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randomrichards · 4 years ago

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BEST MOVIES OF 2020

10) BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM

It’s a miracle Sacha Baron Cohen could pull off his guerilla comedy style considering how iconic his character is (especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic). Just as surprising is how uncompromising it is with its political commentary and how it never backs away from its deliciously inappropriate humour.

As everyone’s favourite anti-Semitic, misogynist dim bulb reporter (Sacha Baron Cohen) becomes a pariah in his home country, Borat tries to sell his daughter Tutar (Maria Bakalova) to Michael Pence (then later Rudy Giuliani). The result is an endless array of side splitting, cringy moments from convincing a baker to write an anti-Semitic slogan on a cake to Borat attempted disguises to avoid detection.

Not since Buster Keaton has a comic actor pulled such dangerous stunts for a laugh. Cohen puts himself in such risky situations for the sake of his comedy when he hangs around with Qanon nutjobs or barges into a Republican convention dressed as “McDonald Trump.” [1] Well, it’s not just for laughs. As with his earlier works, Cohen uses his guerilla comedy style to expose the ugly side of humanity and America’s complicity in said ugly behavior. A notable theme is the consequences of misinformation. Borat is an instigator and willful idiot for his home country’s propaganda, which makes him an easy target for conspiracy theories. It all comes to a hilarious head when his daughter becomes a rightwing pundit and breaks his heart with holocaust denial.

Maria Bakalova is the film’s breakout star. An unknown actress from Bulgaria, Bakalova matches him every step of the way as the gullible, degraded young woman. She shines in her own hilarious moments when she’s ballroom dancing with a bloody dress or cheering about the joys of masturbating in front of a Republican Meeting. She also gives the movie a heart as Borat bonds with his daughter and forces him to reevaluate his beliefs.

It’s impossible for the film to reach the same level of impact as the first Borat considering what a surprise phenomenon the original was. But it’s still surprising the sequel was as good as it was without sacrificing its inappropriate humour.

9) HIS HOUSE

Writer/Director Remi Weekes brings another great addition to the metaphorror genre with His House; a creepy horror flick about a Sudanese refugee couple who find their lives in Britain threatened by the literal demons of their past.

Dilapidated rooms with peeling wallpaper, decaying floors, and malfunctioning lights are a perfect atmosphere for horror, Weekes and his cinematographer Jo Willems takes full advantage of this environment to unsettle the audience. Bol Majur (Sope Dirisu) and his wife Rial Majur (Wunmi Mosaku) find themselves tormented by voices in the walls, and mysterious figures peaking through the crawl spaces. It’s clear these supernatural figures are the manifestations of their trauma.

Weeks contrast the supernatural horror with the real horror they face, which takes the form of an uncaring bureaucracy that sticks them in a dilapidated home in a crumbling neighbourhood with some hostile, indifferent neighbours. It shows how finding a doctor’s office in an unfamiliar land can be as scary as facing ghosts.

You care a lot about these two thanks to Dirisu and Mosaku, who bring a lot of quiet humanity and heart to their characters. You pray for them as they fight for their right to live with dignity after what they’ve been put through.

8) WOLFWALKERS

British girl/wannabee warrior) Robyn (voiced by Honor Kneafsey) joins her father (Sean Bean) on a trip to a remote Irish village where she encounters Mebh (Evan Whittaker), a wild red-haired girl with the ability to control a pack of wolves. With her father tasked with killing Mebh’s pack, Robyn must find Mebh’s mother and protect the pack from the tyrannical religious fanatic Lord Protector (Simon McBurney) in Tomm Moore’s conclusion to his Irish Folklore trilogy.

The animation is just as gorgeous as Moore’s earlier films The Secret of Kells and The Song of the Sea with his trademark storybook-like animation style. A noticeable difference between the earlier is how deliberately rough the animation looks. There are moments you can see lines and circles that are usually erased when drawing characters. It fits with the wild energy of the characters.

There’re the clear environmental themes of humans encroaching on animal lives and the need to respect nature. Lord Protector believes he needs to dominate the wilderness and the wolves. The villagers in contrast have more respect for the environment but can’t do much under Protector’s rule. So, the wolves are forced to find a new home.

Another theme of this film is the importance of questioning authority and not blindly conforming to social norms. Robyn’s father expects her to train to be a chambermaid while he’s blindly follows Lord Protector’s orders. They keep saying it’s “for the greater good,” but that “greater good” involves the destruction of a wilderness and a denial of one’s true self. It just leaves everyone miserable. And all for a religious fanatic.

It’s a shame Moore’s films don’t get more attention because they have that rare sense of wonder.

7) NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS & UNPREGNANT (tie)

I’m putting these two films together on the list because they have the same premise of two teen girls travelling across state lines so one of them can get an abortion. What sets them apart is how different they are in styles.

Never Rarely Sometimes Always is a grounded drama about Autumn (Sidney Flanigan) a teenage girl from Pennsylvania who secretly travels with her cousin Skylar (Talia Ryder) to New York to get an abortion without their parents knowing. Writer/director Eliza Hittman avoids melodrama in favour of grounded realism. Flanigan and Ryder keep their performances at a lowkey level to reinforce the realism. Hittman also avoids political moralizing in favour of just presenting a slice of life showcase as the cousins travel to New York, try to find the appropriate procedure for her circumstance, then tries to find the money to get back home. In a way, it makes the little moments more meaningful when Autumn is forced to watch anti-abortion propaganda or when she and Skylar plays at an arcade.

While the former goes for grounded drama, Haley Lu Richardson’s Unpregnant bears a closer resemblance to comedic road movies like National Lampoon’s Vacation and Planes, Trains & Automobiles. This time, popular teen Veronica (Haley Lu Richardson) enlists the help (and the car) of social outcast/former friend Bailey (Barbie Ferreira) to drive from Missouri to Albuquerque to get the procedure without her parents knowing. The result is a chaotic road trip with the two crashing a few cars and meeting a few colourful characters along the way. This film has quite a set of cameos including Breckin Meyer, Betty Who and Giancarlo Esposito. This film has the John Hughes blend of broad humour and recognizable heart. This film gets its point across by showcasing the absurdity of how teen girls are treated. One notable example is Veronica’s boyfriend; a stage 5 clinger who lives under the “nice guy” mindset.

Both films celebrate teen girls helping each other out.

6) THE VAST OF NIGHT

Switchboard operator (Sierra McCormick) and DJ Everett Sloan (Jake Horowitz) search for the source of a mysterious sound in The Vast of Night; a gripping and visual dazzling sci fi flick that captures the feel of the Twilight Zone.

Director Andrew Patterson and co-writer Craig W. Sanger wrote a tightly knit story the follows our heroes over the course of a night as they play detective in a 1950s New Mexico town. Never does a second feel wasted. Plus, it’s fun to see stereotypical 1950s nerds being the heroes in a story like this.

What truly makes this film stand out is its visual styles. From the Twilight Zone-esque opens plays on an old tv, cinematographer M.I. Littin-Menz has you under his spell. His camerawork is always gorgeous in both the way he is zooming into a 1950s high school basketball game and shining omniscient light from the night sky. There are also some unusual moments when the film will suddenly play on 1950s tv. This may either further the intrigue or take some viewers out of the movie.

The result is a unique experience for sci-fi fans.

5) KAJILLIONNAIRE

Emotionally distant young woman Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood) and her small-time con artist parents (Debra Winger and Richard Jenkins) find their lives turned upside down when a perky stranger named Melanie (Gina Rodriguez) joins in their schemes.

Some audiences may be put off by July’s stylized approach to filmmaking, especially Wood’s unusual deep voice. But for those into lighthearted, quirky comedies will be enchanted by the little visual oddities of the family stooping (or in Old Dolio’s case, leaning back) to avoid their landlord or the pink suds always flowing down their apartment walls.

Kajillionnaire fits into July’s celebration of the timid and the outsiders. But July surprises us with a dark side to the outsider. The parents reject the unfulfilling, debt filled conventional life, but they aren’t particularly good at their cons and struggle to make ends meet. It has also made their daughter emotionally distant and with severe trust issues. It takes Melanie to give Old Dolio the human connection she never had.

