#jonno reviews

[witchofthemidlands]

i was trying to innocently watch young dracula when my yt did something cursed. i think this is the 4am post https://www.tumblr.com/witchofthemidlands/743528598169894912/i-am-still-battling-through-my-young-dracula-hyper i made the other day either coming back to haunt me or trying to warn me not to write the vlad vs a “dreamworld” 1931-2023 dracula multiverse 😅 i stand by what i said though vlad would see this version of dracula in his normal clothes & think a normal dracula? 🥹 for me? 🥹 with all his vlad dracula hope & optimism only to get scarred for unlife & after. the renfields are trading & discussing the consistency, the delicacy of insects, jonno's having a quarter life crisis, agatha wants to study them for science, ingrid's watching this like a sports match, vlad is rocking back & forth hoping he's going to wake up in the himalayas & the draculas are trying to out c(o)unt the other, they're battling their way through whitby, terrorising the nearest goth festival, the draculas are fightingggg.

who wins?

[chasingshadowsblog]

Review: Better Man - Something Beautiful

Title: Better Man Directed by: Michael Gracey Written by: Simon Gleeson, Oliver Cole, Michael Gracey Starring: Robbie Williams, Alison Steadman, Jonno Davies, Stephen Pemberton, Kate Mulvaney, Carter J Murphy, Raechelle Banno, Frazer Hadfield Music by: Robbie Williams Choreography: Ashley Wallen Visual Effects Team: Wētā FX Visual Effects Supervisor: Luke Millar Production Design by: Joel Chang 

"It might be cabaret but it's world class cabaret and I'm the fucking best at it. Fuck yourselves."

There are fair comparisons to be made between Better Man and Elton John's Rocketman. Both draw on fantastical elements to depict the experience of sudden and extreme fame. Rocketman does so through colourful, high-octance musical sequences and the image of the singer shooting up into the sky like the rocket man he sings about; Better Man is more rooted in reality but depicts its subject matter - the musician Robbie Williams - as a CGI chimpanzee.

Williams has spent his life, it seems, hiding his anxieties behind a 'cheeky monkey' persona but it is not to this that the ape-suit refers, i in his own terms Williams has always viewed himself as "unevolved" compared to those around him and it is this idea that saves the the CGI chimp from being a gimmick and makes it a unique and engaging stylistic choice. It takes all of ten minutes to get used to the CGI chimp and after that ten minutes it's difficult to imagine a human face and body in the same role and it is not so difficult to see the human being behind the chimpanzee eyes. After that ten minutes, the effect is almost invisible. It helps that none of the other characters allude to the fact that they are talking to a chimp. There is no wink and nudge; Williams' story is told with sincerity, making his presence as a chimpanzee and the film's energetic musical numbers - a Take That montage that jumps and flips around Regent Street, a delicate sequence in which he falls in love with Nicole Appleton, and an unexpectedly violent scene in which Knebworth Stadium is turned into a gladiatorial arena where Williams battles past versions of himself - seem utterly natural.

While the ups and downs of Williams' career aren't so different to sudden fame and cocaine blues depicted in many a musician's biopic, the commitment to the stylistic punt pays off totally and utterly. The schtick will - hopefully - put curious bums in cinema seats but the heart-felt sincerity in which the story is told will keep them there. Williams and director Michael Gracey took a massive risk and it absolutely works. There is a magic in Better Man, in Williams' words and Gracey's committed directing, that somehow, combined, make the emotions in the film more heartfelt and stronger than they would have been had Willimas been merely a man.

Other bits:

I've only written two reviews so far this year and they both reference Elton John and Rocketman so I think I should be expecting a cheque in the post soon

Good evening everybody! My name is Robbie Williams. This is my band, and for the next two hours, YOUR ASS IS MINE!" - bruh

all the song and dance sequences were outstanding - it needs to be said, it needs to be SHOUTED

that She's the One number was so beautiful

again, the absolute commitment to the bit that this film did is really what made it for me. I kept expecting, after his rehab, that he'd turn into a man, but I like the insinuation that even after sorting himself out, Robbie Williams still sees himself as a chimpanzee

"I'm gonna be fucking famous!" "Shut up, you tit." "Oh, fuck off Glenn."

Alex Godfrey's review is brilliant and captures everything that was so brilliant about the movie: https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/better-man/

I wasn't a huge fan of Robbie Williams when I went to see this - I liked some of his songs but his peak as a musician was somewhat before my time - I enjoy music biopics and this one caught my interest as a bold and cool way to tell this kind of story, but consider me converted I'm absolutely sold on his music now

the Relight My Fire setting was so good and effective in conveying how overwhelming it must be as a musician to face that scale of an audience and venue

I realise that it is probably not his story to tell, but I would have liked if the film had been more explicit bout the fact that Nicole had to get an abortion because her producer wouldn't let her have a baby. It made me think of Sinéad O'Connor, who refused to get an abortion and how she is probably a minority among the many women who have been treated this way. I think it would have been a good opportunity to at least shine a light on the issue in a conversation or argument about it, even if they didn't want to dwell on it for the entire film

fucking Oasis

[bob-the-movie-man-film-reviews]

Better Man (15): From Hell to Salvation via the Battle of Knebworth Field.

One Mann's Movies FIlm Review of "Better Man". A really dynamic and entertaining biopic of Robbie Williams. 4/5.

A One Mann���s Movies review of “Better Man” (2024). Releasing films on Boxing Day is all very well. But the period between Christmas and New Year is for family time in my book (plus, of course, frantically trying to put my end of the year lists/videos together!) So, I never tend to see films until the New Year, which means I’m behind on my reviewing before I start! Case in point, “Better Man” –…

[agentnico]

Better Man (2024) review

Robbie Williams just told me to go f*** myself right before credits rolled. Baller move.

