#and it does add to the theme of 'becoming an adult' that we see in his story

[milykins]

TMNT Headcanon: Owning a Business

I was inspired by @thelaundrybitch with her post about the turtles having jobs so this is my version.

If the turtles managed to successfully integrate themselves into society, I could see each one owning their own business. These jobs are based on an RP that I’m in with a friend of mine. The idea is that Donnie had invented cloaking devices to allow them appear human and also had gained a sizeable income by marketing and selling his inventions.

No TW needed for this

Mikey

Easily the owner of his very own comic book store.

He has to learn how to run it though.

He’d be determined to learn, he may act scatterbrained but when he really applies himself, watch out.

Donnie can’t watch his little brother fail in this endeavor and gives him a crash course on how to run a small business.

Once he has the basics figured out, he loves it. He’s finally around likeminded people and he can finally put his geek knowledge to good use!

He’d give the best comic book recommendations, having read as many as he could get his hands on.

There would also be a table section for TTRPGs and card games.

The store would become a popular hangout for Magic the Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons.

Mikey would schedule themed days where people could dress up as their favourite characters for discounts.

He’d host live action role-playing events, board game nights, trivia contests and movie nights.

He would thoroughly let his geek flag fly and his store would be his pride and joy.

Raphael

Runs a motorcycle repair shop that also deals in custom paint jobs.

Co-owner with Casey Jones.

Raph has always loved fixing up and working with his bikes so this is an easy choice for him.

Casey still does vigilante stuff on the side but April is very relieved when he goes into this partnership with Raph.

It’s Casey’s idea to add the customization of bikes alongside the repairs.

The two of them do butt heads initially while learning how to run it but once they have it down they become a good team.

Difficult customers have no chance when dealing with these two.

Shortchanged? Have fun getting your bike back.

"You could’ve fixed it better? Be my guest and don’t come back, asshole."

"Yeah, we can get the part, no we aint’t gettin’ it from your shady buddy’s backyard business."

Besides the odd jerk-off customer, Raph thoroughly enjoys his work.

He also uses the garage to work on his own custom bikes. Occasionally he’ll sell them and it becomes hugely popular.

Eventually he starts auctioning them off and donating a part of the proceeds to charity.

He’ll take a lot of pride in his work and finds he really enjoys making an honest living.

He’ll still do patrols with his brothers and keep up with his training.

Leonardo

Owner and Sensei of The Green Dragon Dojo.

This just made perfect sense for Leo. He loved training and all things martial arts so why not pass on his skills to those who wanted to learn.

He teaches adults and children alike.

He secretly prefers teaching the little ones though.

He loves their eagerness to learn and how they call him ‘Sensei Leo’.

He does end up creating a small team to do martial arts competitions.

His students almost always win.

His classes become so popular that Leo finds he needs to hire more help.

In my headcanon he’s made peace with Karai and The Foot Clan and decides to go to them.

Karai is very pleased he’s asking for her help and agrees to teach classes alongside him.

Leo still leads his brothers in patrols but is more relaxed than he used to be, due in part from getting older and now having an outlet to teach.

Donatello

Donnie creates his own company.

Owner and CEO of Hamato Tech.

It has a research lab with a whole section dedicated to his inventions.

He’s dedicated to the betterment of mankind and creates patents for all of his inventions.

He finally has the resources and funding needed to complete his many projects.

Super nice guy to work for, loved by all of his employees.

He accepts students for paid internships.

He has a preference for underprivileged students. The ones that wouldn't normally receive this kind of opportunity.

He wants to give keen young minds the opportunities he never had while growing up.

It would take many years but he would eventually have a huge discovery that would result in him getting nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

He’d win it too.

@iridescentflamingo

@thelaundrybitch

@danceingfae

@redsrooftopprincess (I hope this is okay, I know you agreed to put me on your list so I thought I'd return the favour)

@adebauchedsloth

@thepinkpanther83

Please let me know if you'd like to be added to the taglist!

[themetalvirus]

ok i got a couple asks a bit ago about why i don't like how sonic is written in idw and it comes down to how they handle the "why doesn't comic book character kill villain" question. the actual answer is always because we wouldn't have a story anymore if the main villain was dead, but comics have to answer that question in-universe in a satisfying way or it'll just be frustrating.

in my opinion, there's a clear answer why sonic doesn't kill eggman in the games: he has a lot of fun on his adventures to stop eggman. without eggy he'd be bored as hell. he's more than willing to kill other villains, but eggman is different.

i think a part of that is also eggman being one of the few constants in his winding, unfocused path in life. despite everything, everyone needs something to hold onto, some kind of consistency, and eggman is part of that normalcy for him since he's been around since he was little. not to be that guy, but eggman is the only consistent adult presence in his life. it'd be weird for him if that was gone.

how idw sonic addresses this is SO ANNOYING TO ME. it characterizes sonic as having a Clear Set Of Morals (instead of going by vibes which is what several of his songs establish he actually does) like he's batman or something and he's constantly yapping about freedom of choice.

to me, sonic is a character all about doing his own thing. he'll kill people if he needs to, he'll make "bad" choices for the sake of what he thinks is right. he doesn't care what other people think is the correct choice, he's going to decide that for himself and what he thinks the correct choice is can vary widely based on the circumstances AND his mood.

to suddenly pretend that sonic doesn't take lives because something something freedom of choice is ridiculous. and to pretend that it's somehow in line with how he acts in the games is straight-up insulting.

the part that's most frustrating to me is the meta aspect though. we all know eggman is never going to "come around", he's a cartoon villain. the comic insisting on bringing up eggman MAYBE becoming niceys is annoying as an audience because we know it is NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN. sonic being fixated on that is annoying as an audience because we know it is NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN. it's just wasting our time even entertaining the thought and wasting page space that could be used on something actually interesting.

it's not like sonic doesn't have the information available to him to realize this either. his whole fucking life is proof that eggman has his own style that he won't change. the stupidass amnesia mr. tinker plot isn't proof that eggman can be secretly good, it's proof that eggman without all of his life experiences due to a brain injury could be good. but we know that's not permanent and not really a possibility. eggman is shaped by his experiences and has calcified into who he is. much like sonic.

sonic insisting on leaving very dangerous people alive and free to do as they please is something NEW TO IDW and is the stupidest shit ever. i don't think he would leave surge free to do what she wants because of principles, it'd be because he wants to see how she ends up in the future. she seems interesting, let's see how this goes.

it's just strange introducing this batman-esque set of morals to sonic the hedgehog, especially because it doesn't make sense with any of sonic's past appearances and doesn't add anything interesting to the story like it does with a character like batman.

i do really like idw. my blog is themed around the metal virus arc, i absolutely love a lot of what it has to offer. the way sonic is written is so abrasive to me that he's one of my least favorite aspects of the whole comic, and considering the whole fucking thing is named after him, that's... not great.

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🦇 I Think They Love You Book Review 🦇

❓ #QOTD What's a comfort food you associate with a loved one? 🦇 When Denzel “Denz” Carter’s workaholic father and CEO of 24 Carter Gold unexpectedly announces his retirement, the competition is on for who will become his successor. To convince his family members that he’s capable of commitment, Denz impulsively lies about being in a serious relationship with his ex Braylon, the man who broke his heart. Braylon’s sudden reappearance in Denz’s life turns everything upside down. Apparently, Braylon needs Denz’s connections to the mayor to win his own promotion. So, they strike a deal. It’s all business until the funny texts & the confusing kisses leave Denz struggling to separate this temporary arrangement from the affairs of his heart. Can they fake date their way to success, or will real feelings get in the way of Denz's goal?

