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Blog 10

This week, I watched:

The Mandalorian (2019-)

The Book of Boba-Fett (2021-)

The Mandalorian

Rating: 5/5

This is definitely not my first watch of this show, or my first re-watch, and definitely is far from the last. I have so much to say about it but really don’t know where to start. they got everything so right its almost unbelievable. The amount of grittiness to it is the exact amount that was gone for in the original trilogy and not found again until now. Honestly, I feel like this show brings back what Star Wars is supposed to be---and I say that as someone who does not absolutely hate the sequel trilogy. 

Pedro Pascal, not to mention, plays the Mandalorian so, so perfectly. There is so much bad ass to his character; so many scenes where i cannot come up with any word to describe him other than just completely awesome. But, at the same time, Mando is awkward and clumsy. Terrifying and yet warm hearted. It is just such an insane thing to watch, and I honestly do not think I ever have liked a character from every aspect of themselves than I have with him. He’s so serious and grueling, but then is excited when he gets to go really fast in a ship. Don’t even get me started with the found-father-son relationship with Grogu. 

Grogu, too, is genius. Obviously a complete fanservice, but no. one. cares. Its amazing. An amazing story with amazing connections and a perfect balance of character appearances. It’s especially great on how Grogu is not seen as a completely overwhelming concern, like child/baby characters usually are in shows---which usually causes a hindrance to plot and narrative. They just did everything right. It actually comes across as good parenting on Mando’s part; knwoing Grogu’s strengths and weaknesses and boundaries, and knowing what he can handle.

The story on Mando’s Mando’lore religion, too, is excellently done. He learns to respect how everyone goes about wearing the helmet, and along the way, he’s tested himself; especially in the second season. The growth with both his morality questioning, as well as what his connection to Grogu costs, is not only wnderfully paced but also executed in a way that really hits the audience and makes me want to watch it from the beginning over and over. Again, kudos to Pedro Pascal for the portrayal. It’s just such an awesome show.

The Book Of Boba-Fett

Rating: 3.5/5

This show was interesting. Despite everyone around me being very excited for this, I was less so. I just never really had a heavy interest in the lore attached because I wasn’t someone who grew up on Star Wars. But, I heard the Mandalorian was in an episode, so after my rewatch of that show I decided to just carry on. That ‘episode’ actually turned out to be half of the season.

The actual Boba-Fett side of the show was good. It wasn’t exactly anything special, and definitely proved my lack of urge to watch it as it came out because I really wasn’t missing much by doing so. It was kind of in the Mando style, where there was different problems each episode with an overarching one, but it simple lacked the emotional pull that Mando season 1 had.

And then.

And then.

The Mandalorian theme played.

So, so awesome. They didn’t even say his name. It just played the theme music as they mentioned they needed help and everyone just knew. Just completely, completely awesome. I knew he was coming, but I could just imagine te excitement it brought to live watchers when the episode just came out.

The next episode was literally just purely Mandalorian, like it was Season 3, Episode 1. Again, just so awesome, and the new content was making me smile the whole time. The details on him accidentally burning himself while wielding the dark saber was just so interesting of a narrative point to see---showing someone who is so in tune with weapons messing up because of an unfamiliar element is something I just cannot get over. Building his new ship, carrying on into his own story, it all was just so thrilling to see that I still don’t know what to do with myself. and then the episode ends. And he appears in the next one. And the following. What the hell? Yeah, no, I was exploding.

Again, It was obviously complete fanservice. They quite literally didn’t have enough Boba-Fett content for a whole season, or enough interest for many people to watch. So they brought him in. Which usually, people will hate and call out of. But no one cares. Because its Mando. He’s simply just so universally loved, and so absolutely no one cares. It is so, so amazing to see. I just cannot wait to see this all built on later this year.

[hayleysbookblog]

Blog 9

This week, I read:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I watched:

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

I do not even know where to start when it comes to this novel. I of course have watched the 2005 version many times within the past few weeks, but i haven’t read the book in over a year. something about this time was so different from the last. Maybe it was because of the simple increase in my analysis on literaature, especially Austen---but truthfully, I do think this novel is the blueprint for many romantic dynamics we see in today’s media and literature. I am also always a fan of over analyzing characters, what they represent, and the parallels between them. These character not only have that, but I also am able to write an essay on it for my class. 

I almost cant believe this novel was written in the time period it was. It read with details and events that are not popular in works from either Austen or this time period. There were many times where things were so romantic, I had to reread it because I couldn’t believe how it was written. This not only has solidified this book being one of my al time favorites, but also will be something I turn back to when I know I’m struggling with my own writing. I have realized that as I have read Austen’s books, I have been more inspired to write than I usually ever can be. Not only to write, but the actual action of writing; words flow out much easier when her writing is fresh in my mind. I don’t want to give myself too much credit, but I do feel That I share similarities in the language and style she uses, and I believe that is a big reason for it all working out as it did.