Plot: Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. The film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.

“LET MEEEEEE EN-TER-TAIN YOU!” Yes, the soundtrack of this movie absolutely slaps, as it is Robbie Williams re-recording most of his greatest hits, and they are wonderful to hear, accompanied by some fantastic dance choreography (they closed off the busy Regent Street in London one night for the elaborate “Rock DJ” sequence featuring over 500 extras which is mad!) and visuals. It was honestly a great idea to have The Greatest Showman’s Michael Gracey direct this movie, as he’s proving to be a truly slick visual stylist, as this movie looks absolutely amazing. The editing and transitions from shot to shot are so smooth and creative, with so much energy, that I do wish he was handpicked to direct Wicked over John M. Chu. Don’t get me wrong, I think Wicked is a great musical adaptation, but I believe Gracey would have infused that movie with so much more colour and vibrancy, instead of making it look like another Marvel movie. Better Man looks wonderful.

We should also acknowledge the elephant (or should I say monkey) in the room - Robbie Williams is played by a CGI monkey. I’m not that much acquainted with Robbie Williams’ stardom, though my wife tells me that Williams at one point compared himself to a cheeky monkey, and if so I absolutely love that due to that one time he said one phrase has resulted in a whole movie being inspired by it. Turns out the most crazy bonkers aspect of Better Man is also its greatest asset. Even though it takes a few minutes to get adjusted to seeing the main character be a monkey whilst everyone else is still human, this monkey ends up being so engaging, as there is so much emotion that it’s able to showcase through its eyes and facial expressions, more than a human would. The special effects are provided by Weta Workshop, who are also behind some of the greatest motion capture character work in film from the likes of The Lord of the Rings’ Gollum and Planet of the Apes’ Caesar, and it shows, as the monkey truly feels real and alive, as it’s a combination of the CGI and Jonno Davies’ performance that results in the best part of this film. Love the monké!

“Who is Robbie Williams?” he asks at the start of this film. He then answers his own question: he is “narcissistic, punchable and just a f..king twat”, but ­despite that, or because of that, he is here to entertain you. And in some ways this movie does - the sarcastic “fuck-everyone” narration by Williams himself is great, as it really personifies his personality of the British bad boy of boy bands. It is a shame then that the movie is hindered by generic music star biopic tropes. I get that this film is based on Williams’ real life story, but no offence to him, the story told here is like most other music stars’ backstory. Drugs, identity crisis, rough father-son dynamic, depression, band break-ups… we’ve seen it all before. My wife says that the Netflix documentary that came out a few years back was much more interesting and focused on more unique aspects of Williams’ life. This movie however goes for the bare bone basic narrative and as such it gets really boring. There’s a part where the movie completely stops and focuses on Williams drug additiction, and though it’s amusing to see the CGI monké get jerked off and snort cocaine, it does get repetitive. For as eccentric as Robbie Williams and the usage of the monkey is, the movie itself lacks depth to match that.

The two things that really work for Better Man are Michael Gracey’s superb visually colourful directing style, and the decision to have Williams played by a CGI monkey. However outside of that this film offers hardly anything new to the tired music star biopic genre. I mean it shows that even Hollywood realises how tired this genre is, as with them having a CGI monkey here and Pharrell Williams’ Piece by Piece be showcased through LEGO characters, it feels like they are trying to throw some really bonkers idea to revitalise the genre. Admirable, but a dull genre is still a dull genre, and the most important part of a movie is to tell an interesting store. Better Man does not.

Overall score: 5/10

[milliondollarbaby87]

Better Man (2024) Review

The story of Robbie Williams, his childhood, rise of fame with boyband Take That and branching out on a solo career while fighting many demons. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Continue reading Better Man (2024) Review

[victorsandvanquishers]

