#most insufferable Star Wars character top 5 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

star-wars-multishippers · 4 years ago

Text

Get to Know Me(me) - The Members of SW Multishippers!

This was an event hosted on the Discord server to do a sort of re-introduction of both old and new joiners to the server. Everyone who wanted to participate filled out the survey below to share a little about themselves and about their faves in fandom.

Survey (for anyone who wants to join in below in the comments):

Who Am I? - Name, username on other sites, mini bio if you'd like Where do I fit into the SW fandom? - Prequels, Sequels, EU, etc. What do you do? Fic, art, lurking and reblogging? My Top Faves - 2 or 3 max please! My Own Stuff - 1 or 2 max please!

MBlair

Who am I?

MBlair both on Discord and on AO3, maggzblair on Tumblr (MBlair, maggzblair)

Where do I fit into the SW fandom?

Mostly lurker/reblogger/occasional writer, mostly Original Trilogy and Sequel trilogy.

Fics I Love to Rec

Of Queens, Knights, and Pawns (and associated fics) by chancecraz

Hand of Fate by sweetestcondition

My Fics I Love to Rec

Reyuxmas 2019

A Wonderful Winter on Hoth

I’ll Love You ‘Til the Suns Burn Out

feckyeslife

Who Am I?

Feckyeslife#2003 on Discord, firelord65 on AO3

Where do I fit into the SW fandom?

I'm pretty solidly a Sequels fan, but I have a special place in my heart for the Prequels. I'm a fic writer who dabbles mostly in canon universe AUs, what ifs, that sort of stuff. Primarily my fics have Rey with a tendency to focus on the First Order characters and plots.

My Top Faves

A classic Reylo fic from an old friend - Beneath the Facade. It technically has a prologue fic before it in the series, but this piece was the one that I really enjoyed way back in the EARLY days of Reylo.

Because I'm an insufferable Reylux fan, I have to rec at least one. This piece by @every-day-is-star-wars-day a oneshot that ever so masterfully crushes my heart every time - Thread

My one Original Trilogy rec, this is a beast of a long fic but so, so good - Dark Times

My Own Stuff

Reylux, medieval AU - La Vita Primus - is the first in a small series of this AU

Reylo, TROS Fix-It - Oh but it's a dark future, my star. Oh but it's a soft morning for us soon.

apple-au

Who Am I?

Call me apple. she/her/hers. I’m gold_pen_leaps on dreamwidth, ao3, and pillowfort. @[email protected] on mastodon. I am doing my best to boycott tumblr, but I've been known to use a tumblr link embed on pf from time to time. (gold_pen_leaps (DW), gold_pen_leaps (AO3))

Where do I fit into the SW fandom?

I’m mainly into the Sequels and the Mandalorian. I joined the server for Hux/Kylo/Rey and all the combinations of the characters in my ot3. I can edit better than I can write. Sometimes I comment on fics.

My Top Faves

A Dance of Titans by @lucidlucy is a really long reylux fic. The delicious slowburn makes all the flavors combine in an amazing way. Love how they battle the main villain!

My Own Stuff

I helped give feedback on the second part of a series. Does that count? This is knight_of_dance's fic. It's really cool to see writers' takes on Modern AU, and this one has influenced my ideas of what sort of kinks those characters have. :smirk: Switch Up

Mizz

Who Am I?

hi! tho im much more...a lurker around here im mizz (she/they/he). im badarmada on tumblr, badwrong-gimme on pillowfort, gimmemrss on twitter, badwrongprincess on ao3 (i have so many usernames XD, ive got a dreamwidth, wordpress, and art insta too if youre interested lol)

(@badarmada, gimmemrss (twitter), badwrongprincess (AO3))

Where do I fit into the SW fandom?

i liked the prequels as a kid (still do kinda), rouge one, i do like clone wars tho i havent finished it and the sequels (well tfa and tros tho only one of them is good imo) i reblog stuff mostly and read fanfic, tho i write some stuff too. finn is my fav and pretty much my center character (ie the one i focus on the most) and i like most finn ships (favs being finnhux, finnlo, finnrey)

My Top Faves

the things we do for love by glare is an unfinished finnlohux fanfic that i love a lot

worlds are built for two by synergenic (Losseflame). this is a poefinn fic from finns pov

My Own Stuff

um...im still working on this fic -(Be More Chill, Hux) very slowly this year has been super hard on me writing wise and ive been drawing ocs and for another fandom mostly but I will finish this one day!

Arsanimo - Marion

Who Am I?

Hi, I’m Arsanimo, self taught artist and nerd from Germany that’s mostly lurking. You can find me with this username on tumblr, twitter and instagram. I draw mostly Reylo at the moment. ( @arsanimo, Arsanimo (Twitter), Arsanimo (IG))

Where do I fit into the SW fandom?

I‘m in my thirties and an OT fan since birth, because my dad was obsessed with Star Wars and we watched it a lot as kids - they are the go to christmas movies in our family. Even as a very small kid I loved Vader. I didn’t like the ST quite as much when it came out in cinemas but still watched them multiple times. I’m much more fond of them now. But my love for Star Wars really got renewed with the ST. I really liked TFA and TLJ a lot. Not a great fan of TROS though, but to each their own. I recently started watching TCW, if you haven’t go watch it! The Mandalorian is also great and feels more like the OT for me, which I love. Oh, and R1 was awesome, I loved that one! Solo also was good. I think I will be a lifelong fan because it’s such a rich universe and everybody can pick a favorite. I’m also good at ignoring the parts I don’t like, lol. But I‘m mostly exhausted about all the drama on social media, so at the moment I take a bit of a break from social media and only post from time to time. And I’m of the firm believe to ship and let ship and if the art and fics are good, you can also find me enjoying ships outside of Reylo (honestly, some Kylux art out there, woah... and Finnrey is always so tender but Stormpilot has two hot guys in it... and don’t get me started about Finnrose! You probably get the gist)

My Top Faves

It’s hard to name so few, there are so many good artists out there. But Winter of Her (Twitter) has some outstanding art in her own style. Than I really like the style of Khallion (Twitter), check her out.

My Own Stuff

And last but not least two pieces of mine that turned out pretty good

https://twitter.com/arsanimo/status/1275789997426311173?s=21

https://twitter.com/arsanimo/status/1258757927910989825?s=21

Knight_Of_Cookies

Who am I?

Allo allo, I go by many names but many know me as cookies here. Lol I'm from the US and I've been a lifelong A+, gold star , nerd my whole life. I love writing among 5 million other hobbies. I am on Tumblr and A03. (@knight-of-cookies, Knight_of_Cookies (AO3))

Where do I fit into the SW fandom?

It all started with the prequels which I fell in love with and even wrote my first fan fic on. (I dragged it from fanfic.net to A03 for my own form of personal torture) I dropped out of star wars until I was in Japan and a close group of friends got me to watch Roque One and play a star wars based table top role playing game, which dumped me back into this fandom hardcore. I fell in love with the sequel trilogy and now I'm stuck forever. Lol

I have been writing on A03 for around 2 years now for star wars and it's been the most productive and progressive work I've ever done thanks to ya'll.

Also, hey, I created this multishippers discord, because multishipping rocks and everyone should do it. :P I know I've never active enough but I love this space and the people in it! My fav part about multishipping is how I'm always discovering yet another ship that is awesome. It never ends. ^^

My top favs - (of things no one should be surprised by)

Beastie by @feckyeswriting. It spawned a written series(multiple actually)

Glutton by Witchoil. Just very good dark and wonderful kinky smut. Always go back to this one.

In the house that skywalker built by @aicosu. This story got me into Reylux in a way I'll never recover from.

My own stuff

Nothing but Themselves - This is my favorite beast of a story I've ever written and it will be beautiful when I finish it. One day. Lol

Tanzaku - One of my most polished pieces thanks to the Reylo Anthology. My best combo of: insert culture nerding here and captive Ben as personal tropes.

#Get to Know Me(me)#Server Event #Fic Recs #Art Recs #Star Wars fic #Star Wars fanart

5 notes · View notes

cinemavariety · 5 years ago

Text

The Director’s Series: Paul Thomas Anderson

The director series will consist of me concentrating on the filmography of all my favorite directors. I will rank each of their films according to my personal taste. I hope this project will provide everyone with quality recommendations and insight into films that they might not have known about. Today’s director in spotlight is Paul Thomas Anderson

#8 - Hard Eight (1998) Runtime: 1 hr 42 min Aspect Ratio: 2.39 : 1 Film Format: 35mm

John has lost all his money. He sits outside a diner in the desert when Sydney happens along, buys him coffee, then takes him to Reno and shows him how to get a free room without losing much money. Under Sydney's fatherly tutelage, John becomes a successful small-time professional gambler, and all is well, until he falls for Clementine, a cocktail waitress and sometimes hooker.

Verdict: One of the most impressive feature film debuts ever blessed to American cinema. Paul Thomas Anderson was only 25 years old when he broke into the scene and directed this (almost three years younger than me now, how depressing). While it is consistently thrilling and entertaining, Hard Eight oftentimes wears its influences on its sleeve too much. You can see how much inspiration Paul got from Tarantino with this film and it’s one of the 90s best independent movies. The star studded cast doesn’t hurt either.

#7 - Phantom Thread (2017) Runtime: 2 hr 10 min Aspect Ratio: 1.85 : 1 Film Format: 35mm

Renowned British dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock comes across Alma, a young, strong-willed woman, who soon becomes a fixture in his life as his muse and lover. Verdict: It’s safe to say that Phantom Thread is PTA’s most lavish and decadent film. It feels like a piece of ancient Hollywood golden-era cinema brought back to life. Johnny Greenwood’s orchestral score is the best sound work he’s ever done, it sweeps you off your feet when it goes along with Anderson’s signature arresting imagery. I’m in the minority who places this near the bottom of Anderson’s filmography, simply because Daniel Day Lewis’s character is so insufferable that it was hard for me to empathize in many ways. It still manages to be one of the most beautiful pieces of modern cinema.

#6 - Inherent Vice (2014) Runtime: 2 hr 28 min Aspect Ratio: 1.85 : 1 Film Format: 35mm

In Los Angeles at the turn of the 1970s, drug-fueled detective Larry “Doc” Sportello investigates the disappearance of an ex-girlfriend.

Verdict: Inherent Vice is Paul Thomas Anderson’s most underrated gem. I’ll admit, when I first saw this film, I didn’t really dig it that much and immediately cast it aside as his weakest effort. However, after some maturity, a few more viewings, and also not 100% adoring Phantom Thread, I have developed an immense appreciation for this nonsensical Thomas Pynchon adaptation. Pynchon as a writer is known as being basically unadaptable, but PTA revels in the absurdity of the film’s labyrinth of a plot. It also brings PTA back to his former glory days of ensemble casts and stoner drug fueled mayhem.

#5 - Punch-Drunk Love (2002) Runtime: 1 hr 35 min Aspect Ratio: 2.39 : 1 Film Format: 35mm

A psychologically troubled novelty supplier is nudged towards a romance with an English woman, all the while being extorted by a phone-sex line run by a crooked mattress salesman, and purchasing stunning amounts of pudding.

Verdict: Punch-Drunk Love plays out like a symphony of color, texture, and absolutely off-putting social interactions. I understand that Adam Sandler had his comeback last year with Uncut Gems, but this film is actually without a doubt the best performance he’s ever pulled off. And I credit that largely in part to the brilliance of Paul who was working behind him. It’s what I would say one of the most unconventional romantic comedies of all time. It’s nerve wracking, a little sad, super awkward - but also somehow manages to be endearing as well. The percussion heavy score brings manic energy to the whole film. Punch-Drunk Love is also a powerful statement on loneliness, unchecked mental illness, and the power of human connection.

#4 - Boogie Nights (1997) Runtime: 2 hr 35 min Aspect Ratio: 2.39 : 1 & 1.66 : 1 Film Format: 35mm

Adult film director Jack Horner is always on the lookout for new talent and it's only by chance that he meets Eddie Adams who is working as a busboy in a restaurant. Eddie is young, good looking and plenty of libido to spare. Using the screen name Dirk Diggler, he quickly rises to the top of his industry winning awards year after year. Drugs and ego however come between Dirk and those around him and he soon finds that fame is fleeting.

Verdict: How this film possibly came from a director who is my age now is almost hard to believe. Boogie Nights is one of the quintessential 90s films. It has one of PTA’s best ensemble casts. Anderson’s sophomore effort was a result of the auteur finding his footing and his directorial voice that went on to enthrall audiences over several decades. PTA’s early visual motifs were lengthy and expertly choreographed tracking shots. Please refer to the scenes in the disco as well as the pool party scene pictured above for some of the best camera operation every committed to celluloid. Boogie Nights could possibly be hailed as PTA’s most consistently entertaining and audience friendly works. It’s a great story of the rise and fall of stardom.

#3 - There Will Be Blood (2007) Runtime: 2 hr 38 min Aspect Ratio: 2.39 : 1 Film Format: 35mm

A story of family, religion, hatred, oil and madness, focusing on a turn-of-the-century prospector in the early days of the business.

Verdict: Most critics and audiences would agree that There Will Be Blood is the director’s most impressive masterpiece (but who’s counting?). On a storytelling and technical level, I do have to agree that this is probably Paul Thomas Anderson’s best achievement, even if it isn’t exactly my personal favorite. This is the film where PTA really matured with his directorial vision. He abandoned a lot of his earlier flashy work with large casts and a constantly moving camera for something more grounded and more of a character study. There Will be Blood is the story of America in many ways. It’s the story of Capitalism. And how this system leads to so much bloodshed, greed, and hatred as man and man compete to have the most and be the best. This movie will surely stand the test of time and is a shining example of how groundbreaking modern American cinema can be.

#2 - Magnolia (1999) Runtime: 3 hr 8 min Aspect Ratio: 2.39 : 1 Film Format: 35mm

An epic mosaic of interrelated characters in search of love, forgiveness, and meaning in the San Fernando Valley.

