#jane was AWESOME and i loved how the actress played her

[toontownportraits]

i love reagan's design sheet so MUCH (from here [tumblr] and here [artstation])

[weregonnagetyou]

Canon questionnaire: numbers 1 and 9

canon questionare.

What made you pick up this character?

Growing up on horror movies, Evil Dead was one playing often in our house. Mostly Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness. But I eventually got all of them on vhs, yes I am that old, and was obsessed. So when they announced that a remake was being made, I followed that shit from the beginning.

When I saw the movie, I once again became obsessed and Mia just became my favorite character. I ADORE her and her actress, Jane Levy. The fact that she was the first possessed then ended up becoming the final girl was awesome. I loved her deadite form and just everything about her. At the time the movie came out, I had already been RPing for about 2 years on my Alice account. So I thought it would be fun to make a blog for Mia and here we are. I never expected her to last this long or for anyone to be interested in interacting with her. But I am so happy with how well received she is not only in the rp community but in the Evil Dead fandom as well!

Have you tweaked the character from canon? If so, what did you tweak?

Oh definitely. I had to create an entire backstory for her pretty much. We didn't know too much about her and David in the movie other than they were siblings, the cabin was in their family since they were young, Eric and Olivia have been their friends since childhood, Mia has a drug problem and their mom was mentally ill and died in the hospital. We didn't even learn their last name until after the movie was out. So I've had to flesh out a lot of Mia's life, hobbies, interests.

I've also made up my own canon on how the demonic possession works, along with how the demons work. I also have my own version of how ALL of the evil dead movies connect. Turns out I was pretty on point since it is now confirmed that there are 3 books.

All of my changes are on Mia's about section on her blog. I spent a good two hours on it, especially on the demon section.

[lagoona-blu]

Happy Six day everyone! In order to celebrate, I thought I'd finally post about me and my aunt going to see the show last weekend (on May 28th). Unlike with Beetlejuice, I don't have a lot of pictures so this is mostly a text post.

My online bestie @sinimbutart was the one who got me interested in this musical. I mentioned I'd seen Six would be here after seeing it in my Beetlejuice playbook, and they told me how awesome of a show it was. I listened to the soundtrack and was immediately hooked! The music and glittery costumes mesmerized me and further helped convinced me to see the show. So with that in mind, I used the last of my birthday money to buy a pair of tickets to see the six singing queens live!

As previously mentioned, my aunt and I went together. I'd never been to the Fisher Theater before, so I was excited for that as well. The building is absolutely beautiful- when you walk through the doors it feels like you're stepping back in time! It was very grandiose and old fashioned, a perfect contrast to the modern musicals playing within. I even stopped in one of the stores to buy a tiara to complete my royal look! After our little shopping spree, it was finally time for the show to begin.

There are so many things I want to say about Six, but the only word that comes to my mind is "wow". If you think the costumes are beautiful in pictures, they're even more sparkly in person! All six of the queens had beautiful voices and the dancing was neatly choreographed. One very unique thing about the show was that the band was right on stage with the queens instead of playing in the pit. It made the whole show feel like a concert! I loved how each queen had their own different music style as well!

The actresses were very interactive with the audience, frequently talking right to the people of Detroit (I love it when musicals break the fourth wall!). I also particularly loved how a funny moment would be thrown into a serious scene to help break some of the tension. My favorite example was right after Jane finsihed her song and asked "Because what hurts more than a broken heart?" to which Anne runs up and yells "A severed head!" before running off again.

Jane Seymour is my favorite queen, and Amina Faye did not disappoint. I don't think there was a single dry eye in the theater after her heartwrenching performance of "Heart of Stone"! Anne Boleyn was so bubbly (and annoyingly cocky, though I love her anyways). There was a weird atmosphere in the audience during "All You Wanna Do", as people couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry for Katherine Howard. And when Anna of Cleves took off her jacket in "Get Down", EVERYONE cheered and whistled for her (and I felt the lesbianism in my body skyrocket to 200%).

I got myself a t-shirt as well as Jane's "I'm unbreakable" pin, to remind me of my own incredible strength in hard times. I got my mom a crown keychain as well. The Playbills are gorgeous and even feature historical information about the Six queens!

Just like with Beetlejuice, I had a wonderful night and enjoyed the show very much. The costumes and the music are still the best parts in my opinion. So if you love historical musicals, ones that can make you laugh and cry at the same time, then I highly recommend checking out Six! You won't be disappointed!

[kazumahashimoto]

in no particular order i'm just bored

- MIKE DALLAS. i wrote a whole thing on this ages ago and i'm currently on s12 in my bilionth rewatch so dallas is in his flop era rn but dear god. i just think it would have been funnier if the joking gay tension between him and drew was real. all of his relationships would be enhanced if he were bisexual. his friendship with adam, with fiona, his relationship with ALLI!!!!!!!! just everything. also he's one of my favorite characters.

- DREW TORRES. ^ the joke tension would have been funnier. also it would have added something to the very bizarre way he acted towards riley in his first season. like idk closet gay vs closet bisexual duking it out to see who will snap first. also i just think he could have played the bisexual and everybody wants him type better than miles. also added dimension to HIS friendship and brotherhood with adam, his friendship with fiona, his eventual reconciliation with alli via dallas. his relationship with bianca. ough. like they'd just have so much more to work with.

- JANE VAUGHN. i mean i just generally don't love the way they changed her fashion as time went on like had they not done her hair like that her emo era would have been so good. i'm gonna start a tangent here and maybe pick it up later, but degrassi consistently did this thing where they were afraid to commit to a butch character. or, on occasion, they could commit to a butch! but she had to be straight. and sure, the argument is there, not all lesbians are butch, not all masculine women and girls are lesbian, but the ONE time (before rasha) they dipped their toes into having a more Generally masculine wlw character she still had to have lovely long hair and wear a full face of makeup, the only thing that really made her look masculine was the fact that she wore pants and her hair up, and shortened her name to jack. but then their other two characters that looked way more gnc than jack needed to be made into a Point that they were straight. which is just like. i Guess. i guess with jane they were trying to say "you don't have to be a lesbian to want to play football with the boys" but the argument should just be "gender neutral sports". anyway. jane shoulda been bisexual and stayed butch.

- MAYA MATLIN AND ZIG NOVAK. i'm putting them together cos they might as well be one person. listen. bi4bi zaya just would have been more interesting. and again as per usual it enhances their relationships to other characters. i know zoe's actress has talked about how she kind of wanted the final reveal with zoe to be that she had a crush on maya the whole time and IMAGINE if maya was bi and there was an actual conflict over if she wanted to pursue that relationship or stay with zig. obsessed!!!!!! and idk the friendship of a pathetic mess of a bisexual boy with a masc goth punk girl is fun. added dimension to zig's friendship with grace. even if maya and zig still got together in the end it would just be more fun. straight zaya is impossibly boring. the added amount of drama from the whole zoe crush on grace grace crush on zig zig dating maya zoe still harboring old feelings for maya cheating debacle. awesome. MESSY bisexuals.

- ELLIE NASH. dear god the amount of shit they put her through with boys. ANNOYING!!!!!!!!!!! literally why not whip out the paige/ellie wild card. WHY NOT!!!!!! also she was goth.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: HOLLY J SINCLAIR, GRACE CARDINAL. i can appreciate them as they are and what they mean, i.e. straight girls can be bffs with lesbians and there's no reason they can't, but also consider this: they would have made fun bisexuals. also grace did what they tried to do with jack 100000000% better.

OVERALL!!! degrassi has like SEVERELY underutilized bisexuality as a plot point. i talked about this a while back, but the first bisexual girl they had was paige in like season 6 or 7, and the first bisexual they had was MILES FUCKING HOLLINGSWORTH THE THIRD!!!!!!!!! IN SEASON 13?!?!?!?!? the only other MAIN bisexual character they had was. imogen? and i think that's literally it? like it's crazy. honestly with they way they do romance in this show you'd think making more of them bisexual would just add more drama to things in a fun way but no. we're left with basically nothing. SAD!

top ten characters in degrassi that would have benefitted from being bisexual

[gayri-chmac]

if glee did ride the cyclone

Karnak- Artie Abrams

he would do an awesome job at being all mysterious and shit. Also i think artie has IMPECCABLE comedic timing which is essential for karnak. it also requires no movement until the bows so it's wheelchair friendly :)

Ocean- Santana Lopez

she would be ocean just out of spite to make fun of rachel (bc rach & ocean are one in the same) and i think that santana is a really good actress and ocean's crisis over who to pick at the end of the show would be beautifully done. i also just wanna hear naya rivera sing what the world needs

Noel- Puck

now i know this could be a controversial pick. but we all saw in props how down puck was to dress in drag for the club. (and all you ppl screaming "kurt would play noel" no you idiots he was absolutely horrified by the idea of having to wear a dress and heels in a performance) now i think he would love to play noel bc let's be honest noel's lament is one of the best songs in the show. he would absolutely slay the day. (also it feeds my puckurt agenda bc noel & mischa kiss)

also may i add that this is exclusively season 3b puck bc that's the only version of the character who would do this.

Jane Doe- Mercedes Jones

okay amber riley is a TRAINED OPERA SINGER. ms girl would bring me to tears as jane doe. the high notes would clear my skin and cure my depression. i honestly just want amber riley to play jane doe in an actual production. make mercedes fly. she can belt upside down i believe in her.

Constance- Tina Cohen-Chang

i just have this gut feeling that tina would be the perfect constance. just the will of universe honestly. again i just wanna see jenna ushkowitz play constance in an actual production. the character of constance and the character of tina just line up so well with the "nice girl who never says a mean word but has all this anger inside and doesn't say anything until they snap". tina would rock sugar cloud omg.

Mischa- Kurt Hummel

honestly? i think this would be hilarious. no one else besides kurt could serve the vocals that need to be served for talia. i wanna see kurt rap. i wanna see kurt rap in autotune. i wanna be moved to tears by his performance of talia. we've seen chris colfer shirtless. he would slay the house down as mischa.

Ricky- Blaine Anderson

i would give my left boob to see darren criss perform space age bachelor man. i'm not kidding. this needs to happen so help me god.

just for shits n gigs sam would be virgil the rat. idk if he can play the bass. i don't care.

