#tim curry being excellent

[alisoncooper]

i love beauty and the best: the enchanted Christmas so much. like the whole movie is set during the first film so it's like. oh yeah btw there was an evil pipe organ chained to a wall there the entire time who tried to manipulate the beast with music mind control magic, kill belle, knock down the castle with more magic to kill everyone, and then tried to rip himself from the wall, dramatically fell over, and immediately died. but it wasn't relevant so we didn't mention it lol

[satureja13]

It's the last night before the tests and - should they all pass - the last night on their home planet...

It's already late but the Boys are still awake. And they're learning diligently.

Rubyn is tutoring Sai on Androids. Their fields of applications, their maintenance - and their dangers...

Sai knows about their dangers just all too well now. And he wonders why Rubyn hadn't desintegrated her evil creation RoDri6ue2-B. Since they are about to do exactly that with Tiny Can...

Rubyn: "Do you think we have the right to do so?" Sai: "Why not? It's just a machine. Of course we have the right to turn it off - if it malfunctions and can't be repaired. And we even have the obligation to destroy machines that are a possible danger to mankind."

Rubyn: "The following is what Captain Picard said at the hearing to Android Data's defense in the episode 'The Measure of a Man:

"Commander Riker has dramatically demonstrated to this court that Lieutenant Commander Data is a machine. Do we deny that? No, because it is not relevant: we, too, are machines, just machines of a different type. Commander Riker has also reminded us that Lieutenant Commander Data was created by a man; do we deny that? No. Again, it is not relevant. Children are created from the 'building blocks' of their parents' DNA. Are they property?"

I think it's not as easy as it seems. RoDri6ue2-B and Tiny Can are sentient beings. And even though RoDri6ue2-B is - let's say 'eccentric' - he never acted against the law. And the strive for world domination makes one excellent president material in some parts of this planet, right? Tiny Can only ever tried to help you - successfully. Hasn't he?" Sai wasn't convinced: "I don't know, they could be a potential danger in the future... Who knows what he's capable of?" Rubyn: "Well, anyone of us could be a 'potential danger' in the future. Jack, for example. He could spiral down again into madness anytime. Shall we withdraw him in advance, then?" Sai: "What? No!"

And while Rubyn and Sai philosophized about what makes one 'human', Jack and Kiyoshi went to the small yard behind the workshop for Jack's martial arts training. He's designated as security officer and takes this very serious. Jack: "Argh! I just can't seem to get this Tal-Shaya move right!" Kiyoshi suggested to practise with him - boy-to-boy.

The others already went to bed to be fit and well rested for the tests in the morning, so Kiyoshi and Jack went a bit away from the tents to not disturb them. Ah, how they'd missed this! They didn't know it then, but fighting is something they both really enjoyed back in their days as a (secret) couple.

And just like in the good old days, the intense physical contact aroused them - significantly ö.Ö' Jack doesn't know what to do with all those feelings - and the need. He needed more of Kiyoshi - now!

And Kiyoshi seems to feel the same way ö.Ö'

They agreed to quickly take a cold shower and go to sleep!

But the Romantium ore, Sai had threwn under the shrubbery, thwarted their plans and made them giving themselves over to absolute pleasure - as if they were remote-controlled.

'Give yourself over to absolute pleasure Swim the warm waters of sins of the flesh Erotic nightmares beyond any measure And sensual daydreams to treasure forever Can't you just see it?

Oh, oh, oh

Don't dream it, be it.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

And - of course - Sai and Jeb heard them. Sai: "These noises don't sound like fighting noises anymore... What are they doing again?!" Jeb is a bit jealous. These are exactly the noises he wants to make with Sai. But he can't - because he can't hurt him...

Jack and Kiyoshi also didn't notice the ore when they crawled out of the bush. Jack even almost hit his foot on it!

Sober and deflated, they are devastated of what they'd done again. Sure, they talked it out last time, but it still feels wrong - to both of them. Being as close and intimate as they are as mates, just mates is one thing. But woohooing (and let alone kissing) feels still weird. Even though they try hard not to make it weird.

Jack: "Do you think it's the heat again?" Kiyoshi: "Hm - I thought if I were your Alpha once again it would stop, after I - uhm ... claimed you once...? I'll ask Greg about it." Jack: "Maybe rather Uncle Stefan..." Kiyoshi: "Right." Because Jack hates Greg...

From the Beginning 🔱 Underwater Love 🔱 Latest

Current Chapter: starts ▶️ here Last Chapter: 'Here comes the Sun' from the beginning ▶️ here

📚 Previous Chapters: Chapters: 1-6 ~ 7-12 ~ 13-16 ~ 23-29

[switchbackhyperloop]

Ghibli Dads* listed from Least to Most Hot.

*of the Ghibli's I've seen.

Cat King: No. Not even Tim Curry could bring this one up. -10/10.

Chihiro's Dad: Dismisses the legitimate concerns of his wife and daughter on multiple occasions, big 'high school quarterback gone to seed' energy, thinks having money gives him a right to do whatever. Very unfuckable, 0/10.

Mahito's Dad (Maki Shoichi): War profiteer, but seems to give a damn about his kid's wellbeing in a toxic-masculinity sort of way. 2/10.

Nausicaa's Dad (King Jhil): ???? Seems alright, he raised a great kid, his people seem to like him. He dies immediately so ????/10. Not the worst, tho.

Kiki's Dad (Mr. Okino): Solid middle of the pack. Seems like a sweet guy, clearly dotes on his daughter, we just don't know a lot about him, so that puts him a bit lower. 5/10.

Piccolo: Technically, we know him as a GRANDAD, but I think he still counts. He's kind of nuts, openly appreciates women as good workers, and fully believes in Fio's capabilities. He's fun but maaaaybe a little more into engines than relationships. 5.5/10.

Osono's Husband (Fukuo): Classic himbo, knows how to bake, good sense of humor, real sweetheart. Others might rank him higher, which is totally legit, I just personally prefer a fellow chatterbox rather than Strong And Silent. 7/10.

Ponyo's Dad (Fugimoto): Super hot, the most Gender of the Ghibli Dads, magic ecoterrorist. Pulled the GODDESS OF THE SEA. Very, very fuckable, but a bit work-obsessed and close-minded. 9/10.

Mei and Satsuki's Dad (Mr. Kusakabe): BEST GHIBLI DILF, BAR NONE. Cute, nerdy academic, excellent parent, caring partner. 100/10.

Honorable Mention: Lord Yupa. Not technically a Dad, but he is Daddy. Disqualified for being too OP. (1000/10).

[mycatnamedlily]

i know I've seen a post like this but does anyone else use Tumblr like a morning newspaper while drinking coffee. like

ah a short story of blorbos saving each other and then kissing. wait there are more!

the art section is: blorbos saving each other or kissing! sometimes both

in the cooking section the baker, while promoting an excellent cookbook, has discovered snicker doodles are like sugar cookies but comfier

sports section mainly consists of a quite handsome archer showing many fantasy like ways to shoot

in celebrity news we have Neil Gaiman and Lynda Carter being absolute joys

our top news is we really need to support your sisters not just your cis-ters

in music a poll of which song do you like better!?

and movie reviews are currently which Tim curry movie are you?

[themattress]

Favorite Morally Gray Villains

Carmen Sandiego - Initially presented as just a straightforward villain, Carmen Sandiego quickly developed nuance when it was established that she used to be ACME's top agent, and that she became a criminal mastermind not out of a profit-based motive but for the thrill of the challenge and a desire to produce worthy opponents whom might possibly join her in her life of crime if accepting the offer. She also has a strict moral code prohibiting excessive violence and murder, feeling such cruel acts to beneath the dignity of a professional thief. Because of this, she has endured as an iconic villain in educational media, with the latest incarnation even being a straight-up anti-hero battling both detectives and other criminals.

Long John Silver - Treasure Island provided us with the quintessential fictional pirate, whose portrayal by Robert Newton in the 1950 film adaptation gave rise to what is now known as the "pirate voice" (arrr, matey!), Long John Silver is ruthless, greedy, treacherous and amoral. However, he is also highly charming, with a silver tongue that makes him able to talk his way out of trouble and into opportunities quite often. He is constantly switching sides based on what will benefit him the most, but also makes sure to pull his weight and genuinely benefit the others on his current side as well, showcasing a sense of honor that is otherwise absent from his character. On top of that, his fondness for young Jim Hawkins is genuine, and he tries to the best of his abilities to protect him during the harrowing situation that he's largely responsible for. He's just impossible not to like a little, for all his many faults. Beyond the aforementioned Robert Newton, Long John Silver has been excellently portrayed by actors such as Wallace Beery, Charlton Heston, Tim Curry, and Jack Palance, and voice actors such as Richard Dawson, Jim Cummings, Mackenzie Gray, Brian Murray Bell, and Richard Epcar.

[toyahinterviews]

TOYAH ON BBC BREAKFAST TIME WITH SMIKE SMITH SEPTEMBER 1983

MIKE SMITH: Toyah's got a new single coming out this week (“Rebel Run”) and an album and a tour and all these things. Number one single at the moment is (Culture Club) “Karma Chameleon” -

TOYAH: (surprised) It's still number one?

MIKE: Yeah, but you're the chameleon. I mean, you just keep changing all these different jobs and things that you do

TOYAH: I think it's important to keep changing. I think once you get set in your way, especially within the entertainment business, people tend to forget you

It's not only that, when I wake up in the morning and I look in the mirror … hey, ugh, enough of that one. I change it. I like to wake up and shock myself

MIKE: What was this steamy scene with Sir Lawrence Olivier? (in the film “The Ebony Tower”)

TOYAH: (annoyed) There's no steamy scenes. I mean, John Fowles', “The Ebony Tower” the book is very steamy. In fact, when I read the book, I really didn't want to be involved with the film

But the script is very different, and it's all about mind games between four different people. And there's nothing much to see, as far as The Sun's concerned, or any of those tabloids. It's actually going to be a very beautiful, very artistic film

MIKE: But there were stories going around that you were doing a nude scene with Sir Lawrence -

TOYAH: There's hundreds of stories going around. Let the stories happen. I'm afraid people will be very disappointed if that's all they're going to watch the film for. I like to think they're going to see some really good acting, because it was an excellent cast

MIKE: You're 25 now - you've achieved so much in the past ten years -

TOYAH: (laughs) 25!

