#he was gonna save his man phantom of the opera style

[notcrowleybutcouldbe]

I'm still processing mastermind

What do you mean they didn't hear each other's parts in the song where they confess their feelings WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!?!?

On the other hand, Stolas putting his neck on the stone for them to cut it is sooo on character, like, I don't see it like him risking everything for blitzø to show him something or even hoping to walk alive out of there, more like him trying to save someone who loves and at the same time meeting an end. It's ending his life with one last try to show how much he loves someone, and what is better than to die for love and justice.

AND NOTHING LESS THAT WITH A BANGER

He was gonna go big or go home I love him so much

Hope Lucifer appears in one of the next episodes to mend things

So yeah I'll be rewatching it soon

[maxwell-grant]

Any thoughts on Darkman, the Liam Neeson movie? I heard it was originally going to be a Shadow movie.

I love Darkman very much, but I've realized recently that this love comes with some pretty bittersweet feelings at the story behind it.

Michael Uslan: I was going to produce a Shadow feature film with Sam Raimi, but Sam got consumed by back-to-back movies and we ran out of time. We were headed in a good, period piece direction and managed to do so without relying on yet another bout with Shiwan Khan. I later had another major director passionate to do The Shadow, but a person at the company wanted to do a modern day TV series instead, which ultimately did not go... - comment saved from a post in The Shadow Knows Facebook group

For those of you who only now got into The Shadow or don't remember, for much of the early 00s, when The Shadow basically had no current projects and Conde Nast was taking down webpages and fan content left and right, the only things that kept this "fandom" alive were occasional fanfics (many of which are gone now), and the dim light in the horizon that was the rumors that Sam Raimi was finally going to make his Shadow film. Dig back on The Wayback Machine for Shadow web page and you're gonna see this as consistently the only thing they had to look forward to in regards to the character. These rumors floated around for over a decade, at one point Tarantino was even supposed to direct it, but he confirmed in 2013 that it wasn't going to happen. At least, not with him at the helm.

The project has been dead for a while now, and Conde Nast seems to be shuffling around plans for the character, and I deleted my Facebook months ago so I haven't kept up with any news, although it seems the James Patterson novel wasn't received too well, so I'm not sure what other plans they have in the pipeline.

Back in the 1970s, after the release of Richard Donner's Superman and in line with The Shadow's pop culture resurgence, thanks to the paperback reprints and the 70s DC run, there were plans to make a Shadow feature film, and there were quite a handful of scripts being tossed around for the following years (Will Murray states most of them were horrible), several names attached to the project at one point or another. The plans died down a bit following Gibson's death and only really picked up again after the 90s, and of course we all know that the 1994 movie came out with spectacularly bad timing. From what I recall, it seems Sam Raimi wanted to make his Shadow film in the 80s, was unable to secure the rights, and then just made his own version, which would go on to be his first major motion picture.

Even after making Darkman, Sam Raimi still wanted to make The Shadow. I guess that's ultimately the bittersweet part for me. I imagine the current state of Shadow media would be significantly better if Sam Raimi, who was a fan of the character and the pulp version (and even knows of The Shadow's connection to Houdini and stage magic), got to make his Shadow film, years before Blood & Judgment, years before Burton's Batman made it impossible for a Shadow film not to be compared to it, in a time period where it wouldn't have had to compete with The Lion King and The Mask for box office. And second, I have been drawing up my plans for Shadow projects for, what, 5 years now? And I have just barely got my foot off the door as a filmmaker. Sam Raimi had a decade-long career as a cult filmmaker before he got turned down, and decades later, after becoming a household name in charge of Marvel's biggest icon, the project still fell through. It doesn't exactly get my hopes up, y'know.

I love Darkman, it's the best Shadow film that doesn't technically star the real Shadow, and it works pretty well on it's own regardless of that association, but I do get pretty sad looking at it from the outside, because I just can't help but think on what it could have been.

In some aspects I do think the film benefits from not being about The Shadow proper, because it means Raimi got the freedom to do whatever the hell he wanted. The character of Darkman already existed separately from Sam Raimi's plans for a Shadow film, already carrying off the Phantom / Universal Monster influence, and what Raimi did was basically combine the two ideas together.

He took the basic iconography of The Shadow, a terrifying urban crimefighter in coat and slouch hat, and add in other Shadow traits like his mastery of disguise, his disfigurement, and that wonderful scene where he's invisibly running circles around a panicky triggerman while laughing maniacally, a moment which definitely feels like Raimi taking a second to indulge himself to do what you can call The Classic Shadow Scene with a character he's, for the most part, succesfully convinced us (and Conde Nast's lawyers, most importantly) isn't supposed to be The Shadow.

But then he filters these through his own influences and style to make him a new character, so instead of a mysterious mastermind with lots of resources and a enigmatic background, instead he's a disfigured and psychotic scientist with a vengeance against those who made him that way. He's like Night Raven, in the sense that he's built off traits that The Shadow has, but develops them differently to the point he stands on his own as a character. It's The Shadow combined with The Phantom of the Opera, filtered through a 1930s Universal Horror lens, played for greater tragedy and a dash of Evil Dead 2 wackyness.

He hides away in trashed up ruins and bickers with a cat, he has fits of rage that make him endanger innocents, he has a doomed love affair, and sometimes he gets so batshit he gives us hilarious moments like "TAKE THE FUCKING ELEPHANT" and "SEE THE DANCING FREAK! PAY - FIVE - BUCKS! TO SEE THE DANCING FREAK!". Moments that really show why he was such a good fit for Spider-Man despite the liberties he took with the source material.

I think the big thing that helps to make Darkman works as a property in it's own right is also that, ultimately, these influences are ultimately at the forefront of it, and the core of it works on it's own. Darkman is a believable, engaging character in his own right, one who tells a story that would be more at odds with The Shadow proper. 

In some aspects, Darkman tries to be The Shadow, he is forced to become The Shadow by literally picking the clothes off a dumpster after he escapes the hospital, and it's a miserable, wretched existence, in a way rather befitting his status as a legally safe knock-off. He is a creature of nightmare who lost his face and takes on a dozen others to fight crime by turning terror against them, except he is still just a man in the end, and no man was ever supposed to live like this.

Raimi was also inspired by the Universal horror films of the 1930s and 1940s because "they made me fear the hideous nature of the hero and at the same time drew me to him. I went back to that idea of the man who is noble and turns into a monster".

He originally wrote a 30-page short story, titled "The Darkman", and then developed into a 40-page treatment. At this point, according to Raimi, "it became the story of a man who had lost his face and had to take on other faces, a man who battled criminals using this power"

A non-superpowered man who, here, is a hideous thing who fights crime. As he became that hideous thing, it became more like The Phantom of the Opera, the creature who wants the girl but who was too much of a beast to have her

I decided to explore a man's soul. In the beginning, a sympathetic, sincere man. In the middle, a vengeful man committing heinous acts against his enemies. And in the end, a man full of self-hatred for what he's become, who must drift off into the night, into a world apart from everyone he knows and all the things he loves.

For the role, Raimi was looking for someone who could suggest "a monster with the soul of a man"

It's the fact that Darkman is ultimately played for vulnerability and tragedy that really sets him apart. While I wouldn't go far enough to say The Shadow is a man with the soul of a monster, still, the difference in presentation is still there when it comes to these two. The Shadow is The Other, Darkman is You. Darkman is the victim of extraordinary circumstance that affects his life, The Shadow is the extraordinary circumstance that affects the lives of others. People react to The Shadow, Darkman reacts to people (and rather poorly).

One is the man who takes off his skin (or yours, staring back at you) to reveal the weird creature of the night ready to prowl and pounce and cackle at those who think they hold power over it's domain, and the other is the monster who falls apart bit by bit until you are left staring at the broken man within who has no choice but to be something he was never supposed to be.

The Shadow is The Master of Darkness. Darkman weaponizes the dark, but in the end, he's still just a man, lost within it. Not everyone can be The Shadow, and you would most likely turn into Darkman if you tried.

[murderfabrication]

Murder Fabrication incorrect quotes

For some non-canon hilarious [...] fun.

Chapter 1 spoilers!

Akiro: We need an adult! Alice: I am an adult! Akiro: … Akiro: Another adult!

Mina: I'm gonna strangle you. Neo: You're not tall enough. Mina: YOU’VE SUNK LOW ENOUGH FOR ME TO REACH.

Jan: *falls* Alice: Did you just fall? Jan: Psh, of course not. I just attacked the floor. Alice: Backwards? Jan: I'm skilled.

Andi: You know, you’ve got to stop sending me these mixed messages. Keith: “I don’t like you” and “go away” are not mixed messages.

Benjamin: Okay Neo, you have 5 seconds to name 5 famous disasters. And.. go ! Neo: Vesuvius, Chicago fire, dinosaur asteroid, Titanic, and... um... your haircut.

"I had to take a sick day, I’m so sick of these people." – Lois

Neo: Are you okay? Isabella: I'm going to start charging people money to ask me that.

"Andi sneezed earlier and I accidentally said "shut the fuck up" instead of "bless you"." – Chris

"Am I bitter? Yes. But do I try to move on and let go of past anger? Well, actually no." – Isabella Neo: I like your new pants. Lois: Thanks! They were 50% off! Neo: I'd like them better if they were 100% off. Lois: The store can't just give away clothes for free. Neo: That's not what I meant... Lois: That's a terrible way to run a business, Neo.

Chris: Okay. Stay calm. Stay calm. Neo: I am calm. Chris: I'm talking to myself.

Monokuma: Ssshh, do you hear that ? That's the sound of forgiveness. Lois: That's the sound of people dying, Monokuma.

Alice: Andi, don't say a word. Andi: … Andi: Fergalicious. Alice: I said no words. Andi: Oh, I see. Two weeks ago playing Scrabble, it's not a word, and now suddenly it is a word because it's convenient for you.

Keith: I have feelings for you. Andi: You do?? Keith: Yes. I feel you’re a little annoying.

Andi: You have no style or sense of fashion. Benjamin: I think that depends on— Andi: No, no. That wasn’t a question.

Mina: Oscar and I have this kind of easy chemistry where we finish each other's-- Oscar: Sentences. Mina: Don't interrupt me.

"These so called 'feelings' are ruining my reputation as a heartless bitch" – Lois

Akiro: Is there a word that's a mix between angry and sad? Jan: Malcontented, disgruntled, miserable, desolated... Alice: Smad.

Neo: Hey, I'm going to Taco Bell, you want anything? Isabella: I want my girlfriend back. Neo: ... yeah I got like twelve dollars

Neo: I win. Noah: I have you pinned to the ground. Neo: I know.

Benjamin: That's a great dress, Lois, but I bet it would look even better on Neo’s floor! Lois: ... Neo: Are you...hitting on Lois...FOR me?

Emily: So I heard you like bad girls. Emily: Well, I'm bad at everything. Emily: *winks with both eyes*

Jan: Oh, dear. Alice: Jan, I told you, nobody our age says "Oh, dear". Jan: Oh, my. Alice: Or that.

Emily: So I've been thinking. Ciel: That's a first.

Lois: Seriously, all you do is bitch. Chris: I happen to bitch the perfect amount for someone in my situation!

Neo: It’s a package from Lois. Ciel: What is it? Neo: It’s heavy. Must be her disappointment in me.

Emily: Akiro, please teach me how to write ! Akiro: You just gotta... just pick up a pen... Akiro: Then cry for about four hours... Akiro: And then a book magically appears before you.

Emily: I made a marshmallow Chris ! Her arms are crossed because she's mad at all the other marshmallow people for annoying her. You like it? Chris: *choked up* It's fine.

