#CINDERELLA GIRLS THEATER Passion

[imasline]

[crymeariveronceagain]

Keefe acting or basically just being a theatre kid ?

yes!!!

Absolutely loves musicals. Especially Hadestown, Come From Away, and Beetlejuice. He hates Hamilton with a burning passion, though. It's so overrated, he thinks.

Highkey hates Shakespeare. He's one of those weird theater kids who has never read Shakespeare, never wants to read Shakespeare, will avoid it at all costs. It's probably the undiagnosed dyslexia.

Eyeliner and button down shirts and high waisted pants. Bright colors and pinstripe and suspenders and is that an eyepatch? Yes. Yes it is. Is that a tie? A bow tie? Really? Keefe? Come on, kid.

Gets super into the whole cast thing, all the dynamics, really enjoys every moment of the show experience, loves his friends so hard and would love every single minute of it.

LOVES THE STAGE CREW SO HARD. LOVES THE BACKSTAGE PEOPLE SO MUCH, LOVES EVERY PERSON WHO ISNT IN THE ONSTAGE PART OF THE PRODUCTION LIKE HE LOVES EVERYONE IN IT.

And honestly? In a theatre kid au, Sophie is totally a techie. He kisses her full on the mouth at the end of the performance and tells her she did such a good job that it makes her so bright red that it looks like she's a tomato with hair.

Biana usually gets the female leads in the shows, and he gets the male leads. They've had to kiss quite a few times. It's probably where the rumors that she liked him started. That was only true for a month, though. Then she stopped liking him and noticed the quiet emo techie with bangs and eyeliner who accidentally left the mic in the tech box on while he asked Sophie questions about the lights.

Keefe is the guy who randomly quotes shows and musicals and just expects you to know what he's talking about. He stares at you blankly, after laughing at his own jokes, and Fitz facepalms and explains for him to whoever else it is.

His dad has not been to a single one of his shows. Doesn't think they're worth his time. Gisela's been to one. Only one. The second one. It was like, Cinderella. He was pretty young. She didn't say anything on the ride home, and Keefe just never brought up any of his shows after that.

He does all the stage makeup for the boys, and Biana does all the girls'. Keefe steps in and does some of the girls' too. He just really knows how to layer that eyeliner on there and get that blush in just the right spot.

He's just a good kid. And he's got a lot of friends, and he has a ton of fun. Is he gonna go to college for acting? We'll see.

[newsintheshell]

CRUNCHYROLL: annunciate sette nuove serie all’Anime NYC

Nel 2023 potremo seguire in simulcast anche Hell's Paradise, The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague, Dead Mount Death Play, la S2 di The Ancient Magus' Bride, Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement, Ayaka e Yuri Is My Job!

Post notturno! Per tutti i gufi come me, che sono più attivi quando cala il sole, di quando invece sorge. Vi avevo già menzionato l’Anime NYC nel precedente articolo con il nuovo trailer di “TRIGUN STAMPEDE”, quindi già sapevo che sarebbe arrivato il panel di Crunchyroll con le relative novità simulcast per il 2023, ma... c’è una regola non scritta del blog: se io sto male o sono fuori casa, gli annunci devono coincidere con quella precisa data. Non si sbaglia! (La mia sfortuna è come un orologio svizzero FeelsBadMan)

Bando alle ciance, qua di seguito trovate tutti i nuovi titoli che andranno ad arricchire la proposta, già smisurata, del servizio di streaming on demand. Come sempre ho incluso qualche info e i trailer ufficiali sottotitolati.

GENNAIO 2023

🔶🔸THE ICE GUY AND HIS COOL FEMALE COLLEAGUE

La gelida commedia romantica d’ufficio, pronta a scaldarci il cuore, si basa sull’omonimo manga firmato da Miyuki Tonogaya, che arriverà presto in Italia tramite J-POP Manga.

La serie è Mankyu (THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls Theater) e in produzione presso gli studi ZERO-G (My Roommate is a Cat, Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It) e LIBER.

🔶🔸SAVING 80,000 GOLD IN ANOTHER WORLD FOR MY RETIREMENT

Nuova commedia fantasy isekai firmata da FUNA, autore anche di “DIDN’T I SAY TO MAKE MY ABILITIES AVERAGE IN MY NEXT LIFE?!”, di cui abbiamo già visto sbarcare in streaming la serie animata, durante l’autunno 2019.

La light novel sta venendo adattata presso FELIX FILM (Aharen-san wa Hakarenai, Otherside Picnic) e ha come direttore il debuttante Hiroshi Tamada, alla sua prima reale prova come regista.

APRILE 2023

🔶🔸 DEAD MOUNT DEATH PLAY

Siete pronti a tanti POV e un grande intreccio che andrà a legare un gruppo disparato di personaggi? Questo reverse isekai porta infatti la firma di Ryohgo Narita (Durarara!!, Baccano!, Fate/Strange Fake), che in questo caso si cimenta con un manga, illustrato da Shinta Fujimoto (Red Raven).

L’action a tinte soprannaturali è diretto da Manabu Ono (Sword Art Online: Alicization, Sakura Wars the Animation), presso lo studio GEEK TOYS (Date A Live IV, Apparently Disillusioned Adventurers Will Save the World).

🔶🔸THE ANCIENT MAGUS’ BRIDE (Stagione 2)

Conferma che davo per scontata, ma oggigiorno con la compravendita delle licenze non si può mai essere troppo sicuri di nulla. Sono felice di sapere che anche la seconda stagione di questo interessante fantasy drama, andrà ad affiancare le due precedenti miniserie OAV e i primi 24 episodi della serie animata, che già si trovano nel catalogo della piattaforma.

Le nuove puntate dell’anime, tratto dal popolare manga di Kore Yamazaki, edito in Italia da Star Comics, adatteranno l’arco narrativo del College. Prodotta da STUDIO KAFKA e non più da WIT STUDIO, la serie torna ad essere diretta da Kazuaki Terasawa (The Boy from the West and the Knight of the Blue Storm).

🔶🔸YURI IS MY JOB!

Commedia a tema girls love tratta dal manga di Miman, tuttora in corso, dove non tutto è sempre come sembra.

La serie è una produzione congiunta targata PASSIONE (Love Flops) e STUDIO LINGS (Love To-LIE-Angle). Alla regia del progetto troviamo Hijiri Sanpei (Wasteful Days of High School Girls).

NEL CORSO DEL 2023

🔶🔸HELL’S PARADISE

Action fantasy storico basato sul popolare manga scritto ed illustrato da Yuji Kaku, che possiamo trovare anche sui nostri scaffali grazie a J-POP Manga.

La serie è diretta da Kaori Makita (Twittering Birds Never Fly: The Clouds Gather) ed è un altro attesissima adattamento di casa MAPPA (Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man).

🔶🔸AYAKA

Nuovo progetto originale nato dalla collaborazione fra il gruppo di sceneggiatori GoRA (K) e l’etichetta King Records.

Diretta da Nobuyoshi Nagayama (Love Flops, Smile Down the Runway), la serie animata sta venendo prodotta presso STUDIO BLANC (Life Lessons with Uramichi-Oniisan, The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World).

* NON VUOI PERDERTI NEANCHE UN POST? ENTRA NEL CANALE TELEGRAM! *

Autore: SilenziO)))

blogger // anime enthusiast // twitch addict // unorthodox blackster - synthwave lover // penniless gamer

[FONTE]

[nicole-gasbarro]

An Interview with Karisma Garcia

Karisma Garcia: vocalist, actress, model, and Rutgers student has joined me today for an interview! Karisma is a current freshman at Rutgers University majoring in Speech Pathology. Her career and life plans include becoming a speech pathologist and potential actress. I have asked her some questions about her musical experience on campus as well as throughout her life. Karisma is Colombian and Filipina and hails from Jersey City, New Jersey. These details will be central to our conversation and I hope you will enjoy hearing her perspective.

The Interview

Nicole: "What does your previous musical experience look like? I would love to know how your roots in musical performance began."

Karisma: "I have acted as Cinderella as in my high school's production of Cinderella, my freshman year I played Kate in Legally Blonde, I was the understudy for Jasmine in 8th grade for Artist's Avenue's production of Aladdin, and my first ever named character I played was Eponine in Les Miserables when I was ten years old."

Nicole: "Awesome! So clearly you have a lot of prior experience in musical theater. It's really great that you were able to have some experience in different roles and hone your skills in acting and performing. What musical activities are you involved in now at Rutgers?"

Karisma: "Right now, I am a part of both the Orphan Sporks acapella group and the University Choir on campus."

Nicole: " That's so cool! As a fellow Orphan Sporks member, I can safely say my experience in the group has been amazing. What has your experience been like in these musical groups thus far and are you enjoying them?"