Verdict: Paul Thomas Anderson’s third film found the director taking everything he had learned on his previous two, and expanding on that knowledge and developing more layers to his characters who have never felt so fully realized. Magnolia is the director’s magnum opus. It is epic in its length - clocking in at a little over three hours, making it his longest film by far. It is ambitious in its storytelling approach. Many films utilize the style of a variety of seemingly unrelated characters who connect to each other, oftentimes in a synchronistic fashion as they go about the trials and tribulations of their lives. However Magnolia is one of the few that did it first, did it the best, and set the bar for all of the subpar imitations that would soon follow. It’s also profoundly beautiful in the statements that PTA was trying to make. Paul, just barely 30 years old at the time when this was released, most definitely had an emotional and intellectual maturity that is rarely seen within a director of that age range. Magnolia is about redemption, loss, forgiveness, love, and trying to keep your head above water as frogs rain down on your head.

#1 - The Master (2012) Runtime: 2 hr 18 min Aspect Ratio: 1.85 : 1 Film Format: 35mm & 70mm

Freddie, a volatile, heavy-drinking veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, finds some semblance of a family when he stumbles onto the ship of Lancaster Dodd, the charismatic leader of a new “religion” he forms after World War II.

Verdict: I’ve always been drawn to films about cults. Something about social behavior and social roles within a cult organization is a really interesting study on a sociological, psychological and anthropological level. The Master takes the cult formula and turns it on its head in many ways, never once foraying into the territory of exploitation or tropes. It instead takes a wholly original approach to the story. I mean, it is Paul Thomas Anderson that we’re talking about here. Joaquin Phoenix delivers his most unhinged, and certainly his most impressive, performance of his career as a mentally damaged alcoholic war veteran with pretty severe PTSD. The Master is also in many ways the story of the founding father of Scientology - L. Ron Hubbard. However, let’s just say it is a Scientology movie “in disguise” as no real historical names are ever spoke, the word “Scientology” is never uttered once, and even the director himself refuses to admit that’s what it is about (I mean who can blame him? He once had to work with Tom Cruise). It is one of the most fascinating character studies I’ve ever seen. Not to mention, it is PTA’s most beautifully shot film in my opinion and Johnny Greenwood’s musical contributions to the score elevate this film to ultimate masterpiece status. By the end, I felt like I had just undergone a transcendent experience of sorts. I hope one day PTA can make a film that “wows” me ever more than this one does.

23 notes · View notes

knoepfchen · 4 years ago

Text

tagged by @meet-the-girl-who-can on the share 30, tag 20 thing - thank you Alex! <3

1. Name/Nicknames: i go by laurel on here :)

2. Gender: female

3. Star Sign: scorpio

4. Height: i think it’s actually dead on the national average

5. Time: quarter to six!

6. Birthday: 10 November

7. Favourite Band: Bastille

8. Favourite Solo Artist: this changes every month, but MIKA, probably

9. Song Stuck in My Head: “I’m Not Angry Anymore” by Paramore

10. Last Movie: La Dolce Vita, I think? Unless I count that film of the 2012 Jesus Christ Superstar arena tour, but I don’t want to give Andrew Lloyd Webber the credit tbh

11. Last Show: currently watching Leverage, but have also started Billions after two people independently of each other told me I remind them of one of the characters. (you may guess whom if you know it, but please don’t think any worse of me^^)

12. When I Created This Blog: everyone was very specific about this so I assume there is a way of looking this up? but all i’ve got for you is *probably* 2012

13. What I Post: i tend to reblog fanart nigh compulsively when i see it on my dash (atm that’s mostly TOG and some Good Omens).

14. Last Thing I Googled: ‘baby socks knit pattern’ (if you’ve got some good ones hmu please, everyone i know is pregnant and i’m turning into molly weasley apparently)

15. Other Blogs: i had a romantic academia (?) sideblog but then i couldn’t be bothered to treat my online presence like some social media manager anymore, and now here we are

16. Do I get asks?: i had an anon who’d come to my inbox every sunday about half a year ago with messages vaguely sexualising marwan kenzari and/or luca marinelli, but i think i’ve driven them away bc i am... not all that keen on doing that to people who are non-fictional on here. other than that, eh. ;)

17. Why I Chose My URL: there’s a character in the raven cycle who can take objects from his dreams, who is referred to as a ‘greywaren’. he’s not a particularly morally grey character tbh, but i like morally grey characters and can never resist word play, so.

18. Following: close to 1k, but that’s because i follow blogs for many different interests and only unfollow people once they start actively annoying me - if you just go quiet or post in timezones i can’t see you in, you’re stuck with me!

19. Followers: ~1.5k, but i think 2/3 of that are abandoned blogs

20. Average Hours of Sleep: ... 6? (although i’ve been known to get close to 8 when there’s someone to take the phone out of my hand and tell me to ‘stop reading under the covers like a grounded child’. long-distance is clearly working out well^^)

21. Lucky Number: 5

22. Instruments: played classical guitar as a child, dabbled on the piano as a teen

23. What I Am Wearing: indubitably one of the three jumper - mini skirt - fuzzy sock combos that are my lockdown rotation

24. Dream Job: tbh just any kind of consulting gig that let’s me work with people but still be my own boss (this is a key clue to the Billions character if you’re guessing btw)

25. Dream Trip: really want to go to Istanbul, or take a long train journey from St Petersburg to China, and I kind of want to visit Bhutan before it gets drawn into some war situation. also, jordan.

26. Favourite Food: any cultural variation of the dumpling. you know the post.

27. Nationality: German

28. Favourite Song: Vienna, but the Ben Platt version because I am insufferable musical theatre person, sorry

29. Last Book I Read: currently reading Blood Orange which is, okay, I guess, last book I finished was Woyzeck, which was as upsetting as I remembered it from school

30. Top 3 fictional universes I would love to live in: so i may be a romantic at heart, but i am also a pretty rational person most of the time, and the truth of the matter is, most fictional universes have so much shit going down that I’d much rather just stay in this one. (i’m aware that there is a lot of shit going down in this one as well, don’t worry, i just rather the shit i know than suddenly having to deal with an overpowered space hitler trying to take over.)

I’m supposed to tag 20 people now, but I don’t know if I even know that many people on here and I’m not sure if there’s one of the people I do know who hasn’t been tagged in this yet, so.. anyone who wants to, feel free?

#tag games #meet-the-girl-who-can

1 note · View note

intransigent-boy · 5 years ago

Photo

My Top Ten Films of The Decade.

10. Her

Okay, so whether you like it or not, this movie is about the present. This movie tells a very powerful story with an embarrasingly personal narrative. You feel sorry for the main character, it makes you so uncomfortable. And the reason is, because we are all in some sense are like this guy, Theodore. We have better relationships online, and with our advices, than with real people. It’s a really bizarre conception, but we should face it, and ask ourselves: Where is the limit? The script is just brilliant, but also has very controversial scenes. Joaquin Phoenix is simply the perfect choice for a lonely man, like Theodore. Melancholy everywhere, and great visuals. Arcade Fire made the music for this, and it was pure melancholy. Very interesting film.

9. The Place Beyond The Pines

Derek Cianfrance is an exceptional director. He can wonderfully create an atmosphere with great lighting techiques, unique musics, and of course with talented actors. This movie has a linear, but quite unusual story-structure. The main theme haunts you after you watched this. Legacy!

8. Nightcrawler

Louis Bloom is something of a loner who is unemployed and ekes out a living stealing and then reselling copper wire, fencing and most anything else he can get his hands on. When late one night he comes across an accident being filmed by independent news photographer Joe Loder, he thinks he may have found something he would be good at. He acquires an inexpensive video camera and a police scanner and is soon spending his nights racing to accidents, robberies and fire scenes. He develops a working relationship with Nina Romina, news director for a local LA TV station. As the quality of his video footage improves so does his remuneration and he hires Rick, young and unemployed, to work with him. The more successful he becomes however, the more apparent it becomes that Louis will do anything - anything - to get visuals from crime scenes. The conception is just brilliant, and screams to your face, what kind of society are we living in. I think Psychopathy is going to be one of the biggest issue in our generation asides with mental illneses. And this movie reflects perfectly. You understand the character, which is geniusly performed by Jake Gyllenhaal.

7. Inside Llewyn Davis

The Coen brothers' exquisitely sad and funny new comedy is set in a world of music that somehow combines childlike innocence with an aged and exhausted acceptance of the world. It is a beguilingly studied period piece from America's early-60s Greenwich Village folk scene. Every frame looks like a classic album cover, or at the very least a great inner gatefold – these are screen images that look as if they should have lyrics and sleeve notes superimposed. This film was notably passed over for Oscar nominations. Perhaps there's something in its unfashionable melancholy that didn't hook the attention of Academy award voters. But it is as pungent and powerfully distinctive as a cup of hot black coffee. This movie is about sacrificing everything for your art, directionlessness (is there such a word?) , and finding the right path. Existential theme, with surpisingly good acting from Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, and Justin Timberlake. This is an Odyssey-story from the 1960′s America. What more you could ask for?

6. Dunkirk

Reinventing a genre is quite exceptional. And Nolan did it. The best war movies of the last 20 years, including Saving Private Ryan and Hacksaw Ridge, have also placed viewers in the centre of battle. Nolan has not reinvented that immersive approach, but he comes close to perfecting it. The story structure is-again- brilliant. There’s no main character in the movie-just like in a war-but only scared people. They want to go home. But they can’t. We’re with them with their struggle, and fears. We’re in the air, land, or water, it’s just a haunting terror. And the soundtrack from Hans Zimmer is really remarkable. You hear it, and you recognize the movie. That’s what I call a score. Reflects perfectly, and holds the attention throughout the whole movie.

5. Hell or High Water

Another genre-twister masterpiece. This Neo-Western is just pure art. Hell or High Water is a film about a criminal who commits the ultimate offence of putting his gorgeous and much nicer brother in a ski mask for several minutes of this film. Okay actually it’s about a career criminal brother and his he-wasn’t-but-he-is-now criminal brother who team up to commit a series of small-scale bank robberies across Texas, with the aim, finally – after several generations – of lifting the family out of seemingly inescapable grinding poverty. The part of Texas they live in is dying on its feet so career criminal is pretty much the only career left open that doesn’t involve serving in a diner or herding the few remaining cattle. It would’ve been easy for Hell or High Water to to turn out a cliche-ridden double bromance as there are quite a few movie tropes in this love story / revenge thriller, so it’s a tribute to director David Mackenzie that it’s actually a very touching, at times funny, at times quite brutal story. With a bit of grudge-bearing thrown in at the end to stop it being too redemptive. Memorable scenes, great acting, and a deromanticized western-feeling. After this film, you want to live in Texas, where everything’s slower, but sometimes you can chase criminals. It’s nice, isn’t it?

4. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Martin McDonagh’s fiercely written, stabbingly pleasurable tragicomedy stars a magnificent Frances McDormand; watching it is like having your funny bone struck repeatedly, expertly and very much too hard by a karate super-black-belt capable of bringing a rhino to its knees with a single punch behind the ear. He’s a scriptwriter genius, it was shocking, how perfectly the dialouges and the actions were constructed. It is a film about vengeance, violence and the acceptance of death, combining subtlety and unsubtlety, and moreover wrongfooting you as to what and whom it is centrally about. The drama happens in a town with an insidiously pessimistic name – Ebbing, Missouri, a remote and fictional community in the southern United States, where the joy of life does seem to be receding. There is a recurrent keynote of elegiac sadness established by the Irish ballad The Last Rose of Summer and Townes Van Zandt’s country hit Buckskin Stallion Blues, a musical combination which bridges the Ireland which McDonagh has written about before and the America he conjures up here, an America which has something of the Coen Brothers. The resemblance is not simply down to McDormand, though she does give her best performance since her starring role as the pregnant Minnesota police chief in the Coens’ Fargo in 1996. It was brutal, controversial, and violent.

3. Midnight in Paris

The definitive poem in English on the subject of cultural nostalgia may be a short verse by Robert Browning called “Memorabilia.” The past seems so much more vivid, more substantial, than the present, and then it evaporates with the cold touch of reality. The good old days are so alluring because we were not around, however much we wish we were. “Midnight in Paris,” Woody Allen’s charming film, imagines what would happen if that wish came true. It is marvelously romantic, even though — or precisely because — it acknowledges the disappointment that shadows every genuine expression of romanticism. The film has the inspired silliness of some of Mr. Allen’s classic comic sketches (most obviously, “A Twenties Memory,” in which the narrator’s nose is repeatedly broken by Ernest Hemingway), spiked with the rueful fatalism that has characterized so much of his later work. Nothing here is exactly new, but why would you expect otherwise in a film so pointedly suspicious of novelty? Very little is stale, either, and Mr. Allen has gracefully evaded the trap built by his grouchy admirers and unkind critics — I’m not alone in fitting both descriptions — who complain when he repeats himself and also when he experiments. Not for the first time, but for the first time in a while, he has found a credible blend of whimsy and wisdom.

2. Beautiful Boy

This supersensitive and tasteful movie is all but insufferable, suppressing a sob at the tragedy of drug addiction afflicting someone so young and “beautiful”. It is based on what is effectively a matching set of memoirs: Beautiful Boy, by author and journalist David Sheff, his harrowing account of trying to help his son Nic battle crystal meth addiction, and Tweak – by Nic Sheff himself, about these same experiences, the author now, thankfully, eight years clean. Steve Carell does an honest, well-meaning job in the role of David and the egregiously beautiful Timothée Chalamet is earnest in the part of Nic, David’s son from his first marriage. This is like a modern-day Basketball Diaries. Honest, and Raw. Most underrated movie of the 2010′s, with an unquestionably important topic.

