#can you tell I very recently watched pirates of the Caribbean?

[rainypebble07]

Still off the grid and can’t write! But here to update nonetheless!

Okokok maybe I’m just delirious rn but I feel like pirate byler is something i need to create very much.

Like I know all I do these days is make out-of-nowhere AUs but think about it…

Will’s a pirate and Mike’s, like, a prince or something and he gets taken by pirates when they ransack his town and then he meets Will and plot ensues.

Like, just wondering, would you actually read that?

[anime-aus]

More Twisted Wonderland Events I Think Should Happen:

Part 1

Photo Album Event: The first years find a photo album that shows the third years' first year (technically Leona’s second year). The first years ask their third years about it. We get to see what happened in the past as they’re telling the story. I think it would lead to a lot of interesting interactions and I really want to know what everyone looked like and how they acted during their first year.

Haunted Mansion Event: This would definitely be a Halloween event based off of the rides or movies. Multiple characters come across a haunted mansion and get trapped inside. They definitely meet a few odd ghosts (and a few terrifying ones). They soon realize that they have to escape the mansion before they become trapped inside for all eternity!

Pirate Event: This would have to be Peter Pan themed or Pirates of the Caribbean themed. A bunch of students get a chance to sail around the island. One of the students among them is Kalim. Unfortunately for him Kalim gets kidnapped (again), but this time it’s by pirates. The rest of the students go on a mission to save him and Kalim gets a side story where he interacts with the pirates/tries to escape himself. I love pirates, so I think this would be a really fun even to play.

Cowboy Country Event: Realistically, this would probably based off of Toy Story because of Woody, however I would love for an event like this to be based off of Home on the Range! (Please tell me some of you remember that movie.) A bunch of characters go to a town out in Cowboy Country. One of them has to be Epel because he is very much a country boy. The NRC students learn different things, including how to ride horses. Turns out some of the cattle have gone missing and after some talk with the sheriff (and talk of a promising reward) the characters are out to catch the crook.

Dorm Swap: Crowley begins to notice that there have been a handful of student fights recently. In hopes of bringing the student body closer together he creates a Dorm Swap Program. For a temporary amount of time a random group of students is chosen to swap dorms. Some characters adapt to their situation easier than others. At the end everyone learns something about how the other dorms run.

Muppets Event: I just got this idea while watching Muppet’s Family Christmas. I just think a Muppet’s event would be cool. If we can somehow get Stitch and Tsums in Twisted Wonderland we can absolutely get Muppets. I just know Miss Piggy would love Pomefiore.

Cinderella Event: This one is pretty self indulgent, but I just had to share it. There is a party event where Yuu isn't invited due to some unavoidable reason. A fairy godmother finds a teenager who is upset because they can't go to a party. That's just begging for a fairy godmother to do something! With or without Yuu's permission, this fairy takes it upon herself to get Yuu all dressed up sends them to the party. The fairy also uses a spell that would make Yuu unrecognizable so they don't get in trouble for being there. Yuu has a lot of fun, but the next day they come to find that everyone is trying to unmask the identity of this mysterious party crasher. Yuu has to keep it a secret to avoid getting into trouble, but some of these people are making it so difficult.

[estelofrivendell]

Greetings,

You are taking requests for LOTR correct? Can I ask for a specific request with Aragorn, Legolas and Boromir?

Reader insert (or OC insert or whatever) has a very unique and pirate like hairstyle. Their hair is messy, kinda dirty, and completely adorned with beads, golden or silver clips; basically like from Pirates of the Caribbean. //clearly it’s obvious I’ve just recently watched it-//

They don’t necessarily have to BE a pirate (but they could if you’re interested in that path ;})but I think that since hair is seen as something very important- especially with elves and dwarfs- people would have a lot of emotions towards it such as curiosity or fascination. Thank you!

From yours truly, me 💚~

A/N: I tried watching POTC and just... didn't like it. I didn't like Elizabeth and found Will extremely annoying, I hope I try to do your request justice, since I made this general.

ARAGORN, LEGOLAS AND BOROMIR WITH AN S/O WITH MESSY HAIR

ARAGORN

You know how general consensus in LOTR fandom is Ranger Aragorn's hair being infinitely better than his hair the moment he became king? I think he would have the same idea for you if you decided to do your hair and tamed it even if it was just for one time. Untamed messy hair is nothing to him, though the beads and clips you would put on caught his attention and he would ask you where you got them from.

So if your hair ever stayed flat for just one second and he saw it, his reaction would be the gif I put. He never imagined you with tidy hair that the sight looks so strange and he honestly prefers you with the messy hair everyone knew you had.

LEGOLAS

You and Legolas would be seen as a bizarre pairing to others around you. Can you imagine an elf with perfect hair being with someone who has the opposite of perfect hair? He seems the kind to me to make fun of others with extremely messy hair at first until he matured in that sense, but he will never not find messy hair bizarre. He couldn't take his eyes off the beads and would never admit that he wants his own to put on his own hair. As an elf, he's bound to think those beads mean something significant, and is genuinely confused when you tell him they don't mean anything and you put them for your own enjoyment. Also Legolas is bound to feel curious and touch your hair whenever he felt like it.

BOROMIR

He's in the middle, between Aragorn and Legolas. He's not as used to people with hair that can't be tamed as say Aragorn, but he knows they exist unlike Legolas and doesn't have dramatic first impressions about it. He's a soldier and spent so much of his life defending Gondor and they don't come home with hair that looks like it just had conditioner on, lol. He'll assume you do a lot adventuring and your own things that don't leave enough time to comb your hair and doesn't ask a lot of questions, if any, but was interested when he learned how your hair just can't stay flat no matter how long you brush it. I can see your hair becoming his favorite part about you over time, however.

[cat-esper]

Past/Current/Next Tag

Hey, thanks for the tag, @pb-dot!

Rules: Write about three WIPs, past is a WIP you stopped working on/finished; current is a WIP you're currently working on; next is a WIP you want to write.

Tagging (no pressure): @awleeofficial, @writeouswriter, and @chiefwritesbook

Past: None of my WIPs that I intend to publish are technically complete due to procrastination (editing my beloathed) so I'll dredge up an old WIP that has been shelved permanently, The Void Drums. This one is sort of Jackaby meets Pirates of the Caribbean with dark, gothic horror vibes. Calixto, a young man from another dimension, is tasked by the villainous Lord Governor with retrieving the Fractal Glaive, an artifact of great value and power. In exchange, he will not be sentenced to a fate worse than death for his crimes. He has no choice but to accept, though of course, he plans on finding the weapon and running off with it the first chance he gets. Meanwhile, in our world in the late 19th century, Emily, the daughter of a forensics expert recently fallen ill, investigates gruesome murders that leave very little of the body behind. Their paths cross and it becomes evident that the murders are caused by creatures from Calixto's home and that they have something to do with the Glaive. There's body horror, there's layers of betrayal, and since this story will never see the light of day, I don't see why I shouldn't reveal that this whole plot is a trap, the key to finding the Glaive involves realizing that Calixto's memories were erased and he was the one who hid it in the first place, and everything ends horribly with the villain winning, yay.

Anywho, here's a snippet (cw: body horror):

He shut the door and Emily bristled. She knocked again but there was no answer. “Detective Harkins, please!” She huffed, pounded harder but it made no difference. He was being ridiculously stubborn and she couldn’t believe this was happening. “Damn it,” she muttered under her breath. Calixto sighed. “What does it look like?” Emily glared at him. He could have helped instead of standing there looking like a vagabond. “What?” Calixto pushed himself off the wall. “The journal. What does it look like?” “Like a journal,” Emily said bluntly. And then she sighed. It was Harkins she was mad at, not Calixto. He was just easier to get at at the moment. “It’s black leather, a bit worn and it’s got a red ribbon tucked into the pages.” “I’ll get it for you.” Emily narrowed her eyes. “And how are you going to do that?” As satisfying as it would be to break down the door, she’d probably get arrested. Calixto smirked. “You’ll want to look away.” “Why?” Calixto didn’t wait for her to turn her back. At first she couldn’t tell what was wrong with him, only that something was. He seemed to go just slightly out of focus and trying to watch him gave her a headache which pulsed softly at her temples. She was staring straight into his eyes when it happened. They seemed almost to unfold into a blossom of fractals, eyes within eyes within eyes, an infinite regression that made her lose her balance. But it wasn’t just his eyes. It was every part of him. She caught glimpses of muscle superimposed over skin and bone on top of that but under it at the same time. Nausea swept through her and she doubled over, afraid she was going to be sick right there on the floor. “I told you not to look,” the voice came from so many miles away but she stayed hunched over, her head hurting, her pulse pounding, putting all her concentration into breathing slowly and steadily, praying for the feeling to pass. A journal fell to the floor at her feet, the piece of ribbon sticking out of it. She refused to look up. “You can get up now. You’ll be fine.” Emily was already starting to get her nausea under control and she carefully looked up, afraid she would once again see all those impossible angles and planes and they’d make her sick for real this time. But when she looked up, it was just Calixto standing there, as human-looking as anyone else, staring down at her with sharp, albeit normal, eyes. She winced and stooped to pick up the journal. “What are you?” she managed to get out. “Oh, I'm as human as you," Calixto replied. "Just from...elsewhere." What a lie. “And the journal?” A quick check inside assured her it was the right one. But Harkins would have kept it in his desk. “Nothing in your dimension is hidden from me,” Calixto said. “I simply took a detour through 5-Space and plucked the journal out from inside the desk. Harkins was there but he could not see me. He won’t realize it’s missing until he checks for it.”

