#we need to just give dave all the scary characters and hell make them super hot

[soccialcreature]

real talk do ppl making scary horror movie monsters have to like. make sure they rnt making the monster look sexy? cuz like George Lucas said “bring me ur worst nightmare” and that's how darth maul was created and now everyone's like “eheuheu maul sexy” so like. u never know. ykno? no one is safe

[caffeine-and-melatonin]

✨Bad Batch E14 Spoilers✨

Sooooo I'm about to say a whole lot of not very polite words......

AHHHHHHHHHH HOLY SHIT Y'ALL AHHHHHHHHHH

Let's have a look at my brain melting during this episode (there's a lot oops):

- Commando armor? Slicked back hair? HOLY FUCK GREGOR OMG THE BOY!!!!! WE ACTUALLY GET TO SEE THE BOY!!!!!! (wait hold up does this mean we might see Wolffe too? Not asking for a friend I'm asking for me)

- Eek this is giving me very much "Ahsoka being hunted by Trandoshans" vibes

- Hunter doing knife tricks....that's...well....AHHHHH

- Omg Omega trying to copy the little knife spins is so cute

- REX!!! HIM!!! MY FIRST LOVE!!! HE'S BACK AGAIN!!! YAY!!! Sweetheart that poncho is fantastic!

- Is he ok? IS REX OK??? WHY IS HE RUNNING???

- Here's the thing I love Gregor but like they were a bit too quick to go after him and they still haven't talked about Cross soooooo hmmm

- Ok I have a feeling we are gonna get some Echo character development in this episode. The way Echo looked at Hunter was what got him to cave in and agree to go rescue Gregor. He knows it's the right thing to do and it's so interesting to me that Echo seems to have the strongest sense of moral obligation (aside from Omega). I have a feeling like this might clash with Hunter being the leader and honestly I wanna see how they handle that as a team.

- Nothing would bring me more joy than to absolutely DECK Rampart on behalf of Cross, Howzer, and Eleni Syndulla

- speaking of cross....CROSS!!! YOU'RE HERE!!!

- Wait hold up are they leaving Kamino?

- Also what happens to all the cadets? Like they're little kids...I'm scared

- Ok imma have to go on a whole rant/info dump about Kaminoan history and society later so y'all have that to look forward to in the morning

- Awwww Echo talking about Rex makes me want to cry. He looks up to his older brother so much and it's honestly so sweet

- Hunter using his special abilities? Hunter using his special abilities!

- Omg its just gonna be Hunter, Tech, and Echo?! TECH AND ECHO CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT???

- Look at those boys go! Climbing up a whole ass mountain while I look at a flight of stairs and go "ewww why"

-Ok is it just me or does the whole bottomless pit style base with a lot of red accents gives off Empire but make it First Order Aesthetic...? Just me?

- Tech's eyes are just so ✨p r e t t y✨. That's all.

- STORMTROOPERS? ALREADY?

- OMG ECHO BRINGING UP SKAKO MINOR! AND THEN TALKING ABOUT HOW IF SOMEONE IS BEING HELD AGAINST THEIR WILL THEY HAVE TO GET THEM OUT! DID YOU SEE HUNTER'S REACTION???? EVEN WITHOUT SEEING HIS FACE YOU KNOW HE'S GOTTA BE THINKING ABOUT CROSS!!! LOOK AT HIS BODY LANGUAGE!!! AHHHHHHH

- "i'm thinkin'." whispers Wrecker mindfully.

- I don't know what it is, but i just love this shot:

- Concept: into the spiderverse but it's just clones jumping off elevators and somehow gracefully free climbing on the walls

- Commando armor is just soooooo cool!!!! Like seriously! Also the TK trooper armor is....interesting

- AHHHHHH GREGOR'S LITTLE VOICE CRACKS!!! HE'S ADORABLE!!!

- "That's CAPTAIN traitor."

- Gregor really do be out here holding up the standard that you have to be a special kind of pretty to be a Captain in the GAR

- Also can we talk about how absolutely jacked Gregor's arms are? Like sir no wonder you aren't wearing any armor on your arms! How would fit! Damn dude

- I miss 99 so much

- Boys using stun rounds. No (intentional) unalives. Good for them.

- Echo and Tech working together and having each other's backs makes me beyond happy

- SASSY TECH AND SASSY GREGOR

- Tech really does yell in all lower case doesn't he?

- NO GREGOR! DAMMIT DAVE STOP SHOOTING THE BOY!

-When I tell you I thought Tech was gonna get shot too.... my god I don't think I would be able to handle that in any capacity

- SPOILER WARNING FOR REBELS: Gregor talking about surviving getting shot hurts me. This hurts my feelings. It hurts my feelings a lot.

- Ok but Tech casually blowing up that air vent grate thing was hot. No I will not elaborate.

- also...ECHO FUCKING YEETED ALL THREE OF THEM AND THEN HIMSELF LIKE AT LEAST 10 FT IN THE AIR!

- Echo carrying Gregor through the air ducts reminds me so much of Rex carrying him on Sako Minor

- WAIT HOLY SHIT OMEGA IS FLYING THE SHIP BY HERSELF!!! LOOK AT HER GO!!! Tech has to be so proud of her. I just know he is.

- Gonky helping + increased theme music = ahhhhhhh yay!

- TECH BACK AT IT AGAIN WITH THE FUCKING SEXY FLIGHT MANEUVERS!!!!!!! My stars I love that man. I'm speechless. It's like almost 4am and I legitimately screeched

- Tech: *flying like a badass* Gregor: bitch what are you doing this is not the time nor place for this shit

- FUCK NOOOOOOO HUNTER!!!!!!! NOOOOOOO!!!!!!

- GONKY!!! AHHHHH

- How tf is Hunter still alive??? Like I'm not complaining but still

- HOLY FUCKING SHIT NOOOOO THIS IS NOT OK!!!!! OMEGA'S VOICE AND SHEER PANIC BREAKS MY HEART!!! TECH'S LOOK OF HOPELESSNESS!!!! AND HUNTER SOUNDING ABSOLUTELY DEFEATED!!!! FUCK I CAN'T HANDLE THIS RIGHT NOW!!!!

- Yo on top of all that Lama Su just got straight up unalived

-hunter in a jail cell......................CROSSHAIR

- Ok but until the very last second, that was the least scrunched up face I have ever seen Cross make. Like you too have lovely eyes it's a shame you're so grouchy all the time. ANYWAY thoughts on that face because my brain is very full rn

FINAL THOUGHTS

- I just love clones more than life itself. Look at the boys go. I love them. I wanna give them all hugs (in regards to Tech…I will not kiss and tell).

- Gregor has and always will be so precious. Love that quirky boy so much.

- WTF IS GOING ON WITH REX??????? I NEED ANSWERS!!!!!!!

- Echo played such a major role in this episode and honestly I'm so glad. I still think there is so much more room to grow his character, but at least it's something.

- Gonky being that bitch this episode 👑

- Not sure if you've noticed, but my soul is no longer attached to my physical form. Tech has it. Tech owns my soul. I am more than ok with this.

- The last 5 minutes really just did that didn't it? Like jeez bro that was a lot

- Cross? Breaks? Hunter? Out? And? They? Both? Escape? After? Having? An? Emotional? Reconciling? PLEASE???????????

Overall, while I did really like the Ryloth episodes, I honestly think this might be my new favorite episode.

The episode itself was well paced

The stakes felt rather high

Fantastic action

Echo played a main part in the storyline

Contributed to not only the plot of the show but added context for how Gregor and Rex meet up

Tech flying and looking hot while doing it...that's very important to the overall ranking

It was engaging and intense with one hell of a cliffhanger at the end

So yeah I really liked this episode! I'm super excited to see what happens next (omg there's only two episodes left oh no scary)!

[snarkwrites]

08 | gangsta ; sweet pea

Notes:

SO.. I uhh... Got super into writing this recently. I just really liked where it was heading after part 7. Yes. Yes, I realize that literally no one asked for more of this but.. I wrote it. Might as well share it.

I need to amend what I said about this being non canon compliant. It does mention things that happen in canon. Some of them even.. Happen. But differently. And a little out of order as I saw they fit into my own personal timeline. Also.. I’m gonna throw in some totally of my own creation stuff into here as well. I don’t exactly know what all that’ll be yet, but.. Yeah.

This is the first of four parts I have already written and waiting to go. I know, I know.. Literally no one asked for this. But you’re getting it anyway.

Warnings:

non canon compliant - this is the biggest warning, so if you’re into things that follow exact canon plot you are… definitely not going to like this. angst & slow burn, heavy sexual tensionstarting now, actually - this is just so everyone who started reading this thinking the smut would transpire in a hurry knows that apparently, it is not. violence / swearing & fighting, possible underage drinking and other shenanigans- look.. it’s high school. shit happens. also apparently, my ofc Alyssa uses the word fuck like all the time?…eventual sexual content / a virgin original character- this one is self explanatory. yes, i plan to write a smutty chapter in this at some point. when? i don’t rightly know. it’s got a while before we get there.

Pairing:

Andrews!Sibling OFC, Alyssa x Sweet Pea

Other Parts:

[ one - two - three - four - five - six - seven -  soundtrack ]

Other Stuff:

[ faq - tag list doc ]

Tagging:

@brithedemonspawn​ is the only person on my Riverdale tag list. If you’d like to be tagged for this story by all means.. Please let me know. Please, I beg. It’d make me super duper happy!!!

                                             EIGHT.

“ Al?”

I turned down my radio and strained to hear. It almost sounded like Polly calling my name from the bottom of the stairs. I wandered over to my bedroom door, peeking out. Polly stood at the foot of the stairs, holding her twins on each hip. A smile played at my lips and I bounded down the stairs, launching myself into a careful hug. Fussing over the twins because I’d been dying to see them since the night Polly added me on Snapchat before everything went down the way it did.

She’d sent me a message that night, telling me she was pregnant and that she and Jason were leaving. She’d been planning to swing through Chicago with Jason and visit, on their way to wherever it was they’d planned to go. When it never happened and I didn’t hear from her again, I’d been worried for a while.

Then Betty realized that she’d been keeping in touch with me over Snapchat right after she went missing and she’d messaged me, asking if I’d seen Polly. When I told her I hadn’t and asked what was going on, she’d filled me in on everything.. Jason’s death and Polly’s fight with their parents and then Polly running away.

The rest filled itself in when I moved back in with my dad, for the most part. I found myself trying to stick close to Cheryl, because I knew she was taking it really hard. Because Jason had been like the third of us. Honestly, it hit me pretty hard too when I found out. Especially when Cheryl did that thing she always fucking does and tried to push me away. Tried to deal with it herself.