1. The Social Network

Before Sorkin wrote the screenplay, Ben Mezrich wrote the book based on Mark Zuckerberg and the founding of Facebook titled: The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius, and Betrayal. It was published in July 2009, and most of the information came from Facebook “co-founder” Eduardo Saverin, who in the film is played by Andrew Garfield. The screenplay that Sorkin wrote was blazing, he wrote the characters like they were in a William Shakespeare play, with a story full of lies, jealousy, and betrayal. I especially love how Sorkin balanced the story between 2003, 2004, and then 2010. It goes back and forth between the past when Facebook was just an idea for Mark, and in the current day when he is being sued by Cameron & Tyler Winklevoss for, in their minds, having stolen their original idea, and by his former best friend Eduardo for having him pushed out of the company. In fact, some of the very best dialogue (and the film is full of great quotes) happens during the deposition scenes. Well-recognizable, rapid-fire dialouges, wonderful directing, with Trent Reznor’s greatest soundtrack. The movie’s probably going to outlive the Facebook itself, and that’s just great.

#oscars #films #academyawards #2010s #best #movies #cinema #art #top ten #movies of the decade #soundtrack #cinematography

14 notes · View notes

eddycurrents · 6 years ago

Photo

For the week of 20 August 2018

Quick Bits:

Aphrodite V #2 is pretty damn great. Jeff Spokes’ artwork is instantly compelling, drawing in the reader with darkness and interesting angles into this increasingly enthralling story of a machine cult from the future by him and Bryan Hill.

| Published by Image / Top Cow

Avengers #6 concludes the first arc in widescreen fashion. Lots of action and big ideas from Jason Aaron with gorgeous art from Ed McGuinness, Paco Medina, Mark Morales, Juan Velasco, and David Curiel. Again I’m reminded of those early issue of JLA from Grant Morrison and Howard Porter. This has been fun so far and I’m intrigued by what else they have in store.

| Published by Marvel

Beasts of Burden: Wise Dogs & Eldritch Men #1 is a very welcome return, even without Jill Thompson for this go around. The artwork from Benjamin Dewey is beautiful as he reminds us that he’s one of the best nature artists in comics, and possible beyond. His animals are just stunning. The story from him and Evan Dorkin is also interesting, suggesting some arcane traps luring in the paranormal. Great stuff for all ages.

| Published by Dark Horse

Big Trouble in Little China: Old Man Jack #12 concludes the series with an epic battle between the forces of heaven and hell as it teaches us the true meaning of friendship. It’s funnier when you actually read it. This has been an entertaining series from John Carpenter, Anthony Burch, Jorge Corona, Gabriel Cassata, and Ed Dukeshire, with this final chapter also delivering a nice farewell to the movie as well.

| Published by BOOM! Studios

Black Hammer: Age of Doom #4 has some very interesting revelations that ultimately only lead to more questions than answers. What’s going on isn’t nearly as cut and dried as we were led to believe last issue and the mystery has just deepened. Jeff Lemire, Dean Ormston, Dave Stewart, and Todd Klein have managed to elevate this story higher again.

| Published by Dark Horse

Black Panther #3 finally parcels out a tidbit of what might actually be going on with the series and the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda, just in time for a surprise attack and more action. Thankfully, the art from Daniel Acuña is still overwhelmingly gorgeous.

| Published by Marvel

Britannia: Lost Eagles of Rome #2 is even better than the first issue. The mystery deepens as Antonius and Achillia reach Egypt and find incongruities they don’t expect within this province of the Roman Empire. The artwork from Robert Gill (with colours from José Villarrubia) is probably among the best I’ve seen from him, really bringing some very strong work here with backgrounds, vehicles, and character designs that are particularly impressive.

| Published by Valiant

Cold Spots #1 is the start to another horror series from Cullen Bunn, this time accompanied by Mark Torres with the artwork, and as per many of Bunn’s previous tales, this is a great start. There’s a genuinely creepy atmosphere from Torres’ art and the plot of a missing daughter and her child, amidst the spooky maybe-ghosts, is a good one.

| Published by Image

Daredevil #607 gets into how there can possibly be a Mike Murdock running around New York and it’s an interesting and possibly hazardous diversion. Gorgeous art from Phil Noto.

| Published by Marvel

Die!Die!Die! #2 is more entertaining over-the-top humorous action that feels like it’s channelling Garth Ennis. Great art from Chris Burnham and Nathan Fairbairn.

| Published by Image / Skybound

Hunt for Wolverine: Mystery in Madripoor #4 is probably the most succinct in sticking to its plot without real deviation of all of these minis. Basically sticking to the thread of these X-women tackling the Femme Fatales. It’s been a relatively decent story from Jim Zub, Thony Silas, and Felipe Sobreiro, even if the art’s been a little uneven. There’s a really nice sequence of Psylocke finding herself again in this issue, though, from Leonard Kirk and Andrew Crossley that has interesting implications going forward.

| Published by Marvel

Jughead: The Hunger #8 is a great jumping-on point for new readers, offering a bit of a history lesson and summary reinterpretation of the events of the overarching plot of the series to date. Great work from Frank Tieri, Pat & Tim Kennedy, Joe Eisma, Bob Smith, Ryan Jampole, Matt Herms, Andre Szymanowicz, and Jack Morelli.

| Published by Archie Comics / Archie’s Madhouse Presents

The Life of Captain Marvel #2 continues what is shaping up to be possibly one of the defining and quintessential Carol Danvers stories. I love what Margaret Stohl is doing in bringing out the backstory and interpersonal dynamics of Carol’s family. The art from Carlos Pacheco, Rafael Fonteriz, and Marcio Menyz in the present day and Marguerite Sauvage’s flashbacks is wonderful.

| Published by Marvel

Mr. & Mrs. X #2 continues this fun ride, tossing in Deadpool and more of the lesser used intergalactic X-characters. The dialogue from Kelly Thompson is hilarious and the art from Oscar Bazaldua and Frank D’Armata is great.

| Published by Marvel

Old Man Logan #46 begins another arc tying up loose ends before the endgame of Dead Man Logan kicks off. Wrapping reconnecting with Alpha Flight around a horror story evoking shades of The Thing and Slither results in a wonderful story perfectly fitting Damian Couciero’s artwork.

| Published by Marvel

The Punisher #1 is both a continuation of Matthew Rosenberg’s stories and ideas from the last volume of the series and a kind of back-to-basics approach to Frank Castle. Basically, he’s lost the War Machine suit, but he’s still taking on the world-spanning super-villains. It’s pretty epic and this is great jumping-on point. The dark humour is perfect, reminding me of Garth Ennis’ work with Castle, and seriously this is probably the best art that Szymon Kudranski has ever done. Along with Antonio Fabela’s colours, it’s like he was born to draw The Punisher.

| Published by Marvel

Royal City #14 is an introspective end of saying farewell to the past and accepting change to move forward. This has been an interesting series from Jeff Lemire, focusing on his most often used theme of family, and it’s been a good exploration of their different dynamics.

| Published by Image

The Sentry #3 is pretty dark, telling the flipside of the first two issues from Billy Turner’s perspective as he goes about stealing Sentry’s identity. This is almost at Kid Miracleman levels of demented. Jeff Lemire is playing with some interesting ideas here, beautifully brought to life by Kim Jacinto, Joshua Cassara, and Rain Beredo.

| Published by Marvel

Shadowman #6 has some truly beautiful artwork from Renato Guedes, as this arc of Jack falling through time visiting the different holders of the shadow loa takes an interesting turn in ancient history.

| Published by Valiant

Shanghai Red #3 is probably the best issue to date, as Molly reunites with Katie, recriminations are hashed out, and we get a bit of a tour of Portland. Christopher Sebela, Joshua Hixson, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou have tapped into something unique here, and this tale of revenge and some of the lesser told side of American history is incredibly compelling.

| Published by Image

TMNT #85 brings Leatherhead back into the fold, with very interesting and potentially dangerous ramifications following the war between the Utroms and Triceratons. Brahm Revel’s clothes-peg take on the Turtles is an interesting visual choice.

| Published by IDW

The Thrilling Adventure Hour #2 I find better than the first issue. The humour hits home a bit more for me and the leads of Sadie and Frank don’t seem nearly as insufferable as the first issue. The art, though, from MJ Erickson and Brittany Peer is just as good as the first. Entertaining stuff.

| Published by BOOM! Studios

Venom #5 is another great issue. The mythology-building in this series is just incredible, growing Venom and his world into so much more. Donny Cates, Ryan Stegman, JP Mayer, Frank Martin, and Clayton Cowles are creating magic.

| Published by Marvel

West Coast Avengers #1 is a great debut, filled with action and humour, as this highly dysfunctional team comes together. It’s nice to see Kelly Thompson doing more Hawkeye and Hawkguy, and the collection of characters coming together to make up the team are bizarre and fitting, carrying on a few of the themes and plot developments of the previous Hawkeye and America series. Though you needn’t have read any of that before you pick this up. Making it nigh unmissable is the gorgeous art from Stefano Caselli and Triona Farrell. This is fun.

| Published by Marvel

Witchblade #7 returns for its second arc, continuing the extremely high level of quality that Caitlin Kittredge, Roberta Ingranata, Bryan Valenza, and Troy Peteri set for themselves.

| Published by Image / Top Cow

X-Men Red #7 advances us a bit further as the X-Men attempt to uncover evidence of Cassandra Nova’s influence on the world and thwart her attack on Atlantis. Tom Taylor has definitely been taking a slow approach to unfurling this story, but it has allowed for the beautiful art from originally Mahmud Asrar and now Carmen Carnero & Rain Beredo time to breathe.

| Published by Marvel

Other Highlights: Amazing Spider-Man #4, Avengers: Wakanda Forever #1, Barbarella #9, Bedtime Games #3, Betty & Veronica: Vixens #9, Curse Words Summer Swimsuit Special #1, Days of Hate #7, DuckTales #11, Gasolina #11, Hack/Slash: Resurrection #10, Hit-Girl #7, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Coronation #6, Lumberjanes #53, Mammon, Mickey Spillane’s Mike #3, Night’s Dominion - Season Three #2, Old Man Hawkeye #8, Quantum & Woody! #9, Red Sonja/Tarzan #4, Redneck #14, Stairway - Volume 1, Star Wars: Darth Vader #20, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #23, Sullivan’s Sluggers, TMNT: Bebop & Rocksteady Hit the Road #4, Wasted Space #4

Recommended Collections: Avengers: Back to Basics, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Cloak & Dagger: Predator & Pray, Deadly Class - Volume 7: Love Like Blood, Giant Days - Volume 8, Jimmy’s Bastards - Volume 2, Li’l Donnie - Volume 1: Executive Privilege, Lockjaw: Who’s a Good Boy, Postal - Volume 7, Sex Criminals - Volume 5: Five-fingered Discount

d. emerson eddy too wonders where all the cowboys have gone. Is it a nefarious plot from some shadowy organization? Or are they all just at the Calgary Stampede?

#This Week in Comics

19 notes · View notes

teachingoutsidethebinary · 8 years ago

Text

Bite Me: Part 6

Summary: Bucky Barnes is a vampire looking for his next meal, and you happen to cross his path in the most perfect way. However, one taste of your blood has him reeling in disgust. Never has he met a human with blood that tastes as horrible as yours. He has the perfect plan to help fix that…

Characters: Bucky Barnes, Reader

Warnings: some mild cursing

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Your friendship with Bucky had flourished over the last three months. Whenever he wasn’t walking you home or breaking into your apartment, he was visiting the bookstore during your shifts. He was still annoying as ever, but it was definitely more tolerable after your little bonding session while you were sick.

You learned quite a bit about Bucky as well.

He actually wasn’t that old. He had been turned in his 20s during World War II, so he was barely 100. Fairly young for a vampire. He still didn’t like talking about how he was turned or where he had been before New York, so you knew better than to keep bringing it up.

He loved science and the stars, so you had surprised him with a nighttime trip to the Museum of Natural History as a way to say thanks for all the food and supplements he had been buying. He had acted like a kid in a candy store, hopping from one exhibit to the next, reciting interesting facts from memory and from the little plaques on the walls.

And today was also his birthday. You had gone over every present idea you could think of, but nothing seemed right. You were running out of time too. He was coming to walk you home after the end of your shift at the bookstore in less than 10 minutes, and you had nothing.

“What do you a get a vampire for his birthday?” you randomly asked the succubus in front of you.

“You could always let him suck your blood,” she suggested, giving you a sly wink. She leaned forward to grab her bag, gently tracing her fingertips over the top of your hand. She seemed surprised when her touch had absolutely no effect on you.

“Sorry,” you said, shrugging your shoulders. “I’m asexual, so I’m pretty much immune to you.”

The succubus let out a little “hrmph” and stomped out of the shop. You couldn’t help but laugh; that wasn’t the first time being ace had had its benefits. As you closed up the shop, you considered her words. Perhaps she was actually onto something…

You bounced eagerly as you watched Bucky approach the shop. “Happy birthday!” you exclaimed. “How old are you now? 150?”

He smiled and cleared his throat. “Just 100.”

You grabbed his hand and led him behind the bookstore to the alley where you first met. “Eh, close enough,” you replied. “Anyway, I have a present for ya.”

“What’s that?” Bucky asked as he looked around the alley. “A trashcan? Geez, doll, you shouldn’t have.”

You shoved his shoulder and rolled your eyes. “No, you idiot.” You pulled out a vial of dark, red liquid and handed it to him. He unraveled out a small scroll that revealed the words “Happy Birthday Bucky” in a fancy script. Bucky’s eyes widened when he realized what it was as he swirled the vial around and examined the liquid.

“Are you serious?” he asked.

“No, I gave you a vial of my blood for fun,” you shot back. “I just figured you should taste whether or not all your hard work this year has been paying off.”

Bucky shook his head. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Duh, that’s why it’s called a present,” you replied. “Seriously, Bucky, I don’t mind. Besides, I stuck a needle in my arm, this isn’t going to waste.”

Bucky gulped partly due to nervousness and partly due to excitement. He would be lying if he said he hadn’t been curious about how your blood tasted after the last four months.

He opened the cap with a small pop, and tilted it back like a shot. It was sweet and viscous, just how he liked it. Definitely much better than the first time he had tried to eat you. He quickly wiped the blood off his lips.

