#if ONE jedi owns a bong

[mmelolabelle]

➡️incorrect sw - qui-gon just wants the council to chill the fuck out

[laz-laz-ace-pilot]

A Brother In Wolf’s Clothing

So as part of Clonetober and because it’s the spooky season, I thought I’d have a go at writing a were!AU for Echo and Fives!

I’m entirely sure how to describe the AU setting for this - it’s a werewolf AU but set in a 70s Earth-like setting but the places are named after Star Wars locations and magic and monsters are a commonplace problem. Honestly, this was mostly written as a grief distraction after learning a friend had died so the quality of the writing might not be that great, and I may rewrite it at a later date, but right now I just need to just get it out my system, and if you enjoy it then at least something good has come out of it!

Special thanks to @british-hero who I discussed the idea with.

Warnings: Gore, violence, swearing, implied attempt at suicide

...

The toll of the alarm bells rattled in Fives’ bones. It cut through sleep like a knife, through peace of mind like a bullet. They were hardly used anymore – conventional alerts came through over the tannoy system, a calm but firm voice urging civilians to take shelter in their homes. No, the bells were ancient, as were their purpose – to warn of attack by supernatural entities.

And the longer they rang, the worse the situation he and Echo would be running into. After the initial warning chimes, a singular drone bell denoted the fell act.

Bong.

One toll; something has happened, people should be on alert and make their way home as soon as possible. Although given how late it was, he couldn’t imagine there'd be many people out.

Bong.

Two tolls; there is a serious threat, someone has usually died, everyone should take immediate shelter. Although for some reason, he and his brothers were never included in ‘everyone’.

Bong.

Three tolls; either the city was under attack by an army, or by some magic user or monster too powerful for mere clones to handle. The Jedi would need to be called in. But in the meantime, they would throw his brothers at the problem either until the Jedi arrived, or the bodies piled too high.

Fives hoped to never hear three tolls again; the first time had cost him and Echo their batchmates – the latest had slaughtered half the population of their home city, Kamino. And though it wasn’t proper to say it out loud, it hadn’t been the Jedi that had saved them – Hevy had, when he’d blown himself up along with the creature attacking them, and it had been the clones that had defended their home.

Sometimes waiting for the Jedi wasn’t enough.

As the city beyond the barracks began to stir, began to panic, and screams echoed in the air, Fives filtered them all out, instead listening for those ancient bells.

Bong.

Well that was obvious – although it will be hell getting people to cooperate after all the unrest lately. Echo is always better at that – I’ll make sure to call dibs on threat deterrent rather than crowd control!

But when he looked over at his brother’s bunk, Echo was nowhere to be seen. The bed was still made, the army-standard bed cover in perfect place and the corners still tucked in.

He hasn’t been here all night – but why? He wasn’t on shift tonight���

He tried to think back to the day before, if his brother had said anything. There had been an incident – they’d bumped into Kix in the mess hall, and Kix had chastised Echo over something.

Come to think of it, he hasn’t been looking particularly well the last few days. All sweaty and pale, and he hasn’t been as focused as normal. Maybe he’s caught something, and gone to see Kix about it.

Yeah, that’ll be it.

Bong.

Two tolls! Shit! Well he better feel better soon because I am not dealing with this on my own!

He waited anxiously, pausing in putting on his armour in case the bell rang again.

Please not three tolls. Please not three tolls-

He held his breath… but the air was crisp and silent, the bells replaced with the hurried footsteps of his brothers as they rushed to respond.

Two. I can deal with two.

And Echo is going to owe me big time if I’m put on crowd control!

Once he’s feeling better…

“Fives! Echo! Come on, move your shebs!” Rex yelled, peering around the doorframe. He glanced at Echo’s empty bed, frowned, but didn’t question it. “Come on Fives-“

“I’m coming, I’m coming…” Fives grumbled, securing his last piece of armour.

Whatever had happened to Echo would have to wait – the city was in danger and he was in danger of ending up on sanitation duty if Rex caught him slacking again.

…

He’d dealt with some horrific crime scenes before, not to mention battle fields, but this was another level. Whatever had torn through the square had done so quite literally; limbs and entrails had caught on the beams of the pub and the bank, whilst a decapitated head sat perched almost comically in the arms of the square’s statue; the cavalryman, his inspiration long forgotten, seemed to look at the bloody cranium with love.

Fives tore his eyes away from the morbid scene – not that there was much avoiding it – and looked for Rex instead. He found his Captain on the far side of the square, near where the new recruits were still trying to mop up the puddles of blood that had started to dry on the pavestones.

“How many are we estimating?” Fives asked as he jogged over, careful not to trip on anything that had once been a person.

Rex sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“At least twenty, probably closer to thirty.”

“Shit.”

“Yeah…”

Rex looked tired. Or more tired than usual; Fives wasn’t sure Rex had ever looked any other way, even as a child. But the weariness seemed to have sunk deeper – Echo had noticed it first, sometime after the siege at Kamino. The carefully-worded attempt to offer their Captain a break had resulted in both of them on cleaning duty for a week, but once seen, it couldn’t be unseen.

‘When the war is over’ I guess…

Too many things were left to ‘when the war is over’. From the war that Fives was seeing – the resilience of the Separatists and the stubbornness of their beliefs, the failure of the Senate to achieve anything, the ever-growing investment on both sides in newer and more terrible weapons, both arcane and mundane… the end of the war seemed far, far away.

“Any possible connection between the victims?” Fives asked, moving on for Rex’s sake.

Rex straightened up slightly, finding some energy in the routine of his job.

“Initially, no. It looked like whatever this creature was just swept through indiscriminately and quickly – all of these people died within a few minutes of each other. But we’ve started checking records – can’t confirm it yet, but it looks like most if not all of the victims were anti-Republic dissidents. They were only here to plan their next move.”

Well that definitely ruled out a random attack. But why? The Seppies were almost certainly behind it – they were the only ones who still allowed meddling with the arcane – but why would they attack their own? Could it have been an accident? Had things gotten out of control?

 “And have they got any idea what did this?” Fives asked finally.

Rex gave him a reproachful look.

“You know I can’t disclose that-“

“Rex, we’re standing in the middle of a massacre! If we don’t resolve this quickly, we’re going to have all out panic, rioting- not to mention if this thing strikes again-“

“Fine, fine! But keep your voice down!” Rex whispered hurriedly, pulling Fives over to a shaded alleyway out of sight from the rest of the square. He made a final glance over his shoulder before continuing. “You know you can’t repeat this anywhere-“

“Of course.”

“-And I’m only sharing this because I expect you and Echo to lead the investigation-“

“Rex, just tell me what we’re dealing with!”

Rex sighed again, long and tired.

“…We currently have one witness to the scene. She didn’t see much – she ran for cover when the screaming started – but she claims to have seen two people, both cloaked, talking in the square before the attack.”

“So we need to find these two witnesses, right?”

“Not quite. She said that the first person left the scene, heading toward the East Gate out of the city. The likelihood we’ll ever find them is, at this point, slim.”

“And the second person?”

“The second person entered the pub almost exactly before the attack started. But before it did, she said that it removed its hood.”

“It?”

“Yeah. The second person – and our prime suspect – supposedly has the head of a wolf.”

…

Fives looked at the vivid red hues of the sunset and groaned. He’d been going over the evidence for hours; even booking out the entire city library just so he could comb their old archives in peace, and still he couldn’t make sense of the information in front of him.

Going by the crime scene and Rex’s witness statement alone, then their culprit was definitely a werewolf – or at least some variety of lycan hybrid. The spacing of the bite marks in the victims’ flesh, the ferocity and strength of the attack, the claw marks found at the scene – all of it perfectly matched every Republic file on such monster’s characteristics.

But after hours of going through old news records, censuses, even the old magical peoples registry – he hadn’t found any evidence of werewolf activity in the region for at least five hundred years. Werewolves had been one of the first arcane groups to be cleared from Republic space, and even amongst the Separatist holdouts they were far from popular. The disease lacked any real communal benefit, the transformations were said to be violent and painful, and everyone – Republic and Seperatist – had come to fear the mindless monster it created.

Many sought out the arcane arts of the Sith or the Dathomir witches, or tried to tame the wills of dragons and ghouls and other fell beasts, but nobody wished to become a werewolf.

Which was another thing that was bothering him – in almost all documented werewolf attacks, there were at least some survivors, albeit wounded ones. It was a sick irony – the monster would allow them to live, only to spread its disease to them, and they in turn to their loved ones.

That was one constant across all the accounts he’d read – there was never a happy ending.

“What are you looking at there?” a familiar voice behind him asked.

Fives whipped around, his heart nearly ready to jump out his throat with shock Echo.

“Fuck, Echo! Couldn’t you have knocked?! Where have you been, anyway?!”

“I thought you were an ARC Trooper – nerves of steel, senses of a hawk?” his brother replied jokingly, although he ignored Fives’ last question.

His heart now returning to a normal pace, Fives took a long look at his brother. His brother was definitely sick; he could see beads of sweat on Echo’s brow, and his skin looked clammy and grey. Echo caught Fives looking, and his attempt at positivity faded.

“It’s not that bad-“

“You look like you’re on your deathbed! What’s wrong – have you seen Medical about it?”

Echo didn’t look like he should even be able to stand. If there had been a blanket available, Fives would have wrapped him up in it and forced him to bed, or at least to sit down. But there was an element of relief to it too - with a monster like this on the loose, it was better his win was wrapped up in bed with a cold than out on the front lines.

“I think I tried to,” Echo explained, then continued quickly upon seeing Fives’ confused expression. “I don’t remember much; I think I was running a fever or something, and it got bad during the night – I remember leaving to throw up around dusk, but when I woke up this morning, I was face down on the bathroom floor with a pounding headache!”

“What, and no-one saw you there? All night?!”

There were two hundred troopers on base at any one time; surely one of them would have noticed Echo lying unconscious on the floor!

“Someone definitely did – when I woke up, the bathroom was spotless. Guess they saw the puddle of vomit, thought I was drunk or something, and cleaned around me.”

It was possible, but-

“If I ever find the trooper who did it, I’m giving them a piece of my mind!”

It didn’t matter how much a trooper might have disgraced themselves on a night out, it was still their duty to get them somewhere safe to recover. And Echo had obviously been sick – he should have been taken to Medical, not just left there!

“Honesty, it’s not that big a deal. Just get me up to date on what we’re working on and we-”

Absolutely not.

“No way. You are in no way fit to work right now! You better get back to the barracks, or I will personally set Kix on you.”

“You wouldn’t.”

It was a mark of just how ill Echo looked that Fives would even mention Kix’s name. They’d long ago agreed to keep anything less than life-threatening injuries between themselves – the medic was a good man but a tyrant in his own medical domain.

But Echo looked like he could keel over at any minute, and nothing about the case Fives was working on would improve his condition.

“Seriously Echo – go lie down, drink some water, and if you’re feeling better tomorrow I’ll fill you in on everything.”

“But-“

Echo’s rebuttal didn’t get far; before the first word was even out of his mouth, he’d turned a sickly shade of green and was already bolting for the door.

Shit! He’s really caught something bad!

But as much as he wanted to go check on his brother, he knew time was of the essence with this case. The moon would still be full for another two nights – if they really were dealing with a werewolf, then they should expect another attack imminently.

Echo better not take any detours; if I don’t find him back in his bunk when I get back, he can forget the werewolf –I’ll kill him myself!

…

He didn’t have to wait for the bells on the second night – he heard the screams of his brothers himself.

By the time he and Rex made it to the outpost entrance, the monster had moved on and the entire outpost had been wiped out – all twenty men.

It wasn’t the same. Civilian death were terrible, yes, but looking at your own face, frozen in terror and covered in blood, stuck with you forever.

Fives had only just finished covering another of his brothers with yet another sheet when he heard more screaming in the distance.

The questions – how the creature had even managed to get in when there was no sign of a break in, why it would attack here of all places, what they were going to do about it – would have to wait.

Now he had to hunt.

…

The 501st weren’t used to defeat. They were one of the most celebrated battalions in the Army, capable of taking down whole legions of whatever the Separatists threw at them, no matter how strange or powerful. Where other battalions failed, they thrived.

But not that night.

By the time dawn rose over the city and they were finally relieved by the next shift, every brother looked utterly defeated. Twenty troopers dead, another twenty civilians and the monster responsible was still on the loose.

Usually after a shift they would hit the showers and call it a day. But given the severity of the situation, the Jedi had called for a debrief - mandatory attendance. Fives was on route to the barrack’s assembly square along with the rest of his brothers when Rex pulled him aside.

“You’re not needed over there – you already know everything they’re going to say.”

“They’re going to be honest about it, admit we probably have a werewolf on the loose?”

“They have to – there’s too many rumours spreading among the civilians - people are already turning on each other - and we’re all being issued a limited number of silver bullets as of this morning. It wouldn’t take long for people to put two and two together.”

“Then what do you want me to do?”

Rex paused, briefly overcome with his own exhaustion.

“Get showered, drink as much coffee as you can humanly take, and get me some answers. Get Echo on it too – where is he anyway?”

“He’s sick – I sent him Kix’s way last night.”

That made Rex pause, his professional exterior breaking for a moment.

“He’s that bad?!” he asked incredulously.

“Yeah, that bad.”

He heard Rex swear under his breath, then sigh.

“Well get an update from Kix, and if he’s able to stand, get him working on this. As much as I’d rather let him rest, I don’t want to have to clean up any more bodies either.”

“Will do, Sir.”

Rex raised an eyebrow – Fives rarely remembered to call him ‘Sir’ except in the most serious of conditions. But he gave Fives a quick salute then disappeared into the stream of brothers heading away from him.

…

Showering was usually more of a warzone than their actual assigned work; the shower block, consisting of two rooms with eight shower heads each and nothing else, was a battleground for which brother could claim dibs first, and who would have to wait until all the hot water had run out. It felt almost unnatural to be washing alone with his pick of the best shower, the sound of running water and his own breathing echoing around the porcelain tiles.

Except, as Fives pulled his head out from under the torrent of water, those weren’t the only sounds he could hear. It was quiet, and stilted, but he was sure he could hear someone crying around the corner, in the other shower room. It was a broken, wretched sound; the sobs seemed to be torn from the other person’s chest.

And it was unmistakably a brother.

Careful to leave his shower on, the noise of the water covering his footsteps, Fives retrieved his towel and crept slowly to the partition between the two rooms. Hot steam billowed out from where the two rooms met although there was no sound of water. And as Fives got closer, there was a sharp tang against his throat, almost metallic-

“Hello?” Fives called out cautiously.

Immediately there was the sound of splashing on the other side, someone startled and trying to get away in haste. Fives rammed open the partition door, fought through the cloud of steam that bombarded him and came face to face with-

“Echo?”

If he thought his brother looked bad before, it was nothing to how he looked now; his face looked drawn and the shadows under his eyes were dark and bruised-looking. In fact, there were bruises all over his body, and in his nakedness Fives could see his brother was trembling.

Fives didn’t wait for an explanation; he rushed to Echo’s side, hastily throwing a towel around his shaking form and hugged him close.

“What- shit, Echo! What happened to you?! Who hurt you like this?!”

His brother’s voice was tired and hoarse.

“It’s- it’s nothing, don’t worry about it-“

“That’s bullshit and you know it! What’s going on, brother?!”

“I don’t… I don’t know!” Echo said quietly, terror underlying each word. For a second, Fives thought he was going to say more; he opened his mouth and there was something desperate in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a twinge of despair and he snapped his mouth closed.

The steam had cleared enough then that Fives could see around them; the shower room around them was spotless, gleaming from how well it had been scrubbed. Out of instinct, Fives turned his gaze to Echo’s hands – they were red, rubbed raw.

What the hell is going on here?!

“You know you can tell me anything, right?” he started gently, as if Echo might bolt at any moment. “I’m your brother - you can be honest with me, and I won’t tell a soul.”

Again, Echo looked as though he wanted to talk, wanted to scream whatever was tormenting him. But again he said nothing, instead trying to get to his feet.

“It's… not something you can help with,” he said eventually. “If I knew what was going on- If i understood- I’d tell you everything-“

“Then let me help! I-” He was inundated with work, and lives were on the line, but he couldn’t leave his brother like this! “I can make time- just talk to me, describe what you can remember, then maybe we can find out what’s making you feel like this, or we could ask Kix.”

It wouldn’t explain the bruises or Echo’s fear but it was a start. But Echo froze, looking like he might throw up again then and there.

“Don’t bother Kix with it! – he’s busy enough already, and it's probably just a bad cold-”

Now he was standing, he was eyeing the door out, pulling away from Fives. But Fives wasn’t letting him go that easily.

“If it's just a bad cold, then Rex wants you on this assignment-“

Shit, is Echo even aware of what’s been going on?!

But Echo shook his head, the tension rising in his shoulders.

“Tell Rex I’ll catch up with him later. I think… I think I might have an idea what’s behind these killings.”

“That’s good! We can work on it together hen, and-“

But Echo was already walking away, deliberately ignoring Fives’ words as he made for the door. His twin didn’t even give Fives a second glance as he disappeared, still only dressed in the towel he’d been given.

Oh.

Fives could be honest with himself –  he felt wounded enough to want to cry himself. They’d never kept secrets from each other, and his brother had always been able to confide in him, always – whether it was about Hevy’s teasing or how he was scared he didn’t quite fit in with the rest of the battalion. And Echo had been there for him after their batchmates had died, or when Rex had chastised him for messing up on a mission.

This… this was new and horrible and wrong.

Alone, trying to understand what had come between himself and his best friend, something caught Fives’ eye. Maybe it was the ARC Trooper instinct; to look for things where others wouldn’t. With a growing sense of dread, he crossed the spotless shower room to where the drain sat in the corner of the room. On first appearance, it looked as clean as everything else.

Don’t do this, a voice whispered in his head. You know what’s going to be under there, you know you won’t be able to stop once you see it.

But it was Echo at stake, and Fives had never been good at listening to advice anyway.

Gingerly, he crouched down, reaching for the metal grate over the drain. Years of grime had stuck it down hard, but with a little manoeuvring he managed to get it free.

This is your last chance, the voice warned.

But Fives turned over the grate anyway. Echo had done a good job everywhere else, but a small clump of bloody sinew had managed to cling to the grate’s edge, congealed slightly.

Oh Echo, what have you gotten yourself into?

…

The first opportunity he could, while Rex had been called away to greet General Kenobi on his arrival and brief him and the 212th, Fives slipped away from his post at the crime scene and sprinted back to the barracks. He didn’t pay them much attention, but he couldn’t help noticing there was a grim determination across the city – every trooper and civilian, now armed with three silver bullets each, seemed set on being the one to bring the beast hunting them down.

He wasn’t surprised when he found Echo’s bunk empty – his brother had said he was following his own leads – but a part of him had hoped to find him there, wrapped up warm with a perfectly normal illness, dispelling the idea of anything more sinister.

Especially the idea that was festering in Fives’ mind, no matter how hard he tried to fight it.

You don’t know it’s that yet.

There still might be another explanation.

I still might be able to save him.

With no sign of Echo anywhere else in the barracks, Fives made his way into the Medical centre. The place was as busy as usual, although treating a very different set of injuries. The werewolf hadn’t left any survivors, so there were no victims to be treated, but the place appeared to be packed with civilians who had already managed to either maim their neighbours or themselves in an attempt to kill the monster.

In the midst of it all, Fives could make out Kix rushing from bed to bed, trying desperately to keep his patients from finishing each other off. He waited until Kix had to return to his office for new swabs, then silently followed him inside.

