Movie Review: Black Panther (2018)

Hello to all of you.

I was so sad to hear a month ago, on August 28th, that Chadwick Boseman had passed away from cancer. I had already been contemplating reviewing a movie with him in it several times this year with the goings on, but this helped me make up my mind.

I can't tell you how many times I've started this review. I write something, delete it. Try something new, and delete it again. It's weird to talk about a movie when the main actor isn't with us anymore. I know that I talk about old films all the time, and this isn't any different, yet it seems like it for some reason. I'll try to get one with it anyway.

The film is Black Panther (2018). I was originally going to review all of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies in order that they were released, but this circumstance made me change my mind, so I could write this as a sort of tribute to him. If you want to watch this, and haven't yet, there are two ways to do it. This is one of those things were you do as I say, not as I do, because I've watched all of the MCU movies in random order (and I still haven't seen a few). 

You can watch them in the order in which they were made:

Iron Man (2008), The Incredible Hulk (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Thor (2011), Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), The Avengers (2012), Iron Man 3 (2013), Thor: Dark World (2014), Captain America: The Winter Solider (2014), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 (2014), Avengers: The Age of Ultron (2015), Ant-Man (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Dr. Strange (2016), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), Spider-man: Homecoming (2017), Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Black Panther (2018), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), Captain Marvel (2019), Avengers: Endgame (2019), & Spider-man: Far From Home (2019).

Or chronological order:

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Captain Marvel (2019), Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Thor (2011), The Incredible Hulk (2008), The Avengers (2012), Iron Man 3 (2013), Thor: Dark World (2014), Captain America: The Winter Solider (2014), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 (2014), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), Avengers: The Age of Ultron (2015), Ant-Man (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Black Panther (2018), Spider-man: Homecoming (2017), Dr. Strange (2016), Thor: Ragnorok (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), & Spider-man: Far From Home (2019).

I've been the worst example with the MCU, watching things in a helter-skelter way which has caused a lot of confusion. If you're not that interested in the MCU, but still want to see Black Panter (2018), you can do that, but his story begins in Captain America: Civil War (2016). And another semi-important character's story begins in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015).

I think I've covered all of the bases, so it's time to get started on the actual review!

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning. This is spoiler free!


Black Panther (2018):

Based on: the comic books by Stan Lee.
Long ago, five tribes came together where they found a meteorite containing the valuable metal vibranium. Since then they have created technological wonders, but have hidden from the world. T'Challa is preparing to take the throne in Wakanda. That comes with the duties of the Black Panther to protect his people. When he hears of someone dealing with and selling vibranium, he and a few others go to South Korea to track him down. That releases a series of events that reveals a past to T'Challa that he wasn't aware of, and he begins to wonder, how will this change things?

"You get to decide what kind of a king you're going to be."

Genres: Action, Superhero, Science Fiction.
Length: approx. 134 minutes.
Costumes: 9, they are so vibrant and vivid! I love the colors and design that went into all of them. They won an Oscar. There are only a few times when some guys aren't wearing shirts, but it's when they are in a planned fight and there is war paint, and it is fine.
Costumes by: Ruth Carter.
Script: 8, a couple of bad words. But, just two or three, I believe.

"Please don't make me listen to your music." (My sisters say this to me all the time.)

Crew: Directed by: Ryan Coogler. Written by: Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole, Stan Lee, & Jack Kirby.
Starring:
Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa.

Lupita Nyong'o as Nakia.

Danai Gurira as Okoye.

Letitia Wright as Shuri.

Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger.

Martin Freeman as Everett Ross.

Angela Bassett as Ramonda.
Andy Serkis as Ulysses Klaue.

Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi.
Winston Duke as M'Baku.
Sterling K. Brown as N'Jobu.
Forest Whitaker as Zuri.
Florence Kasumba as Ayo.
John Kani as T'Chaka.
Connie Chiume, Isaach De Bankolé, Danny Sapani, Dorothy Steel as Tribe Elders.
Marija Abney, Janeshia Adams-Ginyard, Christine Hollingsworth, Maria Hippolyte, Marie Mouroum, Sydelle Noel, Jénel Stevens, Zola Williams, & Shaunette Renée Wilson as Dora Milaje.
Seth Carr as Young Killmonger.
Atandwa Kani as Young T'Chaka.
Ashton Tyler as Young T'Challa.
Denzel Whitaker as Young Zuri.
Cameos: Stan Lee, Sebastian Stan, & Trevor Noah.
Cinematography: 9, the costumes help add to this, but the cinematography is really good! The action scenes are never dull, the lighting in South Korea is so impressive, and there are a couple of scenes with a waterfall that just make you say,"Wow!" I took one little itty bitty point off for sometimes when the CGI felt too much like CGI, but other than that it was impressive.

Cinematography by: Rachel Morrison.
Music: 10, it has streaks of the MCU theme while taking on different levels of Africa instrumentals which are woven through out.
Music by: Ludwig Göransson.
Quotability: 8, "Wakanda forever!" is an endlessly quotable line. In addition to that there were a couple other good ones.

Oscars won: 3: Best Original Score, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design. It was nominated for Best Picture.
Content: 7, there is fighting, injuries, killing, and death. Maybe it was something about the CGI that didn't make it seem that gruesome, though? If that's case, then I might be fine with that. In addition to that there is a rude gesture, one character who purposely hurts himself, and one character has mechanical arms that are gross at times. I know that doesn't make sense, but my brain can't figure out another way to say it.
Originality: 7, the structure and storyline was...kind of predictable. But, the elements were very unique in their own right!

Good For: Superhero fans, everyone.
Age Range: PG-13 for the violence, and intense scenes and I'd agree with that. As I can't go without saying, it depends on the person though.
Overall Score: 8!
Worth watching?: Very much so! For the visuals alone I'm glad I watched, but I'm also glad I watched to learn about all of the awesome characters.
Will I watch again?: My older sister still hasn't seen this, so yes, I'll watch it with her sometime.

Bonus thoughts:
This. This film. This is an important movie. With everything going on this year, especially in the U. S., I keep thinking about it. This is the ONLY superhero movie to ever have been nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. It was the second highest grossing film of 2018. It is currently the twelfth highest grossing movie of ALL TIME. I feel that this will become one of those movies that everyone sees sometime in their life, not necessarily because of the story (which is still good!), but because of the statistics and all the records that it broke.

Now, Chadwick Boseman was the perfect person for T'Challa. I loved this movie for his sake. For the journey that T'Challa goes through! Chadwick was so regal in his performance. He gave the character a grace and dignity. He made him someone who is always looking for a better world. The way he and Letitia Wright played the relationships between siblings was one of the best parts of this movie. He will be missed tremendously.

My thoughts are just kind of scattered lists right now, but I'm getting emotional so I should stop. Thank you for reading! Please let me know what you think of this movie, or if you haven't seen it tell me your favorite superhero movie (you can tell me that even if you've seen it!)!

One last thing:

"Wakanda forever!"

MovieCritic

Movie Review: Tolkien (2019)

Greetings dwarves, elfs, hobbits, and wizards!

Today I am reviewing a film about a very famous author. Someone who created worlds and languages now explored by many. If you haven't guessed from my salutation (or the title of this post. I always forget about that...), you soon will!

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning. This is spoiler free!


Tolkien (2019):

Based on: the life of author J. R. R. Tolkien.

"Men should be comrades wherever they come from."

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien is in the middle of WWI. After receiving a letter from the worried mother of one of his friends, he begins a trek to find her son, though he himself is sick and feverish. While doing this he relives his past, all of the years he was growing up, and begins to find inspiration in the terrible war scenes. Accompanied by Private Hodges he walks accross abandoned battlefields in search of his comrade, will they be able to find him?

'"Now what do we do?"

"We change the world."

"Oh good, something simple."'

Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance.
Length: approx. 112 minutes.
Costumes: 9, very fitting for the time, plus there are some lovely dresses and whatnot.
Script: 10, no bad words or swearing, I believe!

"Things aren't beautiful because of how they sound. They're beautiful because of what they mean."

Crew: Directed by: Dome Karukoski. Written by: David Gleeson & Stephen Beresford.
Starring:
Nicholas Hoult as J.R.R. Tolkien.