This was my first time watching the Pride and Prejudice miniseries. Despite it being highly praised, I never had the urge to watch it, and it was for an exact reason that was proven. Although this series did do well in playing out the story much more true to the book as 2005′s version as people said, I wasn’t at all attached to it. I believe, like I talked about with Batman, a lot of it is based off of nostalgia. Just because something is technically true to the book it does not mean it is amazing. Austen’s books and their adaptions are great examples of this. When these books were written, the prospect of TV was far from being in the picture. I root for most of the adaptions that cut down her stories because of this. When she wrote them, so much of it was heavily dependent on her words forming the entire picture. When that is bought to the screen, such things do not need to be spelled out in such way; in fact, as i see with the 1995 version, it makes it drag. It is a good version to look back on if you want word for word what the book was saying, but other than that, it is unnecessarily slow and in that, not thought out.

[hayleysbookblog]

Blog 7

This week, I watched:

The Twilight Saga

Twilight

New Moon

Eclipse

Breaking Dawn Part 1

Breaking Dawn Part 2

Rating 3.5/5 stars

This was completely from my slight fixation on Robert Pattinson in The Batman, and his similarity in these two characters. I actually never had been one of the die hard fans of Twilight. I entered that Fan space through The Hunger Games around 2014. But I never had anything against the movies or books or anything; again, it was one of those things that were so iconic that i couldn't finally watch or read them at some random time. I have watched the first two movies many times, but this was the first time I actually watched the last few movies.

I can honestly say they can be unironically good. People fail, a lot of the time, to know that they should be going in to watch something with certain expectations. If you go in with the right ones here, knowing that these are late 2000′s vampire movies adapted from books written by a Mormon author. Its going to be cringey execution, and perhaps questionable effects, logic, and delivery. But If you go into it knowing to expect that, and knowing that the actors are taking it honestly as seriously as you are, it can actually be enjoyable, and in the end, you may feel a little loss. I do believe if they kept with the same indie approach tat they did with the first movie, things would have been praised a lot more, and I would have liked it even better. The first movie can work as a standalone (which was what the book was originally, too), and if it were released as an indie movie at a festival, I wholly do believe it wouldve been seen as a masterpiece, as do many others. A lot of the cringe was based on poor planning of directors and writers because people simply didn’t know it was going to get as big as it did.

The music ended me at the end. There is something about late 00′s to early 10′s book-to-film adaptions, their music, and their final sendoffs that really, really gut you. No matter how cringe the saga is, the last end credit sequence, as well as simply thinking about where these characters started and where they were now actually made me cry. It’s something great to look on as I near towards turning 20 in a few weeks, and really solidified my plan of reading all the books this summer that originally got m into my love of reading and writing. I cant wait to see the world of The Hunger Games and Trumpet Of The Swan with my now-adult eyes, no matte how much it will absolutely emotionally destroy me with nostalgia.

[hayleysbookblog]

Blog 8

This week, I read

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Emma by Jane Austen

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Rating: 4/5 stars

Going on with my nostalgia buzz, I wanted to reread one of my favorite series. In Literature, I have two things I’m particularly drawn to: Jane Austen, and Mythology retellings. This series was the start of the latter of those two. The Lunar Chronicles sets the well known stories of Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White in a futuristic Sci-Fi setting marketing towards young teens. I was a children who explicitly loved princesses; from the beginning, I loved stories. My family and I would regularly go to Disney, and even as I’m older, I find so much joy and comfort in the movies. These books are definitely what to turn to when I watch one of these movies and feel like I want more. The characters this series creates are a perfect mix of their own and a call to the original material. They ave a balance of complexity in them all for a younger reader to understand when they read, and an older audience can still enjoy it and take something from it without feeling likes its much too young for them. These books always are a good reminder of my childhood and its enjoyments. Overall, a great bridge for younger readers to use to go into more mature works, comfortably.

Emma by Jane Austen

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

This was a slight reread for school. I say slight, because I know I have read it before, but the ending seemed a bit unfamiliar so I am not sure if I had finished it. Nevertheless, once again Austen wrote a delightful novel that perfectly shows her mastery in the skillset of story telling. This novel is usually titled her most boring because of the lack of action despite its size. That in itself, though, is a tell of her skill. The extensibility of the book is a play at the Main character, Emma, and her over-analysis of situations and events as she tries to play match maker with the people around her. 

The novel was just a very fun read, especially as i knew what exactly was happening, because I could distinguish when Austen was trying to trick a new reader, or another character, or the main character herself. This is a book that can be full of annotations that pinpoint her writing style and language  and i am very happy that I was able to conjure an essay on that topic for my class.