“Hey, uh, Kix-“

Kix nearly jumped out of his skin, swaps flying everywhere.

“Fucking hell Fives! What are you trying to do, give me a heart attack?!”

“Sorry, I thought you heard me come in,” Fives lied. Kix looked at him then, eyes narrowed as he realised who exactly had walked in and how Fives had closed the door behind him.

“What’s going on? What do you want? You can’t be ill – if you were, you wouldn’t be here.”

“You wound me,” Fives replied sarcastically, but Kix wasn’t having it.

“Seriously Fives, if you’re not ill then get out. I’ve got enough to deal with right now with half this city trying to kill each other-”

“It’s about Echo.”

That caused Kix to pause. He gave Fives a long, calculating look, then set his remaining swabs down.

“What about him?”

“Well-“

If he was right, or even close to right in his theory, then the less people who knew the better. One slip and he would be signing his brother’s death warrant.

“I was just wondering if he’d, uh, been to see you lately,” he said as casually as he could. “He wasn’t looking great earlier, and I think he was sick the other day.”

“Just feeling sick or actually throwing up?” Kix asked before sighing with exasperation. “See, this is what I was telling him; he needs to attend follow up appointments in case of long term infection!”

“Follow up appointment?” Fives asked, confused. As far as he’d been aware, Echo had been fit and healthy up until the last few days.

“After he got back from that solo mission in Umbara; he picked up a bite of some sort. He didn’t see what it was, only that it was big and aggressive. Which doesn’t rule out anything in Umbara!”

A bite in Umbara…

It had been an odd request; usually the ‘Domino Twins’ were kept together for missions outside the 501st. But General Krell had asked for Echo specifically – apparently his strategic skills were what was needed, not Fives’ rebellious attitude. The region was known for its affinity for the darker arcane arts; not only was the place perpetually shrouded in darkness, but it was crawling with creatures and monsters that thrived in darkness and despair.

But the mission had been short; Echo had come back nearly a month ago after just a few days. Fives tried to wrack his brains for the memories of his brother’s return – he’d returned in the evening, they’d gotten a drink together, Echo had complained about Krell’s leadership skills, and…

And he’d mentioned something about a bite, but that it had already been seen to.

A bite almost exactly a month ago...

“Other than that, I haven’t seen him,” Kix continued, still eyeing Fives’ curiously. “If he’s still feeling sick-“

“-I’ll send him your way,” Fives finished for him, already making for the door.

He needed to check something urgently, because if he was right, he was very quickly running out of time to save his brother.

…

‘The lycan infection is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an existing werewolf, although transmission through scratches have been recorded. There is much debate over whether the lycan must be in its transformed state in order for its bite to be transmissive, or whether-’

Fives closed the book with a loud thud, his whole body numb. He looked at the body of work in front of him; the lunar charts, the various texts on werewolves and lycanthropy he’d found, and the pile of reports he’d dug up from Umbara station’s incident records.

Thirteen cases of lycanthropic infection in the region in the last twelve months.

And that was the ones they knew about.

His first instinct was to turn to Rex; he wanted to believe his older brother would know what to do, would have some impossible solution that might save Echo’s life. Or his humanity.

But as much as he loved Rex, his brother’s loyalty was to the Republic. He knew the Captain would never intentionally hurt Echo, but if forced to choose between him and the system he’d sworn to serve… Fives couldn’t be certain that Rex would choose Echo.

And anything less than certainty could get Echo killed.

I won’t let you down brother.

…

Dusk was falling and he still hadn’t found Echo. He’d checked everywhere on base, from the attic storage rooms to the sewage processing room in the basement. He’d been careful, only asking brothers occasionally if they had seen him; always casually, always to brothers unconnected with each other. But the answer had always been the same – no they hadn’t seen him, why, is he okay?

It wasn’t until the last rays of sunlight were disappearing behind the horizon that Jesse came running up to Fives, out of breath.

“Hey Fives, I’ve been –huh- looking for you!”

“What’s wrong?” he asked, dejected, although it wasn’t hard to guess. Now doubt Rex had noticed his absence by now, and he would have hell to pay-

“I saw you and I wanted to ask - is there something up with Echo; I just bumped into him and he seemed really worried about something. I was just wondering if there was something wrong or-“

Something like hope sparked in Fives’ chest.

“Where?! Where was he?!” Fives yelled, grabbing Jesse and shaking him. His brother stared at him, too shocked to say anything for a second.

“He was in the barracks! He just rushed in, grabbed his pistol, and ran back out again. I didn’t see much, but he didn’t look great, and I thought maybe he’d been crying-“

Shit!

If he’d come back for his pistol…

Please brother! Don’t do anything stupid!

“Which way did he go?”

“I think he was heading to the East exit, toward the outskirts of the city-“

Fives didn’t hear the rest; he was already running, the last light of the sun fading behind him.

…

The outskirts of the city were a wooded wastelands, the dumping ground of the rich and where many of the poor scavenged a meagre existence. Notorious for its muggings and violence at night, most people stayed well away from the area come sundown.

It was also the place many chose to end their own lives.

It wasn’t hard to follow Echo’s tracks; his brother hadn’t been discreet in his hurry. Fives ran as fast as he could, ignoring the burning in his muscles and his lungs – he didn’t know what he was going to do exactly, but he would make damn sure his brother was alive come morning.

They could work the rest out from there.

The torch he’d borrowed was clearly running low on batteries; the light flickered in and out every few seconds, and the shadows around him seemed to leer out at him, a danger in every step.

What if I’m too late already? I don’t know how long it took Jesse to find me; he could have already pulled the trigger by now-

If only he’d said something- I wouldn’t have turned him in! I’d have found some way to help. Eventually-

His foot snagged on something lying on the floor; carried by his momentum, he pitched forward, landing face down in the leaf mulch around him. Frantically, he fought to free himself, but as his hands went to remove whatever had caught on his feet, rather than tree roots he felt familiar soft fabric.

Oh no…

He pulled the fabric into the torchlight; it was unmistakably a trooper’s uniform, ripped to shreds. Clumps of skin and fur were caught in the frayed edges; the clothes had been torn open from the inside.

His foot knocked against something more solid, something blunt and metallic; his hands shaking, Fives picked up Echo’s pistol, bringing it to eye level. Nothing looked out of the ordinary, but the gun barrel felt hot to the touch-

A low, deep growl from behind him set every hair on Fives’ neck on end. Slowly, agonisingly slowly, the pistol still in his hand, Fives turned around.

There was no mistaking the creature in front of him for a normal wolf. Leering up on its hind legs, the beast was hunched over, easily seven foot in height, strong, powerful shoulders giving way to an emaciated waist. Fur covered it from head to tail, and its neck was covered in a thick mane of coarse hair. Its arms looked almost human except for the long, reaching claws at the end of both paws, but its legs were definitely canine in shape, although maybe three times bigger than any living wolf or jackal around.

But most distinctive was the wolf head that sat atop the powerful shoulders. The creature had not taken its eyes off of Fives for a second; black, lightless eyes watched him without emotion.

That can’t be him… that can’t be my brother…

“Echo?” Fives pleaded, his voice straining.

The monster growled deep in its throat and took one slow, deliberate step forward.

“Echo, it's me! It’s Fives!”

Another step, the hackles on its backing rising and the lips drawn back to reveal white, glistening teeth.

“I know you’re scared, I know this isn’t your fault-“

He could smell the creature’s breath now, foul and sickly sweet and the warmth of it hit Fives’ face as the monster's snout came within inches of his face.

Please, whatever Force is out there, help me reach him!

“I’m not going to leave you,” Fives whispered quietly as the beast prepared to pounce, the muscles tensing in its hind legs. “You’re my brother, and I’m going to help you.”

And if I can’t reach him, please don’t let Echo blame himself for whatever happens next.

The last light of the torch died, and with only the light of the full moon above them, Fives took one last look at his brother before he closed his eyes, and prepared to meet his fate.

[neon-junkie]

White Smoke, Blue Lines

Summary: There are many things that the Jedi Order forbids: Attachments, specifically ones with Clones, and partaking in drugs - both of which you're about to break, when a certain clone helps you obtain the specific herb that you're after.

Pairing: Hardcase x Jedi Reader Reader Description: Reader is female and uses she/her pronouns. This fic does not include any descriptions of her appearance.

Warnings: Use of Drugs. Tags: Sharing a joint, Mutual pining, Flirting, Teasing, First time, Making out, First kiss, Shotgun kisses, Smut, Oral (receiving), Dirty talk, Grinding. Word count: 7.3k Notes: Personally, I'd like to think that most of the Jedi love getting blazed as fuck, especially Yoda, that little froggy bong-smoking fucker, but logically, they'd say no to drugs. Either way, I just want to share a joint with Hardcase, so here's the fic for it >:)

"Your girlfriend's heading our way, Hardcase," Jesse prods, slapping his brother's arm to get his attention.

"Hey! Wha- she's not my girlfriend," Hardcase huffs, pushing Jesse back, squabbling whilst still on the landing platform.

"Yeah, but you want her to be," Jesse snickers, and Fives joins in, giggling away as the pair begin to bash their skulls together.

You clear your throat, interrupting the presumably playful banter that is going on between two of the 501st boys. The 501st aren't your battalion, but they sure do feel like it, considering almost all of your missions are paired up with General Skywalker's. You have your own men, and he has his, but there's an unspoken agreement that when working together, they're both of your men, and all the clones are content with that.

That being said, you know each of Skywalker's men by name, ranking, personality and whatnot. You've spent the last few years quite literally by their side, squished together on gunships and cruisers, dragging each other from beneath rubble and fallen clankers, and there's even been a few incidents where they've had to carry your injured self from battle. Nasty memories, but you have the 501st to thank as your saviours.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," you say with a soft laugh, watching as their eyes go wide, locking onto yours. Jesse and Hardcase clear their throats, removing each other from their locked stances, and they straighten their backs as they greet you with a shy "General."

Your gaze turns to Hardcase as you politely ask, "Hardcase, may I have a word alone?"

Jesse begins chewing on his bottom lip in an attempt to mute his laughter, but a few snorts slip through. You've overheard Jesse and many others tease Hardcase for his apparent feelings towards you, and although you haven't sensed too much from him, whatever feelings he may have are mutual. However, war and order comes first, and the likelihood of a Clone dating a Jedi is, well... there is no likelihood. It's forbidden. End of debate.

"Uh, of course," Hardcase nods, and follows you from the landing platform, heading towards the Barracks entrance, but not slipping inside. It's quiet here, minus the few clones passing by, unloading the gunships at their own pace.

Your eyes trail around the perimeter before speaking up, not paying any mind to the clones nearby, but assuring that there are no other Jedi in this vicinity. "Hardcase... uh, I was hoping for your assistance in obtaining something," you begin talking, keeping your voice level just above a whisper.

"W-what can I help you with, General?" Hardcase gulps. His hands flex into fists, bunching up at his sides, and he attempts to mute his thoughts, praying that nothing lewd will spring into his mind... again.

"Call me by my name, please, Hardcase. We're off clock, and when it comes to something like this, I'd rather... forget about the Order," you exhale, your gaze finally meeting Hardcase's wide eyes. Nervousness is radiating from him, and it doesn't help that you're prolonging your question, rattling his anxiety as every second passes.

Hardcase mutters your name with a nod, and states that he's "not quite following."

"Before I ask, I just want to explain that I'm approaching you as a friend, and not as a General-" you mumble, prolonging the question even more.

Hardcase nods, and sighs anxiously when you continue rambling. "-And I am coming to you specifically about this because, well, I am under the assumption that you also partake in such activities."

"Please tell me what you're after already!" Hardcase blurts out. Both of your eyes turn wide at his outburst, and he's about to apologize for letting his emotions control his mouth, but you speak up before he can.

"Do you know any dealers?" you finally ask.

Hardcase pauses, still with the same wide-eyed expression. His brow slowly raise as he thinks that he knows what you're on about, but just to be certain, he asks, "dealers... for?"

"Drugs. Weed, specifically," you sheepishly state. "My last one dipped off the radar, I assume he was arrested, but I-"

"I didn't know you smoke," Hardcase softly laughs, flashing you a lop-sided and extremely cheeky grin. You roll your eyes, followed by playfully punching his upper arm, which only causes Hardcase to laugh even more.

"I'm going to take your answer as a 'yes,'" you state, folding your arms and looking up at the clone, who wears his cheeky smile with pride.

"Yeah, I can sort you out," he nods. "I've been buying off the same guy for a while now, but he's weary of strangers. Maybe I could put a good word in first, or-"

"-You could come with me?" you suggest. "To pick up, I mean. That would certainly ease his anxieties."

"Y-yeah, s-sure," Hardcase gulps. His flushed, vibrant red cheeks are hard not to notice, and you're quickly hit with a thick cloud of flustered energy, radiating from him. You've not spent much time around any of the clones outside of work, minus popping by their quarters to pass on information and whatnot, and that one incident where you ran into them at 79's, but that's as good as it gets.

"I'll meet you outside the front of the barracks at 19:00, but around the corner beside that small diner, just to be safe, if that's alright with you?" You question.

"Y-Yeah," Hardcase stutters again, nodding eagerly at your request. "I'll comm my guy and let him know that we're picking up later. He's not too far from here, just a few blocks away."

"Okay," you sweetly smile. "I'll leave you to it, thank you again!" You say your goodbyes, heading in the direction of the temple to continue your chores for the day, leaving Hardcase on the barracks landing platform.

He pinches himself. That just happened, didn't it? That lovely, sweet, and kind General just approached him to ask about drugs? And she trusts him enough to meet up with him, off the clock, and conduct a deal with him?

The trust. Hardcase could go and rat you out to the Order right now. He could knock on the temple's front door, demand to speak to the manager, and tattle on you for partaking in such illegal activities. But he doesn't - why would he?

Hardcase snaps from his daze as he overhears his name being called, and Jesse and Fives appear in his line of sight. Hardcase huffs, knowing what's in store for him, and begins approaching his brothers. They've already stripped themselves from their upper-armour, relaxing in their blacks, now leaving them defenceless from the upcoming brotherly play fight that will no-doubt happen once their teasing has begun.

"What did the General want?" Fives questions as Hardcase approaches, who decides to continue walking into the Barracks, praying that he can drag them back into their quarters fast enough to prevent their teasing. Rex is always there to break up their bickering, especially when it involves certain comments about certain Generals.

"She just asked me about some stuff, nothing important," Hardcase shrugs, rubbing the back of his neck with his gloved hand as he walks.

"That's not what it looked like when we walked past," Fives grins.

Jesse joins in on the smirking. "You both looked flustered, but you especially looked like a Cadet attempting to flirt."

"No, no. It wasn't like that-" Hardcase huffs. He debates telling them the truth, considering that they know and also partake in illicit activities, but is it worth the relentless teasing that he will face? Hardcase already knows his answer, and he already knows that his brothers will find out sooner or later - hopefully later when they catch him sneaking out of the Barracks unaccompanied.

"What was it like then?" Jesse raises a brow.

"S-She..." Hardcase stutters, and exhales heavily. He finally admits to the truth, and ensures that his tone of voice is hushed, not wanting anybody to overhear. "She asked me who to get stuff off, so I told her."

"Stuff?" Fives questions.

"He means..." Jesse explains with a wave of his hand.

"Ooooh!"

There's a pause from both of them, and for a brief moment, Hardcase assumes that that's the end of it. But he is unbelievably wrong.

"Wait- The General, a Jedi, asked you for..." Fives coughs. Both his, and Jesse's expression flicks between confused, concerned, and curious, and the pair keep their ears close to Hardcase as he continues explaining what just happened.

"Yeah," he sheepishly nods. "She basically said that she trusts me, and that I look like the kinda guy who knows where to get that stuff, so I said I'd help her out."

"Help her out how?" Jesse questions.

"Well, uh..." Hardcase stutters, rubbing the back of his neck once more. "You know what Dog is like, he's not too fond of strangers-"

"-Yeah, which is why he wouldn't sell to us at first," Jesse states the obvious, and Fives nods in confirmation.

"-So, uh, she's going to come with me later to pick up," Hardcase innocently shrugs. He bites his bottom lip, attempting to focus on walking down the corridor, rather than watching his brother's reactions. It's coming. Hardcase know's it's coming, and when the wave finally hits, it drowns him.

Fives and Jesse scream, instantly jumping on their brother to begin their playful teasing. "You have a date!" They begin barking at him, riling him up, unfazed by the curious onlookers that pass by. "It's a date, our boy Hardcase has a date!" They cheer, and Hardcase, attempting to mute his laughter, eventually pushes both of them off.

"It's not a date!" He instantly begins denying, only to be playfully shoved between both of them as they protest his protests.

"It's a date, Hardcase. You two are meeting up later for a date," Jesse purrs, wrapping his arm around Hardcase's neck as the trio turn the final corner to approach their quarters.

"What are you gonna wear? Something nice?" Fives questions, knowing that they own little to no personal clothing.

"Make sure you shave your balls, chicks love that," Jesse comments, raising a cheeky brow at his brother.

Hardcase finally shoves Jesse off him as he gags at his bold comment. He remains silent, as flustered as ever, quietly wishing that it is a date, rather than him accompanying you to pick up weed. His gaze turns to the quarters' door, and he quickly punches in the code, ensuring that his flustered expression is blocked from his brothers.

However, the second the door opens, Fives pushes him into the room, and proudly announces, "guess who's getting his dick wet later, boys!"

The torment has only just begun...

--------

Hardcase's pace is faster than usual, weaving his way through the endless sea of people that cover Coruscant. The diner is barely five minutes from the Barracks, but Hardcase is running late due to his brothers pestering him non-stop.

Their teasing was ruthless, exactly what you'd expect from a bunch of men, specifically siblings. Even Rex had joined in on the banter, but reminded his men that this definitely isn't a date as such things are forbidden, not to mention consuming drugs. The talk of his 'date' is not to leave the Barracks, and even when it is spoken about, it must be spoken in hushed tones to prevent by-passers overhearing it through the thick walls.

Hardcase tugs at his shirt again, cursing the smaller fit that he's borrowed off Tup. He's slightly thinner than Hardcase, and it seems that he buys his shirts even smaller to ensure that his best features are on display, pressed against the ironed fabric. Hardcase was originally going to meet up with you in sweatpants and a t-shirt, and his suggestion was met with a sea of tears as every single one of his brothers pushed him to wear something enticing.

"It is a date, after all," Dogma chimed in.

"It's not a date," Hardcase had replied. He had reached the point of auto-pilot, automatically reminding everyone that it's not a date whenever he heard those specific words.

His brothers ignored his declines, and collectively agreed that Hardcase is going on a date, whether he sees it as that, or not. They all helped doll him up; Tup loaned his navy blue shirt, sleeves rolled up at the elbows and the top few buttons undone, exposing his collarbones and teasing his toned pecs. Hardcase insisted that he wears black jeans, making his outfit seem more casual, rather than borrowing Dogma's suit pants.

Hardcase is assuming that he'll be back within half an hour, ready to tell his brothers "I told you so," when they ask why his 'date' didn't last long. He huffs to himself, finally reaching the destination, at to his surprise, you're already stood outside.

"There you are," you state as he appears in your line of vision. Hardcase, for once, manges to control his flustered expression as he locks on to what you're wearing; it's nothing fancy, casual attire, but you and Hardcase could easily be mistaken as a couple out on a date.

"Sorry I took so long," Hardcase sighs. "The boys were..."