[pastelartblog]

Aaaaanother Eleven (I mean last time I drew season 2 Eleven and this time it’s season 1 Eleven but I digress) not as proud of this one, probably because my vision was for her during that one scene after she ran away after stealing Eggos and was eating them cold in the woods but instead I got this. I’m rather proud of her hair however-I was worried about messing it up lol

[tornrose24]

Rewatched Spiderman 2 since No Way Home is coming out next month. And it is so weird watching this movie after seeing both trailers and after seeing Tom Holland’s Spiderman. (I haven’t watched SM2 since like 2014/2015, for clarification). Also, I used bold font for two details that I think could be important for No Way Home that I don’t see anyone talking about.

-Right off the bat I saw that Kevin helped produce this film, which gives me confidence for No Way Home.

-Wait, is the address on the Pizza sticker saying the same street where Strange lives?!

-God, the pacing and style of this film feels so drastically different compared to most MCU films. Especially compared to the MCU Spiderman films-those are more of a spectacle. There’s something more down to earth and yet so cheesy compared to those.

-Connor’s missing arm doesn’t feel entirely convincing with that jacket. On the other hand seeing him reminded me of a friend of mine who loves the Lizard. (Otto is going to be so weirded out to see a version of his friend who turned himself into the Lizard.)

-I can’t believe Harry is the same guy who will play Tommy Wiseau.

-Harry’s accusations of Peter being buddies with Spiderman/not ratting him out just so he can make money is annoying. (Also annoying because those photos were one of the few ways Peter could make money during these films, so Harry is also an entitled, insensitive prick).

-I prefer how MJ is more observant and let Tom!Peter know how she suspected things compared to Mary Jane who didn’t even bother.

-Otto obviously isn’t a fan of Harry. He’s likely going to hate Norman in the MCU. (The two are different in so many ways, and then there’s what happened in the comics. I wonder if we’ll find out that the two actually met before both this film and the first one.)

-Already a huge contrast between how Otto meets Tobey!Peter and Tom!Peter (and also in a sort of reverse order as to how he learns their identities). But I do appreciate how it takes him awhile to warm up to Tobey!Peter.

-I love how excited/happy Otto is when Peter figures out how the reactor works. I love that little nod of his.

-Ok, I was freaking out when Rosie didn’t show up with the flowers or when Otto recited the TS Elliot poem and then I realized ‘oh I didn’t buy the extended version... that sucks.’ Because those scenes add to their relationship and how much Otto adored his wife. Like I love how he has to bend down a bit to kiss her, and how he still remembers a poem he memorized for her.

-Speaking of which, that poem is a LOT of unintentional foreshadowing regarding No Way Home. 

-“Ah Rosie, I love this boy!” I’m just thinking of Otto interacting with Tom!Peter and his friends in the No Way Home trailer and I know that he’d enjoy interacting with them if circumstances were different. (Or maybe he’ll be able to be friendly with them? God I hope so.) He would especially like Tom!Peter if he has a chance to truly get to know him.

-They ask Peter if he’s dating. I wonder what would happen if Otto finds out Tom!Peter is dating his MJ since the guy is shown to be a huge romantic in this scene.

-I hope Bruce Campbell DOES get to play Mysterio like Raimi wanted for the Doctor Strange 2 movie. That would make a brilliant pay off.

-God... using stereotypes here is painfully outdated. I feel bad for that actress. Thank God the family from the burning house are treated better than this.

-Just thinking about how Tobey!Peter reminds me of a few men I’ve met in my life who are kind of like him. Like you wouldn’t suspect this guy would actually be a superhero.

-The mention of the inhibitor chip, and I’m thinking ‘I REALLY hope Tom!Peter’s nanotech fixes that. That would be pretty awesome/heartwarming if he unintentionally/indirectly gives Otto full control of himself again.’

-Noticed how Otto’s shirt was burnt when he got electrocuted.

-If I had done the hospital scene, I would of also had Otto finding Rosalie’s corpse there and then replace the “NOOOOO!” with a scream of anguish. In fact, I would have liked if she was given one more mention towards the end of the film (like in the video game version).

-This movie was how I learned about Doctor Strange. Like the reference, I feel like I’m soon to come full circle with that when No Way Home arrives.

-Jameson lampshading Otto’s ironic name makes me think of how people didn’t like Tom!Peter and the others making fun of his name. Well, they probably found it funny for that same reason (they came from a science and technology high school–they should know what ‘Octo’ means. And ‘Otto Octavius’ is pretty uncommon sounding compared to the handful of names in the MCU that AREN’T from space or Asgard.)

-Oh God, so I think Peter comes in and is told about Otto becoming Doc Ock by Jameson of all people and... that is a shitty way for Peter to find that out. It explains why he wasn’t upset when he saw Otto at the bank.

-If Doc Ock can’t stand how talkative/annoying Tobey!Peter is, he’s going to hate Tom!Peter when he faces him on that bridge.

-Speaking of the bank, its going to be awkward if Otto meets MCU!May and not realize he endangered an alternate version of her. Also, I can only imagine the dread comic book fans felt when he encountered Aunt May. (Who in this film is a total badass). Oh God, I don’t mind if Otto meets MCU!May, but I do NOT want them to end up together.

-I don’t care for the ‘raindrops keep falling on my head’ sequence. There’s some weird shots/pause moments, and–I mean this IS the same film with a man with four mechanical tentacles, right?

-There’s something hilarious about the fact that Otto ordered all the parts to rebuild the reactor instead of just stealing them. Its amazing how over-the-top this film can be with its comic-bookness compared to the MCU.

-Also, this movie feels like it drags if you only came here for the villain and don’t care about the angsty romance.

-I appreciate when they don’t use music in certain scenes, like when Peter confesses to Aunt May. And I like Tobey’s acting here.

-I still like how Otto gets to antagonize Harry a bit. If he doesn’t care for Harry, I bet he won’t care for Norman (in the event those two meet... hmm...)

-The scene where Peter runs into the burning building and risks his life to save a child as himself–not Spiderman–means so much more after what Tony told Tom!Peter back in Homecoming regarding the suit.

-The dancing around things with Peter and Mary Jane is really annoying though.

-Doc Ock’s obsession with throwing cars at Peter started with the teaser, stayed in the film, and will live on in No Way Home. Glad to see that trend continues.

-I wouldn’t want to be Mary Jane in the trilogy, but I admit I would be willing to replace her if it meant getting kidnapped and carried away by Doc Ock.

-Ok, how the HELL did Harry know where Doc Ock was?

-Yeah, I get why Peter doesn’t answer Harry right away. Crazy Octo Man will put an entire city at risk, so what’s more important to focus on when you are pressed for time?

-Sure Mary Jane got kidnapped by Doc Ock, but she dodged a pretty... uh, not so pleasant bullet considering what nearly happened to her in Superior Spiderman without her knowledge. I do appreciate that she tried to help Peter here.

-Otto getting shocked helped him come to his senses. Hmm, could that be important for No Way Home if Electro is in it to?

-The scene where Peter unmasks himself and talks to Otto... this is still the best scene in the film for me. Just Peter reaching out to Otto and helping him regain control... and he was going to try to sink the reactor himself before Otto did it. Otto made that choice for himself, and that final knowing look those two give each other is bittersweet.

-It ties back to how suicidal Otto was earlier in this film and based on a couple of things in this scene, I think he had a feeling he wouldn’t be able to maintain control for too long (as No Way Home seems to prove/hint at, because why else would he attack who he thought was HIS Peter?)

-Oh God, when you think of the contrast of how the different versions of Peter are unmasked before Otto. I can’t wait to see the exact moment Otto sees that it’s not HIS Peter under that mask. It’s going to be a nasty punch to the gut for him (compared to how Tobey!Peter unmasked himself to Otto, who was pleasantly surprised).

-So we are all under the assumption that Otto was taken to the MCU when he drowns/is about to drown. But there’s a moment where Peter is focused on saving Mary Jane and we don’t see Otto during that point. So I think there’s an equal chance he was pulled at THAT exact moment before he could drown the reactor.

-”I will not die a monster!” This line will take on an entirely new meaning if Otto WAS pulled into the MCU before he said that. Like he learned he was destined to die and decided to do it on his own terms instead of what Strange tells Tom!Peter.

-I wish Otto didn’t sink into the river. I would have recovered his body so that at least he could be buried alongside Rosalie.

-Well, it sucked when Otto died in this movie before 2021. But it looks that moment will never be seen the same way again if this is where Otto enters the MCU. In which case, its pretty fitting that a version of Peter is going to unintentionally save Otto’s life thanks to multiverse shenanigans.

-She STILL had that wedding ring?!

-Knowing that Norman is going to be pulled into the MCU to, I wonder if he may have wanted Harry to take up the Green Goblin mantle. If he meets up with Otto in the MCU, finds out about his death, then goes back to the Raimi verse to prepare some things in advance, it would make sense.

-I hate how Mary Jane just ditches the poor guy at the wedding. Love her dress though–I like it a bit more than the one in the comic.

-Still a good movie though overall.

[who-am-i-no-one]

Emma. (2020)

I watched this movie in late January. After multiple viewings and re-reading the book, I have a lot of thoughts about this adaptation.

It seems rather strange, given that Emma is part of my holy trinity of Austen novels, that I didn't watched the most recent adaptation earlier. I think it was mostly due to my initial impression that Anya Taylor-Joy's otherworldly looks didn't quite match what I had in mind for the titular character. I decided to give this version a try after watching Queen's Gambit. Not sure that Anya's looks will ever grow on me, but she did impress me as a young actress who seemed to have a maturity beyond her years.

Long story short: really wished I had seen this movie earlier! It is absurd and heartfelt at the same time, imo, the version that best imbues Austen's humor. It is now my favorite adaption, with the possible exception of Clueless, and I'm not quite sure how much of that is just nostalgia.

From the casting to the direction to the script to the costumes to the set to the soundtrack, I could tell the creative team really put a lot of love into this project. It's always a joy to watch something that's made with love and made well.

Direction

Autumn de Wilde's directing is quite good. I would never have thought this was her first feature. She certainly has a unique and colorful style, which is probably to be expected for such a famous photographer.

Funnily, while watching the movie I kept thinking it reminded me of early Hollywood romantic comedies like Bringing Up Baby (incidentally one of my favorites) or The Philadelphia Story, and then reading interviews and seeing that she had tried to bring in some of that style of humor made me feel rather validated. Also the servants' reactions were awesome!

Absolutely loved the fact that they decided to show that Knightley and Emma were in love with each other very early on in the story, with Knightley more aware of it. I've read some people complaining about the surprise of Emma's being in love being ruined. But come on, did anyone reading two chapters into the book think it wasn't going to be the two of them together in the end?

Loved how much of Knightley's point of view we got in this movie. This is one repressed pinning man. I can totally see this Knightley riding ventre a terre from London in the rain because he thought Emma was heartbroken.