MIKE: Why are you laughing at that?

TOYAH: (laughs) I feel 16!

MIKE: (laughs) But you started in Birmingham all those years ago. Did you set out to be a punk?

TOYAH: Oh, gosh, no! When I was a teenager I was madly in love with anything to do with science fiction, and suddenly this picture evolved called “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”. I saw pictures of Little Nell and Tim Curry. I remember it's the most beautiful thing I ever saw

That encouraged me to dye my hair, much for my mother's dismay. I turned up at home one day with my head shaved at the back - it was long in front, and one side was pink and the other side was blue

I'd say this was about two years before punk happened because I remember two years later - and many colors later - I was still at school and I going to see the Sex Pistols play at a club called Bogart's in Birmingham

I suddenly walked into this club, and I was among hundreds of people that had the same emotions as me and looked similar to me, even though we were all very individualistic. I suddenly felt at home. This was the big movement called punk

MIKE: From little punks great actresses do grow, eh?

TOYAH: Sometimes

MIKE: Something like that. I don't know whether we'll get another chance to talk to you before nine o'clock, because time is tramping on Thank you for coming in this morning and for being a part of the show. You've been sitting here bouncing up and down, like a Jack In The Box (a toy)

TOYAH: I'll go cycling when I get back (home) MIKE: You just can't keep still, can you?

TOYAH: I find it very difficult

MIKE: Right, you keep bouncing away

Watch the interview HERE

[onepiece-polls]

OPLA fan cast polls - Emporio Ivankov prelims A

Top 2 will advance.

Propaganda under the cut.

Ginger Minj: Ginger literally plays frank n furter (who ivankov is based on). it's a match made in heaven. shes also extremely campy and i think she'd fit the vibe perfectly.

Suzy Eddie Izzard: Comedian, multilingual, genderfluid, can do both comedy and drama roles.

Jermaine Clement: Excellent musical performer. Likes being silly in makeup. I actually thought that he was Tim Curry in MiB3. This is Bowie to Bowie, are you out there man? Has a strong chin. (Get Brett to play Inazuma.)

[beansonbread2]

BEANSONBREAD AWARDS 2024 - BEST ALBUM

AWARD NO.2 - BEST ALBUM OF 2024

PAST WINNERS

2023 > Squid - 'O Monolith' (see full list HERE)

2022 > Jockstrap - ’ I Love You Jennifer B’ (see full list HERE)

2021 > Self Esteem - ‘Prioritise Pleasure’ (see full list HERE)

2020 > The Flaming Lips - ‘American Head’ (see full list HERE)

2019 > Self Esteem - ‘Compliments Please’ (see full list HERE)

2018 > Kero Kero Bonito - ‘Time ‘n’ Place’ (see full list HERE)

2017 > Richard Dawson - ‘Peasant’ (see full list HERE)

2016 > Blood Orange - ‘Freetown Sound’ (see full list HERE)

2015 > Holly Herndon - ‘Platform’ (see full list HERE)

2014 > FKA Twigs - ‘LP1′ (see full list HERE)

2013 > These New Puritans - ‘Field Of Reeds’ (see full list HERE)

2012 > Django Django - ‘Django Django’ (see full list HERE)

2011 > Shabazz Palaces - ‘Black Up’ (see full list HERE)

2010 > These New Puritans - ‘Hidden’ (see full list HERE)

2009 > Animal Collective - ‘Merriweather Post Pavilion’ (see full list HERE)

2008 > Wild Beasts - ‘Limbo, Panto’ (see full list HERE)

2007 > Animal Collective - ‘Strawberry Jam’ (see full list HERE)

2006 > Safetyword - ‘Man’s Name Is Legion’ (see full list HERE)

2005 > Animal Collective - ‘Feels’ (see full list HERE)

2004 > Devendra Banhart - ‘Rejoicing In The Hands’ / ‘Nino Rojo’

2003 > Dizzee Rascal - ‘Boy In Da Corner’

2002 > The Streets - ‘Original Pirate Material’

2001 > The Beta Band - ‘Hot Shots II’

2000 > Outkast - ‘Stankonia’

1999 > The Beta Band - ‘The Beta Band’

1998 > The Beta Band - ‘The Three EPs’

1997 > Radiohead - ‘OK Computer’

1996 > Beck - ‘Odelay’

—

THE RULES - No Re-issues, Live Albums, Compilations, or EPs.

—

SPECIAL MENTIONS for these things that don’t really live on the main lists.

Dean Blunt ‘Hackney Commercial Waste (2022-2023)’

SOPHIE ‘SOPHIE’

-

WORTH A MENTION (in no order) - A bunch of albums i enjoyed but didn’t quite make the final lists and others i just didn’t hear enough to be considered properly. 

Giant Claw / Oliver Coates / Ise Jones / Iglooghost / Poppy / FLO / Arooj Aftab / Babymorocco / Skee Mask / Dali de Saint Paul & Maxwell Sterling / Denzel Curry / Wendy Eisenberg / SZA / Death’s Dynamic Shroud / Rhodri Davies / Kinbote / Moor Mother / Afterlands / Omar Souleyman / Victoria Hume / L.T. Leif / Painting / WON’T / The Big Fuss Ensemble / Permapup / Tim Koh / More Eaze / Galen Tipton / Devonanon / Sega Bodega / COIMS / Copper Sounds, Dali St Paul, Laura Phillips, Dan Johnson / Holiday Ghosts / Bingo Fury / Ian Lynch / Permapup / Haley Heynderickx / Gerycz, Powers, Rolin / Goat Girl / Camera Obscura / Arab Strap / Four Tet / Myriam Gendron / Aphex Twin / Chinese American Bear / Violence Gratuite / James Devane / FearDorian / Tony Njoku / Joanna Wang / Matthew Herbert / GAISTER / Mstafa / Hayden Thorpe / Fievel Is Glauque / October Drift / Lanny / Niamh Regan / Extnddntwrk / Cowtown / Toro Y Moi / Fat Dog / Nicky / Beabadoobee / Excellent Birds / Fontaines D.C / Tyla / Black Decelerant / KOKOKO! / Remi Wolf / Shaznay Lewis / Sisso / Lava La Rue / Khruangbin / Robert Ouyang Rusli / Thom Yorke / Shabaka / Omni / Helado Negro / Nick Carlisle / Torres / Amyl And The Sniffers / Jordan Playfair / Bladee / Chat Pile / Jerry Paper / Our Girl / Beatrice Dillon / Rubie / Nicholas Craven & Boldly James / Kelly Lee Owens / Adam Ross / Jill Fraser / Dawn Richard / Caribou / The Hard Quartet / Vegyn / Elaine Howley / Milton Nascimento & Esperanza Spalding / Anna Meredith / Plastic Beach / PACKS / Hurray For The Riff Raff / Real Estate / Kirin J Callinan / ScHoolboy Q / Waxahatchee / Lolina / St. Vincent / Bladee / Drahla / Nicolas Jaar / Bonny Light Horseman / Skee Mask / John Cale / Fire-Toolz / Joe Goddard / Los Bitchos / Laurie Anderson / Lia Kohl / Jamie xx / Xiu Xiu / Floating Points / Ginger Root / Hinds / Being Dead / Ezra Collective / Alan Sparhawk / Masayoshi Fujita / Famous / Yasmin Williams / Warmduscher / Martha Skye Murphy / Michael / Alexia Avina / Knife Liibrary

-

2024 RUNNERS UP (in no order)

McClure & Whyte ‘Farming’

Actress ‘Statik’

Tapir! ‘The Pigrim, Their God and The King of My Decrepit Mountain’ 

Bianca Scout ‘Pattern Damage’

Galen Tipton & Holly Waxwing ‘KeepsakeFM’

Nia Archives ‘Silence Is Loud’

Bullion ‘Affection’

The Death Of Pop ‘FLOG’

Tierra Whack ‘World Wide Whack’

Blue Bendy ‘So Medieval’

Spirit Of The Beehive ‘You’ll Have To Lose Something’

Able Noise ‘High Tide’

Lots Of Hands ‘Fantasy’

Serpentwithfeet ‘GRIP’

The High Llamas ‘Hey Panda’

Underworld ‘Strawberry Hotel’

Bolis Pupul ‘Letter To You’

Colin Stetson ‘The Love It Took To Leave You’

Dorian Electra ‘Fanfare: The Lost Demos’

Yung Lean & Bladee ‘Psykos’

Adrianne Lenker ‘Bright Future’

Spresso ‘Pretty Penny Slur’

Ben Salisbury & Geoff Barrow ‘Civil War’ OST

Anna Erhard ‘Botanical Garden’

Galen Tipton ‘Tringle’

Andrew Wasylyk & Tommy Perman ‘Ash Grey and the Gull Glides On’

Savage Mansion ‘The Shakes’

Susan Bear 'Algorithmic Mood Music’

Rhodri Davies ‘Creiriau y Delyn Rawn’

Liz Lawrence ‘Peanuts’

MJ Lenderman ‘Manning Fireworks’

English Teacher ‘This Could Be Texas’

Kim Gordon ‘The Collective’

Memotone ‘Spring Clean’

Field Music ‘Limits Of Language’

Nev Clay ‘So Little Happened For So Long’

Klein ‘Marked’

Godspeed You! Black Emperor ‘No Title As Of 13 February 2024 28,340 Dead’