"-being themselves?" you answer his statement, and he nods awkwardly in agreement. You playfully roll your eyes, knowing far too well how boisterous and bold his brothers are. "Anyway, lead the way," you gesture, and with that, Hardcase begins leading you on the short journey to his dealer's place.

"He doesn't live far from here," Hardcase reassures you, holding his hands up innocently.

"Good, hopefully he lives close to me," you say with a laugh, not wanting to trail too far.

"You mean... the temple?"

"Oh, no. I decided to get my own little apartment nearby. I needed my own space, the temple can feel over-bearing, and it's nice to... not feel like a Jedi, sometimes," you briefly explain, hoping that Hardcase understands your desire for self-isolation.

"Yeah, I can understand that," he shrugs. "At least you're able to get your own place. That sure would... be something," Hardcase sighs.

A gentle hand rests on Hardcase's forearm as he walks, and you give him a soft squeeze, reassuring him as you comment, "you know that I'm not fond of how the Republic treats clones."

"Yeah, I don't think there's many Jedi out there who are," he agrees. Hardcase exhales heavily, feeling your hand disappear from his forearm, and as he leads you down a side street, he decides to swiftly turn the conversation around. "He's just up here, I'll buzz for him to come down," Hardcase explains, and slips his comm link from his pocket, tapping away on the device.

"You know, I was going to suggest you come back to my apartment and share a joint with me. My way of saying thank you for helping me out," you suggest.

Hardcase almost drops his comm link, catching it before it hits the floor, preventing the device from being carelessly trampled on by his own boots. He lightly coughs, and his gaze meets yours as he replies, "we don't have to, I don't mind. I-I mean, I'm always happy to help out-"

"-Hardcase," you cut his babbling off. "I'd love to have a smoke with you, if you'd like to."

This time, Hardcase can't hide his flustered expressions. His cheeks begin contrasting heavily against his bold, blue tattoos, decorating his warm face; his pupils are wide, both with a mixture of nervousness and lust, and his mouth remains parted, forgetting how to breathe. Hardcase is so fixated on the thought of being around you, sharing a joint with you, going back to your apartment, that he doesn't overhear his name being called out, at first.

Hardcase finally snaps out of his startled state to see his dealer approaching, and heavily clearly his throat before introducing you to Dog. He's your stereotypical dealer, attempting to keep the exchange swift and quiet, and seems fond of you when you purchase a hefty amount of weed, wanting to ensure that you have more than enough to last.

Dog exchanges his comm link number with you before dipping off, ensuring that you can pick up off him any time. "Any friend of Hardcase's, is a friend of mine," he states. Huh, yeah. A friend.

Silence fills the air as you overlook the few grams that you've purchased before slipping it into your pocket, turning your gaze to Hardcase, who has zoned out once more. You raise a brow, and Hardcase suddenly remembers that he never answered your offer. "Y-yeah, we can go and share a joint at yours," he eagerly nods, followed by licking his drying lips.

"C'mon then," you playfully nudge, and begin leading the way to your apartment.

----

The journey home is short, filled with Hardcase's rambling rant about how a few of his brothers irritated him on the last series of missions. You questioned what was on his mind, and not wanting to admit the overwhelming array of emotions that he feels towards you, he decided to fill up the silence with bitching instead. It's a win-win; Hardcase gets to let off some steam, and you get to laugh along and enjoy Hardcase's rambling, something that he does when given the opportunity to.

Hardcase, especially now, sometimes forgets your abilities, and just how prominent they truly are. You know exactly how he feels towards you, and now that you're here, entering your apartment with him, you can forget about both of your statuses the second your apartment door closes. Right now, you're two friends hanging out, sitting on the couch after grabbing a drink for both of you.

Using your weed, Hardcase begins rolling a joint, putting his calloused fingers to work. He pauses his work to take a hefty gulp of his drink, parched from earlier when he felt the life draining from him at the idea of going back to yours. However, now that he's actually here, he feels content; maybe it's because your apartment is so welcoming and cosy, or maybe it's because your general presence often soothes him (when it's not riling him up,) but either way, he's finally comfortable.

You put some background music on, just loud enough to sit comfortably in your ears, and Hardcase announces that he's finished rolling. "Beautiful, isn't she?" he playfully states, holding the pristine joint up to your vision.

"Of course, she is. She's your creation," you smile. Hardcase flashes you a playful, puppy-like grin at your compliment, and you laugh at his warm expression. "Spark up," you state, and leave your seat to go and open some windows.

The joint is lit when you return, and your eyes lock onto the thick smoke flocking from Hardcase's lips as you take your seat beside him. "Here," he mutters, passing you the joint. Hardcase lubricates his mouth as you occupy yourself, smoking at your own pace, and the poor man almost spits water on you when he turns to see you exhaling, the cloud of smoke slowly trickling from your lips.

"What?" you question.

"N-Nothing," Hardcase coughs, attempting to clear his throat. "Went down the wrong way," he explains, and you pretend to understand his response. Your Jedi senses picked up the overwhelming attraction Hardcase felt when he locked his sights onto you smoking; you understand the attraction to the act of smoking, but never have you considered that somebody could feel such a way towards you.

That knowledge settles in the back of your mind, ready to be picked up on later on, hopefully when you've attained more confidence and relaxed even more. "Your turn," you state as you pass the joint back, your fingertips brushing against Hardcase's as he takes it from you.

Minutes pass as you two continue sharing the single joint, eventually being stubbed out in your ashtray. "How're you feeling?" Hardcase questions as he relaxes back on your couch, finding comfort in your variety of pillows.

"Good," you confirm with a nod. "I completely forgot to ask him what strain of weed this is," you sigh, coming to terms with the fact that you're going into this high blind.

Hardcase picks up the bag of weed on your coffee table, and looks it over before laughing to himself. You raise a brow, and he explains, "I don't know why I'm looking it over. It's not like I can tell."

You chuckle with him, already beginning to feel the swift effects of the mystery strain. Your hand runs through your hair, sweeping a few strands back off your face, and when you look up from the floor, your eyes instantly feel heavy. "Kriff," you curse.

"Good stuff?" Hardcase questions with a light laugh, melting into your couch. You turn to gaze at him, instantly noticing his lopsided smile; a deep red colour appears on his cheeks, and you dread to think what thoughts must be running through his mind if he's blushing at you.

"Yeah, good stuff," you confirm with a nod. Shuffling back onto the couch more, you get comfortable, tucking your legs against the pillows.

"You wanna stretch your legs out?" Hardcase questions, patting his toned thighs, maybe a little too eagerly.

You nod, and prop your legs up on Hardcase's lap, who instantly rests his forearms on top of them. He hands begin playing with the fabric of your pants, fiddling mindlessly, trailing his calloused fingertips up and down your shins. You chuckle at the image, seeing some of yourself in him; Hardcase overhears your laughter, and raises as a brow as he smiles and asks, "what?"

"You're a fidgeter too, huh?" you state.

Hardcase grins as he shakes his head, looking like a happy puppy. "Yeah," he confirms. "I've been told that back on Kamino, my growth chamber leaked. That's why I can never sit still," he shrugs, and adds, "not that I mind."

"I like that," you smile. "I love seeing how different all you clones are. Makes me forget that you're actually clones."

"Yeah, me too," Hardcase sighs. He looks away for a brief moment, silently reminding himself about the situation that he's currently in. As of right now, he's content and calm, enjoying a joint with a Jedi - an odd scenario, but Hardcase is fond of oddities. However, come tomorrow, he'll be back on the field, wiping out clankers with his chaingun; at least he can enjoy this moment before it passes.

"Fancy another?" Hardcase questions as he turns back to you, and smirks as he adds, "if you can handle it."

"Of course, I can handle it. You don't have to baby me," you scoff. "Maybe I should baby you instead, seeing as you're almost falling asleep on my couch," gesturing to Hardcase's extremely cosy state.

"No, I'm not," Hardcase scoffs in return, sitting upright instantly. "Your couch is comfortable," he innocently shrugs, and begins rolling another joint once you've moved your legs off his lap. "And how would you baby me, huh?"

A large, bright, and interesting lightbulb lights up in your mind; you've wanted to break the thick, tense ice between you two for so long, but given the circumstances, you've never been able to. Now is your chance!

"I'll show you how to properly smoke," you flirtatiously smirk.

Hardcase raises a brow as he meets your gaze, and he rolls his eyes at your remark. "I know how to smoke, sweetheart," he sighs, the pet name escaping without him realising. "But go on, let's see what you've got."

"Alright," you nod.

Hardcase rushes to roll the second joint, soon revealing a slightly crinkled joint, but that doesn't make it not smokeable. Rather than lighting it, he passes it to you instead, and watched curiously as you begin sparking up, puffing on the end to get the good stuff flowing. You eventually begin exhaling thick clouds of smoke, blowing them from your vision.

"Ready?" you question, and Hardcase eagerly nods, attempting to bite back on his laughter. He's so smug, certain that there's no way you can smoke better than him, and his smug expression remains as you intake an average amount.

Holding the smoke between your closed lips, you shuffle closer to Hardcase, pressing your thighs together, your shoulders tapping against each other before Hardcase turns his upper body to peer down at you. Your eyes meet his, and since your mouth is occupied and unable to instruct him, you resort to moving him into position.

You lightly grab his chin, and Hardcase follows your movement as you bring his lips towards yours. Your thumb brushes over his bottom lip, and Hardcase understands what you're signalling for. His lips part slightly, just enough for you to press your lips against his and blow the smoke into his mouth.

Hardcase shudders, and takes his time moving away from your lips to eventually blow out his share of the smoke. A sigh follows behind his exhale, and when he finally turns back to look at you, his eyes are half-lidded, but open enough to show his wide, lustful pupils, decorated by his amber irises.

"Good?" you simply question.

A cheeky grin covers Hardcase's lips as he nods eagerly, but it slips away as fast as it appeared, and he pouts as he replies. "I don't think I got much smoke, you'll have to try again."

You giggle, and Hardcase joins in, almost patting himself on the back for his boldly flirtatious comment. "Alright," you agree. The joint is pressed to your lips again, and you inhale heavily, holding the smoke in your mouth as you signal for Hardcase to get into position. He's cheekily grinning as he parts his lips, pressing them lightly to yours, and his eyes flutter shut as you begin blowing smoke into his mouth.

Hardcase can't help but swiftly kiss you before pulling away, turning his head in the other direction to exhale the smoke. He's grinning again as he turns back to you, his tattoos slowly turning purple as his cheeks begin turning up. "My turn," he chuckles, and takes the joint from your grasp.

Hardcase repeats your fluid movements, and he's now plucked up the courage to hold your jawline in the palm of his hand as he dips his head down to kiss you. This is definitely a kiss with smoke trailing between your lips; you don't even bother inhaling, watching through slowly-shutting eyes as the smoke disappears between kisses, fanning out into the room.

The smoke soon leaves, and you're still locking lips with Hardcase, feeling the faint, light stubble of his facial hair on your upper lip. His soft kisses quickly become firmer, desperate, hungry, and the hand that was once on your jaw slides up to entwine in your hair. You're not sure if Hardcase is a naturally good kisser, or if the weed in your system is making you more sensitive than usual, a burn forming between your thighs as the kiss deepens once more.

Boldly, you break the kiss and pluck the joint from between Hardcase's fingers, stubbing it out in your ashtray. He watches through half-lidded eyes as you straddle him, your knees resting on either side of his hips, introducing your crotch to his growing erection. He's still smirking, and his smile remains as he pulls you down to kiss him once more, this time with added mewls and moans, escaping whenever your lips slightly part.

"Hardcase?" you call out between kisses, and Hardcase lets out a softly grunted, "huh?" when you call his name.

"I wanna know something," you continue, your tone of voice thick with lust.

"Oh yeah? What?" Hardcase raises a brow, breaking the kiss so he can gaze up at you with his slightly red eyes.

"Do your tattoos cover all of your body?" you question, and instantly, Hardcase begins chuckling at your words.

"Why don't you find out for yourself, sweetheart?" he invites you in. You lick your lips as your hands move from his shoulders, finding the buttons on his shirt, and at an agonizingly slow pace, you begin unfastening each of them. Hardcase almost rips the shirt off once it's finally unfastened, discarding it on the other side of your couch, revealing his delicious form.

Hardcase is a meal of a man, toned from years of work and fighting. His tanned skin looks lush, contrasting against his blue tattoos that continue over his chest and arms, disappearing into the waistband of his pants. Your hands begin trailing over each line, admiring the flawless line work; they hook around the waistband of his pants, and your eyes meet Hardcase's as you continue talking.

"Can I take these off?" you question.

Hardcase playfully tuts as his hands find your waist, kneading at the fabric of your shirt. "Not until this comes off. Fair's fair, right?"

"Of course," you agree with a nod. This time, Hardcase is the one gawking over his form once your top comes off; his hands follow the flow of your body, every dip and crevice, every curve and bump. Just when he thinks this day couldn't get any better, you smile as you reach your hands behind your back, unclasping your bra and letting it slip down over your shoulders.

Hardcase's face literally lights up, grinning playfully as he moves his hands up to cup your breasts. "Mesh'laaaa," he slurs his words, followed by mumbling a series of phrases in Mando'a, and you can only assume that from his given expression, they're all words of affection. Hardcase, whilst still smiling, dips his head down to latch his mouth onto a nipple, flicking his tongue over the bud and sucking gently. He kisses along your chest when switching between each nipple, and rolls his hips as a way of encouraging you to get closer.

Slowly and softly, you begin rutting your hips, grinding down against his growing erection. Hardcase begins letting out the softest of moans, sucking on your nipples more firmly, his hands tightening their grip around your waist. "Karking hell," Hardcase grunts, moving his lips from your breasts to look up at you. "These have got to come off, please?" he both asks and suggests.

You swiftly nod, shuffling off Hardcase's lap. You undo your pants, shimmying them down to your ankles, and step out of them, leaving you almost bare. Hardcase goes to reach out, to grab you once again, but you tut and offer him your hand instead. "Are you coming?" you offer, and Hardcase swiftly grabs your hand before you can even finish your question.

You begin leading him towards your bedroom, your hand slipping from his as Hardcase shuffles out of his pants. He almost trips over his pants legs as he kicks them off, leaving them in a jumbled pile on the floor. His tattoos do continue even lower, partially hidden under his boxers, but you'll soon see for yourself.

You sit on the edge of the bed, offering your hand out once more to drag Hardcase on with you, but he rejects your offer. Whilst shaking his head, Hardcase settles onto his knees, his hands finding your thighs as he hungrily spreads them apart. Oh. He groans at the sight of your spread legs, despite still having panties on; you're uncertain if it's the weed effects taking place, or if Hardcase really is working this fast, but he rushes to kiss down both of your thighs, stopping just before your cunt and moving cheekily onto the other one. He's teasing you, but it's clear that his patience is running thin.

Hardcase groans as he finally licks a firm stripe over your clothed cunt, faintly tasting your slick through the thin fabric. He repeats the motion a few more times, teasing himself more than you, and swiftly decides that he needs your underwear off. Now. They're quickly removed, tossed onto the floor that he's settled on, and once again, Hardcase is the one groaning as he finally begins lapping at your folds.

Everything feels so rushed, your head spinning ever so slightly as you lie back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling between your fluttering lashes. Hardcase is a messy eater, unfazed by the sounds of wetness and slurping, lapping at your cunt like a starving man. He flicks between a series of motions, but always ensures that when he sucks your clit, he does it hard, chuckling to himself as you begin squirming on the bed from his actions.

"So karking good," Hardcase mumbles against you. "I can't believe I've finally got my head between your thighs," he groans, and slips his tongue into your entrance, tongue-fucking you a few times before deciding that you deserve something firmer to fill you up. You're unbelievably soaked, more than slick enough to fit two of Hardcase's thick fingers, pushing them slowly until he reaches his knuckles.

With his lips around your clit, Hardcase begins pumping his fingers, curling them to ensure that they brush against your g-spot with every thrust. You don't even realise that he's shaking at first, until you prop yourself up onto your elbows to notice that his other hand is moving rapidly. Hardcase has managed to free his cock, pumping it in time with his thrusting fingers.

His cock is gorgeous, girthy with a blue stripe running down the middle. Hardcase notices you staring and raises a playful brow, only for his expression to turn into concern as you smirk maliciously. Without saying a word, you raise your hand, and use your special abilities to begin jerking Hardcase's cock for him. He's forced to move his lips off your cunt, letting out a heavy groan as you begin jerking his cock.

"Karking hell!" Hardcase yelps, moaning hungrily as you pump his length. "I always forget you have those abilities," he chuckles, and returns to eating your pussy. Despite being occupied, his own words sink into his mind even deeper - you're a Jedi. He's hooking up with a Jedi. Hardcase is the lucky Clone who gets to enjoy seeing what else you can do with your Jedi powers. Kriff.

You sense the realisation from Hardcase, his thoughts barely clouded from the smoke that's still lingering in his system. You've become swiftly adjusted to the sensation of being high, but now that those thoughts are present, you realise how utterly blazed you are. Your head is, thankfully, no longer spinning, but your eyes are half-lidded, and you're almost constantly grinning, giving away your dazed state. Hardcase is the same, finally relaxing as smugness takes over, proud of himself for achieving such an unimaginable goal.

"Ughh," Hardcase grumbles against your folds. "Taste so good, you feel so good around my cock too! Well, I mean your... uh, the force feels good?" Hardcase stutters, raising a brow as he attempts to explain the new sensations washing over him.

"Why don't you come up here, and find out how good I feel around your cock?" you flirt.

Hardcase grins, scrambling up to his feet. He shuffles up onto the bed, toned arms resting on either side of your head, pinning you beneath him. Your juices are all over his chin, his blue tattoos glistening whenever the street lights through your bedroom window hit his face at the right angle. With a laugh, you clean him up, and the second you're done, he dips his head down to crash his lips against yours.

Your hands trail over his shoulders, admiring how toned and defined he is. Hardcase is softly mewling between kisses, expressing his hunger and desperation for you. He begins grinding his solid length against your folds, slicking himself up, but teasing himself more than he's teasing you. Either he's naturally sensitive, or the weed has cranked his sensitivity levels up tenfold.

Hardcase begins angling his hips, attempting to catch your pussy at the right angle and push his cock in; he breaks the kiss in order to concentrate, refusing to give up on his desires. Eventually, Hardcase manages, and lets out a heavy moan as he finally pushes himself into your tight cunt.

"Heh, no hands," Hardcase chuckles once he's fully sheathed. He holds himself there, and you're uncertain if it's because he's letting you adjust to his size, or because he needs a moment to collect himself. Both, possibly? Given his calming expression.

You swiftly grow impatient, and lock onto his gaze as you groan, "Hardcase, move."

"Yes, General," Hardcase cheekily replies, and you roll your eyes at his audacity.

But that playfully frustrated expression on your face is quickly wiped away, your brows turning upwards, and your mouth parting as Hardcase begins thrusting himself deep into you. He's girthy, stretching your walls with every thrust, filling you up with no room to spare. Hardcase seems to be moaning than you are, possibly, it's hard to tell, given your stoned state, and the fact that you're moaning just as loud.

Hardcase's thrusts are delicious, firm and fast, slowly bruising your inner thighs; you wrap your legs around his waist, ankles crossing over, and lightly grind your heel into his lower back as a way of spurring him on. Hardcase chuckles, and comments, "needy thing," before following your order and slamming into you even harder.

You're moaning way too loud, certain that you'll receive a noise complaint tomorrow. Whatever. You remind yourself that you don't care, that you need this, that you've been pining after this Clone for way too long. He's not letting you down, he never has, despite not being in your ranks. No doubt, you'll spend the next few days walking funny, receiving concerned expressions from Jedi and Clones alike; it doesn't take a genius to put two and two together, since Hardcase will definitely be walking with a limp.

