#but the movie is so good in a way that doesn't detract from the book so it's basically the best of both worlds

[asofterepilogue]

ghibli's howl's moving castle is truly not a good adaptation, doesn't follow either the letter or the spirit of the book, barely recognisable at all beyond a few concepts and character names.

but who could actually be mad about it when it's such a good movie anyway? really great on its own AND it's like watching fanfiction AND you still get to enjoy the book because the movie does nothing to ruin it for you. this is what all unfaithful adaptations should aim for.

#I'm usually not a fan of adaptations taking more liberties than absolutely necessary #but the movie is so good in a way that doesn't detract from the book so it's basically the best of both worlds #two stories for the price of one I get to have my cake and eat it too etc. etc. #howl's moving castle #I showed it to my 4yo nephew a couple weeks ago and now he wants to watch it daily and he talks about it constantly #he sees a bird? 'like howl'. playing with dolls? 'this is sophie and this is howl'. telling him a bedtime story? 'tell howl and the wolf'. #he literally will not shut up about it #which I love btw it's nice that he loves something that I don't have to pretend to care about lol #mine

[ghostofbambifanfiction]

Irish Wish Recap - Part 1

Remember when I did commentary on Midnight Sun? I felt like doing something similar with Irish Wish, in part because I had a great time laughing at that movie when I watched it with Bee, but also because @ali2cann asked me to share my thoughts on it. So I've decided to recap the entire film, but in parts, because that way the fun lasts longer for everyone. Please note that this is all good natured. This movie was ridiculous but I still had a lot of fun watching it.

Anywhere, here's Part 1!

The film opens with a dictionary definition of the word "wish," which is: to want something that cannot or probably will not happen, or alternatively: the website that we ordered this movie from. There is a shot of some Tourism Ireland approved scenery before we cut to stock footage of New York.

A glamorous New York book launch party is in full swing, and has absolutely been filmed at the Clarence Hotel in Dublin. I know this for a fact because Dublin is the place of my birth, the origin of my being, the city that shaped my childhood, and because the filmmakers made absolutely no effort to change the exterior, particularly the massive lintel above the entrance that bears the name "The Clarence Hotel" in great big letters. The only indication that we are actually in New York is the brief flash of a yellow cab and a cunningly placed hotdog vendor, because outside of a swanky New York book launch party is exactly where a hotdog vendor would be.

You know what? Forget what I just said. This doesn't seem to be a book launch at all. The signage near the entrance reads "A NIGHT WITH PAUL KENNEDY." So I guess it's some sort of fancy meet and greet? The book itself is already a best seller. What is this meant to be????

Anyway. Paul Kennedy. Get used to that name, because this movie is about to ram it down your fucking throat. Paul Kennedy, ladies and gentlemen. Paul Kennedy.

Maddie Kelly, played by Lindsay Lohan, arrives at the party and exits her cab. She is wearing a dress that says "fancy book party" and a scarf that says "brunch with mom."

At the same time, Paul Kennedy arrives at the event. Paul Kennedy is wearing a plaid patterned suit to subtly indicate that he, Paul Kennedy, is Irish, rather than the O'Neills GAA jersey that actually forms part of the traditional Irishman's uniform. Paul Kennedy, you see, is a stylish Irish man, a stylish Irish man named Paul Kennedy, and he wears stylish Irish clothes. Maddie is so transfixed by Paul Kennedy's rakish good looks and stylish Irish attire that she doesn't notice that her scarf has gotten caught in the cab door and is nearly garrotted when the cab drives away.

You know, I'm really glad that this mishap occurred. I was so worried that Maddie would not be a relatable character, so it came as such a relief to see that she is Clumsy, which is the most relatable trait that you can give to a female character without detracting from her hotness in some way.

Paul Kennedy greets Maddie and we hear his terrible fake Irish accent for the first time. The press goes wild upon seeing Paul Kennedy. Paul Kennedy is, as previously mentioned, a best selling author, and Maddie is his editor. Paul Kennedy pulls Maddie in front of the press and announces that he owes everything to her and her brilliant writing and editing skills, which tbh I wasn't expecting because he's clearly not the endgame love interest in this movie and that would normally qualify him as a dick from minute one. What a nice guy that Paul Kennedy is!

Just then, Maddie gets a call from her mom, who is the principal of a high school in Iowa and is inexplicably being played by Jane Seymour. Maddie asks her how she's doing and her mom launches into a story about toilet paper, so Maddie tells her to shut up because she's attending this event for work purposes and she's only just arrived. Maddie's mom, clearly aware that this event was taking place, scolds her for her bad time management. Why did she fucking call her then??!

Maddie's mom asks her if she's told Paul Kennedy how she feels about him yet, which is an absurd question to call your daughter about when she is attending a work event. Maddie tells her mom that she hasn't even told her closest friends about her romantic feelings for Paul Kennedy, and asks her to keep her secret. Maddie's mom, her accent veering wildly between possibly English and possibly American, is all, "nobody in Des Moines gives a shit about your feelings, bitch," but Maddie doesn't care about the people of Des Moines because Paul Kennedy wants to speak to her later and she's sure that he's about to make a love confession of his own. She ends the call and immediately runs into her friends, Emma Who Works in Fashion and Heather Who Did the Cover Art for Paul Kennedy's Book. Emma Who Works in Fashion gets all hot and bothered at the sight of Paul Kennedy's smouldering Irish face on the back cover of his novel while Heather Who Did the Cover Art for Paul Kennedy's Book reminds everyone that Maddie basically wrote the book for him, which I guess makes Maddie a ghostwriter/editor hybrid. Either way, Paul Kennedy didn't do shit.

Maddie meets Paul Kennedy in the hotel bar and they talk about how they make such a great team, what with her doing all of the work and him wearing the shit out of plaid suits. Paul Kennedy takes her by the hand to ask if she wants to take their relationship to the next level and Maddie practically starts foaming at the mouth in her haste to say yes. But alas! Paul Kennedy wants her to work with him on his next novel, and by "work with him," I mean conceptualise and write the thing for him so that he can devote his time to shopping for even more plaid suits. Paul Kennedy knows that Maddie wants to write her own book, but his book is far more important so he wants her to put her own ambitions to one side for now. What a shitty guy that Paul Kennedy is!

Maddie agrees to Paul Kennedy's insane request because I guess she has no self-respect and he leaves her to drown her sorrows. Meanwhile, Emma Who Works in Fashion is racing to the bathroom because one of her false eyelashes has become displaced and Heather Who Did the Cover Art for Paul Kennedy's Book is unable to help her fix it. They run into Paul Kennedy, who immediately pushes the eyelash back into place with his finger because apparently that didn't occur to either of them to do themselves.

Emma Who Works in Fashion tells Paul Kennedy that she works in fashion and they immediately fall in love at first sight.

Later, Paul Kennedy reads an excerpt from his best selling novel, Two Irish Hearts, while Maddie and Emma Who Works in Fashion watch him from the bar, their bosoms heaving lustily in unison. They all have a drink together afterwards, and the upshot is that Emma Who Works in Fashion leaves the event in raptures over her and Paul Kennedy's instant connection while Maddie gnashes her teeth with barely-concealed jealousy. They barely avoid a fatal traffic collision and suddenly it's three months and one Aer Lingus advertisement later.

Maddie arrives in Ireland, specifically Knock Airport, for the wedding of Paul Kennedy and Emma Who Works in Fashion. Paul Kennedy is dressed in a ridiculous outfit that would absolutely earn him a savage bollocking from the locals were he to wear it anywhere in his purported home country. Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. We've all seen that viral Twitter thread.

Maddie is waiting for her luggage to come through baggage claim and her friends, unwilling to wait the extra twenty seconds it would have taken for her to grab her suitcase, immediately leave her to her own devices. She chases her suitcase along the luggage carousel and runs into Ed Speleers, who is also making a play for the suitcase. A tug of war ensues and the suitcase bursts open. Maddie triumphantly waves Ed Speleers' plaid boxers in the air before realising that she's not holding her favourite plaid skirt. There's so much plaid in this fucking movie. Lindsay Lohan is wearing a plaid jacket and I'm pretty sure Ed Speleers is wearing a plaid shirt with a matching colour scheme beneath his jacket and cardigan.

Anyway, Ed Speleers is all "you clumsy oaf" and gets outta there without bothering to close his case properly. I wonder if we'll see him again.

Alas, Maddie's bag has been lost by the airline, which kind of undercuts the earlier Aer Lingus advertisement. She tells Paul Kennedy to take her friends and leave, and that she'll follow them in a taxi. No taxis are available, however, so Maddie is forced to get on a rickety old bus that looks like it was found by a bunch of Irish stereotype-hungry scouts who came upon it and collectively jizzed in their pants.

Maddie hops on without paying and asks the driver to take her to a specific address, which he happily agrees to do because fuck bus routes, and fuck the other passengers who also have places to be. Just as the bus is about to leave, Ed Speleers jumps on, greets the bus driver by his first name and sits down, also without paying. Why is this bus driver so willing to take people wherever they need to go without collecting a fare? How is the bus company running with no profits?! Ed Speleers and Maddie have a brief exchange wherein Ed Speleers cheekily mentions his boxers and Maddie anxiously adjusts her jacket to hide her lustily heaving bosom, and the bus moves off, possibly in search of a passenger who is willing to pay for the privilege of riding it.

It doesn't take long before Maddie and Ed Speleers get to talking. Maddie learns that Ed Speleers is a nature photographer who smiles a lot in a disarmingly handsome way that I am not ashamed to admit I found very stirring. It also helps that he speaks in his native accent, which the majority of the characters in this movie seem completely unable to do. Maddie's copy of Two Irish Hearts falls out of her purse and Ed Speleers sees it and laughs about how shit of an author Paul Kennedy is whilst making it clear that he hasn't read the specific book that Maddie wrote for him. There is a short exchange about the UK that absolutely backs up my theory that the makers of this movie mistakenly believe that Ireland is part of the UK, which I'm disappointed about, but not remotely surprised.

