#CAPTURED ERIC PERFECTLY

[pickingupmymercedes]

The things we do for fashion - Lewis Hamilton (NSFW)

request: "Hey, drop something happy and sexy to get over this terrible weekend with Lewis in merc with that terrible strategy and that bad tire performance, burn that car pls. Thank you" - anon

pairing: Lewis Hamilton x Reader!

warnings: unprotected sexual activities, penetrative sex (p in v), creampie.

Also, wrap it before you tap it

wordcount: +1K

a/n: Cutesy and fun smut, little to no plot, as all my smuts tend to be. Also, been gone (with food poisoning) but this request had to be written.

As always, I'm open for feedback, come say hi!

EXPLICIT CONTENT UNDER, -18 DO NOT INTERACT.

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You started it without any intention for it to end like it did. An innocent clean-up of his spare closet was all it was meant to be. But, living with Lewis was seldom your typical experience, and things with him had a knack for turning into something else entirely within a matter of minutes.

You had the day off and your self-appointed task of the day was relatively simple: get Lewis's paddock outfits out of the boxes Eric had shipped them in and organize them on the racks so Lewis could see the full fit. It should have taken you less than two hours, ample time to spare until Lewis returned from the factory. At least, that's what you thought.

In the middle of the room, you sat surrounded by half-open boxes and only a few racks filled when you heard Lewis call out from the entrance of his London home.

"Hey, love! How's it going in here?"

You scrambled to your feet, pushing aside the box you were sorting through and greeted him with a sheepish smile. "Uh, not quite as planned, to be honest."

Lewis chuckled as he walked over to you, glancing at the mess of boxes and clothes. "Mind if I have a look at what you've got so far?"

"Go ahead, just…it's not finished yet." you said, a little embarrassed.

Lewis began to sift through the clothes, his eyes lighting up with excitement as he pulled out some of the pieces he recalled were his favorites.

"Oh, I've been looking forward this one!" he exclaimed, holding up a vibrant red jacket. "And these trousers! I can't wait to wear this combo."

He continued to go through the clothes, commenting on each piece he was excited to wear. The excitement in his voice infectious, getting you to instantly smile at his enthusiasm.

As he reached the bottom of one of the boxes, his hand paused on a piece of clothing. A black sleeveless turtleneck, skin-tight and oh so sleek.

"Oh, I love this one," you whispered, unable to hide your admiration.

A subtle shift occurred in Lewis's expression. His eyes meeting yours, a hint of intrigue and desire in them.

"You really think so?" his voice already lower, almost to a husky whisper.

"Yeah," you admitted, feeling a rush of heat spread through you. "They accentuate your biceps really well."

A wicked grin spread across Lewis's face, and he took a step closer, the atmosphere in the room growing more intense. "Is that so?" his murmur mimicking his eyes darkening with desire. "Maybe you'd like to see just how well it accentuates them?"

Your breath caught in your throat as Lewis took his sweats off and then slowly pulled the turtleneck over his head, revealing the defined muscles of his biceps. The fabric clung to him perfectly, emphasizing every contour and curve.

"Like what you see?" he teased, his voice low and seductive.

You swallowed hard, unable to tear your eyes away from him. "More than you'll ever know."

With a playful smirk, Lewis leaned in, capturing your lips in a passionate kiss, the intensity of the moment leaving no doubt that this innocent closet clean-up had taken a decidedly spicy turn.

His hands found their way to your waist, pulling you closer as the kiss deepened, the heat between you palpable. You responded eagerly, your hands roaming over his toned chest and back, reveling in the feel of his muscles beneath your touch.

Lewis's hands trailed up your spine, sending shivers down your back, and he broke the kiss to pepper soft, lingering kisses along your jawline and neck. His breath was warm against your skin, his touch sending waves of pleasure coursing through you.

"God, you drive me crazy," his murmurs against your skin, voice husky with desire.

You gasped as he lifted you effortlessly, carrying you over to the nearby sofa and gently laying you down. He hovered over you, his eyes dark with passion, and you reached up to pull him down for another searing kiss.

The world seemed to fade away as you lost yourself in the sensation of his lips on yours, his hands exploring your body with a gentleness that belied the intensity of his desire. Time seemed to stand still as you explored each other, the connection between you deepening with every touch, every caress.

Eventually, you both came up for air, breathless and flushed with desire. Lewis's eyes searched yours, filled with a mixture of love, lust, and something deeper, something more profound.

"I love you," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

"I love you too," you replied, your heart swelling with love and contentment.

With a simple exchange, the atmosphere in the room shifted once again, the intense passion giving way to a more tender, intimate connection. You held yourself up by his shoulders, drawing your body close to his, feeling his growing arousal through the fabric of his briefs. Between lingering kisses, his hand found its way to your core, teasing your clit through the fabric of your panties and shorts. Your moans filled the room, mingling with his as his lips stubbornly refused to leave your own.

Growing impatient with the teasing, you took hold of his wrists, his eyes opening wide with a mix of surprise and concern. "Lew, no teasing, please," you murmured in a ragged voice, locking eyes with him. His smirk formed slowly, mischief dancing in his eyes. "You don’t get to start this and not see it through, baby girl," he whispered, his voice incredibly low as he breathed in your scent. His arms wrapped around your legs and waist, effortlessly laying you down once again.

His fingers skillfully undid the silk ribbon of your shorts, slowing down each movement as his eyes met yours, his kisses trailing lower on your body. "When you see me wearing this turtleneck, I want you to remember me eating you up in it," he whispered against your skin.

Reaching your core, he caressed you for a moment before pulling the cotton fabric to the side, blowing gently on your sensitive skin before kissing you, causing your body to quiver in anticipation. Soon, his tongue was exploring every inch of you, his thumb on your clit and two fingers teasing your entrance.

"We need to get you ready, huh?" he said, not waiting for your response before curling his fingers inside you, the angle and traction causing you to writhe in pleasure, reaching your first climax, completely captivated by his touch.

Stepping away from the sofa to remove his sweatpants and boxers, you mustered the energy and courage to sit up and grab his arms before he could take the turtleneck off. "You, sir, you stay just like that while I engrave into my memory how ridiculously hot you look," you said with a playful smirk.

Kneeling in front of him, you took his member in one hand, the other tracing his abdomen beneath the fabric. The sensation of his growing body hair, his precum leaking from the tip, and the low whimpers from the man – who you literally had in your hands – left you feeling overwhelmingly elated.

His hands on the back of your head guided the rhythm as you took him into your mouth, the head of his dick reaching further with each thrust, synchronizing perfectly with your movements. If it weren’t for his hands on your cheeks and the fiery intensity in his eyes, you could have continued for hours.

The raw passion and connection between you two made every touch, every kiss, and every glance get you two more connected than the last. So, when he reached for your arms, he didn’t need to say he was more than ready to take you, fully. His hands on your waist guided you to one of the arms of the sofa, steadying you with one hand while the other spread your leg to get better access.

His first stroke was always the slowest; this time, though, it felt like torture. His eyes closed as he reached deeper and deeper, moans leaving his mouth and yours as you both adjusted to each other, his body coming closer to yours as he embraced you, his lips connecting to yours almost mindlessly. "Babe, I swear… it never gets easier holding myself back."