Hardcase dips his head down, leaving purple marks along your collarbone. He's muttering between kisses, barely audible through his heavy breaths as he continues slamming into you. "C-Can't believe we're doing this," he grunts. "Been after you for so long, so kriffing long. You have no idea!"

You let out a soft laugh, "you don't exactly keep your feelings hidden."

Hardcase's cock comes to a halt, twitching deep inside you. He props himself up on his forearms, peering down at you as he asks, "you knew?"

"Everybody knows," you chuckle. You pull his head down for a kiss, reassuring him that the feelings are mutual. "Wouldn't be here if I didn't feel the same," you mutter against his lips.

Hardcase breaks the kiss, raising a brow as he jokingly replies, "you wouldn't be here? But this is your apartment-"

His words are cut off as you let out a laugh, and Hardcase laughs along with you, soon returning his lips to yours. He has you pinned perfectly to the bed, his hips rolling ever so slightly as he introduces his tongue to yours, swallowing down your moans whenever the kiss briefly breaks.

As Hardcase pulls away from the kiss, he slips his cock from your slickness, and lets out a grunt as he pushes himself up onto his knees. He eagerly pats the bed as he orders, "on your hands and knees, sweetheart."

Whilst smirking at him, you shuffle into the new position, peering over your shoulder once ready. Hardcase licks his lips at the sight, his large hands kneading as your ass, enjoying everything you have to offer. He spends a few moments simply playing with your ass, one hand moving from the mound of flesh to run his thumb over your folds, finding your clit and grinding over it.

"Hardcase," you mutter.

"I know, I know," he chuckles as he moves his hands away, lining himself up. "Hard not to do that, you just look so good," he grunts, and finally begins pushing into you again.

A firm pair of hands find your hips, wrapping around them, holding you tightly. Hardcase jumps back into his rushed pace, eager to feel your walls fluttering around his cock once more. His whines and moans start up again, matching your own, the sound of skin against skin echoes around the room.

Hardcase begins muttering sweet praise, "sweet girl, my perfect girl, so karking tight around me-" he lets out a grunt. "Kriff, I'm not gonna last long, babe," Hardcase informs you.

You reach down between your thighs, fingertips about to touch your clit, but Hardcase chuckles as he redirects your hands. "Here, let me," he says with a smile. Hardcase wraps his large palm around both of your wrists, pinning them behind your back, your head dropping onto the duvet. His other hand slips beneath you, firm fingertips begin rubbing eagerly at your clit.

Needless to say, Hardcase has a lot on his plate, and his thrusts become somewhat sloppy, but more than enough to get you off. "Come on, girl, cum on this cock," Hardcase instructs through gritted teeth. His cock begins twitching inside you, an orgasm sitting on the edge, but like the gentleman that he is, he waits for you to hit peak first.

You cry out his name, part of your words muffled from your face being smothered against the duvet. Your orgasm finally hits, your walls clenching tightly around Hardcase's thick length. He grunts, and swiftly removes his hands from you, rushing to pull out his length. His release lands on your back, grunting and sighing heavily as he paints you white.

"Kriff, oh, babe," Hardcase sighs, jerking his length slowly to push his final drops of cum onto your bare body. "Wait here," he mutters, and rushes to climb off the bed. Hardcase almost trips over his own feet, his legs turning into jelly in his post-orgasm phase, along with whatever weed is still pumping throughout his body.

Hardcase returns moments later with a damp towel, and cleans you up whilst humming playfully. He lands a light slap on your rear as he announces, "done!"

You roll onto your back, star fishing on your bed; your chest is rising and falling heavily, matching Hardcase's deep breaths, who joins you on the bed after tidying himself up. He's slightly sweaty from his workout, but still wears that usual cheeky grip as he props himself up on his elbow, lying on his side, looking down at you.

"Did you have fun?" Hardcase asks, the audacity.

You roll your eyes, laughing lightly as your hand moves up to wrap around his neck. "Come here, you," you flirt, and pull him down into a tender kiss, reassuring him that you definitely had fun.

Hardcase's hand finds your waist, fingertips running along your skin whilst he shares a tender moment with you. The kiss isn't rushed and heated like earlier, but soft and loving, warming your chest, and sending shivers along your skin. As it breaks, Hardcase flashes you a grin, then kisses the tip of your nose before falling back on your pillows.

"C'mere," he mutters, waving his hand. You follow his lead, settling in the curve of his neck, sprawling yourself over him whilst still regaining your breath. There's silence for a while, a welcoming silence, shared between two people who have finally broken the ice. Hardcase eventually fills up the silence as he asks, "you'll let me take you out for dinner some time, won't you?"

You move your head off his chest, peering up to see his warm brown pleading eyes, his bottom lip slightly sticking out. "Yeah, of course, I will," you agree with a sweet smile.

Hardcase hums happily as he places a tender kiss on your forehead, his hand moving up to direct your head back onto his chest. Neither of you say anything after that, content with the silence that once again fills the room, later complimented by light snores as you both drift off to sleep.

[willowcrowned]

The Sugar Baby Ben AU

The premise: Obi-Wan and Anakin from the end of ROTJ get sent back to the Jedi Temple during TPM. Obi-Wan is confused, Anakin is confused, Mace Windu is very confused, and Vokara Che is also very confused. (It’s fine, it’s not like anyone relies on the Jedi for their intelligence anyways.) 

So what happens after they get where and who they are sorted out?

Well:

Anakin kills Sidious. He may be small, and blond, and just the cutest little kid, but he has several decades worth of fury directed at the man, and he’s still pretty much a Sith Lord (if a reformed one). It is very violent, and very worrying to anyone who sees it except for Obi-Wan. (In the absence of any convenient reactor shafts to toss the bitch down, Anakin resorts to a combination of lethal use of the Force and a blaster, just for good measure. They’re cleaning Sidious’s guts off his office carpet for years after the fact.)

Then, while the Jedi are trying to get a handle on the fact that (a) Sith exist, (b) time travel exists, and (c) the tiny adorable boy Qui-Gon Jinn brought back actually is horribly dangerous, Anakin runs off. He grabs his mother, slaughters a couple slavers indiscriminately, which Shmi feels obligated to chastise him for, even if she isn’t that horrified, and they go to Naboo.

To everyone but Obi-Wan’s surprise, Anakin lasts about two weeks on Naboo. A month or so later, the Jedi start hearing rumors about a small, dark-cloaked figure with a red lightsaber who leaves entire slave markets to burn. They don’t hear about the woman with him, who holds him back and calms his rage, who can stop her son when he needs to be stopped and hold him when he needs to be held. (Obi-Wan knows that she’s there anyways, and he sends her the number of a good therapist.)

So, what is Obi-Wan doing during all of this?

Short answer: scandalizing every jedi on coruscant

Slightly longer answer: scandalizing every jedi on coruscant by having ridiculous amounts of sex

Look at it from his perspective: he’s surrounded by that which he loves best, knows that the Republic isn’t doomed, and for the first time in twenty three years, he has a body— a twenty five year old body that looks exactly like a twenty five year old Ewan McGregor.

The thing is, while Obi-Wan looks like a twenty five year old Ewan McGregor (who is, if i may say, Peak Babie), he’s actually around sixty. This means that he’s not particularly attracted to any of the people his “age.” (Children, they’re all of them children. he’ll stop saying it when Vos stops acting like it.)

What does this mean?

Obi-Wan goes after milfs and dilfs and pilfs (parents id like to fuck) of ALL sorts. Ten legs and a tentacle? Amazing. Totally incompatible genitals? Time to get creative! Technically a plant? He can make it work. 

(Credit to @nevertheless-moving for having the obi-wan milffucker idea. she is a genius.)

Thing is, he’s not really having to look that hard. Tons of people live on the upper levels. And you know what people on the upper levels are like? Rich. Very rich.

(It’s worth noting that not a single one believes him when he says he’s a Jedi. Everyone knows that Jedi are dignified. Ben Kenobi, the kid who’s fucking his way through Coruscant’s upper social strata, is not necessarily dignified.)

(It’s also worth noting that none of them tell him that they don’t believe it. Maybe it’s a sex thing, who cares. He’s hot enough that his weirdness is charming.)

(Obi-Wan knows they don’t believe him. He’s waiting for the perfect moment to do a triple backflip out the window while igniting his saber. He’s only going to get this chance once, after all.)

Cue all the rich milfs and dilfs and pilfs giving Obi-Wan tons of expensive gifts. And, alright, the first few are nice; it has been so long since he’s had a bath, let alone a bath bomb, and this one has— wait, is that solid gold? But his apartment is only so big.

Initially, he gives the gifts to whomever he can foist them off on. The problem with trying to foist solid gold bongs or jeweled cock rings or whatever off on jedi is that even though jedi aren’t technically ascetics,  they’re still not that into pleasures of the flesh.

so Obi-Wan sells them on space ebay

(Another note: the people who check space ebay for scams flag obi-wan’s account multiple times, and every. single. time. he manages to prove that not only is he a real person, not only does he have the exact item he’s advertised, but that he is genuinely trying to get rid of his third diamond-encrusted collar of the week. the people at space ebay start asking if he’s got anything he wants to give them once a week. he always does.)

With the frankly obscene amount of money Obi-Wan is making off this operation, he decides to do a few things.

First and foremost: buy himself a nice stock of robes

Second: start pouring money into certain senators’ campaigns

Third: start buying and sending Anakin and Shmi gifts by way of guessing which Hutt they’re going to slaughter next and postmarking the box for Anakin and Shmi but sending it to the Hutt’s address

(Anakin is very touched. Shmi is very worried until she realizes that Obi-Wan is sending checks for Anakin’s therapy as well as hers in the gift baskets. Then she just enjoys them.)

So, on one end, you have Anakin and Shmi putting an end to brutal regimes on the Outer Rim, while bonding and going to therapy. On the other end, you have Obi-Wan funding every single political campaign that he has the mildest interest in while having incredible amounts of fantastic sex.

The Jedi are still confused, horrified, and a little bit angry— both at Anakin for being an Evil Murder Lord, and Obi-Wan for being so blasé about it

As it happens, one of Obi-Wan’s major interests is in decreasing the influence the Senate has on the Jedi. Unfortunately for the Jedi, this means less power.

One year to the day after Anakin and Obi-Wan go back in time, the Jedi Order officially establishes itself as an independent body, Anakin and Shmi finish installing their third democracy on a previously Hutt-owned world, and Obi-Wan is nearly assassinated, at which point he jumps out the window of the orgy he was just participating in, shirtless and brandishing a lightsaber. It becomes a national holiday.

The End.

(A final note: Obi-Wan tracks Maul down after a while, buys him a drink, and forces him into therapy. Maul starts leading whitewater rafting trips for money, and years later Obi-Wan runs into him again, shirtless and wet. They don’t sleep together, but it’s a close thing. After all, all’s well that ends well, and the galaxy is safe.)

[jakkujunktrader]

Website: https://www.jakkujunktrader.com/

Address: 1820 Riverwood ln, Columbia Falls, MT 59912

A group of us  formed Jakku Trader in efforts to make a one stop shop. We have paired up with some of the best Hilt designers from Rudy Pando,Romans Props, And 7Chambers and Veracity Labs. Plus we offer custom machine and design work. Chassis design by REAVERS Arsenal LLC. Plus Blasters. So many reputable companies to offer you a great deal on great products:

- Custom Lightsabers

- Lightsaber parts

- custom Saber parts

- Blasters

- Leather Goods

Business Email: WildmannGraphics@hotmail.com

Keywords:

galaxy's edge lightsaber parts

lightsaber parts

lightsaber sale

custom lightsaber builder

custom lightsaber hilts

lightsaber custom

galaxys edge lightsaber parts

real lightsaber for sale

best custom lightsabers

kylo ren lightsaber for sale

savi lightsaber parts

savi's workshop lightsaber parts

custom lightsaber hilt

disney lightsaber parts

custom lightsabe

customize lightsaber

legacy lightsabers for sale

build custom lightsaber

custom lego lightsaber hilts

custom lightsaber designs

custom lightsaber disney

custom neopixel lightsaber

disney custom lightsaber

disney real lightsaber for sale

galaxy's edge lightsaber for sale

kotor 2 lightsaber parts

lightsaber customizer

lightsabers on sale

savi workshop lightsaber parts

savi's lightsaber parts for sale

savi's workshop lightsaber for sale

star wars custom lightsaber

ahsoka tano lightsaber for sale

build a custom lightsaber

disney world custom lightsaber

disneyland custom lightsaber

lego custom lightsaber hilt

neopixel lightsaber for sale

star wars custom lightsabers

star wars lightsaber for sale

portable sand blasters sale

custom lego lightsaber

custom made lightsaber

disney lightsaber replacement parts

disney lightsabers for sale

galaxy edge lightsaber for sale

lightsaber bong for sale

parts of a lightsaber

real lightsabers for sale

star wars galaxy edge lightsaber parts

star wars lightsabers for sale

custom gel blasters

custom built lightsaber

custom lightsaber build

custom lightsaber disney world

custom lightsaber parts

custom made lightsabers

dueling lightsabers for sale

galaxy's edge custom lightsaber

galaxy's edge lightsabers for sale

lightsaber leather wrap

lightsaber part

savi's lightsaber parts

custom star wars blasters

yamaha blasters for sale

cheap lightsabers for sale

custom built lightsabers

custom double bladed lightsaber

custom dueling lightsabers

custom lightsaber builder online

disney lightsaber for sale

fallen order lightsaber parts

galaxys edge custom lightsaber

parts for lightsaber

peace and justice lightsaber parts

star wars galaxy's edge lightsaber parts

best custom lightsaber

build a custom lightsaber online

custom crossguard lightsaber

custom lightsaber blades

custom lightsaber maker

custom neopixel lightsabers

custom sith lightsaber

disneyland lightsaber parts

diy lightsaber parts

elemental nature lightsaber parts

galaxy edge lightsaber parts

hardware store lightsaber parts

jedi fallen order lightsaber parts

leather wrapped lightsaber

lgt lightsaber parts

lightsaber emitter parts

lightsaber parts names

luke and leia lightsabers for sale

protection and defense lightsaber parts

savi's workshop lightsaber parts online

star wars legacy lightsabers for sale

lego star wars custom blasters

all savi's workshop lightsaber parts

best custom lightsaber companies

custom lego minifigure lightsaber hilts

custom lightsaber hilt designs

custom lightsaber neopixel

custom lightsabers disney world

custom star wars lightsaber

customize your own lightsaber

dok-ondar's den of antiquities lightsaber parts

hardware store lightsaber

jedi fallen order all lightsaber parts

jedi fallen order best lightsaber parts

jedi fallen order lightsaber customization

lightsaber custom hilt

lightsaber for sale amazon

lightsaber for sale near me

lightsaber hilt parts

lightsaber pike for sale

lightsaber replica for sale uk

lightsaber star wars for sale

lightsabers star wars for sale

neopixel custom lightsaber

neopixel lightsaber custom

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/398716544466237/

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPKCARhncwsDvriV8yLYXeQ

[waiting-for-ciena-ree]

"Parasite" Force Bond Theory

How does the Exile survive Kreia's death at the end of KotOR 2? Throughout the game, the story reinforces the idea that Kreia and the Exile's force bond is so strong that if one of them dies, then so will the other. Astonishingly, after being able to ask each Jedi Master about this problem, the player doesn't even have the option to bring it up to Kreia at the end, when it finally matters. How do we make sense of Kreia's death and the Exile's survival?

I have a personal theory, which comes from trying to understand another of Kreia's deaths: how did Kreia survive being a corpse in a morgue at the beginning of KotOR 2?

This overlooked "death" provides the key to my theory, which is that Kreia functionally died at the beginning of the game when Darth Sion attacked the Ebon Hawk, but she "survived" by attaching her soul to the Exile's. Essentially, Kreia became a parasite, and the Exile became her host. To me, this explains why Kreia and the Exile's force bond is uniquely strong; they are sharing one soul. It also explains why the Exile survives in the end; instead of killing Kreia with a final blow, the Exile simply commands her to "rest now" or "die now," and then Kreia dies of her own volition. Ultimately, all that needed to happen was for Kreia to let go. As a parasite clutching to the Exile's soul, Kreia could not possibly live without that bond, but she could choose to free her host. As the host, the Exile could not forcibly remove the bond, but they could survive losing it.

I'm fond of this theory because I think it's a natural reading of what the game shows us, and because it fits perfectly with how I view Kreia's character and the story's themes. By all rights, Kreia ought to be dead from the start. Both T3-M4 and the Exile identify her as a dead body. But through sheer stubborn will, Kreia clings to life for the sake of teaching the Exile. Furthermore, introducing Kreia as somebody "left for dead" parallels the reading that Kreia was Arren Kae, one of many victims that Revan and the Exile left for dead on Malachor V. Based on that reading, there was already a natural connection between the Exile as a perpetrator and Kreia as a victim. This makes their literal bond symbolically meaningful. Considering that the Exile cut themselves off from the Force to block out the pain of Malachor's victims, it is fitting that one of those victims would return to reawaken the Force in the Exile, in order to make the Exile finally come to grips with the suffering they caused. Another way I'd describe their bond is to liken Kreia to a ghost of Malachor V who is haunting the Exile, and the Exile can't be free of this ghost until they make peace with her. I'm proud of this theory because it ties the game together really well for me.

Why I don't believe Kreia is lying about the Force Bond

Before I go any further, I'd like to address the theory that Kreia was simply lying about the strength of the Force Bond in order to make the Exile do what she wants. This theory is tempting because of its simplicity. Kreia lies about many things to achieve her goals, so wouldn't it make sense for her to lie to you in the beginning that when one of you dies, so will the other? I can't deny that Kreia is a liar, so much so that it is difficult to believe or understand anything she says, even when her words feel true.

However, I don't believe that Kreia is lying about the strength of the bond because both the story and gameplay show that the bond is uniquely and dangerously strong. Near the beginning of the story, the Exile feels the loss of Kreia's hand on Peragus II, and near the end of the story, a dark-sided Exile feels Kreia stab herself on Dantooine. Meanwhile, a light-sided Exile will listen to Kreia describe the Exile's own feelings on Malachor V in loving detail to the Jedi Council, at the story's emotional climax. Both Enclave scenes showcase how powerful the bond is. As you travel, the game mechanics also reinforce the bond's strength in a positive way; Kreia's unique "force chain" ability makes her one of the most useful companions. 

There's also the matter that the game's narrative actually makes effort to disprove one of Kreia’s statements: specifically, the Dantooine Enclave scenes prove that the Jedi Council did NOT cut off the Force from the Exile in the past, even though Kreia said at the beginning that they did. Instead, Kreia's statement about the Jedi Council at the beginning becomes a half-truth, or even a kind of prophecy for the Enclave scene, since we learn that the Jedi Council would still cut off the Force from the Exile once they get the chance. 

Notably, while the Enclave scene disproves Kreia's earlier statement about the Jedi Council, it reinforces her statement about the strength of their bond, especially if the Exile is dark-sided and Kreia stabs herself. Anyway, my reading is that since the narrative doesn't disprove Kreia's words about the Force Bond, and instead offers clues for its strength, this complicates the simple answer that Kreia was lying about the bond. That's why I take the danger of the Force Bond seriously, and I prefer the simple answer that she's telling the truth.