Now that I have completely read the book, I can see why people do not like the 2020 movie and say its a bad adaption. I, for one, still stick with my own opinion on how it is a good adaption; sure, it misses some scenes or joins them with others, but It works out for the better, and still got the story across in the way Austen intended.

[hayleysbookblog]

Blog 6

This week, I watched:

The Dark Knight Batman trilogy

The Batman (2022)

The Dark Knight Trilogy

Rating: 3/5 stars

Batman, and DC in general, never really interested me. I was only exposed to superheroes when Avengers came out and frankly always liked their approach to presenting characters better, as well as the narratives themselves. Batman especially was sort of the epitome of what was different; between the fiction city instead of NYC, and overall the villain's. Not to mention the fact that I barely ever heard of successful DC movies. The Dark Knight trilogy followed me around, as did every one else, when it came to how good it was. Because of that, I always wanted to make sure when i watched it for the first time it wouldn’t just be on a whim. I ran out of time, though, when i realized i was going to see the new Batman while barely knowing the lore. I watched them back to back the day before i saw the new one. 

Overall, I can see why people were taken away by it. At the time. to think, at the time the second, most praised film came out, superhero movies weren't really that big, if at all. really all that there was to compare was previous Batman's and Spider-Man. As compared to that, I can see why people called it as much of a masterpiece as its given. But, by viewing it for the first time now...I can hardly agree. It’s a great movie, and trilogy, and does the villains right. But I do believe, much like things like Star Wars and Spider-Man, a lot of the praise is based on nostalgia. By the end of the trilogy, I still could not put names to characters (like Gordan), and caught myself calling Bruce ‘Christian’ and Selina ‘Anne’ in my head, after their actors’ names, for the whole thing. The costumes simply were not flattering. And I really, Really would like to know why Christian---I mean Bruce (that was literally a completely honest mistake lol) spent two thirds of the last movie in a hole. I just couldn't connect to any of the characters at all, nor did they (especially Bruce and Rachel, whos connection was supposed to Be The Plot) have any chemistry with each other. I just failed to really care for any of the characters and the trilogy turned out to be pretty forgettable on my end. 

The Batman (2022)

Rating: 5/5 stars

Now this review may seem a bit bias to the last, but its been weeks at the time of writing and these thoughts still hold strong. From the moment casting was announced back in May 2019 as well as first look promo pictures, despite te fact that I knew nothing of Batman, I knew not only was I going to finally see a batman film, but that I was going to love it. I was not wrong. This Batman finally got superhero movies---or at least one that had Bruce Wayne as the Vigilante---right. It had the perfect amount of gritty feel and finally gave Gotham the gothic feel that was intended but not applied since the beginning. The way they finally let the hero mess up, and simply show that he was new at this, was not only excellent, but gave the right kind of humor that still ran with the mood, unlike say, Avengers Endgame. Pattinson’s portrayal had gotten a lot of feedback on how Bruce Wayne wasn’t Bruce Wayne, and that he was too emo, but that was the point; he had yet to get the hang of wearing both the mask of Batman AND Bruce Wayne. The morality questioning, the symbolism of darkness and light, the full circles, the messages, the complexity of the characters. It made you feel everything you were supposed to feel for all the characters, whether their roles or traits were good or bad, and set up enough for a sequel while still leaving the audience completely satisfied. 

The complexity of it all was so well done, and so deep, that I ended up writing about 40k words in pure inspiration of it. It is the best writing I have done in a while, perhaps ever, and It really has me excited to continue with writing into the summer. 

[hayleysbookblog]

Blog 5

In the past week, I have read:

Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalo

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

I have watched:

Little House on the Prairie

Hadestown (Broadway)

My Reviews

Kingdom Of The Wicked By Kerri Maniscalco

Review: 2/5 stars

Inspiration: 3/5

This story follows a girl named Emilia, who comes from a family of witches in a fantastical take of Italy. When her twin sister is murdered, she goes into searching for the killer, and therefore expanding her worldview into realms that reflect of personifying the seven deadly sins and purgatory.

I was really, really excited for this book, but it was an incredible let down. I thought at first I just was not in the headspace to begin the book because when I started it I had a lot of trouble getting into it. But, pushing forward, I learned that it was simply the book itself. The story idea is fascinating, and I love the concept of the seven deadly sins as a family--religious renditions always interest me, like the TV show Lucifer. The story itself was probably interesting too. But the writing was very, very cheap and shallow. I had a lot of trouble connecting with any of the characters despite the fact it is written in first person. Who we are supposed to root for is also vague, but not in a morality testing way. It all seemed like a few tropes and plot devices were put into a machine and this is what was produced--especially when it came to the Italian setting, which basically was just Italian names and the mention of some Italian meals...which were also used for comparison of comfort. The potential was there, but it really just felt like the author got a book deal and needed to write a book within a month for a buck.

