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historyhermann · 1 year

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Velma Review

Velma is a mature animated series which mixes the genres of mystery, comedy horror, and thriller. It is based on characters from the Scooby-Doo franchise and is an origin story, of sorts, for Velma Dinkley, before the formation of Mystery Incorporated. The series was developed by Charles Grandy. He previously created Guys with Kids, produced episodes of The Office, and has been a creative collaborator with Mindy Kaling, the voice of Velma, since 2013. This review will have spoilers.

Reprinted from Pop Culture Maniacs and Wayback Machine. This was the twenty-fifth article I wrote for Pop Culture Maniacs. This post was originally published on February 17, 2023.

The plot of Velma primarily centers around the story of Velma Dinkley. She attempts to uncover the perpetrator who murdered two local teenage girls, Brenda and Krista, and circumstances behind the her mother's disappearance.

She is soon joined by school news reporter Norville Rogers (voiced by Sam Richardson). Her former best friend, and popular girl, Daphne Blake (voiced by Constance Wu) also helps her, since her quest to find her biological parents, draws her closer to Velma.

Unlike previous depictions, Velma is South Asian American, while Daphne is East Asian American, and Norville, often named "Shaggy" in previous Scooby-Doo iterations, is a Black man. This representation is reflected in the voice actors: Kaling is of Indian descent, Wu is of Taiwanese descent, and Richardson is a Black man of Ghanaian descent.

The only one of the original Mystery, Inc. crew who is portrayed as White is Fred Jones. He is a popular 16-year-old rich kid, heir of a fashion line for men, and said to be a "late bloomer". Despite these negatives, Velma still has a crush on him. Voiced by Glenn Howerton, known for his role as Charlie Day in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Fred is accused as the murder suspect of Brenda and Krista, despite lack of evidence which ties him to the crime.

Velma is differs from previous Scooby-Doo series by not featuring Scooby-Doo as a character. Grandy, one of the show's executive producers, said that the show's staff struggled to find a take on this beloved dog. This coincided with Warner Bros. Animation telling them "Hey, you can’t use the dog", as Grandy recalled.

Apart from Kaling, Wu, and Richardson, the cast is relatively diverse, more than other Scooby-Doo series, including Black men, Black women, and actresses of Cuban, Chinese, Filipino, Malaysian, and Indian descent. This aligns with the focus of Kaling's small-but-powerful production company, Kaling International, which founded in 2012 and described by Time magazine as telling stories about "inner lives of women of color" and stories of underdogs.

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While in previous iterations, Velma has been in romantic relationships with men, her romantic attraction to women was hinted in episodes of Mystery Incorporated and in 2022 animated film, Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo! In contrast, Velma depicts her as bisexual, as she has a crush on Fred, and accepts Daphne's feelings toward her. Like other versions, Norville has a crush on her, but it is not received by Velma, as it appears. This leads him, to later, date a cool girl named Gigi (voiced by Yvonne Orji).

Daphne has a crush on Velma, kissing her at the end of the second episode (as shown in the video above), causing her to go into a bit of a panic. She has crushes on men as well. Her actions are partially affected by her two incompetent police detective mothers: Donna and Linda. Both are voiced by lesbian actresses: Wanda Sykes and Jane Marie Lynch. Lynch previously voiced a lesbian character, Mrs. Roop, in The Ghost and Molly McGee, while Sykes voiced a lesbian character Deb, in Q-Force.

This representation is not limited to Daphne, Velma, Donna, and Linda. Cherry Jones, who voices the mother of Fred, Victoria, is a lesbian actress, as is Fortune Feminister, voice of popular girl Olive. Others are unambiguously queer, such as Nicole Byer, the voice of Crystal Cove High principal (and mother of Norville) Blythe Rogers, and Shay Mitchell, the voice of Brenda. This series appears to be the first voice acting role of Mitchell.

Despite this, the characters of Donna and Linda appear to reinforce the lesbian cop trope, which depicts adult lesbian characters as cops. This trope is said to make such characters more palatable to so-called "average people" in the U.S., if these women, mainly women of color, are "helping to uphold the systems that oppress them".

These characters seem to fall into the has two moms / two dads trope, although such a trope ignores "traditional" views of family life necessitating a mother and father. In this case, Donna and Linda are the same gender as their parents, just as Barry and Randall Leibowitz-Jenkins are in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. In fact, Sykes had personally served as a former NSA contracting specialist for five years, something which could have influenced her role as a police detective in Velma.

This breaking of the nuclear family is present in Velma's family, as her original mother, Diya Dinkley (voiced by Sarayu Blue), left. As a result, her father, Aman (voiced by Russell Peters), a lawyer, re-marries to Sophie (voiced by Melissa Fumero), owner of a malt shop in town and a pregnant model. The latter is often belittled by Velma.

While the first season spotlights Velma's long, and strong, friendship with Daphne, with Velma even proposing they become girlfriends in episode 8, it ends with everything up in the air. As a result of the events in the show's season one finale, Velma's personal life is in shambles. This is unfortunate because the writers had a chance to make Velma/Daphne canon, but chose not to. Instead, they went the route of Never Have I Ever, Wednesday, and even Kashimashi Girl Meets Girl by setting the groundwork for a likely love triangle between Daphne, Velma, and Norville, but not Fred. Such a development shows the limitations of Velma.

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Velma has been received by critics, and those on social media, with mixed reviews. Apart from the diverse cast and LGBTQ+ representation, I was drawn into the series as a new fan to the Scooby-Doo franchise. The dialogue can, sometimes, be snappy, funny, and witty, while the plot can move along smoothly. The characters, themselves, can be compelling enough to make viewers sympathize with them, but aren't always this way.

Even though Velma is snarky, one can root for her at times, but not at others. The former is the case when she has horrifying hallucinations as she feels guilt for her mother's disappearance. The only parallel that comes to mind is Julian Chase in gen:LOCK. Although he is only alive as a copy of himself, as his original body barely survived, he faces internal demons, which manifest in his memoryscape, while he faces external demons in the form of the Nemesi, who are "evil" copies of him.

While there is some similarity between both characters, Velma doesn't face trauma akin to the terror Chase experiences. However, she still faces the crushing burdens and oppression of being a person of color, and is in part of some dangerous situations.

Velma sometimes cheapens its own protagonists, even making them unrelatable, at times. For instance, late in the season, Daphne begins a fake relationship with Fred so that both of them can become popular, even if it enrages Velma. Daphne also wants to become part of Jones Gentlemen's Accessories, and is willing to put everything on the line.

On the other hand, Velma acts awful to everyone throughout the series, even acting like she is in a relationship with Norville to fool her mom, Diya, who is recovering her memory. She is probably even worse than the toxicity of Penny Proud's long-time friends in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.