“Well?” you asked. “Better?”

“Meh,” Bucky replied, cheekily.

“Meh?” you yelped. “Meh?! I’ve been taking those stupid supplements and eating that food for MONTHS, and all you can say is ‘meh’?!” You glared at him and punched him in the shoulder. “I hate you.”

“No you don’t,” Bucky replied, linking his arm through yours and walking out of the alley.

You scoffed lightly and couldn’t help but smile up at him.

“Nah,” you said, leaning your head on his shoulder. “I really don’t.”

“See?” Bucky teased. “Besides, doll, just think, without my help, you would have undoubtedly killed some poor soul with your repulsive blood.”

“Well unfortunately, it didn’t kill you...” you muttered.

“I think the phrase you’re looking for is ‘Happy Birthday, Bucky, of course I’ll treat you to ice cream for all the hard work you’ve done!’”

You rolled your eyes and giggled. “C’mon, Barnes, let’s go get some ice cream. My treat.”

Bucky’s mouth formed a perfect ‘o’ as he held in hands to his cheeks. His eyebrows scrunched up and his voice took on a high pitch as he pretended to be surprised. “Why doll, ice cream? For me? You shouldn’t have!”

“Bite me, Barnes,” you huffed.

“If only you’d let me...” he lamented.

“Not gonna happen.”

“Please?”

“Nope.”

“Just a nibble?”

“You just drank some of my blood!”

“How can I know it’s really yours? I mean, I didn’t see you stick the needle in your arm. For all I know, you could be lying.”

“God you are the WORST!”

You continued to bicker as you walked to the ice cream shop, but your words held no malice. Yes, he was insufferable, and yes, his motives were a bit ridiculous. Was he a vampire? Sure. Did he try to eat you once? Maybe. But he was still your friend.

And somehow, you really didn’t mind.

A/N: So that’s the end! Nothing super dramatic, but I hope you enjoyed the series! Thanks for the sweet comments!!

TAGS: @buckyappreciationsociety @irene-rogue-adler @iamwarrenspeace @ajimaginingtheworld @sgtjamesbuchananbarnes107th @bloo-moon-freak @kanupps06 @amrita31199

#Bucky Barnes #james bucky barnes #bucky x reader #buckyfic #vampire bucky barnes #sassy bucky barnes #vampire #new fic

119 notes · View notes

ramajmedia · 5 years ago

Text

Frasier: All 11 Seasons, Ranked | ScreenRant

For eleven long, critically acclaimed, highly watched, and intensely beloved seasons, Frasier was one of the best series on all of television, sitcom or otherwise. Even two decades after its original airing, the series continues to stand the test of time as one of the best there ever was, and one of the best sitcoms, most of all.

RELATED: 10 Things Frasier Did Better Than Cheers

It's hard, honestly, to pinpoint any seasons or episodes of Frasier that are all bad. Even the worst episodes of the series contain hidden gems - it's just that some of those gems are far more hidden than others. Somehow, we've managed to take a look at the series as a whole and offer a ranking of the seasons. So, how do the series' many storied seasons compare to each other? Which season will come out on top? Read on to find out.

11 Season 8

It's hard to find much good in Frasier's eighth season. To be sure, there are a few diamonds within the rough. Niles and Daphne finally get their acts together and get together after seven long seasons of back and forth. Frasier hires a butler, brilliantly played by Victor Garber. Niles somehow becomes a basketball star. And, of course, "Cranes Go Caribbean."

But the season on the whole is, fittingly and unfortunately, weighed down by the truly distasteful "fat Daphne" storyline, which was the series' solution to allowing Jane Leeves time off for maternity leave.

10 Season 10

Season 10 of Frasier definitely fares better than the eighth season does overall. It also contains many more memorable episodes, and far less distasteful storylines. But it also represents the most prominent featuring of one of the series' worst characters - Daphne's abusive, insufferable mother, who never seems to learn when she's long outstayed her welcome.

On the bright side, the season includes Niles and Daphne's many weddings, a hilarious Halloween prank war, and Niles and Frasier trying to learn to ride bikes. The season also includes some of the series' most emotional material, as Niles undergoes open heart surgery.

9 Season 9

For better or worse (but usually worse), Frasier's ninth season is when the series starts to truly explore Daphne's expansive, obnoxious, stereotypical family, most prominently in the form of her overbearing mother. But even looking past that poorly thought out storyline, the ninth season contains some true gems in the series' run.

Major highlights include Frasier's war against a cricket, the introduction of Cam Winston, Roz developing a relationship with Roger, "Room Full of Heroes," Frasier's 2000th radio show, Niles proposing to Daphne, the arrival of Lilith's scheming half-brother Blaine Sternin, the spelling bee, a Crane brothers mystery, and Frasier's return to Boston.

8 Season 1

First seasons of sitcoms are often much broader than they need to be, and tend to flow less smoothly than later seasons when characters and relationships are well-established and audiences are invested. But for the most part, Frasier's first season is a true gem, reintroducing fans to the already beloved Frasier Crane, and expanding his world with richly developed characters from the get go.

RELATED: 10 Quotes From Frasier That Are Still Hilarious Today

Highlights of the first season include the Crane boys visiting Martin's favorite steakhouse, Frasier and Niles learning a shocking truth about their parents' marriage, the first appearance of Lilith, the first annual SeaBea awards, and Frasier and Niles' failed attempts at writing a book together.

7 Season 11

It's rare that a sitcom's final season manages to be just as good as some of its earlier ones. But as it often does, Frasier manages to do the seemingly impossible, turning in a truly stellar final run filled with some of the series' most hilarious and most heartwarming episodes.

Significant highlights include Patrick Stewart's guest appearance in "The Doctor Is Out," the introduction of Ronee, Maris being accused of murder and Niles' subsequent breakdown, Martin getting high on a pot brownie, the introduction of Laura Linney's Charlotte, and the truly perfect series finale, "Goodnight, Seattle."

6 Season 6

After a dramatic change to its universe at the end of the previous season, it wouldn't have been surprising for Frasier on the whole to flounder in its sixth season. But on the contrary, the series continues to show its true strengths and many gifts as it finally reaches its midway point.

RELATED: Frasier: 10 Best Niles Crane Quotes

Some of the season's highlights include Frasier's identity crisis following his firing from KACL, Niles moving into the bachelor pad at the Shangri-La, the bizarre seal adventure, the entire episode "Merry Christmas, Mrs. Moskowitz," Niles and Frasier's feud over their IQs, and the game-changing episode "Visions of Daphne."

5 Season 3

In truth, season three of Frasier is a perfectly middling season. There are many storylines in the season that would earn this season a much lower spot on this list, if the many other incredible plots within the third season weren't so damn good they actually counterbalance the poor decisions. The introduction of Kate Costas, in particular, weighs down many of the season's key episodes.

But other installments of the season stand out as some of the series' best overall. True highlights from the season include Niles and Maris's separation, Niles and Daphne's famous date and dance at an elite event, the return of Diane Chambers, the infamous Leap Day adventures, and Frasier and Roz exploring the true nature of their feelings for each other.

4 Season 7

It would be unthinkable for most series, but somehow, Frasier gets a true new start in its seventh season. From the get go, the stakes are raised, with Daphne's impending wedding, and the looming reveal of Niles' true feelings - and Daphne's own, as well.

RELATED: Frasier: The 5 Best Episodes (& 5 Worst)

But even with the couple's inevitable, much welcomed union at the end of the season, the seventh season is one of the series' best for many other reasons, including the Crane boys watching Antiques Roadshow, Frasier inadvertently revealing Niles' feelings to Daphne, "RDWRER," and Martin posing as a gay man to help Frasier.

3 Season 5

Nowadays, five seasons is considered a decent length for a sitcom's run - which makes it all the more impressive that, five seasons in and not even at its halfway point, Frasier continued to show why it's one of the best sitcoms of all time, rarely losing steam in the process.

Highlights of the fifth season include a hilarious and emotional Halloween, Roz learning that she's pregnant, Frasier Crane Day, a cruise ship mystery, Frasier's zoo humiliation, the chaotic saga of "The Ski Lodge," Niles and Daphne's unofficial "First Date," and the shocking firing of all broadcasters on KACL.

2 Season 2

When it comes to sitcom seasons, they almost don't get any better than this. From the very first episode, Frasier's second season is firing on all cylinders, with episodes both riotously hilarious and profoundly emotional. The relationships between characters truly begin to shine in this season, with the long game of Niles and Daphne's will they, won't they now fully in swing, and the deep relationship between father and sons serving as a major plotline.

Some of the second season's many, many highlights include the Crane boys searching for a lost Eddie, Frasier being mistaken for a gay man by his own boss, the arrival of Frasier's old friend Sam Malone, Niles engaging in a duel over Maris, the Crane boys going ice fishing, and Niles and Frasier investing in a restaurant.

1 Season 4

Season two might be a pretty damn perfect season of Frasier. But season four takes the very concept of perfection to an entirely new level. It's practically impossible to find a single episode in the season that isn't perfectly crafted and masterfully written and acted. The perfect balance of comedy and emotion in this season represents the series at its true best.

The highlight list for this season could, therefore, very well be the entire season itself. But somehow, we've managed to narrow it down a little to a list that includes the uproarious season premiere "The Two Mrs. Cranes," Frasier's struggle to psychoanalyze his own dreams, Frasier and Niles meeting a beloved author, Niles and Daphne's growing closeness, Niles getting a dog and a bird, the KACL radio drama, and Maris filing for divorce.

NEXT: The 10 Best Guest Stars On Frasier, Ranked

source https://screenrant.com/frasier-seasons-ranked/

#screenrant

0 notes

kbrown78 · 6 years ago

Text

Monthly Wrap Up: April

So April has been my lowest month of the year. While some things improved, my reading slump didn't really didn't and it shows. This month I only completed 7 books (but I'll be reviewing 8 in this wrap up), which is by far the lowest amount of the year. The month did not start out well, with a DNF, then a 1 star that I really wanted to DNF. The next 2 books were better, not great but still decent with 3 stars, and the last few books managed to pull off 4 stars. I was able to continue with the PopSugar Reading Challenge, and completed both books I read for the Pick-It-For-Me Challenge, but I didn't manage to do Tome Topple this month, which was disappointing. I think my continued slump, and the reason the ratings were so low this month is because I spent more time away from my preferred reading genre (Adult Fantasy) than I would have liked. The first 3 books of the month were a mix of literary fiction genres, but were all distinctly lacking in any mystical elements. While I thought one of these books was decent, I hated the other 2 and found them incredibly disappointing. The rest of the month transitioned into more fantasy reads (and 1 dystopian) and from there things slowly improved. Next month I'm definitely going to shift things to focus more on the books that I want to read, regardless of the genre.

Eldest by Christopher Paolini: Technically I finished this one at the end of March, but I forgot about it and didn't want to go through the stress of adding it to my already posted March wrap up, so I just decided to add it in this one. Eldest is probably my least favorite book in the Inheritance Cycle series, and while that remains to be seen, it definitely was a step down from Eragon. In fact I ended up skimming quite a bit of it to ensure I finished it on time (since I was renting it from the library) and didn't take notes, so this review isn't going to be as thorough as it could be. What was probably the biggest cause of the book's slump was one of the 2 new POVs that was introduced, Eragon's cousin Roran. In Eragon Roran leaves to train as a blacksmith so he can marry is sweet heart and has a close relationship with Eragon. While he's just got the bare bones, and was only in the first quarter of the book, he's still an established character. So why did I dislike his POV? I was so bored with it. It was basically Eragon's story but with a lot less excitement. A young, noble boy fights to save his village and is admired and respected by everyone except the villains. It was just one of those wonder boy, chosen one narratives (which I'm already pretty tired off) and unlike Eragon, who is novice but very powerful and deserves respect, it makes no sense why everyone seems to make Roran the de facto leader. I knew his POV was coming but I didn't realize how much his POV character dominates the narrative. I used to like his POV as kid just because it had a long journey/ escape aspect to it and I used to love those as kid (at this point I think they work better on TV) but this time around it helped emphasis one of the flaws in the series, and that is the fact that long journey's are over quickly. I mean the people of their hometown left at around the half way point and reached their destination before the book was over despite the issues they encounter. Roran's POV contained the most glaringly obvious flaws, but I can't say that it was irrelevant because it was it's own independent narrative, and in the later books it's nice to see Eragon and Roran together as family. Speaking of Eragon, I thought his chapters were okay. Didn't love them, didn't hate them. Ultimately I thought they were pretty forgettable because of how generic they are. He definitely is still this wide eyed wonder boy at the beginning of the book, and then he goes off to do training and ends the story a different person. I still don't like that he's one of those characters that the universe just seems to hand everything too, and most of his time with the elves I found to be simultaneously boring and rushed, but they did show his evolution as a character (sort of). By the end of this book I think he's more aware of who he is, the role he has to play and the power that wields. At the end he has a startling revelation about his lineage and his relationship with another characters. It was a twist that I think both made sense but was genuinely surprising (although not the second time reading it). I have yet to see if this is something that Eragon will brood over, which I really hope he doesn't because I think that will drag his character further down into that of a generic fantasy hero. The one thing I do remember of his chapters because it surprised me was his romance with Arya. When I first read the series as a kid, I totally shipped them. Now I don't ship them, at all. Arya and others repeatedly make it clear to Eragon that their romance would never work, including the fact that she is grieving the loss of her previous lover. In this book I thought there was so little chemistry between that I honestly don't understand Eragon's romantic feelings toward Arya. This might change in the later books, but this was something I just wanted to briefly mention. The other new POV was actually my favorite part of the story, but it was only 2 f**king chapters, out of 60 . The third POV follows Nausuda, the new leader of the rebel group the Varden after her father's death at the beginning of this book. She was briefly introduced near the end of Eragon, and while I liked her I was worried she was just going to become a Eowyn type character. That, fortunately, did not happen. She demonstrates herself as a capable leader, and a threat to her enemies. Despite her young age, she is well aware of the political machinations and is able to maneuver things well. She can come off as harsh at times, but it's because she grasps the severity of their situation and doesn't have time for any nonsense. Most of the people she is closest with or relies on the most are women, which I love because it means she respects and values a persons abilities, regardless of gender. My favorite scene in the entire book is where she asks the head warlock (who is woman and whose name I am forgetting) to make lace because it's easier and quicker to make by magic than hand, and can be sold for a profit that will help support the war effort. This shows Nasuada's ability to take a situation, however minor it is, and make it work to her advantage in a way that makes sense and can be applied to real world tactics. If the entire series had been filled with moments like this, than it would have worked much better for an adult audience. As a whole there were bits and pieces that I thought were good and helped propel the story forward, but there were a ton of generic fantasy elements and filler narratives which really dragged the story down. Eldest received 2 out 5 stars.