Karisma: "I love it! I have had the opportunity to meet amazing new people with my best friend so big shoutout to you."

Nicole: "Aw, thank you! I agree and I think that being involved with musical groups at Rutgers definitely allows you to connect with other talented musicians and learn from as well as have fun with them. Now, how do you feel music has impacted your life from when you were a kid to present day? I'm curious to know how this became such an important passion for you."

Karisma: "Growing up, there was this sort of juxtaposition that went on with the musicality I was exposed to in my family. On one hand, there was my mom who is always off-key and can't sing. And then there's my grandma who sings very well and she always sang while she cooked. My grandma also introduced me to the Mammia Mia! soundtrack which I now listen to at least every month for a good serotonin boost."

Nicole: "That's really interesting how you had sort of a range of musical skill in your family. I feel like mine is similar in that my mom also can't sing (sorry mom) but my dad was the lead singer of his band in high school and almost pursued a career in music as an adult. Mammia Mia! is such an iconic musical and film and the soundtrack is similarly a nostalgic and joyful listen for me. Pertaining to your background in singing, how old were you when you started singing and what inspired you to do so?"

Karisma: "I was 3 or 5 and the comfort movie was Mamma Mia! at my lola's! Both her and my mom would sing plus singing and karaoke is a significant part of Filipino culture. So they encouraged me to sing. Then a couple years later, I really fell in love with Alicia Key's music and I wanted to sing like her so I sang "Girl On Fire" like a million times until I could hit all the notes. Same with Lea Salonga as Eponine with "On my Own" from Les Miserables.

Nicole: "I love Alicia Keys and I think it is a shared goal by many vocalists to be able to sing like her. That is really wonderful that your culture and family encouraged your interest in singing! I have heard from many of my Filipino friends about the importance of karaoke, singing, and music in their culture and just recently had a blast doing karaoke at a RAPS (Rutgers Association of Philippine Students) event on campus. Can you expand on how your culture both as a Filipina and Latina woman has bolstered or encouraged your musical skills and interest?"

Karisma: "I think both sides of my family encouraged me to pursue whatever I set my mind to and instilled this incredible sense of passion and work ethic! I think a big part of Filipino culture is just having a certain appreciation for music and carrying yourself with a sense of pride and confidence. And that applies to Latinx culture too. That value just presents itself as karaoke with my Filipino family plus when my family found out I could carry a tune they just requested that me and my sister sing at every single family event, no matter what side of the family."

Nicole: "That's amazing that your family instilled such vital qualities and mindsets in you for success and which grew your passion for doing what you love! I just wanted to say, I'm really proud of you for how far you have come in your musical and life endeavors. I know you will continue to thrive in your future and accomplish incredible things, thank you so much for joining me today!"

Karisma: "Of course! And thank you so much, I greatly appreciate your support as one of my best friends and thank you for taking this journey with me. You're a real one."

Karisma's involvement in music in both her high school and college career are reflective of her immense talent, work ethic, and dedication to music and the arts. I am eager to see what she will take on next and I view her as a great inspiration to not only myself but other young female artists. Her experience as a gen z woman of color has uniquely impacted her experience in the music field and has strengthened her motivation and love for what she does. I am always happy to highlight successful women in music and I am very grateful to Karisma for sharing part of her story.

[sunnysaylorboy]

my opinion on/a surprisingly passionate defense of Mulan (2020) (SPOILERS)

I’ve seen a lot of ppl ragging on the new Mulan for so many reasons, so I will go over why these (mostly) are stupid reasons and why I love the new movie.

1. Liu Yifei supporting the Hong Kong police. Now this is not a stupid reason, this is valid. I am an East Asian studies major, and as much as I love Disney, when I first heard the news I knew I could not watch Mulan (2020) in good conscience. It went against everything I have learned in my studies, and everything I believe. However, now I am almost positive Liu Yifei was forced to make those comments- I've seen several sources saying so recently. You can look for these sources on your own, because this isn’t the whole point of my post, but I think it's true. A movie about a woman defying her government and social expectations of the time? Hong Kong citizens could absolutely use her as a symbol for protesting against China. It makes sense that the government would take preventative measures before this could happen. But anyways, I was not planning on watching Mulan (2020) until I found out that what she said was most likely fake/forced.

2. The removal of Mushu. Yes, I too miss Mushu but I completely understand why they did that. A lot of ppl make these sort of complaints about the live action remakes not using humor in the same way as the original, but that’s bc it doesn’t translate well. Humor in animated movies is exaggerated or silly, and it works in that medium but if you do the exact same in a live action film, it will come off as too slapstick. Think Will Ferrell in Elf (still a good movie). Mushu’s whole character is based off of this humor that appeals more to kids, and it would have really made the dialogue with him super cringey. and I know if they made him a more serious supportive character people would've complained about that too, so I understand why they did it.

3. The removal of Li Shang. I miss our bisexual boy too, but I actually think they did a really great job with the new guy Honghui. The directors removed Li Shang because he is in a sense, Mulan’s boss, and they felt that it was too much like the #MeToo movement, which I applaud. At first I was upset that supposedly this new character would be a jerk to Mulan until he found out she was a girl, but that's not what happened in the film fortunately. Honghui and Mulan start off on the wrong foot but they grow as comrades and sort-of friends, and Honghui is the first to stick by Mulan’s side when she reveals who she is. Even if there aren’t as many signals of him being bi, I think they progressed their relationship nicely. (I was sorta hoping for a kiss at the end though).

4. Mulan’s “chi.” Apparently people do not like that Mulan already has a sort of warrior streak inside of her already, as opposed to the 1998 version where she struggles to get used to the army. I think this is an overgeneralization. Mulan does struggle to become a soldier, as we can see in the training montage. Similar to the pole and the arrow at the top, she cannot reach the top of the mountain carrying the buckets with her arms outstretched like everyone else at first- then when she manages to do it, she knows she has proven herself. Plus, I like that they gave her more character. We don’t see any of Mulan’s childhood years in the original, so it is a little hard to understand why she is such an outcast. She only had one incident with the matchmaker and suddenly she is questioning her identity. But the 2020 version establishes that Mulan has been different from the start and everyone has known it since then. It makes it more believable that she brings dishonor on her family so easily. And just because she has strong chi doesn’t necessarily mean she is already a warrior. She is told to hide her chi as a child, and she does not tap into it easily- her commanding officers can sense something is holding her back. She is special, yes, but she isn’t “the chosen one.” She still works hard and she still relies a lot on her strategy instead of brute force just like in the animated version.

5. Lack of musical numbers. I do miss the musical numbers. But they did well with incorporating the musical themes from the original into the movie. The little “Honor to Us All” theme playing while she gets ready for the matchmaker? Perfect. The bit of “Reflection” playing when she reaches the top of mountain? Beautiful. And “Reflection” playing at the end when she is recognized as a hero? I was bawling. Also, this isn’t the first remake that Disney hasn’t made as a musical- the 2015 Cinderella did not include “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” (except in the credits like Mulan did), or “Bibbidi-Bobbido-Boo,” or “So This is Love.” I know that Cinderella is an older movie and may not be as beloved to this generation as Mulan, but those song are still incredibly iconic to the Disney brand and I didn't see anyone complaining about those songs being removed. Idk, I don’t think it’s a big enough deal to be upset over it, especially because they included instrumentals of the songs for the live-action version.

6. The addition of the witch. I can’t believe people are complaining about the personification of the hawk from the first movie- seriously, watch the remake and you’ll see how great Xian Liang’s character is. I love the parallels drawn between her and Mulan. Despite fighting for opposite sides, she sees herself in Mulan, and Mulan sees how she might end up if she had chosen the route of evil. I think they did it wonderfully and I’m definitely not gay for Gong Li...

7. The cost. This one, I understand. $30 is a lot to pay for a movie, but I get it because they’re losing money from not going to theaters for a few months. I paid the $30 because I felt like I had waited long enough to see it, I was foaming at the mouth the night of its release, and I had $30 I was willing to spend on it. Ofc Disney is a multi-million dollar company, so I don’t begrudge anyone pirating it bc screw capitalism.

I just had to get this off my chest because so many criticisms of this film seem so unjustified, weak, or deliberately negative. I swear, not just with Mulan, I see so many people who hate the live-action remakes- it’s like they’re trying to find things to hate about them, and I'm frankly getting sick of it. Like damn bitch why you gotta be so negative about everything?? The acting is great, the music is phenomenal and timeless, the costumes are so extravagant, the action sequences make you hold your breath in anticipation... y'all will find anything to whine about and I'm TIRED. And it seems like some of y'all are purposefully ignoring WHY they made these changes. These changes were made to adhere to the Legend of Mulan more closely, to make up for some of the racial insensitivity/cultural inaccuracies in the original, and to appeal to their Asian audience. the 1998 version is a VERY Americanized way to tell they story- so stop complaining, you got “your version” that appeals to you.

