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wanderinginksplot · 1 year ago

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What to watch during the ongoing WGA strike

As the WGA strike keeps going, put the pressure where it belongs: on big companies, not the writers working for better conditions.

While we wait for new content (after an equitable agreement), here are some lesser-known movies, along with the (US) streaming services where they can be found. Feel free to add on with a title, short description, and where it can be found!

(Television show version here!)

Films listed under the cut!

Netflix:

The Gray Man (2022) - Rated R. A CIA spook known only as Sierra Six (Ryan Gosling) is assigned to kill a former Sierra member... only to find himself at the center of a conspiracy. At the same time, he becomes the target of a sadistic ex-CIA mercenary (Chris Evans).

Genre: Action/thriller. There are likely to be more Gray Man films coming in the near future, along with a television show based on Chris Evans's chillingly villainous Lloyd Hansen.

Rocky (1976) - Rated PG. Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) is a washed-up boxer who works as a Mafia enforcer. He gets an unexpected chance at glory when boxer Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) wants to fight an unknown.

Genre: Drama/sports. If you don't know the story behind Rocky, it's almost as good as the movie itself!

The Imitation Game (2014) - Rated PG-13. The story of Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), particularly his work in World War II to decode Enigma transmissions intercepted from the Axis powers.

Genre: Biographical drama. The Imitation Game is the story of Alan Turing's life, both triumphs and tragedies. It contains themes of hidden homosexuality, cruel and unusual punishment, and suicide.

Max:

Triple Frontier (2019) - Rated R. An ex-Delta Force soldier (Oscar Isaac) asks his prior teammates to come on one final mission, with the promise of an incredible payout.

Genre: Action/adventure. Triple Frontier is a typical action/adventure movie with some interesting effects and a cast (Isaac, Ben Affleck, Pedro Pascal, Charlie Hunnam, and Garrett Hedlund) that elevates it a little further.

Parasite (2019) - Rated R. The Kim family struggles to make ends meet until Ki-woo is referred to tutor a rich teenager. Through manipulation and daring, the entire Kim family ends up employed by the unknowing Park family.

Genre: Black comedy/thriller. Full of fascinating dynamics and an interesting look at divisions of wealth in South Korea, it's clear to see why Parasite gained such acclaim.

Casablanca (1942) - Rated PG. Casablanca, Morocco is a popular departure point for people fleeing the Nazis. Jaded nightclub owner Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) must decide whether to risk his life to help his ex (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband escape.

Genre: Romance/drama. Casablanca is considered by many to be the greatest movie ever made. If you haven't seen it, try it. Keep an eye out for dry humor and the way the director uses shadows to keep the black and white film interesting!

Ex Machina (2014) - Rated R. Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) wins an office lottery to help the company's CEO (Oscar Isaac) test his new AI (Alicia Vikander).

Genre: Sci-fi/psychological thriller. With incredible effects, a labyrinthine plot, and uncomfortable questions about what makes us human, it's easy to see why Ex Machina is considered one of the best sci-fi films of the last decade.

Hulu:

The Last Action Hero (1993) - Rated PG-13. Film fan Danny (Austin O'Brien) goes to see the latest in his favorite franchise, he finds himself pulled into the movie, working alongside his hero Jack Slater (Arnold Schwarzeneggar).

Genre: Fantasy/action/satire. Think of every action trope you associate with Arnold Schwarzeneggar, mix it with a vibe like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and add some self-aware humor, and you have The Last Action Hero. This is not a popular film among internet aggregators, but I enjoyed it!

Palm Springs (2020) - Rated R. Reluctant maid of honor Sarah (Cristin Milioti) is fascinated by a wedding guest (Andy Samberg) who seems to know more than he should. When she follows him from the wedding, she finds herself stuck with him in a time loop.

Genre: Sci-fi/rom-com. Though Palm Springs has some real COVID-19 quarantine vibes, the plot keeps it from feeling like a time capsule.

Whiplash (2014) - Rated R. Talented drummer Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is identified for an elite jazz band by sadistic and manipulative conductor Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons).

Genre: Drama. Though Whiplash is not a horror movie, it is partially produced by Blumhouse Productions. That darkness really shines through in Fletcher's abusive behavior.

Role Models (2008) - Rated R. After a disastrous, drunken day at work, Danny (Paul Rudd) is assigned community service in a big brother program. He is assigned to awkward teenager Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and accompanies him during his favorite activity: LARPing.

Genre: Humor. Though Role Models can get a little close to cringe comedy, it's got enough genuine humor and heart to get away with it... and even be a little sweet.

Amazon Prime:

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) - Rated R. An author tells the story of Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), the owner of a once-grand hotel in the former country of Zubrowka, using several frame stories.

Genre: Drama. Wes Anderson's films have a very characteristic style. The Grand Budapest Hotel features stunning sets, a ton of cameos, and enough quirky humor to keep you entertained!

Hot Fuzz (2007) - Rated R. London police officer Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is reassigned to the small town of Sandford. He's frustrated by the small town at first, but a string of murders make him suspect something more is going on...

Genre: Action/comedy. Hot Fuzz is the second installment of the Cornetto Trilogy. It is a satirical look at the cop film genre - and thus has a lot of overdramatic violence - but it manages to stand on its own at the same time.

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989) - Rated PG. Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves) are two teens more interested in their band than their studies. But if they don't pass their history final, Ted will be sent to military school. A mysterious stranger gives them a time machine, sending them off to write the best essay of all time!

Genre: Comedy/sci-fi. If you're used to Keanu Reeves as a broody hero, you're in for a shock and a treat to see him at his surfer/stoner/slacker best!

The Iron Giant (1999) - Rated PG. In 1957, 9-year-old Hogarth Hughes finds a 50-foot tall robot in the woods. He befriends the giant and the two work to evade the government, who suspect it is an attack on the United States.

Genre: Family/adventure. The Iron Giant is one of the most recognizable and emotional animated films of the 1990s - extra impressive considering it's a Warner Bros film that came out in the middle of the Disney Renaissance!

Disney+

The Boondock Saints (1999) - Rated R. Irish Catholic brothers Connor (Sean Patrick Flanery) and Murphy (Norman Reedus) living in 1990s Boston are sick of the crime on the streets. They decide to take matters into their own hands.

Genre: Crime/drama. The Boondock Saints has low scores on almost every film aggregator site, but is widely considered a cult classic. (Edit: warnings for insensitive portrayal of homosexuality and transgenderism.)

Feel free to reblog this and add your own lesser-known film suggestions! Support the WGA strike!

The Reluctant Dragon (1941) - Rated G. Robert Benchley wants to sell a movie idea to Walt Disney. As he searches for Walt, he wanders through the studio and sees how many of the magical movie effects are done.

Genre: Family/fantasy. I'll admit, this film was included on purpose. Not because it's amazing (it's interesting at best), but because of the story behind it. The Reluctant Dragon was released three weeks after the majority of the animators went on strike. (And most of the "workers" in the film are actually actors, another sore spot.) Disney fired all of the strikers before eventually agreeing to let them unionize and rehiring those who wished to return. (You can read more about the strike here.)

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themovieblogonline · 2 days ago