💜 The moment I saw that this was Julian Winters' adult romance debut, I SNATCHED this up--it did not disappoint! Denz is a protagonist you can't help but fall in love & empathize with, while Braylon is an absolute heart-throb of a love interest (I mean, the newly developed accent alone). Let's break it down:

✨ Characters: This entire chaos is beautifully diverse, chaotic, & well-developed. Each member of Denz's family has a distinct voice, but it's Denz and Braylon who steal the show. I do wish we'd seen a little more from our supporting cast (the 30 seconds of Suraj was NOT enough, because hi), but Winters did open himself up to a potential sequel (that focuses on Denz's best friend and cousin). I loved Denz's fear of failure/fear of success, the theme of familial expectations/pressures, and how you can learn from your past choices.

✨ Plot & Pacing: The pacing is steady, & any potential lags are broken up by flashbacks to Denz & Braylon's college years. There's one weird jump for me, when the fake-dating relationship becomes physical (as it always does), which is sudden & unexpected (though it does benefit the rest of the story's flow & pacing).

✨ World-Building: My biggest disappointment in this story is the lack of descriptive language during the 24 Carter Gold events. We don't see, feel, or experience as many of those moments as I'd like. The story is set in Atlanta and even mentions the area where I live, but it could have been set in any city and you wouldn't notice a difference. Denz is so rooted in his "home," both as a place & in terms of his family, but it's hard to feel that connection.

✨ Romance: I mean. Come on. This story is all heart-warming, swoon-worthy, delicious romance. If that's not enough for you, let's talk about the consent & communication between Denz & Braylon. I MEAN! Not to mention (my favorite) all the witty banter between them. The banter isn't even antagonistic enemies-to-lovers bark-&-bite wit; it's fun & flirtatious, demonstrating that the connection between Denz & Braylon still exists.

✨ Mystery/Suspense: I do wish the reason for their initial breakup wasn't revealed so quickly, to add an element of suspense & tension.

✨ Tone/Prose: Every character's voice is distinct, allowing you to differentiate between a large cast of family members. Julian Winters has a fresh & fun voice that will draw you in & keep you turning page after page. Again, I only wish the prose featured more descriptions to fully immerse readers in the story.

🦇 Recommended for fans of Fall for Him, Rachel Lacey's queer romances, or Boyfriend Material.

✨ The Vibes ✨ 🫖 M/M / Queer Romance 📱Fake Dating 💗 Second Chance ❤ Adult Rom-Com Debut 💗 Only One Bed 📱 Work / Life Balance 🫖 Family is Everything

🦇 Major thanks to the author & publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

💬 Quotes ❝ Why is heartbreak that one scar that never heals cleanly? ❞ ❝ Maybe this is all Denz wanted from today: a smoky kitchen, a stupid Marvel movie playing in the background, Bray wearing his sweatshirt, kissing the words “I love you” into soft lips until they’re swollen. ❞ ❝ “Do you know what it’s like to be so scared you’re going to fail that you constantly fuck up anyways?” ❞ ❝ You can spend a lifetime with someone, and they never fail to surprise you with another side of themselves. ❞ ❝ Sometimes, pretending the worst things in your life never happened is how you survive. But sometimes, you have to shatter in order to figure out how to piece yourself back together. So you can heal. ❞ ❝ “I’m better than good enough." ❞

[vanifou]

mae borowski - character analysis!

mae borowski is probably one of the most fascinating characters yet, her character is genuinely one you don’t find in your average horror game. mae’s a young adult who has recently dropped out of college causing her to return to her home town, possum springs. mae is a complicated character who also managed to be extremely relatable. her story throughout the game revolves around dark themes such as mental health, identity and the struggle of developing into an adult.

one of the most important parts of mae’s character is that she is unapologetically herself. Mae often express her thought’s and feelings extremely bluntly. Mae’s honesty manages to annoy multiple characters, even managing to get her into trouble sometimes through out the story. A lot of people in the town of possum springs even sees her as a child for this, not the adult she is, which makes sense. Mae is so used to being this immature, annoyingly honest person that she’s unable to perceive that others have grown up, that they have become adults while she is stuck in her inner child.

Mae's honesty and vulnerability really make her a character that many people can relate to. It's interesting because as she battles with intense derealization, we are given the chance to see things from her perspective, to experience the world the way Mae does. Her depression is depicted through her unique perception of the world, where everything appears as mere shapes. This creates a profound sense of loneliness and existential dread that I haven't seen portrayed in a character before. It sheds light on the personal struggles that many adults face today.

To add to that, Mae’s anxiety is specifically apparent in her worry about the future and what place she holds in the world. Mae constantly feels overwhelmed by the expectations others have put on her and her the fact that she can’t predict her future. her anxiety is shown through monologues and her interactions with other characters in possum springs, showcasing the impact it has on her daily life.

In the end, Mae’s story uncovers the secrets of possum springs and confronting her inner emotions. as the player guides her through the story, they get to witness her growth as a character as she confronts her fears and faces the reality of adult hood. i love night in the woods guys!!

( ps i dislike this very much, i feel like there’s a lot i left out but anyway i hope u like it )

@dreadful-sorrys

[notthestarwar]

does ‘the island’ also contain rats by any chance??? Will you talk about any wips you have that may feature rats? 🥺👉👈

You know all about rat island lol that's OUR baby

OK. For the uninitiated. Where to even begin lol.

So it all starts with a gremlins fueled haze. We'd watched the scooby doo movie earlier that day and au thoughts had been lit. Add codywan, my need for begrudging Anakin and cody buddy team ups, and the servers pet rat: it was a recipe for a fever dream. The gremlins music at 1am really just stoked the fire.

So the premise is: no order 66. It's post war, they're not quite at that happy ending yet. There's a feeling that they've all dodged a huge bullet. Cody is learning to live. Obi Wan has taken a sabbatical to figure things out post war. Anakin has been divorced, lost custody, and rejected the Jedi's help. He's a hot mess. He's trying to figure out who he is, in the most messy 'I'm 23 and didn't do any of this when I was 19' kind of way. He's partying. He's become a student. He's messing up in all the mundane ways that you can think of.

Then, he gets a mysterious invite to a all expenses paid resort. It's suspicious as hell, he pays that no notice. He's spiralling.

Now. The resort. Is rat themed. Don't think about that too hard. It's like Disney but it's rat themed and it's adults only so there's lots of rat bars ect and it's on an island. It's like the resort in the scoobydoo movie but it's more disneyfied and capitalist and also all of the rats are terrifying. Like. We have a storyboard of the worst rat costumes I could find (including our fav pet rat obviously) and that's the inspo we're working from here

Now if you're new to rat island you probably think that's the end. Oh no. That's just Chapter 1.

This is based on the scooby doo movie afterall. There's a sith conspiracy on the island. There's bodyswapping. AND. There's a dog.

i'm going to share 2 snippets of it. cause i love it too much to decide.

"Cody had always prided himself on his propensity for research. He was not one to walk in to a situation unprepared. As soon as they’d heard of Anakin’s trip, he’d done some digging.