Lois: Okay, emergency meeting! I need everyone to gather around me in order of how much I trust them. Benjamin: *gets close to her* Everyone else: *stays back*

Neo: Lois! You really do care! Lois: Yeah, I do. Tell anyone and I'll kick your ass. I have a reputation.

Keith: Andi? Andi: Yeah? Keith: Before we die, I just want to say... Andi: Yes? Keith: THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!

Lois: I searched everywhere. Neo: What? Lois: I looked through hundreds of files. Lois: Searched through my text messages. Lois: I even searched my wardrobe. Lois: But I still couldn't find where I asked for your opinion. Neo: ...

Noah: It was for love! Mina: Cool motive. Still murder.

Neo: Am I supposed to feel intimidated by now? Because I kind of don't. Mina: Why not? Neo: Well for starters you're... what, fifteen years old? Mina: No! I'm fifteen and a half!

Neo: You broke into my room?! Benjamin: No, that would be wrong. I had a key.

Ciel: Emily, would you step outside for a moment? Emily: Why? Ciel: Because you irritate me.

Neo: Girls are so hot. Neo : Guys are hot too. Neo: Why is everyone so hot? Ciel: Global warming.

Emily: *takes a deep breath* Emily: I lo— Anyone who has spent five seconds around Emily ever: Yes, you love Isabella, we know, you love Isabella so much, she's the light of your life, your reason to live, you love her so much, you just LOVE Isabella, we KNOW, you love Isabella, you fucking love Isabella, okay, we know, we get it, yOU LOVE ISABELLA, WE GET IT.

Ciel: I need you to stay calm, okay? Chris: I'm just gonna stay angry. I find that it relaxes me.

Alice: Only geniuses can say these four words quickly. Eye. Yam. Stew. Pit. Chloe: Come on, no one's falling for tha- Emily: IAMSTUPID

Akiro : *softly but with a lot of feeling* Fuck.

Alice: Describe your ideal man. Akiro: He's dark and mysterious, and he can sing, and he plays the organ. Alice: I think you just described the Phantom of the Opera.

Isabella: Oh, yes, I'll live. Isabella: But I won't enjoy it.

Neo: Hey Jan, what’s your biggest fear? Jan: Being forgotten. Neo: Damn. That’s deep. Mine’s the Kool Aid man but I feel kinda stupid about it now.

Benjamin: So I walked into Neo’s room while he was asleep and I knocked something over and he said “if you're a ghost or some shit please fuck off I'm too tired for this”

Chloe: You were happy once, Isabella. Isabella: I was never happy. I was just less pissed off.

Oscar: Have a good day. Mina: Don't tell me what to do.

Alice: A guy from work is going out of town this weekend and wanted to know if we could take care of his child. Akiro: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, that's a big responsibility. What do we know about children? Jan: I'm leaving. Bag? Akiro: [Hands Jan his backpack] I swear you'd lose your head if it wasn't screwed on. [To Alice] I don't know the first thing about taking care of a child. [To Jan] Where is your jacket? It's very cold outside. Jan: Forgot. Akiro: Here, take mine. [To Alice] Kids are a lot of work.

Emily: Come on. I didn't drink that much last night. Chloe: You were flirting with Isabella. Emily: ... So what? She’s my wife. Chloe: You asked her if she was single... and started crying when she said she wasn't.

Neo: So, what's it like dating Chris? Noah: Once, I asked her for a glass of water while she was pissed at me, and she brought me a glass full of ice and said "Wait."

[texting] Akiro: nose Akiro: I just typed nose with my nose! Jan: heart Akiro: WHAT THE FFUKC ARE YOU OK

Emily: There’s something on your mouth *kisses Isabella* Isabella: There’s something on yours too *kisses Emily* Andi: What the fuck do we even buy napkins for ?

Akiro: *exists* Everyone: So blessed. So moved. So grateful. Can't believe this is my life. Never going to take it for granted. Always going to give back. Thank you.

Keith: You're pretty dumb. Andi: Thank you. Keith: Why are you thanking me? I just insulted you. Andi: All I heard was "You're pretty". I'm focusing on the positives in life.

Isabella: *breathes* Emily: Flawless, fantastic, incredible, show-stopping.

Chris: Help! [Chris falls below the water, but Oscar pulls her up before she drowns] Chris : Oh Noah, you saved me! [She kisses Oscar on the cheek.] Oscar: Actually, it’s me. Chris: Oh… well… [chuckling embarrassedly] You can go ahead and let me drown now. Akiro: Some people give off a vibe of… right away it’s, “Don’t fuck with me” Akiro: My vibe is more like, “Hey, you could pour hot soup in my lap and I’ll probably apologize.”

Lois: Anything you say in the next thirty seconds is free, starting right now. Chris: I think you're cocky. Arrogant. Bossy and pushy. You also have a god complex and don't think of anybody but yourself. Lois: But-- Chris: But what? I still have twenty-two seconds, and I'm not done.

Alice: I am not a mother, I don't even have any children ! Andi: *passes her* 'sup Mom ? Alice: Oh, hey. Jan: Mom, is it okay if Akiro and I see the new Star Wars tonight ? Alice: Yeah, just be home by ten. Alice: Alice: Okay, listen

Emily: *running with something in her hand* Isabella: Let me see what you have. Emily: *excitedly* A knife! Isabella: NO!

Chris: We're not scared of you, Monokuma! Emily: I kind of am. Chris: Emily, shut the fuck up.

Keith: I loved playing doctor as a child. *flashback to young Keith with stethoscope and teddy bear* Keith: The cancer has spread. Get your house in order.

[popculturebuffet]

Comics Corner: Child’s Play #1 “Night of the Living Doll”

S

Happy days before Halloween everybody. While I have an X-tra Spooky treat planned for the day itself, I thought i’d start branching out from X-Men Comics (though that will be my primary focus), with a comic i’ve been dying to read since I found out it existed: The Child’s Play mini series from innovation comic, one of only two series and 10 comics overall starring your faviorite murder doll and mine: Charles “Chucky” Lee Ray. Also contains a slasher off to see who would win between Chucky and some classsic killers because the comic put the idea in my brain. Wanna Play? Then join me after the cut. 

WARNING: This review contains scenes of Gore. While I did try to cut it down being a horror comic about a slasher villain, this was inevitable, Discretion is advised. 

Child’s Play is a horror franchise I absoltuley love. While i’ve procastinated on seeing the DTV sequels, not that I think their bad i’m just a forgetful mess sometimes, and Seed, because no amount of Jennifer Tilly or intresting gender identity issue stuff will compensate for me having to watch Chucky masturbate, I have followed the series for years, afraid to watch it because I wasn’t a huge horror fan at the time and Chucky scared the shit out of me as a kid. Eventually I realized that despite my fear I loved the franchise for it’s thoroughly interesting killer, entertaining kills, and at it’s best great stories and at it’s worst so bad it’s good royalty. Even the Don Manncini, creator of the series and writer of every film and director of three, disowned remake is pretty good if thoroughly it’s own thing.  So naturally a Mini-Series taking place between 2 and 3 that may fit neatly into continuity, this is my shit and i’m so happy to finally read it. 

For the lapsed and unintiated, the Chucky/Child’s Play series, the original anyway the remake is it’s own thing and has it’s own backstory, follows Charles Lee Ray, aka Chucky, a serial killer who in desperation to get away from the cop perusing him after his partner ratted him out, used his vodoo knowledge, because every serial killer knows voodoo apparently, to put himself in the nearest vessel, a doll. The rest of the backstory can be covered as we go as the first issue does a really good job of organically explaning it for the unaware. Granted I don’t know if most non child’s play watchers would be intrested in this comic but it’s a nice gesture. 

This mini comes to us from innovation entertainment, a 90′s publishing company that made tie in comics for a number of things, and from writer Andy Mangels who also wrote Innovation’s Nightmare on Elm Street comics, which Linkara has covered in detail if your curious and which i’ll probably cover myself at some point, especially since this issue made a strong impression on me.  Speaking of which, the mini as mentioned takes place between the second and third films, both of which have their own adaptations that i’ll cover eventually, but I felt the original story was more appealing. As far as I can tell there have only been really three bits of media outside the franchise, not counting the aborted video game: A , from all accounts, terrible endless runner game, this mini series, and another mini series from Hack/Slash creator and former Nightwing Maestro Tim Seely, as well as a crossover between Hack/Slash and Chucky from Seely. And having read said crossover and found it excellent and feeling just like the movies in regards to the little shit, I hope to find the mini one day and share it with you lovely people. But even if I had i’d probably be covering this one first since chronological order combined with the fact it seems that mini dosen’t fit into canon anymore and this one might. Now the exposition is out of the way let’s get to the good stuff. 

Since I didn’t really cover the covers in my first two X-Men reviews, and feel I really should going issue by issue it just hadn’t occured to me, let’s look at the cover. It’s decent, kinda a parody of old horror comics covers or old horror movie covers and a nice start to things.. although frankly I would’ve preffered the splash page instead. 

I love it. It’s a nice little gag, and while the blood splatter is partly nonsensical and looks like Chucky just killed a guy to splatter some extra blood about to make his collection look more badass.. though given who we’re dealing with it wouldn’t suprise me, so it dosen’t really detract. That being said being a burgeoning horror fan and having seen films from most of these franchises and knowing enough about those I don’t from other reviewers reviews, i’d be remiss if I didn’t speculate about if Chucky could win against these other titans of terror. PLACE YOUR BETS BITCHES, IT’S A SLASHER OFF. 

Chucky Versus Micheal Meyers: He’d stab him for the love guru. Easy joke aside the horror of haddonefield does have size and strength, even in his old man version from the recent movie and upcoming sequels, over Chucky and while I thought this would be easily him... Chucky has him in speed and agility. He could climb that fucker and stab him up and down, shadow of colossus style, until even Micheal would have to buckle over, or just as likely set an elaborate trap like 2k18 Laurie. Micheal has some intellegence and a Chuck’s own drive not to give up, but that won’t save him from an opponent who’s faster, smarter and just as piss angry stubborn. Chucky wins.  Chucky Versus the Creature from the Black Lagoon: Chucky. The creature is strong but chucky’s craftier and would poison a lake just to kill a bastard.  Chucky Versus Jason: Tough call. Like Micheal, Jason is slow.. but he’s also 20 times more durrable, stronger and way more likely to get Chucky off him. He’s also more likely to use the environment meaning even if I vastly prefer Chucky, it’s a more even fight and more likely to go in Jason’s favor, as any trap Chucky set would likely get walked off. Jason wins.  Chucky Vs The Phantom of the Opera: Not really a traditional slasher and I don’t really know the version that is or the version that isn’t to be frank, but it seems like Erik could take chucky in cleverness and ruthlessness and combined with having home field advantage, i’m calling advantage Erik. He wins.  Chucky Vs Dracula: Okay 1, make this a movie yesterday Mancini and 2, this is a tough one. On the one hand Drac has mist, a horde of brides, wolves and transformation. If it’s home court, Chucky’s gonna die, especially if the count simply uses his brides to seduce him as Chucky is kinda easy that way. But in the US? Chucky is an onry bastard and Dracula has a ton of weakness, so I could see Chucky loosing round one then coming back to kill the bastard at dawn and anyone dumb enough to defend his coffin. Plus Chucky isn’t alone having Tiffany and the ablity to split himself among good guy dolls, so I could see Chucky creating another army of himself to do a suicide run on Drac’s castle. It’d hurt but Chucky is a vengeful dick. Chucky wins. Seriously Mancni get on this.  Chucky Vs Freddy: Depends on the setting: In the Dream World, it’s likely Freddy as he can throw Chuck off guard by giving him his body back or using former survivors, while in the real world it’s Chucky’s turf but Freddy still has knife hands with more reach than his lumbering opponents, so even with prep I expect Chucky to eat that one, so I give it to Freddy. But honestly I prefer Don Mancini’s ACTUAL pitch for a crossover he’s trying to get happening: Chucky and Freddy meet up, and actually admire each other’s style but realize that two killers in town will dry up all the victims so they wage a dirty rotten scoundrel’s style looser leaves town contest: whoever chops up the most teens by dawn stays. I want that yesterday too.  Chucky Vs Xenomorph: If it’s a facehugger as shown, Chucky, it probably woudln’t be able to bond with him and he’d stab it. But a proper showdown.. xenomorph. It matches Chucky’s speed, ferocity and while not as intelligent is still far stronger and just as ruthless.  Chucky Vs Leatherface: Chucky. While Leatherface has the better weapon and matching speed, Chucky can outthink him. Chucky wins but while I haven’t seen Texas Chainsaw Massacre, against the whole clan Chucky probably woudln’t win.. but would probably throw in with them long enough to survive since he’s a murderous bastard too and as long as he dosen’t have to join in dinner, it’s essentially his MO with help and family. He’d probably grow to either love them or get annoyed enough to kill em all.  Chucky Vs  The Tall Man: Tall Man. The Phantasm Ball is just too powerful and Chucky too vunerable and stubborn for a teamup.  Chucky vs Pinhead: Pinhead. I may be too squeamish for hellraiser but he’s FAR above Chucky’s paygrade.  So overall it’s 4 to 6 with Chucky loosing, but he still put up a far better fight than you’d think. And for funsies before we move on to the actual meat of the comic at long fucking last.  Chucky Vs Ash: Ash. Ash is dumb sometimes sure, but he’s just as stubborn, has dealt with being accused of murder before so framing him won’t work, and unlike the Slashers he’s got a shot gun, which while chucky can dodge, I could see Ash pining him. Dumb dosen’t mean he isn’t clever. However I do want to see the hyjinks that would insue so please, Mancini, do this one if you either can’t get freddy or if you can after that. Please? Okay so with ALLLL of that out of the way, let’s dive in. 