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HBO’s The Penguin offers a gritty, masterfully crafted journey into Gotham’s criminal depths, expanding on the mythos introduced in The Batman (2022). Developed by Lauren LeFranc, the series delves into Oswald "Oz" Cobb's struggle for dominance following Carmine Falcone's death. This exploration of power, betrayal, and raw ambition sets a new benchmark for crime drama on television, thanks to LeFranc’s nuanced storytelling, captivating characters, and Colin Farrell’s unforgettable performance as the titular Penguin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQghiGQi6Lo Colin Farrell is incredible: Colin Farrell’s transformation into Oz Cobb is nothing short of spectacular. Farrell sinks into the role with an intense physicality and menacing charisma, bringing humanity to Oz without undermining his ruthless edge. The prosthetics and make-up, already lauded in The Batman, are paired with Farrell’s immersive approach, enhancing Oz’s grotesque, intimidating presence. His portrayal goes beyond just embodying a gangster’s rise to power; he captures a character driven by trauma, shaped by Gotham’s unforgiving streets, and desperate for validation. The result is an emotionally complex anti-hero who oscillates between vulnerability and viciousness, anchoring the series with magnetic appeal. Setup: The series opens with "After Hours," a high-stakes pilot that sets the tone for the intrigue, danger, and betrayal that define Oz’s world. The assassination of Falcone creates a power vacuum that every criminal in Gotham wants to exploit. Oz’s impulsive murder of Alberto Falcone kick-starts his tumultuous journey, immediately plunging him into the perilous game of survival against more seasoned players. Each episode, from "Inside Man" to "A Great or Little Thing," constructs a narrative web rich with tension as Oz navigates through deadly alliances and shifting loyalties, establishing him as a cunning force who dares to challenge Gotham’s most dangerous families. Millioti and Feliz shine: Cristin Millioti’s Sofia Falcone is another standout character. Her portrayal of Carmine’s deeply flawed daughter is both haunting and heartbreaking, conveying the scars left by her father’s brutal legacy. Sofia is haunted by her time in Arkham and her brother’s violent death, and her descent into madness adds layers to the story, presenting a powerful contrast to Oz’s brand of survival. Millioti’s portrayal lends depth to a tragic character who might otherwise have remained a one-dimensional foil, creating a dynamic of mutual dependence and competition with Oz that intensifies the tension between them. Rhenzy Feliz as Victor “Vic” Aguilar also leaves a lasting impact. His character’s arc, as Oz’s reluctant but loyal protégé, is deeply moving, depicting the sacrifices and moral compromises young Gothamites face in this merciless world. Through Vic, The Penguin subtly examines class and survival, adding a sense of empathy to the underworld’s brutal landscape. The chemistry between Vic and Oz offers a surprising emotional counterpoint to the relentless violence, showing how loyalty and ambition can intertwine to tragic ends. Excellent writing: All of the writing is meticulous, creating a narrative that builds and maintains suspense while also allowing for introspective moments. Each episode is layered with intricate plotting, showing not only the immediate, explosive consequences of Oz’s actions but also the ripple effects that disrupt the lives of everyone involved. The pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to simmer before bursting into violence, a rhythm that keeps viewers on edge. The slow, tense evolution of Oz’s drug empire through his partnership with Sofia, and his complex maneuvering against the Falcones and Maronis, highlights LeFranc’s skill in unfolding a crime saga that is as emotionally engaging as it is thrilling. Fantastic visuals: Visually, The Penguin excels in creating a moody, atmospheric Gotham City. The cinematography is dark and stylish, capturing Gotham’s decay while offering moments of stark beauty that remind audiences of the city’s layered personality. The use of lighting, shadows, and color palettes enhances the tension, with seedy locations like the Iceberg Lounge and derelict parts of the city serving as backdrops to Oz’s dangerous ventures. The bleak aesthetic adds weight to the narrative, reinforcing the sense of despair and moral ambiguity that pervades Gotham’s criminal underbelly. Supporting performances: The show also explores family trauma and mental health with sensitivity, particularly through Sofia’s flashbacks and Oz’s relationship with his mother, Francis (played by Deirdre O’Connell). Francis, though suffering from dementia, embodies a powerful presence in Oz’s life. Her character is both a nurturing and controlling figure, haunting Oz with unresolved pasts that fuel his ambitions. O’Connell’s portrayal is compelling, especially as her character’s health declines, forcing Oz to confront painful family secrets. These moments offer a rare vulnerability to the hardened mobster, grounding the crime epic in a deeply personal struggle for identity and belonging. Clancy Brown’s turn as Salvatore Maroni provides a formidable antagonist for Oz. Brown brings a gravitas that makes Maroni’s few scenes impactful, especially as the power struggle between Maroni and Oz intensifies. Maroni’s character adds historical weight to the series, reminding viewers of the criminal empires that existed long before Oz’s rise. His interactions with Oz highlight the dangers of ambition in Gotham, as Maroni’s pragmatic ruthlessness clashes with Oz’s raw desire for respect. The resulting conflict is brutal and devastating, propelling the story to its dramatic peak. A tense finale: The finale, "A Great or Little Thing," is a masterstroke of narrative closure and emotional impact. Without delving into spoilers, the episode brings Oz’s journey full circle, cementing his place in Gotham’s hierarchy. This climactic episode delivers visceral action and poignant moments, encapsulating the cost of Oz’s ambition. It is a fitting end to a series that delves deep into the heart of Gotham’s criminal psyche, leaving the door open for future stories in this compelling universe. Overall: The Penguin stands tall as one of the finest crime dramas in recent television history. LeFranc’s storytelling, combined with Farrell’s powerhouse performance, crafts a mesmerizing portrayal of Gotham’s underworld. With its complex characters, atmospheric visuals, and relentless tension, The Penguin offers a definitive look at the dark allure of crime and ambition. This series is not just a spin-off but a testament to how spin-offs, when crafted with such care, can elevate and expand the worlds they belong to. HBO has delivered a true triumph with The Penguin, one that will captivate audiences and leave them eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Gotham’s story.

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alynicoleee · 8 months ago

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Beginning of Forever: Chapter Eighteen

Title: Beginning of Forever (Chapter 18) Pairing: Tim Lincecum / OFC POV: Third Person - Tim Lincecum Rating: PG-13

Tim walked around his dad's house and noticed that his dad had set up a few Christmas knick knacks around the place. His dad had never been one for decorating - their holidays had mostly been meek and quiet, just the two of them for many years.

Tim had wished Alyssa a happy thanksgiving and she had responded back, stating that she hoped he had a nice time with his family. He sat in the kitchen island drinking coffee when his dad walked him.

"Good Morning Tim".

"Good Morning Dad. I like the Christmas details starting to pop up."

"Thanks. I thought I'd add something to cheer up the place a little."

Tim nodded and stared into his cup.

"You okay son?"

Tim looked up and sighed. He hadn't talked about Alyssa to anyone, but kind of wanted to.

"When did you know you were ready to move on? After Mom left?"

Tim and his father's situation wasn't the same. His wife had passed away after they had been together for ten years. While his mom had left his father one day after they had been together for over fifteen years. They had both lost their partner but in significantly different ways. He knew it wasn't the same - but maybe his dad would be able to offer some sort of perspective.

Tim's father, Chris, sighed. "I don't know if there was ever a point where I said - I'm ready. Now is the time. For a few years there I lived vicariously through you, through your career, so I didn't really have time to even think about a relationship. I want to say that it was once I stopped missing your mother, once the empty feeling went away. I think that's when I knew I was ready."

Chris paused waiting for a response from Tim. When he didn't get one he continued, "Are you thinking that time is moving too slow? Or maybe too fast? There's no definitive time table here. No one can tell you if it's too soon or not soon enough. Only you'll know when the time is right. If it feels right."

Tim had been listening to his dad and looked back down into his cup. "I met someone. And I don't know. Sometimes I feel like I'm ready to go and start something but then other times I feel guilty, like I'm moving on too fast."

Chris sat down next Tim and placed a hand on his shoulder, "It's okay to feel guilty. But Cristin wouldn't want you to dwell and be alone forever. She'd want you to be happy and find love again."

"I know. And I tell myself that Cristin would be okay with my moving on, but then I'll go a few days where I don't even think of her, and that's when I begin to feel guilty. And I know that's not fair. To me, to her memory, or even to the woman I met."

"You want to tell me about her? Or is that prying into something that you don't even know where it stands right now."

"You know it's never prying Dad. And I always value your input. You know Drew and Sean were down in Miami in late October. Drew being Drew decided he'd download one of those dating apps on my phone and set me up with a profile. I didn't think I was even going to use it but I did. For the most part the app was pretty mundane, matches didn't really go anywhere - but than I matched with this one woman - Alyssa. I think what made it different with her was that she seemed so relaxed and nonchalant right from the beginning. And she knew exactly who I was - but never made a big deal out of. In fact, even now I don't think she's ever mentioned anything about my playing days. She knew who I was but treated me like just another random match. I liked that."

Tim moved to put his cup in the sink as he continued talking, "We went out twice and the connection was incredible. It felt like I had known her my whole life and then I got scared that everything was feeling right and maybe moving too fast. So I kind of back tracked and we started over, going slower. But sometimes I feel like it's a snail pace, but I don't want it to feel rushed either. But she's amazing. She's giving me space and time to figure everything out, but I don't know if that's even fair to her and I don't want to hurt her either.

Tim sighed as he leaned against the countertop and waited for his dad to tell him something he didn't want to hear, but instead Chris just sat and responded, "Son, good things are allowed to happen to you too. And they don't need to be difficult, or hard or come with sacrifices. They can just be."