His thrusts got harder and faster as he continued, your moans turning into gasps the closer you got to another orgasm, his dick ever so slightly brushing that spot that got you whimpering, just for him to smirk down at you and change the angle. He wanted to build the pressure so he could choose when to release it; he was in control, and he knew how to show it.

Just after your eyes started welling up from the overstimulation, he pulled both of your legs behind his neck, making sure he reached your cervix and g-spot each time. His dick throbbing and his thrusts deepened as he let out a guttural groan, his seeds filling you as you saw white, his pubic bone hitting your clit just right one last time.

The room was filled with heavy breaths and a lingering warmth as you both came down from your high. Lewis’s expression soft and his eyes filled with tenderness and care as he looked at you "You okay?" his question gentle, brushing a strand of hair from your face.

You nodded, feeling a little overwhelmed but safe in his arms. "Yeah, just a bit worn out, I guess." Lewis smiled warmly, pulling you closer to him. "Let me take care of you," he murmured, as he carefully helped you sit up and stood to grab a towel from the nearby bathroom.

Returning to your side, he dampened the towel with warm water and began to gently clean you up, taking care not to cause any discomfort. Once he was satisfied that you were comfortable, Lewis took off the turtleneck he had been wearing, putting it aside to be washed before sitting back down beside you on the small sofa.

He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close to his chest, offering you comfort and warmth. You snuggled into his embrace, feeling the steady beat of his heart against your ear. The intensity of the moment had passed, replaced by a comforting sense of closeness and affection.

"The room's a bit of a state, isn't it?" Lewis remarked after a while, bringing you back from the haze you found yourself in, glancing around at the mess of clothes and scattered belongings. "Looks like we've got our work cut out for us." You chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I guess we do. But I wouldn't want to clean up this mess with anyone else."

"The things we do for fashion..." Lewis quipped with a playful smirk. You couldn't help but laugh at his remark, the tension in the room dissipating as you both shared a moment of lightheartedness, wrapped in each other's arms.

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TAGLIST - @saturnssunflower @xoscar03 @chocolatediplomatdreamerzonk @happy-golden-hour

If you’d like to be added to my taglist you can leave a comment or send me a dm/ask.

[larkandkatydid]

If you were to recommend 1-3 books on the American Civil War, what would you recommend? I’m interested in learning more but it’s considerably outside my historical interests. (I am American, I am just an ancient/medieval history person).

So, what I love about the Civil War era is how perfectly and oddly the very ancient and the very modern intersect. John Brown would have fit perfectly in with the ancient Macabees and Frederick Douglas would fit perfectly in 21st century America and yet they hung out! These are people having very Bendectine monk ideas about God's Will but also God seems to be willing the existence of the modern liberal democracy we all know and enjoy. It's a Black Plague level of death that scrambles people's ideas of the afterlife but includes the first widespread use of photography.

Anyway, this is requiring such extreme discipline on my part but here are three, in three different catagories:

If I had to pick one single Civil War book, I'd go with Eric Foner's The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery. I think Eric Foner, in general, is where one starts and this is my favorite Foner book. I think it really shows you the entanglement of serious theological/philosophical debates and actual bloody battles, which, to me, is the unsettling beauty The Civil War: you literally see the grand philosphical dream of a better world being built out of human skulls and the grandness of the dream being adjusted to be worth that pile of skulls.

For the best Civil War book published within the past year, and one that I think will eventually get to Foner-levels of foundational, I would recommend Kidada E Williams' I Saw Death Coming: A History of Terror and Survival in the War Against Reconstruction. I think this is going to end up being an early classic in what will become a way richer body of work studying the violent end of Reconstruction and making use of the scholarly tools of genocide studies. It's a grim read, but it's so excellent.

For a personal choice, I'd recommend S.C. Gwynne's Hymns of the Republic: The Story of the Final Year of the Civil War. This is, by far, my favorite book about Grant. It's the best at showing that Grant, like Robert Oppenheimer is a terrifying counterpoint to the old fascist line about liberal weakness: liberal democracy, when pressed, unleashes onto its enemies a brutality previously unknown in the world. What I love about Grant, and which this book really captures, is how dismissive he was of the idea that war is about honor or glory or love of country. He knew that war was about killing the other guy in such numbers that he gives up.

[treacherous-dwarf-of-the-seas]

The ultimate enemy has a lot of flaws of course, but one thing I really love about it is Eric roberts' acting. Yeah sure it's sinister and all, but I really adore how he imitates David Kaufman's cadence as danny. If you pay attention he uses the same words young Danny would use and he has similar line delivery (listen to young Danny when he's being smug, he has this self satisfied drawl when he speaks) and Eric roberts' somehow perfectly imitates him despite the difference in sound. Like, theres a lot of things future Danny does and says that potentially takes you out of the story because it is so far removed from the character. But Eric roberts' somehow captured David Kaufman's cadence and delivery and made it so cohesive that the character still feels like Danny. And in turn when David Kaufman is voicing future Danny he does his best to change his tone to match Eric roberts'. I just really appreciate that. It shows they really made an effort for it and I think they worked together to bring it out.

[jaakap]

Stardew Vally

Introduction

Stardew Valley, developed by ConcernedApe (Eric Barone), is a delightful farming simulation game that invites players to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and embrace the simple pleasures of rural living. Whether you’re tending to crops, raising animals, or exploring the mines, there’s something enchanting about this pixelated world.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Farming and Community Building

At its core, Stardew Valley is about rejuvenating a neglected farm. You’ll plant seeds, water crops, and harvest your bounty. The seasons change, affecting what you can grow. As you expand your farm, you’ll build barns, coops, and other structures. The sense of progression is satisfying, and the daily routines become oddly comforting.

Social Interaction

The heart of the game lies in building relationships with the townspeople. Each character has their own backstory, likes, and dislikes. Completing quests, giving gifts, and attending festivals deepen your connections. Whether you’re romancing a fellow farmer or befriending the local blacksmith, these interactions add warmth to the game.

Exploration and Adventure

Beyond the farm, there’s a whole valley to explore. The mysterious mine beckons, filled with monsters, ores, and secrets. Combat is simple but engaging. Fishing, foraging, and spelunking provide variety. And don’t forget the seasonal events—the Egg Festival, Luau, and Stardew Valley Fair—where the community comes together.

Art Style and Music

The retro-inspired pixel art is charming. The landscapes change with the seasons, from snowy winters to vibrant springs. The soundtrack, composed by ConcernedApe himself, is soothing and memorable. Each track captures the mood perfectly, whether you’re strolling through the forest or tending to your crops.

Themes and Relaxation

Stardew Valley celebrates the joy of slowing down. It’s a game where time passes gently, and there’s no rush. The cyclical nature of seasons mirrors life’s rhythms. Amidst the chores and responsibilities, you’ll find moments of serenity—a sunrise over the ocean, a cozy evening by the fireplace.

Conclusion

In a world filled with high-octane action and complex narratives, Stardew Valley stands as a tranquil oasis. It’s a game that encourages you to breathe, connect with nature, and appreciate the little things. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a greenhorn, this pixelated paradise awaits.