The White Princess by Philipa Gregory: I've been wanting to dip my toes into more historical fiction, especially ones that aren't set during WW II because there are so many of those (not that I'm unopposed to them) and Philipa Gregory's novel's seemed like a good place to start. I was initially going to read the White Queen but I happened to find this one at a book sale, and thought it would work out fine. What I really want in a historical fiction is you take familiar historical figures or events and make them come to life, you make them personal, and it's probably difficult to find an author that does just that. This book is set during the Late Middle Ages (a period of history that has always fascinated me) at the conclusion of the War of Roses with the marriage of Elizabeth of York and Henry VII, which I believe was the inspiration for Game of Thrones, and featured an introduction discussing women of that time period and how even though they are constantly being put in the corners of history, they certainly weren't doing nothing and could even be quite powerful in their own right. Basically this book had a very promising premise and during the first few chapters it seemed like it was going in a good direction. Unfortunately that quickly came to a halt. Elizabeth was an insufferable protagonist. She had zero agency whatsoever, kept being pushed from one bad situation to another had did little or nothing to change that, was blissfully ignorant about everything around her, and served as nothing more than a mouth piece for the narrative and a baby making machine for the king. To put it simply, she was early Sansa Stark who wasn't even being subjected to a psychopathic despot (at least that wasn't how the narrative was portraying Henry, though he did have other issues which I will get to in a minute). She was the exact opposite of the protagonist that I expected for this book, and it was very disappointing. In fact there are only 2 women that seemed to hold any sort of power, Elizabeth's mother Elizabeth Woodville and Henry's mother Margret Beaufort. Elizabeth Woodville has both power and experience at playing the game, but we don't get to see much of that because she's sent away about a third of the way into the story and Elizabeth of York remains ignorant of all her mother's doings. Margret Beaufort, on the other hand, wields a considerable amount of power because she is the only one the king trusts, but she's clearly being portrayed in a villainous light. She does everything possible to undermine Elizabeth and her family, exercises absolute authority without anything keeping her in check and does this to accomplish some awfully petty and mean tasks, and on top of that is a zealot. There is fine line between being devoted to one's faith and being a zealot, and since Margret again uses her power to get in with the Catholic Church, uses her faith as the justification for most of the things she does to Elizabeth, and brings about how the outcome was “God's will” in every other conversation she has, I think she's leaning more on the zealot side of things, and one of the fastest ways to make me hate a character is to make them an obnoxious zealot. I think Margret could at least have been put in a sympathetic light because she does know how costly the game is and wants her son to be safe in a dangerous and constantly shifting environment, but we never get this. So the female character that clearly has the most influence and power is the one that the readers are designed to like the least. This seems to go directly against everything that the introduction set out, and it's not just disappointing, it's a bit infuriating. The other major black stain on this book was the romance, and just like the female empowering narrative, was something that had potential in the beginning and was shattered upon Elizabeth and Henry's first meeting. I don't mind arranged marriages, in fact they are something I like to see if done well, and this was not done well. First there's Henry ignoring Elizabeth, like keeping her family sequestered in one area until after he's coronated. While not a promising start it was a reasonable political move and is something the relationship could still recover from. Then they final meet, I believe around Christmas, and the very first thing Henry does to Elizabeth is have her dance for him so she can feel like a slut, then proceeds to rape her when they are alone together. Gregory has now created a relationship I absolutely cannot get behind. After that he insults and degrades Elizabeth, is very blase about the rape (like he's entitled to it and even says when they are married it's not rape), doesn't try to form an emotional relationship with her and is constantly accusing her of conspiring against him (despite her crippling ineptitude), and even makes it clear he would have raped her sister if she hadn't proven fertile. This doesn't just make the “romance” awful, but it also makes Henry a pretty awful character. Plus the fact that he has a rather unsettling relationship with his mother, who again, constantly works to undermine Elizabeth's family. The fact that the only happy and tender moments between the couple that I can remember occur after Elizabeth has given Henry the son that he wants, makes those moments just feel cheap and unsatisfying. Ultimately I didn't see the characters improving, I didn't the relationships improving, and if I wanted to know how the rest of the story goes I could just do basic history search (and probably get more details on the events of the time). I ended up DNFing this book and needless to say I gave it 1 out 5 stars and was my pick for the PopSugar prompt “based on a true story.”

The Guest Book by Sarah Blake: I received an ARC of this book from Macmillian Publishers back in February, completely out of the blue. I had never heard of this book or author before, and it's not the kind of book I would consider reaching for unless there was a ton of hype around it (like The 7 Husbands of Evelyen Hugo), but because it was my first ARC I felt compelled to read it. Almost immediately, I had issues with this book. The writing of the book was a strange hybrid between dry, precise writing and the flowery purple prose, and it just didn't work. The other big issue I had with the writing itself was that the time lines and character POVs were all over the place. During almost the entire first half of the book, so for around 200 pages, I could not grasp what decade it was unless explicitly stated. The POVs weren't much better. The story was written in third person, but this didn't actually help me with identifying who was who because the POV would jump around so much, even within a chapter, that it took me awhile to finally identify who was who. This may due to the fact that there wasn't anything distinguishing about any of the characters, they could have literally been the same person with different names. This did change, but that didn't reflect well on the characters. One of the first scenes were I felt any sense of identity came from Kitty, in the first generation time line, and it made me hate her pretty quickly. I was already inclined to dislike the Milton family because they were privileged snobs, but again I didn't really get any sense of character. There was nothing specific about them that I liked or disliked. That all changed in the scene with Kitty at the Island, where I think she rejects taking in a woman and her son specifically because the woman is Jewish, and the rest of the group present constantly shut down this woman's conversation because her valid points about Hitler's rise to power made them feel a little morally uncomfortable. This was the scene that really defined who the Miltons are, and the thing is they never really improve even in later generations. Evie, one of Kitty's grand daughters, is struggling to ensure that they keep the Island. She tries to project herself as this progressive woman yet works to hold onto the very symbol of her family's corrupt and racist history. It makes her come off as a hypocrite in the worst way. I also had issues with the minority characters (mostly how they felt like token characters that served the purpose of redeeming the racists) but honestly I wouldn't be able to do a good job of discussing them because of the last major issue I had with this book, and that's the overall story itself. So this is definitely a “slice of life” narrative and while I don't generally gravitate toward those, I have found ones that I enjoy. In order to do this well I think you still need good characters and a complex plot with a clear conflict, even if it's just a personal one. For this book nothing works. The characters are bad on multiple levels, and I don't want to see racists who are vehemently denying their racism and issues be redeemed, and there wasn't any real conflict except for the family trying to keep their Island house. What plot I could identify was boring but most of the time, I couldn't tell what was happening. This is the main reason why I couldn't really review this book in detail. Ultimately nothing worked in this book, not the characters, not the story, not the writing. This wasn't a book I expected to love but I at least thought it would be decent and go somewhere, and it still failed at that. The Guest Book received 1 out of 5 stars from me, and if you want more articulate reviews them I do recommend looking at the Goodreads reviews.

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia: I guess I've lately been reading books that are outside of my typical SFF genre. As my reviews of the previous 2 books indicated I have not been having a good time exploring other genres. Fortunately this was an improvement, but I still didn't love it. The biggest struggle I had with the book was my inability to connect with the main character Eliza, and I blame that more on my personal issues than the book itself, and here's why. Eliza lives something of a double life online, where she is the creator of the popular web comic, while in reality she's a quiet nobody who struggles with daily interactions. Her 2 worlds start to collide when she meets new kid Wallace, who happens to be one of the most popular fanfiction writers for her comic series. The two slowly start to form a relationship and Eliza starts becoming more active in the real world, while starting to struggle with her online personality. Above all this entire story felt like a love letter to fandoms and online culture. Talking about online friendships, trolls, fandoms, creative pressure and escape. I really, really liked the story that was told, and Eliza is the kind of character that I think many young adults can relate to. I liked reading about Eliza's various relationships, from her online friends, to her family, and romance. Each one brought out a different aspect of her and each one had their own set of issues. So why didn't a get a higher rating. Well like I stated earlier I still I was never fully invested in Eliza, despite liking the book objectively for the narrative it tells. I think it's because outside of her being “average” in real life and a famous creator online, I never got much of a sense of who she is. It also took a little while for me to get into the book, and I don't feel that the rest of the book was good enough to fully recover from that slow start. The other thing has to do with Eliza and Wallace's romance. It started out really cute, but I don't like how things ended with them. They had their struggle's, which I thought was good because I wanted to watch them overcome their issues. Once they did encounter a problem though, things went downhill pretty quickly. Their dynamic got worse until it exploded and then quickly remedied itself and is never addressed again. I didn't like how often it's implied that things are fixed and getting better but we're not really shown any of it. I wish I could have liked this book more than I did because I think it's a good story that works well with a modern audience, but I just couldn't get fully attached to the characters and the conclusion left something to be desired. Eliza and Her Monsters received 3 out 5 stars and was my pick for the PopSugar prompt “book about a hobby.”

Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson: Oh man. I picked this book up because I was in the mood to read a lighter fantasy, and I wanted to get around to reading the rest of the series. I had hoped that my opinions of the book would change from the last time I read it, but my reactions and opinions were all exactly the same. The best thing that probably came out of the reread was now I can discuss more precisely what exactly it was that I didn't like about the book (which is one of the reasons I reread books). First there's the pacing and the plot, or I should say lack of. The book immediately kicks off with Lia running away from her arranged marriage on the day of her wedding, so we're immediately thrown into the action. I usually don't like that, but the book remedied that problem by using the first few pages to show Lia's feelings on the wedding and how others in the court regard her, including her own father. So when she runs away, we sympathize with her and want her to succeed. Then the book shows her and her loyal hand maid arriving in the city of Terravain where they intend to live the rest of their lives working at an inn. This time delay and again was used well because it showed Lia's determination and adjustment to her new life. The book also splits POV's between the prince she was supposed to marry, and an assassin who was sent to kill her. Since this is my second read through, I already knew who was who, so the suspense of those scenes was gone, and I started to view them as unnecessary to the plot. A few chapters after the prince and assassin arrive, is when I started to have problems. The book really does nothing, there's no romantic, political, or personal drama. It's just a bunch of filler until Lia decides to go back which leads to her being kidnapped, and that's well after the half way point. After that things do pick up a bit and the book starts to resemble the beginning narrative, but it's a case of too little, too late. By the time we got to Lia's cross country journey (which I've made clear I struggle with those story lines) I just wanted the book to be over and while I could identify interesting, relevant or even emotional points, I found myself not caring. For example when Lia finds her brother killed in a battle near the end of her journey, she buries him and his entire platoon with her bare hands because she refuses to leave him for the animals. It's clear that this is supposed to be emotional scene but it doesn't work for 2 reasons. One, like I already stated I just wanted the book to be over and didn't care but that's a personal reason. Two, we only saw this brother in 2 short scenes through the entire book, and during Lia's entire time in Terravain, there are no moments when she's fondly thinking of her brother. So the readers aren't emotional attached to this guy, and even Lia doesn't seem to come across as emotionally attached to her brother, so the burial scene fails to make the impact that it was trying to. My other big issue with this book was the female characters. I have mixed opinions on the female characters in the book. On the one hand, it's great to see multiple female characters with different personalities that Lia gets along well with. Even Lia herself seems like a decent protagonist, she's rebellious but matures, and she has that underlying intelligence and determination (which is actively demonstrated in the book). On the other hand none of the female characters, besides Berti, really has a personal conflict that doesn't involve a male. Lia running away from her arranged marriage and not going back because she doesn't want to marry the prince. In fact whenever she talks about her past with the other characters, it always has to do with the marriage and how it makes her feel like a set piece and she's determined to hate the prince she's never met. Gwenyth and Pauline are both women with children but no husbands, and Pauline spends the majority of her screen time gushing about her beloved, then spends a decent chunk of time mourning his “death.” It undermines the independent female narrative when it always comes back to the men. Even the conversations among the women does this, where almost all, if not all, are on the subject of the males in their lives, be it family or love interest. I'm not even sure if this would pass the Bechtel test, and that really bugs me, because the narrative really tries to present Lia as this strong independent woman. Surprisingly I didn't really have any issues with the romantic plot, in fact I think I would have liked to see more of it. Originally I thought that the love triangle was pretty good because I could see Lia falling for Rafe or Kaden. During this reread though, it's apparent that Lia prefers Rafe because he's the one she's always thinking of and wants to spend time with (which is fine, he's the one I prefer). There is still a good chance for a love triangle to arise due to the reveal of which boy is the prince and which one is the assassin, which completely changes Lia's dynamic with the 2 boys, so it will be interesting to see how the romance is played out in the next book. Ultimately there were things that I liked about this book, there were things I didn't. There's a lot in this world that I think was underdeveloped (like the world, conflict, and even characters) but there is clearly a lot of potential for the series, because this first book gives you that feeling that it's building up to something. I have heard that the series improves, so I am hopeful that I will like the next book better than this one. Kiss of Deception received 3 out 5 stars.