I can’t say much beyond that because it takes many unexpected twists and turns. What I can say is this colourful dramedy offers an assurance of human connection.

4) SMALL AXE

Ok, I may be cheating on this one since it’s five films (two of them just barely over an hour), but director Steve McQueen’s anthology complement each other perfectly with their unflinching examinations of systemic racism inflicted on lives of West Indie Brits during 1960s and the 1980s. The films are also connected by their celebration of people who celebrate life despite overwhelming odds stacked against them.

MANGROVE centers on the title Caribbean restaurant in Notting Hill. Owner Frank Crichlow (Shaun Parkes) just wants to serve customers and be left alone, but his business is a constant target of harassment by racist cops. It all comes to a head with a 1970 protest, which leads to Frank and 8 others falsely accused of inciting a riot.

The trial demonstrates how Police can brutalize protesters, then turn around and accuse the protesters of inciting violence. It also shows how the justice system is complicity by blindly taking the word of the police over civilians. Not helping is a prosecuting attorney who peddles in racist dog whistles, a defense attorney naïve about the justice system’s treatment of black people and an indifferent judge. But the defendants stand strong as they use the trial as a platform to expose racial profiling while poking holes in cop’s testimony.

The two standouts in the film are Parkes and Letitia Wright as British Black Panther Co-Founder Altheia Jones. Parkes brings a lot of sympathy as a desperate man who just wants to live his life but grows to become an activist due to circumstances outside of his control. In contrast, Wright is a powerhouse of righteous anger as she fights for dignity.

LOVERS ROCK takes us through a night at a house party, where two strangers (Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn and Micheal Ward) fall in love. There’s isn’t much plot in this one, its mostly just people dancing and playing music. But as the camera lingers on the DJ playing records and the guests dancing and enjoying each other’s company, this film enchants you with its celebration of music, dancing, and the joy of company. It feels like a much-needed break from the uncomfortable racism we see in the other movies.

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE Is probably the most heartbreaking. John Boyega portrays Leroy Logan, a young man who enrolls in the Metropolitan Police in hopes of reforming it from the inside. He underestimates the racism he’ll face during training or how the system enables the racism. What makes it worst is how his own community would turn against him, especially his father (Steve Toussaint).

Boyega gives a powerful performance as a determined and smart guy who fails to understand how in over his head he is. You feel his fury when Leroy berates his fellow officers for putting his life in danger by not answering his call for backup. Toussaint is just as powerful as a man who feels betrayed when his son joins the very people who have brutalized him for years.

ALEX WHEATIE tells the true-life story of a young man (Sheyi Cole) who would go on to become an award-winning writer after being jailed during the Brixton Uprising of 1981. We follow him from his childhood growing up in uncaring white institutional care homes to finding a sense of community in Brixton, where he develops a passion for music. Through his attempts to pursue a DJing career and his run ins with the law that he confronts his past and begins a journey to healing.

We conclude with Education, a coming-of-age story of Kingsley (Kenyah Sandy), a 12-year-old boy who was singled out as “disruptive” and sent to special classes for the “subnormal”. This film looks at an unofficial segregated system that dismissed black kids and discarded them in classes for people with mental disability. It’s clear Kingsley is a smart kid with interest in rockets and space, but he shows signs of dyslexia. But neither his headmaster nor are the special classes helpful, especially when the teacher cares more about play his guitar and teaching the kids anything useful. His parents are even less helpful when they dismiss his concerns (when they’re not working two jobs.) It leads to a sad moment when Kingsley hides inside a bus to avoid seeing his friends.

This film also shows the power of black women. You see it through Kingsley’s sister Stephanie (Tamara Lawrence) whose empathy makes her realize somethings up. You see through Lydia Thomas (Josette Simon) activism as she investigates these school conditions. You especially see it through Kingsley’s mom (Sharlene Whyte), not just from working to jobs to provide for her family but her ability to grow and learn. She goes through a journey as Lydia teaches her about the systemic racism in the education system, forcing her to realize how she’s dismissed her son’s concerns. Near the end, we see how children like Kingsley can be helped by those willing to understand his problem.

3) FIRST COW

Timid forager Cookie (John Magaro) feels out of place among the hunters and fur traders in the Oregon Territory. Then along comes King-Lu (Orion Lee), a Chinese immigrant with big dreams. Together, they swipe milk from the only cow in the area to cook and sell pastries to the locals in the area. As their little business grows, so does the bond between these outsiders. But their success comes under threat when they attract the attention of a wealthy landowner (Toby Jones) who owns the cow.

A premise like this does not sound like the type of film that attracts major audience attention, especially with Co-writer/Director Kelly Reichart’s minimalist style. But when it comes to Reichart, less is more. Reichart takes her time to take in the muted colours and natural beauty of Christopher Blauvelt’s cinematography and allow the relationships to develop naturally. It’s helped by the low-key yet engaging performances. Lee showcased the enthusiastic determination of a born entrepreneur. But it’s Magaro who shines brightest with the most nuanced performance of the year, revealing Cookie’s humanity through the subtlest gestures.

Reichart’s subtle, patient storytelling isn’t for everyone, but through her gentlest touch she enchants the audience with a haunting tale of unlikely friendships and the achievements of outsiders.

2) UNCUT GEMS

I know this is a film was released in 2019, but It didn’t come to our theatre until 2020 and It’s too damn good not to talk about.

This film is a cinematic panic attack. Never once do the Safdie brothers give you a moment to relax as fast-talking Jeweler Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) dodges pissed off debt collectors while plotting for the biggest bet he can get. The result is an experience that keeps you on edge from opening credits to end credits. In lesser hands this would be an unpleasant experience, but the Safdie brothers uses this to create a compelling, intense portrayal of a man who gets off on standing on the edge of a cliff.

One reason it works is because beauty and ugliness make strange bedfellows in their movies. Nowhere is this more perfectly summed up than in the opening scenes where cinematographer Darius Khondji travels through an inside of a gem. The colours and lights make you feel like you’ve ascended to a magical world, but this scene happens in between scenes of African Miners being exploited and the inside of Howard’s colon. Just as beautiful is Daniel Lopatin’s new wave musical score. On its own, the music lulls you into a beautiful sense of peace. But this music often plays over uncomfortable scenes of characters screaming over each other. Somehow these two elevate the cinematic experience.

But the true strength of the film is Howard himself, which is astounding considering how unlikeable the character is. Throughout the film, he keeps digging himself into a deeper hole as he gambles even more recklessly, which makes it worst when he starts putting other’s people lives at risk. But he’s too complicated to hate. He shares a close bond with his kids and his coworkers. The film makes it clear he’s excellent at predicting Basketball games with near perfect accuracy, which gives you hope he will win. But then again, you don’t end up with over a hundred thousand dollars in debt without making terrible life decisions. He would be impossible to watch without Adam Sandler’s performance. He blends a smooth-talking charm and panic desperation to his character every time he tries to fast talk his way out of his circumstance. You can see why people like having him around.

When the credits roll, you’re relieved it’s over and were glad to experience the thrill.

1) THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO SEVEN

The real-life trial of seven protesters and Black Panther co-founder Bobby Seale feels more like an SNL skit than a courtroom drama. From the Merry Prankster duo Abby Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen) and Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong)’s tweaking the nose at the buffoon judge Hoffman (Frank Langella) to the Judge bounding and gagging Seale, this trial was so contrived it can only come from real life. And writer/director Aaron Sorkin exposes the absurdity of this story in The Trial of the Chicago Seven.

It’s funny how a film about a trial from the late 60s can capture the mood of 2020. But with brutal images of Police attacking protesters and Judge Hoffman’s horrific treatment of Seale, this film feels like it came at the perfect time.[2] The trial itself showcases how the Justice system works to silence discourse and smears protestors. Sorkin further emphasizes how the system attacks anyone by showcasing the contrasting beliefs of the protestors from the radical anarchism of Hoffman and quiet dignity of Seale to the moderate ideals of student protestor Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne) and the unapologetic pacifism of suburban dad David Dellinger (John Carroll Lynch).