Some things I loved were

1. Mulan’s sister. It’s not often we see Disney princesses with siblings. Even though she didn’t have much screen time, I loved Xiu and the relationship she had with Mulan.

2. The phoenix symbolism. In Mulan (1998), there is heavy dragon symbolism as Mulan is preparing to run away to the army. This insinuates that Mulan is the dragon, the protector of the family, and that is why the Great Stone Dragon doesn’t awaken later. In this version, she is instead guarded and represented by a phoenix. In Chinese mythology (correct me if I'm wrong), the phoenix stands for yin and yang, harmony and is often the female counterpart to the dragon. The wings specifically represent duty, which is why the wings of the phoenix spread behind Mulan when she saves the emperor singlehandedly. Though I don’t know if they intended this, in Greek mythology the phoenix is a symbol of death and rebirth. Mulan is reborn again as Hua Jun, but ultimately in this version she is not discovered as a girl, she chooses to fight as one. The moment she does, “Hua Jun died, and Mulan was born again,” as she sees the phoenix once more. Mulan is the phoenix, and she brings harmony after defeating the Rourans. It’s beautiful.

3. The avalanche scene. A lot of the battle scene was different, but I loved that they kept in the avalanche from the original. Mulan’s planning in this one shows how big her brain is, and how well her strategy works.

4. Xian Liang and Honghui. As I already mentioned, I really loved how they portrayed these characters.

5. The fight scenes. God they really got the perfect actress to play Mulan. Liu Yifei leaning back to avoid an arrow from a Rouran? Impeccable. Mulan’s display of her techniques when she and Honghui get into it when they’re supposed to be practicing? So cool. 

All in all, I loved this movie just like I love all of the other Disney princess live-action remakes. Disney obviously spent a lot of money on the action sequences, the costumes, the backgrounds, the historical accuracies, the casting, the storyline, everything is amazing. I will definitely be watching again.

[romangoldendreams]

The Silent Rise of Sibyl Vane

John Logan

Sibyl Vane is the gorgeous actress that Dorian fell deeply in love with in Wilde's original novel.

According to Wilde, there were three indissoluble elements: Sibyl, Dorian, and the theater, where he met her.

Probably by now it will not be necessary to know that if Dorian had a great love of her life that was Sybil Vane.

And even ... in Penny Dreadful we meet her. But in Penny Dreadful Sibyl is called Angelique, and she is not an actress, she is what Lord Henry Bottom thinks Sibyl really is in the book, a prostitute, not a good actress. 

Oh yes, even Henry Bottom, is in Penny Dreadful, although his presence is brief and even insignificant, but it is certain. That man who at the opera claims to know Angelique, and calls her a freak, a monstrous, because she is a transgender. That gratuitous cruelty towards her in front of everyone, a guarantee of a decadent and stale ego in front of his friends, whom Dorian humiliates, defending his Sibyl Vane, is the same as in Wilde has Lord Bottom. 

So, basically, yes, Angelique is Sibyl Vane. Her character is based in Sibyl.  

Dorian loves her. For her beauty, her cheekiness, the moment she came into his life, when Vanessa had broken his heart.  That's why he loves her. Angelique is healing his heart, his strange and cruel heart. 

Jack the Ripper is there too, we've been seeing him the whole time, but John Logan suggests, doesn't confirm.

Angelique is not “officially” Sibyl but all all the pieces fit. Dorian respects her deeply, this is the most beautiful thing in their history.

We have passion, respect, acceptance. 

It makes her feel happy, for one night she was the queen, admired by all of London, in the dance she did in her honor.

Angelique was Cinderella, and Dorian was her prince,  for one night only. Just as Dorian introduced Sibyl Vane to society.

Angelique would have been the perfect match for Dorian. Being with him, like Brona with Ethan, she was complete. She was complete, and she could fill that official company quota that every high society on its Victorian label demanded, because Dorian is a wealthy young lord. He need her. 

But being Sibyl Vane, every dream of Dorian has its soon end. He is Dorian Gray, the cruel immortal in search of pleasure, after all.

He gets bored soon, he´s looking for something

He looks for something that even he doesn't know what it is, until he finds it. Lily Frankenstein.

Angelique is suffering from what I call Brona syndrome. Seeing how a woman with more apparent qualities is stealing the love of the desired man, his attention, in front of his own nose, and not being able to compete with her, just letting him go.

Brona's syndrome is a terrible thing, even in our days (I love that insane robbery ...).

But Angelique´s dream is done with Dorian. 

Like Ethan Chandler is madly in love with Vanessa in front of Brona´s eyes.

 Like Sibyl Vane found in the last goodbye of Dorian her own finale, Angelique does. 

But she has been happy for once. 

She has spent her liftime with Dorian like the best. Even brief and painful. 

Angelique is the love of Dorian´s life. 

Like do we know this? 

Because she has loved him even after have seen his true self. 

Vanessa Ives never did it, or even Lily Frankenstein, the real couple of Dorian for me for now on. 

But there was once, a girl named Angelique aka Sybil Vane  who sincerely loved Dorian Gray. 

[fandomwarriorqueen]

Maybe it’s because I grew up watching Disney movies all the time but I don’t like the Disney movies for their romance. Yes the romance parts are great especially in some of the later movies but there’s so much to learn from each and every princess. Ps, this is really fucking long but I think it’s important and carries a lot of good life lessons. Sorry for bad grammar and weird language. My only language is English but I don’t speak it that well when I’m tired.

Snow White: She didn’t let her fear get in the way of her caring heart, and the only reason why the old crone was her stepmother was because her stepmother actively looked for her knowing that Snow would help her because of how kind she was, which is how she convinced her to take her into the house. The only person who did something wrong was the Evil Queen in taking advantage of a girl of 14 who doesn’t understand what she did wrong.

Cinderella: Being brave enough to follow your heart and work to make your dreams come true is something I especially think that we could learn form today. She worked to get all her chores done and because of everything she did for them the mice helped her finish the dress. The fairy godmother saw how hard she tried to go to the ball, and so she helped Cinderella get there and make sure she wasn’t recognized by Lady Tremaine so that way she couldn’t be abused further for leaving the house. Also while Cinderella was excited by the idea of meeting the Prince, she was excited because she wanted to meet to him and talk to him and that’s what ultimately drew him to her. She wasn’t throwing herself at someone because of his money or titles like Drisella or Anastasia or the other women, in fact she fell in love with him and married him for the way he loved her.

Jasmine: A lot of people don’t recognize the strength it takes for Jasmine to make the decisions she made. Instead of quietly submitting to a marriage she instead used her position as princess to make a point and refused to sit idly by as a glorified prisoner within the palace walls, and a lot of people don’t realize that a lot of women/girls in middle eastern countries aren’t allowed to leave their homes or are forced to married the men that their fathers chose for them either because they don’t know better, or fear of retribution. It also makes a point that just because women may be the money makers doesn’t mean that the man is any less important in the relationship. Jasmine chose Aladdin because he supported her as who she was as a person and recognized that she wouldn’t want to marry a prince who thought he was worthy because he was a man/Prince so rather he proved that he wanted to marry Jasmine because he loved her for all of her.

Mulan: This is another one because Mulan broke the gender roles that are present even with modern Western societies. Men go off to fight in wars and women stay home get married and maybe get a job and raise the kids, but there are so many women who fight for our country and rights and our freedoms, and continue to fight to make sure we can keep them, but also create more and help others. Also Mulan shows that sometimes it goes beyond raw power and the ability to follow orders that makes a person successful. You have to be driven, hard-working, creative, and cunning in order to achieve your goals. Also not to mention it teaches girls to be proud of who they are as fighters, and not to hide behind any type of mask because they aren’t worthless. Also there are so many unspoken women in history that did a lot for their countries during war times, and Mulan barely begins to cover it.

Belle: This is one of my personal favorites for multiple reasons. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite movie and Belle is my favorite princess and theirs a reason. There are so many types of people out there and being book loving introvert that didn’t have a lot of friends growing up Belle was a huge role model for me. For one she didn’t take shit Gaston and refused to let him and the villagers influence her values and get in the way of her passion for reading and refused to let people make fun of her father, because her parentage was something she was proud of, and rightfully so, as her father was a ingenious inventor. Also not to mention she didn’t take shit from the Beast as well, being the first person to let him know throw a healthy way *cough* unlike the Enchantress *cough* that he wasn’t treating people with the respect they deserved, but she still helped him when he saved her life showing that she has a good heart, as she just returned to the very castle she had been escaping. Of course another thing she does is instead of immediately leaving, as soon as she sees hope of progress and change within the Beast she teaches him what it means to be a good person, acting as a teacher and good influencer. The reason she doesn’t do this with Gaston is because he not only refuses to change, and instead tries to change her, he also threatens her, and as soon as she’s not submissive to him, he labels her as crazy and casts her to the side and goes on a jealous rampage against the man she does have feelings for, as I do often see within my own school. Belle also sees past the views of the villagers, who see Gaston as more then a strong handsome guy and instead for the asshat he is, which is something that girls should keep in mind when approaching anyone of the preferred gender. Look at personality and not physical features. Most of the time you can see the warning signs of an abusive relationship before it actually starts, if you look for them.