We open on the above, what’s left of Chucky after Child’s Play 2, being reforged into a fresh body. It’s exactly as pleasant as you’d think. 

Maybe he just says that because the sight of him with lipstick gives grown men heart attacks. 

See? Unsuprisingly, that’s one of my faviorite Child’s Play moments. Or maybe he just needs a pair of fresh eyes to stop being so hetronormative. 

I do love this bit, it’s a nice bit of comedy that dosen’t feel too broad and fits right into the franchise, even before the outright horror comedies. And now for you ladies and gentleman and other’s pleasure...LIVE NUDE CHUCKY!

Granted Bride would later retcon in a penis, but given he’s in a third body by then. Or maybe it’s the fact his body gets more human the longer he’s in one, so maybe he grows one or fused a strapon to himself. I dunno. I’m not an expert in Chucky’s Penis. That’s Don Mancini’s job. So Chucky puts some pants on, because wether it’s because you love somebody or want to stab them silly, you put your pants on for them, and wonders if he should wear something more inconspicuous before realizing he’s a 3 foot animate doll.. he’s always going to be conspicuous, another inspired bit of comedy. This is something I like about the issue: Regognizing how ludicrious the two sequels at the time were, Mangels leans into the comedy a little, but without overriding the horror, as you’ll soon see, somehow correctly predicting the direction of the franchise. But chucky made a mistake.. the last page showed him triggering an alarm by accident and well. 

As you can see in a neat stylistic choice, the siren blares over the entire page as Chucky makes a run for it and a mysterious observer sees a slight against god running about, decides cool and follows. He accidently slams into chucky in another funny bit. He offers a ride and while Chucky balks at this weirdo, said weirdo points out that how’s he’s going to outrun the cops otherwise and Chucky reluctantly gets in. And it says something if the guy with a bigger body count than a heart attack still has reservations going with you. The teen says Chucky reminds him of a kid who was in the papers for claming a doll killed some people and his mother who backed up the story, was suspected to have did it and put her in an insane asylum, or as this little shit calls it “Electro-Shock Pallace” as someone who himself is mentally ill, and afraid of asylums and lives in a world two decades removed where mass killings happen often and are often pinned on mental illness, fuck this twerp and I can’t wait for his commupance. Chucky sets him straight. 

See this is why I didn’t jsut do a big infodump on everything right up front, the comic does a good cjob recapping child’s play 1, and 2 isn’t relevant to the plot aside from the intro. They explain things quick and fast and chucky himself gives a good chunk of the film’s backstory pretty quickly once he and shades here get back to his house. 

This is also interesting as even the films haven’t really gone into how Charles Lee Ray felt as he became a doll or if he was conscious when Karen first got him. There’s more of course, and while it’s not necessary to this story, Karen does show up in this series, so i’ll fill you in on where the story went from there, as well as what Chucky left out or wasn’t there for. Here we go... Karen Barclay was the struggling mother of young Andy, who wanted a Good Guy doll for his birthday. Karen, not having much, found one second hand... Chucky. Chucky started manipulating the young kid, offscreen though that just makes it more unsettling even if the mystery of if Chucky’s real or not is kinda pointless when we saw a guy explode himself into a doll. I also like the nod that Chucky knows about as much as the fans do as to why their was a mega explosion. He first kills Karen’s best friend and Andy’s babysitter for the night, which Andy blames Chucky. No one belivies him.. which is understandable.. what’s not is when Chucky kills next, having andy take him to his acomplice’s house and blowing it up, NO ONE seems to question why a little child blew up a known criminal, how he knew where the house was, or why, when the previous crime was done in the home with motive, he killed some random guy. I do love this film but this bit feels especially dumb on the cops part not even bending a LITTLE. But this isn’t a review of the first movie so let’s move on.  Andy is comitted, which as sad as it is to see an innocent child thrown in an institution does make at least some sense so they can find out if he’s really seeing things or not, and Karen returns.. and finds that the Good Guy dolls don’t come with batteries, yet Chucky has been talking like any other toy. As a result we get one of the best scenes in the franchise history if not it’s best, and really, as much as I try I can’t do it justice. Though if you can’t watch in short he does an exorcist when she checks the batteries, she threatens to burn him, and he reveals himself. In long... it’s worth a watch. 

Chucky runs for it, Karen tries to tell Mike who dosen’t belivie her.. until Chucky comes for him. Chucky then heads for Dr.Death, his vodoo 101 teacher, who refuses to help him viewing him an abomination but stupidly left a vodoo fetish of himself around and you can guess the rest. He reveals Chucky can only transfer to the first person he revealed himself too so he heads for Andy with .. this. 

Mancini had to know what he was doing right? Right? Anyway. Karen and Mike find a dying Death who tells them to aim for the heart and who his target is. Andy dodges Chucky and escapes the Aslyum heading home where we get a final confrontation between the Barclay’s, Mike and Chucky, which is damn good and ends with Andy burning the fucker with a badass response to his claim of being his friend to the end “This is the end friend”. This dosen’t quite finish him but a shot to the heart, with Mike to blame, kills the bastard.. for now. Now we’re all caught up, let’s get back to the story. 

Dipshit has called his friends to see Chucky and as seen above, Chucky is wondering why he shoudln’t kill the guy.. but Dumbass has a good point for once: his one friend is studying magic, presumibly at Durmstrang since Hogwarts dosen’t tolerate that kinda shit, and could help summon dr. death to see if they can fix his situation. Granted Death viewed him as an abomination and wanted nothing to do with Chucky, but he might let something slip or have no choice and it’s better than the nothing Chucky has to go on. Chucky gives exposition to Fuckwit’s friends and claims he killed Dr.Death in self defense, which isn’t entirely innacurate and Steaming Bowl of Elephant Piss suggests holding a seance. But one of his friends, Burt, who seems to be the only one to see Chucky for the red flag he is, calls an audible and Chucky grumbles off while they talk in private. 

As you can see, Fuckbucket sets the intellgence standard for his group. However their not SO obnoxious that it distracts from how horrible what’s about to happen will them will be. Except shitty shitty bang bang. Since It’s hard to remember all of the dead meets names i’ll be calling the girl Molly Ringwald, Burt by his name since he’s being sensiable, the moron drinking his own blood Edgelord, and Numbnuts MCGee my current barrage of creative insults. But yeah none of them take Chucky as a threat seriously, which is a nice little meta commentary on how most people think they could take Chucky, even though the guy is nigh unkillable, smart and fast and stronger, if not heavier, than him being a doll would make you think. Burt is the ONLY one here who seems to think harboring a serial killing doll is a terrible idea and thus the only one I respect. And “Most LIkely To Run Into A Wall” has the genius observation seen above where he asks “we’re helping him why would he hurt us”... when he’s already threatned to kill him and has no use for any of them once he has any info they can scrape up, with Burt pointing out even if their sucessful they’ll be responsible for more killing. Sadly he’s outvoted. Seriously while I do like Mangels, I question his opinon on teenagers and horror fans, especially given his long screed about the horrors of the world at the front of the issue and how his comics horrors don’t compare to racisim or homphobia, though the latter is a nice touch considering this was the early 90′s and some horror audiences could be homphobic morons, when the horror fans he portray are a darwin award of the decade winner, a moron who cuts himself not because he has serious issues with depression but to drink his own blood, a witch who goes along with their stupidity, and ... one likeable guy who’s coded as a wuss but is the only sane one here. 

So morons r us, plus burt and chucky, call Dr.Death’s spirit forth in a very moody and atmospheric scene. Naturally it goes GREAT. 

Dr.Death’s form dissolves terrifyingly and awesomely and our morons, and Burt,  are left, literally since they turned the light’s down in the dark> Burt is freaking out and has shards of crap in him thanks to all this.. couldn’t of killed fuckaround could you John? Burt is lead to the bathroom, while Fuckwit and Edgelord head downstairs, Fuckwit heading further down to check the breakers since the power is out for the whole house while Edgelord actually says something smart and wonders what they ALL shoudlv’e been thinking about: Where’s chucky? He has a response in this AWESOME looking panel. 

And here’s where the it dosen’t undercut the tragedy bit comes into play. Sure these kids are kinda dumb.. but most teens are, and they might not belivie he actually killed peope or even if they did, think they can take him as foolishly stated. They had their whole lives to become better people, and Mollly Ringwald and Burt seemed like decent enough people while Edgelord was probably going though a phase. Dum Dum Dumbassigan dosen’t really get a huge repreive but the point is NONE of them deserve to die and they aren’t dialed up to obnoxious, except assface, to be that unsympathetic. Their being stupid sure, but again MOST TEENS ARE or will at least be easily talked into doing something that all common sense says should kill them. And sadly in David, aka edgelord’s case...

Yeah it took a while but I had that gore warning for a reason. And he then decides to fill David with knives. I also stopped calling him edgelord because well. .look at it. The death is horrifying, well drawn and only made worse when Chucky decides to play “pin cushion” and fill him with knives off screen. His next target is sadly my man burt. He does complain A LOT and while a little whiny, given he’s covered in cuts, about to die and was the ONLY ONE here to excercise caution.. yeah he has a right to be. And then.. this happens to Burt in the bathroom...

Yup, THAT just happened. But I like it a lot.. it’s done with style, humor.. but not without horror either. A nicely done little parody. Molly, or wendy as the comic calls her, wonders around the Darkness for a bit.. and then finds David’s corpse.. which I own’t show as holy shit it’s as graphic as it is horrifying. And given what I showed you of his death earlier, that’s saying something.She tells an approaching Moron to stay back.. and well..

In order....... I am so angry at that first panel “I don’t know what happened here....” I DON’T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED HERE. 