Nevertheless, this story did inspire me. I believe I recognized this in a few other books I have read--the fact that I get the most inspiration for bad books. They make writing seem easy, and remind me that anything can be published. In this instance, the production of a fantasy world felt very straightforward---but i also do not want to write a cheap book, so it did not help as much in the end.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Review: 3/5

Inspiration: 3/5

This classic tale tells the story of Dr. Jekyll, who is overtaken by a darker side of himself when he takes a potion. This darker side performs heinous acts, and is the origin for the idea of a character or person being ‘two-faced’.

This is the kind of old literature that reminds me how much i like old literature. I have such a love for Jane Austen, but something about the way old authors describe fantasy elements is so deliciously inspiring that it will never fail to make me want to write, which is half the reason I liked this story so much. It definitely lived up to its expectations, which is the other half. But mainly, the words used, with the morality questioning in play, it goes for a greatly intriguing story. The writing reminded me so much of Edgar Allen Poe that I made sure to purchase a book of his short stories because i remember how much he did for my inspiration when I was younger.

Little House On The Prairie

Review: 3/5

This show is based of of the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, which were based off of her and her family’s own lives as they lived in the Midwest during the mid 1800′s. 

This was watched for pure nostalgia's sake. I actually had only watched the show for the first time sometime last year--but the books were the first series I ever read on my own. I was always so interested in that time period thanks to both these books and the American Girl Doll brand. This show never disappoints to feed into the nostalgia, since although it isn't all completely accurate to the books, it gives me exactly like kind of 1850′s narrative I need. In watching this, I know I will be reading some of the books, as well as soon going on the watch and read other books like this one, like Anne of Green Gables. I forever will be trying to figure out how the actress of Laura speaks as she does because it is so satisfying to the ears.

Hadestown (Broadway)

Review: 5/5

Inspiration: 5/5

Yes, I am very aware that I saw this show not even three weeks ago. but the 2-for-1 Broadway tickets extended to the end of February, and my friend wanted to see it as much as I wanted to see it again, so I found myself there once more within a month.

The Broadway show is a rendition of both the Orpheus x Eurydice and Hades x Persephone Greek Myths. Eurydice makes a deal with Hades to sell her soul to the underworld because of the harsh winters, and her lover, Orpheus, walks down to get her. He also is writing a song to bring back spring, which has been lost since Hades and Persephone’s relationship has declined throughout the years.

There is a reason I have seen this show twice already, and am already looking forward to the next time I will be able to go. It is everything a Broadway show should be. It takes everything Theater has and it uses it how it is supposed to be used, not pushing anything into being seen for granted. If it is not on your list, put it to the top, now. I know exactly what happens, and have seen it once already, and still was in complete and utter awe. When speaking about it I find myself going “my favorite part is...” on several parts, basically equating to the whole show. See it.. Your perception on the theater will change forever, as well as your perception on life. They connect you so dearly and intimately--it is simply an experience you will get nowhere else.

[hayleysbookblog]

Blog 4

In the past week, I have read:

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

The Mirror Visitor Quartet by Christelle Dabos 

A Winter’s Promise

The Missing of Clairdelune

The Memory of Babel

The Storm of Echoes

I have watched:

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

MY REVIEWS

Sense and Sensibility BOOK AND MOVIE

Review: 4/5 Stars

Inspiration: 3/5 Stars

My relationship with Austen novels is sort of strange, because I always put off watching the adaption or reading the book for ‘the right moment’. My Austen class has been a great remedy to this since not only do I have reason to actually go and read what has been sitting on my shelf, but that I can then go and talk about it in depth with people, where I find things that make me excited to read it again.

This proved itself fair with my read and watch of S&S. This novel was originally named “Elinor and Marianne”, but upon writing it Austen change it to Sense and Sensibility--but that does not mean it changed the menaing whatsoever; the new title only highlights the comparison of the two sisters. As we read through their experience of life after their father passes, resulting in the loss of their house/relocating them, we understand Austen’s goal for Elinor representing Sense and her younger sister, Marianne, representing Sensibility, especially when interactions with suitors come into play. Austen never misses in character/plot development and the complexity of it, as well as simply writing a story that people cant help but read with intrigue on the finish. She is also a master at the perfect balance of withholding information both either to the characters or the readers.

This wasn’t my most favorite Austen novel I have read, though, since Pride and Prejudice I do not think will ever be surmounted. In speak of relationship affairs, a lot of things were so unknown for so long that I did not want to hold out hope for the end--or in some cases, did not understand how parts of the ending I generally knew were going to get there when it seemed like we were a bit away from it with only a few chapters left. That being said, it did not take away from the good experience of the story. It simply just, I don’t believe, is her most romantic book, even when people make it out to be. I just think that compared to the importance that romance held with the two main characters, the ending was more settlement than anything.