The series seemed to counter past claims about Norville's supposed drug use, as he says he hates drugs, and is only shown to be a nerd who likes Velma. While he might appear to be a stoner, he is annoyed, in the second episode, when stoners are listening to his online show. Funny enough, his father Lamont (voiced by Gary Cole), has a design similar to what Norville looked like in previous iterations. The season one finale hints that Norville may begin trying drugs, possibly marijuana, at the suggestion from his father.

In addition, there is a focus on beauty norms, shut-shaming, human experimentation, and the over-bearing power of the government (especially the police). In terms of the latter, the town's sheriff (voiced by Stephen Root), declares that they can't catch a serial killer because "it is a ghost", not because they are incompetent.

For example, in the fourth episode, it appears that Fred becomes a better person after reading The Feminine Mystique. Instead, Velma just sees him as problematic and gross, showing he hasn't changed. His character somewhat improves as the series move forward, as he becomes more sure of himself.

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The voice actors of Velma are seasoned, making the series strong in that regard. Many have experience in TV, film, and even theatre roles, or previously played characters on other projects by Kaling, like The Mindy Project and Never Have I Ever.

Furthermore, some voiced characters in Amphibia, Kim Possible, Milo Murphy's Law, Phineas and Ferb, Glitch Techs, and Big City Greens, six all-ages series. Others provided voices in mature animations such as Close Enough, American Dad!, Family Guy, Bojack Horseman, Harley Quinn, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Pantheon, and Bob's Burgers.

I had hoped that characters like Dandruff Tuba, voiced by Weird Al Yankovic, would be more prominent. The name was familar because he voiced Milo Murphy in Milo Murphy's Law, a character with so much extreme misfortune and bad luck that he is prepared for any situation thanks to his handy backpack. Sadly, he was underutilized in the series.

The voice talent of Velma comes through with actors like Richardson, who is best known for voicing Richard Splett in Veep. Also, Wu voiced the Mom in Wish Dragon, Lynch voiced characters in Final Space, Fumero voiced others in Elena of Avalor and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, and Peters is a Black comedian. The cast of Velma includes well-known talent like Stephen Root, Ming-Na Wen (voicing Carroll), Debby Ryan (as Krista), and Frank Welker (voicing Fred's father).

Welker has voiced Fred since the character began to be animated in 1969. He previously voiced characters in a variety of series, like Star Wars Resistance, 3Below, Totally Spies!, and Futurama. There is, additionally, Karl-Anthony Towns who voices Jacques Beau (Jock Boy). Towns is a professional basketball player of Dominican descent.

Although Velma is not my favorite series, I somewhat enjoyed watching the episodes. Others may have liked the series as much as I did, or perhaps even more, as Velma broke records for HBO Max in terms of the largest number of people watching an original animated series on its premiere day. In fact, at times, the comedy can be subtle and strong.

The series premiere is a miracle in and of itself, considering the HBO Max content purge championed by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav last year. Two series (Summer Camp Island and Victor and Valentino) were removed from the streaming platform, while Craig of the Creek had its final season order cut in half, and Young Justice was effectively cancelled.

All five of these shows, regardless of other issues, had outward LGBTQ+ representation. Previously, the platform shuttered Final Space, which featured a lesbian protagonist, Ash Graven, voiced by pansexual actress Ashly Burch. The acclaimed Infinity Train, which featured Black and Asian protagonists in the third and fourth seasons.

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The fact that the series survived this purge could be due to the fact that it was produced by Warner Bros. Animation, along with 3 Arts Entertainment, Charlie Grandy Productions, and Kaling International. Not only had Charlie Grandy Productions, the production company of executive producer Grandy, worked on previous projects with Kaling before, but an executive producer, Howard Klein, was one of the heads of 3 Arts Entertainment.

Another executive producer, Sam Register, headed Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe. He had previously produced various Scooby-Doo and Tom & Jerry films, Teen Titans, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, Young Justice, Harley Quinn, and many others.

Charlie Grandy Productions was known for producing The Office, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Duncanville. The show's producer, Kandace Reuter, had worked on Scooby-Doo!: The Sword and the Scoob and Thundercats Roar, and the show's editors had worked on assorted series, such as Undone, Bojack Horseman, and Tuca & Bertie.

Despite all of these experienced people, in the entertainment industry, working on Velma, it does not take away from one major flaw: music. Apart from a scene in the show's season one finale, in which Velma listens to old voicemails of Norville, the music is altogether unmemorable, and the theme song is strangely alienating.

This is too bad because a Bronx-born Black man, Craig DeLeon, who composed the score of the series, worked with renowned directors in the past. Perhaps his talent was not used as well as it could have been. There were no amazing songs like those in D4DJ or banger songs like the theme song of recently premiered Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.

This credibility of the show's producers may have been a reason that the series moved forward on HBO Max, just as Harley Quinn did. It could have been part of the rationale beyond the renewal of a Season 2 for Velma. Considering that the series became a "lightning rod for controversy" and garnered many hate-watchers, it may garner more of a cult following than anything else.

Although the series has incurred backlash, with Wikipedia claiming that audience response had been "overwhelmingly negative", it did not dissuade me from watching the series, nor even writing about it. Surely some of the criticisms, like the comedic lines which fall flat, or possible stereotypes have merit. But, the show is not the worst thing out there as those review-bombing the series on IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes, or others complaining about it on social media and YouTube, may lead to you to believe.

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This season had Fred, and his family, as the manifestation of White privilege and wealth. It is on par, in some ways, with the snobbishness and narcissm exemplified by nouveau riche protagonist Kaz Khan in Neo Yokio.

At the same time, the series exemplifies the reality of how easy it easy for someone, especially people of color, to be swept up in the criminal system. After all, Velma herself is almost imprisoned by being at the wrong place at the wrong time, before she falsely implicates Fred in the murder.

Thee show's plot only hints at part of what the Marshall Project noted in their November 2020 post about trials in the U.S.: that many felony convictions on the state and federal levels are often results of plea bargains, and prosecutors are some of the most powerful players in this criminal system, relying on sheriffs and police as key witnesses. In many of the states, the Marshall Project noted, that judges can charge for use of a public defender.

In Velma, the arrest of Fred by Donna and Linda is not questioned, despite Velma's defense of Fred, before his outburst causes the judge to declare him guilty. Velma's father, Aman, takes Fred's case because he wants the money for his girlfriend, Sophie, not because he truly believes in the case.

The series highlights the inadequacy of mental health care in the U.S., therapy, and gender disparity. The latter is exemplified by the school Principal, Blythe, only having 50 dollars in the school budget to counter "centuries of toxic masculinity", which she uses to pay for an all-girls self-defense class, taught by Daphne's moms. The former is shown through Norville and his father.

I thought the story's focus, at first on experiments by Doctor Edna Purdue, the grandmother of Norville, a scientist who found a way to keep the human brain alive outside the body, was intriguing. I would say the same for the series plot about Velma's mom, Diya, her lost memory, and manipulation by a miscreant to commit the murders. However, it felt hollow in the end.