Anyway, the magically altruistic bus drops Maddie directly off at Paul Kennedy's house in County Wicklow. I know it's in Wicklow because Paul Kennedy lives near Lough Tay. Which is in Wicklow. Thus marks the first of many times that a character in this movie travels from one side of the country to the other in roughly fifteen minutes.

Anyway, Maddie enters the grounds of Kennedy House and immediately happens upon a man who is carrying wood and who I could immediately tell was played by an Irish actor because all Irish men have one of roughly ten generic faces. That's a very true observation and not a joke at all. The fact that people think Niall Horan and Paul Mescal are in any way unique looking is hilarious. You'll find at least a dozen of either in Copper Face Jacks on any given night. A dozen at least. Cillian Murphy is the only outlier.

The genuine Irish man introduces himself as Paul's brother, Kory, which is a name that no Irish person would ever give to their child, and thus, Maddie is welcomed into Kennedy House.

Aaaaaaand that's it for Part 1! What on earth will happen next?!

#Sarah recaps Irish Wish

[partnersatfazbear]

FNAF Movie - Full Review / SPOILERS

Alright, my full review after seeing the film once in theatres, under the cut:

Let me preface by saying a few things. I've been a fan of the series since Sister Location and if you follow my blog, you know my main interests would be William and Henry going into the film. Let me say: Henry was not in the film. :( In fact, nothing of Fredbear's was even referenced. Yeah, we expected too much... You may also know how bleh I am towards Vanessa as a character, especially after her botched introduction in Security Breach. That doesn't change here. I went in expecting to hate her inclusion and as expected she adds nothing to the film. But let me start from the beginning..

The first ten minutes is so good. The opening feels like a horror movie and sets the tone really well. Characters, although many, are introduced fairly quickly, including a very stereotypical / evil Aunt Jen (Aunt Jane). Given her actress, I should have expected that... Luckily, she has such a minor role in the movie that it doesn't detract. In short, she wants custody of Abby and wants it now.

Michael was the shining star of this movie. Without his character being everything I'd ever want from a character, I would probably rate this movie way lower. He's a little brooding, he's fucking trying his damndest to raise Abby on his own, and the movie opens with him having major anger problems. PTSD does that to you, though.

Shortly after Michael beats up some guy walking off with his kid, we get to a meeting with his career counselor, Afton (under a different name I don't recall--it's shown a lot in the trailers). But before I say that, I wanna discuss where I thought the film was going... If you played the games you know William is Michael's father. That is NOT the case here, very very very much to my disappointment. When we see an angry father drag off a kid and Mike get upset about it, I thought perhaps it would allude to Michael's troubled childhood. Nope. He's got different problems, which aren't really bad, but I really wish they had kept that familial connection given the scene following with Mike and ("Not")Afton. William recognizes Mike's name, which at this point it's unclear why. If a fan goes into this, they already know William was going to say Schmidt--Michael's alias in the games. My thought here was maybe William abandoned his family and recognized Mike, but Mike didn't recognize him. Again, more on that later. Anyway, "Not"Afton invites Mike to a job at FNAF as a security guard, which due to the night shifts, Michael can't take yet.

But Aunt Jane is back trying to get custody (god, this trope is so badly used here, but it serves it's purpose) and so Mike HAS to take the job before he's evicted from his home and loses Abby. Abby also has some problems of her own. She wasn't around during Mike's life-changing incident, but she is his sister. Due to their parents splitting/dying/whatever I don't even remember it's so unimportant, Abby also isn't told about said incident. She draws a lot, too. (I loved being able to see a bit of my version of Charlotte in her, so that was nice!)

Note: Mike's Dream Theory book is not only plot relevant but a funny nod to the infamous FNAF 4 Dream Theory. Also, MatPat shows up as a waiter very briefly.

Mike takes his first shift, leaving Abby with a babysitter. I know her actress' face, but her character is like a slew of others about to be introduced as 90's slasher fodder. Mike's first night is mostly uneventful, but he takes his sleeping pills and puts on Sounds of the Trailer Park Nature tape and gets a nap in where he recalls a camping trip with his family (unnamed mother, father, and little brother Garret). Garret is quickly kidnapped in a car--and because it's so different from how Charlotte's death is portrayed in FNAF 2, I actually didn't put it together until the 2nd or 3rd short dream sequence. I can see some people not liking these sequences, but for me it made it feel more like it's own movie, it's own thing--it felt like an original horror film and I loved these sequences a lot. They don't overstay their welcome, either.

Now the film kinda goes downhill. Aunt Jane actively PLOTS to get MIke fired to win custody of Abby. It feels very cheesy and it's... kind of bad writing. It serves it's purpose as her character does, but it's a really low point for me. We see she's hired the Babysitter and Unnamed Man A to go trash Freddy's when Mike isn't there in hopes to get him fired. There are two other people as well. Unnamed Person B and Hank (or, Uncle Hank as he was called in casting). And no Hank is NOT Henry--he's just an adorable buff bear that screams like a girl and he's excellent for the short time he appears.

Proceed with them trashing Freddy's and having a nice, quick sequence of them all being picked off by the animatronics. There's good nods here, especially Chica in the kitchen. Chica is a bad ass bitch in this movie and I really enjoyed how everyone (except Freddy) had a pretty solid personality. Foxy even gets a bit of a run sequence, but this may have been later in the film...

Vanessa was introduced somewhere between all this, I don't remember. Everytime she's on screen she's like a paper doll (no complaints to her actress, she was great), but she's... Generic Cop Y. She chunks a few "Don't investigate, Mike"s and "This place's backstory, Mike!"s and that's her character for 99% of the film. Hate it, hated her inclusion from the start, and she TRIES to be romantic with Mike but luckily the movie's plot cuts her off really quick. There isn't a kiss scene or anything like that, but there's a scene where she wants to dance with him and another heart-to-heart that gets cut off by her police radio and both were so dull and boring I will not recap them as her character only serves to infodump to the audience (and Mike) and it's bland and I hate it.

Mike returns to the Pizzeria with his sister since the animatronics killed the babysitter, and she wanders off and makes friends with the animatronics. During this time, Mike starts seeing a group of five children in his dreams that shouldn't be there. We all know who they are and after an 80's style montage of Mike, Vanessa (again...), and Abby building a fort with the animatromos, we learn Vanessa knows who they are.

My wife and I both thought Vanessa would be like... Suzie's sister. You know, something kinda fun and different and help her relate to Michael more and have a stake in the movie. Nah, nah fam. Scott's bad writing shows badly with Vanessa and it gets worse.

I am skipping some stuff, but namely you should know that Mike almost leaves Abby with Aunt Jane forever after Vanessa threatens to literally shoot him if he brings her back after Abby almost dies activating Bonnie's guitar. It seems kinda odd, since Vanessa was encouraging Abby to play with them, but it's supposed to.

Mike goes back for another shift to investigate further with the dream children and knowing that Abby has been seeing the ghost children and talking to them. The children promise to show Mike who kidnapped Garret (again, you should've figured it out) if they offer up Abby. He agrees at first, but then he wakes up and is nearly killed by all the animatronics. I really miss the bit from the games where they wanna kill Mike because he looks like his father, not because Mike broke an arbitrary promise and the animatronic kids are evil (similar to the novels... There's a lot of novel influence here, and this INCLUDES a Golden Freddy kid who is basically FF's Andrew / TOYSKHK from UCN).

Vanessa rescues Mike off-screen and Mike returns to Freddy's with a taser after learning she's Afton's daughter. Yeah. Remember that old deleted / AR email "Vanessa A."? The movie tries to get you to think it's clever by naming her Shelley or something, but no, A COP is the daughter of a SERIAL KILLER. Not like game Afton, either, where he started killing with Charlotte. No, he killed Garret too. Why? Who fucking cares, the movie isn't gonna tell you because... why bother. Also I don't remember when it happens but Vanessa also explains the springlock suits when they find one in the storage of Freddy's that looks a lot like Eleanor / Baby. The springlocks themselves aren't as much like the novels / comics and more like a robotic ribcage that slams shut (think Saw 3's Angel Trap but in reverse).

Speaking of, in the intro to the movie we see a device that's basically a Freddy head with blades inside it where the user is strapped to a chair to have their face sawed off (as is the fate of Security Guard A). Never explained. Only shown again with Mike very late in the film and he escapes rather easily... I DON'T KNOW what the point of this Saw trap is except to provide trailer fodder! I wanted to believe it was the SCUPER, but guess fucking not. You could remove this from the film with literally NO CONSEQUENCES.

Abby finally stops throwing a fit and wakes up to meet Golden Freddy and a dead Aunt Jane (so much for her, I guess). This taxi just fucking ubers her and GF to Fredbear's. I guess the driver thought he was a creepy cosplayer, but the entire segment is played for laughs (which is fine, I guess) but also makes no sense. it's an excuse to get Abby to Freddy's and show off GF. Who, by the way, disappears as quickly as he appeared in the movie, which is kind of shitty considering how important he's played up in some of the original screenshots we saw.

Mike goes to save Abby at Freddy's, electrocuting a bunch of the animatronics with the tazer Vanessa gave him after saving him off screen and taking him back to the police station and info dumping. If she hadn't said that was where Mike was I would've thought it was still Freddy's TBH. Oh, Vanessa? She's not gonna help because she's "scared of her daddy" -.- Just fucking kill me Vanessa it's better than sitting through your shitty character.

Abby is nearly put into the Saw trap by Chica, but Mike saves her. However... THE BEST PART OF THE FILM IS HERE GENTLEMEN. Spring Bonnie finally makes his appearance.

William/Bonnie can somehow magically control the animatronics (it's not explained) and so they all start attacking again. Which is it? Mad at Mike? Want Abby for their kiddy carnival? Or William wants them to kill to build his found-family of child labor force? I DON'T KNOW, IT'S NOT EXPLAINED.

