I love summer so much! I have so much time to sit, write, read, and research. This last month is chock-full of a wide variety of media I inhaled!
As always, this 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 I somehow made it through. This category is also for when I absolutely DESPISE something I’ve watched or read.
- I could make fun of it because it is bad or lacks any real merit.
- 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 that 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
Keeper of Enchanted Rooms (2022), 7.5/10
Rhode Island, 1846. Estranged from his family, writer Merritt Fernsby is surprised when he inherits a remote estate in the Narragansett Bay. Though the property has been uninhabited for more than a century, Merritt is ready to call it home—until he realizes he has no choice. With its doors slamming shut and locking behind him, Whimbrel House is not about to let Merritt leave. Ever.
Hulda Larkin of the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms has been trained in taming such structures in order to preserve their historical and magical significance. She understands the dangers of bespelled homes given to tantrums. She advises that it’s in Merritt’s best interest to make Whimbrel House their ally. To do that, she’ll need to move in, too.
Prepared as she is with augury, a set of magic tools, and a new staff trained in the uncanny, Hulda’s work still proves unexpectedly difficult. She and Merritt grow closer as the investigation progresses, but the house’s secrets run deeper than they anticipated. And the sentient walls aren’t their only concern—something outside is coming for the enchantments of Whimbrel House, and it could be more dangerous than what rattles within.
Synopsis via Goodreads
I’m finding out more and more that I’m a fan of whimsical fantasy. Sometimes, I don’t want a whole slew of drama; just a simple love story in a cozy fantasy setting! It is such fun to dive into books like this with cute/awkward characters living their everyday lives in a fantastical world!
What this story needed, ironically, was a bit more meat and context to give it more concrete world-building. Otherwise, I liked it.
Cinderella and the Beast (2025), 7/10
Ella’s spent her life dreaming about adventure, but it’s hard to have adventures when you’re stuck with a stepfamily who treat you like a servant. When she unexpectedly wakes up in a land far, far away, she’s thrilled at the chance to embark on an epic quest. That is, until she finds herself trapped once more—this time in the castle of a dangerous beast.
Belle, meanwhile, has plans. Her family’s trading company is on the brink of ruin, and to save it, she’s going to enter—and win—a royal competition in the prince’s honor. But when she unexpectedly winds up in a cellar with a wicked stepfamily who have their own plans to keep her from the competition . . . things get complicated.
Happily-ever-after couldn’t feel farther away. Can Ella escape the beast’s clutches? And can Belle get rid of this stepfamily in time for the competition?
Synopsis via Goodreads
This book was alright. I can picture my niece Clarice eating this story up, though! The plot moved along fairly well, and I was pleasantly happy these twelve-year-olds didn’t have to fall in love for real like the original fairy tales it’s based on.
The Two Towers, read by Andy Serkis (2021), 10/10
Frodo and his Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom. They have lost the wizard, Gandalf, in a battle in the Mines of Moria. And Boromir, seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to seize it by force. While Frodo and Sam made their escape, the rest of the company was attacked by Orcs. Now they continue the journey alone down the great River Anduin—alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go.
Synopsis via Goodreads
Like always, I had a grand old time listening to Andy Serkis narrate The Lord of the Rings. I FINALLY finished it after months of waiting for it to come back on Libby. Plus, these are meaty books, so it takes more than half a day to get through the whole book. I realized anew this read through how much I like the character Faramir.
The Thirteenth Tale (2006), 8/10
All children mythologize their birth…So begins the prologue of reclusive author Vida Winter’s collection of stories, which are as famous for the mystery of the missing thirteenth tale as they are for the delight and enchantment of the twelve that do exist.
The enigmatic Winter has spent six decades creating various outlandish life histories for herself — all of them inventions that have brought her fame and fortune but have kept her violent and tragic past a secret. Now old and ailing, she at last wants to tell the truth about her extraordinary life. She summons biographer Margaret Lea, a young woman for whom the secret of her own birth, hidden by those who loved her most, remains an ever-present pain. Struck by a curious parallel between Miss Winter’s story and her own, Margaret takes on the commission.
As Vida disinters the life she meant to bury for good, Margaret is mesmerized. It is a tale of gothic strangeness featuring the Angelfield family, including the beautiful and willful Isabelle, the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline, a ghost, a governess, a topiary garden and a devastating fire.