#baseball rpf #ofc #fan fic #fan fiction #fanfiction #fanfic

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thebicanary · 2 years ago

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not to excuse the literal caving in of another man's head but I'm just saying criston's every action in ep 5 makes 10x more sense if you view it as him traumatised by being raped and unable to even comprehend that he was because I highly doubt westeros believes women are capable of raping men when most people in our modern world don't

#look i love my girl rhaenyra but the INCREDIBLY dubios consent of that scene and the power dynamic between them #even if cristin did have genuine feelings/attraction to her (debatable) it doesn't change that she coerced him to sleep with her #and he looked far from thrilled the entire time #like y'all really say 'the patriarchy hurts men too' and 'men can be raped too' but ignore a storyline tackling both those issues because #rhaenyra's a girlboss?#like damn y'all we can love her as a character while acknowledging what she did to cristin was harmful and wrong #i don't wanna hear anyone on this post saying 'he could have refused' or 'he wanted it but he wanted to keep his honor'#do you not hear yourselves #rape mention tw #criston cole #house of the dragon #hotd spoilers

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joeygoeshollywood · 4 years ago

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My 25 Favorite Films of 2020

Well, this was quite the crazy year, especially for movies. While many films that were slated to be released this year were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year still provided some laughs, tears, and thrills both in theaters and in the living room.

(NOTE: Due to the delayed awards season calendar and postponed Oscar bait films that are unavailable to be seen before the end of 2020, this list will eventually be updated after having seen the following films: The Father, Minari, News of the World, Nomadland, One Night in Miami, Pieces of a Woman, Promising Young Woman)

Here are my 25 favorite films of the year:

25. Kajillionaire

Quirky filmmaker Miranda July is back with her first feature in nearly a decade. Kajillionaire is a bizarre but captivating tale about a family of criminal grifters and how the daughter reevaluates her strained relationship with her parents after an outsider is welcomed into the fold. Evan Rachel Wood takes what could have easily been dismissed as a goofy caricature in Old Dolio (yes, that’s her name) and turns into a heartfelt portrayal of a woman whose lifestyle of freeloading dictated by her parents (played by Debra Winger and Richard Jenkins) becomes her own crisis. In many ways, Kajillionaire feels like a fantasy that keeps people asking, “What on earth is going on?” And this time, it’s for the best.

24. Freaky

Revamping decades-old plots like the body-swapping antics from Freaky Friday can either result in a predictable failure or a surprising success. Thankfully, Freaky falls into the latter category. In this horror comedy, a deranged serial killer (played by Vince Vaughn) swaps bodies with his victim, a timid teen girl (played by Kathryn Newton). What makes the film work though are the dedicated lead performances, particularly by Vaughn, who is pretty convincing as young girl trapped in a grown man’s body. With a few good laughs and decent thrills, Freaky is worth the watch.

23. The Outpost

The Outpost is an intense film about the real-life story of small group of US troops isolated by surrounding mountains in Afghanistan, under the constant threat of the Taliban, which ultimately comes to a head in the Battle of Kamdesh. The film captures the harrowing experiences of these soldiers with heart-pounding action sequences, which are fueled by a solid cast including Scott Eastwood, Caleb Landry Jones, and Orlando Bloom.

22. Uncle Frank

Paul Bettany may be best known for playing The Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he should be celebrated as his title character in Uncle Frank, a touching dramedy set in 1973 about an NYU professor who returns home to his estranged family for his father’s funeral while his niece, played by rising star Sophia Lillis, idolizes him for teaching her to be her authentic self while he keeps his sexuality a secret. Bettany brilliantly balances the coolness of his stature with the internal agony that ultimately hits a boiling point, which is counterbalanced by Peter Macdissi’s fun performance as Frank’s happy-go-lucky lover who accompanies him back home despite his wishes.

21. Hillbilly Elegy

Hillbilly Elegy was panned by critics over politics that had absolutely no role the film. Based on the best-selling memoir by J.D. Vance, the newest feature from Ron Howard shows the journey of a boy who despite all odds growing up in a poor family that constantly struggled with abuse and addition managed to get into Yale Law School and achieve the American dream. While both Gabriel Basso and Owen Asztalos hold the film together as the younger and older Vance in the present and flashback scenes, Amy Adams as the impulsive, irresponsible mother and an unrecognizable Glenn Close as the no-nonsense inspiring grandmother that turn Hillbilly Elegy into an acting tour de force.

20. The Trial of the Chicago 7

Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin sits in the director’s chair once again in this courtroom drama about the real-life protesters who showed up in Chicago during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. With themes that resonate today, The Trial of the Chicago 7 benefits from its sharp screenplay, well-paced editing, and an outstanding ensemble cast that includes Eddie Redmayne, Mark Rylance, Yahoo Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong, Frank Langella, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Michael Keaton.

19. Yellow Rose

Broadway actress Eva Noblezada makes her film debut as an aspiring country singer on the run after her mother, an illegal immigrant, is obtained for deportation. Yellow Rose presents a nuanced depiction of US immigration, but at the heart of it is a heartbreaking story of a young woman who struggles between putting her family or her dreams first. Between Noblezada’s powerful performance and solid original music, Yellow Rose hits all the right chords.

18. Palm Springs

Move over, Groundhog Day. While the Bill Murray classic has largely monopolized the time loop film genre, Palm Springs gives it a run for its money. Andy Sandberg and Cristin Milioti star as the unlikely duo who are stranded reliving the same dreaded wedding day involving mutual acquaintances and their desperate efforts to escape the seemingly inescapable. The Hulu comedy stands on its own two feet for the good laughs, the chemistry between the two leads, and the film’s emotionally-grounded plot.

17. Let Him Go

Kevin Costner and Diane Lane reunite on the big screen after playing farmer parents in Man of Steel to rancher grandparents in Let Him Go, although this time they are able to display their full acting chops. In this period dramatic thriller, they set out to find their only grandchild following the death of their son only to discover that the widowed daughter-in-law remarried into an infamous crime family. While both Costner and Lane tug at the heartstrings, it’s Lesley Manville, who plays the ruthless matriarch of the family, that really takes command of the screen. Ultimately, Let Him Go is all about family and the lengths one is willing to go to protect it.

16. Unhinged

In a year plagued by the pandemic, Unhinged led the way to the revival of movie theaters back in August and perhaps in some ways it was meant to be the film to do so as the themes of a rage-fueled society and the lack of human connection carry weight. Russell Crowe stars, as the title suggests, as an unhinged psychopath whose road rage torments a woman and her adolescent son. Unhinged is the epitome of pure entertainment and is why we go to the movies. While it’s not quite the most sophisticated thriller of the year, it’s still one helluva ride.

15. Emma

Anya Taylor-Joy has had quite the year with both highs (The Queen’s Gambit) and lows (The New Mutants). But it began before the pandemic with the release of Emma, which she stars as the iconic Jane Austen title character, a socialite who meddles in the love life of others while refusing to acknowledge her own shortcomings in that department. Supported with a strong ensemble cast, beautiful production design, and comedic charm, Emma is not to be missed.

14. The Invisible Man

ln the era of remakes and reboots, very few are as good as Universal’s latest monster flick revival of The Invisible Man. Elisabeth Moss stars as a woman who believes she’s being haunted by her abusive ex-husband, someone she becomes convinced faked his own death and is stalking her without being able to be seen. Filmmaker Leigh Whannell, the writer behind the Saw and Insidious horror franchises, generates good thrills and high-wire tension with the help of high production value and a terrifyingly-good performance from Moss.

13. Dick Johnson is Dead

Documentarian Kirsten Johnson filmed a beautiful, intimate tribute to her father Dick Johnson, who has been suffering from Alzheimer's in the final years of his life. However, instead of dreading his death, both daughter and father embrace it by having him acting out several scenes of his over-the-top demises. Dick Johnson is Dead may focus on the subject manner of death, but this documentary actually celebrates life and the laughs that happen along the way.

12. The Wolf of Snow Hollow

Perhaps one of the littlest-known films of the year, The Wolf of Snow Hollow is not your conventional indie comedy horror flick. Writer/director Jim Cummings stars as an overly-heated police officer who attempts to get to the bottom of a string of murders in his small, snowy Utah town by what appears to be some sort of werewolf, though he remains unconvinced. Featuring one of the final performances from veteran actor Robert Forster, The Wolf of Snow Hollow uses its quirky sense of humor to stand out from the rest of the pack.

11. The Gentlemen

The Gentlemen is a fun, action-packed, crime caper from Guy Ritchie about the London turf war of drug kingpins. Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Goulding, Michelle Dockery, and Colin Ferrell all round out the strong cast, but its Hugh Grant that really steals the show as the comedically manipulative Fletcher, whose only allegiance is to himself. If you like a stylish film with well-choreographed violence and a fast-paced plot, The Gentlemen should be your cup of tea.

10. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Some of the best play-to-film adaptations are the films that feel like you’re watching a play, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is one of them. Produced by Denzel Washington, Viola Davis gives a transformative performance as Ma Rainey, known as the “mother of the blues” and the clash she had with a pair of White music producers, but she also butts heads with her trumpet player (played by the late Chadwick Boseman), who also has his own music ambitions. While Davis obviously gives other Oscar-worthy performance, it was Boseman who was able to show how incredibly gifted he was as an actor. And while the world lost him far too soon, at least his last role ended up being his greatest.