How the game describes Kreia and death

The game's language about Kreia and death is fascinating to me. I love that both T3-M4 and the Exile identify her as a dead body when they first meet her, and that the Exile even meets her in a morgue. I love that Kreia's first words to the player are, "Find what you are looking for amongst the dead?" When the Exile tells Kreia that they thought she was dead, Kreia answers, "Close to death, yes, closer than I'd like." Just how close to death did she come? 

Kreia's introduction of herself is also noteworthy: "I am Kreia, and I am your rescuer -- as you are mine." We already know that Kreia rescued the Exile from the Harbinger, but how did the Exile rescue Kreia? It could be that Kreia is simply referring to how the Exile has found Kreia in the morgue and can help her escape. (It's also a reference to how Luke announces his intention to rescue Leia, Kreia's namesake.) However, it makes more sense to me if Kreia is saying that the formation of the bond literally saved Kreia's life, and that she would be dead without it.

Kreia's annoyance at the Exile looting bodies is mentioned again at Korriban, when she warns the Exile not to disturb the dead lest the Exile provokes the invisible Hssiss guardians into fights. Naturally, respecting the dead is a sensitive subject for Kreia! 

Another detail I love about Kreia is her ability to cloak herself from others, to make herself so small in the Force that people like Sion, Mical, Atris, and Jedi Council members can't see her. This ability feels ghost-like to me; we expect ghosts to be able to turn invisible. 

Finally, I'd like to talk about two parallel lines from Kreia about her own alleged death.

When Master Kavar sees Kreia in the Enclave, he exclaims in a shocked voice that he thought she died in the Mandalorian Wars. Kreia replies, "Died? No. Grow stronger, yes!" 

During the final boss fight on Malachor V, the Exile can ask, "Are you ready to die, old woman?" And Kreia will answer, "I died long ago -- and now the circle is complete. Strike me down, and at last, end this."

These lines from Kreia are two of my favorites in the game because of how they contradict each other. In each case, Kreia takes the opposite position in order to prove her opponent wrong. To say to them, "You thought." To Kavar, who claims that she's supposed to be dead, Kreia insists that she never died; she only grew stronger! To the Exile, who threatens to kill her, Kreia instead counters that she died a long time ago, and so the Exile can't harm her any worse. Kreia's words to the Exile make me emotional because she's in a much more vulnerable position here than when she was speaking to Kavar--here, she is about to die--and yet she still speaks proudly.

They're also brilliant lines for the way they connect Kreia's story to Obi-Wan and Anakin. Like Obi-Wan, Kreia proclaims to grow stronger after death. Like both men acted as though Anakin was dead, Kreia acts as though Arren Kae is dead. Kreia also borrow's Vader's words that "the circle is complete" to describe her relationship with her student. 

When Kreia says, "the circle is complete," it's meaningful that both Arren Kae and Traya were also killed in this same spot by their students. Arren Kae was "betrayed and murdered" by Revan, and Traya was "betrayed and murdered" by Nihilus and Sion. Now as Kreia, she turns the tables by betraying the Exile, but instead of killing the Exile, she forces the Exile to kill her on Malachor a final time, on Kreia's own terms. This completes the "circle" of Kreia's deaths.

But I think we can also apply "the circle is complete" to the structure of the game itself. Kreia begins the game as a corpse in a morgue, who then comes to life through her bond with the Exile. At the end of the game, Kreia returns to death, and her bond with the Exile also ends, leaving behind a wound in the Exile's soul.

Final thoughts inspired by Parasite (2019 film)

As I wrap up, I wanted to share how I thought up the name, "Parasite Theory." I had previously called my ideas the "Kreia Is Dead Theory," but I wanted to come up with a better metaphor. Then I started thinking about Parasite directed by Bong Joon-ho. 

In this section, I won't talk about any important plot spoilers from Parasite, but I will reference the movie's premise and themes. If you've heard anything about Parasite, you've probably already heard about the movie's themes and the central premise, so I don't think reading this would hurt your experience watching the film. But I'll give a vague spoiler warning for Parasite anyway, in case you want to be extra careful.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Parasite asks, What does it mean to be a parasite? Specifically, it deals with how poor people and rich people develop parasitic behavior in a capitalistic society. At first, it looks as though the movie's central poor family is parasitically conning a rich family in order to survive. But later, when the movie takes a broader look at society, it's clear that a few rich families are parasites that hoard resources away from the many poor families, while also relying on their labor to fund their extravagant lifestyles. 

Obviously KotOR 2 doesn't take a deep dive into capitalism, but it does explore the aftermath of war in a thoughtful way which is rare for Star Wars. Even though the central sci-fi conceit of A New Hope is the invention of a planet-killing weapon, the movie doesn't dwell on Leia's reaction to Alderaan's destruction any longer than necessary. The spectacle of war and space explosions usually take priority in Star Wars movies, since they're blockbusters. In contrast, KotOR 2 doesn't even show the initial destruction of Malachor V, and the story is all about the suffering left in its wake. It also makes the stunning decision to have the protagonist be the person who ordered the planet's destruction. In this way, while Parasite explores the parasitic relationships between the rich and the poor, I think KotOR 2 explores parasitic relationships between the perpetrators and victims in a war.

And this gets at why I feel so much sympathy for Kreia, even though she is a manipulator who does horrible things. And it is easy to characterize her as a parasite who is feeding off of the Exile's soul in order to survive. Because when you get down to it, Arren Kae was a victim of planetary destruction caused by the Exile. In their own way, the Exile was also a parasite who relied on the destruction of countless lives in order to end the Mandalorian War. Like the rich family in Parasite, the Exile fed on people's suffering, even if that suffering was so harmful to the Exile that they cut themselves off from the Force.

When Kreia re-awakens the Force in the Exile, she also forces the Exile to confront their parasitic effect on the galaxy, even at the cost of becoming a parasite herself. And the surprising aspect of this is that Kreia still loves the Exile and finds hope in them in spite of the harm they've caused, even to herself. I'd say that the central question of KotOR 2 is something like, "What does it mean to love and honor the people we kill?" A light-side run of KotOR 2 finds hopeful answers to this question, as the Exile's actions help the galaxy heal and the Jedi Order rebuild. Essentially, to love people hurt in the galaxy means putting in the hard work to help them, rather than turning away from them in apathy. 

When it comes to Kreia and the Exile's parasitic relationship, one of the messiest and most complex fictional relationships I've ever seen, the Exile can bring a kind of peace of mind to Kreia, but they cannot escape the burden of killing her. In Kreia's view, this is because she "died long ago" and all there is left to do is for the Exile to finish what they started. To kill Arren Kae again, once more, but this time looking her in the eyes. For Kreia, that is the only honor from you that she wants.

[bookclub4m]

Episode 129 - Non-Fiction Film & TV Books

This episode we’re talking about Non-Fiction Film & TV books! We discuss media about media, self-pity book purchasing, spoilers, and more! Plus: Kakapos!

You can download the podcast directly, find it on Libsyn, or get it through Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast delivery system.

In this episode

Anna Ferri | Matthew Murray | RJ Edwards | Appleberry

Things We Read (or tried to…)

Shit, Actually: The Definitive, 100% Objective Guide to Modern Cinema by Lindy West

Ayoade on Top by Richard Ayoade

Movies (and Other Things) by Shea Serrano and Arturo Torres 

Soul Train: The Music, Dance, and Style of a Generation by Questlove

Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and Outright Lies from a Lifetime Writing for The Simpsons by Mike Reiss, Mathew Klickstein

Hollywood vs. the Author edited by Stephen Jay Schwartz

Talking Pictures: How to Watch Movies by Ann Hornaday

The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made by Greg Sestero, Tom Bissell

Richard Ayoade Presents the Grip of Film by Gordy LaSure

Typeset in the Future: Typography and Design in Science Fiction Movies by Dave Addey

Typeset in the Future website

101 Movies to Watch Before You Die by Ricardo Cavolo

How to Watch Television, Second Edition edited by Ethan Thompson and Jason Mittell

Other Media We Mentioned

A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator's Rise to Power by Paul Fischer

Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun (Wikipedia)

Cadillacs and Dinosaurs (Wikipedia)

Samurai Pizza Cats (Wikipedia)

My Pet Monster (Wikipedia)

The A-Team (Wikipedia)

Murder, She Wrote (Wikipedia)

Are You Afraid of the Dark? (Wikipedia)

Goosebumps (TV series) (Wikipedia)

Live from New York: An Oral History of Saturday Night Live by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales

Saturday Night Live (Wikipedia)

The Kids in the Hall: One Dumb Guy by Paul Myers

The Kids in the Hall (TV series) (Wikipedia)

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes

Adventures in the Screen Trade by William Goldman

Which Lie Did I Tell? More Adventures in the Screen Trade by William Goldman

The Fugitive (Wikipedia)

View from the Top (Wikipedia)

The Room (Wikipedia)

2001: A Space Odyssey (Wikipedia)

Alien (Wikipedia)

Star Trek: The Motion Picture (Wikipedia)

Blade Runner (Wikipedia)

Total Recall (Wikipedia)

WALL-E (Wikipedia)

Moon (Wikipedia)

House (TV series) (Wikipedia)

Battlestar Galactica (Wikipedia)

The Video Game History Hour podcast

Decoder Ring - The Soap Opera Machine

Shrill (TV series) (Wikipedia)

Love, Actually (Wikipedia)

List of Hallmark Channel Original Movies (Wikipedia)

33⅓ (Wikipedia)

Criminal Minds (Wikipedia)

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Wikipedia)

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (Wikipedia)

Dredd (Wikipedia)

The Muppets (Wikipedia)

Top Gun (Wikipedia)

Kate Beaton’s Top Gun comics

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Wikipedia)

Star Trek: The Next Generation (Wikipedia)

Armageddon Films FAQ: All That's Left to Know about Zombies, Contagions, Aliens, and the End of the World as We Know It! by Dale Sherman

Links, Articles, and Things

Library Punk episode 014 - Manga

Episode 128 - Plucky Kid Detective

Fanart!

Episode 104 - Entertainment Non-Fiction

Toy Galaxy (YouTube channel)

Lindsay Ellis (YouTube channel)

Amanda the Jedi (YouTube channel)

Jenny Nicholson (YouTube channel)

Every Frame a Painting (YouTube channel)

Postmortem: Every Frame a Painting by co-creator Tony Zhou

Welcome to the Basement

Pushing Up Roses (YouTube channel)

Jacob Geller (YouTube channel)

Letterboxd (Wikipedia)

Demi Adejuyigbe on Letterboxd

Sidewalk Slam - Episode 57 - AEW Revolution 2021 (YouTube)

Kakapo (Wikipedia)

Lego set

Diegesis (Wikipedia)

The Stranger (newspaper) (Wikipedia)

Chuck Klosterman (Wikipedia)

Hanif Abdurraqib (Wikipedia)

24 Film/TV/Video Non-Fiction books by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & People of Colour) Authors

Every month Book Club for Masochists: A Readers’ Advisory Podcasts chooses a genre at random and we read and discuss books from that genre. We also put together book lists for each episode/genre that feature works by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & People of Colour) authors. All of the lists can be found here.

All the Pieces Matter: The Inside Story of The Wire by Jonathan Abrams

“Indian” Stereotypes in TV Science Fiction: First Nations' Voices Speak Out by Sierra S. Adare

Ayoade on Top by Richard Ayoade

Contemporary Black Women Filmmakers and the Art of Resistance by Christina N. Baker

Horror Noire: Blacks in American Horror Films from the 1890s to Present by Robin R. Means Coleman  

The Hollywood Jim Crow: The Racial Politics of the Movie Industry by Maryann Erigha

Framing Blackness: The African American Image in Film by Ed Guerrero

Why Wakanda Matters: What Black Panther Reveals About Psychology, Identity, and Communication by Sheena C. Howard

Something Like an Autobiography by Akira Kurosawa

Our Gang: A Racial History of The Little Rascals by Julia Lee

The Films of Bong Joon Ho by Nam Lee

Moving the Image: Independent Asian Pacific American Media Arts edited by Russell Leong

Farewell My Concubine: A Queer Film Classic by Helen Hok-Sze Leung

Cinema-Interval by Trinh T. Minh-ha

Get Out: The Complete Annotated Screenplay by Jordan Peele

Where Do You Think We Are?: Ten Illustrated Essays About Scrubs by Shea Serrano, illustrated by Arturo Torres

Arab Cinema: History and Cultural Identity by Viola Shafik

Maori Television: The First Ten Years by Jo Smith

Shaded Lives: African American Women and Television by Beretta E. Smith-Shomade

Tribal Television: Viewing Native People in Sitcoms by Dustin Tahmahkera

Soul Train: The Music, Dance, and Style of a Generation by Ahmir Questlove Thompson

Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song: A Guerilla Filmmaking Manifesto by Melvin Van Peebles

Reel Inequality: Hollywood Actors and Racism by Nancy Wang Yuen

I See Black People: The Rise and Fall of African American-Owned Television and Radio by Kristal Brent Zook

Also check out the booklist from our episode on Entertainment Non-Fiction.

Give us feedback!

Fill out the form to ask for a recommendation or suggest a genre or title for us to read!

Which zine do you most want to read? (Twitter poll)

RJ's zine about Love Actually

Anna's zine about Criminal Minds

Matthew's zine about Dredd

Check out our Tumblr, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, join our Facebook Group, or send us an email!

It’s almost time for our annual “We all read the same book” episode. So on Tuesday, July 20th we’ll each suggest and talk about one title and you’ll get to vote for which one we’ll read. (And yes, it will definitely happen this time.)

Then on Tuesday, August 3rd it’s time to jack in and download because we’ll be reading the genre of Cyberpunk!

[aion-rsa]

Monster Madness: Vote for Your Favorite Monsters

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Every season is monster season in our hearts. But this March is a particularly good time to celebrate our enormous, scaly, and/or hairy friends. In the film world, the long-awaited Godzilla v. Kong arrives on March 31. Meanwhile on television, the final season of behemoth anime Attack on Titan is in the midst of its final season right now. Given that many of us are already primed for bracketology in March, we decided to create a bracket of our 32 favorite monsters for you, the monster-lover, to vote on. 

In honor of Godzilla, Kong, and Attack on Titan’s many titans, we’re electing only to include kaiju-style monsters on this bracket. All of these monsters must A. be their own distinct individual (not a species like “cave trolls” or “aliens”) and B. be able to knock down a building (or at least cause catastrophic structural damage). That’s why you won’t see any Universal-style monsters (Frankenstein, Dracula, et. al) on our list.

 If you’re unfamiliar with how a bracket works, never fear – each round we will present monster matchups one-by-one for you to vote on via our Twitter and within this post. The rules here are simple: peruse our list of 16 matchups and vote for your favorite monster. And whether “favorite” means “which monster would win in a fight” or “which monster I like the most” is up to you. 

You can vote over at Den of Geek‘s Twitter or within this post.

Whichever monster receives the most votes will advance to the next round to face another victorious monster. This will lead to five total rounds with round 1 featuring 32 monsters, round 2 having 16, round 3 having 8, round 4 having 4, and round 5 having 2. The full voting schedule will be as follows:

Round 1 (32 monsters) – Voting Opens March 15 (Closes March 16 at 12 p.m. ET)

Round 2 (16 monsters) – Voting Opens March 18 (Closes March 19 at 12 p.m. ET)

Round 3 (8 monsters) – Voting Opens March 22 (Closes March 23 at 12 p.m. ET)

Round 4 (4 monsters) – Voting Opens March 25 (Closes March 26 at 12 p.m. ET)

Round 5 (2 monsters) – Voting Opens March 29 (Closes March 30 at 12 p.m. ET)

Results – March 31

With the monster rules and arena set, let’s get into the round 1 matchups!

Godzilla Region

1. Godzilla vs. 8. The Blob

You know that saying “if you come at the king, you best not miss?” Well in this monster bracket, Godzilla is the king. The big lizard is the iconic kaiju, having appeared in over 30 films and countless other bits of media. Who dares challenge his monster supremacy? The Blob. The Blob is…well, a blob. Best of luck!

2. King Ghidorah vs. 7. Destoroyah

Though Godzilla may be the king of monsters, only one kaiju is bold enough to include “King” in its name. That would be King Ghidorah. This three-headed beast first appeared in the fittingly named 1964 film King Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster. He’s appeared in multiple eras of Godzilla films as an enemy to Godzilla and Mothra. Opposing Ghidorah is Destoroyah, an unholy combination of crab, insect, and bat.

3. Biollante vs. 6. Colossal Titan (Attack on Titan)

Kaiju movies are happy to turn just about anything into a terrifying monster. Case in point is the plant monster Biollante. Despite its rosy origins, Biollante is a fearsome foe to all. Meanwhile the Colossal Titan can knock down just about any wall put in front of it. He’s not the most dangerous titan in Attack on Titan, but he’s unquestionably the most iconic. 

4. Yongary vs. 5. Quetzalcoatl (Q: The Winged Serpent)

Yongary looks quite a bit like Godzilla and that’s by design. The monster was introduced in 1967’s Yongary, Monster from the Deep to rival the success of the iconic monster. Suffice it to say, Yongary did not reach Godzilla heights, but he’s still pretty cool. Its opponent Quetzalcoalt comes from the 1982 film Q: The Winged Serpent. In some ways, Quetzalcoatl is the American answer to Godzilla, drawing from Aztec myth to create a winged beast. 

King Kong Region

1. King Kong vs. 8. El Blanco (Tremors)

Only one monster can challenge Godzilla’s claim to the monster throne. And that’s the MONKE. First appearing in the 1933 film bearing his name, King Kong pre-dates Godzilla by 20 years. He comes from a simpler time where monsters could exist naturally and not as a byproduct from man’s vile nuclear experiments. King Kong rules. Trying to take the gorilla down is El Blanco, a notable graboid from the Tremors film series.

2. Mechagodzilla vs. 7. Hedorah

What could possibly take a big nuclear lizard down? The answer is so simple it’s been staring us in the face all along: a ROBOT lizard. Mechagodzilla was first depicted as an alien in the 1974 film Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla. Since then he’s frequently turned up as a mechanical creation from mankind to keep Godzilla in check. And he does a decent enough job to be considered Godzilla’s archenemy. In this matchup, Mechagodzilla is opposed by Hedorah – who is just a big ol’ pile of toxic sludge. 

3. Anguirus vs. 6. The Mind Flayer (Stranger Things)

Anguirus holds the honor of being the first monster to go toe-to-toe with Godzilla in battle. It didn’t go well for the massive Ankylosaurus but that didn’t keep him from becoming a mainstay in the Toho Godzilla movies. Meanwhile, Stranger Things isn’t hurting for notable monsters, with the Demogorgon being the most well-known. It’s only season 4’s The Mind Flayer, however, who has the strength and size to compete in this tournament. 

4. Kraken (Clash of the Titans) vs. 5. Clover (Cloverfield)

The Kraken has had quite an impressive pop culture run. Who could forget Davy Jones crying “release the kraken!” in Pirates of the Caribbean? The Clash of the Titans version of this monster (both in the 1981 film and its 2010 remake) is undoubtedly the most fearsome. Opposing the Kraken in this competitive 4-5 matchup is the unnamed monster (oft nicknamed “Clover”) from the 2008 found footage movie Cloverfield. Viewers don’t catch many glimpses of Clover but when they do it’s clear he’s among the biggest and most dangerous monsters in the film canon. 

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

Mothra Region

1. Mothra vs. 8. King Caesar 

Mothra is undoubtedly the most famous monster to come out of Toho’s kaiju films aside from Godzilla himself. As her name implies, Mothra is an enormous flying insect inspired by the “imagos” of silkworms. While many of the monsters in this bracket are destructive and villainous by default, Mothra is actually pretty chill and at times darn near heroic. Furred weirdo King Caesar draws the unenviable task of taking Mothra down.