Sorkin does all this while keeping the film gripping and entertaining from start to finish. He brings his sharp wit to his dialogue whether it’s Hoffman’s political speeches or the Marx-brother’s esque exchanges between the Judge and the increasingly frustrated defense attorney William Kunstler. Matching his writing are the endless great performances from the actors including Joseph Gordon-Levitt as reluctant prosecuting attorney Richard Schultz and Strong bringing out his inner Tommy Chong. But it’s Cohen who steals the whole film bringing out the uncompromising radicalism of Hoffman, who seems to have a better understanding of the situation than most of the protestors.

The result is a film that perfectly captures the political feel of 2020.

[1] At one point, he was almost attacked by protesters.

[2] Which is ironic considering it took Sorkin over a decade to get the film made.

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batmannotes · 5 years ago

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DC SHOWCASE

BATMAN: DEATH IN THE FAMILY

WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT AND DC PRESENT COMPILATION OF 2019-2020 ANIMATED SHORTS

COMING OCTOBER 13, 2020 TO BLU-RAY™ & DIGITAL

NEW COLLECTION INCLUDES ACCLAIMED TITLES SGT. ROCK, ADAM STRANGE, DEATH AND THE PHANTOM STRANGER

BURBANK, CA (July 30, 2020) – Five fascinating tales from the iconic DC canon, including the first interactive film presentation in Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) history, come to animated life in DC Showcase – Batman: Death in the Family. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC, the anthology of 2019-2020 animated shorts arrives from WBHE on Blu-ray and Digital starting October 13, 2020.

Anchoring the compilation of shorts is Batman: Death in the Family, WBHE’s first-ever venture into interactive storytelling that allows fans to choose where the story goes through an innovative navigation guided by the viewer’s remote control. Central to the extended-length short is an adaptation of “Batman: A Death in the Family,” the 1988 landmark DC event where fans voted by telephone to determine the story’s ending.

Inspired by characters and stories from DC’s robust portfolio, the 2019-2020 series of shorts – which have been individually included on DC Universe Movies releases since Summer 2019 – include; Sgt. Rock, Adam Strange, Death and The Phantom Stranger.

DC Showcase – Batman: Death in the Family will be available on Blu-ray (USA $24.98 SRP) and Digital (19.99 SRP). The Blu-ray features a Blu-ray disc with all of the shorts in hi-definition, including the fully-interactive, extended-length Batman: Death in the Family, plus a digital version of the four other 2019-2020 DC Showcase shorts. The Digital distribution features the Batman: Death in the Family extended-length short in a non-interactive format (pre-assembled version of the story, entitled Under the Red Hood: Reloaded), along with the other four 2019-2020 DC Showcase shorts, and three other non-interactive versions of the Batman: Death in the Family (entitled Jason Todd’s Rebellion, Robin’s Revenge and Red Hood’s Reckoning) as bonus features (Note: not all Digital retailers offer bonus features with purchase). The Blu-ray also offers approximately five minutes of additional content within the Batman: Death in the Family story that is not included in the Digital version.

Produced, directed and written by Brandon Vietti, Batman: Death in the Family offers an inventive take on the long-demanded story. In the new animated presentation, the infamous murder of Batman protégé Jason Todd will be undone, and the destinies of Batman, Robin and The Joker will play out in shocking new ways as viewers make multiple choices to control the story. And while Batman: Under the Red Hood provides a baseline, the story also branches in new directions and features several characters previously unseen in the original film. Bruce Greenwood (The Resident, Star Trek, iRobot), Vincent Martella (Phineas and Ferb) and John DiMaggio (Futurama, Adventure Time) reprise their Batman: Under The Red Hood roles of Batman, young Jason Todd and The Joker, respectively. Other featured voices are Zehra Fazal (Young Justice) as Talia al Ghul and Gary Cole (Veep) as Two-Face and James Gordon.

“Batman: Death in the Family is essentially a comic book come to life,” says Vietti, whose DC Universe Movies directing credits include Batman: Under the Red Hood and Superman: Doomsday, and he is co-creator and co-executive producer of the popular Young Justice animated television series. “We’ve paid homage to the 1988 interactive experience of DC’s ‘A Death in the Family’ comics release by giving fans a unique opportunity to craft their own story through a branching tool that can lead in multiple directions. The viewer gets to choose these characters’ paths, and each choice paves an alternate future for all of the characters and, ultimately, the story.”

The interactive Blu-ray presentation offers many different ways for viewers to tell the Batman: Death in the Family story, with numerous twists and turns in the middle, and several possible endings. The choices along the way put greater weight on the viewers’ decisions and result in even stronger stories. Viewers can also choose to allow the story to tell itself, as there is an option to let the Blu-ray decide its own path.

Packed with Easter Eggs, the centerpiece short’s story – with its foundation grounded in the original “Batman: A Death in the Family” comic run, and the acclaimed Batman: Under the Red Hood animated film – balances a number of integral themes within its entertainment, including fatherhood, mental health, death, rebirth, revenge and redemption. Along the route, viewers encounter new, surprising looks at some classic DC characters.

“From the very first navigation card, we wanted to give the audience an impression of what they’re getting into, but then also give them something unexpected – maybe even something they’ll regret, so they have to think twice about every future choice they make,” Vietti explains. “Branched storytelling has to be stronger than just the gimmick of the choices – it has to be rewarding and offer new and worthwhile insights into the characters. It needs to involve you, and keep you searching for the next twist. So we sought to subvert expectations and do something very different.”

Beyond Batman: Death in the Family, the additional four shorts on Blu-ray & Digital are:

Originally attached to Batman: Hush, Sgt. Rock is executive produced and directed by Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series) from a script by award-winning comics writers Louise Simonson & Walter Simonson and Tim Sheridan (Superman: Man of Tomorrow, Reign of the Supermen). The original tale finds battle-weary Sgt. Rock thinking he has seen everything that World War II can dish out. But he is in for the surprise of his life when he is assigned to lead a company consisting of legendary monsters into battle against an unstoppable platoon of Nazi zombies. Karl Urban (Star Trek & Lord of the Rings film franchises) provides the voice of Sgt. Rock. Also voicing characters in Sgt. Rock are Keith Ferguson, William Salyers and Audrey Wasilewski.

Inspired by Neil Gaiman’s “The Sandman,” Death is produced & directed by Sam Liu (Superman: Red Son, The Death of Superman) and written by J.M. DeMatteis (Batman: Bad Blood). In the story, Vincent, an artist with unresolved inner demons, meets a mysterious girl who helps him come to terms with his creative legacy … and eventual death. Leonard Nam (Westworld) provides the voice of Vincent, and Jamie Chung (The Gifted, Big Hero 6) is the voice of Death. The cast includes Darin De Paul, Keith Szarabajka and Kari Wahlgren. Death was originally included with Wonder Woman: Bloodlines.

Attached as a bonus feature on the release of Superman: Red Son, The Phantom Stranger has Bruce Timm (Batman: The Killing Joke) at the helm as executive producer & director, and the short is written by Ernie Altbacker (Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, Batman: Hush). Set in the 1970s, the short find the enigmatic DC mystery man simultaneously playing both omniscient narrator and active character in a story of supernatural comeuppance for evil doers. Peter Serafinowicz (The Tick) gives voice to The Phantom Stranger, and Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville, Impastor) provides the voice of Seth. The Phantom Stranger also features the voices of Natalie Lander, Grey Griffin and Roger Craig Smith.

Adam Strange is produced and directed by Butch Lukic (Superman: Man of Tomorrow), who also conceived the original story – which is written by J.M. DeMatteis (Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons, Constantine: City of Demons). The short was initially attached to Justice League Dark: Apokolips War. On a rugged asteroid mining colony, few of the toiling workers are aware that their town drunk was ever anything but an interplanetary derelict. But when the miners open a fissure into the home of a horde of deadly alien insects, his true identity is exposed. He is space adventurer Adam Strange, whose heroic backstory is played out in flashbacks as he struggles to save the very people who have scorned him for so long. Charlie Weber (How To Get Away with Murder) provides the voice of Adam Strange, alongside with Roger R. Cross, Kimberly Brooks, Ray Chase and Fred Tatasciore.

