#we expect colin to not only be better- but to be perfect

[stories-from-the-shaded-moon]

Great-x Grandparents

SHANK SHANK SHANK SHANK SHANK-

@syntheticspades @vio-starzz

He had married Link two days ago. Banners and streams were still all around Ordon, green and red. He asked what the green was for, Link shook his shoulders so much he thought his head would pop off.

The smile on Link’s was like a miasma. He didn’t hear the words spewing from his lips. The only thing he took away was, “green good” and he couldn’t agree more.

Then there was the actual wedding. Even if Shad had one hundred hands, he still wouldn’t be able to count how many kisses he received from Link and Uli alone. It seemed that kisses were regular in Ordon. Forehead, nose, the back of the hand, cheek.

It was a beautiful scene, especially with Colin’s master flower throwing. He remembered when Link said that the boy should be their flower girl. Shad laughed and asked if Colin would like that. They wrote a letter and sent it off. A letter came back a week later. No name, just an address.

YES

The two didn’t expect to see the boy in a dress at the reception. It made Shad have to cover his face because of how red it got.

The only thing better than being told “you may kiss the groom” was the dance. Link had forgotten all about the dance. Shad hadn’t, though he knew Link had two left feet.

Their dance was sloppy, noticeably unpracticed, but it was perfect. Link laid his head on Shad’s shoulder, his cheeks an obvious rose red. Shad laughed with every misstep.

“When’ll this be over?” Link whined, picking his head up to give Shad his puppy eyes. He yelped as Shad dipped him.

Shad picked him back up and everyone cheered with a smile. “It’s over now,” Shad said, picking Link’s hand up to his lips.

“I’m gonna bite you,” Link laughed. Shad saw someone waving him over.

“Love, that’s what tonight is for.” Shad let go of Link’s hand and left him speechless.

That night…he felt as if he shouldn’t think about it this late at night. But then again, we were walking in a dark forest. But then again, he was walking in a dark forest because of…memories like that. One thing that he knew, Link sure did bite.

Shad took a deep breath, taking in the air of Faron woods. They had decided to stay in Ordon for a few days before they waddled back into Castle Town.

Shad swayed to the imaginary song that played in his head. Definitely the one Link played the second Shad gave him his wedding gift, a guitar. Then something caught his eye. Something bright. He turned his head and was met with a spectacle like nothing he’d seen before.

A wolf. A golden wolf. A golden wolf with a single red eye. Shad tensed. He never thought this day would come.

Asking for Rusl and Uli’s blessing was hard enough. Now, imagine getting judged by your fian-…husband’s great-x grandfather in the form of a wolf. Who, by the way, could tear you to shreds with how big he was.

Yes, Shad knew. Link had told him practically everything about his adventure. Then, of course, there were the parts that he’d seen with his own eyes.

Link had told him about this wolf. This wolf that turned into something akin to a stalfos. This wolf that taught like so much of what he knows now. This wolf, the Hero of Time.

So, that’s another thing. Imagine getting judged by your husband’s great-x grandfather in the form of a wolf who used to be a well known general in the Hyrulian army. If he didn’t approve, he couldn’t tell Shad, but he could kill him pretty easily.

“A pleasure to meet you, great-“ Shad had already forgotten how many greats there were, “-grandfather-in-law.” Shad waved slightly.

The wolf stalked forward and Shad gulped. The wolf circled Shad, sniffing at him, clawing at his pants on occasion.

The wolf stopped somewhere on his leg. Shad looked down to see what the beast had found and he felt his body go rigid. It was the only bite mark from their wedding night where Link had bit down too hard, causing blood.

The wolf’s head picked up, its one eye looking Shad dead on. Shad held his breath, praying for this spirit to be merciful. Then the wolf’s ears perked up, its head snapping in the opposite direction of Shad.

There, running toward them was a small red ferret. It made squeaky noises as it ran at them. The wolf stepped back, making a path for the ferret.

Shad, excepting his fate, knelt down and feld his hands out. The ruby ferret crashed into his arms.

Shad lifted the ferret, but kept it arms length. “Hi little guy!”

The wolf let out a low rumble.

Shad nodded. “Girl, noted.” The ferret’s head turned and squeaked at the wolf. The wolf’s head fell.

Shad laughed. “Link hasn’t told me about you Miss. Who may you be?” Both animals looked at him, the silence carrying for a few seconds. Every second, Shad felt dumber and dumber. “Right, animal spirits.”

The ruby ferret escaped from his hands and ran into his hair. The ferret made another sound, this definitely not squeaking. It was almost like it was trying to scream but stopped every half second.

The wolf huffed and shook its head. Then its ears went up again. The ferret stopped playing in Shad’s hair.

“Shad!”

Shad’s breath caught in his throat. I mean, of course he wasn’t scared of Link. No matter how good he was with a sword, he was his husband.

“Link?” He called back, picking the ferret off of his head. She wriggled in his hands. Shad soon put her down.

“You coo coo son of a bitch, why are you out, at night, in the woods?!” He breached the trees into Shad’s sight. He engulfed Shad into his arms, and without a second of hesitation, Shad hugged him back.

“Something just told me to come out here. Seems there’s a name to that something…?” Link let Shad go and looked at him with an obvious question on his mind, what the hell are you talking about?

Link turned around after feeling a nudge at his heel. He dropped to his knees almost immediately, hugging the wolf and, by the looks of the wolf’s posture, strangling it.

The ferret hopped around, definitely excited, and Shad really started to wonder who this ferret was.

What tie did she have to the wolf? Then Shad saw it, something so glaringly obvious that he should've seen before.

Around the ferret's arm was a ring. The moonlight gave it a beautiful shine. While examining the wolf that Link had finally let go of, it was like an earring, but far shinier than he had ever seen.

“You’re…married?” Shad whispered.

Link’s ears twitched and he stood. “Yep! Shad,” Link motioned to the animal spirits, “great great great great great…great grandparents. Great great great great great grandparents, Shad.” He motioned to Shad.

“Five greats, I thought it was seven…?”

“It probably is.”

“Hello great great great great great grandparents-in-law.” Shad waved.

#SHADLINK #SHANK #twilight princess #Twilight princess link #tp link #tp shad #Twilight Princess Shad #Heroes Shade #Malon gets ferret rights #the shady lad writes

[sd1d-enthusiast]

So Polin fam, I'm that user from the polin sub who tried to give spoilery context to the sensationalized sun article leaks about Colin, and no I did not do it to start drama or whatever, I've been waiting for a Romancing Mister Bridgerton adaption for more than a decade and Colin is one of my favorite regency male characters, so to see people just taking two out of context scenes from a gossip rag and using that to lambast his character is super frustrating. I expected people to calm down once they knew the context, not go on tirades that the season is ruined or Colin doesn't deserve Pen or they want NPC plot device Debling to snatch her instead, and it's so bizarre.

After thinking about it though, I think I understand why people reacted like they did. A good portion of this fandom does NOT give a crap about Colin as a character in his own right and only sees him as a prop for Penelope's happiness. That's why every polin video will be littered with "Oh, I want him to GROVEL if he ever wants to DESERVE penelope." As if he committed some horrific crime, as if he isn't the only one person who has EVER seen Penelope for who she was, who has sought her out when she was hiding in the corners and shadows, who noticed her and confided in her and tried to step in and protect her and her family. Sure, he's had his foot in the mouth moments, and sure he isn't perfect. But NEITHER IS PENELOPE. And that's the whole damn point!

They're both still so young and haven't even found out who THEY really are yet, in large part they are both sort of drifting and trying to do what society expects of them. It's no coincidence that their true thoughts have really only been spoken to each other! Because they're meant to take on that journey together, they're meant to be partners who grow and make each other better, and that takes TIME and it's never 100% perfect, because they are imperfect complex characters. Which makes them interesting!

I just wanted to clear it up and vent this out bc I'm even seeing people on tumblr screenshot my comments or make out what I said to be something it's not. Seriously, we are about to get an amazing season. I wish people would stop overreacting. I already know once the season comes out everyone whose been shitting on Colin nonstop because of 2 tiny as hell scenes will pretend like they loved him all along lmao.

#polin #bridgerton #bridgerton season 3 #bridgerton spoilers #bridgerton season 3 spoilers #penelope featherington #colin bridgerton #colin x penelope #penelope x colin

[ofstarsandvibranium]

Walls Are Crumbling: Part 2

Fandom: Bridgerton

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x F!Reader

Summary: You and Benedict announce your engagement to the rest of the Bridgerton family. They're ecstatic for you, as Benedict told you they'd be. But you still can't help but feel guilty for bringing Benedict into your mess.

A/N: oh no. i guess im gonna turn this into a mini series...

Part 1

Everyone in the sitting room cheers after you and Benedict announce your engagement. Anthony and Kate give the pair of you soft smiles and knowing looks. Of course Anthony told his wife. He could never hide anything from her.

"Well, I must say this isn't too much of a surprise," Violet Bridgerton stands from her spot and walks towards you, "We all had a feeling this was going to happen eventually."

You smile at the woman you saw as another mother, "Trust me, Violet, I'm just as surprised as you are."

Benedict gives you a nudge, silently telling you to shush. He then speaks up, "Yes, it seemed that both of us had been harboring feelings for each other for a long time. Didn't see a reason as to why we needed to prolong marriage. Therefore, in month's time, we seek to marry."

Eloise grimaces, "But that's so soon."

Benedict's hand intertwines in yours, "Well, Eloise, I've waited too long to have Y/N as mine, so the sooner we wed, the better."

"But not too soon," you pointedly say, "which is why we decided in month's time," you add, just in case someone else suggests you two marry today, like Anthony did last night.

"Did you tell your mother already, Y/N, dear?" Violet asks curiously.

You nod, "Yes, and it went as you'd expect it to."

The dowager viscountess gives you a tight lip look. She wasn't fond of your mother and how she treats you. She especially doesn't like how she viewed your friendship with Benedict as a waste.

"Second sons have nothing to offer," she's said often.

Kate approaches you, arm looping through yours, "Sorry, brother-in-law, may I steal her for a moment?"

Benedict cocks a brow at you, silently asking if you'll be okay. You nod, "I'll be back," you let go of his hand and follow Kate, whom is guiding you outside of the sitting room and into the hall. There, she asks you to tell her everything, since Anthony only gave her bits and pieces.

While you and the Viscountess talk, Anthony joins his younger brother, "Do you really think you should do this?"

Benedict looks at his brother with annoyance on his face, "If I don't, she'd be left off to her own. I can't let that happen, especially with a child on the way."

"A child that isn't even yours, brother."

He shakes his head and shrugs, "I don't care. I will love them as my own. They are part Y/N, so surely, I'd love them." He then scowls, "Lord Mattias is a coward for this."

"I'd argue that you're just as cowardly," Anthony murmurs, a hint of a smirk on his lips, "Marrying the woman you love and yet not even telling her how you feel."

Benedict scoffs, "As if I should be taking advice from you on how to handle love," he cocks a brow at his older brother, knowing the debacle between him, Kate, and Edwina.

Anthony's jaw clenches and he doesn't say another word, which leaves Benedict to chuckle. He pats his brother on the shoulder, "I'll tell her...eventually. Things are going to be chaotic for her already. I don't want to cause her any more stress. It'll be bad for her and the baby."

Anthony hums and walks away from Benedict, deciding to stand beside Colin, whom is sitting on chaise lounge chair.

__________________________

1 Month Later

You managed to have wedding dress made fairly quickly. Well, Lady Danbury definitely put in a good word for you that helped speed up the process. Your wedding, albeit not ideal, was still perfect. Although your words of love to Benedict during the ceremony were....not completely true, you still found yourself tearing up when Benedict repeated his vows to you. You thought marrying your closest friend would be weird, but throughout the duration of the month leading up to the wedding, it became less of that and more comforting.

Time and time again did Benedict reassure he wasn't going to leave you behind for the wolves, that he'd be there for you and for the baby. That you'd be well taken care of.

Post-wedding, the dinner was a bit overwhelming. So many people were congratulating you, echoing the same words everyone else had "We all knew this would happen eventually". But what exactly did that mean? Sure, a few years ago, you harbored feelings for Benedict, but did everyone see it? Benedict couldn't have seen it too, right?

"Y/N?" he squeezes your hand and you didn't even realize he was holding it.

You look up from your plate, "Hm? Sorry."

"Are you alright?"

"I-I think I'd like some air," you whisper back to him.

"Would you like me to come with you?"

You're hesitant to say yes, but your head moves before your mouth does. You're nodding and Benedict is immediately on his feet and excuses the both of you. Everyone watches the two of you exit the dining room, the chatter continues as you leave.

Benedict silently follows you to the tree that has the swings you two used to play on when you were young. once sat on one of the swings, your hand immediately going to your belly. You've been doing that a lot in these past weeks, just not in front of others beside Anthony and Benedict.

"Is something wrong?" he nods to your hand on your belly.

You shake your head, "Not with the baby, no. But I just-" you let out another deep breath, "This is all so much. I-I-" your eyes are tearing up, "I don't like that I've brought you into my mess."

Benedict kneels before you and grabs your hands into his, "Y/N, listen to me, you did not force me to do this. I offered to marry you because I care about you and I'd hate for anything bad to happen to you. You are my dearest friend. I won't let anything bad happen to you. Ever. Do you understand me?" thumbs away your tears as you nod, "Good." He stands up and kisses your head, "Do you want to go back?"

"Can we stay here for a little longer?"

"Whatever my wife wants."

"I have to get used to hearing that," you mumble as you start to slowly move yourself back and forth on the swing.

Benedict watches you with soft eyes, eventually moving himself on the swing.

#benedict bridgerton x reader #benedict bridgerton fic #benedict bridgerton imagine #fem!reader #f!reader #female reader

[bellebridgerton]

His Diamond: Chapter 4 (Anthony Bridgerton x plus size!fem!reader)

✨Masterlist✨

✨Previous Chapter✨

The morning of the wedding of Y/n Y/L/n and Anthony Bridgerton was bustling. The entire estate was pure chaos.

Y/n was getting her hair and makeup done while people rushed around her. She felt oddly at peace, she knew she would somehow find happiness with Anthony.

At the Bridgerton estate, Anthony and his brothers were having a private conversation. Benedict leaned back in his seat, "Anthony, are you nervous?"

Anthony had been pacing for the past hour, "What if she doesn't show up? What if she begs off at the last moment?"

