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fairymascot · 4 years ago

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i've never been a fan of DC comics and all that but all the content on your blog about poison ivy and harley make me wanna read them all

Please Don't. comics are Bad. very few are actually worth it

for anyone looking to get into harley's character and her relationship with ivy, here's my recommendation list, in order:

WATCH:

*harley quinn tv

very violent and edgy adult humor, so proceed with caution if you're used to more wholesome cartoons. but if you vibe with the style, it's a really great show, containing some of the most respectful and loving depictions of those characters, hilarious humor, touching drama, and of course, textual, central-stage harley and ivy romance.

*birds of prey and the emancipation of harley quinn

no ivy in this one, but it's an awesome movie, the only all-female superhero ensemble on the big screen. features a cast of wonderful, unique female characters, great humor, amazing action, and margot robbie's positively iconic depiction of harley.

READ:

*harleen (stjepan sejic)

a one-shot book exploring harley's life up to her entering her relationship with the joker. extremely mature, nuanced and insightful look into her character, beautifully drawn and written, a must-read all around. focuses primarily on harley and joker, but ivy plays a small yet lovely role as well.

for more of his take on harley that didn't make it into print, i highly recommend checking the harley quinn tag on his blog (watch out for the occasional nsfw).

*harley quinn: black+white+red, issue #1 (stjepan sejic)

the rest of the issues in this series are all by an assortment of different writers and artists, mostly just goofy shenanigans that i could leave or take. but the first issue fits into the harleen 'verse and is as delightful as the book preceding it.

*harley quinn & birds of prey (jimmy palmiotti & amanda conner)

little to do with the film, this series is a continuation of palmiotti and conner's previous solo harley titles from 2014 and 2016. while it includes nods to those titles, they're fairly minor, and makes an easy starting point for new readers. only a few issues out right now, but so far it's fun, it's gay, it's got a whole lotta women, and i'm having a good time. harley and ivy are going through a breakup in it, which has so far been explored pretty nicely-- i just hope they get to actually work through it and it isn't merely used as an excuse to remove ivy from harley's life due to shitty dc exec demands. time will tell, i guess. [EDIT: now that it's been wrapped up, i can assure you it ends with harley and ivy happily together, BUT the last issue does predominantly consist of harley being gruesomely tortured by joker awaiting ivy's heroic rescue, which i personally found quite tacky and unpleasant. read at your own discretion.]

*harley quinn & poison ivy (jody houser & adriana melo)

a one-shot book picking up from the main dc continuity where, i dunno, some big clusterfuck event happened and ivy died before reincarnating. genuinely from the bottom of my heart, i have no idea what's going on in the main dc continuity and i don't care. thankfully, this book doesn't require that of me, focusing simply on harley and ivy and the trials their relationship goes through in the aftermath of ivy's death and rebirth. really dig the characterization and art, all in all a great read.

*batman: harley quinn (ty templeton & rick burchett)

some nice oldschool harley stories in the style of the batman cartoon, with ivy being a consistent presence throughout. characterization differs somewhat from modern takes on the characters, but it's still a good time.

THEN if you've read all this and are thirsty for more harley content, give palmiotti and conner's harley quinn (2013/2014) a try. it's detached from main dc continuity, which is nice, and is overall pretty fun and funny. harley and ivy are girlfriends in an open relationship in it, and while ivy isn't always around, they have a lot of sweet moments. that said, it's a mixed bag quality wise-- some of the humor is way too try-hard, the story often segues into pointless shenanigans, and there's a massive amounts of new original supporting characters that are frankly just not very interesting. if you find yourself enjoying it, great news, the title got renewed in 2016 and there's a shitton of issues to read. definitely don't try the 2016 run before the 2014 run, though, because you'll have no idea who any of those assholes other than harley are.

anything else... honestly not worth bothering with. especially avoid gotham city sirens (a pile of horny misogynist garbage) and harley quinn: breaking glass (bizarre YA slice of life take that seems more concerned about appearing 'woke' than capturing any of what made those characters interesting). i've seen a lot of people recommend dc bombshells because harley and ivy are very happily together in it, but i found the writing and characterization of ivy in particular to be totally unpalatable. she speaks exclusively like a bad love interest from a cheesy purple prose romance novel. it grates. still worth a try, i suppose, since it's standalone and so many fans are into it.

good luck! being a fan of female comic book characters is suffering!

#harley quinn #poison ivy #harlivy #dc comics #harlivy recs #text #my rambles #recs #to read

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kathyprior4200 · 3 years ago

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Welcome to Wacky Wally Wackford’s World!

Greetings, I say, greetings demons of all ages! The name’s Wally Wackford, an oh so suave man of business! You may not know me, but surely you’ve seen me…pretty much everywhere. Yes, I’ve never been the type to stay in one place for long. Life can be pretty wild at times. But that’s what makes it oh so fun!

So what’s my story, you say, you say? Well look no further, ‘cause I have a tale to tell.

I’ve been doing freelance work off and on, laboring at one job, moving onto the next. The jobs vary a lot, but I’m a Wally of many trades. (Yes, I’ve been fired many times as well, figuratively and literally…it is Hell after all.) Early on, I found out that living in poverty is never a lot of fun. I quickly learned how to scam other people…and boy did I enjoy it! It was the only way I could inch toward the top, get some power of my own. I’d make a few deals here and there and then when clients got desperate, I’d say something like, “Oh I’m so sorry but there’s an extra fee you have to pay. Forgot to mention that.” Then I’d point to that small scribbled section on the contract I added in moments ago.

“I’m starving, sir!” they’d say. Or, “I left my money at home,” or my favorite: “Shove it up your trickster rear!”

Sometimes they did pay me extra. Other times they didn’t…and those were the ones who soon forgot about everything forever. (chuckles).

Anyway, moving on.

Sometimes when my days got long and hard, I’d go to saloons for a nice bottled drink. The emerald colored Greed Mead is my favorite. Twirling my thin black mustache, I’d wink at some pretty imp gals nearby and say, “Hey there. You’ve been in Hell for a long time. Is that why you’re so hot?”

Most of the time, I’d get a swift punch to the face in response. The glares on their pretty faces, “Take that remark to the Sloth Ring, lazy bootleg fucker.”

So many aggressive people these days. I could tip my black hat to many imps and they’d either fall to my charms or roll their eyes. I was fine with that. There’s not much else to do in Hell then to live your life and amuse yourself with watching others struggle. In fact, pretty much every sin is encouraged, so why not keep going?

After stalking around looking for more people to scam, I came across Loo-Loo Land in the Ring of Greed. I’ve always loved that place, its vibrant atmosphere emitting joyful fun and chaotic flair. I walked on over and asked the vendor, “I say, you have any jobs here?”

“I’ve heard of you, Wacky Wally,” he said at the ticket stand. “You may be a good pick-pocket, but your skills are nothing compared to Mammon. In fact, this whole place is a fucking rip-off of Lucifer’s Lu-Lu Land!”

“All the more reason to love this place!” I exclaimed.

“Robo Fizz is putting on another show at 7pm tomorrow,” said the beefy imp vendor. “Made in Mammon’s factory and modeled after the famous imp Fizzarolli.” He then spoke in a low whisper, “It includes some behind the scenes moments for the VIPs…you know, with tentacles and ‘special features.’”

“Oh that sounds delicious!” I said with a slow grin. “It’d be great to see how his…mechanics work someday…”

The imp vendor rolled his eyes and flinched at my lighthearted comment. Always know what to say to get that grimace reaction.

“Anyway,” said the vendor, “We’re running low on staff, so you can go sell those torches over there.”

The imp pointed to a pink cart with Mammon’s jester face on it. I shrugged and got to work.

I happily rolled my cart around, selling torches wherever I went. I could honestly stare into those mesmerizing green flames all day.

“Torches here!” I drawled in my Foghorn Leghorn southern accent. “66% off when you buy four! Parties, decoration, destruction and more!”

One time on my break, I got to talk to Robo Fizz about money, shows, sex and chaos. We even cracked some jokes together. The robot seemed a little nervous in my presence but then again, he was very unpredictable on a daily basis.

“A duck, a frog, a demon and a skunk go into a bar. The bartender told them that the drinks were one dollar each. How did they pay for them? Answer: The duck had a bill, the frog had a greenback, the demon had a soul…but the skunk only had a scent!”

“Hahahaha!” Robo Fizz laughed, sparks flying near him. “Your jokes are much better than Blitzo’s corny puns!”

“Why thank you,” I replied. “But nothing beats your organ-playing animatronics in your ‘Wonderful World of Evil’ puppet show you did last month.”