I’d given myself over to the thought Polly wasn’t ever going to return to Riverdale, so I was a little shocked that she was here. And staying under the same roof as her mom again.

“The last thing Betty told me was that you were living on a farm. I bet that was peaceful.” I stretched and smiled at her. Just imagining the lazy days that probably stretched on and on. The slow and quiet life.

Polly smiled, nodding. “I learned so much there.”

I nodded. “What was it like?”

We moved to sit on the couch and Polly began to tell me what she’d been up to. I listened, nodding and smiling. But the entire time she described this place, God help me, I found myself getting flashbacks to the true crime podcast I’d listened to about the Jonesboro cult. Or the Davidians from Waco.

I mean… it sounded harmless enough, but everything she told me about the place just made me think less of a commune and more of a cult type setting. And that had me worried.

The front door was being pounded on. When I heard Reggie calling my name through it, I grumbled. Polly gazed at the door and then at me. Smirking. “No way! I always thought you and Reggie would be cute together!”

“Whoa.. Let’s not get all happy.” I shook my head, frowning a little. Telling her in detail what actually happened and that we were broken up. She shook her head, frowning. “That’s a jerk move. Betty told me you were on the Vixens now?”

“Yeah. You know Cheryl. She’s always had a way of talking me right into shit I normally wouldn’t do. And Riverdale High didn’t exactly have a gymnastics team like my old school in Chicago, so I decided rather than go rusty and lose my edge, I’d join.” I shrugged, laughing and shaking my head. “It’s not so bad, I guess.”

She nodded to my outfit for the day. Ripped jeans, a Motley Crue t shirt and my favorite boots, my dad’s old plaid shirt. “You mean the other Vixens haven’t read you for filth for daring non conformity?”

“ Oh, there’s this one girl I’m dying to get my hands on when we do that powderpuff football game on Friday, but other than her, nobody really seems to care or notice? I’m just kinda.. There. Which believe me… is totally fine with me.” 

I bent down to pick up Dagwood so that Polly could feed Juniper because she was crying. Adjusting Dagwood to my hip, I made my way over to the door, throwing it open. Scowling up at Reggie, who was leaning against a porch post.

His gaze softened when he glanced at me. I bit my lip. Taking a deep breath to keep my patience. I knew he was hurting. I knew it was also totally his fault. But I was trying not to be mean.

“What do you want?”

“Are you seriously dating that fucking guy now? Princess, he’s only going to hurt you.”

“No worse than you already have. But no.. No Reggie, I’m not dating Sweet Pea. I just fell asleep in Mr. Keaton’s class and I happened to wind up leaning against the guy. Kind of happens when I stay up until 3 watching the Saw movies.”

He looked as if he didn’t believe a thing I said. I shrugged because honestly, I didn’t care if he believed me or not. Shifting Dagwood from one hip to the other. Bouncing him a little, giving a soft laugh when he grinned up at me. And raised his little hand to try and grab a handful of the ends of my hair.

“ That guy is bad news, princess. If I have to, I’ll talk to your dad. Anything if it means keepin you from gettin seriously hurt. Or worse, put in danger.”

“Reggie, you need to go.” I rolled my eyes. “I should get back inside. Get Dagwood back to his mommy.”

Reggie was giving me this soft look again. Nodding. Like he was lost in thought. I snapped my fingers in his face and cleared my throat. “You need to go, Reggie. I’m not kidding. The more you pop up and try to force me to deal with this, the less it makes me want to, okay? I need space. Time.”

“It’s just so hard, princess. Then I see you around with him and damn it, I hate the way I acted and the fact that I ruined everything.” Reggie admitted quietly. I nodded. “Just give me space.”

“I’ll try.” he promised, turning, walking down my porch steps. From the doorway, Polly spoke up.

“Sweet Pea.. He’s a Serpent, right? Jason mentioned him once or twice.” Polly asked as she reached out for Dagwood and gave me Juniper to hold.

I settled Juniper on my hip and gazed at Reggie’s retreating back. Sighing and shaking my head sadly. I just wish he’d understand that the more he tries to force himself on me right now, the less I want to deal with everything. And I don’t want to lose a friend.

I diverted my gaze and turned to face Polly, nodding. “Yeah. I got paired with him in Biology. It’s been interesting, to say the least.” I sank down to sit on a bench my father built, laughing as I shook my head. Cooing at Juniper. 

Polly cleared her throat. “Out with it, Alyssa Jean. I know that look too well, okay? And as your friend, I need to tell you now that the Serpents aren’t people you mess around with lightly. Not to mention, that whole thing with that guy Dave you had going in Chicago. The scary guy? The reason your mom freaked out and sent you here to live in the first place, most likely?”

“It’s nothing. It’s dumb.” I shook my head. Shifting Juniper around in my lap. Bouncing my legs a little to make her grin and reach up. “Dave was scary. And I’m starting to see that my mom did a good thing sending me here. I’m just glad he hasn’t tried to reach out to me.” I shivered a little, raising a hand to drag it through my hair. Gazing at Polly.

“The Serpents aren’t all bad.” I spoke up after a few seconds.

“Al, half of them already have rap sheets. I just don’t want you getting mixed up with them and getting hurt. Promise me you’ll at least give anything you’re thinking a lot of thought instead of just diving in and doing it?” Polly eyed me in concern. Mostly to appease her, I nodded.

“As far as Reggie.. I think he really regrets what he did.” Polly advised. Giving me a smile. Clearly trying to steer me in a particular direction. I know she was doing it with the best of intentions, but deep down, it struck a nerve or two. Because literally anyone I could think of save for Cheryl and Toni, they all seemed hell bent on steering me clear of Sweet Pea. Which was ironic, considering I really don’t see him ever even giving me a second look. Even more ironic when you stop to consider that it’s not like I’m openly throwing myself at the guy...Or that I’ve pretty much made up my mind that if I do feel anything for him, I can’t ever actually tell him, because it will ruin everything.

I opened my mouth to say something, but I decided against it. Polly gave me a soft smile, getting a dreamy look in her eyes as she spoke again. “The look he was giving you just now, Al.. If you gave him half a chance… you could be as happy as Jason and I were. Or as happy as I was raising my sweet angels at the Farm. You should come to a meeting with me.”

I shook my head quickly to that one. “I am.. Not into organized religion. I barely go to the services at the church here unless my dad really wants me to go with him. Besides.. We both know that I got up to enough sketchy stuff in Chicago that if I were to step foot in a religious building, lightning might just strike me down.”

“You weren’t that bad, Al. Everyone makes mistakes.” Polly laughed softly. Nodding to her twins as she mused, “Which one of us got knocked up, hm? And we both know how fast that gets you written off here.”

“ I know I wasn’t that bad, but also at the same time, it scares me now to think back and remember how much fun I had when I was in over my head, doing things I knew I shouldn’t ? As far as you getting pregnant and what this town thinks about it. Honestly, fuck ‘em. You and Jason were really in love. That’s what matters.” 

“We really were. But it was hard.” Polly admitted quietly. Adding as an afterthought, “ I really miss him sometimes.”

“Yeah. Me too. Pretty sure he’d have helped Archie drill Reggie’s head into the floor when it got around exactly why Reggie was even dating me to begin with. It was ridiculous. Took Jughead and Kevin to pull the two apart.” I gave a quiet laugh, shaking my head. 

Alice was calling for Polly and Polly grumbled, raising up to peek out the window. “I better go over there and see what she wants. I wanted to come over. Maybe I can come by again later or something?” Polly asked as she gathered Juniper and Dagwood, re-swaddling them against her. I smiled, nodding. Following her to my door, letting her out and locking the door again behind me once I saw her disappear inside her parents house.

XXX

“They’re going to tear down South Side.”

The words had Sweet Pea tensing because it was just another thing he’d be losing. It wasn’t enough apparently, that he was living in the Wyrm because he had nowhere else to go. He didn’t have family willing to take him. His mother hadn’t spoken to any of them in years. He barely saw his mother as it was, she’d come home for a day, a week tops and then she’d be gone again.

He gazed over at Fangs, processing what Fangs was telling him. “First it was closing the school down. Then it was our homes. What next, huh? What else do we have to get taken?”

Jughead wandered into the Wyrm and Sweet Pea scowled a little. It didn’t matter how much Jughead was trying to do for the gang, what he was accomplishing was the opposite of what needed to happen. “The fuck is he doing here?” Sweet Pea nodded to Jughead.

“He’s one of us, man.” Fangs reminded Sweet Pea. Glancing at Jughead as Jughead made his way over. He’d probably just heard the news about South Side High too. Though Fangs didn’t see why it mattered

“Only because of FP. Cherry’s more one of us than he is. I still say the second we’re not useful he’s going to bitch out and turn his back.”  Sweet Pea grumbled.

Fangs chuckled, shaking his head. Sweet Pea hadn’t ever made a secret how he felt about Jughead. And he certainly hadn’t taken it easy on the guy when they initiated him into the Serpents not so long ago, either.

Jughead sat down next to where Fangs was standing, grabbing himself a drink from behind the counter and pulling the tab. Taking a long sip.

“We have to do something. They’re taking everything from us.” Jughead spoke up angrily.

“I’d like to point out they’re your friends.” Sweet Pea spoke up, a harsh tone as he glanced over at Jughead.

“I’d like to point out that we all know you have a thing for one of them. If you’re going to sit there and pin this on the North Side like usual, I mean. At least own up to that.” Jughead retorted, watching Sweet Pea’s fists clench and his face twist into an angry mask. Trying to keep himself from laughing as it happened.

Sweet Pea having feelings for Alyssa wasn’t quite as well hidden as the guy thought.

The only one who didn’t seem to be aware of it was Alyssa herself. It amused Jughead.

It did not amuse Alyssa’s brother.

And the two had already had several heated conversations about him hanging around Alyssa so much that Jughead had to intervene on more than one occasion.

“I keep telling you idiots I don’t. I’d trust her before I would you, Jones. If we’re going there.” Sweet Pea muttered.

“Whatever you say, Pea. Can we stop arguin? Maybe start thinkin about what the fuck we’re gonna do?” Fangs patted his friend on the shoulder and Sweet Pea glared up at him.

“A hunger strike. We chain ourselves to the school. They can’t demolish it if we’re not moving.” Jughead suggested.

Fangs and Sweet Pea shared a look. Neither were sure their idea would work. But maybe it could buy them some time. Or get attention to the issues at hand… The more attention they drew to the fact that certain people were trying to use their money to completely run an entire neighborhood out of town, the better their case.

“That’s not the worst idea.”

“I hate what I’m about to say.” Sweet Pea paused, grimacing as he added, “It’s not. It’ll get attention on what’s happening. I hated saying that, fuck.” 