Colin got up to cease his eldest brother's panic, "Brother, I have known her nearly my entire life, I know she will show up." He put his hands on Anthony's shoulders, "It will be fine."

Anthony nodded, "Of course, it'll be fine." He said it more to himself than his brothers.

Anthony stood at the alter, anxiously awaiting his bride. As the guests rose from their seats, Y/n and her father walked in. Anthony decided that Y/n looked like an angel, truly the diamond of the season. Y/n's father gave her a soft smile before handing her off. Anthony took her hands in his, noticing her small smile, he smiled back, relaxing just a bit.

As soon as the priest announced that Anthony may kiss his bride, he cupped her cheek in his hand and kissed her softly. Y/n kissed back, then looked up at him, as if they were the only two people in the world.

The wedding reception was breathtaking, Violet, Daphne and Y/n had worked hard to plan it perfectly.

Queen Charlotte was even in attendance, to witness her own vicarious victory, her diamond made a fine match.

After having made the rounds of greeting people and receiving congratulations, Y/n and Anthony found each other. Y/n held his hand and leaned her head on his shoulder, "What do you think?" She wanted his opinion, he was her husband and friend, after all.

Anthony glanced down at her, "It's perfect." He looked around, it was the perfect moment to slip away for a bit. He gently tugged her hand, "Viscountess Bridgerton, follow me."

Y/n giggled, "Viscount Bridgerton! Where are we going?"

Anthony wordlessly guided her to the garden, he could feel her eyes on him. He turned to his wife, "I wish for a moment alone with my wife, my friend. Is that to your liking?"

"I should like it just fine, a peaceful moment with my new husband," Y/n replied.

Anthony watched the sky, "Honestly, as glad as I am that you are my viscountess now, I was surprised you accepted my marriage proposal."

Y/n nodded, watching Anthony just be himself, "I have know you my entire life, you have always been kind, protective, charming, you are always up to verbally sparring with me. You are a good man and an even better friend. I am lucky to have that in a husband."

Anthony kissed her forehead, "Thank you, sweetheart."

The carriage ride to Aubrey Hall felt longer than usual for Y/n. She had started sat across from Anthony, but he moved in next to her when he saw her shiver. Anthony had done his best to keep her warm in the cool summer evening. Perhaps he had done his job a little too well, he could hear and feel her even, calm breathing. Y/n had fallen asleep. Anthony couldn't blame her, it had been a long day, and she looked so peaceful.

Upon arrival at Aubrey Hall, Anthony swiftly carried Y/n up to their bedroom. He had different expectations of their wedding night, but it was only the first night of a month-long honeymoon.

✨Next Chapter✨

Taglist: @faatxma @unholyhuntress

#anthony bridgerton #anthony bridgerton x reader #bridgerton #anthony bridgerton x reader smut

[just-an-enby-lemon]

"I... Of course I had a childhood Alice!" Gwen complains, trying not to pout. She had tricked herself into believing that her new promotion into external research would've come with some extra respect from her coworkers. It didn't.

Colin only mumbled something about suicidal ideas and "do you know what you're dealing with" before going back into his usal cutting cabbles and threatining the computers. Sam, well, Sam was actually very enthusiastic about the future results of her research. It was quite nice. She honestly didn't care much about Celia. New people often didn't stay and she had no reason to think Celia would just because she was acting creeply non-affected by the whole awfull job of cursed stories ordeal.

And there was Alice. That one was on Gwen. She should've known better than to expect that Alice would change, likely Alice didn't even know what being respectifull meant.

"A boooring chidlhoold." Alice said, her attention still mostly in her computer scream. Playing solitaire. Somehow Alice managed to find a way to do barely any work and never have any backlog and Gwen had gave up on discovering how.

"It wasn't boring." It really was. Her parents took formality very seriusly and had a tendency to see childrem as small adults. But sometimes they had nice trips and Gwen liked to play office or lawyer. Besides she usually had fun with her cousin, well, when he wasn't using picking her up from school as an excuse to pass by his weed dealer or forgetting her in places. Honestly he was still a better deal than the babysitters. At least for her social life.

Alice raised an eyebrow.

"I was a very well-dressed child." It was not a defense of anything. It was basically a non-sequitor but Gwendolyn needed to protect her family from the insult of having a child with a less than perfect childhood and her mind went blank (probably because of stress. It wasn't really a bad childhood was it?).

"Oh no." Alice said in a ton that was actually sympathetic. "Please tell me your parents didn't force you into formal wear."

It was soo sincere that Gwen sort of broke (and it was just because Alice was rarely sincere and not because the other woman was really attractive in a soft way when sincere).

"My older cousin once told us that if we didn't look presentable we would be switched by an evil regency body hopper." Alice giggled delighted and it was all that was needed for Gwen to keep going. "When I pointed out he was the only one in informal wear he turned to me and told me, as if the biggest secret, that the reason he was always smoking was because the evil georgian tracked bouchards by smell and the weed kept him hidden."

"What a delightfully strange cousin." Alice said. "Maybe your childhood was not all that boring. Maybe it's just you."

Gwen frowed. All the good feelings from before turning into smoke and going slowly away.

"I don't know why I still even talk to you."

Alice opened her mouth, likely to tell another joke. But stopped.

"It was a nice story, Gweeeen, no idea why you told me, specially knowing that now I will want more absurd tales from Tiny Gwen as the blood payement for surviving this place, but it was nice. "

It was an olive branch if Gwen ever saw one.

And even if things never became actually good between them, even if she started yesterday feeling dumb for thinking Alice cared, even if it would make her fantasies of kissing Dyer worse. Gwen took it.

"I have enough stories for it. But don't expect then for free, I'll trade for biscuits, Celia mentioned you have a secret stash."

"Dammit Sam." Alice mumbled but she was smilling.

#notes: alice curses sam because sam was the one that told celia about the biscuits #tmagp #tmagp fic #the magnus protocol #silly little thing i intend to turn into an actual short fic but i wanted the season to have more episodes first #alice dyer #gwendolyn bouchard #dyhard #elias bouchard #sort of #i wrote it so ofc jonah magnus is in there somewhere

[jpmarvel90]

Don't let me down - Part 3

Masterlist Scarlett Masterlist

Part 1 Part 2

Relationship: MamaScarlett x 16 yr old Reader

Summary: Scarlett is devastated to learn the true extent of Y/n's injuries. Whilst Y/n is preparing for their court date and the decision she has to make.

Word count: 5684

Y/n's POV:

After getting ready, I reluctantly headed downstairs, dreading what was waiting for me. I don't think I'm ready to talk about what's happened to me. I've never really had to vocalise it before. Talking with Danny and the police was the most I'd ever admitted to anyone other than Laura and it felt wrong doing it.

When I came downstairs, Scarlett was at the stove watching the pancakes whilst Colin was preparing some coffee. "Morning kiddo." He greets me with a warm smile when he sees me enter the room. "H-hi." I return, my voice causing Scarlett to spin around and look at me. "Would you like some coffee?" He asks me, waving the coffee pot at me. "Yes please." I reply, knowing I'm going to need a lot of caffeine to get through today!

"Take a seat sweetheart. Pancakes are almost done. What would you like with them? We have bacon, syrup, fruit, or chocolate spread." She offers up. I'm not used to having options let alone a choice on what to eat. "Uh. Bacon please if that's ok?" I reply hesitantly. "Good choice. Can't have pancakes without bacon. This one here only eats them with fruit." Colin jokes, making Scarlett gasp in faux offence. I like the bond they seem to have together. There's so much love there but they don't take themselves too seriously.

Scarlett places a plate with three pancakes and bacon in front of me. "I'd rather have something naughty as a snack than at breakfast." She points out. "She's training for her latest movie, and I swear if I see any more kale I may leave." Colin continues to joke, making me genuinely laugh. Is this what breakfasts are like for normal families? Happy and fully of laughter? I see Scarlett do a double take when I laugh, smiling widely. "Just shut up and eat your pancakes." She instructs Colin, grabbing her own plate and joining us at the kitchen island.

"What time are you meeting Laura?" Scarlett asks me. "Uh 11." I respond and she nods. "Perfect. I'll need to pick you up at 2:30 though so we have time to get ready for the court date later." She responds. "That's perfect. She has work in the afternoon anyway." I say, turning my attention back to the food in front of me.

There's small talk whilst we eat, but I'm waiting for the moment that Scarlett starts questioning me on the injuries I have. Though she did say we don't have to talk about it if I don't want to, so maybe she'll leave it for now. "I've got to make a quick call, but have a great time with Laura, kiddo. See you later." He says to me. I smile and watch as he leaves.

I can already feel Scarlett's expectant eyes on me. "The weather's nice today isn't it." I say and she laughs. "Yeah, it's particularly warm today." She responds. "I don't think I'm ready to talk about it." I admit to her before she can ask anything. I find sometimes it's better to be ahead of people rather than wait for them to start talking. I'm not sure how much I trust Scarlett yet and there is a lot to unpack. But there is also a worry in the back of my mind, that when she finds out how broken I am she won't want me anyway. Do I want her to want me?

"That's ok honey. I do hope that you feel comfortable talking to me about it someday. I want to be able to support and be there for you as much as I can. I missed too much of your life, all my fault I know, but I hope that I might be able to make up for some of that now." She expresses honestly.

"I appreciate you not pushing me. This whole situation is still a lot to process and I'm not sure when I'm going to be in a place to talk." I warn her, not wanting her to get her hopes up. I can see that it causes a flash of hurt to wash over her face, but she tries to hide it. "Of course. There is no pressure. Ultimately all that matters is that you are ok and happy. I still hope that is with us, but I will support you if you'd rather move to another foster home." She shares, taking me completely by surprise.

Although I can see how much that hurt her to say, I can see the truth in it. I never thought that I would get to have a choice in this matter. I feel like I'm still on edge here, but so far everything they have done for me has been thoughtful and with no hidden meaning to it. I think I'm safe here and maybe Scarlett does deserve a second chance. I just don't know how easily I can fall into being her daughter. But maybe the foster situation is good as it gives me time to work that out.

After talking a little more, I head to grab my things to meet up with Laura. I think I need this time with her. I need the comfort she provides by just being there and I need someone that I can talk to with complete honesty. "Are you ready honey?" Scarlett shouts up the stairs. Checking the mirror once more, I decide I look suitable and not like I've had two traumatic days.

I jog downstairs to see Scarlett waiting with her bag over her shoulder and keys in hand. "Yeah, I'm good to go." I tell her with a smile. She calls out to Colin to let him know that we're leaving and then we make our way out to the car. The journey isn't as awkward as the one last night. We talk a little about the court appointment this afternoon and what will happen. We then switch to talking about school and if I'm ready to go back in on Monday after the school break.

I assure her that I'm ok to head back and don't need longer off. Normally I hate when it's a school break as it means I had more time at the home. I also can't wait to get back to playing soccer. She agrees that it'll be good for me to go back and says that if I'm still with her that she'll do the school run for me as it's a little far to get the subway.

Eventually, we pull up at the café and Scarlett turns to smile at me. "I'll see you back here at 2:30, But I'm going to be around the area, so just let me know if you want picking up earlier. I can be here within 10 minutes." She tells me with a genuine smile. It feels very strange having someone care enough about me to drop and pick me up. But I think I like it. Knowing someone cares about where I am. It's nice.

I thank her and jump out the car and make my way into the café. I take the usual table that Laura and I sit at and order drinks for the both of us. It's not long before my best friend joins me and is pulling me into the tightest hug. "How are you doing?" She asks me as she takes the seat opposite me. Her concerned gaze on me. "My head feels a little like it's going 100 miles an hour at the moment." I admit with a bit of a chuckle. "How has it been staying with Scarlett?" She questions me and I think about how to respond.

"It's been ok. Her and Colin have been really nice." I tell her. "Good, about time you were treated properly." She states protectively. "I'm still a bit on edge. Although I can see they are truthful in their actions, I'm just waiting for the other shoe to fall. I guess I'm just worried that there is some ulterior motive to them wanting to adopt me." I admit.

Laura looks at me for a moment as she chooses her words. I always know that I'm going to get honest advice from Laura. Even if it's not what I want to hear. I know that she's only saying what's best for me. "I can understand why you feel like that. But you have to remember that she got in contact with you before she knew any of the shit that you've been through. She's not just doing this out of pity. And she certainly isn't doing it for publicity, she's one of the highest earning actresses there is. She doesn't need it." She advises me, seemingly able to read my two biggest worries without me having to say a word. She really is the best friend I could ask for.

"But she already has a family. What if I don't fit into that or they don't actually end up liking who I am?" I share my worry causing her to smile at me. "Trust me Y/n/n. You are the most likeably person there is. Everyone on the team fell in love with you in minutes. Scarlett and Colin already seem to adore you from what you say. Yes, it's going to be a big change for all of you and it's not going to be easy. But never worry about them not liking you." She expresses, taking my hand in hers and giving it a comforting squeeze. She gives me her dazzling smile and I feel my heart flutter. God I could look at her smile all day.

"If you decide to stay with them. You need to give it time. Things aren't going to be normal tomorrow. You also need to learn to not completely shut yourself off." She continues to give me her words of wisdom. "I don't shut people off." I defend but Laura just scoffs. "It took months for you to open up to me. If things get tough, you go into protection mode and shut down. You have people that are here for you to help you through it. You never know. Maybe you'll actually find talking about things with people helps." She smirks at me, knowing she's got me on that one.

"What would I do without you?" I ask her with a smile, and she laughs. "Your life would be a hell of a lot more boring. I brighten your life." She laughs. It's my favourite sound. "Yes, you certainly do. You're everything to me." I say, my cheeks instantly blushing when I realise, I admitted a little too much.

Laura stops and looks at me with a face I can't interpret. Then her smile grows even more. "You mean the world to me Y/n/n." She returns with complete honesty. My cheeks blush even more, and I drop my gaze to my empty mug. "Come on. Let's go for a walk in the park before Scarlett comes to get you." She suggests, holding her hand out to me. I easily take it and follow her out of the café to the park nearby.

She doesn't let my hand go as we walk, and I can't stop the warm feeling it gives me. We take a walk around the park before taking a seat under the big willow tree overlooking a small lake. "You know that regardless of what happens with Scarlett, you will always have me right." She speaks after a moment of silence. I look to her and see an almost shy smile. "I know. You're my person and I am the luckiest person in the world." I reply, making it her turn for her cheeks to blush.