Bulbils ‘80.Art’

Jane Weaver ‘Love In Constant Spectacle’

Hiro Ama ‘Music For Peace And Harmony’

Kayla Painter ‘Fractures’

Robin Allender ‘Yesterday’s Yet To Come’

Langkamer ‘Langzamer’

J Spaceman & John Coxon ‘Music For William Eggleston’s Stranded In Canton’

Soccer Mommy ‘Evergreen’

Ezra Feinberg ‘Soft Power’

Tom Rasmussen ‘Live Wire’

Kelela ‘RAVE:N, The Remixes’

Crack Cloud ‘Red Mile’

Friko ‘Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here’

Grandaddy ‘Blu Wav’

Jessica Pratt ‘Here In The Pitch’

Lil Yachty & James Blake ‘Bad Cameo’

BABii ‘DareDeviil2000’ 

This Is Lorelei ‘Box For Buddy, Box For Star’

Karl D’Silva ‘Love Is A Flame In The Dark’

Eiko Ishibashi ‘Evil Does Not Exist’ (OST)

LICE ‘Third Time At The Beach’

Orbury Common ‘Sylvan Chute’

Urika’s Bedroom ‘Big Smile, Black Mire’

Fat White Family ‘Forgiveness Is Yours’

Tindersticks ‘Soft Tissue’

Mabe Fratti ‘Sentir Que No Sabes’

The Smile ‘Cutouts’

Minotaur Shock ‘It All Levels Out’

JLin ‘Akoma’

Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band ‘Loophole’

SML ‘Small Medium Large’

Various Artists ‘I Saw The TV Glow’ OST

Billie Eilish ‘Hit me Hard And Soft’

Jawnino ‘40’

Laura Marling ‘Patterns In Repeat’

Beth Gibbons ‘Lives Outgrown’

Dana Gavanski ‘Late Slap’

Euros Childs ‘Beehive Beach’

MGMT ‘Loss Of Life’

Clarissa Connelly ‘World Of Work’

Nadine Shah 'Filthy Underneath’

Jerskin Fendrix ‘Poor Things’ OST

Tim Heidecker ‘Slipping Away’

Lifter ‘Clasping Hands With The Moribund’

Nala Sinephro ‘Endlessness’

The Crying Nudes ‘The Crying Nudes’

Kamasi Washington ‘Fearless Movement’

Ishmael Ensemble 'Rituals'

-

MY TOP 50 ALBUMS OF 2024

50. James Ferraro ‘Genware I, II, III’

49. Louie Newlands ‘Shards Of The Vase (Songs From My 20s)’

48. Daniel Inzani ‘Selected Worlds’ 

47. Jabu ‘A Soft And Gatherable Star’

46. The Bug ‘Machines I-V’

45. Katy J Pearson ‘Someday, Now’

44. One True Pairing ‘Endless Rain’

43. Mk.gee ‘Two Star & The Dream Police’

42. Why? ‘The Well I Fell Into’

41. Naima Bock ‘Below A Massive Dark Land’

40. Group Listening ‘Walks’

39. Spectres ‘AM DRAM’

38. Bonnie Prince Billy, Nathan Salsburg, Tyler Trotter ‘Hear The Children Sing The Evidence’

37. Tyler, The Creator ‘CHROMAKOPIA’

36. The Smile ‘Wall of Eyes’

35. Beyonce ‘Cowboy Carter’

34. Vince Staples ‘Dark Times’

33. Cassandra Jenkins ‘My Light, My Destroyer’

32. Death’s Dynamic Shroud & Galen Tipton ‘You Like Music’

31. Deep Nalström ‘Baroud’

30. Los Campesinos! ‘All Hell’

29. Dean Blunt & Joanne Robertson ‘Backstage Raver’

28. Moin ‘You Never End’

27. Beak> ‘>>>>’

26. Ex-Easter Island Head ‘Norther’

25. Nilufer Yanya ‘My Method Actor’

24. Bill Ryder-Jones ‘Iecyd Da’

23. Gruff Rhys ‘Sadness Sets Me Free’

22. Memotone ‘Fever Of The World’

21. Still House Plants ‘If I Don’t Make It, I Love U’

20. William Doyle ‘Springs Eternal’

19. Daniel Blumberg ‘The Brutalist’ OST

18. Doechii ‘Alligator Bites Never Heal’

17. Julia Holter ‘Something In The Room She Moves’

16. Good Sad Happy Bad ‘All Kinds Of Days’

15. Astrid Sonne ‘Great Doubt’

14. Claire Rousay ‘Sentiment’

13. Cindy Lee ‘Diamond Jubilee’

12. Clairo ‘Charm’

11. Trust Fund ‘Has It Been A While?’

10. Mermaid Chunky ‘Slif Slaf Slof’

9. The Lemon Twigs ‘A Dream Is All We Know’

8. Kendrick Lamar ‘GNX’

7. Geordie Greep ‘The New Sound’

6. Mount Kimbie ‘The Sunset Violent’

5. JPEGMAFIA ‘I Lay Down My Life For You’

4. A.G. Cook ‘Britpop’

3. Magdalena Bay ‘Imaginal Disk’

2. Charli XCX ‘Brat’ (+ ‘Brat And It’s Completely Different But Also Still Brat’)

1. Vampire Weekend ‘Only God Was Above Us’

[knoqturne]

Get a Clue

My fiancee and I have a watchlist devised for October this year: a set of movies, specials, shorts, and other things we want to take in before the spookery ends. Last night we bagan to make our way through that list. We had talked about doing a double feature, but after a surprisingly hectic trip to Salem the previous day, we decided instead to do a solo movie: 1985's Clue.

Surface level thoughts: It's a great film. There are a few gags that now feel outdated and unnecessary, like the treatment of the chef's weight in one scene, or the fact that all the men are leering at most of the women and nothing of the reverse sort is even hinted at. But I find these to be a few small age spots on an otherwise excellent murder comedy. It's a snappy, fast paced thriller with jokes, physical comedy, and multiple endings. I believe most versions include all the endings, though I won't spoil them.

The premise, in case anyone doesn't know and can't take an educated guess from the board game, is that six colorful personalities are invited to a dinner party. Each one has government connections (with five of them living in DC), and each one is being blackmailed. Guest #7 turns out to be their collective blackmailer, Mr. Boddy, so it's no surprise that when the lights go out, he turns up dead. From there, we follow a madcap set of antics as the six (alongside the butler, played by Tim Curry) race around to investigate the mansion and discover the true killer's identity.

Even today I find the movie fantastic. Tim Curry, ten years after his other most iconic role as a weirdo in a mansion, gives an excellent performance, as do Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, and the rest of the ensemble cast giving it their all. However, one idea we kept coming back to was what a modern reboot of the movie would look like.

The first thing we agreed on was that Rian Johnson (of Knives Out and Poker Face fame) should write and direct. While Communism is slightly outdated as a theme, playing with the idea of what is and isn't "American behavior" would be up his alley. The reasons everyone is being blackmailed would have to be updated, and he'd have plenty of material to pack the script with in that space.

Then we turned to the board game's latest yassified revamp for casting ideas. We'll keep our specific ideas private, but feel free to look up the new faces (they're not bad on the eyes) and try to cast it yourselves.

This all reminded us as well that a Battleship movie had been made with terrible reputation, and that Margot Robbie is attached to a Monopoly movie. The latter also feels like it has interesting potential to become an examination and criticism of society, particularly showcasing the disconnection of the super rich and their recklessly egotistical pursuits from the average people whose lives are affected by their actions on a greater scale than it often feels like they will ever know.

I don't think I have many regular readers at the moment, but those of you that have come this far, I'd love to know what board or card game you think could be translated well to screen. Dreamworks' Candyland? Guess Who as a spy thriller? Or maybe you have a great pitch for Scrabble?

[greatnessthrusted]

Master William Shakespeare, the Bard-upon-Avon

Born the prodigal son of a tanner, Will was touched by the muses at birth. He was intelligent, handsome, creative, artistic, sensitive, and truly quite fortunate in that these strengths were recognized for what they are. He was afforded an excellent education despite his low birth and soon became one of the most celebrated writers of his time—and all time to come after. A playwright and poet by equal measure (despite the unequal numbers of both being produced), Will lived and died quite comfortably, though not without tragedy.

As sometimes happens with great figures in history, the world was not quite done with William Shakespeare, and so the powers that be brought Will back—in a fashion. Will has become what is known colloquially as a Legend: a figure of history born into the world anew, albeit changed. He is both more and less than a mortal man: undying, though he can still feel pain and suffer, unaging, and cruelest of all, unable to create. It wouldn’t do to have a second coming of Shakespeare, after all. Will is fully incapable of leaving a mark on the world. Everything he creates comes undone the moment eyes are no longer upon it: it took half a play and four different sonnets to figure that out. He’s more or less made peace with his new life, though he mourns his inability to express himself.

NB: Despite using Curry as a FC, this Shakespeare is not based on the BBC miniseries but on my own headcanons and lore.

Name: William “Will” Shakespeare

Title/s: The Bard, the Bard-upon-Avon, the Bard of Avon, Master Shakespeare

Age: 52 at the time of his death, roughly 32 in resurrection, but he’s stopped counting age altogether

Species: formerly human, currently human-adjacent

Appearance: 5’9” ( cm); dark brown curls; hazel eyes; a well-kempt beard; a single piercing in the right ear. FC is Tim Curry circa 1978.

Orientation: bisexual, biromantic

[chaosincurate]

chaosincurate's top song find of 2023

Instant Crush by Daft Punk & Julian Casablancas

Genre: Pop

About this superlative

Every year there is a tonne of older music that people discover, and they never get the chance to have the spotlight put on them, even if said people enjoy that older music more than the new stuff. I want to make sure I give past music the love it deserves too though, not only by writing about the albums I hear on my monthly "My Month in Music" posts, and occasional singular posts about music I am particularly fond of, but by highlighting them here, too, as my top finds of the year.

