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whitewolfmoving · 3 years ago

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You Can’t Take Me, I’m Free || Back To You Series

Prompt: “Just because I’m being civil with you, doesn’t mean I like you.” || suggested by @suitofvibraniumarmor

A/N: Here is another drabble for my Back To You series! None of these are being written or posted in order, but will be in order on the masterlist when I create it. (Title for this drabble is lyrics from one of my favourite songs off of the soundtrack from Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron) Have fun! 💜

Bucky led Sam and Maia to some sort of garage, he was talking nonsense and neither of them really understood why. First, he made them wait outside while he went to talk to one of the most dangerous men they’d ever faced, now, he was blabbering on about using him to help in their mission against the rebel Super Soldiers.

Bucky and Maia had only just been released to go out without needing to go back to Dr. Raynor, but there was still so much that both of them were holding on to. And Sam wasn’t a Super Soldier. Two impossible-to-kill former HYDRA assassins and a guy with high tech bird wings didn’t stand a chance against eight people who could do exactly what Bucky and Maia could.

The conversation all but stalled as Bucky tried to reason with Sam. Maia growled. She hated being reminded of her time under HYDRA’s command, even more of her time under Zemo’s. He’d done so much damage when he was free; damage she’d been a part of, and it’d taken years for her to come to terms with her hand in all of it. It was hard not to feel betrayed by just the idea that Bucky was even considering using Zemo to help them track down Karli.

Bucky felt along the wall for the electrical panel and flipped the switch, the lights flickered on and illuminated the garage. He looked at Maia hopefully, asking her to take his side, just this once. “Let me just walk you through a hypothetical. Can I walk you through a hypothetical?”

Sam narrowed his eyes. “What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything.” The White Wolf shook his head. “The weakest point in any system isn’t the software, the hardware, it’s the meatware. The human element. Now, in this lockup, it’s nine to one, prisoners to guards. And if two prisoners start fighting, then the protocol says four guards have to respond.”

“Bucky, are you fucking high?” The first words Maia had spoken since the trio left the main facility and they were dripping with malice. She didn’t want to believe he could be serious about this, but clearly, he was.

Sam agreed. “So why would two prisoners randomly start fighting at that moment?”

Bucky went on, “Who knows? There could be many reasons. . . But the point is, these things escalate. Lockdown procedures would have to be initiated, and with all those bodies flying around left and right, wouldn’t be hard to slip down a hallway or two. And if the fire alarm got tripped while the prisoners were being separated. . . someone could use the chaos to their advantage.”

“I don’t like how specific this hypothetical has gotten,” Maia said.

“I don’t like how casual you’re being about this, it’s unnatural. And where are we, man?” Sam parroted.

A door in the distance opened and someone in a guard uniform walked through the curtain behind the car. It only took Maia seconds to realize Zemo was who entered the room. She roared; in a flash, she had Zemo backed against a nearby wall, the force of his back hitting the structure rang out around them. Fire sparked and burned in her eyes, the rage she was trying so hard to keep contained burst forth and she pinned the man with one hand at his throat, while the other quickly drew a dagger from the holster on her thigh.

Sam looked at Bucky, unsure how to proceed. “Is this what you wanted?”

Bucky approached her from behind, hands in the air. He wet his lips, thinking through how to properly diffuse the situation. He should��ve recognized the signs as soon as Zemo stepped through the door, but he’d been too preoccupied. He laid his right hand over the one Maia held around Zemo’s throat, and his left grasped the one holding the knife.

“Easy, easy. Let him go. Come on, Mai. You don’t need to do this. Întoarce-te la mine, dragă,” Bucky whispered in Maia’s ear. He moved in close, the muscles of his chest pressed against her back. “You are not his Demon anymore.”

Maia relaxed, only just, into the warmth radiating from Bucky’s body. The rigidness slowly melted away; she let Bucky slip the dagger from her fingers, let him remove her hand from the Baron’s neck. The flames in her eyes died and gave way to the rich coffee brown that Bucky adored so much. “Just because I’m being civil with you, doesn’t mean I like you.”

Zemo smirked. “Oh, I think I can change your mind, Soldat.”

#bucky barnes drabble #back to you series

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agentnico · 5 years ago

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Top 20 Best Movies of the Decade (2010′s)

Now that we have entered the 2020s, it’s time to look back on a decade of movie magic. To emphasise the importance of each year, I’ll balance things out by including two films from each year for my Top 20 list. I’ve tried to pick films that both defined this decade as well as appealed to me personally, so my list will of course, as always, be different from yours, but hopefully, I won’t totally irritate you with my humble choice, which I deem worthy to post online for the public eye to witness.

2010:

INCEPTION - “You’re waiting for a train...” Christopher Nolan unarguably is the most exciting and original directors working today. Each time he releases a movie, its an event. A literal must-see at the cinema. Which is why this isn’t the only film of his you will find on this list. With Inception, Nolan gives us a movie that is both enjoyable and imaginative, rewarding the audience for the attention that it demands. Filled with so much detail that if you miss certain shots, you will completely get lost in confusion of the narrative (as confusing as it already is). It’s intense and complex, with great performances from the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, this movie will leave you lingering for more even after that mysterious ending.

SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD - “You cocky cock! You'll pay for your crimes against humanity!” Once again, another exciting director on this list (oh there are so so many!). Ever since Edgar Wright emerged from the British isles, he’s given us some of the funniest films of the past decade and onwards. His Cornetto Trilogy is a blast, Baby Driver is a blast, Ant-Man was going to be even more of a blast if Marvel allowed Wright to do his magical shenanigans his way, and the upcoming Last Night in Soho will surely be a blast also. With Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Wright creates a meta-clever universe taking inspiration from comic books and video games and filled to the brink with wink-wink-nudge-nudge humour, this is an exciting and very sarcastic over the top endeavor. Also, Brie Larson in this movie.....phew!! And unsurprisingly, its all a blast!

2011:

DRIVE - “I just wanted you to know, just getting to be around you, that was the best thing that ever happened to me.” Drive is more of an elegant exercise in style, and its emotions may be hidden but they run deep. A shamelessly disreputable, stylish, stoic, ultra-violent thriller with amazing stunt work, one of the best opening sequences of any movie this decade and a neon-pumped soundtrack that’s a must-own for all vinyl users, if you still haven’t seen Drive, there’s only one thing you can do. Clue: it’s to go watch Drive.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - GHOST PROTOCOL - “Your mission, should you choose to accept it...” Tom Cruise’s deal with the devil allows him to do some literally impossible stuff, and though I don’t condone his Scientology ways, the man’s stunt work and efforts in his area of expertise are worth all the praise and respect. To be honest, I’m commemorating all three of the Mission Impossible flicks that graced our screen this year (Ghost Protocol, Rogue Nation and Fallout). This franchise is like a game of dodgeball, except that Tom Cruise is the dodgeBALL, being thrown and thrust left and right like nobody cares. Also, with me being Russian, the fact that a movie manages to destroy the Kremlin and then have me not hate the film in the aftermath shows that this film is way too fun to hate.

2012:

DJANGO UNCHAINED - “Gentlemen, you had my curiosity, but now you have my attention.” Quentin Tarantino is one of my favourite directors working today. And Django Unchained happens to be my favourite film of his. The writing for this film is orgasmic (I went there!). The way the actors deliver the lines and the lines of dialogue themselves sound almost poetic to my ears. I can quote so many lines from this darn thing. The cinematography is immaculate. The soundtrack choice is great. The performances, my goodness, the PERFORMANCES!! Jamie Foxx does arguably his career-best work here, but also we have Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio both chewing up the scenery, and I’m sure everyone has heard the story involving DiCaprio and the broken glass. Django Unchained is an easy choice on this list for me, and possibly in my Top 10 of all time.

LES MISERABLES - “Do you hear the people sing?” The film that is based on a musical that is based on a book that is based on certain true events. Tom Hooper did an interesting choice of having actors sing live in front of the camera during filming rather than pre-record their voices, and it works to grand effect, though Russell Crowe should have probably been given more singing lessons. The movie is one hell of a way to adapt such a popular stage musical. With an opening shot that emphasises the scale of this picture with a zoom-in towards this big ship during a storm being pulled by these poor prisoners, we are plunged into the despair and conflicts of various characters with adroit narrative thrust so that not a moment feels wasted or redundant. You’d think that a film with hardly any dialogue and an overall reliance on singing wouldn’t be so emotional. Yet, somehow, it works. Also props to Anne Hathaway for winning an Academy Award for being in a film for only 5 MINUTES!!

2013:

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET - “Sell me this pen.” Martin Scorsese’s mad look into Wall Street life is a bombastic caper and running at nearly 3 hours, Scorsese and his editing team manage to keep an astoundingly intoxicating pace that keeps you enthralled and engaged throughout. This one is definitely not for the families, as this R-rated fest is filled with drugs, money, sex and everything you can possibly imagine and paints quite the picture of the rich folks of Wall Street. And the middle of it all a bravura performance from Leonardo DiCaprio. Someone needs to give DiCaprio’s agent a raise, this is Leo’s third appearance on this list and we’re only in 2013!

THE WAY WAY BACK - “I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave. You're having way too much fun, it's making everyone uncomfortable.” Sometimes a little indie flick is enough to lift a human spirit. Real, fun, uplifting and innocent, The Way Way Back dedicated to anyone who felt awkward or out of place at some point in their life, which, let’s be honest, counts all of us. I’m not afraid to admit that. So stop being a b*** and reveal your sensitive side too! Yes, you, the person reading this. Who else could I possibly be talking to? Myself? Maybe. The Way Way Back though is one of the best feel-good indie films of this decade, with the loveable Steve Carell acting very unloveable and Sam Rockwell Rockwelling himself to charm city! If you’ve missed this one, treat yo’self and check it out.

2014:

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL - “And?? Where is it? What's it all about dammit don't keep us in suspense this has been a complete f***ing nightmare! Just tell us what the f*** is going on!!!” Easily Wes Anderson’s best in my opinion (I have a friend who would argue Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums has the better hand but I think my opinion is more valid because it's me), this movie is a glossy, colorful, whimsical deadpan affair with an energetic turn from Ralph Fiennes as the hotel concierge M. Gustave H. as he and his lobby boy run into various Wes Anderson regulars and deal with murderers, stolen paintings, love affairs, prison breaks, and all kinds of crazy shindigs, but all shown in such a casual Wes Anderson way. This movie is like a slice of cherry pie - damn fine!

INTERSTELLAR - “Murphy’s Law doesn’t mean that something bad will happen. It means that whatever can happen, will happen.” As promised, Christopher Nolan makes another appearance on this list, now with his space time-traveling epic Interstellar, where he takes inspiration from the likes of Kubrick and Tarkovsky to give us, as always, a tad bit confusing adventure with great visuals and an interesting narrative (though it does sometimes get lost in its own way), however, the key thing holding this piece together is the father-daughter relationship with Matthew McConaughey and Mackenzie Foy (and Jessica Chastain) managing to bring so much raw emotion to their respective roles that you can’t help but want to shed a tear. I mean, I haven’t cried for over 14 years, but I remember when I first watched this film, the audience around me was sobbing quite a few times during the duration of this movie. Give it to Nolan to give us the emotional moments!