She pulls me into her lap, and I rest my head back against her and her arms wrap around me. I feel completely safe with Laura and for the first time, I feel that maybe, she might just feel the same as me. When things with Scarlett have calmed down, maybe it's time to talk with Laura properly.

"You know, I need to meet Scarlett properly. Make sure her intentions are good." Laura says to me, her breath tickling my ear. "Isn't it meant to be the other way around?" I giggle. "Hmm, normally. But in this case, I need to make sure she's right for you and that she's not going to hurt you again. Besides, I wasn't exactly nice to her when I met her last." She shares and I laugh as I recall the time, she filled me in on what happened that night. "Yeah, probably wasn't the first impression you wanted to give your favourite actress." I tease her. "Shut up!" She whines as she pinches my sides, tickling me. We end up rolling on the floor laughing our heads off. This is the happiest that I have felt in a long time. Maybe things might be looking up for me.

After calming down, I check my watch and see that Scarlett will be heading back any minute now. "How about I see if you could come for dinner one evening. You can meet them both." I offer her and she smiles. "I'd like that." She replies easily, standing up and brushing herself off and holding her out to me. I take it and she pulls me into her for a hug. "I love you Y/n/n." She whispers in my ear. "I love you to Laur." If only she knew how much.

She walks me back to the café, our hands intertwined again. I spot Scarlett's car and say goodbye to Laura before making my way over to Scarlett. I open the door and she smiles as I get in. I feel much lighter than I did this morning. "Hi Sweetie. Did you have fun with Laura?" She asks me, a small smirk on her face. "Yeah, I did. It was just what I needed." I tell her and that seems to make her happier.

We start the drive home and my mind goes to the impending court appointment that we have in less than two hours. I think I've made my mind up. I just hope that this decision isn't the wrong one. Surely, I'm due some goodness in my life right now?

Scarlett's POV:

Whilst I'm waiting in the car for Y/n to come out, I notice her actually walking over from the park. The first thing I notice is the big smile on her face. I've never seen her smile like that, and it warms my heart. She has the most beautiful smile. Then my eyes drop to the linked hands with Laura. Are they together? They look rather comfortable together. They make a cute couple.

I watch as they say goodbye to each other, and I notice that Laura's gaze lingers on Y/n as she makes her way to the car. Even if they're not together, she definitely has feelings for my daughter!

When Y/n gets in the car, I can't help but smile at how happy she seems. When she says that the visit with Laura was just what she needed, I'm glad that she had that chance today. She must have so much going on in her head, I'm glad that she has someone that she can talk to. Hopefully, one day that might be me. But for now, I'm more grateful for Laura than ever.

"Maybe you could invite Laura over for dinner one night?" I suggest whilst we're driving home. I look to her when she laughs. "What's funny?" I ask her. "I suggested the same thing after she told me that she wanted to make sure your intentions for me are true." She shares with a smile. "Oh really. I certainly feel like I need to make a better impression on her than I did the first time I met her." I share and Y/n laughs, clearly knowing what happened. "I'm surprised she spoke to you like that. She's like your biggest fan." She admits, still smiling. "Though you can't tell her that or she will literally kill me." She says seriously to me. "Secrets safe with me." I promise.

Our conversation on the way home seems much more fluid. Though her mind seems to drift the closer we get to home. I imagine she's thinking about our court date. I'm nervous for what she has decided. I promised myself that I wouldn't push her to tell me. She needs to make the decision that is right for her. I hope that when she sees how much Colin and I want her, she'll agree to stay with us.

Once we're home, we both head our separate ways to get ready for court. I change into a pant suit whilst Colin comes out of the bathroom in his own smart suit. He always looks so good in a suit. "How are you feeling?" He asks me, placing his hands on my shoulders and giving them a slight squeeze. "Nervous. I don't know what she's going to decide upon. In the car she was talking about us meeting Laura which made me hopeful. But I'm worried to get my hopes up too much." I share with him.

He gives me a sympathetic smile. "All we can do, is show her how much we want her to live with us and provide her with a life that she deserves. Hopefully, she's seen a glimpse of that since being with us. But just know that I am going to be by your side through all of this regardless of what happens. I want to be a father to Y/n as much as I am to Rose and Cosmo." He expresses and I think my love for him just grew even more. "I love you so much." I tell him, spinning around in his arms and capturing his lips with mine. "I love you to Scar. Always." He returns.

When we get downstairs, Y/n is sat waiting in the living room on the couch. She's nervously rubbing her hands up and down her legs. I walk into the room and take a seat next to her. I desperately want to reach out and take her hand to give her some comfort, but I don't want to push any boundaries with her. "Are you ok sweetheart?" I ask her and she looks at me with a gaze full of panic. She hums and nods unsurely.

"I don't really have any nice clothes. This was the best I can find. Is this, ok?" She asks quickly, pointing to her outfit. She's in a blue skater dress. She's curled her hair a little and looks beautiful. "You look perfect honey. Nothing to worry about." I reassure her. She gives me a tight lipped smile and I see her shoulders relax slightly. "Are you two ready to go?" Colin asks quietly walking into the room. "I am. Are you Y/n?" I ask turning to her and she nods, standing up.

The sound of the radio is the only sound in the car as we make our way to the courthouse. I think we're all to scared to say something wrong. I just wish I was able to comfort Y/n more. I know it's going to take time. But all I want to do is hold her, tell her I love her and that she is safe with me and for her to believe it.

Danny is waiting for us at the entrance when we arrive, and he takes us into a small room away from all the people in the hallways. "Hi Y/n, how are you doing?" He greets Y/n first and I see her instantly relax. She seems to really like Danny and feels safe around him, which I'm glad about. "A bit nervous." She admits shyly. "That's ok. There is no pressure today. The judge will ask Scarlett and Colin some questions and then he'll ask you some too. Just answer honestly." He informs her and she nods in understanding.

"Does he know about what happened? You know with everything?" She asks him with a worried look on her face. "He does. But Judge Bailey is really kind. He's there to make sure the outcome is what is best for you. There is no judgement on you as a person." He replies. I hate how nervous Y/n is with all this. But hopefully, after today we can move on from this and start to make a better life for her.

Danny explains a bit more to all of us and makes sure that Colin and I have all the relevant papers that we had to bring and fill out. I don't want our case to be rejected because we forgot something! This needs to go perfectly.

Time ticks on and eventually we're called into family court. We're the last case of the day, so thankfully, there are no others waiting for their case to be heard. Not that it would matter. I don't plan on hiding Y/n from the world, but I want it to be on her terms when that knowledge becomes public.

We take our seats behind the desk. Y/n is sat on the desk to the left of us with her social worker. She looked nervous when she was told that she had to sit away from us. If I wasn't so worried about her, I would have melted at the fact that she wanted to stay. Colin has a grip on my hand the whole time as Danny does his introduction to the judge. Thankfully, when asked, the social worker confirmed that they have no disagreement to us foster Y/n. Now it's just down to personal statements.

"Mrs Johansson." The judge addresses me, and I stand in response. Danny indicates for me to move to the podium in between the two desks and I make sure to give Y/n the biggest smile I can. I'm surprised when she returns it. "You are Y/n Y/l/n's biological mother?" He asks me and I nod as I respond. "I am." A smile tugging at my lips, proud to be that. "And you're now asking for an emergency foster status so you can home her with the intention of adoption." He clarifies reading over the papers Danny had presented.

I really wish he would say it like he did. Y/n isn't a dog that we want to rehome. "I do your honour." I confirm and watch as he nods. "Now is the time to make your statement as to why you want to progress with this case." He looks directly at me, and I feel my heart start to beat faster at the thought of talking so honestly. But I know that there is a lot that I want Y/n to hear.

"16 years ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life. I put my career before my daughter. I thought at the time it was what was best for her. I didn't think I could dedicate time when I was working so much. But within a week of putting her up for adoption I regretted it. I longed to be the one that watcher her grow up, that was helping her to learn to walk and talk. To tie her shoelaces and be there on her first day of school. But I only had myself to blame for it."

I pause, not wanting to let my emotions take over me. "I tried to reverse the adoption, but I had given up my parental rights and I had to accept the fact that I would have to wait until she was 18 before I would be allowed to approach her and that was a hard pill to swallow. I tried to move on, but she was always there in my mind. Every day I wondered what she was doing, what she was interested in.

It took me by surprise when my lawyer called me and told me that Y/n had been moved into the foster system and I was legally allowed to approach her now. I felt like I was being given a chance to create a relationship with her. As soon as I knew she was in foster care, I wanted to adopt her, to have her be my daughter again.

That desire has only grown in the last week. The only solace that I had over the last 16 years was that Y/n was in a caring and loving home. Being given a life that I wouldn't have been able to give. But now I know what she has been through, I want nothing more than to be able to provide her with a safe, loving, and happy home now. Something I wish more than anything I had given her from the day she was born."

Tears prickle at my eyes as I speak. I feel my shame and embarrassment at being so selfish and the impact that the decision that I made has had on Y/n. "I may have only spent the last two days with Y/n, but I can tell you that it has only made my love for her grow even more. Because despite everything that she has been through, she has grown into a kind, intelligent, beautiful, and funny young woman and I couldn't be prouder." I share, directing it directly to Y/n so she can see my honesty.

"I know I may not deserve a chance at being Y/n's mother again. It is something I have to earn. But I hope that today, you'll allow me the opportunity to provide her with a home until she decides on what is best for her. I hope beyond anything that she'll find it within her to forgive me and allow me to be her mom. But I understand that that might not be what's best for Y/n."

I take a deep breath as I finish, turning to return to my seat. I see Y/n sat with glossed over eyes. Her social worker with a hand on her shoulder to provide her some comfort. As soon as I sit in my seat, Colin wraps an arm around me and places a kiss to my head whilst Danny whispers a well done to me. "Mr Jost."

The judge now turns his attention to Colin who sits upright. "I understand that you aren't Miss Y/l/n's biological father. Are you supportive in Mrs Johansson's endeavour to complete the foster and possible adoption of Y/n?" He asks and Colin smiles widely. "I have known about Y/n since Scarlett and I's first date. She has never been a secret in our relationship, and I have fully supported Scarlett in wanting to have her be a part of our lives. I look forward to having her become part of our family. I already feel like she is my daughter, despite only knowing her for a few days." My eyes don't leave Colin as he speaks, my heart growing to know that he has so much love for her too.

When I glance over to Y/n she has a look of shock on her face. I don't think she ever thought that she would hear words like that from Colin. I hope that it will help show her that we are both 100% for this. Her face soon turns to one of nerves at the judge addresses her. I notice how his voice becomes much softer and he gives her a kind smile. "Miss Y/l/n. I know that this has been a difficult few days for you. I would also like to apologise for the fact that the system failed you with both your adoptive parents and the foster care you received. I have made sure that an investigation has been launched to ensure this never happens again." He tells her.

I'm glad they're doing that. It's too late to help Y/n but hopefully it'll stop any other child having to experience anything like she has had to go through. "Now, if you wouldn't mind just standing there at the podium, I have a couple of questions for you." He requests, pointing to the stand.

I watch as Y/n slowly stands and makes her way to the stand. She meets my gaze and I give her a warm smile, one that she partial returns. My heart starts to race as I wait to hear what she's about to say. I'm about to find out if I have any hope of building a meaningful relationship with my daughter.

Y/n's POV:

Standing here at the podium is the most nerve wracking thing that I've done. Hearing the honest words of both Scarlett and Colin took me by surprise. Colin's especially. To know that I was never a secret between them made me happier than I thought and knowing that Colin wants this as much as Scarlett makes me feel more comfortable.

Listening to them, it helped me make my mind up. I know there is a long way to go, and I don't know if adoption is going to be the end goal. But I want to live with them. Scarlett will never be able to take back what she did, but I'm sure if she could, she would. To ask to be in a different foster home feels a little like I'm cutting of my nose to spite my face.

It's also got so much more risk to it. I'm pretty sure I'm safe with Scarlett. But going elsewhere is a complete unknown. I know the judge said they are investigating everything, but there is a systemic problem within the foster system and any changes as a result of the investigation won't be imminent. And ultimately, I just want to have a normal life. A normal family. Maybe I can have that with Scarlett and Colin.

"Miss Y/l/n. Firstly, I'd like to ask if you feel safe at Mrs Johansson and Mr Jost's home." The judge asks me, giving me a kind smile. "Yes sir. I do." I respond quickly and easily. "That's very good to hear. I only have one more question for you and I want you to answer honestly. Do you want to be fostered by Mrs Johansson and Mr Jost?" I knew this question was coming, but my answer isn't quick from my mouth.

I look to Danny, who's giving me the most reassuring smile. My gaze then falls to Scarlett, who's eyes are full of unshed tears. Fear evident as she waits for my answer. Colin is providing her as much comfort as he can, but I can see the concern on his face too. I turn back to the judge, grateful that he's not pushing me to answer. "Sir, I think I would like to be fostered by Scarlett and Colin." I respond. I hear a small gasp and a stifled sob as the judge thanks me.

"Thank you, Y/n. You can sit back down again." I return to my seat at the instruction of the judge whilst he sorts some papers in front of him. "Ok. After hearing the testimony today, I approve the emergency foster status of Mrs Johansson and Mr Jost and place Y/n in their charge as their foster daughter." The judge confirms. I hear a small 'oh thank God.' From Scarlett but the judge looks back to me. "Miss Y/l/n. I know that you're trying to find your safe place and know who you can trust. All I want to say to you is don't miss out on an opportunity to have the life you deserve because you're scared to forgive." His words hit me hard and I try not to let their affect on me show too much. I thank him and stand from my seat as he hits his gabble down.

Scarlett and Colin look almost jubilant together as Danny is collecting the relevant forms from the bench. My social worker smiles at me and walks over towards the other table. "I'll be in contact with you to arrange regular check ins. We'll start with bi-weekly and then move to 3 month check ups once I'm happy that Y/n has settled." The social worker explains to Scarlett who nods in agreement. She then turns her attention to me. "Thank you, Y/n. For letting us have the chance to give you the home you deserve." She tells me through sniffles. I give her a tight lipped smile, still feeling cautious in this moment. "C-can I uh. Can I hug you?" She asks me insecurely. I'm grateful that she asked, respecting my boundaries at the moment.

