#the biggest and most heartfelt thank you to this crew

[sidekick-hero]

Suitcase of Memories

Authors: @legitcookie and @sidekick-hero l Artist: @luna-fortunaa l Artist: @maikaartwork | Beta: @acasualcrossfade | Beta and amazing cheerleader: @yournowheregirl

ART 1 | ART 2 | FIC

In a bygone era, two men overcome all societal norms and find an instant, powerful connection that defies all odds. Their secret love blossoms in the shadows, forming an unbreakable bond. However, fate eventually intervenes, cruelly tearing them apart. Fast forward to the present day, Steve awakens from a startling dream that feels surprisingly real, like he was really there. The memory of it haunts his every waking moment, making him question if he somehow recognizes the mysterious, curly-haired stranger playing his guitar at a street-corner, although they have never met before. Steve continues to cross paths with this enigmatic figure, Eddie, until they surrender to fate and their instant attraction. As their relationship deepens, Steve's dreams become increasingly vivid, detailed, and intense, leaving him with an uncanny sense of familiarity. They also strangely reflect the growing romance and struggles of his newfound relationship. Is it all just a coincidence, or is there a deeper connection that defies the boundaries of time and fate?

Read more under the cut for another sneak preview of Chapter 1!

"How was the rush?" he asks Robin absentmindedly as he goes about cleaning the machines and the counter. There's a dreamy smile on his face, the image of a man playing his guitar and humming softly to himself in his mind's eye.

"Eh, not bad, but - why are you smiling?" Robin immediately catches it, and Steve tries to wipe it off his face for plausible deniability.

"I'm not smiling."

"I have eyes, Dingus. What's up? Did Lisa call you?" Steve looks at Robin, at a loss, before the proverbial light bulb turns on and he just stops himself from snapping his fingers. Right, Lisa.

"Nah, I texted her, but she didn't text me back," he says with a shrug, not really caring. She was boring and self-absorbed anyway, there was no chemistry between them. Not like he thought he had with —

Robin's eyebrows shoot up in surprise at his obvious disinterest, and he knows there's no point in playing dumb. He's been dying to tell Robin all weekend, and here's the perfect opportunity. "I just met someone. Sort of."

This isn't really anything new, Steve meets someone almost every week, but Robin still makes a gimme gimme gesture at him. "Details, please. Drown out the tragedy that is my love life."

Steve snorts. "It's not that big of a deal. He was playing guitar on the corner near my bus stop, and I just... met him." Saying it like that makes it seem so insignificant when it felt anything but.

"What's his name?"

"I don't know."

"So you didn't actually meet him."

"Technically. But it was weird, Robin, he seemed so familiar. Like I've met him before. I even asked him about it, but he said no. Just gave me a line, like I'd be hard to forget."

"It wasn't a line," comes a voice from the customer's side of the table. Steve whips his head around to find his mystery man standing there with a grin on his handsome face. Steve gawks at him and the man adds, "Okay, maybe it was a line."

"Oh, fuck - I mean, shit - hi." He wants to punch himself, hard. Smooth. So fucking smooth. The floor never opens and swallows you when you need it most.

The man cackles with glee and Steve turns even redder, quickly approaching scarlet.

"What can we get you?" Robin the Saint cuts in before he can put his foot in his mouth any more than he already did, nudging Steve in the side to put on his best customer service smile.

"Uh," Cute Guitar Guy begins, his eyes darting up to the menu and scanning it quickly. "Whatever's sweet enough to cause instant cavities."

"You're not on the menu, Stevie," Robin whispers in Steve's ear, laughter obvious in her tone, and Steve elbows her gently. He wouldn't mind being on the menu for this particular customer.

"A mocha with an extra pump sound good?" Robin asks, already grabbing a cup, marker in hand.

"Yeah, that sounds good," the guy replies absentmindedly, his eyes never leaving Steve's. As their gazes lock, Steve has to suppress the shiver that wants to run through his body as the current of electricity hits him again. He can feel it crackling under his skin and wonders if the man in front of him can feel it too.

He hopes he can.

Undeterred by both of their obvious distraction, Robin continues with her customer scheme. "Name?"

Cute Guitar Guy’s eyes stay on Steve as he replies with a sudden weight in his voice, "Eddie," before remembering his manners and giving Robin a kind, sincere smile.

Robin moves away from the counter to start working on the drink, sending a sly smile in Steve's direction as he continues to just stand there looking at Eddie. He's sure she's going to make fun of him later.

"I'm Steve," he tells the guy, desperate to say something, anything.

"I see," Eddie says, pointing to Steve's nametag, and Steve feels like smacking himself again. Fortunately, Eddie seems more charmed than appalled by his inability to carry on a conversation like a normal human being. "I suppose it would be stupid to use another line like 'You come here often?'" Eddie asks, smiling widely at him, and Steve's knees weaken at the sight, wanting to trace that smile with his tongue, especially the newly formed dimples.

Steve huffs a laugh. "You still could. Maybe it’d make you stop by more often if I told you I do?”

“Oh, you can count on that, Steve.”

They grin at each other and Steve thinks that he would take a hundred more fucked up days like Friday if they led to something like this. The thought reminds him to ask, "Is that your regular spot? Playing at the corner?"

Leaning closer to Steve, Eddie rests both elbows on the counter. "What if it is?"

"Then I might have to skip the bus more often," Steve says, mimicking his stance.

He hears Robin snort behind him, but chooses to ignore her in favor of looking at Eddie, who has just pulled out his wallet to pay for the drink. Steve puts his hand on the one holding the wallet and feels another crackle under his skin. "On the house."

Eddie raises an eyebrow at him, but his eyes dance with mischievous delight. "And do all of your first time customers get this kind of special treatment from you?"

Go big or go home, Steve thinks as he leans even closer to Eddie. "Nah," he says looking up at him from under his lashes, "Only the really cute ones."

The smile on Eddie's face softens, the mischief replaced by something more genuine, more real. He pulls a strand of his hair over his mouth to hide it, but it's too late, because Steve knows he's going to fall asleep tonight with that smile on his mind.

Eddie opens his wallet, pulls out a $5 bill and puts it in the tip jar. Steve wonders if it's the same one he put in Eddie's guitar case the other night. "Thanks, Stevie."

The nickname makes Steve smile, liking the easy way Eddie creates a feeling of familiarity between them. He's not sure if Eddie is thanking him for the free coffee or the compliment, but either way his answer would be the same. "Anytime."

They continue to lean on the counter, staring at each other as if the rest of the world has ceased to exist, before a customer behind Eddie clears his throat loudly, startling them both. "Are you two done? I'd like my coffee today, please."

Rolling his eyes, Eddie steps aside and waves his arm in a sweeping gesture at the disgruntled customer.

"After you," he says in an exaggerated voice and gives Steve a wink before walking over to the pickup counter to wait for his drink. Just then, more and more customers begin to pour in, the lunch rush in full swing, and Steve moves to take their orders, help Robin prepare drinks, and hand out snacks and baked goods. He tries to keep an eye on Eddie to see if he's still there, but after a particularly large order from a group, Steve is distracted long enough that when he looks back, Eddie is gone.

His face must show his disappointment because Robin puts a gentle hand on Steve's back and says, "Eddie asked me to tell you goodbye. He really had to go, but he looked just as bummed out about it as you do.”

That's at least something, but Steve still feels deflated. He didn't even get his number.

#steddiebang23 #steddie #steddie fanfiction #steve x eddie #barista!steve harrington #musician!eddie munson #steddie au #my writing #the biggest and most heartfelt thank you to this crew #Jen and I couldn't have asked for a better team to put this together #it was a whirlwind and sometimes a fight but having all these amazing and wonderful people in our corner made it possible #💜💜💜 #and to Jen: thank you for being my platonic writing soulmate and more importantly my friend 💜🥰🫂

[heartfeltcierra]

Reacting to you making/giving them a friendship bracelet. (Ace, Roger, Marco, Shanks, and Doflamingo)

AN- Here lately I've been making friendship bracelets and thought this would be a fun idea! I hope you enjoy and let me know if you'd like to see a part two with more characters! (Find part 2 with Zoro, Luffy, Sanji, Bart, Sabo and Law here)

Characters- Ace, Roger, Marco, Shanks, and Doflamingo.

Warnings/Content-Fluffy, Minor mentions of violence/blood, Very Suggestive/NSFW themes in Doffy and Shanks's part.

ʕ•ᴥ•ʔﾉ♡ More under the cut

Ace

🔥Ace would in utter shock, saying something like “You really made this for me???” 🥺

🔥After you confirm it is, be prepared to be pulled into the biggest most heartfelt hug you’ll ever experience in your life (He couldn't help it, he was just so happy :) 

🔥As we all know Ace can be pretty crafty, so I feel he would learn how to make them so he could give you one too!

 “Y/N! Y/N!” Ace came running up to you with his signature wide smile painted on his face.

 “Hey Ace.” You return the smile as he catches his breath. "What's up?"

 “Close your eyes and hold your hand out!” You do as Ace asked and feel something slip over your wrist. “And open!” You look down and see Ace had made you a bracelet. “And the best part.” He held his wrist up next to yours, showing off the bracelets you'd made for each other. “We match now!” 

 Totally didn’t take him 100 different times to make it because he kept accidentally setting the twine on fire. With that being said, the poor Moby Dick almost caught on fire 100 different times.

 (Thank you Marco for making sure that didn’t happen.)

🍍- You're welcome, yoi.

Roger (SFW)

🗡️-The king of the pirates absolutely lost his mind when you gave him the bracelet  

🗡️-Thinks of it as a good luck charm (he would do something corny like kissing it before going into a fight) 

🗡️-Shows it off to everyone and I mean everyone (especially enemies)

“Look at what my sweet Y/N made for me.” Roger held his wrist out to the confused pirate laying half dead at his feet.   

“Who cares, It’s just a stupid bracelet.” Stupid???? The bracelet that you worked so hard on?

 “Aww he didn’t mean that.” Roger cooes at the bracelet, causing the now even confused man below to quirk his bloody brow. 

 “Are you insane? It’s just a-“ 

 “DIVINE DEPARTURE!”

  (“Oh wow what a lovely bracelet!”-- Literally everyone who witnessed the scene above.)

♬~Smart ways to live~ ♬ ~So many smart ways to live~♬

 Marco (SFW)

🍍 When you gave Marco the bracelet you didn’t get much of a reaction because he was super busy doing paperwork

🍍 He’d pull you down for a quick kiss before saying “I love it.” without even looking at it

🍍 But he didn’t have to look at it to know he loved it, it already met the requirements because you made it. 

 “Wake up sleepy head, I need you to sign off on this.” Thatch threw a report on Marco’s desk, rudely waking up the blonde up from his much needed nap. “Nice bracelet by the way.” Marco raised a brow hearing the man holding back laughs. 

 “Yeah it is nice because Y/N made it for me.” Marco held his wrist up with a smirk, attempting to make the other man jealous.

  “Oh I know~” Thatch could no longer control his laughter as he pointed at the bracelet. “It’s pretty obvious she did.” 

 “Huh?“ Marco grabbed his glasses and took a closer look to see what had the chef doubled over in tears. “Are you serious?” His hand slams over his face after seeing what the beads on the bracelet spelled out. “I swear that girl is going to send me to an early grave.” He stood up and shoved the now signed paper into his friend's chest. “You tell no one about this." Marco glared daggers at the laughing man. "Thatch.."

  “Oh don't worry, I won’t .” Thatch smiled innocently while slowly making his escape. “Y/N’s babygirl.” 

"THATCH!"

 (Needless to say the entire Whitebeard crew knew within five minutes.)

 Shanks (NSFW)

 ❤️ He loves anything you give him, and I mean anyyything

 ❤️ You could give him a single grain of sand and he would go show it off to the whole world

 ❤️ So when you came up to him holding a bracelet that you had hand made, he was over the moon smitten.

 “Shanks hold your hand out?”

 “Which one?” 

 …..

 …..

 “That was funny and you know it was!” You roll your eyes as the red haired man starts laughing at his own joke.

 “Just hold your one and only hand out for me please and thank you.” He's all smiles as you roll on the bracelet before adjusting it to fit snug against his wrist.

 “Aww you really made this for me?” His grin grows wider while taking a closer look at it. “Um, sweetheart this is real thoughtful and all, but does it really have to say #1 DILF?” He looks up at you with a raised brow.

 “Yes it does.” You hold out your hand to show off the bracelet wrapped around your wrist. “Otherwise we won’t match.” 

 “DILF destroyer huh?” Shanks smirks. “I’m curious to see just what kind of “destroying” you can do when I have you whimpering under me.”

 (You literally cannot win with this man.)

Doffy (NSFW)

🦩He looks down on the bracelet on his wrist with a rather displeased expression 

🦩In all honesty he found it quite adorable that you put time and effort into making something for him

🦩But it’s what you called it that has him unamused

 

 “What did you just call this thing?”

  “It’s a friendship bracelet…”

  “How ridiculous.” 

 “You don't like it?..” Doffy notices the dejected look on your face and with a flick of his wrist, pulls you into his lap.

   “Don’t get me wrong my sweet girl, I do appreciate it. But..” A wicked smirk forms on his face while large hands trail down your curves, slowly making their way under your skirt. “I’d say me and you are…. a little more than ‘friends’~, wouldn’t you agree?”

 (The same bracelet decorated hand found its way around your throat as he proved his point to you.)

#one piece x reader #one piece x you #marco the phoenix #one piece #marco x reader #ace one piece #one piece headcanons #one piece scenario #one piece self insert #doflamingo #doffy #donquixote doflamingo #red haired shanks #akagami no shanks #shanks #shanks x reader #shanks x you #doffy x reader #doffy x you #doflamingo x reader #portgas ace x reader #ace x reader #ace fluff #doffy fluff #shanks fluff #red haired shanks fluff #gol d. roger #gol roger x reader #roger x reader #roger one piece

[steelcityreviews]

PREVIEW INTERVIEW with GRAND HORIZONS director Ryan Trepanier

Coming soon to Dundas Little Theatre is a play about families, acceptance and growth. I had the pleasure of a virtual interview with director Ryan Trepanier and we discussed their vision for Grand Horizons as well as the company's winter clothing drive to assist our community.

What influenced you to direct for Dundas Little Theatre's Grand Horizons? 

I was happily surprised to find that when I read Grand Horizons for the first time, it was much more than a hilarious family comedy (which it still very much is). This play is a lot more personal to me than I would have ever expected. I can see my entire family in the characters Bess Wohl has given us. I thought it would be fun to direct this show from the perspective of the kids watching their parents look back on their lives together, whether that's regrets, desires, fears, etc. In a way, this play is a love letter to my parents, but hopefully to all parents of adult children. It's a really unique dynamic - how do us kids interact with and reason with our parents, who for so much of our lives, are the leaders, the ones who have all the knowledge and all the answers. This is really the question that permeates the show, as a real family dynamic plays out on stage.

For those unfamiliar with this show, how will the show speak to audiences? 

Ultimately, this is a play about very real people. Sure, the situation they're thrown into at the very beginning probably isn't a common problem most families face, but I challenge our audience not to find pieces of your own family in these characters. I can't help but empathize with this family, and I sincerely believe our audiences will too. Oh, and of course, the glue that holds this together is that while it's authentic and sincere, it's also incredibly funny. Because ultimately, we know families are funny and ridiculous in their own unique way. This play captures that, and I think audiences will appreciate how well constructed these characters are.

What challenges, if any, have you faced while bringing your vision to the stage and what have you taken from the experience? 

In a world with COVID, live theatre has definitely changed a lot. We've had to be flexible and patient in terms of rehearsing this play. But ultimately, having such an amazing group of people to work with - 7 incredible actors and an incredible team behind the scenes - it's made the whole process far less stressful than it probably should have been. The biggest takeaway from this production, though I think this just solidifies or confirms what I've always suspected, is that the hardest/most important part of any show is the casting and/or choosing your team to surround you. 

What have you found rewarding about bringing this production to the stage?

It's always incredibly satisfying to see a play take its shape in rehearsals. With this particular play, it's wonderful to watch the cast react to the heartfelt and meaningful moments on stage. I think, that much like myself, our cast and crew see the real people in this play. Everyone can mine their own meaning, and their own relation to these very real people portrayed on stage. And, every time a show goes up and it looks as good as you thought it would - that always feels like a little miracle, and I'm thankful for all of the people responsible for making that happen.

           5.   During this production, DLT will be collecting winter clothing items for Good Shepherd, Hamilton. What influenced the company to organize this and how can audiences help ensure that the clothing drive is a success? 

I have always felt that art should inspire. In the play, Grand Horizons, Nancy is organizing a clothing drive for refugees. Nancy wants to live in a world where people care about others and I saw an opportunity to follow her lessons. We reached out to the Good Shepherd and they were happy to partner with us. Audiences are encouraged to bring in their gently used seasonal clothing to the theatre on the night they see the show.

Thank you Ryan, for such fond insights regarding directing Grand Horizons and for finding such inspiration within the show to help set up a much needed clothing drive this winter!

Look for my full review of the show coming January 21.

For tickets and more information, please visit: https://dundaslittletheatre.com/tickets

Rehearsal photos provided by: Keith Sharp

#hamiltonontheatre #dundaslittletheatre #liveproductions #grandhorizonsplay

[rpmtrish]