2015:

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD - “Oh what a day! What a lovely day!!” Easily the best action movie of this decade. Sorry John Wick, neither you or Tom Cruise could defeat this beast. The sheer, limitless invention behind this movie's exhilarating, preposterous chase scenes highlights action filmmaking at its finest. With big monster trucks and a random guitarist rocking-it in the middle of all the action, it’s like a nihilistic version of a Cirque du Soleil show! And it makes Tom Hardy the calmest person on-screen; no idea how it managed that.

STEVE JOBS - “I sat in a garage and invented the future because artists lead and hacks ask for show of hands.” If there is anyone who can make formulaic, mathematical or technological sound fun and exciting, its Aaron Sorkin. The man has a talent for writing screenplays about difficult and complicated topics yet turning them approachable for the casual moviegoer. Pair him with director Danny Boyle, and the result is Steve Jobs, a look at the man behind the phone. Narratively set during three important product launches of Jobs’, we get to see the behind-the-scenes of his relationships with his colleagues and family members, and this character study is one that could have easily fallen into generic biopic tropes, but it holds it’s own right till the credits roll. Also props for showing that Seth Rogen can actually do a serious role. Who would’ve thought that pot-smoking fella had dramatic chops in him?

2016:

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS - “Susan, enjoy the absurdity of our world. It’s a lot less painful. Believe me, our world is a lot less painful than the real world.” Fashion designer Tom Ford does sew his suits well. Apparently, he can also make great films too, with 2009′s A Single Man and with said Nocturnal Animals. This movie is truly incredible and I remember it taking me and my friend by surprise when we first watched it at the cinema. It’s shocking. Horrifying. Depressing. Upsetting. Altogether exhilarating. Being of a fashion background, Tom Ford directs the hell out of this movie, with gorgeous shots and great use of colour as well as managing to masterfully create tension and suspense when necessary. Honestly, I know Tom Ford is probably busy at a department store somewhere, but the guy needs to make another movie. The man has a talent.

LA LA LAND - “Here’s to the ones who dream, foolish as they may seem. Here’s to the hearts that ache; here’s to the mess we make.” Oh, La La Land. Damien Chazelle’s follow-up to the also excellent Whiplash. People who know me well know how much I love this movie. An old-school tour-de-force musical that’s a love letter to jazz and the golden age of Hollywood. The city of stars never looked so good. Featuring catchy original songs, excellent dance choreography (the sequence to the song “Lovely Night” is especially memorable) and a romance tale ten times better than the forsaken The Notebook, La La Land is one special movie. I know many are put off by the film’s not so happy ending, however for me it was the only way this narrative could have ended.

2017:

BLADE RUNNER 2049 - “We’re all just looking out for something real.” Similarly to Nolan, Denis Villeneuve is proving to be one of the most exciting directors working today. He’s the man behind such films as *deep breath* Prisoners, Enemy, Sicario, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049. And those have all been done within the last decade. The man constantly makes quality movies of various genres, though lately, he has been leaning more towards science fiction, which is a-okay in my books, since as Blade Runner 2049 proves, he can turn science into fiction like butter on bread. A sequel made 30 years after Ridley Scott’s classic, this visually breathtaking piece is arguably even better than its predecessor with many moments giving you the “wow wow wow wow wow WOW!” factor, and when Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford are both on-screen they are dynamite. Forget the new Star Wars film (that’s right, I'm throwing shade there), Blade Runner is where it’s at!

PHANTOM THREAD - “The tea is going out. The interruption is staying right here with me.” The supposed last Daniel Day-Lewis film, as he has now apparently retired from acting, but let’s be honest, nothing stops him from simply unretiring at any point. Exhibit A - Joe Pesci. However, like Pesci, if he comes back I’ll only be happy. He’s one of acting greats of our time, and his collaborations will director Paul Thomas Anderson bring out some of his best roles. Phantom Thread is a marvel of a movie. No, I don’t mean that’s its part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I mean as in it can fill one with wonder and astonishment. Phantom Thread is PTA’s Gothic dark fairy-tale romance film, which expertly planned shots and scenes where every word of the dialogue counts. There is no wasted moment. And as the film transpires to its dark and unsettling climax, one begins to realize that this, THIS, is what filmmaking is about. Telling an engrossing story in an interesting way with crisp-clear shots and off-the-chart acting at play, with great costume design on display, although the latter is unsurprising due to a major aspect of the movie revolving around fashion.

2018:

MANDY - “You ripped ma shirt!! You ripped maaa shiirrt!!” An acquired taste for sure, however, Mandy is indeed something truly special. From first glance, this film might seem like nothing out of the ordinary, especially from the point of view of the plot. Its the usual revenge flick. However director Panos Cosmatos’ vision and how he presents it is so much more unique. And what’s not love in this film? There’s something for everyone! It’s artsy and slow enough for the critics, hip and metal for the nonchalant, gory and violent for the hardcore genre fanatics and of course the Nic-Cage-rage factor is present for the fans of the actor. Alright, it may not be a family film, but this one is worth a watch. The whole thing is bound together by this psychedelic otherworldly environment, with the whole movie conceived in this dark, unsettlingly beautiful yet horror-filled aura that might stray people away, as it might be just too different for them, however, if you are looking for something different to watch, take mandy. I mean, watch Mandy!

A STAR IS BORN - “Music is essentially 12 notes between any octave. Twelve notes and the octave repeats. It’s the same story told over and over. All the artist can offer the world is how they see those 12 notes.” The film that began all the rumours surrounding Bradley Cooper’s and Lady Gaga’s affair. People, heads up, they are actors! They were putting on a performance! Jeez. That being said, I totally ship them. Nuff’ said. The film though? Yes, it’s good. Some country-style music, romance blooming, Gaga can apparently act, people sing about shallows for some reason...all together works for a pretty decent motion picture. Also, the fact that Bradley Cooper wrote, directed, produced and starred in this gives me so much respect for the guy. He poured his heart and soul into this. And Lady Gaga absolutely shines!

2019:

PAIN & GLORY - “Writing is like drawing but with letters.” Director Pedro Almodovar semi-autobiographical film takes a close look at how one deals with acceptance, being forgotten, symptoms of depression and generally all fairly negative attributes, but delivered in such an honest and profound way that there is a strange lightness that emerges from it all. Antonio Banderas is uncannily vulnerable in the lead role, delivering such an earnest performance that shows a man that is filled with melancholic regret who seeks his own form of redemption. This movie is a thing of beauty.

PARASITE - “You know what kind of plan never fails? No plan at all. If you make a plan, life never works out that way.” Parasite is easily the most original and surprising films of 2019, and possibly the decade, managing to subvert expectations and blend together so many different genres so naturally. To spoil any narrative element of this movie would be a sin, like this one in particular works best when not knowing anything about it. This movie comes to us from Bong Joon-Ho, a South Korean director behind such films as The Host, Memories of Murder, Okja, and Snowpiercer. It’s nice to see the awards ceremonies giving him the proper recognition finally. He deserves it.

That sums up my Top 20 Best Movies of the Decade list. Of course, there are so many other great films that came out in these 10 years, such as Whiplash, When Marnie Was There, Paterson, Silence, Kubo and the Two Strings, The Nice Guys...I can go on forever. Cinema is a constant ever-growing medium, and it is fascinating to see how it changes through the years, in some ways improving and in some parts not so much. In any case, I look forward towards a new decade of, hopefully, great movies, however, let’s be honest, for all these great films there’s always a Norm of the North, a Scout’s Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse or frickin’ Cats. But let’s hope those will be kept to a minimum. In any case, bring on the 2020s!

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demivampirew · 4 years ago

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Keep Calm and Go to London chapter 16

Synopsis: This is the story of (y/n), a successful actress, musician, musical producer and songwriter. After battling depression and breaking up a long relationship, she seeks for a change of air, escaping LA for a while going to visit some friends in London and there she meets Henry. -Disclaimer: some chapters are mostly smut.

Previous Chapters:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Triggers: SMUT ( s&m); use of slang and cursing words; mention of body image issues.

Disclaimer: I made this chapter as a challenge to myself. The idea was to write something inspired by songs and I’ve made a playlist with some songs which parts of the lyrics will be included on the chapter. At the end I’ll post the playlist in the order that the songs appeared. This chapter doesn’t contain vital information to the story (if so, I’ll talk about it again in another chapter), so if you are not into this type of stories, you can skip this chapter and continue with the next one.

Tag list: Here’s the incredible people who showed me support (thank you so much for that) and people who asked me to tag them too ☺️ (I think I will write a few chapters of this story, if you want me to tag you, tell me ☺️ ) @cavillanche @mary-ann84 @henry-owns-these-tatas @yespolkadotkitty @dancingwendigo constip8merm8 penwieldingdreamer iloveyouyen littlefreya wondersofdreaming alyxkbrl solariumss sweetybuzz25 @thethirstyarchive @agniavateira @honeyloverogers @hell1129-blog @lunedelorient @michelle-1185

-I've got a surprise for you tonight - you said to Henry as he was turning off the computer after playing games. - Do you? What is it about? - he asked, curious and amused. - If I tell you, it won't be a surprise, right? You replied grinning devilishly and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. - Hmmm... it's a Bond Girl type of surprise? - he questioned as he raised an eyebrow, smirking pleased by the idea. - Well, something like that. - you told him laughing. - Do I have to wear a suit or something? - Let me think... - you paused for a second- Oh... I know... Do you, by any chance, still have the shirt that you used on the video that you appeared with Simon for Vanity Fair to promote Mission Impossible? - you asked him, pouting like an innocent little girl. - The black shirt? Yes, I still got it. I'll put it on for you then. - he assured you, and you smile at him excitedly. - This is going to be a night you won't forget- you promised as you got closer to kiss him. - Oh, every night is a night that'll I never forget. I feel like I remember everything that we've done since I met you. - You're a smooth talker, aren't you Mr Cavill? - you finished as you kissed him.

The great thing about becoming confident with your body again was the fact that you felt free to show another side of you. The part of you which didn't care about anything that people might think and was not afraid to explore when it came to pleasure. When you were with your ex-boyfriend, the first years after you started dating again after a three-year break, you were this woman. You not only enjoyed sex but discover that you liked being in charge. The last years of that relationship, made you put that confident woman in a deep sleep because he failed in making you feel desire. There were periods in which you wouldn't even have sex because he was always "busy" with work. On one occasion, he completely ignored you, that was wearing sexy lingerie as if you were invisible. That affected you a lot. But now, Henry brought back that side of you. He made you feel beautiful and sexy all the time. He didn't shame you for your lust, he enjoyed it as well. His sexual side amused you a lot. He was shy, sometimes a bit too much, but at the same time, you could tell every time that you put yourself in charge of the situation that is was something new for him. He was clearly used to be the one to do most of the work in the bedroom. At first, you could feel that he was surprised by your dominance, by he enjoyed it too much and became his favourite thing. Let you choose the positions and all was something that he became accustomed to. But, he also knew that you were a sucker for his kisses, so he would use that against you to distract you and take the lead again. And you allowed him that because you adored the fact that he had the strength to take you as if you were light as a feather and move you in the position that he pleased at the moment. Between the two of you, there was no doubt that you were the one most comfortable with playing games and creating new situations for fun. This wasn't because he didn't have that on him, because as soon as you started something, he gladly played the role you assigned for him. It was mostly due to a lack of practice. Even though he admitted having one night stands on the past, he was mostly a man that preferred to exclusively being intimate with partners and his previous girlfriends apparently weren't too much into the idea of roleplay and other kinky stuff. You didn't know much about it, because he was a gentleman and respected the intimacy of his former lovers.