BITCHCAKES, YOU LET A SERIAL KILLER INTO YOUR HOUSE WHO VANISHED ON YOU AFTER A SPOOKY GHOST TOLD YOU TO KILL HIM OR SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES. WHAT IN THE STAR SPANGLED, CHERRY COATED MARSHMELLOW FUCK DID YOU THINK HAPPENED.  Second, while I get her logic, Fartnugget isn’t capable of working out basic sequence of events let alone killing a person.  And finally.. there is no amount of gifs that can convey how happy I am at that last panel. 

Wendy goes mad from the shock and Chucky, whos’ been lurking under the table this whole time with a Freddy Glove, strikes. 

It’s no “welcome to prime time BITCH”, but I think Freddy would dig it. Naturally, the glove dosen’t kill her but she snaps her neck.. and then chucky , of all things, calls the police. 

I’ll not explode with rage again btu the david’s dead line tempted me, as HE JUST KILLED YOUR FRIEND OF COURSE HE DID. As for his threat... Chucky is unimpressed. See this was his plan. At least once they stopped being useful. Gee who could’ve predicted that? Chucky has decided to frame ponytailed idiot for it, a real brilliant way of going about things, and to me WHY Chucky is such a threat. Even if you beat him, if you don’t have proof.. he still gets you locked up and then comes back stronger than ever. This ending also actually helps with a plot hole some might have with the series. 

Chucky dosen’t leave fingerprints. He MIGHT as he turns more human, bud odds are he dosen’t, thus it’s easy enough to frame whoever’s left.. though it was neat to see him do so intentionally. Truck Nuts breaks down, Chucky flees and we end on a teaser for the next issue as some mysterious Doctor has come to Karen Barclay with promises to help go after Chucky. But that’s for another day. For now our story is done. There’s also a page for a “Stuck On Chuck” contest, with the winners getting to be in issue 5. Just bringing that up so if I ever get there, I won’t have missed it. And with that we finally close out. 

Final Thoughts: 

This issue is excellent. I was expecting something slightly cheesy and not great, and while there are narmy elements: the commentary on horror being a media scapegoat seems out of place and as I made abdundantly clear on second read the lead is insufferable. His fate is still tragic, but he’s such a moron I can’t help but feel he brought it on himself, but his friends aren’t so obnoxious that you don’t feel bad when they do die, a mistake full on horror movies make too often. The kills are gory, as shown there’s some nice visual flair here and there, and chucky is drawn amazingly, especially for the time. There’s an awkward shot here or there but for the most part the artist really captures him well. This comic is a hidden Gem and if your a fan of the films or even just the first one, I strongly recommend it, or if nothing else as I haven’t gotten to the rest, this issue.  If you liked this review, feel free to like or reblog, and if you want one like it for the issue or graphic novel of your choice, just pm and slip 5 bucks into my paypal and i’ll get right on it as soon as the first week of november. Until then, i’m your friend to the end. 

[ahmeddocuments-blog]

Day 3, (Paris: Disneyland Paris/Midnight in Downtown Paris), 27-9-2019

Written by Ahmed Hassan, edited and corrected by Aya Ashraf.

The alarm went earlier today, it was set to wake me up at 6:00 AM. I gotta say, a busy day I'm having today. I've been alive for 28 years and I spent most of these years fantasizing about visiting Disneyland. It was all linked with my childhood, and how this place always looked like a sanctuary of my childhood fears, also a way to look up to a future built on fulfilling dreams.

I started to get ready, left the house around 7:00 AM. I was heading back to Charles de Gaulle Airport as Mohamed, a friend of mine, will join my tour for the upcoming two weeks. It took me like 20 minutes to get there, started looking for his flight and turned out I'll have to wait for like 45 minutes. I was extremely hungry actually but decided I'm going to wait for him till he arrives to make him have the full experience from day 1. It was his first time in France and Europe so he was pretty excited, in a way that made him buy us the two Disneyland tickets! I've known Mohamed since we were together in university, so we're talking about 11 years at least here, and Mohamed has always been a lovely caring and generous person.

After hearing the call for Mohamed’s flight, and it was a matter of minutes till he shows up. He finally appeared and it was an emotional scene full of mutual excitement about what we're going to witness later. Mohamed needed to have a french SIM card to use internet, so we made sure we got that at the airport. It was almost 8:15 AM and we're having two tasks before going to Disneyland: 1- to check-in in Mohamed’s hostel in Downtown Paris. 2- Start the journey to Disneyland!

We moved by RER and metro to Montmartre. At the hostel,  he left his luggage and changed his clothes quickly to more Disneyland-appropriate outfit. But no matter what he did, nothing would have ever topped my planned outfit for the day! It was just a few days before travelling when I was surprised by Ahmed Hamdy, one of my best friends, giving me this t-shirt as a souvenir from his south-east Asia trip, and I instantly decided that this is gonna be my Disneyland day t-shirt!

So that’s it, we’re ready to go. Before going, we had a sneak peak at Sacré-Cœur of Montmartre, and it really felt nice seeing that one year later. I really like the idea of an important building appearing in the middle or a regular city scene, like it’s just blended there making everything look beautiful.

We had the longest RER trip ever, around 70 minutes to reach Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station, which is commonly known as the Disneyland station. For those who don’t know me well, a very important pleasure of mine is to introduce something I really like to someone and see their reactions to it. And that’s exactly how I felt guiding Mohamed around the RER system and how everything is operating, I felt good about myself knowing more about Paris and actually started guiding people there, or at least discover it together all over. I also felt good seeing him really excited and his eyes sparkling as the RER starts moving, as people go inside the train and leave. I’ve felt the same back in 2018 and I’m still feeling it to date!

We’re going up to the park entrance, and we were instantly overwhelmed by how long the queue looked like.

We had the one day, two parks tickets; which allows us to have best of both words: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. The queue we saw at the main security gate took only a few minutes to pass, and we decided we’re starting our day with the Studios park first as it closes a few hours earlier than the main park. Nothing feels like seeing the Disney sign at the entrance, as if you’ve voluntarily chosen to teleport two decades back to your childhood and enjoy what you've been missing.

We stepped our feet inside Disney studios, and suddenly we’re in a scene of Animaniacs. Everything looks so colorful like it was painted a few hours ago, and the Weather was just PERFECT!

I also loved the level of details, which is what Disney is all about. I mean, I’m literally inside the first building and I’m already fascinated!

The first thing we saw after passing through the main entrance was the Park’s main feature: The Hollywood Boulevard. It was basically a statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse greeting incoming visitors. I’m still shocked with how pretty that looked. Sometimes you just can’t help but recall moments like this just to feel you’ve done something right to yourself.

Both statues were followed by a replica of a typical Hollywood street, with multiple shops and stores that represent different styles. The street ended by what looked like a Hollywood sign in the horizon, which looked brilliantly real from far.

Using the Disneyland mobile application, we started to check the games with the least queues. The park was really busy that day, we had to go for the Hollywood Tower Hotel, which is one of the few rides I knew from before. I’ve always watched videos of how cool some of the rides were, and I couldn’t believe that I was actually waiting in line for it. (Later I couldn’t believe I’ve actually waited for 45 minutes, that turned out to be the least time spent in a queue for a ride that day)

The dominating style of the game, and most of the studios, is Art Deco. Which is one of my classical fantasies. It was a horror game in an elevator going speedy over multiple floors with very exciting free falls in the elevator shaft. It felt absolutely crazy being inside this game!

We later went for the longest queue of the day on Crush Coaster. It’s a one-car roller coaster that had Finding Nemo Theme. We thought it’s not gonna be an exciting game, but it turns out to be a great experience! We waited for 90 minutes, but it was worth it.

We stopped for a drink later and took a walk to freshen up. I’ve had the opportunity to take a picture that made my day, I’ve finally found my real match!

The Last ride we had at the first park was Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic. It was a 15 minute tour of studio effects, shooting stunts and special effects simulation in movies. I enjoyed every part of it, to the extent that I recorded the whole 15 minute ride, but I’m sharing below the most interesting part of it.

And like it couldn’t go more Art Deco, there was this restaurant that played live jazz music to attract customers and I absolutely loved it!

Now as much as we were sad leaving the first park , we were pretty excited about visiting the other park. We were going through the entrance of the main park and It’s passing through Castle Club hotel building.

Now nothing felt as great as walking down the main street and seeing the “Sleeping Beauty” castle up in the horizon, like yes, I instantly went back to when I was young, caring less about anything but beautiful colors and details.

As we started getting closer, surrounded by music and happy kids, the castle started getting bigger and bigger, revealing of course everything I've imagined when I was younger; pure happiness. It looked real not just an illusion, it actually existed and people are visiting it!

I had the opportunity to go around the castle, and even go inside. I never thought I’d find anything interesting inside, but it turned out to be even more beautiful. The interior looked like a huge hall with stairs and a very beautiful ceiling.. The second level of the hall was surrounded by beautiful glass windows, that let the light do the work.

We decided to end our fairy tale for a while since we still have a full park to discover. Most of the things we wanted to visit were really busy and required queuing for at least two hours. We found a ride called Phantom Manor, which was, as described, a haunted house ride. We’ve decided to give it a shot since it had a 30 minute waiting time only. The building looked as creepy as it should, making us feel excited cause we literally don’t know what’s going to happen next.

We went inside and discovered it was mainly inspired by The Phantom of the Opera, making it more creepy. It was mainly an underground carriages ride, telling a story of a marriage between the evil and the good. Everything felt completely real; the mansion interior, the theme, the music, the forced-marriage.

It was 5:30 PM already, and we wanted to get ready and save ourselves a spot near the daily fireworks show at 8:00 PM. So we moved to my most awaited ride of the night; Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain.

Not only for being a star wars fan, but for the sake of how I wanted to have that space mountain ride experience, I’ve watched multiple versions of the game and nothing made me feel lucky more than having the opportunity to have it in a Star Wars theme.

The queue lasted for approximately two hours, it even rained while we stood there. We knew it was worth it so we decided to wait. Later when we were finally in, we had the time of our lives! It was a really fun ride with so much adrenaline for being in one of the Star Wars’ galaxies with a very high speed! We were screaming like we have never done that day, we wanted to have another but that would’ve been a waste of time indeed. We saw one of our on-ride photos which described our excitement in a funny way!

That was followed by a quick ride that’s right in front of it, Star Tours, another Star Wars themed ride! Man, I was on fire today! The ride was a cinema simulation of a ride in the world of Star Wars. The queuing didn’t last 15 minutes, and it felt like nothing because it was all themed with everything I loved about this world!

I mean, Come on! I saw a talking R2-D2 and C-3PO!

The ride was just brilliant, I absolutely loved it and loved how real it felt. The ride has a separate Star Wars gift shop that felt like heaven!

It was 7:30 PM, we ran our way to the castle again to find a good spot, and we were very lucky finding a good place to witness the fairy show!

And now It was starting to get darker...

We waited for a couple of minutes before the beauty started. It was a recap of Disney’s well known movies and tales, made in a very beautiful way. The light system on the castle and the surrounding was just on point. It was accompanied by a very beautiful soundtrack, and most importantly: The greatest fireworks show I had ever witnessed to date! Here’s a small sample of my full 20 minutes video of the whole event!

After the show ended, everybody applauded and screamed like I had never heard before. That was the end of the day for what I assume to be everyone’s best day of their lives.

Everybody was leaving the park extremely happy, and as we welcomed the park by the same shot, we were saying goodbye the same way. It had all started only a few hours earlier, which felt like days ago!

Everything looked beautiful as it was the best way the park is saying good bye to us!

It was 9:00 PM , we were facing a nightmare trying to leave, as thousands of people were leaving the park at the same time. The RER station was packed with people. We could find a train of course but it was super crowded. I suggested that since we’re both starving, we might step out at the next station to have a meal at Val d’Europe. I had visited that mall back in 2018 because it wasn’t far from where I was staying, and I knew the whole mall would’ve been closed by now except for restaurants. We had to walk all the way around the mall till we found the food court and had MacDonald’s. The time we had our meals gave us the opportunity to wait for people to leave from Disney, and have a much emptier train for our long ride home.

