Take 2: The Sunshine Blogger Award: X5

Greetings, readers!

I am back with answers to a tag that I should've answered ages ago. Back in April I filled out The Sunshine Blogger Award, which I had been tagged for three times. Right after that I was tagged two times and I decided to have another post where I filled out the tag three times and I decided to wait until I was tagged again (a little presumptuous of me? To assume that?).

In August I received my third tag and I thought, "Yay! I'll fill that out when I get the ch---"

I was tagged two more times. So, instead of filling out three at a time (which was a huge post in itself), I will be completing five of the tag because I have to do it before I get tagged again. I'll try not to go overboard with the pictures therefore making it too long...

Also, I've finally been forced to switch over to the new blogger format and I'm already fighting with it. So, I'm blaming that for anything off with the formatting and whatnot. Sorry about that!

The five people who tagged me were: Hamlette, McKayla, Olivia, Carissa, and Sally Silverscreen. Thank you ladies! I had a great time filling all of your questions out!

Now, as you have noticed, this is a book and movie blog. I'm answering these because there are questions in here that deal with different literary pursuits. If you are skimming through (I am shocked! Why would you? Don't you want to read what I say for hours upon hours?) all of the fiction related questions will be in bold and blue and the rest will be in bold and yellow.

Rules:

1. List the award’s official rules

2. Display the award somewhere on your blog

3. Thank the person (s) who nominated you

4. Provide a link to your nominator’s blog

5. Answer your nominator’s questions

6. Nominate up to 11 bloggers

7. Ask your nominees 11 questions

8. Notify your nominees by commenting on at least one of their blog posts (I will certainly do this when I have the opportunity!)

Hamlette's Questions:

1. What movie house would you like to live in?

I must be tired today because the only movie house that I coming to my mind is from The Parent Trap (1961). It looks so awesome!

2.  What movie pet would you like to own?

I've always felt partial towards Raja. Even though he isn't a lion, I love him.

3.  What book do you wish your favorite actor or actress could have starred in an adaptation of?

This sounds weird, but I'm going to be casting North and South - by Elizabeth Gaskell. Why does that sound weird, MC? Well, it's who I imagined was in it when I was reading the book. 

Jessica Brown Findlay as Margaret Hale 

& 

Chris Evans as Mr. John Thornton.

Those who have read it: do you think it would be good?

But, that actually wasn't the question. The question was not about a favorite book but a favorite actor or actress. Hm, let's see. Katie Hanna had a fantastic dream cast of Pride & Prejudice which would make my life complete if it came true. I can't think of anything better!

4. Are there any movies you like better than the book they were based on?

I love both the book Flipped - by Wendelyn Van Draanen and movie of Flipped (2010) so much! I can't even tell you, they are both so wonderful. BUT, I slightly, tinily, maybe, possibly, itsy-bitsyly (sorry about my making up words) like the movie better. That is only because they did an incredible job with it and gave it a neat setting.

Also, I have high, high, high hopes for the upcoming movie Dune (2020) which is supposed to come out in December! I hated the book so much, but the casting in here looks AMAZING and it just looks fully and epicly awesome. Check it out:

5.  What's your favorite movie that's set in the decade you were born in?

I bet you are all wondering how old I am. I know this is trying to be vague, which I appreciate, but I'm still going for the illusion that I'm a little old lady from the 30's. (MC, when have you ever been going with that? I don't know..) I am answering with movies set in several decades therefore you all will be confused. The Back to the Future trilogy.

6. Do you collect movie memorabilia of any sort?

Not too officially. I collect movies a little. I want to find my niche, though.

7.  What actor and actress have never made a movie together, but you wish would have?

Why won't my brain work!? These are such perfect questions and I'm messing them up! Let's go with Jimmy Stewart and Olivia de Havilland. If they made a movie together that I don't know about, let me know!!!

8.  What director would you like to have direct a movie based on your life?

I don't pay that much attention to directors, to be honest. If I was important enough I wouldn't mind having Rob Reiner, Kenneth Branagh, or Greta Gerwig make a movie about me...