The only gripe I had was the lack of Frank and Jane's subplot. As it seems they shot some scenes for that, I assume it was the director's discretion to take them out. I remember thinking while watching the movie that they must have expected the audience to be familiar with the story because some things just didn't really get explained or extrapolated on a lot. If you hadn't read the book it'd be 30 minutes or more into the movie before you put two and two together and figured out why Mr. Knightley is always at Hartfield.

Script

The script takes most of the dialogue directly from the book, which is awesome. I love Austen's writing because there is a certain musicality to it and retaining that in large part for the movie really made it better for me. The deftness with which Eleanor Catton moved dialogue from one scene in the book to a totally different one in the movie was quite brilliant. Everything flowed so well.

The scenes that differed from the book were also excellent - namely, I really loved the Jane/Knightley duet, the infamous nosebleed and first kiss scenes. 💖 I thought the screenwriter used those changes to quickly establish plot points and character arcs well.

Costume/Hair

Not a Recency expert so can't say much about the costumes and hair as far as period correctness but from reading other reviews it seemed like they were very true to the period. Obviously appreciated them taking the time to show the audience how men got dressed in that time (purely for research purposes obviously 😜).

Emma's dresses were all quite beautiful. I especially loved the black evening dress, the pink one with the roses and the proposal dress. Also loved the little pop of red shoes that went with the proposal dress. As someone who wore red shoes with her wedding gown I heartily approve.

Absolutely loved how Emma's curls unwound as her life unravels. Similarly think they must have done the same for Knightley to a lesser extent. His hair during the card playing scene at the Westons was quite terrible.

Set

I! Loved! Hartfield! It looked just like a doll house. Really most of the sets looked good enough to eat. So much pastel. Reminded me of French macarons.

I liked how everything in Donwell Abbey was shrouded in Holland covers. Makes a good point that Knightley barely lives there at all, that his home has been with the Woodhouses for quite a while now. Which, of course, makes his sacrifice at the end just a little bit less of a sacrifice?

Soundtrack

Isabella Waller-Bridge's music really meshed well with the tone of the entire film. The male and female opera singers, sometimes sounding as if they are bickering with each other and other times seeming to be in duet, was a brilliant touch. The folk music was a little jarring at first but really grew on me.

Johnny Flynn's end credits song "Queen Bee" is amazing. I love that we get Knightley's perspective at the end with a song written and sung by Knightley. It's a lovely coda to the movie. And now, if the next Austen hero doesn't write one for his SO I'm going to think him a very poor sort of lover.

Cast

Anya's Emma was really great. I'm glad they allowed Emma to be her bitchy self. Lol. I haven't watched the 1996 and 2009 versions in a while but I distinctly remember them making Emma too nice. I recall writing after watching the Garai version that Emma was actually mean and they should have let her be mean! If she's not a brat in the beginning, how will we see her change for the better later on? I love what a snob and how manipulative this Emma was and so assured of her place in her little society but still had the vulnerability of almost an imposter's syndrome which I feel most people can relate to.

Her chemistry with Johnny Flynn's Knightley was off the charts. Pretty much every scene they had together I half expected them to reenact the library scene from Atonement lol.

Mia Goth was a wonderful Harriet. She really captured Harriet's inexperience, naivete and diffidence. The orgasmic sounds she was making during the gypsies attack scene were awesome. Although, I could probably have forgone a few of Harriet's scenes for more Frank and Jane.

Not sure why they made Mia go brunette since the book specifically mentioned Harriet was fair? Perhaps having all three leads as blondes was just a bit too much. I'm also not sure if I liked Harriet's ending as I really don't think Emma, even in her most contrite mood, would invite further friendship from a tradesman's daughter and soon-to-be her husband's tenant farmer's wife. This seems a piece of modern day wishful thinking on the part of the creative team.

Bill Nighy was so good as Mr. Woodhouse. He made it so believable why everyone would do everything in their power to accommodate his whims. The gag with the screens was too funny. He was able to sketch out a lonely quirky old man who is afraid to lose those close to him in very limited screen time. Absolutely loved the scene where Emma was heaping blame on herself and he just sat with her in sympathetic silence.

Miranda Hart's Miss Bates was excellent as well. She has long been one of my favorite British comedic actresses but she can also do drama well. Her reaction to Emma's teasing on Box Hill and her forgiveness of Emma later brought me to tears.

Josh O'Connor's Mr. Elton was deliciously creepy. The carriage proposal scene was at once a little scary and hilarious. I actually liked the portrait scenes a little less because I found the acting there slightly affected and veering into 1995 Mr. Collins territory. But as Austen described Elton as having "a sort of parade in his speeches", this was much more forgivable. Really loved Mr. Elton's determination to eat cake during the Eltons' visit to Hartfield.

Tanya Reynolds was an excellent Mrs. Elton and in very little screen time was able to bring to life this meddlesome nouveau riche. Adored her little shimmy during the ball.

Amber Anderson's Jane really looked as if she were in a decline. Callum Turner did a good job as a slightly restless, mischievous and immature Frank Churchill. I did feel his looks were a bit too modern but that's just my personal view.

Given how many scenes they had I thought they used the time they had pretty well with furtive glances and sly smiles at each other to establish the relationship.

Connor Swindells was such a love sick puppy as Robert Martin. Did this role ever get cast in other adaptations? I don't seem to recall at all.

Special shoutout to Oliver Chris's John Knightley. Absolutely had me in stitches.

And last but never the least, Johnny Flynn's Mr. Knightley:

To preface, I will never not fall for Mr. Knightley in any version that I watch. And really, get yourself a good looking enough actor with good enough chemistry with Emma and good enough acting chops and you should have a fairly successful Knightley.

I judge all my Knightleys by the Box Hill scene. And up to that point in the movie, I really liked Johnny Flynn's Knightley. He was playful and sexy and jealous and slightly bitchy as well. The duet scene was lovely because I always appreciate a man who can play instruments and sing well. The sexiness and chemistry of the dance scene was off the charts. That's all well and good. And like I said before, given any well cast actor, I probably would have liked them in those scenes as well, just as I've liked Northam's and Miller's Knightleys.

But, the Box Hill scene absolutely blew me away. To make sure I was not just biased towards the last Knightley I saw on screen, I did go back and compare each version's Box Hill scene and I am, actually, even more blown away. Some of it is a credit to the directing and script, but a large part of it is Johnny Flynn's acting in that scene.

As far a script and directing, the set up to the fight scene was fantastic. Loved Anya's expression changes after she makes the joke. Loved Miranda Hart's Miss Bates as she realizes what Emma meant. The silence that followed. Knightley's shocked face and how sympathetic he was to Miss Bates. Can probably write a whole thing just about this scene alone.

I loved the fact that Knightley had an internal struggle as to whether or not to approach Emma and reproach her for her behavior. I know the book has him tell Emma about his struggle but that just doesn't work as well for me on screen.

During the scene you can just tell how frustrated and disappointed in her he is even though he tries to keep his voice low. But the way he reprimands her does not at all feel lecture-y and I feel like part of it is because it seems like he starts to lose control a little bit as well. His voice starts to crescendo as she stubbornly refuses to admit she was in the wrong and culminates in "badly done, indeed!" with actual fingerpointing. Yikes.

Then he losses steam and looked regretful, almost devastatingly so, at his own outburst and perhaps felt that he was losing her by giving this speech and looked as if he would have said something more - an apology or some words of comfort to soften the blow? - but didn't.

This remorse and the struggle at the beginning really bookended the scene for me.

Absolutely loved his Knightley, and, really, him as an actor after that.

The proposal scene as well was very good. His delivery was just really good. The way he said "If I loved you less then I might be able to talk about it more." with some regret and then closing his eyes as if he can't believe what he just said. Soooo good. Also, he cries very pretty, lol.

The delivery of the three "yes" during the kiss scene as Emma asked for confirmation that he really was ok with giving up his house to come live with them was also brilliant. It just kept getting softer and softer but he never breaks eye contact. Absolute chef's kiss. His closed eyed little smile of content after Emma kisses him just made me melt into a puddle.

Yup, overall I'd say I rather liked his interpretation of Mr. George Knightley. 😜

I did wish they hadn't giving him such sideburns but after watching some Emma interviews I can totally understand. If he didn't have the sideburns there'd be more complaints about how young this Knightley was. He's got such a baby face.

...I seemed to have written an entire essay on this movie...yeah, I just have a lot of feelings and thoughts about this version...

[brawltogethernow]

🔥🔥🔥 Mary Jane?

[solicit an unpopular opinion]

Three fire emojis?!? This demands something extreme. It’s what MJ would want. But that’s extreme-ly difficult, because every single opinion about MJ is unpopular. She’s very divisive. Like, I don’t think I have a single opinion about her that wouldn’t make somebody, somewhere, scream with rage. Simultaneously, most of them are held by some portion of the readership.

Have a couple handfuls of objectively innocuous opinions people would still scream in my face or write an unhappy screed over, instead. Elaboration is available upon request.

This is not a person with narrow hips; artists who draw MJ with whatever body type is “in” are just weak.

Carrot top MJ is the inferior way to interpret her hair; like I’d literally rather have it be a rusty brown if you just can’t stomach black with cherry highlights.

The first thing she tells us about herself is that she’s an actress. Stop taking her away from the arts. Otherwise good or well-meaning content is super guilty of this - Invincible Iron Man spotlighting her and making her Pepper’s replacement, Spider-Man PS4 making her a reporter. Her era of owning a club didn’t have a single interesting story done with it but also why did she own a club in the first place. @ creators of fiction: if you think creative pursuits are inferior and characters need to be upgraded away from them to be cool, maybe you should see a therapist.

*holding a knife and fork* More Spider-Woman MJ multiverse content please.

Every update and remix of MJ I know of is weaker than her classic 616 iteration. Most of them try to go in a feminist direction and are actively less feminist. If MJ existed she’d say, “Guess you just can’t upgrade perfection!” and toss her hair and maybe she’s right.

The dimples are important, but so is the butt chin! Again, don’t be a coward.

She’s Not Straight, obviously, but also, looking over years of accrued content, I do not think she’s cis either. I don’t have a more specific interpretation than that (though I do have specific scenes informing it). I think I saw crowkids on Twitter say she’s “got gender” and like, yeah. She’s got some gender.

I’m not sure I’ve ever read anything as excruciating as the play at bowing MJ out of prominence in Spider-Man at the end of Superior. Like, lmfao. She’s more powerful than you.