9. The Kid Detective

One of the biggest surprises of the year was how good a movie starring and produced by Adam Brody was. Brody plays a washed up former kid detective who attempts to revive his once-celebrated career of solving mysteries by getting to the bottom of a murder in his hometown. The Kid Detective is a brilliant dark comedy from newcomer writer/director Evan Morgan with good laughs, plenty of plot twists, and a career-best performance from Brody, who proves he’s more than just the pretty face from The O.C. we all know him as.

8. Mank

Citizen Kane is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and Mank is a worthy tribute. Gary Oldman stars as the title character Herman “Mank” Mankiewicz, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind the iconic film. David Fincher (The Social Network, Gone Girl) managed to capture the epic scale of the 1941 classic that would make Orson Welles proud.

7. Soul

Soul is one of those rare existential Pixar films that goes beyond being children’s entertainment. Following in the footsteps of 2015′s Inside Out, Soul depicts what happens to the soul of a jazz musician who’s convinced his time on Earth isn’t over. While the universe created to explain how souls work and the plot that went along with it falls short of its emotions predecessor, Soul is still high-caliber among Pixar films and a great movie for both kids and adults alike.

6. Another Round

Perhaps the greatest work from Swedish director Thomas Vinterberg to date, Another Round follows four unsatisfied middle aged men who decide to take a theory of task from a Norwegian psychiatrist, who concluded that maintaining a blood alcohol level of 0.050 will enhance their mental and psychological state. Mads Mikkelsen, who’s best known to American audiences as Hannibal Lecter in the short-lived NBC series Hannibal and the Bond villain in Casino Royale, offers a strong, nuanced performance as one of the four educators who embraces this drinking challenge in a film that provides an equal balance of chuckles, cringes, and emotional gut punches.

5. I’m Thinking of Ending Things

From the crazy mastermind of Charlie Kaufman, the writer behind Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Anomalisa, his latest on Netflix is too a mind-bender. I’m Thinking of Ending Things is a surreal, zany, and at times disturbing examination of the human condition as the nameless female protagonist played by an incredible Jessie Buckley mulls over breaking up with her boyfriend (played by Jesse Plemons) while visiting his parents’ house. Accompanied with a stellar production design and a crazy-good performance from Toni Collette as “Mother,” Kaufman newest cerebral feature lives up to his iconic reputation of filmmaking.

4. Da 5 Bloods

Spike Lee is one of the few genius filmmakers who is able to blend multiple genres together and his latest film is no different. Da 5 Bloods is an action adventure, buddy comedy, dramatic character study, and war movie all wrapped up into one about a group of Vietnam War veterans who return to the former battlegrounds to find the remains of one of their fallen soldiers as well as some treasure that they kept hidden years ago. With a strong ensemble cast that includes the late Chadwick Boseman, its longtime character actor Delroy Lindo who steals the show with his powerful performance. Da 5 Bloods is easily one of Netflix’s strongest films to date.

3. The Assistant

One of the first #MeToo-era films, The Assistant offers the day in the life of a low-level female staffer of a production company who is haunted by the presence of her Harvey Weinstein-like boss (who never actually appears in the film). However, rather than depicting the dramatics of sexual misconduct, The Assistant uses the common subtleties and nuances of the workplace yet maintains the same tension and heartbreak. Anchored by the remarkable, devastating performance by up-and-comer Julia Garner (Ozark), The Assistant is as important as it is well-done.

2. Sound of Metal

Riz Ahmed gives the performance of his career as a heavy metal drummer and former addict whose sudden battle with going deaf upends his life. Sound of Metal is an incredible experience that gives a rare glimpse in the American deaf community which is enhanced by the remarkable sound design that helps the audience actually hear what the musician is going through. It’s truly one of the most rewarding films of the year.

1. The Climb

The Climb takes the generic “man sleeps with his best friend’s fiancé” storyline and turns it on its head. In his feature debut as writer and director, Michael Angelo Covino leads as the not-so-apologetic adulterer Mike and Kyle Marvin, who co-wrote the film, is the good-hearted Kyle who struggles to whether or not to forgive his best friend’s ultimately betrayal. Not only is The Climb is quirky and hilariously written, it’s a remarkably well-made comedy with some of the year’s best cinematography. Between a strong cast, a superb screenplay, and the extremely-high production value, The Climb is at the top of the mountain of 2020′s best films.

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adiarosefandoms · 3 years ago

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Harry Potter Geekish Channels

If you’re a Harry Potter fan seeking some fun Wizarding content, I’ve followed these girl’s Youtube channels since I was ten years old and still watch their new content to this day.

Brizzy (Anna Brisbane) is a voice actress with a knack for cosplay. She is a Ravenclaw who is also a part of many other fandoms including Marvel and DC, though her voice impressions are undoubtedly her most iconic trait. From the first video I watched, I loved her personality and continued to binge her Youtube history. Random, clever, and a true fangirl, Brizzy is an amazing person I’d watch everyday whether she’s doing another round of impression Alphabet Aerobics, or visiting the Wizarding World.

https://www.youtube.com/user/brizzyvoices

Tessa Netting’s main claim to fame is her Youtube channel, but she’s also worked as an actor and performed on Broadway during the 2008 run of Billy Elliot. She’s incredibly energetic and positive, though she does discuss the occasional real issues such as the JK Rowling controversy on her channel or mental illness on her Instagram. A lovable geek, this Ravenclaw exudes good vibes for good times. Plus, right now you can check out incoming videos of her planning her geekish wedding that she describes as “a descent into madness.” (This means book page flowers, 9 3/4 invitations/tickets, and stormtroopers galore.)

https://www.youtube.com/user/tessaROXX

PolandBananasBooks (Cristine Riccio) is a Youtuber as well as the author of two popular YA novels, Again but Better, and Better Together. While both take place in an urban setting, they each feature their own little kind of magic. Her channel’s description is right there in the username, Books. Reviews, challenges, reactions, releases, and more, she’s typically my source for new bookish info. This Ravenclaw slays at Harry Potter trivia, which you can find multiple videos of her playing.

https://www.youtube.com/user/polandbananasBOOKS

I just adore this trio of Ravenclaws whether they’re together or apart. Their videos and Instagrams brighten my day considerably and I highly recommend checking them out.

(Plus, they all prove once again, that Ravenclaw is the best house.)

#Ravenclaws #The best house #Christine Riccio #Brizzy Voices #Tessa Netting #Harry Potter #HP #booktuber

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agentnico · 4 years ago

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Palm Springs (2020) Review

The cop from Brooklyn Nine-Nine gets with Ted’s wife from How I Met Your Mother. Let the comedy ensue...

Plot: When carefree Nyles and reluctant maid of honour Sarah have a chance encounter at a Palm Springs wedding, things get complicated as they are unable to escape the venue, themselves, or each other.

Ever since the comedy classic Groundhog Day hit our screens back in 1993, the idea of getting stuck in the same day on repeat in a time-loop has been done and rehashed many times with the likes Edge of Tomorrow, Netflix’s Russian Doll and Happy Death Day as an examples just to mention a few. That’s not even alluding to the countless times popular TV shows dedicated an episode towards this gimmick. What I can I say, its a success proven formula, so why not milk it to the teat! So now famous comedy music group The Lonely Island who have recently been delving into the film-making business with the likes of Hot Rod, Brigsby Bear, Storks, Tour de Pharmacy and the incredibly funny Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping have also decided to jump onto the Groundhog Day wagon and bring us Palm Springs. What separates this movie from the other time-loop flicks previous to it is the factor that it places multiple characters in the time loop instead of just the usual lone protagonist, to wake up in the same place on the same day every day, always at a wedding in Palm Springs. Thus, there are shifts in perspective running concurrent with the temporal repetition of events and place, which opens up an array of possibilities in montage and storytelling.

What I appreciated about Palm Springs is that it doesn’t waste time with exploiting it’s all too familiar narrative, as such when we meet Andy Samberg’s character Nyles, he has already been stuck in this repeated plot long before we catch him in the movie, so he quickly brings us up to speed on what is going on, instead of leaving us for half the movie with the Murray factor of trying to figure out what is happening. To be honest, the repetition story thread is actually a set-up for what this movie is truly about, and that is the classic love story. This is a romantic movie through and through, as we get to enjoy Samberg’s and Milioti’s characters get to know each other and learn to appreciate each other under the given fantastical circumstances. Yes, the movie is filled to the brim with romantic movie tropes and cliches, and there are some good spills of humour throughout, but also this movie is surprisingly relatable for us in the year 2020. The whole idea of losing track of time due to the lack of a tomorrow, or in our case having days merge into one as people are stuck isolating at home during a pandemic, but this relevancy is purely coincidental as I’m certain the folks from The Lonely Island were not aware that a pandemic was going to hit at the time they were filming this. Then again, maybe they were. What if, dare I even say it....Andy Samberg is behind all of this?? No, no it cannot be! That’s stupid talk! No, really, that is stupid, what am I even talking about? Where am I going with this?? In any case, Palm Springs offers exactly what you expect from it without taking any risks, nor does it have to, as it never tries to prove that it’s something more unique than a simple enjoyable romantic comedy.