The movie was a good adaption, but in all honesty, I did not understand the strong appeal that people have over it. This, along with the other Austen adaptions made in the 1990′s, usually have this same affect on me. I understand they are book accurate, and from what I understand hold a lot of nostalgia. But honestly, they do not give much besides the story. Which in this case, wasn’t even a particularly satisfying one. Austen novels, for the amount of praise they have, deserve the kind of films they are now getting in the 2000′s--not just a screen adaption, but a feature film that gives the feeling Austen was trying to invoke, like I explained a few blogs back in my review of Emma(2020).

The Mirror Visitor Quartet

Review: 4.5/5 Stars

Inspiration: 5/5 Stars

This is the first book series i have read in a while, the first of this year, and I am very grateful that it was. The Mirror Visitor Quartet in a series of four books that follow the main character Ophelia, who is sent away from her home for an arranged marriage in the North, or the Pole. She holds many strong characteristic magical gifts like being able to read the memories an object holds with just a touch and the ability to travel through mirrors like a portal. She uses these powers to learn the secrets of her new home, as well as the dangerous problems.

When i say i am grateful for this series, i mean it. Upon the second book i realized that it was translated from French, which gave me a different perspective, but it a good way. along with reading something translated, there are words and phrases and ways of speaking from the mother language that carry over, which gives a really unique and fresh read. The style used was absolute magnificent and often held the same energy the narrative did. It never failed to flow beautifully and make complex concepts seem simple, but still beautifully written. It is that exact style I strive for it my own writing. Its the first book in a while that inspired me to write my own, but not for the reasoning of ‘if this can get published, so can I’. The balance of characters and plot/action is perfect, and overall, the pacing simply something that made it easy to read on and on and on.

I have taken huge steps in my own book’s planning since reading this series. It left me wanting to write right away.

Pride and Prejudice(2005)

Review: 5/5 Stars

Inspiration: 4/5 Stars

This is already the second time this movie is appearing in my blogs, and probably wont be the last. From what I said in my review of Sense and Sensibility, I believe the reason is clear. Favorite Austen novel + beautifully made film, for one. This is a great example of why I simply just don’t think the old adaptions do it justice. Sure, they are more book accurate, but nothing invokes the feelings that were written like this movie for P&P, and the 2020 Emma for Emma. The perfect mix of country regency, domestic scenes, music, and simply the performance of actors all simply makes it a Jane Austen film, not just adaption. Not to mention the perfection of cinematography. The goal of this film was not solely to be a good adaption, but something that anyone can watch and enjoy, not just Austen readers.

In the past few weeks, I have been watching small video essays based on regency lifestyle questions that pertain to Pride and Prejudice and some other of her novels. Something with a mix of that and a certain mindset going in that I still can’t touch on made this watch almost unforgettable, which is why I am including it in my blogs again. Watching the movie with a reminder of how exactly the characters are feeling in the exact moment literally makes the experience perfection. I cannot wait to reread the novel in a few weeks for the class.

If you are interested in said video essays, click here for the channel.

[hayleysbookblog]

Blog 3

In the past week,

I have watched:

The Phantom of the Opera (Broadway)

Hadestown (Broadway)

The Expanse (2015--)

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

My Reviews

The Phantom Of The Opera (Broadway)

Review: 5/5 Stars

Inspiration: 5/5 Stars

Where do I even begin. This has been my mother’s favorite musical since she first saw it in the 80′s, and for years she had been telling me how she needed to take me to see it. I have watched the pro-shot/film renditions of it, but nothing will ever be better than live theater. We had this outing planned since 2018, but with the pandemic everything was just cut short. 

The way they use the theater is brilliant. The story centers around a mysterious man, the Phantom, that ‘haunts’ an opera house--of which holds a girl who had just lost her father, and ever since, the Phantom has become her mentor in singing. As it centers around multiple opera shows in the narrative, many times the actual theater you sit in is used as the prop or setting, and you yourself feel like you are a part of an immersive experience--especially when the chandelier right over the audience’s head falls. The set design is exceptional as well, completely transforming the stage and perspectives. The visuals, even from the rear mezzanine, told such a strong and lingering story. It of course is a classic, but the sheer amount of talent is timeless. 

As an English major, as well as one currently in a Gothic Literature class, this show was a dream. Its lyrics give a tantalizing effect on character development and study. I found myself writing a thesis in my mind for an analysis paper on the show while watching it (which I definitely plan to go forward and write). There is a specific Gothic element, which is fantasy vs. reality, that completely jumped out. The idea of the Phantom is completely tangible for the majority of the story, but an array of small events near the end makes you think if this really is just a fictional legend of the opera house that had been completely exploded out of proportion by the girl, grieving her father’s death by conducting his last promise to send an angel of music to her.