9.  Do you ever like a remake better than the original film?

I prefer the 2015 Cinderella over the 1950 one. I mean, the animated version is so nostalgic and the animation itself is lovely, but the 2015 one is GORGEOUS. It is one of the best movies ever made.

I also like the 2017 Murder on the Orient Express better than the 1974. I hope to provide you with an explanation to that soon...

10. What's your least-favorite movie genre?

Horror!

11.  Are there any movies in your least-favorite genre that you do like?

Nope. I can't think of a single horror movie that I like. But, I do like suspense, which is sometimes confused but completely different! I love The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)!

McKayla's Questions:

1. Comedies or dramas [or do you like them equally]?

I prefer dramas. I usually don’t like movies that are trying to make me laugh the whole time because it usually isn’t funny to me (there are brilliant exceptions of screwball comedies that I love: Bringing Up Baby (1938), Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), and What’s Up Doc? (1972)). But, at the same time my sisters and I have noticed that movies that don’t make you laugh are always lacking something.

To answer in a straightforward way: I like dramas that are sprinkled with parts that I think are funny. Like Sense & Sensibility (1995). I laugh the whole way through that movie because it is so wonderful.

2. Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character?

Why, of course! Who doesn’t? Right now my main crush is on the character Artemus Gordon from the TV show Wild Wild West (1965-69).

He is technically the sidekick, but I watch the show purely for him. He is the best! He is hilarious, is a wonderful actor (that’s what his character did before he was a spy), and is just all around awesome.

3. Movies or music?

Well, these questions aren’t getting any easier. 

I’ll definitely have to say movies, but in the last few months I’ve gotten so attached to music, it’s pretty crazy.

4. What story [movie, book, show, etc.] has made the biggest impact on your life?

Oh golly. This is such a huge question that I’m going to have a few answers:

First off: STAR WARS. I can’t tell you guys how much I love this series. I only mention it here on my blog every few posts. I have visited sites where they filmed the sequels trilogy. I think about it constantly. I can't think of a day that goes by without STAR WARS having some part in my life.

In Nov./Dec of 2018 I had where I put a picture from a movie that changed my life everyday for ten days. You can check that out HERE. I was thinking about giving them all explanations one day, so if you'd be interested in reading that let me know!

5. What is your favorite and least favorite thing about yourself?

Wow, such a deep question! 

Favorite: I try to see the best in everyone. 

Least favorite: I am very lazy and procrastinate 24/7.

6. Do you like sports? If so, which ones?

I'm neutral on doing sports myself, but I LOVE watching the Olympics. It's seriously one of my favorite things ever. So yes, I like sports. My favorite to watch are snowboarding, figure skating, and freestyle skiing.

7. Joss Whedon or James Cameron [look them up if you don't know who they are]?

I'm not overly familiar with either of them. I think I'll have to go with Joss Whedon because even though I don't like his DC work, I like what he did with Marvel in The Avengers (2012) and Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015).

8. Michelle Rodriguez or Michelle Forbes [again, look them up if you don't know who they are]?

I looked them up, but I haven't seen either of them in anything, so I can't say. 

9. Historical fiction or futuristic fiction?

I do read a lot of historical fiction and enjoy it. I haven't had that much experience with any futuristic fiction. (But is that stopping me from making one my NaNoWriMo project this year? No, no it is not.)

10. Which show would you rather spend a month in: Star Trek,  Firefly, or Battlestar Galactica?

After reading McKayla talk about all of these I really want to see them, but I haven’t had the chance yet! I’ll have to go with the one I have the most experience with: Star Trek. I’ve only seen a handful of episodes and I think they are all from The Next Generation? Anyway, I would want to spend a month with Data and on the holodeck. Is that what it's called?

11. If you were in an action movie, what would be your weapon of choice?

Bow and arrow, 100%! Any of you who have spent some time here know that I am obsessed with Archery.

This is not the gif that I was looking for, but it'll do.

Olivia's Questions:

1. Is there a particular song that you would show to people if you were trying to explain yourself -- your personality, your heart, your aesthetic, your inner landscape -- in musical form?