Honourable mentions

It's Oh So Quiet by Björk - This one is just incredibly fun. The stark shifts in intensity between verse and chorus, the fun Björk is clearly having with her vocal performance, those brass hits... There's no part of this song that isn't pure fun with music for me, I love it.

REBOUND! by JPEGMAFIA - JPEGMAFIA really excels in production, for me. I love the bass that is saturated so far beyond the line for "too much" that it wraps back around and becomes just right again, and the percussion that feels so erratic yet seems like its all in it's perfect place. This album took a little while to click for me, but I'm glad I gave it repeat listens for songs like this, which always grab my attention and get me hyped whenever they come on. Also the line "All that shit that you did to your girl // I just wish that you'd do it to me" is simple but phenomenal. Even after over 50 listens, I still crack a smile when I hear it.

Point and Kill by Little Simz - This song has one of the smoothest grooves I've ever heard, and when I first heard it I couldn't stop listening. Most of that comes from that incredible bassline, but credit is also due for Little Simz' perfect flow. She just glides over it in a way that feels so intertwined with it... It's simple, but difficult for me to describe as a relative newbie to hip hop and rap, but what I can say is that it sounds awesome and helps make this song as addicting as it is.

Doorman by slowthai & Mura Masa - If you want an indication of what electronic punk sounds like, for my money it doesn't get much better than this. Rapping is pretty similar to some punk vocals anyway, but the blurry lines are accentuated here with slowthai's slower performance with a little melody mixed in. The instrumental is simple, but fast and powerful (if REBOUND! hypes me up, this shit gives me a heart attack). The song keeps things short and condensed, so as to hit hard and pull back before you get sick of it. It appears as though they just used a punk formula, but got a rapper and a DJ to perform it and it somehow worked wonders.

Sweet Transvestite by Tim Curry - I usually wouldn't cover a piece of music that accompanies another work on this blog but... Come on. Tim Curry is exceptional here. The fun he's having comes through with a near-purity, with only the exception of the tonne of charismatic, sexy sass mixed in. It's definitely silly, what with it being from camp cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show and all, but it's difficult to not buy into that silliness.

Back to my top pick

When I first listened to this song I got an Instant Crush on it.

Anyway, now that I've plucked that low-hanging fruit, let's get into why.

There's a brilliant sense of balance to this song. The drums do a lot of work in that, as simple as they are, but the way that the muted guitar adds an almost percussive element to shake things up a little there, the distant synths in the verse, there's the perfect amount going on to hint at more while still leaving you wanting it, and everything calls attention to itself just as much as it needs to. Then the chorus comes, the synth comes into a more prominent position in the mix, Julian Casablancas almost sounds like he wants to be there (not a diss, I love Julian Casablancas), and it all still feels understated enough that there's room for the song to grow, but exciting enough to be a payoff.

I could go into more detail, but I'm already afraid that it's reading like a "how pop songs are made" post, but when it's done this perfectly, that's all you can really do. That being said though, there are things like the short guitar solo, that weren't especially necessary, but still add something fresh into the mix to keep things interesting. That synth on the outro is also the perfect lead-out.

Like I said, it's difficult to portray how great a pop song is when it's done perfectly, but if you're a poptimist who likes perfection, this is it, this is pop perfection with a funky lean. But I don't know why I'm talking here as if there's a poptimist out there that hasn't heard this song, I'm pretty sure I was the last living human to listen to Random Access Memories. I may be late to the party, but I'm very enthusiastic about it, I regret not getting here sooner.

[tookishcombeferre]

10 Fandoms, 10 characters

Thanks for the tag @thelegendofsqam

(Edited to add some descriptions because I was inspired by some folks who started the post. XD)

10. Enjolras (Les Miserables - book and musical)

This boy has had my heart since I first saw the musical when I was 13. I love his fighting spirit. Do You Hear the People Sing and Red and Black are my pump up anthems. I used to more strongly identify with his almost blind faith in humanity, but that has tempered into something more realistic as an older adult. But, he's a well written university student. He reminds me a lot of my friends, and myself, in university. Love this dude.

9. Loki (Mythology and Marvel)

I had the absolute pleasure, read misfortune, of rewatching the first Thor movie after beginning to seek an autism diagnosis. Shortly before turning to this comfort film, I called my parents who revealed that they had tried to get me diagnosed an autism diagnosis at the age 3. It being the 90s I was denied. After reading about autism in a fan fiction, I asked my parents if I might be autistic. They denied it, and they never once told me they tried to get me diagnosed until I was an adult pursuing diagnosis myself. Yup. Watching Thor went about as well as you'd expect. I do not think a movie has made me cry harder, or a character's struggle with his identity hit me deeper. My siblings, despite the fact that I'm the oldest, always seemed to fill Thor's role in my parents lives. No matter how much I excelled, and continue to excel, I'm never quite as good. I get this character on a deep level, and he makes me have many feelings.

8. Captain John Silver (Muppets Treasure Island, and novel) [I based a DnD character on this one XD]

This is my nostalgia speaking. I love this movie so much. I have begun sharing Muppet movies with my child, and I'm happy they seem to love them as much as I do. Their favorite song is "Cabin Fever," and they even have a little dance they do to it. It's so freaking cute. As mentioned above, I recently had to re-roll a character in a DnD campaign I'm currently playing in, and I have a bard that is loosely based on this character. His alignment is chaotic chaotic, and I love him. Yes. He does sing ... a lot.

7. The Great Gonzo (Muppet Franchise)

If anyone ever wanted to really know what my gender is, my gender is Gonzo. I feel like that speaks for itself?

6. Gobo Fraggle (Fraggle Rock)

This was another character that popped into my head because I've recently started rewatching it with my kid. It was my second special interest, and Gobo was always my favorite. When I was in university, I classified all my best friends based on which one of the Fraggles they would be. Though I do not ship Gobo and Wembley in the series, I married my Wembley.

5. Batty Koda (Fern Gully)

This was the first special interest I remember having. Like, the people at my local Blockbuster KNEW I was going to rent this movie every weekend from the age of three until I was like six or seven. I knew every actor and what role they played. I had all the songs memorized. I even had a little plush bat that I called Koda and took it with me all over the place to act out the movie. I was absolutely captivated by "Toxic Love," but Hexxus returning as a skeleton scared the poop out of me as a kid because the animation was so good. Eventually, I found myself brave enough to see how AWESOME and EPIC that scene was, but it took me like a week to do it. However, that was one of my favorite scenes, and I totally bragged about not hiding behind the sofa to EVERY Blockbuster employee who would listen. One of them told me when I got bigger that I should watch IT. I didn't realize until much, much later that the reason they recommended that was because Tim Curry was in both.

However, I have to be true to form. Batty was my favorite character the first time I watched Fern Gully, and Robin Williams' voice work as this character is just beautiful. I also owe this character my B in Biology. I got a hominid question right on my final Bio exam in university BECAUSE of this character.

4. The Phantom of the Opera (Book and Musical)

This was the gateway to my becoming obsessed with musical theater. I love Music of the Night. It's my go to audition piece for all of the theater I've been a part of so far. I also sing it as a lullaby to my kid and they love it. I think I listened to Michael Crawford sing "Music of the Night" like 20 times a night from the age of seven 'till about nine. My dream is to play the Phantom someday and to play up and into the autistic characteristics he can exhibit.

3. Brooklyn (Gargoyles)

I didn't discover this show until the pandemic. I read about it when I was younger. I think I even knew it existed, but I never watched it. I have written SO much fan fiction about this character and show. My husband got me a plushie of Booklyn from Etsy for our wedding. I took him back into the suite where I got ready. I'm Irish and my family's colors are Red, Gold, and White. Brooklyn was there to represent my crest, my family's colors, and my heritage. My husband is Norwegian, and we have a running joke that his culture will likely play villain in many of our kids' games.

2. Mettaton Ex (Undertale)

This is another character that I have written fan fiction about and, thus, must be on the list. My kid is also obsessed with his boss battle theme. Mettaton and I have a lot of things in common. I'm kind of an impulsive nut-case, and I really love music. I wrote an entire post about Undertale's 8th birthday that explains my relationship with this character more if you want to know the whole story.

Peregrine Took (Lord of the Rings) [had to be my number 1. I named myself after him XD]

Yeah. When I came out, I wanted a name that was gender neutral but still masculine. I spell it "Peregrine," with an "e" like the bird, but Pippin was my inspiration. True to form, my closest friends, like Pippin's family, call me Pip. I was initially Peregrine Estel - Peregrine being the masculinity I knew I could have - silly, impulsive, child-like, God's biggest minor inconvenience - y'a know standard stuff. Estel being the masculinity I aspired to - brave, gentle, kind, strong, and wise. Eventually, I decided I wanted to incorporate my birth name into my chosen name so I did. But, Estel still remains a huge part of my identity as a person. Yet, Pippin will always be my buddy. I was somewhere around twelve or thirteen when I read Lord of the Rings and, I think, I owe Pippin a good deal. I learned a lot about my gender and my identity through this trilogy.

Tagging: @thegoldensoundtwice @percyjacksonwriter @your-angle-of-music and anyone else who wants to join in.

10 Fandoms, 10 Characters, 10 Tags

Thank you so much @idle-brit for tagging me!This was lots of fun :) 💖

My tags: @delyth88, @elymusplant, @galaxythreads, @chemical-processes. No pressure to answer, of course :)

1. Loki (MCU)

As much as I love everyone on this list, there is absolutely no competition for number 1. Loki has been my favourite character of all time for nearly 6 years now (because clearly the best time to join someone's fandom is after they've just been murdered), and is showing absolutely no signs of being replaced anytime soon. I have a Loki blog, for god's sake. The brodinsons are my favourite relationship in any kind of media, ever. I love them so, so much. Loki's a million different things and feelings, all at the same time, all fighting with each other, which makes for a wonderfully complex and nuanced character. Also, he's hilarious. Look at that eye roll. This is a man who hates his life, which makes me feel better about mine. Thanks, Loki.