Robo Fizz grinned at the compliment. “You do anything else besides selling torches?”

“I scam, I kill, I do a little bit of both. Oh and I’m also a great inventor!”

“How marvelous!” Robo Fizz grinned. “Perhaps if you have enough mayhem in you, you could perform with me at the next Fizzarolli N Friends show!”

“I say, I’d love that! I’m sure your show will be top notch, copyright be dammed…won’t it?”

Robo Fizz smiled widely, hiding a strain. “You bet it will!”

It was during one interesting day when I pushed my cart by a large tent where several Robo Fizz posters were posted. I held up a troch with a hand and called:

“Torches, I say! I say! Get your inconvenient torches here!”

Then before I knew it, the robot and a random imp crashed right into the cart.

“Ow, I say OW!” I cried as the green flames quickly spread around. After getting the flames off me, I ran for the hills out of the burning park. I sat, dejected shortly afterward. So much for that job. Along with figuring out what to do next, I also happened to watch the imp fight off Robo Fizz…and the robot falling into the dragon’s mouth.

How unfortunate.

After helping Robo Fizz from the dragon’s insides, (killing said dragon, pulling out said robot, cleaning and making quick repairs), I inched closer to him and said, “You made some new friends, I say.”

Robo Fizz stood tense with just long wires for his body, a metal skeleton of his previous appearance. “Yes…an old time co-worker of mine. A clown of an imp named Blitzo. He and his sisters were once part of a circus act called “The Amazing Imp Siblings. A bit dowdy if you ask me. ”

Robo Fizz looked around. “Hahahaha! That was some chaotic fun. But now the park is ruined!”

“I say, if I were you,” I told him, “I’d do all I could to get this park repaired and back on track. Costs a whole lotta money. The last thing you need is to have your boss disappointed in you.”

A brief look of fear came on his face. “Oh yes, yes, good idea, Wally.”

“And your friend…whether you upstage him or what, you’d best be sure Blitzo stays out of trouble. I lost my job and almost my life because of that fight!” My yellow eyes shined in a show of sadness.

“I-I will not let master Mammon down…not that I have a choice.”

“Let Asmodeus know what’s up as well.”

Robo Fizz nodded, spun away and laughed. “Time to find that rodeo clown imp!”

0 0 0

Later on after leaving Greed, I got a brilliant idea. It was after I saw some old fashioned 1800s snake man in Pride plow down buildings with a metal bulldozer vehicle. That was it! I could start my own business!

I walked over to 666 News station. “Oh Katie,” I said in my sweetest voice.

“What is it, scum?” she asked, sitting at a mirror and doing her hair. “Can’t you see I’m preparing for a back to back broadcast right now?”

“I was considering doing my very own commercial about me exploiting…erm, employing other demons for my new factory.”

Katie barked out a laugh. “Good luck with that, filthy old man! Now get out of my studio.”

“Very well,” I said. As quiet as a hell mouse, I snatched a camera with an eye at the center and made my way out the door. The rest of the materials I needed came from a nearby junkyard. (Thankfully I avoided the wrath of some hungry kangaroo parasitic queen demon). I was running out of money fast; with no job around the corner, I figured I’d start my own!

Even I don’t really know where I got my inventing skills from. Many say it was my natural trait. Others say I learned from other experts in the trade. After all, one of the quickset ways to a man’s wallet is through the latest technology.

But I, Wally Wackford would not settle for your standard modern devices. No. I preferred to make things…well, wacky.

In no time at all, I had built myself my own mini studio where I could film my commercial! Now, what to call my company? Hmm…

The Onceler One In a Lifetime Opportunity? No, not enough Ws.

Wowing Whimsical Wonderous Wonders? Nah, too many Ws.

Ah…of course! What is a company if you don’t have your name on it?

0 0 0

“Uh huh, keep going, keep going, keep going!” Blitzo insisted at the I.M.P. office.

Moxxie switched the channel again. This time, an imp appeared wearing a large black top hat, a white shirt and pants, gray vest, black bow tie and black boots. He held a cane in his hands and he also had a thin curly mustache. A mischievous grin of sharp teeth appeared on his face.

“I say, I say!” the imp exclaimed, briefly pointing his cane at the camera. “Are you looking to get work making crazy contraptions and goofy gadgets?” “Crazy Contraptions” and “Goofy Gadgets” appeared in bold spiked icons to the imp’s left and right. The imp twirled his cane.

“Well call me at Wacky Wally Wackford’s Wacky Idea ‘Factory!’”

He pulled down another screen. The title appeared in bold red, gray and white letters surrounded by pinkish circles reminiscent of classic cartoons. “Factory” appeared in quotations. Wally Wackford appeared again.

“Where you make the things and I make the money!”

Wally Wackford then got up closer to the camera with a pleading look. “Please, I’m very desperate!”

“Bingo!” Blitzo called, shooting and exploding the TV again.

0 0 0

It was actually really easy to find where Blitzo was and the new sinner inventors. The killing company of imps had me very curious. If they could start a business, why shouldn’t I? And being in the company of amazing inventors…

I could almost see the soul dollar bills floating into my hands.

I snuck up to the building, merged into the floor, eavesdropped on their fascinating conversation…

0 0 0

Crash!

A metal plank crashed into the room from above as Moxxie scurried out of the way. Loopty Goopty strolled down the plank. “Blitz!”

“Loofa!” Blitzo called, saying his name wrong. “We can explain everything. I was…”

Crash!

Millie pulled Moxxie out of the way before another metal plank landed in the spot where he would’ve been. From on the floor, Blitzo’s butt was very much in view. Blitzo glanced down at him and remarked, “Oh chill out Moxxie, if you kiss my ass any harder you’ll go right inside me.”

Moxxie turned beet red in the face and scooted further back. Millie helped him up again.

“Thanks for saving me again,” Moxxie said. “I would’ve foamed at the mouth and maybe died again.”

“Why would you think I would ever ignore you?”

Moxxie shrugged.

Just then, the demonic form of a man rolled down the plank. His body was black and spherical, with a mint green head wearing a black bowler hat on top. He had a large bushy light gray mustache and pince-nez goggles with dark red spirals on the lens like Loopty. His grinning teeth resembled piano keys.

“Lyle Lipton?!” Millie, Moxxie, and Blitzo asked in unison.

“I don’t understand,” said Millie. “We thought you went to Heaven.”

Lyle Lipton chuckled. “Heaven?” He rolled toward Loopty Goopty. “You don’t make millions in technological advances in robotics by not experimenting on the poor!” He laughed.

Loopy Goopty grinned as he unleashed his weapons in front of Lyle Lipton. “Finally! We meet again at last! Now that you’re dead, you have no money to keep from me!”

“Well, I’m a better inventor than you!” Lyle scoffed. “And I’ll make the most money here first!”

“Nonsense you no good son of a bitch!”

“Tie yourself in a knot, loony Loopty!”

“Roll in your grave, fat shit inventor!”

“Two robotic inventors?!” called a nearby voice. A steampunk blimp hovered in the air and a well-dressed snake demon appeared from a hole in his ship.

“Who is that guy?” Lyle Lipton asked.

“I’m the one and only Sir Pentious!” he declared. Several Egg Bois were steering his ship. The eye on his dark top hat peered at the other sinners in curiosity. “With my dominating machines, I aim to take over all of Pentagram City!” Then he muttered, “The repairs were a fucking nightmare to endure.” He glanced at the leftover cracks and holes on the metal sides of his ship.

“Oooh!” Loopty exclaimed in admiration. “I’ve only seen such inventions in old time history books. How long have you been here?”

“Since eighteen eighty eight!”

“Love the loopy numbers!” Loopty grinned, making three small eights with his contraptions. “I’m Loopty Goopty! Lyle is my could’ve been partner in crime but actually rival!”

“When you’re rich as me, who needs a dead partner!” Lyle exclaimed.

“You’re dead too, you know!”

“Where did you cowardly sinners get here?” Sir Pentious asked.

“Well we just got here,” Lyle called. “Experimenting on the poor made us millionaires! Just…be careful when messing with anti-aging machines. Made us both old.”

“A machine that changes one’s age?” Sir Pentious pondered. “That could prove to be ussseful in the future,” he hissed.

“Oh, you should join us, snake man!” Loopy suggested. “Or me, rather.”

Sir Pentious briefly glared. “Hmm. While I’m perfectly capable of spreading my constrictive terror on my own…I suppose having some…lackey sidekicks would suffice.”

“Don’t call us lackeys!” Lyle sneered. “And I’m not working with him!”