Do I love this question? YES I DO. If you listen to anything by Twenty One Pilots then that's me. The music they write is so much me that when I know other people who listen to it I get super excited because I feel like they are my new best friend. Mostly this one:

//Wish we could turn back time to the good old days

When our momma sang us to sleep but now we're stressed out//

2. Do you like tattoos or no?

A definite no. I just don’t like the idea of anything going into my skin. Plus, what happens when you get tired of it? IT DOESN’T GO AWAY.

3.  What is your favorite thing about your favorite holiday?

Well, I don't even know what is my favorite holiday. Whatever it is my favorite part is the joy of celebration! Sharing stories and memories with others.

4.  What non-story-related hobbies do you enjoy?

*blinks* Uh, is there such a thing? Well, I like to dance and downhill ski.

5. Top three favorite TV shows?

I’m having a list for fictional series’s (so I can tie it back to this blog, ya know) and one for any competition or documentary TV show.

Fictional:

BBC’s Robin Hood (2006-2009). This will always and forever be my favorite.

Sherlock (2010-2017). My sister got me into in and now we are fully fledged fans.

Merlin (2008-2012). Now, I'm only in session these, but it is such a fun show.

Not fictional:

All Round Champion. My younger sister found this show and it is so fun! We are currently watching the second season.

Chopped. I have watched this so much, it's crazy. It used to be a tradition that every time my sisters and I finished dance we would watch it.

And I can't think of a third. 

6.  What is one thing that the world need more of, in your eyes? (Serious or trivial.)

Patience. I know that I need more of it, certainly!

7.  What is one thing that the world need less of, in your eyes? (Serious or trivial.)

Cheese. There are many kinds that I dislike.

Totally joking, guys! There can be as much cheese so long as I don't have to eat it.

8.  Do you need more cool air or more heat when you sleep?

Cool air, definitely! In anything I would rather be cold than not and that is no different for falling asleep.

9.  What scents do you tend to love in candles, perfumes, etc.?

Anything fruity! Lime, lemon, apple, and of those scents.

10.  Top three favorite animals?

Dogs, lions, and... I'll go with koalas.

11.  Socks or no socks? 

Usually an affirmative for socks.

Carissa's Questions:

1. What is your favorite hobby?

Whenever I am asked this question it is a combination of three: Reading, writing, and watching movies! They go together and I can't pick out which one is my top favorite.

2. What is the best book you've read so far this year?

Fun fact: This question was asked last time I did this tag and the answer is the same.

Anna Karenina - by Leo Tolstoy! I was sure that I wouldn't like it based on what I knew about it, but it IS THE MOST INCREDIBLE BOOK. It is now my tenth favorite book of all time. I really, really, really want to review it, but I haven't figured out how to put my thoughts into words yet. One day, soon I hope!

3. What is the worst book you've read so far this year?

I'm happy to say that this year has been a really good year for reading for me! (Unlike 2018 which was horrible and I read my least favorite books of all time). Um, my least favorite is probably Middlemarch - by George Eliot. It wasn't bad, but I just was so confused the whole time and didn't care about any of the characters. It took me months to read. Anytime something interesting seemed to be about to happen it was skipped! In the next chapter the characters would mention that it had happened, but I didn't get to see it. My favorite characters were Mary and Fred.

I take that back. I just remembered a book that I didn't finish because I loathed it so much: The Grapes of Wrath - by John Steinbeck. For what made me stop and other thoughts, go HERE.

4. What is your favorite color and how do you use it in your life?

If I had a lightsaber, guess what color it would be.

BLUE. I just love this color so much! I am constantly wearing it, and whenever I have a choice I pick blue. This blog theme used to be covered in blue before my sister convinced me to change it to something more "movie like". Even still a lot of the elements are blue.

5. Do you drink tea and if so, what brand is your favorite?

I used to drink a lot of tea. At least one cup everyday. It started in 2018, but this June I stopped. I have a bet with my younger sister going and we are seeing the results before I drink it again. When I did drink it the brand Berry's was my favorite.