Tear Me to Pieces, Skin to Bone

Fandom: DC Comics

Ships: Jon Kent/Jay Nakamura, past Jon Kent/Imra Ardeen

Ratings: T+

Warnings: Past Child Abuse, Angst, Body Horror, Romance

Story Synopsis: Jon reminisces on past loves and new ones, and how over the course of time his lovers have taken to his network of scars, both inside and out. [Canon compliant up to the end of SOKE, Warworld & Steelworks; disregards AOS:JK, written for 2023 Jon Kent Week, Day 3 - Scars and Marks]

~~~

Wanted to make sure at least one of the week's fics was dedicated entirely to Jon's love life LMAO. Hate when they forget my boy's got game. Who else can boast they scored both an alien girlfriend and pinkette boyfriend in the same lifetime? Only Jonno.

Don't forget to leave a review! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

@jonkentweek

[englishmansdcc]

BETTER MAN Succeeds in Delivering the Uniquely Talented Robbie Williams

Review by Michael McLarty Director: Michael GraceyStarring: Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Alison Steadman, and Kate MulvanyMovie Length: 2 hours 15 minutes  If you’ve elected to read this review, you are likely one of the elite. A relatively small percentage of music lovers in North America familiar with the Ego himself, Mr. Robbie Williams. An…

[biggoldbelt]

Better Man - Review (2024) | Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies & Steve Pemberton | CIFF

Better Man review by Big Gold Belt Media –Synopsis:Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film is uniquely told from Robbie’s perspective, capturing his signature wit and…

[magicalgirllove92]

The show called LA Brea. The synopsis was an sinkhole that swallow up Los Angeles sending strangers including an mother and son back in to prehistoric times. Left alone is an very scared teenage daughter who lost her leg due to scary accident is disabled with mechanical leg is in dire need of an assistance by her father who suffered from psychic hallucinations due to drinking and an troubled past who is unlikely to solve a mystery with his best friend. Unfortunately, after the family is reunited, the narcissistic wife Eve Harris played by FX's critical acclaimed hit neo-western action drama Justified actress Natalie Zea is sleeping with her former husband Gavin played by BBC's Merlin 2008 actor Eoin Mackin's best friend the evilish betrayer Captain Levi Delgado played by The Princess and the Barrio Boy actor Nicholas Gonzalez. Still unfortunately, the group includes 3 kids played by TikToker Jack Martin, disabled model Zyra Gorecki and young actress Veronica St. Clair who has an career downgraded era from Golden Globe-winning miniseries Unbelievable to terrible Jurassic Park saga ripoff struggles to go back to their own time because of arguing like immature teenagers, being slaves by The Others ripoff, Exiles led by the late Jason Momora wannabe Tamaart, getting run-in with disastrous situations including poorly rendered CGI prehistoric animals and dinosaurs and mysterious evil woman and James Harris played by Australia's longest running soap Neighbours actor Jonno Roberts' personal minion named Kiera played by the actual good actress Simone McAcully. In the worst twist during season 2, the sinkhole that sending The Harris Family, Levi, Riley, her dad Dr. Sam Medez played by Selena and Bad Boys 2 actor Jon Seda and their friends to prehistoric times were responsibled by the evil group The Lazarus Project from 2076 who are working to find the way to deal with their time period's depleted resources as well as how to master the de-extinction. The Lazarus Project is headed by James and Kiera with the assistance by Tamaart and "the liar" Aaron. Unfortunately, the ratings of season 1 was the best, even the best written comedies Abbott Elementary and Ghosts USA is getting clobbered by Twilight Saga and Riverdale meets Jurassic Park movies soap opera by the season's end. However, during last year's Halloween week, 2nd season of La Brea was brutally beaten by an much better written teen drama All American from The CW and The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror XXXIII with 2 hit segments the Death Note anime parody Death Tome and WestWorld parody SimpsonsWorld with Jon Roberts as Linda Belcher from Bob's Burgers makes a cameo towards the end of the segment and the episode. This could send LA Brea fans to panic while its haters is satisfied, not even the show is safe from YouTube podcast video and the entertaintment reviews for "problematic, Jurassic Park and Days in Our Lives ripoff, an actual toxic "woke", sending a wrong messages to teenagers and sending Latino people and people dealing with anxiety issues into stereotypes." Thankfully, the show was delayed until next year, fell victim to current WGA writer's strike despite they're still filming "the final season" in Australia. If the the final season comes within the first weeks of January, don't watch or watch in case of curiosity or cringe. This is why NBC's infamously Jurassic World/Lost Mashup ripoff telenovela LA Brea is an very bad show. Next time, I'm tackle the hunks of Jurassic Park movies and it's called Jurassic Heartthrobs.

[alexsfictionaddiction]

Review: The Detention Detectives by Lis Jardine

Middle-grade mystery is one of those niche genres that people rarely talk about but that really deserves more love than it gets. I’m not sure how many people would relate if I said that ‘children solving crimes’ is a definite buzz phrase for me and I will always devour books that feature child sleuths.

Jonno has only been at Hanbridge High for a couple of weeks when he and his classmate Daniel find their PE teacher dead in a cupboard. It looks like murder but who could have done it? Jonno and Daniel weren’t really friends before but together with wannabe reporter Lydia, they both have an invested interest in solving this case.

Lydia is that annoying, nerdy girl who always happens to show up at the most inopportune times. I think we all either were her or knew her, during our own high school years. I would have liked to see more of her because she made me smile every time she appeared with her notebook. While her investigative skills were utilised, I’m not sure she really got her moment to shine. Fingers crossed that this will be a series and she’ll get her chance!

Tyler Jenkins is the school bully but he has a stammer. I thought this was really interesting because for once, a middle-grade novel depicted a school villain as someone with instantly obvious vulnerability. Tyler isn’t a main feature of the book, so his stammer isn’t really explored but it suggested that he wasn’t the over-confident, fearless bully that lots of children’s books present them as.