Spring Bonnie's intro is fucking glorious, but it is disappointing we didn't get to hear him hum the Toreador March. In fact, it isn't in the film anywhere that I recall.

Tangent for a second because the march song, the power down noise (despite the power going out 3 times during the film), and the Freddy bonk are ALL ABSENT. Key elements fans wanted to see... not here.

Vanessa tries to shoot daddeh but Spring Bonnie's bulletproof~ Fuck you, it's FNAF, I guess. (It's a bad ass scene though. And Lillard's Afton is everything I wanted. Just creepy enough to not be a Criminal Minds villain but just twitchy enough to be how I imagined William). In a tussle, Wiliam tries to strangle Vanessa (I audibly cheered for him--kill the bitch, Will) and he stabs her shortly after when he brandishes the knife on Mike. Thank God.

Abby shows the animatronics her drawing with Mike's instruction, revealing and reminding them that Afton / Spring Bonnie killed them. They all descent on him and when Cupcake takes a very familiar bite out of Spring Bonnie (see: Springtrap), the springlocks start going off. The animatronics cart off William to the back. Admittedly, I was a bit disappointed it wasn't MORE dramatic, but I think that it would have upped the rating... so I'll let it slide. Mike and Abby leave with Vanessa's "corpse".

Vanessa is in a coma at the hospital. Fuck this movie.

Mike and Abby are happy, although Abby misses her friends. Mike has learned to look forward instead of back, giving him a decent character arc. I think if Garret's killer had been random it would have been better... except my theory for FNAF 2 is that Garret may end up being our Puppet! I really hope that's the case!

There's a final scene of William in his FNAF 3 glory, twitching as Spring Bonnie and reaching out for the door closing on him, in a very "Hello, Zepp" theme kinda way. I LIVED FOR THIS IT WAS EXACTLY HOW YOU'D WANT IT AS A WILLIAM FAN. Andrew/TOYSKHK/GF ghost closes the door on him, showing that at minimum he hasn't moved on, although I suspect the others haven't either.

Only cut in to the credits is that taxi driver again. No post-credits scene of Springtrap. EVERYONE in my theatre stayed the entire time (Living Tombstone song was great) but we all left a little sad about that. It was one of many odd decisions plaguing this movie, but not entirely out of the realm of possibility if you have any experience with Scott's writing. So... I went in expecting the worst, wishing for some things we didn't get to see (FREDBEARS), BUT I left loving this movie. As my wife said if we had a No-Vanessa-Cut I'd give this movie a perfect 10/10 despite the odd writing choices. She's about 45% of those choices.

I hope they leave her for dead so we can watch a PERFECT movie for Part 2.

In conclusion, A-. Good acting, score, effects. Dialogue didn't come off wierd and there's a ton of fun references for fans. A mostly good story with some weird inclusions that slow down the pacing at times. Lack of post-credits scene was disappointing to all and lack of Fredbear's disappointing to all Willry shippers. Also, casuals may be annoyed at how little screentime William gets overall. Fans of the animatronics will die over this film--they shine with Henson's work behind them. Bonnie has toebeans. I love them. Spring Bonnie is a hulking behemoth and I wish he was shown more. Just go see the fucking movie, even if you aren't a fan of the games. It's a fun little romp.

EXTRA NOTES (rewatched on streaming):

I wonder if the Saw trap thing will get explained in a future installment. A big thing now having seen the film is how to set up part 2. If it's a prequel, Mike won't make sense. If it's a sequel, it changes the lore slightly.

THE PIXEL INTRO OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT TO MENTION IT. IT'S SO GOOD. I LOVE 'YELLOW RABBIT'

I was VERY confused on WHEN the movie took place on my first watch. There's a very minor establishing shot that reads 4/6/2000. Unsure if this date is / will be important. Luckily the use of VHS and flip phones does help give a timeframe as well. (Saw crossover, anyone?)

I really wish the ghost kids in the real world (namely, at the end in the Pizzeria and in the final shot of William) were transluscent. IDK if this was a stylistic or budget choice. It doesn't bother me in the dream sequences but it's a touch I wish was added for viewer clarity (a problem this movie and Scott's writing in general has)

I didn't get to rant about Spring Bonnie enough lol But one thing that really does show his power is how he tosses Mike around like a footballer and stomps like he owns the place. The other animatronics are very stilted and slow in comparison, showing the difference well between an animatronic and a springlock suit. I also LOVE how accurate the suit is to the few models we've seen of Spring Bonnie. It's bulky to hold a human, but it's also bulky to show William's power and ego. I can't remember if I mentioned before when he first shows up and has to adjust his stance to stand up straight--it's a very powerful and evoking moment! (Probably helps that Lillard is very tall to begin with...)

A small thing about streaming VS theatre: way easier to see details in the theatre. I highly recommend you experience this film on a big screen or a very large TV (our 50" is not enough). Also, alot of the backgrounds in the film are purposely blurred, which is kinda weird? But little things like the details on the chalkboard, the map in Not!Afton's office... you'll kind of miss that on home viewings.

I didn't say this enough but the lack of Fredbear's really sucks in the long run of letting this movie soak in. There is literally no mention of Henry, Fredbear, or the diner. Vanessa's photo is at the diner in question where the film takes place. I feel like it's a very personal decision on Scott's part to completely ignore Fredbear's (I even partially suspect because of blogs like mine with a specific ship in mind, but I won't read a lot into that as I have an anxiety disorder) But to completely disregard a big chunk of the lore that fans are really dying for feels a little like a slap on the wrist for spilling juice on a new carpet. Like, come on, Scott. This kinda sucks. It doesn't diminish my love for the film (or this continuity) but as a fan it really hurts. I don't think clarifying Fredbear's in any way, given us more insight to Henry or William, would harm everything, but it is what it is.

A minor detail I noted early on in my theatre watch was how all the Yellow Rabbit drawings are pretty centralized on the wall of drawings in the restaraunt. Not only does it draws the viewer's eye (especially an unsuspecting viewer's) but it adds to William's narcissism / ego as a character. If you look at it in that light, the scene with Abby ripping down the drawing is way more impactful!!

#fnaf movie #fnaf movie spoilers #spoilers #SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS

[abnerkrill]

I am just... you know, I don't like the HBO adaption of His Dark Materials. Not because it's not accurate to the book, I just think that it failed in ADAPTING some of the story and world building. Which is my opinion!!

Percy Jackson the show is not like that. The gods in Greek mythology are not unknowable beings, the entire point of them (assuming you're not pagan) is that they reflect the best and worst of humanity. The gods are extremely human!!

Being mad that Hermes is wearing a hoodie is deranged. And meaningless!! It doesn't detract from him being a god, he's literally a god of travelers and thieves, not fucking King Midas.

honestly you're so right. i've never ever been against people who dislike an adaptation for reasons of taste & opinion, but to say that the only standard of good/bad for an adaptation is fidelity is WILD. for the most part, people ADORE adaptations that changed a lot. (lotr movies. bam. people who argue the films didn't change anything significant... can we get into a fistfight, i think it would fix me). does the adaptation stand as a work on its own, on its own merits, or does it fail to tell a compelling, cohesive story? does it translate the narrative in a way that makes sense for the medium? does it make compelling interpretive choices?

pjo has made some interesting choices AND it has some weak parts! but it's not the fidelity that fucked up the weak parts; it's (imho) Rick's relative inexperience in the TV medium compared to a prose work like a novel, and the stretch to "update" the story for 2024 that weakens the overall narrative momentum.

#dear-massacre

[george-weasleys-girl]

GWG Ramblings

The Darker Sides of Harry Potter

tw: rape

It's not explicit, but nonetheless, I'm putting the rest under the cut.

~•~

So, I posted this earlier and it got me thinking. What other things got cut out of the books, either because they were inappropriate for young readers or weren't important to the story?

Whenever I edit my writing, there is usually at least one thing that I end up cutting because it isn't necessary or it detracts from the story. So, I would imagine there were quite a few stories that didn't make it into the series. And I'd really love to read those.

I also wonder what the series would've been like had it been written for adults rather than kids. I think about things like love potions (the magical world's version of the date rape drug). And since it was widely available, how did the magical community view rape? Was it even a crime? Or was it only a crime when love potions weren't involved? What kind of mindset are we looking at here?

Voldemort was the product of love potion rape. So, we know it did happen. On what scale, though? And what, if any, repercussions were there?

It's possible that it was deemed a crime with a harsh punishment. But it was rarely reported, not out of fear, but because the victim doesn't remember it, thanks to the memory spells that altered or wiped a person's memory.

Which brings me to another point.

I wrote an entire ramble on mental health care in the wizarding world. Something I didn't even consider at the time was the use of memory spells as mental health care. I talked about shock spells as being the magical equivalent of electro-shock therapy. One of the potential side effects of electroconvulsive therapy is memory loss.

On the surface, this seems like a great idea. Erase the memory of the trauma (be it rape or seeing Voldemort brutally murder one of your friends).

Then, voila! No more bad memories.

Except...

Does it erase the trauma caused by the event?

Imagine how fucked up it would be living with the effects of long-term trauma, but having no idea why and no way to remedy it.

It'd be like going to the doctor, knowing that something is wrong and being told it's just your imagination.

It's all in your head.

And brings me to another point. (I'm on a roll today.😅)

These spells were generally reversible (unless something goes wrong). So what if a person's true memories aren't wiped/altered but instead just made extremely difficult or impossible to access by non-magical means?

I think about when Hermione altered her parents' memories to erase her existence from their minds. I can't help but wonder if they were haunted by the reoccurring thought that something was missing. Something very, very important. But they had no idea what.

This all reminds me of the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (which, if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it).

To sum up its about two people who, after their painful break-up, have their memories of each other wiped. The movie then follows the repercussions of that decision. The female lead, Clementine, is still plagued with depression even after the memories of her ex are all erased. And at the end of the day, the point is, we need our memories, both the good and bad if we are to grow and to heal.

We can't do either if we can't remember what hurt us.

~•~

ANYWAY.

Wow. I really galloped off on one hell of tangent. I think that's enough rambling for today.