Current: I'm working on so many WIPs at once, but my absolute favorite is Project Paladin, a 12 book YA science fantasy series. Chelsea Seaver watched her parents being abducted by aliens and she's determined to get them back. Her investigation quickly leads her through a portal to an alien world where she falls in with a group of characters at odds with the Syndicate responsible for her parents' abduction for reasons unknown. She becomes a student of the last remaining Paladin, Shay Finnegan, and the series follows her adventures through space (and occasionally time). She collects many friends along the way as well as some powerful enemies.

Here's a snippet from Book 2:

“They’re kinda like puppies,” Alexos relented, laughing. “The poor little guys. We should name them.” “Name them?” Alexos put the paper bag of wrapped fish meat on the counter. “Do we cook this stuff or what?” “No, they eat it raw,” Kovna said. “Yeah.” Chelsea put their newly acquired plates down next to the fish. “Drat. Forgot to get a knife. That way we’ll have something to call them. Since we’re babysitting them and all. There’s three of them and three of us so we each get to name one.” “Mine’s Hieronymus Bosch,” Alexos said promptly. Chelsea raised an eyebrow at him. “Do you even know who that is?” “Yeah. A guy with a ridiculous name. Your turn.” “Well which one’s Hieronymus?” Alexos thought for a moment and then pointed to the dragon that was currently trying to chew on its sibling’s tail. “That guy.” “That one’s the female,” Kovna corrected. “How do you know?” Chelsea snickered. “How do you think?” “Well. Hieronymus is a gender-neutral name.” “Whatever.” Chelsea picked up the dragon that was having its tail chewed on. He was still warm from the oven. He kicked his feet a couple of times until she had her arms under him and then he stared at her with his snake-like face framed by bristling feathers. His eyes were dark and round and she could see her reflection in them. He would need a good name. Something majestic. “This one’s Falkor,” she announced. “Falkor who?” Chelsea cradled the dragon against her chest. “From The Neverending Story. Plus they’ve both got feathers.” “Okay, nerd. 612, what are you naming yours?” Kovna looked at the last remaining baby, who was sniffing around the water bowls. “You can name him.” “Come on,” Chelsea said. “If it weren’t for you, they’d be sick. It’s fair.” “I wasn’t programmed to have an imagination.” Chelsea placed Falkor back on the floor and scooped up the third dragon, bringing him over to Kovna. “Come on, look at him. He’s so cute but so sad. Look at his eyes. What do his eyes tell you?” She held the dragon so it was staring in Kovna’s direction. “Um.” Kovna looked as if he’d just been called on in class and didn’t have an answer to the teacher’s question. He stared at the dragon in bafflement and then said, “Ben?” Chelsea grinned. “Ben it is.” “Hieronymus, Falkor, and Ben. What a trio,” Alexos said.

Future: This one is so hard to choose because I have a million ideas and I want to write them all and it doesn't help that the line between WIP I'm sorta kinda working on in the background and Future Project is very wibbly.

One I'm really excited about is a 4-part horror fantasy series that's sort of urban fantasy inspired by the Left Right Game. The premise is that every so often, the Road to Avalon opens and all those who brave it and reach its end will have a wish granted. But the Road is fraught with danger and haunted by 4 eldritch gatekeepers. No one has ever returned. Our main players are Leslie, a vampire who once braved the Road in a failed attempt to rid himself of his vampirism and is the only person to have ever returned; Ticua, a sprite from the West Rattlesnake Clan who tries to convince Leslie to be the caravan's guide now that the Road is about to open again; Bug, a fox wilding (that's like a reverse shapeshifter; she was born a fox but has the ability to transform into a human due to being born on a leyline), who unknowingly absorbed the map Leslie buried because he stupidly buried it on said leyline and it got washed "downstream"; and Dauntless, a Luminary (that's a sentient hologram projected by a swarm of drones) hired to kill Leslie, but decides that braving the Road is much more interesting.

[mzannthropy]

Okay, let's talk about this

Sam Claflin + supporting Johnny Depp.

I'm using this screenshot purely as an example, not to attack the poster. It's the only screenshot I have re this topic, I've had it saved since April 2023. Last I checked, this account has been suspended from Twitter. (ETA it has now been re-instated.)

I'm not here to fight Sam's battles or argue; if you're determined to cancel Sam, don't let me stop you. If you, however, would like to know more on Sam's background and why he may have supported Johnny--read on.

What the above screenshot tells us is that Sam liked, and commented on, Depp's Instagram post celebrating the win of his defamation trial. Some time later, Sam deleted his comment, unliked the post and unfollowed Depp. (I didn't even know about all that as I'm not that deep into Instagram, but I can see Sam doesn't follow Depp and there is no like from him on that post. Anyway, you can check for yourselves.) I think there are worse crimes than liking a social media post and as Sam deleted the comment and unfollowed Johnny, he clearly realised his mistake. But this is not about that.

Sam and Johnny Depp

Sam started his career in 2010 in the mini series Pillars of the Earth. He had a couple more TV jobs, until he landed his first big movie role, which was Philip in Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides (the 4th instalment of the franchise). For Sam, this would have meant a lot--more than a lot. Sam comes from a normal background--by which I mean his parents are regular people and not in entertainment. His father makes dad jokes on social media. (His younger brother Joe is also an actor, but he's very low-key.) Like I keep saying, Sam's just a boy from Norwich, essentially the exact opposite of a nepo baby. He didn't even plan to become an actor in his childhood, his dream was to become a professional football (soccer) player. It was only after suffering ankle injuries that he switched to acting. What I'm saying is, for Sam to get a role next to a star of Johnny Depp's calibre would have been HUGE.

Check out this snippet of an interview with Joe Wicks (dated Spring 2021), where he talks about how nervous he was on the set:

No doubt he was starstruck about working with Depp. A quote from Sam's IMDb page: "Johnny Depp gave me the best advice. He said, 'Keep your feet on the ground. Stay grounded. Remember where you came from.'" It's something that must have resonated with Sam. Sure, Depp didn't come up with it, it is, after all, a good old common sense advice--but that doesn't matter, bc you always remember the person who gave you the good advice, even if it was not something they invented themselves.

Timeline-wise, POTC4 was released in 2011, which means it was probably filmed the previous year. So before Depp got into a relationship with Amber Heard.

Sam has, as you know, forged a respectable acting career for himself, but that POTC experience is something he would never forget. More than a decade later, he still goes back to it. And why not--you don't just let go of your first blockbuster that easily.

I seriously, SERIOUSLY, doubt Sam watched any of that notorious trial. He was filming Daisy Jones and The Six at that time and at least for a portion of the time he had his kids with him and homeschooled them.

Sam and Women

Sam has worked with female directors, as well as doing female-centric projects, or projects featuring strong female characters. (Whatever your opinion on how DJATS diverged from the book in this regard, he can hardly be blamed for it. Ask yourself instead why Reese Witherspoon, with her female character centred book club, let the male writers get away with what they did.)

And let's not forget that Sam is also, like Depp, divorced. Unlike the beloved pirate star, he has not a bad word to say about his ex-wife, Laura Haddock. "We're still a family." Laura is also an actress, you may know her from the Guardians of the Galaxy films.

Recently, Sophie Turner had to deal with being smeared in the media by her (soon-to-be)ex-husband. No such behaviour from Sam. Of course, you can argue that Sam's conduct in this matter should not be praised, bc it should be the default. Probably, I'm just pointing it out as it's relevant to the topic.

Sam and being down to earth

I always laugh about the fact that (nearly) all of Sam's interviews include the following 3 items: 1. Sam praising the people he works with, be it fellow actors or other crew, 2. Sam saying something self-deprecating and 3. Sam mentioning his kids, or the fact that he's a father. Read any of his interviews--or watch this, filmed by yours truly (sorry for the poor quality):

As I said above, Sam is from a regular family and started earning his own money from the age of 13. When he was at SXSW 2023, where they were served food, he cleared the dishes after himself [source].

Sam is not one of those big name Hollywood stars. I'm not sure he can even be called a Hollywood star. He could have been one, he could have been on the level of Marvel's Chrises, after playing Finnick in Hunger Games. But he chooses smaller, quieter projects. He maintains the just right level of fame that brings him enough money, while allowing him to keep his personal life private.