Synopsis via Goodreads
Hmmm. . . I think I’ve grown out of this book since I read it about ten years ago. I still think it’s masterfully written, of course! But perhaps I’ve grown up a bit, and I don’t particularly identify with the twists and turns in the plot. However, if you have never read this book and you love books like Jane Eyre, or Agatha Christie mysteries, you’ll probably love this book as much as I did in my early college days.
The Princess and the Goblin/The Princess and Curdie (1872,1883), 8/10
Charming story fantasy for children written in 1872 by George MacDonald, the pioneer of the fantasy genre that influenced the new generation of most iconic writers such as Lewis Carroll, J.R.R. Tolkien, Madeleine L’Engle and C.S. Lewis.
The writing style is old-fashioned, characters naive, traditionally black and white, the plot simple and underwhelming, lacking the layers and complexity usually present in the genre, structurally more similar to fairy tales, representing the bridge between the folk tales and fantasy genre as we know it.
Princess Irene is the main protagonist, the example of strong morals and values present in a little girl with impeccable honesty, integrity and purity. Miner boy Curdie is witty, clever and feisty, and goblins are ugly, grotesque and wicked. The strong points are the magical atmosphere that is comforting, reminiscent of the later Tolkien’s work, The Hobbit, and the ideas that are imaginative and innovative. Also, the beautiful descriptions and sweet flowing prose are enjoyable.
Synopsis via Goodreads
It was truly shocking how much I liked these two books! There are some meaty lessons and symbolism in both books, and I’d love to dissect them more once I have physical copies. Many people say it is a lot like Lord of the Rings, but I thought it was more like The Chronicles of Narnia myself.
Flipped (2001), 9.5/10
Flipped is a romance told in two voices. The first time Juli Baker saw Bryce Loski, she flipped. The first time Bryce saw Juli, he ran. That’s pretty much the pattern for these two neighbors until the eighth grade, when, just as Juli is realizing Bryce isn’t as wonderful as she thought, Bryce is starting to see that Juli is pretty amazing. How these two teens manage to see beyond the surface of things and come together makes for a comic and poignant romance.
Synopsis via Goodreads
I randomly realized I borrowed this book before I had finished the movie. I thought I wouldn’t need to read it, but I was wrong. Although I loved the movie, the book really put me through the ringer! I wish I had found this book earlier in life.
Song of the Six Realms (2024), 6/10
Xue, a talented young musician, has no past and probably no future. Orphaned at a young age, her kindly poet uncle took her in and arranged for an apprenticeship at one of the most esteemed entertainment houses in the kingdom. She doesn’t remember much from before entering the House of Flowing Water, and when her uncle is suddenly killed in a bandit attack, she is devastated to lose her last connection to a life outside of her indenture contract.
With no family and no patron, Xue is facing the possibility of a lifetime of servitude playing the qin for nobles that praise her talent with one breath and sneer at her lowly social status with the next. Then one night she is unexpectedly called to the garden to put on a private performance for the enigmatic Duke Meng. The young man is strangely kind and awkward for nobility, and surprises Xue further with an irresistible offer: serve as a musician in residence at his manor for one year, and he’ll set her free of her indenture.
But the Duke’s motives become increasingly more suspect when he and Xue barely survive an attack by a nightmarish monster, and when he whisks her away to his estate, she discovers he’s not just some country noble: He’s the Duke of Dreams, one of the divine rulers of the Celestial Realm. There she learns the Six Realms are on the brink of disaster, and incursions by demonic beasts are growing more frequent.
The Duke needs Xue’s help to unlock memories from her past that could hold the answers to how to stop the impending war… but first Xue will need to survive being the target of every monster and deity in the Six Realms.
Synopsis via Goodreads
This book had a pacing and identity problem. It painted itself as a historical fantasy based on Chinese folklore, but had way too many modern idealisms mixed in. It was so much that these ideas were there as much as how the author presented them. I did like the main romance and thought that it was at least well-paced.
The Witchwood Knot (2023), 8/10
Victorian governess Winifred Hall knows a con when she sees one. When her bratty young charge transforms overnight into a perfectly behaved block of wood, she soon realises that the real boy has been abducted by the Fair Folk. Unfortunately, the lord of Witchwood Manor is the only man in England who doesn’t believe in faeries—which leaves Winnie in the unenviable position of rescuing the young lord-to-be all by herself.