I nod and slowly open my arms to her. She carefully wraps her arms around me and places a hand against my head, holding me to her chest. The smell of her perfume is weirdly comforting and familiar. The hug is warm and safe. It feels like a hug from a mother. Something my adoptive mom never gave me. "I promise you that I will do everything to make sure you get the life you deserve." She whispers to me before placing a kiss to my head and letting me go.

Colin is almost bouncing on the spot next to her and I open my arms to him too, laughing as he quickly hugs me too, with a little 'yay' coming out of his mouth in excitement. "Thank you, Danny. For everything." Scarlett says to Danny who's smiling over the scene in front of him. "Of course. I'm glad that things have gone well." He returns.

We start to make our way out of the courthouse and towards the exit. Danny has hung back so he's next to me. "I'm still always at the end of the line if ever you need me." He reminds me and I smile at him. "Thank you." I return easily. When we reach the car, Colin is holding my door open for me, Scarlett standing by his side. "Come on, let's get you home." Scarlett says with the biggest smile on her face.

Home. I actually think this might be the first place that will ever feel like that to me.

Part 4

#scarlett johansson x y/n #scarlett johansson x reader #scarlett johansson fanfiction #scarlett johansson #celebrity fanfic #scarjo

[randomrichards]

THE TOP 10 BEST FILM OF 2022

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

GLASS ONION

Rian Johnson proves he’s still got the touch with another subversively comedic addition to the Knives Out franchise. He delivers the twisty mystery, unique characters, and witty dialogue we know and love from the predecessor. There are side splitting gags galore from the characterizations (Dave Bautista as an MRA influencer who still lives with his mom) and the dialogue (“Please tell me you don’t think sweatshops are where they make sweatpants”).

DECISION TO LEAVE

On the surface, Decision to Leave is a modern film noir about a kind detective who develops an infatuation with a femme fatale after her husband falls off the top of a mountain. But as you would expect from a Park Chan-Wook film, the film becomes something much more.

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT

Decades after the original best picture winning classic, Edgar Berge adapts Erich Maria Remarque’s classic anti-war story of a small group of eager young Germans who enthusiastically sign up to fight during WW1 only to be destroyed by the horrors of war. Many films show the devastation of war and its traumatic effects, but this film showcases the terror of being in the battlefields.

PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH

Puss competes against a group of baddies to reach a wishing star in the sequel nobody asked for that ended up being way better than it had any right to be.

First, it uses Spider-Man: Into the Spider verse’s animation technique to create an animation style that resembles illustrations come to life and create some dazzling action scenes. It also gives Puss some unforgettable villains ranging from the hilariously sociopathic Big Jack Horner (John Mulaney) to Dreamwork’s most terrifying villain the Wolf (Wagner Moura). Finally, it gives Puss some depth as he is forced to confront his mortality and how his obsession with his legacy has kept him from forming meaningful connections.

TAR

Cate Blanchett gives one of the year’s best performances as a narcissistic and well-respected composer whose actions eventually comes back to haunt her.

THE TOP 10 LIST:

10)          THE MENU

Satirical Comedy and unsettling horror make strange bedfellows in this unique tale of a Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy), an average woman who joins her foodie boyfriend (Nicholas Hoult) to an all exclusive dinner led by renowned chef Julian Slowick (Ralph Fiennes). What they don’t know is that Julian plans to deliver some just desserts for his latest customers.

The plot plays like a mystery. With each dish served, we try to guess what Slowick’s got planned for these elites. And Slowick’s motives grow more and more unsettling. It’s best to go in knowing as little of the movie as possible.

The actors are more than game for their respective performances. Fiennes is unsettling as a stern perfectionist who has a bone to pick with all of them. Taylor-Joy makes the perfect audience surrogate as she calls out the absurdity of the food arrangements. The rest of the cast play into the caricatures of their characters from Hong Chau as Slowick’s fanatical waitress to Janet McTeer as a pretentious critic. Hoult in particular relishes his role as a devoted know-it-all. Just the scene of him crying over tasting bread accompaniments without the bread is sure to bring a snicker.

This film ruthlessly mocks the elitist foodie culture. Most of the customers care more about the status than the meal, never just enjoying the dishes. With each dish, Slowick calls the customers out on their privileges.

Available on Disney+

9)            THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN

In a small village in WW1 era Ireland, Padraic Suilleabhain (Colin Farrell) and Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson) spend their days enjoying glasses of Guinness at the local pub. But then one day, Colm decides he doesn’t like Padraic anymore and cuts him out of life to focus on making music. But the daft and offended Padraic can’t seem to take a hint much to Colm’s annoyance and Padraic’s spitfire sister Siobhan (Kerry Condon) chagrin. The locals aren’t much help, with many prying to know more about this incoming feud..

After earning acclaim (and some awards) with his Hollywood features Seven Psychopaths and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, writer/director Martin McDonagh returns to his roots and reunites his In Bruges stars Farrell and Gleason. McDonagh brings his trademark dark comedy to a folksy environment from his biting dialogue (“If punching a policeman is a sin then we may as well pack up and go home”) and surprising violence.[1] It also fits into McDonagh’s reoccurring theme of men who are unable to handle emotional moments like mature adults. While it can be devastating for a friend to sever ties with you, but Padraic can be clingy. Colm isn’t helping matters by threatening self-mutilation. Farrell and Gleason’s performances prevent these two from being unbearable. Farrell stands out by bringing a childlike eagerness and naivety that makes Padraic likeable.

At the same time, McDonagh regards these characters with empathy. He shows as much understanding for Padraic’s gratefulness for his simple life as he does with Colm’s need to create a legacy through his music.

Also, McDonagh does an excellent job of creating a sense of environment with the village. There’s also a strong sense of community in this village, with everyone knowing each other. There is also a unique set of personalities in this village, from the eccentric old Mrs. McCormick (Sheila Flitton) to the timid Dominic Kearney (Barry Keoghan). This simple area feels like a warm and inviting home many would like to live in.

The Banshees of Inisherin is a dark delight.

8)             THE BATMAN

Who would have thought that there’d be a Batman movie that could pull off the feel of a David Fincher film? But Matt Reeves (along with co-writer Peter Craig) surprises the world with DC’s answer to Se7en and Zodiac. He brings the world a young Batman (Robert Pattison) in his second year who attracts the attention of the Riddler (Paul Dano), whose killing off key political figures in Gotham City. As he tries to get to the bottom of the Riddler’s murders, Batman comes to realize how corrupt Gotham’s world truly is and is forced to confront the sins of his father.

After two dark and gritty reboots of Batman and a post-pandemic world, this version really needed to impress. And it didn’t disappoint. Reeves delivers refreshing takes on every aspect of the iconic franchise. Gotham City has never looked seedier than it does in this film, with endless rain, decaying infrastructure and array of street gangs. This Batman we get is a young man who has let his Batman persona consume his life to the point where he barely has anything to do with Bruce Wayne.[2] But the most surprising update is the complete reinvention of The Riddler. This villain goes from being one of most mocked of Batman’s rogue’s gallery to being a Zodiac-like menace who seems to be constantly 10 steps ahead of everyone[3].

All these characters work because of the performances. Pattison proves himself a worthy Batman whether he’s interrogating Oswald (Colin Farrell) or taking down an army of muggers. Paul Dano weaponizes his everyman looks to hide an intimidating and sociopathic genius behind the green mask and distorted vocals. Farrell goes beyond the heavy makeup to create a ruthless, fast-talking version of the Penguin. Zoe Kravitz’ performance is probably the most comic accurate portrayal of Catwoman, especially when it comes to her dynamic with Batman. That’s not even getting into how Jeffrey Wright and Andy Serkis perfectly capturing the essences of Jim Gordon and Alfred respectively.

There’s also way more focus on the Detective aspect of Batman than in most versions. While we do see him in some kickass action scenes, for the most part, we see the World’s Greatest Detective use his sleuthing skills to solve the Riddler’s twisted riddles and investigate crime scenes. This brings more focus on the intrigue of the mystery.

And that score. That glorious musical score. Michael Giacchino delivers an epic, booming score worthy of joining the batman scores provided by Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer.

It’s not a perfect movie. The biggest problem is the running time, which can lead to some dragging scenes that will be too much for some audiences. But the strengths of the film make up for these flaws. Here’s hoping Reeves keeps this up for the inevitable sequel.

Available on Crave

7)             BOILING POINT

Writer/Director Philip Barantini seems to have taken a lesson from Uncut Gems on how to make a film feel like a relentless panic attack when he made Boiling Point; a tense drama about a stressed-out head chef (Stephen Graham) trying to get through the busiest night of the year.

Barantini and cinematographer Matthew Lewis make the risky move of shooting the whole film in a single take. It is easy for this to become gimmicky, but they use it effectively to emphasize how stressful it is to work in a restaurant. As the camera moves across the kitchen and into the dining area, it’s clear there’s no escape from the stress not even when head chef Andy Jones heads to his office to try and catch his breath. The rumbling of the kitchen as Andy sits alone in his desk makes it clear he has nowhere to hide.

Barantini also keeps the stress going by surrounding the environment with multiple clashes. The dishwasher’s upset that her replacement is hours late. The sous chefs and head waiter are at each other’s throats. Andy’s co-owner has invited a critic to dine with him. Barantini does an excellent job of balancing the multiple storylines within the short 92-minute screen time. He even manages to create some satisfying set ups and payoffs. One perfect example is a reoccurring arc with one chef whose constantly being told to roll up his sleeve. The revelation behind this arc with stay with you.

Boiling Point has a phenomenal cast who all deliver compelling performances as they scream over each other trying to get their point across. Usually typecast as the villain, Graham delivers his best performance as a man trying to keep it together while his life is going down the tubes. He makes you feel his hopelessness and overwhelming strain as he downs bottles of whisky, trying to get through the day. Even at his most self-destructive moments, you feel for him.

The result is a drama that does a better job of keeping the audience at the edge of their seat than most thrillers wished they could.

6)             RRR

With the growing interest in Tollywood films, RRR makes the perfect gateway drug. Rarely in recent years has there been an action film so unapologetically epic as RRR, which has broken into the mainstream.

As with many Tollywood action films, Director S.S. Rajamouli, co-writers Vijayendra Prasad and Sai Madhave Burra along with the cast and crew take every element of the epic action flick and turn them all up to eleven. In a time when there is a call for more flawed, relatable protagonists in movies, RRR gives us a duel of superhuman action heroes performing impossible feats of agility. The opening scenes alone have rebel leader Komaram Bheem (NT Rama Rao Jr) chasing a wolf and a tiger and misguided soldier Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan Teja) leaping over a fence and fighting a whole crowd to capture one suspect. Let’s see the Fast and Furious franchise have its heroes leap over a bridge on a motorcycle or a horse and swing on a rope carrying the Indian flag to rescue a boy from a fire.

While there is a pressure for films to keep any messages nuanced and subtle, RRR serves as a three hour middle finger to the British Empire. That empire is embodied by the mustache twirling Scott and Catherine Buxton (Ray Stevenson and Alison Doody) who literally kidnap a little girl and kill the mother in the first scene.  There would have been a danger of the villains being cringe, but Stevenson and Doody savour their villainy like a classic Disney villain. Even they get in on the over the top violence, with Mr. Buxton firing a machine gun while flying out a crashing car. It makes their downfall more satisfying.

If that isn’t enough, RRR also has musical numbers as epic as the action scenes. They manage to appear in the unlikeliest of moments like a motorcycle/horse race and one character being tortured with a whip. Most notable standout is a dance off between the heroes and one snobby British soldier.

But at its core, RRR is a story about a friendship between two men who don’t realize that one’s supposed to arrest the other and a tale about a tribal leader on a mission to rescue a little girl from rich captors. The fact this film makes us care about story and keep the audience hooked over its long screentime shows the power of this epic.

Available on Netflix

5)             THE NORTHMAN

After taking the horror genre by storm with The Witch and The Lighthouse, writer/director Robert Eggers gives us something completely different with The Northman. In contrast to his previous low budget A24 arthouse horror flicks, Egger’s latest is a big budget epic historical action flick. It may be his most accessible film, but that doesn’t stop him from bringing his boundary pushing style into this film.

The Northman is Hamlet-like revenge tale of Almeth (Alexander Skarsgaard), a Viking prince who seeks vengeance on his uncle Fjolnier (Claes Bang) who kills his father King Aurvandil (Ethan Hawke) and marries his mother Queen Gudrun (Nicole Kidman). After years in exile, Prince Amleth disguises himself as a slave and enlists the help of an enchantress (Anya Taylor-Joy) to bring down the King Fjolnier the Brotherless.

Eggers brings a refreshing take on the Viking historical drama with his trademark style. Like his previous films, Eggers (along with his co-worker Sjon) goes out of his way to make his stories as historically accurate as possible. As a result, we get the ugliest side of the Viking life. The images of people in chains makes it clear that Amleth’s family owns slaves. When Amleth’s in exile, he joins a group of Vikings in pillaging and terrorizing innocent people. In one horrifying scene, those Vikings trap women and children in a cottage and burn it down. Keep in mind that the protagonist watches this happen.

What’s strange is that Eggers also includes fantastical moments that draws from Norse Mythology. The result is otherworldly imagery of Amleth meeting with the Seeress (Bjork). It doesn’t seem like this should work, but somehow these elements make strange bedfellows.

Unlike his previous films, Eggars doesn’t go for historically accuracy with the dialogue. As a result, the audience has a better grasp of what the characters are saying. The dialogue is still kind of Shakespearean but just enough to the characters are still easy to understand.

Of course, the action scenes are awesome with the blood and dismemberment you expect from an R-rated movie with Vikings. It leads to a most metal ending with Amleth and his uncle going head-to-head in a volcano in their birthday suits.

With this film bombing at the box office, it’s doubtful Eggers will ever have the means to make a film as epic as this one.

Available on Crave

4)            GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO

2022 was the strange year where we got three Pinocchio movies in a row. After listening to Pauly Shore butcher lines and Disney butcher their original classic, most moviegoers knew Guillermo Del Toro’s stop motion version would be the best one by default. But even without the other two films, there would still be major anticipation for Del Toro’s first animated feature film. With his trademark fleshed out mythology, creative character designs and compelling storytelling, many expected him to perfectly capture the macabre tone of Carlo Collodi’s tale. What we got is a refreshing take on the classic take on the wooden boy who longs to be a real boy.