MEHLENBACHER FAMILY HONOURED AT CANADIAN DRAG RACING HALL OF FAME CEREMONY

KIRKLAND, QC (November 4, 2023) – Two generations of Mehlenbachers were honoured tonight at the 7th annual Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame Inductees Gala, which took place in front of a full house at Lamborghini Montreal, in Kirkland Quebec. A total of 16 nominees were inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, with the Gala celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the sport of drag racing. The Mehlenbachers joined an elite group of Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame inductees past and present, which includes racers, mechanics, crew chiefs, engine and chassis builders, track promoters, announcers, track officials, photographers, journalists, and sponsors. "I am thrilled, but I am also extremely honoured for my father and the Mehlenbacher family to receive this recognition. It is a very special tribute to me and my family” said Bruce F. Mehlenbacher. "I would like to convey my heartfelt appreciation and thanks to John Scotti and Bob Aubertin, on behalf of myself and the Mehlenbacher family, for honoring my father and me. This induction into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame is a great honour." Several members of the Mehlenbacher family were in attendance tonight, including Andrew and Bill Mehlenbacher, and Bill accepted for his father on behalf of the family. “My father is very deserving of this award, as one of the pioneers in the sport of drag racing. Many of the members of the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame and those in attendance tonight would not be where they are, had it not been for our father Bruce A. Mehlenbacher and our grandfather L.B. Mehlenbacher. Their dedication and promotion of the sport was second to none,” said Bill Mehlenbacher. “On behalf of my father and our family, we thank you for this distinction.” The Mehlenbachers family history of drag racing began in 1948, when L. Bruce Mehlenbacher purchased a 375-acre parcel of land in Kohler, Ontario, to add to the family’s farming operation. The property included an emergency landing strip, built by the Canadian Government during the Second World War. In 1954, with the cooperation of the Ontario Timing Association, there was some racing at the track in Kohler, and 1955 saw the full operation of the drag racing facility. Things were simple and low-tech in those days, as cars were driven to the track or towed in makeshift trailers. During the 1960s, the track was recognized as Kohler Dragway, Super Boss Dragway, and Cayuga 1320 Dragway. It was operated by several individuals throughout this time but always managed under the watch of the Mehlenbacher family. Throughout that period, the track received both NASCAR and NHRA sanctioning, the prominent North American race governing groups. Throughout the heavy muscle car days of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Mehlenbachers leased the facility and the dragstrip became one of the most prominent facilities in Canadian drag racing. The first Bruce A. Mehlenbacher NHRA Division 1 Winston World Championship Series Event (WWCS) was held at the now-named Dragway Park, in 1971. A year later, the Mehlenbacher family took full control of the track, operating all aspects of the venue. Throughout the next 12 years, Dragway Park grew in stature, and a full card of National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) class racing ran every season. Each year was highlighted by the very popular and extremely successful NHRA Division 1 Winston World Championship Series event in May. During that time, many of the biggest names in the sport attended events at Dragway Park, including "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, Don "The Snake" Prudhomme, Shirley Muldowney, Bob Glidden, Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins, Joe Amato, Ronnie Sox, Tom "The Mongoose" McEwen, "Jungle" Jim Liberman, "Dyno" Don Nicholson, Ed "The Ace" McCulloch, Raymond Beadle, Connie Kalitta, Gary Beck, "TV" Tommy Ivo, Frank Manzo, Frank Hawley, Billy Meyer, Roger Gustin, Wally and Barbara Parks and, of course, "The First Lady of Motorsports" Linda Vaughn. A highlight of this time was Shirley Muldowney receiving her NHRA Top Fuel license on Easter Weekend at Dragway Park, in 1973. The three drivers who signed for her Top Fuel license were "TV" Tommy Ivo, Connie Kalitta, and "Big Daddy" Don Garlits. Bruce Mehlenbacher Jr. signed as the Dragway Park Track Official. The Mehlenbacher family era of Dragway Park continued until 1984, and the drag strip continues to operate today, under the name of Toronto Motorsports Park. The Mehlenbacher family and Dragway Park collected several awards throughout the years, including the NHRA Northeast Division 1 Dragstrip of the Year in 1982, NHRA Division 1 Bracket Finals Team Champions in 1976 and 1983, and the NHRA Management Excellence Award in 1983. Bruce A. Mehlenbacher was named NHRA Northeast Division Man of the Year in 1973. Bruce A. and Joan Mehlenbacher were then inducted into the Legion of Honor by Darwin Doll in 2010, for outstanding contributions to our drag racing heritage. To highlight an already impressive family history in the motorsports industry, the Mehlenbacher family (L. Bruce, Bruce A., Joan, Bruce F., Holly, Barbara, Bill, Andrew, Julie and Kelly) was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 1998. The Mehlenbacher family's passion for racing involvement didn’t cease at Dragway Park in 1984. It continues in the present day with Bruce F. Mehlenbacher. After working as Track Manager at Dragway Park for 10 years, Bruce became the General Manager of Bob Slack's Cayuga Speedway for eight years, from 1985 to 1993. He would manage the day-to-day operations of the Speedway, which presented short-track championship stock car racing at its very finest, a trademark of the track. The goal was to provide motorsport fans with the best "Specials Only" racing format, which was obtained through major sponsorship support, from companies such as Labatt Breweries, Molson Breweries, Castrol Oil, Player's, General Motors, General Tire and McKerlie-Millen Auto Parts Stores. Quality was the name of the game at Cayuga Speedway, and for race fans, competitors, media, and sponsors alike, the Speedway offered one of the most professionally operated motorsport facilities in North America. In 1991, Bruce co-founded Promark Motorsport International with John Massingberd, which produced Raceline Motorsports Television on TSN, Raceline Radio Network on Telemedia, and Snowtrax Television on TSN and Outdoor Life Network. The ever-popular Sled Ed was a highlight of this period. Raceline Radio Network is now in its 31st year. It is hosted by Erik Tomas and still airs weekly year-round. Bruce F. Mehlenbacher In 1998, Bruce also founded JAJ Entertainment, acting as an independent consultant for motorsports and general entertainment clients. The business specializes in graphic design, hero cards, image creation, internet and web marketing and strategic web development, media management, photography, public relations, special event management and logistics, and sponsorship development. He continues to manage this company today. Among other ventures in the early 2000s, Bruce worked with motorsports drivers, in roles such as public relations for Frank Kimmel, the most successful driver in ARCA history, and also Carl Spiering Motorsports. Bruce also became Executive Director of Development for Fastline Motorsports, Team Manager for Northern Force Racing and Executive Director of Development with Tara MacLeod Racing. In 2003 and 2004, Bruce served as General Manager of Roger Gustin's AutoStar Productions Inc., producer of the Super Chevy Shows. It was the world’s largest drag race/car show series and featured nitro coupes, jet cars, wheel standers, and exhibition vehicles. Bruce then founded the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) in 2004 and serves as their Director of Operations to the present day. The three series have toured several Canadian provinces and U.S. states, presenting a complete package of drag racing action, with excitement for the fans and close competition for the teams. Fans are treated to the PMRA Pro Modifieds, known as the “world’s fastest doorslammers,” the full-fendered cars and dragsters of the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the two-wheeled motorcycle and snowmobile action of the Pro Bike & Sled Series. These race series draw a large number of competitors and continue to thrill spectators at events in Canada and the USA. These inductions will also be celebrated at a special Open House for the public on Thursday November 30, at Shelly's Family Dining in downtown Kohler (the home of Dragway Park) from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, where several of the CDHF Inductees will be present. #mehlenbacher #brucemehlenbacher #rpmmag #rpmmagazine #PMRA #quick32 #sportsmanracing #jetcars #promodifiedracing Read the full article

[chrisjake-cp]

History 3 Trapped Filming Diary (full English translation) - Days 41-50

Masterpost here. 

I don’t own the book so I can’t post my scans of the pictures that came with it. So I included some other pictures of the scenes that were being filmed. These pics belong to LINE TV or Choco Media, or I’ve taken screenshots from the episodes or the behind-the-scenes.

Read days 41-50 under the cut. 

Day 41

On this day of shooting it happened to be Christmas, and the crew, waiting for the evening shooting process, enjoyed a Christmas gift exchange. Shaofei gave out a book; according to him it was a very inspirational book. A crew member who does hair and make-overs nearby opened it and laughed jokingly: “What kind of ‘inspiration’ do you mean?”, causing Shaofei’s thoughts to immediately go into another direction to the point of him not even being able to say it out loud (I can tell you: he was very bashful!). The whole crew also acknowledged that the most creative gift was a big bunch of green onions⁕ from Sanxing. When this present was opened the whole crew burst out in crazy laughter, but it need also be said that this was a most memorable gift. 

⁕ Sanxing is famous for its spring onions! They even have a little museum dedicated to green onions there. 

Also, what kind of book did Jake gift someone? 👀

Day 42

The day after Christmas, Boss Tang arrived at work, and the first thing he did was accept his gift from the Christmas gift exchange from the day before. So what did Boss Tang receive? 

*ding ding* The answer is 20 Christmas trees and a bottle of “Indian Spiritual Oil”⁕ At the appearance of this gift, everyone nearby immediately laughed loudly, and I also silently expressed my heartfelt wishes for Tang Yi’s and Meng Shaofei’s happiness. 

For today’s scenes, basically the whole ‘world’ had to be there: Unit 3, Tang Yi, A De, Hong Ye, Daoyi and Jingtang were all present, so the set was really lively. What was shot that day were the scenes after Hongye and Shaofei were injured in the parking lot. In order to increase the conflictual character of these scenes, the director assigned each actor their own, individual combination. What was interesting is that during rehearsals, the cameramen all quickly approached the actors like a large quantity of reporters. A De said smiling that the group of people was so large that it looked like an oncoming tank and he could only silently take the ‘card position’⁕ each time. 

⁕ This oil is basically like viagra...but topical instead of taking a pill....It’s a natural plant oil but it contains some anaesthetics which will irritate the skin a bit (making your you-know-what more erect as it grows hot) and the anaesthetics will also cause you to last longer. Ahem. Let’s all imagine Chris receiving this gift. 😂

⁕ The card position comes from a basketball or football game. It means that during the game, when the ball is in the air, the player accurately judges the effective landing point of the ball, takes the lead in the opponent's position, and blocks the opponent out of the best position to gain control. Here it means that Stanley just chose the best position to gain control/the upper hand in the scene. 

Day 43

Today we continued to shoot the hospital scenes. Shaofei said smiling that today was another aptly-named day of “earning money while lying down,” as he was lying down from the first scene in the morning to the last scene in the evening. After several consecutive days of intensive shooting, the hospital scenes were back in Taoyuan. Shaofei said he had been getting out of bed at 4am in the morning for several days in a row, and that day was no exception. So during the moments when he wasn’t in the shots, he could openly but stealthily catch up on some sleep in the bed, which made everyone present pretty envious. 

Zhaozi just gets better the more he acts. Just look at his slightly wrinkled brows.

Day 44

In the last episode, Zhaozi took Tang Yi to see Shaofei [in the hospital] for the last time. Tang Yi, who had carelessly pulled the trigger and accidentally shot Shaofei was already handcuffed. He told Shaofei he would hand He Hang as well as Zhou Guanzhi over to the police. Zhou Guanzhi was the enemy who killed his father. In these past four years, Tang Yi’s biggest goal was to single-handedly murder his father’s killer. For Tang Yi to now agree to let Zhou Guanzhi live and to hand him over to the police, meant Tang Yi had made the ultimate concession.

Because he had persisted in his revenge, he had caused his lover to be hospitalized with a gunshot. Since meeting Tang Yi, Shaofei had been assaulted in big and small ways,  and suffered injuries because of him. Tang Yi discovered that his stubbornly insisting on having his own way was a big factor in Shaofei getting hurt. If this continued, Shaofei would one day be ‘killed’ by Tang Yi. Kept apart by handcuffs, kissing your lover like that; what kind of plot could be more cruel than that?

Tang Yi, even while being handcuffed, was very witty/playful. He didn’t forget to stick his tongue out to the camera. 

Day 45

Long time no see! I believe that people who have watched <Right Or Wrong< should not be too unfamiliar with Dr. Jintang’s “uncle-in-law” Jiang Zhaopeng. He is Qiu Zhiyu whom we haven’t seen for a while. Before filming, these two cultivated their understanding of their lines by videochatting [i.e. they practiced their lines] (and also cultivated the signals between both of their phones). One of the most frightening things in filming is the screen of a cellphone. Apart from this scene, the drama shows many different mobile phone screens; every time a call had to be made, or when a LINE conversation happened, etc. Only, whether or not the signal would be good, is an element that no one can control. If the signal is not good, phone calls won’t go through, or the moment when the phone rings doesn’t match the plot. Sometimes it can take a good number of takes, not to mention that this scene needed a video call. If the signal would not be good, the video and the sound might have been chopped. But we had a close call and the signal in the hospital was very stable, allowing us to be able to smoothly complete the take.  

Zijian, who portrays Jiang Jintang, has a lively and witty personality. He would often say crazy things that amused the crew. In the evening, we filmed that Shaofei followed Tang Yi to the hospital to see Jintang [the massage scene]. Jintang wanted to angrily quarrel with Meng Shaofei, because he didn’t expect them to arrive together. His red face, his hard breathing and his stammering made all the staff on the scene instantly almost collapse from laughter. Even Shaofei, who was doing the scene with him, and Tang Yi, who was lying down behind them, couldn’t keep in their laughter. 

At another rehearsal, Jintang was planning to jump on Tang Yi’s back, but because he hadn’t well coordinated his position, Boss Tang’s knees hit Jintang straight in his ‘important parts’. The staff who were on the scene jokingly told him to jump on the spot, and he actually did it. This was also a ‘pain in the balls.’⁕

⁕ Same expression was used in day 37. It’s more literal here. You can see this happening in the behind-the-scenes. 

Day 46

Today we filmed father and son Chen Wenhao and Tang Yi meeting in front of Lizhen’s grave. The weather at the cemetery site was very unstable. Sometimes an uninterrupted drizzle floated by, and at other times wind and rain became quite strong. Occasionally, the sun would stealthily sneak out from the clouds to join in on the fun, adding many changes to the shooting. But the two actors were not in the slightest affected by these elements. As if their surroundings were all congealed together, the two looked at each other and cried really heart-wrenchingly. Afterwards, Chengyang [Chris] also frankly admitted that for this scene his mood was very complex, and it was very hard on him. Tang Yi stood in front of his biological mother’s tomb, and his biological father, whom he once thought to be her killer, walked up to him. At that moment, that kind of “crying” already wasn't just tears simply shed from sadness anymore. 

When he heard the gunshot as he exited the graveyard without even looking back, Chris said that his heart was really hurting so much that he almost couldn’t go on.

A big thank you to teacher Jiakui, who plays Wenhao, to give [Chris] ample ability, and to push him beyond the limits of what he could do. What is even more special, is that today was, coincidentally, also Chris’ birthday. To shoot such a meaningful scene on his birthday and falling apart crying like that, really must have left a deep impression on him.

Day 47

The day when the entire Unit 3 team got together, happened to be the very last day of 2018. Today’s MVP was Junwei [played by Ethan Liu]. Everyone most likely knows about the meeting between Unit 3 and the international criminal police division where Junwei was tasked with reporting duties. 

That day Junwei was constantly drilling and rehearsing, because all his lines needed to be correctly and fluently spoken for that role to be acted out well. One of the biggest causes for stress is that when you start failing takes, the whole crew and all the actors are just waiting. One can imagine that that is a very big pressure. 

Originally everyone joked and said that before noon they would surely be able to go home to celebrate the New Year, but in the end, it took until in the afternoon for the first scene to finish smoothly and everyone on Unit 3 could begin to plan how they would spend New Year’s Eve. But our poor Captain and Shaofei had to stay behind to continue the next scene. Shaofei felt wronged and said to Zhaozi: “Where is the morality in him [the captain] being so happy?” 

Day 48

Outside it was drizzling, but inside, the room was brimming with nervous energy as Tang Yi took Jack to negotiate with Old Ke, while Shaofei from his side and Unit 3 rushed inside as an important step and wiped out the place.⁕

While waiting for their scenes, each of the Unit 3 were doing their own activities. First Shaofei looked for a quiet place in the room and silently sat reading the script for the future scenes. With his usual style, he would use differently coloured pens to write down dialogue that belongs to Jake and Shaofei.⁕ Zhaozi, in turn, would be lying on the very big bed inside the room, and would both be talking to Junwei, having a pillow fight with Jack and taking selfies with his cellphone. 

And how did Tang Yi spend the time waiting for his next scene? The answer is that he had rolled himself up in a quilt and fell into a deep sleep. No matter if Shaofei would loudly yell, “Where is Tang Yi?” outside the room, Tang Yi slept through it all.

⁕ The very first scenes of the whole show, when Shaofei and his team barges through the door! Some of the very first words we ever hear coming out of Shaofei’s mouth are “Where is Tang Yi?” MY HEART. This show is so well-made. 

⁕ There’s an example of what Jake’s script looked like in the “HIStory 3: Trapped The Making of...” book. ankdlgdndkgn it’s the hospital balcony scene. The thing that he writes in black, between the two red exclamation marks... “This is the show’s first kiss!!! (Vixen Andy doesn’t count).” WHY IS HE SO CUTE? 

Day 49

For shooting the scenes at the exterior of the police station, we borrowed the Xizhi branch police building. That Xizhi branch building which only opened in 2017, is very new and very beautiful. The interior was also very spacious, so we had plenty of room to use.

On that day there happened to be a major traffic incident in that jurisdiction area, and both clerical and field police officers were busy bustling about. Even news reporting vehicles were driving in and out. We were able to witness the police officers' work that we usually don’t have opportunity to see. Thanks to all the protectors of the people for their hard work. 

Today’s Xizhi police station was bustling and lively. Thanks as well to the fans of Director Qingrong who, during the afternoon tea time, came to visit the set and brought snacks like donuts and coffee. In the afternoon the weather turned cold and it started to drizzle. But the fans braved the wind and the rain and came anyway, and even gave handwritten cards to the actors and the director, which was really sweet.

Day 50

Day 2 at the police station. Today’s weather was nothing like yesterday’s “sunny and cloudy with an occasional shower”. Today the sun was shining very brightly, and the temperatures soared straight to 30 degrees. It was the perfect weather to play a song called “I love summer.” 

We shot the scene where three members of Unit 3 talked with Jack at the door. They had to walk outside from inside the police station and each time they had to redo the take, everyone went back into the building with a look of total unwillingness. They opened their eyes widely and took a very deep breath, and with a blank look in their eyes they wiped their sweat and used a small fan to keep cool. Phew, foreheads were filled with beads of sweat, and everyone’s clothes were also soaked with sweat.

In the afternoon we filmed the scene from the last episode when Boss Tang goes to the police station to wait for Shaofei to get off work, when Jack also happened to ride his motorbike to pick up Zhaozi from work.  At that time, the weather was still very sunny. Boss Tang, who wanted to sit on his car’s hood to wait for Shaofei, suddenly yelled out. Apparently the vicious sun had rendered the hood burning hot, which made boss Tang jump up in sudden fright.

#圈套影像日誌本 #Trapped diary #HIStory 3: 圈套 #HIStory 3: Trapped #history 3 trapped cast #Jake Hsu #Chris Wu #Andy Bian #Kenny Chen #Jack #Zhaozi #Meng Shaofei #Tang Yi #HIStory 3 Trapped Diary #HIStory 3 Trapped diary translation #my translation #translation #mandarin #mandarin chinese #吳承洋 #徐鈞浩 #卞慶華 #陳廷軒 #孟少飛 #唐毅 #趙立安 #趙子 #飛唐cp #飛唐 #立克cp

[wholesomemendes]

I have a request, if you’re taking them atm! Tour is still going and Alessia is still the opening act, so Shawn, Brian, Connor, Alessia, Olivia, and Y/N hang out in their gang just having fun, being their goofy selves. Brian and Connor know about Shawn liking Y/N and Alessia and Liv know about Y/n liking Shawn. They set them up and go form there? Ily and your stories and make sure you’re staying safe! xx

Author’s Note: I am so sorry this took so long, I’ve been working on it for way too long! But this is 4.7k of personal assistant fluff and I hope you enjoy it! As always please reblog and tell me what you think!

“Thank you, Glasgow!” Screams echoed out from every corner, energy bouncing off the walls as Alessia ended her set and ran off the stage. You and Liv sprinted your way backstage from where you were watching her on the side, maneuvering through all of the backstage crew in order to reach Alessia before her after show high had calmed down. Upon spotting the two of you, a wide smile formed on her face and she began running in your direction to meet you halfway. 

“That. Was. Incredible!” you screamed as she wrapped you both in a bone crushing hug.

“I know right! The crowd is so loud, I can’t even imagine what they’ll be like for Shawn,” Alessia replied with a smile, still trying to catch her breath from her performance.

“Don’t sell yourself short, they’ll probably be quieter for him. Man's looks can only take him so far.”

The two girls laughed at your light hearted joke before Liv piped up, “Better watch it Y/n, just cause you’re his assistant doesn’t mean he’s gonna give you a free pass at hurting his ego.”

“Nah, he knows I adore him, probably give him too much praise. Gotta make sure I don’t blow up his head too big,” you teased, joining in the girls giggles, “Speaking of Shawn, I better go find him before he goes out. I’m kinda slacking at my job right now.”

“Go, go, can’t leave your lover boy hanging,” Alessia lightly pushed you in the direction of his dressing room, knowing you hated when the girls teased you about your not so secret crush on your boss.

“I hate you!”

“I love you too!”

________________

“Does anyone know where Y/n is? She's usually back here by now...” Shawn was pacing around his dressing room anxiously while poor Tiff was attempting to put on the final touches of his outfit.

“I bet she’s on her way here right now, Alessia’s set just ended,” she tried to console him, “Now stand still and let me do my job.”

“I’m sorry I’m just worried, I haven’t seen her much today and I’m worried she’s not coming back here before I go on.”

“Shawn, she always comes back...” Tiff was interrupted by two short knocks on the door and your beautiful voice soothing the poor boy’s worries, “Shawn, can I come in?”

He didn’t even bother answering, instead choosing to rip the door open and pull you into his embrace, burying his face into your shoulder, “I thought you weren’t gonna come back.”

“What are you talking about, big guy? I always check up on you,” you giggled at his antics, feeling his breath slowly even out as he breathed in your signature scent. 

He pulled his face out from your shirt to look at you, the panic in them still evident, “You’re usually back here by now and I don’t know, I haven’t seen you much today and I was worried and...”

“Hey rockstar, deep breaths,” you smiled up at him with the loving gaze that was reserved just for him and took his face in your hands, relishing in the way he leaned into your touch, “I’m always gonna check on you before your show. It’s tradition...and my job but that’s a completely different topic. Besides, the reason you haven’t seen me around today is because I’ve been busy taking care of all the necessary business surrounding a certain pop star.” You poked his chest at your last sentence, earning a sincere chuckle to escape his lips for the first time in a few hours. 

The moment was interrupted by Tiff tapping Shawn’s shoulder lightly, “I hate to break this up, but you need to get dressed.”