Daniel’s mum has chronic fatigue syndrome and while I can’t comment on whether it was an accurate description of the condition, I enjoyed that it was included. This is part of the reason for Daniel wanting to solve the case, so it definitely served a purpose to the story. I would have liked to hear more about the illness from Daniel’s mum herself but perhaps that will be explored in later books.

The Detention Detectives was a great, page-turning mystery and I was hooked throughout. I was introduced to some really lovely characters and the ending suggested that there is more to revisit in this case with a future of crime-solving for our three young detectives. I’m excited to see where it goes!

[thelaxman]

Sonic Forces Review: Stop Comparing it to Mania

So I recently played Sonic Forces on the PS4, and while I did enjoy it, there were some things about it I have to address, as well as some other things around it.

Spoilers contained, so press on if you either finished the story or don’t care about spoilers.

STORY

Alright, so the basic plot is this; Eggman is so fed up with Sonic beating him that he ‘gets serious’ and unleashed a brand new weapon on the world. Sonic is called to action during an attack and this new weapon, named Infinite, goes Brock Lesnar on Sonic and beats him. We’re next told (through text) that Eggman had easily taken over the world with Sonic out of the way, and for the past six months an underground resistance has formed to try and take the world back. So Sonic (who is actually alive, gasp), the Avatar (I’ll get into this later), and Classic Sonic (for whatever reason he’s here too) have to work together to defeat Eggman and bring the world back to peace.

The plot isn’t really groundbreaking, but this is Sonic the Hedgehog, I’m not expecting George RR Martin levels of writing. The plot is simple enough, the dialogue is nice and cheesy (and lacking in any PS2-era Shadow the Hedgehog angst). It’s a dumb little ride and I enjoyed it, even if it was a little short and I would have liked to see more cutscenes instead of text windows.

CHARACTERS

If you ask me, the characters are at their best written and performed in Forces. The voices match the characters perfectly (Vector is up for debate) and their lines are delightfully corny. Eggman has gone back to his roots of ‘legitimate threat who is quite menacing with only a little humour’ instead of the complete joke he’s been presented as for the last few games before. Sonic still has his 90s cool kid wit, and to be honest I’m fine with it. It’s how I know Sonic, and I’d rather have this instead of some bland edgelord. And speaking of bland edgelords, even Shadow is better performed this time, with Kirk Thornton giving him much more emotion and even a few sassy lines here and there in his DLC.

The game’s main villain is Infinite, a jackal who was head of a mercenary squad before turning full on edgelord with (surprisingly cool) virtual reality powers provided by the Phantom Ruby. He’s edgy to the point of parody, and you can tell that’s what the team was going for when creating him, and you can’t help but enjoy the copious amounts of teenage angst that ooze out of him like he was sweating a Simple Plan album.

But the star of the show, and the main selling point of the game, is the Avatar. Your OC. The newest member of the resistance. The Avatar only speaks in vocal grunts, but is actually a very important part of the plot, and the holds the key to defeating Infinite in the form of a Phantom Ruby shard which messes up his powers. I’ll get more into the OC below.

Some levels, when you beat them, will occasionally have an SOS signal coming from them. These are extra missions that require you to either take control of another player’s Avatar or to rescue a fellow resistance member. These aren’t mandatory of course, only for a bit of extra challenge and experience. Bonus levels also pop up depending on how well you do, and you can also beat them for extra accessories. Neato.

GAMEPLAY

The gameplay is the standard fair it’s been for the past few instalments, with a lot of Boost2Win, but it’s not nearly as bad as it used to be. Modern Sonic’s levels are quite varied, with different paths depending on how skilled and eagle-eyed you are. Boosting (which is provided by Wisps and defeating enemies in Forces) is a double-edged sword, where you’re penalised for using it in the wrong areas and not paying attention. You can tell when you’re allowed to boost since Wisp pods will be provided, but even then it’s still a blast to just rush through and plow down enemies like toilet roll.

As I mentioned earlier, Classic Sonic is back. I have no idea why they brought him back, but here he is. And to be honest, it’s as shoehorned as it sounds. The gameplay for Classic is pretty janky, with floaty jumps making some parts of platforming difficult to navigate. The speed boost doesn’t last nearly as long from what I’ve noticed, the drowning countdown has shortened to the point where an asthmatic could hold their breath longer than him, and to be honest he slows down from high speed very quickly. I mean I guess he still has the Mania jump dash (oh yeah, forgot to mention this Classic Sonic is the Sonic from Mania, because for some reason they had to tie the two games together).

After beating the first level, you have the opportunity of creating your own character, choosing between a dog, wolf, rabbit, bird, cat, bear, or hedgehog (guess which one is popular amongst kids and memers), with each species actually having its own unique perk, such as birds having a double jump and wolves able to attract nearby rings like a Sonic 3 thunder shield. As you beat levels you collect more clothing and accessories for your donut steel, and achieving S-ranks and completing side missions nets you even more stuff. There’s even an experience system for each species, which gets you even more accessories. The OC controls quite well, with responsive controls and opting for a grappling hook attack instead of a homing attack, and the lack of a jump attack is replaced by Wispons; weaponized Wisps that you can swap out on the fly before each level. There’s a wide variety of Wispons, including Burst that fires a flamethrower attack and allows a frequent jump when powered up, and a lightning one that uses an electric whip attack and lets you use the ring dash. Completing side quests unlocks Wispons with side-effects, including a shield and starting with rings. Changing Wispons is required for different paths and collectables. In some levels, Sonic and the Avatar will team up and you can control between the two simultaneously, combining their powers to create Captain Planet get through different challenges. Some parts include a Double Boost section, which after a quick button mash, lets you plow through enemies while cheesy butt rock cheers you on.

MUSIC