Hadestown (Broadway)

Review: 5/5 Stars

Inspiration: 5/5 Stars

Just like POTO, Hadestown was long awaited, and completely and utterly brilliant. I have been wanting to see the show since it opened, but being a 16 year old with $20 to my name I just accepted that I probably would never see it. Thanks to Broadway’ 2-for-1 deal they do around this time of year, I was able to get the night showing the same day we went to see POTO. And loved it so much that I am seeing it again at the end of the month.

Like Phantom, this show had an unforgettable, audience-immersive experience. The story is based off of the Greek Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice-- Eurydice sells her soul to the Underworld, and Orpheus goes down to bring her back. He is granted permission, but only on one condition; he is to walk out infront, with her out of sight behind him, and trust that she is there the whole time. If he turns around to check, she returns to the Underworld forever. There is also the overarching plot of Orpheus writing the song that will bring Spring back, since the world is either blazing hot or freezing cold.

The story, once again, is told brilliantly, especially with the set design and lighting. I have never seen lighting be as powerful in theater as I have with this show--along with their use of the turning tables on the stage floor that raise Orpheus up as he creates the song of Spring, or lowering it to signify going the the underworld. I had love for the show at first sight of the previews; and the number that was highlighted went above my already extremely high expectations.

What really made the experience was the relationship with the audience. The actors, while staying in character, constantly broke the fourth wall in a way that made it feel almost like a concert, or that we were just as important as the people on stage. The orchestra was also onstage as well, and there were multiple numbers where they brought them center stage to just jam out, or took a break in the middle of their song to address each orchestra member by name. There were improved dance circles, interaction with the audience...and went right back into the seriousness of the show when it was time to. It was clear that the company was close-knit and were simply having genuine fun onstage, which made everyone’s energy high. Every time I remember I am seeing it again in two weeks I find myself smiling.

see the 2019 Tony Awards performance here!

The Expanse (2015--) (Season 6)

Review: 2/5 Stars

Inspiration: 2/5 Stars

I have been watching this show since about Season 2--It is the definition of what sci-fi should be, centering aound a futuristic society where we have started space colonization both on planets and ships. I love every season, even though it may be a bit confusing if you  are not giving it your unguided attention. With this season, though, I simply did not find a strong plot or purpose. There were definitely places where I could see story, but nothing was built on strong enough for me to be looking forward to what happens next. And then, at the same time, by half way though the last episode (of what I believe was the series finale) there was still very heavy conflict. It ended nice enough to look back on, but nothing memorable.

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Review: 3/5 Stars

Inspiration: 2/5 Stars

We watched this for my Gothics class this week. Until we discussed it, I felt pretty indifferent and slightly underwhelmed. I have heard about this movie for ages but never got around to watching it. It wasn’t what I was expecting in neither a good or bad way. I was delightfully surprised, though, that although it was solely in Spanish, I did not have a hard time understanding it without my eyes glued to the subtitles, like I usually do with captioned movies. The story itself was well done, and perfect for analysis--at first I did not see many Gothic elements, but was able to analyze it nonetheless. Of course, post-discussion I can definitely see more of it, and will probably do a second watch with everything in mind. It, especially the ending, is definitely a story that will be sticking with my thoughts for the next week.

[hayleysbookblog]

Blog 2

In the past week, I have read:

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

I have watched:

Nancy Drew (2019--)

Bridgerton (2020--)

My Reviews

The Haunting of Hill House by  - Shirley Jackson

Review: 2/5 Stars

Inspiration: 1/5 Stars.

This book was just simple nothing special. If I had not been reading it for a class, I probably would not have finished it since the beginning was so slow to start and the actual ‘haunting’ did not get very heavy until well into the second half of the book. If it was a lengthy book, the slow beginning would be alright, but since I had gotten so far in with nothing too much happening I did not have much hope for the rest.  That being said, I do believe Eleanor’s character arc was very well paced---or rather not arc, but her decline into the delusion. In the class discussion, she was the main topic and really brought the interest of the story. But, this did mark a lot of the other characters unnecessary or simply not playing any true role.

In its failure to provide me an enjoying read, the inspiration lacked just as much. There was a lack of description in the way that would thrill a writer. simple terms and phrases were used with not much inner meaning other than what was being told to the reader. Although Eleanor’s pacing was well done, it was clouded by the rest of the work and only served as being the one good part being taken away from the story at it’s close.