Rat island was a combination of theme-park and party island, located on the beach planet: Muridae. The resort was, in its entirety, dedicated to a small mammalian creature native to the planet Eukaryota--which is not even in the same system.

Supposedly, the park was based around an ageing cartoon show that had only grown in popularity with civilians during the war, the war had brought many things, a wave of rat based nostalgia was maybe less expected than others.

Despite all his research, nothing could prepare him for the reality of it. As they leave the lander Cody finds himself in a corner of the galaxy he’s rarely had reason to imagine, let alone see. A place of over indulgence, excess and noise.

It isn’t one of the strangest places he’s found himself, Cody had seen weirder things during the war. Not many, but still, some. On one of the strangest planets. But this was maybe one of the least familiar. Kamino had never prepared him for this.

When they stepped out onto the landing platform, Obi Wan looked far too pleased. Cody only scowled.

He wished he’d listened when he was told to bring sunglasses but was utterly unwilling to admit it. Once, when he wore armour wherever he went he had a built in visor, he had tints! He squinted in the sun. Civilian life really was grim sometimes.

“Isn’t this nice.” Obi wan said, looking down at the nearby beach.

“We aren’t staying.” Cody told him shortly.

“Of course not dear, we are just here to collect Anakin.” Obi Wan agreed.

Cody gave him a suspicious side eye.

“Is the sun getting in your eyes, dear?” Obi Wan asked, tilting his head and looking at Cody through his own sunglasses, ridiculous bug eyed things.

“No. Not at all.” Cody lied.

Obi -Wan gave him a long look. Cody ignored it.

Eventually, Obi-Wan he spotted a map. “Ah look. Over here Cody. Look! There's a gift shop.”

“No.” Cody told him, flat, No gift shop.”

Obi Wan gave him a sad look.

“No.” Cody said again. He squinted at the map. “Where is the security office.”

Obi Wan sighed. “To the west.”

“Right lets go.”

Obi wan gave a pitiful sigh. Cody ignored that too.

Cody knew very well they’d be visiting one of the islands many gift shops before they left this forsaken place, there was no need for him to give in so early; Obi wan would only take advantage of such a weakness.

As they round the corner, a person dressed in a loose fitting grey costume, their whole head obscured by that of a rat, seems to pop-up out of nowhere, scaring the shit out of Cody.

“Have a Rat-tastic day!”

Cody will not be having a Rat-tastic day. He finds himself uncertain of what exactly a Rat-tastic day is, but he does know that he will most definitely not be having one."

Next, in this snippet, they finally visit the gift shop:

"Dear. Just pick a pair."

Cody continued to look at the sunglass stand in affront.

"I don't need any."

"Yes." Obi Wan gave him a stern look. "You do."

Cody gave the stand another spin, increasingly offended. "Does every pair have a rat?"

"Well…" Obi-Wan was looking towards the counter, where a sign declared that they where standing in an establishment of 'Rat-tastic Gifts'

Cody just scowled. "Why does the sun have to be so bright?" He made an irritated noise. "This place!" He huffed. "Couldn't Anakin have picked anywhere else?"

"Well, he was invited…"

"He had to accept! Who would accept an invite to Rat karking Island? Only Skywalker. Who would invite Skywalker to a Rat Island in the first place? The whole place seems like some demented way to torture people." He grumbled a few choice words under his breath.  

"Dear…" 

"Fine!" Cody picked out a pair with the least obstructive rat he could find, only a small metal rat shaped medallion on the end of each arm and a rat print that was, thankfully, reserved for the inside of the arms only.

As they made their way to the counter he caught Obi-Wan looking towards a display showing one of the worst rat costumes Cody had ever seen. It was made out of a kind of plush velveteen fabric that was quite frankly, monstrous. The thing was made of far too much material, giving it the appearance of wrinkly skin. And to add insult to the injury of having to see this thing (and see it he had, the staff in this place roamed the paths dressed in a collection of eclectic rodent outfits) the face was… The eyes. They boggled. The whiskers, were wonky. It was barely recognisable as a rat. 

"NO."  Cody managed, as he marched them to the counter. 

"Feeling ratty?" The twilek at the counter greeted with a bright smile. 

Cody swallowed a small amount of bile. "We are not." He grunted. 

The shop assistant seemed slightly caught for words, his lack of enthusiasm halting her usual script.  She looked to the sunglasses down on the counter. "Ah. Soon!" She threatened, with a smile. 

When they left the shop,  Obi Wan burst in to laughter.

"Soon!" Cody repeated. "I karking hope not. This place is like a cult."

Obi-Wan took one look at his face and burst in to renewed wheezes.

rat island is...ongoing. in the meantime, @felixeis003 has created an amazing piece of art of it here:

[shera-dnd]

I try not to be negative here. Like there's just too much negativity in this webbed site as is and I don't wanna add on to it

BUT god it's so hard not to shit on Mihoyo's character designs

Like I could write a whole fucking essay on why Yae Miko maybe has the ONLY good character design in Inazuma, and how Kokomi's and Raiden's designs are an affront to character design

Not to mention how much I could dunk on how pasty white the entirety of their fantasy India is

...but that would take like an ungodly amount of words and effort and ranting, and like I said I wanna keep negativity to a minimum

so instead I'm gonna do a little "bulk dunk" and go for the entirety of HSR in one go

quick disclaimer that I still play and enjoy these games and Jingliu has me by the balls no matter how painfully boring her character design actually is

ALRIGHT LET'S GO!

I guess it goes without saying that the design of any character in a gacha game is created with only a single thought in mind and that is: MASS MARKET APPEAL!

Which means the characters are meant to be PRETTY and their designs are meant for immediate appeal, not to actually inform the character

This results in some...weirdness

Like the fact that the Natasha (girl on the left) raised Seele (girl on the right) from childhood and used to run an orphanage, meaning she's much MUCH older than Seele, even tho they look about the same age

Okay Nat does look a little older, but no one is allowed to look old in this game

Something that becomes extra clear with

Serval! Who you'd be forgiven for thinking is a young adult playing for a rock band, and not a middle aged disgraced scientist who used to be in a rock band.

And yeah she's supposed to be AT LEAST in her 30s, because girl is the same age as Cocolia and that woman is a mother to an adult woman by the time we meet her

Oh and speaking of Nat and Serval, you've now seen 2/3s of all characters with ANY FORM OF BLEMISHES ON THEIR SKIN!

Nat has a spot on her chin, and Serval has a tattoo on her hip

Last one is Arlan

My man has the only two scars in this whole ass video game. He's also the only dark skinned character. He follows a pattern set by Xinyan and Dehya in Genshin, by being dark skin rep, carrying a big sword, and sucking absolute ass

But okay these characters are pretty, but there's nothing wrong with keeping characters pretty. Well, there is when their prettiness goes against what their character is supposed to be

So Belobog's story is one of class struggle in a military state that is holding back a never ending catastrophe. The entire population of the world is just one big walled city holding back the cold.

In it the rich and powerful live in the Overworld, where they have museums and theaters and grand statues, and a massive building from which their rulers can pass judgement.

The Underworld is mostly just a giant fucking mine where the lower class people are forced to work 24/7 in order to get food and medicine from the Overworld in the hopes that they'll keep surviving.