“Maybe if we briefly collaborate as a team…”

Lyle grumbled in annoyance.

After a moment, Sir Pentious sighed. “Okay, you may join me, but…”

He spread out his hood, revealing pink eyes. “Don’t even think about crossssing me.” He pulled his hood back. “Now go gather your contraptions and help me manage those scrambled fucking eggs!”

A bunch of eggs in top hats and suits rolled out and jumped on the two inventors, who were stunned.

Loopty then laughed evilly. “Inventors to inventors it is!”

Just then, I popped out of the ground in the room.

“Did someone say, I say inventors?! Name’s Wally Wackford, and I am lookin’ for creative new people to exploit! I mean employ.” I twirled my mustache with an evil grin.

At last, a chance to expand my business of the mass production of robotic Fizzarollis! All of Hell will go crazy when they get a chance to buy all the sex robots, the merchandise, everything...and all to profit ME!

“Everyone, stop fucking up my walls!” Blitzo yelled. “Moxxie’s gonna have to fix all this shit! Satan’s balls! First we deal with Heaven’s table-scraps, now this?”

I smiled. “Well I guess you can say, you say, you have a holey operation here, Blitzo!”

I slapped my knee and laughed at my own joke.

“Get out,” Blitzo muttered.

Soon I doubled down on the floor laughing. “Oh! I said, ‘o’!”

Blitzo yelled, “No, I’m serious, get the fuck out!”

Everyone in the room looked at Blitzo in shock and surprise.

0 0 0

And then, that one other time where I helped host the Harvest Moon Festival Pain Games!

Wally Wackford a.k.a. me…stood on the wooden stage, holding a gray microphone decorated with an eye in the center and small horns on the top. I wore my usual white shirt, vest, white pants and dark boots. I twirled my black cane and tipped my black top hat.

I spoke dramatically through the microphone.

“Welcome, I say welcome all to Wrath Ring’s annual Harvest Moon Festival! To kick things up, we have the great prince Stolas-a here to user in this here Pain Games!”

Stolas took the microphone from me and chuckled in slight embarrassment.

“How kind, Wackford.”

Stolas then addressed the audience. “Greetings tiny Wrath Ring imps. I hereby welcome you all to another year of celebrating the spoils of your labor that continue to feed the citizens of Hell!”

A crowd of imps glared at him and several boos were heard. Many of these Wrath imps were impoverished farmers who lived on scraps, meat or good crops if they were lucky. The food they worked so hard to produce was consumed by royalty and those in the other Rings. But the reward for their work was being underfed, underpaid and underappreciated instead. The unbalanced cycle had lasted for generations.

I, too, stared at Stolas with a glare in my eyes. That rich royal thinks he can parade around, doing whatever he wants. Well unfortunately for him, I have plans of my own. Once he sees what I’m capable of…

He will know who really rules the roost.

Stolas obliviously continued. “I’m happy to kick off the start of these games that will challenge the toughest imps to show their skill and dominance.” He did a little wave with his fingers. “Good luck to you all!” He noticed Blitzo in the crowd beside Moxxie and Striker and spoke lower. “Especially that sexy little one there! Yoo-hoo, Blitzy!”

“Oh fuck me,” Blitzo scowled.

A gun went off and the games began.

The first event was the race. Moxxie was instantly trampled by the other racers.

The second event was the high jump. Striker climbed over the high wooden ramp structure with ease and raced after Blitzo who jumped past him. Moxxie struggled to keep his balanced as he reached the top. He slipped down, trying to use his claws to hold on. He fell with a splash in a small puddle…and was promptly chewed on by a monstrous black and white shark with several red eyes.

The third event was an event with rope. Striker grinned as he held a tied up Blitzo. Blitzo’s arms, legs and horns were all tied up. Moxxie gulped as a stronger grinning imp tied him up with ease.

The fourth event was tug of war. The crowd cheered as the two teams pulled hard. Striker, Blitzo and Moxxie were on a team. Moxxie stumbled and fell into nearby water, where the shark attacked him again.

The fifth event was mud wrestling. Blitzo and Striker grinned as they wrestled each other, Striker getting the upper hand as he held Blitzo down, arms locked. Moxxie was instantly crushed in a football hurdle by a group of imps. As they got off of him, Moxxie sat up. And the shark leaped out of the water and over the fence.

“Mother fucker!” Moxxie screamed as the shark crushed him. (Moxxie somehow survived all this.)

I hopped back on stage.

“I say, I say for the first year ever, we have a tie, for the winner of the Harvest Moon Pain Games!”

Stolas took the microphone from me again.

“The winners are…Striker, and my darling Blitzy!” Stolas did a one-legged pose as the crowd cheered.

“Just say my name right!” Blitzo complained. He muttered “Fucking dick,” as he and Striker walked onto the stage.

0 0 0

After the event, I noticed that I.M.P. and Stolas had left. After sharing an undiscernible look with Striker, we parted ways.

I soon returned to a special place in Greed, tired but determined. I walked alone down dark hallways, torches burning green flames on either side. I wagged my pointed red tail.

I pushed open the double doors and came across a marvelous sight.

Gold. Heaps of it, just shining brightly all around the vast spacious chamber. Gold pillars held up the cavern-like ceiling, a chandelier made of bones and diamonds hung from above. There were chests of necklaces, precious gems, goblets and weapons of every shape and size. Hanging on a far wall, concealed in shadow were angelic weapons…at least half a dozen.

I stared around in amazement. Even Lucifer would be surprised if he could see this place.

I raced around and tossed the gold coins into the air. In a craze, I rolled around in a nearby pile of green dollar souls. With a grin, I stood up and stared with pride at the grinning face of the jester printed on there.

A face confident in his ability to deceive others, pursue wealth and bask in endless entertainment.

The grinning face was all too familiar…

…because it was my face.

Wally Wackford leaned his head back, mouth open in a high pitched shriek as dark magic flickered around him. The imp form fell and morphed into shadow. In the imp’s place, a large black beast with thick fur, razor sharp claws and red eyes decorating the body. The figure stood up on two powerful furry legs and sat comfortably in a giant golden throne that occupied the center of the chamber. Angular jester clothing of red, gold and purple stripes adorned the wolf body. And finally, a large spiked black crown sat atop the dark loopy jester hat with bells at the ends. A white and gold jester face showed sharp white teeth and glowing yellow eyes. Dark clawed hands juggled fresh demon skulls into the air and popped them into his large mouth. He crunched loudly before swallowing every bit.

My imp disguise was perfect. Literally no one else save for Robo Fizz and a few elites knew who was underneath. And even then, my magic was so powerful it could easily confuse anyone around me.

Being an imp has its advantages; you can travel anywhere and gather information along the way. You can track imps from a killing company and find out where they’ll likely travel to next. You can affiliate yourself with your own robotic creations, some slave imps and succubi…and then in your own form, work with a fellow Deadly Sin on the next stage.

A wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Funny, really. Wally Wackford could easily be a separate being, born into poverty, learning to scam others at an early age and go up from there. I, however, didn’t need to learn anything…deceiving others and attracting material wealth was a natural talent. As was shapeshifting.

Lucifer might not be happy with me coping his idea of a theme park…but business is business…and in Hell, anything goes.

That incompetent prince Stolas would be dead soon enough. No more Goetia showoffs to get in the way of my rule and reputation. At least the prince’s wife was rightfully concerned with maintaining tradition that has existed for centuries. Aside from my dear friend Lucifer, I was, and should be, the most powerful being in Hell. I’ll keep exploiting those I choose because money is money.

Those I.M.P. assassins have no idea who they were dealing with.

I let out a crazed evil laugh, intermingled with a wolf’s howl. With a single touch of my hand, my nearby scepter turned into gold. I admired its shiny flawless sheen. Asmodeus, Leviathan, Lucifer, Satan, Belphegor, Beelzebub and myself…the Seven Deadly Sins…circus-loving rulers of the Overlords and in charge of maintaining chaotic order in our respective Rings.

I, Mammon, had much to do.

#wally wackford #helluvaboss #helluva boss theory #mammon

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365days365movies · 4 years ago

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February 20, 2021: An Affair to Remember (1957) (Part 1)

OK, Sleepless in Seattle, I’m calling your bluff.

In case you don’t remember, this film was a major part of Sleepless in Seattle, inspiring its climax. It also acted as a focal point for several conversations in the film, as well as one of its most iconic (and funniest) moments, seen above. But how I am “calling its bluff?”