Witchwood Manor is bigger than its inhabitants realise, however, and full of otherworldly dangers. As Winnie delves deeper into the other side of the house, she enlists the aid of its dark and dubious faerie butler, Mr Quincy, who hides several awful secrets behind his charming smile. Winnie hopes to make her way to the centre of the Witchwood Knot through wit and cleverness… but when all of her usual tricks fail, who will she dare to trust?
Synopsis via Goodreads
I like reading this book for a quick Victorian Gothic romance fix! Is the plot a bit rushed? Sure. But I like the characters and think it could be placed easily with some of the other famous Gothic romances from the 18th century.
Comics
Dandadan (2021), 8/10
After being aggressively rejected, Momo Ayase finds herself sulking when she stumbles across a boy being bullied. Saved by her rash kindness, the occult-obsessed boy attempts to speak to her about supernatural interests he believes they share. Rejecting his claims, Ayase proclaimed that she instead is a believer in ghosts, starting an argument between the two over which is real.
In a bet to determine who is correct, the two decide to separately visit locations associated with both the occult and the supernatural—Ayase visiting the former and the boy visiting the latter. When the two reach their respective places, it turns out that neither was wrong and that both the occult and ghosts do exist.
This marks the beginning of Ayase and the boy’s adventure, as they attempt to fix the surreal, supernatural, and occult elements around them to return to a normal life.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
I am super conflicted about this story. I’ll talk about that more at length when I review the anime, but suffice it to say I both enjoyed and disliked various aspects of this manga. Luckily, none of its darker themes or traumatic conflicts are portrayed in a way that makes it seem like these situations are OKAY. I’ll keep reading it to see where it goes, mostly so I can relate to my middle schoolers who are reading it. (Honestly, though, if I were a parent, I would NOT let them read it!)
Tsundere Prince’s Unruly Princess 5/10
Xue Moyun reincarnated as the daughter of the Grand Councilor with the same name. Everyone said the lady of the Grand Councilor mansion was a rude girl with no manners. She would love to show those big-mouths how rude she could actually be. But she only rampaged about a few days before they told her that she was going to marry the Crown Prince. Wait, he just canceled the engagement? Hooray! WHAT?! She’s going to marry another prince now? And he is extremely difficult to handle? Well. She is a professional spy who came from the age of science! She will never yield to a scheming prince like him!
Synopsis via Pocket Comics
This is the poster child for sloppy, boring romance with no real context, character growth, or realistic storytelling. I finished it fairly fast and have almost forgotten most of the story. I did find the art hilariously bad at times, though, which is why I kept reading it.
Ugly Duckling 4/10
Ori is the main character of an unfinished story written by “Grandfather”. So far, she’s lived the life of one being bullied, and hates herself for being unable to stand up for herself. An unnamed male is given the task to finish her story, and we’ll see how Ori’s life will continue from here!
Synopsis via Mangadex
I remember reading this once upon a time when I was in college. I liked it for what it was, but quickly forgot about it as I found more interesting things to read. I had one prevailing question as I read this last time: WHY did the bully in the story have a happy ending despite the HORRIBLE trauma they put the female lead through? No joke, she not only gets the guy but all her friends ask the female lead to forgive her because she was… misunderstood?? Ugh, so dumb. You’d have to read it to understand, and I’m fairly sure you don’t want to.
Kokuou Kizoku to Moukinzuma no Yukiguni Karigurashi/The Snow Country Hunting Life of the Northern Nobleman and the Raptor Wife (2018), 10/10
Most would call the Levantret territory a frozen wasteland. The sun does not shine for half of the year, and even when it does, the inhabitants must still endure the frigid cold. Even so, what Levantret does have is a boundless sky, spanned by the ethereal Northern Lights.
The local lord, Ritzhardt “Ritz” Salonen Levantret, loves his homeland more than anyone else. He is in search of a wife, but few women are willing to give up their lives of luxury and move out to the boonies. High society calls him the “Yeti of the Borderlands” and looks down on his simple lifestyle. At a dinner party, Ritz is enraptured by the decorated lady-knight Sieglinde “Sieg” von Wettin and immediately asks to marry her. To the surprise of most, she accepts a “trial marriage” of one year.