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Velma reveals that Diya had been manipulated to recreate the lab of Dr. Purdue, recruited by Army General Henry Meeting to create the Special Covert Operations Brain Initiative (Scoobi), a reference to the original franchise. This manipulation happened through hypnosis by Fred's mother, Victoria (voiced by Cherry Jones). It is further noted that Velma herself was hypnotized as well.

Victoria states that she wanted to switch Fred's brain with someone more "ambitious", who she believed were "hot girls", and keep the global brand of Jones Gentleman's Accessories afloat. This absurd plot cheapened the series. It was compounded by Velma's foolhardy attempt to get her mom to remember anything, involving massive lying, which blew up in her face, and her rupturing of friendship with Norville after falsely accusing his father as the serial killer.

While the social commentary on big companies which support politicians who "look the other way", as is the case for Jones Gentleman's Accessories, is apt, as much as the criticism of economic exploitation in My Dad the Bounty Hunter, it is muddled by the rest of the story.

For one, there are callbacks to the first episode of this series, when female characters were showering in the nude together, sexism by the police, and more. In the case of Velma, it is problematic that the villain is a woman in that it could send a bad message about women in positions of power.

Through all of that, the series seems to hint at a possible storyline for another season, as the police officer who received the file from Velma is killed while putting it in a "solved cases" box. Undoubtedly, in the next season, Velma will continue to use her "pretty good" detective skills, the relationship between Velma and Daphne may develop, and a new "conspiracy board"/"murder board" would come about. The series will likely have a love triangle between three of the protagonists: Daphne, Norville, and Velma.

This is because, in the season one finale, Velma inadvertently said she "loves" Norville, so he came to save her from the serial killer who is out to kill her, Daphne, and Fred. If this comes to pass, and the story straddles the home/school lives of the main characters, and doesn't come into more of its own, it will feel more like a stale CW drama. That would be a serious loss of potential in a story which could be stronger if it's plot had better execution.

In the end, I feel this series is not great but not terrible, as hate-watchers have declared. Instead, it is only in the middle. So, I can't fully, and confidently, recommend giving this series a watch.

The first season of Velma is currently streaming on HBO Max.

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homedecor-shop-online · 1 year

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A brief history of Indian painting: from Traditional to Modern Art

Introduction

Indian paintings have a long and varied history that spans ages and includes a wide range of styles and techniques. Indian paintings have changed and adapted to different times and influences, from delicate and detailed miniatures to the vibrant and colourful modern works of contemporary painters.

The origins of Indian paintings can be traced back to ancient times, when early civilizations created cave paintings and rock art. Indian paintings evolved a distinct style and purpose over time, reflecting the region's cultural, religious, and social traditions.

The entry of the British into India in the 18th century, however, brought about considerable changes in the art landscape. Indian art became a mix of traditional and modern styles when Western techniques and styles were added to it.

Traditional Indian Painting Styles

Indian paintings have a long and varied history, with traditional styles evolving over time. These styles represent the region's cultural, religious, and social traditions and have played a significant part in shaping India's cultural identity.

Miniature painting is one of the most important traditional Indian painting genres and was popularised in Mughal courts.

The courtly style, which originated in several regions of India throughout the mediaeval period, is another prominent traditional Indian painting style. These paintings were made for royal courts and represented scenes from court life such as hunts, processions, and conflicts. With rich colours and exquisite decorations, the courtly style was highly stylized and beautiful.

Regional styles have also had an impact on Indian paintings. Various parts of India developed distinct styles that were influenced by local customs, beliefs, and aesthetic traditions. The Rajasthani painting style, for example, was noted for its bold colours and highly stylized figures, whilst the Pattachitra painting style from Odisha was recognised for its complex line work and bright colours.

Traditional Indian painting techniques are significant because they capture the essence of Indian culture and history. These paintings have contributed significantly to the preservation of India's aesthetic legacy and traditions, and they continue to inspire current Indian painters today.

Traditional paintings you can buy from Satguru’s

Ghat panel

Kathakali

Radha Krishna Madhubani Painting

Roop Chandan

Harishchandra Ghat

Rise of modern Indian paintings

The British establishment of art schools was a major contributor to the emergence of contemporary Indian art. Institutes, such as the Bombay Art School, gave Indian artists access to Western art instruction and techniques, fostering a new generation of painters capable of creating works that combined traditional and modern aspects.

The Western influence also brought about a new way of thinking about art and its place in society. Indian artists began experimenting with new forms and styles, combining elements of Western art with traditional Indian folk art and crafts.

The rise of modern Indian art paralleled the Indian independence struggle, as artists strove to create works that reflected the social and political developments taking place in India at the time. They used art as a form of protest and action to confront issues like poverty, social inequity, and political corruption. A new generation of Indian artists emerged as a result of the combination of traditional and modern components, as well as a new way of thinking about art and its function in society.

Modern paintings you can buy from Satguru’s

ABS Red

Warrior Horse

Lady W. Bubble

Abstract Horizontal

Men In Line

Conclusion

The development of Indian paintings from miniatures to modern art reflects India's rich cultural heritage and aesthetic traditions. If you are looking to buy paintings for your home, you can get all the paintings mentioned above on Satguru’s. They are a home decor shop based in Mumbai with both physical and online stores having a broad range of both traditional and modern paintings. Aside from paintings, you can also buy candle holders, vases, and the best wall hangings for your living room, or art statues and wall clocks for your room. Whether you want to buy it for yourself or gift it to a loved one, Satguru’s is an ideal place to buy decor items. Visit their website to learn more about their products and delivery services.

A brief history of Indian painting: from Traditional to Modern Art

Introduction

Traditional Indian Painting Styles

Miniature painting is one of the most important traditional Indian painting genres and was popularised in Mughal courts.

Traditional paintings you can buy from Satguru’s

Ghat panel

Kathakali

Radha Krishna Madhubani Painting

Roop Chandan

Harishchandra Ghat

Rise of modern Indian paintings

Modern paintings you can buy from Satguru’s

ABS Red

Warrior Horse

Lady W. Bubble

Abstract Horizontal

Men In Line

Conclusion

#giftaGaneshaidol #Ganeshjipaintings #Ganeshjipaintingsonline #indianpainting #indianpaintingonline #indianpaintingsatgurus #Ganeshaidolonline #Ganeshaidolsatgurus

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prarticle02 · 2 years

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Bicchu ka Khel

This year, ZEE5 has released several web series and shows. There are a variety of genres, but many people prefer to watch thrillers with a lot of suspense and suspense. Bicchoo Ka Khel is a ZEE5 Original series that should be on your watch list if you are one of these people. Are you still not convinced? Here are five reasons why you should watch Bicchoo Ka Khel.

The plot of Bicchoo Ka Khel

In contrast to other crime thrillers, Bicchoo Ka Khel has attempted something new. At the show's beginning, Akhil Srivastav murders a woman in front of a packed theatre. A famous Banaras lawyer, Anil Choubey, is the target of Akhil's annual college play, which he fires openly at him. Eventually, the scene shifts, and he begins to tell the police officer in charge of the investigation about his escapades.