One thing many can agree on is that the only consistently good part about Sonic games is the soundtrack, and Forces is no exception. The theme song, Fist Bump, is a delightfully upbeat and corny butt rock tune that you can’t help but smile when you listen to. Especially if you’re a Hoobastank fan. Infinite’s theme song (named, well, Infinite), performed by Dangerkids, is Ow the Edge in all the best ways. The nu-metal inspired track includes lyrics talking about how cool and awesome Infinite is, and it’s so hilariously catchy that you’ll likely fall in love with it unironically.

Modern Sonic’s music ranges from techno and dubstep-inspired beats to full-on punk rock chords that many fans know the 3D games for. Tempo and tone change depending on which part of the stage you’re on, which I love.

Classic Sonic, which once again goes for a chiptune-feel, is also enjoyable... for the most part. Green Hill’s bleeping goes so high at some points that it’s almost uncomfortable to listen to, but the tunes are all catchy and memorable.

The Avatar’s music, my personal favourite, opts for more techno and D&B inspired tracks, which include lyrics that reflect your poor Coldsteel’s thoughts while rushing through that particular stage. I love these ones, they’re a welcome change and it’s not all the time you get lyrics during an action stage, making me remember the good times of City Escape.

PROS AND CONS

I know I’ve mostly been singing this game’s praises so far, but of course it definitely has its flaws. But the game does try to make up for them.

The story, and the levels, feel far too short compared to previous titles. There are thirty stages, not including bonus levels, and a lot of them feel like they were beaten in a flash. When you know what you’re doing, you can beat most of them in circa 2 minutes each. Granted, the levels were designed by newcomers to the format, and for their (I assume) first go, they did quite well. Plenty of branching paths and secrets to look for, and the secret/bonus levels provide plenty of challenge.

The Avatar creation leaves a bit to be desired, being unable to combine some accessories or change the colour of others, opting for just having a different set colour for the same thing. But again, this is the first time we’ve had this on an official Sonic game, and for the first try, I’m satisfied. Adding side-effects for species and Wispons provides plenty of replay value to make up for the short story.

The villains of the game are made up of Eggman, Infinite, Chaos from Adventure, Zavok from Lost World, Metal Sonic and Shadow. The last four are actually virtual reality projections created by Infinite’s powers, which I thought was a nice twist in the story instead of just having them brainwashed or whatever, but my gripe is you don’t get to fight Chaos or Shadow. It’s a shame, considering how fun they were to fight in previous titles, but the bosses we do have provide fun challenge. The final boss (Eggman in a giant robot, because thank god Eggman is actually the last boss again instead of Infinite hijacking the finale as all-powerful allies of Eggers tend to do) is a three-stage fight compiled of tactics mirroring previous bosses. Though I see this as the previous bosses warming you up for the finale, and the final boss did provide plenty of challenge. And in good Sonic fashion, you’re rewarded for using your abilities carefully and in the right moments in the form of doing more damage and a faster completion time.

FINAL WORD

As short as the main story was, Sonic Forces provides plenty of replay value in the form of extra challenges and character types that challenge you to find all the collectables and get all the S-ranks, which you are rewarded for with more things to bling out your Sonichu with. I still haven’t completely beaten it yet, despite having beaten the story in a few hours. Plus the DLC will be free, and for a AAA title, its RRP is pretty reasonable. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re a fan of the 3D stuff.

Now if we could stop comparing this game to a 2D platformer starring the same character but plays and looks completely differently and was made by a completely different team, that would be lovely.

People aren’t comparing Mario Odyssey to Super Mario Maker, so stop doing it here please.

FINAL SCORE

7 Chili Dogs out of 10

[jonnolovesfob]

I posted 385 times in 2022

128 posts created (33%)

257 posts reblogged (67%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@songbirds-sweet

@gunthersgf

@what-is-lettuce

@fancycolours

@memories

I tagged 382 of my posts in 2022

Only 1% of my posts had no tags

#mick’s bs - 186 posts

#mick answers - 73 posts

#jonno’s bs - 53 posts

#fancycolours - 29 posts

#mick does tag games - 22 posts

#mick spreads positivity - 15 posts

#fall out boy - 14 posts

#mick’s music ask - 13 posts

#mick and mars’ bs - 13 posts

#mick’s pop punk bs - 13 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#my friend made me a wallpaper of yungblud and palaye royale that’s also a live wallpaper for my birthday + to tie me over until the yb show

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

🏳️‍⚧️ happy trans day of visibility everyone :)

i’m not out to the world around me, but i’m out to those i trust and love. i’ve come to terms with myself and i just want to say that i am happy about who i am.

dear trans people, non binary people, gender diverse people and everyone in between,

it’s okay to not love yourself and your body right away. it takes time for you to love and accept yourself. self acceptance is long, long journey and i promise you will reach it. self love and acceptance can be taught, but it will take awhile to learn. you will learn it.

i see all of you, all of you diverse genders and trans people and i just want you guys to know you’re loved and accepted and seen. you’re amazing and i love you, keep going :)

with love, mick

10 notes - Posted April 1, 2022

#4

vic fuentes 🤝 kellin quinn

using the YEAH! guttural as a fill in any song

11 notes - Posted April 25, 2022

#3

new tag game!! reblog with the song currently stuck in your head!! mine is

i shall tag @sixer-mayhem @damage-incorp0rated @torchythompson @larsaholic @songbirds-sweet @nikkisqueenofsleaze @fancycolours @katiegameplays @vashappeningkevin @hungercityhellhound @americanrocknroll @outtathecarlonghair @princeofpittsburgh @blinkinglightz @thed1vinezero @transmascaxl & @cyanide-sinner

+open tag if anyone not tagged wants to participate!!

11 notes - Posted April 3, 2022

#2

voldemort // better

- with confidence

29 notes - Posted June 29, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

music ask game but it came straight out of my caffeinated brain on a wednesday morning

there’s just one rule : send some into me before you reblog!!

1. what is your favorite song. right now. tell me.

2. what is your favorite album. tell me rn.

3. who is your favorite artist or band? if you’re like me, just give your top 3 or 5.

4. what band started it all for you?