PeterMJ are soulmates, but the basis of their relationship is having loved Gwen Stacy. It’s complicated! It’s about death!

MJ’s backstory is the greatest comic book retcon of all time (of all time).

Is it even still divisive to say that “One More Day” actively tanked Spider-Man comics? Haha who am I kidding of course it is. This is comics.

She has a lot of conventionally negative traits very present in her personality, and that’s what makes her an awesome character. She’s revolutionary for simultaneously being self-absorbed, female, and one of the heroes, and she and Peter deserve each other because they are both assholes who do nothing but sleep around and lie 24 hours a day. But then they get to come home and not lie to each other! And I was like [screams]

Bring back messing with her hair and clothes, what’s all this off the rack prep shit she’s been in for this entire century. Spidey - no, Marvel, no comics - overall is suffering re: what the people you’re drawing would wear. Anyway she deserves a modern short hairstyle era or multiverse look.

I want to say I want more AU MJs, adaptations, and crossover cameos, but there are tons of these things. What I actually have a need for is more such things where MJ is recognizable as the same character. There’s just so much to work with.

I’m happy about the renaissance of MJ content over the last year on principle, but most of the content...is not good. Her solo keeps playing this “poking fun at sexist tropes” angle that is actually just introducing those tropes to where everybody was trying to mind their own business, and I hope it stops soon and maybe gets literally any character work done with its lead instead. Her spotlight issue in FNSM had the writer on Twitter talking about how he ran the script past his wife who studied feminist literature or whatever and then it had Peter describe MJ as someone who has never run from anything, like. Maybe you could have spent half that effort reading some comics? She’s left the city to avoid confronting problems before and personally I think that’s very powerful and sexy of her. It doesn’t help that Marvel’s continuity checker is a single dead frog.

...I love her.

[agent-of-sam]

Favorite Thor Ships: Part 1

Out of all the MCU, the Thor movies are my favorites.

It helps that I'm a multi shipper and all the women in Thor's life are awesome. So I want to do some posts about my favorite Thor ships. And I’m starting with my personal favorite: Thor/Sif.

                                                      Totally biased, I've been quietly rooting for Thor and Sif to hook up since 2011 and no matter what direction the story takes Thor x Sif will always be my favorite potential relationship.

Obviously, part of this is just because I have a massive crush on Sif, the character, and Jaimie Alexander, the actress. I love her...why?

Lady Sif is sort of the MCU equivalent of Wonder Woman, an immortal who combines strength and nobility with a sense of warmth, compassion, and emotional openness. 

She doesn't get a huge amount of screen time but comes off as an incredibly well-rounded character, especially in a genre where many female character are assigned valued based on how well they can mimic the traditional cliches of male Action Heroes.  

Sif is able to switch from playful and cocky, to stoic and serious, to gentle and supportive, depending on the situation (as benefiting a literal goddess).

In other word's, she's Girlfriend Material of the absolute highest quality! 

Beyond that, I love that she's so high-key Romantic in her feelings for Thor. Having your Badass Warrior Princess character mournfully pining as she gazes across a crowded room at her lifelong friend, her eyes brimming with unspoken feeling... it's exactly the kind of over the top, melodramatic bullshit that I love about the Asgardians and their weird alien/pseudo-Shakespearian/mythic warrior culture. 

At the same time, she's never fawning in her interactions with Thor. They banter like old friends and flirt in mid-combat. 

Sif tries to counsel him when she thinks he needs perspective or patience. 

She advocates for him when he's not around.

To me it's a very romantic set-up, a long-term friendship based on loyalty and mutual trust with the potential to develop into a very deep relationship. (Though, flipping it around, I can definitely see how female viewers might not appreciate their Super-Hero/Immortal Warrior Woman power fantasy character being portrayed, pining from the sidelines for several centuries).

Plus, their dynamic has this tropey, genderswap thing going on. A Fantasy Prince and his Loyal Female Knight. Except the Fantasy Prince is a giant Viking Immortal with a magic hammer and he and his girlfriend ride into battle side by side which is both hot and romantic to me.

Of course the downside  to Thor x Sif as a relationship (also maybe what makes it appealing)... is that it's all potential. As far as we know, Thor is either unaware of Sif's feelings or does not reciprocate. Which is weird because Thor generally comes off as a very socially/emotionally aware guy... at least in the context of Asgardian society. 

One of my favorite things about Thor is that he's confident but honest and genuine as well. He never comes off as a "ladies man" i.e someone who puts on a smooth, crafted persona specifically to interact with women. 

However, he clearly seems to be aware when women are attracted to him (Jane Foster, the woman in the subway)...so how come he doesn't seem to notice the very obvious torch Sif is carrying?

My personal headcannon for this is that they either casually dated as adolescent (whatever age that is for Asgardians) or came very close to it. But then Frigga and/or Odin stepped in, took Sif aside and basically told her to hold off because they thought she had the potential to be a good queen.

Before his time on Earth, Thor was reckless, arrogant, impulsive, and quick to violence. He wasn't ready to be a king or a committed lover. And so Sif was encouraged to do the responsible thing and wait. 

The irony being that by the time he had matured into the person he was supposed to be, he had met somebody else.

To me, there's something there that mirrors the fall of Asgard. Why not wait? They're gods after all, there's always going to be more time.

Then Thor gets banished and comes back different. He's met a mortal woman and doesn't want to be king anymore. Frigga, who Sif always thought would be her mother-in-law one day, is dead. 

Thor goes searching across the universe and then Odin sends her away from Asgard. And when she finds her way back even her home is gone. Her people live on Earth now, or at least the fraction of them that still survive after Hela, Surtur, and Thanos. 

Thor is gone again, traveling through space with a bunch of mercenaries she’s never heard of.

Maybe I'm just projecting because I want someone in-universe to mourn Asgard and everything those people must have lost in what must seem like a very short amount of time to them.

I always thought Thor x Sif had the potential to be a very stable, well-rounded couple. However, given Thor's general arc in the first two movies  it would have seemed a little off, thematically speaking, if he ended up with the immortal warrior princess/long-time friend that his parents wanted him to get with all along.

However, post-Ragnarok/Endgame I think there is a lot of dramatic/narrative potential to a romantic reunion between Thor and Sif, someone who knew him before everything started and can see how much he has changed. Maybe someone he didn't realize how much he cared for until she was gone. 

For her it's a second chance at something she thought was lost, a piece of her past that's come back damaged and different but still worth fighting for.  

--

Obviously, this is all conjecture. There's no guarantee that Sif will return in Thor 4. As a shipper part of me is hoping for it, however as a fan of her character I'm also worried about her being crammed in and either sidelined or mischaracterized by the those behind the scenes.

If she shows up in the Loki show, that's more screen time and room for character development. 

However, I'm not hugely interested in Loki's show and depending on the direction it takes I'm not sure that it will play to her strengths as a character. My dream scenario was for Sif to have her own Xena-style high fantasy adventure (with Thor showing up in a supporting role) but that’s seem very unlikely.

---

Anyway, I'm a multi shipper and I'm planning to do more of these for Thor x Valkyrie and Thor x Jane. I just wanted to get my fave out of the way first.

[2o2o-kit]

My ranking of American Girl Movies

I recently ranked the Barbie Movies, but another franchise I grew up on and loved even more than Barbie and still love is American Girl so I ranked all the AG movies I’ve seen.

Disclaimer I’m only doing the ones from Samantha - Lea because I have not seen the Amazon Prime specials

10. Isabelle

So forgettable, I haven’t watched it since 2014, just really boring, (maybe it’s because I’m not into dance) but I do like how they showed the sister’s side of the story

9. Saige

It’s okay, there are a few highs, I like how it shows that in life friendships might grow apart, and the art and scenery is nice. But the characters are mainly unlike able (except for Gabi) and some parts just seem unrealistic, my sister loved this movie and watched it three days in a row

8. Lea

I was not really a big fan of the whole jungle adventure plot, and I kind of wish she stayed in her hometown (since that’s where I’m from) but it did bring up the issue of poaching, which I never heard of before watching

7. McKenna

I remember this movie a lot. I thought the music was great and the gymnastics stuff was cool. But I thought McKenna was not the best role model, any of the other girls would have made better characters. (However I got to see the actress who plays the coach in a production of Peter Pan the summer this movie came out)

6. Grace

Maybe I am being a bit too harsh on the newer movies, or Mattel’s movie quality went down hill after 2012 (see Barbie movies) But this one was probably the best of the newer Girl of the Year movies. It could be because I also like food and cooking as well, but I thought the Paris story was kind of cute and I used to love to watch Mater Chef so I loved the little Master Chef cameo. The music for this one was great. And the dog is adorable. But I feel like the plot is a bit busy and some parts are unrealistic too. Also this is how I see Olivia Rodrigo, not as that one girl from High School Musical the series.

5. Molly

Okay these next 3 were so hard to rank, I was about to make them all a tie. I like how the setting of this because we don’t get that many homefront movies. I also love how Molly Ringwald (80s icon) was the mother. But some parts I felt were a bit slow and spring went on for way too long. And a reccourring theme in these next movies this is just the emotion and you could tell the fear and sadness some of the characters faced in this.

4. Chrissa

This is my favorite Girl of the Year movie. This movie is realistic and I’m sure girls have related to Chrissa’s story. I love seeing Sonali’s arc and her becoming friends with Chrissa. Although sometimes I feel like Tara didn’t get enough consequences for her actions (like many politicians) but yeah this is nostalgic too.

3. Samantha

Ahh the first AG movie. There are some parts that are boring that I would skip over and I want a bit more development of Nellie’s character. But the costumes are nice and I love Cornelia (who is played by Rebecca Mader from Once Upon a Time) and Samantha was Anna-Sophia Robb’s first role and I thought it was good.

2. Felicity

Does my weird obsession with the late 18th century and tricorn hats had bias to this ranking? (Maybe as I listen to Hamilton and day dream about that fashion) So I’m not big on horses and Felicity can seem a bit whiny and yes there are slaves in this, so that didn’t age well. But I enjoy myself an American Revolution story with a female protagonist. The movie also flows well compared to other movies. And Shailene Woodly was great in this as well. (Also I totally ship Felicity and Ben)

1. Kit

Okay this movie is a bit higher quality since it did come out in theaters but I don’t care it’s still number 1. Kit is adorable and like able and an inspiration. This and (the musical Annie) made me fall in love with the Great Depression. And while the story is not exactly like the books it’s still so engaging. The costumes and music are incredible. And the acting is awesome. Abigail Breslin is great, but it also has Jane Krakowski (from 30 Rock and Kimmy Schmidt) Wallace Shawn (from The Princess Bride and Clueless) and freaking Stanley Tucci. I watched this movie 5 days in row when I first got it and it really got me invested in AG.