Divyendu Sharma portrays Akhil Srivastav in this film

Bollywood actor Divyendu Sharma is undeniably good. Numerous films have showcased his comedic talents. Furthermore, he has starred in a crime thriller of his own. In contrast, with Bicchoo Ka Khel, Sharma combined his flair for comedy with his passion for suspenseful drama in a single production. Divyendu Sharma plays an aspiring writer who is willing to turn the world upside down to avenge the murder of his father in this ZEE5 Original brand.

They have great chemistry together

'Damsel in Distress' has been the standard for female characters in Bollywood for decades. Rashmi, Akhil's college crush, believes in causing pain to others. Every episode benefits from her fearlessness and boldness, whether in the form of her commanding delivery of dialogue or their enthralling on-screen chemistry. Anshul Chauhan has done an excellent job portraying Rashmi, the small-town girl, in every scene of this Indian Web series.

Dialogues that pack a punch

Due to their drab and uninspiring dialogue, many crime thrillers fail to connect with the audience, despite their impressive plots. In contrast, ZEE5's original Bicchoo Ka Khel is full of hilarious and terrifying dialogue. It's not a case of overdoing it, but rather a matter of just the right amount. As an illustration, imagine Akhil saying, "Rishton ke bhi roop badalte hai," while being interrogated by police. He can regain control of the narrative with this nostalgic dialogue.

Conclusion

In Bicchoo Ka Khel, an upcoming crime web series that will premiere on ALTBalaji and ZEE5 Club on November 18th, you'll follow Akhil, a budding writer whose life is nothing short of a roller-coaster ride full of surprises.

#altbalaji #watch bicchoo ka khel #crime web series

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tuituipupu · 3 years

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laura’s top 39 eurovision 2021 song ranking!

I’m ngl, I don’t know how to make this interesting, fun, funky or fresh. It’s just a ranking at the end of the day ahah ~ I’m probs one of the last people to do this, and I’ll only put notes beside rankings i think people could be surprised about with regards to placing? I’ll try to keep comments short and snappy so this post doesn’t become an essay.

Alternatively, Here is my Spotify playlist of my full ESC 2021 song ranking if you want to follow it or check it out, feel free! first song on the playlist = my first place for 2021, all the way down to 39th 38th place - (I just noticed they removed the version of Estonia’s entry from its 37th place ranking, am I sad about that? no. I’m not re-doing the playlist to include all 39 entries again, this wasn’t a great loss I’m afraid.)

1. 🇮🇹 Italy - ZITTI E BUONI by Måneskin 🗣this song is so refreshing, and Måneskin are such a talented young group of people who deserve even more recognition outside of Italy too! It would be so lovely to see a song from a more unique genre win eurovision, plus it is a native language song! (ALSO ITALY ARE SO CONSISTENT WITH THEIR VERSATILITY OF BOPS, GOD THEY DESERVE IT MORE THAN EVER?!) and this doesn’t have any bias because of my italian roots ok moving on. i can’t imagine my 90-year old nonna watching this and liking it though ahah.

2. 🇲🇹Malta - Je Me Casse by Destiny

3. 🇸🇲San Marino - Adrenalina by Senhit

4. 🇳🇴Norway - Fallen Angel by TIX 🗣I think my dp explains it all ahah~ I don’t think I really need to justify why I placed this so high, I just know some people aren’t so keen on it so I guess it could be considered unusual? I just really connected with the song, it sounds really beautiful to me and his voice is so clear and angelic in every sense (excuse the pun.) I think I’d describe it as vulnerable, and I really appreciate the courage and artistry. I can see the raw emotions that were poured into the song’s creation, and the song is so eurovision. It’s everything I love about the contest packed into 2 minutes and 53 seconds, from song, to artist, to staging to costume. I could (and may,) write an essay about how much I love this song~

5. 🇷🇸Serbia - LOCO LOCO by Hurricane 🗣high placement because I appreciate the way these gorgeous and powerful women have brought back the bop to eurovision! Also they dance as well, so props to them for singing while dancing because that is an extreme sport, and I respect that! 👏👏 It’s on replay for me!

6. 🇮🇱Israel - Set Me Free by Eden 🗣I really liked the song before the revamp, but the revamp elevated this song to new levels of heaven! It’s so uplifting and current, and she is such a stunning individual! I also believe she may dance live on stage like she does in the MV? *I hope so, her dancing is hypnotic and strong!* I’m personally not sure if the Ariana Grande-esque whistles near the end are necessary, but it is certainly showcasing her talent and skill 👏

7. 🇮🇸Iceland - 10 Years by Daði Freyr

8. 🇧🇬Bulgaria - growing up is getting old by VICTORIA 🗣I’m not normally one for ballads or songs of a slow tempo, so this could come as a surprise. I think this definitely comes down to personal connection with the song. This song feels like it extracted my anxieties and current thoughts and worries, and crafted it into a soothing and comforting lullaby. It sounds the way velvet feels, it feels like tightly hugging your childhood teddy bear. It’s the warmth of a cup of hot cocoa blooming a feeling of cosiness and comfort and projecting it onto your soul on a bitterly cold evening. This song makes me feel safe and understood, and it moves me to tears - (especially, the spoken word part in the outro, where it almost sounds as if there is a teariness caught in her throat as she speaks? It’s just so sincere and raw and lovely).

9. 🇱🇹Lithuania - Discoteque by THE ROOP

10. 🇩🇰Denmark - Øve Os På Hinanden by Fyr Og Flamme 🗣I didn’t expect this to be so high in my ranking honestly, but taking a look at my top 39, the songs I’ve placed nearer the top either have an up-tempo/strong pop influence, or are what I’d define as Eurovision. And this, I would certainly define as Eurovision. I like the retro concept, and it’s refreshing and stands out in this year’s line-up! The positivity is the kind of infectious we need right now, this song is another one I have on repeat on my eurovision playlist! If VICTORIA’s song was a cup of hot chocolate for me, this song is the sweetest lemonade! (Maybe cloudy lemonade to stay on brand with the nostalgic theme of the song?) 🍋

11. 🇮🇪Ireland - Maps by Lesley Roy

12. 🇨🇿Czech Republic - Omaga by Benny Cristo

13. 🇫🇮Finland - Dark Side by Blind Channel 🗣Is 13 a Dark Side number I wonder? I liked this song from the get-go, but it has grown on me even more! I don’t look like your stereo-typical rock or metal fan, but I’ve grown to really like the genre in my late teens into early twenties. I like that they define their music as ‘Violent Pop,’ and aren’t afraid to tag pop in their music, because pop isn’t the negative and generic genre people make it out to be. The energy of Dark Side is really liberating and the stage is electric and exciting! I’m sure this will do well, likely finishing somewhere in the top 10!