[supersonicart]

Eric Nash's "Night Drawings."

Currently on view at KP Projects in Los Angeles, California until April 15th, 2023 is artist Eric Nash's must see solo exhibition, "Night Drawings."

Nash's artwork encapsulates the essence of everyday encounters in Los Angeles, transforming quintessential and quirky city landmarks into cinematic sets reminiscent of film noir. In his current exhibition, "Night Drawings," Nash utilizes charcoal to create meticulous monochromatic scenes that exude a dreamlike quality of seductive angst. The dense tonal range of charcoal lends a sense of hyper-realism to his work, akin to photographic stills, while the moody oeuvres convey mystery and suspense associated with California and the Wild West.

Nash's "Night Drawings" capture the essence of Los Angeles illuminated in monochrome night-time hues, with each quiet composition portraying frozen moments inspired by the artist's own photographs. Initially unimpressed by LA, Nash found the metropolis transformed into a vast, mysterious, and vibrant place at night. The city's rich cultural history of noir films makes it well-suited for black and white portrayal, emphasizing the contrasts and extremes that characterize Los Angeles. The deep, velvety texture of ancient charcoal perfectly captures these nocturnal moments throughout LA and Palm Springs in Nash's "Night Drawings."

THE SUPERSONIC ART SHOP | FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

[themousefromfantasyland]

The Little Mermaid (2023): Review

I rewatched this movie today, and it's amazing how it still holds up.

First, my hottest take: Even if the original animation didn't exist, this would still be able to stand on its own.

It recreates all plot points of the original, yet they still work perfectly. And contrary to most Disney live action remakes, the few new things that it adds don't ruin the overall story. On contrary, they help give more context and depth to the story.

Halle Bailey IS Ariel. Not only she has a beautiful singing voice, she captures perfectly all of Ariel's curious innocence. There were moments that she even had the same facial expressions. She was born for this role.

I love how Prince Eric was written here. Jonah Hauer-King nails the role. He and Bailey had so much chemistry together. I feel like their romance has more depth here than it had in the original. Eric in this version is basically a male version of Ariel, and their relationship is entirely based on their infinite curiosity and their mutual support over it.

I first watched this in cinemas, and I although I really liked the CGI in the underwater scenes, I thought they would age badly, especially in smaller screens. But rewatching it made me realize that they are very well made and are really colorful.

I will fight anyone who says that the underwater scenes are lifeless.

My only big criticisms are with Javier Bardem and Melissa McCarthy. Bardem is too lifeless as Triton, and although McCarthy is doing her best, I would bring a different actress for the role. She doesn't have the same creepy, threatening campiness of the original Ursula.

[shadyb00ts]

The Little Mermaid (2023) - Review

As a longtime fan of Chloe x Halle, I knew from the moment that Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel that she was the perfect choice. Of course the racists were (and still are) whining and throwing tantrums about Ariel being black, because they never believe any person of color can truly earn a role with sheer talent, but for a long time I was sure that even if this movie ended up being an absolute dumpster fire, Halle would be the saving grace of that dumpster fire. She would be the best part, hands down.

Well, I wasn't surprised to see that I was right. About her being the best part, at least, but I don't think the movie itself is a dumpster fire at all. I actually really enjoyed it, and I've been very cynical of the Disney live action remakes for a long time like most people are. I had no confidence in this film but I had the utmost confidence in Halle to shine no matter what. However, there were things about this movie that pleasantly surprised me. Some disappointments though, I'll admit.

This is gonna be a long review, as my reviews always are. Spoilers ahead. I'd recommend you read this if you've seen the movie, but if you haven't and don't care about spoilers, read on.

So for starters, I was never really a Little Mermaid stan. Of course I loved the movie as a kid because I was obsessed with mermaids in general, and the songs were undisputed classics, but I wasn't exactly a fan of the movie as I grew older. I don't dislike it, it's just... fine. It's very of its time. So because of that, I knew they were going to update and expand certain things in the remake. For better or worse.

I've already stated how much I thought Halle nailed this film. Maybe you could say that I'm biased since I was already a fan of hers anyway, but hey, this is just my honest opinion. She captured Ariel's essence so beautifully; her innocence and naivete, her curiosity and inquisitiveness, her yearning and wonder. And while yes, the CGI during the underwater scenes could be a little janky some of the time, I was mostly mesmerized by the way she moved, the way her hair moved and the iridescence of her tail. She just looked so gorgeous and adorable and got Ariel down to a science.

As for when she gets legs and goes to the surface, that's where she shines even more, because she has to act without saying a word. It was all in her expressions and mannerisms and I thought she absolutely delivered. I haven't mentioned the new songs they added yet, but they did add a new Ariel song for when she goes to the surface called "For the First Time" and I have to say that it's my favorite new addition. It's soooo delightfully musical theater and I think it has the most Little Mermaid-esque vibe to it. It fit the movie perfectly.

Back to the actors, I also thought Melissa McCarthy was the biggest surprise. I had zero confidence that she would do the role justice, but I thought she actually did a great job. She was definitely channeling Pat Carroll and some of her lines elicited chuckles out of me. And I thought her rendition of Poor Unfortunate Souls was pretty good, even though it's unfortunately missing the iconic "body language" lyric. She's not a strong vocalist but I think she did the best she could, and she was one of the highlights. Also she did the Ursula Shoulder Shimmy which I appreciated.

Jonah Hauer King as Prince Eric also did a good job I think. The remake added much-needed depth and character to Eric that was missing in the original. Another thing I appreciated was how they tried to show more parallels between Eric and Ariel. There's a scene in the movie where Ariel finds Eric's library/study, and it's shot in a way that makes it reminiscent to Ariel's grotto. They tried to give the two more things in common, and I think they succeeded in that. Plus the chemistry between Jonah and Halle was just off the charts. I rarely find straight couples adorable, but I thought they were so adorable any time they were sharing a scene.

My one minor gripe with his casting is that he's not exactly the strongest vocalist. One of the new musical numbers is an Eric song called Wild Uncharted Waters, and.... I didn't really like it. His voice kind of sounded like the lead singer of an angsty rock band from the 2000s. As soon as it started it gave me war flashbacks to Emma Watson in Beauty and the Beast, where they had to use very noticeable autotune on her voice. Granted that was much, MUCH worse, but still. I don't wanna be reminded of that travesty. The song itself is okay I think, but it could be much better if they had a stronger vocalist or a Broadway darling to play the role, to really do the song justice. But like I said, this is just a minor gripe because Eric really only gets one song, and Jonah overall did a good job.

A change that I really appreciated was, instead of Ariel getting invited to dinner at the castle, she and Eric go to a market instead. The kingdom in the remake is inspired by the Caribbean and I loved the tropical, colorful vibe of the locale. The market visit allowed Ariel to wander around and marvel at everything she doesn't understand, and it's a much cuter, more laid back way for her and Eric to spend time together. Some people were upset about the crazy chef who tries to kill Sebastian being removed, but honestly, I never thought that sequence added anything to the original. I loved what they did here.