Sam being a dad:

Sam has also been open about struggling with his worth and his insecurity. I guess this circles back to Johnny Depp. When you don't know your true worth, you might believe certain people, who have been in the business for a long time, to be more than what they are. But I'm getting into some armchair psychology now, so let me end it here.

In conclusion, you could do worse than be a fan of Sam Claflin.

[reviewsclown]

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell no Tales 2017

Immediately this movie too loses some points for being named after a one off line in the second or third movie, perhaps this is a theme of all post-trilogy movies. Callbacks might just be the theme for the entire movie honestly. The main villain is entirely CGI like Davey Jones. He walks through some jail bars, like Davey Jones. He has a crew of evil fucked up CGI guys that're maybe dead, just like Davey Jones. He has personal beef with Jack Sparrow, just like Davey Jones. A bunch of immortals are made mortal near the climax of the movie, just like the first movie. The British are looking for a magic object to control the seas, just like the second and third movie.

Also it's been like 20 years in-universe since the last movie and it feels like nothings changed? Barbosa is richer now and still has that magic sword but doesn't have the magic ship, Jack Sparrow is, basically the same. Will Turner is still captain of the Flying Dutchman but now he has some barnacles on him, Elizabeth is basically a non-player in this movie, only showing up right at the very end. Also also it turns out that secretly Jack's plot-pointing compass was secretly holding back a bunch of ghosts unless he gives it up, somehow? they don't really explain or show this. But they do show why the main villain hates him in a flashback with weird looking CGI young-Jack, and they do a rhyming thing with a previous scene but it doesn't really work and it's just stupid? Whole flashback was pretty stupid. The more important reason this movie wants to be poetry that rhymes is the entire plot, it centers on a young man with the last name Turner who wants to free his dad from the curse binding him to the Flying Dutchman, sound familiar so far? But get this, in his journeys through circumstances he winds up on a ship with Jack Sparrow, and a girl he fancies, though this one has no relation and is named Carina. One of these 2 characters that isn't Jack has issues with the fact revealed that maybe their father wasn't a good person, and may have in fact been a pirate. Sound familiar?

Somehow despite being the most recent movie in the franchise it's got the worst looking CGI at times, also they use slo-mo twice because I guess they figured out how to do that recently? It turns out most of the budget probably went to the star island and the underwater scenes where they part the sea. Also the ship battles, much like Mad Max the vehicle combat is where it's at.

Final Review: Yeah this one is bad too, it's still not worth watching beyond the original trilogy, and even for this movie the 4th one is basically optional unless you want to understand some minor elements. They put a sequel bait scene at the end of the credits with Davey Jones so there's potential a 6th movie can be the secret hero of this, but I really doubt it.

[berlynn-wohl]

I want to tell a story about a recent movie night I had with the squad

The Lady Washington was in town -- it’s a tall ship featured in Pirates of the Caribbean. My friend who used to work on it was going to show us around the ship, and the night before we all had a sleepover and put the movie on.

Well.

First, I presented Our Host with my DVD of the film. He looked at me like I was nuts. He’s a millennial engineer at a very big tech company, and so you know he doesn’t believe in physical media. There’s no DVD player in this house; who would bother with all that clutter? Instead, my Best Friend (my sweet cheese, my good-time boy) who is also an engineer is going to have Our Host remotely access the movie via his movie collection, which is hosted on a computer in another city. Simple!

The movie starts. There is music but no dialogue. The audio channels are screwed up somehow -- the channel with the dialogue is missing. So Host and BF fiddle with the settings on Host’s computer, Host’s audio peripherals, and Host’s media player. This takes FORTY MINUTES. And in the end, no one can figure out how to access that last audio channel.

Another friend, who is Smol, says that they have access to a friend’s Disney+ account, and POTC is on Disney+. How about if Smol connects to Our Host’s wifi, streams the movie on their phone, and then casts their phone to Our Host’s TV?

This is attempted for TWENTY MINUTES, but the burden of streaming a film and casting it to a TV proves to be too much for the poor little phone.

Everyone sits around and thinks for A FEW MORE MINUTES, until Our Host suddenly remembers: he has an XBox! It plays DVDs!

So we put my DVD in the XBox and in 60 seconds we are finally watching the goddamn movie.

watching a movie at home circa like, 2001 was like

put your TV on channel 2 so the VCR will work

open up the clamp shell case that held the VHS that has that satisfying crrlikkkkkk

put in the movie

gdi it has to be rewound

press STOP and then rewind because its so much faster that way

start the movie and it takes a few seconds for the movie to actually start cause you rewound to the VERY beginning

FBI will get you if you illegally distribute or exhibit this movie

and then. because you forgot that movies are always so much louder than TV

COMING SOON TO OWN ON VIDEO AND DVD

QUICK LOWER THE VOLUME LOWER THE VOLUME LOWER THE VOLUME OH FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay crisis averted.

although. these ads are kind of quiet. a little hard to hear.....

better turn up the volume...

THX

[chipcheesesandwich]

Eating Your Own Tail: The Falling of Marvel Studios (or, A Letter From A Concerned Film Fan)

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was a great film that tackled the harsh subject of the loss of a loved one and how we move on from it. The visuals were also beautiful, with the amazing VFX that definitely supported tremendously for the production that was done in the midst of COVID (including a antivaxer lead actor in the cast).

But, to be quite honest, this film gave me the same, or even more disappointment I experienced with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Sure, the tomato scores of the two films show a different story with BP2 having better reviews than DS2, and the cultural representation of BP2 is absolutely gorgeous throughout. But these two most recent films from Marvel truly showed the importance of editing.

-- SPOILERS OF WAKANDA FOREVER AHEAD --

I feel like BP2's editing was just, off. I can tell from the awkward jump cuts and pacing that this was a film that was meant to be a 5hr, or a two part, that they shaved to 2hr45m.

The most significant jumps and off beat I felt was during Ramonda's death. She died in the midst of a war, an attack from another country, in her own throne room by drowning to save another's life. And without letting us sit in the reality of a beloved, powerful character, just completely lifeless on the floor, with Okoye trying to deny the reality she is facing, we smash cut into a funeral. And it's a very similar setting of a funeral we see in the beginning of the film, showing the death of T'Challa.

Now, I understand that their aim was to have this, repetition of death happening in Shuri's life. But, because of the off beat, smash cut, no leeway for air to let us breath and suck in the moment, the death of Ramonda almost feels, cheated. Almost feels cheap. And these cheap, jump cuts kept repeating throughout the film.

These cheap edits felt like someone just grabbed a piece of cake and smashed it into your face to let you taste the glaze on top. But the cake is just all over your face, but not where it should be. What you need to do to actually taste the glaze, is to take a fork, scoop a bite of cake with the fork, carry it in your mouth, and eat it. And just, taste the cake. But the film didn't even let you taste it, and instead gave you a bottle of coke to wash it down your throat so you can get ready for the next cake.

What I'm trying to say is that the film never had a break. A break to actually feel the weight of a loss. The weight of Ramonda, dying before us. The weight of an end of an era and entering the new chapter. In order to feel the weight, you have to have time to hold it. And the smash cuts just, never let us hold it.

...

This issue of the two Marvel films of their lack of great editing deeply concerns me. Both directors of the films are extraordinary, and extremely talented. The actors in both films are extraordinary, and extremely talented. Then how did they fail so miserably? Well, have you seen the schedule of Phase 5?

Marvel Studios as a whole is having an issue with scheduling and seeing the reality that they are in. In Phase 5, Marvel is planning for 12 projects, combining both film and TV, in a span of less than 2 years. 2 years. Just a couple of years ago, having 2 movies and maybe 1 TV show in 1 year was an achievement.

This intense and unrealistic schedule is what pushes these directors off their rails. The studio asks them to crank out a film, that is decent in length (so they can keep playing it in theaters multiple times a day), in a short span of time to make way for the next.

This is the same with VFX companies and their crippling qualities in work. Compare the two films I've talked with Pirates of Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) and the answer is clear. They are simply not given enough time nor the amount of crew. Why no crew? Because the other crew are working on the 3 next projects for Marvel at the same time.

We tend to forget that the films we watch are actually simply made by humans like us. And also live in the same amount of time span like us. So if Marvel starts robbing away all people and their time, when they didn't have it in the first place because Marvel already took them in another project, collapse is truly one step away, literally. And Marvel, whether they know it or not, do exactly that.

I suspect, in the next 5 years, the film industry as we know it will truly be gone, including the people who built it. And the rapid pacing media output encouraged by Marvel is, as from what I see, the main cause.