See, Sleepless maintained that only women understand why this movie is great, and I obviously challenge that assessment, being of the man variety. So, yeah, let’s go! Seriously, after the last movie, I’m ready for something that I could actually enjoy, so let’s start it UP. SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Recap

Vic Damone sings us in, as we see 1959-era Central Park, still pretty damn recognizable. On the news that night, we find out that Nicolò “Nickie” Ferrante (Cary Grant), a big game hunter, is getting married to a...”beautiful tomata with a lotta lettuce,” as news reporter Robert Q. Lewis (Robert Q. Lewis) says. Said vegetable-person is Lois Clark (Neva Patterson).

Ferrante’s on a cruise, and is extremely famous for whatever reason. However, it would appear that h’s also a inveterate playboy, as revealed by a call from a woman enraged that he’s getting married. Shortly afterwards, he’s greeted by Ned Hathaway (Charles Watts), his neighbor on the cruise, but he rushes out when he notices that his cigarette case is missing.

It’s been found by Terry McKay (Deborah Kerr), and the two meet and have conversation. Ever the playboy, he wishes to speak with her, and she’s mostly OK with it. And of course, Nickie...yeah, Nickie hits on her, and she’s not not interested. And, of course...here comes the shadows of infidelity.

INFIDELITY. ALWAYS WITH THE GODDAMN INFIDELITY! Nickie’s playboy, so I guess I shouldn’t have expected anything less. And...ugh, it is the 1950s. Doesn’t make it OK, obviously, but I guess I should’ve expected this. Anyway, Terry objects, as she’s also in a relationship, with a rather wealthy gentleman at that. And yet, despite this, she still proposes having dinner with him.

They two begin a friendship, and if I know anything about these stories, it’s gonna become a bit more than just a friendship. The next morning, they both receive letters from their partners, but quickly brush those off to speak with each other about their pasts and their lives.

And even though their relationship involves infidelity, I’m absolutely sure, the two have quite a bit of chemistry. Like...really good chemistry. And they seem to recognize this as well, as Terry notes that they can’t be seen with each other. This is, of course, as a would-be paparazzo takes their picture together.

They encounter each other again when they help a child caught on the stairs. Cute kid. They arrive at the bar separately, and both order the same drink of rose champagne, which sounds pretty good to me. But at fear of gossippers on the ship, they once again part ways with each other.

However, to the delight of the shipgoers (and admittedly to me), they end up getting seated next to each other at dinner, back-to-back.

Embarrassed by the ABSOLUTE ASSHOLES ON THIS SHIP, GODDAMN, Terry leaves the dining hall. But of course, the two incidentally find each other AGAIN in the pool, as the ship itself gets close to a French port, Villefranche-sur-Mer. There, Nickie is set to meet his grandmother. Terry doesn’t believe that, so he invited her to meet her. She accepts, and they head into the definitely-not-romantic little village together.

Well, Nickie was telling the truth, as they meet his grandmother, Janou (Cathleen Nesbitt), who’s only 16 years older than Cary Grant, so...yeah, why not make her his mother, rather than grandmother? Weird choice, there, but whatever. She’s been praying in the chapel, likely to remember her lost husband as well. Terry asks if she can see it, and Janou gladly lets her. Nickie soon follows.

And this is a...it’s a nice little quiet moment. Not entirely quiet, as there’s some nice music in the background. But there’s no dialogue here. Just a quiet moment of prayer. It’s quite sweet, to be honest. Once the two leave, they spend more time with Nickie’s grandmother, and he gives her a portrait of her late husband, which he himself has painted. And DAMN, it’s a good painting!

For her part, Terry sings the French version of the opening song to Janou’s piano playing, but the boat whistle sounds, ending their visit altogether. And seeing this side of Nickie’s life is eye-opening for Terry, and Nickie is likewise intrigued with Terry. Well...it might be infidelity...but damn me if they don’t have a strong connection.

And they’re definitely feeling that, too. Terry initially refuses, but then draws Nickie in for the kiss on the stairs, which is offscreen in a GORGEOUS shot. They part ways, but they continue to see each other over the course of the ship, both professing that they miss each other. They try to keep out of the public eye, but their connection is still obviously strong.

However, this is complicated when Mr. Hathaway shows up and reveals that the ship’s photographer is selling pictures of them to everybody on the ship, which is amusing to nearly everyone on the ship. I tell you, this goddamn ship is a toxic dating environment, and these people are the nosiest busybodies in the world.

They decide to abandon their caution, and go dancing together with everyone else. They share a romantic dance alone on the deck, but Terry stops, realizing how transient this affair is. They have a moment together, and that’s when one of the most iconic scenes of the film takes place. You know...

It’s quite a good line, and is prefaced by a proposal from Nickie. And I do mean a marriage proposal, of sorts. See, the two realize that they both have a certain standard of living, and that abandoning their prospective spouses for each other would mean sacrifice and lifestyle change. But for love, they’re willing to do it.

The next day, the ship reaches New York City. They agree that, if things work out, they will meet each other in six months, at the top of the Empire State Building. They kiss goodbye, while Terry worries that something may happen. But perish the thought.

With that, the two part ways with their respective partners, albeit unwillingly, and we reach the midway point.

See you in Part 2!

#an affair to remember #leo mccarey #cary grant #deborah kerr #nickie ferrante #terry mckay #richard denning #neva patterson #cathleen nesbitt #romance february #romance movie #365 movie challenge #365 movies 365 days #365 Days 365 Movies #365 movies a year #user365

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obsessivestar · 5 years ago

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Steamy Love (A Tom Hiddleston x Reader) Chapter 22: ~Gossip~

Summary: Now that filming has officially wrapped, you and Tom can get to the interviews! Though your first one takes an odd turn. A turn you refuse to let end on a bad note.

Warnings: Trash talk towards a certain ex of Tom Hiddleston.

Read it on my Wattpad: Wattpad.com/HiddlesStar

Word count: 1412

Tags: @theoneanna @midnightdragonzero @drakesfiance @kcd15 @ihthr @deviantsendbyreallife @bookgirlunicorn @cherrygeek86

After a couple more days, your friend returned home. The first couple days without them here really reminded you of home, and how much you missed it. You could really feel the homesickness creeping in. You're sure Tom had noticed it too, but you two never talked about it. Y'all still have amazing sex, of course, and your doubts nearly melt away anytime he looks at you, or smiles, or laughs, or blinks...

You may be in love with him. You're still not exactly sure, but something's there. Something stronger than before.

A couple more weeks went by. Filming was completely done, though you and Tom were asked to stay in the area for another month, just in case you needed to do reshoots. Tom's hair had really grown by the end of the month. You knew he was keeping it long partially for Betrayal, the Harold Pinter play he is said to star in. His beard was more ginger than you thought it'd be, though he'd always remind you that he always had a lot of natural ginge in his hair as a teen. You were so used to him with brown hair. You liked the beard, though. His jaw looked hella nice with it. You've just been kinda stroking it when you lay together in bed, among other things on him.

You and Tom weren't entirely done with the film, though. Now were some of the fun parts of starring in a film.

The interviews!

You and Tom had one scheduled later for today. You've never been in an interview like this before, so you were a little nervous. Tom was calming you down and explaining how it works.

...I mean, you were laying in bed naked with him, so it was easy for him to calm you.

"I promise you, the interviewers I've had have always been very polite. They're very kind people." Tom reassured you, softly caressing your bare arm as he held you against his chest.

"I just hope I don't make a fool out of myself.." You admitted, nuzzling his chest some. "And I hope that I'm not ignored...but I also want some attention, y'know?.." You chuckled a bit. "Oh man, I really didn't think I'd get to this point..."

"What, the interview? Or laying here naked with me for the 20th day in a row?" Tom asked jokingly, making you chuckle again.

"The interview, smartass.." You nudged Tom, making him laugh a bit."I just hope I get it right."

"Well, there's no real way to get an interview 'wrong', unless you're just rude.." Tom replied. "Which I highly doubt you'd be."

"But what if I get a question wrong? Or can't answer a certain question because it might be spoilery?" You asked with a slight pout.

"Then I'll answer it for you." Tom smiled. "Interviews like the ones we're going to are pretty edited when they air. Any fumbles will surely be edited out. I promise you.."

You gave a little smile, giving him a soft peck on the lips. "Your voice is soothing to listen to.." You admitted. You genuinely felt better already, just because of his voice.

"Oh?.." He smiled at you, pecking the side of your head. "You like my voice?.." His tone changed, becoming slightly mischievous.

"Hey, relax, big dog.." You spoke up, turning your head to look at him with a smile. "I'm still sore from before.."

"It's getting harder everyday to resist.." Tom admitted with a smirk. "But you're right.."