2. Slattern (Pacific Rim) vs. 7. Pateesa (Star Wars)

Aside from the sprawling Godzilla franchise, Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim provides the most potential monster candidates for this list. Given that they’re all confined to one film, however (and make no mistake: there is only one Pacific Rim movie), we’ve opted to choose the most powerful PR kaiju to represent them all. That honor goes to Slattern, the biggest and baddest subterranean monster our heroes encounter. In the other corner is the Rancor (named Pateesa) from Star Wars – Return of the Jedi. Pateesa can be pretty fearsome…as long as there are no gate doors above him.

3. Cthulhu vs. 6. Monster X

H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu is one of the most terrifying monsters in all of literature. In fact, Cthulhu’s appearance is said to be incomprehensible and enough to drive men mad. Well, movies and television have had little issue depicting the Great Old One, with him frequently appearing as a squid monster in everything from 2020’s Underwater to a series of South Park episodes. Lovecraft’s version of Cthulhu would probably be unbeatable, but the film and TV version of him is a fair match. It’s up to Monster X, a skeletal kaiju from 2004’s Godzilla: Final Wars, to take Cthulhu down. 

4. Smaug (The Hobbit) vs. 5. Gwoemul (The Host)

Most of the monsters in this tournament fall a bit short of human intelligence. That is not the case for The Hobbit’s massive dragon Smaug. Smaug is a clever fire drake and possibly the last great dragon in Middle-Earth. He can cause some real destruction, if he can be bothered to leave his treasures unguarded. Meanwhile, Gwoemul is the creature from Bong Joon-ho’s 2006 The Host. It’s also quite smarter than any fish monster has a right to be. 

Rodan Region

1. Rodan vs. 8. Demon (Night of the Demon)

When it comes to Monster Madness battles, the ability to fly is never a bad thing. And that’s partially what makes Toho all-star Rodan so effective. Rodan is one of the Godzilla studio’s “big five” alongside Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah, and Mechagodzilla. That place of honor is well-earned for the irradiated Pteranodon. Rodan has the strength and the skill to go far in this tourney. The eight-seed that will try to stop him is the demon from 1957 British horror film Night of the Demon. Like the Cloverfield monster, this demon is little-scene but still quite powerful. 

2. Gamera vs. 7. Zigra

If you want a sleeper monster on this bracket, look no further than Gamera. This giant prehistoric turtle is a mainstay in kaiju movies and is often known as “The Friend of All Children” or “The Guardian of the Universe.” Alongside Mothra, he is one of the very few monsters willing to stick up for the little guy. His competition, Zigra, on the other hand is a total dirtbag. Gamera and Zigra’s matchups go way back to the 1971 film Gamera vs. Zigra. Gamera handled Zigra quite easily then. Can the loveable terrapin succeed again? 

3. Megalon vs. 6. Gyaos

Megalon is a mainstay of monster comics who has also enjoyed a couple of film appearances. He’s yet another insectoid-style kaiju but he also brings some awesome drill arms to the table. Opposing Megalon this round will be Gyaos. Gyaos is a bat-like kaiju who first got a shot at monster-stardom in 1967’s Gamera vs. Gyaos. He was treated quite shabbily in that but perhaps he has a shot against this new opponent. 

4. Gigan vs. 5. Reptilicus

This bracket already had some alien cyborg representation with Mechagodzilla but you know what they say “you can never have enough alien cyborgs.” Thankfully, Gigan is around. This red-eyed, be-chromed monster first appeared in the 1972 film Godzilla vs. Gigan. He’s since popped up in several more movies to give Godzilla a hard time. The monster that hopes to take Gigan down is Reptilicus, a sea serpent, who hails from a 1961 Danish-American movie bearing his name.

The post Monster Madness: Vote for Your Favorite Monsters appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3tmFrzP

[j-hobi-hoe]

get to know me tag!

tagged by: @dontbeafuckingdicktopeople thanks gorgeous! 💖💖

rules: answer 30 questions and tag people you would like to get to know better

gender: girl

star sign: virgo(Libra cusp)

height 5'9"

favorite bands: BTS, GOT7, BlackPink, Bastille, Fall Out Boy,

favorite solo artists: Hyuna, Tegan and Sara, Lorde, all my bts boys when they do anything on their own, and I think I’d be a bad gay if I didn’t say Hayley Kiyoko

current favorite song: ahh omg I don’t think I really have one tbh it changes daily. Today I’ve had House of Cards - BTS stuck in my head.

last movie I watched: I actually watch more tv shows than I do movies but I think the last movie I watched was The Last Jedi

last tv show I watched: Strong Girl Bong-Soon

when I created this blog: well this is my side blog and I created it early February but I created my main January 2013

what I post: honestly I just reblog bts posts and when I’m not too tired I will talk in the tags.

last thing I googled: how to check when your Tumblr was made

any other blogs: just my main –> tornintwobysocietalstandards

do I get asks: nah fam but I am down to talk about how great hobi is or how much I enjoy being a lesbian(or literally anything else hit me up, I’ll probably mull over my answer to you for at least 24hrs but don’t think I’ve forgotten you)

following: i follow 678 blogs

favorite colors: blue and pink

average hours of sleep: I go to sleep between 10:30 and 12 and if I don’t have to work in the morning I’ll get up between 9 and 11 but I almost always wake up for between 2 and 4 hours in the middle of the night for an ungodly reason so Idk around 7 or 8 hours??? But I guess they don’t rly count cause I have sleep apnea and I don’t use my sleep machine cause I’m an asshole so

lucky number: I don’t really have one which is probs a bit odd for someone with ocd but I did win a couple of raffles in primary school with the number 131.

instruments: I half learnt the trumpet, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele and double bass. I was good at them but I gave up before I could fail.

what I’m currently wearing: shit fam I wish I were wearing something cooler but I am in my comfy shorts and a little shop of horrors t shirt

how many blankets I sleep with: 1

dream job: ????? Something that doesn’t make me wanna die. Like that’s the dream.

dream trip: I’d love to go to Ireland and South Korea. But my friends talk about going like everywhere so I’ll probably just follow them.

do I have a crush: I don’t know how feelings work so I don’t know how to have a crush ✌

favorite animal: it’s probs birds tbh( I have MANY and I also have my two baby boys tattooed on my ankles so) but I also love those Sun Fish like omg they are so useless how are they even real.

  hair color: I’m known for my blue hair but I recently switched it up to pink with pinky-purple ends.

I will tag @sugamonsta @taepups-words @myloverm @moonlesbianhobi @redheadhobi

[askauskysolo]

Cutscene: The Trial of Luke Skywalker

“Are you okay?” Padme asked softly as they stood outside the Jedi temple.

“I wish Han were here,” Luke whispered, staring up at the large building, “I know what’s coming, mother...I am fully prepared. I kept this for as long as I could...but I’m ready now.”

Padme smiled sadly, putting her hand on his cheek, “You’re so brave, Luke,” she said before pulling him into a hug, “Your sister and I will be waiting just outside.”

Luke pulled away and looked to his sister, “I’ll see you after,” he told her.

Leia just looked away from him, not saying anything.

Luke sighed and started the long walk up to the temple.

Luke watched as his father paced back and forth. He was sitting on a bench, with cloaked people standing around. He didn’t know exactly what their jobs were, really...probably guards.

“You’re not helping,” Luke finally sighed.

Anakin turned to him and the look on his face softened...and he smiled.

“What?” Luke asked.

“Nothing, it’s just…” Anakin laughed quietly, sitting down, “Not long before you were born, I was in this place with your Aunt Ahsoka...and she said the exact same thing to me.”

Luke smiled weakly, “Well, she made it through...guess it can’t be that bad,” he shrugged.

“Ahsoka had reason to be proven innocent...she had the opportunity to go back,” Anakin told him, “Luke, you will never have another opportunity to become a Jedi.”

“And I’m okay with that,” Luke told him, “Father, I...I appreciate everything that’s happened. I appreciate how much you believed in me all these years. But I’m in love with Han...I want to have a family with him...and if that means I can’t be a Jedi, so be it.”

Anakin sighed, “Luke-”

A loud BONG! Sounded through the hall.

“Well,” Luke said, standing up and smiling weakly, “Shall we?”

Anakin just sighed again, putting his arm around him briefly in comfort before letting him go, “When it is time, the platform will raise. You’ll face trial for the Jedi Council.”

“A trial for being engaged?” Luke snorted under his breath as the platform rose up. He watched as his father got smaller, as the platform raised.

He rolled his eyes when he saw Obi-Wan, “What an unbiased trial.”

“Luke,” Obi-Wan just sighed, shushing him the best he could.

Luke looked around and crossed his arms, “Let’s just get this over with,” he said simply.

Mace Windu sighed, “Luke Skywalker, you are on trial-”

“Naberrie,” Luke corrected.

“What?” Mace demanded.

“Luke Skywalker Naberrie,” he told him, “My name. You got it wrong.”

Mace sighed, “Luke Skywalker Naberrie,” he said, putting emphasis on his second last name, “You are on trial for breaking the code of the Jedi Council. How do you plead?”

“Well,” Luke acted like he was thinking about it, “I don’t think I should have to plead guilty for being engaged. So...not guilty.”

Mace sighed, “Luke-”

“Explain to me why I should have to plead guilty for being engaged!” Luke snapped, getting angry, “It doesn’t make any sense! I’ve trained since the time I could walk!”

“A part of the Jedi Code, it is,” Yoda told him from his seat.

“There is no emotion, there is peace,” Plo Koon repeated the line from the code.

“And you’re telling me that you feel no attachment to anything?” Luke asked, “No attachment to your padawan, no attachment to each other? I don’t believe that for a minute!” he snapped, “And-”

“Silence!” Mace snapped at him.

Luke crossed his arms before he finally took a deep breath and held out his left hand, “I am proudly engaged to Han Solo. Nothing is going to change that. So skip this trial because we all know it’s only a formality.”

The group went silent for a moment, before Mace spoke up again.

“Padawan Skywalker has broken one of the key rules of the Jedi Code,” he announced as the platform lowered, “And thus, he will be expelled from the Jedi Order.”

“Your Padawan status will be stripped from you,” Ki-Adi-Mundi continued, “And you shall forfeit all rank and privileges within the Jedi Council.”

The platform finally came to the ground and Luke was facing his father again.

“I’m sorry, father,” Luke whispered.

Anakin just pulled him into a tight hug, not saying a word.

Before they could start to walk out, there was yelling by one of the guards.

“You can’t do this!” someone yelled suddenly.

Luke looked up and saw his sister pushing through the guards with all her strength.

Leia ran to the middle of the room, looking up at all the Jedi Masters, “I want to address the order in defense of my brother!” she yelled up at them.

“Our decision final, it is, Padawan Skywalker,” Yoda told her.

“LET ME SPEAK!” Leia yelled, clenching her fists, “Now!”

“Leia,” Luke said quietly.

“Fine,” Leia said, “If you won’t let me up, I’ll do it myself,” she said, raising her hand.

Luke’s eyes widened as Leia raised her hand and gripped it into a fist, causing the platform to move up using the Force on it’s own. He looked up, watching the conversation unfold.

“Leia-” Obi-Wan started.

“No!” Leia snapped, “Let me speak!”

They all fell silent.

“You are the biggest hypocrites in this entire galaxy!” Leia yelled, “You claim to be peacemakers, but there is no way that you can do that without love and compassion! You claim that the Chosen One will bring balance to the Force but all you try to do is eliminate the Dark Side!”

“What are you trying do say, Padawan Skywalker? You defend the Dark Side?” Mace asked.

“No,” Leia said, “But the Force...my brother and I, we’ve studied since we were young. The Force wants balance, we all know that...but the only way to do that, is if both Dark and Light exist. You can’t just continue to try to eliminate and call yourself peacemakers!” she took a shaky breath, “You say you’re fighting for peace...but who’s definition of peace is it?”

They all fell silent.

Leia yanked the necklace off of her neck, “If you take my brother’s status...you can take mine as well,” she threw it up to Obi-Wan, “Think about what I said...I have no interest in continuing to learn under war generals,” she said before jumping down and landing on her feet.

“Leia, I-” Luke breathed out in shock.

“Not here,” Leia said, grabbing his hand, “Come on,” she said before running out of the room.

Luke hurried to keep up with her and keep his grip on her hand. They ran out of the temple and into the light.

“I can’t believe you did that,” Luke gasped, “Leia, I-”

Leia pulled him into a tight hug, “It was a long time coming, Luke,” she said, “We don’t need them...they needed us.”

Luke pulled away and put his hands on her shoulders, “What do you mean?”

“Our father was never the Chosen One,” Leia told him, “We are. They needed us and now they don’t have us. They want us to destroy the Sith...and we aren’t going to do that.”

Luke looked confused, “What are we going to do then? Befriend them?” he laughed weakly.

“We’re going to bring balance to the Force,” Leia told him, “Real balance, not their interpretation of it.”

“Leia, I-” Luke started.

“Luke! Leia!” someone called suddenly.

Leia looked up and saw Padme and Anakin running towards them. She touched Luke’s cheek briefly before turning to them.

“Honey,” Padme smiled at her, “I am...so proud of you.”

Leia smiled softly and pulled her into a hug. She looked at her dad over her mother’s shoulder and pulled away, “Well?” she asked.

“I’m...proud of you,” Anakin told her, gaining a surprised look from the twins, “I’m proud of both of you, for how you stood up for your feelings today,” he said, putting his arm around Padme, “I’d like to get back to Naboo now.”

“I can’t,” Leia said simply.

“What?” Luke demanded.

“I have to make a trip to Alderaan,” Leia told them, “I have something I need to do.”

[kwispayne]

The Top 10 Films Of 2020

While it was easier for musicians to put music out this year, sadly the film world came to a halt. Thankfully streaming services came to the rescue, but it is sad to see the cinemas being put on hold. Hopefully this changes.

So before I begin, this is my list and I am going by if it was released this year in cinemas, DVDs or streaming. I haven’t seen all films this year, but I would love your suggestions.

10. The Invisible Man (Leigh Whannell)

It's funny that this came from the failed Universal universe. I was cautious with this one because I know how studio's can ruin a movie. I was so happy to see Leigh Whannell was behind this, as his most recent movie Upgrade was nearly in my top list the year it was released. And he thankfully saved this possible schlock into an incredibly enjoyable and well crafted film. Taking the original concept with a modern update it slowly morphs into a nail biting psychological thriller and horror. And cast wise this film is fantastic, with Elizabeth  Moss giving a fantastic performance. This movie surprises me a lot and I can't wait to watch it again.

9.  The Platform (Galder Gaztelu-Urritia)

With the original premise, I was already hooked with this one. Design wise, this film is insane with its scope. You can smell the blood, shit and food waste as it's thrown on your screen. Story wise the film is fantastic. Some of the interpretations near the end are rather open ended, but the journey to it is worth the watch.

8.  Color Out Of Space (Richard Stanley)

Nicholas Cage in a film based on a H.P Lovecraft novel. Fuck yea. Yes I know, the film's guilty pleasure sound is what attracted me to it, but this is a genuine creative spectacle. While Cage does his...well...he milks llamas in it, the story itself is enjoyable. But the real highlight of this movie comes from it's special effects and design. I am a sucker for 80's body horror, and this movie is a total love letter to the days of Cronenberg and Carpenter. Come for the Cage, stay for the gore.

7.  Knives Out (Rian Johnson)

I do feel sorry for Rian Johnson. He went into the Star Wars world with a big bag of ideas, but no one wanted to listen to him. Now, I'm not going to say much about The Last Jedi without fear of getting stabbed, but he is a great filmmaker, and this only proves it. The screenplay he crafted on this is very intelligent, and his direction is very impressive. Cast wise he was able to get a great ensemble, with fantastic performances from Daniel Craig & Chris Evans. The watchability isn't as enjoyable as your first time, but it's still a very enjoyable film.

6.  The Personal History Of David Copperfield (Armando Iannucci)

I have been a fan of Iannucci's comedies for years now, but his directing chops have never fully been shown. The Death Of Stalin showed his ability at using budget well, but this re telling of the Dicken's classic takes a well known story and adds so much color and imagination. Some scenes I thought we very Michel Gondry like but without being too much of an imitation. The ensemble cast too is perfect, with great performances from Dev Patel, Peter Capaldi, Hugh Laurie & Ben Whishaw. Dickens isn't usually my bag, but this movie had so much heart behind it, which is very surprising coming from Iannucci who usually takes the satirical approach, rather than the family friendly way.

5. Soul (Pete Docter)

Pixar's secret and best west weapon is back. I definitely think the best way to describe Docter's style is that he's the western version of Hayao Miyazaki, but instead of verging into the magical and fanatical world, he creates fantastic re interpretations of philosophical constructs. And this time, the world he creates and the imagery used is so unique and enjoyable. And even just as a comedy, this easily passes the 6 laugh test. But this movie has such heart and character, and could be enjoyed easily by all ages. The fantastic voice cast also adds to it's character with a great lead performance from Jamie Foxx and the rest of the ensemble (my personal favorites being Graham Norton, Richard Ayoade & Rachael House).

4.  The Lighthouse (Brian Eggers)

Egger's last film The Witch was another film that was so close off my list the year it came out. I was looking forward to this film so much, having always been a fan of Willem Dafoe's acting talents. And finding out he will be locked mostly in a room with Robert Pattinson only made me enjoy it more. The screenplay itself is very impressive, but the direction behind it is really what grabs my attention. The odd use of imagery and absolute insane performances from the 2 leads makes this a film not to be missed. In many ways this reminds me of when Lars Von Trier was a competent film maker, you know, before he went very far up his own arse. I will definitively be quoting some of this films' oddest lines and moments for years to come.

3.  Parasite (Bong Joon-hoo)

Wow...the Oscar's got it right again. And it's a foreign film too. For years I have been flying the flag for Korean visionaries, and Joon-Hoo has always been at the top (usually always just behind Park Chan-Wook) of who I recommend. But finally, he has made his masterpiece. The screenplay is mostly flawless but the direction is the real key here. And I would recommend anyone who is interested in this movie to check out how it was made, because some of the production behind it all is debatbly genius or insane. Also a movie is nothing without it's cast, and all 10 of the main cast act against each other with such showman ship, it's almost as if Tarantino was playing them off each other.

2. The Nightingale (Jennifer Kent)

A film to me, in order to really get my attention has to emotionally effect me. Jennifer Kent is a masterful filmmaker when it comes to this. While dealing with depression in her last horror masterpiece The Babadook, she now makes her mark with one of the most interesting revenge films ever made. Without going into too much detail, the plot and history of this tale is harrowing to say the least. Also image and performance wise, this movie will scar you in many ways. Aisling Franciosi's lead performance is incredibly captivating throughout, but a lot of attention also has to be given to Baykali Ganambarr and one of the most twisted villains on screen I have seen portrayed by Sam Claflin. I would advise caution before watching this because it is a lot, but it's worth the plunge.

1.  Jojo Rabbit (Taika Waititi)

As I said previously, a movie has to really emotionally affect me to get my attention. When I first saw this movie, my own personal life wasn't the best, and while living in a rather hopeless world, this film was able to give me a little bit more hope in a world so consumed by hate. And I know there has been some controversy behind this due to it's subject material, but I have been a fan of Waititi's comedy for years now and one thing I know about him is that behind his goofy demeanor, one ability he has is to treat sensitive material with the the right amount of parody and heart. And his own cartoonish performance as a childish yet demanding Hitler is incredibly enjoyable but incredibly effective. Cast wise, the adults as always give their best, with amazing performances from Scarlet Johansson, Stephen Merchant & Sam Rockwell but the younger cast of Roman Griffin Davis & Thomasin McKenzie are the real heart and soul of this movie. Another time the Oscar’s got it right.