Pushing Shawn away towards Tiff, you took a seat on the couch of the dressing room, watching as he covered up his muscular arms with an unbuttoned, army green short-sleeve shirt. You would be lying if you said you weren’t enjoying the view of him in a white wife-beater tank, but you knew it would make an appearance again mid way through the show tonight. You made yourself busy by looking through your twitter feed, liking some of the posts from Shawn’s fans about the concert tonight. “Finished!” Tiff exclaimed excitedly, brushing out the fabric on his shoulders as Shawn fiddled with the array of rings on his fingers.

He tilted his head to look at you through his eyelashes, a smirk forming on his face when he saw your eyes do a quick glance up and down his body. Turning his head back to look at his hands, he prayed you couldn’t see the blush forming on his face from your looks as you were the only person that had that effect on him. He got thousands of compliments from beautiful girls every day, but they never meant as much to him as they did when you said them. It seemed painfully obvious to everyone around him that he was crushing hard on you, well at least that’s what the guys made it seem like. In reality, only Brian and Conner knew after they confronted a drunk Shawn one night who immediately spilled his feelings. That’s the issue with drunk Shawn, he was very, very emotional. Not in a bad way, unless you count sharing everything you feel towards your personal assistant before even she knows bad. 

“Shawn, did you remember to take your medicine?” you asked softly as Tiff left the room, meeting his eyes while he walked closer to where you were seated on the couch. You knew he hated other people knowing about his medication even if it wasn’t serious, he just didn’t feel the need to let people know. So even though you made it a point to remind him just in case he happened to forget, you always made sure to do it in privacy with the most gentle voice.

He cleared his throat, scratching nervously behind his neck, “I, um...I’m actually not taking it tonight.” This medicine wasn’t extreme by any means, it simply slowed his heart rate down so he could be calm on stage with his anxiety. But nevertheless it was medicine and for him to simply not take it tonight was a big deal whether he acted like it was or not.

Your eyes went wide, staring up at him where he had made his way between your legs on the couch as he fiddled with his fingers, refusing to meet your eyes. “Oh...that-that’s great, Shawn. Wh-Why aren’t you taking it?”

He sighed, making his way to sit next to you and laid down with his head in your lap. You carded your fingers through his long curls, trying your hardest to make sure you’d be able to easily style them again before he went on. “I don’t want to rely on medicine anymore. I get it’s not that big of a deal and a lot of artists use this type, but I don’t want to feel like I can’t perform without it. I need to do this for myself, to get over this. I talked to Andrew and Jocelyne before I made the decision, but I had already made up my mind.” A quiet moan escaped his plush lips when you lightly massaged a spot on his head as you listened intently, wishing nothing more than to take all his pain away.

“I’m proud of you,” he turned his head to look up at you as you spoke, hand coming to rest on his cheek that was once in his curls, “I really am.”

He placed his large hand over yours, lightly kissing the inside of your palm, “Thank you, it means a lot coming from you.” Your heart swelled three sizes at his words and the look in his eyes was indescribable. Deep down in your heart wanted to believe it was love, but the rational part of your brain quickly dismissed the thoughts. “Hey, I, um, I’ve wanted to talk to you abou-” “Shawn! You’re on in 15!” One of the backstage crew followed by three sharp knocks interrupted Shawn’s thoughts and he stood up with a huff, heading towards the mirror to fix his hair before turning towards the door. “You coming?”

“Of course.” You followed him out the door where he proceeded to wrap his arm around your shoulders, pressing you closer to him as you walked.

“Good, need you close tonight. Got a lot more nerves this time around.”

________________

“I can do this, I can do this, I can do this,” Shawn mumbled to himself as the two of you were sitting under the stage. You could practically feel the waves of anxiety rolling off of him while you waited for his cue to run up those stairs. “I can do this, I can do this, I can…”

“Shawn, look at me,” you took his face into your small hands, cupping his cheeks with your palms as he stared back at you with wide doe-like eyes. It didn’t matter if it was almost pitch black under there, you could see the fear inside of those eyes that usually held so much joy. “You’re going to kill it out there rockstar and you don’t need any medicine to do that.” He leaned into your touch, hanging onto every last word you were saying. “That medicine isn’t what makes you a performer, it’s what’s in here-” you released one hand from his face to poke at his racing heart beneath his chest “-that gives you talent. You’re Shawn Mendes and if that doesn’t do it for you, I don’t know what will. Because the Shawn I know is the most talented, caring, and heartfelt man I’ve ever met, and to say I was him would be the biggest honor.” You could see his tears threatening to fall out of his eyes at your words, causing you to reach up and brush them away, “Now there’s an arena filled with people who love every single inch of you, so go out there and show them what you got.” 

“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he sighed, heart feeling lighter than it ever has. He swore you must be a witch because of the magic you had over him, but his brain told him it was the grip you had on his heart that allowed you to have this effect on him. 

“Good thing you’ll never have to.” With that he blew you a kiss, running up the stairs to be met with the deafening screams of thousands of fans.

________________

The screaming was insane as Shawn bounded off the stage, energy coursing through his veins. Alessia and Liv stood by your side, surrounded by people on your left and right all waiting to congratulate Shawn. Connor ran behind him, capturing the moment before clapping Shawn on the shoulder, yelling something about how amazing the crowd was over their screams. Suddenly, Shawn’s eyes locked with yours, his smile somehow growing wider as he made his way towards you. His face faltered for a moment when Andrew and some of the backstage members surrounded him, congratulating him on the show while his eyes fought to stay on you. He thanked them all profusely, trying his best to focus on them instead of where you were standing next to some of his best friends.

Once he got through the rest of the crew, he made his way over to you, letting out a sigh of relief when his arms were finally wrapped around you and his head was rested in the crook of your neck. “I did it,” he mumbled into your neck, “I did the show without it.”

Your heart was filled with so much pride and excitement for him that your eyes started to well up with tears while you squeezed your arms tighter around him, “I always knew you could do it. I’m so so proud of you, Shawn.” 

“I couldn’t do it without you.” He squeezed your body one last time before Brian was clapping him on the shoulder, turning his attention away from you. Shawn gave a final hug to Alessia and Liv, although it was much shorter and less intimate than the one he gave you, then followed Andrew’s orders to meet with some fans that were backstage. You followed behind him, handing him a water bottle when he began to cough, knowing that after every show his voice typically became extremely raw. He blew you one of his famous kisses as a thank you, causing your cheeks to heat up much to your dismay. Alessia was long gone, having gone back to her dressing room, and you were incredibly thankful that there was no one around to tease you about your inappropriate crush on your boss. Once pictures were done you followed Shawn back to his own dressing room, ready to go sleep the night away in your hotel room.

“That show was ecstatic! I don’t know if it’s just because I didn’t take my medicine, but the energy just felt so good!” Shawn was smiling from ear to ear as he pulled his sweat-filled tank top over his head, throwing it on the floor for you to inevitably pick up even if he didn’t intend for you to do so. 

“No, that crowd was definitely off the walls. Alessia said the same thing when she came off,” you told him, making your way to sit on the couch. 

“I’m just gonna take a quick shower and then we can head out.”

“Sounds like a plan. I can only imagine you’re excited to get back to the hotel, bet tonight’s show was more tiring than usual.”

“We’re not going back to the hotel,” he turned to you with a confused look on his face, bare chest on full display making your heart flutter, “Didn’t Alessia or Liv tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“You know what they probably just thought I’d tell you. Brian, Connor, Alessia, Liv, and the two of us are going exploring. We don’t have another show for like two days or something…”

“Three days.”

“You know what I meant, but that means we have time to explore tonight and rest tomorrow.”

“Don’t you just want to go to sleep?” 

Shawn strolled over to where you were sitting, leaning over you to place his hands on the couch behind you. His face was inches from yours and you couldn’t help the flush that came over your cheeks from his bare skin being in such close proximity. “Sleep can wait. Now you-” he tapped the tip of your nose- “are going to find one of my sweatshirts in my bags because there’s no way you’re going out in that you’ll freeze, and I’m going to shower. Then we’re going to go exploring with our friends because sleep is for the week and we’re not weak.”

“You say that now, but your exhaustion tomorrow will say differently,” you called out as he pushed himself off the couch to head towards the shower.

“Good thing I have someone that will let me sleep on their lap during the bus ride!” You let out a huff of air, rolling your eyes even though he couldn’t see from where he was already in the bathroom. Making your way over to his bags, you began packing up his clothes from earlier along with the miscellaneous objects that were strewn around the room.  You followed his request from earlier, grabbing his youth hoodie that you loved so much and throwing it over your light sweater for the arena. Immediately your body was filled with warmth, it truly was one of his warmest sweatshirts, and your nose was filled with his scent, not helping your racing heart. The night had barely started, but you had a feeling that your emotions were going to get you in trouble later on.

________________

“There is no way you can eat that entire churro in one bite, I refuse to believe it.” The six of you had only been out about 15 minutes before Brian decided he was already hungry and needed one of the churros from the stand just outside of the hotel. It had been decided that you would stop at the hotel with the rest of the crew to drop everything off before you would be able to explore around the city, which still wasn’t completely accepted by Andrew. 

“Oh really? Bring it on Baby Brash, how much are we betting?” Brian countered, the foot long churro already paid for and in his hand.

“Two dollars.”

“Ten.”

“Five.”

“Deal.” 

“You don’t think he’s really gonna do it, do you?” you whispered to Shawn, not wanting Brian to hear you and force you to join the bet.

“I don’t know, five dollars is five dollars. Brian’s not gonna give up that easily,” he whispered back, hands in his pockets as he watched Brian aggressively eat the poor churro. 

Two minutes later, Brian was five dollars richer and your small group was admiring the architecture of the city. You had taken more candid photos than you could count, with a new selfie of you and Shawn as your lock screen, a result of him hacking into your phone claiming this picture of you with both of your tongues out and cheeks squished together was the best photo the two of you had. Now you, Alessia, and Liv were currently sitting on the grass, watching as the boys attempted to climb up a structure on a playground they found. As they say, boys will be boys and even if they were all considered adults now, they were still boys through and through. “So when are you going to tell him you’re in love with him?” 

“What?!” you asked, eyes wide as you turned to Alessia, “What-what are you talking about?”

“Come on, you act like we don’t know about your crush on Shawn. You’ve literally told us before.”

“First of all, yes I have a crush on him, but I’m not in love with him! That’s crazy. And two, he’s my boss and he’s never going to know.” 

“Honey, have you seen the way you look at him? You’re in love, stop lying to yourself,” Liv reasoned, Alessia nodding her head in agreement next to her, “And also who cares if he’s your boss? The two of you practically act like a couple half the time, he probably feels the same way.”

“But you don’t know that,” you whined, throwing your head back in frustration, “He’s so kind to everyone, that’s just how he is.”

“You know he acts differently around you, he doesn’t do half the things he does with you around the rest of his friends,” Alessia tried to convince you, but you weren’t having it.

“No he doesn’t, you guys are just trying to convince yourself that my feelings aren’t one sided.”

“Whatever you say,” Liv rolled her eyes playfully at you, earning a light swat in the shoulder from you as you laughed.

________________

“When are you gonna tell her you’re in love with her?” Meanwhile, the three boys had successfully climbed to the top of the structure and were having their own soul discovering conversation.

“Bro, what are you talking about?” Shawn stuttered, staring at Brian who was smirking in his direction.

“You know, Y/n? The girl you’re literally drooling over and get hearts in your eyes anytime you look at her?” 

Shawn’s cheeks began to heat up immediately, his head dropping to hide his lovesick smile, “I don’t get heart eyes.”

“Yeah you do, man, I’m surprised she hasn’t said anything about how in love you are with her,” Connor chimed in, causing Shawn’s face to heat up even more.

“I like her, I obviously do, but I’m not in love with her. She’s one of my best friends, I’m not going to risk that to tell her about a silly little crush.”

“It’s obviously not a silly little crush if you act like a lovesick puppy around her.”

“I don’t act like a lovesick puppy around her!”

“Yeah, you do,” Connor snorted, trying to hide it with a cough.

“See, even Baby Brash sees it and he wouldn’t know love if it hit him in the face.”

Connor turned towards Brian, mouth wide open, “Hey, I know love.”

“Oh yeah?” Brian challenged, raising one of his eyebrows, “When was the last time you were in love?”

Connor stayed quiet, refusing to make eye contact with anything but the ground as he bit his lip in denial. “That’s what I thought, now Shawn you need to make a move!” 

“No,” Shawn shook his head, refusing to acknowledge his brain that was screaming love, “I’m not in love.” 

“Whatever you say.”

________________

“Ok everyone know the rules?” 

“What rules? It’s just first duo to get to the gazebo first wins,” you argued, watching as Connor shrugged his shoulders innocently. Currently you were on Shawn’s back as he held you like you weighed a feather, which you knew was far from the truth. Alessia was waiting to get on Brian’s back while Liv and Connor stood on the side, ready to run alongside the two pairs to judge who reached it first. You were convinced that with Shawn’s long legs you would win, but Brian was the one to suggest the race and he was talking a lot of smack. 

“If you know the rules so well then we should just start,” Liv pointed out, shooting a knowing look at Alessia as she jumped onto Brian’s back.

“Everyone ready? Three...Two...One...Go!” You squealed as Shawn took off with you holding on for dear life, laughing as he used his long leds to get an advantage. He laughed when you held on tighter, burying your face in his neck and fearing that he was going to drop you. You could hear the faint voices of Brian and Alessia behind you, convincing you that Shawn was well in the lead as the gazebo was only a few more feet in front of you. 

“We won!” he exclaimed breathlessly, releasing his grasp on your legs to let you slide off his back.

“Take that...Brian?” your voice trailed off as you looked around, not seeing the rest of your friends anywhere in sight. The two of you couldn’t even make out their figures in the area you left them, leaving the two of you more confused than ever, “Where... where did they go?”

“I don’t know, I swore they were right behind us…” Shawn reached into his pocket, silently cursing his friends when he saw the text from Brian on his screen:

Go get ‘em loverboy;)

“I think they left us here,” he sighed, leaning against the railing of the gazebo.

“Why would they do that?”

“Beats me.” You turned to face him and with the moonlight reflecting on your face, he swore you had never looked more angelic. 

“So what are we supposed to do? Call them, wait for them?” You shivered a bit when the wind began to pick up, Shawn immediately going into what one could only call protective boyfriend mode even if he had never admitted his feelings to you. 

“Come here, you’re cold.” He opened his arms up to you and you immediately cuddled into his warmth, the man was a walking heating furnace.

“How are you always so warm?” you mumbled into his sweatshirt as he rubbed circles onto your back.

“Don’t know, but it sure comes in handy when someone is always cold.” You nodded against his chest and he prayed that you couldn’t hear how loud his heart was beating from you being so close to him, “What do you say we just walk around for a bit and if we don’t see them, we just head back to the hotel?” Not knowing what else to do you agreed, unwillingly peeling yourself away from his warmth and taking his outstretched hand in yours. His large hand engulfed yours, but you couldn’t help thinking about how natural it felt to have his hand in yours. The two of you walked around for what felt like hours through the city, laughing and smiling so much that your cheeks were beginning to hurt. 

As the two of you began to head towards the hotel, you stumbled upon an older woman and who you assumed was her husband taking a nighttime stroll along the street you were on. “You two make such a cute couple!” The older lady gushed as you got closer to the two of them, “Do you remember when that was us, Hank?”

“Of course I do, honey,” the man responded, “I still love you just as much as I did back then. Don’t lose that you two.”

The two of you blushed, bashful smiles on your faces at the couples words. “Thank you,” Shawn spoke up, sending a kind smile to the elderly pair, “We promise we won’t.”

“Good, good. Have a nice night!” 

“You too!” You both called out, sending a friendly wave in their direction as they walked away. You both walked in silence for a couple minutes processing their words, you biting your lip as your nerves bubbled in your chest, “Do we really look like a couple?”

Shawn stopped walking, pulling you with him so your chest was facing his. “I mean, sometimes we kinda act like one,” he told you sincerely, eyes dropping down to his feet as he scratched the back of his neck nervously.

“Have you ever thought about it?” you asked quietly, your brain screaming at you for your foolishness while your heart beated proudly.

“About what? Us as a couple?”

“Yeah.”

“You want my honest answer?” He looked you in the eyes, grabbing both of your hands and squeezing them lightly while you nodded, fear pooling in your eyes, “All the time.”

“You do?”

“How could I not?” he chuckled , lifting one of your hands to rest over his beating heart, “You feel how fast you make my heart beat? You’re the only one it does that for.”

You lifted his free hand to place over your own heart, letting him feel the rapid tempo, “Mine does the same for you, it always has.”

“Do you want to try this…this us? Our friends tell us we act like a couple anyways?” 

You bit your lip slightly, a playful smirk on your face as you looked up at him through your lashes, “Shawn Mendes...are you asking me to be your girlfriend?”

“Maybe,” he teased, hands coming to rest on your hips while yours came to his chest, “If I was, what would your answer be?”

“I don’t know, I’d have to ask my boss if he’s ok with me dating a coworker. So what does he say?”

“He says yes for sure.”

“Then it’s a yes from me.” Shawn wasted no time connecting your lips to his, pulling your body closer to his to eliminate any more space. No amount of dreaming could have prepared you for how his lips felt on yours, they were so soft and your whole body felt aflame from the passion he was putting into the kiss. You sighed when you felt his tongue swipe ever so gently against your bottom lip, immediately opening your mouth earning a moan of satisfaction from him when his tongue finally met yours. You were so consumed by him you weren’t even worried about how paparazzi could be nearby or if a fan saw you and took a picture, all you could think about was Shawn, Shawn, Shawn. 

“I’m in love with you,” he mumbled between kisses, not wanting to part from your lips for even a second, “I’ve been in love with you so long I can’t remember not loving you.”

“I’ve always loved you too, Shawn. I’ve dreamed about this moment for so long.”

“Glad to know I’m not the only one that’s dreamed about you,” and as he continued to kiss you in the middle of the city, the moon shined down on the scene, the stars admiring the love that was only set to grow.