I was extremely tired on my way back. I texted Islem to make sure he’s home and awake, and instead, he told me not to go home and meet him at Gare du Nord. Mohamed was heading to his hostel and I went up to meet Islem at 11:40 PM, just a couple of minutes away from midnight. I said, Okay that’s a good time to go home and rest, but no. Turns out He was with his Algerian friends, who I knew one of them from the year earlier. They had a car and they waited for me to do like a Midnight tour of Paris! That was an experience of a lifetime! We went through Rue de Rivoli, Place de la Concorde then passing to the other bank along the Seine. Then we parked right in the middle of Champ de Mars right behind Eiffel tower. The tower looked more beautiful at night, allowing me to see other side of Paris I haven’t seen before.

Somehow, such a scene brought me back to the movie Midnight in Paris. It was about all the fun starting when nobody is around. It was all about yourself and your thoughts, and how reality can be better than imagination. The tower was, as usual, well-lit. We parked the car and took a walk around it, had a very nice orange juice and then decided to leave.

I can’t remember pretty much what happened after I got in the car, because I was extremely tired. But as my google maps timeline shows, we went outside Paris to drop off one of Islem’s friends to his dorm. We then headed to our home which was a really long drive.

We arrived home at 2:40, I was dead tired in a way that I instantly wanted to just sleep and have no thoughts about what happened during the day. but as someone who’s writing that a few months after this day, I gotta say it felt priceless. Deciding to go through such details made me remember this all over like it was literally a few hours ago.

I’m grateful for everything that turned out to be well-planned, and I’m grateful for any pop ups or events that spiced it up and made it look the same way I’m documenting it.

[imagine-organization-xiii]

Hey! How would react the Organization if their S/O dedicares to them a song? And wich song they would like to be dedicated to them? Your blog is fantastic and very original to me, go like this! >7

I’m very happy that you enjoy the blog, dear!

Xemnas

Song: Fly Me to the Moon cover by annapantsu - “Fly me to the moon and let me play among the stars. Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars. In other words, hold my hand. In other words, baby, kiss me.”

Xemnas is a fan of old music so he’s happy that you chose a song he’s recognized even if he isn’t as familiar with the singer.  It’s something old and classic instead of modern. He’s pretty flattered and loves that it’s a song you can dance to!

Xigbar

Song: Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding - “Fading in, fading out on the edge of paradise. Every inch of your skin is a holy grail I’ve got to find. Only you can set my heart on fire, on fire. I’ll let you set the pace, ‘cause I’m not thinking straight, my head’s spinning around, I can’t see clear no more… What are you waiting for?”

The song is as passionate as your relationship is, so Xigbar can appreciate the song even if it’s not something that he would naturally gravitate to when listening to music. Surprised when you dedicate a song to him in the first place!

Xaldin

Song: Halo by Beyoncé - “I swore I’d never fall again, but this don’t even feel like falling. Gravity can’t forget to pull me back to the ground again. Feels like I’ve been awakened, every rule I had you break it… It’s the risk that I’m taking. I’m never gonna shut you out.”

Really touched that you would dedicate such a beautiful song to him. He really feels like he can relate to the words “I swore I’d never fall again, but this don’t even feel like falling.” He’d been in love before so he understands how it feels to be hurt by someone you love.  He’s very lucky to have you!

Vexen

Song: This Kiss by Faith Hill - “Cinderella said to Snow White ‘How does love get so off course? All I wanted was a white knight, with a good heart, soft touch, fast horse. Ride me off into the sunset, baby I’m forever yours! It’s the way you love me, it’s a feeling like this - It’s centripetal motion, it’s perpetual bliss!’”

He would never admit that this is his style of music, but you know him better than that.  He’s super flattered but tries not to show it. The science references in the song are also a plus.

Lexaeus

Song: When You Say Nothing At All by Alisson Krauss - “The smile on your face lets me know that you need me. There’s a truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me. The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me if ever I fall… You say it best when you say nothing at all.”

You both think that this song is perfect for your relationship.  Lexaeus is a man of few words and it’s nice to know that you know how he feels without him having to say a word.  He loves you more than anything even he doesn’t say the words aloud.

Zexion

Song: All I Ask of You sung by Kelly Clarkson and Josh Groban - “Let me be your shelter, let me be your light, you’re safe, no one will find you. Your fears are far behind you. All I want is freedom - a world with no more night! And you, always beside me, to hold me and to hide me.”

Zexion can’t sing to save his life, but he knows that if the occasion ever arose, it’s nice to know that the two of you have a good duet for your relationship! He loves Phantom of the Opera, too, so the fact that the song is from that musical is always a plus!

Saix

Song: At Last by Etta James - “You smiled, you smiled, oh and then the spell was cast, and here we are in heaven, for you are mine at last.”

An old, romantic song that the two of you can dance to whenever you want? Hell yeah. Saix isn’t much of a hopeless romantic, but for you? He’ll break out the romance in spades.

Axel

Song: Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - “So honey now take me into your loving arms, kiss me under the light of a thousand stars. Place your head on my beating heart… I’m thinking out loud, maybe we found love right where we are.”

With the way things are, it doesn’t look like you and Axel will get the chance to physically grow older together. However, he does hope that one day he gets the chance to grow old with you and this song is the perfect description of that.

Demyx

Song: Stay With You by John Legend - “Though relationships can get old, they had a tendency to grow cold, we have something like a miracle. Yeah, I’ll stay with you. Oh, I’ll stay with you through the ups and the downs. Oh, I’ll stay with you when no one else is around.”

Demyx knows good and well how lucky he is to have you around him - to love you and be lucky enough to have you love him in return. Despite his playful personality, your relationship is something he takes seriously.  He has no idea how you were able to find such a perfect song to dedicate to him, but he’s definitely going to listen to it a thousand times a day.

Luxord

Song: Come Away With Me by Norah Jones - “And I want to wake up with the rain falling on a tin roof. While I’m safe there in your arms, so all I ask is for you to come away with me in the night, come away with me.”

Something slow and languid with the raspy voice of Norah Jones is a perfect song for you to dedicate to Luxord. He’s not much of a dancer when he isn’t in the mood, but you don’t need to be with this song - you can curl up in his arms and slowly rock back and forth, just enjoying your time together.

Marluxia

Song: Stand By Me by Florence + the Machine - “If the sky that we look upon should tumble and fall - or the mountains should crumble to the sea… I won’t cry, I won’t cry, no I won’t shed a tear - just as long as you stand, stand by me.”

Marluxia was definitely already a fan of florence + and the machine so the idea that you would choose one of her songs as a song for the two of you? He’s near tears.  He loves the song, he loves the singer, and he loves you. He doesn’t need much more than that.

Larxene

Song: She Keeps Me Warm by Mary Lambert - “She says I smell like safety and home. I named both of her eyes Forever and Please Don’t Go. I could be a morning sunrise all the time, all the time yeah. This could be good, this could be good…”

You chose a lesbian anthem as your song? Nice. She loves the song and it’s now in the top five on her regular music playlist. She thinks it’s great that you found such a sweet song to describe your relationship.

Roxas

Song: I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz - “When I look into your eyes, it’s like watching the night sky or a beautiful sunrise. So much they hold. And just like them old stars, I see that you’ve come so far to be right where you are… How old is your soul?”

You and Roxas have been through so much over the years and you know how much pressure he’s constantly under since he’s a keyblade wielder. He loves the song because it reminds him that he’ll never give up on you or your relationship no matter how many struggles the two of you may meet - you’ll face them together.

Xion

Song: I’m Yours by Jason Mraz - “Well open up your mind and see like me, open up your plans and damn you’re free. Look into your heart and you’ll find love, love love love. Listen to the music of the moment, people dance and sing - we’re just one big family - and it’s our God-forsaken right to be loved, loved loved loved loved.”

You knew that you couldn’t choose a sad or sappy song for Xion. Something happy and upbeat would be perfect for her.  She absolutely adores dancing with you to this song, playfully bouncing around your room together.  You couldn’t have picked a better tune!

[thatlongspringnight]

Woohoo~ *throws candies on the air* It's halloween party time, m'lady!! May I request SLBP Lords in Halloween party hosted by Keiji scene! :3 p.s: i'm sure ladies would be curious how they gonna dress up based on their personality! ʕง•ᴥ•ʔง

THE LORDS AT A HALLOWEEN PARTY (College AU Edition)

(OKAY SO THIS ENDED UP BEING A LOT LONGER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE. I HOPE YOU LIKE IT.)We all know that Keiji is going to throw a complete rager of a party. Free flowing liquor, lots of food, and wild dancing.We also know that ALL the lords are going to show up, whether they want to or not. In costume and on constant guard. You never know when Keiji is going to swoop in for a kiss. 😉 

Nobunaga: Well, he wouldn’t be called the Devil King if he didn’t come dressed as one, right? Our scarlet devil comes with a snazzy sharp and incredibly expensive tux and a black and red cape. Honestly, it’s a compromise, Nobu didn’t want to dress up but did it begrudgingly for MC. He didn’t want to “Look like a fool in front of men like the Tiger of Kai.” So he’s dressed to the 9’s and ready to party. His MC comes as a demure angel (because yes they are the couple that chose to be the devil/angel combo). Just revealing enough, she looks striking in a clinging white silk dress and wings. He’s sure to be taking that halo of her’s off halfway through the night in one of the many empty rooms wherever Keiji decided to host his party.  

Mitsuhide: He puts a lot of thought into his costume, he really does. Whatever he chooses he’s going to put the most effort into. This year he picks a more traditional costume. Vampire, a classic. Also, oddly enough (and totally not planned) he manages to come dressed closely enough to Nobunaga, that everyone wonders…did they match on purpose? Mitsuhide’s MC dresses like a cat, also a classic, complete with ears and a swishy tail. She spends the night teaching him all the dances to the music they are listening too. He doesn’t drink so she can. They retire from the party early, because he can’t get enough of how good she looks in that cat outfit and wouldn’t you know she has a perfectly shaped hickey the next day…Guess he really took his costume to heart, huh? 

Hideyoshi: What he really wanted to wear was one of those couples’ costumes, like the plug and plug-in. He was firmly denied. So he ends up going to the costume party dressed as a werewolf to his MC’s little red riding hood. Is it cheesy? Yes. Does he love it? Sure. If it means he gets to prowl the entire party and wander behind people and scare them. He’s about it. His MC is less appreciative of his efforts. But she looks killer in her outfit, so she doesn’t mind as much. Hideyoshi of the 1000 lovers does get an earful for flirting too hard with Toshiie’s MC, some things never change. Oh, and he did not manage to avoid Keiji’s kisses. He got a lot of Keiji kisses that night, tongue and all.

Inuchiyo: Everyone knows poor Toshiie is being forced to go as a puppy. With a collar, ears, and everything. Hideyoshi all but dressed him himself when he found out that Toshiie hadn’t gotten a costume yet. So expect lots of pouting, he doesn’t want to be at Keiji’s party anyways, but in his own words, he couldn’t leave his MC alone there with guys like that. Once the party kicks off and he starts drinking, he gets happier and manages to lose his shirt. Not that his MC minds the show (or any of the other people there, really, we all know Toshiie is gorgeous). His MC plays along and also dresses up as a puppy, to lessen the sting. Hideyoshi was more than willing to buy her a more ‘dominating’ outfit so she could ‘show the puppy who his owner was’ but was respectfully and firmly denied. She ends up having to cart his drunk ass home after the party. But he rewards her later for it…and he keeps the collar on. 