6. Since we're slowly coming up on the holidays, what is your favorite treat in December?

There are so many good ones! I am more of a savory person than a sweet person, but I still love the flavor of peppermint! Anything with that.

7. Do you play board games and if so, what is your favorite?

Ah, yes, I love playing board games! My favorites include Clue, Catan, and Ticket to Ride. If anyone else plays these games please let me know!

8. What is your favorite movie that was made during the Hays Code, 1934 - 1968?

There are two possible answers to this question. My favorite movie of all time, Singin' in the Rain (1952) was made in those years, so that is one answer.

But, my favorite movie that was made in the Hays Code because it was made then and no other year is The Philadelphia Story (1940). I've only see that movie twice, and the first time I was really anxious because I didn't know how it would end! The second time I ended up loving it. The things that are addressed in that movie and the way everything was handled because it was made in the Hays Code are so meaningful to me. If you haven't seen it, I recommend it! And, if you're like me and get wary in the middle, follow through to the end!

9. Who is your favorite singer/group?

Twenty One Pilots! I first heard a song from the group in April of 2019 and was indifferent. I would listen to it from time to time but other than that I wasn't too interested. In March of this year I heard their song "Ride" and was like, "WOW. I need to hear more of their songs!" Since then I have listened to almost all of them and they really mean a lot to me. Their songs speak to me in a way that I hadn't heard in music before. A couple of my favorites are "Stressed Out", "Ride", "The Judge", and "House of Gold".  I put "Stressed Out" above, but if you haven't heard them here are the others:

Ride

The Judge

House of Gold

10. Do you prefer CDs, digital music, or (GASP) vinyl?

Old fashioned me prefers CDs, which is good because my family has five million of them. I love the idea of vinyl, but I haven't had much experience with it. I will admit that digital music is the most convenient, but I still love my CDs.

11. What got you started in the blogging realm?

I was always telling my family facts about movies. One day when my sister and I were watching Inspector Gadget (1999) I was mentioning some part I liked and whatnot and she suggested I start a blog. In July of 2016 I took her up on that. Look where that's gotten me!

Sally's Questions:

1. What is the most creative blog post idea you’ve ever thought of?

I would say the time that I compared Sense & Sensibility - by Jane Austen to the Disney movie Frozen (2013). That was my most read blog post for awhile. The writing quality isn't top-notch, but I had a lot of fun putting it together!

2. When was the last time you left a comment on someone else’s blog?

Well, this morning? I believe? I’m really bad at leaving comments because I just forget to, so I can’t tell you the specifics.

3. Is there a movie or tv show other people like that you don’t? If so, what is it?

Downton Abbey. I mean, I watched all of it and dearly loved some of the characters, but I just didn’t like it as much as most people.

4. Do you like reading? If so, what book are you currently reading?

I love the reading questions! Just today I started the book One Bad Apple - by Rachel Kovaciny which I have had since August but told myself I had to finish Howards End - by E. M. Forster first. I’m so excited because I am always looking for new Snow White retellings!

5. What is a movie related opinion you and your friend see eye-to-eye on?

Don’t mention STAR WARS, don’t mention STAR WARS, don’t mention STAR WARS

A former blogging friend and I have so many opinions that are the same! We both love Jane Austen and have the same opinion on Frozen II (2019). There is so much that we agree on, but if I relate it all we will be here all day.

6. Is there any advice your family has given you that has been applicable to your blog?

There are always nuggets of wisdom coming from my family, but the ones concerning my blog are writing pieces of advice. Namely, don’t make lists. I tend to say these are the things I like: 1, 2, 3, etc.. While it makes sense to me, it isn’t always easy for other people to read.

My reviewing format definitely follows a list style, but I’ve learned to talk about things more. For example:

Instead of saying what I like about STAR WARS like this:

The lightsabers. The Jedi. Yoda.

I would say:

The lightsabers are such a unique weapon. Swords made out of light and lasers? As Obi-Wan says, it is a graceful tool. The Jedi themselves are very wise, especially Yoda, and though they have made mistakes, there is a lot that they teach me about control of oneself and focus. Something I that tell myself everyday is a line from Yoda: “Do, or do not. There is no try.”