[heatherfield]

More than you could ever possibly want to know

I had a bunch of these to answer in my drafts and realized most of them were so similar so I combined them into one massive post. Given the sheer amount of questions I won’t tag anybody but feel free to answer any of these and let me know your responses!!

Tagged by the lovely @storyinmyeyes, @cartoon-heart, @thatdamnokie, @honestly-wilde, @bookwormchocaholic, @heterocosmica, @notations, @apictureofspace, @panalegs27, @swanfireouat and @queenofglassbeliever. Thank you!

rules: answer 21 questions and then tag 21 people who you want to get to know better

name: Heather

nicknames: none

zodiac sign: Aquarius

height: 4′11″

nationality: Canadian

Hogwarts house: Hufflepuff

fave fruit: peaches

fave scent: lavender

fave animal: cats

coffee, tea, or hot chocolate: coffee first, but I love all three

last movie i saw: “The King”

last thing i thing i googled: actress Sarah Macrae

fave musician: Umm.... hard to pick one, but Mandy Moore is a serious top contender!

song stuck in my head: “Right on Time” by Dawes

other blogs: nothing active at the moment

following: 1186 (I’m sure many are inactive lol)

do i get asks: every now and then but not often

amount of sleep: probably average 6 hours

lucky number: Hmm—13, or maybe 26?

what am i wearing: t-shirt and sweat pants

dream job: I think I’d still love to do something with design and books (or magazines)

dream trip: easy—England and Scotland

fave food: pasta <3

instruments: a bit of piano, and I used to play clarinet in school

languages: English (and the teeniest bit of French)

fave songs: I have so many and my mind is going blank!

random fact: aside from university dorm rooms/etc. I have lived in the same house my entire life

aesthetic: 19th century English cottage with some modern elements for balance

relationship status: single

favourite colour: purple

top three ships: Red Cricket (Ruby and Archie) from “Once Upon a Time”, Anne and Gilbert from “Anne of Green Gables”, Abby and Connor from “Primeval”

fave fictional characters: too many

fave book: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

lipstick or chapstick: chapstick

last song: “Spanish Eyes” by Clanadonia

when blog was created: 2011, I think, but I didn’t started really using it until about 2015

why blog was created: I followed people over from Livejournal and then really started using this blog when my love for “Once Upon a Time” was revived between seasons 4 and 5

meaning behind URL: I thought it was a pretty/poetic/floral take on my name and it sounded like “Netherfield” aka Jane and Bingley from “Pride and Prejudice”.

fave candy: gummy bears

fave holiday: probably Christmas :)

fave season: summer

fave flower: lavender

cat or dog person: I love both but cats are my super favourite <3

number of blankets you sleep with: 1 big duvet

ever had a poem or song written about you? don’t think so, unless my ex wrote a poem at one point *shrugs*

last time you played air guitar: can’t remember, but I got my little brother to play it in the car a few months ago which was awesome!

celebrity crush: Raphael Sbarge <3

sound you hate and sound you love: I hate ticking clocks and I love the patter of rain on the windows or roof

believe in ghosts: no

believe in aliens: no

do you drive: yes

ever crashed: no, thank goodness

last book: “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens—which I recommend :)

currently reading: the complete works of Shakespeare and “A Breath of Snow and Ashes” by Diana Gabaldon

last TV show: “The Home Edit” on Netflix

currently craving: chicken fingers haha

do you like the smell of gasoline: um... sometimes a bit (so weird but it reminds me of some family members and activities I think?) but not really

worst injury: I’m pretty careful so I can’t remember... although I banged my chin pretty bad when I was about 7 or 8

current obsession: well I’m reading through all of Shakespeare’s plays so that’s been fun, especially tracking down as many adaptations and stage versions I can get my hands on

do you hold grudges? I’d like to say no but I’m realizing it can be hard to let go of the emotions that came with certain hurts/betrayals even if I don’t necessarily hold grudges...

sweet, spicy, or savoury: savoury

* * *

Tagged by the lovely @bookwormchocaholic and @mariequitecontrarie. Thanks!

How old are you: 32.

Surgeries: yup, quite a few

Tattoos: none, but it appeals to me more and more

Ever hit a deer: no, thank goodness

Sang karaoke: I don’t think officially...

Ice skated: Yeah—I’d love to do more 

Ridden a motorcycle: nope and I can’t say I want to

Ridden in an ambulance: yes

Skipped school: yeah, probably when I wasn’t truly sick

Stayed in the hospital: yes

Broken bone: nope! I’m too much of a fraidy cat so I’m always super careful (and not particularly sporty)

Last phone call: my mom, I’m sure

Last text from: my mom

Watched someone die: My pets.

Pepsi or coke: Coke.

Favourite pie: I worked at a farm/farmer’s market baking (frozen) pies for yeeeeears—my fave was “bumbleberry” which was actually just a mix of apple, raspberry, blueberry, and rhubarb I think it was, ‘cause why choose just one flavour?

Favourite pizza: margherita or hawaiian

Received a ticket: Nope.

Sunset or sunrise: Either, both are beautiful.

Favourite Christmas song: "O Come All Ye Faithful” sung by Pentatonix

Cupcakes or cookies: um, cupcakes!

* * * 

Tagged by the lovely @bookwormchocaholic. Thank you! Turns out I filled this out and kept in my drafts ‘cause I’m just crazy.

1. Are you named after someone? No, my parents just liked the name. (My middle name is after my paternal grandmother, though.)

2. When was the last time you cried? Probably a week or two ago, lol.

3. Do you have kids? No.

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Not often, but sometimes.

5. What’s the first thing you notice about people? How kind they are.

6. What’s your eye color? Brown.

7. Scary movie or happy ending? Definitely happy endings.

8. Any special talents? Writing, graphic design, singing.

9. Where were you born? Canada.

10. What are your hobbies? Reading, writing, sometimes crafts like knitting and card-making…

11. Do you have any pets? I used to have a cat for over 20 years, but we had to put her down 2 3 years ago. My mom and I would love to get another cat, but my dad doesn’t want a pet right now. Plus, I just miss my cat a lot…

12. What sports do you play? Nothing.

13. How tall are you? 4′11″.

14. Favourite subject in school? English.

15. Dream job? Honestly, I’d love to be a graphic designer for books and be involved in putting them together and then do writing as a hobby to take the pressure off. I think it would balance out the creative aspects if that makes sense. (I was so close to getting my dream job, too!)

[x--daughters-of-darkness--x]

The Pretty Reckless’ Taylor Momsen: “This record saved my life”

The Pretty Reckless frontwoman Taylor Momsen faces your questions about lost friends, life in quarantine and her band’s new album

Four years on from their last album, The Pretty Reckless return in the face of personal loss and depression for the follow-up, Death By Rock And Roll. In the meantime, we challenged frontwoman Taylor Momsen to answer your burning questions on the band’s new era, making dream collaborations come true and… really rubbish tigers?

What can you tell us about how the new album is sounding? Debbie Smith (email)

“Awesome! I’m ecstatic for people to hear it. It’s been a long time coming and we’ve been sitting on music waiting to put it out, it’s been torturous. I don’t want to say too much but I am very confident with this album – in a lot of ways, this might be our best album yet; it’s very much a rebirth for this band and it feels like the first record in a lot of ways. I know to my core that I’m extraordinarily proud of what we’ve accomplished on this album, it’s a new chapter in the band’s life. This record saved my life and I’m really excited to share it.”

If you could collaborate with anyone on a future album who would it be and why? Jenni Owens (email)

“I don’t know because I don’t think of music like that, I think collaborations have to come about organically and in these modern times of streaming, collaborations are used more as a marketing tool than an actual artistic statement and I don’t really like that. I very rarely collaborate with people, but I say that just as I got to collaborate on this new album with some amazing people like Matt Cameron and Kim Thayil of Soundgarden on a song called Only Love Can Save Me Now, which we recorded at London Bridge Studios in Seattle where Soundgarden made Louder Than Love, Pearl Jam made Ten and Alice In Chains recorded there. It’s such an iconic space, so being there with those guys and hearing the song I wrote come to life with them playing it was one of the best experiences of my life. The collaboration came about in a really natural way through a lot of tragedy; we were opening for them on that last tour before Chris Cornell passed and that created a bond. We also have a song, And So It Went, that features Tom Morello playing the guitar solo – again that was such an amazing artistic collaboration. When I wrote the song, he immediately came to mind as a voice that could really express the concept, the lyrics and the point of the song and really take it to another level and he certainly does; when he comes in, it’s undeniably Tom Morello and it’s awesome!”

What do you think of them rebooting your old TV show Gossip Girl? Danielle Harris (email)

“I’m curious to see it! Social media and technology has changed so much since that show first aired so it’ll be interesting to see what they do with it. I remember on the show, they used to periodically give your character a new phone and it was still flip phones when it started… now everyone’s glued to iPhones and you feel like you’re dying without a smartphone. The social commentary alone will be interesting to see how they take that and bring it into the modern life we’re all living in.”

What did 2020 teach you? @immortalevfan (Twitter)

“It’s taught me patience, which I think I had a pretty good handle on ahead of 2020 but it certainly has tested my boundaries of how patient I can be. It’s taught me to appreciate the small things that we overlook in life – if we were on tour right now, I wouldn’t be getting to spend time with my tiny dog ,who’s very old, before she’s inevitably going to pass. I’ve been enjoying the little moments of being at home because the rest of my life has always been a whirlwind and was always on the go, so now there’s no other option but to reflect on your own thoughts and your own life.”

Would you rather have an army of badass ducks or one really crap tiger? James Brian Fitzgerald (Facebook)

“Can’t it be one badass tiger or a load of ducks? I’m kind of a solitude, isolated person; I have very few friends but the friendships I have go deep. Because a lot of ducks seems a little overwhelming, I think I want one tiger but I’d have to get him on the game. He just needs a little sensei training; I’ll give him a Soundgarden record and we’ll be on the same page. I’ll reform that tiger!”

Who in the music industry was most helpful to you taking your first steps and adapting into that world? Jane McAhrane (email)

“I have to give credit to my managers who I’ve been with for a very long time, they’ve always supported my visions and always had my back, but I think the main people are in the band. It started when I first met Ben [Phillips], our guitarist and my songwriting partner, and our producer Kato at the same time. There was an undeniable chemistry and magic that you can’t duplicate – it was something otherworldly, if you believe in that kind of thing. It was a defining moment in my life. Through that, I met Mark Damon [bass] and Jamie Perkins [drums]. When we all came together and made the decision to see where this was going to go, quit our jobs and I quit acting, we really jumped in with both feet. The support, camaraderie and the way we looked at music and life, everything about it is amazing.”