[marcholasmoth]

OSRR: 2931

i went out with my momma today to find me some jewelry to wear for the wedding and we were very successful.

so i originally wanted some dangly earrings that were rose gold with a stripe of sparkly down the center of three chains that would hang about two inches long. then we switched gears to all sparkly dangle, silver-colored with a green stone on the end. then we went to all sparkle with stones gradually increasing in size, platinum plated, and i wasn't sold on it. not at all. it was fine. i'd seen some lotus garnets in rose gold that had sparkle down the center but they were (1) stiff and (2) $1300. so we passed on those. and then my mom pointed out a set of citrine earrings, so i looked at them and held them up and--

they were perfect.

they were the right length, i love the facets of the stone, the finding is yellow gold, and i was so shocked by how much i instantly loved them, i laughed! they're perfect. because my dress is green, i didn't want another green to detract or compete with the green of the dress, which is why i just wanted to go with sparkly. but this set of earrings is simple and elegant and the yellow of the citrine and the gold is perfect.

i'm so excited.

after that, i got lunch with papa and we came home and i napped for a short while.

also my shoes came in today, just before i left to get joel.

joel is always so sweet. every day when i pick him up i ask him how his day has gone. i have changed my phrasing to be, "did you have a day?" because that's always what he would say. this gets a little more detail out of him. if it's been a long and shitty day, he'll tell me about it. if it's been uneventful, he just goes "yeah," and leaves it at that. most days are the same - his job isn't great for him, but at least it's a routine. a routine that pays. neither of us like getting up early, though.

anyway, i brought him home and he got to spend the evening with his best friend. not sure what they did, but dean was in the area and instead of going all the way home and then all the way back, he just set up in joel's office downstairs and that was that. it's always nice to see him.

i went to see my seester. i pulled out my technology to work on homework things, and she told me about their party's recent adventures in d&d, which was really cool, and then i went to pick up dinner. which was unexpectedly and disappointingly disgusting. it had no flavor. my food was honestly just gross looking, and it didn't taste like anything i'd want to continue eating, anyway. it was honestly really disappointing, because it wasn't cheap, either. food that costs money (which it does by default) should taste good. there is no reason taco bell should taste better than a single mexican place that's been in business for years.

(although it kinda makes sense? because milford is mostly White People and White People think salt is spicy, so no seasonings makes sense for them. but thankfully, we're not that kind of White People, we're just white people, lowercase, not Karen or Chad, simply just here and enjoying spicy and flavorful foods while white.)

(good god i hate this town.)

it's fine. i'm fine. i'm tired.

with dinner, we watched pirates of the caribbean at world's end which my sister had never seen, so we fixed that. i haven't seen the second one in a hot minute, and i haven't seen the fifth one, and the fourth one is lackluster. so that's where i stand with that.

but it's sleep time as it's quarter past 2am and i've been reading for a while. i'm so fuckin hype that i don't have to get up in the morning to go work with the kids. they're outta town! i don't have to worry about it!! i can sleep!!

i'm gonna sleep in. i'm hype.

i have lots of reading and homework to do tomorrow. i have a few things to adjust because thesis statements aren't coming easily when i have to deal with things that are either so current there's no information, or are so classified that i wouldn't be allowed to read them even if i wanted to.

rip me i guess.

[the---hermit]

Tag 9 people to learn about their interests!

Tagged by @just-a-cup-of-anxietea thank you 💜🌿

MUSIC

Favourite genre?

I grew up listening to metal and rock, and that's where my heart is. Expecially symphonic metal. But I also listen a a lot more.

Favourite song?

I could say so many songs, if I really have to pick just one I would say Fear Of The Dark by Iron Maiden. That's the song that made me fall in love with music as a kid.

Most listened song recently?

Lately I have been really into Rain Paris' covers, she's really good.

Song currently stuck in your head?

Below My Feet by Mumford and Sons

5 fave lyrics?

Although I felt like giving up

It's not the road I chose

The path less often traveled

Held the highest, the highest of hopes

(The Curse Of The Fold by Shawn James)

Man, he took his time in the sun

Had a dream to understand

A single grain of sand

He gave birth to poetry

But one day'll cease to be

Greet the last light of the library

(The Greatest Show On Earth by Nightwish)

The first thing I ever heard

Was a wandering man telling his story

It was you, the grass under my bare feet

The campfire in the dead of the night

The heavenly black of sky and sea

(Song Of Myself by Nightwish)

And suddently Hades was only a man...

(Epic III from Hadestown off Broadway)

You can be every little thing you want nobody to know

(Wilder Mind by Mumford and Sons)

radio or your own playlist | solo artists or bands | pop or indie | loud or silent volume I slow or fast songs | music video or lyrics video | speakers or headset | riding a bus in silence or while listening to music | driving in silence or with radio on

BOOKS

Favourite book genre?

I have a thing for the very first horror/scifi/fantasy that bloomed in gothic litterature at the end of the 1800s. I have no idea if that counts as a genre, but I have always had a thing for that part of litterature, and when I don't know what to read I usually just go for something that falls under this category

Favourite writer?

Neil Gaiman, and many others, but if I have to pick just one that's him. His writing style, the topics, everything is just perfect for my taste in writing.

Favourite book?

I usually say Frankenstein by Mary Shelly cause that is a great way to present the type of story I like. I was also lucky cause I read that book in the perfect moment of my life to connect with it amazingly. At the same time I feel like I am lying because to only pick one single book is so reductive.

Favourite book series?

I have commitment issues, I don't usually go for series. I would like to cheat by saying The Lord Of The Rings, but Tolkien considered it a whole book. Other than that the only full series I have read is Harry Potter. ( I have also read a few books from the Percy Jackson series, which I enjoyed at the time. And last year I started reading The Witcher series, which I am really liking but I am only two books in and I don't know if that would count).

Comfort book?

The Humans by Matt Haig. Anyone who knows me, or has been following me for a while knows about this, amd no I will never shut up about it until everyone has read it. It just gives me hope in a way didn't think was possible. (Also shout out to The Hobbit cause it just makes me feel so good)

Perfect book to read on a rainy day?

Okay so not an easy question. I think I would either go for a short book that I could read in one sitting or a collection of short stories. For the first category my first thought was Tarocchi Magici E Cavallereschi : La Vera Storia Di Rolando by Marcello Simoni. I have no idea if this was translated but It was a great retelling of the medieval story of Rolando I read last year, I'd love to re-read it. For the second category any short story collection by Neil Gaiman. I particularly love Trigger Warning.

Favourite character?

How can you ask me to pick just one? I love the Creature of Frankenstein, I connected so much to that character. But also Herger from Crichton's Eaters of the Dead is a character I love. I adore his positive spirit and his way of seeing life. At this point I should also mention Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit, one of the characters that I feel more close to me.

5 favourite quotes from your favourite book(s) that you know by heart?

Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.

(Frankenstein by Mary Shelley)

A paradox: The things you don’t need to live—books, art, cinema, wine, and so on—are the things you need to live.

(The Humans by Matt Haig)

Don’t aim for perfection. Evolution, and life, only happen through mistakes.

(The Humans by Matt Haig)

Herger said to me, "Be thankful, for you are fortunate."

I inquired the source of my fortune. Herger said in reply, "If you have the fear of high places, than this day you shall overcome it; and so you shall have faced a great challenge; and so you shall be adjudged a hero.

(Eaters Of The Dead by Michael Crichton)

Then something Tookish woke up inside him, and he wished to go and see the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick.

(The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien)

hardcover or paperback | buy or rent | standalone novels or book series | ebook or physical copy | reading at night or during the day | reading at home or in nature | listening to music while reading or reading in silence | reading in order or reading the ending first | reliable or unreliable narrator | realism or fantasy | one or multiple POVS | judging by the covers or by the summary | rereading or reading just once

TV AND MOVIES

Favoutie tv/movie genre?

I have no idea. I don't know if I feel different about the genres I watch the most. You know what? I'm gonna go with animated movies because at the end of the day that's always the best option when you don't know what to watch.

Favourite movie ?

There is so many movie. In my family we religiously rewatch a bunch of movies every year, how could I pick just one? I'm gonna go with Young Frankenstein cause that movies is hilarious, and everytime I rewatch it I laugh as if I didn't know all the jokes already.

Comfort movie ?

Honestly it depends on what type of comfort I am looking for. I could go with a couple of my favourite disney classics like The Emperor's New Groove and The Lion King. But also The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings movies. This list could go on for days honestly.

Movie you watch every year ?

The list would be way too long, I am a serial rewatcher. I can say a few I haven't mentioned yet. Big Trouble In Little China, the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Wasabi, The 13th Warrior, Lo Chiamavano Trinità and A LOT of other movies.

Favoutie tv show?

The answer to this has changed many many times through the years, but I can confidently say Brooklyn Nine Nine.

Comfort tv show?

Brooklyn Nine Nine, Friends, and I know there's something else but I can't think of any title at the moment.

Most rewatched tv show?

I could say Supernatural, but I really don't want to say Supernatural. I have watched The Mentalist a fair amount of times (the first couple seasons). Now that I think about it I have seen Lie To Me a lot of times aswell. B99 too but I disn't awant to be too repetitive.

5 fave characters?