14. 🇦🇿Azerbaijan - Mata Hari by Efendi

15. 🇺🇦Ukraine - SHUM by Go_A

16. 🇷🇺Russia - RUSSIAN WOMAN by Manizha 🗣I was unsure of this song at first, but this is another song that has grown on me a lot, and now I can’t stop streaming it. It has an addictive quality, and Manizha’s stage presence is off the charts! She glows with beauty and charisma and is a pure joy to watch and listen to!

17. 🇷🇴Romania - Amnesia by Roxen

18. 🇲🇩Moldova - SUGAR by Natalia Gordienko

19. 🇸🇪Sweden - Voices by Tusse

20. 🇨🇾Cyprus - El Diablo by Elena Tsagrinou

21. 🇬🇷Greece - Last Dance by Stefania

22. 🇭🇷Croatia - Tick-Tock by Albina

23. 🇨🇭Switzerland - Tout l’Univers by Gjon’s Tears 🗣I feel like a lot of people would be mad at this placement - (please remember everyone has different tastes in music!) I definitely admire the artistry of this song, and the messages that are being delivered. This ranking is primarily based on how much I enjoy the song though - (partly down to how much I stream the songs). I would very rarely choose to play this song. It has its own unique atmosphere and sombre ambience. It is great for building an atmosphere to write to, but at Eurovision, I’m more likely to go for songs that ignite my soul with joy. I like a party song, and obviously this song just isn’t that at all. But I understand the intended and effect, and the French language sounds so gorgeous in this genre!

24. 🇬🇧United Kingdom - Embers by James Newman

25. 🇫🇷France - Voilà by Barbara Pravi 🗣I’m aware this is low placement again, but this song has grown on me a lot, and stirs a lot of emotion inside me! I just don’t like it as much as other songs this year I’m afraid.

26. 🇩🇪Germany - I Don’t Feel Hate by Jendrik 🗣Very surprisingly, another song that has grown on me. This song is the definition of Marmite. I didn’t understand why I felt so many negative feelings towards a song that was about ending hate with positivity, especially when I normally LOVE cheese and songs with a cheery and vibrant sound. I think personally, I found the drops really hard to get along with, and I still feel they make the song seem disjointed, choppy and awkward. I actually really like the ukulele sound and element, it’s cheesy and upbeat. If I were to be critical, I think the song could have done without the drops, and instead followed something similar to Sebalter’s Hunter Of Stars, because I adored that song, and though it doesn’t have a ukulele, I can feel a comparison in the happy and upbeat vibe. Still, this song now puts a smile on my face, I appreciate the positive message Jendrik is advocating, and props to him for creating the music video with little help!

27. 🇪🇸Spain - Voy A Quedarme by Blas Cantó

28. 🇳🇱The Netherlands - Birth Of A New Age by Jeangu Macrooy

29. 🇦🇺Australia - Technicolour by Montaigne 🗣Originally, this song was nearer 39th place, but it has managed to climb up in the ranking a little more! Montaigne has a nice voice, but I think it’s the song that is the issue here for me. I am no singer, but this song appears to be a challenging song to sing. It has a very quirky sound and tone, and I just don’t think the song is very flattering. It has an awkwardness to it. I really loved Don’t Break Me last year, but putting 2020 aside, I think staging and stage presence could save this song.

30. 🇧🇪Belgium - The Wrong Place by Hooverphonic

31. 🇦🇹Austria - Amen by Vincent Bueno

32. 🇵🇹Portugal - Love Is On My Side by The Black Mamba

33. 🇦🇱Albania - Karma by Anxhela Peristeri

34. 🇸🇮Slovenia - Amen by Ana Soklič

35. 🇲🇰North Macedonia - Here I Stand by Vasil

36. 🇬🇪Georgia - You by Tornike Kipiani

37. 🇪🇪Estonia - The Lucky One by Uku Suviste

38. 🇱🇻Latvia - The Moon is Rising by Samanta Tina

39. 🇵🇱Poland - The Ride by RAFAŁ

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ragazza-paradiso · 3 years

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my eurovision 2021 ranking (before rehearsals)

hey!! 🤍 i’ll try to keep this short & sweet (and bear in mind some of these are subject to change & depend on my mood) but this is my rough ranking of this year’s entries based solely on the studio cuts <3

dislike:

39. 🇩🇪 jendrik - i don’t feel hate: i knew this would be my last place since i first heard it. he seems like a nice guy but this type of music is just. not for me? in fact i don’t think i’ve ever even managed to make it all the way through since my first listen :/

38. 🇱🇻 samanta tina - the moon is rising: i love love LOVE samanta & think she is an absolute gem but this song & me simply do not go together. that being said i appreciate both her voice & the message

37. 🇵🇱 rafał - the ride: while this is slightly catchy & seems to be an ear worm for me, i cannot take this song seriously. rafał looks ridiculous in those sunglasses in the music video. the lyrics are awful too

neither like nor dislike:

36. 🇦🇱 anxhela peristeri - karma: this is very strange because usually i am the no. 1 fan of ethnic influenced ballads at eurovision, but i just do not get this one. i can definitely see the appeal but it’s not for me

35. 🇲🇰 vasil - here i stand: i think his voice is great however the song doesn’t do much for me. i find it quite forgettable & think he was definitely capable of giving us something better which is a shame

34. 🇫🇮 blind channel - dark side: i enjoyed this quite a bit when it first came out but it’s quickly slid down my ratings. the lyrics are too edgy for me & it’s a throwback to a genre of music that i don’t really enjoy anyway. but i can appreciate that it sticks out & does something different

33. 🇨🇿 benny cristo - omaga: i was a massive fan of kemama last year & while i liked this upon first listen, i have to say its far too generic to really stick out after a while. plus some of the lyrics are a bit creepy lol. having said that i think seeing him perform it live could definitely change my opinion

32. 🇸🇪 tusse - voices: another year, another generic well produced pop song from sweden. should we be surprised anymore? it’s okay, i don’t hate it, but i’m struggling to find anything i like about it. plus the lyrics are the most “eurovision cliche lyrics” i’ve ever heard

31. 🇬🇧 james newman - embers: okay while this is ranked relatively low, i have to say this is better than anything we’ve sent since 2017. it’s a nice song, i enjoy it when it’s on, but i don’t have an urge to play it, if that makes sense?