Ariel: This is one that I find really intersting and I’m at odds with. On one hand I think that Ariel had a right to be curious and she was right to look past her family views and try to see humans for what they were rather then what her family labeled them to be. This applys great to people who have bigot parents and absolutely encourage curious people to ask me questions about my heritage and my sexuality and a lot of my guy friends ask a lot of what it’s like being a girl. Education isn’t always what you read in books. Also I like how even though Ariel was putting herself at risk, she recognized the need that Eric was in, and set her own self aside to save Eric, as you should always value life and try to help others in need when possible. On the other hand, Ariel gave up a lot for Eric. While I understand her need to leave her family behind she knew nothing about Eric or if he was in fact a mermaid killer as she had never had a true conversation with him, and you should never jump headlong into relationships like that because it’s not always healthy and can lead to a lot of miscommunication. Also another thing I don’t like is the Flotsum and Jetsum reminded me so much of creepy old men luring kids into cars. Stay safe and aware. Your life isn’t worth a guy or whatever your willing to get yourself killed for. There was a reason Sebastian tried to warn her and a reason Flounder took his side. Your friends often times have your best interests at heart, and are looking out for you. Listen to them. Sometimes they can see stuff you can’t. Also the fact she gave up her voice for Eric is something I’m at odds with. Yes relationships do take sacrifice and work, but you should never ever feel the need to give up such a huge part of yourself for someone else, and a person who cares about you would never ask that if you. If Eric truly cared about Ariel he would have saw past the tail and they could have tried to find another way to be together without putting Ariel in danger. Also irrational choices. Times of emtions and clouded judgment are not the time and place to make life changing decisions. Also people may claim to be helping but often times if they want something out of it, especially something big and personal, they are you using and should not being trusted.

Aurora: Not gonna lie I don’t have much to say because she wasn’t in much of the movie. But yeah talking to people isn’t a bad thing, you can’t let your guardian determine your social life that’s for you to figure out. For me it’s social media and a lot of theater nerds, for others they’re sportsy and they like taking to people and making friends face to face. But also talk to people a bit before asking them in a date, and if they name a sketchy place or seem to have a sketchy background don’t meet them. They could be fishers or rapists or just weird. Not really Aurora’s fault and for the time picking her up at a woodsman cottage in the middle of the woods isn’t that weird, but Phillip hun if the lights aren’t on and the voice sounds like the wicked fairy from your fiancées baptism then don’t go in. Also don’t date people if your engaged it’s rude.

Pocahontas: While I understand a lot of the movie isn’t historically accurate for a kids movie about looking past race and understanding someone before you judge them, and misplacing your anger, 100% done right Disney. Amazing. Beautiful. Gorgeous. Also find those key supporting figures in your life like Grandmother Willow, because those are the people that in the long run, will be there for you and love you forever. Also, again, be true to yourself. Pocahontas wasn’t happy with being the conplacent wife, don’t be the conplacent girl. If you have dreams, go fucking get them. They are so within your grasp all you have to do is leave the haters behind, jump in your canoe, and look at what’s around the river bend. Also thank you for discussing how precious every single bit of life on our Earth is and how much we should preserve it, but also for calling out white imperialism. You didn’t come form this land, just because you say mine like a spoiled child, doesn’t give you the right to commit genocide and kill multiple cultures and thousands of people, and destroy the land they worked so hard to preserve, and then deny them rights in their own country. My ancestors are guilty of this, and my ancestors have also been the victims. While it’s horrible and needs to be taught better in schools and bigotry needs to be erased, we also need to move past it a preserve the dying cultures by teaching people about them, even if they don’t necessarily belong to the culture by blood. I’m more Irish then Aztec, but I want to know more about my heritage on both sides. And I live for teaching people my history if they’re willing to listen.

Tiana: Girl you are a strong black women and you have a dream and you work hard and you make your daddy proud every goddamn day. But you also have to remember that you need to give yourself the space to grow and be a person outside of work. You need to remeber to have fun, and you can only give 100 if you treat yourself like you’re 100. But also you can’t dilly dally along all day, and you’ll never get anywhere if life if you don’t work for it. Even the smallest of dreams is something more then nothing (looking at you Naveen) also hey maybe that person worked for that shit you don’t know, but don’t go about the wrong way of doing something through anger because it never ends well. Also hey thanks for showing off the racial devide of the historyocal time period. Just letting you know it was extremely rare for white anf black girls to be friends because most of the time they wouldn’t see each other. Also allowing Tiana into the costume party was truly revolutionary on Charlotte’s part as black people weren’t supposed to be treated as equals. That obviously had changed a lot but it also needs to change still. Not to mention Naveen would have never been allowed to marry Charlotte due to his skin tone even with her daddy’s blessing unless he was a prince, because he would’ve been lynched otherwise. Also that image of family and neighbors being one. That’s was something amazing. Share what you can with those around you cause they other have less. Also let’s make sure that the divide between white and black folks keep getting smaller ok.

Rapunzel: Boy could I go on a tangent about this movie because recognizing who you are as a person and who you want to be is just the start. Mother Gothel was horrible, terrible, awful, and no-good in so many ways I’m surprised the movie is rated G with the level of abuse portrayed in the film. First off you shouldn’t steal, and you cannot claim something made for those in need for yourself when there are others out there suffering so much worse. (Definitely talking about the Medicare system here get your act straight) Also you shouldn’t find the need to control everything about your child’s life. You have to let them be there own person and figure things out on there own otherwise the message will never get through. Also treat your child like a goddamn person they aren’t a slave or your own personal slave they are a human being. Don’t get me started on stealing a child because holy fuck how bad of a person do you have to be.

Merida: I love this movie for a variety of reasons. First a female character does not need a romance to be a successful lead role. Also sane thing, your child isn’t a mini you, or a mold to make as you want. They are a human being. They must grow and learn on their own, or they’ll never truly understand the lesson. The best you can do is support them. Also like with Merida and the princes, a girl doesn’t need a man to be a Queen, a man or another person of preferred gender should just make her stronger. Also one of the things I have learned is that this movie wasn’t Queen Elenore finding the courage to let her daughter be herself, or Merida finding the courage to admit her mistakes, but more then that, it was finding the courage to live in a way Disney had never shown before. Brave was about family love, and how there are so many bonds and relationships that are so much more important and valuable to use then our selfish parts of us like pride, being a family with people who hold different values then yourself is one of eh hardest thing, take it from a person who knows. But you have to find the courage and the strength to move past the fear, anger, and sadness to work together as people who where originally designed to love each other unconditionally, and make a family work, and as shown it only works if every person who’s part of it, puts in the effort and emotion in order to truly create the bond needed to love each other above all else.

This was my long ass rant as to why I think Disney princesses are important and don’t necessarily hold a bad message I didn’t talk about lesser know princesses or Frozen because that is a whole rant in itself that I’m not going to get into because it’s nearily one in the morning here.

[imasallstars]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - TERU IKUTA

Today, on the 30th of April, is the 29th birthday of Teru Ikuta ( Teruchan ), the voice provider for Natalia! She is currently employed under Queens Avenue as a theater actor before grabbing her first anime role as Futaba Isurugi in the Revue Starlight Series in 2018!

She joined the Im@S family on the September 30th 2019 through a voice reveal SR for her character for obtaining 3rd Passion in the 8th Cinderella Girl Elections.

Data

Website　　  : Queens Ave. Blog　　　　: あーした天気になぁれ!! Twitter　　　: @chichichi430 (Private) | @ikutateru_staff (Staff) Instagram　 : teltelbz

Official Profile Translations:

Zodiac Sign     : Taurus Place of Birth  : Osaka Prefecture Blood Type      : B Hobbies           : Going on Walks, Watching Anime Special Skills  : Sports Qualifications : Standard Driver’s License, Trampoline Badge Test lv.1 

Trivia

※ Was one of the 21 names out of 1474 that were chosen to play in the drama “I Are You, You Am Me”  originally by Katsuyuki Motohiro in 2015 ※ She has mostly done cool/boyish roles. It went so much as her mother forgetting that she could be cute before watching her performance in the 7th Live [x]

Thank you for joining the IDOLM@STER family, and let’s wish her all the best of luck in her career! Again, happy birthday!

