I’m so on top of things right now it is kind of funny. I watched a lot of shows this month. Some were new, but most were nostalgic. Good news, I didn’t really watch or read anything bad this month. It’s a fluke from the universe.
So, here is how I rate things!
- No redeeming qualities whatsoever visually, aesthetically, or as a story.
- It was so boring I could barely pay attention or it frustrated me SO much I couldn’t finish.
- I had a headache, but somehow made it through. This is also a category for when I absolutely DESPISE something I’ve watched or read.
- I could make fun of it. . . because of how bad it is or it lacked anything of real merit of substance.
- 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, it’s not amazing.
- I genuinely enjoyed watching/reading it. I could see/read it again with friends.
- A great experience! As a film/show 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.
Let’s get started.
Books
The Red Pyramid (2010), 8/10
Since his mother’s death six years ago, Carter Kane has been living out of a suitcase, traveling the globe with his father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane. But while Carter’s been homeschooled, his younger sister, Sadie, has been living with their grandparents in London. Sadie has just what Carter wants—school friends and a chance at a “normal” life. But Carter has just what Sadie longs for—time with their father. After six years of living apart, the siblings have almost nothing in common. Until now.
On Christmas Eve, Sadie and Carter are reunited when their father brings them to the British Museum, with a promise that he’s going to “make things right.” But all does not go according to plan: Carter and Sadie watch as Julius summons a mysterious figure, who quickly banishes their father and causes a fiery explosion.
Soon Carter and Sadie discover that the gods of Ancient Egypt are waking, and the worst of them—Set—has a frightening scheme. To save their father, they must embark on a dangerous journey—a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family and its links to the House of Life, a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.
Synopsis via Goodreads
I remember reading this fifteen or so years ago, but I forgot almost everything. This was fun to listen to with Jane Collingwood and Joseph May narrating as Carter and Sadie. . . although Jane Collingwood was a bit nazly for me.
What is interesting about this series is it plays literally like a tape recording. I don’t think I’ve read a book with a narrative style like that. The one downside is the relationship the kids make with other people seems rushed. Especially the romantic ones.
Overall, this was a really good read to and from work.
The Throne of Fire (2011), 8/10
Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven’t given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians.
And now their most threatening enemy yet – the chaos snake Apophis – is rising. If they don’t prevent him from breaking free in a few days’ time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it’s a typical week for the Kane family.
To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished.
First they have to search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did we mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly?
Synopsis via Goodreads
Most of what I said for the last book applies to this one. However, I probably enjoyed listening to this one a little but more. Probably because I liked the dwarf Bes.
Comics/Manga
He Can’t Be This Dumb by Pop and Navi (2021), 9/10
Renowned for its exclusivity, only the children of Korea’s elite can attend International Island High. But when Kang Doha, an ordinary girl from an average family, is given a lucky chance to enroll, she’s thrust into an unfamiliar world of money and power. Despite trying to fly under the radar, she somehow ends up in the same dorm as Rowoon, the most popular guy in school! He seems to have it all, but when it comes to girls, he’s completely clueless. Can Doha teach him how to win a girl’s heart?
Synopsis via Tapas
Strange I read this twice in one year. I think I needed a break from bad/toxic romance comics.
Machida-Kun No Sekai, (2015) 10/10
Hajime Machida, despite being a completely average teenager, is adored by his family, friends, and even his classmates. His kind and helpful nature leads to special encounters on a daily basis, whether it be with his younger siblings at home or just someone he meets on the street. Through these interactions and brand new experiences, Machida begins to learn more about himself and the differences between the various types of love.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
I’ve decided this needs to be made into an anime as soon as possible! Machida might be one of my favorite protagonists of all time now. If you like slice of life manga you should really give this a try!
Heavenly Bride, 6.5/10
For thousands of years, humans have worshiped the gods of the heavenly world, but faith has been on the decline since a celestial last graced the earth. That is, until a scorned princess with a target on her back is miraculously rescued by one. Hunted down by soldiers from her own nation, Princess Chaeyeon is in a desperate battle for her life. As if to answer her prayers, a mysterious man with wings swoops down from the sky, whisking Chaeyeon away to the land of Mount Kunlun, home of the Great Celestial Phoenix who will soon become her husband. Blessed with this unprecedented opportunity, Chaeyeon is determined to become the Celestial Bride and right the wrongs of her past. In doing so, she may just change the course of her fate, both on Earth and in Heaven.
Synopsis via Tappytoon
Compared to other manga and webtoons with this premise, this one wasn’t too bad. The time travel actually made sense by the end and the love story wasn’t toxic, forced, and unnecessarily steamy. The story won’t win any rewards for creativity but. . . that’s fine!
Maybe I just thought the main male lead was handsome so I didn’t mind as much.
Psyren (2007), ?/10
Ageha Yoshina is a self-confident high school student who helps others for a fee. On his way back from a job, he finds a strange calling card with the word “Psyren” imprinted left behind in a phone booth and decides to keep it, unaware of its purpose. The very next day, Ageha discovers that his classmate Sakurako Amamiya has the exact same calling card in her possession. When he questions her, Sakurako asks him to save her, signaling the day his troubles begin.