2. Klaus Hargreeves (The Umbrella Academy)

As will become obvious throughout this list, I love me an emotionally traumatised crazy person. Klaus is that. One of the characters who makes me laugh the most, ever, show-stopping dress sense, and a bucketload of unresolved trauma which goes largely ignored by Klaus, the other characters and the narrative itself? It was love at first sight. Their banter with the other characters, especially Ghost Ben (rip) is one of my favourite aspects of the show. Here's to hoping that Klaus won't be getting the Allison treatment in season 4!

3. Pippa Fitz-Amobi (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder)

I binge-read the entire AGGTM series earlier this year, and instantly fell in love with it. Pip is one of my favourite protagonists ever. Impossibly clever, compassionate, obsessive, badass, and a teensy bit unhinged. What's not to love? I would die for her. I'd say that I'd kill for her, but I think she's got that covered. I think she's written in a very realistic way, firstly as a genius 17 year old girl who doesn't really know what she's getting into, and later as a haunted individual who wants to stop investigating but can't. The way she politely knocks on people's front doors to dig up their traumas, accuse them of murder and all-round ruin their lives is everything to me. She is my blorbo. I am so, so excited for the show to come out, and I'm sure that Emma Myers will do a wonderful job as Pip!

4. Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)

One of the best-written characters, in one of the best-written series ever. Reading from her perspective is such a delight- she's endlessly suspicious of everyone around her, constantly on survival mode, trusting very few people and relying on exactly no one (to begin with, at least). She's a random teenage girl, from the poorest district, and she wins the Hunger Games. She's so mentally unstable that she has to be sedated, and still she's made to be the face of a rebellion. She's rude, and kind of unlikeable. She adopts all the weakest tributes, at risk to herself, knowing that they won't win. She's doomed to fail by the narrative. She's the it girl of 2010s dystopian YA fiction. Jennifer Lawrence is an amazing actress, who does a beautiful job portraying the depth and conflict of Katniss in the films. The themes and social commentary of the Hunger Games is one of its (many) strong points, and I am so so glad that people are talking about it again, because it is my favourite book series out there.

5. Mitchell Pritchett (Modern Family)

I have no idea what to say about this man, I just love him. He just like me fr. What an icon. Impeccable music taste. I've started saying, "no my god" now, and nobody understands what I'm talking about. Even in a sitcom, my favourite is the one with issues that he refuses to talk about or fix. The episode where he's trying to hide that he dressed up as spiderman makes me cry-laugh. Claire's speech at his wedding makes me just cry. He's not a perfect man, but he's certainly better than everyone else.

6. Shin Tsukimi (Your Turn to Die)

My favourite cringefail loser! I said Katniss was doomed by the narrative in a metaphorical way. This idiot is actually doomed.

No but in all seriousness, I do really love him. Before the beginning of the game, he was just a relatively normal young man- but, when confronted with the inevitability of his own death, he made himself into a monster to survive. He has a violent vendetta against the local badass teenage girl, who is traumatised as hell already and does not need Shin chipping in as well, thank you very much. I love his relationship with Kanna, his biological sister; how he uses her, manipulates her, and still cares for her so much that he dies for her with a smile on his face in the Emotion route. Conversely, in the Logic route, his actions are a direct cause of her death, and I just love how much YTTD hates siblings. I hope that his past with Midori is explored more in either a mini-episode or the final part of the game, because I find it sooo interesting. I'm super excited to see whether he actually has no chance of survival, or whether he makes it out, against the odds, on one of the routes. He's a bit useless, so I won't get my hopes up.

7. Rue Bennett (Euphoria)

I think it goes without saying that Euphoria has its issues, lol. Sam Levinson is an idiot. While a lot of the show (especially season 2) feels shallow and like it doesn't care about its characters, Rue's storylines always have heart and depth and I am so invested in her arc. It's no wonder that Zendaya won 2 Emmys for this role, because her acting is phenomenal! Rue feels so real to me, in the way that she's trying so hard to stay sober but she falls down and relapses time and time again. Recovery isn't linear, but she's getting there, and I adore her with all my heart. Her relationships with Lexi, her mother, her sister, and her sponsor, Ali, are my favourites, and the healthiest for her, in my opinion. Her brief friendship/ romance with Jules may have kept her more solidly sober than anything else in the show, but Jules (understandably) cracks under the pressure of Rue's mental health, and can't be there for her. Rue needs to heal for herself, which she appears to be doing at the end of S2.

8. Max Mayfield (Stranger Things)

Duffer brothers, please just let her be happy.

Despite only being introduced in Season 2, Max has, in my opinion, had the best character development out of everyone on the show. Her growth from someone standoffish, rude, and uninterested in the group (maybe I'm being a bit harsh. She was, like, 12) to someone who is willing to risk her life to help her friends and Hawkins means so much to me. The scene in "Dear Billy" (S4, Ep4) where she escapes from Vecna remains my favourite in the whole show and will probably be burned into my brain forever. Her relationships with Lucas and El are very sweet, and some of my favourites in Stranger Things. Her final line in S4, after all her struggles over the season, being that she doesn't want to die literally breaks my heart. I hope she gets some degree of a happy ending in the final season. She was my first profile picture when I joined this hellsite, and I love her a lot.

9. Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables)

The shenanigans that this girl gets up to never fail to make me laugh. The bit where she accidentally dyes her hair green and then has to hack it all off makes me feel awful for her, but. it's hilarious. Sorry, Anne. Her friendship with Diana is so sweet but also so funny to me because they really are the most chaotic duo of the 1880s. The scene where Anne accidentally gives her alcohol instead of fruit juice is so mortifying but so, so funny. Amidst all of the insane situations that Anne gets into are a lot of really heartwarming moments and relationships. Matthew and Marilla adopting Anne, even though they wanted a boy, because she's so endearing and alone in the world is probably what made me who I am today. I still haven't gotten around to watching Anne with an E, but I've heard it's amazing. I look forward to watching it when I have the time :).

10. Daphne Blake (Scooby Doo)

My first ever favourite character! Another one who I don't have a tonne to say about. She's an icon, she's a legend, and she is the moment. She has done nothing wrong, ever. She knows martial arts, so watch out.

Honourable mentions: Thor (MCU), Finnick Odair (The Hunger Games), Gretchen Weiners (Mean Girls), Jake Peralta (Brooklyn 99), Maurice Moss (The IT Crowd), The Eleventh Doctor (Doctor Who), James (The End of the F***ing World), Ali Abdul (Squid Game).

If you read all of this then thanks, and have a great day!

[thealmightyemprex]

Fantasy Month :The Pirates of Dark Water(First 5 episodes)

Gonna do something different for this entry ,will be looking at a TV show,in this case the ahead of its time Hannah Barbera series The Pirates of Dark Water .I will only be only covering the 5 opening episodes wh8ich made up the openi8ng miniseries

In this 1991 seried we follow Ren (George Newbern ) ,the long lost son of King Primus ,as he ventures,along with his companions Ioz(Hector Elizondo ),Tula (Jodie Benson) and Niddler (Frank Welker ) on a quest to save the world of Mer from a dangerous force called the Dark Water ,by finding the 13 treaures of Rule before the the ruthless pirate Bloth (Brock Peters)

SO the word for this show is ambitious .This show is between the toyetic cartoons of the 80's and the more serious story driven shows of the 90's .This is a show where the heroes can be self serving and not always get along :Yeah Ren is noble,but Tula has her own agenda ,Niddler is food driven ,and Ioz is a greedy pirate .....And I like that dynamic,they are friends but theres is some shakiness there .Also I dont wanna say its dark but unlike a lot of shows from this era ,PEOPLE DIE ! Not gruesomely but In these first 5 episodes I think 6 people die ,so it gives stakes to the story.What also sets it apart from shows of its era is the fact there is a ongoing story:This is a mcguffin chase with a set number of things to get ,which is unusal for a show from this period

The ambitionalso goers to the designs and animations.I know Hannah Barbera is associated with cheap animation but there are some really intricate designs here and for a Saturday morning cartoon from the 90's the animation is pretty decent .The designs for all the monsters,creatures and characters are creative .Design wise I love the creatures known as monkeybirds which is Niddlers species .It does kind of lean into the Dick Tracy mindset a little with how exaggerated and grotesque the villains are ,though I do adore Bloths design ,very big and menacing

It also has an excellent voice cast of rather well known actors :GEorge Newbern from Father of the Bride (THough people might know him more as Superman and Sephiroth ),character Hector Elizondo ,Jodi Benson from the Little Mermaid ,veteren actor Brock Peter and even cult favorite Tim Curry make up our main casts ,plus well known voice talent like Frank Welker and Peter Cullen .Hell Roddy McDowall was in this......But not on the version you can watch.See when this was a miniseries McDowall was cast as Niddler the Monkey Bird ,but when it was brought to series he was replaced by Frank Welker,and Welker redubbed the first 5 episodes .I've listened to a few clips of McDowalls take,I think its a shame they redubbed him,but I also really like Welkers more comedic take,so I am split .I think all the acting is good and every actor fits their role :George Newbern has a idealistic and youthful energy as Ren,Hector Elizondo fits the lovable rogue type,Jodi Benson is always great ,Tim Curry plays against type as Bloths bumbeling henchman Konk and he is really good at it ,Peter Cullen is menacing as Bloths second in command Mantus,and I am a Brock Peters fan so it is a delight to hear him ham it up while being genuinely menacing as the series main villain Bloth (Bloth is also my favorite character ,no surprise cause I love villains and I love Brock Peters )

Now I do have a problem with the show and its the fact the world building can be sloppy.The Dark Water is not explained well despite the fact other then Bloth it is the main threat ,REn just happens to know Konks name despite not really being introduced to each other and Niddler just knows where Tula is from despite that not being established .The world itself is really cool and I dig it

Now by watching only the opening arc I was asking a question of myself "Is this a show I would want to wactch more of"......And the answer is HELL YES !!! This is a very good show ,it reminds me of stuff like Samurai Jack and Avatar the Last Airbender just not as polished .I think it is underrated and very much deserving of a cult status .I like the character dynamics,the world is cool,its got a great villain,if you havent seen it check it out

@ariel-seagull-wings @metropolitan-mutant-of-ark @amalthea9 @filmcityworld1 @angelixgutz @princesssarisa @the-blue-fairie @themousefromfantasyland

[popculturebuffet]

Monthly Muppets/Pirate Month: Muppet Treasure Island Review!: The Darkest and Most Tim Curry Muppet Film of All (Comission for Emma Fici)

Hello all ye swabs and welcome back to pirate month, my look at a bunch of pirate media as we sail out of summer, as well as Monthly Muppets, my monthly look at muppet media as comissoined by my good friend emma. 