The night came. As soon as you finished getting ready, you texted Henry to let him know that he could come into the room. He opened the door and found a chair a few steps away from the bed. There was a note on it that read "Sit and close your eyes until you're told otherwise." He did as it was told. His heart was beating fast due to the excitement and expectation. Moments past and finally he felt the soft touch of your hands on his arms. Then, you grabbed both of his hands and put on a pair of handcuffs. You softly bite the lobule of his ear and his cheek. He laughed as an act of reflex due to the tingly sensation. "Keep your eyes closed" you ordered him as you walked away. Music started to sound in the room. It wasn't partying or romantic music. At first sounded mysterious, like the perfect for the soundtrack of a vampire movie. But, after seconds the tone change into metal. The seductive raspy voice of a woman invaded the room.

I'm the girl you've been thinking about The one thing you can't live without I'm the girl you've been waiting for I'll have you down on your knees, I'll have you begging for more. [ ... ] So how can this be, you're praying to me There's a look in your eyes, I know just what that means I can be, I can be your everything

I can be your whore I am the dirt you created I am your sinner, I am your whore But let me tell you something, baby You love me for everything you hate me for.

"Open your eyes", you ordered. He did that and saw you standing in front of him. You were wearing a black sleeveless latex bodysuit that had a plunging neckline and short boots with pointy heels. In your face, you had a lace masquerade face eye mask and a blood colour lipstick on your lips. Your hair was straight, tight in a high ponytail. You came closer to him. Slowly, place your index finger on his lips, locked eyes with him and grinning devilish. You turned around as the song finished and a new one started to play. You started to move to the sound of the music.

I must confess I'm addicted to this Shove your kiss straight through my chest I can't deny, I'd die without this Make me feel like a god Music, love and sex (Adrenalize me)

You moved sensually and slowly, touching your own body to the sound of the music and giving him looks, knowing how much he'd loved to be the one touching your body.

Get a little bit higher So we can fall 'til we bleed Push a little bit harder Pull me into the speed So tell me, can you feel this Come into my dream Are you ready to awaken? Are you ready to feed? 'Cause I need to feel Yeah, I need to say

You dropped on your knees and put your hands on the floor as well, classic doggy style position and moved erotically. You give yourself a few spanks, hard enough for him to listen to the sound of the collision of your hand with your butt, even with the loud music playing, and leaving red marks. You crawled to him placing your hands on his thighs and rubbing them. You could see that he was already hard. Lust and desire were visible on his eyes. He wanted you. He wanted you now. But the games were just starting. A new song was playing while you continue moving your hands up and down his thighs.

Is it sick of me To need control of you Is it sick to make You beg the way I do Is it sick of me To want you crawling on your knees Is it sick to say I want you biting down on me

Are you sick like me

Am I beautiful As I tear you to pieces Am I beautiful Even at my ugliest, you always say

I'm beautiful As you tear me to pieces You are beautiful Even at your ugliest, I always say You're beautiful and sick like me

As the song was getting closer to his end, you stood up again and way away from him, offering a nice view of your ass on the way and the stopped and moved your hips from side to side. The following song was from a different band, same style. This was music that Henry wasn't accustomed to, but he was still enjoying the game you were playing with him.

All I desire (Temptation) Keep climbing higher and higher (Temptation)

Adorable creatures (Temptation) (With unacceptable features (Temptation)

And trouble is coming (Temptation) It's just the high course of lovin' (Temptation)

And you can take it or leave it (Temptation) But you better believe it

As the song was playing its chorus, you got closer to him again, giving him a lap dance, close enough for him to feel the heat that your body emanated by not close enough to touch. You were driving crazy. You turned around and sit on his thighs, facing him. You kissed him and felt his desperation with the touch of his tongue with yours. You bit his chin and licked his Adam's apple. You touched the entirety of his chest. Then, you kneeled as you lift his shirt and lick and bite his chest, concentrating mostly on his nipples. He moaned louder than the heavy music playing. A new song started to play as you decided to end his suffering. Still, on your knees, you unzipped his pants and grabbed his member and started to please him with your mouth.

Beware the night Beware the night before the dawn Beware the dark when light is gone For there's a phantom lust to wake They wanna make you bend and scream They wanna take your hand and lead you in the light of Venus, girl Come let them take you for a ride Forget the lord and cross tonight And let your carnal lust prevail tonight Oh, demons come at night and they bring the end Oh, demons are a girl's best friend Oh, demons come alive and they take command Oh, demons are a girl's best friend

The song continued playing till the end, while you pleasured your boyfriend. This wasn't like other times, in which you did it slowly and tenderly. This time, you went fast and deep. Many times you went completely out of breath as you reached the base of his cock as this was inside your throat and your mouth. More than once you went as deep that you managed to licked his testicles while he was still inside of you. You took him out of your mouth, tasting the sperm coming out of him and stroking it. You stood up again and started to dance again to the music, giving him time to recover for another round.

When the night just strikes through you And the night just spreads its legs and open up for you When the day is dead to you And the silvery starlight seductively glimmers through

Its Night... Night!

When the night just comes for you And its fingers just crawl and move deep inside of you When the light is drawn from you And you sear your lips and let the sweet poison come on through

Its Night Night Electric Night

The world lies silent The night burns of wrath

You got closer to him again. You planned to uncuff him but that'd be like unleashing a savage beast. You were not planning to give him power. You made him stand up and walk to the bed, still with both of his hands tight to his back. He sat on the edge of the bed, as you open the handcuffs, realising one of his hands and tightening the other to the bed. Then you grabbed a tie from the closet and used it to trap his other hand. You sat on top of him and softly press your body against his. You kissed, licked and bite his neck for a bit and later kissed on his mouth, biting his lips now and then. After that, you unbuttoned his shirt and scratched his chest and bite his nipples. He was more than ready for the second round. You pulled the panties part of the bodysuit aside and entered Henry's cock inside of you and began to ride him. You change the pace of your movements to the rhythm of the song playing at the moment.

She looks like the girl The girl you ever wanted She looks like the girl The girl who could Give you everything And kisses run like hell And she like it She's got the look That could kill And you see the greed in her eyes It is far too late [ ... ] Too late to run Too late to hide There is no escape When she is hunting you And she is hunting you Tonight She takes everything from you She is uses you With her Body of sin You are addicted to her touch And you lose yourself in her Dangerous smile

Henry was grabbing the tie with one hand and the chain of the handcuff with the other; he was desperate to touch you, to grab you and make you his until you scream his name. You then sat on his face, letting him taste you and pleasure you. It felt so good to have his tongue inside you as well as licking and sucking your clit. After you reached an orgasm, you sucked him again before sitting on his cock for one last time.

Just a little bit, just a little, bitch You've got a pussy, I have a dick So what's the problem? Let's do it quick So take me now before it's too late Life's too short, so I can't wait [ ... ] Just a little bit be my little bitch You've got a pussy, I have a dick So what's the problem? Let's do it quick So take me now before it's too late Life's too short, so I can't wait

The last song played and you moved fast to its beat. You could feel his big and thick member inside of you, getting in and out so fast that it hurt, but you liked the pain; it felt wonderful. When you saw he was about to release, you changed position and quickly put it in your mouth, sucking him until he finished, leaving your mouth full of his cum. You shallowed it and then decided to free him. He was exhausted. His heart beat so fast all that time, so as soon as he was able to catch a breath, he fell in a deep sleep. You laughed and left him to sleep as you went to the bathroom to take off your clothes and makeup, shower and then go to sleep with him.

Playlist:

In this Moment- Whore In this Moment- Adrenalize In this Moment- Sick Like Me Cradle Of Filth - Temptation POWERWOLF - Demons Are A Girl's Best Friend Deathstars - Night Electric Night Blutengel - Vampire Rammstein- Pussy

#henry cavill #henry cavill fanfic #henry cavill x reader #demivampirew

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softschofield · 5 years ago

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another of my favourite things about 1917 is how well the soundtrack ties into what’s happening on screen. because in other films, it’s very easy and very common for the soundtrack to become nothing more than background music - it plays under the scene, it might have one particularly grand moment during a final battle or pivotal bit, but for the most part, it’s just there to fill the silence and add a bit of ambience.

but in 1917, it’s more like ballet, or live theatre, or, actually, very much like fan edits - because, all through the film, there are beats that fall on specific pieces of action, like when scho slams bäumer against the column and there’s the thud built into the music. and that is so satisfying.

and even more than being satisfying as a viewing experience to have the music perfectly align with what we’re seeing, it makes it even more immersive when you’re listening to the soundtrack by itself - because it’s so synced with the visuals, you know precisely what is happening even when you haven’t got the film in front of you. in “the night window”, you know exactly when scho begins to run from the rifle fire. in “engländer”, you know exactly when müller stumbles out of the ruined school and throws up, and you know exactly when bäumer stops breathing, and when scho starts to run, and when he breaks free of the maze of rubble and starts along that long stretch of open road, and when he makes the jump from the bridge. in “sixteen hundred men”, you know exactly when he starts and ends his run, and when he rolls back down into the trench. in “gehenna”, you know exactly when they’re beginning to approach the german frontline, and you know when they finally arrive at it and aim their rifles down the trench. in “come home to us”, you know exactly when scho closes his eyes.

and then, even more than that, there are times when you don’t even realise there’s any music playing at all, when it just sounds like your own heartbeat or the sound of distant war - when it somehow manages to sound like tense silence. it took my mum six viewings in the cinema and me pointing it out for her to even realise that there was music throughout the entire film - because so much of it blends in with what’s happening on screen so fluently that it just disappears. hell, there’s even the sound of distant explosions, rumbling, and plane propellers built into “milk”! “écoust saint mein” has a heartbeat thudding in the background! you feel afraid and nervous and you don’t even know why.

and so much of the musical cues echo what the characters are feeling - so you end up with these moments in the music that are almost tangible, that portray emotion in a way that cuts deeper and is more personal and recognisable to the audience than just seeing it can be: the panicked violin strings after scho kills bäumer in “engländer”, that are like scho’s whirlwind of thoughts given a voice; the fact that from 2:05 onwards, “the night window” feels like howling, like wailing, like everything scho isn’t able to do and process in that moment - it feels like sweeping grief, like just screaming yourself raw to the night sky, like a slow build-up of misery and sorrow and fear and anger into a final blinding, unhinged outburst, because that’s what that run is: more than just running for his life, it’s running blind into this concussed, swirling landscape where nothing makes sense and where he’s alone and lost and grieving, and finally he feels. and then it quietly settles down into something tidy and contained again because schofield can’t let himself collapse.

and also!! just - the way even the happier and prettier sounding music always descend into tense, unsettling endings, because there’s no such thing as peace in this film and there’s always danger and trauma lurking around the corner, and when it isn’t physical it’s still in their minds. like that horrible, high-pitched, vibrating rumble in “mentions in dispatches” before the mission is even revealed. it is so unsettling - because that’s how they feel. always. constantly. and thomas newman wasn’t afraid to make some of the tracks almost impossible to listen to, like “tripwire” - because they aren’t meant to be listened to, they aren’t meant to be artful and nice, they’re meant to be experienced, felt, lived. and the way that “a bit of tin” isn’t some sweeping, sorrowful track - it’s just quiet, and subdued, and bleak, and empty, because that’s what blake’s death has done to schofield. it isn’t wild, soaring grief like it later becomes in “the night window”; it’s just... quiet. and the way the introduction to the film and to blake and schofield, the way their title track, is just... so unsettled. so sparse and mournful. so tired. it isn’t the sympathetic theme of drained heroes. it isn’t the grand and joyous tribute to soldiers who have done their duty. it’s just bleak - even with blake, it’s just bleak: even if he isn’t like schofield now, this introduction promises that it’s just a matter of time, and the war is chipping away at him piece by piece as well, and as the track descends lower and lower near the end, that’s what he would have become if he’d survived. he was probably so much more when he first arrived, too. the warm, cheery, naïve blake that we meet, this introduction promises, is still a pale ghost compared to the boy he was a few months ago.

and it’s brilliant. because it goes beyond just a visual experience - the music has become the film in and of itself. and it’s spectacular as well because it may not have one outstanding score that’s become so iconic that it can be hummed and everyone will know it in an instant - it hasn’t got a song like the star wars or jurassic park or mission impossible themes. the entire soundtrack is the film and the recurring motifs are so subtle that you hardly even realise you’ve started to recognise and expect them. and i just love it so, so much. it is such a truly, deeply beautiful soundtrack that is so revolutionary for a war film and i could wax poetic about it for hours.