“Let me go talk to the others. We’ll reconvene at 9 tonight?”

Fangs and Sweet Pea nodded and Jughead went to talk to some of the other Serpents.

“That killed you, didn’t it buddy?” Fangs teased Sweet Pea.

“Fuck you, Fogarty.” Sweet Pea snapped, grumbling to himself. “Doing somethin is better than just sitting back and lettin them take everything, I guess.” 

And at 9:30 pm that night, Jughead, Fangs, Sweet Pea and Toni as well as several other former South Side students met at their old school. Chaining themselves to the fence in protest.

[zareleonis]

My Star Wars Top 10 of 2018

This year I fell massively in love with Star Wars, learned more about a galaxy far, far away that I ever expected and started this blog, first to liveblog Star Wars Rebels, and later to share my thoughts on whatever new (and old!) Star Wars media I came across. In honor of what, in my mind, was a really fun year for Star Wars, I wanted to share my top 10 list of my favorite Star Wars things that came out this year, across different kinds of media. Read more because it’s really long :P

Honorable Mention: Flight of the Falcon multimedia series (by multiple authors and artists)

Okay, if I’m honest, this gets honorable mention spot, mostly because I felt like putting it in top 10 when it’s really a BUNCH of comics and books would be totally cheating :P One of the more fun things to come out of Solo: A Star Wars Story, this series of loosely connected books and comics whose main connecting factor is the Millennium Falcon (and Bazine Netal’s hunt for it!) is an absolute joy. Cavan Scott knocks it out of the park with the ridiculously fun Choose Your Destiny: A Luke and Leia Adventure. IDW Comics does what’s it does best by bringing together some exciting and unexpected pairs of characters for the last couple months of Star Wars Adventures. In Lando’s Luck Justina Ireland gave us the coolest darn Princess in Star Wars since Leia, Rinetta Gan. And they’re not even done yet, with 2 more comics and Pirate’s Price left to go!

10. Star Wars: Scum and Villainy: Case Files on the Galaxy’s Most Notorious by Pablo Hidalgo

What an awesome and fun book! So much great art, and Pablo Hidalgo always gives 100% with his work. It’s such a creative concept, following Tan Divo and and his descendants, as they report on the criminals and rebels of their day. I completely geeked out over how it gave soooo much neat new information about characters and organizations from ALL OVER the Star Wars universe. It’s an absolute blast!

9. Solo: A Star Wars Story: Tales from Vandor by Jason Fry

This book is AMAZING. Even among the “replica journal” style books that Studio Fun puts out, it stands out as super unique, written from the point of view of the Midnight, the bartender at The Lodge on Vandor (where Han meets Lando), as if he is telling the story to a guest. It’s such a fun outsider’s point of view of Han and the other characters of Solo. The best part though, is the parts of the book that are just a shameless love letter to Star Wars Legends, with nods to stuff like The Wookiee Storybook, LEGO Star Wars: The Padawan Menace and several novels. Jason Fry’s love for the franchise really shines through.

8. Star Wars: Poe Dameron by Charles Soule and penciller Angel Unzueta

This year we said a bittersweet goodbye to Marvel’s monthly Star Wars: Poe Dameron and goodness gracious it was good. Between the Legend Found arc that was to be the original ending and the final The Awakening arc, where Black Squadron is reunited after The Last Jedi, this comic really touched my heart. The last couple pages of issues 25 and 31 still make me cry. :’)

7. Solo: A Star Wars Story directed by Ron Howard and screenplay by Lawrence and Jon Kasdan

THIS MOVIE IS CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED AND I’M MAD AT EVERYONE WHO LET IT FLOP. I’ll admit I wasn’t exactly desperate for a Han Solo Backstory Movie, but Solo was just AWESOME. Just some good, raw, Star Wars-y fun that you can’t help but smile the whole way through. It might not be groundbreaking, but it introduced some super cool characters in L3-37, Qi’ra and Enfys Nest, gave us Maul’s grand triumphant return to the public at large and has INCREDIBLY charming performances by Alden Ehrenreich and Donald Glover as the Han and Lando we all come to love.

6. The Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear! by Tom Angleberger

If Solo, is good, this kid’s book written to accompany it is even better. I mean, Chewbacca meets K-2SO meets Tooka cats meets teenage bounty hunter/librarian?? On a planet with scary monsters and a spooky evil Force user? Also Cassian is there?? And the daughter of This Funny Hat Dude from Return of the Jedi? Hell yeah!!!!!

The book is hysterical, ridiculously fun and I can’t recommend it enough. I just have to say if you do get it, try and grab the audiobook it’s got a full cast of voices for the main characters including Marc Thompson giving his best Shyriiwook as Chewbacca. I laughed so hard I cried at the narration and a K-2SO’s lines done out loud. You won’t regret it!

5. Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy by Amy Ratcliffe and eighteen awesome artists!

THIS is one of the coolest Star Wars books out there and a celebration of all the women we know and love (and sometimes hate) in a galaxy far, far away. It’s such a wonderful collaboration, created by all women (& non-binary) artists and author. I love that it’s got characters from practically everything—movies, books, comics, video games, you name it! We even got to see characters like Jas Emari for the first time which makes me SO HAPPY. it’s one of the books I come back to all the time just to flip through it and enjoy the illustrations.

4. Star Wars Resistance created by Dave Filoni and executive produced by Athena Yvette Portillo, Justin Ridge, and Brandon Auman

I LOVE RESISTANCE SO MUCH!! I didn’t quiiite know what to expect with the new animated series, but was super excited and it hasn’t disappointed one bit. It’s such a fun show and really enjoyable to have a Star Wars show that is almost just ‘slice of life’ compared to the others. The animation is so cool to me and the characters really cute. I’m ridiculously charmed by all of them, especially our main man Kazuda Xiono and really hyped to see where these characters go. It’s more happy and fun than anything, but I know it will break my heart to pieces soon enough (KAZUDA XIONO. HOME PLANET: HOSNIAN PRIME). I hope more people give it a chance because it really is awesome!

3. Star Wars Adventures: Tales from Vader's Castle by Cavan Scott and various artists

LET THIS BE MY LOVE LETTER TO CAVAN SCOTT AND ALL THE COOL AND AWESOME STUFF HE’S DONE WITH THE STAR WARS UNIVERSE!! I was soooo excited when these came out because it’s such an AWESOME idea, I mean? Star Wars Horror story one-shots connected by a wider plot??? YES PLEASE AND THANK YOU. Doubly so when they star Lina Graf, of the Adventures in Wild Space series by Cavan Scott and Tom Huddleston. I was soooo excited to see her again and it’s amazing to see how she’s grown from a young kid to a brave and capable pilot and Commander in the Rebellion.

Then the individual stories are just awesome. It was a joy to see Kanan and Hera back together again after Rebels (or, well, pre-Rebels). The Dooku story was just amazing and such an enthusiastic tribute to Christopher Lee as Dracula. The Frozen inspired Han and Chewie story was also pretty great and I LOVE that it referenced the events of The Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear! And, my personal favorite story, the spooky ewok story featuring a young Chief Chirpa and Logray was brilliant and I enjoyed getting a closer first-hand look at ewoks (something we don’t have much of, at least in canon!). All in all just an absolute masterpiece in my book and a great reminder of why IDW Comics’ Star Wars stuff has been so freaking awesome.

2. Join the Resistance: Attack on Starkiller Base by Ben Blacker and Ben Acker and illustrated by Annie Wu

I’M BACK AT IT YELLING ABOUT WHY MORE PEOPLE NEED TO CARE ABOUT THESE WONDERFUL, CHARMING LITTLE KIDS’ BOOKS!! This was such a perfect end to the J-Squadron kids’ story. To me, this series is such a hidden gem and I really hope more people give it a chance. It was wonderful how all the characters’ stories closed out. I loved seeing Jo finally openly defy his parents, Mattis putting his faith in the Force and his friends, the return of Klimo, AG-90 and Dec fighting as brothers but growing stronger for it, and Lorica becoming the hero everybody thought she was. There’s so many fun cameos, from Rey, to Hux to Poe and Black Squadron, with the backdrop of the actual climactic battle in The Force Awakens.

And, one thing I really want to talk about that I love, is how the book (in tandem with the first two) give us the first gay character in a Star Wars kids book, with Dec Hansen. I wish they could’ve said it a bit more explicitly, but we actually got the kid and his friends talking about it in the books? And, with most of the LGBT characters falling more on the “scum and villainy” circles of the galaxy, it’s so refreshing to see a brave and unambiguously heroic gay teenage starfighter pilot trainee. Like, holy shit that actually happened!!!! ANYWAYS READ THIS SERIES I LOVE THEM AND YOU SHOULD TOO.

Oh, also, Annie Wu’s illustrations are AWESOME and I hope she does more Star Wars stuff (Pirate’s Price, out in a week!)

1. Star Wars Rebels created by Dave Filoni, Simon Kinberg and Carrie Beck

I don’t think there’s way I could place anything but Rebels at #1. This show changed my life in so many ways and I’m just. ridiculously thankful it exists. without Rebels, I wouldn’t have this blog, I wouldn’t be up to my ears obsessed with Star Wars and I there’s so many friends I wouldn’t have either. It’s touched my heart in a way that.... gosh I don’t know if I can even think about anything that resonates with me quite in the way Star Wars Rebels has. Pretty sure most if not all of my followers have seen Rebels, haha, but if you haven’t. You won’t regret it. Well, you might. It hurts. I hate to say, but it does. But even if the end destination leaves you heartbroken and uh prone to randomly bursting into tears about it, you will never regret the journey. Everything I learned and experienced with Ezra, Kanan, Hera, Sabine, Zeb and Chopper is beyond precious to me and I’m thankful it exists because it made my year in so many ways.

[indelible-stars]

So I finished reading ‘I Was Born For This’ by Alice Oseman and it was superb. Brilliant. A masterpiece. From the moment I heard about this book and what it was about I was intrigued. I’m so, so glad I won one of the giveaways and got the chance to read it early. It certainly lived up to the hype. The characters were loveable and real as Alice’s characters always are and I loved them all dearly. I wrote down my thoughts while reading so below is my stream of consciousness on what happens throughout the book.

MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD BEWARE

MONDAY

ANGEL

• This is such a realistic meeting of two internet friends • Omg how could you do this Juliet? I'd die if this happened to me. I'd just combust on the spot or sink into the ground and stay there forever.

JIMMY

• I love,,, them? Yes boys • I want all their outfits • “If we can talk about anxiety we can talk about poo. They’re basically the same thing.” Sure sure true that true that • I love how Cecily says babe all the time. She's an icon • Our girls like our boys I love it • I already love the boys friendship so much and it's only Jimmy's first chapter

ANGEL

• Mac is such a basic bitch. There's so many guys like him that think they're original bc they like really popular slightly old bands. You're not that edgy stop.