And it wasn't even the one I've been working on. Go figure. 🤷‍♀️

~•~

@milivanili99 @fancy-pantaloons @turvi @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @georgie-weasley @kaysau2510 @sierraluvz @hanne-montana @rhunew @greenapplegrass @loca4moony @whotfskai

#harry potter universe #harry potter fandom #hp books #harry potter books #hp fandom #hp universe

[ramoth13]

Top Ten Standalone Films

(I've done these as individuals on here already and thought I might put them all together)

1. Master and Commander

This is it. The best one. Historically, thematically, emotionally... this movie tells a story about a captain, a doctor, and the crew of a ship very far from home. Adventure and glory, sorrow and heartache, the beautiful scenery is perfectly juxtaposed with the intensity of naval warfare happening on the other side of the world. The characters are compelling and the drama feels real. I have not found a better film to watch yet. This movie has more than one Surprise waiting for you.

2. In Bruges

The funniest, saddest, most relatable and unrelatable movie I have ever seen. Excellent movie dialogue that will have you quoting it for months, gorgeous views, sex, guns, and rock & roll. This movie delves into depression without leaving us too heavy and asks if we are worth redemption. I don't know the answer, but I love the way this movie asks that question.

3. The Rum Diary

This recommendation seems a bit in bad taste considering the recent circumstances (the very high profile, publicly volatile divorce of the two movie leads), but don't let that detract from the ambiance, camaraderie, and humor this film produces. Based on the Book by Hunter S. Thompson, this movie is funny, intriguing, and more than a little revealing. No matter what paradise you live in, there's always a dark side, and sometimes the good guys just don't win. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the memories of friends, lovers, and the good times.

4. Cast Away

Never in my life have I felt loss like I did the first time I watched this movie. But neither have I ever felt such hope. The ups, the downs, everything in between. This movie made me believe in myself and in humanity. I can't say much more than this, if you haven't seen it, I cannot recommend it enough. Though, much like Brad Pitt (in a different movie), I can't stop asking myself "What's in the box?"

5. Wake of the Red Witch

Sailing, thieving, sunken ships, love stories, and giant squids. I love this movie. An old John Wayne film that isn't a western or a war film, this movie stands outside of most at the time. The story is old (and sometimes suffers from antiquated prejudices and morals), but this movie speaks of loves lost and new and the things we do for the memories we carry.

6. Midnight in Paris

A film by Woody Allen, this film is magical and timeless. I think as a writer it's very easy to mythologize prior authors as being greats. Most writers I know do have an appreciation for old things. Yet, while this movie does glorify the past, it makes certain to recognize that there is no real golden age. I love the story, the acting, and the vibes this movie gives off, but more than anything else, I love the message. People before you will always be better at whatever it is you are doing, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it anyway. Who knows? Maybe you'll be the next Neil Gaiman or Stephen King.

7. Darjeeling Limited

Having two brothers, this Wes Anderson film was me. It hit every aspect of being a brother and having brothers that feels important. It also is just a fun story. Religion, truth, soul searching, and the complexities of being a family, this film highlights the fact that being a family isn't always easy and that just because you love someone does not mean that you like them. I cannot tell you how much this movie affected me and how much watching it improved my relationships. It sounds corny, but for me at least, its true. Family is tough, but sometimes its easy too.

8. 1408

1408 is not new. It isn't ultra scary or particularly novel (haunted place that traps you inside). Yet, what makes this film so great to me is that it does 3 unique things. First, it speaks to me as the skeptic. I don't believe in the boogeyman or ghosts or spirits, but this movie acknowledges my skepticism and yet doesn't try to convince me otherwise. It places you inside of the least scary place I can think of, a heavily populated building in the middle of New York city. It doesn't ask whether you believe because it just doesn't care. Second, it tells a real story. Not like a story that actually happened, but a story with a real person at the heart of it. Real emotions, and consequences. Third, it haunts me. I saw this movie when it first came out and I still think about it. I don't believe in ghosts and while this movie did not make me believe otherwise, it did something far more meaningful. It made me- even if only for a moment, doubt.

9. The Princess Bride

What to say about this film? It needs no introduction. Adventure, comedy, romance, swordfighting, and shrieking eels, this movie has it all. This film has had me laughing, crying, and quoting lines from its impeccable dialogue since I was a child. The writing, acting, and swordplay makes this film iconic in nearly every way. There are very few movies that I could watch a hundred times and still be willing to watch again, but if someone asked me to watch it right here and now? It is inconceivable that I'd reply with anything other than "as you wish"

10. The Man in the Hat

This movie was the most relaxing, endearing, and beautiful takes on grief and our relationship with it that I have ever seen. Ciaran Hinds is always a wonderful actor, but this has to be my favorite of his (Persuasion is a close second). The soundtrack was charming and makes this traveling adventure something unforgettable. The lack of dialogue makes the film more (not less) approachable and the delightful way in which grief is neither praised nor vilified allows the story to gently pull us along without fuss. Whether the french countryside or the human capacity to explore our inner emotions, The Man in the Hat ensures a journey that you'll remember.

~ ~ ~ ~

Stewart Z (AKA Ramoth13)'s Recommendations

#ramoth13 #film #top ten #movie #movies #fandom #master and commander #aubreyad #in bruges #cast away #the rum diary #the darjeeling limited #wake of the red witch #midnight in paris #1408 #the princess bride #the man in the hat #all these movies have issues #but these were the ones that spoke to me

[i-want-my-iwtv]

hi there, the delusional anon again lol I'm really lighting candles hoping we can finally get the deleted scenes 🕯️

I really wanted to see Louis shooting Lestat and the whole scene they filmed with the first makeup, just out of curiosity. The Trial™, and the scene with louis in the church, killing the priest

and TC as the marquis is GENIUS !!!!!! The tvshow has already made so many references, I would like other actors to appear even for a second! Even the young fop actor (btw did you saw his interview on youtube with a fan?); and jokes aside, I have a lot of fun whenever someone says they would like to see Nicole Kidman in the show as Gabrielle, it's kind evil tbh BUT yet would be cool

I've already spent HOURS on your blog just looking at the deleted scenes, I don't understand why Warner Bros just doesn't release it

anyways, THANK YOU! love your blog 💕

I've already spent HOURS on your blog just looking at the deleted scenes, I don't understand why Warner Bros just doesn't release it anyways, THANK YOU! love your blog 💕

Aww thank you! 😍 That means a lot. I collected this stuff for ppl to enjoy, if Tumblr ever goes down and we lose this archive, I'll definitely be sad. It's too large for me to download 😂 So definitely save stuff for yourself.

Light your candles, Anon 🕯️, but don't hold your breath. Truly, if we were going to get deleted scenes from the '94 movie, the golden opportunities (the 10th and 20th anniversaries 😂) for that have passed. This year will be the 30th, can you believe it?? If anyone is connected to the powers that be, TELL PPL WE WANT THIS STUFF. I'm sure it exists somewhere.

I think those cut scenes could have been great, but I suspect, other than being cut for time, there were good reasons to cut them from a writing perspective.

They may have been too cheesy for what the movie was going for?

Or they might have slowed down the action or detracted from the story?

--- Louis doesn't shoot Lestat that night in the book; Lestat gets shot at the Theatre de Vampires (before it's called that) in the Vampire Lestat, so it's possible that it was filmed, and then cut from the IWTV '94 movie with the intention to include it properly in the sequel TVL (not that Lestat can't get shot twice! but still! Getting shot on stage in front of an audience rather than in a bedroom with no other witnesses is, debatably, more shocking).

I felt like there was a somewhat feverish pace with Lestat coming to Louis at his bedside, that scene went by pretty quickly, it made it more vibrant and precious. In the book, Louis had been in poor health and then ppl had bled him to try to "cure him of his madness," so Lestat really didn't have the luxury of waiting too much longer to turn him; Louis could have died 😭. And maybe the whole Louis-shooting-Lestat might've killed the mood Lestat was aiming for, which was seductively offering Louis the Dark Gift. Shooting Lestat might've been more than a little off-putting in that moment 😂 Do you really want to turn someone into your immortal companion after they've JUST SHOT YOU? It might not kill Lestat, but it would still hurt!

[^X]

I mean I LOVE Tom!Lestat, and this is one of the few BTS pics we have of the Trial scene (you can see the theatre crypts behind him 😭)... it's charming to me bc I love that movie, but it might have been cut bc in a way it's more painful to excise the whole trial. Like barely seeing the shark in JAWS. With no trial, it would mean that Louis and Claudia had absolutely no chance; it was all up to Santiago's (or Armand's) whim 😭 Lestat wasn't even there to try to advocate for either Louis or Claudia (or maybe he WAS there, but locked in a cell somewhere and unable to help them!).

and TC as the marquis is GENIUS !!!!!!

Right?? That could be amazing.

The tvshow has already made so many references, I would like other actors to appear even for a second!

I haven't heard of that happening... don't hold your breath there, either, I think they would have done it already if they intended to do so. My guess is that AMC really wants to do their own thing apart from the 1994 movie (other than rewriting a few scenes), so I don't think there will be any cameos in the future, but maybe I'm wrong!

Even the young fop actor (btw did you saw his interview on youtube with a fan?);

I didn't see the video, but I met that actor, Lee Scharfstein, IRL in NOLA in 2022, he was lovely!

and jokes aside, I have a lot of fun whenever someone says they would like to see Nicole Kidman in the show as Gabrielle, it's kind evil tbh BUT yet would be cool

That is kind of evil haha but Nicole has been a favorite of fanartists and roleplayers for years, that's not a hot take. If I had to choose Tom as the Marquis OR Nicole as Gabs... bc putting them together would be A LOT to ask... I think I'd prefer Tom, because of the deliciousness of having him play his own father... but we have a better chance of getting Nicole so I would LOOOOVE to have her as Gabs paired w/ Timothy Omundson as the Marquis.