Mitsunari: This tsundere does NOT want to go to any stupid, foolish, insipid party. That is…he doesn’t want to go until Hideyoshi invites him. Once that happens, he’s going. He’s going for Hideyoshi, don’t mistake his reasoning for anything else. Nevermind that maybe his MC wanted to go, and maybe she convinced Hideyoshi to put in a good word. Mitsunari leaves the costume decisions to his MC, so they end up going as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. For most of the party Mitsunari sticks with Hideyoshi, that is until his MC starts chatting with Ieyasu about their shared classes. The moment that happens he has her on the dancefloor, safely away from that ‘golden-haired bastard’. Waltzing to the music doesn’t make sense, but it works. Oh and he’s the one that gets too drunk because of Hideyoshi so his MC spends the rest of the night, once they are home, rubbing his back and comforting him as he vomits.

Ieyasu: Ieyasu goes purely because Nobunaga is going. He doesn’t fight it. Doesn’t make a scene. But he wears that unsettling smile of his the entire time. He also doesn’t “dress up” really. He styles himself more like Phantom of the Opera or Interview with the Vampire while wearing a masquerade mask. He drinks in moderation and listens to what ~everyone~ has to say. He can’t stop himself from his snide comments though and almost manages to get into fights with Mitsunari and Yukimura, although both come to naught. His MC wears a slinky black dress and a mask too (just to match, Ieyasu, jeez) and spends the rest of the night dodging references from 50 shades of grey. Jokes that have Ieyasu pouting and flustered by the end of the night. She’s willing to handle a bit of fussing from him because she knows where it leads, especially when he’s been eyeing her like that all night. Maybe some of those Christian Grey rumors weren’t wrong. 

Yukimura: Talk about being PUMPED for this party. Yukimura is so excited to dress up with his MC and have a good time with all his friends. He dresses up in the soccer uniform of his favorite team and even brings a soccer ball to the party. He and Inuchiyo DO have a drinking match at some point in the evening, for sure. His MC dresses as a nurse, and no not a suggestive nurse. She spends most of the night actually administering first aid at this party. All the people getting drunk and falling keep her busy. Not to mention that her poor boyfriend can’t seem to keep himself from running into things when he gets wasted. That isn’t to say she doesn’t own a sexy nurse costume, she just saves it for after the party, where she can use it on Yukimura. Saizo: Saizo goes because Yukimura wants to go and Saizo’s MC wants to go. So, He guesses he is going. He dresses as a stylized version of himself. So imagine the professor vibe up to 11, complete with glasses. He’s pretty much drop dead gorgeous. He spends most of the party keeping his girlfriend out of the clutches of Keiji and making sure Yukimura and co. stay out of trouble. He is the one to ensure that the people who work for the tiger of kai make it home safe that night. Although no one realizes it. His is a thankless job. His MC dresses like a school girl, plaid skirt, blazer, thigh highs and everything. Mostly to taunt her boyfriend. Keiji thinks she looks precious and is pretty glued to her most the night. When he starts drinking she starts passing him off to unsuspecting people to avoid getting kissed. Although she does give him a peck on the cheek for his efforts, much to Saizo’s chagrin. But then again, he does get to punish her for bad behavior, doesn’t he?

Masamune: He and MC go as pirates! Mostly because it’s a costume where his eyepatch doesn’t stick out so much, so it makes him feel more comfortable. They take the time to handmake their costumes together, because its something they can use to spend time with one another, and his MC is great at sewing. There IS a costume contest and they are the winners, granted their prizes are just Keiji kisses, but still. Masamune drinks and gets a little tipsy, and it is revealed that he is a lot more touchy when drunk, so he spends the rest of the night basically glued to his girlfriend, not that she minds. Shigezane takes lots of embarrassing pictures of the two of them to show them when they sober up. 

Kojuro; “We should dress up as Bontenmaru, MC” “No” Kojuro really does want to dress up as bontenmaru the turtle. But his MC and Shigezane hardcore veto that.  So he ends up going as Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon. Complete with a cape…and a rose…and random declarations. Finally, his MC gets to decide if her teen crush on Tuxedo mask lives up to her man. Her man dressed as Tuxedo mask takes the cake. Kojuro’s MC dresses up as Sailor Moon, duh.  She basically has to. They come in 2nd place to Masamune and his MC for costumes in the contest. Although Kojuro and his MC end up taking the most pictures, especially posing and quoting the show. A bunch of the girls at the party end up taking a sailor senshi style photo with Kojuro’s MC in the middle. It’s a magical night.

Kenshin: Kenshin is too pretty for normal costumes. He goes in traditional clothing, heavily embroidered, and he might be wearing makeup? No one is sure if his ethereal beauty is natural or not. His MC is the group photographer, so she wears normal clothes and just takes pictures. Not that she minds, she prefers it this way. She takes so many stylized shots she considers making them into a book at the end of the night.

Shingen: Shingen 110% shows up to this party in a tiger pint loincloth and cat ears and that is it. He spends the night mostly with Yukimura and Kenshin and ignoring little Nobunaga and his death glare. They can settle their political arguments outside of social time after all. His lady goes as a lion tamer, although he’s no lion, the idea doesn’t go unnoticed. She’s got a whip and everything. He doesn’t mind. He certainly doesn’t mind later on.

Bonus:

Shigezane: He’s had his costume planned since last year. He goes as a referee, he even has a whistle. He uses this to spend the entire night jumping into random situations at the party, blowing the whistle and shouting “PARTY FOUL.”  He even gives people red cards, where is he carrying all those red cards? He also takes part in the Yukimura/Inuchiyo drinking contest. He has a blast. He is the only person to willingly kiss Keiji apart from Kenshin. His MC goes as princess bubblegum from Adventure time. She wanted to do a Disney princess, but couldn’t pick one. Either way, the princess starts a game of captain dickhead and gets most of the other MCs drunk, because she’s so good at holding her liquor. At the end of the night, he gives her a piggyback ride home because he’s a gentleman

. Hotaru: Hotaru has to go because big-brother Saizo is going and so is Kenshin. Obviously. So he and his MC dress up that day after finding out. He goes as a forest spirit. Lots of leaves. The look suites his innocent face. His wide eyes shining under his flower crown. His MC goes as a deer. Her makeup sealing the deal, and she even wears a headband with little antlers. They end up fast friends with Masamune and his MC and end up sort of separating from the wildness of the party to form a smaller, quieter party. At the end of the night, he and his MC go stargazing.

Oichi, Umeko, and Kiku: What, you thought they wouldn’t come? They totally come. Luckily for Kojuro’s MC, they come dressed as other Sailor Senshi! Because those girls are the best. Oichi is Sailor Mars, Umeko is Sailor Venus and Kiku is Mercury.

Now, where is Keiji in all this? Wandering the crowd, drinking, and kissing everyone of course! He comes to his party dressed as Cupid so he can give “shots” of love (actual alcoholic shots, and shots that are just kisses!) It’s a great party and everyone remembers it for one reason or another. It’s a great party, the end.

Tagging: @lady-of-oshu and @han-pan  and anyone else who wants to read this? :3 

[the-master-cylinder]

SUMMARY Beautiful bookseller Virginia (Jenny Wright) fosters a growing interest in the works of reclusive novelist Malcolm Brand (Randall William Cook). After much fruitless searching, Virginia finally receives a package containing Brand’s recent book, “I, Madman,” about a deranged doctor spurned by a beautiful woman. But, as Virginia devours Brand’s latest offering, she begins to have chilling visions of characters from the book — and the line between fiction and reality grows terrifyingly thin.

DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION This is David Chaskin’s second horror film for distributor Trans World Entertainment; the first, The Curse, directed by actor David Keith. Moshe Diamant, head of Trans World, approached Chaskin with his concept for I, Madman (a.k.a. Hardcover) while The Curse was in postproduction. Chaskin wrote two drafts of the screenplay and Rafael Eisenman was brought in to produce. Takacs had been offered many projects in the wake of The Gate’s success, but chose I, Madman. “It was the most interesting script I read,” Takacs says. “I was really attracted by the idea of experiencing danger in a safe environment. There’s a cozy feeling you get when you sit down to read a good horror story. You say, ‘This is gonna be good,’ like watching an old Twilight Zone episode. There’s a certain feeling of familiarity, but then the story goes more and more into left field. It’s the power of imagination. Does it really matter that you’re frightened in your dreams? Is it real because it felt real to you?”

Both Chaskin and Eisenman have high praise for Takacs. “It was not a typical director-producer relationship,” marvels Eisenman. “It was almost like a student film-not in the level of the production, but in the spirit of the filmmaking.”

“There is no comparison for me between The Curse and I, Madman,” Chaskin remarks. “I, Madman was a delight. I was involved from the beginning right through postproduction. The project had a guiding intelligence behind it, from the director, the producers and the actors. They all shared the same creative sense about the film.”

Eisenman’s background includes directing commercials and music videos, so he is sympathetic to the director’s job. “I support the director as much as possible,” he reasons. “It’s a writer’s film first, but once it goes into the director’s hands, it’s the director’s film. I protect him from anything that interferes with the creative process.”

The nightmarish horror in I, Madman will inevitably prompt comparisons between Freddy Krueger and Malcolm Brand. “They’re both complex characters,” comments Chaskin. “They both have twisted agendas, although Malcolm is a far more complicated character than Freddy. I tend to view Malcolm as a more classical monster, more stylized, less like Freddy and Jason and more like the Phantom of the Opera. I like to think of him as a character that Lon Chaney would have relished playing, a classical character in a 1980s frame.”

Production began on I, Madman in November 1987 in Los Angeles, and principal photography wrapped the following January. “The main problem, production-wise,” confides Eisenman, “was taking the limited amount of money we had and getting the most value I could on the screen with the cinematography and the special effects. It was a very tricky thing to do, but we had some great people on the crew. The cameraman, Bryan England, studies the old masters like George Folsey, who shot Forbidden Planet and Animal Crackers. He hangs around with these guys, takes them out to lunch. He has a tendency to go into their classic style.’

“I know Trans World is pleased with it,” declares the producer. “We had the most incredible creative freedom on this film. There was no intervention from them. We ended up with the director’s cut, which is rare. I had input, but I never forced my ideas on Tibor. I’d argue until I’d either convinced him or not.”

Chaskin is happy with the picture. “I was at rehearsals, polishing and making dialogue changes to fit the actors, and even in postproduction we were looping new lines,” he marvels. “I was privy to the whole process. It was probably the best experience a writer could have, short of directing the film himself.”

Producer Eisenman, meanwhile, hopes to work with Takacs and Chaskin in the near future. “It was a very good team,” he testifies. “I’ve never had anything like that and I don’t know that I ever will. That’s why we’re talking about doing something together again with Tibor and David.”

SPECIAL EFFECTS Similarly, FX technician Randy Cook, who had worked on The Gate and designed the animated “dogs” in Ghostbusters, is influenced by model animation great Ray Harryhausen. Eisenman reports, “When Randy told Ray Harryhausen what he was going to do in I, Madman, Ray said, ‘It’s not possible.’ Randy proved his technique as he went along, and when he showed the film to Harryhausen, he was very impressed.”

Cook also delivers a bravura performance as the malevolent Malcolm. “It was something that Randy always wanted to do,” grins Takacs. “To entice him to work on this low-budget movie, I had to come up with something!”   It’s fitting that the interview should take place on Halloween, one of Cook’s favorite holidays. (“I’d go out trick-or treating tonight, if I thought I could get away with it,” he said.) Ever since the age of 12, How did he get the job as the titular character in I, MADMAN? Cook smiled knowingly. “I could give you any number of hyperbolic interpretations that I was the best man for the part, that they couldn’t have done it without me, and so on. But the fact is, I got the job through sheer extortion. I said to Tibor, If you want me to do the special effects, let me play a part in the movie.’ Tibor asked, ‘Which part do you want to play?”The villain, of course,’ I said. Simple as that.”