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale: This is a reread that I have been putting off for awhile. Why? Because I was worried that it wasn't going to be as good as I remember it being. The last time I read it was probably in elementary school, and based on the fact that there has only been one reread I liked, let alone loved, from all my junior high rereads I had some legitimate concerns. Princess Academy ended up being a delightfully cute reread, that I overall enjoyed. With the last 2 books, I knew I wasn't really enjoying them because I got to a point where I just wanted the story to be done and rushed to the ending. I didn't have that feeling with Princess Academy, and it probably helped since the book itself was fairly short. Since it's a book geared for more children than teenagers, it does keep things fairly simple and quick, yet still managed to convey a good story with a positive message. The story's about Miri, a 14 year old from a village in the mountains who, along with other girls from the village, must now attend the titular academy because the prince will choose his wife from this group of mountain girls. Miri at the start is a delicate and sheltered girl who lacks confidence and sees herself as a burden because she's not allowed to mine the mountain, and by the end she is confident in who she is and what she wants. Of all the books I've read I honestly think she has one of the better character arcs. I liked how organic and straight forward it was, and that education played a huge role, and her determination and love of learning become core traits. With her growth in confidence also comes friends. In the beginning she's basically an outcast, which drives her to fill the void with books, and then she slowly makes more friends due to a mix of her new confidence and selflessness. The book has a few plot driven moments, like entering the Academy, the ball, and the bandits, and I think these moments were well spaced out and appropriately added in at the right moment so that things are moving forward at an appropriate pace. The romance is cute and light hearted, with 2 good people who were childhood friends being sweet on each other. It's not a romance that tugs at my heart, but it's the kind of romance I love seeing and wish I could see more of. The world building was kept fairly simple (it is a children's book) but it still felt plausible and had a distinct identity with the quarry. There were only 2 things that I did dislike, the “magic” and the teacher, Olanna. So the magic in this book is called quarry speech, and what it does is allow people to communicate through the linder stone itself (the stone in Mt. Eskel). What I didn't like was how subjective it was, but it really is a minor aspect that connects to some bigger themes of the book very well. It's an important part of the identity of the people of Mount Eskel, and helps Miri connect to the other girls and grow in confidence. So while I don't love the quarry speech itself, I like what it does for the characters. Olanna on the other hand was something that had no redeemable qualities. In the beginning she acts as more of an antagonist than a tutor. Not only was she very snobby, constantly talking down to the girls and trying to belittle them, she was also flat out abusive to them. Hitting them, locking them in a closet, and wouldn't allow them to go home to their families. Olanna also acted as a hindrance for Miri gaining any friends because she would collectively punish the group for something Miri did, essentially putting a target on Miri's back. I really like good student/ teacher relationships (not romance) and those are hard to find, so it's disappointing that Olanna is the exact opposite of the supportive teacher that I wanted, but that isn't her worst offense. She only changes because the girls force her to change ways, and ultimately sees no consequences for her horrible behavior, which really grated my nerves. Putting adults like this in positions of power, and letting them go free after they've proven what an ass they are is something I put under the category of “yes, it happens in real life, but I hate seeing it in fiction.” I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, since it is geared toward a young audience, and ended up giving it 4 out 5 stars.

The Fifth Season by N. K Jemisin: I finally, finally got around to reading this. This was my other Pick-It-For-Me Challenge (the first being Eliza and Her Monsters) and I was a little worried about because everyone (and I mean everyone) that reads it loves it, and it's an award winning series. I also tried reading a bind up of Jemisin first work, The Dreamblood Duology, and I put it down after a couple of chapters (I might pick it back up). While I do think this book was as amazing and unique as everyone says it is, and it worthy of the praise it receives, I think the bar was set just a little too high for it. As more time passes I'm beginning to realize that while I don't love this book. It's good but not great. It's unique, it's heart wrenching, it's contains relevant themes, but I personally didn't get super attached to this book, and there are some opportunities that I think the book missed out on. I noticed that one of the best elements of this book and probably the driving force for the narrative are the themes. Books that are theme driven do generally leave a good impression on me and have a good impact, but I don't fine myself loving them as much as could because I think they kind of lack a personality (the exception to this is In An Absent Dream whose themes and the way it presented them happened to really strike a cord with me). The major themes in The Fifth Season are oppression and motherhood, as well as humans being tied to the earth. All important topics and I do think this first book handled well, for the most part, but it's that “most part” bit that drives the book down a smidge. I wanted more of Damaya's POV because I wanted to see more of how a child deal's with oppression and how it shapes them (also school setting). I wanted to see more growth in Essun and Hoa's relationship since he starts out as this strange surrogate child who follows her after she's lost her son and is searching for her daughter. These things might be further developed in the later books but I just don't know. There a few other things that I wish were done differently, but since they contain spoilers I'm not going to go into it here. The strange thing is I think this book was so hyped up I expected it to be a perfect book rather than just a good book. I still really liked this book but it also disappointed me to an extent. The Fifth Season received 4 out 5 stars and was my pick for the PopSugar prompt “own voices book.”

The Handmaid's Tale by Margret Atwood: It's a little surprising that I enjoyed this one as much as I did. I fully expected it to be a very depressing read that I just wanted to quit and get rid, so I thought I would be putting this off for awhile. Instead something compelled me to pick this book up and I ended up reading it much sooner than I expected. While there were definitely some uncomfortable scenes, I think this book did a fantastic job at conveying the message that it did, and this was a book I wanted to continue reading despite my initial hesitancy. For those who don't know what this book is about, it follows Offred, a Handmaid (whose entire purpose is to produce a healthy child) as she tries to survive her daily live in the oppressive new American regime. There isn't much plot, since the whole story serves as a cautionary tale. The characters in this book aren't much either, they really don't have much depth to them, however they don't need it. They mainly serve as set pieces, including the narrator, to illustrate the world around them and all the injustices now present. In fact the narrator, Offred, distinctly comes off as a passive set piece, not just because of her current oppressive circumstance but even in flashbacks, she basically reacts to others around her. While this doesn't always make her a likeable character, it works here because she really is trapped and has essentially no options, she has to go with the flow in order to survive. It's a very introspective novel and there is something about Atwood's writing that makes the story work, despite the lack of elements I usually enjoy in a story. The downside I would say about that is it's easier to forget specifics and just remember the feelings you had at certain moments throughout the story, and I struggle to write about something when I'm just going based off of feelings. It's why I don't have much say in this wrap up. I think it's one of those books where you have to read it for yourself to see what all the hype is and honestly if a book like this can last in the mainstream media for as long as it has then that that says something about both the book and the environment it's in. It's a testament to both Atwood's writing and the current socio-political environment that this book still appeals to a modern audience. My rating of The Handmaid's Tale managed to stay same, leaving it at a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank You Everyone

Keep Calm and Keep Reading

0 notes

cbilluminati · 8 years ago

Text

IDW has so much great stuff on sale this week, and we have a look at all of it for you. Here’s the IDW Publishing Previews for 1-25-2017.

Back to the Future: Biff to the Future #1 (of 6)

Writer: Bob Gale, Derek Fridolfs Artist: Alan Robinson Cover Artist: Alan Robinson

When Old Biff Tannen travels to the past to give his younger self the Grays Sports Almanac, he opens a lethal Pandora’s Box that drastically changes the course of history. In the BTTF movies, Doc and Marty save the day — but what happens in Biff Tannen’s dystopia before they do? Find out in BIFF TO THE FUTURE, the alternate life story of Biff Tannen detailing his diabolical rise to power, his dangerous relationship with the McFly family and Doc Brown, and his ultimate demise. The apocalypse has got nothing on the kinds of trouble a Tannen can make! Written by BTTF co-creator Bob Gale with Derek Fridolfs (Batman) and illustrated by Alan Robinson (BTTF: Citizen Brown).

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Variant cover by Anthony Marques!

#gallery-0-55 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-55 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-55 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-55 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

BATMAN/TMNT Adventures #3 (of 5)

Writer: Matthew K. Manning Artist: Jon Sommariva Cover Artist: Jon Sommariva

A fiendish alliance unfolds behind the scenes, unbeknownst to Batman and the TMNT as they are forced to fight a Poison Ivy-powered Snakeweed!

Bullet points:

New team-ups and classic characters return!

Variant cover by Billy Martin!

#gallery-0-56 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-56 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-56 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-56 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Comic Book History of Comics #3 (of 6)

Writer: Fred Van Lente Artist: Ryan Dunlavey Cover Artist: Ryan Dunlavey

The inspiring, infuriating, and utterly insane story of comics, graphic novels, and manga continues in four-color glory! This issue, the award-winning Action Philosophers team of Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey bring you ROMANCE, WAR, and CRIME comics galore!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Featuring variant covers with all-new historically inspired comic strips by Van Lente and Dunlavey!

#gallery-0-57 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-57 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-57 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-57 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

D4VEocracy #1 (of 4)

Writer: Ryan Ferrier Artist: Valentin Ramon Cover Artist: Valentin Ramon

Ryan Ferrier and Valentin Ramon are back with D4VEOCRACY, the third arc of the acclaimed D4VE series. In the wake of a robo-political assassination, D4VE begins a presidential campaign. A hip new app startup has other plans for the robot society, however, and creates the perfect political rival.

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

From the acclaimed creative team of D4VE, D4VE2, and HOT DAMN!

“…this book is funny. Not chuckle-quietly-to-yourself funny, but actual laughing-out-loud-in-public funny.” – IGN

“A sardonic satire of modern society that’s as funny as it is true…a series that will continue to delight.” – Multiversity

“…a fully developed future world that ingeniously blends technological fantasy with the mundane reality of domestic life.” – The AV Club

“D4VE is one of my favourite comics of the year. Very high quality work from Ryan Ferrier and Valentin Ramon!” – Fiona Staples

#gallery-0-58 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-58 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-58 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-58 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

G.I. JOE #2

Writer: Aubrey Sitterson Artist: Giannis Milonogiannis Cover Artist: • Aaron Conley

G.I. Joe’s mission in Mongolia gets underway, but the Dreadnoks and Crystal Ball have more allies than the Joes expect. And meanwhile, Lady Jaye and Gung Ho stumble upon a familiar enemy in Greece…

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Part of IDW’s Artist’s Edition Cover Month!

Spinning directly out of the events of IDW’s Revolution event!

Variant cover by Corey Lewis!

#gallery-0-59 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-59 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 20%; } #gallery-0-59 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-59 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #236

Writer: Larry Hama Artist: S L Gallant Cover Artist: S L Gallant

As Cobra Commander continues his scheme to start the Cobra World Order, Destro and Baroness begin to bring their own contingency into play…

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Insufferable: Home Field Advantage #4

Writer: Mark Waid Artist: Peter Krause Cover Artist: Peter Krause

The lives of Nocturnus, Galahad and Meg hang by a thread as the INSUFFERABLE saga comes to a climax! Lives, worlds and relationships will be shattered, and there’s little guarantee that the day will be saved. Fingers crossed!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

#gallery-0-60 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-60 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-60 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-60 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Jack Kirby’s Fantastic Four: Artist’s Edition HC—SPOTLIGHT

Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby

Jack Kirby’s Fantastic Four. World-shattering events, cosmic calamities, and Kirby Krackle—does it get any better?

Jack Kirby is the most important creator in the history of comics, and the Fantastic Four is one of his greatest achievements. First published in 1961, the adventures of Mr. Fantastic, the Human Torch, the Invisible Girl and the ever-loving Thing introduced a bold new era in comics. Kirby’s dynamic storytelling, coupled with Stan Lee’s poignant writing style, were unlike anything comic book readers had seen before—it literally ushered in THE MARVEL AGE OF COMICS!

Now, with the cooperation of the Jack Kirby Estate and under license from Marvel Comics, IDW is proud to present the first Jack Kirby Fantastic Four Artist’s Edition! Including Fantastic Four Annual #6, the 48-page groundbreaking story that featured the birth of Franklin Richards! Also presenting issues #82 and #83, guest starring the Inhumans–plus more stories and and a beautiful gallery section of some of Kirby’s most incredible pages, all scanned from the original art!

HC • BW • $Please Inquire • 144 pages • 12” x 17” • ISBN: 978-1-63140-831-1

Bullet points:

Celebrate the 100th birthday of the King of Comics with IDW Publishing—Artist’s Edition style!

Jem and the Holograms #23

Writer: Kelly Thompson Artist: Meredith McClaren Cover Artist: Meredith McClaren

THE STINGERS part 5! It all comes down to this! The Misfits latest attempt to ruin Jem & The Holograms comes to fruition, and with Jem and The Holograms performance officially sabotaged will The Misfits have finally succeeded? Or will Jem and The Holograms live to fight—‘er sing!—another day!? Meanwhile, recent events mean The Stingers are shaping up to be not just reasonably friendly adversaries, but potential nemeses. Can Jem and The Holograms really have TWO nemeses?!?

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

THE STINGERS arc ends here!

Variant cover by Gisele Lagace!

#gallery-0-61 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-61 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-61 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-61 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Joe Hill: The Graphic Novel Collection

Writers: Joe Hill, Stephen King, Jason Ciaramella, Chris Ryall Artists: Zach Howard, Nelson Dániel, Charles Paul Wilson III, Vic Malhotra Cover Artist: Shane Pierce

New York Times #1 Best Seller Joe Hill is the creative force behind this collection of comic one-shots, short stories and graphic novels that showcase the world-building and bone-chilling talents of the famed Locke & Key creator. This deluxe hardcover includes: Kodiak (2010) with illustrations by Nat Jones, The Cape (2010) and The Cape 1969 (2011) illustrated by Zach Howard, Thumbprint (2013) illustrated by Vic Malhotra, Wraith (2014) with illustrations by Charles Paul Wilson III, plus the short stories “Throttle” (2009) from the Road Rage collection and “By the Silver Water of Lake Champlain” (2012) taken from 2016 Bram Stoker Award Winner Shadow Show: All New Stories in Celebration of Ray Bradbury. Fans of comic books, horror and Hill, take note.