#mine #1917 #FUCK i love this soundtrack #it literally makes me cry like the night window????? WHO thought to use #a piece of music that could be in a ballet for a scene where a soldier is running from gunfire #WHO chose to make it emotional and beautiful and tender and SAD???#I LOVE IT #so much of that track sounds like the 1812 overture - the destruction and loss of the motherland - and i am broken over it

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towritecomicsonherarms · 4 years ago

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Don’t mind if i do!

GO (1999)

Directed by the guy who brought you Edge of Tomorrow, Swingers and The Bourne Identity. It revolves around a drug deal from diffrent POVs. Great cast. Great soundtrack.

Swingers (1996)

Directed by the guy who brought you Go. This film launched the careers of Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughan and heather Graham. The answer machine message scene kills me.

Way of the Gun (2000)

From the guy who has made the 2 best Mission impossible films (rogue nation and fallout) comes this modern western. As in a film set now but it’s basically a western. It features the most unique car chase i have EVER seen. Also the opening scene is one of my favourites of all time.

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The Quick and the Dead (1995)

Modern western from Sam Raimi (yes, Sam Raimi) and a star studded cast.

Confessions of a dangerous mind (2002)

George Clooney’s directorial debut with a great cast (watch out for those cameos). It’s about the guy who invented the dating game who claims to have been a CIA hitman.

Dog Soldiers (2002)

My favourite werewolf film. British soldiers come under attack by a pack of werewolves. The practical SFX are wizard. And a guy fist fights a werewolf.

Near Dark (1987)

My favourite vampire film. From academy award winning director Kathryn bigelow comes an actual good film.

Strange Days (1995)

Another Bigelow film. Would be her best film if not for Point Break. It’s all cyberpunky!

The Warriors (1979)

A gang framed for a murder try to get back home.

Dazed and Confused (1993)

A 70s coming of age film with a few future oscar winners among the cast. The soundtrack is so good they had to make a 2nd one.

Out of Sight (1998)

Another crime comedy. Clooney and Lopez star in this adapation of an Elmore Leondard book. They have FANTASTIC chemistry these 2 and i refuse to believe they didn’t bone.

Get Shorty (1995)

Another Elmore Leonard adaptation. John Travolta is cool as fuck in this crime comedy. The sequel isn’t good!

This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

This mockumentary might be the greatest comedy ever made. It goes to 11.

Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)

Not John Carpenter’s best film but it’s his most underrated. A police station comes under siege from some very bad people.

Snatch (2000)

Guy Ritchies best film. Another crime comedy. Brad Pitt basically begged for a role. One of my fave endings to a film ever.

Bound (1996)

This film got the Wachowskis the matrix job. Crime thriller about a mobsters girlfriend teaming up with a handywoman to rip off her boyfriend. Jennifer Tilly is SIZZLING!

Tremors (1990)

It’s a 50s style monster film with good effects and cast.

Slither (2006)

Another monster film. This one from James Gunn.

Re-Animator (1985)

Horror film abou a guy who creates a serum to reanimate dead bodies. it all goes tits up.

The Boondock Saints (1999)

Vigilante action film about two brothers doing vigilante action stuff. Willen Dafoe Willen Dafoes hard in this.

The Elephant Man (1980)

A film about Joseph Merrick aka The Elephant Man. He was a real person in 19th century london who had severe deformities (hence the name). One of the few films that makes me cry like a baby.

Starship Troopers (1997)

One of my favourite films ever. It still looks fantastic today. The bugs have declared war and you need to do your part. Would you like to know more?

Raising Arizona (1987)

An ex-con and an ex-cop steal a baby and hijinks ensue.

Collateral (2004)

Tom Cruise was John Wick before John Wick was John Wick.

Hard Boiled (1992)

Top five action film of all time. Chow Yun Fat is cool as fuck and shoots many bullets.

aaaaaaaaaaaaand

i think i’m done. Surely you can find something in there that interests you.

Oh and Watch Avatar: The Last Airbender!

#wellthatsclever #q #ramma

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marcmyworks · 4 years ago

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Ranking the albums of Björk

Today I will be ranking the albums of the fantabulous and wonderful Björk. She has been an influence on me ever since I first heard “It’s Oh So Quiet” back in 1995 and since I have been following her career extensively. Although her later albums are a bit less accessible commercially to her early work, I don’t believe she has released a bad album. I will be charting her work starting with her first solo album in 1993, and not including her work with Icelandic Punk-Pop group the Sugarcubes. I also will not be including her soundtrack to the film ‘Drawing Restraint 9’, as this was mostly instrumental.

10. Volta (2007)

Volta seemed like Björk’s attempt to gain radio play again after having an experimental phase working with her ex-partner/filmmaker Matthew Barney. The album’s first two singles, “Earth Intruders” and “Innocence” were both produced by hip-hop giants Timbaland and his protégé Danja and featured a very electronic dance aesthetic. Though the album did quite well critically and is packaged beautifully, it does not feel cohesive or really as forward thinking as most of her work. Also, the Mark Stent remixes of each single, released separately, seem to outshine the album versions.

Listen to: Earth Intruders, Declare Independence, Wanderlust, Innocence.

9. Utopia (2019)

Most Björk fans find this album to be a triumph but I currently still cannot enter the world of Utopia or find it interesting enough to warrant repeat listens. The album is her lengthiest (at over 70 minutes) and is a mixture of folk, electronic and studies more ethereal themes. Björk works with the brilliant producer Arca to help shape the landscape of each song, and at times it really works, but overall it feels overly long, and almost like a Björk parody.

Listen to: Arisen My Senses, The Gate, Sue Me, Saint

8. Biophilia (2011)

A concept album that deals with nature meeting technology. Each track is tuned to a different note on a tuning fork and sets of these tuning forks were even released as exclusive boxsets. Overall the album is well conceived and produced but does suffer from being a bit ‘samey same’, as some of the tracks blend together. I did see a concert on the three year tour for the album and I was incredibly impressed with how she was able to translate the sound live.

Listen to: Mutual Core, Crystalline, Thunderbolt, Moon

7. Selmasongs (2000)

This is the first soundtrack album conceived by Björk and contains the songs written for the film Dancer in the Dark. The film is a wonderful and sad story of an immigrant woman named Selma who is going blind, and who makes her days brighter by conceiving there is a musical happening when things seem to go wrong. The songs are quite good but not her strongest, though this may have been due to her tight time constraints and working with an orchestra.

Listen to: Cvalda, Scatterheart, 107 Steps, Overture

6. Debut (1993)

Björk’s first album post-Sugarcubes is a trip-hop masterpiece that not only launched her career but also brought London’s underground dance scene to the mainstream. This was thanks to producer Nellee Hooper who had previously won Grammy Awards working with Soul II Soul and Sinead O’Connor. Five singles were released from this album (four initially, and one on the re-issue) and all charted on the UK singles chart, with the album selling around 4.5 million copies Worldwide.

Listen to: There’s More to Life Than This, Venus as a Boy, Violently Happy, Human Behaviour, One Day

5. Vulnicura (2015)

Vulnicura in my opinion is probably the first album in Björk’s career where there were no radio-friendly tracks but rather a continuation of her wanting to push the experimentation of song constructs. Rather than release singles to promote the album Björk decided to create innovative music videos which tested new technology, such as 360-degree cameras. This later lead to a virtual reality exhibit entitled “Björk Digital” which went on an 18-month tour around the World. I still kick myself for missing it. Each song is produced by either her now long-time collaborator Arca (whom she met on her Biophilia Tour) or new collaborator The Haxon Cloak.

Listen to: Lionsong, Stonemilker, Family, Notget, Mouth Mantra

4. Medúlla (2004)

Being asked to write the theme for the 2004 Summer Olympics is an honour, but also to have its musical themes continue onto a full-length album is superb. Björk started writing Medúlla as “The Lake Album” in which she would strip all instrumentals from tracks and simply focus on voices. As she called it, a “very introverted” album and the title changed to the latin word for bone marrow, as it is the base building block of a person. Though some of the tracks do contain some synthesizers, 95% of the album’s beats and rhythms are made by mixing the voices of throat singers, beatboxers and choirs.

Listen to: Oceania, Where is the Line, Pleasure is All Mine, Sonnets/Unrealities XI, Triumph of a Heart

3. Vespertine (2001)

It took me a few years to get into this record as Vespertine was so far and beyond what anything Björk had created. I was used to the incredible experimental electronic sound on first three albums that when I listened to #4, which contains mostly micro-beats and soft vocals, and not to mention the infamous swan dress on the cover, it was a bit of a shock. Björk felt the energy of her 1997 release Homogenic was very masculine and aggressive and she wanted her new album to sound more feminine and explored her mindset during the filming of Dancer in the Dark as well as her relationship with Matthew Barney. I always felt Vespertine was a winter album as it feels quite Nordic in its soundscape. I’m glad I kept listening as it turned out to be one of my favourites.

Listen to: Harm of Will, Pagan Poetry, Hidden Place, It’s Not Up to You, An Echo A Stain

2. Homogenic (1997)

Wowser, already at number 2. I remember the first time I heard this record with my friends; they would think it too strange though I would think it magical. It became one of my most listened to records of my teens. Its glamorous and punk and the artwork is extreme. Björk’s album look was envisioned and created by genius designer Alexander McQueen, who would be her frequent collaborator until his death in 2010. Homogenic was produced by Howie B and Mark Bell, and Björk wrote the album as a tribute to Iceland, wanting the songs to create the landscape of her homeland. The album released five singles, three which would enter the UK top 40.

Listen to: The whole thing.