There’s a lovely cast here at work also worth mentioning. Andy Samberg imbues Nyles with the right level of cynicism, that would naturally occur, one would assume, if you were reliving the same day for the hundredth time. Cristin Milioti, known to most as the mother from How I Met Your Mother, gets to play the confused type as she’s thrown into the time-loop at the time we start the film, so it’s interesting to see her crazy ballistic reaction to the entire ordeal to counterpart Samberg’s accepting calm demeanour. They both share solid chemistry with one another, though I feel like them falling for one another felt a bit rushed, at least from the point of view of an audience, as by the narrative standards these characters have been stuck in the same day for a while. I don’t know, when the typical romantic Hollywood ending comes about, I didn’t feel like it was garnered. But that’s more of a script complaint rather than towards the actors. J.K. Simmons also pops up in a fun little role that then turns endearing when you find out more about him.

As a whole, Palm Springs lacks the twists and turns, but makes up for it with its feel-good heartwarming nature, and some good solid jokes to seal the deal. Though I would not say this is a laugh out loud comedy. If you are looking for something truly hilarious, look no further that The Lonely Island’s other comedy Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, featuring a load of slapstick buffoonery to satisfy your cravings. But do give Palm Springs a watch too, its enjoyable for what its worth.

Overall score: 6/10

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goodphantomoftheoperaposts · 6 years ago

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okay but HEAR ME OUT

Now, I don’t stan either Erik or Raoul. They both honsetly have their faults (although one admittedly has much worse faults) but with that said, if I’m going to be perfectly honest here, (and I’m speaking mainly about the ALW musical adaptation) if things didn’t go so sour due to Erik’s incredibly poor choices, I think Christine may have actually chose him. Like, if Erik wasn’t so clingy and dependent on her, and was willing to let her have some air, I think she may have found him a lot more appealing than Raoul is.

It’s not that Raoul would make a bad husband (we’re ignoring LND here), it’s more of a personality thing. Christine is an artist, and not just with music. Well, music is a huge part of her life and it brings her a rush like nothing else can, but she’s intruged by the strange and and unfamillair. The things she really wants to experience and explore would be considered unorthadox in her time. That’s why she was so curious about Erik when she first met him. He was exciting. He’s a weird ass dude and he knows how to work it. He was mysterious, hard even tell if he was actually a human or some kind of earthreal being. Every corner of his home is scatterd with music and art, he’s talented as hell, incredibly intellegent, and just a and just an odd guy in general, and Christine digs it. That’s the kind of shit she’s into but is too self-concious to ever express due to society’s expectations of her. But Erik, he’s not apart of society. He doesn’t follow social norms like other men. She could be her true weird around him, and he wouldn’t mind at all. If anything he’d support the hell out of it, and in a way I suposse, actually freeing her, even if that is a bit ironic.

Raoul on the other hand though? He’s a good guy. He’s supportive and he Loves Cristine to death, but the thing is.... he’s normal. He’s your average Mr. Perfect from that time period. He’s ritch and can provide a comfortable life for the both of them, but deep down, I don’t thik Christine really wants a “normal” life. With Raoul she could imagine pretty much exactly how her life would go. But with Erik? It’s always a mystery, an adventure. He’s always got something interesting and weird going on. He’s not normal.

Also, I feel like I should address the context behind both Raoul and Erik’s bad traits. Now Erik certainly has pulled worse shit, that’s for sure, but it’s the reason why they did the things they did that I want to focus on.

When Raoul had his dick moments, it invloved him being impulsive and not letting Christine make her own decisions. He also tended to sometimes give off a bit of a “nice guy” vibe if you know what I mean. But why is that? Simple. He’s a product of his time. That sort of behavoir was considered normal coming from men back then, and hell, even now sometimes. He’s the man in the relationship. He was raised to belive that it’s his right take control and be dominant. Even if he has no real ill intention, that’s how he, and most other men back then were conditioned from a young age to belive.

But now lets look at Erik. He did much worse shit, but none of it had anything to do with gender norms. He’s impulsive, aggressive, and dominant yes, but it’s not because he was raised to be that way. He basically raised himself. He had no one to look out for him. Since he was a little kid he had been living by his own terms, completely detatched from the outside world. Thus, society’s expectations for how he should behave around women were never ingrained in him. The reason he’s so aggressive is purely a result his envornment growing up. Meaning, that the controlling behavoir he showed towards Christine when he started to lose his shit had nothing to do with how he veiwed women, he’s just kind of an asshole.

OKAY SO NOW.

Pretend, just PRETEND that Erik didn’t pull any of the nasty shit that he did. He may still be very difficult and aggressive at times but he didn’t manipulate, murder, or lie to get his way.

Christine meets him. He’s exilrating to be around. He lets her do pretty much anything she wants, even things that would be considered extreamly for unattractive for a woman to do back then. She’s the only one who gets him, and he’s the only one who totally gets her. He inspires and supports her art more than anyone else ever could.

Raoul on the other hand is still exactly the same. Normal, every girl’s dream guy, and he acts pretty much the way a man is expected to act. He’s supportive of Christine’s inerests but not as enthusastic as she is.

Now who do you think she would choose? Your average Ken doll with a side of victorian-era sexism, or the most talented goth in the history of France who she could cuss up a storm in front of, and he’d still think she was the most goddamn divine thing he’s ever seen?

So long story short, if Erik wasn’t such a huge jackass, then Christine may have actually willingly chose him instead

#phantom of the opera #poto #headcanon #e/c #this isn’t meant to be anti-r/c or anything it’s just a speculation

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liliisms · 6 years ago

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👸 2 k 1 8 review 👸

001. What is your proudest accomplishment of this year? - Getting to make a speech about the power of body image at the Glamour Women of the Year Summit. As proud as I am of Riverdale (and I’m extremely proud), I have always wanted to use my voice for something useful. I’ve struggled with body acceptance my whole life, always self-conscious about my skin or thighs or boobs and it was only with the support from my family and friends that I finally learned how to become comfortable in my own body. Society and the media can be very damaging to young women and men’s self-esteem as they grow throughout the years and I wanted to use my platform to promote loving yourself for exactly who you are, imperfections and all. I’ve always tried to be genuine and true to myself and to get to be able to speak to so many people..well, it was truly a honor and I try to set an example everyday of what it means to love your body and your soul.

002. What is the biggest life lesson you learned this year? - I have the power to take control of how people make me feel. I don’t have to read the hateful comments. I don’t have to watch the videos insulting me and my friends just for them to get views. I can block people and turn away from spiteful people who think they have the right to talk about my life. I don’t owe anything anybody and the only person I should be trying to impress is myself. The minute I stopped caring about what people thought of me and started to live for myself, to make myself happy, is the minute a million of worries flitted away and I felt myself relaxing. I only get one life and I intend to live it the way I see fit.

003. What is one relationship (can be friendship) that has helped you survive this year? - I’m going to be predictable with this answer, but how can I say anybody but Cole @coleffs ? He’s truly been my rock. Not only in the sense of being there from day one of stepping into this crazy industry to learn how to handle the pressures that come with fame, but he’s also always been one hundred percent genuine with me. I’ve never had to be anyone but myself with him and to feel that love from him, to see how much he cared about me with no frills, no glitter, no pretending really helped me to also love myself even more. He’s taught me a lot - how to appreciate life a little deeper, how to take not take myself so seriously when I can get caught up in the little things, how to be patient and breathe when I feel myself trembling in fear of not living up to my potential. He sees the best in me, always and for that, he’s helped me to open myself up so many experiences. Falling in love is the scariest thing you can ever do and yet with him, he made is so easy and effortless. Cole’s been there through late nights, early mornings, crazy outings, quiet walks, and wild chaos and I’ve never seen him as anything other than imperfectly perfect. He’s truly my soul mate and the love of my life and I’d be lost without him.

004. Who or what do you need to let go of in order to make next year even better than this year? - I’m definitely going to focus less on social media and getting caught up in the drama that comes with comments and unwanted opinions, and focus more on the support that comes from the people I love. I also think I need to be more reckless - not in a bad way, but stop thinking about so much what will happen if I don’t make a certain decision and start thinking about what I could gain if I do.