Daveed Diggs as Sebastian... Sigh. Look, I love Daveed but I feel like he was so miscast for this. Anytime he spoke or sang, you could tell the Jamaican accent was very put on. Sure, the original actor who voiced Sebastian--Samuel E. Wright, RIP--also was putting on a Jamaican accent, but somehow it just felt more natural when he did it. His voice work as Sebastian was so iconic, and Daveed just missed the mark on this role. It just wasn't the right role for him. His version of Under the Sea was also quite underwhelming, and he did a lot of talk-singing during it. I liked the Under the Sea sequence visually, but not quite sonically.

As for Kiss the Girl, people were making such an uproar about the lyric changes but the changes were so minor. They literally only changed like, a couple of lines, and the song is still the same thematically. It's still just the animal sidekicks trying to influence Eric to kiss the girl in kiiind of a date-r*pey-ish way. They wanted to make it seem more consensual, but nothing's really changed. But yeah, I do think the original version of the song is still better regardless. Similar issue I felt about Under the Sea, it just... doesn't quite hit the mark.

Awkwafina as Scuttle was... alright. She had some funny moments, but I mean, she's just doing her regular voice. It's literally just Awkwafina as a bird. But what I really hated was.. Scuttlebutt.

Oh god, Scuttlebutt. I honestly have no idea what Lin Manuel Miranda was thinking when he wrote this? I don't know if he was smoking something really strong, cause like... Mama, this is garbage. Like, I can't even explain to you how painful to hear this song was. It's absolutely the worst and most unnecessary addition to the soundtrack. Nobody wants to hear Awkwafina, the queen of putting on blaccents, rapping. That's the last thing any of us wanna hear. It was just. So. Horrible. I've seen the movie twice in theaters now and each time I was just begging for that song to be over.

Anyway, that's the most negative thing I can say about this movie, was that damn song. Lin deserved jailtime for that one.

For the more minor characters, Javier Bardem as Triton was okay. Some people think he was horrible but I don't think he was that bad, it was fine. I still would've preferred Idris Elba as Triton but that's just my personal fancast.

Flounder was... Flounder. Yeah, I don't like his hyper-realistic design, but he was still pretty cute and 12-year-old Jacob Tremblay was just trying his best to emulate the original actor and I think he did a fine job.

Ariel's sisters were barely in it, like in the original. They did give them each unique, cute designs, but we all know that it's just to sell dolls. They appear in the beginning of the movie in a pretty awkward scene that's supposed to replace the concert from the original film. Apparently Triton and his daughters meet every time there's something called the Coral Moon? It seems to just be a family meeting of some sort. They left it so vague, they didn't even bother to explain what the Coral Moon was. I wish they had just kept the concert.

But yeah, the sisters are all named and apparently I heard each of them are supposed to have special powers? Well those powers weren't showcased in the movie at all, so we know it was just a marketing tactic. I'm sure there'll be tons of fanfics of all the sisters having adventures and whatnot. They might even make an animated series. It'd be called Ariel and Her Sisters, or Daughters of Triton.

I do think the dolls are very slay though. I'd buy the whole 7 pack.

Oh my god, I forgot to talk about Vanessa. Girl... Jessica Alexander bodied this role. Even though she was only in it for a handful of minutes, she ate up every bit of those minutes. I also really liked Vanessa's Trick from the soundtrack and thought it sounded beautiful. Do I wish it still had lyrics instead of "la-di-da's"? Sure I guess, but I honestly don't mind all that much. It's very haunting and Halle's voice is ethereal on it.

I think that's all I have to say on the movie. It's a fun time and it's bolstered by some stellar performances (particularly from Halle) and welcome changes/additions. But it's also kinda bogged down by not-always-great CGI, some clunky musical choices, and certain things cut from the original film that I thought shouldn't have been cut.

Still, I very much enjoyed this movie more than any of the other Disney remakes so far. I do agree with people's sentiments of it being the best of the bunch, but well... the bar isn't exactly high in that regard. Maybe because the previous remakes were so bad, this one just is the best because it's the only one that doesn't suck.

Whatever the case, I had enough of a great time that I went and saw it twice. I recommend you see it too before it leaves theaters.

[brokehorrorfan]

Firmly established as the premier source for high quality yet affordable horror movie masks, Trick or Treat Studios continues to diversify their licenses and expand into new product lines.

You've made it through Halloween, now try and survive Christmas. These Trick or Treat Studios products are perfect for the horror fan on your shopping list this holiday season:

Punish the naughty like Billy Chapman with Trick or Treat Studios' Silent Night, Deadly Night costume. The set includes a jacket, pants, hat, belt, wig/beard, gloves, and axe. The "one size fits most" costume is a bit oversized on my scrawny, 5'8" frame, but adding a pillow for a belly rectified that issue. The material is stretchy and comfortable but not warm.

The axe is also available separately. With Billy actor Robert Brian Wilson along with Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2's Eric Freeman becoming regulars on the convention circuit, it would make a great display piece with ample room on the blade for each of them to sign.

Like Hallmark for genre fans, Trick or Treat's Holiday Horrors line consists of highly-detailed resin ornaments. Halloween is my favorite movie, so I'm happy to have it represented on my tree thrice over. I already had Michael Myers, modeled after his appearance in Halloween II (and now they have one based on the first film).

The jack o'lantern — instantly recognizable from Halloween's opening title sequence — is a literal highlight, as it lights up to mimic a flickering candle within. I'm impressed by the attention to detail on Judith Myers' tombstone, complete with faux dirt on the portion that would have been in the ground before being transplanted by Michael.

Controversial opinion: Krampus is my favorite Michael Dougherty movie. I love Trick 'r Treat as much as the next horror fan, but Krampus perfectly captures the holiday spirit. I'm putting the Krampus Bell enamel pin on my stocking to ensure I'm not on the naughty list.

The Misfits may sing about Halloween, but their Fiend mascot is ready for holidays with a Christmas tree-scented air freshener. I'm using it as an ornament to give some life to my artificial tree.

Gwar has lent its name to everything from whiskey and barbecue sauce to CBD and sex toys. Trick or Treat will be releasing Gwar figures next year, but four ornaments are available now. The Flying Eye design is screen-printed on a 3" metal ornament with a ribbon for easy hanging.

Trick or Treat's recent foray into the action figure market has been a fruitful one, led by the 1:6 scale Michael Myers figure from the original Halloween. The Shape stands 12" tall, has 30+ points of articulation, and is clothed in a fabric jumpsuit with a working zipper. Two interchangeable hands and a knife are included.

Presentation can really set the tone for a gift. If you're giving someone a Michael Myers figure this cool, you have to wrap it in Trick or Treat's wrapping paper featuring Bob Gleason's iconic poster art. The roll comes out to 30" by 96".