For Sieg, this is a chance to discover what it means to be a “wife” after spending the majority of her life in the military. On the other hand, Ritz wants to show her everything his beloved home has to offer. In the wintry Levantret, from hunting in the blistering cold to handicrafts around the cozy hearth, every day is filled with new and warm memories.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
If I could buy this manga, I would do it in a heartbeat! Much like Blissful Land, it gives you a glimpse into a different foreign culture. There isn’t any real DRAMA per se, which is nice for me, and all the characters feel REAL. Plus, the art is FANTASTIC! If you like historical manga, definitely give this one a look!
You and I are Polar Opposites (2021), 7.5/10
Next to Miyu Suzuki, a trendy and bubbly high school girl, sits Yuusuke Tani, a quiet and frank boy. Their interactions are brief, limited to Suzuki’s unprompted random questions and Tani’s succinct answers. Yet, beneath these simple exchanges, feelings of love are quietly blossoming.
Suzuki sees Tani for who he is: a straightforward boy who respects everyone equally, completely unconcerned about fitting in. Unlike Tani, she is too hung up on what everyone else thinks, desperate to keep her crush a secret. However, a slight misunderstanding leads to Suzuki confessing her feelings—and to her delight, Tani feels the same. Jittery with excitement, the young couple starts dating, embarking on a wonderful journey of friendship and love.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
I’m still technically reading this, but I’ve liked its simple romance! It is like a slice-of-life manga where dating doesn’t have crazy, dramatic problems! Plus, the art style is super unique, which was a nice feast for my eyes.
The Housekeeper in the Dungeon (2024), 7.5/10
Tired, overworked Huina thinks dungeons and Hunters have nothing to do with her until she’s suddenly gifted with a Hunter’s abilities. Now she has to navigate her game-like reality with the skills and stats of… a Homemaker?! With this class, Huina becomes the ultimate cook, custodian, and caretaker, which lands her a seemingly harmless job in a Hunter guild. But will this organization help Huina bring the Hunters a revolution of rest or force her into dangers she’d never dreamed of?
Synopsis via Tapas
I don’t like Isekai or end-of-the-world comics, but this one makes me laugh! It’s like what would happen if someone became the god of rest, replenishment, and nourishment in a super hyped action story, but they didn’t have to go through awful, traumatic battles.
My Aggravating Sovereign (2025), 7/10
Aria’s world is thrown into chaos when Crown Prince Julius, the brilliant but insufferable royal she’s sworn to protect as Captain of his Guard, announces her as his future bride. Stunned, Aria confronts him, and Julius offers a way out: if she can defeat him in any competition before the wedding in six months, he’ll cancel the engagement. But with Julius’ unmatched skills, winning won’t be easy. Can Aria outsmart the talented prince and reclaim her life?
Synopsis via Webtoon
I’m waiting to see where this goes, but the female lead is a confusing woman. She contradicts her goals and true feelings often, and doesn’t have consistent intrinsic motivations. But the art is great and the story is ongoing, so I’ll keep chugging along until I see where it goes.
Press Play, Sami (2025) 8/10
After her parents died, Sami gave up her life of fortune to live independently, doing odd jobs to make ends meet. When she starts to get involved with two of the most popular boys at her high school, Sami faces twists and turns — Chan is her neighbor, and Pyojun makes her have conflicted feelings. Things get more complicated when she finds out that Chan has feelings for Pyojun as well! With her mom’s only keepsake in hand to keep her feet on the ground, Sami navigates obstacles that she wasn’t prepared for — and aren’t even in her budget!
Synopsis via Webtoon
Of all the manhua I’ve found lately, this is probably my favorite. It could easily be adapted into a Korean Drama with real weight! I hope this author gets the recognition they deserve in time because they accomplished the impossible. They made a realistic, interesting teen drama that doesn’t focus primarily on romance!
Father, I Won’t Do Anything (2025) 6.5/10
Your birth didn’t give me any emotion, and your death means nothing to me.” Diarmuid, the cold-blooded final boss villain from the fantasy novel . Jaina, an “impure existence” born between Diarmuid and her dragon mother. At the age of ten, Jaina is abandoned by the dragon clan and left at the magic tower. Afterward, Jaina visits Diarmuid, having long given up on being recognized as his daughter. She planned to quietly spend her days in the magic tower, savoring the small luxuries she couldn’t enjoy in her past life before dying peacefully… But then, the father who never showed interest in her gradually starts to become obsessed… “Father, can you just leave me alone as I used to be?