[rollinggirlrunahika]

DASHGAMES

Eight people i’d like to get to know better.

ONE   /   ( ALIAS / NAME ) Admin / Nicole

TWO   /   ( BIRTHDAY ) June 28th

THREE   /   ( ZODIAC SIGN ) Cancer

FOUR   /   ( HEIGHT ) 5′02″

FIVE   /   ( HOBBIES ) drawing and singing

SIX   /   ( FAVOURITE COLOUR ) Blue

SEVEN   /   ( FAVOURITE BOOKS ) The Giver, The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Chinese Cinderella, Obasan, The Kite Runner

EIGHT   /   ( LAST SONG LISTENED TO ) itte (Say it) English Cover by JubyPhonic P ( here )

NINE   /   ( LAST FILM OR SHOW WATCHED )

Movie: I work at a theater and technically the last movie I saw was the end of Jumanji the Next Level. Actual movie that I watched completely through was Parasite

show: The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

TEN   /   ( INSPIRATION FOR MUSE)

Runa started off as the most fanservice/self-insert/”marysue” character you can imagine. And then I started roleplaying as her on Facebook and with influences from my partners as well as other things I started to get into around then, I started fixing her up so that she started to make more sense. And now here she is on tumblr. And let me tell ya, it was rough at the beginning, but people were willing to give me a chance.

I write Runa because in a way, she’s kinda what I want to be, but not as much as she did back then. She inspires me. She’s motivated and passionate and always willing to lend a hand to those around her. Even after all the crap that I throw at her, she still manages to somehow push through and accepts the bruises and scars she gains from them. 

ELEVEN   /   ( STORY BEHIND URL ) If you didn’t or couldn’t tell, the “rolling girl” part of the url is from the song of the same title by Wowaka (Rest in Peace). 

My interpretation of the song is that it’s about a girl who continuously rolls in order to find something at the end. Regardless of how much pain it puts her through to go rolling down countless hills, she continues to do so. And although she’s getting hurt over and over again, when people press her to stop, she refuses and tells them she’s fine and that she can keep going. She doesn’t want to worry them, since it’s her problem to begin with. So she keeps everything bottled up. That is, until someone has had enough and helps her release those emotions she’s kept inside. Telling her that it’s alright, and that it’ll be okay. And with that she finally lets go.

Associate this song with Runa so much because she’s constantly “rolling” through her life. She’s been through a lot, and she doesn’t just tell everyone about it, hiding it behind a smile and helping others before herself. She doesn’t want to bother people with her problems and thinks she can solve it by herself. And no one has told her she couldn’t. That she didn’t have to do it all by herself. (even though she literally tells everyone else to )

Tagged by: @nebraskaseemsnice​

Tagging: @lxndfall​ @twilighttwin​ @mackfclls​ @stellamedii​ @groovepawn​ @shibuyacrossed​ @yougotmailkupo​ @betterhealing​

[quaggathemighty]

Stepsister, by Jennifer Donnelly: an emotional, messy review.

Recommended For: fantasy, ya, feminist, fairy tale, coming of age stories, girl protagonist, adventure lovers

         This will be as close to a spoiler-free review as I can make it.

"It's the hunger in our hearts that kills us."

Have you ever read a book that so thoroughly encompassed everything you ever wanted to put on paper? That ripped into the deepest part of you and dragged you along by your emotions until you're raw and hopeful and shattered and fired up all at once? Because I just have.

The Summary:

“Isabelle should be blissfully happy - she's about to win the handsome prince. Except Isabelle isn't the beautiful girl who lost the slipper and captured the prince's heart. She's the ugly stepsister who cut off her toes to fit into Cinderella's shoe... which is now filling with blood.

When the prince discovers Isabelle's deception, she's turned away in shame. It's no more than she deserves. She cut away pieces of herself in order to become pretty. Sweet. More like Cinderella. But that only made her mean, jealous, and hollow. Now she has a chance to alter her destiny and prove what ugly stepsisters have always known:

It takes more than heartache to break a girl."

My Thoughts:

Isabelle is not pretty. She's jealous and she struggles and while she fiercely loves her sister she often feels lost and afraid, or angry and hateful to the world that left her behind. She cut off her toes because her absolutely mad mother demanded it, heating a knife over the fire while she berates her into obeying, and as a result Isabelle's bitterness and jealousy might even kill her. But as the story unfolds she's also breathtakingly passionate and brave and confident and fiery, and she grows a lot over the course of the story, learning to set aside what everyone else has labeled her (and indeed sometimes what she's labeled herself because of their cruelty), to become her own woman. She's strong and real and well written, and I love her. I want to be her. Goddamn I want every girl to be her. To be their own Elizabeth, Yennenga, Abhaya Rani. Strong, brave, dangerous. Beautiful in their own right, and not always on the surface like the world wants.

"Each queen was once a girl like you. Told who to be and what to do. Not pretty, not pleasing, far too rough. Til wounded subjects, anguished dead, mattered more than things the others said. Then, like a flag, her will unfurled. Go now, girl. Remake the world."

UUUGHhhh. Can we just talk about this book PLEASE? Can this get more of a following so I can scream and rave and flail and ugly cry with more people who loved this book? Oh my god. There are so many things about this book I like, from the way she fought for and protected her sister, to the way she grew to see past the jealousy her mother instilled in her against Ella, to the way it doesn't pit the girls against each other for their vastly different strengths. Well, except for one, but I'll get to that.

The book opens up on what has to be one of the most heart-wrenching, cringe-worthy scenes I've ever read in a young adult novel, and it's that scene with the cutting of the feet and the bloody shoes (yes, from the original myth, this ain't no Disney remake, y'all, it gets gory and doesn't hide from it) is what made me actually come back and buy the book. Isabelle had me by the heartstrings the whole goddamn read. For a girl who never grew up as conventionally attractive, who was always too loud or too brash or never had the right interests (witchcraft, necromancy, and vampires, anyone? No? Don't hide your cringe years from me, I know you had them too), seeing a book properly take these oddities and this 'ugliness', and teach a young woman to learn to accept and even love these things about herself, even though it doesn't get her what she's been told she has to want, but instead pushes her to find her own path? Ugh. Yes. Give me a thousand more of these stories, I could do this all day.

Also, boyfriend cries and has open, deep emotions. What?? A young man in touch with his feelings, that doesn't have to be physically strong to be a good man, that is allowed to be physically weak and emotionally open, and have his own strengths and weaknesses that don't boil down to a six pack and a brooding personality? In a YA FANTASY BOOK?! Hold me.

I rooted for Isabelle the whole way though. I cringed with her, I held my breath, I cheered, I finished the book emotionally exhausted and ready to fucking fight. I haven't felt this pumped up after consuming a story or a piece of media since I went to see Captain Marvel for the first time in theaters, and hot damn, y'all, woman-centric stories that don't revolve around the approval of a man or the need to be petty and spiteful to other women are my jam . I will absolutely be shoving this book in the face of every woman, teenage girl, and preteen female I know, all but begging them to give this book a shot. I read the whole thing in one sitting, the same day I bought it just as a way to pass the time and... mmmm.

I'm gonna try and keep this as spoiler-free as possible, just because I don't want to give anything away, but yeah. On to the genuine criticisms.

Honestly? I didn't have that many. There were a couple of places where I was kind of annoyed, like the catty girl in the village that I wanted rid of, but the way it was handled in relation to Isabelle's story makes me more forgiving, if only for the way she learns to control her temper and not goad more fights out of people that don't really need an excuse. It bothers me that she has to just sit there and take it for her sister's sake, but... maybe that's just because it hits too close to home for some of us. It's a relatively small part of the book and I'm really not too fussed in the long run.

One thing that did throw me at first was the inclusion of the other points of view, like the skip from Isabelle's first chapter in the beginning to the introduction of "Chance," whose band of miscreants and misfits is a little distracting at first, but ultimately entertaining once you figure out how they're involved, and who serves as a sort of 'greater story' framing device for the real world conflicts taking place in the background. "Chance" and "Fate's" cat and mouse game ended up being one of my favorite parts of the underlying tensions in the story, and really helped drive home how make or break Isabelle's ultimate path was, even after she ended up going in a direction no one, not even herself, expected in the end. But it really added to the whole "we make our own path and only we can tell our story" message that ended up getting told as the underlying themes for the whole book. And I can thank it for that.