Items featured in this article:

Silent Night, Deadly Night - Billy Chapman Costume - $179.99

Silent Night, Deadly Night - Axe - $39.99

Halloween II - Micahel Myers Ornament - $19.99

Halloween - Jack O'Lantern Ornament - $19.99

Halloween - Judith Myers Tombstone Ornament - $9.99

Krampus - Bell Enamel Pin - $12

Misfits - Holiday Fiend Fear Freshener - $3.99

Gwar - Flying Eye Ornament - $9.99

Halloween - Michael Myers 1:6 Scale Figure - $119.99

Halloween - Poster Wrapping Paper - $11.99

[fankhx-invasion]

The Kitstune

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The realm of kissteria had been ruled under the Elder's authoritative hand since the dawn of time. The Elder was not to be trifled with and their commands were not to be questioned. Amongst their ruling, for eons, kitsune were no longer allowed amongst the realm. They were to be captured and, in extreme cases, executed, in order to stray away from any madness they may bring. Of course, some kitsune really don't give a shit.

Eric treaded carefully through the market, ears and tails hidden, face presenting itself as a regular kissterian, all to keep his status out of sight. He didn't want anyone after him just because he wanted to ponder the merchants during one of the most exciting events in centuries! Today, a prince of kissteria was to be crowned, and Eric sure as hell wasn't going to miss out on the opportunity. Every race seemed to be enjoying themselves on such a festive time, dancing, singing, eating, laughing, chatting to one another. He grinned, passing by a stall, and when the man running it had his back turned, snatched a pear up and continued to walk, taking a bite from the sweet fruit. A perfectly refreshing snack after a long trip.

He continued to walk, hoping not too many noticed how he walked across the hot stoned pavement completely barefoot; he didn't have fancy footwear like everyone else. Then, he saw it, the grandeur castle, looming above all, practically looking as if it blended in with the rest of cosmos. Eric pushed through crowds, making his way closer, trying to find every way to get himself entry inside. He didn't want to miss the crowning, uncaring of the small complaints as he weaved between others, stopping when he finally managed to see the inside of the building. Eric looked up in awe, taking in all of the paintings on the walls, the crystal pillars, the several floors and the grand staircases leading up to each one. It was absolutely elegant, the way light seemed to exist in that castle without a source, almost as if it were the brightest star itself in the sky.

"I'd wish my coronation would be this elaborate," a voice mumbled next to him.

Eric turned, and it was as if his world had really stopped in place. A young man, about his height, adorned in gold, heavy black eye makeup highlighting his bright, emerald eyes, and painted, plush lips, stood before him. The kitsune had never, not once in his life, seen anyone as beautiful and radiant as him. He made Eric's heart skip a beat, forget all about the beautiful decor around him, took his breath away, almost made him completely lose all control, only snapping back to attention when the young man raised an eyebrow, tapping his shoulder curiously and hiding a small grin. He wanted to say something to him immediately, wanted to get to know him, but the sound of chatter dying down drew his attention to a balcony overlooking the floor. The Elder was dressed in the finest silks, face covered by a white mask, their movements calculated.

"I appreciate all of you for showing yourselves to this one of a kind event. This has not happened since my own coronation, and as you are all fairly aware, this marks the beginning of a new era. Your prince shall be the one to guide you; his people; to victory, in the pursuit of happiness. He has learned well from my teachings. He will be just, he will be fair, and one day, he may take my place upon the throne."

Cheering and applause erupted from each patron, watching as a man stepped forward out onto the balcony. His top was sheer but looking like thousands upon thousands of stars adorned the sleeves and his chest, face covered in a layer of white makeup, a black star was painted on his left eye, and his round lips were painted rose red. He was luminous. He looked down at everyone there, Eric noticed maybe a hint of worry or doubt passed through his eyes, before quiet took over once more.

"Starchild," the Elder spoke, now holding a crown adorned with crystals, "do you swear to lead your people, and one day, the entire realm, to a glorious future?"

"I swear on my immortal life."

"You'd spill your blood to keep kissteria safe?"

"I'd spill my blood and break my bones for all."

The Elder lifted the crown, all bowing down, Eric following them, placing it atop the star child's head, nestling itself in his soft, curly hair.

"Then, it is with my greatest pleasure, and with the power in me, to bestow this crown, and the title of Prince of The Stars, to you."

The cheers rang once more, the sounds of trumpets playing triumphically. The starchild scanned the crowd with a smile, stopping when he made eye contact with Eric, at first confused then seemingly shocked. The kitsune felt uneasy, he almost felt too seen, as if the star prince could see right through him. He wanted to back away but the prince's gaze kept him trapped in place, and before he knew it, attention was on him. He looked around, confused as to why everyone had their eyes fixated on him now. He turned to the man in gold next to him, noticing he too was in shock, looking over Eric's body. The kitsune was confused, until he realized in the reflection of the walls; his disguise had been removed. The truth was revealed.

Eric stumbled, backing up slowly, some guests moving out of his way out of.. was it fear? His face had strange markings in white, black, and orange, four tails pulling themselves closer to his body. The Elder said something in a booming voice, but the kitsune was already in a panic, unsure of how to make his body move now, feeling his wrist grabbed and pulled out quickly, dragging him outside as fast as they possibly could.

"Run, you fucking idiot!" A voice rose up as both ran.

Eric couldn't see the person pulling him along, their face covered in a dark cloak, but he did what they said, following behind this stranger. They pulled him through the market, between buildings, dodging kissterians left and right, most of whom gawked at Eric's appearance. The cloaked stranger then pulled him through the forest line, stepping over roots, rocks, deep between all of the trees where the light barely filtered through the canopies. Both went further and further in until they reached a small clearing, where the stranger stopped, leaning against a tree for support as they panted heavily. The fox was now curious, tilting his head when the stranger pulled their hood off, revealing a man with dark hair and a fairly attractive face.

"You could've gotten yourself killed back there.." he breathed out, shaking his head. "What is a kitsune doing in kissteria of all places, anyway??"

Eric looked around, confused by his actions.

"So you.. don't hate me?"

"Luckily for you, no."

He looked off into the forest blankly, processing this new information.

"I heard about the event. I wanted to see it. What's your name?"

"...Bruce. Bruce Kulick."

The kitsune smiled, clawed hand extending out towards him.

"I'm Eric."

┕━━━━━━━ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ━━━━━━━┙

[metanarrates]

talk more about little mermaid 2023

bad movie! but since when is that news to anyone

here is a short list of things I liked:

-shockingly, the actors playing prince eric and ariel had pretty decent chemistry! i thought their scenes together were somewhat cute. they were certainly the only actors in it who seemed like they were trying to give their all, except for maybe a few minor largely unnamed side characters. nothing special, but in a soulless CGI cash grab poorly disguised as a "live-action" work, having a handful of vaguely pleasant scenes was better than nothing.

-also shockingly, I did somewhat like most of the scenes the movie added from the original. rather than being a straight-up adaptation, they added a number of scenes to either flesh out eric's character, flesh out the romance, or to further explore ariel's experience on land. they weren't all great scenes, and were basically the equivalent of polishing up plastic, but some of them worked fine at a mechanical level, and at least it shows that a little bit of effort was made? although a number of creative choices were clearly to Ward Off Discourse. we will discuss this.