Nancy Drew (2019--)

Review: 2/5

Inspiration: 1/5

I watched this show on a complete whim. It being a CW show did not give well for first impressions, as the channel tends to do badly with the writing on their shows and all of them reading as the same. The endings/finales usually try to give a ‘mature’ impression of the show, but with the other places of quality lacking, it simply makes the show not fun or worth the watch in any form whatsoever. This was exactly what happened with this show, too. I believe, though, this would have all gotten a better sense of quality if it stuck with a vintage design. Nancy Drew as a narrative has such a specific feel to it, and I think if the set and costume designers could work a consistent faux retro look into the show it would make it more enjoyable. I think too that it would have been good for Nancy to use more ‘spy gadgets’. I imagine something along the lines as steampunk-esc. Again, a call back to the original storylines, and something very eye catching to an audience. Without these things the show really just came off as a random group of kids with random slightly supernatural problems. Not to mention she really only was Nancy Drew until Season 1′s finale, where it was revealed her real name was Nancy Hudson---a ‘mother died at birth and random people raised me’ storyline that, again, CW uses quite heavily. I only finished it because I wanted to see how a dynamic between two characters played out, which turned out unsatisfying anyway. The only thing I did find truly interesting was how these characters all were at college age instead of in high school, which one really does not see in characters that often. This did come with a lot of common strangely intimate scenes that would give the outlook that this show was meant for an older audience---one instance even being the way they introduce the title character--when every other part of the show presents itself differently.

There is not much to say in an inspirational sense since I simply did not get any from this show. At times, when indulging in media I do not enjoy, I get ideas on the way I myself would produce it and what changes I would make, or simply remind myself how I can easily make something better. If this can get through publication/production, so can my work. But besides the small set and costume design changes I had wanted to see, nothing came to mind because the characters and storylines felt so shallow and factory made, as recent CW shows tend to be.

Bridgerton (2020--)

Review: 4/5

Inspiration: 4/5

This was a re watch of a show that I do not recall watching since the first few months of its release. Just like my previous rewatches, I enjoyed it very much. The comedic feel the audience believe they have going into it, only for it to strike with a good balance of seriousness, but also not taking the accuracy in an austere manner at all. It proves for a very stress free watch. They bring up systematic issues without stuffing them down the watcher’s throat as well as presenting characters with the perfect amount of redeemable flaws that seems promised to be worked on throughout later episodes. This rewatch brought forth more unbiased opinions as I previously had since I did not have the cloud of initial release. I found more annoyance in the characters of Eloise and Marina--Eloise, for the fact that in wanting to be seen for having her own dreams, she tended to severely shut down others’ constantly for them not being like her own. For Marina, I did sympathize with her situation, although I did not support her at all when It came to being so against any help he was being given. I understand the story was trying to say she was attempting to take charge of her own life, but she came off selfish by the end; especially after her attempting to trap good men. This was the problem with Bridgerton that always puts me off; I believe they do not recognize the straights of the decisions they make with sexual violence. There are two instances on the show where this happens almost casually and I can’t help but wonder if they just did not understand what they were doing with the narrative by including them. It always makes me pause my rewatch.

Overall, this show never fails to dull my inspiration. It reminds me that not everything needs to be serious, and all you have to do is own up to it, play it through, and people will enjoy it. The characters are also so complex and the world building almost makes the task seems easy. All of this show just makes the production of narratives fun.

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I am very excited to share next weeks reviews, since tomorrow I will be heading to New York City to be seeing two long awaited Broadway shows! They will be the first shows I see, as well as my first trip into the city, since the pandemic has started so I overall cannot wait for the experience. I have no doubt I will come away from it with more incentive to create than anything else in a while. 

[hayleysbookblog]

Blog 1

In the past few weeks, I have read:

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Without Merit by Colleen Hoover

The Castle Of Otranto by Horace Walpole

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

I have watched:

Encanto (2022)

The Hating Game (2021)

Crimson Peak (2015)

Emma (2020)

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Northanger Abbey (2007)

My Reviews

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne - 

Review: Book; 3/5 Stars. Film; 4/5.

Inspiration: 2/5 Stars.

This book was long awaited for me-- I had been seeing it around since its initial publication, but never brought myself to buy it until recently. I would say I was a bit disappointed. In one case, I would say that is because it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting from it narrative wise, but its more so the writing that made me not enjoy it. Between a grammatical errors, pacing issues, and overall confusion when it came to where the characters stood in their development with the plot, I truly believe it needed at least one more draft before being published. Everything was there, and only a sentence or so in certain places would clear up confusion. In my opinion, the movie actually succeeded in this, making me enjoy it better--which I never thought I would hear myself admit out loud. But really, the only changes to the plot that happened in the adaption were things that needed to be condensed in the first place.

Usually books like this, which are under 400 pages and overall a quick read give me a lot of inspiration to write. In sort of a factory manner. It makes writing look easy and simple, and by the time you are reminded how complex everything is, you are already sitting with your pen and in deep enough to not get out too easily. With this book, though, I got none of that feeling whatsoever. The only inspiration I got out of it was the fact that something like this could be published.

