have helped IMMENSELY with the pacing.
2) The character designs, overall, were quite jarring. Especially for background/minor characters. Something was always off. There are a few of the design choices that became sort of running jokes with my watch party. (Alya’s eyebrows, Gabriel’s chin and his long hair.)
3) A couple of the character rewrites were great. Some of them? Not so much. My specific gripes are as follows… Marinette falling for Adrien because he helped her up and called her weird. Same goes for Ladybug reluctantly helping Chat up during the fight. They could have done so much more with both of those scenes but they had to be rushed because of the cut run time. Also they butchered Plagg’s character and I am NOT here for it.
4) Most of this movie felt like a montage. It kinda was since they were trying to fit the entirety of the Gabriel arc into an hour and 40 minutes. I keep saying this, but they needed that extra 20 minutes in all reality.
5) I love the fact that the movie belongs to LadyNoir, we needed some good LadyNoir content because we get none in the show. What I don’t love, however, is that Adrien and Marinette didn’t really have any screen time at all. Just showing them interacting a little more would have been nice.
6) They cut The Wall Between Us. This is just a personal bias. I’ve been in love with this song for literal years. I’ve learned how to sing it in French simply because it brought me so much joy. I’m so upset they cut it but I don’t fault them for it. (At least it’s still on Spotify 😭)
Final thoughts:
This requires a bit of a storytime. My sister isn’t that into Miraculous. She watched the movie with me (and one of our friends) last night and she overall liked the movie. She brought up a good point about it though. “I feel like you have to know the show to see the movie but if you’ve seen the show it’s a little underwhelming because you expect it to be a certain way and it’s not.”
I fully agree with this sentiment. The first time Adrien’s name is even said is around 30~ minutes into the movie and that’s not really good storytelling for people who haven’t seen the show. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adored the movie, I can tell it’s going to be a comfort film for me. There were just a LOT of plot issues, story inconsistencies, and overall just weak writing. But that’s okay! The plot is really simple compared to the show and that’s also okay! My gripes with the movie are just because I want the best for these silly little animated superheroes.
Overall, this movie will always be a 10/10 in my heart, it makes me so freaking happy that the movie finally released, but if I’m being fully objective it’s gotta be a 7/10. The pacing issues and some of the awful characterization really drags the movie down, but that’s just my opinion.
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Awkward - a Malevolent fic
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It was just fucking dinner.
Part of the Surrogate series. Written with @sepiabandensis
AO3
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Hastur had known tension. He’d known sharp-toothed civility that led to conflict (or worse, didn’t, and remained unsatisfied). He’d laughed and danced through terrible scenes taut with pressure, with hair-trigger terms and gods ready for war.
This was worse. Planning for dinner with these stupid humans, with a shared past he didn’t know, with pieces of him he couldn’t control, was worse.
Even just preparing had been a nightmare. He had assumed that giving Arthur a two-day heads up would be plenty, after Parker and the Slice (Sunny, he reminded himself) had politely requested to join them for the evening meal. He’d assumed that Arthur and John would be able to come to some sort of consensus, get the dramatics out of the way, and proceed like civilized beings.
They did not.
Arthur spent the next two days in a stupor, so focused inward on his own mounting distress he was nearly intolerable. John, predictably, responded to this by snapping like a rabid animal at anyone who so much as looked at them. Arthur was then absolutely useless at the piano for the next day, and John threw a fit in the middle of court again, and Hastur almost wished he had not said anything whatsoever.
It was just fucking dinner.
Faroe’s response was different. “He’s coming?” she said, brightening. “Really?”
“Yes. Be gentle with them. They are—”
“Did you know he almost hit Dis?” said Faroe, bouncing on her toes. “I mean, he didn’t manage it, but he almost did?”
“That is certainly impressive,” said Hastur, sounding calm in spite of the abrupt realization that for some reason, his daughter was watching that man train. 
“Thank you, daddy!” she said as if this had all been his idea, hugging him quickly, then running off to language practice.
Well. Well.  
