#ITS AN ADAPTION OF THE MUSICAL FFS

[trickarrows-bishop]

"the main problem with the new mean girls-" and suddenly im not listening to what you have to say.

#like can yall not just enjoy a camp movie anymore. is this impossible for the straights to do be honest #was scrolling through the reviews on letterboxd and fucking HELL . #mean girls 2024 #mean girls #like wtf. ALSO STOP CALLING IT A REMAKE. #ITS AN ADAPTION OF THE MUSICAL FFS #sorry yall it just annoys me <//3 #like why is it impossible to enjoy this damn movie without seeing 9294329 posts and videos abt why its bad like fucking hell.

[nalyra-dreaming]

I know this is a IWTV blog, but I just finished The Witcher. What did you make of that 3rd season? Do you prefer IWTV over The Witcher?

(All good I like a lot of things^^) I did not watch the third season, I'm sorry.

I might do so in a while, but the way the adaptation went was... well.

I have read the books, I played all the games. Season 1 was delightfully close to the source material, even if the three time lines were confusing on first watch.

Episode 1 of the second season was okay as well. Then... it lost me.

The books by Andrzej Sapkowski are very rich. There was soooo much to take from (Just look at the games, FFS). But... for some reason they decided not to do that.

For whatever reason they decided to abandon the books. And the show lost its appeal for me. (Why didn't they learn from GoT? Why??)

Which is why I am so relieved - RELIEVED - that IWTV plays it so close to the books. Knows about the arcs. Sets up the arcs. Sets up the parallels.

So yes, I prefer IWTV over The Witcher.

I do love though that it introduced me to Joey Batey and "The Amazing Devil" - I love their music!!!

#Anonymous #asks #ask nalyra #amc iwtv #iwtv #amc interview with the vampire #interview with the vampire amc #iwtv amc #iwtv 2022 #interview with the vampire #the witcher #joey batey #the amazing devil

[starberry-cupcake]

I shouldn’t be opening this can of worms but the whole Vampire Chronicles revival has made me notice how, because of how fandom has become intrinsically linked with shipping, people immediately link fanfiction with slash in their minds and wrongfully believe that Anne Rice’s deal with fic was the shipping. 

The biggest problem with this isn’t that people think Loustat wasn’t canon but that they minimize the real issue, when we’re getting in troubling times with fanwork through how easy it is to monetize work online nowadays and how people are learning to do it before they even learn what intellectual property is.

Anne Rice thought initially (like many authors did, but she was particularly hellbent on it) that fanfiction was a direct threat to her copyright and intellectual property. And, legally speaking, she had the grounds to pursue that idea into shutting people down, because fanfiction isn’t actually legal. 

One of the particular reasons that has been circulating in fandom at large through the years (though I don’t think it was ever cleared and I don’t think the publisher will ever do so) is that Knopf thought fanfiction was a direct threat commercially to her material if they were to swap to ebook publishing alone (the entire 2000s decade, and even a bit more into the 2010s, was a huge baby fight between editors on whether or not ebooks were going to entirely replace paper, you have no idea the lectures I've attended, some actually about fanfiction held by clueless boomer editors outside of anything fandom related). She thought they had a point and they started their legal actions. Some people still keep the receipts of the cease and desist Knopf sent FF net and they mention clearly that, even if they weren’t making a profit, it was copyright infringement. And they were, technically, not wrong. 

This is not to remove blame from Anne Rice, Knopf and their behavior, but to remind people of the fragile nature of fanfic as a whole. The reason why fanfiction survived was because of the work fandom put into making fanfiction more visible outside the niche corners of fandom, establish its nature as a non profit activity and defend its intent while helping writers cover their backs when needed. 

It is still not a legal genre in general, especially fanfiction of copyrighted work that isn’t on public domain (and some countries also pay for use under public domain), but it’s allowed to exist somewhat under the common acceptance of it not being for profit and not being meant as a direct competitor to the original work or a replacement of it, but a fandom appreciation of it. That’s why AO3 has an army of lawyers ready, that’s why they don’t allow people to link their monetization platforms in their fics. 

The thing is, the monetization of online content has made it easy for people to forget that. This is not just a fic writer situation, but a content creator situation, people learn to monetize before knowing what they can monetize, in every platform. Those girls who went and did a Bridgerton musical without permission were allowed to even be eligible for a Grammy but the moment they started profiting for themselves, Netflix, producer and author came knocking, because what they did is illegal. 

Added to this, the US copyright law is now more prominent internationally because of them owning the vast majority of mainstream sharing platforms and their servers being located in US territory, as well as them having the studios that end up owning the rights of adaptation eventually. So, companies rather than people are now more accepted to be holders and representatives of IP. 

This practice isn’t as commonplace in other places of the world, where the material author always has the last say, but the US law being present in every major platform online and the evolution of the entertainment industry (in which adaptations or distribution create the possibility of major companies like Netflix, Disney, Universal, etc. to become representatives of IP that used to be owned by an author and a publisher alone) have created a scenario in which insanely huge companies can and will act as representatives of an IP and pursue legal action, with or without the original author deciding on it. 

So, the fact that the whole Anne Rice vs fanfiction situation has been reduced to some idea that her very gay books weren’t gay and she didn’t like slash is derailing the conversation from the original issue, which is a problem that is still relevant today, maybe more than ever. Anne Rice might be gone and, even before that, her stance on fanfiction might have changed, but we’re losing what we learned with that experience if we’re not willing to remember it properly. 

#I'm gonna regret posting this but #I'm gonna do it for now #luly rambles #fanfiction #vampire chronicles #long post #delete later maybe idk #interview with the vampire

[chungledown-bimothy]

LIGHTNING THIEF MUSICAL SO REALLL!!!!!!

i got to see it back in 2019, and it's still one of my favorite theater experiences i've ever had. i was skeptical, because i'd been burned before, but it truly was exactly what it needed to be to work.

i think it really was an excellent example of adapting a story to a different medium. there's no way you can put the huge dramatic fights on stage, but you can shoot toilet paper across the stage during the bathroom confrontation with clarisse.

the double casting also was so fucking much fun. sally and the oracle being the same person??? incredible. mr d and grover being the same is also delicious.

it's charming and camp as hell and luke's reprise of good kid in last day of summer still has a stranglehold on me.

it deserves so much better than its 16-week run on broadway, especially since what came after it at the longacre was diana ffs (well, it was supposed to. march 2020 was not a good time to be opening a show lmao)

[sherwoodknights]

SP 1999 EPISODE 1 LIVEBLOG

Opening titles slap pretty hard

Starting with a flashback, nice

IS THAT MARGUERITE AND ARMAND'S PARENTS? DID THEY SOMEHOW MANAGE TO MAKE ST CYR EVEN WORSE THAN BEFORE? WHAT THE FUCKKKK

"Learn from this!" Sir this is going to bite you so hard in the ass its unreal, and you deserve it

Why are they putting down newspaper lmao

Oh that's why okay

Is he a league member that theyve captured? Are the French actually semi-competent in this adaptation?

YOU DO NOT IMPLY THAT CHAUVELIN HAS BEEN RIPPING OFF TOENAILS AND THEN CUT TO THE NEXT SCENE WHATS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE

HERE COME THE LEAGUE LETS GOOOO

*does a gay little run that pisses you off*

Emilia fox will you marry me

OH MY GOD IT WAS ARMAND DOING THE GAY LITTLE RUN, BBC ARE FUELING MY GAY LITTLE ARMAND THOUGHTS

Excuse me bbc it has been almost 10 minutes and I have seen no Marguerite at all, you are depriving me of my wife

FUCKING HELL THATS FULL ON TORTURE THIS IS DARK

Richard E Grant you smooth mfer

They weren't joking that man really has no toenails left jesus

Forget my earlier comment, the French are still incompetent I guess

Oooooo chavvy wants to go to englandddd

Does this mean we get Marguerite soon? Please say we do

NOOOOOO DONT ARREST ARMAND LEAVE MY SON ALONE

DAMN ARMANDS GOT BITCHES

At least they're letting him get dressed before they arrest him

Awwwww he saved her, that's my boy

GET YOUR HANDS OFF THAT LITERAL CHILD YOU GROWN ASS SOLDIER FFS

Mr No Toenails is so gonna die

"Don't trust her" STOP BEING SO FUCKING OMINOUS BEFORE YOU DIE

MARGUERITE!!!!!!!!! Ough she's so gorgeous I want to dieeeeee

Oh fuck he totally took the guys words as "Don't trust Marguerite" goddammit

OH YEAH PERCY HOW DARE YOUR WIFE WHO YOU MARRIED WANT TO DANCE WITH YOU WHAT A TERRIBLE INSULT

Suzanne and Andrew <333333333

Percy Blakeney making sex jokes is something I never knew I needed

Marguerite St Just I would die for you

The only version of the pimpernel poem that rivals the musical in campiness

Chauvelin has no rizz, no matter how hard he may try

NOT PERCY SPILLING WINE ON CHAUVVYS CRAVAT

Percy basically just said "the cravat is the powerhouse of the cell"

Man's just wrote a dissertation on cravats

Ooooooooo the Prince is sassy

WHO JUST SLAPPED MY WIFE WHO DO I HAVE TO KILL

ANGELE ST CYR? OH FUCK THE GIRLS ARE GONNA BE FIGHTINGGGGG

Not this guy challenging percy to a duel while his voice sounds halfway to cracking through the whole speech

I could watch Richard E Grant's Percy all day oh my god

The guy they're about to guillotine looks like a sad puppy

Sleebpy Marguerite

They are literally so close to actual communication and talking through their issues that it HURTS, STOP BEING IDIOTS AND GET OVER YOURSELVES SO YOU CAN STOP BEING MISERABLEEEEEEEE

Ah here comes the Armand blackmail

Oooooo they're letting the marriage issues out at parties

HERE COME THE CHAMBERTIN JOKES

They're being so mean to him and its amazing

HOLY SHIT THEY HAVE HER TELL PERCY ABOUT ARMAND AS PERCY AND NOT THE PIMPERNEL! GO BBC YOU DO THAT FUNKY FAITHFUL ADAPTATION STUFF WE LOVE TO SEE IT

ST JUST BACKSTORY HAND IT OVER I CRAVE ITTTTTTT

PERCY YOU FUCKING LOSER HELP YOUR WIFE UGH YOURE SO MEAN TO HER

(I know he's going to do something but still I wish he could just tell her)

You go babygirl rip that letter from your husband up

Chauvvy with the hair down and morning hair <3

Get Chambertin's ass, Margot

MARGUERITE NO DONT TELL HIM THE HIDING PLACEEEE

Is she figuring it out? Did the injury give Percy away to her omg

SHES GOING TO THE STUDY BOYS SHES GONNA FIGURE HIM OUT

SECRET PIMPERNEL COMPARTMENT LETS GOOO

And that's where the episode ends!