005. What did you do this year that you’ve never done before? - Where do I start? Gone to Hawaii. Rode in a hot air balloon. Flew in a helicopter over mountains and had a picnic a thousand feet in the air. Was on a television soundtrack. I’m a very lucky girl.

006. What are three resolutions or goals you want to make happen next year? - 1) Bring Addy out to LA more, 2) Do more little things for Cole to surprise him, and 3) Try to get more product and business deals about ideas I support and care about.

007. Where did most of your money go this year? - Without a doubt, junk food and skin care products.

008. What song will always remind you of this year? - Can’t Help Falling in Love by Kina Grannis.

009. How will you be spending the last day of this year? - I think my friend Austyn and I are going on a little trip, but I’m not sure yet! I’ve yet to really set anything in stone.

010. Who is the best new person you’ve met this year? - Haley and Kiernan! They’ve really become two of my newest sisters. @hqhaleyluhoo & @keekshipka

–

001. What relationship (can be friendship) has been the most fun to write for your muse/s this year? - For Lili, writing SH with Vic has been incredibly sweet and I’m grateful she was willing to keep their relationship and that she’s stuck with me this long. I’m always waiting with bated breath for really amazing ship partners to drop me but she’s never made me feel anything less than wanted and appreciated, so it just makes the ship that much more precious to me. As for friendships, I always get a kick out of Lili/Saoirse. @irishxseahorse has such a great sense of humor and never fails to make me laugh.

For Keegan, the Treegan relationship wasn’t really a surprise but I was happy with how naturally it developed. You don’t always have chemistry even if your fc’s do in real life but Emily has been such a perfect Troian. Seeing as how I’ve played Troian for the majority of my RP years, I’m very picky with how people play her and Em fits the bill. ;) I love that it’s not rushed, it’s going at a very easy and natural pace, and how willing Emily always is to talk to me and to keep my muse high with cute muse inspo. And for friendships, Keegan/Lizzie! @ohlizzo Be prepared for 2019, Sadie. Keegan’s gonna worm his way into Lizzie’s heart.

And on Munro, I’ve been lucky enough to sort of ship with Vic again with Munro/Cristine. We decided to give them a shot and I love the messy friends with benefits plot. I can’t wait to focus on them more and hopefully do more with them next year. I also really love Munro and Natalia’s friendship. @itsnataliadyr Eena is the actual sweetest and I adore how immediately playful their interactions became. I always look forward to replying to her and love her Natalia.

002. In what ways do you connect to your muse/s? - Out of all of them, I think I connect to Lili the most not only because she’s the only female muse, but also because we’re both fellow Virgos. I’m a big astrology nerd and I believe your sign impacts your personality so I feel like she’s a kindred spirit to me in a way. She’s definitely as impulsive with her words as I am and we both share the same sense of humor. With Keegan, I relate deeply to his sensitivity and his love for cats because I am the biggest cat lady and would have a million cats if I could. He also wears his heart on his sleeve and I do too. And with Munro..he’s probably the muse I have the least in common with but we do share a love for geekdom so that’s fun!

003. What’s your favorite category to write for your muse/s? (angst, fluff, smut, etc.) - I haven’t been able to write much smut here because not everybody is comfortable writing it (which is totally cool) but smut & angst is probably my favorite to write because I feel like that’s where I shine. I don’t know what that says about me but..Those are my top two categories where I get the most compliments on my writing. Obviously fluff is great and we all know I can wax on forever with mushy and sappy stuff..

004. If you could give your muse/s one gift, what would you give them? - I can’t afford anything for them, but if I could, I’d give her the Chipotle black card because she seems to really want it. Or a sponsorship by Dominos. I’d also love to give her a big hug and tell her how much I admire her, and how much her words mean to me. It’s so nice to be a fan of a woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and who promotes loving yourself and not being ashamed if you’re a little different from everyone else.

For Keegan, I’d give him notebooks and demand he write more songs and scripts and cast Troian in all of them. I’d also give him another kitten friend because who doesn’t want more kittens?

And for Munro, I’d beg him to get Instagram just so I can know what he’s up to! Seriously though, Munro seems like a simple guy but I’d give him Lion King tickets and then make him go with me so I can hide in his arms when Mufasa dies. NOT READY, NEVER READY.

005. What was your favorite event/moment/memory in HollywoodlandHQ this year? - Is it cheesy if I say when we opened? I was really excited and so proud and I felt like I finally crossed something off my bucket list. I wanted a safe place for the people I loved to create and write. I also loved the Halloween event! Anything a little spooky, I love.

006. What muse/s have you enjoyed most seeing on this dash this year? - Lizzie is one of my favorites simply because I think Sadie writes her perfectly, and I always love seeing my ship partners on the dash because my stomach gets all fuzzy and I know good things are gonna happen.

007. What is your favorite thing your muse/s have done this year in the group? (can be in the real world or what you made up) - For Lili, it’s been the gift of all the pictures she’s released. She’s gorgeous, she’s real, and I love all the content she blesses us with. I’m also so proud of her work on Riverdale this year. She stepped up her game.

Keegan hasn’t done much but Million Miles Away was a jam and his podcast was great! In the group, I obviously was happy when he finally kissed Troian. ;) @itstbellisario

And Munro seems to have booked a lot of new projects so I’m excited for them to come out. His performance in Knuckleball is INCREDIBLE and just proves how good of an actor he is.

008. What would you like to see in HollywoodlandHQ in 2019? - Apart from events that pair up people who don’t interact much (which seems to be the biggest want), I’d love more themed events. I’d love supernatural!week, AU!week, holiday events, even more events like the earthquake that affects the whole group and not a select group of people. I also love when memes are done, even if we still need to improve on everyone playing them fairly. Memes that set up plots and help further IC drama will be worked on too. And obviously, I really want the group to keep growing!

009. What is a plot you would love to do with your muse/s? - I’d love to do something dramatic with Lili - she’s clearly got a steady head on her shoulders and I don’t want to make her too OOC, but writing her struggle with something whether that be a relationship with somebody or with herself would be great with character development.

With Keegan, I’m excited to work out his growing relationship with Troian. I can’t wait to write out all the beginnings of a ship and see what comes from it.

And with Munro, I’d really just like him to have more connections. I’d love to see more Degrassi fc’s in the group but also get him involved with more people. He’s a really goofy guy and he’s also loyal af, so he’d be great for friendship plots. Also, him developing something with Cristine and maybe fucking it up a little would be good drama!

010. Tag somebody in the RP and say something nice about them. It’s the season of giving. - To my fellow admins @diannahq, @elizajanetc, @itsgenevievegnt, @ohlizzo, @sebffs and @hcurly - I love you. I appreciate you SO much. You guys do tireless (and sometimes thankless) work to make this place running and an accepting place for everybody. Thanks for the Discord chats, the support for real life and roleplay, and always willing to step up and make this the greatest damn group in the game.

Katie - Even when I’m married, you’ll have my Netflix and Hulu password. Thanks for being the Lucy to my Troian, the Goose to my Shmian, and the Manny to my Emma. I love you. You’re always there for me, and you’re always keeping me honest and inspire me to be a better person.

KJ - I love you too and thank you for always believing in me and loving me more than I do myself. I can’t wait for another year of friendship with you.

Eena - You’re the best advice giver and the best ear to talk to. You always make me smile and nobody’s softer or kinder than you. I love you, you gentle soul.

Sadie - You’re a woman of mystery but we love you anyways. You’re probably our group mama and you keep us in line. You’re also incredibly supportive and talented.

Laura - I hope to get to know you even better in 2019! You’re always a sweetheart.

Nikki - I love your big heart and your willingness to do whatever to make everyone feel comfortable. You’re too pure for us.

Sam @theflashgrant @yochriswood - I’ve known you for so long and each year, my love for you grows stronger. I love the person you are and the person you’re becoming. You truly inspire me with your strength and if there’s anyone worthy of good things happening to them, it’s you. Thanks for always making me laugh and being there for me. I’m ride or die for you, lady.

My ship partners @coleffs @crisprosperi @itstbellisario - you two keep me inspired to log on here every day and I thank you for putting up with me. I love the relationships we’ve created and I love that you love them as much as I do. Thank you for the muse posts, the songs, the memes, and the IMs. Thank you for also being my friends. I’d be lost without you two. I love our babies and I can’t wait to see what we do in 2019.

Ally @hqmaia - <333333333333 is really all I can say. We may not ship here but 2019 is gonna be great for our ships too. I’m so happy you’re in this group as well!