All five new DC Showcase shorts credits include Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight) as co-producer and Amy McKenna (Wonder Woman: Bloodlines) as producer. Sam Register is executive producer.

Initially launched in 2010, DC Showcase was originally comprised of four animated shorts produced by Bruce Timm and directed by Joaquim Dos Santos: The Spectre (released on 2/23/2010), Jonah Hex (7/27/2010), Green Arrow (9/28/2010) and Superman/Shazam: The Return of Black Adam (11/9/2010). An additional short, Catwoman (10/18/2011), was attached the following year to the release of Batman: Year One, and was directed by Lauren Montgomery (Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths) and executive produced by Bruce Timm. Screenwriters on the initial quintet were Steve Niles (The Spectre), Joe Lansdale (Jonah Hex), Greg Weisman (Green Arrow), Michael Jelenic (Superman/Shazam: The Return of Black Adam) and Paul Dini (Catwoman).

“Interactive storytelling offers an entirely new dimension of entertainment for DC animated movie fans, and an exciting look into potential titles for the future,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Senior Vice President, Originals, Animation and Family Marketing. “Brandon Vietti has crafted a uniquely involving, multi-tiered approach to captivating the audience with both popular story devices and some very unexpected plot twists.”

DC Showcase – Batman: Death in the Family Special Features – Blu-ray

Audio Commentaries – Commentary tracks on Sgt. Rock, Adam Strange, Death and The Phantom Stranger, plus one of the linear “Death in the Family” shorts (Under the Red Hood: Reloaded), by DC Daily hosts Amy Dallen and Hector Navarro.

DC Showcase – Batman: Death in the Family Special Features – Digital

Three non-interactive versions of the Batman: Death in the Family – entitled Jason Todd’s Rebellion, Robin’s Revenge and Red Hood’s Reckoning. (Note: not all Digital retailers offer bonus features with purchase).

youtube

Running Time: 96 minutes (151 minutes for interactive storylines)

Preorder now at Amazon.

#batman #news #notes

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sonxflight-a2 · 4 years ago

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“What the hell are you wearing?” (( lets get silly. ))

☯ Cute Shippy Starters II ║ @yetremains ☯

“Umm... A jumpsuit?”

Raise of sable brow reflecting his softened confusion, he is reflexive to give oneself a brief examination, urgent to make certain there are no defects and discoloring that could cause such a retort. No creases, stains nor torn material... Just the clean whiteness of one-piece garb accompanied with his brown bomber jacket and the leather of motorbike boots... Custom made helmet clenched under his arm, Ryou had his number of reasons for this reciprocal reaction while is nonetheless quick to regain the keenness of insight. Then again, how frequent the young woman actually saw him outside the field of demanding work?... Dark hazel hues lingering back to the seemingly baffled officer, his undeniable manners and professionalism are now manifested along with the sheer confidence, non-subdued despite the unexpected afternoon encounter.

The son of a wealthy family, erstwhile agent and talented medic... Free of these roles, he didn’t need to worry about the impeccability of look...

“Talia, just for you to know... My twenties might be long passed, yet it does not mean I would sacrifice my comfort and dynamism of life for the sake of imposed stereotypes and so-called ‘standards’. The work obliges me to wear rather defined styles and articles, yes, but out there... No one can and will encroach on the aspects of my sensible liberty.”

“You don’t strike me as the person who would have any problems with that, hmm?...”

#✧ 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕔𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕞𝕖… 𝕛𝕒𝕔𝕜 ✧ ║ ic #yetremains #answer #☯ 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕖𝕣 𝕙𝕒𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕕𝕚𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕤 ☯ ║ᵛᵉʳˢᵉ #{{ have Ryou showing his dummy thick himbo side while still remaining a professional lol }}

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wheredidhiseyebrowsgo · 6 years ago

Note

Love your page and appreciate all the work that goes into it!!! I’ve been really into stiles being a were, but specifically a cat were like tiger, jaguar so basically big cats. If you could find some or update the tags I would be grateful!!!!

I gotcha! - Anastasia

Milkshake by Godziwachan

(1/1 I 739 I General I No Pairing)

Lydia and Allison thought it would be funny to bring cat-nip to training to see Stiles' reaction to it.

It wasn't exactly funny per say.

Who's Pulling the Strings? by Therapeutic_Steter

(1/1 I 2,163 I Teen I Steter)

Kitten Stiles derailing Scott's and Deaton's plan to get rid of Peter. Possibly with Allison brotp with Stiles and disillusioned about her first love.

Your Soulmate is a Cat?! by CheyanneChika

(1/1 I 2,717 I Not Rate I Sterek)

Derek worries that his soulmate is a furry.

Stiles is certain his soulmate hates him.

Day Four: Soulmates

Safe Place to Play by TwistedAmusement13

(1/1 I 2,804 I Not Rated I Steter)

Stiles just wants to play, okay?

Something Coming Over You by dragon_temeraire

(2/2 I 3,895 I Explicit I Sterek)

Stiles has an unexpected encounter with another were in the forest.

I Miss You by SterekIsMyAir

(12/12 I 12,379 I Teen I Sterek)

"What the hell are you doing?" Cora screeches a little, fast walking over to them. The pack parts like the red sea as Cora slams the laptop closed.

"Who the hell was that?" Jackson asks back, narrowing his eyes at Cora.

Cora grabs her hair and yanks it a little before she says, "That was Stiles."

"Yeah, we kinda got that. We mean 'why does Derek have him on his computer'?" Erica asks, crossing her arms and cocking her hips.

Cora sighs, long and loud, before she says, "That's Derek's fiance."

"Why haven't we heard of or even met him?" Scott asks, looking like a sad puppy.

"Because he is dead." Cora says, narrowing her eyes and grabbing the computer before walking away.

Famous by jamesm97

(20/20 I 15,910 I Teen I Sterek)

Stiles became an actor by Chance landing in a funny film because of a few youtube video's.

Seeing it as his chance he left, he more or less ran all because Derek was in a relationship with someone who isn't Stiles.

He's now 21 and his producer is making him go back to Beacon Hills, when he hasn't been back since he left.

Cat's Cradle by cywscross

(1/2 I 17,712 I Teen I Steter)

Stiles hasn’t been human in a very long time.

Why do you care? by jamesm97

(34/34 I 31,609 I Mature I Berica)

The Alpha pack go after the weak link to the pack Stiles, Stiles means the world to everyone in the pack especially Derek his boyfriend. After they cause the destruction they leave.

When Stiles is hurt and dumped on the door step of Deaton's surgery beaten and bitten by the Alphas.

Stiles becomes a powerful Alpha after being trained in the ways of wolf and hunter he is put in charge of his own pack, Can he Cora and the Argent's, Kill the Alpha pack and save LAURA AND TALIA!!!.

They aren't dead just captured.

Wolves, Leopards, Panthers - Oh My! by yahlikejazzz

(33/? I 46,562 I Teen I Sterek)

This is just my take on the series The Wolf & The Leopard because I really loved it.

Safe Place to Hide Away by TwistedAmusement13

(20/20 I 48,116 I Explicit I Steter)

“And what are you doing little one? Hmm?” Peter murmurs as he runs a careful finger along Stiles’ head. God, Stiles would purr if he could at the contact, but he’s too busy trying not to pass out. He can feel Peter taking his pain as he holds him and moves around the apartment.

He meows quietly, trying to thank Peter in some way, nuzzling into his chest a little with his head.

Safe.

He’s safe.

Underneath by groffiction

(43/? I 190,176 I Explicit I Sterek)

AU, where Stiles gets bitten by a Cyger – a type of rare Weretiger around the same time Scott gets bitten by Peter. Confused and more than a bit freaked out, they both are naturally suspicious when Derek shows up out of the blue. Still, there is something about the moody, aloof werewolf that both intrigues and draws Stiles to Derek like a moth to a flame. But, everyone knows that if you get close enough to touch flames, you get burned. However, with the promise of love, is that burning sacrifice worth it? And how does a Weretiger and a Werewolf even work as mates?