See how much better that is? Lists help me to break things down into which sections I should put all of my thoughts, but it has helped me articulate my opinions better. And of course I used STAR WARS as an example.

7. Has Coronavirus affected your blog in any way? How?

Not really. I guess because I didn’t have my usual job and vacation this summer it gave me more time to blog? But, at the same time because I didn’t have the usual I had a longer daily job with my dad that took up more time. So I don’t really know.

8. What was the most recent gift you purchased for a loved one?

Just in case she starts reading this I’m going to be vague because I haven’t given it to her yet. I bought two books for my sister.

9. Have you come across a character from media that you found relatable? Who and why?

So many! I did a post once HERE, and I’m planning to do another, so I’ll just be brief.

Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter - by J. K. Rowling, Luke Skywalker from STAR WARS, and Fanny Price from Mansfield Park - by Jane Austen. 

Like Luna people think that I’m slightly crazy, but I am very loyal. Just everything that Luke does is me, and same goes for Fanny. For both of them whenever they make a choice it is the exact same one that I would make for the exact same reasons.

Plus, Peter Parker from the MCU. He just wants to help but also feels incapable sometimes.

10. If given the opportunity, which movie scene would you re-do?

Such a good question and I should’ve given it some more thought. I’m sure as soon as I publish this post that I’ll think of something better, but this is what I have for the moment.

There is as scene in the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) that I want to take out rather than redo. It is the song “Oh What a Man” or something like that. It is so unnecessary! My sisters argue that this is the moment that we realize Truly’s feelings, but come on. The viewers are not blind. They can see what is happening without having to go into a five minute song walking around a park/garden that we’ll never see again.

11. What are your thoughts on time travel?

A few bloggers and I actually did a post about this around Leap Day, so check that out HERE.

For me, I love seeing it in books and movies!  Being mysterious because of spoilers, but my absolute favorite Marvel movie uses it and it was so BRILLIANT.

Time for tagging! Now, I won't be tagging 55 people, but I'll do 11. Since so many of these questions are so good I'm going to be picking a handful of them for my questions:

1.  What book do you wish your favorite actor or actress could have starred in an adaptation of?

2. Are there any movies you like better than the book they were based on?

3. Comedies or dramas [or do you like them equally]?

4. If you were in an action movie, what would be your weapon of choice?

5. Is there a particular song that you would show to people if you were trying to explain yourself -- your personality, your heart, your aesthetic, your inner landscape -- in musical form?

6. What non-story-related hobbies do you enjoy?

7. Top three favorite TV shows [fictional or not fictional or both]? 

8. What are the best and worst books that you've read so far this year?

9. What is your favorite movie that was made during the Hays Code, 1934 - 1968?

10. If given the opportunity, which movie scene would you re-do?

11. What are your thoughts on time travel?

I tag:

Samantha at Bookshire.

Nicole at Legend of a Writer.

Emily at The Ones That Really Matter.

Megan Chappie at The Pen and the Cross.

Tiffany and Rebekah Brannan at Pure Entertainment Preservation Society.

Lila at The Red-Hooded Writer.

MK at Sarcastic Scribblings.

Lilah at The Singing Writer.

Rakayle at A Story Detective.

Faith at The Writer's Song.

Well, thank you to everyone who tagged me! If you made it through this enormous post then you deserve all my thanks as well! What do you think of my answers?

MovieCritic

Movie Review: Roman Holiday (1953)

Salutations!

I hope that all of you are doing well! Today it's time for another review (because that is my main goal around here but it doesn't always happen)! I'll be talking about the first movie I saw a famous actor in. Are you ready to go on a vacation, or holiday? Maybe watching this movie will be enough of one. Enjoy my review!

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

Roman Holiday (1953):

"Best thing that I know is to do exactly what you wish for a while."

After traveling to countless events in different countries without a break, Princess Ann is sick of it all. Hearing her schedule for the next day she breaks down believing that she can't handle it anymore. She decides to run away from it. A journalist, Joe Bradley, finds her and takes care of her but once he learns that she is the princess he decides to make the biggest story of his career. What will happen on this Roman holiday?