Synopsis via Kingofshoujo
This story confuses me. . . I think it’s supposed to lead her father to become a crazy daughter-obsessed softy, but so far, he’s just been toxic and distant. Perhaps it will get better in time!
The Ugly Wife of the Shady Duke (2025), 7/10
Reincarnated as the neglected wife of a duke who secretly loves the novel’s heroine, she plans to divorce him to survive. Yet, he desperately begs her not to leave, confusing her as the story unfolds differently than she remembered.
Synopsis via Kunmanga
This webtoon brings up important observations on depression, love, and belonging. I don’t really understand why the husband won’t do anything with his wife… or why he’s such a bad communicator. But. . . I guess that’s what gives this story suspense and tension? Eh, they’ll probably figure it out.
My Dream is to Get My Own house (2025), 7.5/10
“Let’s break up.” Ishael, who had been used by her boyfriend and exploited for money by her family, could no longer endure the abuse from those around her. When she finally faced death, Ishael came to a realization: She had lived through two reincarnations. “I won’t live like before. I’m going to start a new life!” ‘…That’s what I said, but how am I supposed to move out on my own?’ Just as her worries about independence begin to pile up, something catches Ishael’s eye while working as a civil servant… A special policy offering free townhouses for newlyweds! In order to get a townhouse, she begins her search for a potential husband— when suddenly, an unexpected man approaches her. “Will you marry me?” ‘Why is Sir Dylan, the Empire’s greatest knight, proposing to me…?’ Will Ishael finally find a new life, a new family, and new happiness?
If this story keeps going the way it is, I think I will genuinely enjoy it! So far, I’ve liked the type of revelations the heroine has had and her plans for the future. She doesn’t want cruel revenge, just a chance to live a free and simple life. What I don’t understand is how she can’t know how the male lead feels about her. I also don’t get why he hasn’t told her about how he is the prince. . . That seems important. Oh well. I’ll keep reading and update you later.
Do All Mothers in Childcare Novels Have to Die? (2025), 6.5/10
Reborn as a mother doomed to die in a childcare novel, she fights to change her fate. When trying to escape her tragic destiny, she gets caught by the emperor himself—her future husband! Instead of death, she finds herself at the center of a loving family, but can she defy the trope and survive?
Synopsis via Kunmanga
Trust is key to any relationship, and neither main character can say they have ample amounts for the other. I’m not a fan of when characters are stupidly obtuse with each other for no concrete reason. Perhaps they’ll figure it out. Perhaps they’ll both die miserable deaths! We shall see.
I Was the Real Owner of Elheim (2024), 7/10
Awakener of the Water Clan. I was called as the disgrace of the duke of Elheim and was used as a sacrifice for my twin. In this life, I gave up everything and left the family holding the villain’s hand. I rescued the patriarch of the villain family, the former duke, and the heir one after another. But the villains are acting weird. “Lili, do you want me to buy you the Imperial Palace?” “Liarte, Grandpa brought some candy.” “I told you this, you’re the only one for me.” Somehow everyone seems to be tamed, maybe it’s a mistake…….?
I like that the characters actually talk to each other, but the art is rather messy. I have a hard time knowing which character is who in some chapters, and if there is a huge break in between chapters, I forget what happened. . . But the love story is sweet and honest, so I don’t mind.
The False Saintess Overturns Her Fate (2024), 6/10
Reincarnated as Philomela, the hated character in the novel, she is doomed to die a cruel death… She has been called a fake saint, betrayed by her family and loved ones, and left with no way out. This is a fantasy of a saint who was called a fake, and whose life is turned upside down.
Synopsis via Kunmanga
This female lead’s problems are solved too easily, but at least she didn’t have to get with some toxic male who wants to control her every move! The art is surprisingly consistent with some great coloring.