I don't know if this is supposed to be on tv shows or movies so I will randomly list a few from both. Bilbo Baggings from The Hobbit (yes I am saying it again BUT you don't understand how much I feel like him cause I also both want and not want to go on an adventure). Rosa Diaz from B99, Patrick Jane from The Mentalist, Elizabeth Swan from The Pirates Of The Caribbean. I know it's just four but I can't think of anyone at the moment.

tv shows or movie | short seasons (8-13 episodes) or full seasons (22 episodes or more) | one episode a week or binging | one season or multiple seasons | one part or saga | half hour or one hour long episodes | subtitles on or off | rewatching or watching just once | downloads or watches online

I tag (no pressure) : @anxiousoptimist101, @contre-qui , @justanotherstudyblrinthecrowd , @starrystvdy , @sage-studies , @occhicerchiati , @fly-away-from-here , @illuminatingnun and @outsassing-nero, plus whoever whats to do this just pretend that I tagged you!

[yandere-ac]

You get this a lot but can you do a Yandere Tom Nook X Reader, With Tom trying to comfort a recently ‘broken up’ with (Tomtotallydidntscareaway) reader? Sorry that It’s so specific lmao

Before I start let me just say. Anon, that’s not a specific request at all. You should see some of my requests lol. But anyways, this fic gets....special towards the end. Nothing actually happens but it’s a little suggestive so if that’s not your cup of tea then I wouldn’t suggest this one.

Yandere Tom X Reader

Closer

Pain. All you felt right now was pain. You were curled up on your bed, hugging your knees against your chest. You wanted to shrink down and implode, leaving this cruel world behind. You hated this, it hurt more than any wound. This was a wound to your heart, and you didn’t think it could ever heal. This is what you had been doing for the past two days. Cowering in your own bed only to cry your eyes out and needing to drink more water. For these past two days it felt like all you did was cry. Eating breakfast? Crying. Showering? Crying. Watching tv? Crying. You felt so lost, so helpless. What were you without him? You didn’t ever want to leave your house. What would the others say if they found you like this? Thinking about it only made you more sad, to think how they would be shocked then probably run up to you and give you a big hug. They’re are so sweet. Isabelle would probably give you a big embrace before taking you to the residential services where she’d make you tea and tell you it was gonna be okay. Thinking about it almost made you want to leave, but you couldn’t. You didn’t even have the energy to leave bed. You wished he was here to hug you, to tell you everything was gonna be okay...your Jamie....

Your silent room was filled with noice as you heard knocking on your door. You did nothing to open it but the knocking just continued. After a while you dragged yourself up, blanket still resting on your shoulders and engulfing you in a big shell of warmth and comfort against the coldness around you. You slowly made your way to the door, your feet dragging behind you in a sluggish manner. Opening the door slightly, just a creak so you could see who was there. It was the one and only Tom Nook. He looked at you with concern yet relief that you answered the door.

“Y/N? Are you okay sweetie?” He asked, slowly reaching his hand to you. He started to gently caress your arm all while looking at you. It felt...nice. You just wanted to drag him inside and give him a hug. “I heard about...about what happened. I’m very sorry about your boyfriend. May I come in?” He asked. You stayed silent for a few seconds. Your house was a mess and the state of you weren’t very pretty either. But it’s Tom. You knew him, you also knew that he wouldn’t judge you. So you opened the door and stepped inside to let him come in. He looked around the room as he entered. All blinds were closed, sealing the room in complete darkness. Pillows from the couch were spread all over the room and there were old dishes here and there. “Sorry for the mess...” you said as you closed the door behind him. “Oh don’t worry about it. Trust me, as a person who’s had their heart broken, I know it takes a toll on you.” Tom said nonchalantly as he picked up one pillow, fluffing it up a little. “Wait what?” “No no, we’re here for you now, not for me okay?” Tom said before the question could even leave your mouth. “Now, what I want you to do is go upstairs and take a nice long bath. Add bubbles, bath bombs, anything you want. Just relax and treat yourself. I’ll be here cleaning up.” This caught you off guard. “Huh? No I-I can’t do that. I mean leaving you to clean up MY mess while I get to relax? It wouldn’t feel right.” You tried to insist but Tom was practically pushing you upstairs. “Y/N I insist. I have two small boys at home, you should see the messes they make. This is nothing I assure you.” And so, you finally agreed. You went up to your bathroom and took a nice long bath. Trying to relax while taking deep breaths. You even poured some bubbles in the bathtub and after relaxing for a bit decided to start playing with them a little. Bouncing one foam ball from one hand into the other. You sat there for a while. Letting your worries melt away. You didn’t know why, but the thought of Tom distracted you from the thought of....him.

Walking down the stairs you saw that Tom really did clean up the entire house. He had lifted up the blinds, fluffed the pillows, placed everything neatly in order, even the dishes were gone. Looking walking into the kitchen you saw Tom putting down the final plate Into one of the cabinets. He had done the dishes. You felt yourself let out a sigh of amazement. This alerted Tom and caused him to turn around swiftly. Seeing that it was you he let his guard down. “Oh Y/N! There you are! Was the bath nice?” He asked. But you didn’t answer. You simply looked at him with love in your eyes. “Y/N? Is something wro-“ you ran up to him and embraced him tightly. Burying your face into his neck. As soon as you ran into his arms, he wrapped them around you. He nuzzled into your hair, and at that moment, everything felt perfect. “Thank you Tom...thank you thank you thank you!” You felt Toms chest vibrate at this as he let out a deep chuckle. “Oh Y/N, it was really no big deal. I’m happy to help you, any time.”

“So, what movie do you wanna watch?” You asked while rummaging through your old dvds, trying to find what movie to watch. “Umm, what movies do you have?” Tom asked you, sitting on your bed cross legged. “Oh well I have pirates of the Caribbean, spy kids, my neighbour- MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO! Oh my god I had forgotten about this movie! Can we please watch this one?” You turned around to look at him, giving a big smile. Tom laughed slightly as your eyes became enormous with glee. “Alright then. I think I’ve watched this one time with Timmy and Tommy, but I fell asleep. Not to say that it’s bad I was just tired.” Tom said sheepishly, only realising halfway through the sentence that you might have taken his comment in the wrong way. But you simply laughed a little, putting the disk into the DVD player and plopping down next to Tom. “For real? Looks like you’re really getting the hang of this dad thing huh? Falling asleep on the couch as you’re watching a movie is integral to becoming a father!” You said jokingly as you nudged him slightly with your elbow. And so, you picked up the remote and played the movie. Throughout the duration of the movie, you and Tom scooted closer and closer together until your hands brushed against each other. Tom looked at your hand. He could feel an intense itch through his whole body. He wanted to grab your hand so badly but...should he? You’ve just been broken up with, he didn’t want to overwhelm you or make you uncomfortable. What if you didn’t appreciate it? What if you pulled away immediately? What if you scooted away from him and the air would grow heavy? What if-

But Tom wasn’t able to continue doubting himself as he felt a soft hand place itself on top of his. He could feel his heart speed up as he looked done at his hand. You were currently using your thumb to caress the side of his palm. As he looked up to you he was met by two eyes looking at him with a certain tender way. As he made eye contact with you he felt a slight blush creep onto his cheeks. Should he? And so, he gently grabbed your hand. And as he did this, you leaned your head against his shoulder, almost melting into the touch. After a few seconds of panic, Tom also leaned his head against your head, a million thoughts racing through his mind. But the most prominent being you, how soft your hair felt, how nice your hand in his felt, how good you smelled, how perfect you felt with him. Like you belonged here, here in his arms, away from the world. He didn’t want to let go. He never wanted to depart from you. Like if he let go you would slip away from him or something. He didn’t even pay attention to the movie. All he could think of was you, you, you. How much he wanted you, how much he NEEDED you! How much happier you would be with him rather than with that lowlife you called your “boyfriend”. Well not any more. Tom was going to make sure that imbecile never got close to you again. But for now, he wanted to stay like this. Holding onto your hand as you rested on each other. Sadly, he couldn’t stay like that forever. The movie did eventually end. And so, did your embrace.