Underworld characters are survivors who have been struggling every day of their lives and have NEVER SEEN SUNLIGHT BEFORE

Yeah guys I can really get hardworking survivor from these two

But I mean that is just ONE planet, it can't be a thing for EVERY world, right? ...right?

So the Xianzhou Luofu is... a lot. Like it would take a long time to explain everything that is up with those guys, but the big themes here are stuff around chronic illness, memories, PTSD, war time trauma, and a whole bunch of stuff about aging

Like here are two characters who are veterans of war. One is constantly overwhelmed by her own traumatic memories, causing her to go into violent dissociative episodes.

The other one lost her copilot/best friend/rival/love of her life (YOU CANNOT CONVINCE ME SHE ISN'T GAY, MIHOYO) in battle, and the trauma of that loss has left her terrified of flying again, living the rest of her life in the shadow of this one monumental event

...yeah I don't see it either

But hey don't worry, this game believes in gender equality, and that means the men are also just very pretty and very boring

Like the Luofu's messiest polycule, who are all millennia old pretty boys made with the sole purpose of making the straight women in the fanbase call them "daddy"

Well at least Blade has spider lily symbolism, which is like always a plus for me

Okay

That's it

That's all the dunking I have for HSR. I exorcised the angry grumpy critic from my system, and can go back to being positive and loving things again.

And I mean these games make more money than I can ever even conceptualize, so maybe I'm the one who is wrong

Oh also

Clara is perfect and objectively the best character design in this game, don't fucking @ me!

[typellblog]

Oh Mighty Typell, do you have thoughts on the fanservice in Monogatari? Your essay on Tsubasa Family made me get the Tsukihi panties conversation, where previously I had sped through the book at that point because it weirded me out. The Hachikuji stuff and the Karen teeth brushing are parts I just can't figure out an explanation for

So first and foremost one does have to admit that this is the author's completely undisguised fetish

Bearing in mind that this is just a normal part of Monogatari's narrative that forms part of the appeal for some readers, that likely forms part of the appeal for the writer, and that these facts provide the majority of the impetus for its inclusion-

We discover that the writer nonetheless knows what he's doing, and matches the fanservice to the kind of story he's trying to tell overall.

Sometimes this leads to a fanservice scene that people embrace as deeply meaningful - take for example in Hitagi Crab where she undresses and how the sensual way this is described contrasts deeply with how her attempted rape in the past is depicted. The fanservice emphasises Hitagi's agency, but also her vulnerability, in a way that avoids coming off as tasteless. But did she really need to strip to convey this? Well, probably not.

Sometimes this leads to fanservice that people struggle to explain - I would say that the stuff in Nadeko Snake is pretty high up in terms of pointlessness, being the most excessive arc in Bake despite not really having much to say. We can relate how Nadeko's body is displayed to some themes of the arc, how it characterises her as someone who dislikes being perceived. But did it need to be bloomers and a school swimsuit specifically? No, lol.

As for the examples you mentioned, the consistency and depth of Koyomi's assaults upon Mayoi prove somewhat intractable to most, but consider how their first interaction wasn't sexual in nature but just a fight. I think both the physicality and rudeness of it are important. The rudeness is an element of Koyomi's characterisation as someone who can often violate boundaries in the pursuit of helping people, while the physicality relates to Hachikuji's ghostly nature and inability to normally interact with others. There's a reason why she seems to welcome Koyomi's usual greeting after it becomes an established routine. But did he really need to grope her breasts? Well, no.

Karen's teeth frustrates me more and more over time because of how disconnected from the overall narrative it seems, but of course on a basic level we can still make something of it. Karen changes her appearance with Tsukihi's clothes, and in doing so forces Koyomi to re-evaluate his perception of her. Their casual intimacy (as represented by the deeply familial symbol of the toothbrush) is complicated by sexual desire (need I remind the reader that this forms the main appeal of incest porn) and results in, idk. Koyomi seeing her as more adult? Like I said it feels frustratingly disconnected from the rest of what's going on but at the same time it does inevitably orient itself around Koyomi's relationship with his sisters - the fact that it's deeply character-driven adds to the appeal.

I'm sure more work could be done here, especially with the context of the rest of the series that I haven't looked at too deeply yet, but one warning I want to give is that you shouldn't approach this with the object of explaining the fanservice away. The fact that it is sexual in nature can be deeply necessary to what it is saying, or, like in Mayoi's case, it could be easily substituted with play-fighting.

Point being, the fact that it icks you out might lead you to assigning it more weight than it was ever conceived with.

[cuccoamongdragons]

The Boy and The Heron Notes/Critique:

TLDR: LOVED the animation and it had some impactful themes, also strongly disliked several things.

(SPOILERS)

- War. Very common theme in Ghibli. Always animated with such a punch.

- Hold up, dad married his dead wife's SISTER??? Got her pregnant, and THEN decided to introduce his kid (Mahito) to her for the first time? As they were moving in with her??

- Mahito's aunt/stepmom decides her first-time introduction should be "I'm your new mom." and to grab his hand and make him feel her pregnant belly?

- This kid is so shut down all he does is say yes and keep his head low, trying to avoid conversation & confrontation. He's still clearly grieving and showing some signs of PTSD from the fire. None of the adults address this if they even notice.

- Dad continues to be tone-deaf by insisting on dropping Mahito off to his new, poorer & more blue-collar school, in a fancy ride. He showed up looking like a rich kid who's never worked a day in his life to a place full of children who work all day. Dad put a target on his back.

- Mahito self-harmed and pretended it was from the fight earlier. This is two-fold. It meant he didn't have to go back to that school, and it was an outlet for all the hard feelings he didn't have a safe place to express. Dad does what rich-kid/bad parents do: throws money at the problem, and takes it personally instead of focusing on the kid.

- 2/3 of the first things Mahito takes an interest in are scary or forbidden. The Heron is a horrifying creature, the tower is forbidden, and then there's archery. For the 1st time we get something Mahito could connect with his aunt/stepmom on as a shared interest. But they don't.

- Why did the Heron shit in his window?

- Aunt/Stepmom has a hard time with labor and everyone pressures Mahito to go comfort her. Everything in his body language and behavior indicates he doesn't know her, he's uncomfortable, and he doesn't want to. It's not his responsibility.

- One of the old ladies get some serious character fleshing out. Oh wow I ADORE her. A++ Development.

- The Heron not being voiced by Danny Devito feels like a crime. Bird discovers that sometimes even though you're mostly not a nice being, sometimes someone will still love you.

- Pelicans and commiting violence out of desperation, terrifying self-awareness of the impact on next generations.

- Mahito meets his mom through time shenanigans. They DID NOT have a rehash of the romantic issues around When Marnie Was There. His mom gives off mom vibes and is likeable. Feels like he never gets a full closure kind of conversation with her. (His original reason for going to the tower.)

- Implication that Great Uncle was the death that pulled Mahito's mom into the tower for closure. While for Mahito it was wanting closure about his mom, and then doing the right thing trying to save his aunt/stepmother.

- Haha big murder-birds parakeets.

- Telling a Great Uncle/ancestor that Mahito sees what is left to add to the legacy and it's corrupted.

- The only way to get Aunt/Stepmom home is to give her the unearned & undeveloped "crying for mom" by Mahito. Literally after she told him she hated him. An adult screaming in her stepkids' face that she hates him. And it was rewarded by him calling her mom. In front of his actual mother who he's had nothing but a good relationship build with the whole time.