Harry Gilby as young J.R.R. Tolkien.
Anthony Boyle as Geoffrey Smith.
Adam Bregman as young Geoffrey Smith.
Tom Glynn-Carney as Christopher Wiseman.
Ty Tennant as young Christopher Wiseman.
Patrick Gibson as Robert Gilson.
Albie Marber as young Robert Gilson.

"We are your brothers through everything."

Craig Roberts as Private Sam Hodges.
Lily Collins as Edith Bratt.

Mimi Keene as young Edith Bratt.
James MacCallum as Hilary Tolkien.
Guillermo Bedward as young Hilary Tolkien.
Laura Donnelly as Mabel Tolkien.
Derek Jacobi as Professor Wright.

Genevieve O'Reilly as Mrs. Smith.
Colm Meaney as Father Francis.
Pam Ferris as Mrs. Faulkner.
Owen Teale as Headmaster Gilson.
Mia Woods & Sienna Woods as Priscilla Tolkien.
Paul Gurcel Escudero as Michael Tolkien.
Harry Webster as John Tolkien Jr..
Jack Riley as Christopher Tolkien.
Kallum Tolkien as Second Soldier.
Cinematography: 10, there were a lot of elements woven in that made it pretty spectacular on a visual scale!
Cinematography by: Lasse Frank.

Music: 9, I've been listening to the score while writing this and I'd forgotten how pretty it is! Light and airy while being magical.
Music by: Thomas Newman.
Quotability: 6, I haven't found myself quoting this a lot since I watched it, but my sister has. I thought that this was a trifle amusing:

"The stick was a metaphor, drop the stick." (paraphrase)

Content: 6, there are many war scenes involving the aftermath of battles, death, sickness, blood, and people on fire. In addition to that there are sometimes when characters are a little intoxicated, and one or two suggestive comments. If you don't feel good about those war scenes, you might want to be ready to skip a tiny bit. It's not super bad, but it's present. You know, I've seen far worse.
Originality: 9, I hadn't heard about Tolkien's life, so I didn't know much besides his most famous trilogy. In fact, anything that I did know about him took place after the timeline of this film, so it was unique to look into his childhood and young adult years.

Good For: Lord of the Rings fans, anyone who has lost friends and needed to find them.
NOTE: I recommend this movie, but there are lots of spoilers for the Lord of the Rings books, so don't watch this until you read those, or see the movie adaptations.
Age Range: It is PG-13, but primarily for those gruesome scenes. Violence and that kind of thing doesn't bother me as much as other things, but as I always say, it depends on the person.
Overall Score: 8.5!
Worth watching?: Oh yes! Though I'm sure a few things were fictional to add suspense and the like, I really enjoyed this glimpse into his life. It was an all around enjoyable movie and I can't think of a part that I didn't like.

"Lock all of this in you heart, lock it tight, and it will be there forever. I promise."

Will I watch again?: It is one of my older sister's favorite movies, so yes, I imagine I'll be watching it with her in the future some more.
Bonus thoughts:

"Languages never steal. Influence."

I would never have picked Nicholas Hoult to play Tolkien, but after watching it I can't think of anyone else. He is so earnest, you believe him in whatever he says and are interested to see where he goes. I'm not even that interested in languages and the structure and origin behind them, but when he talks about them I think, "Ah, this is so fascinating!". As for the other actors, Lily Collins was lovely and I was happily surprised to see Derek Jacobi (because, as you can see on my sidebar, he's one of my favorites).
I'm becoming more and more familiar with stories told in a broken timeline, and this one was ideal for it. Instead of dragging in places you are always wanting to know what will happen next. I loved looking for the references to his books, though I am sure that I missed many. I will fully recommend this to any and all Lord of the Rings fans, because even if it doesn't turn out to be your new favorite thing, it is a goregous way to spend a couple of hours.


And, as per usual I can't find half as many pictures as I want that do it justice, so you'll just have to watch for yourself!

Guess what? This is another entry in Hamlette's Tolkien Blog Party! I'm so happy to be joining with two posts this time around when I only had one in the four other years I did it. This is her eighth party, and here's to many more in the years to come! Check out all of the other entries HERE.

Thanks for reading! First, let me know if you've seen this, then tell me your favorite biographical film!