#shawn mendes #shawn x reader #shawn peter raul mendes #mendes army #shawnblr #shawmila #shawn mendes writing #shawn mendes request #shawn mendes imagine #shawn mendes oneshot #shawn mendes angst #shawn mendes au #shawn mendes smut #shawn mendes story #shawn mendes fic #shawn mendes fanfiction #shawn mendes fluff #shawn mendes x y/n #shawn mendes x reader #shawn mendes blurb #shawn mendes boyfriend #shawn mendes non au #smtt #alessia cara #brian craigen #writing #fanfic #fic

[grigori77]

2020 in Movies - My Top 30 Fave Movies (Part 2)

20.  ONWARD – Disney and Pixar’s best digitally animated family feature of 2020 (beating the admittedly impressive Soul to the punch) clearly has a love of fantasy roleplay games like Dungeons & Dragons, its quirky modern-day AU take populated by fantastical races and creatures seemingly tailor-made for the geek crowd … needless to say, me and many of my friends absolutely loved it.  That doesn’t mean that the classic Disney ideals of love, family and believing in yourself have been side-lined in favour of fan-service – this is as heartfelt, affecting and tearful as their previous standouts, albeit with plenty of literal magic added to the metaphorical kind.  The central premise is a clever one – once upon a time, magic was commonplace, but over the years technology came along to make life easier, so that in the present day the various races (elves, centaurs, fauns, pixies, goblins and trolls among others) get along fine without it. Then timid elf Ian Lightfoot (Tom Holland) receives a wizard’s staff for his sixteenth birthday, a bequeathed gift from his father, who died before he was born, with instructions for a spell that could bring him back to life for one whole day.  Encouraged by his brash, over-confident wannabe adventurer elder brother Barley (Chris Pratt), Ian tries it out, only for the spell to backfire, leaving them with the animated bottom half of their father and just 24 hours to find a means to restore the rest of him before time runs out.  Cue an “epic quest” … needless to say, this is another top-notch offering from the original masters of the craft, a fun, affecting and thoroughly infectious family-friendly romp with a winning sense of humour and inspired, flawless world-building.  Holland and Pratt are both fantastic, their instantly believable, ill-at-ease little/big brother chemistry effortlessly driving the story through its ingenious paces, and the ensuing emotional fireworks are hilarious and heart-breaking in equal measure, while there’s typically excellent support from Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Elaine from Seinfeld) as Ian and Barley’s put-upon but supportive mum, Laurel, Octavia Spencer as once-mighty adventurer-turned-restaurateur “Corey” the Manticore and Mel Rodriguez (Getting On, The Last Man On Earth) as overbearing centaur cop (and Laurel’s new boyfriend) Colt Bronco.  The film marks the sophomore feature gig for Dan Scanlon, who debuted with 2013’s sequel Monsters University, and while that was enjoyable enough I ultimately found it non-essential – no such verdict can be levelled against THIS film, the writer-director delivering magnificently in all categories, while the animation team have outdone themselves in every scene, from the exquisite environments and character/creature designs to some fantastic (and frequently delightfully bonkers) set-pieces, while there’s a veritable riot of brilliant RPG in-jokes to delight geekier viewers (gelatinous cube! XD).  Massive, unadulterated fun, frequently hilarious and absolutely BURSTING with Disney’s trademark heart, this was ALMOST my animated feature of the year.  More on that later …

19.  THE GENTLEMEN – Guy Ritchie’s been having a rough time with his last few movies (The Man From UNCLE didn’t do too bad but it wasn’t exactly a hit and was largely overlooked or simply ignored, while intended franchise-starter King Arthur: Legend of the Sword was largely derided and suffered badly on release, dying a quick death financially – it’s a shame on both counts, because I really liked them), so it’s nice to see him having some proper success with his latest, even if he has basically reverted to type to do it.  Still, when his newest London gangster flick is THIS GOOD it seems churlish to quibble – this really is what he does best, bringing together a collection of colourful geezers and shaking up their status quo, then standing back and letting us enjoy the bloody, expletive-riddled results. This particularly motley crew is another winning selection, led by Matthew McConaughey as ruthlessly successful cannabis baron Mickey Pearson, who’s looking to retire from the game by selling off his massive and highly lucrative enterprise for a most tidy sum (some $400,000,000 to be precise) to up-and-coming fellow American ex-pat Matthew Berger (Succession’s Jeremy Strong, oozing sleazy charm), only for local Chinese triad Dry Eye (Crazy Rich Asians’ Henry Golding, chewing the scenery with enthusiasm) to start throwing spanners into the works with the intention of nabbing the deal for himself for a significant discount.  Needless to say Mickey’s not about to let that happen … McConaughey is ON FIRE here, the best he’s been since Dallas Buyers Club in my opinion, clearly having great fun sinking his teeth into this rich character and Ritchie’s typically sparkling, razor-witted dialogue, and he’s ably supported by a quality ensemble cast, particularly co-star Charlie Hunnam as Mickey’s ice-cold, steel-nerved right-hand-man Raymond Smith, Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery as his classy, strong-willed wife Rosalind, Colin Farrell as a wise-cracking, quietly exasperated MMA trainer and small-time hood simply known as the Coach (who gets many of the film’s best lines), and, most notably, Hugh Grant as the film’s nominal narrator, thoroughly morally bankrupt private investigator Fletcher, who consistently steals the film.  This is Guy Ritchie at his very best – a twisty rug-puller of a plot that constantly leaves you guessing, brilliantly observed and richly drawn characters you can’t help loving in spite of the fact there’s not a single hero among them, a deliciously unapologetic, politically incorrect sense of humour and a killer soundtrack.  Getting the cinematic year off to a phenomenal start, it’s EASILY Ritchie’s best film since Sherlock Holmes, and a strong call-back to the heady days of Snatch (STILL my favourite) and Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels.  Here’s hoping he’s on a roll again, eh?

18.  SPONTANEOUS – one of the year’s biggest under-the-radar surprise hits for me was one which I actually might not have caught if things had been a little more normal and ordered.  Thankfully with all the lockdown and cinematic shutdown bollocks going on, this fantastically subversive and deeply satirical indie teen comedy horror came along at the perfect time, and I completely flipped out over it.  Now those who know me know I don’t tend to gravitate towards teen cinema, but like all those other exceptions I’ve loved over the years, this one had a brilliantly compulsive hook I just couldn’t turn down – small-town high-schooler Mara (Knives Out and Netflix’ Cursed’s Katherine Langford) is your typical cool outsider kid, smart, snarky and just putting up with the scene until she can graduate and get as far away as possible … until one day in her senior year one of her classmates just inexplicably explodes. Like her peers, she’s shocked and she mourns, then starts to move on … until it happens again.  As the death toll among the senior class begins to mount, it becomes clear something weird is going on, but Mara has other things on her mind because the crisis has, for her, had an unexpected benefit – without it she wouldn’t have fallen in love with like-minded oddball new kid Dylan (Lean On Pete and Words On Bathroom Walls’ Charlie Plummer). The future’s looking bright, but only if they can both live to see it … this is a wickedly intelligent film, powered by a skilfully executed script and a wonderfully likeable young cast who consistently steer their characters around the potential cliched pitfalls of this kind of cinema, while debuting writer-director Brian Duffield (already a rising star thanks to scripts for Underwater, The Babysitter and blacklist darling Jane Got a Gun among others) show he’s got as much talent and flair for crafting truly inspired cinema as he has for thinking it up in the first place, delivering some impressively offbeat set-pieces and several neat twists you frequently don’t see coming ahead of time.  Langford and Plummer as a sassy, spicy pair who are easy to root for without ever getting cloying or sweet, while there’s glowing support from the likes of Hayley Law (Rioverdale, Altered Carbon, The New Romantic) as Mara’s best friend Tess, Piper Perabo and Transparent’s Rob Huebel as her increasingly concerned parents, and Insecure’s Yvonne Orji as Agent Rosetti, the beleaguered government employee sent to spearhead the investigation into exactly what’s happening to these kids.  Quirky, offbeat and endlessly inventive, this is one of those interesting instances where I’m glad they pushed the horror elements into the background so we could concentrate on the comedy, but more importantly these wonderfully well-realised and vital characters – there are some skilfully executed shocks, but far more deep belly laughs, and there’s bucketloads of heart to eclipse the gore.  Another winning debut from a talent I intend to watch with great interest in the future.

17.  HAMILTON – arriving just as Black Lives Matter reached fever-pitch levels, this feature presentation of the runaway Broadway musical smash-hit could not have been better timed. Shot over three nights during the show’s 2016 run with the original cast and cut together with specially created “setup shots”, it’s an immersive experience that at once puts you right in amongst the audience (at times almost a character themselves, never seen but DEFINITELY heard) but also lets you experience the action up close.  And what action – it’s an incredible show, a thoroughly fascinating piece of work that reads like something very staid and proper on paper (an all-encompassing biographical account of the life and times of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton) but, in execution, becomes something very different and EXTREMELY vital.  The execution certainly couldn’t be further from the usual period biopic fare this kind of historical subject matter usually gets (although in the face of recent high quality revisionist takes like Marie Antoinette, The Great and Tesla it’s not SO surprising), while the cast is not at all what you’d expect – with very few notable exceptions the cast is almost entirely people of colour, despite the fact that the real life individuals they’re playing were all very white indeed.  Every single one of them is also an absolute revelation – the show’s writer-composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (already riding high on the success of In the Heights) carries the central role of Hamilton with effortless charm and raw star power, Leslie Odom Jr. (Smash, Murder On the Orient Express) is duplicitously complex as his constant nemesis Aaron Burr, Christopher Jackson (In the Heights, Moana, Bull) oozes integrity and nobility as his mentor and friend George Washington, Phillipa Soo is sweet and classy as his wife Eliza while Renée Elise Goldsberry (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Jacks, Altered Carbon) is fiery and statuesque as her sister Angelica Schuyler (the one who got away), and Jonathan Groff (Mindhunter) consistently steals every scene he’s in as fiendish yet childish fan favourite King George III, but the show (and the film) ultimately belongs to veritable powerhouse Daveed Diggs (Blindspotting, The Good Lord Bird) in a spectacular duel role, starting subtly but gaining scene-stealing momentum as French Revolutionary Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette, before EXPLODING onto the stage in the second half as indomitable third American President Thomas Jefferson.  Not having seen the stage show, I was taken completely by surprise by this, revelling in its revisionist genius and offbeat, quirky hip-hop charm, spellbound by the skilful ease with which is takes the sometimes quite dull historical fact and skews it into something consistently entertaining and absorbing, transported by the catchy earworm musical numbers and thoroughly tickled by the delightfully cheeky sense of humour strung throughout (at least when I wasn’t having my heart broken by moments of raw dramatic power). Altogether it’s a pretty unique cinematic experience I wish I could have actually gotten to see on the big screen, and one I’ve consistently recommended to all my friends, even the ones who don’t usually like musicals.  As far as I’m concerned it doesn’t need a proper Les Misérables style screen adaptation – this is about as perfect a presentation as the show could possibly hope for.

16.  SPUTNIK – summer’s horror highlight (despite SERIOUSLY tough competition) was a guaranteed sleeper hit that I almost missed entirely, stumbling across the trailer one day on YouTube and getting bowled over by its potential, prompting me to hunt it down by any means necessary.  The feature debut of Russian director Egor Abramenko, this first contact sci-fi chiller is about as far from E.T. as it’s possible to get, sharing some of the same DNA as Carpenter’s The Thing but proudly carving its own path with consummate skill and definitely signalling great things to come from its brand new helmer and relative unknown screenwriters Oleg Malovichko and Andrei Zolotarev.  Oksana Akinshina (probably best known in the West for her powerful climactic cameo in The Bourne Supremacy) is the beating heart of the film as neurophysiologist Tatyana Yuryevna Klimova, brought in to aid in the investigation in the Russian wilderness circa 1983 after an orbital research mission goes horribly wrong.  One of the cosmonauts dies horribly, while the other, Konstantin (The Duelist’s Pyotr Fyodorov) seems unharmed, but it quickly becomes clear that he’s now the host for something decidedly extraterrestrial and potentially terrifying, and as Tatyana becomes more deeply embroiled in her assignment she comes to realise that her superiors, particularly mysterious Red Army project leader Colonel Semiradov (The PyraMMMid’s Fyodor Bondarchuk), have far more insidious plans for Konstantin and his new “friend” than she could ever imagine. This is about as dark, intense and nightmarish as this particular sub-genre gets, a magnificently icky body horror that slowly builds its tension as we’re gradually exposed to the various truths and the awful gravity of the situation slowly reveals itself, punctuated by skilfully executed shocks and some particularly horrifying moments when the evils inflicted by the humans in charge prove far worse than anything the alien can do, while the ridiculously talented writers have a field day pulling the rug out from under us again and again, never going for the obvious twist and keeping us guessing right to the devastating ending, while the beautifully crafted digital creature effects are nothing short of astonishing and thoroughly creepy.  Akinshina dominates the film with her unbridled grace, vulnerability and integrity, the relationship that develops between Tatyana and Konstantin (Fyodorov delivering a beautifully understated turn belying deep inner turmoil) feeling realistically earned as it goes from tentatively wary to tragically bittersweet, while Bondarchuk invests the Colonel with a nuanced air of tarnished authority and restrained brutality that made him one of my top screen villains for the year.  One of 2020’s great sleeper hits, I can’t speak of this film highly enough – it’s a genuine revelation, an instant classic for whom I’ll sing its praises for years to come, and I wish enormous future success to all the creative talents involved.

15.  THE INVISIBLE MAN – looks like third time’s a charm for Leigh Whannell, writer-director of my ALMOST horror movie of the year (more on that later) – while he’s had immense success as a horror writer over the years (co-creator of both the Saw and Insidious franchises), as a director his first two features haven’t exactly set the world alight, with debut Insidious: Chapter III garnering similar takes to the rest of the series but ultimately turning out to be a bit of a damp squib quality-wise, while his second feature Upgrade was a stone-cold masterpiece that was (rightly) EXTREMELY well received critically, but ultimately snuck in under the radar and has remained a stubbornly hidden gem since. No such problems with his third feature, though – his latest collaboration with producer Jason Blum and the insanely lucrative Blumhouse Pictures has proven a massive hit both financially AND with reviewers, and deservedly so.  Having given up on trying to create a shared cinematic universe inhabited by their classic monsters, Universal resolved to concentrate on standalones to showcase their elite properties, and their first try is a rousing success, Whannell bringing HG Wells’ dark and devious human monster smack into the 21st Century as only he can.  The result is a surprisingly subtle piece of work, much more a lethally precise exercise in cinematic sleight of hand and extraordinary acting than flashy visual effects, strictly adhering to the Blumhouse credo of maximum returns for minimum bucks as the story is stripped down to its bare essentials and allowed to play out without any unnecessary weight.  The Handmaid’s Tale’s Elizabeth Moss once again confirms what a masterful actress she is as she brings all her performing weapons to bear in the role of Cecelia “Cee” Kass, the cloistered wife of affluent but monstrously abusive optics pioneer Aidan Griffin (Netflix’ The Haunting of Hill House’s Oliver Jackson-Cohen), who escapes his clutches in the furiously tense opening sequence and goes to ground with the help of her closest childhood friend, San Francisco cop James Lanier (Leverage’s Aldis Hodge) and his teenage daughter Sydney (A Wrinkle in Time’s Storm Reid).  Two weeks later, Aidan commits suicide, leaving Cee with a fortune to start her life over (with the proviso that she’s never ruled mentally incompetent), but as she tries to find her way in the world again little things start going wrong for her, and she begins to question if there might be something insidious going on.  As her nerves start to unravel, she begins to suspect that Aidan is still alive, still very much in her life, fiendishly toying with her and her friends, but no-one can see him.  Whannell plays her paranoia up for all it’s worth, skilfully teasing out the scares so that, just like her friends, we begin to wonder if it might all be in her head after all, before a spectacular mid-movie reveal throws the switch into high gear and the true threat becomes clear.  The lion’s share of the film’s immense success must of course go to Moss – her performance is BEYOND a revelation, a blistering career best that totally powers the whole enterprise, and it goes without saying that she’s the best thing in this.  Even so, she has sterling support from Hodge and Reid, as well as Love Child’s Harriet Dyer as Cee’s estranged big sister Emily and Wonderland’s Michael Dorman as Adrian’s slimy, spineless lawyer brother Tom, and, while he doesn’t have much actual (ahem) “screen time”, Jackson-Cohen delivers a fantastically icy, subtly malevolent turn which casts a large “shadow” over the film.  This is one of my very favourite Blumhouse films, a pitch-perfect psychological chiller that keeps the tension cranked up unbearably tight and never lets go, Whannell once again displaying uncanny skill with expert jump-scares, knuckle-whitening chills and a truly astounding standout set-piece that easily goes down as one of the top action sequences of 2020. Undoubtedly the best version of Wells’ story to date, this goes a long way in repairing the damage of Universal’s abortive “Dark Universe” efforts, as well as showcasing a filmmaking master at the very height of his talents.

14.  EXTRACTION – the Coronavirus certainly has threw a massive spanner in the works of the year’s cinematic calendar – among many other casualties to the blockbuster shunt, the latest (and most long-awaited) MCU movie, Black Widow, should have opened to further record-breaking box office success at the end of spring, but instead the theatres were all closed and virtually all the heavyweights were pushed back or shelved indefinitely.  Thank God, then, for the streaming services, particularly Hulu, Amazon and Netflix, the latter of which provided a perfect movie for us to see through the key transition into the summer blockbuster season, an explosively flashy big budget action thriller ushered in by MCU alumni the Russo Brothers (who produced and co-wrote this adaptation of Ciudad, a graphic novel that Joe Russo co-created with Ande Parks and Fernando Leon Gonzalez) and barely able to contain the sheer star-power wattage of its lead, Thor himself.  Chris Hemsworth plays Tyler Rake, a former Australian SAS operative who hires out his services to an extraction operation under the command of mercenary Nik Khan (The Patience Stone’s Golshifteh Farahani), brought in to liberate Ovi Mahajan (Rudhraksh Jaiswal in his first major role), the pre-teen son of incarcerated Indian crime lord Ovi Sr. (Pankaj Tripathi), who has been abducted by Bangladeshi rival Amir Asif (Priyanshu Painyuli).  The rescue itself goes perfectly, but when the time comes for the hand-off the team is double-crossed and Tyler is left stranded in the middle of Dhaka with no choice but to keep Ovi alive as every corrupt cop and street gang in the city closes in around them.  This is the feature debut of Sam Hargrave, the latest stuntman to try his hand at directing, so he certainly knows his way around an action set-piece, and the result is a thoroughly breathless adrenaline rush of a film, bursting at the seams with spectacular fights, gun battles and car chases, dominated by a stunning sustained sequence that plays out in one long shot, guaranteed to leave jaws lying on the floor.  Not that there should be any surprise – Hargrave cut his teeth as a stunt coordinator for the Russos on Captain America: Civil War and their Avengers films.  That said, he displays strong talent for the quieter disciplines of filmmaking too, delivering quality character development and drawing out consistently noteworthy performances from his cast.  Of course, Hemsworth can do the action stuff in his sleep, but there’s a lot more to Tyler than just his muscle, the MCU veteran investing him with real wounded vulnerability and a tragic fatalism which colours every scene, while Jaiswal is exceptional throughout, showing plenty of promise for the future, and there’s strong support from Farahani and Painyuli, as well as Stranger Things’ David Harbour as world-weary retired merc Gaspard, and a particularly impressive, muscular turn from Randeep Hooda (Once Upon a Time in Mumbai) as Saju, a former Para and Ovi’s bodyguard, who’s determined to take possession of the boy himself, even if he has to go through Tyler to get him.  This is action cinema that really deserves to be seen on the big screen – I watched it twice in a week and would happily have paid for two trips to the cinema for it if I could have.  As we looked down the barrel of a summer season largely devoid of blockbuster fare, I couldn’t recommend this enough.  Thank the gods for Netflix …

13.  THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 – although it’s definitely a film that really benefitted enormously from releasing on Netflix during the various lockdowns, this was one of the blessed few I actually got to see during one of the UK’s frustratingly rare lulls when cinemas were actually OPEN.  Rather perversely it therefore became one of my favourite cinematic experiences of 2020, but then I’m just as much a fan of well-made cerebral films as I am of the big, immersive blockbuster EXPERIENCES, so this probably still would have been a standout in a normal year. Certainly if this was a purely CRITICAL list for the year this probably would have placed high in the Top Ten … Aaron Sorkin is a writer whose work I have ardently admired ever since he went from esteemed playwright to in-demand talent for both the big screen AND the small with A Few Good Men, and TTOTC7 is just another in a long line of consistently impressive, flawlessly written works rife with addictive quickfire dialogue, beautifully observed characters and rewardingly propulsive narrative storytelling (therefore resting comfortably amongst the well-respected likes of The West Wing, Charlie Wilson’s War, Moneyball and The Social Network).  It also marks his second feature as a director (after fascinating and incendiary debut Molly’s Game), and once again he’s gone for true story over fiction, tackling the still controversial subject of the infamous 1968 trial of the “ringleaders” of the infamous riots which marred Chicago’s Diplomatic National Convention five months earlier, in which thousands of hippies and college students protesting the Vietnam War clashed with police.  Spurred on by the newly-instated Presidential Administration of Richard Nixon to make some examples, hungry up-and-coming prosecutor Richard Schultz (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is confident in his case, while the Seven – who include respected and astute student activist Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne) and confrontational counterculture firebrands Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen) and Jerry Rubin (Succession’s Jeremy Strong) – are the clear underdogs.  They’re a divided bunch (particularly Hayden and Hoffman, who never mince their words about what little regard they hold for each other), and they’re up against the combined might of the U.S. Government, while all they have on their side is pro-bono lawyer and civil rights activist William Kunstler (Mark Rylance), who’s sharp, driven and thoroughly committed to the cause but clearly massively outmatched … not to mention the fact that the judge presiding over the case is Julius Hoffman (Frank Langella), a fierce and uncompromising conservative who’s clearly 100% on the Administration’s side, and who might in fact be stark raving mad (he also frequently goes to great lengths to make it clear to all concerned that he is NOT related to Abbie).  Much as we’ve come to expect from Sorkin, this is cinema of grand ideals and strong characters, not big spectacle and hard action, and all the better for it – he’s proved time and again that he’s one of the very best creative minds in Hollywood when it comes to intelligent, thought-provoking and engrossing thinking-man’s entertainment, and this is pure par for the course, keeping us glued to the screen from the skilfully-executed whirlwind introductory montage to the powerfully cathartic climax, and every varied and brilliant scene in-between.  This is heady stuff, focusing on what’s still an extremely thorny issue made all the more urgently relevant and timely given what was (and still is) going on in American politics at the time, and everyone involved here was clearly fully committed to making the film as palpable, powerful and resonant as possible for the viewer, no matter their nationality or political inclination.  Also typical for a Sorkin film, the cast are exceptional, everyone clearly having the wildest time getting their teeth into their finely-drawn characters and that magnificent dialogue – Redmayne and Baron Cohen are compellingly complimentary intellectual antagonists given their radically different approaches and their roles’ polar opposite energies, while Rylance delivers another pitch-perfect, simply ASTOUNDING performance that once again marks him as one of the very best actors of his generation, and there are particularly meaty turns from Strong, Langella, Aquaman’s Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (as besieged Black Panther Bobby Seale) and a potent late appearance from Michael Keaton that sear themselves into the memory long after viewing. Altogether then, this is a phenomenal film which deserves to be seen no matter the format, a thought-provoking and undeniably IMPORTANT masterwork from a master cinematic storyteller that says as much about the world we live in now as the decidedly turbulent times it portrays …