- Letting a family legacy turn to nothing because it's become unhealthy. Breaking the cycle and the guts it takes to do that. Helping others (pelicans/parakeets) break the cycle in turn

- SO MUCH BIRD SHIT. On everyone, and they're calling it cute & laughing. (Also what happened to active labor??) Why is there so much bird shit in this movie???

- Door is open for Mahito to make his own tower with the stone he kept & talisman of the old woman but we're not going to think too hard about that.

- And then they all left to go back to the city.

[lizardlicks]

one vague ATLA idea I have in mind for AU stuff is less specific but more of a broad AU spectrum and the general point is that instead of Team Avatar being a fairly small central group, they pick up people as they go along so that the folk who join them in the Zuko Friendship Arc and flee at the begining of the Southern Raiders stick around since their introduction; Haru, maybe a few members of Jet's crew, perhaps Jee from Zuko's crew following the end of Book Water, Chit Sang after the boiling rock, maybe even Iroh throughout Book One as a more extreme AU where Aang accidentally incapacitates Zuko and takes him hostage early on and Iroh and Zuko's crew go 'oh nooooo you have captured us and we're with you now I guess' while Iroh low key attempts to provide Aang perspective on the Fire Nation for dealing with them and some basics on Firebending philosophy, but anyway who else do you think would be interesting to see in this kind of AU joining up with Aang and his mission to free the world

Answering this TEN DAYS LATER OOPS

Personally I haven't thought about anyone else joining the gaang outside of Zuko joining the gaang early plots. First, I wouldn't include any of the adults. While yeah, there's something wrong with their world in the fact that actual teenagers have to save it from a century of war, if we actually stuck one of the adults into the group dynamics, they would alter the story and themes in a way I don't find satisfying. Too many of their own motivations and personal hang ups. Iroh works for Zuko because Zuko doesn't really have friends or any other social support, but even so to get to the core of Zuko, we have to separate Iroh's direct influence on him.

So for the other kids: NGL I think Haru as a character is boring. he's dry wheat toast. He exists only as a vessel for katara's hero complex. Teo could be a lot of fun; him and Aang play off each other really well, and it would give us more non-bender rep.

Jet I could not see willingly giving up his leadership role and joining the gaang. He might butt heads with Sokka first, but eventually he would piss off "everyone works together and does their fair share" katara, "I don't respect any form of authority" toph, and even "we're all friends and equals here" aang when he won't give any slack to the reigns-- metaphorically but also possibly literally. Similarly, I don't think smellerbee or longshot would willingly leave jet.

I love The Duke and Toph's relationship. I would have thought of anyone in the gaang for him to latch onto he would have gone with Aang or Sokka, but him looking up to and becoming really good friends with Toph is just really good. And him and Pipsqueak are more non bender rep too!

Suki joining the gaang earlier than canon would be great, especially if she brought a couple other kyoshi warriors along with and we got to see more of their dynamic as a group! Plus more sukka, and Sokka in the kw outfit.

Yue. Alright I apparently lied above, Yue is definitely one that I've thought about joining the gaang. In AUs where Yue lives, her getting out of the North and coming into her own as a person who can assert her expertise and authority is a big deal for her. Might also add some fascinating conflict: did she leave with Arnook's blessing or did she see an opportunity and leap??

Thousands of words have been devoted to the "zuko joins the gaang early" tag, but here's mine:

Zuko knows Azula. He knows not to trust when she puts her hands up and claims defeat. It's an old, old trick, not even a clever one, and they both know it. When her smile falls on uncle, Zuko doesn't even think twice. He's burned before. He knows how. Sinks into that familiar pain like an embrace from an old friend.

Iroh is horrified when Zuko drops like a stone (sick with guilt that he has to see this again, again, it never seems to end). Zuko stays down. His nephew never stays down. He begs the gaang for help, pleads for a mercy he knows neither of them have yet earned. They hesitate, but Toph also insists; Mushi, Iroh, whoever he is, he was kind to her. Whatever his nephew did, the other kids are alive and whole enough to bitch about him, so it couldn't have been so bad as to deserve a slow, painful death.

Katara pulls back his clothes, revealing the burns, the deep purple-black bruises from his fight with the earthbender soldiers, his starvation and exhaustion. It's abundantly clear to everyone that Zuko needs more help than they can give just standing around in an abandoned desert town, and the kids are exhausted. Iroh asks one more favor, a big one: watch over his nephew and keep him out of trouble while Iroh tracks down some old friends who will help find someplace safe for them to hide.

It's only supposed to be temporary, but now the gaang have to deal with wrangling a cranky, ornery firebender who's ass much a threat to himself as he is to them.

[basedkikuenjoyer]

Remember Remember the Fifth of November

Remember, remember the fifth of November. We're soon to cover a lot. I see no reason, why Sorbet's malfeasance should ever be forgot.

Seriously...we get our biggest RA origins chapter on Guy Fawkes Day? Rad even if purely coincidental. We also have this quiet peculiarity. Something that's been brought up here before. The cover page is just part of the main story? Yes, request apparently but it's a natural fit. That's new. Even Pudding was cluing us in on a past happening pertinent to an event. Watch stuff like this, the "rules" of the narrative breaking down. It's also really, really cute. Where are those fish ending up? Okay, let's get to the real meat of this. You can probably guess from the chapter title...

I'm the Mickey to your Minnie, you're the Tigger to my Winnie...Ginny! I'm...dating myself with memes aren't I? Ginny has become a fast, fast favorite. This was already a thing too, but seeing adult Ginny I get what people mean. There's a certain sensibility to being Bonney's mom...but she does look like another skrunkly glutton on Egghead more than anything. York is a clone, this has dark implications. Please don't be too cruel to new blorbo Oda. I'm gonna add her to the figure collection I promise.

Seriously though...how many of y'all get that Ginny is exactly what I've been on about? Forget Kuma's whole taking on burdens thing and being a goddamn blaring echo of the Crane Wife story. I can make this easy now. Ginny is what it would look like if you plugged Nami's character into the "quartermaster" role I've used Kiku as a guidepost for.

We're already past the point of teasing about lack of subtlety so I don't know what to say anymore. This flashback is making a big to-do about someone who fits the bill for the exact archetype straddling the present story around two foils. Doing it in a way that could lead back to a darker scene from Vegapunk's past. If that wasn't apparent enough,

Really driving the point home with Sorbet. Just like Goa & Gray Terminal. Just like Bakura & Okobore. These two were the tentpoles of the lawless waste being kicked around. Marco, Toki, Yasu, Kiku & Tsuru...pay attention when a core theme of the previous arc comes up like that. Especially that beat about marriage and Ginny's suitors. If that wasn't all enough, there's one element here I can't shake:

Look at Kuma's chest, the faint blackening...does it kind of make you think of Luffy's scar? You see it in the eyes too, we're not used to seeing adult Kuma with normal features for him. His expressions...it's a concept we've talked about a lot. This late in the game you notice when a character gets visual traits usually reserved for the protagonist. Kuma does this a fair amount, and the whole story sorta does have the same tone as like...if Luffy & Uta grew up together. Or if he stayed in Okobore with Kiku for a few years even. As much as I love the Revolutionary lore, this has me going absolutely crazy right now.