He wasn’t thrilled that this tiny infatuation would be happening with a human the first time, but maybe that was unavoidable. He wondered if Arthur would pick up on it on his own. Eh; Hastur wouldn’t tell him. He clearly wasn’t in any condition for more shocks at the moment.
#
Even just dressing Arthur for the occasion was difficult. “Too flashy,” he murmured, putting John’s selection back in the wardrobe.
I like that one, John protested. The green looks great on you! It compliments your skin!
“It’s embroidery and brocade,” Arthur said, pointedly shoving it further into the wardrobe as John’s hand scrabbled back to retrieve it. “I’m having dinner with—with my friend, John, not going to meet the bloody president.”
You live in a fucking palace, John snapped. All of our clothes look like that. At least let me pick ones that aren’t shapeless, ugly sacks!
“Maybe I want to look like a sack,” said Arthur nonsensically.
Do you want to look like a sack?
“Fuck you. Maybe.”
Well, maybe I don’t want to! Did you think of that?
“No, because apparently, you look adorable, so what do you have to worry about?”
John growled. 
Arthur grabbed something—he wasn’t even sure what—and started pulling it on.
Ugh! It’s yellow!
“The fucking world is yellow here,” Arthur muttered.
But not this much! What the fuck!
“Shut up. We’re getting this over with, and if I have to do it in… in sunshine colors, so be it!”
Well, John knew how to fix that. At least this one shows your ass.
Off it came, and Arthur reached for something else.
John counted that as a point hard won.
#
Parker, Sunny said, voice gentle, are you sure you’re alright for this?
“Of course,” Parker said, perhaps a bit gruffer than he intended. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
I hit you with a lot of unpleasant information, Sunny sighed, and Parker could feel the nervous twinge in his jaw. Make no mistake; I have no question about your ability to be friendly and professional and handle this with the grace of a true actor, but if you’re not ready to deal with the King…
“I’ve dealt with a lotta guys like the King,” Parker said, brushing his fingertips along the curve of his jaw. “Not too worried about him, as much as I’d still like to make him answer for… all that. More worried about you.”
Please, Parker, this was my idea.
“Lots of ideas are good in the planning stages and not so good in practice. We could be walking into a real charged room.” Parker sighed and rolled his shoulder—Dis had gotten him good with one of their sparring bouts, and it was sore as all hell. “Bud, shoot straight with me here: are you ready?”
Sunny was quiet for a long moment. Hear me out, fully, first.
“Alright.”
I… I’m not, Parker. I really don’t want to face down Arthur Lester and make small talk, no matter how good the curry will be.
Parker sucked in a sharp breath.
But, Sunny said quickly, I… I don’t think staying isolated is a good idea for either of us. I don’t want to spend six years hiding in our rooms just in case a—a wet scarecrow of a man might say something mean to me. Alright?
Parker let out the breath he was holding in a laugh. “He’s more likely to curse you out than say something mean. And hey, be fair—he looks pretty good right now.”
Not this again. Ugh.
“I’m just saying.”
Must you say?
Parker grinned. “Don’t go judging me.”
Parker, I love you, but I am absolutely allowed to judge you for that.
He laughed. “Eh. Fair enough. Let’s get this done.”
Ahem. Forgetting something?
Parker grinned. “Really? You ain’t sick of hearing it yet?”
No, I am not. Sunny  paused. Are you?
“Never. Love you, sunshine. Let’s go.”
#
Curries of all kinds steamed on the table, rich in color, accompanied by tiny spice dishes and rice and scents that could nearly carry the conversation by themselves.
If only.
Parker eyed John.
John eyed Sunny.
Sunny shied away from Arthur.
Arthur stared at nothing, clutching his fork.
Faroe babbled, happily telling everyone about the crazy new language she’d begun, and how hard the double-l sound was.
Hastur rumbled, pleased. “You shine in the reports I’m given.”
“They said I’m two full years ahead of the planned schedule,” said Faroe, and then peeked to make sure Parker heard.
She’d been doing that all night.