12.  GREYHOUND – when the cinemas closed back in March, the fate of many of the major summer blockbusters we’d been looking forward to was thrown into terrible doubt. Some were pushed back to more amenable dates in the autumn or winter (which even then ultimately proved frustratingly ambitious), others knocked back a whole year to fill summer slots for 2021, but more than a few simply dropped off the radar entirely with the terrible words “postponed until further notice” stamped on them, and I lamented them all, this one in particular.  It hung in there longer than some, stubbornly holding onto its June release slot for as long as possible, but eventually it gave up the ghost too … but thanks to Apple TV+, not for long, ultimately releasing less than a month later than intended.  Thankfully the film itself was worth the fuss, a taut World War II suspense thriller that’s all killer, no filler – set during the infamous Battle of the Atlantic, it portrays the constant life-or-death struggle faced by the Allied warships assigned to escort the transport convoys as they crossed the ocean, defending their charges from German U-boats.  Adapted from C.S. Forester’s famous 1955 novel The Good Shepherd by Tom Hanks and directed by Aaron Schneider (Get Low), the narrative focuses on the crew of the escort leader, American destroyer USS Fletcher, codenamed “Greyhound”, and in particular its captain, Commander Ernest Krause (Hanks), a career sailor serving his first command.  As they cross “the Pit”, the most dangerous middle stretch of the journey where they spend days without air-cover, they find themselves shadowed by “the Wolf Pack”, a particularly cunning group of German submarines that begin to pick away at the convoy’s stragglers.  Faced with daunting odds, a dwindling supply of vital depth-charges and a ruthless, persistent enemy, Krause must make hard choices to bring his ships home safe … jumping into the thick of the action within the first ten minutes and maintaining its tension for the remainder of the trim 90-minute run, this is screen suspense par excellence, a sleek textbook example of how to craft a compelling big screen knuckle-whitener with zero fat and maximum reward, delivering a series of desperate naval scraps packed with hide-and-seek intensity, heart-in-mouth near-misses and fist-in-air cathartic payoffs by the bucket-load.  Hanks is subtly magnificent, the calm centre of the narrative storm as a supposed newcomer to this battle arena who could have been BORN for it, bringing to mind his similarly unflappable in Captain Phillips and certainly not suffering by comparison; by and large he’s the focus point, but other crew members make strong (if sometimes quite brief) impressions, particularly Stephen Graham as Krause’s reliably seasoned XO, Lt. Commander Charlie Cole, The Magnificent Seven’s Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Just Mercy’s Rob Morgan, while Elisabeth Shue does a lot with a very small part in brief flashbacks as Krause’s fiancée Evelyn. Relentless, exhilarating and thoroughly unforgettable, this was one of the true action highlights of the summer, and one hell of a war flick.  I’m so glad it made the cut for the summer …

11.  PROJECT POWER – with Marvel and DC pushing their tent-pole titles back in the face of COVID, the usual superhero antics we’ve come to expect for the summer were pretty thin on the ground in 2020, leading us to find our geeky fan thrills elsewhere. Unfortunately, pickings were frustratingly slim – Korean comic book actioner Gundala was entertaining but workmanlike, while Thor AU Mortal was underwhelming despite strong direction from Troll Hunter’s André Øvredal, and The New Mutants just got shat on by the studio and its distributors and no mistake – thank the Gods, then, for Netflix, once again riding to the rescue with this enjoyably offbeat super-thriller, which takes an intriguing central premise and really runs with it.  New designer drug Power has hit the streets of New Orleans, able to give anyone who takes it a superpower for five minutes … the only problem is, until you try it, you don’t know what your own unique talent is – for some, it could mean five minutes of invisibility, or insane levels of super-strength, but other powers can be potentially lethal, the really unlucky buggers just blowing up on the spot.  Robin (The Hate U Give’s Dominique Fishback) is a teenage Power-pusher with dreams of becoming a rap star, dealing the pills so she can help her diabetic mum; Frank Shaver (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is one of her customers, a police detective who uses his power of near invulnerability to even the playing field when supercharged crims cause a disturbance.  Their lives are turned upside down when Art (Jamie Foxx) arrives in town – he’s a seriously badass ex-soldier determined to hunt down the source of Power by any means necessary, and he’s not above tearing the Big Easy apart to do it. This is a fun, gleefully infectious rollercoaster that doesn’t take itself too seriously, revelling in the anarchic potential of its premise and crafting some suitably OTT effects-driven chaos brought to pleasingly visceral fruition by its skilfully inventive director, Ariel Schulman (Catfish, Nerve, Viral), while Mattson Tomlin (the screenwriter of the DCEU’s oft-delayed, incendiary headline act The Batman) takes the story in some very interesting directions and poses fascinating questions about what Power’s TRULY capable of.  Gordon-Levitt and Fishback are both brilliant, the latter particularly impressing in what’s sure to be a major breakthrough role for her, and the friendship their characters share is pretty adorable, while Foxx really is a force to be reckoned with, pretty chill even when he’s in deep shit but fully capable of turning into a bona fide killing machine at the flip of a switch, and there’s strong support from Westworld’s Rodrigo Santoro as Biggie, Power’s delightfully oily kingpin, Courtney B. Vance as Frank’s by-the-book superior, Captain Crane, Amy Landecker as Gardner, the morally bankrupt CIA spook responsible for the drug’s production, and Machine Gun Kelly as Newt, a Power dealer whose pyrotechnic “gift” really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.  Exciting, inventive, frequently amusing and infectiously likeable, this was some of the most uncomplicated cinematic fun I had all summer.  Not bad for something which I’m sure was originally destined to become one of the season’s B-list features …

#onward #onward movie #The Gentlemen #spontaneous #spontaneous movie #hamilton #hamilton movie #sputnik #sputnik movie #The Invisible Man #Extraction #extraction movie #the trial of the chicago 7 #greyhound #greyhound movie #project power #2020 in movies

[tabloidtoc]

Life & Style, April 26

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: Khloe Kardashian is a total fake

Page 1: Lady Gaga in a wedding dress on the set of House of Gucci in Rome

Page 2: Contents

Page 4: The Top 10 SAG Awards Looks -- Mindy Kaling, Jamie Chung, Amy Adams, Sarah Levy, Kerry Washington

Page 5: Kaley Cuoco, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Morales, Viola Davis, Lily Collins

Page 6: Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen celebrated their 12-year anniversary, posting heartfelt tributes to each other on social media, but their relationship hasn't always been so rock solid -- Tom admitted that Gisele has made a lot of sacrifices for their marriage and she hated living in Boston because she had no friends there and felt so alone because Tom was never around; things got so bad they sought counseling, which was the wake-up call that Tom needed -- he promised to make changes and he agreed to quit the Patriots and sign with a team in a location that was more desirable to Gisele and Tom stuck to his word and he came the new quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and since moving to Florida, Tom and Gisele have never been happier and they have date nights every week and always make sure to communicate -- it wasn't easy, but they're both really proud of how far they've come

Page 7: After multiple delays, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc have finally filmed the highly anticipated Friends reunion special and they all got really emotional when they saw the set and being there brought back so many fond memories -- it's the first time in 17 years that fans will get to see the entire cast together since the show went off the air in 2004 -- afterwards, everyone went to Jen's house for dinner -- each of the stars was paid $2.5 million to appear in the special

* Throwback -- Dolly Parton in 1965

* Biggest Spenders of the Week -- Bobby Flay, Aaron Rodgers, Vanessa Hudgens, Angelina Jolie

Page 8: Drew Barrymore revealed that, after three divorces and a string of failed romances, she's sworn off marriage altogether -- Drew doesn't need a man to feel complete and she's happiest hanging out with family and friends -- if the right guy comes along later down the line, great, but for now, she's content with being single

* Becoming one of the most sought-after stars in Hollywood has gone straight to Ana de Armas' head -- the cast and crew are often left waiting for the actress to emerge from her trailer on the set of the new action thriller The Gray Man -- Ana's got a lot going on and she's juggling several different projects, as well as photo shoots and phone calls with her team and people don't stay mad at her for too long, but they have nicknamed her Ana de Diva, but she isn't upset by the scathing moniker because she's a big name now, and with that comes a lot of responsibility and the way she sees it, there are worse things than being called a diva

Page 10: The Week in Photos -- Orlando Bloom got a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny

Page 11: Jennifer Lopez in jeans at a photoshoot for InStyle, Priyanka Chopra dancing around her backyard in a bright yellow dress

Page 12: Animal Tales -- Gilles Marini posed for a pic with his African grey parrot Anya, singer Madison Beer leaned in for a kiss from a caramel-colored stallion, Kate Beckinsale's feline Clive seemed less than thrilled when Kate strapped him to her chest in a carrier

Page 13: Kaia Gerber and her precious pooch Milo snuggled up in bed, Malin Akerman and a goat

Page 16: Stars Behaving Badly -- Lisa Vanderpump let her parched dog drink from her water glass at a restaurant in West Hollywood, Maisie Williams went topless under a translucent jacket while shooting a new TV series about the Sex Pistols in London, HGTV Design Star host Allison Holker used a megaphone to give out instructions to Property Brother Jonathan Scott on the show's finale, Calvin Klein wasn't worried about stains when he shoved a pile of spaghetti into his mouth at West Hollywood's Mauro Cafe

Page 18: Say What?! Helena Bonham Carter who turns 55 in May, Chelsea Handler who admits she consumes mushrooms almost every day, Olivia Munn who is the proud pet parent of rescue dogs Frankie and Chance, Melissa McCarthy on doing her own stunts in Thunder Force, Brian Tyree Henry on Godzilla vs. Kong co-star Millie Bobby Brown

Page 20: Pete Davidson has officially moved out of his mother's home and into a $1.2 million luxury high-rise condo on Staten Island, and it's all thanks to his new girl girlfriend, Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor -- the Saturday Night Live star showed off his two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom bachelor pad during a Zoom call -- Phoebe is a down-to-earth girl, but she doesn't want to date a man who lives in his mom's basement and she thinks Pete's mom, Amy, is awesome and says it's a great thing that they're super close, but being in a long-distance relationship is difficult enough so Pete and Phoebe need some alone time when they're together, which was almost impossible with his mother hanging out upstairs -- Pete knew it was time; he just needed that gentle nudge

Page 21: Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell were spotted in NYC together, sparking speculation that the former Bachelor couple have rekindled their relationship -- the pair parted ways while the show was still airing after photos of the graphic designer at a plantation-themed college party in 2018 surfaced on social media -- Rachael made a mistake but she owned up to it and was willing to learn from it and it didn't change her feelings for Matt or vice versa and Matt was in love with Rachael too and he couldn't just turn those feelings off so no one would be surprised if they decided to reconcile

* Michael B. Jordan's girlfriend Lori Harvey was left reeling over photos of the actor sharing a smooch with Chante Adams on the set of their new movie A Journal for Jordan -- of course, they were just shooting a scene for the film, but Lori was still annoyed and she asked Michael about it, and he brushed it off and explained it was part of the job but Lori still has her suspicions and she's been thinking about dropping by the set just so she can keep a very close eye on them

Page 22: Cover Story -- Khloe Kardashian living a lie -- devastated by an unretouched photo leak, Khloe faces claims she's a body positivity hypocrite as she demands the viral image be taken down

Page 26: Alex Rodriguez to Ben Affleck: Back off my fiancee -- Ben gushes about ex Jennifer Lopez in a new article and A-Rod isn't happy about it (not quite Bennifer yet :)

Page 28: Prince Harry overwhelmed with work -- Harry struggles to adjust after trading his cushy royal role for a variety of normal gigs -- though his job for BetterUp is primarily remote, added stress comes in the form of Harry's Spotify and Netflix deals, plus growing charity work -- Harry finds all of his new, non-royal titles fresh and exciting, but while he's a great person, some in his inner circle say Harry's kind of dumb and worry whether he can handle the pressure

Page 30: Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli life after prison -- reunited following months spent behind bars, Lori and Mossimo try to pick up the pieces -- prison definitely took a toll on Mossimo and he doesn't expect sympathy, but he's still struggling to adjust to what he went through; it really broke him down and forced him to reevaluate his life

Page 32: Who Lives Here? Lil Nas X

Page 34: Entertainment

Page 35: Star Review -- Jonathan Van Ness

* As Seen On-Screen -- Meghan Markle wore a dark green coat while walking through Archie's Chick-Inn during her CBS interview which was J. Crew's Perfect Lightweight Jacket

Page 36: Go Green at Home -- reduce your carbon footprint even more with these eco-chic essentials, because our planet can use all the help it can get

Page 37: Beauty Crush -- get Jurnee Smollett's look from her makeup artist Emily Cheng for the SAG Awards

Page 38: Spring Beauty Must-Haves -- these product picks aim to reign as new-season favorites -- Camila Mendes

Page 40: Diva or Down-to-Earth? Rihanna bagged her own haul at Bristol Farms in Beverly Hills -- down-to-earth, Shay Mitchell worked from home with help from her most trusted assistant daughter Atlas -- down-to-earth, during a photo shoot in Malibu Brooke Burke got a makeup refresh from a personal primper -- diva

Page 42: Social Stars Posts of the Week -- Sofia Vergara sneaking Heidi Klum a chip on the set of America's Got Talent, Neil Patrick Harris finished the first season of The Irregulars while quarantining in Toronto, Jared Leto pretended to pluck the moon straight out of the sky during a masked outing in Italy, Beyonce treated her daughter Blue Ivy to a meal at Nobu in Malibu

Page 44: Horoscope -- Taurus Gigi Hadid turned 26 on April 23

* They're Not Together, But They Should Be -- Capricorn Charles Melton and Virgo Zendaya

Page 48: What I'm Into -- Kameron Westcott of The Real Housewives of Dallas

#tabloid #grain of salt #tabloid toc #tabloidtoc #khloe kardashian #alex rodriguez #a-rod #a rod #ben affleck #jennifer lopez #bennifer #bennifer 2.0 #bennifer 2021 #prince harry #lori loughlin #mossimo giannulli #kameron westcott #pete davidson #phoebe dynevor #matt james #the bachelor matt james #rachael kirkconnell #lori harvey #michael b. jordan #michael b jordan #a journal for jordan #journal for jordan #lady gaga #house of gucci #tom brady

[phantom-vex]

time crapsules thoughts (spoilers for camp camp season 4 finale!)

Sorry for not putting this under a read more :( I’m on mobile

Nikki’s enthusiastic ‘they’re empty!’ has me giggling already. There have been some great Nikki moments this season.

I mean, it’d be pretty easy to assume that time capsules make you travel through time. Something about the word ‘capsule’ sounds really sci-fi.

David made a time capsule didn’t he.

“I’m sure your past self would be thrilled to hear you ended up as a camp counsellor!” “He would be!”

The Davey voice never fails to make me smile, it’s so silly sounding!

Also why is the drawing falling off a skateboard.

“I am deeply upset that I didn’t see that coming.”

“I kept a diary, like an adult.” A lot of Gwen’s personality screams ‘had to grow up too fast’ and this just adds to that feeling. Maybe she thought she couldn’t make a time capsule cause they were childish, so made a diary instead.

Max’s impression of young Gwen is kinda funny. I feel bad for laughing since he’s clearly mocking her, but still.

A money factory/horse sanctuary sounds like a great business idea. Campbell should get on that. (This isn’t me shipping Gwen and Campbell, hell no.)

Oh no honey :((

In the livestream, the crew kept repeating ‘archery’ over and over again during the list section.

“Since that waiter mistook her hair for a hat!” It was literally this season when I realised it wasn’t a hat! Also,,, waiter? When did they go to a restaurant...? Gwenvid shippers, here’s your fuel.

“I hope you’re proud of yourself.” “I’m not.” WE STAN CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT.

Max being confused at feeling guilt is weirdly sad.

“You’re becoming kinder, and David hires a criminal to-“ David just yeeted himself from that situation!

He’s legitimately freaking out and I genuinely feel bad for him.

Max not being able to stand his transitory period is a huge mood.

Max’s little hand wave is cute.

You know what else is cute? Space Kid holding up the box and yelling ‘isn’t this fun!’

Gwen I would love to read your fanfic! If it was censored, that is. But I’m sure they’re great..?

oh lawd he comin

You can physically see the gears turning in his head as he’s trying to figure out what to do. He doesn’t know how to comfort someone. Remember season 3? “Don’t...uh....tears?” So he’s going off the only example he can really think of: David.

It’s also incredibly telling that Gwen immediately assumes Max wants something.

“Instead, my ass is stuck in a trash can.” Gwen continues to be the biggest mood of the series.

Those are some David poses right there. Swinging arms, one hand on hip, marching off; Max is trying to replicate who he considers the kindest person he knows, even if he’s not doing it consciously.

‘Ass stuck in a trash can. Right.’ Why is this my favourite joke of the season.

Nikki honey, are you ok?

“Please tell me I’m about to be executed” “You wish!” I love their dynamic.

“-you’ve never seen Flash Fiancé”

“Disgusting.” I LOVE THEIR DYNAMIC

“I don’t need to tell you what I wanted him to do with that shuttlecock” “Again, disgusting.”

Oh yikes.

And Max here makes a similar mistake to one David made in Season 2 with the Quartersister! Inviting someone from the past without checking what they’re like in the present.

Wait, is that Richie Branson? Dude definitely deserved his cameo! And he’s not a half bad VA either.

Max is the Flash.

Nikki grows her hair back between shots. Is this girl human?

“Dumb piece of shit hasn’t stopped smiling” I feel like Space Kid should inspire us all.

Nikki’s little speech here is exactly how I’m feeling rn.

Max likes reading! And there’s a genuine compliment!

“Oh no you don’t! You get your ass out of that trash can and start feeling happy!” The facade is off now. Shits gonna go down.

“Because I wanna start feeling happy!” almost made me cry. Max has gone from a person who wants everyone to be as unhappy as he is, to a person who wants to be as happy as everyone else is.

While I agree with Gwen here, that’s still a 10 year old.

I take that back, Max, that was mean.

“I don’t think you have to worry about changing. Something tells me you’re going to bitter and unhappy no matter what you do.” Oh, ouch. That resonated, and they both look regretful right after she finishes. I don’t think she meant it.

“Jesus Christ, it’s just a box of fucking clocks!!”

“The hell it isn’t! All I had to do was make one person feel better and I couldn’t even manage that!” BABY NOOOO. Kudos to Michael for that delivery, it almost sounds like he’s going to cry.

Way to ruin the mood, Campbell.

Campbell’s speech here is genuinely inspiring and very heartfelt. I actually really needed to hear this. Thank you, Campbell. I thought I’d never say that, but I have.

“So maybe there’s no need to rush anything. Sorry, Gwen.” Awww.

*looking at them smiling at each other* THIS EPISODE SAID MOMGWEN RIGHTS

THIS EPISODE SAID ‘PERFECT NUCLEAR FAMILY’ RIGHTS

Someone else pointed this out, but I’d like to put it here too. Gwen and Max don’t raise their hands. They both look slightly disappointed in the rest of the campers for not taking the message on board as much as they did.

“Did you just throw all your treasury bonds in the fire.”

“Mr Campbell no you have so much to live for!”