[starwarsnonsense]

The Best Films of 2017 - Mid-Year List

There have already been many great films so far this year, so I felt it worth doing a run down of my favourite films of the year so far. These all reflect the cinema releases we’ve had so far in the UK in 2017 - for that reason this list includes some films that were released in the US in 2016. Enjoy, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the best films of the year so far!

Honourable mentions: Their Finest, Colossal, Gifted

1. Get Out, dir. Jordan Peele

This film really knocked me for six, to such an extent that I simply had to see it twice in the cinema. It got even better upon a re-watch, when I was able to watch it with full knowledge of the characters’ underlying motives and the things to come. It’s a terrifying concept (the racism of an all-white suburb is taken to a horrifying extreme) executed with incredible panache, and you feel every emotion that Chris goes through thanks to Daniel Kaluuya’s excellent performance. Get Out also represents one of the most brilliantly communal experiences I’ve ever had at the cinema - I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say that the audience erupted into spontaneous applause at a key moment in the climax. Simply fantastic. 

2. The Handmaiden, dir. Park Chan-wook

This film is exquisite - it’s first and foremost a beautiful boundary-smashing love story, and an absolutely marvellous tale of female defiance. It transplants Sarah Waters’ novel Fingersmith to 1930s Korea, and the story is effortlessly adapted to become intrinsically interwoven with its new setting. Sookee is a talented pickpocket plucked from a thieves den and sent as a handmaiden to trick a rich heiress into falling for a conman. To say any more would spoil the twists, but this film is just a masterwork of suspense, keeping you guessing throughout a series of interlocking pieces that take their time to reveal their secrets. I’ve seen the theatrical cut and the extended version, and they’re both great - you’re in for a treat with either.

3. Jackie, dir. Pablo Larrain

This is a film that soars on the strength of Natalie Portman’s incredible performance, which is complemented by Mica Levi’s haunting score. Portman’s performance is painfully vivid, with her agony and wretchedness coming through so intensely that it’s often uncomfortable to watch. Jackie is probably the best portrait of grief I’ve ever seen, and it sucks you into a famous historic event by providing an incredibly intimate perspective on it. This is great cinema, but be prepared for suffering.

4. A Cure for Wellness, dir. Gore Verbinski

This is a delightfully strange Gothic fairy tale of a film, and I’m amazed and impressed that a Hollywood studio gave Gore Verbinski a budget sufficient to pull it off with such beauty and style. I’ve seen this film attract love and hate in equal measure, but I adore it - the trailers set you up for a rehash of Shutter Island, but nothing could be further from the truth beyond the isolated setting. If I had to compare this to anything, I would compare it to Roger Corman’s Poe cycle of films from the 1960s - it has a similarly lurid sensibility and a deep-seated sense of fantastic romanticism at its core. Great if you’re after something uncompromisingly bonkers.

5. Wonder Woman, dir. Patty Jenkins

This film represented pure joy for me - I couldn’t have anticipated how emotional I was going to get at witnessing a (wonder!)woman crossing No Man’s Land and deflecting bullets with her bracelets. This simultaneously rejects the wry self-awareness of the Marvel films and the grim self-importance of the previous DC movies, instead unabashedly depicting a superhero who triumphs thanks to her overriding belief in love and compassion. Patty Jenkins adds endless little touches - from funny moments to quiet scenes where characters talk simply to learn about each other - that enrich the film and make it feel vivid and intimate in a very rare and special way.

6. Silence, dir. Martin Scorsese

This is truly the work of a master filmmaker, and it represents a stunning artistic achievement and a moving and intelligent investigation of the threshold of faith. Scorsese tried to get this made for decades before finally succeeding, and his passion for and belief in the project shine through in every painstakingly crafted frame. Silence is equal parts beauty and brutality, and it uses this contrast to illuminate the painful questions that the faithful must ask themselves when faced with the harsh reality of the present world. It’s heavy stuff, but well worth your time if you’re up for a film that raises more questions than it answers.

7. In This Corner of the World, dir. Sunao Katabuchi

I had no idea this film existed until a few days before I saw it, but I was really struck by its poetic treatment of the joys and tragedies of life. This film follows a young bride who moves to live with her husband’s family in WWII-era Japan, and while it deals unflinchingly with the trauma and horror of war - particularly the bombing of Hiroshima - it’s also surprisingly funny and ultimately hopeful. The power of this film comes through in the little moments of human connection and the way that the full potential of animation is exploited to maximum effect.

8. La La Land, dir. Damien Chazelle

A lovely ode to the classic Hollywood musical, La La Land is a technical marvel that sticks with me because of its heart and humanity (those words are recurring a lot, right?). It tells a very small story of a love affair between two dreamers in Hollywood, but it feels much bigger than them because of the way in which their story is told. La La Land draws from influences across the spectrum of cinema, and its homages to the classics are joyful and loving. The final ‘what might have been’ sequence represents the perfect marriage of raw emotion and filmmaking virtuosity. 

9. Okja, dir. Bong Joon-ho

Not many films can balance flatulence jokes with uncompromising critique of capitalist greed, but Okja pulls it off with aplomb. The core story hinges on the innocent and endearing friendship between a young girl named Mija and a bio-engineered super pig called Okja, and the film succeeds because you totally buy their connection and desperately want the two of them to have their wish and live together in the mountains. I'm delighted that Netflix gave Bong Joon-ho a platform to make such a weird beast.

10. Logan, dir. James Mangold

Logan may be bleak, but that isn’t what makes it great - Logan is fantastic cinema because it remembers that superheroes are still people who struggle with their own souls as much as super-villains. This film features the best character work managed in any of the X-Men films, and Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart and - in particular - Dafne Keen give heart-rending performances that really ground the film and give it an emotional core. I hope we get more superhero films like this, and that the takeaway from it for the industry is the importance of stressing character rather than frantic spectacle.

Most anticipated films still to come: War for the Planet of the Apes, Valerian and the City of A Thousand Planets, Dunkirk, The Beguiled, Mother!, Logan Lucky, Blade Runner 2049, Murder on the Orient Express, The Shape of Water, Annihilation, Star Wars: The Last Jedi

[internetmemeofficial]

Tag!

I was tagged by @realityisajoke thank you!!!

(Rules: tag 9 people you’d like to get to know better!)

- Relationship status: I’m not in a relationship but I do really want one.

- Chapstick or Lipstick: I like chapstick more, but I own like 100000 nude lipsticks and never wear them. Whoops.

- Favorite colors: Blue, Black, Teal, and Purple.

- Last song I listened to: I Wait by Day6

- Last movie I saw: Star Wars The Last Jedi. I’ve literally only seen the 3 most recent movies, but my dad dragged me to the VIP theatre so I got to drink. The movie was good, and I dislocated my jaw during the middle of it though. 🙃

- Top 3 TV shows: I don’t watch much Western TV anymore because I found out KDramas are leagues better and actually have a good plot. I like Jane the Virgin, Stranger Things, and... Well that’s it. I liked only Season One of Riverdale.

- Top 3 TV shows (Korean): Only 3? no way. Strong Woman Bong Soon, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, Descendants of the Sun, To The Beautiful You, and Scarlet Heart Reyo. I’m currently watching I’m Not a Robot and Just Between Lovers. Both are so good.

- Top 3 bands/artists: Marianas Trench, MCR, and Palaye Royale.

- Top 3 Bands/artists (Korean): EXO and Seventeen are my ult. Groups. I like BTS as well. BigBang, Shinee, and Super Junior have a special place in my heart because that’s how I actually DISCOVERED KPop, but I never really knew names or anything back then.

- Books I’m currently reading: I’m re-reading ‘All The Bright Places’ By Jennifer Niven, my fave book.

@whimsical-ness @exo-life-kpop @riverpride @isotuan @obviouslynotkpoptrash @googlebts @kpoptart216 @cowjimin @multifandom-hoes

You don’t have to do it if you don’t want to!

[blockingtheshot]

Top 15 films of 2017

Yeah Twin Peaks: The Return was better than all of these but wygd? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

15. Good Time

A pulse-pounding neon-soaked descent into hell, Good Time has a classic setup of a robbery gone wrong, but it’s the breathtaking way the Safdie brothers stage it that truly sets this story apart. A completely unrecognizable Robert Pattinson stars as Connie Nikas, a demented, strung-out criminal searching for a way to break his brother out of Riker’s Island only to be sidetracked by his own vices and incompetencies. You simply can’t take your eyes off it.

14. Okja

Every film by Bong Joon-Ho has an uncanny ability to whiz by so effortlessly and his latest creature feature is no exception. Crafting a significantly more sympathetic beast than in his earlier The Host, Okja is a classic tale of human/animal friendship in the vein of E.T.. But make no mistake, Okja is a pointed satire of the giant capitalist racket that is the meat industry. It never sacrifices the good story whilst still delivering this message however, and Okja will tug at your heartstrings as well as thrill your inner action junkie.

13. Logan

In a year full of very fine superhero films (Wonder Woman and Thor: Ragnarok come to mind) Logan easily towered over the rest. Anchored by two excellent performances by longtime Wolverine Hugh Jackman as well as Patrick Stewart as an aging Professor X, James Mangold proved a good story told well eclipses the novelty of a cinematic universe any day. It’s a stirring climax to a franchise that desperately needed an injection of pathos.

12. The Shape of Water

Guillermo del Toro has proven he’s the most versatile maker of monsters in this medium, and he returns on a smaller scale to tell this fantastic fairy tale about a webbed fish-man and the mute woman who falls in love with him. It may stick a little closer to formula than some might like, but it makes up for this with some brilliant performances from the entire cast, especially Sally Hawkins as protagonist Eliza and Richard Jenkins as her equally lonely best friend. It’s a film that only Del Toro could make and he imbues it with his signature amount of heart to make it a lovely fairy tale.

11. Personal Shopper

Personal Shopper is a not a film eager to divulge its mysteries. A dreamy, creepy exterior covers the heart of this film that’s really a gut-wrenching portrait of grief. Kristen Stewart is at her absolute best as a grieving sister moonlighting as a personal shopper for a member of the Paris elite. Her descent into paranoia and madness is both spine-tingling and mesmerizing and the ending will knock you out.

10. John Wick: Chapter Two

The original John Wick was a welcome and pulpy surprise return to form for action maestro Keanu Reeves, but its sequel goes for broke in a way that pays off in a way I doubt anyone could have expected. The action is bolder, the stakes are even higher, and Wick’s society of assassins becomes deeper and more interesting than it had any right to be.

9. Call Me By Your Name

A tender, beautiful romance set in the heart of northern Italy, Call Me By Your Name will make you long for the dog days of summer and pine for the caress of a lost love. Both Timothee Chalamet and Armie Hammer give Oscar-caliber performances as two star-crossed lovers who share one sweet summer together. The exceptional screenplay by James White makes it feel so authentic and the haunting songs by Sufjan Stevens will make sure this is not a film that will leave your soul any time soon. 

8. Phantom Thread

One of the film industry’s most unique voices, Paul Thomas Anderson seems to challenge his own ambitions with every new film he creates and Phantom Thread is no exception. Set in post-WWII London, Daniel Day-Lewis (in his alleged final performance) plays dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock who falls in love with the young ingenue Alma, played to perfection by Vicky Krieps. To get too far deep into the plot would spoil the magic, but Phantom Thread is one of Paul Thomas Anderson’s funniest, quirkiest and most elegant movies he’s made in his incredible career.

7. Get Out

To harp too long on the timeliness and sharpness of Get Out’s societal commentary may be natural, but can do a disservice to just how tightly and expertly it executes as a thriller. Yes, Jordan Peele’s script contains some of the sharpest barbs towards white society in the Trump era, but it would be just as thrilling without them. Get Out is one of the best horror films in years and the future is blindingly bright for Jordan Peele’s directing career.  

6. After The Storm

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s After the Storm is an incredibly endearing tale of an ordinary Japanese family, a relationship drama about a man trying to do right by his ex-wife, his son and his aging mother. Full of humor, incredible performances and a bittersweet melancholiness to the whole affair, this is the cinematic equivalent of a warm hug that will leave you misty-eyed. Don’t miss this one now that it’s made its way to Amazon Prime.

5. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

What better way to characterize the year that was 2017 than failed resistances, distrust in old institutions and everything going to hell in a handbasket. If being that thematically resonant was all The Last Jedi was able to accomplish, it would still be a fine movie. But Rian Johnson’s assured direction and script full of zippy and wonderful dialogue made sure The Last Jedi is of the finest entries in the entire saga.

4. Dunkirk

In many ways, Dunkirk is a film that Christopher Nolan’s entire career has been building towards. A ticking clock in three concentric circles, Dunkirk dramatizes the thrilling escape of one of the most pivotal moments of World War II by telling the story from land, sea and air. Dunkirk is much more than its narrative gimmick, however, as this is easily one of the most tense hour and forty minutes you can endure on the big screen. Its editing of each dramatic escape is simply thrilling and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema makes us of every inch of detail the 70mm IMAX cameras can capture. Seek out a 70mm screening before it’s too late as it may be the best theater experience out there.

3. Blade Runner 2049

Even with people as talented as Denis Villeneuve, Roger Deakins and Ryan Gosling onboard, it was going to take quite a bit of quality for this to be a worthy sequel to arguably the most seminal piece of science fiction cinema ever. And yet Blade Runner 2049 is a stunning work. Rarely is a blockbuster of this size so hypnotic, meditative and thoughtful, and rarely does a sequel come so close to eclipsing its original.

2. Baby Driver

There’s no one making movies today quite like Edgar Wright does, and Baby Driver is but the latest shining example of a master at work. Wright made a movie for all of us who drum on our steering wheel too much, stay in the car a little extra to finish a great tune of air guitar, or need an extra "HEY" to pull out our earphones. This is a symphony of action, hilarity and pure filmmaking bliss set to a delightful soundtrack with editing that is head-spinningly frantic. Frankly you won’t have more fun watching a movie than Baby Driver. 

1. Lady Bird

Coming-of-age films have a tendency to ring a little hollow if they don’t mirror your own experience or the dialogue feels even just a tiny bit off. Lady Bird avoids every single one of these pitfalls and morphs into some universal while at the same time feeling so singular. Greta Gerwig also wrote the incredible Frances Ha and simply knocks you flat with this as her directorial debut. Each character has just the right amount of quirk while also feeling so authentic in their delivery. Saoirse Ronan is simply perfect as the titular Lady Bird and equally amazing is her mother played by Laurie Metcalf. It’s an odyssey about youth and growing up that will make you both cackle with laughter and leave you misty-eyed with tears. 

[ahnmin]

12 Favorite Films of 2017

12. mother!

One of the things I admire most in filmmakers is a fearless commitment to realize their vision, no matter how deranged. During this movie’s apeshit third act, I kept wondering how the hell Aronofsky pulled it off. It becomes more and more unhinged, continually toppling my expectations. And all in service of a singular message howling across the movie theatre. Some people love it, others loathe it, but the reason why reactions have been so strong is because the filmmaker straight up went for it.

11.  War for the Planet of the Apes A striking portrait of a leader during crisis and how the surrounding conflicts and responsibilities shape them. I love how it’s a journeying western that flows into a prison break. The fact that Caesar is fully CGI is worth noting for how invisible it is. For once, CGI is not concealer, it is the brush stroke.

10. On the Beach at Night Alone Is it possible to be nakedly brave and selfishly vain at the same time? Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee decide to go so far and so deep into their personal lives as to be wildly radical both in Korea’s lynch mob celebrity culture and in the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

9. Graduation Moral quandaries are to Cristian Mungiu as salmon is to a master sushi chef. He slices the morality into perfect slabs, cutting against the grain to release maximum ambiguity and dissecting them into their smallest possible components. Here, he sharpens his knife against parenting, governing systems, and the rules involved. Many long unbroken takes of two people verbally jousting along with well-paced editing tell a story of how rules, though meant to maintain order, cannot be blindly followed.

8. Get Out This movie is not just an intellectual exercise aimed to impale the fraudulent do-gooder majority. Though as proven by now, it is magnificently that. I think what makes it so successful in its execution and atomic bomb reception is that it is a haphazard napalm strike straight from the gut of Jordan Peele. Of course it is encased in a genius strategy, but I believe the emotional battle cry is what drives it all the way into the skulls and sternums of people everywhere who need to wake the fuck up.  

7. Dunkirk Yes, I saw this in IMAX 70mm. Twice. The sheer size of the image was all engulfing. But that conceit alone isn’t enough to cover a feature narrative. It’s the virtuosic filmmaking—the impossible agility of the elephantine IMAX camera, the clarity of time-space editing between Land, Sea, and Air, the concisely written and staged wordless sequences—that maximizes this survival story into a visceral and unforgettable experience.

6. After the Storm “Did you become who you wanted to be?” a son asks his father. He contemplates the question, wondering what to say to his son while unable to pay child support, unsuccessful in winning back his ex-wife, and finding himself penniless just like his own late father. Are we bound to make the same mistakes as our parents or can we break free and become who we want to be? This movie doesn’t have any simple answers but it dares to wrestle with those complicated questions.

5. The Shape of Water This movie doesn’t just highlight flaws, it unashamedly celebrates them. Through a restlessly floating camera, a magnificent use of color, and a shimmering performance by Sally Hawkins, it lifts those flaws until the things we find embarrassing and the things we hide in fear ultimately transcend their “limitations” and elevate to what they truly are: signs of unexplainable beauty.

4. Phantom Thread Speaking of flaws, we are as much drawn to each other in relationships by our annoying quirks as we are by our admirable strengths. With a dizzyingly well-placed camera, a gorgeous score, and a powerhouse trifecta of performances, Phantom Thread showcases the complex nature of romance and how sometimes, more than our kindness and vulnerability, it is our longing to be needed and taken care of that messily glue us together.

3. Okja Just like Ahn Seo-hyun sprinting relentlessly through the running time, the movie follows suit in a rocket launch of mayhem, bizarre humor, political satire, and most precious of all, familial love. With pristine creature effects, Okja is given the proper heft and tangibility to deeply express all the nuances and specificity of her sisterhood with Mija. Taking a cue from Spielberg, Bong Joon-ho uses that sacred relationship to ground this zany globe-trotting (pun intended) adventure, and that is what I love about all his films. In whatever mode or tone they’re in, the beating heart is full of warmth and intimacy, and then on top of that he layers the exciting genre elements and excellent filmmaking craft. Okja is no different because the camera swings around like a beautifully controlled acrobat, the blocking/staging is always sensational and adroitly choreographed, and the wildly fluctuating tones are well managed and coalesced into a single piece. Finally, shout-out to Steven Yeun for being the perfect embodiment of the clash of East and West in a role that only someone with his distinct upbringing and Hollywood clout could play.

2. Mudbound With the cascade of different narrators weaving throughout, this movie is about equality—not just equal rights, but an equal depth of pain and an equal potential to love. Everyone is given a moment to shine or be humiliated without any judgement or bias. The characters collide and harmonize in deft handheld camerawork and dug-from-the-earth production design. And it’s in that egalitarian landscape that makes the horrific inequality all the more devastating. Also there’s a reunion scene with a son coming back home from war and being embraced by his father that made me cry harder than anything I watched this year.