1. Post (1995)

Post is probably one of my top 10 favourite albums of all time. I could listen to it over and over again on repeat without being bored. The year 1995 was big for me in terms of musical discovery. I was 13 around the time I started buying my own cassette tapes and CDs. My Aunt came home from a business trip in London and brought back this CD. “It’s Oh So Quiet” was a massive hit in the UK and she wanted my brother, my cousins and I to hear this unusual and brilliant artist. The next year the Mission: Impossible film would come out and the song “Headphones” was featured, to which Björk sings to a friend about the feelings she has listening to his mixtape. I in tow would listen to that song every night on my Walkman before I fell asleep as it was a perfect way to end each day. Post was incredibly influential to me and to this day is a staple in my life. I can’t thank Björk enough for creating this iconic piece of music history.

Listen to: The whole thing.

Please, if you are so inclined to let me know in the comments how you’d rank Björk’s albums.

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celestisnothere · 5 years ago

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8 people i’d like to get to know better!

So... I was tagged by @shitabukenjirou to do this so i guess here I go

♦️favourite color: oof, we start with a classic, don't we? I guess I could say any shade of blue because it's true and i'll also say black bc i'm basic and bc it looks great with anything

♦️last song i listened to: acording to my spotify, last song i listened to is One Bad Night by Hayley Kiyoko

♦️favourite musicians: i mean, any musician who has worked on anime soundtracks bc those are always amazing. But also lately I've been obsessed with Glass Animals. And I can't not say the man I grew up listening to everyday, the only and only Boss, Bruce Springsteen

♦️favourite songs: any Haikyuu!! OD or ED, any Carole and Tuesday song, but also Toes by Glass Animals. But my all time favourite songs are Hall Of Fame by The Script and Viva la Vida by Coldplay.

♦️last film i watched: i actually am watching Impossible Mission II as I'm writing now bc I am supposed to be studying snd I am procrastinating doing so already knoeing I won't lass that exam and I don't care

♦️last tv show i watched: I mean... last ep of anything I watched is ep.4 of Haikyuu!! To The Top. But if y'all don't count anime as shows, last episode of anything I watched is idk which episode of Love,Death&Robots because I needed something I wouldn't get very invested in after the The Good Place finale

♦️favourite original character: you are making me choose between my children? That's harsh, man... I mean, lately my favourite oc is one of my hq ones, a libero called Akibara Sango from a team created with some friends (@askthegeckos is the team's tumblr). Also my Free! oc bc he's a sleepy and lazy arse and we stan. But I also love ALL my BNHA ocs and any oc I have created with my husband.

♦️sweet, spicy or savoury: i mean, i've always had a sweet tooth but this is salty foods erasure and I won't stand by it

♦️sparkling water, tea or coffee: coffee, coffee, coFFEE! Black, Espressoo, with a atd of milk, caramel, latte, macchiatto... As you could see I love cofee!! I currently am drinking coffee while I write this...

♦️pets: oh yeah, I have two little bitches for whom I'd lie my life down.

First, there's this baby named Arco... but don't let him fool you, he's actually a little feral asshole who will jump you and ask for cuddles and food all at the same time as well as never letting you sleep. But still, he's my baby. A 33kgs baby who loves to be carried bc still thinks he is a lil pup...

And then, there's this bitch who once tried to bite one of my fingers off. 10yo, around 1.60m long (with tail ofc). The name's Villa and he goes from not moving for hours to not being still for on second to climbing to the roof of his terrarium just to ourposely fall to the floor bc what is a will to live, amirite? But this asshole iguana's favourite passtime is riling the dog up. (Btw, the terrarium has way more light irl than ehat it looks like in the pic, my phone camera quality is just shit)

And that's all!

I tag @ennobaka @sugaandyams @humbuns @barflybart @lunaruus @bia-trees @tranquilyetviolent and whoever who wants to do this because idk who else to tag

#shitabukenjirou #me tag #idk this is just info about me so yeah #hope you enjoy this #also my two asshole pets #should i tw about the reptile tho?? idk

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eggoreviews · 5 years ago

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My Top 25 Games Advent Day 16 - Mass Effect 2 (#10)

“They tell me it’s a suicide mission. I intend to prove them wrong.”

Here we have another example, and in my eyes the best example, of the product of Bioware being at their absolute peak. Mass Effect 2 is a nigh on masterpiece of a game that, even after almost a decade, still holds up extraordinarily well in every aspect. I love the Mass Effect series (well, the main trilogy anyway) for its cinematic storytelling, its interesting and unique plot concepts and gameplay elements, its intricate setting and, crowning all, its always unforgettable companion characters who go on your journey with you. The series’ second instalment, at least in my eyes, does all of this absolutely perfectly without 3’s wonky ending and 1’s slightly outdated settings and mechanics. If I called Dragon Age: Origins the Lord of the Rings of gaming, here’s Star Wars.

Mass Effect 2 doesn’t fuck around. It starts you up on the original ship from the first game, before immediately blowing it up and killing Commander Shepard, the vaguely cheesy space hero we all love so much. After Shepard’s revival at the hands of Cerberus, Mass Effect 2 kicks off with an epic space opera story taking you all across the universe, with espionage, emotive character arcs and an oppressive, genuinely fearful atmosphere created by the game’s big bads, the vastly superior alien race known as the Collectors. It’s amazing how they managed to blend that overriding fear of an enemy so powerful it could wipe out everything with this giddy excitement to explore. Whether that be the plethora of planets you can seek out, mine for resources and explore or some of the more densely populated space stations, such as the vast cityscape of the Citadel or the seedy, neon underworld filled with criminals and night clubs, Omega. Mass Effect’s universe truly has a life of its own and it tells such a grandiose story within it that it’s impossible not to become immersed. Each and every area you visit is packed full of memorable characters of various diverse species, like the awesome looking Turians and Krogans, down to the hilariously blunt Elcor, who communicate by prefacing everything they say with how they’re feeling. On top of this, a bountiful selection of engaging side quests and an overarching main story that largely involves you seeking out each of your party members to hunt down the Collectors make this a truly perfected combination of a well-realised sci-fi setting and story.

Drawing on those companion characters for a moment, I would say that this is one of the best, most diverse and engaging cast of characters you can find in a game, as each of them follow their own individual character arcs and have unique relationships with Shepard depending on your actions and the behaviour you exhibit towards them. The likes of Jacob (the guy you start with who is admittedly a bit boring), Miranda (the biotic who was experimented on by her family to make her ‘perfect’), Garrus (the kickass Turian who is everyone’s favourite and also has gotta be the canon love interest for male Shepard), Mordin (the quick-thinking, quick-everything Salarian doctor with a surprisingly dark past), Grunt (a wartime experimental clone taken by Shepard as a replacement for their original target, Grunt’s creator), Jack (a highly powerful, erratic biotic in a maximum security prison), Samara (Asari matriarch who can step on me and also everyone), Thane (the coolest, chillest assassin in the galaxy), Zaeed (amercenary veteran with a sick ass scar), Kasumi (cool space thief) and Tali and Legion (oneQuarian and one Geth, both interesting and unique characters in their own right, these characters draw upon the central conflict between the two races explored in the first game’s main story. In the sequel, the slow development of the two from sworn enemies to allies is something to behold, especially as both are so lovable on their own). Went on a bit of a tangent there but I felt it was important to include everyone in that list. The best part about this is you spend the entire game building your relationships with these characters, choosing a romance option, decking Shepard and the gang out in the best gear, upgrading your ship with the materials you mine from planets. And then it all comes down to the finale, the so-called ‘suicide mission’ in which anyone and everyone can die depending on your choices and upgrades beforehand, as well as any decisions you make during the mission. It is genuinely incredibly difficult to save everyone first try and is a great example of how to ensure the choices you give to your player have weight and lasting impact; in Mass Effect 2, everything is on your shoulders and no one’s survival is guaranteed.

As I said before, I don’t think it would be wrong to call this the Star Wars of gaming, and it wouldn’t take that title without a lot of pew-pewing and excellent use of the sci-fi genre. The gameplay and gunplay (which is the majority of your experience) is slick and well-executed, even feeling intuitive and fun almost a decade later. Even that final boss encounter, that I will never really understand the potent hatred people seem to have for it, is an awesome final test of what you’ve learned and how you’ve improved along the way, pitting you up against an all-out giant Terminatoresque killing machine as an excellently overblown ending to a game full of dramatic encounters to shoot at. Alongside this, the visuals are superb and do little break immersion even as time has gone by and I would argue that this game still holds some of the best graphics you can find from the previous generation. And last but not least, this game’s spicy ass mechanical sci-fi soundtrack is definitely something to flap about, especially when it comes to the combat and that Suicide Mission score is nothing short of incredible.

So now I’ve ranted aimlessly for three chunky paragraphs about each singular aspect of this game that I adore, you can probably see why this title has such an enduring memory to me. Playing this game for the first time at 12 years old off the back of the also amazing Dragon Age: Origins, Bioware took their perfected formula of knowing exactly how to craft a story, setting and excellently realised characters and shot it up into space both figuratively and literally. In my eyes, Mass Effect 2 is Bioware’s greatest title and it’s honestly more than a shame that we haven’t received anything from Mass Effect in recent years, aside from the less than great Andromeda. A Mass Effect 4 would kill me dead, but at the very least an original trilogy remaster would keep me ticking for a hot minute. Get on it, Bioware. Pls.

Standout Moment Award: Probably already mentioned this, but of course it’s the suicide mission. An unforgettable epic of a quest and one of my favourite overall game finales to date.

Standout Character Award: Thane Krios. The ice-cool, terminally ill assassin takes today’s award for being an all-around great dude.

It’s been a long ol’ month, but we’re finally getting there. Today, I kicked off my top 10 games of all time. From here on out, it’s going to be beyond difficult to stop myself from descending into rambles, but I’ll do my best to keep myself coherent. Tomorrow: No. 9; An odd creature with floating appendages takes off to save some blue things in dire distress.

#gaming #eggoreviews #best games advent #mass effect 2 #me2 #mass effect

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adamwatchesmovies · 6 years ago

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The Best of 2018

This was a hard list to compile. It was made harder by the fact that I’ve gotten a new perspective on what “The Best Movies of the Year” should be. I’ll tell you ahead of time that Green Book isn't on my list. It isn’t that, in hindsight, I feel as though it’s another example of the white savior story, or that I’m upset about the real-life Shirley family informing us that what’s happening on-screen isn’t accurate to the truth. It’s a great film with solid performances, some of the year's biggest laughs and terrific characters. I WANTED to put it on my list but also wondered if it would be a picture that endures. In 5 years, 10 years, will we look back and say “I remember who I was before Green Book, and who I was after it. The picture changed something for me.” I’m not sure I will. This feeling of change and lasting power is what I kept in mind when listing...

10. Upgrade

The vigilante revenge film is an enduring genre. We saw two others in 2018, (Death Wish and Peppermint), 2019’s already had Cold Pursuit. Upgrade tries many new things. It’s got buddy-comedy elements and winds up being one of the funniest dark movies of recent memory. It’s action sequences are dynamic and creative, the camera work top-notch. The story’s many twists and turns show much intelligence beneath what seems like a simple story. It’s not quite a game-changer but does highlight the problem with bare-bones films such as Venom (which appeared on my “worst of” list). I’ve bought it on Blu-ray and can’t wait to show it to others. I think it’s favorite just waiting to be discovered.

