#2 STARS

[prosekaipng]

Kagamine twins x Little Twin Stars

#kagamine rin #kagamine len #sanrio #little twin stars #project sekai #project sekai colorful stage #colorful stage #transparent #png #official art #2023 #vocaloid #virtual singer #2 stars #sanrio collab #mine

[sekaitransparents]

play with dogs gacha: a fortunate discovery ~ rui kamishiro

#transparent #png #project sekai #project sekai colorful stage #2 stars #2024 #rui kamishiro #wonderland x showtime #play with dogs gacha #3900 colourful festival gacha

[wwwanderlust-topazzz]

what song did it take the longest for you guys to megastar? (in any just dance game)

mine is “I Am My Own Muse” by Fall Out Boy and “I’m Good (Blue)” by David Guetta & Bebe Rexah [Extreme Version]

#just dance #jd #just dance 2024 #just dance fandom #just dance plus #jd24 #just dance megastar #megastar #superstar #5 stars #4 stars #3 stars #2 stars #1star #no stars #just dance 2024 edition #just dance 2023 #just dance 2023 edition #just dance 2022 #just dance 2021 #just dance 2020 #just dance 2019 #just dance 2018 #just dance 2017 #just dance 2016 #just dance 2015 #just dance 2014 #Just dance unlimited #jd unlimited #just dance 4

[paperbackd]

Book review: A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

Six of Crows meets The Coldest Girl in Coldtown in the first book of a new duology which sees a teashop owner assembling a heist team to infiltrate vampire high society.

A Tempest of Tea has been on many readers' 2024 wishlists - it's got an intriguing premise, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous cover and tons of hype behind it. Sadly, I think it'll leave a lot of readers disappointed. For me, this novel was a case of great ideas let down by mediocre execution.

Since heist stories often hinge on a group of characters working together, characterisation and interpersonal relationships are so important to get right. And unfortunately, the relationships in this book were definitely its weakest point. Specifically, the romantic relationships were written very strangely - awkwardly paced, with lots of contrived moments of tension. The dialogue, too, was clumsy at times; lots of the 'witty banter' between characters simply fell flat. The characters themselves had potential to be interesting, particularly Arthie and Jin, but I didn't end up feeling attached to them.

Ultimately, I think that A Tempest of Tea suffers from trying too hard to be the new Six of Crows. From the setting - a Victorian London-esque fantasy world, to the 'charming rogue' characters, to the writing style. Which is a shame, because the bits and pieces of originality were easily the best part. Faizal's vampire lore was interesting and creative, the tea shop was a great setting (unfortunately underutilised) and the fantasy worldbuilding worked well as a commentary on colonialism. These elements were enough to keep me invested in reading to the end of A Tempest of Tea, but I won't be continuing with the follow-up to this novel.

Many thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux for providing a copy of A Tempest of Tea. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. A Tempest of Tea will be released on February 20th 2024.

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux Rating:  2 stars | ★★✰✰✰ Review cross-posted to Goodreads

#a tempest of tea #ya lit #booklr #bookstagram #book review #2 stars #r: hafsah faizal #genre: fantasy #genre: epic fantasy

[shazzeaslightnovels]

Hamefura 13

Author: Satoru Yamaguchi

Illustrator: Nami Hidaka

Label: Ichijinsha Bunko Iris

Release Date: 20 September 2023

My Score: 2/5

This volume sees the reintroduction of Caesar, the prince who first appeared in volume 8 and hasn't been seen since. I liked Caesar back when he was introduced. He had pretty good chemistry with Katarina, and to be honest, anyone is better than Jeord. I found him pretty boring here. He just feels like yet another character who's in love with Katarina but isn't going to do anything while she's engaged to Jeord. We already have several other characters like that and he doesn't bring anything new to the table.