You rose up and stretched your body, letting out a small grunt as you did. “That was great! What did you think?” You asked him. At this point Tom felt a small rush of panic flow through his body. But luckily, he was able to hide it. “It was a very cute film yes, yes! I certainly understand why you like it so much.” He said as he gave you a smile. A smile which you returned. Oh how cute you looked when you smiled. Tom wanted that smile all to himself. He didn’t want anyone else to see it. “We should do this more often. It was really nice. Thank you for taking my mind off....Jamie....” as you said his name your voice became meek and barely audible. It felt as if all the sadness that had gone away suddenly flushed over you like a tsunami. “We....we used to have movie nights on Fridays....he would always suggest such good movies and I....I....” your eyes started to sting as your vision got blurry. Tom was quick to notice this and swiftly pulled you into his arms. “Oh honey...” you started to cry. You cried on Toms shoulder as he stroked your hair all while whispering small coos and words of comfort. “Shhh. Shhh. It’s okay. It’s alright.” You let out hiccups and sniffles as the tears kept flowing. “...I’m...I’m sorry.” You said as you started to shake. “Don’t apologise. You’ve done nothing wrong my dear.” “I’m making you sit here and- and listen to all my personal problems! It’s- it’s not okay!” You didn’t want to be so weak in front of him. You knew he wouldn’t judge. He was the last person to judge you. But you still felt so...pathetic. “Y/N. It’s okay to cry. It’s how we deal with things like this. If we hold it back, we’ll just end up more hurt in the long run. So please. Let yourself cry. It’s not bad or weak. It’s how almost everyone deals with being hurt.” What he said was the truth. You knew that it was the truth. But hearing Tom say it. It was like a confirmation. And so, you let your tears flow. You sat there in Toms arms for what felt like hours. Crying and crying until the tears ran out. At that point you were still shivering and gasping for air.

Tom departed from you, holding your shoulders and making you look at him in the eyes. “Now Y/N, I want you to know. That if that guy left you, he’s made the biggest mistake of his life. Because you are a smart, wonderful, fun and beautiful/handsome/stylish girl/boy/person. And frankly, if he can’t see that, then he’s not worth your time. Anyone would kill to be with you. And if he’s to blind to realise what’s in front of him, then that’s his problem and not yours.” Tom said to you, never breaking eye contact. His eyes were stern and yet his grip was soft. He used one of his hands to wipe away any remaining tears that were still on your face. The two of you stared at each other for a few seconds. Both feeling drawn to each other. Soon, you both slowly started to lean towards each other. Both very unsure what to do. As your noses were mere centimetres from each other, Toms eyes felt heavier. He leaned closer and...no...no this wasn’t right. He let go and pulled back. Feeling disgusted with himself that he would ever do something like that. You were emotionally vulnerable right now. He couldn’t take advantage of that. No matter if his intentions were pure or not.

“I’m...I’m so sorry Y/N. That- that was inappropriate of me. I didn’t mean- I just- I’m so-“ but just like before, he couldn’t doubt himself any more as you wrapped your arms around his shoulders and connected the space between you. Sealing your lips together. Tom felt his heart practically explode as you did this and it didn’t take long for him to kiss you back. Wrapping himself around you as his ears puffed up. This. This was the point of no return. You’ve burned any and all bridges that were connected to you two being just friends. There had always been a certain tension between you two. But now? Now all that tension was releasing. And there was nothing stopping it. Toms grasp on you was tight. Like he wasn’t gonna let you go in a million years. You managed to do something to him that not many people could do. You brought out his animalistic instincts. He wanted to protect you. Be with you. Make you his. He thought that what he did to your past boyfriend was the thing that broke out his inner animal. But this? As he held onto you, he felt that animalistic feeling but ten times stronger. He couldn’t hold it back. He wouldn’t hold it back. He felt his hands start to trail up and down your body. But before he could do anything else he managed to stop himself long enough to break the kiss. He looked at you, his eyes intense. You had never seen him like this before. But the look in his eyes told you exactly what he was thinking. And so, with a small smile. You nodded. And all hell broke loose in Toms mind. He didn’t wait for one more second. He pulled you down to the bed with him. The two of you continued where you left off. Tom knew he could come off as intimidating, but he was gonna be as careful as he possibly could. You lied on your back, looking up at him. Tom took his hand and placed it on top of yours. This was happening. Tom was gonna make you his.

His darling. His mate. His Y/N.

////////////////////

So yeah....sorry to the anon if you wanted this to be fluffy, my caveman brain took over lol. But man. My first suggestive fic. Everyday I get one step closer to writing Tom Nook in heat (I’m kidding).

[historyman101]

Fena: Pirate Princess First Impressions

I watched the 1-hour premiere on Toonami with my friends on Discord. After sleeping and having a chance to collect my thoughts, I have a few things to say about it, both positive and negative.

Toonami has fallen by the wayside for me in recent years as they did not have any anime that grabbed my interest. This is actually the first time I’ve watched Toonami in many months. Fena: Pirate Princess and Uzumaki, first announced back in 2020, caught my attention as potential shows to latch onto.

It’s obvious to me that Adult Swim is investing heavily in this anime’s success and I thought that was one reason why we had a 2-episode premiere on Saturday night. However, after watching, I realize that it was also strategic: the two episodes don’t really do much other than set up the main conflict going forward and introduce the core cast of characters. Episode 3 seems to be where the action kicks off.

I’ve noticed a lot of people compare Fena to One Piece, and while I can see why given the importance of pirates and the vaguely 18th-century world, but beyond that initial aesthetic, that’s where the similarities end. If I can compare this to anything, it reminds me more of Scrapped Princess or Yona of the Dawn, especially the pirate arc of that story. In fact, the anime hits a lot of the same beats from shows of the late ‘90s and early 2000s from the animation, character designs, and overall plot.

Fena: Pirate Princess follows the titular Fena Houtman, who escapes an arranged marriage to uncover the secret of her deceased father’s final mission and become an independent woman. She’s accompanied by a troupe of ninjas who are all sworn to protect her family. I will say that it’s a fun, clever way to put an end to the eternal ninjas vs. pirates debate and I can’t help but think the folks at Adult Swim had a hand in that. 

Starting off with the positives, I’ll begin with the center of the story: Fena.

We’re only two episodes in and I already love Fena. She’s cute, funny, upbeat, and clearly has a wild, independent streak to her. That being said, some people may be a little chafed to see her largely being a distressed damsel for the majority of the first episode. However, that was never really a problem for me, as it’s obvious the anime is about her personal growth to being a take-charge woman. Her positive personality is also a good contrast for the world around her, since she starts off initially treated as an object to be bought and sold to the highest bidder. Fena’s introduction also serves as another positive for me in the series: the comedy.

I’ll be honest: I was rather taken aback to see the use of comedic slapstick in this anime when it looked to be billed as an action/adventure anime, but I never found it so overused that I started rolling my eyes. The comedic lighthearted moments weren’t too obtrusive for me to stop watching it, but it did catch me off-guard to see so much comedy in what I thought would be a serious show.

Speaking of disparate elements, there is some romance in this anime. The reason for this might be because of who’s directing the anime: Kazuto Nakazawa. In the runup to this anime’s premiere, Nakazawa cited one of his influences for Fena as shojo manga and it’s obvious that those elements are very present here, from the very first episode. And that wouldn’t necessarily bother me if Fena’s love interest wasn’t so cold and distant.

That brings me to my first criticism: Yukimaru.

I’m sorry, I just don’t like this guy. At one point I even called him “bargain bin Sasuke” in the stream and people immediately agreed with me. I get that he’s supposed to be this cool and aloof tsundere type who undergoes growth, but for someone who is supposed to be Fena’s oldest childhood friend, he treats her more as a nuisance than as someone to protect. For god’s sake, the first thing he does when they reunite is knock her out when she gets too chatty (a potential running gag that may turn off some viewers). I’m willing to give him a chance since we’re only two episodes in, but he still has a long way to go before he gets into my good graces.

Speaking of Yukimaru, the other problem I have is the other ninjas don’t really stand out to me in any meaningful way. Karin is the only one who I could potentially like as she’s portrayed as not only a gun afficionado and a gearhead (channeling some Winry Rockbell here) but I could also see her as a good friend and foil to Fena. The twins Kaede and Enju I see as either the funniest characters of the crew or the most annoying, depending on who you ask. Shitan is another cool hot guy that could provide grounds for a love triangle. Again, we’re only two episodes in, but if this starts going into shojo romance territory, I may be turned off. I can’t even really say anything about the others as they lack any kind of presence for me.

Let me circle around to another positive: the art direction. This anime looks visually striking and has some interested and varied locales so far. The island Fena escapes from reminds me a lot of sets from Pirates of the Caribbean. The entire island is covered in this purple light which gives it a foreboding air, especially in the red light districts. Fena’s room was packed with a lot of intricate details that tell me a lot of work went into the backgrounds and sets. 

The animation is no slouch, either. All the action sequences are eye-catching, the opening and endings are gorgeous to look at, and even the comedic asides looks visually appealing. If nothing else, this anime is pretty to look at, which is to be expected from a studio of such high caliber as Production I.G. (Ghost in the Shell, Psycho-Pass, Haikyu!!). 

My last criticism I have is the pacing of the show, which is rather breakneck and could cause some problems later if it continues at the current rate. Even the dialogue moves at a fast clip. I never felt like I got a chance to know all of the characters in this anime (except Fena) or understand the world. It might be because Jason DeMarco (VP of Toonami) has said this will only get more seasons if the first one does well in ratings, so they might just be going at the pace of a 1-cour anime to play it safe. However, I think that might work against the anime since there is only so much you can hope to accomplish in 13 episodes.  