#teen wolf #sterek #stiles stilinski #derek hale #steter #peter hale #cat!stiles #anon #Anonymous

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ao3feed-brucewayne · 4 months ago

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Jason Todd End and Beginning

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/PiJHsZ7 by teamyou816 As Jason Todd crosses paths with the Marvel Universe, unexpected events unfold, pulling him into a tangle of complex emotions. Between Deadpool's witty quips and unyielding pestering, and an unlikely encounter with Spider-Man, Jason’s world grows even more chaotic. A journey of a wounded anti-hero growing in the heart of New York! After being killed at the hands of the Joker, Jason Todd returns with only deep scars and a profound sense of betrayal. Entangled in a struggle between vengeance and redemption, he holds onto his pain as he searches for a new path forward. Words: 1218, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: DCeased (DC Comics), DCU (Comics), Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel, The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Spider-Man (Tom Holland Movies), Deadpool (Movieverse), Batman - All Media Types, Batman (Comics), Doctor Strange (Movies), Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Categories: Gen Characters: Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake (DCU), Damian Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Joker (DCU), Talia al Ghul, Peter Parker, Tony Stark, Stephen Strange Relationships: Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake & Dick Grayson & Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth & Jason Todd, Peter Parker & Jason Todd, Jason Todd & Wade Wilson, Stephen Strange & Jason Todd, Tony Stark/Jason Todd, Joker (DCU) & Jason Todd, Talia al Ghul & Jason Todd, Batfamily - Relationship Additional Tags: Jason Todd is Red Hood, Jason Todd Needs A Hug, jason todd mcu, jason todd in the marvel, High School Student Jason Todd, JasonToddReturnsFromDeath, JasonToddTrauma, MarvelDCUniverseCrossover, JasonToddAndDeadpoolFriends, JasonToddAndWadeWilsonFriendship, JasonToddAndPeterParkerFriends, JasonToddGrowthStory, TonyStarkFoundFamily, StephenStrangeFoundFamily, Bruce Wayne Needs a Hug, Bruce Wayne is Batman read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/PiJHsZ7

#IFTTT #bruce wayne #batman #the caped crusader #the dark knight #dcu #ao3 #ao3feed

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ao3feed-drstrange · 4 months ago

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Jason Todd End and Beginning

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/ZVYuRgi by teamyou816 As Jason Todd crosses paths with the Marvel Universe, unexpected events unfold, pulling him into a tangle of complex emotions. Between Deadpool's witty quips and unyielding pestering, and an unlikely encounter with Spider-Man, Jason’s world grows even more chaotic. A journey of a wounded anti-hero growing in the heart of New York! After being killed at the hands of the Joker, Jason Todd returns with only deep scars and a profound sense of betrayal. Entangled in a struggle between vengeance and redemption, he holds onto his pain as he searches for a new path forward. Words: 1218, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: DCeased (DC Comics), DCU (Comics), Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel, The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Spider-Man (Tom Holland Movies), Deadpool (Movieverse), Batman - All Media Types, Batman (Comics), Doctor Strange (Movies), Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Categories: Gen Characters: Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake (DCU), Damian Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Joker (DCU), Talia al Ghul, Peter Parker, Tony Stark, Stephen Strange Relationships: Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake & Dick Grayson & Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth & Jason Todd, Peter Parker & Jason Todd, Jason Todd & Wade Wilson, Stephen Strange & Jason Todd, Tony Stark/Jason Todd, Joker (DCU) & Jason Todd, Talia al Ghul & Jason Todd, Batfamily - Relationship Additional Tags: Jason Todd is Red Hood, Jason Todd Needs A Hug, jason todd mcu, jason todd in the marvel, High School Student Jason Todd, JasonToddReturnsFromDeath, JasonToddTrauma, MarvelDCUniverseCrossover, JasonToddAndDeadpoolFriends, JasonToddAndWadeWilsonFriendship, JasonToddAndPeterParkerFriends, JasonToddGrowthStory, TonyStarkFoundFamily, StephenStrangeFoundFamily, Bruce Wayne Needs a Hug, Bruce Wayne is Batman read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/ZVYuRgi

#IFTTT #AO3feed #Jaydick #DC

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cancerianprincess · 6 years ago

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“Wicked Coronation” (vampire! T’Challa)

Warning(s): None

Recommend Listen/Song Inspo: “Stranger Things” ~ Joyner Lucas & Chris Brown

A/N: This was just a little something I decided to crank out before spooky szn was officially over after being inspired by this photo (which ALL credit for goes to @persephone ). Happy Halloween, you guys. Enjoy 👻🧛🏾‍♂️🎃😈

______

“Unbelievable.”

Reyna scoffed as she headed back to her car, shaking her head at the vast level of tardiness her date was displaying tonight. She couldn’t believe that after willingly putting herself out there, he had the nerve to be late.

As a result of listening to her best friend, Talia, Reyna had put on her best outfit, a crimson colored velvet bodycon dress that was to die for, a pair of dazzling single dangle earrings and single matching bangles on each wrist, and her best heels which were a pair of sleek black stilettos that would have any man or woman eating out the palm of her hand. The twist out was on point, matte lipstick was popping, and her glitter red acrylics still looked fresh as can be.

So imagine the amount of irritation Reyna felt bubbling inside her upon realizing she had been stood up while looking like a full course meal.

After be more than courteous enough to wait forty five minutes past the agreed meeting time, Reyna was now heading back to her car while tapping away furiously on her phone.

‘It’s been almost an hour and he didn’t show sooo guess who’s leaving 🙃’

Reyna began fishing through her black clutch while awaiting Talia’s reply, knowing she was hovering over her phone in expectation of every last detail.

Wifey 🤗💋(2)

‘Excuse me 👀 you said what now??’

‘Do I need to make a trip that way?’

A light but warm chuckle escaped Reyna’s lips in response to the ride or die aura her girlfriend was exuberating. “And yet she loves to claim that I’m the crazy one,” Reyna thought to herself.

‘Pipe down girl, it’s all good lol. If he can’t act right then he can certainly get left’

“And he if think shit sweet next time I see him, he got another thing coming.” This time Reyna had spoken out loud, but despite the rhetorical nature she still received an unexpected response.

“Oh, entle,” a baritone voice cut through the dark. “You don’t really mean that, do you?”

Well, partially unexpected response, at least.

Reyna folded her arms across her chest after stopping halfway down the alley just a few feet short of her car. “You’re late.”

She glared intensely at the man posted up against said vehicle who was dressed in a spotless all black suit, and yet still managed to stand out in contrast to the dark of the night. The first few buttons of the matching onyx dress shirt he donned underneath had been left unfastened, leaving the fabric to hang open exposing his defined pecs ever so slightly. There was a red pocket square in the front of his jacket, and as if to accent the accessory, he held in his hand a single red rose, inhaling its scent right before his eyes cut to his other half.

“Forgive me, my love,” her boyfriend apologized. “I’m afraid I let time get away from me while I was...tying up some loose ends.” He pushed off the Lamborghini to approach Reyna, but for the two steps he took to be in arm’s length of her, she took a step back.

“Uh-uh, T’Challa. Using your ‘voodoo magic’ is not going to get you off the hook for this so don’t even try it,” Reyna reprimanded him. “What ‘loose ends’ were so important that you had to keep me waiting for nearly an hour, on tonight of all nights? It’s not like we have all the time in the world!”

Since the night Reyna had accidentally ended up in the wrong Halloween party to say the least, T’Challa turned rescuing her from a group of savage gargoyles into a tradition of treating Reyna to a night out on the supernatural side of town. In the past four years since that fateful encounter, it was fair to say that the two had fallen for each other, regardless of the vampire/mortal dynamic that frequently posed as a challenge for them. But, nevertheless, Reyna adored her other-worldly beau and accepted him wholeheartedly, fangs and all. If anything, the true nature of his origins fascinated her.

Which is why T’Challa had finally decided on what to grant his lover with as a reward for finishing up graduate school. And what better gift was there than making Reyna a part of his world rather than just a frequent visitor?

“Well, usana, not that I need use of my powers to get you to forgive me, which you and I both know,” T’Challa stated. He quickly stepped in closer perimeter of Reyna before she had the chance to retreat any further, placing the lone flower in her hand.