So far I'm loving the show, following the book pretty comprehensively, and has managed to get plenty of the plot into a single episode, can't wait to see more

#sky liveblogs #sky watches sp1999 #the scarlet pimpernel #richard e. grant #elizabeth mcgovern #martin shaw #the scarlet pimpernel 1999

[amaurotine]

some patch thoughtse... (there are many, so look out!)

ok so. six point five was extremely predictable imo, and while i definitely have my qualms with it, a lot of those qualms aren't with 6.5 uniquely and are more criticisms tied to the greater 6.x patch plot arc, and 6.0's ending in and of itself was really kind of a non-ending and deeply unsatisfactory for me , as it left an immense taste of "well, now what" in my mouth, which s.e proceded to botch and contradict their own lore in the most mid tier manners possible thereafter. as a whole, the patch plot aws rushed and horrendously written. i truly don't understand why the 13th didn't get its own expansion, as the first certainly did. i'm sorry if i sound bitchy but ig i'm just really disappointed, because i feel like there was sooo much potential here and a lot of it was wasted. i know the writers are capable of doing better, and That's Why It Gets Me.

i really adore zero and i am personally glad she wasn't definitively confirmed to be an az.em shard (although ppl wanting to claim her as that for their wols are are totally valid; i say this from my own perspective bc my own wol is very much A Man and thus it would be more profound to me if zero were her own damn person and had her own motivations separate form just "oh ofc she's the hero bc she's an az.em shard.") i predicted the use of the darkness from the 13th being used to help blanace the scales of the first and vice versa, and the minidragonification of az.daja was very much HW midga.rdsormr all over again, but the dragonet models are insanely cute so i'll give it a pass. i'm definitely giving a lot of things a pass because out of the entire patch series thus far, 6.5 has been the most satisfactory in terms of gameplay and writing (which reaaaally isn't saying much but honestly, i'm just thankful that it wasn't worse lmfao.) as for the whole notgolbez thing, i am deeply unsatisified with it, partly because i LOVE the original gol.bez from iv, he's an absolute MVP for me in terms of brown biracial major character representation. i'm a golbezfucker on main and while i think dura.nte is cool, i dont feel that xiv's "adaption" of gol.bez does him any justice whatsoever, it just feels like hamfisted reference to prev ff games being shoved in willy nilly in a highly transparent big of nostalgia points that don't lead anywhere or pay off in the end; like it isn't rly gol.bez, it's just some Guy in his armor who vaguely looks like him. i feel like they could have done WAY better in terms of adapting golb.ez's story into xiv, in a way that could have preserved the integrity of his original character. i do, however, enjoy my copium theory that durante is zenos's 13th shard, as i like the idea of a zen.os shard being friends with an a.zem shard on the 13th and having a good relationship, in direct contrast to the wol's rivalry with him on the source. idk. i'm also usually very contentphobic but i actually enjoyed the trial and the dungeon for a change.the music was also sick as fuck but i believe that goes without saying. i was hoping for a bit more lore on the thirteenth pre-fuckening but oh well... at least there was an ige.yorhm mention ;-;

as for the raid, i absolutely HATE what they've done with the 12 and it is very much a hamfisted attempt at reconciling early game (1.0/arr) lore with what we have now, but they've essentially rendered the 12 as useless creations who vaguely resemble ppl ven.at knew/who possibly sacrificed themselves to hydaelyn. the ancient whom byregot was inspired from (whose original name was definitely not byreg.ot btw, im going to come up with an oc for that if i have to and add him to my compendium of bureau of the architect lore.)

i do hope we see more of zero and i am disappointed that notgolbez and her didn't join the scions, and i hope she doesn't get sidelined. i also want y'sh.tola to drop The Lore on us about rift-traveling, instead of everything just being chalked up to "haha funy crystal tower has power", as i think that would be a GREAT way for se to utilize her character, which is often brutally underutilized because We Can't Have Brown Women Take The Spotlight.

#🧋 — spillin' on ur dash. #pizza whines about the latest patch #^ that will be my patch tag from now on uwu

[thehallstara]

🎶 🎢 and ⛔️ !!

🎶 Do you listen to music while you write? What song have you been playing on loop lately? okay so ngl i'm the kind of person that almost always has music playing lol (i don't do well with silence its a recipe for under stimulation) and i really like using music to like?? set the vibe a lot of the time?? so most of my longer fics have their own playlists tbh but lately i've been listening to albums on loop more than songs? last week it was michigan! by sufjan stevens and this week it's been ys by joanna newsom!

🎢 Which of your fics would you call your wildest ride? oh g-d like. for sure either ablaze or the burn with me series??? ablaze is just so layered– and i mean that in a quite literal sense, you need to go through parts of it to unlock others and they all end up compounding on each other in the end, and burn with me is just like. really intense because of like. the sheer amount of stuff i'm trying to cover and also bright's sim story is just. very much a wild ride on it's own.

⛔ Do you have a fic you started, but scrapped? SO MANY!!! i regularly start 12x100s and get a few sections in before abandoning, and some i want to finish but there's a couple of those that will never see the light of day. i had a baby triumphant longfic i had actually outlined at one point that got kinda adapted for my FFs exchange fic but a lot of that got scrapped too?? i also had a twine about harrell's redaction that i'm never going to make but had started lol

#aaa tysm blink!!!! #ask meme #valpedro sequel one day i'll finish you sigh

[resultkolkataff]

Unveiling Kolkata FF Fatafat: A Deep Dive into the Exciting World of Kolkata's Favorite Lottery Game

Introduction: Kolkata FF Fatafat, short for Kolkata Fatafat, is a wildly popular lottery game that has captured the hearts and minds of many in the vibrant city of Kolkata, India. With its unique format, fast-paced nature, and enticing rewards, Kolkata FF Fatafat has become more than just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon deeply ingrained in the fabric of Kolkata's social life. In this comprehensive exploration, we'll delve into the intricacies of Kolkata FF Fatafat, from its origins to its rules, strategies, and the excitement it brings to its participants.

Origins and Evolution: The roots of Kolkata FF Fatafat can be traced back to traditional matka gambling, which has been prevalent in India for decades. Matka, a form of gambling that originated in Mumbai, involves players betting on numbers to win prizes. Over time, variations of matka emerged in different regions of India, each with its own unique rules and formats.

In Kolkata, the game evolved into what is now known as Kolkata FF Fatafat. The game gained popularity in the city's bustling neighborhoods, with players eagerly participating in the daily draws in hopes of striking it rich. What sets Kolkata FF Fatafat apart from other forms of matka is its fast-paced nature and the use of unique terms and terminology, adding to the excitement and thrill of the game.

Rules and Gameplay: Kolkata FF Fatafat is played using a set of numbers ranging from 1 to 9. Players must select a set of numbers and place their bets before the draw begins. The winning numbers are drawn twice daily, with players winning prizes based on the accuracy of their predictions.

The game offers various betting options, including single, double, and triple digit bets, as well as jodi and patti bets, providing players with a wide range of opportunities to win. The payouts vary depending on the type of bet and the odds of winning, with larger payouts for riskier bets.

Strategies and Tips: While Kolkata FF Fatafat is largely a game of chance, there are some strategies and tips that players can employ to increase their chances of winning. One common strategy is to study past results and trends to identify patterns and hot numbers. Additionally, some players use mathematical formulas and statistical analysis to make more informed bets.

It's also important for players to set realistic expectations and manage their bankroll wisely. Like any form of gambling, Kolkata FF Fatafat carries inherent risks, and players should only wager what they can afford to lose.

Community and Culture: Beyond its monetary rewards, Kolkata FF Fatafat has fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among its participants. The game serves as a social hub where friends and neighbors gather to discuss strategies, share tips, and cheer each other on during the draws.

Kolkata FF Fatafat has also become a cultural touchstone in Kolkata, with its influence extending beyond the game itself. References to Kolkata FF Fatafat can be found in popular culture, including music, movies, and literature, further cementing its status as a beloved pastime in the city.

Conclusion: Kolkata FF Fatafat is more than just a lottery game; it's a reflection of Kolkata's vibrant spirit and zest for life. With its rich history, fast-paced gameplay, and strong community ties, Kolkata FF Fatafat continues to captivate players and spectators alike, offering an exhilarating experience that is uniquely Kolkata. As the game continues to evolve and adapt to changing times, one thing remains constant: the thrill of the draw and the excitement of the unknown, making Kolkata FF Fatafat a timeless tradition in the city of joy.