JIMMY

• Bliss is Rowan's girlfriend???? I didn't expect that to be her role. I thought she was gonna be a fan.

ANGEL

• Mac can you go??? Or at least shut up • I like how realistic Juliet is. Like I'm annoyed on Angel's behalf but I get how she is. • I thought the ship was going to be Rowan and Lister!!! Ah but Jowan makes sense and I'm interested in how this will play into stuff • Convincing evidence...yeah they're totally together Angel...you keep telling yourself that sweetheart

JIMMY

• We're like brothers • I would actually love this band. The angel wings and aesthetic? Yes bitch fuck me up • Oh I'm glad Jimmy likes something about being in his band • I was born for this... title reference complete

TUESDAY

ANGEL

• Ah what cute platonic cuddling. Eh guys? That's what you're freaking about isn't it? Their beautiful friendship? Also it's really creepy that someone got pictures of them sleeping in their apartment. Like what? It's gross that celebrities have to go through that • I don't think you should base your point of living on a fandom relationship Angel....that might be unhealthy....Do you perchance think there's something else going on here?

JIMMY

• Note to self: never read the start of this chapter when on a plane • How Jimmy logically knows that he's not as likely to die on a plane than so many other things but is still panicked is super relatable. Like logic and anxiety do not coincide. Anxiety knows no reason • Ah what's on the iPad has been revealed! A photo taken out of context and ridiculous article • Two whole months? Damn Rowan's a tough one. I'd be annoyed at Lister too but he shouldn't have to be really careful. It's shitty that one photo can be posted and Jimmy is forced to come out. • Aw no Lister :( aw no Jimmy :( how gross and invasive that someone else took it. Fuck man. I'd be terrified • Ro Ro. • No I just want my boys to love each other and be happy and safe :(

ANGEL

• Your dad might be getting at something Angel.... • Angel and her dad are cute. I like them • Everyone watching B99 all the time. Good choice in TV show. They know what they're doing • Yeah they just might not be thrilled at the situation girls.... • That sounds like a bloody long fanfic and how could it be a fave when the prospect of solo careers is involved?!?

JIMMY

• Shit I would not want any of those worst days. They really do sound awful • A secret for 2 years? That's pretty good going. Cecily well done • “Do you think if we hired a full-time bodyguard they’d do the hoovering for us?” bitch meee. Lister has his priorities in order. • Ah yes Alex you treat Jimmy as a person. The way he deserves • That new contract doesn't sound fun...not something that Jimmy will like... • Oh god Lister you mess • Ah this interview. Make it stop. I'm clenching up for them • Go away Dave! Give them a break • Breaking news: a fictional interviewer found dead by the hands of me

ANGEL

• I read Muliet as mullet and honestly? Same thing • “I think the truth is that everyone in the entire world is confused and nobody knows much of anything at all.” Angel speaking the goddamn truth. If I've never heard a more accurate statement. • Oh god Angel has balls I'd never be able to tell someone that I think someone they like's annoying • Oh is Juliet moving away from home...is that why she feels uncomfortable talking about parents? Did something blow up for her? • Ah Angel is a big name fan account. Why am I not surprised? • J2O my drink. My go to. My one true friend. • Omg is it Bliss? Why is Bliss there? • IT IS BLISS! • I love Bliss. It's been like 2 paragraphs but I love her! • "The world's a bit shit. Can't save it all at once." • “I learn that Bliss is bisexual. She says it with such extreme confidence that I'm suddenly jealous." Angel I relate. If it ain't me. • I wonder who your boyfriend’s best friend is Bliss.... • Well shit man... Angel sweetie how can you not believe love exists if Jowan isn't real? If only you knew you were saying this to Rowan's gf • Yeah it's ironic...it's not like it's actually Rowan or anything... • Omg Mac. Dude. • I can't believe they just left without her. Well, actually I can. • Alice is so good at writing nuanced sad moments. Like you ache for the characters and it's not even like they're balling their eyes out. Their feelings are just so real and shown in such simple ways.

JIMMY

• I love the transition with the flickering lights on both sides. Jimmy's grandad sounds ace and their apartment sounds lit! • ffs Lister. I couldn't live with him • Okay I need to state my love for Bliss again • Aw no my babes. Mummy and daddy are arguing. How dare fame ruin their relationship • Oh a cute X factor winner. Intriguing • Okay never mind he can get to fuck. Piss the hell away forever Magnet • Ooh Lister and Jimmy tension. Don't fight my boys. And I really wanna know what's up with Lister. • Honestly Jimmy is me if I ever became famous. Which is why I don't want to be. I could never handle it • I love Piero with all my heart • Ohmygod Jimmy my baby imma cry

WEDNESDAY

ANGEL

• Wow Tuesday was a long day. Never mind the rest of them. I'd be collapsing by now • Fuck. No. It wasn't her! No Bliss don't think it was Angel. Oh god poor Bliss. Who leaked it? I'll bloody get em. Is it someone in there life that has access to photos that's leaking them or something?

JIMMY

• Don't take this out on Lister! • Dave can actually die. I'll kill him yet again • Why must my boys hurt like this? Give them happiness goddammit!! • Screw getting big in America that contract sounds awful

ANGEL

• Yes Angel help the poor girl. I know it's a terrible circumstance but I'm happy they'll see each other again

JIMMY

• My boys no. In pain. No. Stop treating Lister as such a third wheel you don't notice him. Stop it all. Happiness only please

ANGEL

• "I will try to remain between you and the group of scary men at all times. Most of them are shorter than me. And I'm wearing heavy boots. If they get near us, I'll just kick. Like a giraffe." • Bliss and Angel? The ultimate friendship • Yasssssss @woman tripping the paps

JIMMY

• B99 mention number 3 • Ah yes some Jimmy and Lister quality bonding time. This is what I needed • "At once?" OMG I died haha. • “Druggie bisexual slut.” • The extremely famous girl band member is someone from Little Mix I bet • Does Lister like Jimmy? All these signs. I thought I was being tricked but does he? • A 32 year old woman? Fuck that's awful • Aw lister baby no :(

ANGEL

• “Is the word you're looking for "gay? It ain't poisonous.” • Did I mention I love bliss? Her every line is iconic • Mac’s been booted

JIMMY

• B99 again • Jimmy just stand outside in the rain don't go on a walk. Please be okay. Oh god • All the adorable old people in this book. They're so pure • This is so sad. My heart is aching

THURSDAY

JIMMY

• Jimmy and Angel are gonna meet! They're gonna meet!!!! I’m kinda scared about what will happen. • #LetListerWearTheBinbag2K18 • I want Jimmy's clothes. All of the things he just mentioned? I want • Yes Rowan fuck it up with that dress!! • I love the cape moment. My boy • How can you forget your birthday Jimmy? Ah • Oh I love the boys being happy and having fun and being...boys. Yes you dance to the Killers

ANGEL

• Love isn't a lie Angel!!!

JIMMY

• Why Lister whyyy • Lister does like Jimmy! Oh jesus. So much drama. I want Jimmy to like him back. I want there to be happiness. Don't kiss him while you're in the bathroom and drunk Lister! Oh god. Fuck

ANGEL

• Something bad has happened with Juliet and probably her parents. Why don't you see that Angel? • Piss off Mac. He has a point but I still wanna punch him • Jesus so much drama. Poor Juliet. Poor everyone. Why can't they have a second of a break?

JIMMY

• I'm nervous now. What's going to happen? Something big probably is going to happen when Angel and Jimmy meet or idk

ANGEL

• WTF WTF WTF WHAT HAPPENED TO ROWAN? WTF

JIMMY

• Someone threw a brick? What? Oh Jesus no! That girl can go to hell! Fuck. How did she even manage to get away with having a brick with her?? • Make this stop. Make this stop • Cecily! Save them! • They're meeting this is it. • Oh god • She's not going to hurt you Jimmy!

ANGEL

• Ah no • Don't be scared of each other • By god I think she's got it! Yes a panic attack Angel! A panic attack. Help him please • First Bliss and now Jimmy. Angel really is the saviour • Fuck man that was one hell of a meeting

JIMMY

• Your fans aren't monsters guys. I mean some of them are but they're real people just like you. Of course they'd help you in that situation

ANGEL

• Why can't my boys and my girls all just have happiness? Give them happiness goddammit. At least some peace • My,,,heart,,,Is,,,aching

FRIDAY

ANGEL

• All the emotions in this book are so real. I feel them in my gut • No Angel don't leave this way! • Mac. It's Mac. Time for a heart to heart • Juliet my girl my gal she deserves better. I want to hug her. I can't believe some parents can just do stuff like that. • She did take the knife! This is how they'll meet again though. The knife will bring them together

JIMMY

• They never have time my boys. They need to talk to Lister about his relationship with alcohol. Rowan deserves a relationship not affected so deeply by fame. Jimmy deserves so so much and it's not getting more anxious. They need to not sign the new contract • Rain rain so much rain • Jimmy that probably isn't a good idea..... but y'know what! Run. Go.

ANGEL

• Yes Angel you choose Juliet! • Or y'know Jimmy can message you... • Angel you be his bodyguard!!!!!

JIMMY

• He asked her to stay. Oh my babies. They're going to see Piero together ;_; • I love seeing Angel from Jimmy's perspective so much

ANGEL

• This whole section I just my heart is swelling • His grandma was called Joan. I'm going to cry • Piero my man I love him. He's adorable • Piero is wise. Piero speaks the truth. Jimmy and Angel both need to sort their shit out my babes

JIMMY

• No Jimmy please don't leave the ark just get a better contract. Idk. Ah this is so sad.

SATURDAY

ANGEL

• It's the boys. "I've got a bone to pick with you." Lol. Angry • This is certainly one way to meet your favourite band your obsessed with

JIMMY

• Jimmy noooooo • This isn't Angels fault Rowan. Just because she's a fictional protagonist so ends up in all these wild situations. • That's right Piero you tell em

ANGEL

• Angel you really gotta stop leaving without telling people • Yes Angel talk to your mummy. Is every interaction in this book going to split open my heart? • I wanna hug Angel so badly. I wanna hug them all • Statement of my love for Bliss again

JIMMY

• They're jamming like they used to. I'm going to cry. I never cry at books but I think I'm going to cry. • Why are they all so broken? Why do they have to break up? My heart it can't take this • Juliet is coming. The gang will be complete

ANGEL

• "I'm going to need another glass of milk" • Yes you definitely should care about yourselves more

JIMMY

• NO don't fight and leave NO • I'm going to need this fighting and hurt to stop now please. Time for happiness. Chip chop • Exactly don't let them leave Piero. It needs to be bloody resolved • Goddammit Lister. Just. Goddammit • Lister definitely has the knife doesn't he? • I'm so sad and there's not much left. This better get resolved enough for me to be smiling by the end or help me god

ANGEL

• Where's Lister? Jesus it just keeps coming. This needs to stop • Yes Juliet you snap at your idol. Don't take any shit girl

JIMMY

• Why do Angel and Jimmy both think everything is there fault. Stop it. Just. Ugh. My babies no • This weather is dramatic • Oh fuck. Oh no. Lister!!!! No. Why ah my heart no fuck no. Why the hELL would you do this to him? Why write this? Ahhhh • What the fu k? What the FUCK? WHY?