5. shuffle your playlist!!! what’s the first song that plays?

6. what bands/artists do you want to see in concert?

7. what bands/artists have you seen in concert?

8. tell me about your favorite band. go on infodump for me.

9. what’s an album that JUST came out and it’s been on repeat for like 6 days +?

10. what’s a song that literally just came out and you’ve had it on repeat forever?

11. tell me about your least favorite band or artist. go on scream about why you hate them.

12. what is one song that has irreparably damaged your social skills?

13. what is one album that has irreparably damaged your social skills?

14. what is one artist that has irreparably damaged your social skills?

15. what is one band/artist you listen to and everybody knows you listen to them but no one would expect them to have THAT genre?

16. what is one band/artist you listen to that everyone knows you for?

17. what song in your playlist sounds like this 💖❤️🥰🤩💘💕 but the lyrics are 🖤🩸⛓💣🗡🪨

18. what song in your playlist sounds like this 🖤🩸⛓💣🗡🪨 but the lyrics are 💖❤️🥰🤩💘💕

19. what is your favorite album art from one of your favorite artists?

20. SHOW ME A PICTURE OF ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS. RIGHT NOW. I NEED TO SEE THEM.

21. what’s the weirdest song title you can think of right now.

22. i just saw the prettiest motorcycle on the way to school tell me one song you’d blast on a motorcycle while driving one

23. what’s a song that makes you feel like a hot badass?

24. what’s a song you cry to?

25. show me your favorite playlist!!!!! what are some songs on it?????

26. show me two songs with the same title!!! same genre?? different genre??

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782 notes - Posted May 11, 2022

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Notes: Cursed Child NY 27 November 2019

My first time watching CC was in Melbourne during previews, and I had an amazing time. A few months later I absorbed myself in the cc fandom here and on twitter and I became more and more obsessed with the incredible casts and crew that are a part of this amazing production all over the world. So yesterday, I finally treated myself to a second viewing of HPCC, but this time with NY Cast 2. I was taking frantic notes in between parts because I wanted to unpack and reflect over it, but when I first saw the play I wasn’t as absorbed into the fandom, so there may be things that are obvious that I’m finding new. Anyway if you’re interested in reading my thoughts on this cast/performance and how I found it different to Melbourne I’ve dumped a rant below...

Part One

Act 1

Nick Albus looking at his family and smiling, so excitedly, when they are about to enter platform 9 3/4, is everything I need in my life. But it really is heartbreaking to watching Albus’s progression from excited and hopeful to isolated and resentful.

Everyone in the background at the station is captivated by Matt Ron’s trick. This time around, I noticed that they are all incredibly grossed out when Ron plucks Lily’s ‘nose’ from his behind (accompanied by a loud fart noise), simultaneously leaning away from the Potters and Granger-Weasleys. It’s these little extra details that really lift the comedy in the show for me.

Bubba Scorpius is anxious and tense, but in a quiet/soft way. While I remember Will having very frantic nervous energy, Bubba is much more reserved and closed in on himself—both emotionally, but also physically. He is permanently hunched over and withdrawn, and his movements are smaller—not as wild— and stiffer than Will McKenna’s (James Snyder does a good approximation of this in the Polyjuice scene). When Scorpius is being sorted, he clenches and unclenches his hands. Then, when the sorting hat declares SLYTHERIN! he slowly closes his eyes. Rather than going ‘oh, as expected!’ like Will does with his head tilt and eye-roll, Bubba Scorp seems a combination of relieved and resigned.

As a sidenote, Bubba was staring emptily in my direction at the start of third year while taking to Albus. So I was a crying mess, but I also felt extremely uncomfortable because it felt like he was looking directly at me with his sad eyes 😂

Something that struck me about Nadia’s and Jenny’s Rose and Hermione: the similarities in how they carry themselves and the way they speak. They both radiate fast-paced Type A energy and you can tell that Rose is every bit like Hermione by her brisk mannerisms and alert eyes.

Jenny’s Hermione has a mischievous streak that isn’t as obvious in Paula’s drier, authoritative Hermione (disclaimer: I love them both). In Harry’s office, the toffee line is sung in an enticing tone. Tof-fee? Translation: Are you sure you don’t want one? Apparently, Jenny was quieter than usual during this performance, but I have to say that I didn’t notice this at all. As my first introduction to her Hermione she was both vibrant and funny. 

Nick Albus and Bubba Scorp are much more tactile than Will and Sean (at least compared to when I saw the Melbourne cast in previews). Some moments that stood out — Nick touches Bubba’s shoulders and back a LOT, including on the train at the start of their third year, and then at the start of fourth year when he escapes Rose’s efforts to (re) befriend him and plunges into Scorpius’ train compartment.

Another instance of cute Bubba-Nick Scorbusness in the visit to St Oswald’s. Scorpius stands directly behind Albus, turned toward the audience and away from Amos, for most of the conversation. He flinches away several times when Amos is talking, essentially sheltering behind Albus. Have I talked enough about how Bubba’s Scorpius really is adorably awkward? When Albus earnestly assures Amos that they know about the danger they’re about to embark on, Scorpius leans in to Albus and says “Do weee?” Albus turns around, and Scorpius immediately spins around and peers at the wall details—he even squeaks Oh LoOk!! (*in small twitter font). Overall, Bubba Scorp feels vulnerable—more vulnerable than Will!Scorp, who is a bit of a drama queen at times—and must be protected at all costs.

Right before drinking his Polyjuice, Bubba did his trademark forehead shzzzzap, and it was art.

Act 2

When Albus and Scorpius decide that Delphi should not travel back to the first task with them, and Delphi is storming off after kissing Albus, Sara and Bubba do that thing where they both almost run into each other and block each other, then feint/dodge in the same direction as each other twice. Bubba Scorp says “OHkay!” in an exasperated voice before going around her. It was an incredibly awkward and funny moment and you could feel the tension between Scorpius and Delphi.

The Edge of the Forest scene was beautiful, as always. I didn’t notice this but at stage-door Nick told me that he stuttered and struggled to say “Look-L-look its-look it’s Hogwarts.” And then he said that Bubba was side-eyeing him like >_> the whole time. Bubba definitely seems like the sort of person who would passive-aggressively judge you at your worst moments, but I love him anyway.