Oh and BTW since you've read this far, I accepted the headcanon that the Marquis' name was Valere de Lioncourt, as per the legendary @gairid/ @vampchronfic 😭💕

#anon #ask #vc casting #cut scene #Valere de Lioncourt #memeything #digging up an oldie from the archive #long post #nicole kidman #gabrielle de lioncourt #gairid #vampchronfic #tw abuse #tw abuse mention #gun #cut scenes #BTS #behind the scenes #production still #interview with the vampire 1994 #iwtv 1994

[bionicboxes]

anyway, speaking of FNaF's bad storytelling, here's some thoughts about FNaF 4, and sort of FNaF's story as a whole.

FNaF 1-3 give enough information for the story they are trying to tell, right? Guy kills children, stuffs them in suits, children possess suit, guy returns to tear apart the animatronics, guy dies and is left to suffer the same fate until the building he's in burns down. Beginning, middle, end, a conflict and resolution, all good there. There's even some implied answers for the whole 'Bite of '87' throwaway line, which at most is a subplot and not important to the main story. Not every question is answered, but the ones left unanswered really don't need to be for the story to make sense.

'Oh but Springtrap's visible in the end of game newspaper so it isn't a conclusion' but plenty of horror movies end on a 'the end… UNLESS?' stinger. It's a what-if that opens it for sequels but doesn't have to be answered for the story to be complete. Sequels do indeed happen in this case, though, but you could still cut it off at 3 and have a complete, if very simple, story.

Sister Location, and Pizza Sim add information that isn't needed but doesn't detract either. Not every question is answered, but the ones that aren't don't need to be for the story to be understandable because the story built by 1-3 already was to begin with.

And for people that wouldn't consider FNaF 3 a proper conclusion because of the 'UNLESS?' of the newspaper at the end, Pizza Sim provides a more complete ending without the ending stinger and which nicely ties up the remaining plot threads introduced by Sister Location (in the form of Baby and Ennard) and the one from FNaF 3 (Springtrap), as well as re-enforcing the book tie-in SL started by including Henry and naming Charlie, his daughter, as the Puppet. Pizza Sim is THE conclusion of THIS plot line, killing EVERY main character unambiguously with the exception of Michael, who is assumed to be but not CONFIRMED to be the Player character.

This is all a pretty coherent and connected story, except with FNaF 4, which almost seems completely disconnected from the story being told. Who was the kid that died? Did he go on to possess an animatronic? What was the deal with the nightmares? Did the 'I will put you back together' mean anything? What was with all the implications of the prior games being dreams? If an entire game is about this kid, its natural to assume he's relevant to the plot, but this is never actually cleared up, not really. The fact that he's an Afton at all is entirely an assumption which has just as much proof to it as the idea that he's actually an Emily.

If you want a Doylist (out of universe) answer, this is almost 100% because Scott intended Dream Theory to be canon here but changed his mind when he realized 'it was all a dream' is one of the worst, most hated ways one could possibly end a story. With this assumption, FNaF 4's role in the story can then be explained as a framing device for the games that game prior to it.

They're all the imagination of a terrified kid who misunderstands performers in costumes as something horrible (which turns into dead children being stuffed in the suits, and interprets the man helping his coworkers put the suits on as the person who did this crime) and has a massive fear of animatronics but is forced to go the building they're in regularly (translating into a worker who goes to a job every day that a rational person would quit while being hunted by possessed, violent animatronics), up until that kid dies in an incident where an animatronic bites his head, crushing it (which you could translate into the bite of '87's mention, a last minute addition into the kid's nightmare make-believe world as he's dying.)

Scott may deny and walk back on it, but FNaF 4 originally being intended to give the answer of 'It was Just a Dream' is the best doylist (out of universe) answer for why it doesn't connect to or line up with the other games all that much at all without ignoring a bunch of information it presents (the layout of the bedroom mirroring the fnaf 1 office, 'whats seen in the dark is easily misunderstood in the mind of a child', 'why is the tiny toy chica missing her beak?') or coming up with something insanely convoluted (which Scott did in the books with Afton experimenting on kids with fear gas??? this is a man that made animatronics for a glorified chuck e cheese.)

A lot of story confusion loops back around to FNaF 4 BECAUSE it was RETCONNED to be something different than what it was MADE to be.

If you ignore FNaF 4 entirely, the story is still coherent, if not more so, same if you run under the assumption of Dream Theory FNaF 4, albeit with the unsatisfactory note that the whole main plot of the rest of the other games is then fictional even in-universe. This is the start of the bad storytelling issue, but the two games that came after it (Sister Location and Pizza Sim) were fine, as I stated prior.

The issue with the fact I refuse to believe this was anything but a retcon is that Scott said he only ever did one, and the's a blatant one that means- if he was referring to anything else- this just isn't true. That blatant retcon is the soul in the puppet originally being referred to as he/him, and then being retconned as Charlie, Henry's daughter, she/her.

Yes, yes, trans headcanons and all are fun but you and I both know that's not the intention here and that its a retcon. Which means, if there is anything else you believe is a retcon, then Scott was Not telling the truth here, intentionally or not. And if you don't clarify the retcons to your story, then it becomes a mess of contradictions that can only be sorted out with absurdity.

I'm ignoring everything after Pizza Sim for now (Help Wanted, AR, Security Breach, Ruin) because that's sort of a new arc/plot without any of the same 'main characters' returning, at least with the information available now. I have my own issues with this story's telling but that's for another day after HW2 comes out and when I'm more coherent I guess.

anyway its exams week and I've not gotten much sleep so this might not be entirely fair/coherent but whatever.

#boxes talks

[altraviolet]

Writing Advice & Resources

[This post was originally posted to my pillowfort April 29, 2022. It is being cross-posted here for ease of access for tumblr users. It is very long.]

I've had folks approach me privately asking for advice on writing. I asked twitter if people would like to see a post about it and they said yes. So! I present to you my advice and some resources =)

A couple of caveats:

1) I'm not a professional writer. I've written for a long time, but I write for fun. My advice is neither exhaustive nor perfect for every situation.

2) You can break the rules if you understand what the rules are and how to break them in a way that serves your story rather than detracts from it.

3) I'm honestly not sure whether to write this out as advice for people who want to write fiction, or fanfiction, because I think advice for one does not necessarily apply to both. For that reason, I'll make a separate fanfiction advice section.

3b) Implied in the fanfiction-specific advice section is “I know you're writing for fun.” No, you don't need to do any of these things. Yes, I do still advise them. If you don't like the advice or don't think it applies to you, that's okay. Learn what you can from it, add it to your toolbox, and keep writing.

MY ADVICE:

General advice for beginners:

-read a lot, with your eyes or your ears. Absorbing properly edited written work will familiarize you with grammar and punctuation, flow, dialog, pacing, characterization, etc. 

-as you're reading, jot down phrases or words you like. Why do you like them? Is there something about their construction you can identify and use in your own writing?

-if you read something and you don't like it, why? Once you identify why, you can be sure not to do it in your own writing.

-write. A lot. The first bunch of stuff you write will probably not be good. That's okay. Keep going.

Common writing issues for beginners:

-tense switching. “I sit down to write my story. I thought about what to do. I ran to the store to get a drink. I'm drinking it.” Besides the fact that that is an atrocious story, lol, the verb tenses keep changing. If you're writing in present tense, make sure all the verbs are in present tense. If you're writing in past tense, make sure all the verbs are in past tense.

-mixing up homophones. Their/there/they're, pouring/poring, reign/rein, etc. English is a silly language.

-“definitely” and “defiantly” are different words. The second one is definitely not the first one. Once you see this, you will never unsee it.

-“a lot” is two words

-use strong verbs instead of weak verbs + adverbs. If someone argues with you that it's a stylistic choice, ask them if they'd rather “walk quickly” or “run” from a tsunami. English is a silly language, but it has a lot of verbs. Use the strong ones. Your prose deserves them.

-look up filter words. Eliminate as many of them as possible.

-avoid run on sentences. If a sentence is really long or awkward or just doesn't feel right, rework it. Having a hard time telling if a sentence is awkward? Read it out loud.

-point of view switches/“head swapping”/”head hopping.” Generally, you should stick to one character's point of view per writing chunk (chapter, book, whatever). Jumping around from character to character is disorienting for the reader. If the scene is being written from Rodimus's point of view, he should not know what another character is thinking. He can intuit it from their stance, their expression, their words. But unless he has a direct line into their brain, he does not know their thoughts.

General advice for intermediate:

-I like to visualize the scene in my mind to help keep track of everything that's going on. I let it play out like a movie, then try to transcribe it. However, movies are restricted to images and sound. We are not! Make your scenes come alive by including sensory information. We often get visual details, and sometimes audial details, in a scene. But touch? Smell? Taste? If any of these are applicable, they will help ground your reader into the scene. 

-if you put a tiny but very specific detail amongst general statements, it will stick out.

-know where your characters are in relation to other characters/objects in the scene. If your character is in front of a window in one paragraph, then teleports to the door on the other side of the room in the next (and doesn't have teleportation powers), that will be disorienting. Note- you don't have to write every mundane detail of movement, but make sure that as characters move and interact, their movements and interactions make sense. This is especially important for action scenes/fight scenes.

-body language and reactions can be powerful ways to have a character state something without saying it. 

-I don't know what the word for this is, but I try to make sure that actions flow across paragraphs and sentences. I write out a paragraph which contains all the action/information I want it to contain. Then I reread all the sentences to make sure they're in the order that makes the most sense. Don't be afraid to switch sentences around

-Also regarding flow: if you think of a movie or comic page, there is often an establishing shot of the setting. Then you zoom in on characters and the specific part of the setting the scene takes place in. I do the same thing in writing. Either start zoomed in and pull out, or start zoomed out and go in.

-if you need to set a scene or describe a building or something quickly, take a listen to how Matt Mercer of Critical Role sets his scenes. You don't need to go on and on about the glistening columns of blah blah blah. “A short, squat building with columns,” is enough if what the building looks like is not very important but you still need to establish that it exists.