SUNDAY

ANGEL

• Yes yes yes. Angel would make a great band manager • I want Angel and Jimmy to stay in touch. I love their photos. I love these characters. It's nearly over and I'm not ready

JIMMY

• Yes guys you do whatever you want! Fuck the contract! Live your life! Be the band you're meant to be! I love them so much and yeah they're all a right much of weirdos • And I'm finished. My heart has gone through so much. I love all these characters. I want more of them. I don't want it to be over

damn that was a good book! @chronicintrovert well done!!

[gokinjeespot]

off the rack #1315

Monday, March 1, 2021

 Hi folks. Long time no write.

 I have been mostly isolating at home during the pandemic trying to keep myself and my family safe from Covid-19. I do go out and walk around our neighbourhood to get fresh air and exercise. I don't wear a mask outdoors like I do when I absolutely have to go into somewhere other people will be, like the drug store or my dentist's office. I get anxious when people come too close to me masked or not, but I also get angry when there is plenty of space to keep a safe distance and people don't move away. I have verbally admonished someone for being too close but have decided that I will keep my big mouth shut from now on and just get away from them myself. I don't know if I can keep my trap shut if I was confronted by the guy my brother did at work. This young guy came into the liquor store wearing a mask with a swastika on it. That would make me very angry. Angry enough to confront him? I don't know. I would like to be brave enough to ask him "are you for real with that mask?". Or "are you a Nazi?"…"you know the Nazis lost, right?". My brother would not serve him. It could have been worse though. That racist could have gone through his check-out without that ugly symbol on his mask and he wouldn't have known he was serving a bigot. I think it's better when you see them coming.

 My thanks to Doug for lending me his comic books to read.

 Daredevil #26 - Chip Zdarsky (writer) Marco Checchetto (art) with Mike Hawthorne (pencils) Adriano Di Benedetto (inks) Marcio Menyz (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). This book may have been put into Doug's sub my mistake but it gave me a chance to catch up with what's happening with the Man Without Fear. This is part 1 of "The Black Kitchen" which ties into Marvel's "King in Black" mega event. Knull is now on Earth and is wreaking havoc. Kinda reminds me of the "Maximum Carnage" event back when I was reading on the regular. Here we have Venom symbiotes running amok in Hell's Kitchen. What I found interesting was the current situations of the main characters. Matt is in prison after being convicted of murder. He can still wear his mask to conceal his secret identity inside. Not true to life but hey, it's comic books. Elektra is now protecting Matt's turf as Daredevil and she's got super scary horns. Wilson Fisk is still mayor with Typhoid Mary as his head of security now. The big shocking ending is that symbiotes get into the prison and one bonds with Matt. Another symbiote bonds with Mary and she attacks Elektra. This sets up overwhelming odds for the good guys as any good comic book will do. Stay tuned.

 Action Comics #1028 - Brian Michael Bendis (writer) John Romita Jr. (pencils) Klaus Janson (inks) Brad Anderson (colours) Dave Sharpe (letters). Bendis closes out his run on this title with so much schmaltz you're going to need a shovel to get through it. Jimmy Olsen is the new owner of the Daily Planet. What the nique? Conner Kent goes to the farm team. Jonathan Kent goes back to the future and the Legion of Super-Heroes. I don't know if a new art team is going to come on board but I sure hope so.

 Detective Comics #1033 - Peter J. Tomasi (writer) Brad Walker (pencils) Andrew Hennessy (inks) Dave McCaig (colours) Rob Leigh (letters). The art on the first page with Batman and Robin tumbling in the foreground with flashback panels behind gave me goosebumps. It's why I will always love reading comic books. Batman beats Hush by giving him a good old fashioned beat down. The rest of the Bat Family is saved and Bruce can take a breather. Now that the Wayne fortune is lost to him I'm curious to see where Bruce ends up after he moves out of the mansion.

 Batman/Catwoman #2 - Tom King (writer) Clay Mann (art) Tomeu Morey (colours) Clayton Cowles (letters). The jumping back and forth in time is a little confusing for me but I really like this Black Label story. The relationship between these lovers is more than complicated especially where the Joker is involved.

 DC kicks off 2021 with a plethora of comic books taking their characters 10 years into the future with their "Future State" event. Doug decided to check out the following.

 Future State: Superman vs. Imperious Lex #1 - Mark Russell (writer) Steve Pugh (art) Romulo Fajardo Jr. (colours) Carlos M. Mangual (letters). The story opens with a meeting of the United Planets inner circle. They are debating the inclusion of the planet Lexor which is lorded over by Lex Luthor, the supreme anal pore that we all know and loathe. Lois Lane is Earth's representative and she votes to reject Lexor's membership until Superman lobbies to allow his arch foe's planet to join so that the poor inhabitants don't suffer from Lex's villainous ways. It's a morality tale of Unity, Progress and Compassion.

 Future State: Robin Eternal #1 - Meghan Fitzmartin (writer) Eddy Barrows (pencils) Eber Ferreira (inks) Adriano Lucas (colours) Pat Brosseau (letters). In this future Gotham City the Bat Family has been decimated. Bruce is dead, Dick is in Arkham and Jason now works for the law enforcement agency that killed Batman. No mention of where Damian is. I have a feeling that the son of Bruce will show up later as a big surprise. Tim's the last man standing and he's vowed to continue the tradition of keeping Gotham safe. Too bad he doesn't live long fighting against the super cybers. The last panel reveals why this book is called Robin Eternal. Hint: the Lazarus Pits are involved.

 Superman: Worlds of War #1 -  This $7.99 US anthology of four stories starts off on Earth and ends up on Warworld.

 "The Many Lives of Clark Kent" by Phillip Kennedy Johnson (writer) Mikel Janin (art) Jordie Bellaire (colours) & Dave Sharpe (letters) is my favourite one simply because I loved the art so much. This is where we find out why Superman is missing from Earth.

 "Time and Effect" by Brandon Easton (writer) Valentine De Landro (art) Marissa Louise (colours) & Dave Sharpe (letters) features the new Mister Miracle poking around Warworld. Why? We don't know. Guess we'll find out if we keep reading.

 "Midnighter: Future State" by Becky Cloonan & Michael W. Conrad (writers) Gleb Melnikov (art) Jordie Bellaire (colours) Travis Lanham (letters) has Midnighter running around creating a bloody mess everywhere. It could have just as easily been Lobo or Wolverine in this piece.

 Finally "Do Not Go Gently" by Jeremy Adams (writer) Siyam Oum (art) Hi-Fi (colours) Gabriela Downie (letters) features the new Black Racer trying to free the slave labour on Warworld. Unless you're a Jack Kirby Forever People fan you wouldn't care.

 As a fan of Mikel Janin's art I would have felt ripped off having to pay for the three fillers in this comic book just to have his work in my collection.

 Future State: Catwoman #1 - Ram V (writer) Otto Schmidt (art) Tom Napolitano (letters). Selina is still Catwoman ten years down the line as she attempts to rescue Gotham City citizens being transported to a reformatory by train. Similarities to Nazi behaviour is an easy way to make the bad guys evil. All the previous Batman related Future State books say that Batman is dead but this one has a surprise at the end. Hey, it's Bruce in shackles.

 Future State: Dark Detective #1 - Mariko Tamaki (writer) Dan Mora (art) Jordie Bellaire (colours) Aditya Bidikar (letters). This title blows the whole Bruce/Batman is dead plot device clear out of the water. I can see why the bad guys controlling Gotham City wants the populace to think that, but how are they going to keep up the charade when Batman is clearly running around fighting crime? I like that Batman has lost the cape in this one. This $5.99 US book has a back-up story by Matthew Rosenberg (writer) Carmine Di Giandomenico (art) Antonio Fabela (colours) & AndWorld Design (letters) that I liked even more than the feature. It follows Cole Cash AKA Grifter as he tries to dodge the law. He gets arrested and meets up with Luke Fox AKA Batwing and a whole lot of fun ensues. The Huntress showing up at the end makes this more appealing.

 Future State: Dark Detective #2 - Mariko Tamaki (writer) Dan Mora (art) Jordie Bellaire (colours) Aditya Bidikar (letters). This issue explains how Bruce Wayne/Batman "dies" and how Bruce continues to fight crime. I was disappointed that the back-up story didn't follow up on Grifter and Huntress but was a different story about Jason Todd/the Red Hood now working for the bad guys as a bounty hunter capturing masked vigilantes. It starts with him bringing in the Vigilante and ends with him teaming up with a ruthless Ravager to stop an old school Red Hood gang leader stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Rose has no qualms about killing their bounties but Jason brings them in alive, that's why their nickname is "dead or alive". Har. I like Jason's Akira bike.

[cookiedoughmeagain]

Haven DVD Commentaries: 5.12 - Chemistry

Commentary with Shernold Edwards - writer for the last episode, and Shireen Razack - writer for this episode (and also with Josh the assistant).

SE: So this episode had a really interesting trip SR: Yes, the journey of the script SE: So let’s start with the title; it’s called Chemistry SR: Yes, and you’re all probably wondering why it’s called Chemistry. I think in the final cut of this episode, Chemistry refers to the fact that Dwight and Charlotte get together. But there was an even more sewn-in reason why it was called Chemistry, but that got taken out. SE: Up until this point we’ve had a lot of two-parters, which give us a lot of time to really dig into a Trouble and see how the Troubled person affects the other characters and how everything gets emotionally intertwined. But the Trouble that we had in 5.11 wasn’t really conducive to that, but we still wanted to work with the guest cast from 5.11 - or we tried to anyway. SR: Yeah, the Trouble was actually going to start at the bakery. The Trouble originally for this episode was going to be about pheromones. Was it the mom?