I’ll Take on This Marriage in This Life (2025), 8/10
Adored by her noble family, Saina Devof had a perfect life until one night ruined her societal debut, her family’s honor, and her future in one fell swoop. Determined to fix her mistake, she chooses to marry the man from that night, only to find herself trapped in a nightmare that ended with her lonely death. Then, she woke up. 18 years old again with a second chance at life, Saina swears off marriage for good. But her plans change when he appears: “I want to be your choice.” Enter Duke Constantine—the man determined to rewrite her destiny.
Synopsis via Webtoon
This is my other favorite manhua I’ve discovered lately. I love how open and honest the main characters are with each other. There is never room for stupid misunderstandings because they sit and talk about important topics with each other. Plus, neither of them is BROKEN. Which is nice. It’s exhausting when a character has to “fix” the other.
Movies
Flipped (2010), 9/10
When Juli meets Bryce in the second grade, she knows it’s true love. After spending six years trying to convince Bryce of the same, she’s ready to give up–until he starts to reconsider.
Synopsis via IMBD
I watched this again so my brother Marty Jr. could see it. He thought, like me, it is an underrated gem!
Persuasion (1995), 8/10
Eight years ago, Anne Elliot rejected Frederick Wentworth, the man she loved, out of a sense of duty and obedience. Now an ignored and faded spinster, she follows her financially stricken family from their home, only to be reintroduced to the now successful and wealthy Captain Frederick Wentworth. With their roles reversed and Captain Wentworth the eligible and wealthy bachelor, Anne navigates the scheming society that still tries to keep them apart.
Synopsis via IMBD
This movie hit a bit too close to home for me. I understand how Anne feels as everyone else’s lives move forward around her. She is still caught eight years in the past when she poorly chose to break off her engagement with Captain Wentworth. I wonder about that for myself, as certain things haven’t worked out in my life, and I have to sit back and watch it easily work out for other people.
As for this movie, I like it! I might give the movie from 2007 a chance to see if I like it more than this one! (Note: No, I will not watch the Netflix version from 2022. I have standards.)
Princess Mononoke (1997), 10/10
When an Emishi village is attacked by a fierce demon boar, the young prince Ashitaka puts his life at stake to defend his tribe. With its dying breath, the beast curses the prince’s arm, granting him demonic powers while gradually siphoning his life away. Instructed by the village elders to travel westward for a cure, Ashitaka arrives at Tatara, the Iron Town, where he finds himself embroiled in a fierce conflict: Lady Eboshi of Tatara, promoting constant deforestation, stands against Princess San and the sacred spirits of the forest, who are furious at the destruction brought by the humans. As the opposing forces of nature and mankind begin to clash in a desperate struggle for survival, Ashitaka attempts to seek harmony between the two, all the while battling the latent demon inside of him. Princess Mononoke is a tale depicting the connection of technology and nature, while showing the path to harmony that could be achieved by mutual acceptance.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
I love watching this movie with teenagers! The room gets silent, and they get thoroughly invested in the story. I used this in my 12th-grade Economics class to illustrate finding a bridge between different viewpoints to work together. I still love this movie, and everyone should see it at least once in their life.
Strange Magic (2025), 6/10 for quality, 8/10 for enjoyment
“Strange Magic,” a new animated film, is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.
This movie wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be! But. . . It’s not good either. The exorbitant amount of musical numbers was super draining, and half the characters have the personalities of cardboard cutouts.
HOWEVER, this was one of the funniest (accidental) comedies I’ve ever seen! Whether it was the river dancing scummy ex-boyfriend trying to get the girl back, or the villain’s mother creating a love room in less than 20 minutes for her son, I had a great time seeing this movie!
The Croods (2013), 7/10
“The Croods” are an eccentric family of cavemen, who survive the harsh terrain by living accordingly to a strict set of rules. But when their home is destroyed in the wake of an impending disaster known as “The End”, they are forced to leave their home of shelter and security, and into the wilderness of the unknown to find a new home.
This movie… is a mess. But, it was a fun mess to slog through! I’m not sure what the ultimate goal of any of the characters REALLY was, but at least they ambled along through the plot like champs! Grug was the best part of the movie! Oh, and the sloth. He almost shanked the grandmother who wanted to eat him. Mad respect.