Del Toro (alongside codirector Mark Gustafson and co-writers Patrick McHale and Matthew Robbins) perfectly balances capturing the story’s dark tone and core storyline while changing many elements of the story. This Pinocchio (Gregory Mann) is a lot closer to the disobedient troublemaker of the original story than Disney’s sweet but gullible character. Like Collodi’s tale, this story has our hero causing grief for his creator/father Geppetto (David Bradley), being led astray by crooks and trouble making teens only to suffer the repercussions before the climax of trying to escape from inside the whale. It even includes both the Christian undertones of the original story and even its dark comedy (among them a reoccurring gag of Sebastian the Cricket (Ewan McGregor) constantly being squashed.) It also borrows a bit from the Disney version with the Blue Fairy (Tilda Swinton) bringing the puppet to life and the cricket trying to guide him.

But this film also makes a lot of changes from the original story. First, Del Toro sets the film in Italy during Mussolini’s reign. Not only does this fit into Del Toro’s reoccurring theme of life under fascism, but it brings nuance to the original story’s message of obeying your parents. While the film does have Pinocchio deal with consequences for misbehaving, the film also shows the dangers of blinding obeying those in power and makes the case that disobedience is necessary when it involves doing the right thing. The film also fleshes out the characters to bring complexity. While Pinocchio is still a disobedient troublemaker, he also has his heart in the right place and will stick up for others. Geppetto is a broken man grieving the loss of his dead son Carlo (also Mann). Sebastian is a wannabe writer who makes his home in Pinocchio’s chest. Del Toro also brings in an array of unique characters from ruthless ringmaster Count Volpe (Christoph Walz) to terrifying fascist enforcer Podesta (Ron Pearlman). All the actors do excellent jobs of making their characters engaging, especially Mann.

Co-Director Mark Gustafson perfectly brings Del Toro’s trademark style into the animation world, resulting in some unique visuals. Pinocchio has never looked more wooden with spiky wooden hair, tiny black dotted eyes, and multiple nails in his back. The Blue fairy aka the wood sprite (also Swinton) is this otherworldly blend of Hari Krishna and a mermaid. Death is this sphinxlike creature in a world of blue sand. What’s most notable is how the settings and character design resemble classic storybook illustrations come to life.

The film is also a musical, with songs created by composer Alexandre Desplat alongside Del Toro and lyricist Roeban Katz. The old timey style perfectly serves to further the narrative and reveal more about the characters, but they don’t stand out the way Encanto’s songs did. The one exception is “Ciao Papa.” When Pinocchio pours his heart out to his long distant father, you can feel that longing so much it may bring you to tears.

No wonder many see this as the front runner for the Best Animated Feature Oscar.

Available on Netflix

3)            AFTERSUN

Most filmmakers try to make their films memorable. Aftersun is a rare film that feels like a memory.

On the surface, it’s a simple story of a single Dad (Paul Mescal) and his daughter (Frankie Corio) taking a trip to a Turkish beachside resort. There is no real plot. No central conflict. It’s just segments of a father and daughter on vacation. At least, that’s what it seems like at first. Hidden in plain sight are signs of the father hiding some personal pain from his daughter.

In her debut feature, writer/director Charlotte Wells takes us into segments of this vacation, even replaying some moments on camcorder. The result is a film that feels like we’re entering the daughter’s memories as she tries to understand her father.

The strength of Wells’ filmmaking is how she avoids the temptation to dramatize any element of the plot in favour of making it as naturalistic as possible. Never does she make it clear what the dad’s going through. You only get the most subtle of hints. She only applies any artistry with the ending that will stay in your mind long after the credits roll.

That’s helped by the performances by the two leads. Mescal and Corio bounce off each other perfectly, making us believe they are an actual family. They both also maintain low key naturalization throughout the film.

Put all these together and you get an unassuming drama that stays with you long after the credits roll.

2)             (TIE) BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND, GOLDEN DELICIOUS AND YOU WILL LIVE FOREVER

I admit that I have a habit of putting ties in my lists, not helped by me including a three-way tie in this one. But these 3 films have so much in common that I felt they deserve to be put together. Well, that and these are probably the least known films on this list, and I feel they deserve more attention.

All three are Canadian films centered on LBGT teens who move into new locations, which leads to developing deep relationships. They’re similar yet different. The most important commonality are the compelling stories of relatable, flawed young people trying to fit into their world and figure out what they really want in life in the process.

First, we have Before I Change My Mind. Set in 1987, the movie centres on Robin (Vaughn Murrae), a non-binary preteen who moves to a small Albertan town from the US with their father (Matthew Rankin). There are of course questions from the students what Robin’s gender is. To fit in, Robin tries to befriend the school bully Carter (Dominic Lippa). On one hand, it makes it easier for Robin to form friends. On the other, it leads to Robin making misguided decisions.  

Director Trevor Anderson and co-writer Fish Griwkowsky capture the everyday life of preteens as they make snide comments during music class, pick fights with each other and just hanging around in the living room. What makes this film special is how it captures the difficulties of being a preteen. Robin and their classmates try their best to fit in with their peers. Sometimes it can be found in healthy activities like hanging around in the mall. Other times it comes from misguided decisions including sneaking into their parents alcohol or in one student’s case, completely changing his personality after being bullied.

The film also captures the frustration of dealing with emerging emotions you have no understanding of and now healthy means of channeling them. That’s especially true with Robin who has no idea of their own gender identity since non-binary wasn’t a common term in the 80s. As a result, they become targets for fellow classmates who keep demanding to know if they are a boy or a girl.. Being non-binary themselves, Murrae makes the audience feel how lost Robin feels. Anderson and Griwkowsky do an excellent job of using subtext to capture this feeling. And they never offer any easy answers.

There are also some funny moments in the film. When gym class separates the boys and girls, Robin sits in the middle. Robin and Carter try to convince a drag queen (dressed like Madonna) to buy them beers. But the comedic high point is the school’s disastrous rock musical rip-off of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Next, we have Golden Delicious. Jake (Cardi Wong) seemed to be living the perfect teen life as a basketball player whose relationship with his girlfriend Valerie (Parmiss Sehat) is popular on social media. But he finds his life turned upside down when new student Aleks (Chris Carson) moves next door. As Jake and Aleks both train for the basketball team, Jake is forced to confront the pressure his father George (Ryan Mah) places on him.

Director Jason Karman (through Gorrman Lee’s screenplay) channels his youth to capture the pressure of having to live up to expectations. Jake tries his best to please his father, despite not being the best skilled in the team. Georges’s pressure is embodied by the old, decaying basketball hoop he forces Jake to practice on. Through Aleks, Jake’s confronted with the fact that he has never learned to live for himself.

Lee also fleshes out Jake’s family, who is dealing with their own pressure. George and his wife Andrea (Leeah Wong) are trying to keep their Chinese restaurant afloat, but the stress of running the restaurant has taken its toll on Andrea. When their daughter Janet (Claudia Kai) discusses her interest in being a chef, Andrea tries to forbid her. Janet has her own arc where Janet tries to create her late grandma’s dishes. This family feels so achingly human and relatable.

Of course, there’s excellent chemistry between Wong and Carson as their characters build from a friendship into a relationship.

And finally, we have You Can Live Forever. Rebellious teen Jaime (Anwen O’Driscoll) is forced to live with her aunt Beth (Liane Balaban) while her mother recollects herself after her husband’s death. Beth is a Jehovah’s Witness whose husband Francois (Antoine Yared) hopes to be the leader of his congregation. While being forced to attend sermons, Jaime develops a friendship with fellow devout Marike (June Laporte). Soon that develops into something more, which is risky in a homophobic fringe community.

A romantic film like these lives and dies on the chemistry between the leads. When two leads have such differing personalities/worldviews, it’s very important that the two leads have convincing chemistry for the relationship to make sense. O’Driscoll and Laporte pull that off beautifully, conveying a warm intimacy between Jaime and Marike as they hide in plain sight with little intimate gestures. It helps that both actresses make their characters feel like real people. O’Driscoll portrays Jaime as a typical teen whose big glasses and grunge wardrobe hides a slightly rebellious teen frustrated at being stuck in a situation outside of her control. Laporte makes Marike a timid girl devoted to her religion yet forms an infatuation with Jaime. Writer/Directors Mark Slutsky and Sarah Watts avoid the temptation of melodrama in favour of grounded empathy. They allow us to understand what Marike finds in her faith while showing how it can be stifling for Jaime.

All three deliver achingly human stories of young people trying to find what they truly want in life.

1)            EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

In a time when franchises consume movie theatres, Everything, Everywhere All at Once came out of nowhere to deliver an everything bagel the zeitgeist can sink its teeth into.

Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) finds herself dissatisfied with her life as a struggling Laundromat owner, further aggravated by her goofball husband Waymond (Ke Huy Quan), her contentious relationship with her daughter Joy (Stephanie Hsu) and her overly critical father (James Hong). If that wasn’t bad enough, she’s being audited by the IRS, forcing her to deal with an austere IRS agent (Jamie Lee Curtis). Suddenly, Evelyn finds Waymond possessed by an alternate version of himself and Evelyn’s tasked with saving multiple universes from the mysterious and all powerful villain known as Jobu.

The Dynamic Duo of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert already proved their originality with their music video Turn Down for What and their feature film debut Swiss Army Man. Who would have thought they could create an existential tale of a mother daughter relationship involving googly eyes, hot dog fingers and a ratatouille parody?

As you expect from the Daniel’s previous works, it delivers on the weird and hilarious imagery (often involving leud objects). One minute, Waymond is gluing googly eyes on everything, and the next he’s taking down security guards with a fanny pack. That’s just one of many examples of the creative and well-choreographed fights scenes the Daniel’s have in store for the viewers. Only they could image fight scenes either involving Waymond intentionally giving himself paper cuts or henchmen trying to shove a trophy up where the sun don’t shine.

With moments like these, you would never expect anything profound in the film. And yet, the Daniels somehow balances these silly moments with deep, philosophical themes. Evelyn comes to realize how the little choices she made in life can have major outcomes after glimpsing versions of herself as a famous actress, a kung fu artist and a chef. Her journey also forces her to reexamine her perceptions of her husband and reconcile her relationship with her daughter. The battle between Evelyn and Jobu shows how perception can alter how one handles the meaningless of life. It’s surprising how deep this film can get.

The result is a cinematic miracle that delivers a truly unique experience.

Available on Prime Video

[1] When Colm threatens to cut off his fingers if Padraic talks to him again, you know a finger’s going to come off at some point.

[2] So consumed that he only has around 3-4 scenes as Bruce Wayne. It’s funny. In his Godzilla reboot, he barely showed the iconic monster on screen. For The Batman, we get all the caped crusader we could ever want.

[3][3] He also seems to be doing a better job of getting rid of corruption than Batman is.

#top 10 films of 2022 #random richards #everything everywhere all at once #before I change my mind #;Golden delicious #you can live forever #aftersun #pinocchio #Guillermo Del Toro #the northman #rrr fanfic #rise roar revolt #boiling point #the batman #the banshees of inisherin #the menu #tar #puss in boots #the last wish #all quiet on the western front #decision to leave #glass onion #a knives out mystery #knives out #movie review #review #daniel kwan #daniel scheinert #michelle yeoh #Trevor Anderson

[gold-onthe-inside]

Trent has a history of publicly releasing personal information, Isaac is making casually homophobic statements in the locker room, and Nate is off doing a job somewhere completely different, but it’s Nate that’s going to put Colin. Riiiiiiight.

well, gut feelings can be wrong 🤷‍♀️

i doubt trent's the one who's gonna leak information when he left his job because of what he had to do to ted. not to mention, he's writing a book, he isn't with a news agency at all.

as for isaac, is the casual homophobia disappointing? yes. i expect better behaviour from a captain. but for a show that always preaches faith and forgiveness, i don't doubt that isaac will make amends once he gets the wake up call.

i do think that out of everyone on the show, the only person who has something to gain from outing colin and the incentive to do so is nate. now, how he finds out is beyond me. it could be something as simple as someone tweeting something about them. other ppl have suggested that shandy's comment about making interviews go viral might land on colin.

i know that nate right now has the most to benefit after he just lost to richmond. it could be that someone else outs him first and nate just makes it worse... i honestly don't know. what we know is that colin and nate have a complicated relationship. they’ve both had their fair share of humiliating the other in public, warranted or otherwise. and nate definitely has a history of lashing out at other people when he feels humiliated. being defeated by richmond is the perfect set-up for that.

those are just my thoughts. i don’t hate nate and i’m not playing favourites. it’s also entirely possible that trent encourages colin to come out and to give his perspective on things (which is a book i would absolutely read). i also can’t tell what isaac’s reaction is going to be. i know in the trailer, there’s a point where obisanya is wearing the captain’s armband. i don’t know if it’s related to this, or to something else.

but i do know that despite the homophobic remarks, colin and isaac are good friends. in the same episode, he checks in with colin to ask if he’s alright. so i do hope he still cares enough to maintain that relationship. and as far as i can see from the trailer, there doesn’t seem to be any sign of hostility between colin and the team (apart from one tiny bit where isaac scores a goal during training and colin’s just sort of left behind but that could be nothing too).

i hope this is all semi-coherent but that’s just my opinion and i could be wrong. and that’s fine. i’m a-ok with being wrong about nate. in fact, i’d prefer it. it would be my DREAM to have nate actually defend colin or something which could be a part of his redemption arc. but i’m not okay with impolite anons coming into my inbox implying that there was no reasoning behind that opinion. next time, i’d appreciate it if you were courteous and polite. but thanks for dropping by 👋

#anon #asked and answered #ted lasso spoilers #colin hughes #isaac (i’ve forgotten his last name) #nate shelley #nathan shelley #trent crimm #independent

[jvstheworld]

My Ted Lasso Re-watch: S1E2 (part 3)

Biscuits

BBQ sauce is important to Ted because of the time he spent with his dad in bars playing darts. It was probably one of the last good memories he has of him.

Ted can guess from Rebecca's glance at the biscuits he made her that those are the things that bring back memories for her. He knows she's not telling the truth but isn't ready to open up yet.

Rebecca wants to set Ted and Keeley up for a scandal.

Ted gives a lot of people army men.

The lion is a better look than the panda.

'Is it free?' Ted's priorities when it comes to food are correct. Always check for free food.

Perfect comedic timing for Keeley with the BJ answer. I just love Ted and Keeley's friendship.