You smiled, carefully moving away and getting out of bed.

"Maybe when we get back.." Tom added, getting out of bed to get dressed as well.

You just rolled your eyes playfully and laughed. You love that he's always wanting to be all over you. You hope he keeps the bedroom eyes to himself at the interview, though part of you wants to see it if he can't help it.

You guys got dressed and headed to the location where the interview would take place. Movie posters or anything haven't been publically released yet, so the only photos of you two on that back wall just a single still straight from the outside set.

You got to meet the interviewer after a short wait. It was a woman, which is pretty common, and she seemed super nice. She really got along with Tom, though everyone seems to get along with Tom. You could tell she was a little more focused than him rather than you, but you understood why. He was a much bigger celebrity than you were. You were fine if she chose to ask him most of the questions.

When the interview started, she introduced herself to you two, giving both of you a friendly handshake. Her name was Sarah. The chairs you got to sit in were a little small, but they weren't uncomfortable.

"Hi! It's very nice to meet you two!" She greeted you both with an on camera hand shake, giving a big smile. She had bright purple lipstick on that didn't really match the rest of her makeup, but you didn't judge. Maybe that's just a style or something.

The questions that were asked were, as expected, mostly directed at Tom. There were a couple questions you were both able to answer, though, like what to expect from the movie, what both of your favourite on set moment was, if there's gonna be any steamy bits. You happily answered that last one, remembering in the back of your head how odd the scene was to actually film.

Having actually slept with Tom beforehand, you could tell in the moment that his pants and moans were indeed an act, though you'd be lying if you didn't get a little heated during the whole thing. The crew just thought it was excellent acting, thankfully.

One of the last questions were about that iconic sudden kiss at the clothing shop a couple weeks back, when unbeknownst to anyone else, you had been in a bad argument with Tom beforehand, and that kiss was proof of your feelings for one another being real. Being genuine.

It seemed like a pretty harmless question, until...

"Do you feel like this new relationship will have consequences on future opportunities?" The interviewer asked Tom, who was a little confused by the question.

"What do you mean?" He asked curiously.

"Well, I mean, for example, if I may compare this to your previous relationship with famous singer Taylor Swift..." Sarah began. As she said that, you felt an anxious pit in your stomach. You felt a little sick. Really? Why mention her? Why now? This was going so well before this.

"...While she is not known for being in the acting biz, like the wonderful (Y/N) here, she was definitely more up on your level as a celebrity.."

You could see Tom was trying not to get upset by that, but you recognized that look in his eye. That look of disappointment.

You decided to take control of this interview for a change.

"Look, I don't know that chick personally, but when was the last time she wrote about something other than her ex's?" You asked, leaning forward some. "I mean, she has dozens of songs, right? Lotta albums sold? How many dead roses are in her closet by now?"

You could hear the few crew members in the back either hold back from laughing, or clearly break out in quiet chuckles amoungst each other.

"Am I wrong?" You looked around with a chuckle. "You wanna know what Tom doesn't have to worry about? Me throwing away his gifts and signs of affection for a new word document on my expensive laptop.."

You could tell the interviewer was rather shocked to hear that, though it was hard to tell if she was personally offended or impressed. Tom was clearly hiding a smile. He was definitely impressed, and was shifting around to stop himself from laughing. That meant a lot to him.

"That's a wrap!" Someone on set called, allowing the interviewer to give one final awkward goodbye before walking off with her paper. Tom looked at you, giving a slight chuckle.

"I really hope they leave that in.." He admitted, making you smile brightly.

You made sure to ask the right person for a copy of the full, unedited interview just before you and Tom would return home. You couldn't wait to tell the stream chat about this tomorrow.

#tom hiddleston fanfiction #tom hiddleston #tom Hiddleston x Reader #tom Hiddleston x you #fanfiction #steamy love #wattpad

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padfootagain · 6 years ago

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Proposed by @madamrogers :

At first, I want to thank you for hosting an event like this! It has been so interesting to read about movies from other countries and I decided to put only Finnish movies on this list. Some of these I’ve seen, some are important or have a significant meaning for our culture or were just quite popular when they came out.

Tie pohjoiseen (Eng. Road North) 2012 - Directed by Mika Kaurismäki - Starring Vesa-Matti Loiri, Samuli Edelmann

Summary: A drama, a road movie about a father who meets his son after a long time. The father wants to bond with the son after these long 30 years and they go on a long road trip to the north.

Jenna’s Note: Vesa-Matti Loiri is one of the most iconic faces of Finnish cinema (and also music, he’s a singer as well) and he really deserves all the appreciation he gets. Him and Edelmann (who is also a singer, they sing the ending song of the film together) work very well together in this one, they have chemistry and it’s visible how much they’ve enjoyed working together. This is one of my own favorites of Finnish movies.

Lupaus (Eng. Promise) 2005 - Directed by Ilkka Vanne - Starring Laura Birn, Karoliina Vanne, Hanna Lekander, Ilkka Villi

Summary: A movie about three young women who live a normal life in Finland until Winter War in 1939. All three of the women join the Lotta Svärd, a Finnish voluntary auxiliary paramilitary organisation for women. The movie follows the women from Winter War in 1939 to Continuation War in 1941 and till the year 1956.

Jenna’s Note: I’ve seen this once and I remember I liked this quite a lot. For once there’s a movie about Lotta Svärd. I’ve always respected them a lot. This has some war scenes, if I remember right, and everyone is not making it out alive but it also shows how there can be happiness in the middle of fear and death.

Poika ja ilves (Eng. Boy and Lynx) 1998 - Directed by Raimo O Niemi - Starring Konsta Hietanen and Väinö the Lynx

Summary: A movie about a friendship between a boy and a lynx.

Jenna’s Note: I loved this movie as a child. I haven’t watched it in years, but it really is a touching story. I remember how most of the girls had some sort of a crush on this boy, Konsta Hietanen, who nowadays plays music and I think has come back to acting after playing football for years.

Joulutarina (Eng. Christmas Story) 2007 - Directed by Juha Wuolijoki - Starring Hannu-Pekka Björkman, Otto Gustavsson, Kari Väänänen, Minna Haapkylä

Summary: A story about an orphaned boy called Nikolas becoming Santa Claus.

Jenna’s Note: This is the movie I watch every Christmas. I could say it’s one of my favorite Finnish movies of all time. It also makes me cry very much, which is always a good sign. It was said somewhere that “if Walt Disney would’ve been able to tell a story like this, he would have told it,” and I think it’s absolutely true!

Äideistä parhain (Eng. Mother of Mine) 2005 - Directed by Klaus Härö - Starring Topi Marjaniemi, Marjaana Maijala, Esko Salminen

Summary: The plot of the story is based on the time of the Second World War and the main character of the story is a Finnish boy (Eero Lahti). The biological father of Eero (Kari-Pekka Toivonen) is in the Finnish army. He dies in the front and Eero’s mother Kirsti falls into deep depression. As the war gets worse, Eero is sent to Sweden to a new Swedish family. In the new family, he has a father Hjalmar Jönsson, mother Signe Jönsson and a grandfather (who cannot speak but hears everything). He also meets the neighbor’s daughter Siv. And then he has to go back to Finland when the war ends.

Jenna’s Note: I saw this one for the first time when I was quite young and I remember crying so much during it. Only seeing the add or the first minutes makes me cry. It’s a sad, momentarily very unfair story but it’s still very beautiful, touching and deep.

Prinsessa (Eng. Princess) 2010 - Directed by Arto Halonen - Starring Katja Kukkola, Samuli Edelmann, Krista Kosonen, Peter Franzén

Summary: After a difficult childhood spent in foster homes, cabaret dancer Anna Lappalainen suffers from severe delusions and ends up in psychiatric care. She claims to be Princess, a member of the English royal family.

Jenna’s Note: This is a biographical film, based on a life of Anna Lappalainen, and I didn’t know this before. I like the psychology in this and it’s pretty good as a movie too, the main actress does really good job but some moments are quite disturbing. This gives me vibes of Russell Crove’s movie “A Beautiful Mind”, even though the setting is different.

Tuntematon sotilas (Eng. The Unknown Soldier) 2017 - Directed by Aku Louhimies - Starring Eero Aho, Johannes Holopainen, Jussi Vatanen, Aku Hirviniemi, Hannes Suominen, Paula Vesala, Samuli Vauramo

Summary: Based on Väinö Linna’s classic novel “The Unknown Soldier”, the part of our national legacy, the movie tells a story about a machine gun company of the Finnish Army from a frog perspective during the Continuation War between Finland and the Soviet Union from 1941 to 1944.