Interestingly, the lighting is different here compared to the Melbourne production. The theatre is lit up with soft golden lights which make it sort of look like golden hour, casting everything in a comforting glow. In the Princess theatre, they go for a more literal Hogwarts-through-the-trees, with gorgeous dappled shadows on vibrant blue and orange stained glass windows. Both of these work wonderfully.

In Dragons, James Romney’s Slytherin student being in the wrong House section and having to squish through everyone was very funny. Kevin Reyes as [Craig Bowker Sr?] was doing something funny in the crowd during the first task as well but I can’t remember it for the life of me sadly. But it made me realise how amazing and constantly on point every single member of the cast is, even when the spotlight isn’t on them. Sitting in row D was a massive change from being in the balcony in Melbourne, and it made me realise and appreciate the actors who are carrying out their own stories in the background. 

Nick’s Albus looks both a little put out and surprised when Hogwarts’ audience has a mixed response to Harry in the first task. 

Interestingly, James Brown III’s Bane is more human than horse here than Melbourne Bane (MelBane?), who would neigh and snort every few sentences. The only horse noise he makes is a loud snort as he backed away into the shadows. 

Albus was having nightmares in the hospital wing during Harry’s conversation with Dumbledore. Several times, he mumbles “Dad?” in his sleep as he tosses and turns. It’s actually kind of heartbreaking. 

James Synder and Nick Podany both pretend to eat the chocolate. The chocolate itself is fake and a Lie. I just thought everyone should know that. 

There is a noticeable difference between Paula’s Hermione and Jenny’s Hermione in the first AU, particularly the DADA classroom. Jenny is much more aggressive and explosive, getting in Ravenclaw girl’s face with a loud nOOO??!!? Her soft, dangerously cold voice was terrifying and a different take to Paula’s terse, irritated, authoritative tone. This AU Hermione seems angry and vindictive, rather than just disillusioned and bitter. In Melbourne, Paula presented her AU Hermione as a possible version of the same person—someone who could grow more and more unhappy with the world over the years. Jenny’s AU Hermione was different; her energy simply felt so wrong and at odds with her usual character, and I think this performance emphasised how unnatural and completely off the new timeline itself is. It definitely made me empathise with how shocked and bewildered Albus would have been, and it reminded me of my experience reading the script for the first time as it gradually dawned on me how messed up the timeline had actually become.

Staircase Ballet in New York made me just as emotional as it did in Melbourne. I don’t think that scene will ever get old for me. Bubba did some incredible face-acting that I was glad to be able to see from my seat. His Scorpius really looks completely broken and despondent as he stares downwards and then, later, at Albus.

Sara’s Delphi is soft (wait what?? I know...) when she speaks to Scorpius about him and Albus. Madeleine Jones had more of a “silly billy, of course you should just talk to him, he’s your best friend!!” big sister vibe when I saw her in Melbourne—gentle, but talking down a little bit (still in a friendly way). This Delphi is much softer, which only makes the reveal more shocking and upsetting when she later reveals her real motives.

Bubba Scorp blowing Polly Chapman a kiss twice in a row to distract her from Delphi under his cloak was so LOUD and breathy and cringe that I may have died from second-hand embarrassment.

The library confrontation! Incredible! @lumoshyperion observed something about Melbourne’s Louis!Scorp in her (incredibly detailed and poetic) review/recap, where he falters and holds himself back at the end of each sentence or phrase during the library confrontation. This was definitely true of Bubba as well! He would sort of trail off and fade away as he spoke, rather than crescendoing continuously to a shout.

When McGonagall came into the library and the two boys were hiding, Nick SKIDDED across the stage and FELL flat on his face, knocking a chair over. It looked really painful and I was like 😶. I asked him about this at SD after, and he said he was okay but that he and Bubba immediately started laughing while they were hiding under the invisibility cloak. After McGonagall left, Bubba casually put the chair back up right before he sat down.

The two boys were both vigorously wiping their eyes during the library confrontation. When Nick hugged Bubba, Bubba made a 😬 and stuck his arms out straight.

When Draco said “The girls’ bathroom on the third floo...ooorwhat on earth would they be doing there.......”, it was so ridiculously deadpan and disappointed and exasperated all at once. I haven’t written many notes on him but Jonno truly is an amazing Draco.

Being from a close seat this time, I was able to see the second task. It definitely didn’t look like a projection this time and that made it feel much more dynamic and engaging.

Bubba Scorp gets immediately self-conscious after the “Consider me engorg-impressed” joke and steps quickly back from Albus and the sink (where he was casually leaning), wrapping his robes around him tightly.

Lauren Myrtle was hilarious as I assume is usual. Lauren’s Myrtle did that thing where she poked at Harry with her foot with every word she said. He flinched back every time, it was hilarious. Diane did a full flinch and staggered back four feet from Myrtle’s hISSSS. 

Lauren looked upside down—DIRECTLY at Albus—when she said the “....and BOYS” line, and Albus immediately started fidgeting with his hair, with his hands behind his head. HE KNOWS THAT SHE KNOWS. In general, Lauren’s Myrtle was just as hilarious as Gillian, although a lot growlier. There was, as there was in Melbourne, a large round of applause as the second task began, presumably for Myrtle! 

I realise I have zero notes about any of the 'adult’ characters but they are just all-around excellence anyway so there’s not that much to say. Matt Mueller is a fantastic Ron, but very different to Gyton. He’s just as cheesy and cheerful, but not as jolly and laidback (if that makes sense...it’s a little hard to describe). Diane Davis as Ginny is Soft™, and very clearly understanding and caring. It’s easy to see that Harry depends on her as a source of advice, wisdom and emotional support. She generally doesn’t “roar��� like Lucy Goleby’s Ginny does, so when she shouts it tends to come out in one angry punch—i.e. “My son is missing!” “SO is MINE!” (as opposed to SO!!! IS!!! MINE!!!!). As for James Snyder’s Harry, his anger and frustration in the alternate timeline is scarily believable, and it’s upsetting to see how it affects Albus and Ginny. It made me think of Angery Harry in Order of the Phoenix (I’m not @ing the people who say Cursed Child Harry is OOC, but...maybe I am). His American accent popped in a few times, but I barely noticed it and he was such an incredible Harry that I did not care in the slightest. The woman next to me was marvelling at how much he resembled Daniel Radcliffe, but to me this wasn’t even a fraction of why he felt like an authentic and well portrayed Harry.