“But I suppose you have waited long enough for your surprise,” he went on, a devious smirk playing at his lips. In the mere seconds that Reyna had become distracted by the gorgeous creature’s charisma, he had circled around his girlfriend like a vulture as she closed her eyes to sniff the rose.

Burying his face in the crook near Reyna’s collarbone, and running his hands along her amber skin until they were wrapped snugly around her waist, T’Challa spoke seductively into her ear, “Time to get a taste of what we’ve been missing out on.”

And with that, before Reyna even had an opportunity to utter a syllable in protest, T’Challa bore his pearly white fangs, and bit directly down into the right side of her neck.

*******

Whatever pain had hit the new grad student from the chomp in her flesh went away as quickly as it came. The second Reyna felt the teeth sink into her vein she could have guessed correctly what was happening, but of course there was no time to fully analyze the possibility. Because the moment her eyes had snapped open just as fast as they’d clamped shut, Reyna found herself standing in the VIP section of the same forbidden nightclub she’d stumbled into over four years ago.

Perched on the overlook she could see the entire dance floor below packed and lively beneath her feet with every fictional creature one could think of when it came to spooky season. Their forms collided together rhythmically in time with the music blaring through the speakers, while the colored strobe lights flashes different hues of red and purple creating endless shadows against the walls.

Moving closer to the railing, Reyna noticed that her body felt different; that it felt...strange. A good kind of strange. Her chocolate color orbs now glowed the same shade of scarlet as her dress, and all her senses seemed to amplified ten times over, including her ability to easily detect a lingering presence hanging over her shoulder.

“Enticing, isn’t it?” T’Challa asked from behind her. “You see, since the minute we met I detected there was something special about you, however I failed in putting my finger on it right away. Still I longed to know more of you anyway, despite it going against my conventional practices.” He drifted to Reyna’s side, continuing with his thoughts while watching over his subjects along with her.

“But with the passage of time, I was able to uncover at last what it was that inevitably drew me to you.” The demon turned to Reyna, cupping her chin in his grasp to direct all her attention to him.

“It was your passion, Reyna,” T’Challa confessed while staring into her newly colored irises. “Your captivation with the unknown, the way you’re enthralled by mystery; it was in your eyes the first night we met. Instead of turning away from me in fear, you allowed your fascination to learn more about my world guide you. I knew then, that I could trust you to be mine.”

The two were now inches apart, giving the demon leeway to close the gap by pressing his lips to hers. Reyna melted into the kiss, finding herself more attracted to her boyfriend as ever due to his observation of her. She moaned lightly into his mouth, only to let out a slight whimper when he broke away.

“Now done with school, you have no more immediate obligations holding you to the mortal world permanently, but if you still choose to walk away, then I possess a potion that will reverse the bite I gave you if consumed before sunrise,” T’Challa muttered, stroking her cheek with his thumb.

“But, neglect to take it by then, and your days as a mortal will be over.”

The vampire began backtracking slowly to the center seat that served as his throne until seated back upon it with one foot placed across the opposing knee.

“So, what do you say, my love?” His eyes blinked closed briefly, glowing blood red when they opened again as he made his final offer. “Will you join my world? Lead along with me as my equal in ruling over these heathens?”

Reyna stood and thought for a moment, remembering that she owed her good friend details about how the ‘anniversary dinner’ had went once it was finished. Knowing she would get a kick out of spinning this one, she could barely contain the smile spreading across her face.

“Darling,” Reyna started, running her tongue across her freshly obtained fangs while stalking over to her soulmate seductively. “It would be an absolute honor to call you my king.”