Overall, I once again found most of this volume to be boring. I just was not interested in what was going on in most scenes and a lot of narration felt like it could have been cut. The best part of the volume was when Maria meets Caesar and is immediately protective of Katarina, and one thing that happens in the climax of the volume that made the volume feel worth it. But so much of this volume felt like fluff to extend the volume. I probably wouldn't mind it as much if that fluff was with the characters that I care about but it's not. Also, this volume mentions that Katarina had an older brother in her past life that she still holds dear and the volume tries to have some emotional content with that but it falls flat because I'm 95% sure that older brother has not been mentioned before this volume so I don't really buy that he was that important to her.

This volume might actually be my last Hamefura volume. I was bored more than I was interested and there was something that happened in the last chapter that reinforced Jeord's lack of interest in Katarina's consent and boundaries, and the likelihood that he is endgame. I feel like I'm not getting enough out of this series anymore to justify continuing it. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if I forgot all about my dissatisfaction with this volume by the time the next one comes out. We shall see.

#hamefura #satoru yamaguchi #nami hidaka #ichijinsha bunko iris #2 stars #2023 releases #october 2023

[motherfeyre-archeron]

I just finished reading The Inmate by Freida McFadden and this might be my least favorite book from her☹️.

2 🌟

The protagonist couldn't be more dumb if she tried. And I understand she has trauma but come on 🙄.

Anyways this reading slump is dragging me out and I decided to change my genre. So I'm in my Thrillers/ Mystery era I guess

#freida mcfadden #the inmate #book review #book rating #2 stars

[shinemon311]

A shiny catch for today!

#mobile #pokémon #pokémon sleep #sleeping #photo #simulation #shiny pokemon #shiny growlithe #2 stars #gardie/growlith

[amazon-reviewer]

pillow

★★☆☆☆ sure i guess

that looks somewhat uncomfortable. i would imagine it being very warm? and that guy's face is almost completely covered by the wearable pillow. he looks kind of dejected to be wearing that. there's a strange... breathing hole on the side... what is that for. i think i would have to use this alone because of how utterly stupid the pillow makes you look. poisonous mushroom ahh. also why are the toes on his right foot curled like that? it made the hair on my neck stand up. gross.

#ask 📦 #item review #marimaru1301 ask #2 stars

[max-imumbooks]

The Deep, by Rivers Solomon

This novella, inspired by the song of the same name, introduces a race of merfolk descended from pregnant slaves thrown overboard while crossing the Atlantic. Yetu is her people's memory-keeper, the one person who holds their cultural history so that no one else is burdened by the painful memories of how their people began. It's an examination of shared generational trauma, and the damage it can cause when ignored or repressed.

Though the premise was strong enough to draw me in immediately, I found the execution of the story to be a bit of a slog. The narrative repeats and dwells on themes and certain developments too long in some places (yet sometimes contradicts itself in the process), which I would have rather seen the word count applied elsewhere, or else cut entirely. It could have easily been a short story rather than a novella, and might have been better for it. As it is, it does a disservice to the reader to have to receive the same information over and over.

At times, I found the characterization of the main protagonist to be flat, but as she is presented to be neurodivergent, I concede that the flatness may be deliberate. Yetu is especially sensitive to the electrical signals her people use to communicate, leading to her often avoiding the company of others, and is prone to disassociation. She is also inherently queer, being unconstrained by the social taboos of surface culture. Even so, the queer content is minimal, not impactful enough to be a draw in and of itself.

That said, I fully acknowledge that as a white reader, this story was not necessarily written for me, and that my enjoyment is limited by my own experiences. For all I know, the prose may emulate the style of black/African storytelling or song. I would be curious to know the thoughts of a reader more familiar with those styles and traditions.

Overall, I wouldn't discourage others from reading this-- I just personally didn't enjoy the writing. This might be one of those stories where readers should read if it interests them, and form their own opinions on it.

For myself, I will not be re-reading it, but while I'm not currently rushing to reading the author's other stories, I wouldn't be averse to giving them another shot if I come across something that interests me.