Genre fans will find I, MADMAN of particular interest due to the fact that Cook, the actor, is killed by a creature that Cook, the effects supervisor, designed. At the end of the film, Brand does battle with a stop-motion character referred to by Cook as the “Jackal Boy” (a pint-size character from “Much of Madness, Much of Sin”)—a “horrid, tormented character, made miserable by his misbegotten parentage,” Cook explained. (The doctor combines his sperm with the ovum of a jackal-thus the creature’s name.)

Cook eventually expanded the fight sequence-which takes place in the attic of the bookstore where Virginia works-when it was decided to make more prominent use of the Jackal Boy. “I wanted to make their fight somewhat less perfunctory, something more of a miniature set piece,” said Cook. “So I tried to orchestrate the scene the way one would do a live-action fight within certain limitations based on the fact that we were using one character that existed and one that didn’t. There’s a lot of biting, tussling and scratching between us–I even used a stop-motion puppet of myself in certain shots. We tried to construct a fight that people would talk about.”

Working on the film both as an actor and a special effects technician meant that it was often necessary for Cook to be on both sides of the camera. “It was a really busy shoot,” he said, his weary expression mirroring the exhaustion he experienced during his multiple 14 hour days on the set. “We not only had to shoot the live-action plates, but I had to be in the plates and check them on video playback to make sure I was in the right place in the frame-as well as tell the other actors what they were supposed to be reacting to. It was just me and Jenny and Clayton, and a bunch of air that would later be filled with a creature.”

Because he likes expressionistic compositions, Cook changed the setting of the scene to a bookstore warehouse with an open-beam ceiling. Originally the scene was to have the Jackal Boy on top of a bookcase. “Arguably, it would have been more metaphorical, but it wasn’t nearly as visually evocative as putting him up in the rafters,” said Cook. Elsewhere the Jackal Boy will be used in two very short scenes at the beginning of the film both done through suggestion, so as to save the actual look of the creature until the climax.

The effects were prepped and shot over “a grueling six week period” in November December of 1987 at Ruckus, by I, MADMAN’s director of photography, Brian England (who will also be shooting THE GATE II). Cook’s crew consisted of his chief assistant, Fumi Mashimi (who constructed most of the Brand miniature animation puppet. Cook did the sculpting), Bill Bryan (the Sta-Puft Marshmallow Man in GHOSTBUSTERS, helped sculpt the prosthetics for Cook’s makeup) and Gil Mosko, who ran foam for the shop. In addition to the 15 inch-tall articulated model of the Jackal Boy (a foam-rubber construction over a tooled metal armature), Cook designed and sculpted a cable-controlled closeup head with eye, brow, lip and tongue movement.

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Cook didn’t seem particularly interested in discussing the gruesome makeup he devised for his Dr. Brand character, so he whipped out a photo album-titled “Randy’s Hair Cut”—to do most of the talking for him. “I came up with the perfect way to do a bald cap,” he explained. “I shaved my head.” To be precise, makeup effects artist (and friend) Craig Reardon played barber for the shearing, and Cook took a razor to his scalp to obtain the final billiard ball look.

The degenerative makeup for Brand was done in five stages (which Cook humorously described as “a subtle augmentation of progressive male-pattern baldness and organ-rejection syndrome”). It was created using face casts, prosthetics and the like. “I’m not remotely interested in presenting a textbook version of decaying tissue, “Cook said. “I’m more interested in finding a way to dramatically illustrate the degeneration of the character in physical, concrete terms. The makeup needs to work metaphorically as well as theatrically.”

Cook and crew worked about a week longer than they had planned-which meant extra post-production shooting and more time spent by Cook in makeup. “As so often happens when you’re shooting in a locale unfit for human habitation, I got sick-I got the flu that was going around. Everyone else got very green and sickly looking; I got green and sickly looking under two inches of green and sickly looking makeup. I couldn’t get the pity that the other people were getting. The crew would come up to me and say, ‘The makeup looks real good tonight.”   Cook’s long hours under makeup-23 days, 12 of them consecutive-eventually took their toll. “I didn’t have any face left after the shooting was over,” he recalled. “The skin around my eyes was like jelly. And the bitch was, I couldn’t sue the makeup man.”

  CAST/CREW Directed by   Tibor Takács Produced by Rafael Eisenman Written by     David Chaskin Jenny Wright … Virginia Clayton Rohner … Richard Randall William Cook … Dr. Alan Kessler/ Malcolm Brand Stephanie Hodge … Mona

CREDITS/REFERENCES/SOURCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY Cinefantastique v19 Fangoria#80

  I, Madman (1989) Retrospective SUMMARY Beautiful bookseller Virginia (Jenny Wright) fosters a growing interest in the works of reclusive novelist Malcolm Brand (Randall William Cook).

[uterusclub]

As any Native Chicagoean can attest, the winter never fails to destroy our souls – at least temporarily so. But as that weary tail-end concludes, one gradually regains hope, energy, and enthusiasm. These are the trappings of no more woe. 

Our first expedition involved a visit to the Otherworld Theatre Company to see a choose-your-own adventure style production of ‘Quest for Thrones.’ We were beckoned to make several decisions for the Game of Thrones characters which mostly involved death or killing and to no surprise of mine, our crowd was an outwardly, murdery bunch. So we got along just great. The only downside to the show was the mold-induced smell of the lobby area where I quite literally gawked around the room to see if anyone else was just as disturbed as I. They did not appear as such which daunts me even more. Following the very short but delightful show, we made our way home but the night just didn’t feel complete. So we made a stop-off. Well, 2, actually. Sharon had demanded a hot dog the entire day so we stopped at my beloved Susie’s and then headed a few blocks down to my treasured karaoke joint, Sidekicks! It had been quite some time since my last sing so it was well-overdue. Upon arrival, we noted several people already singing which took me by surprise. While Sharon hit the bano, I was met by my long-time waitress friend who’s name I can’t completely remember – Christine – Christina? Christy? Something like that. I’m horrible. In any case, she offered me a mis-remembered test-tube shot (Sex on the Beach) to which I declined (my favorite is the Buttery Nipple) and ordered us a few drinks. I immediately trolled through the song book to figure out my agenda which, let’s be honest, is usually the same couple songs. Due to low attendance, I was announced very quickly. The night continued much the same aside from several interruptions from ‘the mutants at table 9’ who attempted to Facebook us (we DID give them Uterus Club as our contact but perhaps they considered this a joke as nothing ever came of it). We had met our end all be all of interactions with these folks when one of them dedicated a song to me. It was at this point, we slipped out, past the bouncer and I quite literally ran to my car even though Sharon had my keys and fumbled around for horror-movie record time. Surely, we would have been killed. Regardless, wonderful, hilarious night.

Onward. Sharon has been madly obsessed with a man by the name of Max Frost whom she played a few songs of a little while back. She missed a previous concert of his as my schedule wouldn’t allow it but recently discovered he was once again, back in Chicago! Naturally, she grabbed tickets and demanded (or rather, asked super nicely) we go. The last time we had been to Subterranean in Wicker Park was for Allison Weiss which was a blast! I recalled our hanging out on the upstairs area and peering down at the entire performance. Max Frost was equally rewarding in this sense. Unfortunately, getting awesome seats around the threshold of the upstairs area meant getting there early and listening to the opener – a girl we had already pre-researched and were not impressed with. Ironically, she ended up sounding way better live. Further irony kicked in when we discovered there was an ADDITIONAL opener who no one knew! THIS guy? Oh man. This was your stereotypical, dirty hipster trying-to-be-real with the ‘people’ who attempted to be deep and introspective while sitting on stage without shoes on. Absolutely horrendous! It should come as no surprise that we were a tad bit ecstatic when Max Frost FINALLY showed up on stage. Yes, we were ecstatic for approximately five songs and then all fizzled out into exhaustion. Capping the night and our very classy ride home via the most wonderful CTA, we listened to a homeless man reflect on his rejection of a plus-sized lady whom he compared to several, large animals. Always an adventure.

But wait. There’s more. ‘March madness’ couldn’t possibly be complete without a little festive shout-out to the Irish. And we went all out people. Having said that, I believe I’m some ridiculously low percentage Irish but I’ve also BEEN to Ireland so I think I get a free pass on that one. In any case, Sharon suggested we hit up the downtown dying of the river in the morning since neither of us had actually seen it live. Sure, the videos are fun but it couldn’t possibly be the same. So bright and early, we headed downtown to park and walk over to one of them many bridges to catch a peek. I had no goddamn idea shit was going to be that cray! Seriously, it was college town USA and like, early. The only good part of the situation is that everyone was very merry but not obnoxiously so (yet). The bad part of the situation is that the color saturation hadn’t exactly made itself evident enough from our viewpoint and therefore, we saw a little bit of green far off in the distance. Major fail. Our follow-up idea was to hit up Public House for their themed

cake shakes, however, we later realized it was already privatized for some wrist-band drinking event all morning and not open to the public! So we hit up the ‘poor man’s’ Public House ie. JoJo’s Milk Bar. The place was small and unimpressive to say the least. Sharon ordered us a ‘shake’ which was sad. We took a few obligatory sips before headed out. Next stop? Milwaukee! That’s right!

There’s absolutely no musical I love more than Phantom of the Opera. I legit have this shit memorized. On our way up to Milwaukee, I googled us a place to stop and eat nearby before the show. The Internet gods brought us to Ale Aslyum Riverhouse. It’s difficult to explain the complete awe of driving from a crazed downtown Chicago to a completely abandoned downtown Milwaukee. Streets were desolute! We had apparently come to the right place. Upon grabbing a quick lunch and Sharon randomly bumping into an ex-client of hers, we made our way to the Marcus Performing Arts Center. As usual, I had completely forgot what sort of seats I had purchased us but apparently I did well since we ended up in the back row on the end of the aisle. The performance was most enjoyable – although some of the singing was a bit inconsistent and I think we both spent a questionable amount of time wondering what the race of the Phantom was. We stayed long enough to hear by favorite trio part before seamlessly ducking out and venturing over to one last stop before home: Mars Cheese Castle. To say this place is anything other than completely overwhelming would be a lie. We came away with a few bags of curds and not much more due to ambivalence. Next time I’ll do some research.

St. Patrick’s Day! The OFFICIAL! Our festivities for the day mainly included eating and drinking. Oh yes, we also threw in a little Boondock Saints as well and some Pandora Irish playlist to accompany our cooking. Menu included Guinesse drumsticks, spinach puff-pastry shamrocks, mashed cauliflower and corned-beef eggrolls. Don’t forget, topping off our day-drinking of Magners Hard Cider which was doused with a few drops of green food coloring! We completed the meal with alcohol cupcakes purchased the night before at the previously mentioned Mars Cheese Castle. And that’s a wrap!

So guess what? We loved Milwaukee SO much that we decided to visit it AGAIN! But THIS time, we really meant business. First stop? Plato’s Closet. It’s tradition after all. Next stop? A little Milwaukee Burger Company. Ginormous, Deep-fried cheese curd cubes, anyone? Stomach – my apologies but worth it. Where to now? Our most beloved Lost Valley Cider Co. where we met an Irish wolf dog who was HUGE and wonderful! We also got our hands on a peanut butter and jelly cider as well as a Hibiscus cider we enjoyed so much we ordered some to go!

Catching a nice buzz now, we made our way to Swing Park where a bunch of hoodlums roamed and I tried to do fancy moves for photographic integrity. Sharon captured what appears to be a child abduction in progress which is absolutely priceless. Our journey now took us to the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum which, not gonna lie, I didn’t know anything about and frankly, still don’t. But it was pretty and had a cheap Groupon and had a fantastic view! Finalizing our self-guided tour here, we finally headed to our haunted (that’s right), Bed and Breakst: Brumder Mansion.