But that conversation would have to wait until later, because right now, Reyna was about to become Queen of the Underworld.

~~~~~

~Tags 🖤~

@iamrheaspeaks @princesskillmonger @eriknutinthispoosy @brianabreeze @wheredidallthedreamersgo @halcyonscry @okoyesbabe @mareethequeen @marvelpotterlove @muse-of-mbaku @chaneajoyyy @another-imaginesblog

#vampire! t’challa #black panther #t’challa x black oc #spooktober #fictober #halloween #vampire!au #happy halloween #black panther imagines #cancerianpricess

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noretreatnancy · 4 years ago

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January Reading Wrap-Up

Okay so I want to start typing up a little summary/review for each of the books I read this year, so that maybe some of my followers can find some new titles! This month I read 5 romances, 2 fantasies, 2 non-fiction (a memoir and a recounting of some supposedly true paranormal events), and 1 mystery/thriller. If you’re interested in any of those genres, maybe check out the reviews under the cut :)

Mystery/Thriller

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager

Rating: 2.5/5

This book was a mega disappointment for me. The concept was really intriguing. Jules has just recently been through some life turmoil, losing her job, boyfriend, and home in the same day. She takes a job apartment sitting in a very prestigious historical building with a dark history. Weird occurrences ensue, including strict rules and missing apartment sitters. If you don’t read/watch a lot of mystery/thriller/(even true crime) content and are interested in dabbling, this could be a good choice for you. Unfortunately, I found the hints started dropping a little too early, and the answers were a little too obvious for me to be properly intrigued. I wanted a really slow burn mystery, and this just felt overly rushed for me.

Non-Fic

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado (memoir)

Rating: 5/5

I don’t usually rate non-fiction, especially memoirs, because it’s hard for me to but a grade on someone’s account of their own life. But holy shit this book blew me out of the water. This is the story of Carmen Maria Machado’s abusive same-sex relationship, and the unique struggles faced by victims of f/f relationship violence. First of all, Machado’s writing is unparralled. Absolutely gorgeous. The way she structures this, all the history and pop culture she ties in keeps it feeling fresh and engaging. The content is of course very heavy, dealing with themes of abuse in many different forms. However, imo these issues are handled with honesty and grace, in a way that never felt gratuitous.

The Mothman Prophecies by John Keel (paranormal account)

Rating: N/A

Uhm... I hated every second of reading this. I love Mothman. I love reading/watching/listening to content around weird/spooky/paranormal occurrences. I did not love this book. It was so boring. Total slog to read. There was no narrative structure/order of events. I assumed the story would track the beginning of weird reports in Point Pleasant, then follow Keel’s own arrival and investigation of these reports, with his own experiences and background being used to create a coherent story. That’s not what this is. This is a random arrangement of ufo/men in black/strange encounter stories that all fit a similar theme. Not to say no one would enjoy this, or that it doesn’t present interesting theories (it certainly does), just didn’t work for me. If you want a more easily digestible (and by FAR more enjoyable) version of this, check out the Astonishing Legends podcast and their episodes covering this book.

Fantasy

Black Sun (Book 1, Between Earth and Sky) by Rebecca Roanhorse

Ratung: 4/5

Finally some good fucking food. if you’re looking for some adult fantasy with a new and interesting world, have I got a book for you. This is a multiple POV story following four main characters and two main plotlines. Xiala, a Teek (siren-esque) ship captain hired to transport Serapio (who may or may not be the vessel of an apocalypse god) to the city of Tova, where Naranpa (the Sun Priestess) is trying to navigate a city on the brink of political upheaval. The world is inspired by Pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas, and the lore/magic/politics are all totally unlike any other fantasy I’ve read.

Come Tumbling Down (Book 5, Wayward Children) by Seanan McGuire

Rating: 3

This was definitely a solid addition to this series, if not my favorite. The Wayward Children series follows the adventures of children who were able to enter magical worlds, but for a variety of reasons had to leave those worlds. This book most closely aligns with books one and two, almost feeling like a direct sequel to book two with the addition of characters from book three. It didn’t have the emotional impact for me that earlier books did, but there was nothing glaringly bad or wrong here. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoyed portal/doorway/wardrobe to a magical world stories as a kid.

Romance

The Bride Test (Book 2, The Kiss Quotient) by Helen Hoang

Rating: 5/5

I love this series. I love these characters. As far as I’m concerned, Helen Hoang cannot fucking miss. This is an excellent sequel to The Kiss Quotient, but can be read on it’s own no problem. This story follows Esme, a Vietnamese woman who is enlisted to travel to the US to woo and marry Khai, an autistic man who isn’t interested in dating (much to the concern of his mother). They’re both dealing with their own issues in this book. Khai is convinced that he can’t feel love, because he’s spent his entire life being told he’s demonstrating it in the wrong way. Esme is dealing with the struggles of a new immigrant, who wants to be able to support her family back in Vietnam (including her young daughter), while also dealing with the pressure to seduce Khai. Shenanigans ensue. These books have the perfect balance of sweetness/sexy appeal/angst. There is a good deal of miscommunication/misunderstanding/secret keeping in here, but it’d ultimately a minor issue in an overall really supportive relationship full of mutual admiration. I will absolutely be reading the third book, and I highly recommend the series overall.

She Tempts the Duke (Book 1, Lost Lords of Pembrook) by Lorraine Heath

Rating: 3/5

This was fine. I’ve read better historical romance, but I have certainly read worse. This book follows Mary and Sebastian, childhood friends separated by a tragedy. When they were children, Sebastian and his brothers were forced to flee for their lives based on the actions of their power hungry uncle. Now, as adults, they have returned to reclaim their father’s title. Mary, who helped them escape, has just been allowed back into society after a childhood in a convent, and she must work extra hard to maintain her reputation in order to maintain her engagement. I’m sure you can imagine where it goes from there. The story itself is very simple, there were no twists or unexpected turns. The childhood friends aspect could’ve been played up more imo, but I did enjoy the care between the two leads. They really want what’s best for each other. The most interesting aspect for me was the relationship between the brothers, and how they’ve all been changed and hardened by their pasts.

Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade

Rating: 3.5/5

This was cute! The book follows Marcus (a major actor in a GOT-esque blockbuster fantasy TV show on the rocks) and April (fan of the show). April and Marcus both write fanfiction for the same ship (half of which is Marcus’s own character), and have developed a strong online friendship, both keeping their identities secret. If anyone were to find out that Marcus writes show critical fanfic, he would be in serious legal trouble, not to mention what it would do to his reputation. April has been keeping her fandom life separate from her real life, in order to maintain credibility in her career. However, a new work environment gives her the confidence to be more open about her passions. April posts a cosplay of herself as one of the characters from the show (the other half of their ship). April is plus-size, and her cosplay gets a lot of attention, some of which being internet typical negativity. Marcus sees this hate online, and is so upset by it that he publicly praises her and asks her on a date (not knowing April is his fanfic buddy). Shenanigans ensue. I liked this book a lot, I thought the concept was cute and I loved how sweet Marcus was at all times. The relationship felt really grounded in the friendship/common interests of the characters. There is a lot of misunderstanding/miscommunication in this book, to the point where I did become frustrated, even if it is understandable based on the insecurities of the characters.

Take A Hint, Dani Brown (Book 2, The Brown Sisters) by Talia Hibbert

Rating: 4/5

Zaf I am in love with you. This is the second book in the series but you can totally read it on its own without the context of the first book. This is the story of Dani (a bi phd student with a no relationship rule) and Zaf (an ex-pro rugby player turned security guard who loves romance novels and deals with extreme anxiety). Zaf and Dani work in the same building on a college campus, and have developed a casual friendship. During a fire drill gone wrong, a video of Zaf rescuing Dani goes viral, with everyone thinking they are a couple. Zaf wants to use the publicity to help his charity organization (helping teen boys learn emotional maturity), Dani wants a no-strings sex arrangement with Zaf, fake-dating ensues. This series is the blueprint for healthy relationships built on mutual respect and admiration, with two characters learning to deal with their own issues with the help and support of their potential romantic partner. If you don’t usually read romance bc of the genre-typical problematic content, consider checking this series out.

One Foot in the Grave (Book 2, Night Huntress) by Jeaniene Frost

Rating: 3/5

This series follows Cat, a half human/half vampire hybrid who hunts vampires. In this book, set four years after the first, she is the leader of a vampire hunting secret government kill squad. Her ex-lover, the vampire Bones, who trained her and is basically the love of her life, reappears after four years of separation. They are very, very obviously Buffy and Spike (if Spike was a good guy). It was better than the first one. More/better humor, Cat is much less annoying. I liked the relationship dynamics, particularly with Cat and her team. It really kind of negates the big conflict set up at the end of the first book, so that all the relationship drama there feels very pointless. There is a TON of woman/woman hate in this series and it’s so cringey. I try to be lenient bc the books are old and I know that kind of attitude was common back then, but oh my god is it gross and weird. There is literally ONE female character Cat views in a positive lights, and she literally disappears into thin air 1/4 of the through the book. I wish the romance wasn’t so rushed (a complaint I had in the first book as well). If you like paranormal romance and don’t mind a pretty dated read, this series could be fun for you.

Other

Rooms by Lauren Oliver

Rating: 3/5

I have no idea what genre to call this (literary fiction?? kind of??). It’s a ghost story and the story of a pretty messed up family dealing with their issues. The writing is really pretty, but the story feels kind of without substance. Like there are multiple POVs (the two ghosts haunting the house, the mother of the family, the sister and the brother, the niece), but none of them really struck any cords with me. I never felt emotionally connected to anyone. It was a really easy read, I enjoyed the writing. The concept was interesting. It just felt a little hollow and pointless to me, which sounds really harsh considering I by no means hated it.

#books #book review #my reading #january reading wrap up

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sarcasmfish · 7 years ago

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Fireflies and Freedoms

Cullen tracks a phantom figure sneaking its way through their camp at Haven. With sword drawn, the person he encounters is not who he was expecting.

Cullen Rutherford x Talia Trevelyan (pre-romance, early Haven)

Read here on AO3

He was up late again, a pen gripped between trembling fingers, forehead held up by a sweating hand. The camp around him was blessedly silent. He squinted, forcing the letters into view each time they swam and blurred in his vision. He would need to rewrite this correspondence in the morning when his hands did not cause the words to shake and slant. There were smudges from clumsy fingers obscuring some of the words.