30. 🇲🇹 destiny - je me casse: i know this is probably blasphemy but i just do not understand the hype around this song. destiny has a great voice but i don’t see how this song sticks out in anyway that it’s the favourite to win? it’s another one that i won’t skip but i won’t seek out to listen to

29. 🇦🇹 vincent bueno - amen: i do enjoy this, but i wish it just had a bit more oomph. the lyrics for the verses are good but the chorus is just lacking something. i do think this could be a dark horse to qualify though

28. 🇸🇮 ana soklič - amen: i just realised the two amens are right next to each other on my ranking lol. anyway, this is only so high because of her amazing voice. the song doesn’t really do anything for me, but you have to appreciate that level of talent

27. 🇺🇦 go_a - shum: this is one i know i’ll appreciate more live, but i just can’t get into the studio version. plus i really liked solovey last year so this one seems worse in comparison

26. 🇲🇩 natalia gordienko - sugar: this is good but i think all “dream team” songs are a little bit dated nowadays. however saying that i love the music video & moldova always improve live

25. 🇵🇹 the black mamba - love is on my side: this has been a big grower. it’s not a favourite, but i think it definitely has its niche, and i can appreciate that

24. 🇳🇱 jeangu macrooy - birth of a new age: grow was in my top 5 last year, so it was always gonna be hard for jeangu to deliver something as good. this has grown on me, but i’m still not 100% on board

like:

23. 🇳🇴 tix - fallen angel: i didn’t like this at first because i was so heartbroken that keiino didn’t win the national selection, but i’ve gotten over it now lol. it’s cheesy but in a good way, i think this act doesn’t take itself too seriously either which makes it more enjoyable

22. 🇸🇲 senhit ft flo rida - adrenalina: it’s fun, catchy, even has a surprise verse from flo rida! probably san marino’s 3rd best entry ever (justice for complice & crisalide 💔)

21. 🇨🇾 elena tsagrinou - el diablo: it’s just a very good pop song. i’m not in love with it but it’s of a very good quality (well. apart from the lyrics). i’m sure the staging will improve it even more

20. 🇬🇷 stefania - super girl: greece is one of my biggest growers from last year, i think this is a MUCH better song than supergirl was. i’m really rooting for stefania

19. 🇪🇪 uku suviste - the lucky one: this has been such a big grower, it’s insane. i can recognise it’s not the best song but i just really like it for some reason.

18. 🇪🇸 blas cantó - voy a quedarme: i’m a sucker for native language ballads, and this is a pretty standard one, but it’s good to me. blas seems like a real sweetheart too, which helps :)

17. 🇨🇭 gjon’s tears - tout l’univers: this is another one of those songs that i really should love, and while i like it, i can’t really connect with it. gjon’s entry last year was my second favourite, and unfortunately this doesn’t scratch the same itch that did, it’s still a very good song & i completely understand why it’s one of the favourites to win

16. 🇧🇪 hooverphonic - the wrong place: i really don’t like hooverphonic as a band (actually it’s mostly alex callier that i dislike) but this is just a good song. i am still upset that luka didn’t get to go to eurovision though :/

15. 🇮🇪 lesley roy - maps: another massive grower! i much prefer this to her song last year. i really hope ireland can get their shit together & give this song the staging it deserves

14. 🇦🇿 efendi - mata hari: this is basically a carbon copy of cleopatra, and i guess i liked that so i like this. however i will say it has dropped in my ranking a bit. i’m ranking this solely on the song, efendi herself is a different matter & i’m not really educated enough on what’s happening in azerbaijan/armenia to comment but from what i’ve seen it’s not the best, let’s say

13. 🇱🇹 the roop - discoteque: i prefer on fire from last year, but this is definitely not a bad effort. i can’t see it as a contender for the win though. another one i will probably enjoy much more live

12. 🇷🇴 roxen - amnesia: i really like the message of this song. i just wish she would work on her english pronunciation, but that’s a minor complaint. but i really like roxen as an artist

love:

11. 🇷🇸 hurricane - loco loco: i love girl groups, and this is no exception. vocally they’re really good, i love that it’s in serbian, & i also just really love sanja vučić lol

10. 🇭🇷 albina - tick tock: i wish this was fully in croatian, but i think it’s a great song regardless. i loved her performance at dora so hopefully they’ll do something similar/even better at esc

9. 🇧🇬 victoria - growing up is getting old: i preferred tears getting sober from last year but this is still really good. the lyrics are some of my favourite of this year, they really resonate with me. victoria is a really interesting artist & i’m really glad she got introduced to me through esc

8. 🇮🇱 eden alene - set me free: the revamp has made this move like 20 places up in my ranking lol. she is so talented & i just hope they have a good staging concept!

7. 🇮🇸 daði og gagnamagnið - 10 years: think about things was good but i think this is even better! i love the retro influences & the lyrics are so sweet

6. 🇬🇪 tornike kipiani - you: i might be one of the only people who adores this song. the lyrics paint such a clear picture of a simple, strong love. and i think it’s quiet but powerful at the right moments. i know i will be heartbroken when this doesn’t qualify :(

5. 🇫🇷 barbara pravi - voilà: i played this too much & ruined it for myself, but i love it again now. very authentically french but without overdoing it (cough 2017 staging cough), just a beautiful song

4. 🇮🇹 måneskin - zitti e buoni: i’m not a massive rock fan, but a song like this i just vibe with. it’s just so good. italy is always either my no. 1 or in my top 5 since they returned (apart from 2012 & 2014) and they’ve done it again. this is definitely a contender to win

3. 🇦🇺 montaigne - technicolour: this song is eclectic but i love it. i didn’t like don’t break me, but this is so much better, and so much more authentic to montaigne as an artist. i know it’s divisive, but i’m on the side that loves it

2. 🇩🇰 fyr og flamme - øve os på hinanden: this is just so fun. i love the 80s vibe, the performance at the national selection was simple but still very engaging. this is one i will play for many years after the contest

1. 🇷🇺 manizha - russian woman: where do i even start. native language, ethnic influenced sound, important message, charismatic performer. this song is amazing. and i’m so glad i’ve found manizha to listen to!

so that’s it!! if anyone wants to chat about their thoughts please message me!! 🤍

#esc 2021

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khmazz · 5 years

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joyffree · 2 years

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Join us for the #NewRelease Tour with #Giveaway

Title: Ingress

Author: Bria Starr

Genre: Dystopian

Release Date: April 12, 2022

Cover Design: Cassy Roop at Pink Ink Designs

Welcomed by a broken community, David becomes Ender—the unlikely leader who teaches his new people how to survive in the wilderness after losing everything.

Discover the truth behind Ingress in this mesmerizing prequel to The Divided.

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#ingressbriastarr #ingressreleaseblitz #briastarrauthor #release #buynow #amazon #ku #dystopian #mustread #tbr #newrelease #enticingjourney #kindleunlimited

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firenati0n · 1 month

Text

okay so as a newer fic writer, each fic I've written so far has been a bit different in genre/tone/style for me...I've been experimenting with voice and personal preference and all the things that make writing fun...

crack -> social media -> suggestive yearning -> prose all over -> actors and vignettes -> spies and tension

...which has been a fun challenge...but also means I get super in my head sometimes about trying and failing, about performance and opinion and growth.