Yknow, I loved this episode. And I loved this season! But most of all, I loved interacting with all of you guys! This is the most active I’ve been in a fandom ever, and I’m grateful for all the friends I’ve made :)

#camp camp #camp camp spoilers #cc max #camp camp finale #cc gwen #love yall! #thoughts #camp camp time crapsules

[macbethreidrev]

10 Idea of episodes for FINAL SPACE

If you follow my account you know that I HATED final space season 2. So it got me thinking what could be good ideas for this show? So I will propose ten idea of episodes.

Sometimes it'll just be scene I think would be good but I'll try to make it as complete as possible.

(I will not count theory. I will write the idea with the material we have and that's all)

10. Avocato second death

For this first one it's just a scene. Imagine Gary as too choose between his best bud Avocato and his love interest Gwen. That would make him think about the relationship he have with those two. A relationship... Kinda toxic when you think about it... I mean Gwen at first was his obsession the only thing that kept him alive. And Avocato wasn't his best bud at first but Gary was so desperate for someone to talk to that he tied him up and play card for hours with him.

Yeah Gary have toxic relationship with the most important person in his life... Scary...

Well the scene would be when Gary face possessed Avocato whose in the way of the captive Gwen. Possessed Avocato play on the ''Will you shoot on your best bud?'' cord. Gary have a flashback who summaries the relationship they have. A shadow hide his eyes and he shoots Avocato right in the heart saying something really cold like '' I lost you once I can afford an encore'' the camera hides his face as he walk towards Gwen his whole crew behind him looking him in fear and surprised, then the camera switch to look on his side were Little Cato hug his dad crying and looking Gary with a face that scream the confusion. Finally The camer Switch on Gwen and Gary engulfed in shadow walking towards her.

9 For the love of Gold!

This would be a comedic episode focused on Clarence and would also criticize our society.

The crew land on a planet were everything is shared and free. Of course for Clarence it's a paradise as he steal as many things as he can. But as soon as he steal something someone steal what he stealed! Angry he try to convince people on his side with a hypocritical speech on how stealing is bad. But the audience doesn't care. He then try to make the whole crew guard the fruit of his ''work'' but they prefer to hang out exept fox. Clarence try to sell his goods then but someone take the good and doesn't pay. When Clarence shout at him he act really offended and confused. Since there is no rule Clarence state himself as king of the planet and start by making laws. Everyone shoot at him almost killing him when he tell the crowd that he's the king they tell him that ''You didn't make any law who said we couldn't kill the king''

Clarence try again this time making the not killing king rule his first law. So someone sneak from behind take the crown and say ''I'm the king now'' and try to kill Clarence who flee. The new king abolish every law and receive a headshot as thanks. Clarence run for his life taking the whole crew along with him and get the hell out of here. Not before sending a gift... Like a big bomb.

8. Ash and little cato

Ash is tricked by an hologram of her sister to jump from a bridge to join her. Little cato is the only one who can act. He try to reason her but fail.

Little Cato is torn apart by the idea of loosing someone else he care about, he would KILL to avoid that again. So before she can commit suicide little cato shoot Ash making her pass out.

Little cato quickly understand his mistake and is ready to apologize to Ash when she woke up. But one ash hate him now. And she want to kill herself more than ever.

In a cute and funny montage we see Ash trying to kill herself in a thousand way possible and Little Cato Saving her every time each time caring less and less about Ash safety or is own. We could develop the personality of Ash , and explore the fear that little cato has to lose someone he care about. Maybe the end would be that little cato save Ash again but this time he end but passed out. As Ash find a new reason to live she apologize to little cato who apologize to her.

This episode will strengthen the relationship between Ash and little cato (one of my favourite ship) maybe making it cannon. And it will explore a concept too often ignored: Is it bad to save someone who doesn't want to be saved? An echo to the phrase that little cato say to ash ''you can't save someone who doesn't know she's lost''. Ash would maybe reference that in the episodes with a final moral of ''You can't save someone who doesn't know she's lost... But sometimes you have to anyway''

7. Earth tomb

The crew come back to were the final battle for earth took place.

They don't realise at first because the whole place has been cleaned up and replaced by what seems to be a huge popular hotel. They enter a immense shield who cover the whole area of the battle. Gary so is angry , the whole crew is dubious , little cato tell ash (or everyone) how about the awesome things they did. And Clarence wonder how much this whole thing cost.

But they soon discover a body trapped in some kind of ice with a name under it. Fox , Ash , Clarence and nightfall shoot to everyone that something is fishy and that they should leave but Gary refuse. For the simple reason that it's not a person trapped and killed by some vilain it was someone that Gary killed in the battle for the earth. They soon realise that the ''tomb'' of everyone who died in that battle are here , while little Cato brag about the people he killed (Stopping by the corpse of the second in command in season 1). They soon enter the hotel and ... It's not an hotel it's the biggest tomb ever for all the billions of people who died on earth. Gary is of course depressed and he see in horror the video of Gwen telling him that she's not coming back with under it a text that describes how Gary goodspeed is responsible for all those death. They find Gwen tomb meaning that everyone except the crew consider her dead. And while traveling through tomb to tomb they find the founder of this place... Hushflufles... The crew is ready to fight but Hushflufles beg them not to fight. Not in front of his family not in they tomb. It would be golden opportunity to develop a villain (And since they managed to make the discovery of Gary 's mother UNDERWHELMING they got to make a good villain) Gary thanks Hushflufles for what he's done for the whole earth. They have a heartfelt discussion and once they go outside the shield... Hushflufles shoot at them telling them that it's not over ect ect.

This episode would explore the grief of people and would make the loss of Earth even more impactful and putting some name and faces on the many victim of Earth last war.

6. The resistance meaning?

Tribore wonder what the resistance resist against

So he ask the crew to give him answer. It would be just a comedic episode ,who doesn't tie up to anything. But will permit to explore what the crew thinks it's important: Gary will maybe say something cool like : ''God...'' , ''society'' ... Or something meaningful like '' We don't resist against we resist for the universe.'' Nightfall would say something like ''Against the titans'', Ash ''Against everyone'' little cato: ''Against those who killed my dad'' or '' For my friend's ect ect

Thus would be a fun little episode who could make people relate better to the crew.

5 Black hole suckers

Everyone is sucked into a black hole

This episode would feature many other aliens and would be really inspired from horror movies but with a good final space touch. The ship is stuck with many other ship in a black hole they try to find to get out of here but some aliens who are with them in this mess aren't friendly... We could have some kind of cult , some guy to friendly against Fox or IU. And a shodowy monster hunt the people down one by one , starting with little cato the only one who was kinda chill about it , then some alien then ash disappear off screen ect ect. It would somehow put everyone (even nightfall) in a big stress ,with awesome imagery of the black hole. The episodes ends with all of it being a joke of mooncake and ash , or mooncake and little cato or little Cato and ash... Doesn't caring about the many people who died trying to flee they even get piece from the aliens ships to managed to upgrade their own ship and get out of the black hole. A fun episode and a scary one too , with seeing how they behave when scared , to a hopeless situation ect ect. And it could have so many cool imagery because since it would be a scary episode it would be more slow focusing more on imagery and art than action and humor.

4 IU X EVA

IU manage to get into the central computer cohabiting with EVA.

This again would be a fun episode without any connections to anything. Just something fun to explore EVA and IU relationship and character. The ship would constantly change in atmosphere. The voice would change too. This would be really fun to watch. With the crew doesn't take a flying fuck about them like it's happening everyday except when at the climax of the episodes putting the ship in danger.

3 The arena champion

Someone come to defeat mooncake.

I didn't thought about it in the least , I just out that idea because it was a top ten. But... How fun would that be if the champions of the arena (you know in season 1 when mooncake is captured and force to fight against hideous creatures) well the champions of the arena came to defy mooncake who became a living legend on their planet. We would see some mooncaking action and the champions of the Arena would be so serious so cool so... Not from this show before dying maybe by a mistake of Clarence or something of the sort. That would be a fun episode with cool action scene like at first they mistake him for an intruder so it's everyone against him(or her) or the fight with mooncake who is traumatised of fighting or using is laser with the event of earth destruction and the arena. A fun episode with a lot of slapstick and a lot of action scene. I really want that.

2 Hello me! I'm me

The crew enjoy a nice trip on acid.

There isn't nothing more. The crew breath drugs Gaz by mistake and they all sleep while IU ,EVA and Kevin have to defend against intruder. First that would give more screen time to IU , EVA and Kevin (because they are frankly useless in season 2) and once again using the drug as a mean to make really crazy imagery and more of Gary crazy dance move. We could mix some dreams (like the ones of Tribore , Gary, Fox , Clarence) which are totally insane and colorful to the dream more dark of Ash, Little Cato or Nightfall.

Crazy imagery surreal humor mixed to dark ,gore and really unsettling stuff while giving some cool and action moment for character who are more used as joke. I'm surprised they didn't did it yet.

1 Mother and son

Little cato is trapped with Gary's mother.

This one would be slower, less funny and definitely more important. By mean I didn't thought about Gary's mother and little cato are trapped together and forced to cooperate.

They would mostly discuss the parent-child relationship they respectively had. Little cato would be astonished by the irresponsibility of Gary's mother and Gary's mother would be almost ashamed to discuss with someone so young but more mature (Because don't forget he technically is 74 years old) she would often try to change the subject or distract the conversation with jokes. Pissing Little Cato even more to the point of shouting and crying. And when he react like that Gary's mother would react as if he was a danger to her by fighting. They both (especially Gary's mother) learn a lesson and the viewer would maybe shed a tears or too at such a heartbreaking episode. If the voice acting is good , if the dialogue are clever and more importantly if the visual are perfect this could make an episode marking history I honestly think that if they manage to give that much emotion even people who don't know this show would watch it for that episode. Funny and silly episode often are more entertaining but they are not the one we usually remember.

There if you have any idea or commentary don't forget to comment ^^ wish you would agree with me ^^ see you next time

#final space ash #final space clarence #final space season 2 #final space kevin #final space gary #final space #final space fox #final space Gwen #final space gwen #final space episode

[orionlakehastodie]

No One Has To Know What We Do

Author’s Note: I have nothing but the highest respect for Shannon and I admire her and Lucas’ relationship. Lucabeth is a crackship that I have and I know all events are 100% in my imagination. 

Inspired by Amybeth’s recent video of what tattoo she would like too have.

—

“Let’s do it.”

She turns to Lucas, whose eyes are fixed on her phone screen where she was looking up Pinterest posts of Lavender with a String Tattoos.

Currently she was fixed on a girl and a guy who had matching lavender with string tattoos. 

“Do what?”

“That. Let’s get that.”

She turns incredulously to him from their perch on the sun bed that Moira has left behind specifically for them after they have showed preference for it in the recent days since they caught the great flu bug of 2019 just as the series was ending.

“You can’t be serious, my mam will kill me!”

“So, she doesn’t have to know.”

“Lucas you can’t just-”

“It’s our last day. Let’s make it count.”

Her eyes meet his, and there was something quiet and unspoken there. 

Over the past few weeks, when it was just her and Lucas as most of the cast has already packed up and gone on their Toronto tours she had discovered that  she and Lucas could actually be friends. He was quiet, and he often retreated into himself whereas she tried to get out there and make friends but they had a lot of things in common. Things they can speak about. 

Not that they weren’t friends in the past years, there was just always... this undercurrent, they’d share moments here and there and he’d pull back or she would and then Shannon came and... well there was that. 

But these past few weeks, it had just been her and him and no Shannon and she said whatever screw it, it’s the last anyway, she’ll probably never see him again, so why not?

Why the hell not?

If a lavender tattoo was all she was going to get from him, why the hell not?

“Okay. Let’s do it.”

—

Two Years Ago

“This one, I think you should get this one.”

He dangled a silver chain in front of her. It had a carrot on one end and a circle with a crudely spelled out carrots.

They escaped from the set, as two 16 year olds who just wanted to breathe. 

She had the girls of course, and he had his rag tag band, but it was still different. Amybeth didn’t have school, most of her education was in Ireland and she still hasn’t quite figured out how to do the education from Canada.

Lucas is from some private school in Chicago and they allow him to study remotely. So he and Dalila would often stay indoors to finish school work while the rest of them gallivant off. 

Today though, after shooting Gilbert and Anne meeting in a coffee shop, Lucas just inclined his head on to the road ahead. 

“But we can’t...”

“So? They don’t have to know.”

She took a backward glance at the crew and grinned at him, slipping her hand in his as they slowly walked towards the trams. 

And so they ended up here, with cheeks cold with the winter chill, in their old jeans and sneakers, looking around the picturesque Prince Edward Island and seeking warmth in this coffee shop that doubled as an antique shop. 

“It says carrots. Lucas.”

“It’s perfect, I’ll get it for you!”

“Fine then I’m getting you this.”

She picks up a weirdly shaped rectangle pendant in her hands and he squints down at it. 

“What is that?”

“A broken slate.”

He grins at her, and her heart skips in her chest, with his hair all snowy and curly and his grin just so Lucas and... she turns away from him. 

Because she can’t be that cliche that falls in love with their colleague. That would be the biggest mistake of her life and besides they have to work together, what if this ends all so miserably... 

She clears her throat and they both pay for the necklaces, the atmosphere between them shifted. 

They get back to the hotel and Lucas turns back to her with a smile, which she meets and mutters bye before skittering off to her room. 

---

They did it at the same time so no one chickened out. 

Her hands clenched the sides of the chair in pain and Lucas’ hand covers hers she grips him to high heaven. 

“Big mistake Luc. Huge.”

He laughs but his hands tighten around hers and suddenly there was just his hand in hers. 

Since Shannon... she tried not to intrude, tried to play off their friendship as a weird fluke, but this was as real as it gets. This was... Luc. Her Luc. 

She meets his eyes and falls into them, as she always does. The hazel color that reflects off all her joys and all her pain.

He looks away from her first, brows furrowed in that Gilbert perpetually confused face but his hands stay in hers, until the tattoo artist covers up the tattoo in the tagederm. 

“You both want a photo?”

Lucas keeps her hands in his and hands his phone to the artist. 

“No one has to know.”

She grins at that and slides her arm closer to his. No one has to know,

---

When Amybeth said in her video that she wanted a tattoo of a lavender tied in a string, even though it has no meaning, Shannon knew, immediately that she had it done. 

She saw the photo one day. She wasn’t the type to look at her boyfriend’s phone, but he was just laying there and looking at it, one morning, when he thought she was still asleep. 

There were no faces, but she knew it was Amybeth.

And this just confirms it, in her mind. 

In many ways she knew, because he wore that broken slate necklace under his shirt all this time. 

Amybeth was an unspoken thing in between them. 

So when Lucas walks in to the door of her dorm room, she shows him the video. 

“Lavender on a string. It has no meaning, I suppose. Not the flower. But the tattoo...”

He knows what Shannon was saying. He looked it up himself. Days before he even brought Amybeth to get it. Days before, when he was watching her as she glowed with her fiery red hair in the sunlight, looking at lavender tattoos. 

Love.

Devotion.

A solemn vow.

He wanted that with her, on the day they were to say goodbye. On the day they were to part ways. He wanted his love, his devotion, his solemn vow - I will never love anyone in the way I love you. 

“I love you Shannon.” That much was true. 

“But not in the way you love her.”

He says nothing because that was also the biggest truth. 

“So life does imitate art.”

She shed no tears, but there was a sadness in her. 

“I’m sorry Shannon.”

“I guess they were right in a way. You and Amy do belong together.”

“She doesn’t love me. It’s nothing, it’s over.”

There was an urgency in his voice now. Shannon was his childhood, his safe haven, a person he was still him and not this new Lucas that he didn’t know what to do with. 

“We have to break up Lucas.”

“No we don’t!”

He wouldn’t know who he was, wouldn’t know how to take this leap. 

“You inked her on your skin. I don’t want someone with another woman’s name inked on his heart. I deserve more than that.”

She smiles and sheds no tears, in the way that she always knew this moment would come. 

And lets him go with her heart at peace.

---

On his plane to Ireland he saw the slurry of messages sent her way, and her response that she had to break up with him because of this. 

Whatever it was, Shannon did not deserve to be told she should drown and die. So he defended her, and when he knocked on Amy’s front porch with her in her adorable bunny pajamas that he always loved, he felt... for the first time, that he was with someone who understood. 

“Lucas I just saw, how’s Shannon? I can’t really say anything, I’m already in trouble for saying something about the next season but I called her and she didn’t... why are you here is everything okay?”

Her eyes were so blue against the wintry white of her skin, and the cold was biting into his skin so he lifts his hands up to her cheeks and her eyes widen.

“Luc... I...what?”

“I love you.”

He says it, no frills, no thrills. Just the plain simple truth that has been staring at him all this while. 

“I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you.”

“But... Shannon...”

“I love her too, in a way. She would always be Shannon, my first love. But you Amy, you are the truest of loves. I will live my life loving you, and I’ll never stop. Sorry I’ve been so blind before. But I’m not. I love you Amy. And I want to spend the rest of my life proving it to you.”

So is there anything else for her to say, except throw her arms around his neck and kiss him senseless on the wintry Ireland porch?

---

“Do you think we should tell them?”

“And make it awkward for all of us, no Kayla.”

“But it’s been 45 minutes.”

“Kayla - we can’t tell them!”

Lia cringed as the sound of a creak, and a suspicious groan erupted in the room. 

She and Kayla were hanging in Amy’s room when they heard Lucas’ heartfelt confession and hid in the closet in Amy’s room. Which was a bad choice because now... they were here, making out. 

“Amy’s parents are going to be back soon. We can’t just let them be found out!”

“Kayla- what are you - Kayla no!”

As Kayla reached around Lia she lost her footing effectively falling against the unlatched door and sprawling into Amy’s room, in front of a dishevelled Amy trapped underneath an equally dishevelled Lucas - thank goodness clothes were still on. 

“UH.. hi?” Lia squeaked and with a groan Amy buried her face in Lucas’ shoulder and Lucas held frozen where he was.

“You carry on... Lia and I will... uhmmm... bye!” And Kayla and Lia quickly dashed out of the room.

“We’ll never live this down will we?” Amy mumbled from her perch on Lucas’ shoulder.

“Nope, especially because... we have to do season 4.”

“We are? We got renewed?”

“Yes. You did it, you rallied the troops. My Carrots.”

She grins and when his lips descend down on hers, she figures it wasn’t bad, to be his carrot after all.

#crackship #shirbert #awae #lucabeth #amycas #lucamy

[novastarlyght]

NOVA SCREAMS ABOUT ENTER THE FLORPUS

In six words:  "Children sing. People rejoice. Fatalities minimal."

In much more than six words and featuring a BUTT LOAD OF SPOILERS, continue on....

Biggest takeaway: Membrane is a badass DILF 10/10 would marry especially to have Dib and Gaz as stepchildren.... even if he is the poster boy for the Flat Earth Atheist trope (ALSO HE SQUISHY NOW!!!!!)

okay thirst joking aside THIS WAS WORTH WAITING 17 YEARS FOR!!! I MEAN IT!!!!!! IT'S EVERYTHING I COULD'VE WANTED AND MORE FROM AN IZ REVIVAL and honestly an IZ movie in general??? like the fandom used to talk about the whole “Invader Dib” TV movie idea thing the crew tossed around back during the show's run, if it ever ran for so long that a TV movie could happen, but I don't know if it would've been or felt as satisfying as this. Maybe that's just due to again, this being the first animated IZ related thing in SEVENTEEN YEARS but you can just feel how much Jhonen went all out with this, probably because it has been so long. I feel how much love went into this, how much Jhonen and crew and put that same love that fans have had for IZ for the past nearly 2 decades back into this. He wanted to give us something really truly special, something to thank us for loving his show for so long despite how short lived it was, and I don't think he could've succeeded more. This was his gift to the fans and I wish I could tell him how grateful I am for it in person. Maybe I'll get to someday. ;u; Regardless, thank you Jhonen for giving all of us who loved your show all these years this wonderful thing that's everything we loved, and still do love, about IZ and more ❤︎

Gosh all the things from little fanservice moments to answering questions and addressing things fans have wondered about for years... Dib and Gaz confirmed to have Membrane as their last names, Gaz's full name being Gazlene, Dib established as being 12 years old, Tak's ship playing a big part, DIB'S ENTIRE ARC WITH MEMBRANE and of course “What would happen if Zim actually thought the Tallest didn't respect him?” And the answer is, of course, continuing to never give up and do whatever it takes to try and win their admiration because Zim is the ultimate determinator and will literally never accept failure ever. Even though failing is all he does. And that's why we love him Though apparently he was legitimately depressed before Dib told him about the Membracelets which is like... oh no.... baby.... my heart......... ;~;

SPEAKING OF HEART SHATTERING, THESE LINES!!!! JUST THESE LINES!!!!!!:

“Son, you don't have to prove anything. I'm always proud of you.”