We were met by innkeeper, Tom who was an absolute joy! Unfortunately, he didn’t give us much intel to go on as far as ghosts were concerned – only to say there were 13 and none sounded menacing (how very disappointing). He also mentioned there being some children that tend to fidget with items left out if you ask them to which Sharon left out a ridiculous amount of things. I’ll save you the suspense – nothing was moved. In any case, we hung out for a little while before heading out for our dinner reservation at the Pasta Tree. This has always been a favorite of mine, however, both service and food was mediocre at best for some reason. We followed up dinner with drinks at a nearby Irish bar by the name of Paddy’s Pub which ended up being one of my favorite parts of our trip! Decor was beautiful and sweet and the employees were homey and gracious.

The pinnacle of this trip was our finalized stop-off at the Oriental Theater to see a viewing of the Room with actor/director/writer, Tommy Wiseau present! The line for this event was literally down the street and around the corner! It took me a second to realize that Tommy was signing autographs and taking pictures BEFORE the actual showing so we jumped ship from our spots in line to meet the man himself who was kind and sweet (and apparently dug my tattoos). After re-joining our original line, we eventually made our way back into the theater and  headed up to the balcony for anti-social viewing. Oh! And I mustn’t forget the spoons. While we had been in line outside, someone was passing out handfuls of plastic spoons which we didn’t take out of confusion – only to research and later discover it was a ‘thing’ that went along with the movie. Our bad. Next time! Show was scheduled to start at 9:30pm. Show started at, I’m going to say 10:45pm after all the delay and opening shenanigans. We were tired as all hell. And made it just about 15 minutes into the movie before calling it a night. Unfortunately, leaving out of the theater, Sharon predicted Tommy might be hanging out in the lobby and of course, lo and behold, there he blew! Goddamnit! So we attempted to casually saunter out only to be met with a very saddened, ‘Where you going? Home?” It actually broke my heart. Poor Tommy. Heading back to the B&B, we both eventually passed out and roused for our adorable breakfast. Parting fairly quickly after our meal, we had a final, triumphant stop off at the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino and endeavored in a little morning Bingo. Again, I’ll save you the suspense – we didn’t win. And I’m sure I demanded vengeance per usual.

Wrapping up the wonderful month of March was our visit to the United Center to see Mumford and Sons! I had purchased tickets for Sharon for her birthday back in February. She had been talking about wanting to see them for as long as I can remember. It was only after I had purchased said tickets that she vocalized her hatred of their latest album. Fortunately, they didn’t play much of it. As a precursor to the show, we stopped

off at Viaggio for some Italian dinner. Twas splendid! We then took a buzzed walk over to the show and awed over the comfort and view of our seats! No one in front of us and at the end of the aisle! Cat Power was the opener who I am familiar with but don’t know much about. I described her as ‘more depressing than Aimee Mann’ which Sharon could barely wrap her head around. Crowd became super anxious as a result but as soon as

Mumford showed up, the energy was electric! I’ve never been the hugest fan of theirs but I will say they put on a damn, fine show! Again, left after a handful of songs but know, I would have stayed til the end. And as we left, drenched in the cold rain whoring our make-up, I knew that this and everything else had all been worth the wait.

Oh Hi, March As any Native Chicagoean can attest, the winter never fails to destroy our souls - at least temporarily so.

[kartiavelino]

How Patrick Wilson prepped to fight Jason Momoa in ‘Aquaman’

The cryptic textual content got here in 2015 from director James Wan: “Are you aware Ocean Grasp?” Patrick Wilson didn’t, in reality, know Ocean Grasp, or whether or not it was an individual, a cruise ship or maybe a sequence of all-you-can-eat seafood eating places. “Fortunately in this point in time, there’s Google,” Wilson says, miming livid thumb-typing as he sips espresso in a Chelsea picture studio. “Ocean Grasp? Seems to be cool. Oh, cool masks.” Seems, Ocean Grasp — aka Orm — is the ruler of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis and the archnemesis of Aquaman. And Wilson should have expertly bluffed Wan together with his information of undersea villains, as a result of later this month, he dons Ocean Grasp’s (curiously unrusted) armor for “Aquaman.” Taking part in reverse Jason Momoa, who reprises his position because the titular hero, introduced a selected problem for Wilson. “Jason is like 6-foot-4,” says the 6-foot-even Wilson. “Once I signed on, I mentioned to James, ‘I need to get huge for the position.’ You need to be a formidable opponent.” Wilson, a CrossFit devotee, hit the health club with a coach 5 days every week for 4 months. He jumped from 190 kilos to 210, and continues to look fairly jacked months later, carrying a easy white T-shirt. Éditions M.R “Laurent” jacket, $568 at Matches Trend; Rag & Bone sweater, $395 at Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave.Matt Holyoak Taking part in a scene-chewing undersea villain who rides a large prehistoric crocodile and provides verbose speeches concerning the destruction of the oceans could appear to be a left-field selection for Wilson, who made his identify onstage and in acclaimed dramas together with 2006’s “Little Youngsters” and one of many buzziest episodes of “Women.” However the actor says he got here to admire the over-the-top nature of the superhero style after enjoying Nite Owl/Dan Dreiberg in 2009’s dystopian comic-book epic “Watchmen.” “I just like the theatrical nature of it,” he says. “In my earlier movies and in my theater days, it was internalized and all behind the eyes — I like issues that push me bodily and emotionally and make me get out of my consolation zone.” Case in level? The latest horror hits Wilson has starred in, together with “The Conjuring” and “Insidious” franchises, additionally made with Wan. “Whenever you’re giving an exorcism or talking Latin or damning a demon again to hell, you’ll be able to’t half-ass any of it,” Wilson says. “It requires that extra-theatrical or melodramatic contact, fueled with actual feelings. It had to be one thing nearly otherworldly.” Exorcisms and tylosaurs — few would have predicted this sort of profession path for a child rising up in Florida. However Wilson was raised in a showbiz-friendly family alongside two brothers. His father was an area TV-news anchor, his mom a choir director who gave voice classes. Wilson’s first industrial, when he was 7, was for Vess, an off-brand cola out of St. Louis. He performed reverse Cardinals soccer nice Dan Dierdorf. By his teenage years, Wilson was enjoying soccer and baseball and likewise appearing in stage productions at his tiny highschool. “There weren’t sufficient youngsters, so we did the whole lot,” he recollects. At age 16, he ditched sports activities to consider appearing. He later attended Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon College, throwing himself utterly into appearing and incomes a drama diploma. Like numerous his classmates, Wilson headed to the Massive Apple, in 1995. “I got here to New York with $1,000 saved up, an Fairness card and an agent. I used to be stacked,” he says. “New York didn’t appear so distant. It appeared like, ‘We’re gonna do it.’” He, his then-girlfriend and her brother all moved right into a two-bedroom rental at 525 W. 49th St., #5D. “It was shady on the West Aspect. No one went previous 10th Avenue then, man,” he says. “My girlfriend’s brother acquired mugged a couple of blocks away inside his first six months.” However inside every week, Wilson had landed his first theater position. Extra adopted, and by 2000 he was singing and dancing on Broadway in “The Full Monty” — a task that earned him a Tony nomination. Throughout his run, he was solid in HBO’s adaptation of “Angels in America.” “Whenever you’re the brand new man and also you’re in the [televised version of] arguably the best play of the century, [Hollywood] simply goes, ‘Oh, OK. You possibly can act,’” Wilson says. “Despite the fact that they could by no means have seen it.” Burton x Carhartt WIP jacket, $230 at Burton; Prime, $78 at Outerknown; Engineered Clothes pants, $265 at Mr Porter. Matt Holyoak Junya Watanabe x Carhartt jacket, $1,210 at Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Ave. AMI sweater, $350 at Mr Porter; Denims, $225, related kinds at rag & bone. Matt Holyoak 3 View Slideshow Inside months, he’d landed roles in big-budget flicks “The Alamo” and the movie model of “The Phantom of the Opera.” His guiding profession precept has all the time been variety — a field DC Comics’ “Aquaman” undoubtedly checks. Wilson performs the hero’s half-brother, who’s attempting to hold Momoa from claiming the throne. Not like Momoa, who spends numerous time on land, Wilson’s scenes happen in the underwater kingdom, requiring him to be a guinea pig for particular results. For instance, he wore a particular cap over his head, which allowed the filmmakers to later add CG hair that swayed and flowed as if underwater. Wilson and the opposite actors had been additionally strapped into harnesses that permit them swing across the set in order to simulate swimming. “Me and Willem [Dafoe, who plays royal advisor Vulko] geeked out over that swimming,” Wilson says. “We each felt like we had been performing some bizarre experimental play, and I liked it.” The actor says it was essentially the most bodily demanding position of his profession. However a undertaking so reliant on results naturally has the potential to go very flawed. Couple that with the truth that Aquaman has all the time been a little bit of a punchline in the superhero world, and the movie was hardly a positive factor. “I didn’t have any considerations,” Wilson says. “I knew if [Warner Bros.] gave James the keys to the dominion — in the event that they let him see by his imaginative and prescient, that it might be an fulfilling film.” The movie actually hews a lot nearer to the winking, popcorn tone perfected by rival Marvel’s movies, and seemingly tries to transfer away from the operatic bleakness of director Zack Snyder’s “Batman v Superman,” which first launched this model of Aquaman in 2016. “A part of the explanation for doing this film was as a result of it was lastly one my youngsters might watch,” he says. He and his spouse, actor Dagmara Dominczyk (whose sister, additionally an actor, is married to Scott Foley from “Scandal”), have two boys, ages 9 and 12. Wilson has already offered his youngest son with one thing few fathers can: The boy sleeps with an Orm motion determine beside his mattress. The household had been residing in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, however in search of extra space and a yard, packed up for Montclair, NJ. The subsequent cease for his or her youngsters, nevertheless, simply may be Hollywood. “My spouse and I dwell and breathe these things, so I’d by no means knock it,” Wilson says of his kids’s performing ambitions. “They know we didn’t get into this for stardom. Each time these phrases come out, we go, ‘Yeah, no. In order for you to be an actor, examine and go to college.’” Wilson will probably be seen subsequent yr in “Halfway,” a big-budget retelling of the epic World Battle II battle. He’s enjoying Rear Admiral Edwin Layton and at present capturing in Hawaii and Montreal.“It’s going to be a really truthful retelling,” Wilson says. “We labored with the Navy. I knew from early on, after they mentioned, ‘These are the precise glasses [my character] wore.’” For now, it’s unclear whether or not there will probably be an “Aquaman” sequel or if Orm will return. Wilson says he doesn’t assume there’s a “magic quantity” the movie has to hit to warrant a second. He guesses its success will probably be judged extra on “buzz.” If Orm doesn’t return, Wilson is content material together with his spandex oeuvre. “I like that, on the finish of the day, if my two forays into superheroes are Orm and Dan Dreiberg, that’s cool,” Wilson says. “That’s very odd, and I like odd issues.” Prada jacket, $3,850 at Bergdorf Goodman; Prime, $78 at Outerknown.Matt Holyoak Trend Editor: Serena French; Stylist: Anahita Moussavian; Groomer: Anthea King Share this: https://nypost.com/2018/12/11/how-patrick-wilson-prepped-to-fight-jason-momoa-in-aquaman/ The post How Patrick Wilson prepped to fight Jason Momoa in ‘Aquaman’ appeared first on My style by Kartia. https://www.kartiavelino.com/2018/12/how-patrick-wilson-prepped-to-fight-jason-momoa-in-aquaman.html