My fellow Riverdale-ians @hqcami @kjapayo @hqmads @coleffs @hqnessa @ulrichisms - You guys are the greatest pretend co-workers ever. Riverdale forever. <3 Thank you for letting me live out the friendships I love and being so amazing at all of your roles.

And to all of the members, who I consider my family - without you, this group wouldn’t work. You all belong here. You all are safe here. And you all are loved here. Thank you for doing this meme and giving us feedback and spreading positivity. I couldn’t be prouder to be your admin and to write with you. I’m the luckiest RPer ever.

@hwlandhqgossip

#hwlandendofyear #( hashtag becca logic. )#( musings. )

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starlite-sin · 5 years ago

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Thalia “Crystal” Sharp: Character in Universe Washed Away

NOTE: THIS IS HER ORIGINAL BIO. IN THE ROLEPLAYS WITH THIS CHARACTER AND PHANTOM/ MARE, MY DUMBASS FORGOT SHE WAS HIS KID, SO I HAD TO RENAME HER TO MAKE IT NOT WEIRD. She’s also the first egokid I made so she’s got a special place and I WILL keep bringing her up fight me

Basic Info:

Her birth name is Crystal, she changed it to Thalia after hearing Paultin’s stories

‘Adopted’ by Phantom

By adopted I mean, her bio parents sorta dumped her on the bar and never came back

She didn’t want to leave

With that being said, Abandonment issues off the charts

She used to go into full meltdowns if she could find anyone. There’s an interesting story about that.

Even though her dad’s a demon, she’s still human

She only has a little bit of powers from the exposure to demons, spirits, and general hell

When she was around 12, demons who hated her father discovered she was human and hunters thought she was a demon. So Mare, Paultin, and Rainer started teaching her to defend herself.

15: she went after ‘runaways’ who didn’t pay up

Phantom did not like that

Slightly spoiled.

Powers:

Very limited, and they take up a lot of energy

Smoke manipulation

She can also turn into smoke for a short time

She mostly has to use soul orbs with their powers

Looks: (Please note that I am not Asian, but I like to cosplay my characters so she will not look like her source to a T)

Chinese-Korean

Black eyes

Blue/purple hair

Band Crop top that a little too big

Denim Shorts

Or skinny jeans

Converses if she has the shorts

Boots if she has the jeans

Freckles on her shoulders. They’re faint but they’re there.

She has piercings all up her ears

Edgy and Emo

She has a thing for winged eyeliner and blue lipstick

On her collar bone are scars that read Cagna. An Italian hunter did that when she was thirteen and they found out she was human, but willing lived with demons

5’5”

Personality:

She can be a bit of a bitch

She can and will slap the seven shades of shit out of someone

Kinda ageist

She strongly dislikes boomers

And just assholes in general

Tease her about her height and she’ll bring you down to size.

HOWEVER: once you get to know her, she’s very chill

Inappropriate jokes at the wrong time

Really, she just doesn’t care as long as you don’t do something stupid

Then she’ll feel bad

She has incredible anxiety, but she has a hard time telling someone cause she doesn’t wanna be seen as attention seeking

So she bottles it up

Some with her depressive episodes. Or when she gets nightmares

Healthy, I know. /s

Misc.

Bisexual

Was once in a relationship with Aileen Brody, but when she moved to be with her dad, they both respectfully cut it off

Still friends though

She can sing, just not like the alternative stuff her family can do

She’s had very few good maternal figures, aside from Cristine and Evelyn

So when puberty hit, it went exactly like how you’d imagine

She has a cousin named Danny, who’s a spirit.

She can and will trap you in a soul orb

18-19, but looks so much younger

Flunked math, go figure

Playlist:

Infinite: Natewantstobattle

House of Memories: Panic!

LA Devotee: Panic!

Teenagers: MCR

Wake Up: Black Veil Brides

Faithless: Black Veil Brides

We are Ignited: Natewantstobattle

Sandcastle Kingdoms: Natewantstobattle

Friends/Allies:

Aileen Brody

Aiden Brody

Keisha Mike (Mad Mike kid)

Danny (Mare kid)

Cassandra Warfstache

Tiffany Schneep-?

Alex McLoughlin (Jackieboy man kid)

Mystic McLoughlin (Marvin Kid)

Enemies:

Ashley Iplier (Actor Kid)

Vanessa Patrick (Madpat kid)

Amy Iplier (Dr. Iplier kid)

Hannah Iplier (Google Kid, cyborg)

Phineas Mcloughlin (JJ kid)

Penny Flynn (Shawn Flynn kid)

#Thalia #egokids #Universe Washed Away #egokid au

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ghoulsfriends · 6 years ago

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Ghoulia Yelps

cristine prosperi as Ghoulia Yelps

is the daughter of a Zombie. Although she can only speak in moans and grunts, she is incredibly intelligent, and is always using her genius to help out the school and her friends. Her pet is an owl named Sir Hoots A Lot.

Personality

Ghoulia is depicted as intelligent, sophisticated, timid, stressed out, and shy. She's a huge bookworm and is very intellectual; all of her fellow students call her the smartest ghoul at Monster High. It is revealed in her 'Basic' diary that she is good friends with Cleo de Nile because Cleo was willing to give her a chance, when zombies are typically discriminated against. Ghoulia can be very unhappy with Cleo often though because of her intelligence. Examples are in webisodes "Copy Canine" and when Cleo tells Clawdeen to copy from Ghoulia, or when Cleo steals her science project in "Mad Science Fair".

Age : 16 in monster years

Birthday : July 25th

Pet: Sir Hoots A Lot

BFFs : Cleo de Nile and everyone else at Monster High

Relationships

Family

Ghoulia lives with her parents, who are both zombies; it's not stated what their house looks like. Like Ghoulia, they're pretty slow, and they tend to be pretty hard-nosed, as per their refusal to allow Ghoulia to go to her favorite comic convention.[4] Both of them work for the Department of Monster Vehicles.[5]

In the Monster High book series, Ghoulia has an older sister called Moanica, who is in her senior year of high school.

Friends

Ghoulia is a girl who is friends with almost everyone, but there are two specific Monster High members she is especially close to. She is BFFs with Cleo de Nile, and they even plan their school schedules together.[6]Although she has a tendency to let Cleo take advantage of her, on one occasion Ghoulia displays great joy at being able to get back at Cleo for stealing her science project by repeatedly dunking Cleo in Lagoona's "Rehydration Chamber" in "Mad Science Fair".

Ghoulia and Frankie seem to connect on a sister-like level, such as when Frankie tried to be her 'wing-ghoul' in "Date of the Dead" while Heath was hitting on her, or when Ghoulia uses her smarts to help Frankie in "Bad Scare Day" and "Bad Zituation". Ghoulia is also good friends with Clawdeen and Clawd Wolf, who slightly look out for her. At least prior to Ghoulia acquiring a scooter, she regularly was given a ride home or to parties by the two.[7][8][9]

Pet

Ghoulia's pet is a baby blue owl named Sir Hoots A Lot, who is as eloquent and intelligent as his owner. He refuses to be Ghoulia's delivery owl (a possible reference to the owls in Harry Potter). In the anime version of the series, he does the talking for her.

Romance

Ghoulia has a crush on a zombie boy named Slo Mo, who's on the chess team and dodgeskull team. She writes about him in her diary[10] and the webisode "Cyrano de Ghoulia" is about how they meet. They can be seen dancing together at the Justin Biter concert in "New Ghoul @ School" and finally start dating in "Date of the Dead". Nonetheless, Ghoulia has a second suitor: another zombie boy, Don of the Dead. Don, who is a good friend of Slo Mo's, showed interest in Ghoulia and even fought with Slo Mo over her on one occasion. At the moment, Ghoulia and Don are just friends.

http://monsterhigh.wikia.com/wiki/Ghoulia_Yelps

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themovieblogonline · 3 days ago

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dykerightsmp3 · 8 years ago

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can you rec me some standalones?

okay yes!! here are all the standalones i’ve rated five stars

Suspense

Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson - Racism and a woman’s agency after abuse. I cried and I couldn’t stop reading. I don’t love the ending but it’s the only thing about this book that’s anything less than flawless.

Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart - This book is told backwards which somehow works (how??) and has the most morally black heroine ever.

Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas - You want to talk about unsettling writing and can’t-stop-reading goodness? It starts here. This book is popular for a reason.

Dangerous Boys by Abigail Haas - Just as unsettling and can’t-stop-reading, but even creepier. The twists blew my mind.

Slasher Girls and Monster Boys by Various - A story collection with some of the most brilliant writing and twists I’ve ever read.

Realistic

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz - You want to be emotionally murdered and then resurrected? This book is for you. Ari is one of my fave fictional characters of all time.

Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald - subversive feminist contemporary that makes you laugh. I’ve probably reread this more than any other book.