Part Two

I have much less notes for Part 2. Part of this is because I was too much of a weepy mess being swept up by the art of Bubba and Nick’s Scorbus and part of it is because my phone died. I hope you enjoy what I DO have though!

Act 3

After being assigned this investigation, I can report that I am pretty sure I saw Bubba drool (?????) in the Dark AU office scene and I don’t know why or how or what... I didn’t even know this was a thing that happened on the daily but yes, yes it did. If anyone can provide more information on this... And yes, Bubba did look amazing in the Dark AU outfit. Thank you for the warning. I was still unprepared.

Spinella Snape was great! He has the deep voice down, and the dryness was Dry. Something interesting that happened in the Snape classroom scene is after he opens the secret passage in the chalkboard, Snape takes Scorp by the shoulders and gently guides him toward it. It’s a surprisingly protective and ~mentorly~ action and it reminded me a little of Snape getting in front of the Golden Trio in the PoA movie. ~Obviously~, Snape is a terrible person. But I guess he’s also capable of looking out for others! Stephen Spinella did an incredible job at actually endearing his character to me.

Ron fumbling with the wand for ages before pointing it at Scorp in the Dark AU. Unlike Gyton (and the script), Matt didn’t point it at himself this time. But he fumbled with his jacket a ridiculous amount before finding his wand and it got a lot of laughs, including from me!

Bubba was so out of breath after getting out of the pool that he had to take a long pause between the first “Harry!!!!” And “HARRRYYY POTTERRRR!”

Fiona Reid’s Petunia, in the graveyard scene, was visibly emotional. You could hear her voice getting choked up as she thought about Lily. I didn’t pick this up the first time I watched the show, but here I got it and I even teared up a little.

The jump scare GOT ME.

During the Slytherin Dorm scene, Bubba Scorp leaned over the top of Albus’ bed and yelled directly over his face to wake him up. This was both hilarious and adorable. And Malfoy the Unanxious: this whole scene was pure gold. Bubba doing weird hip-swaying dances in the air on tippy toes. Bubba waving his hands in weird and wild gesticulations (a contrast accentuated by how stiff and closed up he was prior to this). Aaah. He must be protected at all costs. 

Bubba said the ‘It’s time that time turning became a thing of the past” line very solemnly, and leaning in very close to Albus’s face (!) rather than standing (sitting?) next to him and gesturing proudly, which is what I remember from Melbourne. It’s an interesting take and a more serious one. It’s also more Scorbusy, so I’m not complaining. 

When Harry and Ginny and Draco walk in on Ron and Hermione kissing, Diane Ginny said OH! really loudly and, without a pause in her stride, immediately circled around and started to leave 😂

Jonno Draco acted so disgruntled when Specialis Revelio didn’t work. It was hilarious how grumpy he sounded when he said it was worth a try

Sara’s Delphini was much more menacing than I remember from Melbourne. I think what Madeleine did great in Melbourne is make Delphini seem like Ralph Fiennes’s Voldemort — powerful, ambitious, confident, a little bit dramatic. She DECLARED her lines: it was very Shakespearean. Sara was more sneaky and sinister. You get a sense of how she easily tricked Albus and Scorpius. Also, when she was mocking Albus for being naive, she did the little leg-kick dance that she did when she was saying he was becoming quite some wizard. I don’t remember if this is something that always happens with her or with other casts, but this is the first time I was paying close enough attention to notice it and I got CHILLS at the return. Sara’s Delphini is just that sinister and bone-chillingly terrifying.

Act 4

I have a lot of Feelings about Part 4, but not many details, sadly. Mostly because I was too absorbed by the incredible acting by everyone on stage.

James Snyder jumped around a lot when he said “Clever boy left me a message!” and it was such a pure and adorable move compared to his previous Angst that the audience laughed and cheered.

Jonno was wiping his eyes a LOT in the scene in Harry’s office. Several times, as Draco spoke about Astoria and her death, he got so choked up that he had to pause and take a breath before going on. It was a teary scene for all involved and a great testament to Jonno’s acting ability. 

Since we’re on Jonno, his delivery of “Look at the thatched roofs.......and......is that a farmer’s market?” SENT ME. He genuinely sounded kind of intrigued, interested and hopeful. I guess Joward Draco isn’t the only one who loves a good farmer’s market.

When Draco and Scorpius hugged in Godric’s Hollow, they hugged for a long time. He held onto Scorpius for a long time after, repeatedly craning his neck to be closer and holding him close as if afraid to let go again. Throughout subsequent scenes, Jonno kept his hand firmly on Bubba’s arm/inner elbow. You can see how shaken Draco was at losing Scorpius, and how fiercely protective he is now that he has his son back.

When Nick hugged Diane from her side, sitting on the bench in St Jerome’s, he knocked her down a little and she said oH! as she lost her balance. It was such a spontaneous moment and showcased the bond between Albus and his mum.

In the second to last scene, and perhaps most importantly in this entire recap...When Nick Albus says: “You better ask Rose if that’s the right thing to do!” (in response to “this new version of us”), Bubba keeps his hands firmly gripped on Nick’s arms, and stares at his face for a full three seconds before going “oh-ahaha...yeah!” and laughing awkwardly. Then, when he goes off and the stairs start spinning to bring Nick into the Nice Day scene, Nick keeps his head facing to the side where Bubba had exited—Albus’ gaze lingering distantly on Scorpius. Not saying Scorbus is canon (I really am), but Bubba Scorp’s last scene presented him as a very believable Confused Bisexual.

Finally: Nick and James rushing into a hug right as the lights went down.

“We almost broke like four times” — Nicholas Podany, 2019, on his scenes with Bubba. We are so blessed to have them.