MovieCritic

Book vs. Movie Review: Little Lord Fauntleroy

Hello, my readers!

Today is one of my favorite days: a birthday! This one is especially good because it would've been someone's 100th birthday! You know how I am, I get so excited about these things. And, I love to make you wait, so you'll have to go through my review of my most recent read before I tell you. Enjoy the suspense!

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning. These reviews are spoiler free!



Little Lord Fauntleroy - by Frances Hodgson Burnett:

A little boy, Cedric Errol, goes through some changes when he is moved from New York to England upon learning that he is going to be an Earl! His grandfather, the current earl, had a few disagreements with his son, and still has some with the boy's mother, but Cedric is his only heir. The seven year old begins his new life while still staying the kind person that he is. But, trouble looms on the horizon when it comes to their attention that something is wrong.
Genre: Children's Fiction.
Characters: 8, I'll talk about this more latter on. I have to get this out of the way first, these names are hilarious! They were the craziest things that you've ever heard. My favorite was Molyneux!
Words: 8, no bad words! I have this rating because I was getting tired of the words "dryly" and "queer" which are used a lot. The latter, though, was slightly intentional:

'"It makes me feel very queer," he said; "it makes me feel---queer."

The Earl looked at the boy in silence. It made him feel queer, too---queerer than he had ever felt in his whole life."'

Quotability: 7, there aren't any lines that I can see myself quoting over and over again, but this line was so funny because I relate to it a lot.

'"Spelling is a curious thing," he said. "It's so often different from what you expect it to be. I used to think "please' was spelled p-l-e-e-s, but it isn't, you know; and you'd think 'dear' was spelled d-e-r-e, if you didn't inquire. Sometimes it almost discourages you."'

Notes: There was also this one line, though very innocently said, cracked me up because it was so funny! Oh, Cedric! You little seven year old, you!

"I never knew any little girls, but I always like to look at them."

Content: 8, there is a tiny mention of married couples not living together, and usually that greatly concerns me, but in here I was fine with the circumstances.
Originality: 9, this is a cute little story! I can think of a few like it, but I believe that this was the first, so it gets the credit!
Good For: All kids! This teaches great lessons of being kind that would be suitable for all.

"You know you always remember people who are kind to you."
Age Range: All ages! This is one of the few books that I can think would be great for young and old alike.
Overall Score: 8!
Worth reading?: Oh, very! All the scenes make me so happy.
Will I read again?: I don't know if I'd want to read this again for my own benefit, but I now want to read it TO someone, and I hate reading out loud if that tells you anything.




VS.



Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936):

Based on: the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
In 1880's New York a little boy gets the surprise of his life when he learns that he is to be an earl! He has to move to England and will miss his friends, but he is excited to meet his grandfather, though he is confused that his mother and the Earl won't meet. Things are going very well and he is happy, but is there an even bigger surprise around the corner?

Genres: Drama, Family.
Length: approx. 90 minutes.
Costumes: 9, nothing extravagant, but nothing indecent.
Script: 10, no bad words! (Unless you count "holy mackerel!", which was used only once)

A funny part about a bike: "It has all the latest improvements!"
Crew: Directed by: John Cromwell. Written by: Hugh Walpole & Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Starring:

Freddie Bartholomew as Cedric Errol, Lord Fauntleroy.

C. Aubrey Smith as the Earl of Dorincourt.

Dolores Costello Barrymore as "Dearest" Errol.

Mickey Rooney as Dick Tipton.

Henry Stephenson as Mr Havisham.

Guy Kibbee as Silas Hobbs.

Una O'Connor as Mary.

Helen Flint as Minna.

Jackie Searl as Tom.

Eric Alden as Ben Tipton.

Constance Collier as Lady Constantia Lorridaile.

Walter Kingsford as Joshua Snade.

E. E. Clive as Sir Harry Lorridaile.

Ivan F. Simpson as Reverend Mordaunt.

Virginia Field as Miss Herbert.

Lionel Belmore as Mr. Higgins.

Reginald Barlow as Mr. Newick.