Overall, Fena Pirate Princess doesn’t get off to a perfect start, but it’s sure a fun ride along the way. Fena is a cute and endearing protagonist who has the potential to be more, the world is a visually beautiful and interesting blend of 18th century steampunk, and there are even some moments that will make you laugh out loud. The potential love story might turn out to be lacking and the pacing may be too fast for some, but I’ve learned to never say never and always give everything a fair chance.

Can’t wait to see Episode 3.

[amandaklwrites]

Top Ten Favorite Fictional Characters

Okay, here I am with another Top Ten! And this one is: my favorite fictional characters of all time. These are the characters that I watched or read, and I fell in love with them, wanted to be them, or saw parts of myself in them. I connected with these characters more so than any other. So, here’s my list. In no particular order of favorites, and why I love them so much.

1. Elizabeth Swann (Pirates of the Caribbean franchise)

I think you can tell from my other favorites lists, and my review on these movies, that Elizabeth Swann literally changed my life. I think I was about 12 or 13 when I first watched this movie, and she intrigued me more than anyone else in the film. I loved her wit, her smarts, her drive, her love, her beauty and her fierceness. As I grew up (and still now), she’s someone I’ve always strived to be. She became a Pirate King for god’s sakes.

2. King Richard (Galavant series)

There’s an ongoing joke with my mom and some friends that I AM King Richard. In the way he says things and acts, and his humor. I love Galavant so much, but Richard makes me laugh more so than the others. His character is just wholesome and great, and kind of silly. But my god, do I love him so.

3. Wanda Maximoff (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Another character I connect with. Wanda was always my favorite female superhero, ever since I first saw her back in Age of Ultron. As the movies continued, I loved her even more, and then I recently saw WandaVision. And she’s so powerful, but so caring at the same time. I like that she toes the line between good and bad, and that’s because she’s human. She reflects the true nature of people—because honestly, who of us wouldn’t create a whole television series just to be with a lost loved one again? As I’ve grown and watched her, I realized that her and I match up, personality-wise and how we think. So, I don’t want to be more like her, because I think I am like her already.

4. Celaena Sardothien (Throne of Glass series)

A badass woman who takes no shit. I was just out of high school when I discovered this series and I loved her. That she was a juxtaposition (which I feel like with myself sometimes); she was brutal and gentle, she could hate and love, she was a frightening assassin but also loved pretty clothes and chocolate. She felt the most human to me in the whole series. She was an enigma that I first discovered as a teen, and I craved it.

5. Emma Swan (Once Upon a Time TV series)

I was 16 when this show came on, and I fell down the rabbit hole into this world. But the person I always loved most, who I connected the most with, was Emma Swan. Not that I was raised without parents and had issues with that. But despite my loving family, I had personal issues when this show first started. I had attempted suicide when I was watching Emma Swan find her belief in herself every Sunday night. Though my journey may not be the same, I felt like, all through the rest of high school and almost all of college (I think it ended right before my last year), I was going through a similar journey with her. I saw myself in Emma Swan, and I saw her triumphs and losses and growth as a reflection of my own. So, she’s one of those characters that burrows into me, our hearts beating together.

6. Samantha Stephens (Bewitched)

I just love Sam. I can’t explain it—I do. This series is one of those that settles into my soul so gently, and I feel so safe and warm when I watch it. But Sam’s the best—she reflects a real person. And funny enough, one of my VERY FIRST memories in my life was being really small (I had to be like 2 or 3), sitting in someone’s lap, and seeing a black-and-white Sam wriggle her nose and do magic. So, that may be why she has a special place in my heart too, because she’s been there since the beginning.

7. Susan Pevensie (Narnia)

I wanted to be Susan when I was like eight. I thought her beautiful and majestic and amazing. And as I grew up, I realized I was a bit like her. I could be stubborn, a bit rude, and trying to keep everyone under the calm. It’s interesting, how when I think of what she meant to me as a kid, versus what she means to me as an adult, are very different. But at the root, they’re similar.

8. Tommy Shelby (Peaky Blinders) 

Thomas Shelby is literally one of the most intriguing characters I have ever seen on the screen. He’s ruthless and intelligent, he can be kind and generous. But he’s ten steps ahead of everyone. And I love seeing him on screen. I think he’s fascinating, but we’re also very similar, and I’m not sure if that’s amazing or frightening.

9. Evie Carnahan (The Mummy movies)

Evie is who I wish I could be. She’s so, so smart, she’s headstrong, she’s willing to take on a mummy. My second dream job would have been archaeology/Egyptology, and I think she’s a reflection of what I almost became, of what I could have been. And I just adore her.

10. Lila Bard (A Darker Shade of Magic)

I just read this first book, and DAMN. I love Lila so much! She’s an intriguing and brutal character, but I love that there’s love hidden behind it, even though she doesn’t want to admit it. I love these grey characters and she’s the epitome of what I love. I can’t wait to learn more about her.

Runner Up: Bucky Barnes (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

He’s going to be on another list coming up, but I thought I would put him as a runner up here because I wanted to mention why I love him and think he’s so interesting. I love his journey as the kind, protective best friend to a ruthless, brain-washed killer, to healing from that past. I love seeing characters fall to villainy (though it wasn’t his choice) and breaking out of it. I like characters that fall all the way to the bottom and pull themselves out of it. And I think that’s why I find his journey the most fascinating at times.

[entertainment]

Entertainment Spotlight: Lewis Tan, Wu Assassins 

You may recognize actor and martial artist Lewis Tan from his roles as Shatterstar in Deadpool 2 and Zhou Cheng in Marvel’s Iron Fist. Known for performing his own action sequences, Lewis began training in drama school at a young age, while learning martial arts from his father, action director and stunt choreographer, Phillip Tan. You can catch him as Lu Xin Lee in Netflix’s Wu Assassins, which premiered last week. We got the chance to chat with Lewis about Wu Assassins, stunts, and some of his favorite things. 

How does shooting action sequences differ from shooting other types of scenes?

Depending what I am doing, it can be very demanding, not just emotionally but physically. It requires so much endurance, giving 110% when they call “action”, take after take, day after day, when your body wants to shut down, usually dealing with injuries, extreme set conditions, choreo to memorize and much more. Finding the truth and expression in the movements, making the fight tell a story, that is the challenge. It has required many years of training to be able to deliver at this level. 

What’s the most memorable thing that’s ever happened to you on set?

Each set has special and unique memories, a different country, different directors and actors. I almost drowned while filming an MMA scene wrapped in heavy chains in a water tank in Korea, I basically lived on a pirate ship in the Bahamas for Pirates of the Caribbean 3, Flipped off a moving truck with swords in my hands in the coldest winter in Ireland, and just recently fought back to back with Iko Uwais in a rainstorm in Canada, I could go on for days, too many great memories, I live for these moments. 

How would you describe Wu Assassins to a five year old?

A very violent action fantasy that you can't watch yet. 

If you had a catchphrase, what would it be?

No plan B. 

What’s the first thing (book, movie, show) that you remember being a fan of?

Star Wars. 

What’s your favorite character arc or storyline from Wu Assassins?

I enjoyed watching Lawerence Kao who plays Tommy, he is a wanna be gangster dealing with a heroin addiction, I think that's the first time I've seen an Asian actor play that. Also my character Lu Xin, you see him change completely through the season, he is flashy, cocky and smooth but underneath is dealing with massive pain and a monster complex. It comes out and nearly destroys everything.

How would you spend your ideal day off?

With good music and a pretty sunset. 

What are you most excited about right now?

Wu Assassins, Euphoria and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Thanks so much, Lewis! Wu Assassins is now streaming on Netflix. 

Photo by: Ben Cope

[luckyricochet]

I want you to answer A-Z on the fandom asks so I can peer into your psyche 👀

Wow I love you. This actually took around three hours since I wanted to think about the answers. See them under the cut!

A - Ships that you currently like a lot. (They don’t have to be OTPs because not everyone has OTPs.) Friendships, pairings, threesomes, etc. are allowed.

From Hanyou no Yashahime — Sesshomaru and Rin

From The Mandalorian — The Mandomera’s been creeping up a little bit. 

B - A pairing–platonic, romantic or sexual–that you initially didn’t consider, but someone changed your mind.

Honestly can’t think of one. I’m very set in my ships. 

C - A ship you have never liked and probably never will.

From Naruto — SasuSaku. Sasuke was cute as a kid so I get Sakura having a crush on him then, but I think she would have gotten over it when he became a homicidal clown who abandoned the village and tried to kill her and her teammates multiple times.

D - A pairing you wish you liked but just can’t.

From Harry Potter — Ron x Hermione. I’ve always thought their personalities didn’t match and not in the good “opposites attract” kind of way.

E - Have you added anything cracky/hilarious to your fandom? If so, what?

I only know how to write angst, drama, and introspective musings so no. 

F - What’s the longest you’ve ever been in a fandom?

Over fifteen years in the Harry Potter fandom, but I’ve had to separate that from JKR herself in the recent years. 