Jenna’s Note: This is only one of the versions; there is the first one from 1955 and the second from 1985. And because it was Finland’s 100th year of independence last year, they made the third version. I haven’t had the chance to see this one just yet, but one of the versions is on TV on the independence day, so I’m waiting for will it be this one. This has a good cast, some very popular and good Finnish actors and this is a very liked film, so I’m looking forward to finally seeing it. I’ve seen the other two versions, and I personally like the 1985 version the best.

Helmiä ja sikoja (Eng. Pearls and Pigs) 2003 - Directed by Perttu Leppä - Starring Mikko Leppilampi, Laura Birn, Amanda Pilke

Summary: When the Hirvonen brother’s (Läde, Timo, Ruho and Poju) bootlegging father ends up in jail, his sons need money to pay his debts to local crooks. The brothers suddenly get a new family member when their stepsister, Saara, moves in with them. Soon they find out Saara has an outstanding singing voice and the boys come up with an idea to send her to a child star contest. To train the girl a former child star, a current pub rose, is employed.

Jenna’s Note: The name is funny, I know. Don’t stare at it too much. In a way it suits this movie quite well. In which the girls are the pearls and the boys the pigs, haha. This is a comedy and basically only one Finnish comedy I’ve seen and liked. I also love Mikko Leppilampi, he is a good actor, but nowadays he is mainly a host in different programs.

Tom of Finland 2017 - Directed by Dome Karukoski - Starring Pekka Strang

Summary: Touko Laaksonen returns home to Finland after serving in World War II. In post-war Helsinki, he makes a name for himself with his homoerotic drawings of muscular men. Before finding fame, Laaksonen finds challenges from his sister and Finnish society due to his art.

Jenna’s Note: I haven’t personally seen this movie yet, but decided to put it on the list since it has been sold to another countries, the concept. And I think this movie was in cinema in other countries too. It’s a quite big thing in Finland, there are all kinds of stuff about it, from bed covers to everything.

Syke (Eng. Pulse) Since 2014, still ongoing - Created by Petja Peltomaa - Starring Lena Meriläinen, Tiina Lymi, Leena Pöysti, Iina Kuustonen

Summary: A show about four nurses. In every episode there are two or three patients whose lives have something to do with the nurses’ lives; they know each other or something else. It also follows the nurses private lives: love, hate and other things.

Jenna’s Note: The only tv series of the list! I’ve watched this since it began and it’s the best Finnish show I’ve ever seen. It’s interesting, something is always happening and the actors are good. It almost got cancelled but then another channel bought it and there’ll be another season later this year, it’s the fifth.

#movies #event #movie recs #movies recs #recs #movies event

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greysorg · 2 years ago

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Hard truck 2 king of the road soundtrack

Hard truck 2 king of the road soundtrack movie#

The song plays as Cruella and her friends literally come back together, regrouping for their final attack on the Baroness.Check into the creative terror of “Psycho III” and “Willy’s Wonderland” among such notable soundtracks as “Banning,” “Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” “Below Zero,” “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Mortal,” “Raya and the Last Dragon” and many more!Ĭlick on the Links to purchase these soundtracksĪs the first black composer that Hollywood treated in a color-blind way when it came to scoring subjects from “The Deadly Affair’s” espionage to the intimate romance of “John and Mary,” Quincy Jones could make just about anything musically interesting, if not groovy. The Cruellasoundtrack continues to pay homage to the history of British rock n' roll with a cover of the lead-off track to The Beatles' famed 1969 album, Abbey Road. "Come Together," by Ike & Tina Turner (1970). "Eternelle," by Brigitte Fontaine (1968). This toe-tapping rock song is the backdrop to Jasper and Horace's jailbreak. At Cruella's lowest point in the film, perhaps there are still seeds of hope? The song foreshadows John's rescue of Cruella after the Baroness sets fire to her home and leaves her to die. Garland's sweeping cover of Nat King Cole's 1961 jazz classic provides a striking contrast to a scene where Cruella is near death.

Hard truck 2 king of the road soundtrack movie#

Related: Disney+: Every New Movie & TV Show Coming In June 2021 This scene also marks the first appearance of Cruella's famous Dalmatian coat (which she doesn't actually make from puppy hides). The garage band song plays during Cruella's moment of victory - a flash mob fashion show in the park after she destroys the Baroness' formal fashion event. Cruella renews its focus on dogs with an original cover of The Stooges' 1969 proto-punk hit. "You're Such A Good Looking Woman," by Joe Dolan (1970). The well-known English cover of a 1947 Spanish song plays as Jasper and Horace break into the House of the Baroness. "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps," by Doris Day (1965). The scene creates some contrast between the two characters - where Estella is in love with fashion, the Baroness seems to be in love with power and status. The lush "easy listening" music of 1940s makes a surprise appearance in Cruella as the Baroness takes credit for a dress designed and created by Estella. "Love Is Like A Violin," by Ken Dodd (1960). An old-fashioned Cole Porter crooner brings some humor to the literal dirty work Jasper and Horace are doing as they swing a metal detector over dog poop. Having discovered that the Baroness murdered her mother, Cruella is going slightly mad. The frenetic pace and lunatic lyrics of "Stone Cold Crazy" are an obvious match for Cruella's state of mind as she speeds away from the Baroness' party. Related: All The Live-Action Disney Remakes In Development Orchestral string music gives way to soft rock in ELO's hit single, matching the complete chaos that descends on the Baroness' ball when Horace crashes into a cake and rats are let loose. "Livin' Thing," by the Electric Light Orchestra (1976). I'm the wild one," play as Cruella makes her entrance at the Baroness' ball. The song's apropos lyrics, "You can't hold me down. Quatro's feminist anthem is the first song in the movie to embrace the 1970s punk rock movement - when much of the movie is set - so it's appropriate that it acts as an introduction for the villainous Cruella, who eventually becomes a punk icon in her own right. "Whole Lotta Love," by Ike & Tina Turner (1975).

#Hard truck 2 king of the road soundtrack

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poresorpixels · 6 years ago

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Beyond The Black Rainbow (2010)

oaworfeentils: drone, hypersaturated schemes, slow descent, retro-futurism, mindful self-indulgence, beauty and the haughty intellectual beast, the quarantined telekinetic

Apparently financed off of Tombstone (on which Panos Cosmatos served as second unit director for his father) dvd residuals, you gotta love the wildly divergent juxtaposition here. Can't help but wonder what the dude I overheard at a restaurant raving about Val Kilmer's performance as "Doc Hollywood" would've made of this. For fans of Cobra, George P. Cosmatos' other seminal effort, however - it's less of a leap. Genre classic though it may be, Tombstone has more than a bit of cornball pablum mixed in with its iconic-ness. Even with the film's drab meathead lead, Cobra is significantly more of a key gauzy synthsploitation standard-bearer than any overwrought Michael Mann affair.

Despite its relative adherence to mainstream preoccupations of snappy dialogue, montage and shootouts, Cobra's enduring charm is its stark imagery. It is a vibrantly lurid film, consequently coming off more Giallo than Dirty Harry. Even if Panos eschews traditional pacing (or fleshed-out story) in favor of a whole lotta hazy waft, there is a similar penchant for chiarscuro showing over telling. It is also unapologetically over-the-top in its tradition-based splashy comic book prurience.

Michael Rogers most embodies this aspect in his glowering Patrick Bateman-by-way-of-The-Shining's-Lloyd performance as Barry Nyle. Whether he's deliriously stretching out his bruise-purple prose (an approach reprised with Mandy's Ned Dennehy as Brother Swan) or glibly dispatching incompetent lackeys and camping heshers. However, winning as the hammy stuff is, one must have a hankering for some abstracted, sinister THX 1138-style tripping out.

This is impeccably rendered throughout, the well-dressed set of the hermetic, minimalist institute trapping the viewer in its demented reality. This immersion crests in a flashback to Nyle's first experimental drug transmutation. The entire flashback is bleached out, makng his black goop-bathed (ya got me!) monstrous form pop in horrific fashion. It masterfully holds both immense menace and transportive sensuality for the whole of its lengthy digression.

As the mute Elena, Eva Allan's gap toothed beauty brings to mind Beatrice Dalle a bit, but moreso the tormentedly compulsive Emmanuelle Escourrou in the 1990 film Baby Blood (titled The Evil Within, back when I was traumatized by it on late night cable). She doesn't get to do much besides be pretty and frightened, but her mysterious significance is a key quality of the film's pitch perfect atmosphere. Just as key as Rogers, expertly shading in the experience with his glottal-thick hubris (comically peaking, if not with his idiotic death, in a moment where his pre-transmutated self remarks to his ghoulified other "you are doing so good" from the passenger seat while pursuing the just escaped Elena).