#gaming

[blast0rama]

What I Liked From The Game Awards 2022

Once again, Geoff Keighley’s celebration of both the art — and economics — of video games is in the books, bookending awards that celebrate gaming with a non-stop deluge of announcement trailers, making sure you don’t just get excited about the games that came up, but dig deep into the hype.

There are other, more fully featured recaps of the awards show, which included an appearance by Al Pacino, a lengthy acceptance speech by God of War: Ragnarok voice actor Christopher Judge, and a surreal stage appearance at the end of the night by some random dude who may-or-may-not be a white nationalist, but at the end of the day, it was about games. And these are the reveals that got me excited.

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd

Technically from the pre-show, this reveal of the forthcoming (and I believe first?) Hellboy game stunned with its cell shaded style that makes it look like Mike Mignola art come to life. Definitely hoping this is one of the good comic-book-to-video-game adaptations.

Hades II

The game which made people love rogue-likes and want to romance its entire cast (and voice actors) is back for a second go, and it looks just as good as the first. I’ve been a fan of Supergiant Games since their first title, Bastion, so suffice to say, I’m going to be in the bag for this. My one bummer? I’m not a PC gamer so I won’t get to be a part of the early access fun.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

I really enjoyed Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, so the idea of a more refined, more visually stunning sequel has me on board. I mean, how GREAT does this look? The line between video game graphics and movie CG continues to blur.

Death Stranding 2 (Working Title)

It’s Kojima, so you know from the jump, either you’re in or you’re out. Personally? I’m very in for more of his crazy nonsense.

Earthblade

The devs of indie darling Celeste are back, and it’s a ding-dang Metroidvania! THIS IS MY SHIT.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon

FromSoftware games are very polarizing, and like this year’s Game of the Year award winner, Elden Ring, I feel like their next title — a return to their Armored Core franchise — is going to be one I respect more than I enjoy. But this reveal trailer is incredible. The visuals and music are absolutely stunning and worth showcasing for that alone.

Final Fantasy XVI

I’m going to be honest, I haven’t really been a major JRPG fan since I was a teenager and had a lot more time on my hands. But with each trailer for Final Fantasy XVI, I find myself more and more excited for its June release. Maybe it’s because this is the most “traditional” FF in style since, I dunno, IX? All I know is, I was very impressed with its traditional-RPG-by-way-of-Game-of-Thrones vibes, and I’ve added it to my wishlist.

For those who caught the show, what did you like? What didn’t work for you? And would the Academy Awards be infinitely better if it had all the biggest trailers for movies between awards? I say: maybe.

[dasboligrafo]

TheatrePass Diaries: A Little Life at Brooklyn Academy of Music

Heh. Yes, bitch. I saw this one. I have so very many thoughts about this (probably?) good play about a bad, bad book. This placeholder post on the play the Post deemed "the most torturous New York theatre experience ever" to be completed during my next pointless conference call...

Placeholder no more:

First a tally of whats wrong with this play: it's based on a very bad book: it's very, very long; it's stomach-churningly violent; it's so long and violent that it's eventually deadening. It has moments of utter discordance, even cringe, and not just (I think) from adhering to its source material (which, did I mention, is very bad?) The casting occasionally felt like a very large pebble at the bottom of a really hard shoe. There are few (no?) moments of simple pleasure. Some of the audience maybe hadn't read the book and were clearly not sufficiently trigger-warned 😬 The start time did not allow enough after-work hours to get in the right amount of prophylactic drinking (infinity hours?!); I understand why you can't have infinity long intermission, but same. And -- perhaps more seriously than some of these jokey/obviousy grievances -- some of the van Hove choices felt a bit played out.

And yet....

So, one of the reviewers panning the play (lol, all of them) published last month argued that the play was bad bc it kept none of the things they loved about the book, the things that made all of the horrible parts of the story bearable. Straight off, thats a red flag for me. I have trouble imagining any sort of critical reading of this giant WOOF of a book that could be uncomplicatedly enjoyable. The "enjoyable" parts of the book (the non-torture porn parts, I take it), presumably the fucking endless descriptions of the gorgeous, talented (Mary Stu) MCs and their perfect New York lives -- it all reads very much like wealth porn. Without turning this note that's supposed to be about the play into a comprehensive take down of a book I obviously despised, I won't speculate here about the motives of the author (who is not a gay man) in writing a kind of reverse fairy tale with the trajectory of a romance (but no HEA) about the lives of post-AIDS New York gays performing aesthetically flawless lives while awaiting the too-punctual arrival of the reaper. Like, given that they all fucking die at the end whats the enjoyable content here -- descriptions of the natural stone kitchen island countertops they got to use first?!

Van Hove's adaptation dials all that shit way down, reducing it to mostly plot turns (the really gay one has a painting in the MOMA!) and mildly annoying/ridiculous exposition ("Oh my God, Jude [played by an actor on the wrong side of 40s], your sylph-like beauty!"). What he doesn't fucking dial down like at all is the violence, taking it brashly, unflinchingly, to a cartoonish, cringeful nadir -- the scene when Dr Evil runs over Jude's legs with his car, depicted on stage by a sort of comically large headlight-style lamp and Jude's gratingly childish screams.

Thinking about the assemblage of directorial choices, I can't help but conclude (hope springs eternal?) that van Hove found this book as weird and problematic as some of us. Like, I don't think van Hove doesn't know what a hot dude is. Ffs, I don't even think they were wearing boxer briefs in the sex scenes! (you know exactly what I'm talking about.) I don't think van Hove thought playing an Arcade Fire song as a moment of joyous, fun catharsis wasn't weird and jarring. I don't think he thought his play wasn't sheer fucking torture without a moment of pleasurable relief.

Because his critics are right, you know. The book has parts in it that are fun, even enjoyable to read, and I think that's absolutely crazy! It's the ultimate authorial gotcha, making you like reading about bougie shit to the point you forget about child sex slavery, and this author is no Nabokov.

There's also the matter of precedent: van Hove's adaptation of The Fountainhead, an equally immoral/boring af veritable tome that simply nobody should read, ever. That play was 3+ hours long and featured, in its closing act, an on-stage clock measuring the excruciating duration of Howard Roark's final monologue (15+ minutes that might as well be 1,000 after 3 hours).

Sidebar -- a finance bro type got an usher to demand *in the middle of the play* that I show my ticket to prove I was in my right seat. I never forgot my bitterness over this; I stopped donating to BAM beyond the basic member level after that. Like, did you even watch the play?! (@ the usher, I know the bro definitely enjoyed the book.)

I gotta wrap this up I guess. A Little Life the play is not boring -- though this being my 7th or 8th van Hove, the giant on-stage Box of Doom didn't surprise quite as much as it might have. Yet-- even though I wasn't surprised, its descent, like a giant, gliding bell jar, in the play's final act, was still devastating. I wept disconsolately, slumped in my seat, through the final 5 minutes and the awkward standing ovation. I asked myself why I bought tickets to the torture show about a book I hated. I guess if i believe my theory that van Hove also hated the book, I'm at least not alone. Is that good theatre?

And -- it's possible that I don't get this book and van Hove actually liked it. I know a lot of people (including, notably, several gay men) who unironically enjoyed -- even loved -- this book. I accept there's a dimension of melodrama/stigmata-passion play pastiche that resonates with certain gay audiences that I don't find personally accessible.

If that's true, then the play was a failure, because you hate every second of it, and then there's no thought experiment facet to analyze after the fact to palliate the horror.

But is it, nevertheless, good theatre?

#a little life #brooklyn academy of music #BAM #off broadway #theatre #ivo van hove #immoral art #stage adapatations

[tytrack]

arohas really need to get off their high horse and stop getting unnecessarily anxious about astro adopting “noise music” into their new album just bc one of the producers has worked with SM artists—and whose songs by the way have way more range than just fucking “noise.” they’re not just gonna get a song and expect to adapt to its mood, obviously they’re going to be able to work with a song and make it their own.....you guys really have to learn how to let them grow ffs

#accept the fact that astro has range and they should be able to explore their own potential as artists #astro

[sailtoafarawayland]

Through the Window (Entwined Series)

Summary: Stilling his own breath, Hook disregarded the rustle of the trees in the wind and listened more intently, straining to hear what he thought may have been the dulcet tones of – a slow smirk pulled at his lip, the rogue in him stirring, and his gaze swiveled back toward the grey house behind the white fence, the sound drifting toward him from an open window near to the ground.

Series Information: A series of connected one-shots following the polyamorous relationship of Emma, Killian, and Hook. Each piece can be read standalone and is non-linear, but together will reveal some backstory and how these three came to be. Tags/warnings that are specific to each piece will be posted at their heading, but it is safe to assume all of them will contain both M/F/M and M/M (unless otherwise noted in the tags). If this is not your thing, carry on. If you would like to be removed from my tag list, please let me know. Keep in mind, I maintain one list for all of my work.  

Rated: Explicit

Relationships/Tags: M/F, Emma/Killian, Voyeurism, Voyeur!Hook, Canon Divergent   

AO3 - FF

Through the Window

Despite his many years spent aboard a vessel at sea, Hook still hadn't adapted to the strange unsteadiness and disorientation that portal travel entailed, stumbling a bit as the spinning vortex heaved him forward, his boots catching on rough ground and nearly sending him to his knees before he managed to find his balance once more. He darted behind the nearest cover as soon as his head ceased spinning, scanning the immediate vicinity to ensure he hadn't been seen.