SE: It was the mom! It turned out that the bigot, from 5.11, was actually Troubled herself, and her Trouble got triggered by the trauma - how many T words can I say? - the trauma of the Trouble that her daughter expressed in 5.11. So, being a woman who owns a bakery, she had to come into work that morning and make the doughnuts. SR: So she was making the doughnuts as her Trouble is being triggered, so she’s essentially baking her pheromones into the doughnuts. And then she delivered them, as a thank you to the police station. And then, all hell broke loose. Because pheromones apparently trigger three different drives in a person: it’s … well it’s not romantic, it’s much more SE: Much more aggressive SR: It’s like feral love, I guess you could say. SE: Yes! Feral’s a good word SR: And they also trigger hunger, and they also trigger aggression. SE: Sometimes all three at the same time. SR: So we had that in an earlier draft. We had Gloria coming on to Duke SE: We did. SR: And Josh just reminded me that at one point, Gloria licked Duke’s ear. SE: She did. Josh: And he’s going; Gloria what are you doing? Leave me alone! SE: That would have blown up the twitter feed for Shit Gloria Says. SR: It would have been awesome though. SE: But by this time, in the script, who had had a doughnut? Charlotte? Audrey? Dwight had two. SR: Yes. SE: Nathan had a doughnut. SR: Originally it was Dwight having the doughnut that triggered the sex between Dwight and Charlotte. SE: Not Charlotte? Oh no, because she would be immune. Josh: And there was a nice moment there when they thought that the reason they hooked up was because of the Trouble, and then they realised that it probably wasn’t and they were just expressing the feelings they had anyway. SR: That was a beautiful moment. But I think my favourite part of the Trouble was when Gloria went at Charlotte with a scalpel. SE: Because we know they weren’t the best of friends. SR: I was really looking forward to seeing that. SE: It would have been really cool. And I think this scene [where Vince comes into the lab with Audrey and find’s Charlotte’s file of photos of Lucy and the others] originally Audrey was rifling through Charlotte’s things and found a bag of chips. SR: Yes and started eating them. And then she found a doughnut in the trash and started eating that too. SE: Did that make it into the script? I know you pitched it. SR: And did we have something for Vince and Dave? SE: No I don’t think so. No doughnuts for them. It’s neat to see Vince and Audrey working together here though, because if you look back through seasons two and three, Vince has a special fondness for the Audrey entity. Which I think is quite sweet. SR: The callback that I always love for this scene was from one of your previous episodes where we learnt that Veronica (who we just saw a photo of there) swung both ways. It was a throw away line but I thought it a great piece of information about that version of Audrey. SE: So yeah, that was why the episode used to be called Chemistry SR: There was a lot more chemistry going on SE: But the reason that we decided to remove that Trouble was because it took up a lot of story space. And this is the episode where all heck breaks loose and we find out some really interesting things about Charlotte (that Charlotte is Mara’s mother), so there was a lot of story that needed to happen to get to that point. So there wasn’t a lot of room for fun Trouble stuff. SR: So we did what is called a Troublectomy on the episode SE: Yes, so that would be when a Trouble is just not right for a story, and sometimes we have to pull the whole Trouble out and insert a new one, which obviously has ripples throughout the script because all of our Troubles, ideally, are thematically linked to what’s going on with our main cast. But this Troublectomy was kind of like an appendectomy in that it just got removed and stowed … SR: And out of five seasons of Haven I think this is only the second episode to ever not have a Trouble in it. SE: Yeah. If Brian was here he could tell us what the other episode was. Josh why don’t you know that? Josh: I wasn’t here! SE: Josh there’s your credit Josh: Shireen have you always gone by Shireen personally but Y. Shireen? SR: My credit’s always Y. Shireen Razak, but my family and friends always call me Shireen. When I started writing I thought that the fact that my first name is Yasmin, I didn’t want to not pay homage to that because my mom named me Yasmin. But then again; she named me Yasmin but always called me Shireen, so.

SE: This is one of the more emotional scenes between these two [Audrey telling Nathan about her cells degenerating] SR: And this is one of the reasons why we took the Trouble out, because it meant we were able to live in moments like this a lot longer. SE: They both look super casual today, I like that. They’re dressed like a couple that’s going out to brunch, I like that. SR: This is my favourite moment in the episode [as Nathan hugs Audrey], because just look at how Nathan’s holding her. SE: Shireen, I think you will know from the last commentary, was a huge fan of the show before she came on board. So Shireen, how did that feel as someone who had been following the show as a fan and then finally in the fifth season has the opportunity to work on it; what was that like? SR: That part of it was just amazing. I remember I ran into Speed Weed one day when he was working on season … four? And I’d noticed his name there watching it. So I said to him I was a huge Haven fan, love this season. And he just looked at me, like; Wait what? He was so shocked to hear that I watched the show. It’s an unusual thing for another writer in Hollywood to watch, especially sci-fi shows, I don’t know why that is. But sci-fi [or SyFy??], the shows just don’t get enough credit. SE: I agree. SR: And Haven I’ve loved from the beginning. When I came in to meet with Matt and Gab to potentially be staffed on the show, they asked me what my favourite episode was, and my head just going beserk, like; How do I choose? It’s like a mother trying to choose one of her children. I was like: OK, wait - favourite death; shark in the swimming pool. And Gab was happy because that were her episode. And then my favourite episode was all the way back in season episode. SE: The chameleon episode? SR: No, it was - was it called Stuffed? SE: The taxidermy episode where the taxidermy animals were coming back to life to kill the hunters that had killed them. And I was like: Yes! I grew up in Texas, so I have this thing against people hunting things and stuffing them and being like; hey look what I killed. So I was like; Yes, absolutely, it’s time for that bear to get it’s revenge. SR: I remember watching that, it was scary. Josh: I think the episode might have been called Fur.

*Both laughing at Dwight and McHugh’s opening lines to each other* SE: Our showrunner Matt took a special interest in this scene SR: This scene was a very late addition to the script, because we weren’t sure if we were going to get Christian for the episdoe. And when we finally found out that it was going to happen everyone was so ecstatic about it. And then when we saw the dailies, these two are just so - the Chemistry between the two of them! That should be why this episode is called Chemistry really. SE: They are a lot of fun. Josh: The other cool thing about this scene was that we’d already cast Christian, long before fans started saying it would be amazing to see Christian and Edge in a scene together. So Adam Copeland took to twitter and said; Well, if you keep watching the show and keep asking, maybe we’ll see what we can do. Even though we’d already shot the scene like two or three weeks before. SR: And then when we saw the dailies and saw how awesome these two were on screen together, it was like; we’ve got to find a way to bring him back. Josh: Yeah I don’t think he was guaranteed for any more than this episode initially. Which is sort of what happened with Adam when he started. SR: That’s true. I don’t know if there are any Sanctuary fans out there, but the first SyFy show that Adam was in was Santuary. Where he also looked very, very handsome. Josh; That was when he still had his long locks, right? SR: Yes and that worked so well for the character there too.

[As the strip club comes up on screen] SE: Oh we know that bar. That’s the bar where we go drinking in Chester, that’s the local. SR: Ah. So it’s not called The Shaven Mane there? SE: Is it called The Shaven Mane? Josh: I was so sure that wasn’t going to get in to the script SE: Wait, is this supposed to be the strip club? SR: Yes. Adam Higgs, dear sweet, unassuming Adam Higgs named it The Shaven Mane. SE: Don’t let Adam Higgs fool you; he is very sharp. Josh: And it was originally Shaven, Maine. But then it eventually became The Shaven Mane.

[As Duke and Nathan are pointing guns at each other] SE: So these guys haven’t seen each other in a minute SR: I think it’s incredibly sexy, two men pointing guns at each other. SE: That’s one word for it. Well, there is an inordinate amount of sexy on screen right now. And I’m not even saying who I’m talking about. SR: But we all know.

SE: Do you want to talk about the nail polish? Because it doesn’t come back now until the end. SR: OK. So, in 5.11, you see Mara painting her toenails. And you think it’s just a throwaway line. But we set it up there so that we could pay it off in this episode. Because the whole issue with the toe, SE: There was a lot of discussion about the toe. SR: Yeah, it was probably the biggest, SE: I haven’t actually seen the toe. I’m looking forward to it. I am honestly and truely shocked that the toe is still here. Because it was 50/50 whether it would. And I don’t know who … SR: Well both of us, SE: Did we just wear Matt down? Was that it? SR: I think so. SE: Did Gab like the toe? SR: I think so. And you and I were adamant that the toe had to be in - that there had to be a severed toe. SE: There had to be! Because, if we severed one of her fingers, we would have had to do that prosthetic for the rest of the shoot? No. So it had to be the toe. It had to be something. SR: And it was a good call back to the boat SE: Oh yeah! Nick Parker and Brian Millikin wrote a great set of episodes, with the scene in the boat where Duke threatened to cut Mara’s toe off. So we were just building on the good work of our colleagues. SR: That was one of the beautiful things in the Haven room when we would find little moments to call back to previous episodes, and we would be like; Yes! It would be a moment of Eureka; Yes, that’s beautiful! That’s perfect! And those were the best moments in our room. SE: Yes, and we thought this was beautiful and perfect, but wasn’t it the architect of the toe who actually hated it as well, I think? It was Brian who was adamant. Josh: Yeah, I think when the kidnapping changed from a real kidnapping to a fake kidnapping in conception, that was when, SE: Oh that’s right! Josh: The real question was; Would she really cut off her own toe? SE: Yes! Mara is completely - this is the same conversation we had. Josh: That’s what we eventually landed on; yes she would. SE: Mara is coocoobananas. Of course she would cut off her own toe, because - OK, here’s my theory. People think Mara was just using Duke. First of all, Duke does not allow himself to be used, Eric Balfour paid me to say that - I’m joking. But Duke is a very strong character who would not allow himself to be used. And second of all, Mara did have genuine feelings for Duke in her own, twisted way. SR: Yes. SE: And, in our minds, I think her cutting off her own toe was her … sacrifice is the wrong word. Josh: Penance? SE: Yes, penance. Because she knew she did Duke wrong, and to show him that she was willing to put herself in a certain amount of pain as well was a testament to how she felt about him. SR: And it’s interesting because when you get to that final scene in the episode  where she’s saying all this on the phone to him, you can see it in Duke’s face that he’s not believing a single word she’s saying. But she means every word of it. SE: Every word.