Today’s film is one I did see as a kid but hardly remember as did my co-pilot for this one @jess-the-vampire. I dont’ remember hating it but I do remember drifting off, findng parts boring and only remembered cabin fever and part of Kermit and Piggy’s duet. Little Me was just ambvalient to it unlike say Problem Child , Heavyweights or  Little Rascals which conversely i’d watch on loop at my grandmas. Classics one and all that i’m bound to cover someday (Or sooner if you want to comission it, wink wink)

So it took me until the tender, innocent age of 30 to not only watch it again.. but to truly enjoy it. Dosen’t mean kids can’t, i’ve heard plenty of people loved and grew up with this one, i’ts just the weird ass path i’ve taken in life I suppose. On rewatch.. this film was excellent if not at all what I expected. I mean it is in ways; i’ts an adaptation of a classic british novel , done because Christmas Carol was a huge hit so the Muppet Crew wanted to keep going down this road, and as far as I could tell production went well. While Tim Curry wasn’t the first choice in mind, they also had the equally great casting of David Bowie and the baffling casting of Mic Jagger (who is a great musician but just dosen’t have Curry or Bowie’s Charisma), in mind, otherwise productoin went well and while the film didn’t do great in the box office, thus leading to muppets from space, the first film covered for this feature, it as should be clear did great on home video. 

What caught me off guard.. was the tone. See I forgot just how seriously Christmas Carol took things, essentially being an almost straight adaptation of the book but iwth some muppety jokes and the various muppet cast members dotted about and playing apporirate parts. Still fully muppety but far more serious than the usual madcap antics. Treasure Island takes that and runs with it, but while Christmas Carol’s darkness comes from the fairly dark subject matter, a bitter greedy old man, the things that he lost becoming this way and the horrible things to come for him and those around him should he stay th ecourse, this is an adventure story and being an adventure story written before censors stepped in for children.. it’s one shockingly paved in blood and something that the movie mostly stays very close to. The OPENING SCENE is a dead serious and wicked cool musical number, and as has been standard since Labyrinth i’ll get to those later on their own, about pirates, dead men telling no tales.. and that ends in Captain Flint MURDERING most of his crew to keep the treasure secret. We don’t see it but most muppet productions don’t open with cold blooded murder for pure greed, nor are most bits of mupet violence played dead seriously like this

And this isn’t a tonal clash: While there are PLENTY of jokes, and all time great ones for the muppets as a whole the story and it’s stakes are mostly played dead serious. And you’d THINK this wouldn’t work.. while the muppets can have truly good truly deep stories, see the 2011 movie, usualy their more in the line with personal drama when drama does crop up. The muppets usually don’t do big sweeping adventure stories. Yet.. it works pefectly. The jokes are spaced out well from the dramatic scenes and the action set pieces, so the transition isn’t jarring. For instance at one point Tim Curry’s Long John Silver valiantly holds back his traiterous crew to save Jim, our human lead more on him in a sec, we get some space to progress the plot more with Jim, and then we cut back to an all time great gag as his crew literally hand him a black spot (a black spot, aka the black death, was seen as a polite vacation certain doom. Full credit to jess for just casually knowing that) The film can be as madcap as a muppet film needs to be, with it’s all time best bit being the roll call

I saw this on tumblr years ago and it’s lived in my head with ME paying it rent for the pleasure of staying ever since.  One of the best muppet bits period and one of my personal faviorites. I mean you have this, yet it dosen’t detract from the story. 

Getting into the story so we have context, and because it makes it easier to get into some bits, the story follows Jim  Hawkins, a young lad played by the equally young at the time Kevin Bishop. He is incredibly good in the part despite his age, being a bit shouty (as child actors tend to be) but still earnest, heartwarming and when needed steadfast in his convictions. And i’m proud to say Bishop had a career after this, mostly tv but he IS the current voice of 2D of the Gorillaz, and that will never not be the highlight of anyones resume. 

Jim is an orphan, a slight change from the original where his parents both lived and his dad only died shortly into the story, but one that makes sense: it streamlines things and makes his close friendship with Gonzo and Rizzo, who are apparnetly also children? It’s Vauge, and both were SUPPOSED to be in jim’s part entirely, but the execs figured the two just didn’t fit for the emotoinal core of the story.. and were right. The two are amazing characters but they just don’t WORK as a wide eyed 12 year old boy. Granted that leave sme scratching my head why they didn’t just use robin, the actual child in the muppet troupe, but Bishop was great, so it worked out. 

Jim toils at an inn for a selfish boss who can always tell what anyone says “how does she do that”, listenting to the stories of Billy Bones played by Billy Connoly, who has pride at being the only person killed in a muppets film to die on screen. The landlady, Mrs. Bluvridge is played of course by british icon Jennefer Saunders. Always a delight to have her pop up in something. While most of the pub thinks bones is full of rum soaked barnacles, turns out he was righ tin the tale he tales, of being one of the only ones to know where Captain Flint’s treasure is via a map he stole. Naturally he gets beset by other pirates, and Jim and co barely escape thanks to Jennifer Saunders FIGHTING THE PIRATES OFF. God I love this job. 

They convince the son of a lord, played by Fozzy, and his assitants played by bunsen and beaker who naturally had a gunpowder mishap shortly before meeting our heroes, to fund a trip. Unfortunately the rich dimwit son trusts the tiny man in his finger to hire the crew

So while the captain is the utterly stalwart, kind and resonable Smolett, played by Kermit the frog here, and his first mate the stick in the mud who wants to commit attrocities in Smolett’s name only for Kermit to say

Or somethign like that, the rest of the boat is a wretched hive of scum and villiany, and to no ones shock are both the ones behind the attack on bones and the former crew of the traitorious captain, all lead by the MVP for the film, the man with the sexiest non-keith david voice in the world, the sexiest man to ever put on panty hose, and that’s a long list, and one of the coolest guys to ever live, Tim Curry, playing Captain John Silver. 

Curry is the best part of the film, and yes i’m aware it’s a film filled with the muppets at the top of their game. He’s the rare actor who upstages the fucking muppets, and he does so with gusto, playing the roll of Long John Silver to the hilt, and doing so better than I’ll wager anyone ever has. I could be wrong as i’ve barely seen any adaptations of treasure island, but I doubt I am. 

He plays Silver as smooth, charming, able to easily bond with young Jim and quickly taking the kid on as a surrogate son, genuine in his love for the boy and care for him. That said he’s also cunning, ruthless and when he goes full ham he goes FULL HAM, with a wonderful song we’ll get to later to show that off. He’s at the same time threatning and charming as all hell because i’ts tim curry, it’s what he was born for. He’s clever, ruthless, and cool, yet also can be funny as seen with  the black spot scene and his musical number, without ever breaking character. He plays off the muppets without missing a beat and the film would not be as good without him as it’s core. And that’s INCREDIBLY rare to say for a muppet movie, but it’s the truth; Tim Curry takes the film seriously when he needs to and has fun the whole time, and this is to this day one of his faviorite rolls and makes me even sadder he’s retired. He’s a swashbuckling badass bar none and the gold standard for pirates for me now on... well okay much like the gold standard for sexy voices it’s a tie but in fairness.. his competttion is VERY steep

So yeah Curry rocks as silver and rolls easily, with him and Kermit playing move for move. Kermit is also amazing in this, being a tough but fair captain, only taking jim’s map when it’s clear the danger of someone stealing it is too great and almost, ALMOST beating silver: after Jim overhears he’s behind the mutiny, Kermit plans to MOTHERFUCKING MAROON THEM FOR A YEAR. It only dose’nt work because silver, being tim curry, is one step ahead and takes jim. 

And Silvers relationship with Jim is another key part of the film, as the two geninely bond and the only thing you can trust about silver.. is that he cares for the boy. His attempt to make jim join them dosen’t seem born out of ego or neceisity, he could simply just toruture the boy into it or have his crewmates back on the ship bring someone as a hostage.. but he dosen’t. He wants Jim to join him because he wants his son back, gladly defends the boy and kills poor dead tom at gunpoint when that fails, and the final confrintation between the two is truly heartbreaking. We’ll get to that. Curry and Bishop play off each other wonderfully. 

For now though, our heroes thankfully sent a landing party of Steed, Gonzo and Rizo. Unforutnatley they run into the weakest part of this some wild pigs

Not you pal, but it IS nice to see you again. 

No it’s another stock “savage natives’ sterotype , who have made piggy, aka Benjamina, a CHOICE for a name instead of just calling her benni since she’s adapted from a male character. I am so fucking tired of running into this crap in my reviews. Like i’ts not just general racisim. I’ve seen plenty of that too. but this kind of stupid shit was in everything and i’m glad i’ts gone because this was irritating and Piggy really adds nothing to the film. She has a romance plot with Kermit.. and that’s about it. Their number as they hang off a cliff together is also a crime for the ears. 