-if you find you're writing characters meeting up in the same places over and over, try putting the scene in a new location.

-bedrooms/personal spaces are really easy and fun ways to show what a character values and who they are. Imagine a bedroom crammed full of musical instruments and succulents with poster-covered walls. Imagine a bedroom with alphabetized bookshelves and curios kept under polished glass. Which bedroom's occupant do you think makes their bed every morning? Why? What gave you that clue? Whatever that thought process you just used was, use it all the time.

-use present tense to give your writing a more immediate, fast, or dire feel. I like to use present tense for horror or action.

Fanfiction-specific advice:

-the easier your story is to read, the more likely you are to attract an audience and get those sweet, validating comments. Check for grammar/spelling mistakes. Every time a new character speaks, make a new paragraph. Do not put dialog from more than one character in the same paragraph. Make sure everything is spaced correctly. Walls of text will turn away readers really fast. Use the Preview function before posting so you can check your formatting.

-if there's something about canon or fanon you don't understand, ask about it! I've asked people to explain why they like a certain pairing, or what they think Character X's character arc is. If there's a character I'm not familiar with, but that a friend of mine loves, I'll ask them, “Tell me about your fav!” and take notes. Always be respectful when asking! Especially about ships.

-write what you love and/or what you want to see. Fanfiction is limitless. You don't need to appeal to the market, or find an agent or a publisher. You don't need to get anyone's permission to write what you want to write. The only onus on you is tagging the fic correctly.

-tag your fic correctly. Save yourself and the community from having to deal with the issues that arise when things are not tagged correctly.

-if you're not sure how a character will react, or even how to quantify their characterization, go back and reread/rewatch the source material. Don't be afraid to reference! (advice for artists and writers)

Personal rules I write by:

These rules are absolutely style-related. These are NOT hard and fast rules.

-if the characters are not speaking English in-universe, but the story is written in English, it is understood that that's because English is the language the author knows. Therefore, culturally English-specific puns, idioms, etc are avoided because the characters would not know them. Rodimus will never say he's “mad as a wet hen” in my fics because he does not know what a hen is, let alone a wet one.

-I personally dislike overly flowery/purple prose. I try to find a balance between functional description and abstract wordage. Clarity is the most important thing.

-for TF fic, I prefer using hand, eye, hour instead of servo, optic, breem (or whatever the hell the temporal unit is xD). Again, this is a stylistic choice. Some people find the “human” terms pull them out of the fic. I find the breem terms pull me out of the fic. Do what keeps you in the fic!

RESOURCES

YOUTUBE CHANNELS

A list of youtube channels I like to listen to for writing-related topics. I usually listen at work, when I'm doing things that keep hands and eyes busy, but ears free. At home I'll take notes, either on paper or in a word processor, and then put them in a binder I'm slowly filling. Taking notes helps me to both focus on what's happening and to remember it. I can pause the video as needed, take screenshots of stuff. I always enjoyed lectures in school (if I enjoyed the topic xD) so this is the funnest way for me to learn. This list is absolutely not exhaustive. There are MANY channels out there.

Give the following youtubers' channels a glance and see if their videos interest you. Listen casually or take notes. Either way you'll probably absorb something. I'll put a video or two under each one. In alphabetical order:

Abbie Emmons

Gives advice on writing. Uses very structured techniques to build stories. If you like having character worksheets and in depth explanations of story construction, you'll like these videos. Kind of a relaxed but informative vibe.

“How to Find Your Character's Misbelief (or Fatal Flaw)” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij39HSbLCXo

Alexa Donne

Gives advice on writing and traditional publishing (note though that since Covid, the landscape has changed quite a bit). Very accessible and friendly and strives to be upbeat and encouraging. Came from fanfic and doesn't disparage it. Encourages people who want to write professionally to learn and grow from fanfic.

“Worst Amateur Writing Mistakes” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOQqxHKO-0w

“Bad Fanfic Writing Habits You Need To Break” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmbUAKi-ovY

Diane Callahan

Gives advice on writing. More focused than conversational, pulling from experience in pro writer world. Really interesting and thoughtful examples and topic choices.

“Writing Subtext in Dialogue” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMMpmlraoDo

“Writing Fiction with Emotional Honesty” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psL8BEqEm-M

Hello Future Me

Gives advice on writing and critiques/dissects pop media, mostly fantasy-based. Approaches difficult topics with empathy and respect. Check out “On Writing” and “On Worldbuilding” videos for topics specific to writing.

On Writing: Redemption Arcs! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB_3LF7uoNc

On Writing: Killing Characters! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=treB4kuyMHk

SINGLE VIDEOS/OTHER TIDBITS

Margaret Atwood's Top 5 Writing Tips

Here's the list, but watch the video for elaboration:

1 get a notebook

2 read a lot and read critically

3 pay attention to your posture

4 if writer's blocked: go for a walk or go to sleep

5 don't be afraid to throw things out

Ia-Con Online: Exploring Writing, Race & More in Transformers with Brandon Easton

Ia-Con's interview with writer Brandon Easton.

Brandon's advice:

1 read Stephen King's “On Writing”

2 finish what you start

Watch interviews of authors you like... or don't like but don't mind? Or maybe are not familiar with at all, you just know their name?

I once spent a month listening to every Stephen King interview I could find on youtube. Why? I don't know. I'm not a particular fan of his. I've only read a few of his books and overall they weren't my thing. But! He's well-known, well-loved, and an entertaining speaker. I didn't know much about him, so it was very interesting to listen to interviews from different decades. Overall, I guess I'd advise you listen to interviews of authors you like, lol. There's usually a “What advice would you give your fans/aspiring writers?” question at the end of the interview. See what your favs say. Jot down some notes and quotes to look at later.

I wrote out this quote from George RR Martin, whose books I've never read and whose show I never watched, because I liked it. I never would've heard it if I hadn't been listening to Stephen King interviews.

From: “George RR Martin with Stephen King at the Kiva Auditorium, Albuquerque, NM June 2016”

“Good and evil is a great subject for fiction but in my view the battle between good and evil is waged in the individual human heart. And it's our decisions. We're all partly good and partly evil. And we make decisions every day and we may do a good thing on Wednesday and an evil thing on Thursday or a selfish thing. It's all very complicated.”

This quote does not seem to be about writing- it's not explaining functions like character arcs or foreshadowing. It's about the fundamental nature of humanity, however, which is a handy thing to understand and apply to your characters.

Follow writers you like on social media.

Avoid developing weird parasocial relationships. Absorb the advice/anecdotes they give out for free. If they have a patreon and you like them a lot, consider joining. There's probably helpful writing advice/bonus material there.

The library is your friend.

Free books! Free knowledge! You can get books on writing and language, or books in your target genre.

Beta readers/critique/asking for advice.

If you want someone to look critically at your work (especially if it's fanfiction), ask yourself, what is it you really want? Do you want someone to check for grammar? Characterization? Or are you feeling uncertain and only want positive feedback? Explaining exactly what you'd like feedback on will help the reader focus their efforts.

I don't know how to advise finding beta readers. Just make sure the people you approach have the time and energy to read your work. If they decline to assist, respect that and move on.

ETA: Guide to Beta Reading for Authors and Betas (reddit post)

Fanfiction subreddit

Recently found this. I side eye a couple of the rules but overall it's a fun place. Vent, find resources, celebrate your milestones.

There's a ton of other places, too.

Podcasts, textbooks, fellow fans. The interweb gives us access to unlimited resources. Take advantage of our modern marvel.

Okay to be honest there was more I wanted to do but I'm tired and I saw this quote on r/fanfiction: (post has been deleted possibly? but I had screencapped it)

“Read it with a gentle eye.”

And you know what? That's true. Or can be true. My advice is aimed towards people looking to write their love but also improve on it, I guess, xD And don't worry, I very much count myself in that group.

If you have any specific questions or would like to see anything in particular explained further, please let me know. Hope this helped =)

#writing advice #resources #writing related #violet's posts #Youtube

[reelvibes91]

The Flash Review

I want to preface this review by saying The Flash is my favorite comic book hero that exists. I have long awaited the chance to see The Flash in a theater setting. This film had a lot of moving parts. Most of which we knew before entering the cinema.

Upon exiting the cinema, I have a ton of thoughts. This review may be very detailed and will contain major spoilers for the movie. If you have not seen this movie, I recommend not reading this review.

There are things I really enjoyed about this movie and things I really did not like. I don't overall enjoy this interpretation of Barry Allen. He says too much outloud, he is too clumsy and doesn't think about the consequences of his actions. He learns very little throughout the movie about this kind of behavior as well. He deals with a more immature version of himself who predictably becomes overzealous in the pursuit to make a difference. His personality in this film feels much more like that of Bart Allen from the comics and not a lot like Barry Allen. I despised Patty and Albert. They were such throwaway characters that having them in there detracted from the overall plot. 

The small scenes Barry shared with Iris were phenomenal. You could really feel the chemistry there, but there were not many of them, sadly. You could also feel it with the scenes with his mother, but those felt lost among the bigger action set pieces and explosive nostalgia beats planted throughout this movie. The humor was too much. Especially the nerd humor and movie references. It felt over the top. This should have been a more contained story about sacrifice, loss, and grief. 

The two standouts were Michael Keaton and Sasha Calle. The anger, the raw frustration she felt towards Zod was incredible. Keaton returning seemed like he was just having a blast. He was very cool in the batsuit, and it felt like reconnecting with an old friend. It felt like a very rushed movie, and for a film that took almost 10 years to was truly nothing groundbreaking about it. The storyline was easily predictable. The characterization of Barry was off if you had read a tremendous amount of his comics (which I have). 

The Speed Force was really cool. It was visually trippy, and the multiverse was explained in a rather simplistic way to make it all sensible for the audience. However, my biggest complaint is Flashpoint being used as a story basis seems overdone. We all know the death of his mother is what makes Barry the hero he is. Seeing that felt like yet another rehashing of that. 