Behind him the portal had already blinked out of existence, any chance Hook had of returning to his realm vanishing along with its light, but the moon was full and bright overhead, making it easy to discern that he'd traveled into some sort of town. Buildings as large as manors faced one another along a street composed of a flat stretch of odd, black stone, and ahead of him squatted a white fence that bordered a small length of it. The gate was open, and beside it loomed the dark shadow of a tree, adorning the corner of the yard that boasted a large, grey house with white columns.

From within its lower windows came the soft, steady glow of a lamp.

Though he'd traveled between several realms in his many years, this place felt entirely foreign to him, every turn of his neck giving him yet another strange contraption to ponder – but through it all, the wind was still carrying the smell of the sea to him on its back, and that would always be a small comfort that reminded him of home.

Standing in the darkened street, he was left wondering just what in this realm was supposed to lead him to a cure for his poisoned heart – back to his Alice – as the Seer had promised. With no direction or further knowledge to guide his choice, he decided to follow the road between the rows of houses until he met something more like a tavern or market, perhaps there he would be able to glean some useful information.    

He was about to set out when a sound caught his ear and he paused – uncertain that had heard correctly.

Stilling his own breath, he disregarded the rustle of the trees in the wind and listened more intently, straining to hear what he thought may have been the dulcet tones of – a slow smirk pulled at his lip, the rogue in him stirring, and his gaze swiveled back toward the grey house behind the white fence, the sound drifting toward him from an open window near to the ground.

The logical part of him was chiding that there was no purpose in lingering in this place, but something in his gut urged him closer – besides, reminded the half of him that would always be a pirate, it wouldn't hurt to gather some information on the locals. If anything were true of each port city he'd visited, no matter the realm, it was that illicit trysts were quite common, and what sort of pirate would he be if he were to pass up an opportunity for a little blackmail – especially if it might be the change in winds he needed to get back to his daughter.

Not much of a pirate, and not much of a father.

His mind resolved, he disappeared through the open gate and sidled closer to the house, the sounds from within growing louder as he neared. Testing his weight on the first step and finding it sound and sturdy, he took each one slowly and carefully, advancing toward the turreted portion of the house where a window had been opened to allow the breeze to enter. He pressed the leather of his greatcoat against the wall of the house, making certain no portion of his body would be visible from within should the moonlight be enough to illuminate where he stood.

There was a long moment of silence when he feared he'd made noise enough to be discovered, but then the sounds began again and his eyes closed of their own accord, something about the timbre of the woman's voice cutting through him to a place he hadn't wanted to admit he still possessed.  

“Oh, god,” she whimpered, drawing in a sharp breath before more words fell from her, “fuck...just like that...oh, god, don't stop, please, don't stop...”

Hook's fingers clenched at his side and a shaky breath slid from his throat, the woman's pleas burning like a flame along his skin, his cock stirring to life. Then came the sound of someone moving and another moan drifted toward him, the woman's voice rising into a broken cry as her lover played her beautifully. Beyond the blissful moans falling from her lips, he could just barely hear the wet sounds of her pleasure – most certainly the music of someone feasting on her delicate, pink folds.

His own cock was rock hard in his leathers as the soft moans and pleas continued from within, a pang of guilt stabbing through his gut as he listened to the lovers together, wondering whether or not he was truly standing here eavesdropping with an intention to use any and all means he had in order to get back to his daughter, or for his own self-indulgence – it had been years since he'd felt even a stirring of longing for another, since the witch deceived him, and yet...

He shook his head, lips pressed into a thin line and jaw clenched, preparing to quietly take his leave. Whoever this woman was, she didn't deserve to have her intimacies defiled in this way, no matter what she had woken in him that had been long dormant. Though he was desperate, he still believed in good form, or at least the shadow of it. He was carefully finding the most trustworthy planks on the deck when the next words from the the house made his blood run cold, his heart tightening in his chest and a shiver of something unknown racing up his spine.

“Killian, please...need you in me already...”

His breath left him on a shudder, something between adrenaline and fear pumping through his body as he tried to decide whether to flee or press himself closer, to look through the glass and see...after all, surely he couldn't be the only man bearing that name – it must be nothing more than an eerie coincidence.

“The things hearing you beg does to me, love...” a familiar voice rumbled, its timbre just offset enough that Hook was certain he was learning what he himself sounded like to others.

Heedlessly, he leaned into view of the window and peered through the glass, needing the confirmation that only his eyes could give him.

Half draped across the back of a settee was a woman, her hair falling in a golden tumble over her face, hiding it from his view, but clear enough was the dimly lit form of the man leaning over her, his chest bare save for a familiar brace that circled his shoulder and traveled the length of his arm, the remainder of it concealed by the delicate arc of the woman's back – but Hook didn't need to see what rested at the end of the man's arm, he knew, just as surely as he knew that the strong line of the man's jaw, the dark brows and disheveled mop of black hair were the same as those he's seen in the looking glass for years – well, perhaps some years younger, as there were no silver streaks such as the ones he had earned for himself.

Unable to look away, unable to truly understand what he was seeing, Hook watched as the man – Killian, she'd called him, and how long had it been since someone had called him that – dragged his hand across his mouth once to wipe her arousal from his lips, and then once more, rings glistening, as he licked every remnant of it from his fingers.

“Tell me,” the woman purred, sweeping a delicate hand over her face and drawing back the curtain of golden tresses, tossing them over her shoulder – everything stopped.

Hook's lips parted and his gaze focused only on her as the movement revealed the most stunning woman he'd ever laid eyes on – her high, rounded cheeks flushed with color, pink lips swollen from where she'd caught them in her teeth. Her eyes flickered open briefly, settling on the window, and for an instant he feared she may have seen him, but she was too far gone in her pleasure, granting him only the smallest glimpse of emerald green before her lashes fluttered shut once more.

He needed to see them again.

“What does it do to you, hearing me beg?” she whispered, rolling her back and pushing the rounded swell of her bottom more firmly against where she was held anchored. “Tell me...”

Her body shuddered, lips opening on a silent moan, the pale swell of her breast and its rosy nipple peeking over the edge of the settee as she writhed, and Hook could only assume it was due to whatever this other version of himself was doing with his hook below the graceful bend of her stomach.

“Emma,” the man – Killian – spoke in a strained whisper, Hook only just able to hear the words he murmured against her skin as he bowed himself over her back, painting the slope of her neck with soft kisses. “It makes me want to stroke every inch of your skin, to wring every breath of pleasure from your body until you've no words left to beg, until there's no wanting left in you...until I've given you all you need and more...”

“Just you, Killian,” she breathed. “I only need you.”

Heaviness settled in Hook's chest like a storm pressing in from all sides as the woman – Emma, her name was Emma – shifted and reached beneath her, a moan of startled pleasure falling from Killian's lips as she grasped his length and guided him into her body, the glow of the lamp within shimmering on their skin as they began a slow, languorous rhythm, her body undulating beneath him like the sea itself.

“It's always been you, Emma...” he breathed, her lips framing the most beautiful sound Hook had ever heard as she keened beneath her lover, desperate to have him as close and deep within her as was possible.

Words broke amid the moans and pants rushing from her lips, but they were soon lost in the slap of their bodies together as they sought their peak, silver flashing through the air as he rose and grasped her hips, the furniture shaking beneath them as he drew back and thrust himself into her over and over, each drive harsher than the last as curses fell from her lips, her fingers digging into the dark fabric beneath them as she clung to it like a woman drowned.  

“God, fuck, oh my god...” Emma whimpered, “I'm so close...so full...”

“Aye, you take me so well, love,” Killian panted behind her, his hair damp with sweat and falling into his face, the blue of his gaze startling vivid for only a moment before his head rolled back in ecstasy, the lamplight glancing off the sharp bob of his throat as he swallowed. Hook's eyes traced the movement, his own body echoing the younger version of himself as he inhaled and swallowed heavily.

Barely aware that he'd moved at all, Hook palmed his own cock in his hand, his leathers straining and painful over his swollen flesh as he watched them both, rooted to the spot though he knew he should leave. It would be so simple to tug free his laces and take himself in hand, to relieve the burning need that would otherwise remain unquenched as he watched his twin bed the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, but the heaviness that lingered in his chest reminded him that this wasn't meant for him. This moment wasn't his, and nor were the words traded between them as he carefully slipped from the porch and melded back into the shadows.

“I love you,” she said, her words lost in the wind just as they reached his ears, and like a dream he let them pass, holding onto only the memory of something beautiful he couldn't quite keep.  

* ~ * ~ * ~ * 

He shouldn't have returned, but days spent lingering around the outskirts of town had done little in the way of providing information, and given what – or rather who – he'd seen the other night, there was an added risk to showing his face among the townsfolk for any longer than a brief glimpse. Only now he was left with a narrowing path forward, the words of the Seer echoing in his mind.

His feet had carried him here just as surely as the heavy  longing still lodged between his ribs, and though the morning was still young, he'd learned enough of the man and woman who lived here to know they would be gone for the rest of the day, so he would indulge his curiosities – the persistent feeling that this was where he needed to be – and perhaps he would find his heading.

In the light of day it was easier to take in the details of the abode, the walls a calming grey-blue that recalled the sea on a cloudy morning, the whitewashed columns and woodwork pristine and ornate. Making certain no one had spied him, Hook passed once more through the gate and headed quickly around the house, ignoring the steps he'd climbed only a few nights earlier. It would be far better to gain entry away from the sight of prying eyes, even if he did hold more than a passing resemblance to the Killian who lived here.

His clothing alone would set him apart, and it certainly would not go unremarked upon.

His spirits were lifted when he saw yet another set of stairs leading to an entry at the secluded rear of the house, and knowing that Emma and Killian – the names he'd heard fall from their lips in moments of passion – would be gone, he hurried up the steps without worrying about making too much noise. As he suspected, the door was locked, but a quick swivel of a lock-pick within the mechanism and some pressure applied with his hook was enough to gain entry.