-uh. i thought the costumes were okay. there was an attempt

ok that's it for good shit the movie did. here's the stuff i did not enjoy:

-BAD cgi. like APPALLINGLY bad. I'm by no means a visual effects expert but the way the actors were integrated into underwater environments was horrible. they didn't look like they belonged there, their movements were too floaty even for underwater, and the way their hair was animated to float looked distracting and unnatural. additionally, the "camera" was set up frequently in action scenes to not capture a lot of the action, seemingly because the movements were difficult to capture well in CGI. a lot of the time in the CGI environments, the lighting would be distractingly weird and make the whole environment look even more fake than usual. the color palettes didn't feel like they always had a lot of thought into them, which also led to weird lighting and visual problems, and it never felt like the CGI animals had much weight. speaking of which...

-WHY DID THEY MAKE THE FUNNY ANIMALS WHO SING AND DANCE LOOK LIKE REGULAR CRABS AND FISH AND WHATNOT

-NO SERIOUSLY IF YOU'RE TRYING TO PAINT-BY-NUMBERS RECAPTURE THE WHIMSY IN THE ORIGINAL? GOING FOR "REALISM" IN ANIMALS THAT DON'T PARTICULARLY EMOTE IS A HORRIBLE CHOICE

-halle bailey seems to be a perfectly fine actress, based on what i've seen of her. it didn't seem like the director wanted her to facially emote hardly at all ever. she mainly goes for the wide-eyed vaguely pleasant disney princess expression the whole film, and it makes her performance feel horribly strained. im not expecting a disney film to have stellar acting - its a movie targeted to kids and millenials with nostalgia - but it kind of sucked to watch because there were a few moments where she DID emote more and it felt like she was doing pretty well in those moments! it felt to me like, rather than a lack of ability, she was simply hamstrung by those directing her :(

-awkwafina rap written by lin-manuel miranda.

-on that note, none of the new songs were very good. they also changed under the sea to not be an ensemble piece? look, im not the biggest fan of the original film, but having the fun colorful song where lots of fish and whatever sing all together change into a sebastian solo act with ariel support is... a weird choice. it does kind of feel like the whimsy has, in general, been sucked out of this film at times.

-outside of a few side characters, nobody seemed like they wanted to be there besides the leads. the deliveries were awkward and strained. king triton ESPECAILLY seemed like he did not want to be there. sir was there a gun held to your head here

-perhaps the biggest sin of all, but ursula did NOT serve cunt. half the fun of watching the original movie is how over-the-top she is as a performer, and here the actress is just Not giving it. her vocalization sounds really oddly strained at times? ma'am is there also a gun held to your head

there's a certain structural ethos applied to this movie. I alluded to it earlier with the comment about warding off discourse, but probably a better way to word it would be "trying to retroactively defend the original film, and try to make parts of it more 'up-to-date' when thet's not possible." a sort of repolishing and image-update of the Little Mermaid brand, if you will.

obviously, remakes have frequently done this in the past. I would argue that is often the point of a remake: a way to make the IP still viable in the modern day as a source of income to the company. but it felt very transparent here. the little mermaid has often been criticized for being an insta-romance where ariel's only dream is to marry a random guy? here's several more scenes with eric and ariel to establish their chemistry. people have discussed some of ursula's lines in "poor unfortunate souls" as being objectifying? we're cutting them. and hey, let's just show everyone that the little mermaid is now a diverse story that values women. let's cast a black lead actress and have several side characters be woc, including a new character who is eric's mother.

to be clear, I don't think these changes are bad, in and of themself. it's nice that these actresses of color were cast! the changes made to the plot were kind of fun! but all of these changes are only in service of trying to squeeze even more money out of an existing cash cow. it's very obviously an image and marketing thing, rather than people feeling passionate about retelling an existing story. and really, there's only so far you can go with a story originally only showing white people and written in 1989. all you can do is polish. there are no broader, structural changes you can make to it, because all that would do is turn it into a different story. and of course disney is never GONNA tell a different story, made by and about black women, because there's not a cash cow in that. in the hands of a megacorporation, diversity is only going to be a token gesture to accumulate more profit.

it's a disney remake. at the end of the day, there's not too much point in thinking too hard about it. I watched it for a laugh with my good friend, basically. but I'm still interested in it as a gateway into the decision-making process of the disney board of directors and stakeholders. i've seen some of the other disney remakes, since my mom and younger siblings do like watching them and this one in particular strikes me for how little care was put into it. I'm wondering how well it did at the box office, because this really does feel like we're reaching the final possible end for these remakes. they're not making very many cultural waves. it seems like nobody likes them. but clearly, the disney board is hoping for them to be a perfectly marketable recapturing of whatever the existing IP had. who knows how many remakes the studio has left in them?

whatever. the late-stage capitalist megacorporation media landscape continues to be a depressing slog. I'd recommend going and finding something actually good to watch lmao

[a-moth-to-the-light]

Most-Listened of October 2023

(via stats.fm/spotistats)

[last month]

What a sleepy month... as in, I've been sleepy and haven't had much interest in new releases. (Except IVE. I have been listening to wayyyyyy too much IVE.) Hopefully I'll have some energy back in time for the RV album, and to really enjoy the Weeekly comeback (finally!!!) that just happened!

1. Lux Aurumque -- Eric Whitacre, Eric Whitacre Singers

Eric Whitacre (and a song from the same album as the last one, too??) on the top of the list two months in a row! Deserved. This is basically the same song as "Sleep" for me, but they both have just so much emotional value so I don't really mind!!

2. Invisible String -- Taylor Swift

This ended up being a theme song for my big creative writing project this month--I really don't think I've gone a day without listening to it, and I'm still not tired of that soft guitar. It’s so perfectly cozy :)

3. Either Way -- IVE

Another theme song for the writing project--I love how this song proves that sounding ‘gray’ doesn't have to be unappealing. If you liked this, you’ll probably like Dvwn’s “Yeonnam-dong”!

4. Siren -- Taeyeon

I hate that this song perfectly captured my mood for more than half of October, but thank the gods I had a song that described that mood perfectly!! If I’m stuck feeling stressed and glum (a REALLY weird combo), at least I have Taeyeon to keep me company :)

5. Chili -- Hwasa

This was GREAT. I mean it’s me, so I'll listen to Hwasa sing anything, but this instrumental really hits, especially compared to the abomination of an instrumental that was "I Love My Body". With the killer combination of Hwasa & the beat, “Chili” was an instant 'leave on repeat until I can no longer physically stand it' classic.

6. Here We Go Again -- Jini

I talked about this album, right? It carried my month!! It's not my favorite of the year--there are definitely some really messy parts (that I think will get worked out in Jini’s discography over time)--but the commitment to making catchy, energetic songs that feel mature but still youthful, and to keeping a consistent aesthetic throughout the album, is something I really appreciate. This is my favorite song from it--Jini does a great job with such a fun chorus! Can I call this my favorite NMIXX song?

7. Bad Reputation -- Jini

MORE JINI !!! The way the piano in the instrumental reminds me of Katy Perry's "Roar" is unfortunate, but "Bad Reputation" is too genuinely sweet for me not to enjoy. I LOVE TOO LITTLE JUST A LITTLE TOO MUCH <3

8. Thursday's Child Has Far To Go -- TXT

Sorry, new TXT album. I'm happy with my comfort song!!

9. Psycho -- Smyang Piano

Writing project soundtrack! This has been on one of my favorite lofi mixes for forever, but I never bothered to seek it out on its own until this month--I'm so glad I did!