Parker nodded, perfectly polite, and scooped some curry-drenched rice onto flatbread. “That’s really somethin’. I only ever learned English.”
That’s not true. You’re learning R’ylehian, Sunny said, helpful.
“You are?” said Faroe, her eyes going wide. “Want to practice?”
John eyed Faroe.
Sunny eyed Faroe.
Hastur eyed Parker.
Arthur stared at nothing, tip of his tongue out, focusing on getting curry onto his flatbread without spilling it everywhere.
Nibbles stole a flatbread out of a basket at the end of the table.
“Uh,” said Parker, unsure what was going on. “Sure?”
Faroe smiled like the sun rising.
Hm, said John.
“What?” whispered Arthur.
The lamb is excellent, Sunny said, attempting to drag the conversation somewhere less weird. Curries are my favorite.
“I haven’t really had these. They’re delicious,” Arthur tried. 
Sunny shut right up.
“Yeah, we fell in love with these… fuck, way far west,” said Parker. 
“I’d love more of them,” said Faroe.
“I’m fairly sure our kitchen can handle that request,” said Hastur warmly.
Nibbles was staining her nose orange as she ate from her own plate.
“There’s a bunch of kinds,” said Parker. “Sweet ones, hot ones. Different spices. It’s fuckin’ great.”
“How long were you out there?” said Arthur.
“‘Bout eight months.”
Arthur sat up straight. “You were out there all that time?”
Fuck. We could’ve passed each other on the road, or something, said John.
“Highly unlikely,” said Hastur.
Arthur was pale. “No offense, but I’m glad we didn’t. I don’t know how that would’ve gone.”
“Eh,” said Parker. “Shouting. Then I probably would’ve punched you. Then we’d talk it out. It’d all be over quicker than this mess.”
Arthur grinned. “You know, you’re probably right.”
“Punched him?” said Faroe, sounding shocked. “Why?”
There was a moment of tension. Arthur stared in Parker’s direction, pleading on his face.
Parker studied Arthur for a moment, then turned with a smile to Faroe. “Well. Let’s just say John did some shit worthy of a good punch or two. I’m bettin’ you can believe that.”
Her little chin rose. “I certainly can.”
John snorted. 
“One way to put it,” Arthur murmured.
Fuck you both, said John, sort of conversationally.
Parker flipped him off. “Right in the kissah,” he said, leaning into his accent.
Faroe giggled. “The kisser?” 
Parker pantomimed punching himself in the mouth. “Boom.”
She giggled again.
Nibbles made an amused noise and stole another flatbread right off Faroe’s plate.
“You know that detective stuff I taught you?” said Arthur out of nowhere. “Parker’s the one who taught me.”
She gasped. “He was your partner?”
Now Parker looked uncomfortable. “Yeah. Long time ago.” Not that it was so long for him.
“He saved my life,” said Arthur.
“Okay, don’t get too serious on me, here,” said Parker, sort of gently.
“I’m not,” said Arthur. “I just thought she should know.”
Faroe was looking at Parker like he hung the moon.
He didn’t seem sure why. “Well.” He shrugged. “Anybody’d. You know.”
Parker, could we try that palak paneer? Sunny said.
Parker jumped right onto that topic change. “Sure, bud. Wow, that smells good.”
While we were… on the road, we often worked for food, Sunny said, voice barely above a mumble. We learned a lot about the people of the Dreamlands that way. I’d never tried so many different things.
Parker set down his flatbread to gently pat his cheek. Despite his efforts, it was subtle as a freight train.
“What was that like?” said Faroe. “I’ve traveled a little, but I… had to avoid towns and things.”
“I bet, with daddy dearest here,” said Parker.
“No, I was alone,” said Faroe, who was tiny.
Parker looked concerned. 
The missing princess, Sunny said softly. So that was true? We’d thought… we’d thought it was… just rumors.
“I went on a quest,” said Faroe carefully, who definitely should not have been on her own.
Parker eyed Faroe.
Hastur eyed Parker.
Nibbles gently pressed her forehead against Faroe’s shoulder, and Faroe leaned into that.