IZ has never had anything resembling a genuinely heartfelt moment before which made it pack even more of a punch. The fact that, unlike the original series, this movie wasn’t afraid to take itself just seriously enough to be able to have a moment like this, is what really drove it home to me as not only a faithful return but an evolution - the series modernized and grown up, as though it matured along with its audience. And it’s a reward to all of us who genuinely love and care about these characters. It knows how beloved IZ is and not only celebrates that but also gives us something new and special that wasn’t in the original. That is what makes a perfect reboot.

AND DUDE THE ANIMATION WAS INCREDIBLE?????? just... so unbelievably gorgeous I was floored by every frame.... the original IZ series was, and to my knowledge still is/was, the most expensive show Nick ever produced so I can't even IMAGINE, even with how much technology has advanced since '01-'02, how much money Nick must've thrown at this. And it's ALL on the screen. ESPECIALLY THE FLORPUS SEQUENCE ITSELF SWEET UNHOLY CTHULHU I AM GONNA HAVE TO GO BACK AND WATCH IT FRAME BY FRAME FOR EVERY SINGLE LAST PIECE OF MIND-BLOWING AMAZINGNESS THAT SEQUENCE WAS MAN just... legitimately, phenomenally astounding.

Enter the Florpus is flawless. Or as close to flawless as something can probably be, since I genuinely can’t think of anything in this movie that didn’t work spectacularly or that I didn’t irrevocably adore. The only thing that maybe, possibly could have made it better was having some more of the minor characters make a return or appearance, like Tak herself or the Resisty, but I can understand not having them since that wouldn't have exactly fit into the story all that well. And I prefer a solid story over just seeing something cool or fanservicey for coolness/fanservice's sake. This movie had everything it needed to have and that's what made it so great. I couldn't be happier. And now I’m going to go rewatch the entire original series again for the 777th billion time. And then watch the movie again right after. And then cry. A lot.

#texts from last nova #enter the florpus #invader zim #invader zim spoilers #spoilers #enter the florpus spoilers

[tmarie82]

Three Little Words

Pairing: Rye x Eris Huang

Book: The Heist: Monaco

Word Count: ~2,800

Rating: NSFW

Author’s Note: This fic has been in my head for a while now and I never had the chance to actually write it, but in honor of the final Th:M chapter this week I decided it was finally time. This takes place right after chapter 10 when Eris and MC find out that Rye contributed to Ansel’s setup and ultimately Eris’s imprisonment several years ago.

Please let me know if you would like to be added to my tag list. You can find all of my fics in my Masterlist on my homepage.

~~~~~~~~~~

The house was dark and quiet, eerily vacant as Rye sat alone in the shadows leaning forward on the couch and resting his head in his hands. He was thankful that the rest of the crew had chosen tonight to go out and explore the town, leaving him in peace with his thoughts. Well, most of the crew at least … the other two members, the ones currently consuming his guilt-ridden thoughts, were off together consoling each other. Consoling each other over the biggest mistake he’d made in his entire life.

Looking back, he should have known better than to trust Ansel … he’d always felt there was something off with that weasel of a man. But as a member of their team at the time, a supposed ally, Rye wanted to believe him when he offered to help him get his mother to a safer place. He let his emotions get in the way of his judgement, and now here he was. Rye sighed deeply, rubbing his palms over his short hair as he hung his head. He felt stupid and betrayed, ashamed of his actions … but mostly he felt remorse for hurting the two people he cared most about in this world. The two people that he’d chosen to be his family over the years … and he didn’t even tell them the truth when he had the chance. And the one who had unknowingly stolen his heart had taken the fall for it.

He was startled from his thoughts by a commotion, the departed team members busting through the front door shouting back and forth aggressively. He stood abruptly, prepared to jump in if needed, but they were all too busy to notice him lurking in the darkness. No one paid him any attention standing along the perimeter, observing them as they threw out accusations and excuses. It didn’t take long for the big boss herself to show up, Fallon swiftly interjecting and calmly asking each member for details of the incident. Of course she didn’t come in alone, and Rye’s gaze quickly found the one he was waiting for hovering in the corner.

Eris stood by quietly, her arms crossed as she leaned against the wall watching the scene unfold. She looked tired, Rye noticed … her normal playful sarcastic persona tucked away, buried beneath the layers of sadness that he glimpsed in her eyes. She didn’t see him at first, her eyes trained on the group, but as Rye made his way around the room towards her she noticed the movement out of the corner of her eye. She immediately went on the defensive, straightening her shoulders and setting her face in a blank expression as she pretended to watch the chaos.

“Eris …” he whispered in a soft pleading tone. He stood directly in front of her, blocking her view of the scene, uncaring of what anyone would say or think as he lifted an arm to cup her elbow in his palm. She flinched at his touch and immediately shifted away from his grasp. Rye tried to reassure himself that it was for discretion, so no one would suspect their secret relationship they’d kept a secret for this long. The other option pained him too much to even contemplate.

“Eris, please … can we talk?” He tried again, but she continued to avoid his stare.

Squeezing past him, Eris mumbled a breathy retort as she tried to make her escape. “I’ll be fine, Rye.” He could hear the bitterness in her tone, knowing very well that she was far from fine. He trailed behind her out of the living room, the rest of the group so engaged in their heated dialogue that they never even noticed they were missing two key members.

Rye followed quietly behind her, watching her petite figure walk rigidly down the hall towards the staircase leading towards the lower level. He could see the tension visible in her neck and shoulders, her muscles clenched beneath the straps of her white tank top. She cut a sharp corner into the sunroom overlooking the pool and headed straight towards the wet bar. “Can’t take a hint, can you? I was trying to find somewhere I could be alone.” She didn’t even lift her head to acknowledge him as she poured a generous serving of Stoli into an empty glass. Bringing the crystal to her lips and swallowing about a third of the glass, she set it back down to refill it before finally turning her body towards him.

Rye felt her dark eyes boring into his own, the fiery anger evident in her gaze. He cleared his throat, opening his mouth in an attempt to reason with her. “Just give me a chance. Let me explain-“

“You don’t need to explain!” Eris spat out, interrupting him mid sentence. “I understand why you did it, I know about your mom. I know you wouldn’t have done it to hurt us.” She took a long draw of her drink, exhaling slowly as she dropped her eyes and set her glass down. Running a finger along the rim of her drink and avoiding his stare, her next words came out in a shaky whisper. “What I don’t know is why you didn’t tell me?” As the last words slipped from her tongue she met his gaze, her eyes shining in the dim light with unshed tears.

The image nearly took his breath away, as if someone had punched him in the gut and knocked the air from his lungs. This strong woman, fierce and brave and unselfish in ways he would never be worthy of, was on the verge of tears … and it was all his fault. “I wanted to tell you the truth, so many times …”

The fire reappeared, her eyes burning into him as she wiped the moisture away before it ever had a chance to fall. “Really? But what, you didn’t have the chance?” She took long determined strides across the room, placing her hands on her hips as her petite frame stopped within inches of his. “How about before you sweet-talked me back into your bed again? Or one of those many nights after you fucked me, maybe? It would have been entertaining for you to explain how many different ways you’ve actually fucked me over the years.” Her eyes burned into his, her nostrils flared as she breathed heavily with frustration.

Rye raised his hands to cup her upper arms, desperately seeking any way to comfort her. “It wasn’t like that, you know that’s not-“

“Don’t you fucking touch me!” Eris recoiled at his touch, jumping backwards in disgust. She released a screaming growl, shaking out her arms as she began pacing down the length of the room. Suddenly she stopped, twirling in place to face him head on, her face knitted in a fierce scowl. “I sacrificed myself. I went to jail for you. And you didn’t even have the decency to tell me that you were the one who sent me there.”

“I know …” How could be even respond to that? He dropped his head, unable meet her gaze as the shame crippled him. “I wanted to, I had it all planned out …”

“Why Rye …” She was closer now, only a few feet away, her voice trembling as the tears welled up in her eyes. This time she didn’t try to fight them, she allowed them to spill over her lids and stream down her cheeks. Rye resisted the urge to reach out and pull her close, to wipe the tears away and kiss the damp skin left behind. “Why didn’t you tell me?” She asked again, her words coming out in a choked sob.

Rye stood up straight, focused on her face as he finally allowed his confession to come tumbling out. “I was going to tell you when you came back. I had it all planned out … but when you came to me that first night you showed me all the things I would lose when I told you the truth. You reminded me how much I needed you in my life. And every day since then, I felt myself falling further and further … until I was so far gone that I couldn’t go back.”

“So you’re saying you were afraid you’d lose your fuck buddy. I’m sure you could have found another-“

“I’m saying I fell in love with you, Eris.” Rye interjected, his tone firm and direct. “You have to know that this was never just about the sex. Not for me, at least.”

Eris blinked once, twice, her eyes wide in disbelief until she shook her head to shake off any hint of emotion trying creep in. Then her eyes narrowed, all the hurt and anger bubbling to the surface. “Don’t do that Rye! Don’t play dirty and throw out heartfelt confessions to try to smooth this over. That isn’t going to work!” She shifted away, turning her head to the side to hide the tears that threatened to fall again.

“I’m not playing a game here, Eris. It’s the truth.” Rye’s voice was low, pleading and honest as he allowed all the guilt and emotions to spill from him after months, no, years of holding them inside. He lifted his hand, tucking his finger under her chin ever-so-gently to tilt her eyes up towards him. “I’m in love with you. I understand if you don’t feel the same way. I understand if you never forgive me for the things that I’ve done, for the things that I never said until it was too late …” he rubbed his thumb lightly across her jaw, catching a single tear against the pad of his thumb as it rolled down her cheek, “but you need to know. I’m so sorry, for everything.”

Eris remained frozen in place as her eyes flickered between his, a million thoughts swirling through her head, an ache forming in her chest. She released a soft exhale, the air slowly streaming past her lips until she finally spoke the words she kept repeating to herself over and over. “I hate you.”

Rye swallowed hard, taking a step away and dropping his eyes to the ground at his feet. “I understand. And I don’t blame you.”

Eris took a step forward, closing the newfound space between them. “No, Rye. I really hate you.” Her voice was a soft growl, a rumbling noise emitted from the back of her throat through clenched teeth.

Rye glanced up at her, her face poised in a snarl and her cheeks wet with tears again. Rye felt the sting in his own eyes, unable to hold back any longer as he watched her begin to unravel before him. “I’m so sorry.”

Eris slammed her fist into his chest, catching him by surprise for a moment until he felt the second blow, and then the third. “I hate you!” She roared, her voice nearly a yell, only muffled by the tightness in her throat as she sobbed between hits. Rye raised his arms to brace himself, trying to grasp her tiny flailing wrists in his palms. “I hate you! I hate you!”

“Eris … Eris stop … Stop!” Rye finally gripped one wrist and then the other, holding her arms tightly against his chest as she fought and struggled against his strength. He held her firmly in place, the tears falling freely down his face as he felt her pushing and pulling and fighting … until she stilled. Just for a moment, he tilted his head down to meet her gaze, her eyes glistening as she peered up at him with a vulnerability he had never seen before.

In an instant she tugged him flush against her, surging forward on her tiptoes to press her lips against his in a demanding kiss. Rye startled at first, but his body responded instinctively as she slipped her tongue into his mouth to massage his own. With a low groan he released her from his grasp, his hands dropping to grip her waist as she looped her arms around his neck. Her head fell back as his lips trailed down her neck, nipping and sucking the tender flesh at the base and making her moan at the sensation. “I hate you. I hate you.” She repeated the phrase over and over, trying to convince her mind of the truth as her body betrayed her.

Rye gripped the hem of her tank, tugging it down in one swift movement and dipping his head to take her pink bud between his lips. He alternated licking and tugging it, the mixture of pleasure and pain stoking the heat within her belly. She curled her fingers around the crown of his head, arching her back into him as she repeated those three little words again. “I hate you. I hate you.”

Rye unfastened the laces of her black jeans, sliding them down over her curves and pulling them from her legs as he continued to roll her nipple in his mouth. He dropped his hand to find the dampness soaking through the thin cotton of her panties, emitting a rumbling growl as he stroked her through the fabric. He allowed his mouth to travel lower, kissing the bare flesh across her belly as he hooked his thumbs around the garment and tugged them down her legs. Eris squirmed against his fingers, her body buzzing with a torturous tension and desperate for release. “I hate you.” She moaned again, a low seductive purr. “I hate you.”

As soon as she was bare she pulled him to stand upright, her mouth meeting his in a fervent kiss as her hands worked the fly of his pants. Quickly freeing his erection, she stroked him in her palm, rolling her thumb across the tip and spreading the bead of moisture around the head. With a primal grunt, Rye gripped her by the thighs and lifted her, then slammed her against the wall with a loud thud.

”Unh!” Eris moaned at the impact into his mouth, her hand sliding between their bodies and gripping him in her hand. “I hate you.” She muttered as she guided him to line up at her entrance. “Unh fuck!” She cried out as he slid his entire length inside of her, filling the many voids inside of her in so many delicious ways.

Rye rocked his hips against her at a unrelenting rhythm, pouring all of his frustrations and regrets into the forceful movements as if it would muffle the guilt he felt inside. “I hate you. I h-hate you.” Eris choked out her words as the pleasure and pain overtook her, the pressure building and the emotions rising until the dam broke and it all came rushing out at once. “I love you!” She sobbed as her orgasm hit her, tears streaming down her face as the three little words echoed in the air. Infused with a newfound vigor, Rye’s thrusts became harder and more erratic until he finally burst, his cock twitching repeatedly as he emptied himself inside of her.

The two remained pressed together as their breathing steadied and Rye gently set her down, both afraid to separate for what came next. Eventually Eris pushed him away, his smell and the touch of his hands clouding her judgement as she tried to process what had just happened. Rye’s eyes flickered over her features … the tiny freckles dotting her cheeks that were only visible up close, her dark lashes damp and beaded with residual tears, the slow inhale and exhale of air as her breathing whistled through the tiny gap between her full rosy lips. He allowed himself to stare without reservations, to memorize every minute detail of this beautiful woman … before he lost his chance.

Squeezing her way around his broad frame, Eris retrieved her clothing from the floor where he had discarded them. Rye watched silently as she dressed, keeping her back to him as she stood upright. He observed as she ran her hand across her forehead, massaging her temples and running her fingers through her short platinum hair. When she finally turned to meet his stare, her face was blank and emotionless. No sign of anger, no residue of tears, no hint of affection.

“This doesn’t change anything.” She said sternly, no sign of emotion in her steely gaze.

Rye nodded. There were no words left to be said.

“The others will wonder where we’ve gone. I’ll go first, you follow in a few minutes.” The instructions came out smoothly, a routine exchange between professionals. Nothing more. With one final glance at her clothing and a deep breath, Eris was gone without a second glance to her former lover.

Rye waited patiently for three minutes before he followed, just as he was told. At this point his obedience was the only apology left to be had.

END

~~~~~~~~~~

Perma-Tag: @abbiebishops @akrenich @alesana45 @asprankle @bella-ca @blackcatkita @blackwidow2721 @boneandfur @catlady0911 @choicesarehard @choiceslife @choicessa @choiceswreckedme @client-327 @cocomaxley @crookedslimecreatorpasta @darley1101 @debramcg1106 @domainoflostsouls @drakelover78 @drakewalker04 @eileendannie @enmchoices @flowerpowell @gardeningourmet @harlequinash @harrington-sinclaire @hopefulmoonobject @indescribablechoices @indiacater @innerpostmentality @jadedpixiescribbles @lizeboredom @lolablackwrites @marikagia @mfackenthal @mrsnazariowrites @ritachacha @romancehereicome @sawyeroakleyscowboyhat @simplyaiden-blog @snyggflicka @stopforamoment @sweetfluffyunicorn18 @tabithacarlisle @the-everlasting-dream @thequeenofcronuts @walkerismychoice @wickedgypsymoon @writtenbycandy

#rye x eris #eris huang #rye #the heist: monaco #th:m #n*fw #tmarie82 fanfic

[ngame989]

S3E18 - Skooled!/Booth Buddies

Skooled!

Standout Moments –

See, this is how you use Ponyhead in episodes. You toss her through solid objects.

“Boys do not make passes at girls without phat asses.”

She’s a little cutey. She becomes a horrible person, but she’s a cutie then.

Criticism – She killed Gemini there is nothing good in the world everything is awful all hope is lost.

New thing I caught –

That portrait art tho

Ship commentary –

Such a heartfelt moment.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Overall – Pretty solid episode, some nice backstory for Heinous. Her motivation of “ME WANT MEWNI” is kinda weak by itself, honestly, I don’t really feel it’s supported by her character all that strongly but not the biggest deal.

Booth Buddies

Standout Moments –

They’re definitely gonna have kinky threesomes.

OK I’ma be honest, I want to watch this episode without stopping. I’ve talked enough about almost every detail of it before. You don’t even need my reactions here. I’ll put some text in places and add a pic or two at the end but that’s it.

Criticism – This isn’t a criticism of the episode. This is a criticism of the critics, more for my own venting than anything.

Y’all seriously fucking think that because Star was holding hands with Tom before this started, that because they hugged once at the end of a segment last episode in which he still fucked up a boyfriend moment, gives that ANYTHING, any POSSIBLE hope of competing with Starco? After everything that has happened in three seasons, seasons I just watched so I know how every single episode goes off the top of my head? It’s not bias, it’s not cliché, it’s not forced, it’s the most organic buildup of two people growing to love each other from the roots of friendship and care and support that I think I’ve ever seen. Sure they spend a bit less time together during Season 3, but it’s all done with an explicit purpose for Starco, not to make way for some other shitty ship. Like, seriously, every single serious moment Tomstar has after initially getting together and Marco coming back is a direct march towards realizing why it isn’t going to work. There’s not even any upward momentum, it’s just surface-level romantic affection candy-coating a constant descent into the gutter for Tomstar as a romantic relationship. And Tom does grow as a person during it, sure, but it’s hard to even say it was because of Tomstar. At best, you could say that him being in a relationship that was doomed from the start put him in situations that showcased why it was doomed, in in the process of coming head-to-head with those situations, he walked out a bit wiser and a bit more ready to realize that it’s doomed and be OK with that. And Star grows throughout the season but it has almost nothing to do with Tomstar - that’s just there to check the “not worrying about romantic feelings” box so she’s not dealing with heartbreak! It’s all there, RIGHT FUCKING THERE, baked into basically every minute of the show with those lovable idiots in it. Do you want to still like Tomstar or not like Starco or ship Marco and Oskar or whatever the fuck? Fine, I don’t care, you can like the idea of two fictional teens smooching in whatever variant you please. But don’t even think for a femtosecond that what I’m saying about canon isn’t what’s happening. Ngame out.

Bragging (with thanks and apologies to Daron) - So I’m probably the only person in the world to have a signed version of this. I love the little surprised Star face she drew.

Starco commentary - AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Overall – The episode with Starco music and a Starco chat resolving all the Starco awkwardness ending in tender Starco emotional support and a Starco kiss followed by more tender Starco emotional support and Starco Blood Moon foreshadowing got submitted by the crew to the most prestigious animated television awards program and then successfully nominated by an independent panel of professionals. WHAT DO YOU FUCKING THINK I THINK ABOUT THIS EPISODE?

#rewatchening

[basicshadowhuntersstuff]

This roundup covers May 6-18 2019. Shadowhunters news, updates, sneak peeks, and behind the scenes. All the stuff you need to stay up to date.

Official Promotion

FreeformTV: Three seasons of runes, magic, and love all lead up to tonight’s 2.5 hour #Shadowhunters finale and the #Malec wedding everyone has been waiting for.