In your opinion, has having the career in acting helped or hindered the public perception and success of the band? And how long do you think it took for people to see you as a musician rather than the actress who has a band? Matt Heeks (Facebook)

“I think it was a combination of both a hindrance that we had to overcome and a slight help to the press side. In the beginning it certainly helped get our name out there because I was known for something else and I was living in a tabloid world at the time, so it spread the band’s name around, but I don’t think it contributed anything to the actuality of what it is to be a band, to make music and to be successful at that – having your name written in a bunch of articles doesn’t validate anything. I think the people who gave the album a chance without judging it with a pre- existing notion and went in with an open mind, they noticed pretty quickly. The rest of the world took a while to see this for what it was. There’s no facade, it’s just who we are as people.”

Do you think we are more likely to cry or headbang during the new album? @xxrecklesstayxx (Twitter)

“I think you’ll get a bit of both! There’s a very full spectrum on this record; it starts in the dark and ends in the light and it really takes you on a journey. If the first half doesn’t work for you, you’ll find something in the second half and vice versa. It encapsulates everything we’ve been through since the last time we were out and about in the world. A lot of this record was made due to how much tragedy and loss that suddenly thrust itself upon our lives in a short amount of time, from Chris Cornell’s passing to our producer Kato Khandwala [who died following a motorcycle crash in 2018]. [Kato] was my best friend on the planet and that was the nail in the coffin for me. I went down into a hole of depression and substance abuse and I didn’t know how to get out of it; it was music that saved me, it pulled me out and made me want to keep going. Writing this record was all I had left and I think you can really hear that on the album.”

What do you miss most about touring? Aimee Baker (email)

“I miss you guys, the fans! I’m going through show withdrawal, I miss being onstage with my best friends and cranking the amps, screaming into microphones and never really knowing what’s going on. I miss the whole energy of live shows because there’s nothing like it; it’s a drug and there’s nothing that competes with it. Being in the studio and writing gives you a different substantial kind of high that lasts forever, whereas shows are just one night but you can’t beat that one night.”

Any plans to release an acoustic album of any of your songs or covers? @Jmj2022 (Twitter)

“No specific plans but it’s certainly something we’ve been talking about for years now at this point. Because we haven’t been able to get together as a band plugged in, I’ve been doing a lot of acoustic stuff from home. We just released a piano version of House On A Hill, which is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time and I think that turned out really beautiful. I’ve got to work with some amazing friends and musicians; Alain Johannes and I covered Chris Cornell’s The Keeper together, I also got to work with Matt Cameron and we recorded Halfway There by Soundgarden. Things are happening that wouldn’t have come about if we were on tour.”

[combat-wombatus]

uHm if you do these and if you want to do it I’d love a bnha matchup <3?

• my name is Aubri, I’m bi but prefer MHA boys tbh. I go by she/her, too.

• I’m a very Gryffindor person. (Sorry if you don’t know Harry Potter - 😖)

• I’m a June cancer, and I have ADHD and anxiety. My anxiety can be literally crippling somedays, but it’s gotten better overtime.

• I’m a bit of a class clown and usually just a clown 🤡 but that’s irrelevant. My teachers all hate me but like school-wise I do well so we have a love and mostly hate relationship 🤧

• I’m usually the ‘entertaining’ friend, in elementary the popular kids would invite me to play games with them because, “you’re funny” and it was like the biggest achievement ever 😭👍🏻 then they’d ignore me but that’s another therapy session

• I’m usually made fun of by people for being ‘weird’ and ‘insane’. Like all through elementary everyone thought I’d be a criminal when I grew up JUST BECAUSE I HAD UNDIAGNOSED ADHD - I hate it here 😐🦶🏻

• I’ve always been super into crime stories/true crime (where my anxiety comes from, I’m always worried about a pesky serial killer just killing me. It’s usually being kidnapped tho lmao) so I knew and still know like all these murder facts and sometimes I’d just randomly be like;

“Hey did you know it takes 12 hours and 2 days to dissolve a body in acid?”

or

“If you bury a dead deer over a dead body you buried deep in the ground, when police dogs sniff it and people dig they’ll just think it was the deer and won’t dig any farther.”

• So maybe people had a reason to be scared of me and think I’ll be a criminal someday, i dunno.

• I love love love reading and writing, and also debating. The things I’ve wanted to be when I grow up are basically: Dog shelter worker, actress, FBI agent, politician, and a writer. But usually I just want to do something that makes a positive impact on people. Like i wanted to be an FBI agent to solve crimes for people. I wanted to be a politican so I could actually help a lot of people. The entertainment industry also seemed like a way to make people happy. Idk, but then I decided I couldn’t be a politican at 10 because they were all corrupt and to be one I would have to be too. 😫🤌🏻 we love some good childhood angst

• the only subjects I’ve ever excelled at are ELA and Social Studies aka History, and Math I can’t do to save my life. ELA comes easy for me and I usually don’t have to work that hard and/or get too stressed over it. But I always get the meanest teachers for some reason. For example, one time I did my final essay for like 30% of my grade in 30 minutes the day it was due and I got an A+ 🦟🦗🦟🦗

• Uhhh id describe myself as a pretty loyal friend, I’m a ride or die type of girl. A story from my childhood that summarizes it pretty well is when I was in 2nd grade my friend wet her pants and she didn’t want to go to the nurse for it alone so I peed my pants so I could go with her and she wouldn’t have to be alone. Like, you know, a professional problem solver

• and I have genuinely attacked people for fucking with my friends but don’t snitch pls 🕳🏃‍♀️💨

• But also just anyone, people at my school tend to come to me with their problems for me to either help solve them by reasoning, or just to confront the other person like the bad bleep I am 😈😈

• I also have a huge daydreaming problem, it’s literally maladaptive daydreaming. So paired with my ADHD I don’t get shit done like ever.

• I have really high empathy levels I guess, like I always say hi to everyone I see on the street, especially if they look sad 😔 I’ve done it ever since I was a little kiddo.

• My fashion sense is very much a preppy/alt style. I wear those ripped tights and fishnets, I also have the MOST BIZARRE JEWELRY- like who allowed me to buy the gummy worm glittery earrings, hmmm???????? and those Mary Janes???????

• But I love crew necks and pleated skirts so I always obide by the National “hoes dont get cold” policy 🇺🇸😫🦅

• I wanna move somewhere someday, I don’t want to stay in America for very long

• I can speak Latin, French, and my native language which is English.

• My music taste varies, but my all-time favorite artists who all of their music they’ve ever put out has been my favorites are, Billie Eilish, Melanie Martinez, and Conan Gray.

• I no-joke have a sign in my front yard that says;

In ✍️ this ✍️ house we ✍️ don’t ✍️ worship Jesus ✍️ but instead ✍️ Melanie ✍️ Martinez

• My favorite shows are MHA (duh), The Promised Neverland, and Malcolm in The Middle.

• and I’m not going to tell you what I prefer in a partner, because that ruins the fun 😤

• but I will say I cannot be friends with someone who doesn’t really make me laugh. Like I’m used to doing most of the talking in convos but if you’re just boring I’m sorry it’s nothing personal but no thanks 😐✌🏻

• About my physical appearance, I have fluffy n curly brown hair, but when it’s in the sunlight it looks sort of brown but golden yk?? It’s shoulder length :) I have bleach blonde streaks in the front. I like wearing eyeliner most days, too. I’m pretty average size/ on the skinnier side. Kinda high key inscure abt my body bc I got flat shamed in elementary EVEN THOUGH I HAVE TIDDIES NOW- whatever 😤🙄. I also have crystal type blue eyes, and I do have fairly big eyes. But, like, not weirdly big. A good big. My cheekbones are ALWAYS PRESENT so sometimes I get called a Tim Burton character but it’s cool ig ☠️☠️ oh and I’m kinda short. I’m 5’3, even though my doctor said I’d be 5’7. I feel like I was either tricked by the doctor or someone just stole my destined height while I was asleep. It’s probably cause I didn’t keep an eye out for Selener 👁 😔😔

• I’m a definite night owl, like all of my energy comes at night which really sucks cuz I can’t do much since everyone else is asleep.

• My love language is touch starved so I’ve never figured it out ✌🏻😗🔫

• but I am an attention whore so idk 😏

• I’m a huge introvert with social anxiety. It isn’t as bad as it used to be cuz I used to not be able to like go to restaurants but now I’m much better.

• I’m a huge history person, mostly like sad history LMFAO. Uh but a lot of my hyperfixations have been on history. Some examples are The Roman Empire, Julius Caesar himself, Anne Frank, The Titanic, the Black Plauge, Helen Keller, Marie Curie, Slavery in the US, Joan of Arc, and just a lot more. I always love talking about these things if someone would let me ramble to them but no one ever does 😖 it also got to a point where for all these subjects I’d go to the library and try to find a book on them but usually I’d either have already read it or I’d read it and know all the information.

• I’m super into Greek Mythology, I have 7 books filled with the stories, I’m going to Greece maybe this summer to see it’s history, and named my hamster Aphrodite but we call her Aphie. I also will talk about this forever and ever if you let me.

• My favorite color is yellow, my favorite food is literally nothing I never have an appetite, my favorite planet is Saturn, favorite song is Tag Your It by Melanie Martinez atm but it changes like everyday.

• Music is a huge safe-space for me if I’m feeling down or having a panic attack. It calms me down n is overall my coping mechanism 💃🏻💃🏻

• Biggest fear is spiders, even looking at one gives me a panic attack and I cannot sleep at all for that night, adding to my insomniac ass 🧎🏻‍♂️🏌️‍♀️

• I’m mature for my age, I don’t exactly like hanging around kids my age and I get along better with older crowds.

• i don’t like conventional dates, (I PROMISE IM NOT TRYING TO SOUND ‘QUIRKY’ AHAHA) I kind of like having a best-friend type partner more so dates that aren’t as romantic as like the movies or a fancy restaurant suite me better. My dream date is playing Monopoly on my bedroom floor 🦧

• Also I hate getting gifts. End of story. If someone gets me a gift like awe that’s nice but never again, I’d prefer to get you one. Especially in a romantic partner 😐 i keep a journal of my friends’ interests and hobbies so I can get them the perfect gifts for their bdays and Christmas’s. Been doing this ever since 4th grade.