Well, thanks for letting me try and fail without fear, for supporting me as I mess around with words and try new things. 💕💕💕💕 it means so much to me to have the support and encouragement from y'all, as someone who gets nervous and itchy about validation and social media and perception and all of the things in between. Thank you for reading and engaging with me!!!! And for uplifting me!!!! 🥹💕

feeling very accepted and seen and loved as of late, and it has been very nice during some tough times to have this to return to and to know it will be a positive and caring space. 🥰

xoxo roop

#JUST #i love my friends #and i love my fellow writers #and i love my fellow writer friends #and my fandom friends #and all the people who read and comment and engage and tell me the words are worth anything at all #always a gratifying experience #thank you for always being kind to me and letting be me a silly goose on the loose in this fandom space #xoxo #my post #just feeling grateful post-posting #hoping the words land

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popblank · 4 years

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After listening mainly to audio, I started watching the official videos as collected in the Eurovision Song Celebration Part One. Haven’t had time to get to Part 2 yet so maybe I’ll do that after “Europe Shine a Light.”

Sweden, The Mamas, “Move” – Not much new to say. They seem like pros. Difficult not to get caught up in the wash of good vibes.

Belarus, VAL, “Da Vidna” – Comes across better with the visuals and stylized choreography; now I think I get the attitude they were going for.

Australia, Montaigne, “Don’t Break Me” – I do like the performance. A pretty involved routine, just an unsteady vocal. Dance performances (especially the sort one might expect to see when everyone is all in black and running around barefoot) can often be perplexing to me but this works well with the song. Now I wonder: is it harder to sing while performing a modern dance routine, or while flying around above the stage while strapped to a giant pole?

North Macedonia, Vasil, “YOU” – Not sure the video adds a lot to the song. Australia’s dancing was more compelling.

Slovenia, Ana Soklič, “Voda” – She can certainly sing live. Stage is nice, and it’s kind of neat to see all these still, silent silhouettes of the audience in the background watching her.

Genre switch break: Ha. I kind of like the bluegrass “Da Vidna.”

Lithuania, The Roop, “On Fire” – Eh. The video exacerbates the things I didn’t care for in the song.

Ireland, Lesley Roy, “Story of My Life” – Getting a bit of an 80s vibe in the video. Fun little transition to dance party.

Russia, Little Big, “Uno” – Okay I kind of get it now. Too bad the contest was canceled when Russia sent a song with a sense of humor (it’s been a while).

Belgium, Hooverphonic, “Release Me” – I like her voice. I wonder if the staging would have been something more than “we are a band.”

Malta, Destiny, “All of My Love” – The dramatic intro is odd. I don’t understand what’s going on in this video. Parkour? Guess it’s good that everyone’s covering their faces? It’s striking but makes no sense to me.

Favorite songs: Particularly liked Ulrikke’s and Vasil’s lists.

Croatia, Damir Kedžo, “Divlji Vjetre” – Oh, this kind of reminds me of “Molitva.” No wonder I like it.

Azerbajijan, Efendi, “Cleopatra” – It would be quite the performer who could sell these lyrics to me. The video makes more sense than Malta’s.

Cyprus, Sandro, “Running” – I’m fortunate to live in an area not at high risk of wildfires, but some of my coworkers have had to evacuate in past years. (That’s the part of the video that caught my attention.)

Norway, Ulrikke, “Attention” – I like this. Could see this being performed with only minor staging changes because her voice is the strongest element.

Israel, Eden Alene, “Feker Libi” – Still like this but wonder how it would translate to a larger stage. One good thing about “Move” was that the stage and camera were set up to keep focus on the three performers, while this is much brighter and busier.

YouTube commentary: Fun and not mean.

Romania, ROXEN, “Alcohol You” – The phrase “fake news” completely pulls me out of the song. It distracts me from the atmosphere the song and video attempt to create.

Ukraine, Go_A, “Solovey” – I am totally delighted by the lead singer’s severity. Wondering if it would be better or not if the backing singers were equally stern-looking.

Italy, Diodato, “Fai Rumore” – It’s nice to see the lyrics, but otherwise the video doesn’t add much. I can imagine it being performed onstage much like “L’Essenziale” (solo singer, stand mic, nice suit).

Germany, Ben Dolic, “Violent Thing” – Hmm. The video adds a strange layer of creepiness on top of the song. Was that intentional?

The Netherlands, Jeangu Macrooy, “Grow” – Better with video; some of the emotional reaction I was missing with the audio alone came through this way.

Recap: goofy.

#eurovision #eurovision 2020

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brokehorrorfan · 7 years

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Best New Horror Movies on Netflix: Summer 2017

I know there's an overwhelming amount of horror movies to sift through on Netflix, so I've decided to take out some of the legwork by compiling a list of the season's best new genre titles on Netflix's instant streaming service.

Please feel free to leave a comment with any I may have missed and share your thoughts on any of the films you watch. You can also peruse past installments of Best New Horror Moves on Netflix for more suggestions.

1. Clown

Before Spider-Man: Homecoming swings into theaters, watch director Jon Watts' feature debut. Beginning as a faux-trailer that went viral, Clown was essentially willed into existence with the aid of genre favorite Eli Roth (Hostel, Cabin Fever) as a producer. Andy Powers (Oz) stars as a dad who comes across an old clown costume to wear to his son's birthday party, only to find that he physically cannot remove it. He then develops an insatiable hunger for children, soon learning that he must sacrifice five kids in order to remove the suit. Laura Allen (The 4400) plays his wife, while Peter Stormare (Fargo) provides the ancient, demonic history of clowns. Not your typical killer clown movie, Clown combines classic monster movie motifs, body horror elements, supernatural undertones, and gallows humor into one coulrophobic package. Read my full review of the film here.

2. Beyond the Gates

Beyond the Gates was clearly made by horror fans for fellow fans. The 80-minute romp can best be described as Jumanji meets The Beyond. Estranged brothers Gordon (Graham Skipper, Almost Human) and John (Chase Williamson, John Dies at the End), along with Gordon’s girlfriend, Margot (Brea Grant, Halloween II), find and play an old VCR game. They must obey the tape’s host (Barbara Crampton, Re-Animator) in order to solve the mystery of their father's disappearance. It's slightly hindered by a limited budget - the set-up is slow and the ending is a tad anticlimactic - but it's so spirited along the way that the faults barely register. First-time director Jackson Stewart taps into the VHS nostalgia to create a film that would feel perfectly at home on a mom-and-pop video store shelf in the late '80s. Read my full review of the film here.

3. The Eyes of My Mother

The Eyes of My Mother is too pensive for horror fans look for typical blood and scares, but those who appreciate arthouse fare are likely to get wrapped up in its unsettling tone. Writer/director Nicolas Pesce makes an impact with his debut, utilizing stark black-and-white photography to explore a character study illustrating the repercussions of murder. The story is told in three chapters, which each one showing a significant familial moment in a woman's life that shapes her into the disturbed individual she ultimately becomes. It’s a slow burn, even at a mere 76 minutess, but every moment is spent ruminating in its dark tone.