Without Merit by Colleen Hoover

Review: 4/5

Inspiration: 4/5

Without Merit Is one of my favorite books by both Colleen Hoover and simply in my library. This was my fourth or fifth reread and my love for it stays the same. The sifference about this time was that its my first time reading it while being older than the narrator, which was very grounding, and also hit me harder. The conversation on mental health, family values, and healthy relationships remains outstanding.

Every time I read this book, or any by Colleen Hoover, I am enthralled with the feeling I didn’t quite get with The Hating Game. Especially this book, which talks about mental health and really digs in to the mind of the characters--something that I strive to do with my writing.

The Castle Of Otranto by Horace Walpole

Review: 3/5

Inspiration: 3/5

This was the first book I have read for my Gothic Literature class this Spring semester. It was a great introduction to the genre in an educational setting, as well as being the so called ‘first gothic novel’. It reminded me of and mixture of Hamlet and Macbeth, the former being my favorite work by Shakespeare--so in that aspect, I enjoyed it. 

As far as inspiration goes, This book  helped with it. its hard not to with the way novelists used to describe things in such a romantic manner, which is what translates into my own writing.

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Review: Book; 4/5. Movie; 3/5

Inspiration: 2/5

This was the first Jane Austen novel we have read in the class circled around her this semester, but not the first of my own. This ws also the first one that she had written. All in all, I enjoyed this book in all ways I usually enjoy Austen stories; I believe her way of breaking into the hands of readers as a new author was brilliant and translates so well as a first and introductory work. It wasn’t exactly what I expected based on reading the title in my mind, since usually I associate ‘Abbey’ with Downtown Abbey--although what was given was no disappointment. Watching the movie, though, put me slightly off, since it simply did not feel like I was watching an Austen work, but rather simply an 1800′s movie. Usually I do enjoy Austen movie adaptions even though they don't hold completely true to the original work, but its because of the quality they bring to them--which this adaption lacked.

Inspiration wise, it did not insight me the same way her other novels have, but still it held a similar feeling--perhaps a want to create something that is like what Northanger Abbey brought.

Encanto (2022)

Review: 3/5

I hate to say I was pretty disappointed with this animated film. I don’t think it was completely the film’s fault, but rather what the audience pepped it up to be. I was expecting a lot more complexity than what was given, and I believe a lot of the family tension was a bit overdramatic compared to the songs some were given to express them. Overall, though, it did shed light on differing family dynamics and abuse, as well as fantastic representation of culture that is easy for kids to watch.

I thought this movie would give my motivation a lot more than it did. The songs reigned disappointing, which usually is my main fixation.

Crimson Peak (2015)

Review: 3/5

I watched this on a whim after discussing it in our Gothics class. Although the actors had great chemistry, I believe it was an odd choice to develop them so heavily and intimately with te audience when the betrayal was already known. Although the movie set was glorious, I believe the overall tone of the filtered colors and saturation did not match the reaction they were going for with the audience watching the two main characters’ relationship in such a manner with conflicting knowledge. Overall, though, the set succeeded in enacting such an uncomfortable feeling of living in the house.

I believe if I read the book, I would be overcome with instinct the write based on the writing of it. The movie was directed in a way for it to be solely watched.

Emma (2020) and Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Revews: 5/5

These movies have my heart, and the amount of times I will rewatch them is only to go exponentially up. I know there are conflicting opinions on Austen adaptions, especially these, since they don't stay completely true to the books. But these two movies are examples of being able to stay as films themselves--not just adaptions. both their cinematography and directing relay the exact tone and feeling that are to be held when reading or watching that genre of Austen and overall encapsulates exactly what mood Austen was giving the reader. I watched these back to back at least three times over, and after talking about them right now, I believe I am going to again.

So much inspiration. Everywhere. I believe I am going to literally combust every time the end credits start to roll.

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That is all we have for this week! It is probably a longer list than it will usually be because I documented everything I have watched or read since the beginning of the year. In reflection, I believe I am on a steady foot to get ack into the habit of reading. Hopefully by next week’s posting I will have read something from my personal shelf!

[hayleysbookblog]

Introduction

Follow me with my indulgence of media in 2022, where my goals are to:

Read all of the unread books on my shelf

Find consistent inspiration from novels I read and content I watch to write my own stories

Re-adminster my habit of reading

Over the course of the last few years, I have found myself lacking will to do the things I have always strived to do; read and write narratives. My goal for this year is to find that place again, and the above goals I believe are how I will be getting there. Throughout these posts reflecting on the books I am reading and the series, films and online media I watch, I will be reviewing both the writing/production and the affect it had on my mindset.

- Hayley :)