Rating: 2 stars

#the deep #rivers solomon #2 stars #meh #disappointed #novella

[drwhowatch]

The Wormery

Well, this definitely was an Iris Wildthyme story. She technically was better than my expectations (like drinking being her superpower), but the silliness is a bit much. Half decent idea to have evolution hating worms be the villains. Colin Baker falls in love (again?) and nicely mopey about the The Trial of a Time Lord.

#The Wormery #Sixth Doctor #6th doctor #colin baker #2003 #1 episode #dr who #doctor who #big finish #2 stars

[prosekaipng]

#kagamine rin #kagamine len #virtual singer #vocaloid #sanrio #little twin stars #project sekai #project sekai colorful stage #colorful stage #transparent #png #2023 #sanrio collab #2 stars

[sekaitransparents]

drawing blooming gacha: the taste I want you to have ~ mizuki akiyama

#transparent #png #project sekai #project sekai colorful stage #2 stars #nightcord at 25:00 #2024 #mizuki akiyama #drawing blooming gacha

[filmforager]

The Super Mario Bros. Movie: Review

It's-a meh

With the riotous fun of Dungeons and Dragons: Honour of Thieves and HBO’s compelling Last of Us series, it’s easy to forget just how bumpy the history of video game adaptations has been. In many ways, 1993’s Super Mario Bros. set the example for what not to do, stripping the game of its colour and carefree tone. Three decades later, The Super Mario Bros. Movie goes in the opposite direction, but ends up prioritizing fan service over a decent story.

For better or for worse, the plot feels stripped straight from the Mario games - which aren’t known for being plot-heavy to begin with. Mario (Chris Pratt) and hapless brother Luigi (Charlie Day) are two Brooklyn-based plumbers whose attempts to strike out with their own business haven’t quite gone to plan. Trying to make a name for themselves, they randomly find themselves pulled into a colourful alternative universe through the Brooklyn pipe system. But while Mario lands on his feet in the cheery Mushroom Kingdom, Luigi falls into the clutches of lonely villain Bowser (Jack Black), who has sinister plans to marry Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy).

As Mario sets off on an unlikely quest to free his brother, we follow a familiar story about an average joe who is somehow destined for great things. Set in a beautifully realized world, children will lap up the colourful visuals and stunning animation, while Mario fans will be delighted with the sheer attention to detail here. Pretty much every aspect of the games is lovingly accounted for, from the cool question mark power-ups to the irritatingly cutesy side character Toad (Keegan-Michael Key).

If only as much love was lavished on its story and characters. Written by Matthew Fogel, who had a hand in Minions: The Rise of Gru and Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, the film struggles to make you care for any of its characters, least of all Pratt’s Mario, who feels a bit bland. Instead, it feels more concerned with shoe-horning aspects of the game in a way that doesn’t feel natural - right down to Mario’s signature catchphrases. 

In place of an interesting plot, what you get is an episodic trip through some of the game’s biggest highlights. Want to see some Mario Kart scenes? Here’s a convenient racing sequence on a rainbowed road. Want some platforming action? Here’s a random scene where Mario has to prove his capabilities seconds after meeting Princess Peach, here presented as a fearless warrior with little or no backstory. While The Lego Movie (also starring Pratt) was able to pay tribute to its properties in a refreshing way, this feels like a soulless exercise in tick-boxing.

This is directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the brains behind the brilliant Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, but there’s little of that irreverent humour on display here. Though it has all the ingredients for a fun Mario film - the Mario Karts, fan-favourite characters, and side-view pipe action all make an appearance - the set pieces feel weirdly tame, while there’s only a handful of truly funny moments. Even Seth Rogen, virtually playing himself as Donkey Kong, fails to inject more than a laugh or two.

Thank the mushroom gods then, for Jack Black, whose big bad carries the film on the back of his signature spiky shell. Whether he’s terrifying his boney goons or penning a hilarious song dedicated to Peach (complete with cheesy music video flourishes), Black has a ball playing Bowser as a rockstar, stealing pretty much every scene he’s in. If the rest of the film had as much fun, this might’ve been a game adaptation worth pressing start for.