9. Black Panther

Now this is one people are going to remember. Yes, it might’ve featured wobbly special effects in a couple of scenes and the climax is a little generic but wow does it have an identity. From the music to the costumes to the story, everything about it stands out. Many people had been waiting decades to see it. Black Panther is the Star Wars of this year, the film which blew up and changed EVERYTHING. Within are one of the year’s best villains and a spectacular soundtrack. It elevates the superhero genre once again.

8. Crazy Rich Asians

The romantic comedy genre is largely dead. I saw a couple of them in 2018 but these were obscure, back-alley titles only hardcore fans of the genre heard of - if they even went to see them. Comedies as a whole are trying to find their footing right now, largely due to the increasingly light tone of many of Marvel’s superhero films and the high-quality children’s animated features arriving to theatres on a semi-regular rate. People don’t accept couples falling in love within an hour and a half anymore but still want to see romance on-screen, as this film proves. While it might not have been as big as Black Panther, Crazy Rich Asians proves there are groups thirsting to see themselves represented in big-budget productions. Or maybe it was a success simply due to its great cast, lavish production, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s the best date movie of 2018 by far, an unashamedly romantic 2-hour tale which features a wedding so beautiful it moved me to tears.

7. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

I'll bet money Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse wins this year’s Academy award for best animated film. Sony's take on the character has bold visuals which combine comic book art with graffiti-like graphics and a blend of 2-D and 3-D animation. It improves the material it’s based on significantly, brings us not just one but a half-dozen new, favourite characters and features an emotional story whose depth no one expected. This film uses tricks others have never even thought of and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

6. A Star is Born

Initially a shoe-in for the year’s best picture, many critics have now dismissed it because it doesn’t have a big message or isn’t politically tied to anything. So what? This directorial debut still brings forth powerful emotions and features some of the year’s best tunes. A Star is Born has single moments that once seen, cannot be forgotten. When Bradley Cooper’s Jackson Maine is at his lowest, he’s such a mess you simultaneously hate and pity him. Who would’ve thought Lady Gaga was going to be this good?

5. Mission: Impossible - Fallout

Probably the best instalment in the series - which is saying something - this is the definition of a satisfying blockbuster. It delivers the stunts, special effects, thrills, and action you crave by giving you one dazzling set piece after another. You won’t believe how this film could top itself, but it does over and over. And then, it does the unexpected and delivers great character moments as well. Many action franchses could learn from Fallout, its smart, twisty plot, expert direction and jaw-dropping stunts. It’s one of the greatest action films ever, right alongside Mad Max: Fury Road, how could it NOT be on my list?

4. The Favourite

With stellar performances from its entire cast, gorgeous and moody cinematography, lavish costumes and immersive camera work, it’s easy to get lost in Yorgos Lanthimos’ period-piece drama. Even the choice of fonts and placement of characters in the chapter cards is meticulous. It’s such a good movie to look at its demented tone takes you by surprise. Full of venom and scheming, you’re tense the whole way through, biting your nails hoping Emma Stone’s character will make it out alright, only for her dark side to come up and turn her into an even bigger monster than Rachel Weisz' Duchess of Marlborough. Meanwhile, everyone’s walking on eggshells, carefully trying to influence Queen Anne of Great Britain (Olivia Colman), a cross between a vindictive child and an incompetent ruler. It’s fascinating stuff.

3. Roma

Roma is one of the reasons it took me so long to make this list. I started watching it weeks ago and was immediately enraptured. Unfortunately, I got caught up with other business and didn’t get the chance to finish it, delaying this list once again. It’s a beautiful film both visually - I’m particularly fond of the black-and-white cinematography - and content-wise, with lasting, intimate emotional beats which put you right there in Cleo’s shoes. The instant you understand what the image on the poster means is just - wow.

2. They Shall Not Grow Old

A crowning achievement in documentary filmmaking, They Shall Not Grow Old brings history to life in ways I could’ve never envisioned. I was initially against colorizing black-and-white footage. Seeing the results - in 3D to boot - is breathtaking. The way it humanizes the people and the war is unforgettable. I think it's destined to be shown in classrooms, which might make it sound like homework, but no. This is a living, breathing documentary full of love and respect.

Runner-ups

There were a number of pictures I wish I could’ve put on the list, maybe at the #10 spot, which I reserve for films “just for me”.

A Fantastic Woman and Paddington 2 SHOULD’VE been on my list last year but weren’t for various reasons. Hopefully mentioning them now is penance enough for my mistake back then. The stylish and unique Sorry to Bother You and BlacKkKlansman deserved to be on this list too but I just couldn’t knock anything else off of it. Finally, I was immensely pleased with the new Halloween, A Simple Favour and Colette. They’re a bit more niche but if you think they’ll align with your tastes, I think are highly enjoyable. And now that we’ve stalled enough to get your anticipating peaked, let’s talk about my number 1 film…

1. The Rider

The Rider is too small to get the attention it deserves. It only played in one theater in my city, the smallest one with only a single screen. I knew it never had a shot at an Academy Awards but I don’t care about budgets or box office results. I care about how a movie makes me feel, how long it lasts and how powerful its message is. Blurring the lines between real-life and fiction, director Chloé Zhao uses untrained actors to tell a metaphor-rich story of masculinity. It’s an engrossing drama whose themes blend so well with its characters and story it seems almost effortless.

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fireinmoonshot · 6 years ago

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How about: flower crown, 1975, matte and plants?

Flower crown: When did you last sing to yourself?

Does ‘singing’ the Mission: Impossible - Fallout soundtrack count? Because literally ten minutes ago.

1975: What is the first happy memory that comes to mind, recent or otherwise?

It’s a recent one and it was this afternoon when I was running around outside and playing with my puppy, Loki! He’s too sweet.

Matte: If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living?

I don’t think so. I’d probably only spend more time with friends and family and also reread and watch all my favourite books and films!

Plants: Pick a person to stargaze with you and explain why you picked them.

This’ll sound weird, but my (hopeful) future husband. I don’t think I know him yet, but I think I’d like to stargaze with him.

#answered

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prider-parker-imaginations · 7 years ago

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I was tagged

Tagged by @gardenofstories and @make-me-imagine, so thank you very much!

rules: answer the questions in a new post and tag 10 blogs you’d like to know better

A: age | 19

B: birthplace | Ottawa, Ontario (AKA Canada)

C: current time | 12:42PM

D: drink you had last | I had a glass of milk like twenty minutes ago

E: easiest person to talk to | idk, my friends? Depends on the subject

F: favourite song | I’m pretty into the Dear Evan Hansen soundtrack right now so maybe Only Us or Requiem

G: grossest memory | I’ve seen a snapping turtle get run over but I was like seven so I didn't get it. It was probably grosser when I realized I’d stepped in dog crap once and had to try and clean it off and it kept triggering my gag reflex

H: hogwarts house | Ravenclaw / Hufflepuff or, as I like to call it, Ravenpuff and/or Huffleclaw

I: in love? | Not really, no

J: jealous of people | Sometimes but not really?

K: killed someone | No???? Like damn, I’ve squished a couple spiders and played some video games but damn XD

L: love at first sight or should I walk by again ? | I don’t really believe in love at first sight. I mean, look at all the trouble it caused Romeo and Juliet. Like, didn’t they literally know each other for like three days?

M: middle name | Elizabeth and I hate it

N: no. of siblings | One brother

O: one wish | To one day get top surgery because boobs are the absolute worst

P: person you called last | I rarely actually call people so like idk. I prefer email or text.

Q: questions you are always asked | I dunno, what’s up?

R: reasons to smile | okay, so this is a really dumb story but my brother and I found it really funny last night. so there was a spider hanging out over my brother’s desk and we were kind of laughing at it (it was on the ceiling so it wasn't a huge deal). Then the thing starts kind of rappelling down a bit. I start playing the Mission Impossible theme on my phone and my brother and I are basically cackling. Then this spider starts freaking booking it down onto my brother’s desk and we literally both just scream. It went from laughter to straight up screeching so quickly. My parents were so utterly done with us, it was great.

S: song you sang last | I think it was Requiem from Dear Evan Hansen

T: time you woke up | an hour or two ago, maybe? So around 10:30AM give or take?

U: underwear color | Grey-ish purple

V: vacation destination | there are lots of places I’d like to visit. I’ve been to Florida a few times and would love to go back because Disney and Universal are just awesome. Europe again would be bomb, especially Germany. I get to go to California for the first time in April/May this year so I guess I’ll add that to the list

W: worst habit | picking at my fingers (like hangnails and stuff) and picking at my face

X: x-rays | I’ve gotten them two or three times? Two were for my hands - once after I punched a wall and once after my friend’s dog bit me. I think the third was when I was having stomach problems back when I was maybe eight? I can’t remember if it was actually an x-ray though

Y: your favorite food | probably mashed potatoes

Z: zodiac sign | Pisces

Tagging: idk, I think most of the people I’d typically tag have already been tagged XD I guess anyone who wants to do it can go for it

#max speaks #random #about me #tag game #i was tagged

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nerdybookahs · 6 years ago

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El presidente is back! Or La Presidenta, in my case!

I know I complained about Tropico 5 and called it a waste of my money. I later did play through it and grew to like it enough to change my mind about the wasting money part. However, I still went back to playing Tropico 4 over Tropico 5 and I really could not stand the whole dynasty part of Tropico 5. I also clearly remember saying that I wouldn’t buy a new Tropico game on release and instead, wait until I’d seen some gameplay or wait for it to go on sale even. And yet… when Tropico 6 got announced and I had heard some more details about it (e.g., being able to build on several islands), I knew I had to get that game! So, instead of waiting to gameplay videos post-release, I actually pre-purchased the game.

The previous games were developed by Haemimont Games (a company I still like a lot, because despite me not liking Tropico 5, they have made and continue making good games!). Development for Tropico 6 was handed over to Limbic Entertainment instead. The publisher is still Kalypso games. Once they started the beta for Tropico 6, I was a bit worried that I’d find I wasted my money again. However, from the first moment on, I was pleasantly surprised and the issues I did find were all solved before release. On the contrary, I feel that the developers used what made the Tropico series great, added the few pieces from Tropico 5 that were good, got rid of the bad things from Tropico 5 (La Presidenta forever, no more dynasty and weird-looking offspring!) and expanded the gameplay with some new features. It feels like a step forward and not the step backwards that Tropico 5 took. In comparison, Tropico 5 felt easier and more shallow than Tropico 4. Tropico 6 is not like that.

My first advice, if you’re playing the game, is not to turn off the music! The soundtrack is amazing and puts you into the right mood to lead your little tropical empire. You do not start the game being presidente, but instead, you’re a governor in a colonial holding which belongs to The Crown. You need to work hard to keep The Crown extending your mandate while collecting enough revolutionaries to support you claiming independence. So far, I have played through the Colonial Era and the World Wars which come once you’ve successfully become independent. Once you get to the next era, more buildings are unlocked and you get more options for research as well as more options for your constitution. You also advance technologically. Instead of only having a fishermen’s wharf, you can construct a fish farm. In the beginning, the industry buildings you can choose from are the lumber mill, the rum distillery and the tannery. Later on, more factories are added, e. g., a cigar factory, but also a pharmaceutical company when you reach the Modern Times era.