Easing the door closed, he found himself in a hall that led toward the front of the house, several pairs of shoes and boots lined nearly in a small alcove, jackets draped above them from wrought iron hooks. A doorway to his right led to some sort of privy, though for the life of him he couldn't identify the other strange equipment within. Though from the heaped piles of clothing atop them – the red fabric of a sweater Emma had worn only the day before and several black shirts drawing his eye – he imagined they were some sort of contraption for laundering clothing.

He passed through the hallway into the main quarters quickly, not wanting to waste what time he had sifting through their linens, and his eyes were immediately drawn to the settee he'd watched them make love on the other evening – for there was no mistaking the way in which they'd moved and claimed one another, the words they whispered into each other's skin. It was a feeling he remembered from long ago, from the woman etched onto his own skin, but it was also something he'd long ago given up hope of ever finding once more.

For a time, he'd had Alice, and she'd been more then enough – she'd been his everything – despite the trickery that had led to her birth, but now he'd lost even her, and the pressing loneliness he'd felt watching Emma and Killian – this strange, otherworld version of himself – make love had been a reminder that she was why he was here.

He needed to do as the Seer had directed, only then would he be able to cure his heart and find her.

Pulling his gaze away from where he could still see gold hair tumbling and the slick roll of two bodies together, Hook turned toward the stairs. He was uncertain what he was searching for – though his instincts told him there had to be a reason why the portal had chosen to land him here, immediately outside the home of a man who was his twin – but whatever it was, he was sure he would not find it in the main living area.

He rounded the corner of the banister and ascended quickly, hissing at the sharp squeak that sounded from one of the steps near the landing for the next floor, but relaxing when he remembered that he was alone. Both Emma and Killian would be doing as they did every other day, patrolling the town, and the boy who sometimes resided with them – perhaps a son, and that was just one more knife in his heart – would not be returning until this afternoon, if he did at all. Most nights he seemed curiously missing, and Hook had tracked him down to another home with another woman who also seemed to mother him.

Strange and curious.

He bypassed a room that clearly belonged to the young lad, heading instead toward the end of the hall where the edge of a curtain whispered in the breeze from an open window, the movement catching his eye. His boots echoed as he stepped off the edge of the carpet runner and entered the room, his gaze sliding to a large, four-post bed set against the wall to his right, its crisp, white linens made with a fastidious hand, recalling to mind how he used to tuck the blankets into his own berth when he'd had one. White fabric like gossamer or the finest silk hung from its canopy, tied neatly around the posts, and he found himself running his hand along the edge of the sumptuous bedding before he'd even realized he'd moved to its side, imagining their bodies stretched across it in the throes of pleasure.

He swallowed heavily, reminding himself that he was not here to pine over things he couldn't have, but instead to find what information he could about this other version of himself and the woman he loved. Perhaps if he only knew more about them, he would know whether or not they could help – whether they would when he had nothing to offer in return.

A familiar sensation at his throat stilled him before he could turn from the bed, the sharp prick of heavy metal and the press of another body against his back – his own hand knocked from his sword before he could act on the instinct to pull it free. He silently cursed the distraction his weakness had created, keeping him from hearing the man sneak up on him – then again, it was his house. Surely he knew how to move about it quietly, missing the squeaky stair and gaps of wood in the hallway.

“You'd better have a bloody good answer for just who you are, and why you're in my home, mate,” the younger version of himself hissed in his ear, the tip of his hook digging in deeply enough to his skin that his intentions were clear, a small trickle of blood running warmly down his neck.

“I assure you, I mean no harm to you or your family,” Hook sighed, knowing he'd gone and made a mess of things, but he hadn't been able to help himself. He was lost with no idea of what he was supposed to do in order to achieve what the Seer had seen, and for some reason, he'd been drawn back here.

“I'm sure you'll understand that it's a little hard to trust the words coming from someone who looks exactly like me – especially since you broke into my home and here you are, in my quarters.”

“Not exactly though,” Hook chuckled dryly, “a little more grey on top of my head, but I've not been magicked to look like you, if that's your concern. If I had, I certainly wouldn't have aged myself unnecessarily.”

“Aye, well, it wouldn't be the first time some witch has made an error – who are you?” Killian growled.

“It appears I'm you, mate, though I've only just traveled to this realm from my own.”  

“Is that so? And what realm might that be?” Killian asked, grabbing his greatcoat suddenly and dragging him across the room, jabbing him roughly in the back as he shoved him toward an upholstered chair sitting opposite the bed and near a window.

“I'm from the Enchanted Forest,” Hook sighed, easing himself into the chair and raising his hand and hook in resignation before placing them both down onto the arms of the chair where his twin could keep an eye on his movements.

“That's a lie,” Killian retorted, a look of annoyance crossing his features as he pulled a small, black box-like object from his pocket and opened it, glancing down at its surface before snapping it shut. “You see, I'm from the Enchanted Forest – and I know for certain that they're weren't two of me walking about, so I'll give you one last chance to answer me truthfully. Where are you from?”

Hook sighed, his fingers reaching to scratch behind his ear before he caught the tension in Killian's body and lowered his hand once more.

“Perhaps my world is known as something else to you and your people, but I wouldn't be privy to what that is – I only know that I was born and lived there, and I spent the last years of my life in a kingdom called Misthaven, ruled by Queen Snow White and her consort.”

A look of something Hook couldn't decipher flashed across Killian's face, and for a moment he had hope that his twin did know something of his world, that perhaps he even believed that he was no threat and would be able to aid him in his quest.

“I see you're less a hand,” Killian gestured, “just as I am, so tell me...Hook...what happened to the Crocodile who took it? Were you able to exact your revenge?”

Memories of his duel with Ahab resurfaced, the barely noticeable heat as the bullet grazed his arm, the thrill of winning only to find that in the end he had truly lost.

“Alas, I did not,” he spoke, looking ahead but seeing only Alice. “I gave up my revenge, and as for the Crocodile, well he suffered a far worse fate than I would have been able to deliver to him.”

“What would be a fate worse than death for the Dark One?”

“He's trapped in a cell of Snow White's making, his powers useless, stuck for an eternity with only his madness and scheming.”

“And that's why you gave up your revenge?”

“No,” Hook breathed, knowing that saying the words aloud to another would simply rip the wound wide open once more – he'd never forget the pain of having to leave her side, to abandon her until he was able to find a cure. “I have a daughter, and she was taken from me. I need to get back to her...I tried for years and failed, but then I chanced upon a Seer, and she promised a solution was within reach...”

Hook finally shifted his gaze to meet Killian's once more, a heavy sigh leaving the other man's lips as he walked to the bed and dropped onto its edge, a pained look flitting across his features.

“I think you may just be from a realm we call the Wish Realm,” he began, “but you're not...you're not as Emma described from her time spent there.”

“Emma's been to my realm?” Hook questioned, unable to hide the flash of something akin to envy on his face as he imagined a time where perhaps he would have crossed paths with her.

“How do you know Emma, mate?” Killian hedged, his tone suddenly cooler and eyes sharp once more.

Hook swallowed the sense of loss in his throat and raised his hands once more, arching a brow and throwing a smirk at his twin that he hoped might allay his worries.

“I may be older than you, but I've not lost my edge – I've been watching and learning about this town since I came through the portal, and Emma, she's spoke of often.”

“This portal, did anyone else come through with you?”

“No, it was only myself. I don't – ” I don't have anyone else. “I swear.”

There was a moment of silence in which Killian weighed his words, considering each of them, but perhaps being able to sense through some familiarity of their pasts that he was telling the truth, he continued.

“Emma has traveled to your realm, briefly, but she said when she crossed paths with you, you were quite a bit...older – far more than a few grey hairs, mate – and perhaps...not as trim as we are now. She may have pressed a bit more water and a bit less rum on me after that.”

“And you're certain this was my realm?”

“Aye, the Wish Realm is the only one we know of wherein the Evil Queen wasn't able to cast her Dark Curse and Rumplestiltskin rots, imprisoned.”  

“That is indeed my realm then, but I don't know...” Hook muttered, his fingers running through his hair as he tried to consider a reason for the differences. “I've no explanation of how time works between realms, wish or not, but I can assure you it's the truth that my age is as it seems. It took me years to find the Seer who set me on my current path, who gave me hope that my curse would not last forever and that I could get my daughter back.”

“What's your daughter's name?”

“Alice,” he whispered, his eyes falling closed as the sound passing his lips brought to mind her sweet smile and warm eyes. “I named her after – ”

“Our mother, aye,” Killian finished, his own words weighted with the sadness and longing of a past long gone – a past they both shared. “Well, what is it this Seer has prophesied you are to find here? What will aid in breaking your curse and returning you to your daughter?”

“She looked into my future and claimed there were many branching paths, but that there was a land called Storybrooke, and in that place waited the cure for my cure – that I need only find a magic bean and think of my happy ending, and then I would find it...”

Killian's head shot up from his hand as the words left Hook's mouth, a flicker of true fear passing over his face as he met Hook's gaze, the color from moments earlier drained from his cheeks.

“Your happy ending?” he rasped, and the tightness of his jaw did not go unnoticed by Hook. “And where did this portal leave you, if I might ask?”

“In the street outside, a few days past,” Hook admitted, hoping that his twin wouldn't put two and two together and realize he'd been witness to their more intimate activities, that it would ruin any chance he had of gaining their help. “Might you know – ”

“You'll need to speak with Emma then,” Killian nearly whispered, the tension from his jaw carrying through to the rest of his body as he stood, his eyes focused somewhere else as he gazed past Hook into some distance only he could see.