SE: I think one of the really nice things about Dwight’s arc through all of this business with Charlotte is; poor man. For the first time he thinks there is an actual way to cure the Troubles, he has real hope. And he’s about to get decimated. Nice Shireen - I’m joking, we are not responsible for our story lines, we come up with these things as a group and our showrunners have the last word. We think about these things collectively, we try to figure out what’s the best for the season, what’s the most exciting thing to do for a character at a certain point in the season … I’m sorry I’m talking all over this [Dwight and Charlotte kissing] SR: That’s OK. I’m zoning out because they’re kissing SE: This is .. yeah. That was really passionate. SR: And this is my favourite moment because she’s thinking he’s having second thoughts and then boom [he locks the door] no second thoughts. SE: I hadn’t seen this before. Oh my goodness, look at that. SR: I mean, how many years has it been since Dwight’s had some? It’s been a while SE: I don’t know much about Dwight’s personal business; I would imagine he does OK. SR: OK; how long’s it been since Dwight has been in love? It’s been a while. SE: It’s probably been a while. He’s a busy guy. That has nothing to do with it but, he’s trying to save the town. You know, everyone’s trying to save the town, there’s no room for dating. SR: And when bullets come flying at you, SE: Well that’s the thing though when bullets come flying at you, you probably want to make the most of every moment. SR: There’s that, but then there’s the flip side if bullets are flying at you, you don’t want anyone that you love to be in the line of fire.

[Vince on screen; Gloria has an old flame in the IT department] SR: Gloria gets around! SE: I feel like Gloria has old flames in many places. That could be really helpful for investigations as well, because she’s a coroner and that’s how you meet SR: That’s a little creepy.

[Audrey’s line to Vince about the DMV being the hardest government agency to crack] SR: I always find that line to be so funny! But who was it who told us that? Was that Speed? Josh: It sounds like something Speed would know SR: Yeah and apparently that is actually true Josh: With his background on Law and Order and CSI

[Charlotte and Dwight talking after] SR: This is adorable SE: They’re so cute. When you’re 700, or however many hundreds or thousands of years old you get confident. SR: When I found out that I got to write the episode where Dwight and Charlotte finally got together, I was doing a little happy dance SE: Yeah you were very excited about that. SR: I remember one day walking down the corridor to the writers’ room and all of a sudden I hear Matt calling my name. He was on the phone with Adam Copeland telling Adam that there’s going to be a sex scene in his future. And Matt was like; Shireen, is that in your episode?

SE: So Duke’s Trouble just took an - well, Duke’s ability, because Duke doesn’t have a Trouble SR: His curse. SE: Just took a … what’s that phrase Josh: Jumped up a notch? SE: Yes.

SR: This is a very pretty shot [Nathan standing over Kirk’s body on the phone to Audrey] SE: It is. And I think this is one of the interesting things about our show, because it’s creepy and weird and scary a lot of times. But also; beautiful. SR: Gorgeous. Our location scouts are amazing. SE: Our location scouts are very good, but also it is just naturally pretty, everywhere there.

*much laughing by all at Vince pretending to have a heart attack* *more laughter at Charlotte seeing right through him* SR: She sold it SE: She got to do a lot of what I hope she thought was really fun stuff with her character, in future episodes too. Because coming up she does that squeal in episode 17. Where you around for that? SR: I don’t remember Josh: For people who are watching, you’ll have to buy the season 5b DVD. Which at the time of this recording has not aired so you’ll have to wait to see what that squeal was. SE: That was Josh’s way of being very respectful and saying: Shut up. Josh: We just don’t want to give anything away from the final season SE: Thank you Josh. I forgot that I’ve already had the privilege of knowing a few things that are going to happen.

[As Duke is talking to Bennie, the guy he gives Kirk’s Trouble to] Josh: I remember getting the pages for this scene to proof. Because I was the script co-ordinator so one of my jobs was to proof all of the pages. And this character’s name was changed a couple of times, and Gab changed it to Vinnie. And I went to her the next morning and said; You know we already have a character whose name is Vincent - do you want to have two? And she was like; Oh my god, no. So then he became Bennie. SE: But for the longest time he was known as; Beefy ex con. SR: So this is where Duke’s curse is changing. Because he just gave Bennie a Trouble, and that was also the first time his eyes went silver without getting Troubled blood on him. SE: Really? SR: Yep SE: Oh my goodness. There’s a smart group of people working on this show. SR: I think we have to credit Brian Millikin for a lot of this because he keeps all five seasons of the show in his head SE: Oh yeah Josh; In his mind palace SE: He has an incredible memory SR: And for that reference you’re going to have to wait for season 5b Josh: That’s true. Or Sherlock season three.

Josh: Ah the rings. SR: But don’t give too much away because that it also in 5b Josh: Yes, for the greater significance of the rings you’ll have to wait for season 5b. But it was nice to bring the rings back, and again Brian Millikin was the king of all the information here. SR: Because when we were trying to figure out what Audrey would find in the car, we were going back through our minds, racking our memories for, what other pieces of jewellery have there been? And it always came back to the rings.

SR: Oh, here’s the toe SE: Oh my gosh, months I’ve been waiting to see this. Is it in tin foil or something? How is it wrapped? Oh the aether canister!! SR: This is nasty on so many different levels right? SE: And Nathan’s so cool. I would like; What? Why? Eww?

SE: This set [The Grey Gull]. I will never remember this set fondly. SR: Why? SE: It’s beautiful, but it’s so far out and there are no bathroom facilities, portapotties all the way, and you are subjected to all the weather. All the weather possible. So I was in a parka and a scarf and a hat and gloves, and people were laughing at me but it was snowing. And then later that day it was hot as blazes. And then it was foggy. And then it rained. All of the weather.

SE: I was so shocked when we actually got them to do this [Mara in the bath] SR: Oh the bath tub? SE: A luxury bath scene [Mara: I’m naked by the way, you really should have taken one last plunge before we parted] SE: You’re so naughty. SR: What, me? SE: Yes, you.

[As Duke’s eyes turn black] SE: Woah. I’ve never seen those. Oh my goodness. SR: Originally we were playing off the silver eyes and they were going to be silver tears, but in order to demonstrate the Mara had taken his curse and twisted it up even more, it became black eyes and black tears SE: And where did we come down on, was it contact lenses or effects? Josh: I think here he’s wearing lenses SR: Oh really? Josh: I think so. For these scenes. But I wasn’t there so I’m not sure. SE: It’s so freaky. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen it on Supernatural, it’s still freaky. Oh! [jumps in reaction to the tears flying off his face] Wow, that was effective!

[Dwight talking to Charlotte about them being together] SE: Ah, he’s going to get his heart broken. SR: When we were breaking this in the room, I was like; But Dwight’s going to get his heart broken. SE: You are a real softy with a dirty mind. Which is an unusual combination I think. These two have really good chemistry. SR: They really do SE: Spin off!

[Audrey and Nathan confronting Charlotte (and by extension Dwight) about the rings] Josh: There is a really amazing moment right here where Charlotte figures out that it’s not Mara. And then everything about Charlotte’s character changes. She gets confident, and she’s just like; I can tell the truth now. Just watch the way she talks to Nathan. And this is where she finally touches Nathan SE: I want to see his face when he realises SR: He plays it very well. Josh: The music’s great here too. Shawn Pierce. [Charlotte: I’m your mother] SR: My favourite moment SE: That’s terrific.

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BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND TV HOT FILM PICKS!

Check out my guide to the top films on TV this extended weekend, Friday through to Monday, and the best of the rest. Enjoy!

LATE FRIDAY 25th AUGUST

HOT PICKS!

TCM @ 2100       Poltergeist (1982) *****

What a fantastic and scary haunting film. One thing is for certain, hauntings are definitely more horrifying than mass murderers, serial killers and monsters. This is one of the very best horror films and a must see for fans of the genre.

Tobe Hooper really gives Spielberg’s film great merit. Even from the opening scenes as we pan round the house, following the dog, introducing us to the fateful family, we can see his great eye for film.  It is definitely more restrained than modern haunting films with lots more discussion and focus on the family than the paranormal events themselves, it’s only towards the end of the film that we get a more focused barrage of  ghostly activity. This is one of the reasons why it works so well. The main cast of the family are fantastic, a suitably hot mom, a great performance from Craig T. Nelson as the Dad, and the kids are absolutely spot on. I was always impressed with how very real Oliver Robin’s fear was portrayed, considering he was 8 years old, when he was screaming for his mom to come to the TV, it all felt heightened and heart-poundingly real indeed. The family are the core of this film, they are its success and give it a real tender edge that other films have just not been able to recreate.

Maybe it was because I originally watched this film when I was far too young but it is directly responsible for the following: - My irrational fear of clown dolls. - My dread of white noise on TV (Thank god for 24 hour TV!) - Cold sweats around old gnarly trees in storms. - My skin crawling at the high pitched shrieking cries of children.

Poltergeist is an adventure, a horror classic and always impresses. A perfect leader in the haunted house genre. It’s been quite influential and has some nifty effects for 1982. It always makes me wish that Spielberg had been involved more in the way of horror.

Film4 @ 2100     Predator (1987) *****

With the sad news that Sonny Landham has left this mortal plain get Predator on your watch list to see him in all his glory as the mysterious and intense Billy. R.I.P.

According to Letterboxd I’ve seen this outstanding film 17 times in the last 4 years. That’s not even taking into account the early days on VHS and the many wonderful times on TV where it was dubbed and cut to oblivion. It is one of my all-time favourite films and... I think I have a problem. I can’t stop buying it! I have 5 copies now: VHS, DVD, DVD double set with Predator 2, Blu Ray, and now 3D Blu Ray Steelbook. I am an addict. Why? Well - It's goddam awesome. That's why. Everything in this film works so wonderfully together. All I need now is the 3D Blu Ray in a life size Predator head box set to fulfil my crazy addiction. So, the film…

I last watched it in 3D for the fifth time. The 3D doesn't really bring anything new to the film, as a conversion it still looked a little flat, I was hoping the jungle would really come alive and take me. But it did not detract from my enjoyment one little bit and I will admittedly always grab the glasses for a slice of 3D action if there is ever a choice.

This classic Arnie Sci-Fi Action-er is ultimately re-watchable. You’ve seen it hundreds of times, you quote each line seconds before they happen, you even know the sound of each and every gun shot and explosion as they are about to occur. This is my most quoted film, at least once a week I shoe horn a Predator quote into my everyday life: from “I’m gonna have me some fun” to “I wouldn’t wish that on a broke dick dawg” … Amazing.

The music is completely iconic. Alan Silvestri’s score is right up there with the greatest scores in film. Coupled with some fabulous sound effects. It’s quite simply perfect. It’s so apt and effective, driving the film forward with an urgency like no other. It gets your blood pumping and puts you right in the jungle maze with them. It’s as if the Jungle just came alive and took him… Sorry.

This is Arnie’s finest hour. Yes he’s fantastic in Total Recall but here he is doing what he does best. Big, bold, mumbling muscle. Wielding a gun as large as a child in one hand and with a list of one liners at the ready, he storms this performance. He is together with a crack team of commandos - an eclectic mix of characters played by an equally eclectic mix of actors. Carl Weathers has either been airbrushed within an inch of reality or is wearing so much make up at the start of this film. His face is just too smooth, almost like he’s made of putty or like the jungle came alive and paint shopped him. Jesse Ventura’s larger than life character just fits right in here. And of course the late and great Sonny Landham as the ju-ju bag fondling tracker whose lines are just amazing, such a mix of muscle must have been hell for McTiernan to direct, but boy did he do well! In such a difficult terrain he pulled it out of the bag in momentous style.