Powered up by an unshackled Jack Black performance, The Super Mario Bros. Movie slips on the banana skin of its weak story and lack of creative ideas.

★★

#super mario bros movie #review #nintendo #jack black #anya taylor joy #seth rogen #mario #luigi #princess peach #donkey kong #bowser #mario kart #minions #video game #2 stars #chris pratt #keegan michael key

[trulyinspiringmovies]

Shrek The Third

“Shrek The Third” fails to deliver the same level of quality and creativity that its two predecessors gave us.

Shrek is not enjoying his stay at Far Far Away and just wants to go home. When he discovers that King Harold is dying, he learns that he’s next in line to become king. Hesitant to take on that responsibility and stay in Far Far Away, Shrek goes on a quest to find the only person who can replace him, a boy named Arthur Pendragon. Before leaving, Shrek learns that his wife is pregnant and he is not happy about that.

I watched this movie in theaters and, before rewatching it, I couldn’t tell you a single detail about it. That goes to show how forgettable this movie truly is. I remembered it being super boring and it was one of the only few movies that I had trouble keeping up with the plot because it was so unengaging. As an adult, I’m all about giving movies I’ve watched as a kid a fair shake. “Shrek The Third” was just as uninteresting and boring as I remembered. For starters, I thought the jokes weren’t on the same level as the first two. What do I mean by that? Isn’t comedy subjective and therefore this criticism holds no weight? Well, what I mean is that the jokes in this movie aren’t crafted the same way the jokes in the first two movies were. The jokes in the first two movies were creative and cleverly injected commentary. Some examples are the Starbucks joke being a commentary on the oversaturation of their locations or how the kingdom of Duloc was a parody of Disney World. The jokes in this movie were mean-spirited, like the death of King Harold being painfully dragged out, or attempts at making childlike humor, like the scene of Gingy getting lost in the memories of his layered past. The song choices were a staple of the first two Shrek movies, but this installment missed the mark entirely. It gave me such tonal whiplash to see King Harold’s funeral playing a James Bond song in the background because the song has the word ‘die’ in it. The story of the first two Shrek movies had powerful themes of acceptance of who you are. “Shrek The Third” has some half-assed attempt at themes of fatherhood or something. There’s no clear message they want to convey. It’s mostly ignored throughout the movie, but when the movie wants to bring its theme to the audience’s attention, it’s too heavy-handed. They missed some great opportunities to really hammer their point too. Shrek had reservations about becoming a father because ogres typically aren’t good parents. Arthur was abandoned by his parents and was in serious need of some parental guidance. Was it so hard to marry those two arcs together and have Arthur be Shrek’s surrogate son so they could both learn from one another? Through Shrek’s guidance, Arthur could’ve learned why it’s so important to take the responsibility of being king seriously. In turn, this could’ve also taught Shrek a valuable lesson in the rewarding nature of watching someone he was guiding grow up to be the best version of themselves. Instead, the writers keep their stories like oil and water. Speaking of writers, “Shrek The Third” had a mostly different writing team and it really shows. The B-plot with Fiona and the other princesses really just felt like an excuse to have recognizable princesses in their movie. The climax of the film felt extremely lackluster. The resolution in the end boiled down to a hollow speech delivered by Arthur. The speech wasn’t reflective of the lessons he learned throughout the movie. It was just Arthur trying to appeal to the villain’s feeling of neglect compared to their protagonists. All in all, this movie is symptomatic of DreamWorks’s curse to make brilliant sequels, but abhorrent third installments.

★★

Rewatched on January 5th, 2023

#Shrek The Third #May #2007 #Comedy #Children's #Adventure #Fantasy #Animation #PG #Chris Miller #January 2023 #2 stars

[shazzeaslightnovels]

Watanare 5

Author: Teren Mikami

Illustrator: Eku Takeshima

Label:  Dash Ex Bunko

Release Date: 24 February 2023

My Score: 2/5

English Release: This series is currently being published in English by Seven Seas Entertainment under the the title of There’s No Freaking Way I’ll be Your Lover! Unless... so please pick it up if the series interests you.