"Life isn't always what one likes, is it?"

Genres: Romance, Drama.

Length: approx. 118 minutes.

Costumes: 9, they won Best Costumes at the Oscars that year. And really, can I have all of Ann's wardrobe?

Costumes by: Edith Head.

My favorite:

Script: 10, no bad language!

Crew: Directed by: William Wyler. Written by: Ian McLellan Hunter, John Dighton, & Dalton Trumbo.

Starring:

Audrey Hepburn as Princess Ann. "Trouble? You're not what I'd call trouble."

Gregory Peck as Joe Bradley.

Eddie Albert as Irving Radovich.

Paolo Carlini as Mario Delani.

Hartley Power as Mr. Hennessy.

Margaret Rawlings as Countess Vereberg.

Tullio Carminati as General Provno.

Harcourt Williams as Ambassador.

Claudio Ermelli as Giovanni.

Paola Borboni as Charwoman.

Alfredo Rizzo as Taxicab Driver.

Laura Solari as Hennessy's Secretary.

Gorella Gori as Shoe Seller.

Cinematography: 9, it is pretty lovely. Plus, it was entirely filmed in Rome!

Cinematography by: Henri Alekan & Franz Planer.

Music: 8, now, I couldn't hum the score for you if I was asked, but watching it at certain moments I was thinking how well it went with the story.

Music by: Georges Auric.

Quotability: 7, it isn't the most quotable movie that I've ever seen, but not all films have to be, you know? I can see myself saying this line a lot (and even though it was used in annoyance in the film I'd be saying it with contentment.):

"Everything we do is so wholesome."

Oscars won: 3: Best Actress (Audrey Hepburn), Best Story, Best Costume Design (Black-and-White).

Content: 9, the only thing that stuck out to me was that there was some smoking. There could have been some suggestive moments but they kept everything perfectly decent. There was a time when one character thought that another was drunk, but the person wasn't actually.

"You know, people who can't handle liquor shouldn't drink it."

Originality: 10, since then this story idea (a princess runs away from her duties and someone finds her who thinks of a plan to make money) has been used, but this is one of the earliest that I can think of.

Good For: Fans of the actors, anyone needing a break or vacation.

Age Range: It's perfectly acceptable for any and all ages, but depending on the person if they are older they might find the story more interesting.

Overall Score: 9!

Worth watching?: Yes! I'll talk about this more in a minute, but this has such great characters and motivations and everything. Plus, it's a classic and lovely story.

Will I watch again?: I feel that it's one of those movies that grow on you every time you watch it. The first time I wasn't that invested, but this time I thoroughly enjoyed myself so I'm excited for the next time I watch.

For the blogathon:

Wait, MC, this is for a blogathon? Yes, half of the things I do around here are for blogathons. The blogathon this time is the Atticus and Boo Blogathon hosted by Taking Up Room. 

For those of you who don't know, Atticus and Boo are two famous characters from the book To Kill a Mockingbird - by Harper Lee. When they made a movie adaptation of the book in 1962 they cast Gregory Peck and Robert Duvall in the respective roles. This blogathon is celebrating those two actors!

Atticus Finch is my favorite role that I've seen Gregory Peck in, so I know that I wanted to participate. As I mentioned in my intro, I'm joining in with the first movie that I ever saw him in, Roman Holiday (1953)! The only other movie that I've seen him in is Moby Dick (1956) and I was really impressed with his talent, so I'm looking forward to seeing more movies with him. He may be on his way to becoming one of my favorite actors.

This time around watching Roman Holiday (1953) I was struck with how much it is his, Joe Bradley's, story. Of course all of the events happen because of Ann and she is our leading lady, but so much is determined by Joe. He is such a good character with helping people naturally before he knows their identity. In this rewatch he stole the show.

Thank you Rebecca for hosting this! Please go check out the other entries HERE.

Thanks to all of you for reading! Have any of you seen this movie? Tell me your favorite movies with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn! I wish the best for all of you!

MovieCritic

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