• Though I don’t have much actual experience with relationships🧍🏻‍♀️

• I’m a huge believer in ‘family isn’t blood, it’s who you make it’ because I have a pretty shitty family life and my childhood has been trash. My friends are my family to me.

• Also if my friends don’t like my romantic partner ✨ GOODBYE ✨. Sorry girlie, bros before hoes 🦨💨

I was going to put more but I’m so so sorry for how LONG AND COMPLICATED THIS IS- idk if this is a autobiography or a matchup at this point 🤦‍♀️ don’t feel pressured to do this and if matchups aren’t open IM SO SO SORRY LMAO uh yeah ilysm 🦎🎂🧃

OMG ASLDFKJHASLKDJH

🥺 i’m so sorry bby but matchups are closed ;-; my 100 follower event was over while ago (i guess i should’ve specified that in the asks i answered LKSAJHFLKJAHDS SORRY IT’S MY BAD) but you sound so cool?? i had a lot of the same hyperfixations interests (heLLO helen keller was badass AF and the roman empire was messed up but still v cool, anne frank was awesome too) i also may or may not have wanted to be a politician when i was younger alskdjfhalkdhj but now i’m just 🧍🏻‍♀️ lost and anyways you’re amazing >.< love u lots and don’t forget to drink water and eat a lil something hehe :p 

[keepingupwithlinmanuel]

Lin-Manuel Miranda gets a 'buddy-comedy' with Lee Scoresby in His Dark Materials

On casting Miranda, the first actor to join the series, executive producer Jane Tranter recalls seeing In the Heights in London with her daughter in fall 2016. “Obviously, I knew the musical, I knew Hamilton, but we were there, we were seeing it. It was incredible,” she says. Tranter also knew Miranda had been tweeting praise for His Dark Materials and series writer Jack Thorne’s work on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Since the actor was also already in London filming his role of lamplighter Jack in Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns, they set up a meeting.

Miranda doesn’t think he’s an obvious choice to play Lee, but Tranter saw a “humor, kindness, and fighting spirit” within him that was necessary for the character.

Below, Miranda spoke with EW from Wales — where His Dark Materials was already at work on its second season — about forming his own version of Lee, entering this fantastical world, and Lee’s relationship with Hester.

...

Are you going back into In the Heights once filming on season 2 is done, or are you officially wrapped on that? I officially wrapped last week and they [the cast] have officially wrapped, so now post-production. My side projects while I’m here are, I’m writing songs with [Little Mermaid composer] Alan [Menken]; we’ve had a couple of intense days in the studio together and now we’re going back and forth and we’re going to find more time together in September. Then, when I get back at the end of September, I get the joy of [Broadway’s] Freestyle Love Supreme, which for me will be my semi-regular therapy session where I get to rap whatever I want on Broadway.

...

How would you describe Lin-Manuel Miranda’s version of the Texan accent? I have a lot of family in Texas. They’re not the Texas that is usually represented on screen. They don’t sound anything like Yosemite Sam. They live in San Antonio and Corpus Christi and further south. I’m channeling a bit of my cousins and my uncles. My grandfather grew up in Eagle Pass with my mom and dad which is really close to the Texas border, and I was pulling from there.

...

I think the daemons, too, are an interesting narrative exercise. What could’ve been an internal monologue now becomes a conversation between two characters. Was there anything that struck you about Lee’s conversation with Hester that was most revealing to you about this character? It’s such a brilliant conceit. I think Philip Pullman, even in one of his essays from his Daemon Voices book last year, talks about coming up with the idea of daemons because he had this young narrator and he wanted her to be able to express herself. It’s such a great end run around a Shakespearian soliloquy. I think what you realize when you watch the show is that everyone’s relationship to their daemon — not just what kind of animal it is, but the way in which they interact with their daemon — tells us a lot about who they are. Mrs. Coulter’s has an almost entirely non-verbal interaction with her daemon, which is very different from mine, which is practically a buddy-comedy. Lee Scoresby spends a lot of time alone and he talks to Hester a lot and she talks back a lot. There’s a lot of gab back and forth in contrast to even Lyra and [Lyra’s daemon] Pan, where Pan is a bit of a Jiminy Cricket, a bit of a conscience, a bit of a gut check for Lyra. A lot of the time with Lee and Hester, Lee is already getting into trouble before Hester can be like, “Yeah, that’s not a great idea.” … I had an awesome Latina actress [Alonzo] who’ve I’d been a fan of for a long time doing the voice [of Hester], so I was really happy when I saw the final edit. It’s cool that a Latino actor playing a Texan aeronaut also has a Latina voice actor.

...

Since you’re a fan of the books, do you feel like the story has a different impact now in 2019 versus when you and your wife first read the books? Yeah. There’s a part of me wishes the books were so precious and so relevant because one of the themes it tackles is authority and control over speech and control over peoples’ bodies, whether that is a religious organization or a government organization. I wish that the images of children being separated from their parents didn’t echo what is currently happening in our country.

[heartlandians]

Throwback Thursday: Amber Marshall answers fan questions, part 2! (March 2010)

Q: Hey Amber! I think you're amazing and you (and Jane Goodall) are true role models for me :) I would love to live on my own acreage with my animals someday, and i love your bond with animals and nature :) My Question is: If/When you stop acting, what else would you like to do with your life? Thank you for answering our questions and keep up the good work on Heartland! You play Amy beautifully. Love Maya - Your fan from London x Posted by: Maya on March 02, 2010 at 07:34 AM

A: Wow, Jane Goodall was always a favourite of mine growing up, so that was quite the compliment! Thank you. I have always lived my life in the moment, and although I do make future plans, I never have a set path that I choose to follow. Whenever an opportunity presents itself, I decide whether or not it is right for me at that time, and either jump in with both feet, or wait for something else to come around. I know that is probably not the direct answer you were looking for, but if I knew exactly where I was going to be and what I would be doing in a few years ... then where's the excitement?!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi Amber, I am a huge fan! You are a wonderful and talented actress! I am a huge fan from New Zealand and one day I hope I can come to Canada and meet you! hehe When was the last time you did something for the first time? Thank you so much! xoxox Posted by: Kelly on March 02, 2010 at 11:38 PM

A: That is an incredible question Kelly! Five stars for originality. Let me think... I did go for a ride on a full grown sow (pig) the other day... That was sure interesting.... Never had done THAT before.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi Amber! You have most likely heard this before but you are my favourite actor and you are such a beautiful person inside and out! I also enjoy riding horses, and my question is, what scenes do you like filming best, the ones where you are riding, hanging out with the family, or ones with Ty? Posted by: Nadine on March 02, 2010 at 02:36 PM

A: I love a variety everyday. That way it keeps it interesting and fresh. I do love all the scenes with horses though. My very favourite scenes to shoot consist of just me and "Spartan" riding in one of our beautiful locations.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi! I was wondering if you grew up on a farm or a ranch??? I love your show!!!!!!! Posted by: Destiny on March 02, 2010 at 11:44 AM

A: I actually grew up in the city, but that never stopped me from exploring and spending most of my days in the country. I was always searching for animals in the forest near my house or ridding my horse on trails near the barn where I boarded him. It wasn't until I moved out west for Heartland that I tried my hand at farm life. I can never go back to the city now!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hiya Amber ;] Heres a BIG hello from London [england]!!!!! You do an AMAZING job as Amy, you bring her problems to life in a very natural way, which makes everything in the show relatable ;] so thank you!!!!! and im letting you know that i have probably spread the word about heartland to most of the people in england ;P My question is, when you first started acting, did you just do it as a hobbie, or was it something you imagined you would become huge doing?? Thanks a lot!!!!! Posted by: Katie on March 02, 2010 at 09:52 AM

A: When I first got into acting I never thought of it as a career, or anything full time. I just loved to perform and really enjoyed the film and television atmosphere. Heartland was the first time I released how much a part of my life acting is. I don't do it for the fame, I do it because I love every minute of it. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: You do a great job acting Amy, and you make us all so jealous of her, in a nice way. Wouldn't we all love to have a horse like Spartan,a loving family, great friends, and an awesome job like Amy does? Not to mention her wonderful boyfriend... Seriously, CBC should start up a "Heartland Dude Ranch" so all the fans can have a taste of Amy's life! So here is my question: If Amy were a real person and you were an objective observer, who would you say has the better/cooler/nicer life? Amy or Amber? Posted by: Key on March 01, 2010 at 01:02 PM

A: Ohhhhhh, wow what an awesome question! I love portraying Amy and experiencing the things she does. Amy has a very unique life for a teenager and even with the ups and downs she has gone through, she always seems to come out on top! That being said, I wouldn't want to swap places with her, or anyone for that matter. I believe that life is what you make of it, and I am very happy being Amber. This way I can live a little through Amy, but maintain an entirely different life of my own. It really is the best of both worlds!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi Amber! Heartland is my most favourite show on TV! Here is my question: Which cast members do you stay in touch with off set and when you are not shooting Heartland? Posted by: Mb on March 02, 2010 at 01:37 PM

A: In between seasons I stay in touch with the entire principal cast. Thank goodness for BlackBerry Messenger!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi Amber! Heartland is my favourite show, by far, and wouldn't be the same without you. You are my inspiration, just ask everyone I know!!! My question for you is "What inspired you to start acting?". Thanks a lot, and keep up the EXCELLENT work. Posted by: Gabriella on March 02, 2010 at 03:32 PM

A: It was something that just happened. I loved to perform and after trying my hand at a few onstage productions with a local theatre group, I thought it would be fun to try a different medium. I never remember anything or anyone who made me decide. I just seemed to fall into the biz ... and here I am!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi Amber! I think you're really great as Amy. My question is: Do the really intense scenes between you and Graham get awkward at anytime? Like when Ty first came back after leaving at the end of the first season. Keep up the awesome work. Posted by: Nikki on March 01, 2010 at 01:14 PM

A: Never. Whenever I do a scene with Graham I know I am in great hands. We can feed off one another and work out kinks we have with the scene, or how it is to be played. I am very lucky to have him as a co-star.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi Amber, I love Heartland. You do an amazing job on the show. I love your character and you do a great job portraying her. My question is: Who would be your dream actor to work with and why? Keep up your amazing work on the show. Thanks. Posted by: Katrina on March 02, 2010 at 03:46 PM