One big difference with Tropico 6 is that it does not have a campaign anymore. It does have single missions maps, though. The previous games had missions as well, most of them delivered via paid DLCs if I remember correctly. Tropico 6 comes with 15 mission maps. The first is unlocked immediately. Four more are unlocked once you’ve completed the first mission and so on until the very last mission map which unlocks after finishing nine maps. So there is definitely something to work towards just like you would in a campaign, but the stories do not depend on another and you get to choose which maps you want to play in order to advance. You can continue playing on each map, by the way. There is no reason to quit once you’ve accomplished the main goal unless you don’t want to continue playing on it anymore. I think I actually prefer that over the campaign.

Other than the premade mission maps, you can also choose a sandbox map or generate your own. The game also gives you several options to choose from and to adjust the difficulty of the map (e. g., the amount of starting money, victory conditions, frequency of disasters, starting era).

I’ve seen one good review on Steam which mentioned that this Tropico game comes with a lot more in its initial release than the previous games and I agree. There are a lot of buildings to choose from. The previous games gave you some of these buildings with their DLCs. I am curious whether we will be getting even more buildings with DLCs or if they will not do that. And I fully expect DLCs with more mission maps, of course!

As this is a First Impressions piece, I have not “completed” the game yet, so I can only share my first impressions (after 51 hours of playtime when counting the beta as well). As I already wrote, the soundtrack is amazing. I really like the graphics. Don’t get me wrong: This game doesn’t have fancy or high-resolution graphics! But it is consistent with the theme and it has some lovely details. I admit that one of my favourite new features is being able to customize the look of my palace. It has nothing to do with the gameplay, but it makes everything feel more like “mine”. Other than that, I like the ability to have several islands and the added infrastructure that comes with it.

The interface is easy to use most of the times. I do get confused with the building interface sometimes, as I keep mixing up the public services and the raids & military tab. It’s not a bad thing, it just means it takes me a while to find the building I want to construct.

My usual strategy used to be to have every single kind of plantation on my island and then wait for the profits to come in. This doesn’t seem to be too efficient in Tropico 6. I never dig into the numbers etc. behind the games, so I don’t know what is most efficient. I only go with “it works” vs. “it doesn’t work”. In this case, it didn’t work out. So now I’m putting a few plantations on the island with resources that give me something above 90 % efficiency. Then I add several ranches to get meat, hides, wool and milk. I also add a fishermen’s wharf to make sure my population gets fed. Then I try to add one or two industries. In previous Tropico games, I often did not get a logging camp because the Environmentalists hated it, but here, I don’t have them in the first two eras, so I put logging camps (they plant new trees, so it’s not like the island will be barren in a few centuries) and add a lumber mill. Exports are very important for your income! Tourism is impossible in the first eras as it only unlocks in the Cold War era. I also had trouble with healthcare at first, because the Colonial Era doesn’t allow you to build a clinic. It took a while (and a restart of a map) to realize that when you build a chapel, you can change the work mode from “Traditional Sermon” to “Help First – Preach Later”. Citizens entering the chapel with a low healthcare happiness will receive healthcare service. It won’t make them too happy or too healthy, but it does the job until you can get real doctors.

Another new feature in the game is the ability to raid and loot with a pirate cove. You can send them out to loot resources for you or to “rescue” people and bring them to Tropico. And you can send them on a heist to bring you back monuments from other regions, e. g., the Brandenburg Gate or Stonehenge. I have not tried the heist yet, but I did use the Rescue feature when I needed more citizens as too many jobs were vacant. And I usually send them out for loot because extra resources are always good.

One criticism that I’ve seen is that it’s not really possible to play as a bad dictator. I can’t say much about it, though, as I like being the communist dictator that puts Tropico first and the Superpowers second and who likes the challenge of always allowing free open votes. Be careful here, though: If you don’t have enough voters and lose the position of presidente, it is game over!

My verdict so far: I don’t think I’ll go back to playing Tropico 4 now that I have Tropico 6. It’s not that Tropico 4 is worse, it’s just that I greatly enjoy playing Tropico 6 with its expanded map features. I may turn on the previous Tropico soundtracks while playing Tropico 6, though, because I really love these songs as well. The price tag may scare you off: Tropico 6 costs 49.99 €. The previous games of the series are cheaper: Tropico 3 for 9.99 €, Tropico 4 for 14.99 € and Tropico 5 for 19.99 € – prices for the base games on Steam. If you want to set foot in the Tropico series, I’d still recommend getting Tropico 4, because you can find it for much cheaper and it still is a really good game! Steam also offers a demo for Tropico 4. I’d advice you to skip Tropico 5, though, because it is the weakest in the series.

If you want to buy Tropico 6, I think you do get a very solid game with lots of features. I will easily get to 100+ hours of gameplay. As I said, there’s a lot of buildings and features in the game already that previously needed DLCs. So for me, it’s well worth the money I spent on it. But I would still advice you watch some streamers play the game before getting it if you’re not sure this game is for you and try the Tropico 4 demo to see if you like this kind of game, because even though there are differences, essentially, you are always El Presidente.

La Presidenta is back! First impressions of Tropico 6 #Tropico6 El presidente is back! Or La Presidenta, in my case! I know I complained about Tropico 5 and called it a…

#city builder #city-building game #First Impression Review #first impressions #tropico 6 #tropico series

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thezachrogers · 6 years ago

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Ranking the movies I saw in 2018:

Well it’s Oscars night and this was long overdue, I wanted to COMPLETELY catch up on films before I wrote this. There were a few I missed that had some acting nominees, but after watching all the best picture nominees after yesterday, it was time, so here it is movie buffs, counting down from 76;

76. A Wrinkle In Time

And the Razzie for worst film of the year goes to...

Disney’s worst film in years. Overacted, over-produced, and a sheer disappointment from acclaimed director Ava DuVernay.

75. Red Sparrow

74. Mandy

73. The Commuter

72. Annihilation

71. Benji

70. Life Size 2

69. Overboard

68. Blockers

67. The Cloverfield Paradox

66. Billionaire Boys Club

65. Blindspotting

64. Roma

One of the worst film watching experiences I have ever endured in my life, I am scratching my head as to why this movie has ten nominations? Is it just a nod to Netflix for taking a chance and spending money on content? Is it because it is not a white dominated film? Or do critics just adore pure pretentious trash now? Unfortunately, it is the clear frontrunner for best picture and pretentiousness overcomes story, casting, character development, and acting theses days - I believe it will win. Frontrunner for Best Director as well.

63. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

62. Leave No Trace

61. Mowgli

60. Ocean’s 8

59. Tully

58. Hotel Artemis

57. Hereditary

56. I Can Only Imagine

55. How We First Met

54. Set It Up

53. Tomb Raider

52. Adrift

51. The Favourite

Garbage, garbage, garbage. Just watch the film and you will know why it leading the Oscars in nominees with ten nominations. This film was pure homosexual propaganda, and even though the set, cinematography, and costume design were all breathtaking; Mary, Queen of Scots was the Victorian British Monarch film that should have stolen the show.

50. Tag

49. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

48. Sicario: Day of the Soldado

47. Phantom Thread

46. The Equalizer II

45. The Grinch

44. The Christmas Chronicles

43. Hostiles

42. Skyscraper

41. American Animals

40. Won’t You Be My Neighbor

39. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

38. Bird Box

37. Sorry to Bother You

36. Upgrade

35. Vice

Okay movie, I do not think this film will win one Oscar. Nominated for six, I am glad I did not pay a penny to see this film.

34. First Man

33. Venom

32. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grendelwald

31. Three Identical Strangers

30. You Were Never Really Here

29. Christopher Robin

28. Mary Poppins Returns

27. A Simple Favor

26. Deadpool 2

25. Game Night

24. Bohemian Rhapsody

The most overrated film of 2018, I liked it, but didn’t love it. Malek is the clear frontrunner for best actor after winning the SAG and the Golden Globe. He does give a great performance, but this film will be forgotten as both musical biopics Ray and Walk the Line have in recent history. However, it did make me want to go buy Queen vinyl records

23. Halloween

22. Solo: A Star Wars Story

To my friends who know me best - you can no longer call me bias! A Star Wars film not even in my top 20! I loved this movie from beginning to end. A rollercoaster ride that was one to see on the IMAX screen!

21. Ready Player One

20. Ant-Man and the Wasp

19. Searching

18. Incredibles 2

17. The Old Man and the Gun

16. Isle of Dogs

15. Bumblebee

14. Aquaman

13. Creed II

As good as the first and with Jordan’s career not ramping down and Stallone retiring the character, it is unfortunately the end of the Rocky Balboa story that ended on a high note.

12. Mary, Queen of Scots

Up for three Oscars, Margot Robbie was unfortunately snubbed for the performance of her career. Being only 29 years, she has many performances to give us. I wish this was the British monarch film up for 10 nominees tonight. Unfortunately, the garbage British monarch film and clear academy “favorite” got the nod for 10.

11. Blackkklansman

The milestone of Spike Lee’s career, Blackkklansman is an unbelievable true story of a black police officer going under cover in the KKK. I know, sounds crazy, but it is very true. You have to see this movie, it is unbelievably hilarious and a story that is told beautifully through the art of film. Another best picture nominee for tonight, this is a movie that may shock us with the win.

10. Crazy Rich Asians

Another snub; such an incredible film with great characters and even better story. It was good to see masculine asian men leading the charge in this film which never happens on any screen other than Kung Fu films.

9. Mission: Impossible: Fallout

The best Mission: Impossible film to date, tons of fun, some of the best stunts I have ever seen in my life; cannot wait for 7 and 8 that were just recently announced being filmed back to back.

8. Ralph Breaks the Internet

Wayyyy better than the sequel and surprising better Disney movie than the anticipated Pixar follow-up, Incredibles 2.

7. Widows

Steve McQueen and Gillian Flynn are genius writers. This movie tugs you and pulls you all over the place. Ultimately, it is a slightly disappointing follow-up to the acclaimed and award winning 12 Years a Slave with no jaw-dropping acting performances. But pure fun from an action and story perspective.

6. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Won the Golden Globe for Best Animated film and the frontrunner for the Oscar as well. I think it is the best Spider-Man film ever made and was hands down the best animated film of last year. And come on, who doesn’t love Sunflower by Posty and Swae??

5. Avengers: Infinity War

Epic. Not much more to say than that.

4. Black Panther

The biggest breakthrough film of 2018 smashing box office and award records. The first comic book film in history to be nominated for best picture for the Oscars, up for eight awards. I think it goes down as tied with the first Iron Man for the best Marvel Cinematic Universe film ever. I can watch this movie over and over again and not get tired of it.

3. A Quiet Place

The most underrated and snubbed film of the year. No nominations and should have been a clear top choice for best picture. The sequel was just announced for 2020 and Krasinski will return to direct.

2. A Star Is Born

What a film. Eight Oscar Nominees, already winning a Golden Globe and two Grammys for its soundtrack and clear frontrunner for the Oscar for best original song, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s performances will shake you to the core. I already bought this film on 4K and I am excited to watch it over and over again.

1. Green Book

Green Book is the Golden Globe Winner of Best Picture, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor. It is up for five Oscars and is the frontrunner for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor. Hands down, the best and my favorite film of 2018. Mahershala Ali is the biggest force of nature on both the black and silver screen in ruling television with his roles in Netflix’ Luke Cage and House of Cards, now HBO’s True Detective, and already winning an Oscar for Moonlighting and both the SAG and Golden Globe for Green Book.

