What have I been up to? June 2023

So. . . I have been really bad about writing for myself. If you read my last post (Which could put a gothic romance soliloquy to shame) there isn’t much time for it. But I want to GIVE myself time. Even if it means writing later at night for a few minutes.

Here is how I finally decided to rank things I read and watch! Because I haven’t been able to write as much. My descriptions will be brief. Maybe. . . two sentences.

No redeeming qualities whatsoever visually, aesthetically, or as a story.
So boring I could barely pay attention.
I had a headache but somehow made it through.
I could make fun of it. . . because of how bad it is.
It’s not good, it’s not bad. It’s just blah.
There were various interesting aspects but nothing to really gush about.
A solid story. Good characters, plot, and visuals. However, not amazing.
I genuinely enjoyed watching/reading it. I could see/read it again with friends.
A great experience! As a film it is visually stunning and has an incredible story I could go back to multiple times. As a book, I could do the same.
Near Perfect (nothing is perfect. ) It has become one of my favorites. I could also write entire articles on it.

Movies

Peter Pan (1953) 7/10

Here was what my brother and I concluded after watching this movie. . . Peter Pan literally has his own harem in Neverland! Think about it and I know you’ll come to the same conclusion. It will make the movie funnier to watch.

That said, all the main characters are okay, Peter can literally be the worst at times, Tinker Bell straight-up wanted to murder someone, and Hook could be totally vindicated!

Also, we skipped over the song “What makes the red man red.” Instead, we enjoyed scenes with Smee and Hook with the Crocodile.

Raya and The Last Dragon (2021) 3/10

Headache city. No joke. This is one of the most convoluted films I’ve seen in a long time. The story basically stole its idea from Avatar the Last Airbender and played it off as a “finding trust” feel-good movie. Ray really shouldn’t have trusted most people in that movie.

I will say some of the fight scenes were fun to watch. I might study them later and ignore how blatantly thrown together this story felt.

Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse (2023) 11/10

I mean it. 11/10 doesn’t really do this film justice. In fact, it might be one of the best movies I’ve ever seen! If you are an animation geek like myself you understand what I mean.

I saw this movie in theaters three times so I could do the following:

See the movie
Study the story
Study the animation

It was worth every penny. I just hope they take their time making the third one so they don’t burn their animators out too fast.

Shows

Noble My Love 7.5/10

I tried watching this again and have concluded the main male lead is the worst and he basically blackmailed her after she did a good deed. There needs to be a limit on how clueless male leads can be without stepping into the “controlling, narcicisstic” realm.

Books

Strength in the Storm (2005) 8/10

I really enjoyed reading this book. Eknath Easwaren has a way of pinpointing important ways we can be mindful in everyday life without sounding too. . . mystical.

The Alchemist (1988) 10/10

Whenever I need to push myself out of a rut, I open up this book! I have a soft spot for hero’s journeys with spiritual undertones and find myself pondering this story more often than not when deciding where I need to go next in my life.

Tress of the Emerald Sea (2023) 8.5/10

This was snarky, somewhat mystical, and refreshingly logical. I like how Tress took hold of her destiny without smearing the pages with convoluted woman empowerment speeches. It’s nice to see a girl growing into herself without having to gain superpowers or ninja skills to get her point across.

I also thought her love story with Charlie was sweet. Way to take hold of your destiny like Buttercup from The Princess Bride” couldn’t.

Art of Puss in Boots The Last Wish (2023) 8.5/10

I loved this movie and thoroughly enjoyed perusing this art book. I kind of wished it had more detailed explanations about the animation process but I would go back and re-read it on a whim in my spare time.

Ordeal By Innocence 8.5/10

Re-reading this the next time around, I’m not sure if I like all the characters. It’s an interesting idea to have a seemingly straightforward murder case get dumped on its head by concrete evidence AFTER they think everything is settled. But, I’d have liked to learn more about the family and their circumstances.

I think this would be a good Webtoon for Newlyweds or for those starting new relationships. It isn’t unnecessarily dramatic or sleazy. It made me laugh out loud multiple times and wonder how to become comfortable enough with someone to start a meaningful relationship.

The World of Pooh 8/10

I probably would have enjoyed this more as a young child. As an adult, I keep trying to compare it to the Disney version and I feel somewhat ashamed.

Ignite Your Light (2020) 9/10

Wonderful book! I love going back and reading it at different times of the day as I get my day kickstarted and rolling. It was a self-help book with more depth to it than many I’ve read in the past.

Webtoons

He Can’t Be This Dumb 9/10

Honestly, I didn’t think I would be able to find a story where the main guy isn’t stupid, perverted, or overly pushy. I liked this story because the main conflict didn’t get resolved with explosions or someone getting what they “deserve”. They talked it out and ended the series with meaningful relationships and mind views.

Your Smile is a Trap 9/10

So cute. So cozy. I 100% approve of both the main characters and back their relationship and goals wholeheartedly! It is still ongoing, but I haven’t stopped enjoying it.