A story more akin to Flash Year One would have been my choice. It skips the origin stages and makes it about a young upstart Flash. If you really wanted to make it multiversal, you could have had young Barry go to the future or even still keep the alternative reality stuff. What we didn't need was the death of his mother being the main story for The Flash. It has been done over and over for the last 10 years.

Some of the cameos were good, and others were very bad. Gal Gadot was wonderful in a brief appearance. Loved the continued building of Barry's friendship with Arthur. I did not love most of the multiversal cameos. I did like the Superman cameos (aside from Nic Cage). That idea should have been buried in a vault. I wish they would have had Grant Gustin to bring everything full circle. I loved the Surprise Bruce Wayne cameo at the end and would love to see that redemption continued in some capacity.

Turning this onto a different note altogether. This movie does not answer any questions about the future of DC and did not really fully close any chapters that had previously been opened. It still does not answer if we will see Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman again. It does not leave us with a true reset or answer any of the longing questions fans have been clamoring to have answered. DCs future is still very muddied, to say the least. Does Superman exist in the main timeline? Is Ben Affleck truly gone for good? There are still so many questions, and the answers we were given provide no clarity.

While this movie is fun in many regards, it is too messy for me to classify it as a masterpiece and the film that corrects the ship for DC moving forward. The action scenes were great. The smaller intimate moments were well written even if they felt recycled at this point. A solid 7.5 out of 10.

#The Flash #Barry Allen #Iris West #Batman #Michael Keaton #Ben Affleck #andy muschietti #Ezra Miller #Sasha Calle #kiersey clemons #dc cómics #Warner Bros. #2023 movies #comic book movies

[phoenixwatchesmovies]

What I'm Watching 2023: March

This year is already moving way too fast, istg. Between watching the radar for tornadoes and getting reasonably stoned on cold meds, this is coming in late, but oh well.

The Last Of Us

ALL HAIL PIANO FROG! I'm not a gamer, so I have no prior attachment to the source material. I only started watching after seeing my dash blow up with gif sets and the like. That being said, I have no regrets. The performances and the production values are great, and I cried on several occasions. Bonus points for using Pearl Jam in the soundtrack. The pacing is a little uneven sometimes, but it's not such a big deal it detracted from what I enjoyed. My only other gripe is that the season was so. Effing. Short.

Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil

A friend recommended this to me years ago, then I recommended it to a different friend, and we had a blast watching it. If you're not in the know, this one is a horror comedy dealing with stereotypes and the assumptions people make about each other, and a LOT of miscommunication and misunderstanding. Think of it like Three's Company, but a slasher. In hindsight, it's hard to think this came from the mid 2000's, when the genre was full to capacity with the stereotypes this film calls out. And maybe I'm overthinking a movie where half the cast gets killed off in increasingly idiotic accidents, but at the end of the day, I had a good time watching. And that's good enough for me.

New Nightmare

First of all, isn't she pretty? 😍 Second of all, I'm saving the majority of my thoughts for later, but out of the franchise as a whole, this one is somewhere in the top three.

This Is Where I Leave You

I would never have chosen to watch this of my own accord, as it's outside of my usual preferences, but I kinda liked it anyway. Funny, sad, and sweet, and it didn't end the way you probably would expect. Bonus points for using Pearl Jam in the soundtrack.

Scream (2022)

We'll have to agree to disagree, Sidney.

The Phantom of the Opera (1989)

TWO distinct fandoms are sleeping on this one, and it's a damn shame. Phantom fans, this is the only adaptation to actually include the violin in the cemetery! (It's a sore point for a lot of us...) Slasher lovers, it's Robert frickin Englund! Literally everyone else, if you don't like POTO or horror, it's still on point with the music and the cinematography, and is generally underrated, IMO.

Greenland

We are finally, FINALLY, a Gerard Butler household. 🤣 I favor his dramas over the action flicks he's been doing the last few years, and this is more drama than action, so...yay? I'm not a huge fan of disaster movies in general, but I honestly think this would have worked better as a miniseries. It felt rushed and underwhelming at the same time, and yet the potential is there. On the other hand, Gerry finally, FINALLY, gets to use his own accent.

Beetlejuice

I've seen this one several times over in bits and pieces over the course of three decades, but only straight through and from beginning to end once. Well, twice now. I grew up on the animated series, tho, so while I've cooled off on Tim Burton, I'll always have a soft spot for Beetlejuice.

Shadow and Bone

I haven't seen any book fans throwing too much of a fit about season two, but I'm sure they're out there. Granted, I blew through all of it in one day and a lot of it is a blur, but I appreciate the deviations. They pulled my attention back whenever I zoned out, and I'm more excited for season three (if we get one, because Netflix) to see how the rest of the story pans out.

Glass Onion

You know why I hate most mysteries and detective dramas? They all take themselves soooooooooo seriously. There is always a ton of extra baggage to unpack from one case to the next, and I'm getting to really dislike series that require you to sit through EVERYTHING to know what's going on. I love this one because it doesn't do that. It's fun, dammit! Everyone has already picked this one apart and yelled over the good bits, and all I have to add to the noise is that watching this movie felt like being a kid reading the Sherlock Holmes stories for the first time, or watching Miss Marple episodes on PBS with my grandparents. It's going on my list of comfort movies, and it's going to stay there.

Leverage

Speaking of comfort, I'm a season into my umpteen hundredth rewatch of my number one comfort show. And planning on catching up with the reboot once I'm done! What's not to love about a bunch of modern day Robin Hoods taking down corrupt officials and billionaires? Bonus points for featuring Mark Sheppard for best recurring character (again).

It Chapter Two

Strangely enough, this is a rewatch, which would have been unheard of not too long ago, as far as anything Pennywise related goes. Even stranger, it put me in the mood to revisit Doctor Sleep. Strangest yet, I already want to do a double feature. 😂

Kung Fu Panda

Don't act like you don't love this movie. It's fucking brilliant.

###

This has gone on long enough, so I guess we'll meet back here next month!

#watch a thon 2023 #the last of us #tucker and dale vs evil #new nightmare #this is where i leave you #scream 2022 #the phantom of the opera 1989 #greenland #beetlejuice #shadow and bone #glass onion #leverage #it chapter two #kung fu panda

[wgc-productions]

So, the new episode of The BookMarks (our new improv comedy about two friends who review fake books) talks about this fictional book series called Kitty and The Pegasi which is like Nancy Drew if Nancy, George, and Bess were all magical girls who were also in a band and time travelled sometimes.

Anyhow, it got me thinking, about fictional bands and their rankings and I think I've come up with a pretty good list

The Hex Girls:

Truly the band of bands. Not only were they spooky, but they also had a color scheme and, frankly, that goes a long way. I would be remiss to mention that they also were quite a few people's queer awakenings and their songs are straight bangers.

2. Dr. Teeth And The Electric Mayhem

Now, I don't think I've ever heard an actual song from this band but that just goes to show how awesome they are. Without a single track, they have wormed their way into my heart. Also, someone needs to share Animal's hair routine.

3. The Dreamettes (a.k.a Deena Jones and The Dreams)

So, this is less of a "band" and more of a group, but their entire discography is something to behold. This goes a little further down the list because their career is essentially a play-by-play of the Supremes (no matter how much the original creators deny it) but that does not detract from the fact that almost every song they sung on The Dreamgirls album is fantastic.

4. The Five Heartbeats

If you're anything like me this movie and the band were so good that you didn't even know they were fictional! This also goes a little lower on the list because it is a clear play-by-play of the real-life Temptations (still one of the best groups to this day!) but I don't think you can find a single person whose seen this movie who doesn't absolutely melt when the five start to sing and dance.

5. The last band on my list is The School of Rock. These kids could Jam! Also they had a robust stage crew and manager and that just gets you extra points in my book. When I was a kid I legit wanted to see them in concert which is wild cause that wasn't even a thing you could do! Definitely up there for me personally.

Who's on your list?

#audio drama #audio fiction #The BookMarks #hex girls #five heartbeats #school of rock #dreamgirls #the muppets

[spaceorphan18]

Marvel Movie Nights: Avengers Infinity War

It has been a long time since I've seen this movie - mostly because I had been waiting to get here in this project. (Can you believe it's been four years since I started with Blade??) And I've been super curious to see how it holds up all these years later.

And -- I think in a lot of ways it does! And in a few way it doesn't. But - by the

I think, for me, what makes this film so brilliant is the sheer comic book-ness of it. It truly feels, in so many aspects, like I'm reading a comic book crossover event -- where a bunch of titles come together to create one big narrative. And that is such a (sorry for the pun) marvelous thing.

I can't praise the script enough. It's got a lot of great humor in it. It's got emotion. It really lets it's incredibly incredibly huge cast shine in all sorts of ways. And it ties in all of these plot threads that we've been following for so many movies now. It's an insane kind of event to do - but I think the Russos (and screenwriters) did such a good job of keeping it about character.

And really the key thing is that it all ties around Thanos and /his/ quest to get the stones. It's ultimately his story. I still remember being in the theater and thinking about how it's essentially a fetch quest to collect all the stones. Except, that person getting the stones is Thanos. And then he wins. The snap happens. And Thanos gets what he wanted.

It's a dark, dark ending. The Wanda/Vision story still got me. Spider-Man dying got me. And, god, Thanos telling Tony he hopes they remember him - god, that really got me (but for probably not Avenger reasons.) Everyone always goes back to Star Wars Empire Strikes Back -- and this does that cliffhanger-y, get everyone to their lowest point ending, and it does it extremely well.

The story is narratively satisfying even as it breaks your heart.

Alright, so some of the things that don't necessarily work for me?

This film relies on years of build up and the surprise of what happens throughout. I don't know if it necessarily has the endless rewatchability of some of the other, more individual films. Once you've seen it - some of that emotional weight is taken away since it's no longer a surprise. And being away from its context also detracts from it as well. I don't know how well this movie stands on its own.

(Ultimately, that's fine, though - like a comic book crossover, it's almost not meant to stand on its own. It's supposed to be an event. And any good event relies on what came before it.)