At the end of last volume, Renako made a choice: she would date both Mai and Ajisai and make them both happy. The volume ended with a cliffhanger with Satsuki messaging Renako and asking to date her too. At the start of this volume, Satsuki confronts Renako who has been avoiding her. Satsuki tries to convince Renako to take on a third girlfriend but when Renako asks Satsuki if she’s seriously in love with her, Satsuki passes things off as a joke. Meanwhile, the new throuple is going strong with Mai and Ajisai satisfied with how things have ended up but Renako’s just not confident that she can make the two loves of her life happy. And the third plot of this volume begins when the Queentet (that is, Mai, Ajisai, Satsuki, Kaho, and Renako) are challenged by a group calling themselves the 5(Go)dèsse. The showdown will decide who are the popular girls in the school and will take place during the upcoming sports carnival.

First of all, let me say one thing: this volume is way too long. It clocks in at 488 pages. For comparison with some of my recent reads, Sword Oratoria 13 was 376 pages and YouZitsu 10 was 328 pages. The only volume I’ve read recently that surpasses this one in page length is Danmachi 18 which is 640 pages which is more excusable seeing as it’s a fantasy, the climax of an arc, and was written by an author with an excellent sense of pacing. Watanare has none of those excuses and this volume was such a slog to get through as a result. I would never feel like picking it up because I knew that the chapters would take me forever to get through. If the plot was more interesting, this wouldn’t have been as much of a problem, but so much of this volume was bogged down by subplots and random scenes. For example, there’s a subplot where Mai’s servant disapproves of Renako and believes her to be unworthy. This is an unnecessary subplot that becomes very annoying once there’s a random scene where the servant baths Renako and gives her an erotically charged massage to “prepare” her for her date with Mai. It was so uncomfortable and did not need to be here. The subplot does have some payoff as it’s referenced in the cliffhanger set up for volume 6 but that scene made me so uncomfortable and made me remember why I never really liked this series.

As for the main plots, Satsuki’s storyline doesn’t get a resolution here and didn’t get nearly as much focus as I thought it would. There were several times in the volume that I forgot that it was even a thing that was going on because she just didn’t appear much. It does seem like she will be a focus in volumes 6 & 7 but I was disappointed in her plotline here. Otherwise, so much of this volume is just Renako training for the sports carnival and scenes of her practicing basketball. The sports carnival subplot also introduces so many new characters at once and I could not keep track of all of their names. It was good to see Renako giving her all for the sake of her girls but it got real repetitive and boring. Her scenes with Mai and Ajisai were cute and I’m happy for polyamory representation but I couldn’t bring myself to really care about them. Also, we are 5 volumes into this series and Renako is dating two girls and she still insists that she’s not attracted to girls!!! This is so annoying!!! I’m guessing this might get addressed as some internalised homophobia in future volumes but it’s still super annoying in the mean time.

Overall, I was really disappointed in this volume. I remember really enjoying volume 4 and I think I just forgot about how boring and uncomfortable this series can be. I don’t think I’m going to read volume 6 as I was kinda satisfied with how this volume ended and I don’t feel like I want or need to read more.

#watanare #teren mikami #eku takeshima #Dash Ex Bunko #2023 releases #may 2023 #2 stars

[yoongivenn]

The Centre - Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi

The Centre was a book that had everything to be a perfect book for me, it’s about a Pakistani translator who is introduced to a language school that boasts fluency in just 10 days, but with a dark, sinister cost to pay. I do need to point out that the two different covers could not have been more different, and one of them (the mouth one) is completely horrendous, however, once you finish the…

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#2 estrelas #2 stars #ayesha manazir siddiqi #livros #resenha #resenhas #review #reviews #the centre