4. Backcountry

Backcountry is based on a true story of a black bear attack. The predator doesn't show up until two thirds of the way through the film; the rest of the time is spent developing the relationship between Alex (Jeff Roop) and Jenn (Missy Peregrym, Reaper), who embark on what's supposed to be a romantic and relaxing weekend hike through the woods. Tensions first rise upon the introduction of an Irish backpacker (Eric Balfour, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), then again when the couple gets lost in the dizzying forest. It finally takes the form of a suspenseful survival thriller when the ferocious bear begins attacking their campsite. The investment in character development is worthwhile, as it causes the viewer to care about them, thereby making the final act even more harrowing. Real bears were used during production, adding to the ripe intensity.

5. Dig Two Graves

The first act of Dig Two Graves could be mistaken for a coming-of-age drama - not only thematically but also stylistically - as a young girl (Samantha Isler, Captain Fantastic) from a podunk town attempts to reconcile with her brother's death. Things really heat up when a trio of creepy men tell her they can bring him back to life... but someone else has to take his place. The story is structured in an interesting way, sprinkling in flashbacks that contextualize the actions taking place in the present. Isler delivers a brilliant performance, as does Ted Levine (The Silence of the Lambs), who plays her grandfather, the town's sheriff.

6. XX

XX is a horror anthology made up of four segments written and directed by females, each one strong and unique. “The Box” by Jovanka Vuckovic adapts a Jack Ketchum short story about a boy who's forever changed upon seeing the contents of a mysterious box. “The Birthday Party” by Annie Clark (better known as musician St. Vincent) is a darkly comic tale about a woman who finds her husband dead on the day of her daughter's birthday party. “Don’t Fall” by Roxanne Benjamin (Southbound) turns a serene hike into a blood-thirsty creature feature. “Her Only Living Son” by Karyn Kusama (The Invitation) finds a mother learning a deep, dark secret about her son. There's not much of a through line outside of them all being female-led (3/4 of which are maternal roles), though neat stop-motion animation wraps around the tales. Several familiar faces populate the cast, including Melanie Lynskey (Heavenly Creatures), Natalie Brown (The Strain), and Mike Doyle (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit). It's no secret that we need more female voices in film, and XX is a potent declaration that's impossible to ignore.

7. Stake Land II: The Stakelander

Despite a terrible title that could be mistaken for a joke, Stake Land II: The Stakelander is a sequel to Stake Land, Jim Mickle's impressive 2010 vampire film (which you should watch first; it's also on Netflix). Mickle resigns to executive producer, but his co-writer, Nick Damici, returns to pen the script. Damici also reprises his role as Mister, reuniting with Connor Paolo as Martin. The vampire slaying duo embark on a journey across a Mad Max 2-style post-apocalyptic wasteland infested with ferocious vampires, which resemble zombies more than your traditional bloodsuckers. As is often the case, it's the other humans that prove to be the real threat. Like its predecessor, the film finds a rare balance between drama and intensity. It's not as effective as the original, but fans won't be disappointed by the follow-up.

8. Tag

Tag (also known as Riaru onigokko) is not for everyone, but it's too gleefully weird not to warrant a recommendation. Written and directed by Sion Sono (Suicide Club), the Japanese film opens with a bus full of school girls getting sliced in half in one fell swoop. It only gets stranger from there as the infinite possibilities of multiple universes are explored. One girl survives each time, continually awakening in different realities after watching all her friends get killed in gory fashions - including a teacher mowing down her class with a mini-gun. I thought it might be adapted from a manga, as it has that bizarre, fantastical feel to it, but it's instead based on a novel. It's dreamlike and absurd but not without heart.

9. The Windmill

The Windmill (formerly known as The Windmill Massacre) is a slasher film from the Netherlands, although it's (mostly) in English. It follows a guided bus tour of Holland that breaks down near a mysterious windmill. One by one, the passengers are picked off by a cool-looking killer armed with a scythe. With glossy production value and a dark tone, it feels more like a throwback to late '90s slashers rather than the golden age of the '80s - but there's still some solid gore and practical effects. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but the film offers a slightly more involved plot than the average slasher, including flawed characters and supernatural elements. It's also gleefully mean-spirited to the very end.

10. Man Vs.

As you may have guessed from the name, Man Vs. uses a survival reality show as the framing device for a creature feature. Doug (Chris Diamantopoulos, Silicon Valley) is the survival expert/host, filming himself in the Canadian wilderness - only to learn that he's not alone. It would have been cheaper to make a found footage film, but it's more effect as a traditional movie - though there are some shots from Doug's gear. The set-up is a bit slow, however you may learn some survival tips along the way. The story essentially becomes Survivorman vs. Predator in the final act. Unfortunately, the CGI creature is Syfy-level bad, preventing the big reveal from having much impact, but Diamantopoulos delivers a solid performance nonetheless.

11. Abattoir

Abattoir is directed by Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II-IV, Repo! The Genetic Opera), based on the same named graphic novel he created. It follows a real estate journalist (Jessica Lowndes, 90210) and a detective (Joe Anderson, The Crazies) as they investigate a series of houses in which tragedies occurred having the offending rooms torn out. They end up in a Twin Peaks-esque town where a local (Lin Shaye, Insidious) tells them of Jebediah Crone (Dayton Callie, Sons of Anarchy), an enigmatic reverend attempting to build a gateway to pure evil. Although set in the present, the picture is an unabashed love letter to film noirs of the 1940s and ‘50s. While the execution of the fascinating concept is lacking, Bousman manages to create a wonderfully imaginative neo-noir universe rife with spooky atmosphere. Read my full review here.

Bonus: The Keepers

If you were among the throngs of viewers morbidly captivated by Making a Murderer, The Keepers will be your new true crime fix. The Netflix original documentary series is every bit as compelling and frustrating as Making a Murderer, but the heinous crimes are even more stomach churning. The story revolves around an unsolved murder case of 26-year-old nun in 1969 and her then-students who have teamed up decades later to try to get to the truth. There appears to be a cover up that involves sexual abuse at the hands of a priest. The show consists of seven hour-long episodes. It probably could have been shaved down to five, but it's structured in such a way that make you want to keep binge watching.

Bonus: Riverdale: Season 1

Riverdale is like Twin Peaks meets Pretty Little Liars by way of Archie Comics. It reinvents the classic Archie characters for a modern audience with an interesting murder/mystery plot. I'm admittedly beyond the key demographic for the trashy teen drama that ensues, but the first season is fun enough, albeit inconsistent, to hook me. Several of the younger actors deliver great performances, given the heavy-handed material, but it's even more fun to see the parents played by '90s stars like Luke Perry (Beverly Hills, 90210), Mädchen Amick (Twin Peaks), Robin Givens (Head of the Class), and Skeet Ulrich (Scream). If you enjoy MTV's Scream, you'll likely get a kick out of this one as well.

#netflix #beyond the gates #riverdale #the keepers #the eyes of my mother #best of netflix #list #review #article

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