Confused by the circumstances of this encounter, Ageha realizes something is wrong when Sakurako goes missing. In an attempt to figure out what is happening, he decides to call the number provided on the calling card and is asked a series of questions by a mysterious voice, ending with a final, cryptic question: “Would you like to go to Psyren?” Thus begins two teenagers’ participation in a game of life or death within a strange world inhabited by monsters called “Taboo.” Granted the ability to use psychic powers known as “PSI,” the duo fight to return to the place they call home.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
This doesn’t have a score yet because. . . drumroll. . . I just started it with my brother. I decided I want to go on a nostalgia trip and re-read and watch anime and manga I was really into as a teenager and college student. So far, it has been really fun!
Also. . . this manga is still underrated and awesome!
Spirit Fingers (2019), 10/10
What do you do if you’re going on 18, totally awkward and lacking in self- confidence? You could just sit in your room all day and all night and study and wonder why you never get asked out…OR, if you’re Amy Song you could join up with the Spirit Fingers – the strangest, hippest, coolest (yet most welcoming) art club ever. But as Amy is about to learn, discovering your TRUE colors is about more than just painting.
Synopsis via Webtoon
Sigh. . . I really love this webtoon. More people need to read this and drink in its awesome message! Also, PLEASE print this in English already! I would buy it in a heartbeat.
Shows
We Bear Bears (2014), 7/10
Three bear brothers do whatever they can to be a part of human society by doing what everyone around them does.
Synopsis via IMBD
I like watching this show sometimes when I need to slow down. It isn’t the BEST show I’ve ever seen but I like how it emphasizes friendship and relationship building. My favorite bear is Ice Bear. But I think I’m not the only person who feels that way.
Assassination Classroom (2015) 9/10
Tucked in the mountains near the elite Kunugigaoka Middle School lies a small derelict building that houses the delinquents and dropouts of Class 3-E. Looked down upon by their peers, the students in this class appear to have little hope in advancing their academic careers. That is, until the national government tasks them with eliminating the greatest threat to their planet: their new teacher.
Having already destroyed the moon, the octopus-like professor—dubbed “Koro-sensei”—has now threatened to destroy the Earth by March of the following year. In light of their mission, the students have found that killing him is easier said than done. Not only can Koro-sensei move at speeds of up to Mach 20, but he can also resist almost every earthly weapon. Ironically, he also proves to be one of the best teachers Class 3-E has ever had. Training the class to excel in both their studies as students and skills as assassins, Koro-sensei is confident that his students’ ingenuity and indomitable will could return them to the main campus.
Through trial and error, Nagisa Shiota, as well as the other students of Class 3-E, must figure out Koro-sensei’s weaknesses—and fast, for the very fate of the world depends upon it.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
Last time I watched this anime I don’t think I appreciated it enough. The story, animation, and characters are top notch! I want to add some of the fight scenes to my anime fight list ESPECIALLY the ones with Nagisa. It’s funny to me that the animation in this show is so smooth compared to Saiki K, which was also written by Matsui Yuusei.
The ONLY think I don’t like in this show is the sensual jokes throughout the show. It makes sense, since it is a bunch of middle schoolers and one of their teachers is a sexy assassin. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it!
Saiki K (2016), 9/10
To the average person, psychic abilities might seem a blessing; for Kusuo Saiki, however, this could not be further from the truth. Gifted with a wide assortment of supernatural abilities ranging from telepathy to x-ray vision, he finds this so-called blessing to be nothing but a curse. As all the inconveniences his powers cause constantly pile up, all Kusuo aims for is an ordinary, hassle-free life—a life where ignorance is bliss.
Unfortunately, the life of a psychic is far from quiet. Though Kusuo tries to stay out of the spotlight by keeping his powers a secret from his classmates, he ends up inadvertently attracting the attention of many odd characters, such as the empty-headed Riki Nendou and the delusional Shun Kaidou. Forced to deal with the craziness of the people around him, Kusuo comes to learn that the ordinary life he has been striving for is a lot more difficult to achieve than expected.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
Speaking of Saiki K, I watched season one with my brother to unwind from a really hard week and laughed a the sticky botched animation and funny jokes. I wouldn’t say this anime is good in the traditional sense. It is more of a comedy that you don’t take too seriously.
Aharen-san wa Hakarenai (2022), 8/10
Beginning his first year of high school, all Matsuboshi Raidou wants is to make friends—starting with the cute, tiny, and soft-spoken Reina Aharen, who sits right next to him in class. Unbeknownst to Raidou, Reina shares the same sentiment, but she has a problem. Awkward and timid, Reina is incapable of determining how chummy she has to be when approaching a person.
Due to Reina’s complete inability to gauge personal space, the two struggle to spark their unlikely friendship, as even the simplest tasks like talking seem impossible for them. But despite the countless yet pointless challenges that hinder the pair, the overly imaginative Raidou will do whatever it takes to befriend the indecipherable Reina.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
I’m not sure why more people don’t like this anime. (It also has a pretty decent manga). This is another story that doesn’t take itself too seriously and I can really appreciate that. It has an offbeat sense of humor, really pretty soft animation, and a sweet love story that takes its time.