Viggo Mortensen also brings the performance of his career in this film. The true story of an incredible friendship breaking through race in the in early 1960s between two men who could not be more opposite. Fingers crossed that it sweeps the Oscars!

#oscars acadamywards 2018 2019 movies topfilms topmovies #academy awards #black panther #green book #bohemian rhapsody #blackkklansman vice avengers

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sssshhhthefilmsabouttostart · 6 years ago

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The best and worst films of 2018

If after watching 112 films teaches you anything, it's that Hollywood will continue to pump out the franchise blockbusters - and audiences will still hand over their cash to see them, no matter how below average or unoriginal they may be.

Cinematically, 2018 was a year that marked the final screen appearances for both Robert Redford (’The Old Man and the Gun’) and Daniel Day-Lewis (’Phantom Thread’), heralded Bradley Cooper’s impressive directorial debut (’A Star Is Born), served up an innovative high-tech thriller (’Searching’) and bestowed the most gob-smacking showdown involving MCU’s greatest heroes and villains (’Avengers: Infinity War’).

It was also a very good year for Netflix loyalists who saw the company release a succession of well received films including ’Annihilation,’ ‘Roma,’ and ‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.’

Despite Dirty Harry’s memorable comment that “opinions are like assholes, everybody’s got one,” the films that have made this year’s ‘best list’ have been selected on the basis of the lasting impression they have left on this viewer after the lights have come up and the curtain’s been drawn.

So, what succeeded and what failed?

Ladies and gentlemen, may we please offer for your consideration…

50. THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN

49. INCREDIBLES 2

48. FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL

47. THE POST

46. CHAPPAQUIDDICK

45. RED SPARROW

44. GAME NIGHT

43. DEADPOOL 2

42. BOY ERASED

41. WIDOWS

40. STRONGER

39. MOLLY’S GAME

38. FAHRENHEIT 11/9

37. THE DARKEST HOUR

36. FIRST REFORMED

35. A STAR IS BORN

34. ISLE OF DOGS

33. BREATH

32. THE WIFE

31. READY PLAYER ONE

30. BLACK PANTHER

29. WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOUR

28. BRIGSBY BEAR

27. LADY BIRD

26. SICARIO: DAY OF THE SOLDADO

25. BEAUTIFUL BOY

24. PHANTOM THREAD

23. GHOST STORIES

22. FIRST MAN

21. TULLY

20. I, TONYA

19. SUSPIRIA

18. RBG

17. THE FAVOURITE

16. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

15. MANDY

14. BRAWL IN CELL BLOCK 99

13. SEARCHING

12. A QUIET PLACE

11. BLACKKKLANSMAN

10. SWEET COUNTRY

The Australian ‘western’ is a genre all its own, and ‘Sweet Country’ was the finest example of its type. Both Warwick Thornton's direction and Dylan Rivers’ cinematography was outstanding, as were all of the lead acting performances. Shot in both Central and South Australia, ‘Sweet Country’ transcended the genre’s tropes to tell us a quintessentially Australian story, albeit a bloody, brutal and tragic one.

9. VICE

As with his previous film ‘The Big Short,’ writer/director Adam McKay set aside the clean, colourful look of his comedies (’Anchorman,’ ‘Step Brothers’) in favour of a washed-out, edgy look, with the frequent use of hand-held cameras. The entire ensemble - including Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell and Amy Adams - were all impressive but it was Christian Bale’s skilful and highly effective portrayal of former VP Dick Cheney that deservedly received the kudos from critics everywhere.

8. THE ENDLESS

Indie filmmakers Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, wrote, directed and starred in this terrific slow burner about two brothers who decide to revisit their childhood UFO death cult for some closure. Initially, the film’s daunting atmosphere gave the impression that this horror/sci-fi would follow the usual story ‘beats’ that accompany the genre. But after some mind-bending twists, ‘The Endless’ soon switched from being about a crazed cult into something else!

7. SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE

It’s no secret that Sony’s last few attempts with the character of Spider-Man have been underwhelming to say the least. However, this rousingly entertaining superhero adventure was easily 2018′s most unexpected surprise. The film’s impressive animation was beautiful, fluid and unique, whilst the storyline was both compelling and genuinely funny. What can we say - we finally got the ‘Spider-Man’ movie everybody wanted. It’s OK Sony, we now forgive you for ‘The Emoji Movie.’

6. THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI

Sadly robbed of the Best Picture gong at last year’s Academy Awards, this third movie from award-winning playwright Martin McDonagh (‘In Bruges,’ ‘Seven Psychopaths’) was a dramedy that started with cleverness and wit before opening up into something truthfully human. McDonagh’s screenplay was so good that every single cast member, no matter how little their screen time, gave a great performance.

5. AMERICAN ANIMALS

In this true-crime movie, four bright and well-off college students in Kentucky plot to steal some rare books from their university's Special Collections Library in a misguided quest for personal glory. Written and directed by Bart Layton, ‘American Animals’ cleverly woven script was narrated by the heist's actual participants, bringing a fascinating layer to the proceedings as well as a connection between the characters and audience.

4. AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR

It may have been the most intense, complex and stirring MCU film yet, but it was as lean as epics get, with none of its nearly two-and-a-half-hour running time feeling wasted. While the many characters and intersecting plots may have confused casual viewers (it’s assumed audiences are now familiar with all that's come before), for fans, it was one mind-blowing moment after another.

3. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT

Who would have thought that a 20+ year franchise would have been able to deliver one of the most exciting and visceral action films in recent memory? ‘Fallout’ saw the stepping up of both the action and the stakes, with the personal screws tightened on Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and the horrible consequences for failure. Love him or hate him, Cruise's performance was lean and focused, whilst Christopher MacQuarrie’s direction was effective and thrilling, always hitting every action beat - dead centre.

2. YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE

Director Lynne Ramsay’s bleak yet effective thriller about a broken and tormented ex-military vigilante (Joaquin Phoenix), who makes a living rescuing kidnapped girls and making the perpetrators violently pay with a hammer, was a dark and twisting journey into one man’s soul. Ramsay's filmmaking powers and script, combined with Phoenix's committed, unadorned performance and Johnny Greenwood's absolutely superb soundtrack, easily delivered one of this year’s most standout movies.

1. HEREDITARY

Although it polarised audiences everywhere, ‘Hereditary’ was a refreshing example of a studio (A24) subverting expectations and the perfect showcase of what horror is capable of when taken seriously.

Even as the film ventured into territory familiar to its genre, writer/director Ari Aster skillfully orchestrated the tension into something that felt like a nightmare straight from hell. What begins as a drama about a family tearing apart with grief, slowly descends into madness and the supernatural.

Rather than rely on a ‘conveyor belt’ of jump scares strung together with a derivative story which exists purely as a vehicle to deliver those jump scares, ‘Hereditary’ put family drama at the forefront and milked every ounce of dread from the hideous realities of familial cohabitation for what they’re worth.

Whilst the film’s cinematography, production design and score were all some of the best the horror genre has seen, it was the performances that finally sold ‘Hereditary,’ notably Toni Collette’s tormented turn as a manic mother who is mourning the loss of a parent.

‘Hereditary’ didn’t just redefine horror - it successfully put its own wicked stamp on the tropes of the genre, and provided audiences everywhere with a truly unsettling experience.

Hail Paimon!

…AND NOW, THE WORST!

20. VENOM

19. THE MEG

18. MILE 22

17. WINCHESTER

16. LIFE OF THE PARTY

15. BLOCKERS

14. SKYSCRAPER

13. THE WEDDING GUEST

12. DEATH WISH

11. BOAR

10. THE NUN

Sadly, this fifth chapter in the ‘Conjuring’ universe was nowhere near as scary, inspired or coherent as its predecessors. The quick onslaught of jump scares, punctuated by sudden noises on the soundtrack, quickly dashed the hopes of viewers who saw the entire exercise as a colossal waste of time (not to mention that the titular character was almost ‘missing’ in her own movie).

9. THE PREDATOR

This was a prime example as to how you kill a franchise. ‘The Predator’ was so bad, it made both ‘AVP’ movies look like modern day masterpieces. Whilst the acting and storyline were awful, the film suffered from plot holes, the lack of any kind of script, the constant desperate dramatic music featured relentlessly throughout and the forced jokes. Why director Shane Black thought injecting a comedy script into this franchise was a good idea is anyone's guess.

8. THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS

Brian Henson, son of the legendary Jim Henson and the director of ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ and ‘Muppet Treasure Island,’ somehow thought this juvenile attempt at humour was a good idea. Instead, it did the most offensive thing that a comedy could ever do - it failed to make you laugh.

7. THE SPY WHO DUMPED ME

This forgettable and redundant comedy, from its tired title to its forced acting and humour, tried desperately to be everything at once and ended up being nothing at all. Given the talent involved, one would have expected some semblance of subtly and finesse to let these strong performers elevate the material as they've been known to in the past. However, when the material was as blunt as a sledgehammer, there wasn’t much anyone could have done.

6. GRINGO

Despite its polished production values and stellar cast, ‘Gringo’ amounted to an absolute bust. Director Nash Egerton’s unsavoury and amoral comedy of errors qualified as something contrived, convoluted and ultimately incoherent. Crammed with a myriad of ‘madcap’ situations that weren’t even remotely funny or original, this crappy caper failed to keep up with its talented cast who struggled in their portrayal of such unpleasant stereotypes.

5. PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING

CGI vomit.

4. THE 15:17 TO PARIS

Anybody desperately wanting to watch this train wreck should fast forward the first hour and six minutes. Clint Eastwood’s effort to pay tribute to the three brave men who foiled the 2015 Thalys train attack was a cinematic misfire of epic proportions. The bold step of having the real-life heroes play themselves was a bad call (awkward delivery, mumbled lines), whilst the film also had an underlying Christian/pro-gun/pro-military vibe about it.

3. ROBIN HOOD

From the over-the-top bow and arrow fights to the bizarre mix of costumes, ‘Robin Hood’ was comparable to Guy Ritchie’s disastrous reimagining of ‘King Arthur,’ only worse. Far worse. This umpteenth version of the legendary heroic outlaw was severely lacking in the entertainment and thrills department, and continued the Hollywood tradition of blockbuster remakes absolutely falling on their arses.

2. ACTION POINT

The ‘Jackass’ films were great, but this dismal wannabe ‘Caddyshack’ or ‘Porky’s’ left audiences longing for the relative artistry and sophistication of the crazy lads’ glory days. ‘Action Point’ was a predictable, exceptionally cheap and humourless affair, a watershed moment in terms of anyone ever bank rolling a feature film for these guys again. RIP gentlemen, it was a fun ride.

1. HOLMES AND WATSON

It’s all elementary as to which film was by far the very worst of 2018.

Everything about ‘Holmes and Watson’ was lazy, incompetent and decidedly unfunny. This shockingly misguided assault of repetitive bad slapstick and terrible writing squandered the remarkable talents of John C. Reilly, Rebecca Hall, Steve Coogan, Kelly Macdonald, Ralph Fiennes and Hugh Lawrie, and saw Will Ferrell give what was easily the worst performance of his entire career.

This was no ‘Step Brothers’ - this was pure, unadulterated garbage.

#the best and worst films of 2018

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