HC • FC • $49.99 • 472 pages • 7” x 11” • ISBN: 978-1-63140-768-0

Bullet points:

Advance solicited for December release!

“Over the course of a decade, Joe Hill has gone from ‘promising new horror writer’ to one of the industry’s most reliably striking, exciting creators.” — V. Club

#gallery-0-62 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-62 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 14%; } #gallery-0-62 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-62 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Mickey Mouse: Shorts, Season One

Writers: Paul Rudish, Scott Tipton Artist: Paul Rudish Cover Artist: Paul Rudish

Join Mickey, Minnie, and all their pals in a comic adaptation of the celebrated multi-Emmy and Annie Award-winning shorts from Disney Television Animation!

TPB • FC • $19.99 • 132 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-814-4

Bullet points:

“It could almost double as an ‘Art of…’ book. Irreverent and fun, it’s capable of making you grin broadly the entire time you’re reading it.” –Multiversity Comics

#gallery-0-63 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-63 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 14%; } #gallery-0-63 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-63 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Mickey Mouse: Timeless Tales, Vol. 2

Writer: Romano Scarpa, Andrea “Casty” Castellan, Giorgio Cavazzano, Jonathan Gray, David Gerstein, Joe Torcivia Artist: Romano Scarpa, Andrea “Casty” Castellan, Giorgio Cavazzano, Jonathan Gray, David Gerstein, Joe Torcivia Cover Artist: Andrea “Casty” Castellan

“Omigosh!” IDW’s Mickey Mouse issues #7–12 land in a luxurious, limited collectors’ volume… with epic tales by Romano Scarpa and Andrea “Casty” Castellan, featuring the return of Atomo Bleep-Bleep, the quest for “The Chirikawa Necklace,” and the debut of Pegleg Pete’s sinister main squeeze, Trudy Van Tubb! Including archival extras for true Disney Comics aficionados, this extra-thick Mickey tome brings hours of thrills and comics history!

HC • FC • $29.99 • 256 pages • 7.25” x 10” • ISBN: 978-1-63140-801-4

Bullet points:

“A collection of different MICKEY MOUSE comics across various eras of the character that tell you absolutely why he and his comics have stood the test of time.” –Comicsverse

#gallery-0-64 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-64 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 14%; } #gallery-0-64 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-64 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Micronauts Annual 2017

Writer: Cullen Bunn Artist: Marcelo Ferreira Cover Artist: Marcelo Ferreira

The Micronauts have encountered many strange allies and enemies since they became stranded on Earth, a planet of giants, but perhaps none have been as unexpected as those awaiting them here. As we explore the origins of the various Micronauts, the team encounters a future version of… themselves? Are they friend or foe?

FC • 48 pages • $7.99

Bullet points:

Part of IDW’s 2017 Annual Offensive! Over-sized and action-packed key stories in a deluxe format!

Explore the origins of some of today’s most popular Micronauts characters in this can’t-miss annual!

#gallery-0-65 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-65 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-65 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-65 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Micronauts #9

Writer: Cullen Bunn Artist: Max Dunbar Cover Artist: Max Dunbar

The Micronauts are stranded on a world full of giants, but they may not be as far from home as they thought. Relics from Microspace are all around, and allies–and enemies–from the microscopic universe have found their way to Earth!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

The Micronauts adventures on Earth continue!

Introducing all-new characters into the Micronauts mythos!

Part of IDW’s Artist’s Edition Cover Month!

Variant cover by K. Woodward!

#gallery-0-66 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-66 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 20%; } #gallery-0-66 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-66 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

My Little Pony: Friends Forever #36

Writer: Christina Rice Artist: Tony Fleecs Cover Artist: Tony Fleecs

Rainbow Dash travels to a remote and dangerous location and finds her fellow Wonderbolt, Soarin, is about to undertake a dangerous mission. Will Dash be able to get over her ego help her fellow Pegasus?

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Part of IDW’s Artist’s Edition Cover Month!

Variant cover by Low Zi Rong!

#gallery-0-67 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-67 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-67 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-67 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Optimus Prime #3

Writer: John Barber Artist: Kei Zama Cover Artist: Kei Zama

An uneasy peace between Optimus Prime and the newly arrived Junkions is threatened by Soundwave’s discovery within their massive ship…

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Part of IDW’s Artist’s Edition Cover Month!

Variant cover by Joana Lafuente!

#gallery-0-68 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-68 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 20%; } #gallery-0-68 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-68 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Revolution

Writers: John Barber, Cullen Bunn Artist: Fico Ossio Cover Artist: Tradd Moore

Explosions rip across the Earth—and all signs of blame point to OPTIMUS PRIME and the TRANSFORMERS! G.I. JOE refuses to go quietly—and they assemble heroes big enough to stop the invaders! ACTION MAN and M.A.S.K. fight for humanity—but where do ROM and the MICRONAUTS stand? Celebrating more than a decade of stories by IDW and HASBRO, this unprecedented event draws everything together—and leaves nothing standing. The REVOLUTION is here—TAKE A STAND! Collects Revolution issues #0–5.

TPB • FC • $19.99 • 152 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-816-8

Bullet points:

THE REVOLUTION BEGINS!

#gallery-0-69 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-69 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 14%; } #gallery-0-69 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-69 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Star Trek/Green Lantern Vol 2 #2 (of 6)

Writer: Mike Johnson Artist: Angel Hernandez Cover Artist: Angel Hernandez

STRANGER WORLDS PART TWO! With their power rings running low and no power batteries left to recharge them, the surviving heroes of the Lantern Corps join with Starfleet in the ultimate battle with Sinestro and the resurgent Klingons… until the arrival of an unexpected visitor from the Lanterns’ past changes the game entirely!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Following the blockbuster success of last year’s Star Trek/Green Lantern, DC Entertainment and IDW once again bring you the best team-up in the galaxy!

Part of IDW’s Artist’s Edition Cover Month!

Variant cover by Jen Bartel!

#gallery-0-70 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-70 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-70 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-70 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #66

Writers: Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman Artist: Sophie Campbell Cover Artist: Sophie Campbell

Alopex is alone, her psyche reeling from Kitsune’s mind control. With Raphael and Nobody searching for her, will Alopex be able to find her way back to the side of good?

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Sophie Campbell returns to TMNT for a very special issue!

Part of IDW’s Artist’s Edition Cover Month!

Variant cover by Kevin Eastman!

#gallery-0-71 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-71 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-71 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-71 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

WEIRD Love #16

Writers: Richard Hughes, and more Artists: Bob Powell, Ogden Whitney, and more Cover Artist: Bob Powell

If you love your comics weird, then Weird Love is the perfect comic for you! This issue starts with the cover story by Bob Powell, “To Love A Cheat.” There are many more sordid stories this ish, but you demanded that we present another pinko-commie-cold war-comic so read it and weep: “Iron Curtain Romance!”

FC • 48 pages • $4.99

#gallery-0-72 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-72 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 14%; } #gallery-0-72 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-72 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

via IDW Publishing

IDW Publishing Previews for 1-25-2017

IDW has so much great stuff on sale this week, and we have a look at all of it for you.

IDW Publishing Previews for 1-25-2017 IDW has so much great stuff on sale this week, and we have a look at all of it for you.

#comic books #comics #IDW Publishing #Preview

4 notes · View notes

nikihawkes · 8 years ago

Text

Title: Foreigner

Author: C.J. Cherryh

Series: Foreigner #1

Genre: Science Fiction

Rating: 1.5/5 stars

The Overview: The first book in C.J. Cherryh’s eponymous series, Foreigner begins an epic tale of the survivors of a lost spacecraft who crash-land on a planet inhabited by a hostile, sentient alien race.

From its beginnings as a human-alien story of first contact, the Foreigner series has become a true science fiction odyssey, following a civilization from the age of steam through early space flight to confrontations with other alien species in distant sectors of space. It is the masterwork of a truly remarkable author. -Goodreads

The Review:

From the GR overview: above “begins an epic tale” is likely the most misleading one I’ve ever read. It gives the impression that something actually happens in the first book. I technically should be discussing Foreigner in a DNF Q&A because I stopped reading with only two chapters to go. I figured since I hit the 95% mark, I feel justified giving it a normal review.

I did not like it.

Issue #1: it had three beginnings.

Cherryh began her story, jumped through in time, began another story, then jumped through time again to start what was actually the bulk of the book. This was an issue for a couple of reasons, the foremost of which was that it took so much concentration and effort to remember all the characters introduced in the two “prologues”, that by the time the main story kicked in, my give-a-shit was busted. I didn’t really focus for the first few chapters of the main story because I kept expecting it to jump ahead again. Instead, it proceeded to drag on for another 300+ pages. I think what upsets me the most is how good the first two” starts” were and how much potential it had (and wasted).

Issue #2: the main character was very unlikable.

And not in an anti-hero “I’m an ass hole and I don’t care who knows it” kind of way, but in an entitled, “spoiled little rich boy” kind of way. Most of his contributions involved excessive whining about the lack of good accommodations and how much he wanted his mail. It was insufferable, and I can’t think of anything I actually liked about him. Harsh but true.

Issue 3: the entire story took place on the periphery of the action.

I don’t want dozens and dozens of pages of speculation on what happened. I want to EXPERIENCE it myself through the character. If there’s nothing to engage your character, apparently the solution is to infuse political speculation of no consequence. The character basically just sat there either thinking about politics, how bored he was, or, God help me, his lost mail. The general rule of thumb is, if your character is bored, your reader is board. And despite my aversion to politics in real life, I actually love reading them in books – especially between humans and interesting alien species. This book should have been an amazing cluster of intrigue, but there was very little actual political maneuvering. Just a bunch of theory and historical information (yawn). The only redeeming quality was the alien beings themselves – wicked cool (cover image).

Overall, there was so little plot advancement that Foreigner could have easily been summed up in about 50 pages or less. I’m very disappointed. I think hopes of what the story could be was what kept me reading, but I lost all gusto when I realized it just wasn’t going to get there. I’ve been collecting hardcovers for this 18 book saga for years and was looking forward to immersing myself in them and now I’m not sure what to do with them. I might go back and finish Foreigner to continue on one day, but not for a long, long while.

Other books you might like:

#gallery-0-6 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-6 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 20%; } #gallery-0-6 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-6 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey

Old Man’s War by John Scalzi

Perdition by Ann Aguirre

Beholder’s Eye by Julie E. Czerneda

Fortune’s Pawn by Rachel Bach

by Niki Hawkes

Book Review: Foreigner by C.J. Cherryh Title: Foreigner Author: C.J. Cherryh Series: Foreigner #1 Genre: Science Fiction Rating…

#book #book review #book reviews #books #c.j. cherryh #foreigner #science fiction #science fiction books

0 notes

outright-geekery · 8 years ago

Text

IDW has so much great stuff on sale this week, and we have a look at all of it for you. Here’s the IDW Publishing Previews for 1-25-2017.

Back to the Future: Biff to the Future #1 (of 6)

Writer: Bob Gale, Derek Fridolfs Artist: Alan Robinson Cover Artist: Alan Robinson

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Variant cover by Anthony Marques!

BATMAN/TMNT Adventures #3 (of 5)

Writer: Matthew K. Manning Artist: Jon Sommariva Cover Artist: Jon Sommariva

A fiendish alliance unfolds behind the scenes, unbeknownst to Batman and the TMNT as they are forced to fight a Poison Ivy-powered Snakeweed!

Bullet points:

New team-ups and classic characters return!

Variant cover by Billy Martin!

Comic Book History of Comics #3 (of 6)

Writer: Fred Van Lente Artist: Ryan Dunlavey Cover Artist: Ryan Dunlavey

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Featuring variant covers with all-new historically inspired comic strips by Van Lente and Dunlavey!

D4VEocracy #1 (of 4)

Writer: Ryan Ferrier Artist: Valentin Ramon Cover Artist: Valentin Ramon

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

From the acclaimed creative team of D4VE, D4VE2, and HOT DAMN!

“…this book is funny. Not chuckle-quietly-to-yourself funny, but actual laughing-out-loud-in-public funny.” – IGN

“A sardonic satire of modern society that’s as funny as it is true…a series that will continue to delight.” – Multiversity

“…a fully developed future world that ingeniously blends technological fantasy with the mundane reality of domestic life.” – The AV Club

“D4VE is one of my favourite comics of the year. Very high quality work from Ryan Ferrier and Valentin Ramon!” – Fiona Staples

G.I. JOE #2

Writer: Aubrey Sitterson Artist: Giannis Milonogiannis Cover Artist: • Aaron Conley

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Part of IDW’s Artist’s Edition Cover Month!

Spinning directly out of the events of IDW’s Revolution event!

Variant cover by Corey Lewis!

G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #236

Writer: Larry Hama Artist: S L Gallant Cover Artist: S L Gallant

As Cobra Commander continues his scheme to start the Cobra World Order, Destro and Baroness begin to bring their own contingency into play…

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Insufferable: Home Field Advantage #4

Writer: Mark Waid Artist: Peter Krause Cover Artist: Peter Krause

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Jack Kirby’s Fantastic Four: Artist’s Edition HC—SPOTLIGHT

Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby

Jack Kirby’s Fantastic Four. World-shattering events, cosmic calamities, and Kirby Krackle—does it get any better?

HC • BW • $Please Inquire • 144 pages • 12” x 17” • ISBN: 978-1-63140-831-1

Bullet points:

Celebrate the 100th birthday of the King of Comics with IDW Publishing—Artist’s Edition style!

Jem and the Holograms #23

Writer: Kelly Thompson Artist: Meredith McClaren Cover Artist: Meredith McClaren

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

THE STINGERS arc ends here!

Variant cover by Gisele Lagace!

Joe Hill: The Graphic Novel Collection

Writers: Joe Hill, Stephen King, Jason Ciaramella, Chris Ryall Artists: Zach Howard, Nelson Dániel, Charles Paul Wilson III, Vic Malhotra Cover Artist: Shane Pierce

HC • FC • $49.99 • 472 pages • 7” x 11” • ISBN: 978-1-63140-768-0

Bullet points:

Advance solicited for December release!