Maybe it's not the delirious free-for-all that was this year's glorious Mandy, but this work shares much of the same hypnotically surreal charm. The score by Sinoia Caves (Black Moutain's Jeremy Schmidt) may be decidedly less epic than the late Johan Johansson's for Mandy, but it's pretty perfect just the same. Closed captioning (I sometimes use this feature when there is sparse, easy to miss dialogue) says [moody electronic music] or [suspenseful electronic music]. Fair enough, but it's decidedly closer to John Carpenter greatness than Survive or any others comprising the legion of imitators coming and going. Along with its Holy Mountainesque anthemic tableau, it is the reason for the season here. I'd strongly recommend putting aside any pat reservations and letting the good wicked vibe times roll.

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bellamysgriffin · 7 years ago

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Do u have any good movie recommendations? Feeling kinda low rn and in the mood for a nice feel good thing uk and I feel like u have good taste haha

i’m so sorry to hear you’re feeling low!! feel free to msg me if you wanna talk, but since you asked, i do oblige!! i’ll scrape something together because like everything i watch is highkey sad lmao, but this should be a hopefully solid list!

hidden figures - there’s something so lovely about watching three amazing women do amazing things

the nightmare before christmas - this movie sorta owns me ngl it’s just unadulterated FUN

field of dreams - kinda bittersweet but like, it makes me happy

cinderella - live action or animated!!!!

adventures of sharkboy and lavagirl!! what an iconic film!! deserved an oscar tbh

lemonade mouth - who doesn’t wanna see a group of kids who are hurting find solace in each other and music and form a beautiful group who makes beautiful music i’m teary

starstruck - tbh this movie made me cry but in my defense it was 3:00 am and tech week ok

brooklyn - also saoirse ronan is like incredibly pretty so watch just for her tbh??

hercules!!! - made me cry, ten stars

princess and the frog!! best music ever!!

honestly anything disney can make the list

paper towns - this is such a guilty pleasure but fr it’s a lot of fun, and there’s some quality laughs in there. also halston sage: a concept

on the town - just a fun high quality musical featuring frank sinatra and gene kelly!!! amazing!!

teen beach movie - another guilty pleasure but i don’t care its everything to me

stranger than fiction - will ferrell??? in a drama??? not as rare as you’d think

ferris bueller’s day off - who doesn’t like good 90s romps, SUCH a feel good

the duff - it’s just a cute rom com but i love it

10 things i hate about you - “i know you can be overwhelmed, and i know you can be underwhelmed but can you ever just be whelmed?” “i think you can in europe!”

clueless - cher horowitz is the funniest human being ever omg (and she’s gay for kai!!!!!!)

the edge of seventeen - this movie was rly funny and made me feel a whole lot better about life in general ok

la la land - ngl i really like this movie bc i really like jazz and bc my mom loves it so much that i love it bc of her love, but yeah it’s nice n its rlly pretty too

little miss sunshine - this movie is so cute and feel good!!!! i love the lil girl

rushmore - this movie made me laugh my ass off and then it made me feel things and then laugh my ass off again

of mind and music - this had a lotta sad moments tbh but i believe it had a vaguely uplifting ending

the theory of everything - i loved this movie so much a+ acting

ok sorry anon that was ten times more than you bargained for but you asked and i PROVIDE. and also i have watched a lot more movies than i thought

#dana answers stuff #movie recs #KJLDFKSK #SO MANY

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spotlightsaga · 7 years ago

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Kevin Cage of @spotlightsaga reviews... The Mist (S01E02) Withdrawal Airdate: June 29, 2017 @spike Ratings: 0.496 Million :: 0.15 18-49 Demo Share Score: 5/10 @paramountpictures TVTime/FB/IG/Twitter/Tumblr/Path: @SpotlightSaga **********SPOILERS BELOW********** There is something in The Mist, we can be 100% sure of that, and so can all of these characters now, right? No more playing stupid... No more rash decisions outside of the norm of idiosyncratic human behaviors (which leaves a wide gap of opportunities anyway)... And despite the show's flaws, 'The Mist' seems to know that... Not that there's just something in The Mist, but a whole lotta something in there lurking about. We've established that the budget isn't exactly high, there are few decent special effects, but mostly the majority of money was probably spent on Frances Conroy's salary (unless she owed someone a favor). Honestly that's not a dig, or us trying to throw shade, it just feels like a cold hard fact. 'The Mist' is low-budget, but that's not necessarily something that will keep it from engaging its audience... SyFy and The CW have made entire armies of viewers that are faithful to their respective networks on series that aren't exactly paid for with top dollar. To make a successful season with the ingredients that they have at their disposal, it will ultimately fall back onto the building of tension through storylines that are familiar to the audience, but packing slight unexpected twists in small, subtle ways that pack heavy punches. Most of us have read the story and seen the film, (and without giving away spoilers to those that haven't) we KNOW things and its clear that 'The Mist' isn't necessarily deviating from that core narrative, the heart of the story that gives this specific tale it's own unique identity... But that doesn't mean they can't toss some screwballs here & there to throw us for a loop. Capitalizing on periods of extreme anxiety will also be of upmost importance and 'Withdrawal' does a better job at framing cinematic style camera shots to help accentuate the tone & atmosphere than what we saw originally executed in the 'Pilot' episode. David Boyd is directing this second installment of the serial horror drama and he lends his eye for award winning cinematography and camera work, but he doesn't exactly lead the cast past weak running dialogue in what is an otherwise decent teleplay, written by Peter Macmanus, a man who's still honing his chops in the industry as a writer... Most recently on USA Network's 2-Season ode to paid marital affairs, 'Satisfaction'. Keep in mind that 'Satisfaction' is the only other series that Peter Macmanus has ever worked on. We're just not going to get explosive dialogue and fiercely staged friction from the man at this point in his career (and it wouldn't be fair to expect that), even though Boyd does his best at exploiting those moments that Macmanus left wide open in writing. That's not to say the rest of the teleplay doesn't do it's job and serve its purpose to the degree that it's needed to keep the audience right there with it. If 'Withdrawal' is anything, it's proof that 'The Mist' does have what it takes to overcome its own handicaps... Eventually. It stumbles through the episode, but ultimately comes out as a catalyst to further the core narrative in a respectable and visually somber, but glossy manner. 'The Mist' is known for its over-the-top characters. Marcia Gay Harden turned up the volume on her version of the religious fanatic turned prophet, Mrs Carmody in the 11-times nominated, 2007 film adaptation. The character is iconic and won Harden both a Saturn & Fright Meter Award, literally taking home a prize in every category she was nominated for. However 'The Mist' is very different as a film compared to the tv series when it comes to characters, which isn't necessarily a bad thing... Essentially we want something new from 'The Mist', and even tho there are echoes of familiarity, the show is certainly bouncing to the beat of its own drum. We still have what seems to be a strong military tie-in as Eve (Alyssa Sutherland) found out on her short, but violent expedition with the soldier that she quite literally drew the short end of the stick to go on in a chance game of drawing straws that the group should be grateful didn't end badly. Of course they know it wasn't pretty but Eve hides the details from her fellow mall-mates. Why? Possibly to not make matters worse & tensions run even higher... Alyssa Sutherland is just fine in her role, but her fellow top-billed cast mate, Isaiah Whitlock Jr, feels like a strange fit for Mall Manager, Gus Bradley. He plays out the the 'timid manager' schtick well. There's some nuance in there that may ring a bell with certain people who have similar bosses or work with people that desperately want to be in charge, but don't want the responsibility and 'risk vs reward' factor that goes hand-in-hand with the position. We've all seen Isiah Whitlock used to his best potential in shows like 'Veep', 'The Wire' and even several of Dick Wolf's 'Law & Order' entries, but here it seems like either he is having a hard time finding a balance between cartoonish caricature and 'true to life' pseudo-tweener, with a deep base in reality or simply not blending in well with the rest of the greener cast. However, if he's gearing up for a brutal death scene, then he's in the right zone, at least. Since Whitlock is a veteran and proven to be a great asset as an actor in the past, let's not count out that he's just been given aimless direction. This is entirely possible, especially considering the man behind the lens, David Boyd, normally focuses on exactly what that lens shows it's audience instead of taking on the much different, but equally as respectable role as Director. I also don't want to take away from Boyd, as his eye truly lends a fresh feel to the series that just wasn't there in the 'Pilot'. Ultimately, 'The Mist' doesn't make great strides as a series in 'Withdrawal', or even fully explore its episode's namesake through its chemically dependent character, Mia (Danica Curcic), who will hopefully lend as much as she possibly can in the show's future. Mia has a lot to give the show as a character, especially when it comes to uncertainty and a neurotic headspace that will surely add to the tv series' atmosphere... And Curcic appears to be more than up for the task, giving us small but impactful glimpses into what she can do if handed the reigns. AMC's 'Fear The Walking Dead' took its character Nick through hell and back, spotlighting his addiction issues in a slowly crumbling post-apocalyptic world during its freshman season. This could've been 'The Mist's chance to give 'FearTWD' a run for its money with Mia, but instead it bounces back and forth through different sets of characters, making sure leads like Alyssa Sutherland and Frances Conroy (who just so happen to be in two separate places) grab the most screen-time. 'Withdrawal' is beautifully shot... It's foreboding, dismal, brooding, and morose... And even though we are unable to call it successful overall (as of yet), it's easy to see where the potential of 'The Mist' hides in untapped pockets of germinating steam, waiting for the right team of creative minds to bring the show to life.