How to Repair A Mechanical Heart by J.C. Lillis - One of the most real treatments of internalized homophobia I’ve ever read. Also laugh-out-loud funny. Want to read something that’s both important and heartwarming? It’s this book.

Exit Pursued by a Bear by E.K. Johnston - Again, a book that’s both important AND heartwarming. It will make you cry and it will make you smile so hard your heart is about to burst.

No Good Deed by Goldy Moldavsky - I have never laughed harder at a book in my entire life. I almost cried from how hard I laughed. It’s a parody of social justice culture, which could be incredibly offensive but is somehow completely not. This one restored my faith in the human race.

Kill the Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky - her parody novels are just really good, okay?? this one’s about fandom culture but it really validates that culture and it’s great.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver - Sam has one of the best character arcs I’ve read in my life. Probably the realest book about high school popularity.

Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli - so fluffy and so cute and so pure??

My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult - A heartbreak and a half, with moral conundrums and great characters.

Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - I have never cried at a book like this before.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher - I know everyone has read this, but it’s seriously one of the best books I’ve ever read. It made me cry.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas - everyone’s reading this right now too, and I recommend joining them. It’s a brilliant, emotionally real book. Definitely a book that stays with you.

Fantasy and Scifi

All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Teller - scifi with so many twists my brain exploded

More Than This by Patrick Ness - brilliant existentialist scifi that almost exploded my brain. the main character’s arc pushed my brain over the edge.

Kissing the Witch by Emma Donoghue - every other fairy tale retelling can go home, because this book did it better. It’s actually fifteen different stories but so many of them are so brilliant and some of the lines are stuck in my head. this author really has a way with words.

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton - This book is worth a read for its beautiful prose, characters, and uniqueness. It’s short but it will both break and heal your heart.

A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnston - I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!! This is a feminist retelling of Arabian Nights, and it’s maybe the most brilliant thing ever written.

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly - what genre do i put this in? it’s a long, involved character study and also historical fiction and also scifi. You’ll never read anything like it again.

#recs #anonymous #asks

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chicagoindiecritics · 4 years ago

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New from Jeff York on The Establishing Shot: FIVE REASONS “PALM SPRINGS” IS THE YEAR’S BEST COMEDY

PALM SPRINGS made quite a splash when it debuted at Sundance this past January. The film was snatched up by Neon and Hulu for a cool deal reaching beyond 22 million. The transaction was worth every penny. Not only is the movie tremendously clever, but its story about a time loop is eminently relatable to a citizenry stuck in its own monotonous quarantine routine. Perhaps even more ironic is the fact that PALM SPRINGS is so incredibly watchable over and over and over again. (I’ve watched it three times in under two weeks.) You’ll see more with each viewing and likely laugh even more.

The sharp script by Andy Siara, a sure Oscar contender for Best Original Screenplay, starts on November 9 when main character Nyles (Andy Samberg) wakes up next to his girlfriend Misty (Meredith Hagner) in a Palm Springs villa. They’ve gathered there for the wedding of her BFF Tala (Camila Mendes) and fiancé Abe (Tyler Hoechlin). Nyles, however, is less than enthused about any of it. In fact, he’s positively bored, distracted, and even brazenly cynical about the whole shebang.

After bonding with an equally inebriated and sarcastic Sarah (Cristin Milioti) at the evening’s reception, Nyles takes the bride’s sister out into the desert to tryst. They’ve barely begun to disrobe when a surly guy named Roy (JK Simmons) shows up and shoots Nyles twice with a cross-bow. To escape, the wounded Nyles crawls towards a mysterious cave emanating a glowing light and warns Sarah not to follow him. Her curiosity gets the better of her though and both young people are sucked into the cave’s vortex.

That vortex turns out to be some sort of time warp and all who enter are then doomed to live the same day they entered over and over and over again. No matter how they change the events during those 24 hours, the outcome will remain the same. If you’ve ever seen GROUNDHOG DAY or EDGE OF TOMORROW, you’ll realize that these portals are quite unforgiving and unsolvable. The fun for the viewer is in watching those stuck in it try to change their lots. Nyles keeps trying to mix up the elements, but after months or even years in the maze, he’s become a hardened cynic.

One of the great things about PALM SPRINGS is that the plot concerns not one, but three people trying to escape their repetitive fates. Roy followed Nyles into the vortex months ago and is angry about it. Hence, he’s trying to take out his rage on Nyles by finding various ways to kill him each day. Three times such victims are just one of the film’s brilliant conceits. Here are five others that make this comedy so exceedingly clever. (And yes, beware of spoilers in the coming analysis.)

THE FILM WASTES NO TIME One of the most surprising things about the film is how the film starts with Nyles and Roy already in the time loop. Yes, Sarah becomes a newcomer to it all, and in turn, serves as the audience surrogate, but the film doesn’t take an entire act to get going. Its wheels are already in accelerated motion from the moment the story starts. Siara’s script and Max Barbakow’s deft direction not only ensure the film has plenty of laughs, but a kinetic energy throughout as well.

THE FILM IS RIDICULOUSLY TIMELY Tired of staying indoors during the lockdown, working from home, wearing masks, and rocking the sweat pants for every occasion? (You’re wearing them on your Zoom calls, aren’t you?) If so, join the club, fellow pandemic sufferers! Of course, the makers of PALM SPRINGS had no way of knowing how relatable and timely their film would be in July, but their premiere on the 10th is a timing that would be the envy of Job.

THE YEAR’S BEST COMEDY IS ALSO ITS BEST ROMANTIC COMEDY It’s funny how few comedies stand out in any given film year, let alone one as adroit as this gem. Television took over the realm of comedy decades ago and it’s rare that even the best comedy film in any year can rival television’s superior comedy series. Yet, this comedy not only has an ingenious premise, crackling dialogue, strong characters, and sly production design, it has dozens upon dozens of genuine LOL moments. And they’re smart laughs too. Sure, some are easy, dirty jokes, but many are complex, dirty jokes too. And as if all those guffaws aren’t enough, the film also sneaks up on you with its romantic B story. Nyles and Sarah become friends, co-dependent, co-conspirators, and yes, lovers. You root for them to not only escape the day but cheer for them to stay a couple well beyond it.

IT’S BOTH OUTRAGEOUS AND GROUNDED How many films would know how to mine the sublime talents of JK Simmons by having Roy both curse out Nyles and deliver soulful life advice to him as well? In PALM SPRINGS, Roy utters the absurd phrase, “You gotta find your Irvine” and that quote may very well likely leave a tear in your eye. This film wants you to laugh a lot, but like any fiction about the future, it wants you to think about the present too. How are you managing today to ensure a better tomorrow? Of course, Nyles, Sarah, and Roy all learn to accept both the good days and bad in their predicament. At the very least, being stuck in Palm Springs beats being stuck in say, Gnome, Alaska, right?

IT WAS RELEASED ON VOD AND FOUND A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE Hulu and Netflix, by the nature of their platforms, have benefitted hugely from captive audiences self-isolating at home through the current virus crisis. Thus, PALM SPRINGS, along with films like DA 5 BLOODS and THE OLD GUARD, various VOD horror releases, as well as water-cooler miniseries like NORMAL PEOPLE and THE ALIENIST are smartly taking advantage all of us at home. So why aren’t more Hollywood studios releasing their films on VOD now? Christopher Nolan’s big summer tentpole TENET got pushed off the calendar altogether this past week so you’d think that Tinsel Town moguls would realize that the 2020 movie season is not going to be happening in theaters. Yet, there are plenty of empty spots on the VOD calendar, spots that PALM SPRINGS will all too gladly take advantage of and increase their viewership.

PALM SPRINGS is full of twists that you won’t see coming, is edited tightly with no fat, and has a dozen performances that are all sublime. Hopefully, SAG will remember this stellar ensemble when it’s time for their awards show – – whenever that may happen in 2021.) Indeed, Samberg does his best screen work in PALM SPRINGS, managing the serious as well as the funny. Milioti continues to bloom as one of the brightest young actresses working today. She seems to have a knack too for playing ingenues caught in bizarre portals as evidenced by her sharp portrayal in the USS CALLISTER episode of BLACK MIRROR two seasons ago. Hagner’s a hoot, Hoechlin plays a good cad, and it’s so nice to see a veteran performer like Peter Gallagher make the most of his wonderfully juicy moments as the exasperated father of the bride.

Before your friends telling you too much about it, watch PALM SPRINGS. And if you’ve seen it already, watch it again. And then again. Its treasures, large and small, will help you forget the fact that you’ve spent well over four months now trapped in your own time warp.

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#IFTTT #WordPress #CIFCC #film critics #movies #film #Chicago

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