“Over the course of a decade, Joe Hill has gone from ‘promising new horror writer’ to one of the industry’s most reliably striking, exciting creators.” — V. Club

Mickey Mouse: Shorts, Season One

Writers: Paul Rudish, Scott Tipton Artist: Paul Rudish Cover Artist: Paul Rudish

Join Mickey, Minnie, and all their pals in a comic adaptation of the celebrated multi-Emmy and Annie Award-winning shorts from Disney Television Animation!

TPB • FC • $19.99 • 132 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-814-4

Bullet points:

“It could almost double as an ‘Art of…’ book. Irreverent and fun, it’s capable of making you grin broadly the entire time you’re reading it.” –Multiversity Comics

Mickey Mouse: Timeless Tales, Vol. 2

HC • FC • $29.99 • 256 pages • 7.25” x 10” • ISBN: 978-1-63140-801-4

Bullet points:

“A collection of different MICKEY MOUSE comics across various eras of the character that tell you absolutely why he and his comics have stood the test of time.” –Comicsverse

Micronauts Annual 2017

Writer: Cullen Bunn Artist: Marcelo Ferreira Cover Artist: Marcelo Ferreira

FC • 48 pages • $7.99

Bullet points:

Part of IDW’s 2017 Annual Offensive! Over-sized and action-packed key stories in a deluxe format!

Explore the origins of some of today’s most popular Micronauts characters in this can’t-miss annual!

Micronauts #9

Writer: Cullen Bunn Artist: Max Dunbar Cover Artist: Max Dunbar

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

The Micronauts adventures on Earth continue!

Introducing all-new characters into the Micronauts mythos!

Part of IDW’s Artist’s Edition Cover Month!

Variant cover by K. Woodward!

My Little Pony: Friends Forever #36

Writer: Christina Rice Artist: Tony Fleecs Cover Artist: Tony Fleecs

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Part of IDW’s Artist’s Edition Cover Month!

Variant cover by Low Zi Rong!

Optimus Prime #3

Writer: John Barber Artist: Kei Zama Cover Artist: Kei Zama

An uneasy peace between Optimus Prime and the newly arrived Junkions is threatened by Soundwave’s discovery within their massive ship…

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Part of IDW’s Artist’s Edition Cover Month!

Variant cover by Joana Lafuente!

Revolution

Writers: John Barber, Cullen Bunn Artist: Fico Ossio Cover Artist: Tradd Moore

TPB • FC • $19.99 • 152 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-816-8

Bullet points:

THE REVOLUTION BEGINS!

Star Trek/Green Lantern Vol 2 #2 (of 6)

Writer: Mike Johnson Artist: Angel Hernandez Cover Artist: Angel Hernandez

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Following the blockbuster success of last year’s Star Trek/Green Lantern, DC Entertainment and IDW once again bring you the best team-up in the galaxy!

Part of IDW’s Artist’s Edition Cover Month!

Variant cover by Jen Bartel!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #66

Writers: Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman Artist: Sophie Campbell Cover Artist: Sophie Campbell

Alopex is alone, her psyche reeling from Kitsune’s mind control. With Raphael and Nobody searching for her, will Alopex be able to find her way back to the side of good?

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Sophie Campbell returns to TMNT for a very special issue!

Part of IDW’s Artist’s Edition Cover Month!

Variant cover by Kevin Eastman!

WEIRD Love #16

Writers: Richard Hughes, and more Artists: Bob Powell, Ogden Whitney, and more Cover Artist: Bob Powell

FC • 48 pages • $4.99

via IDW Publishing

IDW Publishing Previews for 1-25-2017 IDW has so much great stuff on sale this week, and we have a look at all of it for you.

#comic books #comics #IDW Publishing #Preview

1 note · View note

daleisgreat · 8 years ago

Text

Top 10 and Worst 5 Films of 2014 through 2016

I meant to do this last year, but completely neglected it. When I ran my old podcast, one episode a year, my friends Matt, Jay and I would host our annual best and worst movies of the year episode. We did three installments for films that hit in 2011-2013. The podcast is not around anymore so I have not done it since, but I still have been keeping Word documents on my computer with a list of all the movies I saw each year and constantly update my top 10 and worst 5 rankings of the year. I meant to post the best and worst of 2015 as a blog, but as I said it just slipped past me and I will make up for it now with a triple best and worst list for 2014 through 2016. I had a whole extra year to catch up on Netflix and VUDU on 2014 and 2015 releases I missed so I have seen about 20% more films than I did than 2016. So hopefully that will excuse any glaring omissions that did not make my rankings. That said, I am still feeling pretty good about my 2016 list and there were only a handful of films that slipped by me that I have not seen yet. Movies linked on the lists will take you to my review of the film if you want to see my expanded thoughts on the film. One last thing before the lists, I want to give a shoutout to one of my favorite film critics, Scott Sawitz! I have discussed movies, wrestling and a ton more with Scott for well over a decade and have had the pleasure of having him guest host on my aforementioned podcast several times. I have always been a fan of his reviews and weekly column, Monday Morning Critic, over at Inside Pulse. His latest column is his annual top 10 films of the year I always look forward to. Scott has a twist on his rankings this year because he has been putting a ton of work into his weekly YouTube series, Confessions of a Super-Hero, weekly bite-sized episodic viewing all about what super-heroes do in their off-duty downtime. If you have a moment, please check it out! Now, onto the lists! 2014 TOP 10 10) Wild 9) Nightcrawler 8) Gone Girl 7) Equalizer/John Wick 6) Imitation Game 5) Interstellar 4) Guardians of the Galaxy 3) Whiplash 2) Captain America: The Winter Soldier 1) Boyhood Best Documentary – Life Itself

The two comic book films on the list ranked high with Marvel having a stellar year. Guardians surprised me because the concept just seemed impossible to pull off in live action with an animated tree and talking raccoon, but somehow Marvel did it and it kicked all kinds of ass. Winter Soldier was an awesome modern day follow up to The First Avenger. I seem to be in the minority of people when discussing Interstellar, and while I would rank it a notch or two under other non-Batman Christopher Nolan classics like Inception, I still very much enjoyed it that it made it into the midst of my top 10. Life Itself is an excellent documentary all about Roger Ebert in his final days as it documents his and Gene Siskel’s breakout rise as the go to film critics of the nation. Wild hit all the right nerves for me on Cheryl Strayed’s arduous journey of self-discovery. Nightcrawler shocked me at the lengths Gyllenhaal went to get the ultimate creep-o look down and his convincing transition from wannabe ripoff artist to the quintessential conman. I was expecting Equalizer to be a by-the-numbers action flick, but Denzel Washington proved me wrong by adding on many layers to it, and it is bizarre how John Wick came out within weeks of it and both were nearly identical plots, but both delivered in their own unique way. John Wick also gets my dubious award for best ever Kevin Nash cameo. Finally, props to Richard Linklater for delivering on his film that was literally 12 years in the making with Boyhood. Linklater is a risk taker with his ambitious projects, and he knocked another one out of the park with Boyhood getting my vote as best film of 2014. 2014 WORST 5 5) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 4) Tekken 2 3) Pro-Wrestling Zombies 2) Amazing Spider-Man 2 1) Transformers: Rise of the Fallen 2014 saw many terrible films, I actually had nearly 10 films as being ‘worst 5-calibur’ material. The TMNT remake had a few bright spots and scene-saving moments from Will Arnett, but he alone could not save a film with so many gut-wrenching jokes and awful retconning of the TMNT lore I grew up with. I actually dug the first Tekken film as a kind of solid nonsense fighting tournament movie that was kind of faithful to the source material ala Mortal Kombat, but the sequel was this awful attempt at a mafia-crime-mystery-drama that failed on all levels. Pro-Wrestling Zombies was a very low budget zombie slashing film starring Matt Hardy, Jim Duggan and Roddy Piper, but with these wrestling legends it was not even enjoyable in an ironic way like most zombie films, and was just flatout bad. Amazing Spider-Man 2 shocked me because I legitimately enjoyed the reboot, and thought this would be another easy follow up with most of the same cast and crew returning. However, Spider-Man and Electro both cast painful jokes and banter throughout that did not exist in the prior film, and there were countless groan inducing moments. The latest Transformers film outdid the straight-up bad humor and moments throughout the entire wreck of a film. Michael Bay somehow found a way to make it a nearly insurmountable task to get through. 2015 Top 10 10) Southpaw 9) Ant Man 8) The Martian 7) End of the Tour 6) Mad Max: Fury Road 5) Revenant 4) Creed 3) Steve Jobs 2) Spotlight 1) Hateful Eight Best Documentary – Tie: Electric Boogaloo & Winning: Racing Life of Paul Newman

Yeah, I like my feel good boxing/sports films as Jake Gyllenhaal shined again this year in Southpaw and Creed surpassed my expectations with its contemporary take on the Rocky franchise. While the lighthearted moments from Damon seemed a little forced, I still very much dug his Mars survival story, but not as much I got immersed into Dicaprio’s and Tom Hardy’s intense wilderness survival adventure that is The Revenant. Fury Road marked the first Mad Max movie I saw and the bombastic costumes initially had me raising an eyebrow, but once the heavy metal guitar semi-truck graced the screen in its infinite glory I instantly went on board with the film and never got off. I recently reviewed Steve Jobs, and if you recall I absolutely loved its use of creative license to tell a nonstop dialogue juggernaut of three big moments in Jobs’ life. Spotlight is the perfect way to tell a slow building mystery film where investigative journalists gradually picked away at their biggest scoop ever. Finally, I am biased towards Quentin Tarantino as I view the man as being one of the absolute best at dialogue in films, and he delivered once again with countless another excellent script and scenes that stole the show in The Hateful Eight. The setting worked perfectly and I was on my toes waiting to see which one of the eight was going to make the first move in a powdered keg filled with characters ready to burst. 2015 Worst 5 5) Fantastic Four 4) Jupiter Ascending 3) Chappie 2) Ted 2 1) Pixels

I was surprised at how bad Jupiter Ascending turned out to be, and did not expect Channing Tatum to be the only decent part of that film. After the dud that was Sucker Punch and now Jupiter Ascending, I am cutting myself off from all future Wachowski-directed films. I am a fan of District 9 and its director Neil Blomkamp and felt burned by his latest film, the insufferable Chappie in numerous ways. I was anticipating bad things from both Fantastic Four or Pixels, but part of me forced myself to go to see how awful they ultimately were. Fantastic Four was mostly drawn out and dull, and had some very head-scratching moments throughout. I cannot remember the last Adam Sandler film I legitimately liked, does the first half of Funny People count? Any marginal hopes of a semi-decent film were squashed the second Kevin James popped up on screen as the dopey president of the USA. Practically the entire film was bad, but I will at least give it minor props for some pretty good use of the videogame CG in the film. 2016 Top 10 10) Purge: Election Year 9) Deadpool 8) Star Trek: Beyond 7) 13 Hours: Secret Soldiers of Benghazi 6) Captain America: Civil War 5) Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice 4) Hacksaw Ridge 3) Sully 2) Fences 1) The Accountant Best Documentary – ESPN 30 for 30: The ’85 Bears

The last two Purge films have turned into guilty Halloween pleasures like the old Final Destination films. Election Year kept up the same gritty, over-the-top tone and pace as Anarchy Reigns before it. Deadpool surprised me at not being a dud, and far exceeded my expectations with tons of great jokes, dialogue, action and unapologetically aware 4th wall-breaking references throughout. It has been awhile since I got wrapped up in an intense R-rated war film, and 2016 had two of them with 13 Hours and Hacksaw Ridge that both get high recommendations from me. I am a wee bit of a Clint Eastwood fan, but I will give him and Tom Hanks righteous props on how they somehow made Sully’s heroic emergency plane landing into the Hudson River a thrilling feature length film. Some of you who saw the list are probably baffled at why I rank the controversial Dawn of Justice over the much-loved Civil War, but the two ranked so close together I just might change my answer if you ask me any day of the week. If I am splitting hairs I did not care for the shoehorned Spider-Man extended cameo, and his dialogue has me worried that Homecoming is going to be filled with an equal, if not worse script than Amazing Spider-Man 2. Denzel Washington and Viola Davis are sublime in Fences. The small, but mighty cast here delivered powerful performances, with Washington and Davis especially delivering in this dialogue-driven-tour-de-force about hard times for a family making ends meet in the 1950s. I did not know too much going into The Accountant other than it had what appeared to be a gimmick of an assassin with Autism. I could not have been more wrong as there is so much more going on with this film that it entertained me throughout its near two and a half hour runtime. Ben Affleck continues his streak of excellent performances, and I cannot wait to see how his upcoming solo version of The Batman turns out. Worst 5 2) Suicide Squad 1) Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk

I have only seen two movies this year that qualify as “worst 5-caliber.” I could not get into Suicide Squad. The first third of the film played out like an extended trailer scored with worn out songs that I am use to only hearing off trailers. There were several WTF moments throughout, and add in the film felt compromised after audiences griped that Dawn of Justice was not lighthearted enough. DC/Warner Bros. responded by pasting in several post-production groan-worthy zingers that played more to the mainstream, but made me cringe. I am optimistic for the presumable sequel though, because I did dig Will Smith as Deadshot and Margot Robbie’s portrayal of fan favorite, Harley Quinn and I am even interested in what direction they take The Joker next. Halftime Walk usurped it as my worst film of the year however because of how unlikeable the cast is. About 20% of the film is war flashbacks that I actually liked, but the other 80% is the members of the military squad’s day being honored at a football game, and just being super dick-ish and incredibly un-empathetic throughout it. I know this is based off a book, but I do not know if something got lost in translation or if this was the desired vision of the film. Either way, it yields my worst of the year honors! Thanks for sticking with me rambling all this way, see you next year!

#random movie #top 10 #boyhood #transformers rise of the fallen #the hateful eight #pixels #accountant #billy lynn's long halftime walk #suicide squad #spotlight #captain america #fences

0 notes