Arthur stared blindly at his curry, looking traumatized.
I am glad you saw it through safely, Sunny continued, suddenly stronger, but gentle. We heard a lot of conflicting things after the storm, but couldn’t verify any of them. We were kept busy. He paused. This is… maybe a bad topic of conversation.
Faroe’s eyes were huge. “I’m sorry.”
No. Sunny’s voice hitched. I brought it up. I should apologize to you. I don’t know what happened, but—
“So Dis is a hell of a trainer, huh?” Parker said. “Whips my ass every time we spar.”
Fuck, Sunny mumbled, voice trembling.
“You’re doing fine,” Parker murmured back.
Faroe clearly had no idea what to make of all that, but she’d been trained in conversation, and she could at least pretend to follow it. “Dis is incredible. You almost hit her the other day! I saw it!”
“Well, I didn’t get that close,” said  Parker.
“You did. Your footwork is excellent,” said Faroe, sounding randomly lofty.
It was cute. Parker grinned. “I’d need to be twice as fast to even get near hitting that bi…uh, lady.”
“She’s tough,” said Arthur.
“She’s something else,” said Parker.
“She’s going to help me become a warrior,” said Faroe.
“A warrior, eh?” said Parker without a hint of condescension.
“Yes,” said Faroe, and perhaps unconsciously, touched the scar on her throat.
This was not the time to ask. “That’s a good goal. More girls were tough, there’d be a shit-ton less problems.”
“An admirable viewpoint,” said Hastur, “with which I agree. It isn’t often shared by your human peers.”
Arthur scowled.
You will find that Parker is very wise, Sunny said.
“I ain’t supposed to be tough, either,” said Parker mildly. “Supposed to ‘know my place.’ Keep my head down. Fuck that.”
“Fuck that,” Faroe whispered under her breath, barely audible.
“An excellent goal,” said Hastur.
Arthur wanted to talk so badly. He kept starting to speak, then chickening out. It was getting hard to watch.
Very low, very soft, Sunny spoke. Parker, you should… help him.
Parker stroked his jaw. “You gettin’ tough, too, Arthur? That’s new.”
Arthur’s smile was crooked. “Yeah, it is. I can’t say I’m loving it.”
“We’re training buddies,” said Faroe.
Sunny let out a low sound of encouragement for her.
“I’ve never seen you this, uh… capable, that’s for sure,” Parker said.
“Dis is a monster,” said Arthur, just fondly enough not to be insulting. “She’s brutal.”
“She got you to run. I never managed that.”
“Well, you didn’t poke me in the back with a knife, either.”
“That’s all it would’a took? Should’ve tried it.”
Arthur grinned and flipped Parker off.
Parker’s answering grin was big, real, wide. “Same to you, pal.”
Faroe looked back and forth, riveted.
Parker was instrumental in us staying safe on the roads, Sunny said, and his physical abilities certainly helped. It is… good, that you’re training with Dis.
“Well, they had to make me,” Arthur admitted.
We did, said John, who was being so well-behaved he had to be breaking something. And we’re going to keep doing it. 
Arthur’s smile now was… warm. Secret. Directed at the table. Maybe at John. “Whacko.”
Parker could feel a nervous twitch of his tongue, and casually as he was able, stroked the curve of his jaw.
Maybe, Sunny said, voice cautious, like a frightened animal slowly coming out from under a piece of furniture, maybe in time, we could… train together. 
Arthur looked up with hope on his face. “We could?”
You could learn very much from Parker. He punched out a wizard to stop a spell, once.
“He did?”
“He did?” said Faroe. “What? How?”
Parker shrugged. “Some spells take time to work up, you know? So I socked the guy before he could finish it.”
“In the kisser?” said Faroe.
“Chin, actually,” said Parker, grinning at her. “Asshole bit through his tongue. Knew he wouldn’t be casting shit after that.”
Parker kept us from being captured, Sunny said, voice warm. He dropped the wizard in one hit. A magnificent uppercut. The fool never expected it.
Arthur laughed. “That’s incredible. I love it.”