[kayoticmusings]

𝓁𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝒾𝒹𝒹𝓁𝑒 ♡𝒻 𝒿𝓊𝓃𝑒…

hey, roleplayers—it's summertime, and i have a little time for a few new discord plots! some basics about me: 30+, us based, highly experienced writer and roleplayer. i try to be as communicative as possible, and i like when i can find partners who can do the same; whether it be about chatting on how we see the thread going, or giving a heads-up before prolonged absences - communication makes for the best writing experience imo. 𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓹𝓵𝓼: -•» collaborative and active plotting before and during diving into some fun -plots, regular sharing of headcanons, inspo, playlists, and all that fun stuff. -•» semi-consistent activity (this does not mean daily or even weekly activity, just a general standard expectation range.) -•» mumus!! -•» well-plotted dynamics with a good heaping of smut (for ships, specifically) that adds to the plot instead of becoming the sole purpose. 𝓷𝓸 𝓹𝓵𝓼: -•» muns or muses under 20 years old - sorry! -•» lack of engagement in plotting, complete radio silence ooc, ghosting after deciding on a plot -•» rudeness ooc -•» mary sues/gary stus + overly self-insert plots 𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓭𝓮𝓽𝓪𝓲𝓵𝓼: pls check out my rules, wanted opposites etc, but there will be some things under the read more as well! just know i will ask a lot of clarifying questions on the regular, and it is less that i'm not understanding you, and more so that i want to make sure we are both on the same page! before exchanging discords i would like to see a writing sample (either on your blog or from somewhere else) just to make sure we are compatible before making a server and all that! if interested, feel free to message me directly or ♡ this post, but please have a specific idea (from listed or your own) in mind! 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓸𝔀 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓯𝓲𝓬 𝓽𝓸𝓹 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓭𝔂𝓷𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓬𝓼!

first and foremost, i'm not strictly looking for ships! while i would like a primary ship or two (love a good mumu) i also adore friend dynamics, family dynamics, and all that shit

environmentalist who regularly gets arrested x their public defender

terrible rich people and the chaos they cause in their inner lives (really would prioritize a mumu here) with a quick example being s.uccession

small town where everyone knows each other + add on some sort of event or trial in which some characters get to see new sides of each other (loosely panic (2021)) inspired) + can easily add southern gothic themes here

hot summer gothic summer vibes! especially with a newcomer in town

university plots (especially any rival dynamics in these settings)

camp counselors (all college-aged and up)

spooky stuff! (hauntings, true crime, paranormal cults)

supernatural SOL •» vampires (vibe wise: blade, trueblood, interview with a vampire) •» witches (not hp related, but definitely darker magical elements) •» fae (with borrowed lore from pagan stuff +the author h.olly b.lack)

on again/off again toxic couple dynamics (bonus points for reality tv vibes)

bright young (inexperienced) political newcomer x jaded grumpy experienced city councilperson [possibly some p.arks & recs vibes]

teachers that have been flirting all year and happen to see each other around during the summertime at a local dive bar (think abbott elementary)

teacher x adult brother/uncle of a student 1x1 meeting that develops into mutual interest

criminal + police chief's daughter (no actual cop characters as direct roleplayable characters tho <3)

crime plots! security guard x rich patron, dealer x opposing dealer, factions with a faction trying to usurp each other - truly endless ideas here

[meltotheany]

Goodreads | Amazon US | B&N | Blackwell’s | Bookshop “I dreamt myths larger than my girl body could hold.” such a heartfelt literary horror debut that i think i will hold inside me forever. i really did love this, and the writing is just completely out of this world. i cannot wait to see what this author does next, and just follow their career and stories forever. ren has loved mermaids and their stories for all her life, but when she is a small girl she also discovers her love and fascination for the water, and the escapism and transformation it can bring. She joins her school’s swim team and starts swimming competitively, and this story takes place in highschool when her life is consumed with being the best swimmer her body will allow her to be, despite being only human… for now. and we get to watch ren holding on to the identity of a girl, of a swimmer, of a child of immigrants, of being queer, and we get to also watch her become the mermaid she was always meant to be. chlorine is also a little bit of an epistolary novel, and we get to see letters being written to ren’s friend/love interest, cathy, where we get to see her perspective of the transformation of ren, while also being filled with longing. this just adds an extra dark tone to the novel, because the reader is reading these one sided letters of missing someone, while switching back and forth to the story and the direction of events that are playing out with Ren inside her mind. i feel like you probably shouldn’t know too much more before going in, but some other things in this novel that i really loved, despite being hard to read: talk of being a child of diaspora and how the american dream your elders came searching for can really be a nightmare. how doctors can be horrible and not actually care about their patients or their health, and how medical care you are choosing to get can still feel like a violation, and how these last two things can be so much bigger when you’re a queer nonwhite kid. how adults can push kids so far past their limits, yet still ignore all the signs that they are drowning. overall, i really did love this and sapphic asian stories about feeling like you’re from a completely different world are always going to tug on my heartstrings very hard and very deeply. (and if you need to hear it, you belong and your continuous transformation is beautiful.) i really recommend this debut if you are in a good head space with the trigger warnings. bonus: this author is army and wrote a really beautiful piece about their debut novel, inspiration, and bts (and i am very grateful to read this blue side story and gain hope.) – On BTS, Writing, and What Makes an Artist. bonus bonus: i wrote this entire review listening to come back to me by rm on repeat because bts are also one of my greatest inspirations in life. content warnings at the start of the book: racism, misogyny, self-harm, eating disorders, homophobia, depression, and sexual violence. additional trigger + content warnings i found while reading: blood, menstruation, scene getting an iud, talk of abortion, pregnancy scare, abandonment, child abuse, grooming, hospital setting, concussion, extreme headaches, car crash one sentence mention, anxiety, grief, pica, needles, talk of debt, abuse of medication, drinking, smoking, vomit, bad medical professionals and treatment, a lot of microaggressions from the love interest, and i just want to emphasize that there is a lot of talk of body image and a lot of food descriptions that are central themes in this book that go hand in hand with disordered eating. goodreads | instagram | youtube | kofi | spotify | amazon | wishlist

[angelcloves]

I just has a very belated thought about Matt.

So, it's the end of Watching and Dreaming - Four years have passed, all of our adorable children have now become adults and formally finished school.

Hunter is now 20 and apparently a full-time Palismen Carver.

Willow is now 18/19 and is still captain of the Emerald Entrails. (Does that mean she plays professionally now? Surely she can't still be playing for a school team after she's graduated? The idea of Willow being a professional sports player is extremely amusing to me, considering that was Boscha's dream and well, every TOH fan knows that Boscha was Willow's worst bully. If Willow is living Boscha's dream, talk about ironic! Lol.)

Amity is now 18 and... flies around on her customized, Abomination themed, airship? XD We do see her give a book to Lilith, maybe she still works at the library? Amity Blight - Most Badass Librarian In Fiction!

Gus is now 16 and is heavily implied to run The Demon Realm's half of the Demon Realm/Human Realm Exchange Program. This makes sense in-spite of his young age since he skipped several grades owing to his gifted Illusion Magic.

All is well and good. But we also see Matt in that timeskip and well...

Matt is evidently putting his Construction Magic to good use, helping Lilith add a museum wing onto Bonesborough's library. Good for him, perfectly fine... Except...