So with that we cue the music for a second. And the music here is mostly really good.. but what isn’t grinds the movie to a halt. So let’s talk about them

The opening number, Shiver Me Timbers, is an omnious, forboding and perfectly mood setting piece, and easily the films second best number, with only one we’ll get to topping it. It woudlnt’ be out of place in any work with pirates and should be mandatory for pirate works but alas, not the world we live in. 

Something Better is a VERY boring, very typical “I WANT A BETTER LIFE BY GOSH BY GOLLY” number. It’s nowhere near the best in it’s genre and just wasted 2 minutes of my life instead of really adding anything. Could’ve been cut without any real issue. 

Sailing for Adventure on the other hand captures the spirit of adventure the other song was going for MUCH better as the crew of the hispanola sings their hearts out about the voyage and it is awesome. Flawless, no notes. 

Cabin Fever is the most fun song and a wacky number where all the muppets aboard not part of the plot bar fozzy and the ambigoiusly gay duo have a party have a ball. A true bit of fun. 

Professional Pirate is my faviorite. It’s also tim Curry’s main song and as should be clear anytime tim curry sings it’s fucking trancendant. Though we already knew that LONG before this movie

It should be also mandatory tim Curry sings this in every work he’ sin, but sadly not the world we live in once more. 

Love Led Us Here Blows. It’s a power ballad between kermit and piggy, and we’ve not only got better love ballads from both, but this one goes on for an enternity. The only entertainmetns is the weird cuts to the pirates findign the gold and partying, the best being the shot I used as the main one for the review: Tim Curry grinning ear to ear while making it rain. As bad as that song is, it gave us that and i’ll give it that. 

The final song is Love Power by Son of Bob Marley. It’s a generic Reggae Song and is only MARGINALLY better than Love Led Us Here. It dosen’t fit the film at all, feels horribly out of place and feels like the most “Stuido Mandate” thing i’ve seen since the Iluminati section of Multiverse of Madness

The climax to the film before that though is great as we get a full on action scene that works with the muppets.. and Sam, who was sent away on a dinghy but I forgot, who is THE ONLY verison of mr. arrow to surivive suprisingly enough, boogtey boogetys the pirates into fear and allows our heros to save the day. we also get kermit swordfighting tim curry and doing backflips

It’s the scene after that’s the real climax, as Silver attempts to sneak away with a few treasure chests.. only for Jim to confront him. It’s utterly heartbreaking, with Jim wondering why Silver did all this, and Silver admitting he can’t turn back, it’s too late for him.. but that his love for the boy, for his son.. was never in question. Both are clearly heartbroken.. but both have taken a path the other can’t follow; Jim has found a family who values his honesty and inegrity and Silver can’t be a part of it. The best he could do is stay and be executed.. so go he must as the two tensely stand off, Jim with a whistle, Silver with a pistol.. and Silver backs down, unable to hurt his son. Turly effecting stuff, especailly Kermit who was there.. and who says Jim did the right thing. Our heroes take off for wherever adventure takes them, Silver ends up with his boat sinking (an original additon though him somehow escaing is part of the story. Weird), and we’re out

As you can probably tell this film is awesome it’s only problems being love lift us up and the piggy subplot that feels tacked on just to get her into the movie. Seriously cutting that could help the film’s pacing amazingly and get rid of some good old 90′s racisim. Everyone wins. But otherwise.. this film is a masterwork, it’s rightfully loved and I recommend checking it out. As for where it ranks with the muppet films i’ve covered so far, well thanks to letterboxed instead of typing you, I can just SHOW ya

It sits at a comfy #3 as while having a weaker plot, I felt most wanted was slightly stronger, though both are pretty close in quality. 

Next Month: It’s time to hit the big apple as the muppets take manhattan! Will I like it better this time than I did first seeing it years ago?

But find out next month and thanks for reading. 

[molllus]

Hey folks! So in honour of my asshole gallbladder being evicted post-haste, and based on the fact that I can't consume anything by mouth right now so I'm literally dreaming about food, here's some recipe recommendations.

These are my absolute favourites, and I'm going to order them based on how many spoons they require to make.

(Please note this is not... literal spoons, if you're new here. Go look up the Spoons Theory and thank me later)

Final note - I'm not a very good cook yet. I have OFTEN destroyed meals. So the vast, vast majority of these you can follow the instructions exactly and it will taste like it's supposed to. Practice with cooking definitely makes it easier to understand how to cook well over time, but also I have ADHD and my life is much easier when I can just follow a dang list of instructions.

Here we go!

Low Spoons

Instant Pot Indian Tomato Coconut Soup*

Do you like tomato soup, but wish it had some more flavor? This is it. I dream of this soup sometimes. I would kill a man for this soup. Also, all the ingredients are shelf-stable, which is incredibly convenient, and with the added bonus of being dairy-free. Shout out specifically to @hthrrloooo for this one.

Norwegian Rhubarb And Almond Cake

You want to look fancy as shit at whatever thing you're going to? This is your dish. It's super easy to make and fast - I can make it in under an hour - prep, bake, everything. It also tastes incredible, the almond with the rhubarb balances sweet and tart. Also it makes an amazing breakfast.

Artichoke Tomato And Spinach Flatbread

Again, you look fancy, without having to be fancy. It's pretty fast too, so it makes a great dinner. My mom loves this one, it's like spinach artichoke dip on a pizza.

Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl with Honey Lime Dressing*

This is an excellent example of "power bowls", which is a slightly ridiculous name for grain based bowls with proteins and a dressing. I usually change out the quinoa for rice because I don't like quinoa, and for the "adobo seasoning", you can also use spices like chili powder, paprika (that one is strong though), onion powder, and garlic powder. Or buy a shaker of a southwest spice, honestly. This is a great way to learn how to put together a bowl like this - which is usually grain base + cooked veggies + raw veggies + protein + dressing. I will say to taste the dressing as you make it.

Best Tuna Casserole*

I ate SO MUCH of this in university. It is cheesy. It is crunchy. And it is cheap and fast. It's... probably not the healthiest option but who cares. I usually leave out the peas and mushrooms, but that's because I don't like them very much in casseroles. Also as a note - it won't taste like cream of mushroom, that's mostly a base.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

These muffins, my beloved <3. An easy baked good, pretty cheap and fast to make. I also grew up eating a ton of these, so I find them very comforting. You have a friend that needs comfort? Make them these.

Sausage And Potato Roast With Arugula

I bow down to this as the ultimate weeknight meal. It can come together in a half hour, you throw most of the ingredients on a pan, and then add the arugula afterwards. I usually use balsamic on it, because I like pain, but you do you. You also can use regular potatoes and onions, it does not change anything. Sheet pan meals are your friend, folks, and there's a million of them.

Chickpea And Pumpkin Curry*

So cheap! So tasty! So easy! You can absolutely use canned pumpkin instead of actual pumpkin, and you can throw in other things too - chopped carrots or potatoes, cooked chicken, you name it, to make it go farther. Add more salt to this one though. Don't buy canned pumpkin PIE filling by mistake. I will say that's a mistake you only make once.

Medium Spoons

Singapore Noodles With Crispy Tofu*

VERY cheap, which is probably why it's on a website called Good and Cheap lol. I highly recommend that website if you're on a tight budget, it has absolutely saved my butt a few times. Go easy on the sriracha unless you crave the burn though.

Vegan Butter Chicken (with Amazing Tofu)*

This is a recent favourite. I have some issues with dairy (see... the reason I'm typing this lol) and vegan recipes are kind of helpful because they don't have dairy. Also, I like tofu. This is nice and warm and comforting. Also pretty cheap!

Bacon Brussels Sprouts Fried Rice

Ok I know what you're thinking. "Brussel sprouts? Aren't those disgus-" and that is where you stop because I am looking at you with murderous intent. This is the recipe that made brussel sprouts my favourite vegetable, because the trick is ADDING OIL AND FLAVOR. And NOT. BOILING. THEM. EVER. Fry them! Or bake them in the oven! Do not turn them into horrible goop. Anyways. I love this recipe so much, and there was a period when I was making it, like, every two weeks. Fairly cheap, easy, and so so so comforting and tasty. Also alternatively fry some brussel sprouts in a pan with butter - ok ok ok I'll stop.

Challah Bread

My go to, no fail, I-WILL-make-you-love-me bread recipe. Bread can be tricky and intimidating to figure out because there's a fair amount of intuition with it - I'm not great at it yet. But this recipe has enough other things in it that it's pretty fool proof, and oh my god it's so good guys. It's so lovely. It single-handedly won over the extended family of my partner. Also it'll get fucking huge so fair warning, you'll have a LOT.

Pumpkin Chili

The only chili I make. I'm serious. You can follow it exactly and it will be amazing every time. Can you tell I love pumpkin yet? This is rich and smoky and uuughhh I love it. It takes some time (chopping everything and measuring, mostly) but it's so good and makes a ton of food.

Chickpea Casserole with Lemon, Herbs, and Shallots

You want an actually vegetarian casserole? More importantly, you want leftovers for the next 3 weeks? This is your friend. Takes some time to put all of the ingredients together, but man is it worth it for the amount of food it makes, and it's really nice and fresh.

Twice Baked Chicken Pot Pie Potatoes With Crispy Bacon

Do you like chicken pot pie? This is chicken pot pie, but a million times easier and without needing to make pastry (my partner has to make the pastry in our apartment. Mine is like cardboard). It makes a pie filling's worth of sauce, and I usually bake like 5 potatoes at a time and then keep the sauce separate in the fridge and eat it for a week. You can leave some of the things out if you like and it'll still be good - like in university I didn't want to pay for bacon, so I left it out. Or add something else! Sausage! Turnip! Peas! A protein substitute! More cheese! The world is your potato.