Right. Now. The big block quote I used up above. Chance decides he needs to tip the scales somewhat, and his whole part of the narrative so far as Isabelle can tell is as a rich eccentric trying to get his misfits and servants to help him put on a play. The play ends up... less a play, and more an inspirational third act speech meant to give Isabelle the push she needs to go and 'do the thing!', and as such it's... kind of cheesy, in hindsight. But at the same time while wrapped up in the story I didn't really notice it save to get super emotional and flaily about how many names were on that list that weren't centered around white western history, and I'm totally here for it. I am absolutely down with the cheese if it brings about the good feels, and the bolster to Isabelle's courage it gave delivered.

I also really like that one of the men driving the story kept pushing that love was what she needed, and automatically brought in a boy to do the job, but it ended up being Isabelle's love for her horse, herself, and her family, and the forgiveness of her step-sister, that really did the trick. Thank you so much Jennifer Donnelly, for not making this be about a man.

I really wish this review could do it more justice, but I'm pushing the limits of my word count as it is, and I don't want to risk repeating the ugly, happy blubbering I was doing at the end of the story. Suffice it to say I ABSOLUTELY recommend this book to anyone who likes fairy tales, feminist stories, girl-centered stories, coming of age stories, fantasies, everyone, really. I can't sum it up any better than Jennifer Donnelly herself in the forward of this book: "To everyone who's ever felt like they're not enough."

SNIIIIFFF. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go eat a pint of ice cream and watch Xena: Warrior Princess reruns with my puppy. Peace!

[crackimagines]

Danganronpa 1 but Junko screws up and grabs two Ultimate Idols. Sayaka and Majima.

I can’t do this ask justice if I don’t do an entire substory of this, so congrats! This ask is gonna be long as FUCK. I’m gonna be slightly altering the ask but the principle will remain the same!

Thanks for the ask,  protoformx-blog! I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I have writing this!

Kamurocho Theater District...

“Crap! We need a special guest for our concert, but we haven’t been able to find one yet!...We need someone who’ll catch everyone’s attention...”

A large man in a black suit wearing an eye-patch passed her by, and she cleared her throat.

“E-EXCUSE ME SIR!”

“Hm?”

Sayaka went up to the man and put her hands together.

(Sayaka) “Um, this is a weird question but...Could you be part of our idol group?!”

(Man) “...Eh? Woah, hold up there, what?!”

(Sayaka) “Um, you see our group is about to perform with a guest star, but he unfortunately can’t make it. I tried telling my director, but he said a whole crowd of people are already here to watch us.”

(Man) “So why me? Surely you don’t need some random guy-”

(Sayaka) “Well, we need someone to catch everyone’s attention, and you’re perfect for that role!”

(Man) “Well...I mean I do karaoke but I’m not what you’d call a fantastic singer...Er, wait what’s your name?”

(Sayaka) “Oh, I didn’t introduce myself, did I? My name is Sayaka Maizono.”

(Man) “T-THE Sayaka Maizono? You wrote 24 Hour Cinderella, right?!”

(Sayaka) “Oh, good you know us! Yes, I did write that song, and conveniently that’s the song we’re actually performing.”

(Man) “Well, I think I can help you out after all! Name’s Majima.”

(Sayaka) “R-Really? Thank you so much, Majima-san! Let’s head inside, the group would love to meet you!”

SUBSTORIES: Everybody’s Idol: Goro Majima and Sayaka Maizono!

Later...

(Girl 1) “Well, I guess there are worse people to grab.”

(Girl 2) “D-Don’t say that!”

(Girl 3) “Well anyways, we’re glad to have you, Majima!”

(Majima) “Appreciate it. So, we’re just performing the one song, right?”

(Girl 4) “Yeah, you said you know it, right?”

(Majima) “Know it? Sweetheart, I AM that song! I got it memorized from each syllable!”

(Sayaka) “Whew, that at least makes our job easier.”

(Majima) “So who am I? Backup dancer or something?”

(Girl 2) “Um, actually you’re our lead singer.”

(Majima) “...What?! Sayaka, you didn’t tell me that!”

(Sayaka) “S-Sorry! I just found out myself! Apologies, Majima!”

(Majima) “Eh, it don’t matter all that much. Like I said, I can nail this no problem.”

(Sayaka) “I’m really glad you’re so enthusiastic about this!”

(Girl 1) “I just hope you can sing good!”

(Girl 2) “Bluntly put, but I agree.”

(Director) “Hey, you all are up!”

(Sayaka) “Whew, alright let’s do this!”

(Majima) “Don’t worry Sayaka, I GOT THIS.”

undefined

Everyone began applauding wildly as Sayaka’s group went off stage and changed back to their normal clothes.

(Sayaka) “Majima-san, that was amazing!”

(Girl 1) “Yeah, kudos to ya!”

(Girl 2) “You had such a lovely voice!”

(Girl 3) “I’m sure you’d skyrocket to the top with that style!”

(Girl 4) “We don’t see it often, that’s for sure!”

(Majima) “Bah, this is nothing. Singing’s not what I normally do, more of a side passion than anything.”

(Sayaka) “Is it cause of your current career?”

(Majima) “...Something like that, yeah.”

(Sayaka) “Well, since we have the night off, how about we treat you to dinner!”

(Majima) “Huh? Nah, I can’t let you guys pay for me-”

(Girl 1) “Come on, it’s a sign of thanks for getting us out of the fire there!”

(Girl 3) “Besides, the business is paying for us anyway!”

(Sayaka) “Please?”

(Majima) “Alright alright, ya got me. Come on, let’s eat some Sushi!”

Everyone went to a nearby sushi bar, and had a lively dinner together. All the other girls left as Majima and Sayaka were near the doors.

(Majima) “You got yourself a good team, Maizono.”

(Sayaka) “Yeah...I don’t know what I’d do without them honestly.”

(Majima) “They pull you through some tough times?”

(Sayaka) “Ha, that couldn’t even begin to describe it...There are...things we’ve done that we are not proud of to get to where we are...If we all didn’t have each other’s support, I’m pretty sure we would’ve broken down a long time ago...”

(Majima) “Sounds rough, but it’s good you had someone there.”

(Sayaka) “...I’m assuming it was kind of the same thing for you?”

(Majima) “Eh? What makes you say that?”

(Sayaka) “Well, you’re pretty young to have fought during the war so that eyepatch must’ve come from something bad that happened. That’s how it is for a Yakuza, right?”

(Majima) “...Yeah, I suppose this isn’t exactly the most flattering thing to look at.”

(Sayaka) “You don’t seem like a bad person in my book, Majima-san. But, was there anyone who helped you when you needed it?”

(Majima) “...”

(Majima) “...There was someone but...I’m on my own now.”

(Sayaka) “I’m sorry to hear that. Even though we’re leaving Kamurocho, I’ll be able to help anyway I can!”

(Majima) “Hah, I appreciate that. Though it’d be safer if you focused on your own team. I’m not exactly a crowd you wanna fall in with.”

(???) “Really? Cause you two are exactly who I need!”

Majima and Sayaka turned around and saw 2 girls looking at them.

(Sayaka) “Oh, Junko, Mukuro! What are you two doing in Kamurocho?”

(Majima) “Friends of yours?”

(Sayaka) “Classmates, actually! Well anyways, how are you guys doing? Did you come to watch our performance-”

“Nah, I just need you two to fulfill my plan. You two are all that’s missing actually.”

Sayaka’s eyes widened as Majima got in front of her, his arm shoving her behind him.

(Majima) “What’s that supposed to mean?”

(Junko) “What, you stupid? It’s exactly as I said! You two are needed for my Ultimate plan of despair!”

Majima kept staring at Mukuro, noticing she was barely moving at all while Junko talked.

(Junko) “The Two Ultimate Idols? Can’t have only one of you-”

(Majima) “Ultimate Idol? Now hang on there, I’m just-”

(Junko) “I don’t care. If I say you’re an idol, you ARE one. SIS!”

Majima shoved Sayaka back as he drew out his knife, and swiped away a syringe Mukuro had in her hand as it came swinging at them, and kicked Junko back and made her stagger back.

(Majima) “Sayaka, get to the girls and get the cops! Leave these scum to me!”

Sayaka nodded and ran away,. Mukuro moved to chase after her, but Majima jumped in front, knife out.

(Junko) “Well well, looks like you know how to fight! It won’t really matter, you two are going to be kidnapped by me anyway!”

(Mukuro) “Careful, I sense something dangerous about him. He’s got the look of a Mad Dog.”

Majima shifted his neck side to side, holding his knife steadily.

(Majima) “Heh, haven’t been able to let loose for a while...! ALRIGHT, TIME FOR MAD DOG COUNTER SPAM”

(Junko) “...Uh, what’s tha-”

“YEEEEHEHEHEHEHEE!”

20 seconds later...

“M-Majima-san! We brought he-OH MY GOD!”

Majima stood as Mukuro and Junko rolled around in pain in their blood with knife wounds in them.