“And Emma will know how to help me find it, my happy ending, so that I might break this curse?”

“Aye, mate – your happy ending's always been one thing...”

“What is it?” Hook asked, desperation coloring his voice as he gripped the arm of the chair fiercely, hope flaring in his chest for the first time in years.

But his twin merely shook his head and rose, gesturing that he should wait where he was before turning and leaving the room, his boots muffled against the carpeting as he disappeared from sight, and though Hook could just barely catch the faintest whisper leaving his lips, he was too far to understand the words that Killian had exhaled like a dying breath – one person.

END

Tagging: @justanother-unluckysoul​ @kmomof4​ @the-darkdragonfly​ @teamhook​ @zaharadessert​ @xarandomdreamx @jrob64​ @wefoundloveunderthelight​ @tiganasummertree​ @pirateprincessofpizza​ @lfh1226-linda @alexa-fangirl-forever​ @alifeofdreams @superchocovian​ @donteattheappleshook​ @hollyethecurious​ @caught-in-the-filter @snowbellewells​ @itsfabianadocarmo

#Captain Swan #CS fic #cs fanfic #emma and hook #sailtoafarawayland #entwined #wish hook #voyerurism

[neoyi]

Continuing on from the last play session, this one covers Disney Castle/Timeless River, Port Royal, Agrabah, and Sora’s second return to Twilight Town.

*I’m fairly indifferent with Demyx, but I get why he was a fan favorite back in the days. He’s got personality: cowardly, lazy, and apathetic, Demyx probably mooches off the rest of the Organization XIII’s sweet pad, playing his sitar and doing weed, and never paying rent.

*Mickey Mouse Club was a horrifying choice to use as Disney Castle’s primary background music, it’s almost insidiously catchy.

*I love how little you actually need to fight within Disney Castle because Minnie’s holy powers mean she can fuck up a Heartless’ day anytime.

*Yeesh, I don’t miss Daisy’s portrayal as a Nagging Girlfriend at all, it's such a garbage characteristic. She’s so unreasonable here that it borders on parody.

*I feel like the writers had to squeeze in a small “We can’t mess with the timeflow here” in order to leave Timeless River as is. Er, was? Which, fine, time travel is a finicky thing, but it's especially a safety net because it prevents Sora and friends from trying to redeem Pete.

Like I think this is the only section in the game where we get any kind of sympathy for Pete, being so miserable working for Maleficent and longing for days gone by as a former sea captain. Sora and pals had no issue working with Past Pete to stop Current Pete, so one would think in another situation, they'd convince his retro self to stick with boats instead of any grand ambition of evil. It wouldn't be the first time Sora gave a shit about rules if it meant helping the greater good, but I guess he made an exception here or something.

*I'm also amused by Timeless River because the time traveling here is so innocuous and confined to this particular Disney World. I've heard the main plot in later games goes balls-off-the-walls apeshit with the time traveling in comparison and oh boy, I can’t wait till I get to those!

*I could see Disney telling Square Enix why Pirates of the Caribbean had to follow the movie’s plot beat-for-beat during game development, what with being the hottest shit at the time of the game’s release, but it means a hell of a lot more cutscenes than any of the previous Disney Worlds I’ve been in and the experience is poorer for it.

The Disney Worlds work best when they aren’t adapting its respective movie almost scene-by-scene, but utilizing their chief characters and setting that integrate with the bigger narrative while being self-contained (dear god, Kingdom Hearts is basically Disney Extended Universe.)

It’s stifling even for a game studio like Square-Enix and their notorious love affair with cinematic cutscenes, and an example of what happens when the game is restricted to playing an abridged version of its respective film.

*I will never understand why they censored the guns the pirates were holding. I get the characters are realistically designed and thus, might evoke a more visceral image of Characters Shooting Pistols In A Fictional Game For An All-Age Audience, but like Clayton from the first KH had a gun. Were they really concerned that Sora would get hurt from a bullet wound when they had no problem with Clayton shooting him in the face just because he looked more like a cartoon?

This problem also plagues Xigbar even though his guns are much more fanciful in design.

*My god, the models for the PoTC cast is still strikingly good even now. Square Enix had made a reputation as a studio that blew you away with incredible graphics that no one else was able to capture at the time. A lot of game companies has since caught up, but back then, they were on another level.

*Speaking of horrendous Disney executive meddling, this game also has the Chicken Little summon, a character who otherwise likely would never have appeared in the games because nobody goddamn loved that movie. Presumably, the little bastard got in because that was the latest Disney Animated Canon that was to arrive by the time KHII came out.

And man, Chicken Little is a wretched, wretched film.

*Bless James Arnold Taylor, he is a fine voice actor and he really tries, but he can’t capture Jack Sparrow.

*I was shocked the first time when they decided to adapt Return of Jafar. I assumed Disney sequels didn’t “count”, but lo and behold, there’s the Iago redemption arc.

*Kairi is only marginally better here than in KH1 by a significantly low bar. About roughly the halfway point of the game, she gets sick of waiting and when the first opportunity strikes, she decides fuck it, she’s gonna find Sora and Riku by herself. ...Then she promptly gets kidnapped by Axel minutes later. I mean, she tried.

*Pluto’s ability to just end up any goddamn place he wants with no rhyme or reason is the funniest reoccurring thing in the series. I love how he’s the first character to end up in the World That Never Was even though he’s just a dang dog.

*Kingdom Hearts is a game that you have to take at face value, otherwise questions start rising about the nature of an anime boy traveling with a sentient dog man and a disgruntled duck with no one in any world finding this strange.

Twilight Town is such a sleepy, ordinary town with local urban myths the closest to anything weird happening that in any other situation, would probably wonder just what is up with that kid, Sora, and his doofy traveling companions.

“hey guys are you also seeing a dark, magical floating portal with an axe symbol or is it just me?”

*The way Seifer just shoved the Struggle trophy into Sora’s (well, Goofy’s when Sora refused it) hands after the trio saved him and his friends from the Nobodies feels like a comical tsundere gesture (”J-Just take the trophy, baka!”)

*Sora being adorable again because he just missed Kairi in Twilight Town and he cannot stop thinking about her is wholesome as all get out.

*Twilight Town is established as A Normal Town that just happens to be a hot spot for weird multidimensional hoppers. So...what the fuck is Vivi?

In FF9, he's literally a sentient creature that was created (Black Mages being separate species in Gaia than just a class), but it's clear the FF characters in the KHverse are alternate universe takes on their prime counterparts. The implication is that Vivi is and has always been a resident of Twilight Town. But is he still a Black Mage? Or is he human, but his brimmed hat is so big it covers his entire face so it only gives the illusion that his face is shadowy?

(I know, I know, this definitely falls into overthinking territory.)

#Kingdom hearts #neoyi talks #kingdom hearts II

[jacksvnshine]

Stray Kids Rising and Midheavens | My Guesses

I haven’t made a post in a while and Stray Kids stole my heart at the beginning of 2019, making this a cute way to celebrate my first year with the boys~

Disclaimer: These are not confirmed and purely my own theory and opinion. Feel free to share your own guesses and opinions with me; I’d love to get a discussion going!

Chan | Sagittarius Rising | Virgo Midheaven

Sagittarius Risings are adored for their bright demeanor, their wide smiles and infectious laughter. With an athletic frame to match also, I feel Chan fits this rising sign best. He always tries to maintain an optimistic attitude and sees it as his duty to spread cheer and relief to everyone around him. His Sun and Moon could also be possibly placed in his 11th House then, further showing his altruism and selflessness towards both loved ones and strangers as he sees the world, on a whole, as his community. A Virgo Midheaven would make his priority in his career to be to help others. Chan is always trying to spread positive and empathetic messages through his music and vlives and is incredibly honest about dark topics that a lot of idols shy away from. He is incredibly kind and selfless, working himself tirelessly to help his fellow members and his fans. The combination of sunny and energetic demeanor with a hardworking ethic and kind heart for everyone around him has me believe Chan to be a Sagittarius Rising and Virgo Midheaven and we truly don’t deserve this sweetheart.

Alternative Guess: Capricorn Rising

Minho | Gemini Rising | Pisces Midheaven

This boy is such a tease so it can be easy to place him as a Scorpio Rising, especially with all his Scorpio personal placements. However, I felt his unpredictable nature fit Gemini more. One minute, he’s chatty and joking along and then completely shuts up the next. Air risings are also mistaken for flirting when often it is just their sense of humor, and Minho is the master of teasing and creating tension only to laugh right in your face when you actually get flustered. Gemini Risings are associated with having more narrow or dainty features due to Mercury influence, and Minho is a very pretty boy whose features are less intimidating but rather delicate (his hands are almost as small as Felix but everyone seems to forget that lol). Gemini Risings have a sense of mischief to them, with innocent smiles that look as though they’re plotting their next prank. Not the sultry smirk, but the naughty child’s grin. A Pisces Midheaven may pursue careers in the arts and they often have a natural flair for creativity, being able to tune into their imagination and sensitivity to the world around them. They are talented artists and musicians and we all know how great of a dancer Minho is!