Faroe looked grim. “You were very lucky the spell didn’t explode.”
“Oh, it did,” said Parker. “Sunny got a shield up.”
Sunny made a small noise. Your timing was excellent; it mostly backfired on the caster. It was barely a shield. Little more than a puff of air to blow it away.
“What was this guy trying to do?” said Arthur.
“One of Larson’s idiots,” said Parker. “Trying to make some kinda portal.”
“Humans don’t handle the creation of portals well,” said Faroe, her eyes huge. “It’s brain physiognomy. We’re too limited by three dimensions.”
“Doubtless, the caster would have died to cast it,” said Hastur.
He very much would. His nose was already starting to drip blood. Sunny’s voice was soft and tired. Parker saved his life, assuming it wasn’t taken later for failure.
“Larson did… that?” said Faroe quietly, and looked at her dad. “Why?”
Hastur sighed deeply. “There are past actions you do not know,” he said, caressing Faroe’s face with a tenderness that made Parker rework some assumptions. “He has a chance now to change his ways.”
Faroe studied him, frowning, then looked at Parker. “What was he trying to do?”
Parker hesitated.
“Maybe we can talk about it later,” suggested Arthur.
“All right,” said Faroe, looking between them.
I’m sorry, Sunny said, very quietly. I shouldn’t have said anything.
“Why are you sorry?” said Faroe with innocent puzzlement. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Courage gone, Sunny stayed silent.
“Sunny just doesn’t wanna hurt anyone,” said Parker. “Gets nervous that maybe he did, sometimes—but he didn’t, right?”
“As far as I can tell,” said Faroe, “nothing wrong was said tonight.”
“I agree,” said Hastur as though passing judgment.
Arthur nodded. looking at the table as though fearful what his unseeing gaze might do.
Sunny let out a little breath. Thank you, he said, voice barely more than a whisper.
“It’s gonna be weird for a bit,” Parker said, firm and slow. “But I think we’re all gonna be okay.”
The Dancers came in then with dessert—some glorious confection of thin pastry layers and honey—and Parker was happy to direct conversation toward that for the rest of the meal.
#
He didn’t speak to Arthur again until they were leaving, until the meal was done. Arthur hunched; he was clearly uncomfortable, and didn’t know how to continue.
John’s gaze never left Parker’s face. It was sharp; foreign. Arthur Lester had never looked at anyone like that in his life.
Parker knew the difference. “I’m glad you’re not dead,” he said, low, meaning so much more that the physical.
Arthur’s eyes were suspiciously shiny, and that wasn’t John. “I don’t think I can express in words how glad I am you’re not.”
“I believe you.” Parker said the words evenly. The significance of that statement—a judgment of his own—was earth-shattering.
Or maybe rebuilding.
Arthur raised his face.
“Night,” said Parker, and left, hands in his pockets, striding fast. He had a partner to take care of.
#
Hastur checked in.
His servitors on Earth were handling things well. Larson was following the rules, yelling at people on the phone, pulling out files to hand to his chaperones, throwing things into his large fireplace so no one could have them if he couldn’t. 
Faroe was getting ready for bed, humming, thinking over dinner, happy. She was trying to speak to Nibbles in Welsh. The goat may or may not have understood, but made for an apt listener.
Arthur was exhausted, collapsed on his bed, uh-huh-ing to John.
John was complaining. He’d been very very good all dinner long, and was making up for it now. He didn’t trust Sunny, and kept trying to spin some idea (which did not land) that Parker was up to something.
Parker was not up to something. He was quietly reassuring Sunny, who had convinced himself he’d committed some sort of grievous faux pas.
This had all gone about as well as could be expected.
Hastur wished he could rest along with them. Wished he could hold Arthur, and be still, and…
There was no time. He had to begin conversation with Mnomquah tonight, and wasn’t looking forward to it at all.
He waited until his family was all in their beds, and then left to tackle the next part of his plan. Behind him, Carcosa slept. Through a window, Nibbles watched him flying away, and did not draw attention to his departure.
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