Matt is the same age Gus is, so he should be 16. Shouldn't he still be in school? Why isn't he? We see literally seconds later in that timeskip that Hexside is in session! Hell, it appears to be the beginning of the school day given the number of kids we briefly see heading inside!

Gus having already graduated despite being 16 is acceptable because he's a prodigy. Matt... is not, lol. I know that Gus was helping him pick up Illusion Magic, but he's not even seen using it in his scene! He's just inexplicably a 16 year old with a full-time construction job.

Did he drop out? I assume that he would've had to showcase mastery of Construction Magic in addition to Illusion Magic to graduate Hexside. Since Gus doesn't know Construction Magic as far as we know, it's not like he could've been tutoring Matt in it so he could graduate early with him.

Mattholomule - Dropped out of Hexside to go straight into construction work. Lol.

matt is a year older than gus so its possible that he could have graduated already and has just started the construction gig but dropout tholomule is also funny

[yesterdanereviews]

Superman (1987)

Film review #556

Director: B. Gupta

SYNOPSIS: As the planet Krypton is about to be destroyed, the parents of a baby boy send him to Earth to escape the destruction. He lands in India and is raised by a couple who soon realise he has superhuman powers, but keep his powers a secret, naming him Shekhar. As an adult, he travels to the city in search of his childhood, Gita, while his old rival for Gita’s love, Verma, is a tycoon and super-villain who aims to become rich by causing a series of natural disasters across India and buying up the land cheap...

THOUGHTS/ANALYSIS: Superman is a 1987 Indian film and an unlicensed adaptation of the comic book superhero. This is not the first adaptation into Indian cinema either, with similar (unlicensed adaptations) in 1960 and 1980. The film’s story follows the typical Superman lore fairly accurately, as in the intro, we see the planet Krypton about to be destroyed, and a young baby boy being sent to earth as the only survivor. However, rather than landing in the rural U.S. as is canon, he instead lands in India, where a young couple find him and give him the name Shekhar. They soon learn he has superhuman powers, but tell him to keep them secret. When Shekhar is grown up, he heads to the city to find his childhood Gita, now working as a reporter (the “Lois Lane” of this version), while his old rival for Gita’s affections, Verma, is now a crime-lord who attempts to get rich by creating a series of natural disasters across India in order to buy the land up cheap (being the “Lex Luthor” of this film). The story, apart from being set in India, fits the established story quite well...a little too well, as it is essentially copying the 1978 Superman film point-for-point. The capsule which takes Superman to earth as a child is the exact shape as the one from the original film, but obviously made from silver foil rather than expensive (for the time) CG. Also, it straight up steals footage from the 1978 film’s ending, where Superman flies around the Earth so fast he turns back time, alongside using the John Williams theme is definitely has no permission for. As such, we can’t give the film too much credit for it’s story if it’s just taking it from an other successful film, but it follows the beats of the film fairly well. It also adds in some usual musical and dancing numbers, but these feel quite underwhelming compared to other films I’ve seen; almost like they were focused on making a Superman clone and had to add in musical numbers because that’s what Indian cinema does. Alongside this, they also use Michael Jackson’s “Beat it” in one dance scene, which again I’m pretty sure they did not have the rights to do so.

As mentioned, the characters from the Superman franchise are all recreated here quite faithfully, although being based in India rather than the U.S. Superman/Shekhar has Clark Kent’s naivety and Superman’s bravery, Gita has Lois Lane’s dogged determination, and Verma has Lex Luthor’s evil streak. We see the planet Krypton at the start of the film, adorned with a cheap set full of random coloured blocks, and there is also the fortress of solitude, where Superman goes to learn about his home planet, all loving recreated with nowhere near the budget of it’s Hollywood counterpart. Superman seems to have all of his powers such as super strength and flight, but also has telekinesis for some reason too, shown in a scene where he unwraps food and sets a table with his mind. The film has a decent mix of humour, action and drama, so it’s not uninteresting, although being released nearly ten years after the very successful film it is copying, I’m not sure if the audience would have already seen the original film subtitled or dubbed by that time. Nevertheless, I suppose it’s a pretty good adaptation of Superman, only because it is ripping off a good Superman film beat for beat. Otherwise, the obligatory dance and musical numbers are poor and uninspiring, and a bloated runtime of over two hours to incorporate more typical drama elements weighs the film down. The choreography, in both the musical numbers and the fight scenes is pretty dire, as you can obviously tell that none of the punches are connecting to anyone. Despite all this, it is still one of those films you really need to see to believe, so if your curiosity is piqued, then maybe you’d better put two hours aside to savour this cinematic wild ride.

[fearsmagazine]

COBWEB - Review

DISTRIBUTOR: Lionsgate

SYNOPSIS: Eight-year-old Peter’s nights have become plagued by a mysterious and constant tapping from inside his bedroom wall. Unable to sleep he turns to his parents who attribute the tapping to his imagination. As it continues and intensifies, Peter knows it is real and he suspects his parents could be hiding a terrible and dangerous secret. WIth no one to turn to for help, Peter’s world descends into a deadly nightmare he may not survive.

REVIEW: COBWEB is a classic tale that combines Grimm Fairy Tale elements with contemporary themes in a wonderfully crafted tale with plenty of twists and turns to keep its secrets hidden to the terrifying end.

Screenwriter Chris Thomas Devlin does an admirable job of laying out a chilling tale of a child in peril. The screenplay weaves a fairy tale style with haunted house themes, and a menacing tone of sinister adults that is reminiscent of 1961’s “The Innocents.” Peter is the central character, but the plot has some solid character arcs for his parents, Carol & Mark, and his teacher Miss Devine. He takes the view on an emotional roller-coaster ride and just when you think you know what is going on flips the tale on its head in a jaw-dropping reveal. The story does a nice job building the mystery and suspense and it saves the majority of the horror and shocks for the story’s final act. While the screenplay takes the edge off the tension, the closing moments ratchet it up a bit and set it up for a potential sequel.

COBWEB has excellent production values. Overall, the cinematography has this blue, gray, brown, and green nightmare look that adds to the emotional tone of the film. Even the exterior white of the house looks old and dirty. They create a sense of unease through an engaging use of space for the interior use of space, especially Peter’s bedroom. There is interesting framing and skilled editing that crafts a pacing that ebbs and flows like an amusement park ride. There is an interesting use of color, especially for the pumpkin patch in the backyard. Clearly there is something “not well” with this home, and it extends into the neighborhood. The way it is shot, it seems to fade the further you get away from the house, until you come to the school where there are more vibrant colors, but it is still surrounded by this grayness. The family’s costumes are also grays and blues, where in contrast Miss Devine’s wardrobe feels like a beacon in Peter’s bad dream. It all combines to create a visually compelling experience.

COBWEB features a wonderful ensemble cast. Young actor Woody Norman, with already 19 acting credits, does an excellent job of bringing Peter to life, hooking the sympathies of the viewer and taking them along for the emotional ride. Lizzy Caplan, who played Annie Wilkes in the TV series “Castle Rock,” delivers an amazing performance as Peter’s mother. She presents a character consumed by an emotional storm. She clearly loves her son, but there is some much more going on that is internalized and we see that storm brewing beneath the surface. She is both terrifying and sympathetic. Antony Starr, unforgettable as Homelander on the Prime series “The Boys,” gets to work a slightly broader palette as Peter’s father. His performance fluctuates between being an authority figure and psychotic, at times finding these tranquil moments that are convincing. Caplan and Starr are truly menacing yet provide moments that leave the viewer questioning what is going on here. Cleopatra Coleman, an Australian film and television actor, has been in numerous genre films and brings her unique skills to Miss Devine. She is totally believable as an educator who perceives that one of her students is in peril and is compelled to ensure that he is kept from harm. She presents a brightlight in this dark tale.