Sam is homesick. He's also talks about how his dad rubs his earlobe when comforting him, something that happen when Ola arrives.

They film the home games where Crystal Palace play, so the first match of the show rightly is against Crystal Palace.

Arlo White making an appearance on the show after being in one of the NBC ads which Ted Lasso was created for.

'Fruity...' is a common term throughout the show for any swearing heard during matches.

When Ted first asks Jamie into his office, Jamie sits down on the desk, but as soon as he gets the first compliment he stands up and goes quiet, like he wasn't expecting Ted to do so. Ted gives him a compliment sandwich, one good thing, followed by an improvement, and then another good thing. Jamie needs to start playing as part of a team and not just for himself. He might be the best player, but if he can't reconcile only being 1 person out of 11 then he'll never be as great as he could be. The Total Football episode is Jamie at his best because he is working with everyone. But right now, it's all about glory. And that's his dad's influence, needing to be noticed, and be the greatest, otherwise he'll take it out on Jamie.

I love the interaction between Roy and Nate, and Nate accidentally smashing the window. Then you have Ted's reaction of 'what the hell?' and Roy's 'good lad' to top it off.

Roy is surprised at the showers being fixed. Poor Colin though, but that's what you get when you stand directly under the shower before you turn it on. Who does that? Don't you turn it on, wait for it to be at the right temp and then stand under it?

Trent is relentless at trying to get answers.

Jamie tried to follow what Ted said but as soon as he heard the fans talking shit he reverted back to being a prick. It's okay for him to be the only one to look good, if it means he gets to trash the rest of the team. It's Sam's birthday, you're allowed to celebrate that, even Higgins does, and Nate wants to.

Ted likes meeting people and having fun. It's how he brings out the best in people. And it means we get to see more of Shannon.

Ted bakes Rebecca's biscuits himself, because he's the kind of person who wants to got he extra mile for others.

#ted lasso #roy kent #jamie tartt #rebecca welton #nathan shelley #keeley jones #sam obisanya #ted lasso rewatch #tv show thoughts

[mod2amaryllis]

Lots of people are coming out with their best shows/movies/anime etc. of the year, and since you have such impeccable taste I'd love to hear yours! Only if it's okay ofc! Have a wonderful rest of 2022 and great 2023!

ok this is the only end of year reflection i have the capacity to do tonight, lemme thiiink ummm it was a big year for things tbh!!! I'll just ramble i guess, first up...

TV SHOWS

SEVERANCE: possibly the best first season of a show I've ever seen, and absolutely the best s1 finale of a show I've ever seen, huge ups to @tricktster for recommending it. you've probably heard it a million times but if you haven't, GO WATCH SEVERANCE, it lives up to the hype.

THE REHEARSAL: the magic trick that this show pulls is so bizarre and unprecedented it's like. impossible for me to even talk about. the entire time watching it i was gaping at my tv in open disbelief. it does and says so much in the wildest ways possible I'm still obsessed.

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS S4: three words, Baby Colin Robinson

ANDOR: I'm not a star wars guy at allll. not even a little bit. my expectations have never been high. but when i saw @variastrix loving it up on my dash i was like okaaay and holy shit. SO good. the prison arc especially was just like OUUUGHH THEMES AND DIALOGUE OFF THE CHARTS!!!

ANIME

SPY X FAMILY: what's especially fun is that we were in Japan while the second part of the season was dropping and Anya was fucking eeeeverywhere!!! everyone agrees with me cannot get ENOUGH of that funny little girl!!! best execution of fake dating trope everr the more convoluted the better.

MOB PSYCHO 100 III: ......like. c'mon what is there to even say. what's there to saaaaay! it's in my top 3 anime ever! the subversion of shonen anime has basically ruined all other stereotypical anime for me forever because it's just. so much better. so much funnier and more poignant to watch the most powerful boy ever strive to be a better person. i love that little guy and his silly conman role model

MOVIES

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE: i feel the same way about this movie as anyone else. saw the trailer, hooked instantly, then when i actually watched it i walked out going "this is the greatest movie I've ever seen??????" insanely shot, cast incredible, the whole premise simultaneously huge as a multiverse and small as an immigrant couple in a laundromat. this movie defined my cosmic outlook on life. that nothing matters, so we should make the most out of what and who we love. in any other year this would've been my far and away fave. but then came:

NOPE: you guys follow me. you've heard it already. this movie ..... this..... FUCKING MOVIE.... haunted me from the moment i saw that chimp covered in blood. it scared me so bad i wasn't even sure if i liked it but then i thought and kept thinking AND I THOUGHT AND KEPT THINKING AND I HAVEN'T STOPPED THINKING this movie this god damn movie. it's a social commentary, it's a blockbuster popcorn hit, it's about animals, it's about people, it's a creature feature, it's funny, it's glorious to look at it's glorious and i love it so so much. Jean jacket really is a beautiful name for a baby girl.

GAMES:

VAMPIRE SURVIVORS: this game is like if you broke gaming down to it's purest chemical form and injected it directly into your bloodstream. it's a game that might be perfect in its simplicity. it's also really funny that i can be a stinky old garlic man, i like that a lot. it's free on mobile what are you waiting for.

HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST: i feel so fucking bad for this series not once, but TWICE releasing at the same time as two of the greatest games literally ever made (i still have to beat elden ring oops) because i love these games SO MUCH! they scratch a very particular itch for me which is plenty of upgradable weapons/armor for me to chase, incredibly in depth lore, and post apocalyptic robot dinosaurs. literally no notes. i love games like this that're like "we know what you want. you want to kill a spinosaurus with a bow and arrow and afterwards treat yourself to some incredible American vistas, here, take it, enjoy." it's an incredibly Me game. probably my goty if measured by how much fun i had playing it.

ALBUMS:

BRONCO BY ORVILLE PECK: the biggie. life changer. this beat out pony for me. makes me wanna be a lonesome cowboy in the Rockies so fucking bad i can taste it. like....im already thiiiis close to being a lonesome cowboy in the Rockies and when i listen to curse of the blackened eye on my morning walk, looking at the snow capped mountains, I'm there. I'm a cowboy baby. also saw him live and sobbed he's insane, the talent, he's just showing off he's nuts.

LAST NIGHT IN THE BITTERSWEET BY PAOLO NUTINI: through the echoes specifically. came up randomly in a mixed playlist and swiveled my head so fucking fast. one of my favorite artist finds of the year.

NOPE OST BY MICHAEL ABELS: that's right bitch nope gets featured TWICE, idc!!!

DANCE FEVER BY FLORENCE + THE MACHINE: this is the album to finally get me into Florence + the machine, before i was just into the hits but this album.... King? FREE???? DAFFODIL???????? good god welch

THINGS IN GENERAL

mfucking!!!!!!!!!

FISH!!!!!!!!!! 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟💙💙💙💙✌️✌️✌️🥰🥰🥰🥰🐠🐠🐠🐟🐠🐟🐠🐟🐠🐟🐠🐡🐡🐡🐡🐡��🦈🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

#this took me too long enjoy #goodbye 2022 you were huge #m2a #m2answers

[sea-owl]

Spring's Rebirth Chapter 8

AO3: Link

Francesca was not expecting to be greeted at breakfast that morning by walking in on her brother holding her sister in-law in his lap and attached at the lips.

"Really, in front of my eggs?" Francesca teased.

"Francesca!" Penelope exclaimed as she tumbled off Colin's lap, or almost tumbled off. Colin reclaimed his hold on Penelope before she could hit the floor.

Francesca wasn't sure what Colin and Penelope discussed that day they went around the kingdom together. Whatever was said though had certainly improved Penelope's relationship with not just Colin but the Court of the Underworld as whole as well.

Before Penelope would hide in the library or her room, never looking court members in the eye, and always made sure to use proper titles. Now Penelope has taken to exploring on her own around the castle and the castle grounds. Francesca has seen her trace things, and stare like she's trying to solve a puzzle.

Penelope still does not eat anything though, only drinks the healing potion when she needs it. Hopefully Phillip will be here soon and they can fix that. Now that Francesca thought about it the Guider of Souls is never this late. . .

"Ahem."

Francesca was brought out of her thoughts to see a blushing Penelope back in her seat on Colin's left side. Her eyes looking everywhere but at Francesca.

"How has exploring been?" Francesca asked.

"Interesting," Penelope said slowly, like she was still choosing her words. "It really does feel like a ghost palace sometimes. Especially when it wants to show you what it used to look like."

What it used to look like? Francesca shot her brother a look.

"Actually, I was hoping to join you two in the throne room today."

Francesca and Colin blinked. Penelope hasn't been in the throne room since that first day.

She's really made progress, Francesca thought. She remembers when she had to practically drag Penelope into the throne room that first day.

"I can help you find a dress for court," Francesca offered.

Penelope smiled. "Thank you."

Francesca finished her breakfast and the two made their way back to Penelope's room.

"Blue is the family color," Francesca said as she began digging through the clothes. "Each court just tends to take a different shade of blue."

Francesca herself was wearing a royal blue dress for court today. Her long chestnut hair tied in a loose braid with a headband.

Penelope shrunk in on herself. "How about a different color than blue."

Francesca nodded. "Perhaps it's too early." She dug through the dresses again until coming across a deep purple dress and a gold belt. "This one will be perfect." With the dress on Penelope began applying the dark eyeliner while Francesca worked on her hair.

While it would have been better to have Penelope wearing her actual crown, Francesca thought to herself, a braided one would do just fine.

A braided crown around her head, and the rest in a bun at the nape of her neck Francesca secured it with the ruby poppy hair pin.

"You're ready," Francesca said.

Penelope smiled up at the younger goddess. "Thank you. Now let us go."

Francesca cocked her head. "We have some time before the meeting starts."

Penelope stood and began walking towards the door. "I wish to see it before others arrive. Best to know what the palace will show me without Colin's whole court watching."

Francesca furrowed her brows, quickly following her sister. "What do you mean by what the palace shows you?"

The two goddesses walked down the hall, Penelope tracing her hand on different surfaces.

"I see things sometimes," Penelope said. "Of what the Underworld once was I believe. Like the Fields of Punishment, wheat should be growing there, correct? Instead of it being barren."

Francesca found herself nodding. Penelope wasn't wrong, that it what the Fields of Punishment used to look like before.

They entered the throne room. It was an open circular design. Pillars surround the edges of the throne room with three levels going up. There was no celling in the throne room. One nice thing about living in the Underworld is they didn't have to worry about the weather when Anthony or Benedict got into a mood. At the back of the ground floor was thrones of the Underworld on a raised dais. Below sat the judges' bench where three judges of the Underworld would be placed.

Penelope walked around, her hands tracing things that weren't there or maybe used to be there.

Penelope looked up. "The ceiling, it wasn't always open like this. The room itself used to be a lot more closed off. There was only one level with high walls. More private."

Penelope walked up the dais, her hands tracing the black marble throne. "The throne now is more relaxed, rounded like the room." Her hands tracing down the carved-out cornucopia around the base of the throne, jewels used to symbolize the food it holds. She giggled. "These definingly weren't here before. The throne used to be more . . . traditional, straight backed, like Anthony's. There certainly wasn't two either." Penelope looked over to the other throne. It matched Colin's in the more relaxed rounded style but does not have any of the decorations as his does.

Francesca stared in awe at her sister. "Penelope are you sure you haven't been to the Underworld before?"

Penelope shook her head. "Mama is a fertility goddess. She creates life in her plants, never would she come down here."

Francesca walked up the dais. "The throne room you are describing belonged to my father. He was much more private about the sins of the dead, never even let our mother come down here. Colin does not hold that same sentiment."

Penelope looked around the room again. "I can tell."

A door opened and Colin entered with three others, two men and a woman.

Francesca led Penelope off the dais and to the side. "The judges," she whispered. "The common man, Judge Will Monndrich, The king, Judge Friedrich, and the immortal, Judge Georgiana Rokesby, goddess of Truth."

Penelope recognized the name. "Your aunt?"

Francesca shrugged. "Aunt Georgie has been a judge since Father's time. She was essential when Colin first started ruling."

Penelope watched the judges discuss with Colin. "Wouldn't Colin count for two of them as the immortal and the king?"

"Colin is the High Judge in a sense," Francesca said. "He is usually the judge for the immortals' crimes. A soul's sins would have to be great and many to warrant his attention."

Aunt Georgie looked up just then. A smile broke out on her face as she took in Penelope. "Another red head for the family!" Aunt Georgie cheered. "Colin, I knew there was a reason you were my favorite nibbling."

The three men looked over as well, Colin gave a quick soft smile, while Judge Will and Judge Friedrich gave a bow.

"Let's get a look at you," Aunt Georgie said as she held Penelope's face, turning her this way and that. "Aren't you just adorable! I was wondering if I was ever going to see you. That little devil has been hiding you all to himself, hasn't he?"

"Lady Georgiana-" Penelope started but Aunt Georgie shook her head.

"No, no," Aunt Georgie said. "Aunt Georgie. You are officially family now. Oh, you must come to dinner with me and my husband soon."

Colin came up behind Penelope and wrapped an arm around her. "Of course, we will Aunt Georgie."

"Awww," Aunt Georgie sighed. "You two remind me of me and my Nicholas. A good old friends to lovers, except without the kidnapping."

Penelope chocked on a laugh; Colin squeezed her side.

The door opened again, and more member of the court began to file in.

"Well time to get to work," Aunt Georgie said. "Will! Friedrich! In your places!"

Penelope fell into a fit of giggles. "So kidnapping is a thing in your family?"

"A story for another time," Colin said, bringing the back of Penelope's hand up to kiss. "Is it too soon to ask you to sit beside me?"

Like an automatic response Penelope said, "I did not agree to be queen Colin."

Colin kissed Penelope's other hand. "Another day then."

King Colin sat on his throne, while Penelope and Lady Francesca made themselves comfortable in a corner.

One by one souls came in to be judged. The soul will plead their case while the three judges looked over their file. Judge Will and Judge Friedrich would debate between one another about where to send the soul and what punishment if any would be appropriate. If needed Aunt Georgie would hand the final vote. Colin watched from his throne, silently aiding in the support to his judges.

It was all standard procedure to Francesca, but it was interesting to watch Penelope absorb it all.

The latest soul was a man who had claimed he had killed his daughter in honor of the gods despite the fact that he loved her more than anything.

He was lying through his teeth. Francesca twirled the glowing gold truth potion on her belt, waiting to see if Aunt Georgie will need it.