Barakaman (2014), 9/10
Seishuu Handa is an up-and-coming calligrapher: young, handsome, talented, and unfortunately, a narcissist to boot. When a veteran labels his award-winning piece as “unoriginal,” Seishuu quickly loses his cool with severe repercussions.
As punishment, and also in order to aid him in self-reflection, Seishuu’s father exiles him to the Goto Islands, far from the comfortable Tokyo lifestyle the temperamental artist is used to. Now thrown into a rural setting, Seishuu must attempt to find new inspiration and develop his own unique art style—that is, if boisterous children (headed by the frisky Naru Kotoishi), fujoshi middle schoolers, and energetic old men stop barging into his house! The newest addition to the intimate and quirky Goto community only wants to get some work done, but the islands are far from the peaceful countryside he signed up for. Thanks to his wacky neighbors who are entirely incapable of minding their own business, the arrogant calligrapher learns so much more than he ever hoped to.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
I watch and read this a bit too much. . . This year though I’ve been good and only read it once! As for the anime, why haven’t they done any more seasons? Curses! Why don’t more people like slice-of-life stories?
SpongeBob (1999) 8/10
The misadventures of a talking sea sponge who works at a fast food restaurant, attends a boating school, and lives in an underwater pineapple.
Synopsis via IMBD
So. . . the first three seasons of Spongebob is absolutely hilarious! I want to make a list some time of my favorite episodes and jokes. It’s too bad it went downhill.
MASHL: Magic and Muscles (2023), ?/10
In this magical world, one is easily identified as having magical abilities by a distinctive mark on their face. Those unable to practice magic are swiftly exterminated to maintain the magical integrity of society. However, deep within a forest lies an anomaly in Mash Burnedead, who can be found pumping iron with one arm and lifting a cream puff with the other. This aloof boy with superhuman strength—but no magical abilities—leads a quiet life with his father, far removed from society.
Mash’s peace is soon disturbed when the authorities discover his lack of magical powers. They issue him an ultimatum: compete to become a “Divine Visionary,” which would force everyone to accept him, or be persecuted forever. To protect his family, he enrolls in the prestigious Easton Magic Academy, which only the most elite and gifted students are allowed to attend. Now, Mash must overcome his shortcomings as a magicless being and surpass the other students—relying solely on his muscles.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
I don’t have a rating for this yet because I still have one season to watch. . .but I’m pretty sure it will become a 9 or a 10. I am a Harry Potter fan and find the not so subtle jabs against magic school tropes super funny. I also have a soft spot for emotionless heroes like Buster Keaton and Saitama so Mash makes me happy!
Suspense Radio (1940s-1960s), 10/10
I’ve talked about this old time radio show before and I maintain my previous opinion. So far, I really like episodes with Vincent Price and Peter Lorre. I’ll make a list of some of my favorite episodes at some point. For now, if you like things like The Twilight Zone listening to these episodes will definitely be your thing!
Movies
Coraline (2009), 10/10
While exploring her new home, a girl named Coraline (Dakota Fanning) discovers a secret door, behind which lies an alternate world that closely mirrors her own but, in many ways, is better. She rejoices in her discovery, until Other Mother (Teri Hatcher) and the rest of her parallel family try to keep her there forever. Coraline must use all her resources and bravery to make it back to her own family and life.
Synopsis via Rotten Tomatoes
Surprise surprise I still love this movie. (Hint: I had this in my top 10 favorite movies of all time list. . . so I’m biased.) I did enjoy talking with my brother about some of the subtle screen play tricks they used to make the movie better.
Monsters vs. Aliens (2009), 5.5/10
A woman transformed into a giant after she is struck by a meteorite on her wedding day becomes part of a team of monsters sent in by the U.S. government to defeat an alien mastermind trying to take over Earth.
Synopsis via IMBD
I liked this movie when I was 18 because of some of the jokes. Now, most of this movie is petty mediocre but it does have its random hilarious moments. Would I recommend this film? Nah. Is it terrible? Nah. Its Mid. In fact, it could be the poster child for a mid animated film.
Speedy (1928), 7/10
Harold “Speedy” Swift, a fan of Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees, saves from extinction the city’s last horse-drawn trolley, operated by his girlfriend’s grandfather.
Synopsis via IMBD
Wow. This movie is fun to watch with teenagers not used to watching old movies. However, Harold Lloyd is not my favorite silent film maker. His stories are fine, I just don’t find him as endearing as Chaplin and Keaton. What is fun to do in this movie is study how New York City looked like in the 1920s.
Sherlock Jr. (1924), 7/10, Normally 10/10
A film projectionist longs to be a detective, and puts his meagre skills to work when he is framed by a rival for stealing his girlfriend’s father’s pocketwatch.
Synopsis via IMBD
Watching this with teenagers was painful. Sometimes teenagers love these films. Sometimes they act bored as paste. That’s what this last watching was like. However, I love Buster Keaton and find this movie absolutely charming. I never get tired of seeing his films!
From the Perspective of an Old Soul 