A: There is not any one individual that comes to mind. I have great respect for a lot of actors, whether "famous" or not. I always love to see fresh faces and work with someone new. For me it is more about locations. I would love to film in a hot climate like Fiji. I think it would be a very different working atmosphere being so far removed from what I am accustomed to here in Canada.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi Amber, I love your character!!! My question for you is do you have any horses of your own? If so what are their names? Posted by: Bailey on March 03, 2010 at 03:21 PM

A: I sure do! I have a 4-year-old Welsh/Paint X Gelding. His name is "Pepsi" and even though his daddy was a Paint he came out solid chestnut. He is my riding horse and we love to head out on trails any chance we get. I also have two weanling Quarter-Horses! One is a little filly I call "Moon" and the other is a Buckskin colt. He is currently named Harry - the name he had when I got him, but I am going to give him a new name and perhaps you and the Heartland fan base can help! I am going to be asking for suggestions for a new name for him. Keep watching this blog in the near future for details! If you check out the cover of Canadian Cowboy Country magazine here on the blog you will see him and I!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi Amber I just want you to know you are totally and completely AWESOME!!!! And I was wondering if you have any tips on buying a horse? Thanks, Your #1 fan Steph Posted by: Steph on March 03, 2010 at 01:05 PM

A: It completely depends on what you and your horse plan to do together. Do you want to compete? Western? English? Hunter? Jumper? Barrels? Pleasure? These are all questions you need to know in order to get the right horse for you. My best advice is - try and take someone along with you who knows their stuff.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: I love you Amber! You're an amazing actress and i look forward to seeing heartland every week! I have a very random question.. If you had a daughter and son what would you name them? :) Thankyou!! You rock! Keep up the good work :D Posted by: MG on March 02, 2010 at 07:51 AM

A: You are right, that is a random question! To be quite honest, I have NO clue. It will be a while before I start thinking about that. I do however always like to think up names for animals, as my animal family seems to be always growing.... My next female dog I wanted to name either; Lila, Dalia or Kya. And my next cat I want to name "Biker" (Since I already have cats named "Harley" and "Fox") Does that half answer your question??

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi Amber! My question to you is this : If you had any say in the matter (and from a fan's point of view - if you were to watch the show like the rest of us, not knowing what to expect) what would you like to see happening to your character next season and in the near and not-so-near future? Where would she end up? Married (;P like Jack seems to be implying)? Working as a vet? What do you think would be best for her in the long run? Posted by: Habs_fangirl on March 01, 2010 at 03:17 PM

A: I see Amy training horses full time and really focusing on that. I don't think she would become a veterinarian as Ty is already headed down that path and she wouldn't want to steal his thunder - or even spend that long in school away from Heartland.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi Amber! Heartland is the best show on TV. You and the rest of the cast and crew are doing an outstanding job! My question: How is it to work with Michelle Morgan? I love the sister-sister relationship on the show. Posted by: Mar on March 01, 2010 at 04:35 PM

A: More often then not, I feel as though Michelle really is my sister! We know each other pretty well now and I love her very much. We have lots of fun times, and also get our bickering out. Very sisterly.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hey! You are an absolutly amazing actor. I was wondering...Do you enjoy the scenes when you had to kiss Caleb and Ty. I Know I would =D Tee Hee Keep up the good work! Breslau =) Posted by: Breslau on March 01, 2010 at 01:38 PM

A: Of course I do! But the truth is, there are not many scenes I don't enjoy...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: heey Amber i looooooooove seeing u on the show. I think its great that Amy and Ty are back together my question for you : Are YOU happy that Amy and Ty are back together and why? :D Posted by: Elizabeth on March 01, 2010 at 05:52 PM

A: I am very happy Amy and Ty are back together. The trick now is to keep their relationship interesting. The whole fun of it was the tension and anticipation we felt throughout season two just waiting for them to finally make up their minds!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi Amber! You're totally amazing! Graham thinks so too (for survival). Here's the deal. I asked him if you two were to be stranded on a deserted island, how did he think you would contribute to his survival and how would you be of no help at all. "She would be vital to my survival. I have no clue what's edible and what's poisonous. She has a wealth of knowledge about wildlife. She would probably be no help at all in the rescue effort. I bet she would want to stay there and live with the animals!" So, my question for you is, how would Graham contribute or not contribute to your survival on the deserted island? Thanks in advance for answering questions for us. You rock ;) Kathryn - Your fan from WA Posted by: Kathryn on March 01, 2010 at 06:42 PM

A: Hey Kathryn! I love this question. Well, Graham went to boy scouts you know... so I think he is holding out on his plethora of wilderness survival skills. He is also a lot physically stronger then me... so he would be a big help in gathering wood and building shelters... And I can bet if any form of technology washed up on the beach he would have it rigged in seconds to play some kind of music and maybe even track our position and notify the local coast guard. I would probably try and prevent the tracking, as Graham was right - I wouldn't want to leave!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi Amber!! i just wanted to say that you are an awesome actress, and my whole family loves watching heartland!! My siblings were thrilled to write to you in Kathryn Arthur's fanbook. we look up to you, my sisters especially, and want to thank you for everything you have done. :) (no pressure do do great things lol) So my question to you is: what do you think is one life experience that has made you the person you are today?? Thank you so much for your time, and we think you rock!!! Posted by: countrygurl twin on March 01, 2010 at 08:24 PM

A: I am a strong believer that all the experiences in your life (big or small) directly relate to who you are as a person. There are many opportunities I can think of that helped shape me and guide me to where I am now. Things like getting my first horse or attending a performing arts school. My family and friends have also affected every decision in my life. I don't think I could choose one specific experience.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hey Amber! WoW, time and time again you continue to amaze me! Your portrayal of Amy is so genuine and original and always truthful, and you're so good at drawing people into whatever Amy is going through; like we get to go through it with her, if that makes sense. Hehe! I was a big fan of the Heartland books before the tv series came out, so I watched that first episode of Season 1 very critically. I already had very set views on all the characters, and I wasn't sure that actors could do it justice... Well, I was wrong. The whole team - cast & crew - do a phenomenal job!! I apologize for ever doubting you in that way; just a few minutes into the first episode, I figured you must have been born for that role! And that scene where Amy is telling Jack that it was own fault her mother died - WOW that was powerful! I was a goner! Haha! You're amazing! =) My question is, what is something in life (either big or small) that you haven't done yet but would love do? For example, I'd love to one day ride in a hot air balloon, and hold a toucan. =) I'm looking forward to seeing you in many more projects in the future! Blessings... ~Laura~ Posted by: Laura on March 01, 2010 at 10:18 PM

A: Thanks Laura! There are many things I hope to do in life, I want to experience as much as I can and wring every drop I can out of life. I definitely will have to go skydiving, bungee jumping and ride an elephant in Africa. There are lots of places in the world I would like to visit, and I am sure I will experience many neat things while exploring.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hey Amber!! I'll just start off by saying you REALLY, REALLY rock!!! I'm so glad you play amy in the show. I know you like animals a lot, but my question is this: What's your favourite animal? Keep up the good work on the show!! Posted by: ponygal on March 02, 2010 at 07:16 AM

A: That's not a fair question! It is SO hard to pick. In the wild, I really love Timber Wolves, but I find something very majestic about Snow Leopards. Owls are another favourite, and in the sea I would have to say Orca Whales and Dolphins. As far as domestic animals go, I love dogs... and yes, horses of course!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi Amber. I think you do a wonderful performance of your character. What tv shows to do you like to watch when you have time? Thanks for taking your time to answer our questions. All the best. Posted by: Diana Worobec on March 02, 2010 at 11:26 AM

A: This is going to sound crazy coming from an actor... But I don't watch TV.... I spend all my free time outside and when it is too dark and cold to be outside I will come in and get caught up with friends on my computer.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hi Amber from Northern Ireland. I love you!! :-) you do an awsome job playing amy on heartland!! My question for you is: what has been your funniest moment on set!!!! Posted by: Carrie on March 02, 2010 at 11:47 AM

A: There are so many of them It seems as though we are continually laughing at something. The scenes at the dinner table always get the best laughs. I think we get giddy in big groups. One time during the scene where "Lou" had to pop the Champaign the cork flew across the room and hit our soundman in the bum! We all lost it, and could not hold a straight face for the rest of the day!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hey Amber, you are my favoritestest person like... ever! I really want to meet youuu. Watching your show almost makes me feel like ive known you all my life. (16 years) weird eh? That's pretty impactful :) Well anyways thanks for your time amber, or should I say Amy! Is it true that you have a brother who is just as amazing, if not MORE amazing than you?! ~ Your secret admirer ;) ~ Posted by: Loueylover144 on March 01, 2010 at 04:45 PM

A: I sure do! I have a very cute 16yr old brother. And is wayyyy cooler then me.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hey amber. Just wanted to say great job on Heartland. My question is where do you get the clothes the characters wear on the show? Posted by: Keely on March 01, 2010 at 01:15 PM

A: Heartland has an awesome costume designer named Carol Case. She is in charge of everything all the actors wear on the series. Carol is going to be one of the crew members who has her own Q & A on this blog in the near future. When that happens fans can ask her anything (Well, anything relating to costumes that is!)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: heey amber :) first i just want to say im a big fan. i have been riding for 7 years and my horses name is Riley :) My question is: Is it true that you used to ride at shadow lane stables in london ontario? If so i find that really cool because that is where i have been riding ever since i was nine and i still ride there. Feel free to come back and visit :P Posted by: morgan dedato on March 01, 2010 at 03:53 PM

A: I sure did! Shadowlane was the first stable I took lessons, leased and eventually boarded my horse at!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hey Amber so first I just want to say that you are an amazingly talented actor, very beautiful, and a great role model for girls around Canada, especially to me. So keep at what you're doing because you are truly meant to be doing some form of film/television. My question is do you have any advice on starting out in the career of acting? Posted by: Amanda on March 01, 2010 at 06:41 PM

A: Make sure you are doing it because you love it, and not for fame/fortune or any other motives. Also try your hand at different mediums (Like stage, or on screen performances) and see what you enjoy the most. Remember, you can always do both!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Hey Amber! I just have to say, you portray Amy so close to what I had imagined from the books; there were just some small differences. However, your acting has made it so that I almost forget what the Amy I imagined while reading the books was like. So, my question is, what was the name and temperament of the first horse that you ever rode in your life? I'm really curious to know! Thanks in advance for answering all of these questions, Amber! You're awesome! ~Milly Posted by: Milly on March 03, 2010 at 07:50 PM

A: The VERY first horse I rode was when I was 3 years old. It was a pony named "Tony." He was very gentle and calm - an old pro as they say. I gained a lot of confidence being around him. :)

Source