10. Teenage Dream -- Olivia Rodrigo

Writing project soundtrack! A solid 3/5 for good atmosphere + some standout lyrics!

11. Quimera -- Alba Reche

One of my favorite songs of all time, here to make the cold-season days a little bit softer, as it always does. At this point, "Quimera" is a seasonal tradition for me.

12. Biriken -- Creepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts!!! Okay, so… I don't enjoy this song, like, at all, but I keep finding myself drawn to just how intensely it makes me feel. I find it so viscerally terrifying and unpleasant that it's much more compelling than a lot of other songs this month! And I think that's what really made me a fan of Creepy Nuts in the first place--I find their music so interesting, even when it isn't pleasant. I can’t look away, and that’s what happened with “Biriken” this month.

13. Mr. Blue Sky -- On The Rocks

This a cappella arrangement is so glorious. Like oh my GOD if I still did arranging, I would be taking notes on every second of this. (I'm still probably taking subconscious notes, anyway, considering how many times I've listened to it this month.)

14. Pink Venom -- Blackpink

I really don't remember listening to this one that much? But I do love it--it's my takeout cheeseburger of songs, and it's always a good fast-food meal.

15. Big It Up -- Ailee

This song is fine! I like it a LOT more than the title track, at least.

Five-Star Songs This Month:

Chili -- Hwasa (yep this is back! favorite release of the month, sorry IVE & Sunmi I STILL LOVE Y'ALL I PROMISE)

Holy Moly -- IVE (had me from the moment that low drum kicked in. even the weird glitch sound in the chorus doesn't faze me anymore!!)

Wonderland -- Aimer (okay this is late. i've loved the walpurgis album since it came out, but i didn't appreciate this song specifically until a walk a few weeks ago--and now it feels like a crime not to give it five stars.)

Dalala -- Yuju (can't believe i missed this when it came out?? this is my "off the record." yuju makes every song feel so high-class, so impeccably put-together, just by being on it.)

[blendergallery]

⚡️Happy Birthday to photographer extraordinaire Dominique Tarlé who took some of the of the most famous photographs in music history, including this one during the legendary Rolling Stones Exile on Main St. recordings in the South of France in 1971. 🇫🇷 You can see Dominique reflected in the mirror in this amazing shot.. 😉 Joyeux anniversaire Dominique! 🎉 @tarledominique Keith Richards reclines on the parquet floor of the luxurious Villa Nellcôte in the South of France during the legendary Exile on Main St. recordings. ✨ Seated with what appears to be his legendary 1953 Fender Telecaster - nicknamed "Micawber" - in his lap, Keith is surrounded by Anita Pallenberg, looking as stylish as ever with her legs slung over an armchair, Gram Parsons, and Parsons' girlfriend at the time, Gretchen Burrell. The guitar was supposedly gifted to him on his 27th birthday about 6 months earlier by Eric Clapton, and it remains one of his very favorite instruments to this day. ❤️ This image is the most iconic and sought-after photograph from that legedary Summer of 1971. The scene perfectly captures the long warm nights spent working out riffs and the endless mix of family and friends that streamed in and out of that estate. ☀️ This photograph is extremely rare and limited - please contact us for more information via email info@blendergallery.com or DM us here. Blender Gallery is the the exclusive representative in Australia for Dominique Tarlé's photographs. ✌️❤️🎶 @tarledominique @officialkeef #keithrichards #exileonmainstreet #villanellcote #dominiquetarle #southoffrance #gramparsons #anitapallenberg #therollingstones #rockandroll #musichistory #legendsneverdie #rockroyalty #telecaster #ericclapton #soulsurvivor #sweetvirginia #rocksoff #exile #muse #icon #fashionista #style #seventies #iconic #rockicon #musicphotography #rocknroll #blendergallery https://www.instagram.com/p/CrxcvkmvfIQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[eric-cartman-my-beloved]

What's your most perfect design for Eric's adult/teenager appearance?

Oh, that's pretty easy. Why, thank you for asking!

I am absolutely in love with this fanart right here:

Seriously, bless the artist for drawing it.

(Unfortunately though, I came across it on Pinterest, and as much as I've looked into it I haven't been able to find the original artist😭 If anyone who sees this post happens to know who they are please let me know so I can credit them and thank them.)

It perfectly shows how Eric will still be heavy in his teenage years and in adulthood, but that won't stop him from growing up to be tall or nice-looking.

I especially adore the way his facial structure is drawn in the adult design. Lots of people draw him with a square chin, which is very distracting, but here he still keeps that roundness his face had ever since he was a child (and I think that's very cute).

And I really appreciate how the artist was able to capture his mischievous/cunning expression, which is something few people drawing Eric seem to be able to do (myself included 😆).

Also, this is one of the rare fanarts that actually depict aged-up Eric dressed nicely. Almost all of the fanarts I've come across show him dressed atrociously for some reason, as if he has no fashion sense at all, when he's shown to change the most outfits out of all the boys and wear lots of suits or formal clothes too.

So basically if I had to sum up how a perfect design for aged-up Eric looks to me, that includes him being tall, still heavy - but not ridiculously obese - having features that could be considered attractive (but not really in the traditional sense), well-kempt hair and dressed nicely.

[jgroffdaily]

Knock at the Cabin reviews - part 2

ABC News

Groff, so great as singer ("Spring Awakening," "Hamilton") and actor ("Mindhunter," "Looking"), is superb as Eric and speaks movingly to Shyamalan's theme about the necessity of faith in times of crisis.

New York Post

Groff and Aldridge make a believably agonized couple who struggle to protect their daughter and strategize how to survive. Groff is such an innocent, positive presence, and it’s funny how he keeps winding up in all these messed-up projects: “Mindhunter,” “The Matrix Resurrections” and now the poor guy’s tied up to a chair in PA.

Discussingfilm.net

In the end, this is really Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge’s show though. The leading duo endlessly captivates as their on-screen love is tested by destiny. Along with the charming newfound talent in Kristen Cui, they capture the realness of a found family who must make an unthinkable choice to survive. 

Empire

Groff and Aldridge’s rising panic is palpable, fuelling the suffocating tension, which mounts almost without respite over the course of 100 agonising minutes

Looper

It sure helps that he's got one of the better casts he's assembled in his later years, with Bautista so perfectly suited to the complex part of Leonard, and Groff so endearing as a weakened man coming to grips with the sacrifice he must make.

Entertainment Weekly

What's left is a handful of earnest, affecting performances — Bautista as the gentle giant, Groff as an essentially good man grappling with incomprehensible choices 

NextBestPicture

Aldridge and Groff are easy to root for, sharing a deeply lived-in bond within a relationship that clearly hasn’t always been easy.

The Queer Review

Jonathan Groff has an inherent sweetness to him which helps to sell his character’s shifting point of view. I bought him as this somewhat square daddy whose people pleasing tendencies give way to being open to perhaps the more unbelievable information hurled at them. Groff gets extra points for not spitting all over his co-stars, something he’s famous for doing on stage, during the obligatory singing in the car scene.