This crack team go on a rescue mission in the Central American jungle. The mission goes from bad to worse as they soon realise a dangerous alien predator is hunting them down one by one. It’s tense, fast paced and full to the brim with enough action and bullets to take down a small country. It has got some great shocks and splattered with some well-placed gore as the team gets picked off in an array of bloody violent ways. It’s ultimately thrilling and will always stand tall as one of the great Action Sci-Fi Thrillers of all time!

“GET TO DER CHARRPARR!” (Sorry, I couldn’t resist!)

And step away from the remote! It's a Film4 double Bill! Predator 2 is on next. Grab a beer and get ready for some more Predator action.

Best of the rest:

Film4 @ 1635     Rango (2011) ****

5* @ 1900           Labyrinth (1986) ****

Horror @ 2245   We Are Still Here (2015) ****

Film4 @ 2305     Predator 2 (1990) ****

BBC1 @ 2350     Up in the Air (2009) ****

Film4 @ 0115      Serpico (1973) ****

SATURDAY 26th AUGUST

HOT PICKS!

Horror @ 2100    Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil (2010) ****

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil is a stand out comedy from 2010. Although less effective after a few re-watches it still pulls enough laughs to stay up in 4 star territory. For those who have not seen this film please do! It was one of my favourite comedies of 2010 with its great storytelling and the way it tips all expectations on their head. This film had a remarkably fresh feel. Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine work well together and are a great comedy duo. This is comedy horror done well. Just what the genre needed. Get this on record.

TCM @ 2100     Looper (2012) *****

A thoroughly enjoyable Sci-Fi feast from the director who brought us the outstanding Brick, the little-too-overblown-but-still-decent The Brothers Bloom and is at the helm for Star Wars Episode VIII. In his third outing Rian Johnson has bigger names, a bigger budget and way bigger ambition. Looper really is a good contender to be up there in the list of best films of 2012 with strengths, qualities and conviction that play out this paradox filled plot with style. I accepted the bizarre and very limited use of Time Travel by the future mob, as with all time travel films there is always a certain amount of assumptions and as the film progressed I realised the audience has to dismiss a lot of the why’s, what if’s and but’s, but Johnson makes it easy to simply “go with the flow” with a detailed and immersive story.

My second, third and fourth viewing have been even more enjoyable than the first I fail to see any real problems with this film. Emily Blunt did a sterling job as Sara. The young Pierce Gagnon who played Cid was also a great find.

Overall, this is a fantastic film and immediately cries out for another viewing. Complicated, complex and unpredictable, Johnson has really pulled out all the stops here.

ITV1 @ 2215      Captain Phillips (2013) ****

Hanks steels the show in this emotionally charged slice of reality. Tense. Gripping and feels very human. It doesn’t showboat (sorry) as a good-guys and bad-guy’s story - this is a film that shows the awful truth behind the motivations and outcomes of the events as they pan out. Desperation, victimisation, the circumstances of the Somali pirates that puts them in this altogether desperate situation is touched upon and handled well. This is another Greengrass success. The final scenes caught me a little by surprise and heavy with emotion and with full buy-in to the amazing characters - it’s a tear jerker. A great film.

Film4 @ 2240     The Guest (2014) ****

Adam Wingard dished out a very entertaining romp with 2014’s The Guest. It leans on my love of the 80’s and combined with a cool synth-filled-soundtrack and some nice visuals this hits all my spots.

A soldier arrives at the home of the Peterson family and claims to be a friend of their son who died in action. He is welcomed into their home but soon suspicion arises in the household and some seemingly accidental deaths are coincide with his arrival. Its twists may not be the subtlest but it all gels rather nicely with some good quality action and tension. Watch this.

Best of the rest:

Film4 @ 1100      The Dark Crystal (1982) ***

TCM @ 1205        The Dirty Dozen (1967) ****

ITV3 @ 1450        Casablanca (1942) *****

ITV3 @ 1655        The Queen (2006) ****

Sony @ 1825       Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) ****

Sky1 @ 2100        A Few Good Men (1992) ****

Dave @ 2300       Heat (1995) *****

5* @ 2315             The Green Hornet (2011) ***

Sony @ 2315         Inside Man (2006) ***

Film4 @ 0040       Taxi Driver (1976) *****

SUNDAY 27th AUGUST

HOT PICKS!

ITV1 @ 1540     Superman (1978) *****

No Bank Holiday weekend is complete without the original Superman gracing our TV schedules. This film is a classic. Everyone has seen it - it’s been a staple TV weekend and Bank Holiday film for many, many years and with all the sequels and re-imaginings, TV series, spin offs and remakes this 1979 super hero movie still remains the very best of the bunch. Even though the effects are a little old they simply add to the charm of the film. Whereas today bad CGI almost always ruins a film, in 1978 they had to rely on strength of story and this certainly has just that - it’s a consuming adventure with a lot of heart and a great vein of comedy. There’s no better way to kick off your afternoon with the iconic Superman. This is feel good film making at its very best.

C4 @ 2315     The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) *****

Check out Scorsese’s balls-out look at some horrible people doing repugnant things with so much swearing if it was edited it would end before it started. This is a film of excess in every way.

DiCaprio is Jordan Belfort and the film follows his rise and fall in Wall Street. It’s hilarious and repulsive in equal merit, but where this film worked for me is it didn’t seem to be telling me something clever, having an opinion or educating us on what is right or wrong - it simply shows us the American dream encapsulated in one man’s story to power and money. It’s crass, crude and unabashed about what it is. But no matter how much I dissect it I was addicted to this story and could help but follow along wide eyed and mouthed. It’s worth it just for the Lamborghini scene alone. Don’t miss this.

Film4 @ 2310    An American Werewolf in London (1981) *****

It’s only in the last 6 years that I saw this film for the first time and I was concerned that I had missed the boat and it would be horrendously outdated, but I was pleasantly surprised. It barely shows its age at all!

The story begins with two American back packers on the remote moors of England that lose their way as they turn to a local village for help they find a rather unaccommodating group of villagers and they soon realize they are well and truly on their own. As they cross the moors they are attacked by a huge wolf like creature! The villagers appear to be covering up the true horrors of their encounter.

It has a real interesting mix of horror and comedy that is really quite subtle. The lighter moments offset the horror in a real complimentary way and the 80’s “moon” related soundtrack seemed rather odd to start with but adds yet another layer to the overall experience. Unlike today’s heavy reliance on CGI, director John Landis had to rely on physical effects and make up when putting together the transformation scene. It is an absolutely amazing job - every elongation of limbs and warping of body parts is done with amazing skill that looks very realistic and quite horrifying even to today’s standards.

Overall, the film is based on a very simple idea but is executed in a very accomplished way. If you haven’t seen this film, push it to the top of your to do list.

Best of the rest:

TCM @ 0715       What's Up, Doc? (1972) ****

Film4 @ 1525      Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) ****

W @ 1610            The Neverending Story (1984) ***

BBC1 @ 1635      Toy Story 2 (1999) *****

ITV2 @ 1800        Despicable Me (2010) ***

Universal @ 2100 Sleepers (1996) ****

BBC2 @ 2300      The Ides of March (2011) ****

Film4 @ 0105       The Warriors (1979) ****

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 28th AUGUST

HOT PICKS!

Dave @ 1405      Kelly's Heroes (1970) *****

Another Bank Holiday staple. Kelly’s Heroes is one of my most watched war films. Well, it’s more of a heist film that just so happens to be set slap bang in the middle of a war zone in WW2. It’s very funny and from the very start Telly Savalas’s rants put a smile on your face and you know exactly what you are in for. The cast are the main driver for this film’s success with a host of interesting and outrageous characters from Telly Savalas’s larger than life Big Joe to Donald Sutherland’s stoner hippy tank driver, Oddball. It certainly doesn’t scrimp on the action either and there are enough bullets and explosions to take down a small country. It’s not all fun and frolics and it still has a few satirical barbs thrown in for good measure. Kelly’s Heroes is a fantastically fun film. Watch this.

Horror @ 2100    Triangle (2009) ****

I’ve always been surprised this film didn’t get more attention. Written and Directed by Christopher Smith we see him really pull out all the stops with this far superior and more complicated story compared to his previous outing Severance. It really shows how he has grown as a film maker. This is a film very difficult to describe without giving too much away. What I can say is it’s a story of a group of 6 passengers on a yacht which capsizes when caught in a freak storm. They come across a large ocean liner and get on board. The Liner is deserted apart from a lone masked gunman… Here the story takes some very interesting turns.

What I will say is Triangle is full to the brim with twists and turns and an excellent performance from Melissa George, Triangle is really fascinating to watch and watch again. It pulls on good qualities from films like “Time Crimes” & “Memento” also with a couple of nods to “The Shining��. Overall this is a very satisfying film you will want to watch over and over and over again.

Film4 @ 0135     Under the Skin (2013) *****

Check out the thoroughly mesmerising film - Jonathan Glazer’s impressive Under the Skin. After my fourth viewing it was as haunting as it was on my first jaunt into the unknown. It always stays lingering in my mind for some time. After my first viewing it was all I could think about for days. This film is so well put together. Completely mysterious, haunting and fascinating. The editing and sound are just simply perfect. The music is chilling and I am always still in awe of this creation long after the credits role. The use of sound is so important here, each extended silence as important as the music itself.

Scarlett Johansson does for this film what Arnie did for The Terminator. Her success seems to lie in what she can hold back and remove, Scarlett strips everything right back and gives a refined and subtle performance. Scaling back seems to be her key, with similar success in her voice-only performance in “Her” - by removing her physical presence, just being an A.I. voice, she came into her own. Less seems to be more. In Under the Skin we see her as a visitor from another world - watching, testing, trying, and learning all new things. Without these experiences and without the initial emotional attachment it just seems to work for Scarlett. She nailed it.

All of the imagery used throughout the film was simply stunning. I will be watching this wonder of a film again very soon.

Best of the rest:

BBC2 @ 1020       Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014) ***

C5 @ 1435            The Searchers (1956) ****

Film4 @ 1450       The Book of Life (2014) ***

ITV4 @ 1605         Superman (1978) *****

E4 @ 1700            Rio (2011) ***

5* @ 1900             Footloose (1984) ***

ITV1 @ 2100        The Theory of Everything (2014) ****

Film4 @ 2100       Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) *****