"He's lying," Penelope said.

"Oh?" Francesca asked. "How are you sure?"

"He's talking too much," Penelope said. "His story was smoother until he said that one of the gods told him to do it. That's when Colin leaned closer because if a god did order that then he has to get involved. Now he's saying too much but the name of the supposed god who ordered him to do it." Penelope glanced down at Francesca's potions. "Plus you've been fiddling that truth potion for five minutes now."

"Observant as always," Francesca said.

Penelope turned those observant eyes fully at the magic goddess. "I have a question for you."

"Yes?"

"Whenever King Benedict or King Anthony hold court Lady Eloise and Lady Daphne are at their sides. Yet despite being Colin's right hand no one seems surprised that you are here next to me instead of by the king."

Francesca began to twirl the potion bottle. "A lot of my work is better done from the shadows. While taking Daphne for example is more of an advice giver to Anthony my work for Colin has to do with finding what souls try to hide."

"It sounds lonely," Penelope said. She thought for a moment before a giggle escaped her. "I should properly introduce you to Michael."

Francesca raised an eyebrow. "The wine god?"

Penelope giggled again. "If anyone can get a confession with just drink and a pretty smile it would be him. I think time together between you two would be good for both of you."

Before Francesca could ask what Penelope meant by that Aunt Georgie signaled Francesca to bring over the truth potion.

"You insist that a god ordered you to kill your daughter, but refuse to tell us which one," Aunt Georgie said to the soul. "We shall soon see how true your words are."

Francesca grabbed the soul's face and poured the drink down his throat. She held him for a moment longer until his eyes fully clouded over. The potion was in affect.

"He's ready for questioning," Francesca announced.

"Did a god order you to kill your daughter?" Aunt Georgie asked.

"No," the soul said. "She dared to question me, her father and king. Then ran off to marry that traitor's son. I told her if she did I would kill her, and I did."

Judge Will and Judge Friedrich both nodded to one another. "The Fields of Punishment."

Two guards came to drag the soul away. Francesca walked back to where she left Penelope.

The corner they were standing in was empty.

Left, right, up? Where cold have Penelope wandered off to? Did she see something again and decided to follow it?

Francesca was reaching near the entrance when she heard what sounded like relieved laughter.

"Pip!" Penelope laughed as she held tight to the guider of souls.

"Penny!" Phillip said, holding on just as tight to the queen of the Underworld.

#so fun fact the cornucopia is a symbol of hades and mainly comes from his status as the wealth god #it symbolizes hades giving mineral and spiritual wealth to the earth above to grow food in abundance #spring's rebirth #polin #hades and persephone au #colin bridgerton #penelope featherington #francesca bridgerton

[lillywhitefield]

I deleted my Colin "is a huge idiot" post, something I should've done not long after I posted it. I've thought about it for a while (like an hour after posting I thought "hmmm, people are taking this the wrong way") but I didn't delete it and hoped that the other stuff I said would do better. Unfortunately, that post did really well for whatever reason so I didn't delete it sooner and I regret it. Here's why.

It wasn't a good take. I am still excited to see Anthony and Benedict poke at Colin in their Bridgerton sibling way, but is Colin stupid??? Is he really????

No.

He has no idea Penelope is in love with him. I wouldn't know either. I literally need someone to spell out when they like me. You can't expect him to know that Penelope, his little sister's best friend, loves him. What indication would he have other than Penelope staring at him? I don't think there's much in their conversations that would give it away to him. It's easy as an audience member to see, because we have the whole story, but Colin doesn't. He only has his own perspective to go off of.

Will Colin and Penelope both be a little dumb while they realize the other's feelings? Yeah, love makes you a little dumb; you do dumb stuff, whether that be for or because of the other person. Again, it's usually only dumb from an outside perspective, it makes perfect sense within your own mind and your view of the relationship.

#polin #bridgerton

[punkcornzero]

My opinions on Ted Lasso finale

Guys, the Ted Lasso finale was not a finale. It was a beginning. The beginning of a story we don’t get to see but it’s there.

Things change, it’s not that what happened this episode is gonna last forever in that universe.

Ted could come back to England in the future, but what he needed and what he felt that he needed was to stay close to his son. He was miserable when he left him in the first season, he was miserable knowing he wasn’t close and his kid’s childhood happens only one time. Yes, he was a great dad even from far away, but he was miserable. Yes, he left a lot of friends there. But he’ll figure it out, he’s doing what he feels it’s right.

I’m seeing people upset because everyone is doing fine without Ted. What did you expect? It never was about him, it was his mindset. He gave them his mindset, but they are people too. They are all a large family and they work well even if a piece is away. I mean it would have been devastating knowing that you built something for the past 3 years and the moment you look away everything fell. It would have been much worse imho.

About Roy and Jamie, I think someone idealised them because they did say stupid things. Because sometimes they are like that. They are not perfect. They are not bad bad people either. They are selfish sometimes, harmful even. Tell me you never said something harmful just because you were hurt and wanted to hurt someone else too. Keeley knows that, she knows that they’re dorks and that they’re getting slowly better and love them, she knows how to forgive. And finally Roy is going to therapy. That is very very good. Roy and Keeley and Jamie are friends, even if they did one thing wrong. Because people can forgive other people.

About Trent, yes he didn’t have much screen time but honestly he’s never been a main character or anything and the characters were many. We did have the mere shadow of some crumbs but okay, I love him and I’m happy that he’s living his best life. Also he’s in love with Ted and you can’t change my mind. 

About Bear and Jane. Is their relationship toxic? Honestly I don’t know. Because we only have Ted’s point of view in this. I think Beard likes that their relationship is fucked up, and Jane likes it too. We don’t know almost anything about them. But if Beard wasn’t happy with her he wouldn’t have gotten off the plane. So idk I’m just gonna let them living their life.

Rebecca and the Dutch guy: irrealistic but he seems nice. They are good and living their best life.

Rebecca giving the share to the fans: lovely. (I don’t know anything about economic things)

About Tedbecca, I’m so fucking happy that we got to see a nice friendship between main characters who are allegedly cishet. No drama, no sex, no nothing, just friendship and growing and rooting for each other. Love it. They’re besties and they have my heart.

Jamie and his dad: oh no, people forgiving people yet another time. I mean, if his dad is getting better and doesn’t drink and wanted to show his son that he’s proud why should we get angry? Is it irrealistic? Maybe, but in the show it’s possible and I’m happy for Jamie.

Nate: so happy for him

Colin: I knew he would have kissed his fella. I’m so proud, I wanted them to win the match just to see them kiss.

Can people be perfect? No. (But Higgins can, he’s perfect, he’s my baby)

Was this show perfect? No. But it gave me feelings and I liked it most of the time. But it was written by people, who are not perfect.

#ted lasso #ted lasso finale #I could edit some things but these are my raw thought and I wanted to free them in the wild #ted lasso spoilers #ted lasso 3 #ted lasso season 3 #my opinion

[anotherrevue]

The Top 25 Movies of 2022

When I think about 2022, the highs of the year feel like a return to form, for movies and for myself personally. And yet, on further inspection, it’s possible that two straight years of largely garbage movies and even more garbage circumstances have set the bar rather low. Yes indeed, this year has been better in comparison, but it has not by any means measured up to “normal”. 

There have been some bright spots – travelling all over the country to meet friends, watching movies I’ve been waiting to see for several years, etc – and there have been some dark recesses – of the mind, yes, but also whatever the fuck has been happening at Warner Bros. Discovery. And as far as my empty promises of lots of new pieces that I made in my first ever post, the ideas are still there, I just haven’t yet made most of them as coherent as I’d hoped. However, I have some breaking news for you: the year’s over, which means it’s time for the highlight reel babyyy! You’ll only find best-ofs here (sorry to The Gray Man) as we kick off another year.

Quick note to anyone who didn’t read the Shepitko piece: I’m totally on your side. It’s too long and too much like a SparkNotes summary of a biography. I wrote it while I was stuck deep down a well of love for this incredible artist who thought much along the same lines about art: “If I don’t do it, I’ll die.” Is that a sideways excuse for why I haven’t updated this blog in a long time? Maybe…

But back to 2022. An incredible year for theatres: Top Gun Maverick recreating the late great Tony Scott’s aesthetic for a fleeting 2 hour thrill ride was something I never expected. Avatar: The Way of Water leading the charge for high quality, must-see-in-3D movies on the other hand was something I completely expected and yet I still walked out absolutely in love with Pandora. The return of Jaws, ET and The Godfather in the form of picture-perfect restorations and pristine transfers was such a perfect lure back to theatres.

But as with any year, I saw most movies this year in my bedroom or on TV. 594 is a very large number, which troubles me. I worry that I watch too any movies – do I really process what I watch or is it robotic? Am I just putting on movies as a way to distract myself, and if so, is that fair?

I don’t really have answers there. It has certainly felt mechanical at times, and I felt like I reached saturation, occasionally feeling like I didn’t even care about movies. And then, just in the nick of time would come something like Crimes of the Future, a nasty piece of mystery fiction, but nasty in the best possible way, twisted by ol’ Dave Cronenberg to forefront his own preoccupations with the human body and relationships. Suddenly, I’d be back in love with films.

So what can I do? I’ll keep watching movies, but maybe slow down a little. Take time to process each movie before moving on. Watch with more purpose, more discernment. Maybe I don’t need to watch ALL of the new Pinocchios (del Toro’s is by far the most enjoyable, Zemeckis’ is a complete nothingburger and the Russian one is… unfathomably awful). And most of all, I’ll write more, because that helps me connect to movies more than just letting it swirl around in the cesspool that is my mind.

But enough of the rambling preamble. As a movie year, 2022 was twisty and all over the place. A great year for Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell (who was excellent in FOUR WHOLE MOVIES THANK YOU to the film deities!!), a great year for horror, a great year for weird shit that seemed to be aimed directly at me. A terrible year (I know I said no negativity so I’ll get this over quickly) for unfortunate franchises (Branagh’s Poirot, Jurassic World) and Tom Hanks, who was in the bad Pinocchio and generally agreed to be the worst part of Elvis. Undecided result for Margot Robbie, who was passably charming in an inexplicable film (Amsterdam) and reportedly excellent in an unmitigated flop that I’m excited to watch (Babylon).

I watched 141 movies released in 2022. Here are my top 25.

25. Causeway

24. Saloum

23. Save the Cinema

22. Bheeshma Parvam

21. The Lost King

20. Pada

19. Everything Everywhere All at Once

18. Nope

17. God’s Country

16. Hinterland

15. Hustle

14. The Northman

13. The Banshees of Inisherin

12. Prey

11. Benediction

10. Fire of Love

This was among my most anticipated movies of 2022. It’s rare for me to be so excited for a documentary – I usually stumble upon them and then get pulled into loving it. And unlike another documentary from this year that I loved (my precious Good Night Oppy, which made me cry, much like most movies about the space program), I wasn’t really pre-disposed to loving it. I’m a space guy, not a lava guy. Yet Fire of Love is special, because the premise promises a tragic love story, but from the first moment that we see the Kraffts, we realize that this isn’t tragic to them, no matter the outcome. They understand the risks fully and still it’s completely joyous for them. And the footage of the volcanoes is mesmerizing, you almost understand how inextricably drawn they felt to them. NatGeo, two years running, making my best of year list. I’ll keep my eye out for their 2023 releases.

9. The Woman King

This is Gladiator with most of the flab cut off. Gina Prince-Bythewood is one of my favourite working directors and her shift into action filmmaking is really remarkable, considering how emotionally focused her first three movies are. It makes sense though, once you realize that her action scenes are so fluid is because she herself is an athlete and she frames the scenes, not just as balletic or violent feats, but as a show of athletic prowess. From the opening – which is very reminiscent of the first Nakia scene in Black Panther – I was fully on board with the tone and scale of this movie, boosted in no small part by Viola Davis (the biggest Oscar snub of the year), Lashana Lynch (being an absolute dynamo on screen) and Thusu Mbedu (who somehow holds her own as a co-lead in this movie opposite Davis).

8. Jackass Forever

Like every iteration of Jackass, Forever is wonderfully juvenile, but there’s an added tinge of melancholy in watching Knoxville, Steve-O, Dave England and the rest of the original cast slowly come to terms with the fact that their bodies can’t take the same levels of punishment anymore. We see them hand over a lot of the stunts to the newer additions, who take the reins while also trying to get out of the giant shadows of Ryan Dunn and Bam. All that said, Knoxville and Steve-O still do the two most what the fuck gags in the movie, and Danger Ehren, as ever, is the victim of a nightmarish flurry of pain. But Jackass isn’t about violence; it’s just the most stupidly violent franchise about friends who love each other.

7. Kimi

Any movie Steven Soderbergh puts out is likely to make my best of, and it speaks to the quality of the top 10 this year that Kimi has dropped to the back half. This movie is fun as hell, an old school conspiracy thriller in the vein of (quite obviously) The Conversation and Rear Window, but set in a tech world that’s increasingly more familiar – and more frightening – to us. Of course, Soderbergh isn’t new to conspiracies (see: Erin Brockovich), but the thing that makes his work in Kimi particularly enthralling is his ability to capture natural human behaviour on screen. He makes excellent hangout movies (Oceans 11-13, Magic Mike, Let Them All Talk) because he knows that if you shoot movie stars in a certain way and pace it right, anything they do will be immensely watchable. And for Kimi, he teamed up with one of the very rare true-blue movie stars under 35 in Zoe Kravitz. She pulls the camera with a natural, easy magnetism that automatically sets us up on her side. Add Soderbergh’s excellent technical craft, and you get a lean, mean, murder mystery machine that has you in and out and completely satisfied in 90 minutes flat.

6. Top Gun: Maverick

Often the Best Actor/Actress Oscar is won by someone doing an interpretation of a real person that we’re all familiar with (Rami Malek for Freddie Mercury, Renee Zellweger for Judy Garland and possibly – god forbid – Austin Butler for Elvis). I think that should just be its own special Oscar: Best Re-Creation. And this year, Top Gun: Maverick should win that honour, because Joseph Kosinski (who I’m overall pretty mixed on as a director) does a spectacular job recreating that early Tony Scott style that made the first Top Gun so exhilarating. Funny thing, leading up to the release of this movie, I put my favourite Tony Scott movies on TV (I’ll take any excuse really). My sister walked in during the first 10 minutes of Unstoppable and not only was she completely hooked, but she insisted on watching the rest of the movies with me. So it was particularly fantastic to be able to show my sister a Tony Scott-esque movie in theatres for the first time. I wish there were more of them.