Inverse.com

But if there’s anyone to hold a candle to Bautista, it’s Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge as Eric and Andrew, whose stubborn resistance to the strangers’ awful demands is only superseded by their unflagging loyalty to each other and Wen. Unlike the four strangers, Eric and Andrew are given the benefit of a character arc, with flashbacks to their lives together interwoven throughout the movie. It helps the two feel like the most fleshed-out and intensely human of Shyamalan characters, an achievement aided by the fact that Groff and Aldridge seem to have sidestepped the “awkward dialogue” requirements of his films.

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

The cast is impeccable, with Tampa resident Dave Bautista and Jonathan Groff in particular leading the charge.

Den of Geek

Jonathan Groff provides a softer, more malleable counterpart, and the two men share enough chemistry that watching them slowly get pulled in different directions becomes a little heartbreaking.

[kvlarnet2]

Reptile Movie (Review) and Film Summary

Benicio Del Toro slinks and weaves through Grant Singer’s debut thriller “Reptile,” but the film struggles to develop a confident personality around him, ultimately coming apart at the seams. Clearly inspired by David Fincher’s meticulousness—Singer too is a music video vet and has worked with The Weeknd, Skrillex, Sam Smith, and many more—“Reptile” is overly mannered and precious with its details, but its biggest misstep is its failure to understand that procedurals need to get narratively tighter and not just more convoluted. Del Toro always brings it, and this is actually one of his more intriguing performances in a long time, but one consistently wishes that it was in a movie that knew what to do with it.

Will Grady (Justin Timberlake) is a Scarborough real estate mogul dating an agent named Summer (Matilda Lutz). They flip foreclosures on expensive homes in the area under the watchful eye of Will’s mom, Camille (Frances Fisher), and there seems to be some brewing tension in the relationship. One day, Will meets Summer at a house she’s showing and finds her brutally murdered.

The suspects line up quickly for Detective Tom Nichols (Del Toro) and his partner Dan Cleary (Ato Essandoh). First, Grady couldn’t be creepier—Timberlake leans way too hard into the slimy silver spoon kid background of the kind of dude who lines up a new girlfriend who looks a lot like his dead one almost immediately. Will is clearly into some shady shit, but he found the body, right? Or did he? Could it be Summer’s soon-to-be ex-husband Sam (Karl Glusman)? He, too, is sketched as a few cards short of a full deck, introduced on CCTV footage cutting a stranger’s hair so he can turn it into art. Yeah, he’s weird. That’s not it! The cavalcade of creeps on the suspect list also includes Eli Phillips (Michael Pitt), a guy whose dad got screwed on a Grady deal. Did he kill Summer to get revenge?

As if that trio of potential murderers isn’t enough, the script by Singer, Benjamin Brewer, and Del Toro himself fills out a massive cast with the people in Tom’s orbit, including his wife Judy (an effective Alicia Silverstone), who helps him work angles on the case in some of the film’s best scenes. She’s fearless and intellectually engaged in discussing the mystery. She knows and loves Captain Robert Allen (Eric Bogosian), Tom’s boss, who is introduced receiving an MS diagnosis. Yes, this is one of those scripts where everyone has an instantly identifiable trait that tries to take a traditional character just a bit left of center. It's all over-written, exaggerated stuff that only reminds you that you’re in a movie.

Of course, it’s perfectly fine to be aware of a writer's voice and director’s eye—no one would say someone like Fincher quietly observes—but the problems of “Reptile” comes down to style vs. vision. There’s plenty of style here, but it never feels like anything coheres into an actual vision. The great Mike Gioulakis (“It Follows,” “Split”) slides his camera through these imposing spaces, but to what end? Does it mean anything? The abundant style of “Reptile” is increasingly hollow as its overlong 134 minutes unfold. "Reptile" tries to hold onto too many things at once and lands none of them, leaving subplots unresolved and characters inconsistent.

And yet, there’s that performance in the center. Del Toro is so good here, capturing a man who has seen it all and just wants a peace that won’t come. He doesn’t overplay trauma or experience; he just allows those elements to influence his body language and the stares from those unforgettable eyes. It’s also a playful performance at times as Tom uses elements of his journey into real estate to influence his home remodel. There are some decent turns in the ensemble—Silverstone, Bogosian, Pitt—but Del Toro is on another level, existing in his own space. A space that belongs in a much better movie.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE:

Kvlar NET

Deepl Sport

Usmoviesxb

[drahtphotography]

Look at this! Eric has some words to share! Draht Photography

New Post has been published on https://www.drahtphotography.com/the-beautiful-backyard-wedding-in-the-mountains-sampler/

The Beautiful Backyard Wedding in the Mountains Sampler

Savannah and Arya September 9, 2023

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Savannah and Arya's backyard wedding was a beautiful and intimate celebration of their love, blending their unique cultural backgrounds and taking place on a picturesque 5-acre piece of land that they called home. The entire event was a heartfelt reflection of their personalities and the love they shared.

The setting for the ceremony was truly enchanting. The backyard was transformed into a dreamy, outdoor oasis, with lush greenery and colorful flowers adorning the space. A winding path of lilies led guests through the manicured gardens to the heart of the ceremony area, where a stunning flower-covered arch was set up beneath a towering oak tree, providing natural shade and a sense of reverence.

Capturing the magical ambiance of the ceremony, a photographer discreetly documented each meaningful moment. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for preserving emotions through images, they beautifully captured the love and joy that filled the air that day.

As the wedding began, the soft notes of a live acoustic ensemble filled the outdoor venue. Friends and family gathered on rustic wooden chairs, facing the altar where Savannah and Arya would exchange their vows. The couple's love story was shared through heartfelt vows and touching verses, celebrating their journey together.

Throughout the ceremony, the photographer skillfully captured the tender expressions on Savannah and Arya's faces, eternalizing their love in a collection of timeless photographs.

Savannah, radiant in her flowing white gown adorned with delicate lace, walked down the aisle with her father. Her bouquet of wildflowers and greenery perfectly complemented the natural surroundings. Arya, dashing in a tailored suit, awaited her arrival with a beaming smile.

Expertly positioned to capture each significant moment, the photographer documented the couple's joy as they exchanged vows and rings on a beautiful Persian rug, sealing their commitment to one another with a passionate kiss.

After the ceremony, guests reveled in the charming backyard, enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres surrounded by the soft glow of twinkling lights as the sun set. The reception took place on the spacious lawn, where a long wooden table was elegantly set with white linens, candles, and vibrant centerpieces.

Throughout the evening, the photographer moved seamlessly among the guests, capturing their laughter, heartfelt speeches, and toasts. The dance floor became alive with celebration, and the photographer skillfully photographed guests of all ages engrossed in the joy of the moment.

The wedding of Savannah and Arya was not just a celebration of love, but also a merging of cultures and a testament to the beauty of blending traditions. The photographer's talent lay in capturing these unique moments, preserving the memories of their special day in a way that would be cherished for a lifetime.

As the night came to an end, the photographer discreetly captured the couple's final dance under the starry sky, surrounded by the people who meant the most to them. With their backyard transformed into a magical haven, Savannah and Arya celebrated their union in a way that was truly unique and meaningful to them.

Photographer ERIC DRAHT

Draht Photography

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