Alternative Guess: Scorpio Rising

Changbin | Scorpio Rising | Leo Midheaven

Changbin’s deadpan neutral expression and intimidating presence has me convinced he’s a Scorpio Rising. Each Scorpio Rising I know has deep, intense eyes and strong bone structures with prominent jaws and chins, which we all know is one of the things that his members like to tease relentlessly. They’re always shrouding themselves in dark clothing too; “I love dark”. His Mars and even Pluto could be placed in the 1st House also, adding to his scary yet sexy image. He’s the kind of person that leaves an impression on others, usually one of intimidation or superiority and it has been noted by the members that he stood out particularly in training for his intensity and dedication. Mars in the 1st can also indicate someone who is athletic and this little fluffer right here cannot get enough of himself and his muscles (I hate him and he’s my bias ffs). Mars in the 1st can also indicate someone who tends to get injured often as they are rough or careless with themselves, and Changbin is too clumsy for his own safety sometimes. A Leo Midheaven would have him pursue creative or entertainment careers and I think that one is self-explanatory! It also shows that he has a confident and amicable public image, making him popular with his peers and desired by those outside his social circle, which we can see in his friendships with other idols such as Wooyoung from Ateez. He wants to be a leader or role model to others, to set a good example and constantly push himself to become even better. Essentially, a born entertainer who seems to flourish most in the spotlight.

Alternative Guess: Aries Rising

Hyunjin | Pisces Rising | Sagittarius Midheaven

Though he’s known for being just a little bit overdramatic, I believe Hyunjin could be a Pisces Rising with his Pisces Sun in his 1st House and Mercury and Venus conjunct the Ascendant. This would explain his dreamy visuals and animated expressions that we all love dearly. Pisces risings always have an ethereal beauty to them, with their eyes noted for being especially captivating. Stares so intense but not in the same way as a Scorpio, no, Pisces risings look as though they’re lost inside their daydreams. Maybe its just me but Hyunjin almost looks sleepy sometimes, as though he is hypnotised by something. He has a grace to him, beautiful without even having to try, and that Venus conjunction alongside Pisces would only make this stronger. A Pisces rising is sometimes labelled shy but I believe that if his Sun were placed here too, it would explain his confidence and bubbly nature. Hyunjin’s giggles are addictive and a Mercury conjunction would make for someone much like a Gemini rising in that they can be lively and expressive, which he also seems to have no problem doing too with his inability to hide his excitement or disgust at anything, which we love him for.

Alternative Guess: Leo Rising

Jisung | Leo Rising | Gemini Midheaven

This boy stumped me as I was deciding between Leo or Aquarius. I settled on a Leo Rising thus an Aquarius Descendant. I felt this suited Jisung as he is labelled as one of the most extra members who if you can’t see, you can definitely hear singing in the background. Needless to say, this boy can be very loud and lively yet insecure and unsure of himself also, needing validation from others as he puts on a show to entertain everyone (note: skz pls give him the reactions he wants T-T). I also think that his Moon could then fall into his 8th House, and despite how bubbly Jisung is, he does have his moments where he lets his guard down and we see how much he has been holding back emotionally. Only recently he opened up about his distress with crowds but there have been other moments where he has revealed personal worries, such as the time he discussed his experience with depression and how he uses it to try transform himself for the better and now he can appreciate the small things in life more. I also think that due to interceptions and duplications, Jisung could have a Gemini Midheaven, which further explains his flexibility and adaptability to take on any role required. Main rapping? Check. Dancing center? Check. Hit that high note beautifully? Check. Gemini/Mercury are both also associated with communication and therefore careers involving writing can be popular for them; Jisung is involved in the writing and production process of all of Stray Kid’s songs and has become more confident in his abilities over time. With Gemini’s nervous and hyperactive mind too, it can explain why this little cutie can get so caught up in his head that he ends up forgetting his own lyrics and choreo sometimes!

Alternative Guess: Aquarius Rising

Felix | Cancer Rising | Aries Midheaven

Felix screams ‘big babyboy energy’ to me. His squishy cheeks, tiny hands and plump, pretty lips? CANCER RISING. Seriously, he’s so pretty and it makes me want to cry. His childlike demeanor and touchy nature show how soft he is, coining him the cuddly koala of Stray Kids. Despite his playful nature, he is also very sentimental and the members have even called him the most serious member, showing that he carries a sense of care and sincerity to everything he does. He’s been noted by the members for being extremely thoughtful of those around him, giving lots of gifts and spreading love and warmth as the sunshine of the group. In this sense, Felix is simultaneously a caretaker and child. He is full of passion and enthusiasm, always throwing himself into everything with a fighting spirit. Once settled on his goals, he goes after them with everything he’s got, even if the odds seem against him. To move abroad to pursue music when not even speaking the language might even seem impulsive to others, which is key to any Aries placement. His Aries Moon in the 9th or 10th House could also make him keen to explore and be very headstrong in his decisions. He tries to be optimistic and places a lot of his happiness on his success and growth from where he started, and with how far he has come, he should be so, so, so proud of himself today.

Alternative Guess: Libra Rising

Seungmin | Capricorn Rising | Libra Midheaven

I honestly think Seungmin is one of the most mature looking members, especially for being the second youngest of the group. He has very handsome features and has been known to resemble many of his seniors, including my bias Wonpil from Day6. Capricorn risings tend to be self-conscious and may mask their insecurities with humor usually of the deadpan or ‘savage’ kind - rip Changbin. They’re constantly pushing themselves to improve and will do with the strength and determination few can match. Seungmin has already achieved so much in his short career (e.g. picking up a new language in just three months and co-hosting a show through it) and yet he forever remains humble about all his hard work. His patience is unmatched too and no matter how excited he gets, he still knows when to be serious and put his head down. He doesn’t see the point in talking in circles when you could be getting the job done. When you compare him to the rest of his members, he is honestly one of the most mature and he really deserves more recognition for his strength and talents because he’s terribly underappreciated. A Capricorn rising is their own biggest critic so please show him more love.

Alternative Guess: Virgo Rising

Jeongin | Libra Rising | Cancer Midheaven

Maknae’s tend to get away with a lot of things, but Jeongin just has this extra charm to him that makes everyone whipped for him. This angel can do no harm, surely? rip Changbin once again. Libra risings are natural beauties noted for their symmetrical features, and Jeongin has such lovely and balanced proportions that I can’t help but be envious of. Libra risings are smart in social situations and can navigate conversation with ease, often sweet-talking others to bend to their will which Jeongin has no problem doing with his hyungs. No matter how cunning they can be, they hold an aura of innocence that you find it hard to fault them for anything really! Jeongin has been described as the member most likely to make you smile, and Libra risings aim to please everyone around them. Harmony is key and they get very upset at any kind of conflict, hating the thought of picking sides. Jeongin is very much a team player and has a different type of bond with every member, each relationship unique in their own ways. They can attract more dominant people into their lives (Aries Descendant) and the person that comes to mind first is Chan, who seems to have a particular soft spot for his little brother. Just another things to note is that male Libra risings can have feminine features or mannerisms or appreciate more traditionally Venusian aesthetics, and Jeongin has stated on multiple occassions that his favourite colour is pink! He even goes so far as to saying that its ‘a boy’s colour’ and he always looks so beautiful and himself when wearing it.

Alternative Guess: Capricorn Rising

#astrology #mine #stray kids #skz #stray kids astrology #skz astrology #rising signs #ascendant #1st house #bang chan #kim woojin #lee minho #lee know #seo changbin #hwang hyunjin #han jisung #lee felix #kim seungmin #yang jeongin

[alohomoira]

Heres my SPN finale episode

So I stopped watching Supernatural after the musical in season 10 but I did have a dream for the finale and like 1/2 wrote a ff about it so here ya go. My finale that’s probably better than what shit is going down rn. Right so first of Dean died in the last minutes of the penultimate episode. The beginning of the final episode is Sam, Bobby(?) etc at Dean’s funeral. Then Sam quits hunting. He goes back and finishes law school. Innercut this with Dean in heaven, ya know the rooms and stuff like we saw when Bobby died.

Sam gets marries, has kids. We see him in his law office, pictures of his wife and kids, as the camera pans theres a knock on the door. Its Cas, he’s delivered a letter and sam gives him one in return. 

We keep going on through Sams life. Eventually we learn the letters being delivered from Cas are from Dean. I don’t remember why I added this but I think its a cute detail. 

At the end of the episode Sam dies, Cas comes to him and says “It’s time.” He’s in a front yard. He rings the doorbell and Dean answers “Took ya long enough.” and they hug. They go to the back yard where John, Mary, Bobby, Cas, and Dean are having a very white family barbeque. They finally have a normal family. 

So yea. Thats the ending that I wrote. Idk how they would adapt it into an hour, maybe it would only be the last 1/2 of an episode but yup, thats what I wrote like 6 years ago.

#spn #supernatural #supernatural finale #fan fic #spn fanfiction

[themeatlife]

the Meat Life Stay-At-Home Watchlist

Chronicling what I have watched or rewatched through the pandemic so far

The world has changed around us the last few months, particularly in the United States since March 11.  With the lack of events to hit up, like most Americans I’ve been catching up on some watching through the various streaming services and my own digital copies of movies and shows.

I didn’t really think of keeping up with what I have been watching until just recently, but here is what I can remember hitting up so far since I’ve spent the majority of the time at home.  Some are favorites that I would have watched anyway.  Some were unfinished until I got a chance to get back to them.  And others just became available.

Here’s what I remember of the watchlist:

The Office (Netfilx) This is a favorite of me and the wife.  We watch this on the regular though.  My wife uses The Office as her lullaby of sorts, putting it on in the evening as she gets ready for bed and is in bed to fall asleep.  I did a post on the 15th anniversary, so I won’t really deep-dive.

Gossip Girl (Netflix) Another one that my wife rotates with The Office as her lullaby.  The series is not bad, it’s basically The OC in Manhattan (both are created and developed by Josh Schwartz).  It also takes on a new perspective when you think about star Penn Badgley is the creep in You.  So Dan Humphrey gets this weird creeper Joe Goldberg vibe at times.