1. Blade Runner 2049 I love the extremely impressionistic photography, the glorious production design, the deliberate pacing, and the wild abandon of Denis Villenueve to take a beloved franchise and make it his own. But it’s my favorite of the year because for me, it’s about sacrifice. Everyone has a Messianic complex and wants to save the world. But being Christlike doesn’t mean to be spotlit as the Chosen One—that is the dream of the Narcissist. Genuine transcendence and generosity come from giving up that position and downgrading yourself so that another could be given that seat of honor. And in today’s climate of megalomania and self-aggrandizing fanaticism, a little bit of selfless sacrifice could be of use.  ----------------------------------------

Honorable Mentions:

20. The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) - One of the funniest movies of the year. Baumbach shows a new level of confidence in his bombardment of dialogue and exploration of ridiculous family dynamics.

19. Gerald’s Game - Well-crafted, well-written intimate terrifying single room thriller. 18. I don't feel at home in this world anymore. - Well-crafted, well-written intimate quirky comedic thriller. 17. Split - Shyamalan continues to get his groove back.

16. Gook - Stunning debut film filled with tons of heart in under-seen contexts.

15. The Lost City of Z - The tension between chasing your dreams and fulfilling your duties.

14. Baby Driver - An unhinged musical made with a stunning command of craft.

13. Star Wars: The Last Jedi - Rian Johnson crafts a meta narrative out of the most famous film franchise in history, infusing his own anxious ambition to leave the past behind in order to become a trailblazer.

[chicagoindiecritics]

New from Robert Daniels on 812 Film Reviews: 812filmreviews’ Top 25 Films of 2019

2019 is coming to an end, and because of such, I’ve put together my Top 25 Films of the Year. It’s the third time I’ve made such a list, and over the course of twelve months I’ve visited nine film festivals and watched nearly 250 movies. So suffice to say, there were more than a few worthy candidates.

Nevertheless, a couple items to take note of before you begin reading: There Nevertheless, a couple items to take note of before you begin reading: There are no entries for documentaries on this list. Inevitably, with these countdowns many fine docs are overlooked in lieu of narrative features and I’d rather not forget those works. I’ll have a separate top ten in the coming days specifically for documentaries. Additionally, only films that have had a wide release were included.

The list you’re about to read is an assemblage of foreign language, Independent cinema, and Blockbusters, and also features a variety of voices: emerging and established, men and women, Black, Asian, Latin, and white. Most of all, they’re the works that have resonated with me the most. That is to say, this is not an objective “Best Of.” These are my favorites. For the films you don’t know or haven’t watched, I hope you take the time to find them because believe me they’re worth the journey. Having said that, below are the honorable mentions and below them—the Top 25. Thank you for 2019, and I hope to see you next year. 

–Robert Daniels

Honorable Mentions

A Hidden Life, Clemency, Gloria Bell, Invisible Life, Light from Light, The Lighthouse, Monos, The Nightingale, Queen & Slim, The Report, Slut in a Good Way, This is Not Berlin, Toy Story 4, Uncut Gems, Under the Silver Lake, Us, and Vitalina Varela.

25. Burning Cane (Phillip Youmans)

Debuting at the Tribeca Film Festival, and taking top honors, Phillip Youmans’ Burning Cane not only surveyed the rarely examined Southern Baptist Church, the evocative picture also serves as the first salvo of a new exciting voice. Youmans, an evolving 19-year old filmmaker, presses against issues of toxic masculinity and hypocrisy in an involving and thrilling debut.

Where to watch: Netflix

24. Them That Follow (Britt Poulton and Dan Madison Savage)

A brilliant cast comprised of Kaitlyn Dever, Olivia Colman, Walton Goggins, Lewis Pullman, Jim Gaffigan, and Alice Englert populates another film dissecting the contradictions of zealotry. This time, nestled in a tiny religious community in the Appalachians. Poulton and Savage’s film is a tightening twist of fate, pushing these soon-to-be superstar actors to their breaking points, in an ending that espouses freedom and survival no matter the weight of one’s religious beliefs.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime ($3.99)

23. Midsommar (Ari Aster)

A bear burns, a flower queen rises, and heads are smashed with mallets in a work whose symbolism exemplifies the swing for the fences filmmaking that’s alighted the last two years of cinema. Purely by accident, Ari Aster’s follow-up to Hereditary: Midsommar—is the third film on my end of the year list to examine a secluded religious sect. This one, in Sweden. Blindingly bright cinematography mixes hallucinate effects in a story that examines mental health fueled toward a conclusion that’s quite literally still seared in my head.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime $0.99

22. The Burial of Kojo (Blitz Bazawule)

Lyrical and rule-breaking, Blitz Bazawule’s debut feature The Burial of Kojo is composed through unique camera angles and sumptuous tableaus. A ghost story, the Ghanaian film follows a daughter as she recounts the disappearance of her father and the mysterious reemergence of her uncle in an enthralling picture that examines the colonization of resources by outsiders and income disparity. Poetic and charged, The Burial of Kojo is the nearest thing to a masterpiece by a first-time director.

Where to watch: Netflix

21. Bliss (Joe Begos)

You probably never heard of Bliss until about two seconds ago, but I guarantee you won’t ever forget it. I first watched Joe Begos’ fever dream at Cinepocalypse 2019—where I gasped, leapt, and clutched my imaginary pearls to images of drugs and vampires in an enticing homage to Gaspar Noé. Not only that, but Dora Madison also offers one of the best performances of the year in a fly-off-the-handle explosion of overwrought artistic ambitions that often mirrors Nicolas Cage at his height of insanity.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime $3.99

20. Booksmart (Olivia Wilde)

2018 was the year of actors turned directors, and while 2019 hasn’t seen as many performers switch to the main chair, Olivia Wilde’s debut Booksmart certainly fills one’s appetite. A coming of age buddy comedy that’s as much about friendship as breaking up, Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein are more than stars in the making in this milieu of high school drama. Instead, they’ve fully arrived in a film that thrives on Wilde’s teeming ambitions. 

Where to watch: Hulu

19. Climax (Gaspar Noé)

With a Gaspar Noé homage already on the list, it’s only fitting that his Climax would also appear. A fever dream that also flourishes through drugs, this one follows a French dance troupe as they devolve into murderous squabbles and other acts of revenge and violence. No film features a more striking use of color, and the opening dance sequence would be the most thrilling music video of 2019 if it were solely designed as such.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime (free with membership)

18. Atlantics (Mati Diop)

A love affair. A ghost story. A critique on capitalism. A tale of feminist freedom in the face of a controlling religious patriarchy. Mati Diop’s Atlantics manages to accomplish all in an array of sensory compositions that attunes the phantasmagorical components of the story to Senegal’s captivating beach fronts and shanty towns. Grounded yet mysterious, the film’s central star-crossed lovers: Ada and Souleiman, represent a passion that reaches beyond watery graves.

Where to watch: Netflix

17. Dolemite is My Name (Craig Brewer)

I can’t adequately describe the glee and reverence associated with seeing Eddie Murphy back in the kind of star-driven vehicle he was made for, but watching Craig Brewer’s Dolemite is My Name at its world premiere won’t soon be topped. Following Rudy “Ray” Moore in his quest to stardom: first through comedy then cinema, Dolemite is My Name gets better on each watch and features one of the year’s deepest and best ensembles: Craig Robinson, Mike Epps, Keegan-Michael Key, Tituss Burgess, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Wesley Snipes in a scene-stealing return to form.

Where to watch: Netflix

16. Knives Out (Rian Johnson)

After the abuse suffered at the hands of Star Wars fans angry at The Last Jedi, very few people deserved an out-and-out banger of a film than Rian Johnson. Composed as a Columbo mystery occupying an Agatha Christie frame, Knives Out is a perfectly written whodunit. Featuring another deep ensemble, it’s difficult to pick favorites, but both Daniel Craig (who’s always been a wonderful comedic actor) and Ana De Armas are the highlights in a hilarious film that still maintains political relevance through its skewering of MAGA worshipers.

15. The Irishman (Martin Scorsese)

Admittedly, I’m not much of a fan of Scorsese’s early work. I understand its importance and relevance, but his style never clicked with me. However, his late-period films: Hugo, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Silence—have all resonated: Possibly because they demonstrate a firmer hand and greater control of story than his previous pictures, which I often find stylistically brilliant but lacking in the former. The Irishman, Scorsese’s latest film, exemplifies that patience to the tune of 3.5 hours as we follow Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) and his friendships with Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino) and Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) in a historical drama that’s surprisingly funny yet an elegiac whisper carrying loneliness and regret.

Where to watch: Netflix

14. Little Women (Greta Gerwig)

After Greta Gerwig’s incredible success with Lady Bird, I was more than disappointed that she’d be turning to a remake for her follow-up—especially considering said story already had two stirring versions. Nevertheless, her adaption of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is an unabashed success. Perfectly cast—Saoirse Ronan is the best Jo since Katherine Hephburn—the film’s nonlinear retelling sets it apart from prior iterations, while the costumes and score make every scene drip with heart and pure emotion.

13. Parasite (Bong Joon-ho)

Parasite is one of those rare films where someone could spoil the entire plot to you, and it wouldn’t make a difference. Following an entrepreneurial family, so to speak, the picture (along with Knives Out) is another film that critiques the ambivalence of the rich in a twisting tale that constantly takes 180 degree turns. Such is the magic of Bong Joon-ho, a filmmaker whose prior works—Okja, Snowpiercer, and Memories of Murder—have been critically lauded, but who is now finding the mainstream success he richly deserves.

12. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Céline Sciamma)

Shout out to Valerie Complex, who’s probably done more to promote Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire than its own country. Shockingly not Shout out to Valerie Complex, who’s probably done more to promote Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire than its own country. Shockingly not selected as France’s submission for the Academy Awards, Sciamma’s lesbian love story between painter and subject features the most stunning cinematography next to Gaspar Noé’s Climax (an odd comparison, I know) of the year, and a breathtaking use of color. They’re the clear residue of the passion that encapsulates every scene. Gorgeous and alluring, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is the literal overflow of spontaneous emotion.

11. Her Smell (Alex Ross Perry)

I nearly walked out of Her Smell. Following the lead singer (Elisabeth Moss) of an all-girl punk rock group, Alex Ross Perry film is split into three part: the descent, rock bottom, and recovery. The first act is one of the most uneasy watches in 2019, as we watch troubled individual who seems fated I nearly walked out of Her Smell. Following the lead singer (Elisabeth Moss) of an all-girl punk rock group, Alex Ross Perry film is split into three parts: the descent, rock bottom, and recovery. The first act is one of the most uneasy watches of 2019, as we see a troubled individual who seems fated for an early demise. However, his movie soon unfurls itself into madness and then ambivalence before finally concluding with a heartfelt final act that’s so earned it physically hurts, as Moss gives the best performance of her career.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime $1.99

10. The Last Black Man in San Francisco (Joe Talbot)

From a compositionally immaculate opening sequence: replete with beautiful sun-drenched lighting, poetic match cuts, and an exhilarating tracking shot—Joe Talbot’s The Last Black Man in San Francisco offers an endearing friendship between Jimmie Fails and Mont (Jonathan Majors) wrapped in a critique of gentrification and extralegal housing practices. Majors truly gives the best male supporting performance of the year, thoughtfully portraying a man who’s an outsider in his own neighborhood and a nonconformist to the cliche standards of masculinity. The Last BlackMan in San Francisco is never hurried, crafting typically static characters with depth and empathy.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime (free with membership)

9. Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood (Quentin Tarantino)

Part of the old white guy nostalgia fest of 2019, Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood offers another entry into his alt-history trilogy: Inglorious Basterds and Django Unchained. While many have chagrin in the face of Sharon Tate’s storyline remaining in the background—which I actually think might be the best portion of Tarantino’s flick due to Margot Robbie’s incredible performance—the bromance between Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) and Rick Dalton (Leonard DiCaprio) takes center stage. A requiem for a bygone era in Tinseltown, everything from the costumes, production design (especially the vintage cars) and parodies, record a moment that never, yet once existed. Finally, the haunting final shot gives Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood a foreboding yet hopeful detour, claiming the title of Tarantino’s most mature film.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime ($3.99)

8. Honey Boy (Alma Har’el)

Art often acts as a balm, therapy for the troubled soul. Few actors have led as turbulent of a career and life than Shia LaBeouf: from child actor to public performance artist. With Alma Har’el’s Honey Boy he adds screenwriter to his resume too. Here, he plays his real-life father—an emotionally abusive rodeo clown, while Noah Jupe portrays LaBeouf in his earlier years, and Lucas Hedges depicts him during his 20’s. Certain scenes—like LaBeouf chastising Jupe—cuts through repressed layers of trauma while delivering an unnerving truthfulness. Every actor fully commits in this on-screen psychoanalysis that often veers between greatness, and a thankfulness that it exists.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime (free with membership)

7. Luce (Julius Onah)

If you’ve followed me since Sundance, you know that I’ve been the unofficial spokesman of Julius Onah’s gripping and turbulent drama Luce. Adapted from J.C. Lee’s eponymous play, provocative and melodramatic set pieces tussle with issues of toxic masculinity, rape culture, and Black Excellence. Onah’s film witnesses a breakout performance from its lead Kelvin Harrison Jr. in a portrayal as much about repression as raw emotion. Moreover, Octavia Spencer provides the rare instance of her in a slightly villainous role, which pulls the best acting of her career. A ball of disquieted energy detonates with each thump of Geoff Barrow and Ben Salisbury’s score, in the turning of a screw that unwinds into catharsis. Unfairly overlooked, Onah’s Luce is what inclusive filmmaking has been building to. 

Where to watch: Amazon Prime ($5.99)

6. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (Marielle Heller)

After the success of the Mister Rogers’ documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, the needs for a feature film appeared superfluous at best. But the dream combo of Tom Hanks as the famed television personality and the CanYou Ever Forgive Me? filmmaker Marielle Heller, makes for a deeply affecting story of forgiveness. Ingenious creative decisions: specifically the homages to the children’s program, abound while Hanks offers an incredible show of inhabiting the spirit of a character rather than relying on mere artifice. Matthew Rhys as the picture’s surprising lead Lloyd Vogel—a painfully cynical reporter assigned to cover Mister Rogers, also astounds while Chris Cooper (Little Women) remains one of the unsung heroes of 2019.

5. The Farewell (Lulu Wang)

No movie made me cry more than Lulu Wang’s biographical film The Farewell. Following Billi (Awkwafina)—the fictional incarnation of the director—audiences witness a family who make a nearly impossible decision: to withhold a life-ending cancer diagnosis from their mother/grandmother Nai Nai (Zhao Shuzhen, who’s utterly brilliant). Dissecting several cultural off-ramps: Chinese, Chinese-American, and Japanese—through the guise of assimilation, The Farewell is as much about family as  a crucible of truth and identity. The final tracking shot, as Nai Nai waves goodbye is the most devastating soul crushing image of 2019.  

Where to watch: Amazon Prime ($5.99)

4. High Life (Claire Denis)

“Bat-shit crazy,” doesn’t accurately describe Claire Denis’ High Life, a mash-up of art house aesthetics and blockbuster sensibilities. Depicting a literal prison in space, the film centers around a group of death row inmates who have volunteered to serve the rest of their sentence in the name of medical research. This batch of offenders, devolve into murder and masturbation in a provacative swing for the fences. And between fuck boxes and studies of isolation and environmentalism, resides Robert Pattinson’s destructive performance. Already the apple of every indie director’s eye—between Good Time, Damsel, The Lighthouse, etc.—Pattinson delivers a cold yet vulnerable performance as both a violent prisoner yet loving father. Making High Life a mind fuck of a Sci-Fi movie.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime (free with membership)

3. Marriage Story (Noah Baumbach)

Some unions end amicably, and some descend into hurtful words that can’t ever be unsaid. Semi-autobiographical, Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story is a return to familiar territory for the director best known for family dramas. Simply predicated upon a divorce, Charlie (Adam Driver) and Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) are a writer and director from two different coasts (east and west) with a son caught in the middle of their separation.    

Initially, congenial their spats occur with greater frequency and intensity. From top to bottom, no film contains a better assortment of performances. Ray Liotta and Alan Alda both offer attention-grabbing scenes in their few minutes on screen, while Laura Dern as a combative lawyer assumes the camera’s gaze. But most of all, Driver and Johansson offer “wow” moment aFrom top to bottom, no film contains a better assortment of performances. Ray Liotta and Alan Alda both offer attention-grabbing scenes in their few minutes of work, while Laura Dern as a combative lawyer unrelentingly commands the camera’s gaze. But most of all, Driver and Johansson offer “wow” moment after “wow” moment, especially in one scene that’s taken a life of its own: the argument scene. Both enter a new stratosphere, in a movie that asks us to do what these characters struggle to do themselves: to see them as equals.

Where to watch: Netflix

2. Ad Astra (James Gray)

“Sad white guys in space” doesn’t faithfully articulate the brilliance of James Gray’s Ad Astra. VFX and production design offers breathtaking vistas mapped across isolation and religiosity. And while many has claimed Brad “Sad white guys in space” doesn’t faithfully articulate the brilliance of James Gray’s Ad Astra. An immaculate use of VFX and production design offers breathtaking vistas mapped across isolation and religiosity. And while many have claimed Brad Pitt’s turn as Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood as a career-best performance, such title really belongs to his acting in Gray’s esoteric work. Here, Pitt portrays the unflappable Roy McBride, the world’s top astronaut. However, when unexplained events lead to deadly results on earth, he’s contracted to discover their origins, which might trace back to his long-missing father Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones).

To these ends, the astronaut travels to the far reaches of the solar system in a narrative that calls for the examination of God and toxic masculinity. This deconstruction of the God Complex causes the younger McBride to existentially come undone, which opens his once repressed emotions. A spectacle that wasn’t remotely appreciated in its initial theatrical run (a true shame because this needs to be seen on the biggest screen possible), the film truly deserves the often overused title of “masterpiece.” 

Where to watch: Google Play ($5.99)

1. Pain and Glory (Pedro Almodóvar)

Pedro Almodóvar hasn’t ceased making great movies. 2016’s Julieta, for instance, was another commanding work from the legendary Spanish Pedro Almodóvar hasn’t ceased making great movies. 2016’s Julieta, for instance, was another commanding work from the legendary Spanish director. Nevertheless, Pain and Glory still feels like a return to form. Reuniting him with his former muse Antonio Banderas, the autobiographical narrative follows the writer-director Salvador living in regret and agony. Suffering from multiple ailments, he can no longer work and therefore suffers from depression (an ode to Federico Fellini’s 8 1/2). To these ends, he often lives in his memories, typed in private files and hidden away on his computer.

Over the course of nearly two hours, Almodóvar mixes flashbacks with Over the course of nearly two hours, Almodóvar mixes flashbacks with present-day introspection and experimentation by Salvador. The character tries heroine, attempts to mend a broken friendship with Alberto (Asier Etxeandia), and even spends one more night with a former lover. But most of all, he thinks upon his mother: played both by Penélope Cruz and Julieta Serrano, culminating in a final shot, that’s still the most shocking and thoughtfully conceived of the year. Pain and Glory witnesses Banderas in his most vulnerable state, and survives as an undeniable example of cinematic greatness.

Once again, thank you for spending 2019 with me. Please be on the lookout for my Top 10 Documentaries of the Year list, and my upcoming coverage from Sundance. See you in 2020.

from 812filmReviews https://ift.tt/2Q8xzRZ via IFTTT

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2QtGMTM via IFTTT