Jessie Ralph as the Applewoman from Brooklyn

Cinematography: 8, there was one part that stood out to me, when someone was turning a page that turned into a new scene, but that's it. Just your standard black and white. Oh, but the horses caught both my dad's and my eye! Those where some "high steppers"! Very impressive. Extra point just for that.
Cinematography by: Charles Rosher.

Music: 7, the music didn't stand out to me. Sometimes it was peppy, other times more subdued. But, at one point the music for Auld Lang Syne was worked in and I thought it was well done.
Music by: Max Steiner.
Notes:

At one point Cedric is playing Robin Hood and Una O'Connor is in the background. This was an interesting thing because Una O'Connor was in the movie made two years later The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)!

I also didn't notice until watching the movie the coincidence of Errol and Earl being so close...
Quotability: 7, there were funny lines, for sure, but not many that I would consider quoting often. This, though, was hilarious!

"I find that muffins are biscuits and biscuits are cookies!"

Content: 8, same as the book. In addition to that some kids get into a fight, but no one is hurt.

"I've promised him that if there was another war I would try to stop it." 

(This is out of context because of reasons, but I like it all the same).

Originality: 9, based on the book, so same as the book! There were a few differences, but they didn't change much. Basically just:

Cedric's age. In this he is nine instead of seven.

And another small part with his character that I mention later on.

Good For: Fans of black and white movies.

Age Range: I can't recommend this one as much as the book just because it bored me when I was little. The script isn't that interesting and you can easily lose track of what is happening. I think I might have left a little over half way the first time because I had other things to do. BUT, a little older viewers might have a longer attention span. This isn't because of content, just personal feelings.
Overall Score: 7!
Worth watching?: Yeah, probably because of the horses, to be honest.
Will I watch again?: Um, I don't know. I'd already seen it before, and it was fun to see again, but I don't feel the urge to revisit it anytime soon. But, I am interested in looking into other versions!

Well, I've kept you waiting long enough. I'm reviewing this because today, September 23rd, would have been Mickey Rooney's 100th birthday!

My favorite role of his is Mi Taylor in National Velvet (1944) which was the first movie I saw him in. But, Little Lord Fauntleroy was the second movie of his that I saw! In fact, I always think of him as either "National Velvet guy" or "Little Lord Fauntleroy guy".  Rewatching it I couldn't believe how young he was! Wow!


Some of my thoughts on both the book and the movie dealing with the characters and storyline:

At first I was a trifle irritated with the book. Oh what a perfect little boy! He's the most adorable little boy in the world! He's such a handsome chap, handsomer than any! He is so sweet and kind! I was thinking, "Come on. No little boy is "perfect" like that!" I know quite a few because I babysit them and they are all precious darlings whom I love, but they all can be quite mischievous. So I thought that it was unrealistic. As a writer, I'm always cautioned against making my characters too flawless. It can be hard and I've received feedback that my characters were not relatable because of it. Therefore I start to think, "Why could Frances Hodgson Burnett get away with it?" I'm not saying that characters should be badly behaved--mercy no!--just that having a fault or two makes them all the greater when they learn and overcome!

Here the movie did make a slight difference. It showed Cedric getting into a fight, though not completely of his own accord. I can't say that I didn't like it. It was brief, but made Cedric seem a little more human.

After that I began thinking of two characters from the book Anne of Avonlea - by L. M. Montgomery: Davy and Dora. Everyone loves Davy in spite of the fact that he is the biggest troublemaker ever---or is it because of it that they love him? I love Davy, too, as I said earlier, I know several of my own "Davys". He was my favorite part of the book when I read it the first time.

Upon rereading I realized something: Dora. Dora doesn't get nearly enough attention. She is a perfect angel and is good and lovely, why don't we appreciate her? I understand that at that time L. M. Montgomery was probably making a statement with the way the twins (oh, did I mention that they were twins?) are treated. I'm sure that readers expected the good people to be loved and the naughty ones to be punished and not loved as much and Ms. Montgomery was saying how that shouldn't always be like that. I appreciate that, I really do, but I also want to see more Dora.

CLICK. Things start to come together in my mind. If there is a child who has been raised with so much love, one who sees the good in everyone, should we not look up to this person? I understand isn't always possible and it shouldn't be (otherwise books and movies would become boring really quickly), but it's good to have a character like this every once in awhile. Especially for little kids to look up to! After that I realized what a good story this is for little kids.