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mandibierly · 7 years ago

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‘Dirty Dancing’: 5 Thoughts I Had Watching ABC’s Remake

Colt Prattes as Johnny Castle and Abigail Breslin as Baby Houseman in ABC’s Dirty Dancing (Photo: Eli Joshua Ade/ABC)

ABC airs its remake of Dirty Dancing tonight, and if you’re a lover of the 1987 Patrick Swayze-Jennifer Grey film, chances are you won’t be able to stop yourself from tuning in to see how well Colt Prattes and Abigail Breslin fill their shoes. Here’s some of what was going through my mind while watching a screener.

Debra Messing as Marjorie Houseman in ABC’s Dirty Dancing. (Photo: Eli Joshua Ade/ABC)

1. Someone picked up on how sexy Kelly Bishop was as Marjorie Houseman at the end of the film. According to ABC, the TV movie sets out to “dive deeper into the iconic characters,” and where it works well is with Baby’s mother, now played by Debra Messing. Really, her only memorable line in the film was the saucy, “I think she gets this from me,” while watching Baby dance to “I’ve Had (The Time of My Life)” with Johnny. But Marjorie has a real voice in the ABC movie — and she uses it to announce that Dr. Jake Houseman (Bruce Greenwood) hasn’t touched her in almost a year.

Katey Sagal as Vivian Pressman and Colt Prattes as Johnny Castle in ABC’s Dirty Dancing. (Photo: Eli Joshua Ade/ABC)

It’s smart to expand Marjorie’s role, of course, because three decades after the film’s release, many of its fans will now relate more to her than with Baby. But also, it helps open up another character, Vivian Pressman (now played by Katey Sagal), who gets to literally sing about the “Fever” she has for Johnny. The two women later end up having a conversation that humanizes seductress Vivian and emboldens lonely Marjorie — and it’s the most welcome addition to the entire movie.

Abigail Breslin as Baby Houseman and Colt Prattes as Johnny Castle in ABC’s Dirty Dancing. (Photo: Eli Joshua Ade/ABC)

2. Prattes is best when he’s shirtless. And wet. On the one hand, anyone who’s brave enough to assume the role of Johnny Castle deserves some props. It’s not like he can comfort himself by saying this TV movie is introducing Johnny to a whole new generation. Dirty Dancing is always on cable — every generation has had a chance to meet him. So the pressure is on, but… it’s also kind of off. Knowing that no one will ever top Swayze’s smoldering performance and dancing, we can just sit back and appreciate Prattes’ strongest moments. Those are mainly when he takes off his shirt and jumps in the lake to practice the lift, and when he’s shirtless during the foreplay dance at his place (now set to Seal’s cover of “Cry to Me”).

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Regarding the latter scene, the camera lingers long enough on his back muscles (which might, frankly, be better than Swayze’s), but I suspect I speak for us all when I say I missed Baby’s perfectly-timed butt caress.

Colt Prattes as Johnny Castle and Abigail Breslin as Baby Houseman in ABC’s Dirty Dancing. (Photo: Eli Joshua Ade/ABC)

3. I really miss choreographer Kenny Ortega. ABC’s version of Dirty Dancing wants to flesh out the characters and “tackle social themes like race, women’s rights and the socio-economic division in the country at that time.” To that point, Sarah Hyland’s Lisa Houseman has a lengthier, more upsetting encounter with would-be date-rapist Robbie (Shane Harper) and a forbidden friendship with a young black musician, a new character named Marco (breakout J. Quinton Johnson), who offers to teach her the ukulele. But the title is still Dirty Dancing, and on that level, the movie has to produce — and it just doesn’t.

We know it’s all building to “I’ve Had (The Time of My Life).” I watched the screener on my computer in the office, and I had six colleagues gather behind me to watch that climactic performance. Unfortunately, the reboot’s routine is so slow and simple, it leaves you wondering if someone got injured and they had to tone it down on purpose.

Maybe the problem is that Johnny, Baby, and the rest of the cast actually sing the song here. That’s fine if you’re watching a stage show of Dirty Dancing — yes, there is one — but on my TV, even if they’re lip-synching to their own pre-taped vocals, I want to see them sweat. (Remember Swayze’s wet bangs during his performance?)

Abigail Breslin as Baby Houseman, Colt Prattes as Johnny Castle and Nicole Scherzinger as Penny Rivera in ABC’s Dirty Dancing. (Photo: Eli Joshua Ade/ABC)

The characters sing their own music during other parts of the movie as well — including in the staff quarters, where the real magic should happen. It works when it’s Marco on a tiny stage performing Otis Redding’s “Love Man” with a band while everyone else dances, but not when it’s Johnny on the floor belting “Do You Love Me?” when you just want him to focus on grinding. Also, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the background dancer whose big solo moment involved… playing air piano.

Nicole Scherzinger as Penny Rivera and Colt Prattes as Johnny Castle in ABC’s Dirty Dancing. (Photo: Eli Joshua Ade/ABC)

Even when the characters aren’t “singing,” the choreography consistently underwhelms. Perhaps it’s because we’ve now seen so many seasons of sexy ballroom numbers on Dancing With the Stars, we know Johnny’s opening showstopper with pro partner Penny (a sufficiently sultry Nicole Scherzinger) isn’t a 10.

Sarah Hyland as Lisa Houseman and J. Quinton Johnson as Marco in ABC’s Dirty Dancing. (Photo: Eli Joshua Ade/ABC)

4. Wait, who’s singing this? Sometimes it’s the actors (note: Hyland gets spared Lisa’s legendary performance of “Hula Hana of Kamana Whala Hula Bay”; it’s replaced by a genuinely excellent duet with Johnson’s Marco). But often, it’s not. The highlight of the cover songs is hands down Lady Antebellum’s version of “Hey Baby,” used again for the log scene. The most questionable is Calum Scott’s cover of Swayze’s “She’s Like the Wind.” It’s not like we didn’t make fun of that song back in the day, but it didn’t deserve to become a dance mix. (It’s essentially the opposite of how the 2011 big-screen remake of Footloose slowed down Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero” into an Ella Mae Bowen cover that was quite good.)

The full track listing is below, so you can emotionally prepare yourself.

1. “Be My Baby” – Bea Miller 2. “Big Girls Don’t Cry” – Karmin 3. “Love Man” – J. Quinton Johnson 4. “Do You Love Me”- Colt Prattes, Nicole Scherzinger, J. Quinton Johnson 5. “Fever” – Katey Sagal, Colt Prattes 6. “When I’m Alone” – J. Quinton Johnson 7. “Wipe Out” – American Authors Feat. Lindsey Stirling 8. “Hungry Eyes” – Greyson Chance 9. “Hey Baby” – Lady Antebellum 10. “Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On” – Nicole Scherzinger, Abigail Breslin 11. “Cry To Me” – Seal 12. “They Can’t Take That Away” – Debra Messing 13. “Love Is Strange” – Abigail Breslin, Colt Prattes 14. “They Can’t Take That Away (Reprise)” – Bruce Greenwood 15. “She’s Like The Wind” – Calum Scott 16. “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright” – Sarah Hyland, J. Quinton Johnson 17. “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” – The Cast Of Dirty Dancing (Colt Prattes, Abigail Breslin, J. Quinton Johnson, Nicole Scherzinger, Debra Messing, Bruce Greenwood)

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5. Closure feels good. No spoiler here, just appreciation for the movie having a definitive answer to whether Baby and Johnny stayed together.

Dirty Dancing airs May 24 at 8 p.m. on ABC.