G - Have you ever had an OTP? If so, do you remember your first one? Who was in it?

“Have I ever had an OTP”? *laughs from shipping hell* 

From The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare — Nat and Kit were my first OTP. Read this book in fifth grade and was immediately loved them. Boy literally risks banishment from the colony to help prove she’s not a witch. 

H - What is your favorite source text for fandom stuff (e.g., TV shows, movies, books, anime, Western animation, etc.)?

I love visual media, so TV, anime, and film

I - Has Tumblr caused you to stop liking any fandoms, if so, which and why?

I’m not going to let tumblr dot com put me off of a particular show/book/etc. itself, but it has definitely made me think less of certain types of fans who are in a fandom. 

J - Name a fandom you didn’t think about until you saw it all over Tumblr. (You don’t have to care about it or follow it; it just has to be something that Tumblr made you aware of.)

The...period drama fandom? More widely, the history fandom. They both create some of the most beautiful edits celebrating history and I love it. 

K - What character has your favorite development arc/the best development arc?

 From Avatar: The Last Airbender — It’s gotta be Prince Zuko

L - Say something genuinely nice about a character who isn’t one of your faves. (Characters you’re neutral about are fair game, as are characters you merely dislike. Characters that you absolutely loathe with the fire of ten thousand suns are exempt, as there is no point in giving yourself an aneurysm over a character that you hate.)

From Harry Potter — I think Ginny is a Mary Sue but I loved when she stood up for herself in Half-Blood Prince when Ron was trying to slut-shame her. 

M - Name a character that you’d like to have for a friend.

From Parks and Recreation — Leslie Knope. Unending positive affirmations, thoughtfulness, and support!

N - Name three things you wish you saw more or in your main fandom (or a fandom of choice).

I don’t really have a main fandom but I haven’t mentioned Free! yet so let’s go with it for this one. 

1. Less Nitori because I can’t stand him.

2. More female characters! I get half the appeal is the boys, but I’d love to see a girls swim team in some capacity. 

3. More Haru and his family dynamics! Doesn’t have to be a ton, but I want to know what his relationship with his parents like, especially as an adult.

O - Choose a song at random. Which ship or character does it remind you of?

Salt and the Sea - The Lumineers. “From the destruction, out of the flame. You need a villain, give me a name.” Such an Odesta song. (Finnick x Annie from the Hunger Games)

P - Invent a random AU for any fandom (we always need more ideas).

For The Mandalorian — A historical AU set in early 1900s New York City where Mando’s just some government agent sent to “report” on slum conditions to satisfy some housing law. He goes meaning to write up a generic report but then finds the orphaned Baby Yoda abandoned in one of the tenements. Shocked by the conditions of the slums, Mando goes from being an apathetic, middling-level bureaucrat to being an anonymous investigative journalist reporting on the corruption in the government that allows for the city’s most vulnerable citizens to live in squalor, leading the government on a search to find who within their ranks is exposing them. 

Q - A fandom you’ve abandoned and why.

Sherlock, because it just took so long for the third series to come out. I had moved on to other fandoms by the time it did. Still have fond memories of when I was active in it, though. 

R - Which friendship/platonic relationship is your favorite in fandom?

From Lord of the Rings — Aragorn and Legolas. This is played up a lot more in the films but I love it. 

S - Show us an example of your personal headcanon (prompts optional but encouraged)

For Lord of the Rings — Boromir definitely taught Faramir swordplay when they were little kids since their father didn’t want to. 

T - Do you have any hard and fast headcanons that you will die defending?

From Hanyou no Yashahime — Rin made the first move. Sesshomaru would be way too clueless to even know how to go about it. 

U - Three favorite characters from three different fandoms, and why they’re your favorites.

From Pirates of the Caribbean — James Norrington: Commodore in the Royal Navy during the 18th century, must I explain any further? Cool, calm, and collected on the job while looking v good while he does it but a nervous wreck in front of the woman he fancies. Tell me that’s not straight out of Austen.

From Star Wars (OT) — Luke Skywalker: An unapologetically good person in a crapsack world, doing his best to bring light into the world. A classic hero archetype who grows out of his naïveté to become a cunning—but still benevolent—Jedi. 

From Prince of Tennis — Yukimura Seiichi: His duality is *chef’s kiss*. Super scary and in charge on the court, gentle sweet boy who loves art and culture off the court. He struggled for so long but was able to overcome it all through his hard work and willpower.

Bonus favorite, because I couldn’t resist...

From Band of Brothers — Doc Roe: He’s doing the MOST for his guys but he really just needs a hug. Plus he’s got the accent.

V - Which character do you relate to most?

From Little Women — Jo March, especially as portrayed by Saoirse Ronan in the 2019 adaptation. Writer, holds grudges, opinionated, stubborn, eschewed “girliness” in her youth but is more open to it and romanticism as an adult. 

W - A trope which you are virtually certain to hate in any fandom.

I’ve gotten to the point where even the hint of a love triangle tests my patience.

X - A trope which you are almost certain to love in any fandom.

It’s about the yearning: Longing Look

Also will definitely always ship the Brooding Boy and the Gentle Girl

Y - What are your secondhand fandoms (i.e., fandoms you aren’t in personally but are tangentially familiar with because your friends/people on your dash are in them)?

Anything in the MCU or general superhero content.

Z - Just ramble about something fan-related, go go go! (Prompts optional but encouraged.)

I love fandom so much. I’m sort of facetious about being obsessed with people who aren’t real on my other social media accounts, but in all seriousness, being able to escape the real world to get excited over characters and relationships that face their own struggles, triumphs, and emotions is such a gift. So often they speak so powerfully on the human experience—How can you read, or watch, any of Tolkien’s work and not be moved by what he has to say about humanity and the power of good? Even if the stories are fictional, the messages they impart about life aren’t, which is what I love so much about them.

[kimtaegis]

Interview tag ✨

The rules are to answer questions and tag 20 blogs you are contractually obligated to know better :)

Since so many people beautiful people tagged me in this recently I’m just going to do it again, maybe I can think of new things or something changed over the last two months asjfghljlk

THANK YOU to @btsbias, @blondesuga, @marvelousbangtan, @sugalou, @discoooverload and @sooplover, you are all so so amazing and I’m so glad we met over here 💕💕💕

Gender: female (she/her)

Star sign: cancer (and don’t I fit the characteristics perfectly)

Height: unfortunately, still 160cm (5‘2′’) lol

Time currently: 0:59 am

Birthday: July 21st

Favourite band/group: BTS (duh), Kings of Leon, I used to be a Directioner so if they ever come back I swear I will lose my shit. I also went to a few Kodaline concerts

Favourite solo artist: Harry Styles and Dua Lipa and Agust D, obviously ;)

Song stuck in your head: Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen (?????)

Last show you binged: You can’t call it binging because I’m too unconcentrated for that atm but the last show I watched was Bridgerton and I very much enjoyed it

When you created your blog: My main blog is from around 2014/15 I think, this side blog is a BTS blog since last year October I’d say

Last thing you googled: the mail adress of one of my professors to tell him I can’t attend tomorrow’s zoom class because I have a doctor’s appointment (which is a straight up lie)

Other blogs: my main @yoongisticss. It’s retired, though, because they ruined Sherlock for me with season 4

Why I chose my URL: I guess this might be news to you but....I love Yoongi of BTS....so much. And I thought that wordplay is funny enough

How many people are you following: 292

How many followers do you have: Heeeeyy over 100 that’s definitely more than the last time I’ve done this game 

Average hours of sleep: I said 8 hours and above last time...yeah that changed my sleep schedule is so messed up right now it varies from 5 to 10 hours...

Lucky number: 7. My birth month, and funnily enough, the singer Tom Odell once responded to a tweet of me telling him I like the number. He agreed.

Instruments: I can rock Oh, Susanna! on the recorder. And the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack on the keyboard.

Favourite food: Pasta. All forms. All sauces.

Favourite song: Over by Kings of Leon, Interlude: Shadow by Him, I also really enjoy Driver’s License by Olivia Rodrigo atm it’s a beautiful song

Dream trip: I just wanna go back to London, man. I miss it so much. I love city trips, I’d like to go to many European capitals like Rome, Lissabon, Stockholm. Chicago also seems like a city I would enjoy, and Tokyo. 

What I am currently wearing: a bleach-stained (oops) Topman t-shirt I initially bought for my ex-boyfriend who didn’t like it and ugly ass sweatpants

Dream job: I would still like to work in filmmaking. Cinematography really interests me. But yeah, maybe in my next life.

Nationality: German

I tried my best to change it up a bit, thanks again to the lovely people who tagged me, I love you!!!

There’re probably not many people left who haven’t done this before, but I’ll try: @flowerseokjin, @staygguks, @babieemochi, @bluengrey, @taelepathysroom and @mykrokosmo (if you’ve done it already please tag me in the posts, would love to read about you!) ❣️❣️❣️