But, something still bothered me. The statement that was obvious to me was: "You can only be good if you are beautiful". Huh, you won't get far with me. When the Earl was thinking to himself of how he wouldn't like him so much if he wasn't so good looking I was rolling my eyes. I couldn't believe it! It's Cedric's good nature and kindness that are what make him so lovable!

There was then a little boy mentioned who had a scar on his face but was still pleasant.

CLICK. There it goes again. "Maybe I'm thinking about this the wrong way..." I pondered. Maybe it's that people are beautiful BECAUSE they are kind, not vice versa. Think about it, in the story of Cinderella we hear of her two "ugly stepsisters" who are like that because they are cruel. Maybe goodness shines through? Now we don't have scientific proof of that, but it makes sense.

Maybe the moral of the story is to look for the best in people. Not that you should be blind, but that seeing the potential in someone helps them to see it, too.

Now that, is a meaning that I write about and can get fully behind.



As this is a comparison, which is the winner? I don't know. I'm going to have to say the book because they movie bored me when I was little while when I read the book it was a cute and refreshing break from my other reading. They are both enjoyable in their own rights, but I would recommend (like always) reading the book first, then deciding for yourself!


Hey, near the end there I got into a little rant that I did not see coming. But, in my defense it's something that I've very passionate about and love getting a chance to think about it.

Alright friends, that's enough from me! Thank you so much for reading! Please tell me some of your favorite story examples dealing with this! Oh, and what is your favorite Mickey Rooney movie? Happy birthday to MR!

MovieCritic

2020 Tolkien Blog Party Tag!

Come one, come all, Tolkien fans!

This week, from the 20th-26th Hamlette is hosting her 8th Tolkien Blog Party! I have participated at least a little in 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019.

I am planning to have more than one post this year, but for right now it is time to fill out her tag! She comes up with so many different questions each year, it's always a good time.

Needless to say, SPOILER ALERT. I'll be talking about The Lord of the Rings trilogy, so if you haven't read those books or seen the movies, go no further!

Also, this is my first year answering questions when I have seen all of the movies! Previously I'd only seen The Fellowship of the Ring and parts of Return of the King.

Questions:
1. What Tolkien character do you think you're the most like?

Well, this is pretty funny, because I've spent years denying that I am anything like Frodo, but in point of fact, I am. We both are quiet personalities. We feel that sometimes the weight of the world is upon us, but don't want anyone else to feel it, too. We are always trusting people and looking for the best (even if the creature *coughcoughGollumcoughcough* will turn against us). As I said, I've been avoiding it for so long, I can't really say what makes us alike. Just when I watched the movies I had this feeling of, "Yep, that's me". I would say mostly with how he treats Gollum.

And when reading the books I thought I was a mix between Faramir and Eomer? Don't ask me why, I don't remember.

2. What Tolkien character do you wish you were more like?

The hero, Samwise Gamgee. I am incredibly loyal like him, but I would like to have his bravery and perseverance and good nature and also maybe some of his caution. He is the best!

Source

3. What would your dream home in Middle-earth be like?

Rocks and volcanoes.

...

Just joking! I love trees, so it would be in either the Shire or Lothlorien. Can I have Bag End? I would be like Gandalf and be a little too tall, but it would still be lovely.


4. You get to make a movie of the story of Beren and Luthien!  Who do you cast as the leads?

Awesome question, but I have no idea because I haven't read that yet! One of these days...


5. Have you ever marathoned the LOTR or Hobbit movies?

Nope, but I totally want to do it with the LotR movies! Now that I've seen them I want to watch the Extended Versions because everyone recommends them.


6. Do you have a favorite song or track from the movie soundtracks by Howard Shore?

This perfectly beautifulness:

7. Which of Tolkien's characters would you like to be best friends with? 

Obviously the two troublemakers. They would add so much excitement to my life. I feel like my little sister and I would get into boatloads of mischief with them. It would be awesome!

I'm taller than both of them and I would rub it in constantly.