TV Shows
Delicious in Dungeon (2024), 9/10
Adventuring knight Laios Touden leads a small party through a seemingly endless dungeon, a subterranean maze full of dangerous monsters and precarious traps. Through the use of advanced magic, an explorer can sometimes be resurrected, allowing them to learn from past mistakes and give traversing the dungeon another go. However, when a powerful dragon eats Falin, Laios’ spellcasting sister, she sends her brother and his companions back to the beginning to save them from permanent ends.
Though strapped for cash and equipment, Laios resolves to fight his way through the dungeon and rescue Falin before she can be digested by the dragon. Despite some of Laios’ allies abandoning him, two remain by his side: elven mage Marcille Donato and halfling locksmith Chilchuck Tims. Due to their lack of funds, the party faces the daunting prospect of starving before being able to complete their quest. However, they find salvation in Senshi, a dwarven warrior with a penchant for cooking and safely eating defeated monsters.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
I didn’t give this a 10/10 yet because the show is not done! But, this has some of the best animation, character development, voice acting, and story writing I’ve come across! I love all the characters and was super bummed when the latest season ended. I should have watched this sooner, even if I’m not into fantasy anime as a general rule.
Dandadan (2025), 8/10
Reeling from her recent breakup, Momo Ayase, a popular high schooler, shows kindness to her socially awkward schoolmate, Ken Takakura, by standing up to his bullies. Ken misunderstands her intentions, believing he has made a new friend who shares his obsession with aliens and UFOs. However, Momo’s own eccentric occult beliefs lie in the supernatural realm; she thinks aliens do not exist. A rivalry quickly brews as each becomes determined to prove the other wrong.
Despite their initial clash over their opposing beliefs, Momo and Ken form an unexpected but intimate friendship, a bond forged in a series of supernatural battles and bizarre encounters with urban legends and paranormal entities. As both develop unique superhuman abilities, they learn to supplement each other’s weaknesses, leading them to wonder if their newfound partnership may be about more than just survival.
So, here is my story. I watched the first episode of this show about a year and a half ago and couldn’t even get my way through it! The girl, Momo, is almost raped ON SCREEN by aliens and the boy, Ken, gets his genetalia stolen by a pervy ghost grandma. Yeah, I don’t like it when teenagers are put into compromising sexual situations like this. So, I dropped the story and left it alone for a long time.
BUT, a lot of my students, current and future, are obsessed with this anime. Part of me wanted to shout, “What the heck is wrong with you! Do you realize the deeper implications behind these situations?” Another part of me let them be. People should be free to like what they want.
However, I kept seeing clips from the anime and thought to myself, “Dang, that is some clever animation.” I bit the bullet and watched the show, and was pleasantly surprised by how out of the blue that first episode was. Most of the show is quite introspective, with clever dialogue and character development. None of the main characters are pervs, and generally, they treat each other with respect. The romance was also surprisingly sweet.
I’ll keep watching the show and give my final verdict later.
Ranking of Kings (2022), 10/10
The people of the kingdom look down on the young Prince Bojji, who can neither hear nor speak. They call him “The Useless Prince” while jeering at his supposed foolishness.
However, while Bojji may not be physically strong, he is certainly not weak of heart. When a chance encounter with a shadow creature should have left him traumatized, it instead makes him believe that he has found a friend amidst those who only choose to notice his shortcomings. He starts meeting with Kage, the shadow, regularly, to the point where even the otherwise abrasive creature begins to warm up to him.
Kage and Bojji’s unlikely friendship lays the budding foundations of the prince’s journey, one where he intends to conquer his fears and insecurities. Despite the constant ridicule he faces, Bojji resolves to fulfill his desire of becoming the best king he can be.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
If you have NOT seen this anime and you like philosophical stories with non-traditional plots and characters, PLEASE give it a try! I’ve tried to get my brother into this show, but he’s avoided and evaded it so far. Prince Bojji is now officially one of my new favorite film characters, and I LOVE slowing down and studying the animation.
Hey Arnold (1997), 10/10
The everyday life of Arnold, a fourth-grader in the city of Hillwood, Washington, who lives in a multi-racial boarding house with his grandparents and a motley assortment of friends and neighbors.
Synopsis via IMBD
I have a problem, when I start feeling burnt out, I go back to this show. It is like Star Trek for my dad or Bigfoot shows for my brother. It is like I can recenter whenever I watch it!
That is about it for May. I really did watch and read A LOT!
From the Perspective of an Old Soul 