A sigh left his lips, deep and weary. He capped the inkwell and blotted the tip of the pen clean of remaining ink.

The items laid out on his desk mocked him. Look how we rest. Look how we function without fail. Look how useful we are. We do not betray you. It is you that betrays you. Your aging body wears away while we press on the same as when we were new.

He raised an arm in fury, to brush the items from the surface, to send them tumbling to the ground below, but held himself back. It would do no good to cause a mess he would be forced to explain. He felt a rumbled growl leave his lips. He must be truly exhausted to be mocked by inanimate objects.

A light bobbed and bounced outside of his tent. It was a faint and distant glow, but distracted him from his inner war. It could have been a passing patrol light, except for the color. It was a warming, steady blue, not the erratic dance of orange torchlight.

An attack? Assassin? Unlikely, but it gave him purpose, a reason to be awake. And he would not let something slip by and destroy his work before it had scarcely begun.

He belted a sword around his waist again and pulled a heavy woolen cloak over his shoulders.

The night was all bitter winds and threats of even more snow. The moons above him were only partially in the sky, the rest of them cloaked in absent darkness. They cast a weak light that would have led him into nug holes and thickets if he did not know these grounds outside of Haven so well.

He crept along behind the lively glow of light. It was too far ahead in the line of trees around the frozen lake to see what exactly he was following. Was it a person? A demon? Darkspawn? His tired imagination spun fairy tales in a mind too drained to correct it back to reality.

At times the light paused and remained still, as if it had landed upon a tree branch to perch. Once it extinguished entirely and he worried he had been discovered or lost the trail. He sat crouched behind a bush for what seemed like hours to his weary knees. They crackled and ached as he pushed forward again when the glow returned.

The light was moving slower now and he wondered if it was nearing its intended destination or if the snowfall was impeding its travel.

He drew his sword, slow to keep the ring of steel from traveling through the snow dampened air. He inched closer, testing the weight of the sword in his hand; a practiced spin of the hilt so familiar and grounding to his spirit.

Through the break in the brush he could now make out a figure. The light swirled around it like an overeager mabari, but it was shrouded in a voluminous cloak that swallowed its details. He could not even tell if the figure before him was human or monster.

He timed his steps with those of the assailant in front of him to disguise them in the crunch of snow.

With only yards between them he rushed forward, sword held at the ready.

“Halt!” he snarl the threat into the crisp night. “Show yourself at once!”

The figure spun, a shriek of fright sending it sprawling backwards into the snow. The light that had been accompanying them popped in a fissure of light. Little remnants of it drifted until the power within drained and winked out. In that waning display he could make out the startled features of the Herald.

He relaxed at the familiar face, taking a few steps closer to ensure she had not been hurt. The realization of familiarity had not struck her yet. She took his advance as intent and attempted to scramble back, pushing herself back with her hands. The snow hampered her movement, causing her to just sink down into it instead of move her backward.

“Herald…” He tried to school the bark from his voice, taming it into something more benign. “I apologize I saw only your light and did not know it was you.”

She was not looking at him, she was staring only at the sword still drawn in his hand, held to be used. He moved to sheath it and she flinched, turning her face away as if awaiting an expected blow.

The exhaustion he had been fighting so hard to keep away washed over him like a briny wave. He had not felt so close to giving up in so long a time. But right now, standing over a frightened mage with a sword in his hand brought back all of the miseries he ran from each night when shutting his eyes. He wished he had not brought the thing, though he knew if he could step back in time and make the choice again he would find it still firm in his grip.

The sword was heavy in his hand. That familiar, comfortable feeling was suddenly so alien and wrong.

Instead of returning it to the scabbard at his waist he turned and tossed it point down into the snow behind him. It remained upright in the snowbank like some sharp and shinning flower.

He turned back and offered his hand to the Herald. She was watching him. The fright was gone and replaced with questions behind her eyes. What was he planning? What was his stake in this? When would he reveal the Templar that lurked beneath? When would he hurt her?

“Forgive me.”

He kept his gloved hand extended to her, willing it not to shake. He prepared himself for her to dismiss him, to chastise him, or send him away. He had seen her turn of mood. He had witnessed her don the mantle of nobility and use it like a sword to slice away at others.

No. A part of him wondered if she was not wielding it as a sword, but as a shield. Perhaps she used it to keep others away, to protect herself from them getting too close and seeing too much of the vulnerable Circle mage veiled below noble aloofness.

How much they had in common then.

She reached out and placed her hand within his. He pulled her to her feet. She was light. Cassandra had remarked with enthusiasm that the Herald had displayed unexpected skill in combat for a sheltered Circle mage, but she was still pale and thin from captivity. Their endeavor to seal the Breach would change that quickly.

She brushed the snow from her clothing. The cloak around her shoulders was thin and ill chosen. He watched the emotions war on her face, indignation, anger, and fear. She fidgeted with the clasp on the cloak and then hugged her arms around her, eyes fixing on the sword behind him.

He tugged on a glove where a bit of snow had slid down his wrist, hoping the Herald might speak. She did not make eye contact, as if he might forget about her and leave if she did not acknowledge him.

“Why are you out here so late?” He winced after the words left his mouth. They sounded too much like a Templar’s interrogation and not a conversational question.

He saw a flash of umbrage cross her expression before it melted away under that docile mask.

“I… I wanted to sneak away.” Her words were soft like the snowflakes around them. They were flat and held little emotion.

His expression softened, shoulders sagging a bit under the weight of her words. He should have been angry with her, angry that she wanted to shirk her duty and doom them all. But how miserable and alone she looked then. He could not fault her. He was guilty of similar thoughts.

“You wanted to run away?” There was no accusation in his question.

She shook her head. “No... No, not run away.” She shook her head again as if it could impart her sincerity and then sighed. “I just….” She looked away from him and out over the frozen lake. “I just wanted to sneak away.”

Her arms crossed in front of her, posture stiff and closed, but he could see shivers building in her insufficiently clothed frame.

“Why?” he found himself asking. He should not pry. He should let her do as she wished. She was free. But the word slipped out before he could consider its weight.

“I wanted to know what it would be like.” She shrugged a shoulder, looking up into the trees and the snow and anywhere but his face. “I’m sorry. It was stupid.”

Such an innocent desire. It was his turn to avoid her gaze. He felt as if he were holding a sword to her again.

He gave a brief nod, intending to turn away and slink back to his bedroll when she spoke again.

“I thought I might look for fireflies. But I haven’t seen any.”

“Oh,” he tried to clear how constricted his throat had grown, how worn and numb his lips felt. “I don’t think you’d find them until summer.”

Her shoulders drooped for a moment before she squared them up again. “I suppose I should go back then.”

He felt his aching fingers curl into fists. Why did he feel as if it were his fault there were no fireflies until summer? Why did he feel like he was disappointing her?

Before she could brush past him he spoke, forcing the words from his mouth. “I think that… there might be an owl.”

She stopped, closer to him than she had ever stood before. He could have reached out to sweep her bangs back from her eyes. He could have plucked the tiny snowflakes standing so stark against her dark hair. Luckily, his fingers were too twisted by pain to get him into trouble with such traitorous thoughts.

A cautious curiosity built up in her eyes, it spurred him forward, let him leave the awkward stutter behind.

“I can hear it from my tent. It must be in the woods nearby and flying over to hunt.”

“An owl?”

“We could go and look for it.”

A shadow crossed over her expression, just the smallest flicker before she pulled on that mask of nobility again.

We. He had said we. Had he really expected her to want him traipsing after her, breathing down her neck and monitoring her every action? This was her adventure after all. She was free now and needed to experience it.

He pulled the wool cloak from his shoulders and passed it to her. She stared at it and then at him before another shiver made her pull it on.

“The woods nearby you said?”

He gave her a nod.

She stood watching him, as if waiting for him to change his mind and admonish her.

“You can go wherever you please, Herald,” he finally supplied to allay her unspoken concerns. “Just be careful and safe.”

A part of his mind screamed out at him, attempting to remind him that he was sending a Circle mage out into the woods alone. Every part of the plan smelled of folly, she could run, she could be killed, she could be captured. Their one weapon against the Breach and he was sending her off into the snow in the middle of the night.

She seemed to be weighing similar concerns in her own mind. She looked over his shoulder, deeper into the woods and then back up at him. He could not help but notice the small glance she attempted to disguise at the sword still embedded into the snow behind him.

“Will you show me?” The question was nearly lost as the wind tossed the hair resting on her shoulders.

He stammered a moment, thrown by her change in demeanor. She wanted him along now?

He straightened. Escort. This he could do.

With a gentle smile he offered her his arm. It was a risk. There was a high chance she would consider this over stepping a valuable boundary between them. He hoped she would accept so he could keep her from tumbling into the snow or getting lost.

She moved automatically to slip her hand around his arm, but caught herself. It hung there in the frigid air collecting snowflakes. He could see the war of will written in her eyes and it twisted in his gut. He hated that flicker of fear and an irrational part of his mind wanted to track down its source. A whisper questioned if he really wanted to know.

He wished he could give her some assurance. He wished he could make some offering or gesture to convince her of his honest intentions. Instead he stood, frozen in place and waiting for her to surmount this beast in her path.

Her eyes flickered up to his and he worked to keep his features soft and reassuring. He tried to school away any reflections of his own worry of rejection.

She closed the distance between them, slipping her hand into place at the corner of his elbow. He kept the required distance from her, following every rule of decorum he had been instilled with in training. A quiet worry wondered if there might be some hidden custom for nobles he might trip up on. He could feel the weight of her using his forearm to help her traverse the knee deep snow and it gave him the confidence to continue.

He felt her hesitate as they neared the sword he had thrown into the snow, eyes cutting across it and then up to him. The dig of her fingers into his arm lifted, as if she were going to pull away.

He kept his chin up, not sparing a glance as they passed and she remained, stepping a little closer to his side when the snow drifts grew too deep. He staggered in one, nearly spilling them both into the snow and was rewarded with her laughter.

He could fetch the sword in the morning.

#dragon age #dragon age fanfiction #fanfic #cullen #cullen rutherford #cullen rutherford x inquisitor #mage inquisitor #wrote this and forgot about it #posted it on AO3 and forgot about it #sorry story

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