Parks and Recreation (Netflix) I never got into Parks and Rec on its original run.  I was encouraged to check it out by some coworkers since I liked The Office.  It is a great show, very funny, and poignant in a way.  It feels like a throwback to when people could disagree politically and still get along.  There is a lot less of that nowadays.  We might need more Parks and Rec in real life.  I started this right before the pandemic and finished around the beginning of things getting locked down.

Frozen II (Disney+) The sequel debuted on Disney+ early on in the quarantine period.  My family enjoyed it.  I thought it was entertaining, but I felt like it was weighted down a bit by the mythology explaining.  It seemed too busy explaining a lot of things.  Still an enjoyable movie, but the first is better.

Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness (Netflix) Intriguing.  The series debuted early in the quarantine period and became a staple of stay-at-home viewing and a runaway hit.  Lots of WTF moments.  It was like the train wreck analogy to the Nth degree.  But you can tell it was made in a way that leans in favor of Joe Exotic, making him look like a victim in the last couple episodes.  Also gave way to memorable memes ever since.

The Rocketeer (Disney+) I haven’t watched this movie since I was a kid.  Looking back, you can see a lot of The Rocketeer in Captain America - The First Avenger.  Easy to see though, since they share the same director Joe Johnston.  Prior to America’s involvement in World War II, a movie star Nazi goes after an experimental rocket pack developed by Howard Hughes.  The rocket pack is retrieved by accident from a down on luck stunt pilot.  Fun movie.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Disney+) I should have watched the entire Skywalker saga leading up to it, but I figured I have a ton of time to do that later.  This was a May the 4th watch.  I haven’t watched the Skywalker saga finale since it was in theaters.  It’s not a bad movie, I just feel it could have been a lot better with some modifications here and there.  Also, I believe this was going to be the Leia movie.  The Force Awakens was Han’s swan song, as was The Last Jedi for Luke.  I feel like this would have been great for Leia but obviously they were limited due to the untimely death of Carrie Fisher.  The scene where Ren/Ben speaks with Han after battling Rey would have hit harder with Leia instead of Han.

Trolls: World Tour (VOD) Cute kid movie.  Was nice to hear a lot of familiar music.  Sucks that rock was the villain in the first couple acts.  Seeing it once was enough, though.  Like the first Trolls, I am glad my kids enjoyed it but did not participate in excessive multiple viewings.

Onward (Disney+) Didn’t get a chance to catch this at the theater before they closed them down.  Great movie, but gosh.  Why does Pixar always pull at the heart strings like that?  I was quietly crying to myself at the end.  I’m glad we made our living room dark theater-style, otherwise my kids would have seen me all torn up.

Fast and Furious 5-7 (Fast Five - HBO, The Fast and the Furious 6/Furious 7 - Digital) I ended up not watching the entire series.  There is a great trilogy within the series, 5-7 was that trilogy.  Fast Five was the best of the FF franchise and where it perfected their movie formula.  It was like an action Ocean’s Eleven with cars.  6 and 7 expanded on that formula, upping the humor and ridiculousness factor.  6 had the exits of the Han and Gisele characters (they found a way to tie in Tokyo Drift to the rest of the series, Gal Gadot was on her way to becoming Wonder Woman for DC).  And 7 had that great ending with the tribute to Paul Walker to the sounds of Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth.

Toy Story 4 (Disney+) Another Pixar hit.  Didn’t hit me quite as hard as Onward or Toy Story 3 did emotionally, thank goodness.  I thought this story was over the way Toy Story 3 ended.  But Pixar did a good job adapting to prolong these characters stories.  It did feel like it was a bit of two and three combined looking back.  Still very good, Pixar knows what it’s doing.

The Marvel Infinity Saga (Disney+/Netflix/Digital) Leading up to the one-year anniversary of the release of Avengers: Endgame, I went through and rewatched all 23 MCU movies.  This time, I went in chronological story order by starting with Captain America - The First Avenger.  I chronicled the order I watched in my last post.  Even after viewing many of these movies multiple times, I’m still amazed at how much I enjoy them and the scope of what Marvel was able to achieve leading into the climax in Endgame.

Community (Netflix/Hulu) I loved Community on its initial run on NBC but never watched any of the episodes when it was on Yahoo for its sixth season.  It has been great to rewatch the meta-humor and sitcom trope parodies.  And since Ken Jeong and Joel McHale started their own podcast called The Darkest Timeline (half COVID-19, half Community pod), it has been a good companion viewing.

The Back to the Future Trilogy (Netflix) Recent add to Netflix for easy viewing, these movies have been a favorite of the Mitra boys since childhood.  Upon viewing as an adult, there is some humor that I didn’t recognize as a kid that is hilarious to me now.  It is also crazy how well this teen time-travel sci-fi comedy works.  Some of the effects in Part 2 are dated and 2015 didn’t quite end up the way it did in the movies.  But overall very enjoyable on the rewatch!

Extraction (Netflix) High budget action flick funded by Netflix?  Written by the Russo Brothers?  And staring Chris Hemsworth?  I’m in!  Directed by long-time stunt man and Russo Bros go-to stunt coordinator Sam Hargrave (you can tell the Russo influence).  It has an awesome 15ish minute one-shot action/chase sequence that is top notch.  Don’t think much about the plot or the controversy of cultural representation, just enjoy the action.

The Mighty Ducks Trilogy (HBO) Another childhood favorite of mine.  Nevermind that the hockey itself isn’t accurate.  This is about pure fun for an hour and a half at a time.  Come for the hi-jinx, stay for the heart.  Triple-deke, knuckle-puck, taking out the trash.  And leave it out on the ice!

The Harry Potter Series (Blu-Ray/Digital) This was not a go-to for me until Linda made me watch the entire series.  I guess when the first movie came out, it was too much of a kid movie for me (I was a high school senior at the time).  But from the second movie onward, it felt like the storytelling and movie making got better and better.  The Deathly Hallows was an epic ending, even if they did change the ending from the book.  I didn’t watch the newer Fantastic Beasts movies along with this though, my wife did.

Westworld - Season 3 (HBO) Recently got HBO back, so I caught up on Westworld Season 3.  I haven’t rewatched the previous seasons yet, but I may revisit it soon.  Season 1 was spectacular, Season 2 was confusing as hell but still entertaining.  Season 3 is somewhere in between, expanding on the ongoing storyline.  It was more straight-forward because its storyline is in the “real-world.”  For those of you that have watched, didn’t you think it was highly ironic that the Incite ball was basically the AT&T logo? (AT&T is the parent company for WarnerMedia and HBO)

The Last Dance (ESPN/ESPN+) The Michael Jordan docu-series has been a god-sent for sports fans devoid of live American sports for the past couple months.  Is it Jordan-biased?  Sure.  But it is full of drama and intrigue and full of nostalgia.  The NBA had commissioned a camera crew to follow the 1997-1998 Chicago Bulls on their run for their sixth NBA championship.  Jordan owned the controlling rights to the footage and unlocked it after the 2016 NBA Finals.  So this documentary was years in the making and with the pandemic the release date was moved up.  Although it featured a lot of unseen footage, it also chronicled the years leading up to the 1998 Bulls title.  The last 5 Sundays have been awesome.

The Princess Bride (Disney+) I haven’t watched this movie since I was a kid.  It wasn’t one of my recurring watches back then.  So this was actually my second viewing of this movie ever.  I found it quite enjoyable.  It was cheesy, but fun, and a good family watch.  One of the many older titles available on Disney+.

Scoob (VOD) My kids had some of the older Scooby Doo episodes on DVD and watched them when they were younger.  This was a fun revisit for them and for us as parents.  It was actually cool seeing a lot of the Hanna-Barbera characters in one movie.  We watched this shortly after finishing Community, and my kids recognized Ken Jeong’s voice as Dynomutt.  My daughter hilariously shouted “Senor Chang!” when she recognized him.

The Indiana Jones Series (Netflix) I introduced my son to Indiana Jones a few months ago watching Raiders of the Lost Ark.  He loved it.  He lost a little bit of interest during the Temple of Doom, I think the character Short Round lost it for him (character hasn’t aged well).  The Last Crusade reclaimed his interest.  Harrison Ford was at his natural apex playing Indiana Jones.  I did not watch the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.  I didn’t feel the need to revisit that installment, while it was enjoyable the alien ending ruined the lead up to it.

The Dark Knight Trilogy (Batman Begins/The Dark Knight - Hulu, The Dark Knight Rises - Digital) Every few years I try to revisit this series.  It is the best thing DC has ever put out cinematically.  While Begins and Rises is more comic book, TDK is a straight crime drama set in the world of Batman.  My favorite is Rises, but the absolute best comic book movie remains The Dark Knight, even with the advent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Jurassic Park/Jurassic World Series (Jurassic Park/The Lost World: Jurassic Park - Blu-Ray, Jurassic World - Digital, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom - Cinemax) The original Jurassic Park is such a great movie.  Rewatching, it’s crazy how well the effects for the dinosaurs hold up.  Steven Spielberg, Stan Winston, and ILM did a great job mixing animatronic and CGI dino effects that stand the test of time.  The Lost World was enjoyable but not as good as the original.  I skipped JP III, such a bad movie.  Jurassic World was a good way to reboot the series, basically a remake of the original but incorporating a lot of references to it.  I just finished Fallen Kingdom today.  Although Fallen Kingdom was entertaining, it fails to recapture some of the magic of JP and JW.

I’m not sure what I will hit up next.  I might hit some Keanu Reeves movies like Speed, the Matrix Trilogy, and/or the John Wick Trilogy.  Maybe Top Gun.  Maybe rewatch Friends or How I Met Your Mother.  Maybe something on HBO Max when it comes out like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.  Maybe Terminator.  Possibilities are endless, at least until some American sports return.