Back in the day, before Covid and streaming platforms, there were solid genre films that would help fill in the space between the summer blockbusters. They also served as a vehicle for tv stars to make the transition from the small screens (again back in the day before large flatscreen tvs) to the big screen. COBWEB feels like one of those films, a creepy, greasy popcorn movie. There are many reasons to make the trek to your local theater to put a chill into a hot summer day. Great cast, great production designs, and a haunting tale that leaves a lingering chill. There are a few moments that feel a bit off in the film’s logic, but considering this is a dark, modern fairy tale they’re easily forgiven due to the fantastical theme. It’s more of a tween to adult family film, and definitely in need of a drive-in.

CAST: Woody Norman, Lizzy Caplan, Antony Starr, Cleopatra Coleman, Ellen Dubin (voice), and Luke Busey. CREW: Director - Samuel Bodin; Screenplay - Chris Thomas Devlin; Producers - Evan Goldberg, Roy Lee, Seth Rogen and James Weaver; Cinematographer - Philip Lozano; Score - Drum & Lace; Editors - Kevin Greutert & Richard Riffaud; Production Designer - Alan Gilmore; Costume Designer - Anna Gelinova; Prosthetic Designer - Yana Stoyanova; Special Effects Supervisor - Ivo Jivkov; Visual Effects - VFX Legion, Outlanders VFX & Worldwide FX. OFFICIAL: www.lionsgate.com/movies/cobweb FACEBOOK: N.A. TWITTER: N.A. TRAILER: https://youtu.be/Y3mwqvSachk RELEASE DATE: In Theaters on July 21, 2023.

**Until we can all head back into the theaters our “COVID Reel Value” will be similar to how you rate a film on digital platforms - 👍 (Like), 👌 (It’s just okay), or 👎 (Dislike)

Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri

[inflatables-with-bouncy-rentals]

Celebrating Milestones with a Bouncy House: More Than Just Birthdays

At Bouncy Rentals LLC, we know that a bouncy house isn’t just for birthday parties—it’s a perfect addition to any milestone celebration! Whether you’re marking a graduation, a family reunion, or a work anniversary, a bouncy house can take your event to the next level, bringing fun, energy, and unforgettable memories. Here's how you can celebrate all of life’s special milestones with a bounce!

1. Graduations

Graduations are huge milestones, and what better way to celebrate years of hard work than with some fun and excitement? Whether it's a kindergarten graduation or a high school or college achievement, a bouncy house can keep guests entertained while adding a lighthearted atmosphere to the event. Kids, teens, and even adults will love jumping and bouncing to mark the occasion.

Consider a fun, colorful theme to match the grad’s school colors or a more sophisticated, elegant setup for a more formal celebration. A bouncy house provides entertainment for everyone, leaving the graduates to celebrate in style while guests of all ages enjoy the fun.

2. Family Reunions

Family reunions are all about bringing loved ones together and creating lasting memories. With so many different age groups, it can be tough to find an activity everyone will enjoy. That’s where a bouncy house comes in! It’s a hit with kids, while also offering adults the chance to let loose and reminisce in a laid-back, fun environment.

You can even have a competition to see who can jump the highest, or challenge family members to a bounce-off. Just imagine the laughter as grandkids jump alongside grandparents! A bouncy house can be the heart of a reunion celebration, making it one to remember for years to come.

3. Baby Showers

Baby showers are a time for celebration, and while games, food, and gifts are the focus, a bouncy house adds a playful touch to the event. You can go all out with a themed inflatable—think “baby” or “woodland” themed designs for an extra-cute touch. Guests can have fun while the parents-to-be relax and enjoy the moment.

Renting a bouncy house can give the little ones in attendance something to do while the adults socialize. If you’re hosting an outdoor baby shower, the bounce house will fit perfectly into the celebration and make it unique.

4. Work Anniversaries and Corporate Celebrations

Who says work anniversaries and corporate events can’t be fun? For companies looking to boost morale and celebrate team achievements, a bouncy house rental can create a playful, team-building environment. Picture this: employees bouncing off some energy after a long meeting or participating in fun, inflatable-themed games as part of a team-building exercise.

For special company events like product launches or annual picnics, a bouncy house can be a great way to add some laughter and excitement to the celebration. It’s an excellent way to show your employees you appreciate their hard work while also encouraging camaraderie and fun!

5. Weddings and Anniversaries

While bouncy houses might not be the first thing that comes to mind for weddings, they’re becoming a trendy and fun addition to reception celebrations! Imagine guests letting loose in an inflatable bounce house between the meal and the dance floor. It adds a light-hearted, playful twist to the event, giving everyone the chance to kick back and enjoy the moment.

You can opt for a subtle, elegant inflatable (maybe in the wedding colors) or go all out with something unique to surprise your guests. A bouncy house at a wedding will be the talk of the event and give everyone something fun to remember!

6. School Events

School carnivals, fundraisers, or end-of-year celebrations are the perfect time to rent a bouncy house. Whether it’s to celebrate good grades or to reward students for a job well done, a bouncy house provides hours of entertainment. Not only does it encourage kids to be active, but it’s a great way for everyone to enjoy the event together, building school spirit and community.

For larger events, you can choose from inflatable obstacle courses or combo units that incorporate slides and bouncing areas. The kids will love the challenge and the excitement of racing through an obstacle course or gliding down a slide!

7. Holiday Parties

Holidays like the Fourth of July, Halloween, and Christmas are perfect opportunities for family gatherings and community celebrations. Why not add a bouncy house to your holiday party lineup? Imagine a Halloween-themed bouncy house filled with spooky fun, or a winter wonderland bounce house that brings holiday magic to life. A bouncy house can easily be incorporated into holiday festivities, making it an event everyone will remember.

You can even add extra holiday-themed décor, music, and games to match the vibe and ensure that the bouncy house complements the event.

8. Retirements

Retirement is a big deal—celebrating a lifetime of hard work with a memorable event is a must. For a lighthearted touch, rent a bouncy house for the retirement party! A fun bounce house can liven up the event and bring joy to people of all ages. You can even incorporate a theme that reflects the retiree’s hobbies, such as a beach theme for a retiree who loves the ocean, or a sports theme for a retiree with a passion for athletics.

This unique addition will make your retiree feel special while creating a relaxed, fun atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

Ready to Celebrate Your Milestones with a Bouncy House?

At Bouncy Rentals LLC, we’re here to help make any milestone event even more special with our fun and exciting inflatables. Whether you’re celebrating a graduation, anniversary, or family reunion, a bouncy house is the perfect way to add joy and laughter to your celebration.

Contact us today to learn more about our available rentals and let us help you plan an unforgettable event!

Phone: (443) 579-5867

Email: cs@bouncy-rental.com

Website: www.bouncy-rentals.com

Let’s make every milestone unforgettable with Bouncy Rentals LLC!