5. Avatar: The Way of Water

Yes I loved it. Am I a sucker for Jim Cameron? Also yes. The water footage is like watching NatGeo from another planet (in a good way, you should know by now that I’m a fiend for NatGeo). Cameron knows how the build tension in an action scene and he also knows how to shoot it so that you know exactly where everyone is in relation to each other, which seems to be a lost art in big budget blockbusters these days. But what gets The Way of Water to number 5 is the tulkun. What an incredible idea to have this species of space whales be intellectually and emotionally smarter than the Na’vi and yet have them choose to intertwine themselves with the Na’vi. And the decision to introduce this kind of an interspecies dynamic in the SECOND MOVIE when there’s is no analogue for it in the first, is a feat on its own. Although I should have probably recused myself from reviewing this movie, since Payakan is my best friend.

4. The Fabelmans

Steven Spielberg has always been a filmmaking savant, which this movie will tell you, but I think what makes The Fabelmans so good, and what has really been working for Spielberg in this last decade, is that he tackles honest, complex emotions head on instead of eschewing it for the classic Spielberg sentimentality. He portrays the intricate and overlapping familial dynamics in the Fabelman household (a thinly veiled depiction of his own home life) with shockingly little guile or deflection and shows us not only the joys, but the strains of being an artist.

3. TÁR

Hard to talk about this movie without just lavishing praise on Cate Blanchett, but I’ll try – not because she isn’t the best thing about it, but because every discussion about TÁR is so dominated by Cate Blanchett that other great parts of the movie fade into the noise. Todd Field as an actor is best known as Nick Nightingale in Eyes Wide Shut, but his work as a director in TÁR reminds me of the second half another Kubrick movie: Barry Lyndon. To start the movie at the peak of someone’s prowess and document their downfall, and not have audiences utterly despairing by the end is a special talent that few have, and Field certainly nails it. Noemie Merlant (of Portrait of a Lady on Fire fame) is an absolute beacon of charisma as Lydia Tar’s assistant, and her performance subtly elevates the audience’s investment in the story. But I think the secret sauce to the movie, and the emotional crux, is on the shoulders of Nina Hoss, who has very little screen time, yet really underscores the whole movie with one incredible line reading. The individual pieces of TÁR are excellent in their own right, which sometimes poses a problem when the filmmaker tries to put them all together, but the movie is so well-conceived and Field has such a strong artistic voice that the brilliance of each part only works to elevate the whole.

2. After Yang

The first of Colin Farrell’s 2022 movies remains my favourite, which is a shock because I would have put money on The Banshees of Inisherin being my number one movie of the year overall. And though Banshees has been slowly creeping up my rankings the longer I think on it, After Yang has held strong for nigh on a year. Kogonada’s first movie, Columbus, juxtaposed an emotional gentleness with the sadness of real life in a way that didn’t make me want to run away as movies like that normally do. Instead, he made the real world an enviable gentle place that doesn’t magic away tragedies but accepts them as an essential part of every person. In After Yang, Kogonada takes that sensibility and applies it to a sci-fi idea that is perhaps as old as the genre: what if a robot began to feel? The set-up is, on paper, similar to classics like Blade Runner and AI, but the movie is handled with a tenderness that those earlier movies had only sparingly. There’s a lot in After Yang about loss and grief and parenting, but also about the joys of culture and art.

1. Three Thousand Years of Longing

If you go back to my list last year, my number one was Night of the Kings, a Ivorian prison drama about the importance of storytelling. So I guess it’s pretty boring that this year, yet again, I’ve picked a film that features tales of magic and wonder. Three Thousand Years of Longing is a djinn movie, but what sets Three Thousand Years apart is the way these fairytales are portrayed. Rooted in real history, the stories have a sense of dream logic that makes every instance of magic makes sense. And the main story itself, much like another movie I loved this year (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande), cautiously but lovingly explores the awkward romanticism of two strangers in a hotel. Idris Elba’s Djinn is wary of his summoner, while Tilda Swinton’s Alithea, a scholar of storytelling, is well aware of the mischievous nature of djinns. Hijinks do not ensue, however. Rather, the two of them slowly let their guards down, as the Djinn warns Alithea of the dangers of previous wishes he’d had to grant, weaving tales of a mystical history that has her (and me) completely enraptured. Three Thousand Years feels to me like the closest a movie can get to the magic of bard recounting an oral tradition of love and war and the follies of humans.

***

As usual, some honourable mentions:

Decision to Leave, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Athena, A Man of Action, Mukundan Unni Associates, Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood, Watcher, Something from Tiffany’s (a very solid romcom) and motherfucking Ambulance because what a goddamn ride that movie is.

I don’t recommend stand-up specials often because nothing is less appealing than comedy recommendations. But Jerrod Carmichael’s Rothaniel is really the most intimate special I’ve seen while still being hilarious.

I know I don’t talk TV often but Andor and Slow Horses have three essentially perfect seasons between them and I’m very excited for what’s next.

Finally, Dinner in America is the most punk rock movie of the year and I really hope it gets a bit more traction because there aren’t enough straight up fuck the system movies being made, which is a major bummer.

***

I want to end on a note of cautious optimism, but I’ve gone on too long already, so let me just say this: we’re probably getting new movies from our greatest working directors[1], not to mention new entries in some of the most high quality franchises. Yes indeed, folks, a promising movie year lies ahead, and you might as well stay tuned to Another Revue - who knows? I might be true to my word about writing more.

___

Soderbergh (Magic Mike 3), Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon), Michael Mann (Ferrari), Sofia Coppola (Priscilla), Miyazaki (How Do You Live?), Fincher (The Killer), Gerwig (Barbie), Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things and possibly And), Reichardt (Showing Up), Nolan (Oppenheimer), Shyamalan (Knock at the Cabin), Ridley Scott (Napoleon), Steve McQueen (Blitz), Jonathan Glazer (The Zone of Interest) ↩

[secondgenerationnerd]

Could you pls write a fic where the team sees just how strong a bond Roy and lian have

Thank you

Of course my darling! Merry Christmas, Hanukkah Sameach, Happy Kwuanza, Happy Holidays to all!

(This is set around the first Christmas Omega was a team, so they’re all 12-14)

————————————

After weeks of coordinating, the Omega Squad parents watch their children examine and show off their new gifts. Irey and Jai pour through their newest science textbooks, munching on candy canes. Jon and Damian trade cards from some game none of them understand, Jai occasionally jumping in with his own trade. Mar’i had on a new dance costume, Milagro looking over it for any adjustments to be made.  Colin sits among the presents they’d all gotten him, still overwhelmed at the surprise--New clothes and shoes all his and only his, decorations for his room here, games and toys from his friends, other things his friends never have to think about. He’d hugged every single adult already, been hugged back tighter, in thanks. 

Lian tunes her new guitar, glancing at her father for confirmation before moving to the next string. Once she’s satisfied, she opens one of her new song books. Roy moves to side beside her, looking at the song she’s studying. 

“Oo, that’s a good one, Li.” He offers. “And you know all those notes.”

“Mmhm.” Lian answers, humming the song softly.

“You wanna try it?” Roy asks. Her head shoots up, eyes widening.

“Now?” If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was scared, “But…what if I mess up?”

“Then you’re learning. It’s okay to make mistakes while learning.” How long had it taken him to learn that?

“…What if the others don’t like my singing?” Now, Roy knows how much his hellion teases her friends, but rarely does she go for their weakest spots. This is one of hers. Roy bumps her foot with his.

“Li, if anyone here teases your singing, I’ll beat them up.” 

Lian cocks her head, eyebrow raising, “What about Mar’i?”

“Squeaker, I expect you to record her kicking my ass.” That gets a laugh from his beautiful girl and the other kids. Even Damian cracks a smile. “I’m serious! We could make big money selling the footage!”

“Dad!” Lian snorts. “You’re so weird!”

“Hate to tell you, but I’m pretty sure it’s genetic.” Roy winks at her, then his eyes soften, “I can’t do the song without you, Pum’kin.”

She hesitates, biting her lip, then nods. Moving the music better between them, death grip on the neck of her guitar. Roy kisses the top of her head. Then counts them down in a voice only reserved for his daughter.

The fireplace is burning bright, shining all on me I see the presents underneath the good old Christmas tree And I wait all night 'til Santa comes to wake me from my dreams Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me

Roy’s warm, gravel voice mixes beautifully with Lian’s gentle rasp. It’s not perfect, not even close. Her brow furrows as she misses notes or stumbles over the words. Each time it happens, Roy plays the right note or repeats her stumble. She notices and, slowly but surely, she relaxes. Once she does, the mistakes don’t come as often. An easy peace falls over the room, everyone listening to the father and daughter. 

I listen for the thud of reindeer walking on the roof As I fall asleep to lullabies, the morning's coming soon The only gift I'll ever need is the joy of family Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me

Maybe it’s the music. Maybe it’s the high emotions of the day finally coming down. Maybe it’s something else entirely, they can’t say. Dick smiles at Mar’i as she curls up against his chest, chin resting  on her head, arms wrapping around him. Impossible green eyes close, breathing evening out. Colin sitting on his other side, almost afraid to move. Dick throws an arm over the couch behind him, a silent invitation. A moment of hesitation...then Colin moves closer.

Sat between her mother’s legs, Milagro leans her head back, eyes closing as a familiar, warm touch plays with her dark brown curls. When she reaches up and back, Alberto takes his daughter’s hand. Nearly two years since that damned ring chose her. They messed up in so many ways with her, they know, but she’s never wavered in her belief in them. Her courage to never give up, even when everyone tells her to. Forever their little fighter/

The twins, squished between their parents, watch Lian with matching smiles, pride dancing in their eyes at her growing confidence. The same pride in their parents’ eyes. Linda kisses her daughter’s temple, Wally pulling Jai close. For once, the always fidgeting, always moving speedsters enjoy their stillness.

Jon leans over the couch, wrapping his arms around his mother. Lois smiles softly, turning to kiss unruly dark curls. So much like his father and herself, but she sees the parts that are uniquely Jon. Clark runs a hand over their youngest son’s hair. Both knowing the other’s thinking about their other boys.

Still holding his new artbooks, Damian accepts the hand his father places over his. A silent understanding between father and son, knowing the boundaries each has. Bruce’s eyes soften as he looks over at his oldest son, holding his own daughter close, offering affection to a child who’d all but given up on it. 

I've got this Christmas song in my heart I've got the candles glowing in the dark And then for years to come we'll always know one thing That's the love that Christmas can bring Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me

#mar'i grayson #damian wayne #irey west #lian harper #jai west #milagro reyes #jon kent #colin wilkes #omega squad #roy harper #dick grayson #wally west #clark kent #lois lane #linda park west #alberto reyes #bianca reyes #bruce wayne #the flash #impulse #nightstar #robin #nightwing #batman #superman #superboy #omega families

[forfoxessake]

JUNE (2023) - movies

Lady Chatterley’s Lover (2022)   Directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre

Emma Corrin -  Jack O’Connell

 It's been a while since I read this and I get the impression that they made some different choices in regard to a few characters (the nanny/maid) that I didn't dislike. It's not a groundbreaking film, it feels more romantic than the book sets out to be but overall they do a good job. Emma Corrin's is so thin that it honestly bothered me a little.

Ammonite (2020)   Directed by Francis Lee

Kate Winslet -  Saoirse Ronan

There have been better lesbian films in recent years, and this is so small and quiet that it pales in comparison. But something, in the end, made it stand out. There's a scene where we are led to believe they will get a happy ending when suddenly the mood shifts and we see Kate Winslet's character for who she is, Mary is not only misunderstood because she is gay in a time where women had no autonomy, she is a person who has never felt seen - by the society and by the people who she loves. And that's a painful note to end at.

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)  Directed by Martin McDonagh

Colin Farrell -  Brendan Gleeson -  Brendan Gleeson -  Kerry Condon

I was asking myself why was everyone so obsessed with this movie about two old dudes, a donkey, and a tiny island. It did not prepare me for how WILD this is.

Willow (1988)  Directed by Ron Howard

Warwick Davis -  Val Kilmer

I named my first dog when I was 4 after this movie - It was actually Billy Willow after much insistence from my mother. But 30 years later I barely remember what this was about and I thought it was time to revisit this after the release of the follow-up series. It's better than I expected but still very much a movie from its time. The old woman fighting hardcore scene is still very unique and a badass thing to have in a fantasy film.

Hannah Gadsby: Douglas (2020)  Directed by Madeleine Parry

Hannah is genuinely funny but never more so when she is going on about art grievances. Best use of a college art degree ever.

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)  Directed by Halina Reijn

Amandla Stenberg - Lee Pace -  Maria Bakalova -  Rachel Sennott -  Pete Davidson

The sort of movie we all need sometimes, dumb teenagers being extra dumb together alone on a spooky evening. Extra points for a super cool ending.

Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)  Directed by Cooper Raiff

  Cooper Raiff - Dakota Johnson -  Leslie Mann

A cute quiet movie, exactly that moment in time when you feel like you don't know where you are or where you are going, and want to find the answers to life in someone else, but that is not the way to fix anything, and this movie does a great service is showing us that we are just afraid.

Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022)  Directed by Alek Keshishian

 Being open about your fears and health issues, be they mental or physical, it's in my opinion, the bravest thing a famous person can do.

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)  Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

I never really got the overall fascination with studio ghibli until I saw this. Kiki's is the perfect movie, it makes you feel warm inside and look at yourself and your adventures in a whole new way. I get it now.

Shotgun Wedding (2022) -  Directed by Jason Moore

Jennifer Lopez -  Josh Duhamel -  Jennifer Coolidge -  Lenny Kravitz

Sometimes all you need is a silly action-packed fun movie where nothing makes sense but you love every minute of it anyway.

#june #list #movies #films #tv series #music #Bodies Bodies Bodies #Cha Cha Real Smooth #Hannah Gadsby: Douglas #willow #Ammonite #lady chatterley's lover #selena gomez #The Banshees of Inisherin #Kiki’s Delivery Service #studio ghibli #Lenny Kravitz #Jennifer Lopez #Shotgun Wedding (2022) #Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me #Ammonite (2020) #Lady Chatterley’s Lover (2022) #100 movies #movies seen in 2023