8. Who of the people in your real life would you want in your company if you had to take the ring to Mordor?

Whoa, I was not expecting this question! Let's see:
My older sister (Em) would be very practical and would be a fierce fighter should anything try to attack us. (Whereas I would curl up in a corner and cry)
My dad would be our Gandalf and would deal out wise sayings. Would also probably catch food and whatnot.
Dance friend (M) is the most positive person ever and would keep us going.
Blogger friend (M) is an avid fan and would help navigate.
Friend (N) has told me about his expertise with knives, which would be handy.
Friend (C) would make us all laugh.
Friend (L) would probably get us all lost, but provide music and entertainment.

Um, I'm not sure if they would all get along, but I fell like it's a good range.


9. Have you read any of Tolkien's non-Middle-earth works?

Actually, no. There are quite a few that I want to, though! Namely Letters From Father Christmas.

10. Is there a book by Tolkien you haven't read yet, but want to?

Aside from the previously mentioned one:
Beren and Luthien
The Children of Hurin
The Silmarillion

And more!


A huge, huge, huge thank you to Hamlette for hosting this again! Make sure you check out all of the fun HERE. In addition to awesome posts there are games and a giveaway! You don't want to miss out.

Thanks for reading! What do you think of my answers? Who else is going to participate in the blog party?

MovieCritic

Inklings // September 2020: Little Women

Hello to all my fellow literary lovers!

Apologies that it's been a couple of weeks since I posted. There is a lot going on right now, but I'll give you a plethora of posts next week to make up for it. I'm posting today because it's the 19th, which means it's a new month, with a new Inklings! Inklings is a monthly linkup hosted by Heidi of Along the Brandywine.

How it works: 
Heidi writes a prompt and you write a post talking about a scene in a book or movie including that scenario. It's really fun and Heidi would love it if you joined! You don't have to do it every month, just whichever ones that you want to.
I have participated in July 2016, August 2016, September 2016, July 2020, & August 2020.
Read Heidi's for September HERE.

September 2020's prompt: A schoolroom scene in book or film

Okay, so I had a million ideas for this one. There are literally so many possibilities! I tried to narrow it down by deciding to use one from a book. Heidi used a scene from my favorite book of all time (so you should go check it out HERE). I considered using one from the Harry Potter books, or the Little House books, or something by L. M. Montgomery, but none of them seemed important enough. I wanted to do one from the book Prairie Lotus - by Linda Sue Park which I read this year and loved, but I returned the book to the library and couldn't use it for reference.

Today an idea came to me! I started working on it ASAP. Fun note, as soon as I read the prompt to my sister she asked if I was going to use the one that I'm using. We think alike.

My pick is from Little Women - by Louisa May Alcott! My sister and I both have decided that this ISN'T a spoiler, so if you haven't read the book or seen a movie version you can read this if you like.

This scene in the book goes for several pages so I'm not going to type it all out, but just summarize and put some pictures from a couple of on-screen versions. Enjoy!

Chapter 7: Amy's Valley of Humiliation

1994

All of the other girls in the school have pickled limes and Amy March owes so many to people but can't repay. Meg gives Amy enough money to buy them. Of course, since limes have caused such a rukus, the teacher has banned them. Amy has 24 of them and becomes very popular...but gets caught. She is commanded to throw the limes out of the window, is struck (for the first time in her life! Oh the horror!), and has to stand where all can see her until recess. She vows that she won't go back there ever again.

2019

In various film versions that I've seen they change it up. For example, in the 2019 version (which is the one most fresh in my mind), she drew a caracature of the teacher and was punished. After that she runs to the Lawrence house because she knows that she is: "Going to be in so much trouble!" *wailing*

2019

And, my memory is a little foggy, but I think in the 1994 version she runs to Aunt March's house where her older sister Jo is.

2018 Mini series

Sorry, these photos were not what I was looking for, but it's all I could find!

There you have it! Is it surprising that the homeschooler that I am picks a scene throwing a bad light on a school room? Mwahahaha. But really, I think that schools are very important and I wish the best for all students!

Time for you to talk to me! Are you (or were you) homeschooled? What is your favorite educational subject? Oh, and what is your favorite version of Little Women? I know that there are plenty that I want to see. Thanks for reading!

MovieCritic