High Spoons

Dark Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Crumb Muffins

I made these recently and oh man are they good. They're now one of my showing-off baked goods. High spoons because they actually do take a fair amount of ingredients and prep time, but it is worth it. (I got ONE of these before I got sent to the hospital. I'm still bitter)

Three Layer Pumpkin Brownies

These ones definitely need a fair amount of time to make. Not a lot of skill! Just time, because of all the layers and needing to chill them. They are very decadent and rich. And also it makes a ton. I make them for Thanksgiving most of the time. And again featuring my best friend, pumpkin lol.

London Fog Earl Grey Tea Cake

Ok you want to show off? Look frigging fancy? Have a tea party? This makes you look fancy as shit. It does take some time to put together, and you do need to be careful with measurements and baking time because it's pretty delicate. But it's absolutely gorgeous when it turns out - light and delicately flavored and sweet.

Eggplant Fatteh - Lands and Flavors

OK so. Unfortunately I don't have a link right now, because hospital wifi is ehhhhh. BUT. It's so good. It's definitely high spoons, and I don't make it very often, because you will be stuck in the kitchen for a long time. Absolutely use premade pasta sauce instead of making it on the fly, unless you're some kind of wizard. It is worth it though, it's very tasty and filling and has a lot of flavor. My partner actively bribes me to make this because he likes it so much.

The stars next to them note that the recipes are on the cheaper side, because my blog is titled Post Millennial Weirdo for a reason, babes.

Enjoy, folks! I'm going to go back to planning the tattoo I'm getting after this shit is over <3

[courtwizardsirdoctorclydesdale]

FILM REVIEW POWER HOUR MY DUDES

"Psycho" (1960) dir. Alfred Hitchcock

"2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968) dir. Stanley Kubrick

"The Shining" (1980) dir. Stanley Kubrick

Pardon for the absence of actual content for over a year, it will happen again.

"Psycho" (1960) dir. Alfred Hitchcock

"Phoenix secretary Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), on the lam after stealing $40,000 from her employer in order to run away with her boyfriend, Sam Loomis (John Gavin), is overcome by exhaustion during a heavy rainstorm. Traveling on the back roads to avoid the police, she stops for the night at the ramshackle Bates Motel and meets the polite but highly strung proprietor Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), a young man with an interest in taxidermy and a difficult relationship with his mother."

Despite it being among the most stigmatizing films ever made in its effect on public perception of mental health it was much better than I had expected!

Mechanically the film was good for its time, the cinematography was striking at times, my only gripe would be how the deaths were handled but for the first film of its genre I'm willing to give it a pass. The acting and dialog are where the film shines, every actor, save one which I'll mention later, is excellent in their roles and sells the performance. Norman Bates is very realistically portrayed as an uncomfortable kid isolated from reality with genuine gripes in his situation. Each protagonist also has a realistic motivation and acts intelligently according to their goals. The acting was superb from everyone involved each behaving realistically and believably, if I were to name a star performance it would be Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates both for merit and pure screen time dedicated to him.

The soundtrack was delightfully unnerving and used sparingly so as to keep its drama, never underutilized or overstaying its dramatic highlights. My favorite aspect of it was how much restraint was shown in saving the iconic track which *made* the film for the very final reveal and confrontation, following harrowing silence.

A great film with something for everyone I only have light criticism beyond the meta handling of mental health. Each of the murders looks horrid, everything criticized today for its laziness and cheap quality is shown from a shaky camera, poor special effects, and several too many cuts from different angles. I am willing to be swayed of my opinion on this matter however given its revolutionary genre setting weight and the shoe string budget the film boasted. The very worst and most out of place scene was the "Parlor Scene" trope from mysteries which "Psycho" most certainly isn't. The psychiatrist delivers such a lively and pseudoscientific performance in his explanation for the killers actions. His explanation is something I would expect from Tim Currys Butler in "Clue" from a less experienced director. So full of passion and excitement we he as he narrated the tragic and harrowing events of the film that he had completely overshadowed the second final reveal.

In conclusion I often find myself returning to classics and trendsetters and am often surprised by how refreshingly unique they are from what was inspired by them. Some films which adhere to this observation are Casablanca, Night of the Living Dead, and now psycho each offer ingenuity in their decisions which are sadly lost to time from their bigger budgets or poor directing decisions. Despite the "Parlor Scene" I was surprised I liked it as much as I did and could happily reccomend it to anyone who likes films.

"2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968) dir. Stanley Kubrick

An imposing black structure provides a connection between the past and the future in this enigmatic adaptation of a short story by revered sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke. When Dr. Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea) and other astronauts are sent on a mysterious mission, their ship's computer system, HAL, begins to display increasingly strange behavior, leading up to a tense showdown between man and machine that results in a mind-bending trek through space and time.

The sci-fi film ever made.

Mechanically among the best I've ever seen, I don't usually go out of my way to see the behind the scenes but the cinematography of this film is beyond beautiful, it's fascinating. The environmental stills of the pre-human landscape, the stark and bright reality of a near future space travel, an even the colorful primordial imagery of the nature of the universe and the Cosmic reality of space and time. There is so much to talk about with this film that's done exquisitely but the cinematography steals the show. The audio is weirdly quiet the whole film and the background noise and dialog are weirdly synced but the audio is a titan of quality still. The film dares to be quiet and to let the audience fully bask in the sounds of space. The grand classical pieces which would be used in every sci-fi to come are a bit grating in their repitition in other films but still sing a triumphant tune of the human race I'm sharp contrast to their ape ancestry. The chanting of the Obelisk is haunting and beautiful in its theme of Cosmic presence, both inhuman yet made entirely of human vocals.

The acting in this film is great but not perfect. There are only three important characters to the film that being Frank, Dave, and the HAL unit. While there are other characters their acting is merely good as well as short-lived. Frank and Dave both serve as reasonable protagonists and great contrasts as representatives for humanity's relationship with A.I. Dave played by Kier Dullea is the star of the show both as the primary protagonist and the king of non-vocal acting, the scenes of his silent thinking expressions or intense concentration rival any I've seen before. The choice of the HAL unit to speak without any fluctuation in cadence or emotion was haunting in its final moments as it begs for its life and quietly sings a song as its last act of sentience and first known command.

There isn't much to criticize technically or narrativally but I can point out some aspects of the film which might have estranged it from general audiences. The film is long and travels at a very slow pace through the whole thing, even with a theatrical intermission it feels long and takes its time throughout. Between its pace and a fractured, disjointed plot the film can easily bore or confuse someone who doesn't love every aspect of films or at least with a schedule to keep. The film also unfortunately never becomes very exciting or thrilling, nor is there any comedic relief; I don't think these things are flaws as such but they can easily make someone else's dull experience even more unsatisfying. The film at its best, and I've noticed Kubricks films in general follow this idea, is when it's asking for self reflection or trying to ask you existential questions. When you begin to drift from the audio and the visuals and engage with the questions it poses while still enjoying a feast for the eyes or ears as more a background.

In conclusion I loved "2001: A Space Odyssey" it was a fascinating and lovely film, the moments of quiet add both to the tension and impact of the scene; but also serve the dual purpose of setting a stage for introspection or questioning the actual filmmaking decisions themselves. The dialog feels very mellow and human compared to most sci-fi films where the alien is the point and highlight. The film is too long and slow to reccomend to a general audience in my opinion, but anyone with a love of sci-fi themes or Cosmic horror should find as much enjoyment as anyone obsessed with films in general, a delightful time. Also watch the space song music video for it, I didn't make it don't know the person who did but it's on YouTube and also lovely

"The Shining" (1980) dir. Stanley Kubrick

I've got very strong and mixed opinions on this film that I hope someone is willing to endure

Mechanically it's great, the cinematography is good throughout and gorgeous often, the color pallete might be among the best of Kubricks work, and the setting is believable and used to it's perfect heights. The audio was done well if again weirdly quiet like A Space Odyssey, the screams were the only time the audio really sounded strained. The acting was also excellent, both of the stars Shelley Duval and Jack Nicholson are giants of acting talent, even if Duval was horribly mistreated on set her performance is still immaculate.

The soundtrack was serviceable in points and yet again great. I find the string pieces excellent I'm general for building unsettling tension bu it never held the same weight as the pieces for A Space Odyssey. My issue with the soundtrack is that it didn't hold enough tension to be worth the focus put on it by the film, it seemed to struggle for attention over the acting instead of setting the tone for it.

I have several salient criticisms for The Shining and then a more vague personal assessment. Of my criticisms; any dialog out side of the Torrence family is very strange and stilted, even Jack himself can sometimes appear less (redacted) and more awkward which is likely a director choice given the rest of his work and even other parts of the film. The maze scene is fantastic but the final scenes with Mrs. Torrence make no thematic sense with her character until that point. Jack Torrence even with potential supernatural aid had no established means of leaving the food storage. Finally the small moment where the old-timey villain calls the only major Poc character in the film a slur was just distasteful, it was neither shocking, nor did it make the villain seem any more old-timey or villainous; even still since it's never brought up again it serves no character building purpose.

In conclusion despite everything good and great about the film, despite all of the acclaim and how influential it was the film didn't grip me in any meaningful way. I was left feeling surprisingly underwhelmed and neutral about the film as a whole, even worse without any real way to describe why even with all of this word vomit. I think I can reccomend The Shining to a general audience if for no other reason than the quality of the sum of its parts. As for my own opinion of the film it bears another watch, a read of the book and more thought.

Big Conclusion

More to come but these were three big films I hadn't seen before and it was fun to watch them all I'm rapid succession. I have more big films coming my way shortly and I have an unlimited supply of unhinged raving at the noir genre so I'll try to post again before the year is out but I won't try too hard. If you made it this far I reccomend watching one of the listed films, all are good with Space Oddesy being my personal favorite.