There are also a few, maybe smaller, film-ish nitpicky things. The action feels a little mindless at times. It doesn't help that there are a lot of nameless monsters and a few henchmen, but unless it's Thanos himself, nothing feels that tense. And outside of the Dr. Strange duel, I don't think much of it is that visually interesting, either.

The look of the film, too is... well not great? The visual style is kind of boring (which -- hey, they had a short amount of time to do a ton of work, so I don't blame them for kind of cutting corners a little). Some of the CGI stuff doesn't hold up very well. And there are times when you just can feel that it's on a soundstage somewhere.

And, of course, there are a few story related plotholes/logic issues. It's not even why Peter Quill didn't take down Thanos when he had the chance - I actually understand the emotional issue there. But things like - how did Dr. Strange not just use his powers to cut off Thanos's hand - especially when he did it earlier in the film. And it takes Gamora way to long to figure out she should just kill herself.

But I mean - it's like asking why didn't the Eagles just take the One Ring to Mt. Doom. Sometimes you sacrifice a little bit of logic for the overall story.

Final Verdict: And like I said above, the overall story -- the characters and their emotional beats -- that really works. I love how authentically comic book this film is. And I love how it feels big and bursting and yet still manages to have all of these little moments in it. It's still a great film, and it's great that I had some time between viewings because some of the emotion was really still able to shine.

It's interesting - because there are a whole lot of people who love this more than Endgame - perhaps because of the darker tone and more seriousness of it? But, omg, I'm so ready for Endgame now!

Up Next: However, we have to wait for Endgame - Deadpool 2 is next. which I should probably watch soon, because I have never seen it and Deadpool 3 is just around the corner....

#marvel movie nights #avengers #avengers infinity war #marvel #marvel review

[spoilertv]

#SpoilerTV

[deuterosapiens]

Just finished Rosemary's Baby, the original novel by Ira Levin. I'm not sure I can talk about this without being unfair to Delicate Condition, which I was admittedly a bit harsh on. As a point of preference, I loved this book far more, which I unfortunately went into that book being aware would likely be the case.

I sort of complained a bit that the Zoë Saldana miniseries version dragged a bit compared to the original film, and having read the source novel, I'm even more perplexed. This book is seriously quick-paced. I read the second half in basically one sitting (plus a break for pizza, and a break for work); at no point did I feel like it dragged, or lingered, or took too long to get to the point.

I've often heard it claimed that there's no reason to read the book if you've seen the movie. I'm not going to agree with that on the basis that the book was quite enjoyable to me, but I easily understand where this sentiment comes from. We are dealing with an adaptation that so correctly adapts the spirit and text of the original book that the only thing you really lose is the ability to put a book mark in your place and set it down.

Following The Exorcist was probably the correct approach from a reader's perspective. This story inherently is more tame, coming off less as a horror story and more as a psychological mystery with a demonic twist. It's weirdly more palatable, and part of that cones from the pleasing yet direct way that Ira Levin writes.

See what I mean?

There's pleasantness, which is somewhat unexpected in a story like this. Humor.

That said, this book was published in 1967. There are a few details that certainly show the time. Like how one of the most bizarre features of Rosemary and Guy's new apartment is the homosexual couple next door. Or the fairly regular use of a descriptor that was normal at the time, and worlds better than other popular epithets from the Era, but which is still not exactly advisable in our modern world. I think it's fine though, it's aged a bit less weirdly than Huckleberry Finn, you know?

It's not as misogynistic as it could have been, and honestly that was something I was extremely curious about. There's of course quite a bit plotting here that is heavily dependent on the Role of Women in Society, which certainly looks weird in our Modern Society. Like, a doctor ignoring his patient's concerns for herself and her unborn's life and wellbeing takes on a completely different look now than it did then.

Again, as a said with Delicate Condition, the word hysteria comes up a bit, and I refuse to believe that its etymology isn't at least something that's taken into account, not in a story like this. Rosemary believes no one will take her concerns seriously because she is a woman. She is unfortunately, correct, when she seeks help from another doctor.

Values dissonance at play.

It's a flawed read, certainly. And I think having a feminist perspective could do the book some good. And for that, I see why a book like Delicate Condition is necessary. I do love that Rosemary has quite a bit of agency here, in a story that could easily reduce hers to none.

The ending, I believe, shows this best. While the events leading to Adrian (Andrew? I refuse to call the The Adversary, Destroyer of Kings, Angel of the Bottomless Pit, Great Beast that is Called Dragon, Prince of This World, Father of Lies, Spawn of Satan, and Lord of Darkness Andy) being born are out of her control, every step of the way she attempts to thwart actions that she feels are against her. She considers killing him, for the good of the world, but decides that it is her duty as his mother to raise him as best she can in a way that counteracts his potential for evil. It's a powerful moment, because this decision is ultimately hers.

I haven't exactly heard the best things about Son of Rosemary, so when that comes in, I might give that book more of a day-by-day analysis, an more in-depth look. I hope it doesn't do anything to detract the finer points of this book's ending!

Hahaha... right?

(In the event it isn't clear enough, I already know how it ends. I've spent the last six years knowing how it ends, which is in part why I've never read this one until now: because I knew I would read the follow-up, whose ending is umm apparently very-much not good)

Final thoughts: this book is as good as its film adaptation lead me to believe it would be. It can probably be breezed through in the span of an afternoon, probably in one sitting if you gave it that kind of attention. I consider it worth reading if you've see the movie, and liked the movie, but not strictly in the "the book has so much that was cut out!" sense, but that's a time commitment and as always, a two hour movie is much less of a commitment than a three-hundred page book.

I didn't find it overly frightening, but then again, I don't consider the film adaptations particularly frightening. If the basic premise doesn't disturb you ("woman is impregnated after being drugged, the father is Satan"), then the actual book itself probably won't, but your mileage may vary. But a cheap scare isn't what's going offered. It's definitely more focused on intrigue, which I think the book handled quite well.

#reading #books #rambling #rosemary's baby #ira levin #long post

[whimsicaldragonette]

ARC Review: Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky

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Add to Goodreads

Publication Date: May 3, 2022

Synopsis:

Dear (never-been-quite-over-you) Crush, It's been a few years since we were together, but I can't stop thinking about the time we almost... Wren Roland has never been kissed, but he wants that movie-perfect ending more than anything. Feeling nostalgic on the eve of his birthday, he sends emails to all the boys he (ahem) loved before he came out. Morning brings the inevitable Oh God What Did I Do?, but he brushes that panic aside. Why stress about it? None of his could-have-beens are actually going to read the emails, much less respond. Right? Enter Derick Haverford, Wren's #1 pre-coming-out-crush and his drive-in theater's new social media intern. Everyone claims he's coasting on cinematic good looks and his father's connections, but Wren has always known there's much more to Derick than meets the eye. Too bad he doesn't feel the same way about the infamous almost-kiss that once rocked Wren's world. Whatever. Wren's no longer a closeted teenager; he can survive this. But as their hazy summer becomes consumed with a special project that may just save the struggling drive-in for good, Wren and Derick are drawn ever-closer...and maybe, finally, Wren's dream of a perfect-kiss-before-the-credits is within reach. A feel-good summer LGBTQIA+ New Adult RomCom, perfect for fans of Red White & Royal Blue, Boyfriend Material, and What If It's Us.

My Rating: ★★★★★

*My Review below the cut.

My Review:

This was suuuuuuper cute. Wren does come across as very young at first, but as the story settled into its groove I felt like his reactions and thought processes were actually very accurate for a 22-year old. He starts the novel fairly immature and at loose ends, but through the course of the story he gains confidence in himself. This is helped along by his managerial position at Wiley's Drive-in (where he has to find the line between working with his friends and being responsible for his friends' mistakes), his blossoming friendship with reclusive former film star and director Alice Walker, and his rekindled friendship and burgeoning relationship with his high-school crush Derick.

What begins as a terrible drunk decision - sending emails to all his former crushes and almost-kisses - ends up with a real chance at happiness.

Wren's friends are adorably quirky - sometimes a little too much so - and sweet. Reading the scenes of them together took me back to my college friendships. Derick is a bit of a mystery for pretty much the entire book and I think it could have benefited from some Derick POV chapters. The mystery does add drama and move the plot along in places, however, so I can understand why the author chose to do it this way. I also really appreciated how many of the characters were LGBT+ and how matter-of-fact it all was. There was a little bit of drama between Derick and his family but it wasn't too much and didn't detract from the sense of queer joy that develops throughout the book.

I listened to the audiobook version of this and really like the way the narrator chose to read it. His voices for all the characters were easy to tell apart and fit the characters very well.

I was fully invested in the story from beginning to end, and came away with a lot of nostalgia and also a real appreciation for how the author handled the story.

Also! It was SO nice to see demisexual rep in this story! Ace rep of any kind is hard to come by in fiction, and demisexual rep even more so. It was also explained really well without taking the reader out of the story and really fit Wren's character and experiences. As someone who is demi, I really appreciated the rep. It made me feel that much more connected to the story and more sympathetic to Wren. Especially when he decides that "queer" is how he's going to identify, with the knowledge that he's also gay and demisexual. It was very relatable. Society doesn't know how to handle asexuality for some strange reason, and it can feel very alienating.

The best parts of the story, hands down, were the scenes with Alice Kelly, reclusive film star and brilliant director - and cantankerous old lady. She really came to life in my imagination and quickly became my favorite character. The way Wren approached his friendship with her, slowly drawing her out while making sure she is always comfortable with what is happening, was wonderful to see.

I loved her story that was slowly revealed even more than Wren's and Derick's tbh. I would definitely read a book about her life. I'm glad she became such an important character and her story interwoven so thoroughly with Wren's and Wiley's Drive-in.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing an e-arc for review.

#timothy janovsky #never been kissed #new adult rom com #lgbt+ books #queer romance #drive-in #summer romance #netgalley #arc review #shilo reads #sourcebooks casablanca