Original Concept art: New York Institute, Magnus’ loft

Thank you to every #Shadowhunters cast and crew member. Thank you #ShadowFam. For all being a part of the journey. #ShadowhuntersLegacy

So many great songs. Listen to all your favorite songs from #Shadowhunters season 3B now on our @Spotify playlist

Heart=melted. Behind the scenes of #Shadowhunters.

Happy we get to love these two. @HarryShumJr & NicolaNCD dancing to @Ruellemusic’s “I get to love you” behind the scenes of #Shadowhunters

GLAAD shared some of their favorite moments from when Shadowhunters won a GLAAD Award in season 1. 

Maia, Jordan, and Raphael behind the scenes of #Shadowhunters 

Shadowhunters in the News

3x20 Previews: Film Daily

3x21/3x22 Reviews: TVFanatic, Pure Fandom, Film Daily, Spoiler TV

3x21/3x22 photos: ScreenSpy

ET Online (video): ‘Shadowhunters’ series finale: Stars say goodbye to fans in tear-jearking video (Exclusive)

E! News (article): These Shadowhunters series finale tributes from the cast will make you emotional

TV Insider (video): ‘Shadowhunters’ cast says goodbye to fans before the series finale (video)

TV Insider cast BTS videos: Emeraude, Harry, Dom, Kat

Entertainment Weekly (video): It’s time to say goodbye to @ShadowhuntersTV. Ahead of tonight’s series finale, watch the cast say an emotional goodbye to their characters #Shadowhunters

International Business Times (article): Katherine McNamara on ‘Shadowhunters’ series finale spoilers, set souvenirs, and saying goodbye

TVLine (article): Shadowhunters series finale explained: What that twist ending means for Clary, plus more questions answered

TVGuide (article): Shadowhunters bosses imagine what’s next for Malec after that ‘Glorious’ wedding

TVGuide (article): Shadowhunters’ Matthew Daddario and Harry Shum Jr say Malec’s wedding was a ‘perfect’ ending

TV Insider (article): ‘Shadowhunters’ showrunners explain all from the heartfelt series finale

Hypable (article): ‘Shadowhunters’ series finale: The 21 best moments

Hidden Remote (article): Shadowhunters: 13 Clace moments that made us swoon

Film Daily (article): Malec forever: We’re still not ready to say goodbye to our fave ‘Shadowhunters’ couple

TVGuide (article): Shadowhunters bosses drop hints about season 4 in the series finale

Pure Fandom (article): ‘Shadowhunters’ series finale: A heartbreaking, yet hopeful end

Cosmopolitan (article): Malec (aka Matthew Daddario and Harry Shum Jr) say goodbye to ‘Shadowhunters’...for now

Digital Spy (article): Shadowhunters cast say an emotional goodbye to the series: “This fandom is truly unstoppable”

Entertainment Tonight (article): ‘Shadowhunters’ series finale: Bosses explain Clary’s cliffhanger and Malec’s near perfect wedding

CinemaBlend (article): Why Shadowhunters’ series finale ended Clary’s story the way it did

OnTvToday (article): ‘Shadowhunters’ bids farewell with a supersized finale

Digital Spy (article): Shadowhunters bosses reveal who they couldn’t get back for the finale--and who would’ve returned in season 4

TVInsider (Photos): ‘Shadowhunters’: Behind the scenes of the finale’s biggest moments (Photos)

JustJaredJr (article): ‘Shadowhunters’ fans did everything right to try and save the series, showrunners say

Entertainment Tonight (article): ‘Shadowhunters’ star Katherine McNamara reacts to series finale and rumors of a reunion movie (Exclusive)

TV Insider (video): ‘Shadowhunters’: Harry Shum Jr & Matthew Daddario on Malec’s future post-finale (video)

JustJaredJr (article): Matthew Daddario & Harry Shum Jr open up about Malec’s wedding in ‘Shadowhunters’ series finale

Meaww Entertainment (article): ‘Shadowhunters’ fans talk about their favorite moments and Malec emerges as a clear winner

SoManyShows (article): Fans react to Shadowhunters finale

Pride (article): The Malec wedding made Shadowhunters stans everywhere emotional AF

Tremblay (Interview): Kimberly Sue Murray talks the Shadowhunters finale (May/June 2019)

I Am Nova Magazine (Interview): Introducing her royal highness: Kimberly-Sue Murray (and the Queen she plays)

Carter Matt (video): Shadowhunters season 4-Shadowhunters Forever

Carter Matt (article): Why Shadowhunters season 4 will always be more than a mirage

Brief Take (Interview): Interview: Shadowhunters’ Dominic Sherwood

Young Hollywood (video): Shadowhunters cast play loaded questions!

Meaww Entertainment (video): ‘Shadowhunters’ star Jade Hassoune on that epic series finale: “We know it’s not the end absolutely”

Variety (article): ‘Game of Thrones’ nabs No. 1 spot as Most-Social TV show in Q1, while Netflix’s engagement surges

Meaww Entertainment (article): ‘It was really moving,’ Kimberly Sue Murray aka the Sealie queen of ‘Shadowhunters’ on show’s mega finale

TVGuide (article): The week in superlatives: Best tribute, worst dog dad, and the goodbye bliss

TVGuide (video): Shadowhunters cast thanks the fans and gives them a teary goodbye

JustJaredJr (article): Shadowhunters’ Harry Shum Jr & Nicola Correia-Damude  dance together in cute BTS video

Film Daily (article): ‘Shadowhunters’ finale: The cast speak

Spoiler TV (Voting results): Performers of the month-April 2019 Voting *Results*

Buzz (video): Kimberly Sue-Murray talks Shadowhunters final show | Buzz 360

Neilson (Ratings): Top 10 list for Neilson Social content ratings-week of May 6, 2019

Close-Up Culture (Interview): Interview: Sydney Meyer talks ‘Shadowhunters’ and working with Ian Somerhalder

Film Daily (article): #SaveShadowhunters: Data doesn’t lie, so why hasn’t it been saved yet?

Hidden Remote (article): Shadowhunters fans confused by Season 4 renewal of The Bold Type

Tune Find (article): A bittersweet farewell: Favorite music moments from Shadowhunters

IBT (article): What’s the ‘Shadowhunters’ cast doing next after series finale?

Shadowhunters Finale Cast Party

Harry Shum Jr (Magnus) shared a photo of some of the cast getting ready for the finale party on Instagram

Shadowhunters TV tweeted: Crew is here. (Missing @IsaiahMustafa & @arosende, but they’ll be here soon!) Live tweet with us the 2.5 hour #Shadowhunters series finale using #ShadowhuntersChat

A fan attended the cast party and shared some photos with the cast: Jack Yang (Asmodeus), & Luke Baines (Jonathan), Jack (Asmodeus)

Shadowhunters TV shared a photo of Isaiah Mustafa (Luke) and Harry (Magnus) from the party, and several group photos from the party

Taylor Mallory (writer) shared a photo of some of the Shadowhunters writers

Michelle Argyris (Kaelie Whitewilllow) shared a photo of some of the cast

Sydney Meyer (Helen) shared a photo of herself and writer Taylor

Shadowhunters TV tweeted: @HarryShumJr at it again. #Shadowhunters #ShadowhuntersLegacy

Jack Yang (Asmodeous) shared a video he took at the party on his Instagram, 

#SaveShadowhunters

Digital Spy (article): Shadowhunters fans organize another Times Square billboard ahead of the series finale

Social Media/Twitter

Cast/Crew Goodbyes: Dom (Jace), Chai Hanson (Jordan Kyle), Kat (Clary), Jade Hassoune (Meliorn), Harry (Magnus), Folks VFX (Visual Effects team), Kevin Alves (Bat), Matt Hastings (Director), Joshua Horvath (vampire), Claire Hupy (writer), Peter Binswanger (writer), Kristen Creamer (production team), Celeste Vasquez (writer), Zoe Broad (writer), Alberto (Simon), Jonathan Ho (Brother Zachariah)

Kat (Clary) shared a behind the scenes video from season 1 of the cast practicing their demon fighting tactics, a side by side photo of herself on her first day and last day along with a thank you to her character, a behind the scenes video from the finale, Clary Fray #FrayFriday  playlist part 2, some of her favorite memories from the show, a video of herself and Alberto (Simon) dancing, some behind the scenes photos featuring herself and several cast members

Darren Swimmer (showrunner) shared a behind the scenes look into the writers room during 3A, some behind the scenes information regarding the musical themes in the finale

Javier Munoz (Lorenzo Rey) shared videos of himself with Matt (Alec), Emeraude (Izzy), Harry (Magnus), and Matt Hastings (director) in a Hamilton/Shadowhunters mashup

Verity Fiction (makeup artist) shared a photo from pilot of her applying Dom’s (Jace) runes

Taylor Mallory (writer) shared a behind the scenes photo from her set tour with director Matt Hastings, a “cheat sheet” she made for her friends when they watched episode 2x14

Luke Baines (Jonathan Morganstern) posted a photo of himself in character on his Instagram, a picture of Jonathan getting his first rune, some behind the scenes information about the black goo he wore during the finale, a video of himself attempting to text with his “demon” hands on his Instagram

Lola Flanery (Young Seelie Queen) shared the first ever photo she took in character

Todd Slavkin (Showrunner) shared a shout out to Farid Yazdani (table reader) for his help during table reads, tweeted a thank you to fans regarding the finale

TV Guide shared what was engraved om Malec’s wedding rings

Ruelle announced a special “Ode To Shadowhunters” collection

Ariana Williams (Madzie) shared some photos of the Lightwood-Bane family at Malec’s wedding, some behind the scenes photos of herself and Jack Fulton (Max Lightwood), a behind the scenes photo of herself and Nicola Correira-Damude (Maryse Lightwood) from the Malec wedding, some behind the scenes photos of herself and David Castro (Raphael Santiago), a video of herself, Kat (Clary) and Alberto (Simon) between takes of the Malec wedding

Brian Hui (makeup artist) shared a photo from the filming of the finale with Dom (Jace) and Kat (Clary), two photos of Anna Hopkins (Lilith) from the finale filming, a photo of Luke Baines (Jonathan Morgenstern) behind the scenes of 3B, a photo of himself with Todd (showrunner), a photo of Harry (Magnus) and camera operator Drew Potter, a photo of David Castro (Raphael Santiago), Javier Munoz (Lorenzo Rey), Sydney Meyer (Helen Blackthorn), Jacky Lai (Aline Penhallow) on set of 3x22, a video of Kimberly Sue Murray (Seelie Queen), and Luke Baines (Jonathan Morgenstern) from the set of the finale, a photo of “artist” Clary, a photo of Jonathan Ho (Brother Zachariah) from the finale, a photo of Sydney Meyer (Helen Blackthorn) ,Jacky Lai (Aline Penhallow), and Kat (Clary) from the Malec wedding, a Lightwood family photo from the Malec wedding, with Arianna (Madzie), and Steve Byers (Andrew Underhill)

Bryan Miller (writer) shared some behind the scenes information about the original end to 3x20

Jim Halterman of TVGuide/TVInsider tweeted a goodbye message to the cast and crew

Kevin Alves (Bat) shared a thank you to fans

Lindsay MacDonald shared a thread of behind the scenes photos and videos from the Malec wedding

The Series Regulars twitter page shared a peak into Jonathan’s (Brother Zachariah) feelings on being able to officiate the Malec wedding

Isaiah (Luke) shared a photo of himself, Matt (Alec), and Harry (Magnus) on his Instagram

Joshua Butler (director) tweeted Through all the highs and lows, it’s important to remember: Love is LOVE. #MalecForever 

Vanessa Matsui (Dot) shared some photos from her time on Shadowhunters on her Instagram, an alternate version of her dance scene with Harry (Magnus)

Stefanie Terzo (hair stylist) shared a behind the scenes secret featuring Harry (Magnus) on her Instagram story, a behind the scenes look at the Idris demon attack on her Instagram story, a behind the scenes look at her character’s hair on her Instagram story

Jacky Lai (Aline Penhallow) shared a behind the scenes look at her transformation into Aline on her Instagram

Sydney Meyer (Helen Blackthorn) shared a photo of herself with Javier Munoz (Lorenzo Rey) from the Malec wedding, a photo of Todd (showrunner) and Dom (Jace) hugging it out on set

Harry (Magnus) shared some behind the scenes photos and videos on his Instagram

Jade Hassoune (Meliorn) shared a behind the scenes video on his Instagram

Amanda O’Leary (writer) shared some behind the scenes photos of the Malec wedding on her Instagram, some photos of Harry’s (Magnus) post wedding hairstyle on her Instagram, 

Other News

Harry Shum Jr was announced as a guest at the Hunters of Shadows con in France

Buzzfeed (article): 24 things you didn’t know about Harry Shum Jr. 

Harry (Magnus) is featured in the second episode of season 1 of Family Style

A preview for Emeraude Toubia’s new movie on Hallmark Channel is now available

Anna Hopkins (Lilith) was announced as a guest at Hero & Villain’s Fan Fest Nashville in August 2019

Kat (Clary) was announced as a guest for the Big Slick KC event

Harry (Magnus) was the MC for the Smithsonian APA Party

David Castro (Raphael Santiago) was announced as a guest at the Italian Institute 3 Con

#shadowhunters #saveshadowhunters #bss news roundup

[smilingformoney]

America’s Most Eligible 2 Diamond Scene: Party with Your Friends

Adam: Hell yeah. Let’s get out of here.

After a quick stop in the kitchen to raid the fridge for champagne, soda, and snacks, you all sneak up to the roof with your loot. Derek: Hurry up and pop that cork, Adam. Mackenzie: Yeah, we don’t have all night! Adam: What happened to ‘patience is a virute’? You: We’ve earned the right to be a little impatient. This has certainly been an… interesting season. Jen: You can say that again. Adam: Still, we’ve all taken something good away from this whole experience. I finally got closure. Mackenzie: I made a difference. Derek: I stepped out of my comfort zone. You: And I… have a great idea. Remember the first night we spent together this season? When we played truth, dare, drink, or strip? Jen: I wasn’t involved in that. Adam: Now’s your chance to be. Truth, dare, drink, or strip? Jen: Oh, why not? I choose truth. Mackenzie: This is gonna be good. What should we ask?

You: Let’s see… -If you couldn’t work in TV, what job would you have had instead?

Jen: Oh, wow. That’s a tough one. I’ve wanted to work in TV since I was in junior high. You: What about before that? Jen: When I was really little, I did want to be a flight attendant. It seemed like such a glamorous job. Jen: Mostly because I thought the job was just handing out free snacks while wearing a fancy uniform. Adam:  When you put it that way, it sounds like the dream. Jen: Not quite. At least here, if I have a bad day I can walk off the set and take a breather. Couldn’t do that on a plane!

-What’s the wildest thing to happen behind the scenes of AME?

Jen: The wildest? Oh, I have just the story. In season 6, we had a Challenge that took place at Zoo Miami. Derek: I remember that one! It was a scavenger hunt with animal-based clues. Jen: After the Challenge was over, I realised I’d forgotten some equipment in the Amphibian Exhibit and went back to get it… Jen: And caught one of the contestants licking all the frogs! Mackenzie: What the hell? Adam: Why? Jen: Let’s just say they were… misinformed about the psychotropic nature of frog skin.

-Tell us something weird about Carson.

Jen: Did you know he’s a classically trained harpist? I once overheard him asking Piper to let him play on the show. Mackenzie: Okay, that’s surprising, but that’s not really weird. Jen: Hmmm, okay. He also thought Alaska was a Canadian province until, like, last year. Jen: And then there’s the time he slept in an unplugged tanning bed for six months after someone sold it to him as a hyperbaric chamber. You: Wait, what? Jen: And you’d be surprised where that hair of his really comes from… but I think I’ve already said too much.

Adam: If it’s my turn, I’m ready to go. How about a dare to really get the party going? Mackenzie: You’re on. I dare you… to shoot a double whiskey! Adam: Don’t mind if I do. Mackenzie pours the drink for Adam and everyone cheers when he tips it back! You: Better slow your roll. We wouldn’t want you to fall off the stage later. Adam: If I do, it’ll be worth it. That was damn good whiskey! Jen: It’s your turn now, Jamie. Truth, dare, drink, or strip? Derek: I’ve got a great idea for a dare. Mackenzie: I don’t know… I think it’s time for the Girl/Boy Next Door to bare it all! Jen: Metaphorically! I have a question I’d like Jamie’s take on. Adam: Don’t forget, Jamie. You can always drink, instead. You: Let’s see…

What do you do? -Do a dare!

Derek: Now you’re speaking my language. I dare you… to jump up and down on one leg, singing the AME theme song! You: Challenge accepted. This’ll be the best thing you see all week. You clear your throat and stand on one leg… And start jumping, flapping your arms like a bird for good measure! You: Laaaa la la la, lalalala la, la LA, la LAAA! Derek: Beautiful! Encore! You laugh and take a bow. You: Thank you. I’ll be here all night!

-Perform a striptease!

You: Well, I can’t deny giving my adoring public what it wants… You step onto the table, dancing to imaginary music and running your hands down your body… Adam: Woooo, Jamie! With a wink, you slowly slide your outfit off your frame… and strike a flirtatious pose! The group cheers and whistles. Mackenzie: Now that’s what I’m talking about! She high-fives you as you step down from the table and shimmy back into your clothes. You: Hope you all enjoyed the show.

-Tell the truth!

Jen: Okay… What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned about yourself after surviving another season? You: I mean, I suspected how awesome and talented and devastatingly attractive I was when I made it to the finals last year… You: But now I’m certain. Mackenzie: Your humility is an example to us all.

-Drink!

Adam: A woman after my own heart. He pours a drink for you and hands you the glass with a wink. You: Bottoms up! You raise your glass to the others in a mock toast… then down the drink in one go! Adam: Damn. You’re really putting me to shame, Jamie. You: You know what they say. Go big or go home!

Derek: So who’s next, Jamie? You: Are you volunteering? Derek: Hell yeah. Let’s go with truth. You: How about… you stand on the table and make a heartfelt declaration? Derek laughs and climbs into the patio table. He stretches his arms out over the city. Derek: Easy. The truth is… Jamie’s the best damn Girl/Boy Next Door ever! You: Aw, Derek. I’m loving the positivity. Adam: Loving the pandering too. Mackenzie: Is it my turn yet? We’ve had a lot of truth tonight, so I think we need another dare to really get things going. You: Dare it is. Getting up out of your chair, you head over to the balcony. Your friends follow. Looking down, you can see the patio below, where Omar and Carson are still discussing the episode while the crew adjusts the equipment. You nudge Mackenzie. You: Okay, let’s see what you got.

You: I dare you to… -Throw a cupcake at Omar!

Mackenzie: And waste a good cupcake? Adam: Backing out already? Tsk, tsk. Mackenzie: Like hell I am. Jen: While I can’t officially condone any of this… If you have to throw one, throw a red velvet one. Mackenzie snatches a cupcake from the tray and lobs it off the balcony at Omar. Everyone drops into a crouch when it lands with a splat. Omar: What the hell?! WHO THREW THAT? Derek: Nice shot. Omar: Whoever you are, you’re lucky I like red velvet or you’d be in a lot more trouble! Carson: Uh, can I leave? I can’t be in 100 feet of carbs or else I’m cheating on my Keto diet. Omar: For the last time, that is not how Keto works…

-Troll Carson!

Mackenzie: With pleasure. Mackenzie cups her hands around her mouth and shouts down to the patio below. Mackenzie: HEY CARSON! Mackenzie: I CAN SEE YOUR BALD SPOT FROM UP HERE… Everyone drops into a crouch, and you hear a panicked squawk. Carson: What bald spot? Where? WHERE? Omar, I need ot call my follicular therapist right now! Omar: Don’t be so dramatic, your hair looks fine. Carson: I didn’t spend fifty grand on black market lion DNA for my hair to look fine! If the injections didn’t take, my mane’s in danger! Mackenzie: Wait, did he say lion DNA?

Everyone bursts out laughing. You: I don’t know about the rest of you, but I really needed this. One last party with the best friends we’ve made along the way. Adam: Cheers to that… and to the person who brought our ragtag group together… You all raise your glasses in one final toast. Jen sighs happily, then gets to her feet. Jen: I don’t know how much longer the Jury has, but I think we better get back before you’re missed. You: Guess it’s time to face the music. Everyone packs up the food and drink and follows Jen back into the mansion.

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