(Majima) “...Uh, let’s just leave it to the cops.”

(Officer) “Cuff em!”

They took Mukuro and Junko away as Majima awkwardly put away his knife.

(Majima) “Uh, you girls are fine, right?”

(Sayaka) “Y-Yeah, thanks to you. We have an escort coming to take us to our hotel right now. But anyways, thank you so much Majima!”

(Majima) “Hah, don’t worry about it. This is why it isn’t safe to stick with me.”

(Sayaka) “I suppose but...Aside from the uh, stomach impalements, you’re not such a bad person! If you need an ear, I’ll be more than happy to make some time for you!”

(Majima) “Appreciate that. When you’re not on tour, I’ll be sure to show you ‘round Kamurocho more. I’ll be following you guys closely, so keep making some great hits.”

“Thanks for everything Majima. Hopefully we’ll see each other soon!”

“I’m sure we will. Take care, Sayaka.”

They walked their separate directions. As Sayaka went back to her group, she looked back at Majima walking into the grounds.

“I wonder if I’ll be able to find myself a boy as cool as Majima-san...Heh, I wonder what Makoto in an eyepatch would look like?”

SUBSTORY: Everybody’s Idol: Goro Majima and Sayaka Maizono! [END]

[imasline]

[sapphicambitions]

Laynie Rose’s Library

At the Heart of the White Rose: The Letters and Diaries of Hans and Sophie Scholl. Edited by Inge Jens

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: Syltherin Edition by JKR

King Charles III by Mike Bartlett

Edge of Twilight by Paula Christian

This Side of Love by Paula Christian

Serious Money by Caryl Churchill

The Waves by Virginia Woolf

Gay Old Gals by Zsa Zsa Gershick

Men Like That: A Southern Queer History by John Howard

Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

Searching for Sappho: The Lost Songs and World of The First Woman Poet by Philip Freeman

If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho translated by Anne Carson

Maiden, Mother, Crone: The Three Faces of the Goddess by D.J. Conway

Victorian Sappho by Yopie Prins

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Collectors Edition)

Romeo & Juliet by Shakespeare (Collectors Edition)

Collection of Best Loved Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Anderson

The Norton Anthology of Drama Vol.1

The Norton Anthology of Drama Vol. 2

A Noble Treason: The Story of Sophie Scholl & The White Rose Revolt Against Hitler by Richard Hanser

The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri

Strong is the New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves by Kate T. Parker

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Our Town by Thorton Wilder

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo

Cloud Nine by Caryl Churchill

My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsberg

Bad Feminist by Roxanne Gay

Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches From the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture by Peggy Orenstein

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf by Edward Albee

The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston

How to Be A Woman by Caitlin Moran

The Elements of Style by Strunk & White

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

The Curly Girl Handbook by Lorraine Massey

Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need by Blake Synder

No Sisters by Aaron Posner

Three Sisters by Anton Chekov

Gmorning & Gnight by LMM

Carry On, Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton

The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan

The Original Folk & Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Yes, Please by Amy Poheler

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Eleanor Roosevelt: In her Words edited by Nancy Woloch

What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey

Astrology 101 by Kathleen Sears

All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation by Rebecca Traister

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Shakespeare

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

The Short Life of Sophie Scholl by Hermann Vinke

1984 by George Orwell

feminist theory by bell hooks

The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

Dear John, I Love Jane: Women Write About Leaving Their Men for Women editied by Candace Walsh & Laura Andre

Anger by Thich Nhat Hanh

A Moment’s Liberty: The Shorter Diary of Virginia Woolf abridged and edited by Anne Olivier Bell

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez

The 100: Day 21 by Kass Morgan

The Feminist Papers: From Adams to Beauvior: A Collection of Feminist Essays Throughout History edited by Alice S. Rossi

Appeals in Modern Rhetoric by M. Jimmie Killingsworth

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

A Survival Guide for Stage Managers by Mary Ellen Allison

Wonder Woman and Philosophy: The Amazonian Mystique edited by Jacob M. Held

The Awakening by Kate Chopin

The Entire Harry Potter Series by JKR

the Entire Percy Jackson/Heroes of Olympus Series 

Together We Rise: Behind the Scenes of the Women’s March by the Women’s March Organizers

The Stage Management Handbook by Daniel A. Ionazzi

Girl Talk: What Science Can Tell Us About Female Friendship by Jacqueline Mroz

Making it On Broadway by David Wienir and Jodie Langel

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Patience and Sarah by Isabel Miller

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko

Eleanor Roosevelt: Vol. 3: The War Years and After by Blanche Wiesen Cook

A New Earth: Awakening Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson

Eleanor & Hick: The Love Affair that Shaped a First Lady by Susan Quinn

Adulting: How to Become A Grownup in 468 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Williams Brown

Seth’s Broadway Diary by Seth Rudetsky

Stage Management: The Essentials Handbook by Gail Pallin

Is It a Date or Just Coffee? The Gay Girl’s Guide to Dating, Sex, and Romance by Mo Brownsey

Rad Women Worldwide by Kate Schatz

Technical Theatre for Non-Technical People by Drew Campbell

Virginia Woolf: Life and London: A Biography of Place by Jean Moorcroft Wilson

A Collection of Robert Frost’s Poems

All Passions Spent by Vita Sackville-West

The Backstagers by Andy Mientus

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Simon vs. The Homosapien Agenda by Becky Albertalli

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Guyland: The Perilous Wold Where Boys Become Men, Understanding the Critical Years between 16 and 26 by Michael Kimmel

A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

Three Guineas by Virginia Woolf

Why I March: Images from the Women’s March Around the World

The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz

Little Women by Lousia May Alcott

What We Do Now: Standing Up For Your Values in Trump’s America: A Collection of Essasys by an assload of people

The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

The Resolutions by Mia Garcia

Next to Normal by Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkley

Wanted: The Book I Wrote in Middle School

The Scottish Play (I WONT WRITE IT) by Shakespeare

Riotous Flesh: Women, Physiology and The Solidarity Vice in 19th Century America by April R. Haynes

Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins

Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Nancy Milford

Orlando by Virginia Woolf

Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

The Voyage Out by Virginia Woolf

Night and Day by Virginia Woolf

Dykescapes: Short Fiction by Lesbians editied by Tina Portillo

The Myth of The Goddess: Evolution of an Image by Anne Barrin and Jules Cashford

On Our Own Ground: The Complete Writings ofWilliam Apess, a Peaquot

We Should All be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

The Letters of Vita Sackville-West to Virginia Woolf edited by Louise DeSalve and Mitchell A. Leaska

At This Theater by Playbill

[hyper-archives]

Aladdin(2019) Review

I had so much fun watching the Aladdin remake that I was inspired to write a review, comparing and contrasting it with the original! It’s under the cut so I don’t clutter dashes and tags:

Recently I watched the Aladdin reboot in theaters. I might not have given it a chance if a friend of mine hadn’t insisted to take us to the movies for a fun time. Usually I’m highly against Disney remakes, and I still am, but this one actually surprised me, again, for a Disney remake. There were some aspects that fell flat with me, yet some I actually liked better than the original. I was inspired to write a review for this, comparing and contrasting the two to see how they stand up against one another. Also, this contains spoilers! STORY: More often than not, when a Disney remake tries to “fix” plot holes and nitpicks of the original, as so beautifully demonstrated by the remakes of Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella, they end up making their nitpicks even more prevalent and even worse. I was surprised to see that, with this movie, they added in aspects that I actually liked better than the original, which I honestly didn’t think was possible. Unfortunately, it gave off the impression that they felt like they had to speed through many of the original iconic scenes in order to get to those plot lines. Instead of the original’s beginning, starting with Arabian Nights and continuing with the merchant, very subtly being the Genie in disguise, this starts out with a character, very obviously played by Will Smith, beginning to tell a couple of children the story of Aladdin, followed by him singing the song. Though I didn’t like the the twist of the Genie actually being the narrator being so obvious this time around, as a lot of other aspects were far less subtle as well, the anticipation and slight build up to the Arabian nights song was rather exciting, and the song was extended as they took us on a tour of Agrabah. However, as I was talking about previously, the first Cave of Wonders scene is sandwiched in-between this introduction scene. This is where things take a different turn. A turn that I’m not all too crazy for. This time around, the One Jump Ahead sequence shares a scene with Aladdin and Jasmine’s escape from the guards, with the scene where she rejects the suitor playing after she returns to the palace from Aladdin's home, without the escort of the guards this time. She’s never told that Aladdin is to be executed. There’s no reason why they had to switch around these scenes, as, in the previous movie, the rejection of the suitor and the talk with her father was a better introduction to Jasmine’s character. However I’m wondering if they did this in order to feature more interaction between the two. In this movie, after Jasmine has to return to the palace, she asks where her bracelet is, believing Aladdin stole it, when it was actually Abu. Aladdin sneaks into the palace to return it to her, after which he’s captured and that’s where taken to the cave of wonders this time. Though I understand why they made this change, the flow of it is a little questionable. Nevertheless, the escape scene was fun to watch, and Jasmine’s reluctance to jump across the rooftops felt more realistic than a sheltered girl just suddenly getting the hang of doing so. Thankfully, the talk between Jasmine and her father feels a lot more meaningful. Instead of simply talking about wanting to be free and marrying for love, she wants the best for her kingdom, and expresses her sorrow for how poorly some of the peasants were living. I really like this addition, as it gives more compassion and responsibility to Jasmine without ruining her character. I also like the mention of their interaction with other kingdoms, as it feels less like Agrabah is a post-apocalyptic kingdom in the middle of nowhere. The Cave of Wonders scene is pretty underwhelming. Instead of disguising as a grizzly prisoner, Jafar is very direct with Aladdin, playing on the fact that he too was a peasant. I question what the change for this was others than the film doing something different, or perhaps it was the fact that the actor for Jafar wasn’t versatile enough to do that. The cave itself doesn’t come from a golden scarab, nor does it materialize from the sand, which is honestly greatly disappointing. The journey through the cave, the attempted escape, as well as Jafar’s immense devastation at the loss of the lamp, were all very mediocre. Thankfully, things pick up from here, quite obviously, with the Genie. His introduction, I’ll admit, is a little jarring at first, because this is where we really start to see the computer graphics at work, but regardless, it was well acted, lots of fun, and it’s clear to see that the crew did the best with the graphics they had. One little nitpick that I like that they fixed here is that they removed the scene of him attempting to kiss that exotic dancer, because, after he hit it off with Jasmine so well, I’m not sure why he’d do that if he’d want her as much as to make himself a prince entirely for her. After this, the humor really starts showing in the scene where Aladdin and the Genie get to know one another, and Aladdin reveals his feelings for Jasmine. What they don’t do with cartoonish gags, they make up for with witty dialogue and the actors’ execution of it. Then, comes perhaps my absolute favorite part, the Prince Ali scene. Again, they’re not able to pull off as many cartoon gags, so they compensate by spilling out as much color and character as a Disneyland parade. This scene is without a doubt on par with the original. The parade is followed by a scene that wasn’t in the movie, but I’m glad they added in. In this movie, the Genie is now disguised as a human accompanying him as what I’m assuming is his advisor as he aids in introducing Aladdin to Jasmine. Aladdin’s introduction is, to say the least, awkward. Hilariously awkward. Honestly, my insides were hurting from laughter. I suppose this is a good time to mention the addition of a new character, Dahlia, Jasmine’s handmaiden. She serves to ease a bit of the tension, as well as be a good friend of Jasmine’s, because honestly, one gripe I have with a lot of the original Disney movies is the lead characters’ saddening lack of companions. She accompanies Jasmine to a party, as the Genie accompanies Aladdin. With Aladdin and Jasmine wanting to be with each other, and their friends of the same gender as Aladdin and Jasmine respectively accompanying them, you can probably pick up on a romantic subplot by now. Anyway, the Genie’s attempt to make Aladdin look cool in front of the princess only turns her away more, so the Genie creates a diversion, wooing the handmaiden, so Aladdin can sneak in and give way to the A Whole New World sequence. I thought I’d be disappointed, but considering they couldn’t make it shine with the beauty of 2D animation, I thought it was rather beautiful for what they had to work with. Admittedly, I do miss them swirling through the clouds and interacting with birds and horses. They still keep in the kiss after this number, only it’s not really as passionate as the original one, which I suppose I understand, since it is their first kiss. Instead of being captured right afterwards, Aladdin is given time to reflect on his experience alongside the Genie. I like what they did here, jumping back and forth between Aladdin’s conversation with the Genie, and Jasmine’s conversation with Dahlia. Jafar and his guards waste no time capturing Aladdin the next morning, where he personally pushes him into the water, in a scene which is very awkwardly slowed down. I’m not sure how I feel about this change, but it adds an actual threat to this bland adaption of Jafar, who I’ll rip into after I’m done covering the story. The Genie saves Aladdin as usual, though the scene where Aladdin thanks him is actually a little more emotional here. You can really see where they’re starting to befriend one another. Aladdin later rats out Jafar as usual, only this time, Jafar escapes AFTER he’s sent to prison, which was a very underwhelming scene for an already underwhelming villain. It’s Iago who aids him in his escape this time, because I guess you had to make the bird useful? Though, he could have made him a useful character by involving him in the stealing of the lamp like the original, which I’ll get to. Meanwhile, Aladdin and the Genie begin having a dispute like they did in the ‘92 version. Instead of mentioning his wish to be free, the Genie is more concerned with Aladdin not telling the truth, being seduced by riches and power, like every other master he’s had. Again, it gets a little more emotional with the line “I’ve never called a master ‘friend’”. Conflicted, Aladdin goes back to his original home, and sings yet another reprise of One Jump Ahead. I do like the emotion and glimpse into an inner battle within Aladdin, but I don’t exactly see why he had to go all the way back to his home to do so. Jafar steals the lamp from him while he’s wandering through the streets instead of Iago sneaking it from him, which there really wasn’t any reason why they had to change that. Now that Jafar has the lamp, he wishes to be sultan. His rise to power is unfortunately much less climactic, removing the Prince Ali reprise alltogether. I suppose you could say that it’s replaced by new song “Speechless”, sung by Jasmine. As beautiful as it is, I’m not sure it has much  a place, as she appears to be singing this in her imagination. This pep talk she gives to herself empowers her to speak against Jafar and plead that her father’s most trusted guard side with her instead of Jafar. I like this bold moment for Jasmine, but the addition of the guard’s backstory feels like they’re trying to develop a character at the last minute. This doesn’t stop Jafar, as he wishes, finally, to become the most powerful sorcerer, casting Aladdin to the arctic. Instead of Jafar keeping Jasmine as a slave, he begins to marry her, which I’m honestly glad they changed, as marriage is slightly less uncomfortable of an outcome to watch than marriage to a character who’s supposed to be under 18. Aladdin saves her very directly instead of sneaking around, and I’m assuming the fight with a giant sorcerer snake is replaced by a mad scramble to keep the lamp from a giant Iago. Needless to say I was pretty disappointed at the lack of giant limbless reptiles. When Aladdin tricks Jafar into wishing to becoming a genie, the Genie seems to be in on the idea instead of oblivious like the original. I think the Genie believing that that was a bad idea in the ‘92 version added to the suspense though. Things end happily, but also pretty differently. Firstly, instead of Aladdin wishing to abolish the marriage law, he wishes the Genie free, which turns him HUMAN! I’m not exactly sure why they did this, but it doesn’t really bum me out, as it probably rules out the possibility of a sequel, thank goodness. He and Dahlia immediately decide to be together. Instead of the Sultan getting rid of the marriage law, he simply gives the throne to Jasmine so she can abolish it herself. I really like this change for Jasmine, after having expressed her desire to help her kingdom. One might argue that it’s historically inaccurate, but it’s a fairytale ending along the lines of a peasant marrying royalty. Aladdin is prepared to return home when Jasmine catches up to him, where they express their love for one another and deliver...another bland kiss. Eh, I guess that’s a small nitpick. After the ending, the credits play out on top of a scene where the cast starts dancing to an instrumental of Friend Like Me. Say what you will about this trope, but I love when the characters start dancing at the end of a movie. It does seem like a lazy way to end a movie, but when done right, it’s a lot of fun. And, all things considered, this movie was just that. CHARACTERS: Aladdin: If anything was perfectly recreated from the original, it was the casting of the actor for Aladdin. Not only did he look the part, but he sounded like both the talking and speaking voice from the original. He acted more unsure and awkward in his newfound Prince Ali role, but it felt more endearing and believable than him getting used to it right away. Abu: Not much changed from this version, though I find him cuter, as he looks like a real monkey. But get this, both he and the Cave of wonders keep their original voice actor, being Frank Welker! Jasmine: In this day and age, the media has been more focused on creating stronger female protagonists. Sometimes they come out genuinely lovable and responsible, like Moana, but their execution can be easily botched by making them come off as entitled and uncaring, valuing only outward strength. I was incredibly pleased at this version of Jasmine, because she rose to strength and confidence through the kindness of her heart. She was more believable too, being a little more sweet and naive, as I'd believe from a girl who's spent her whole life in a castle. Her romance with Aladdin felt more like innocent young love, which I rather enjoyed. However, it sometimes felt like she was stealing the spotlight from Aladdin just a bit. The movie still is about him, after all. The Genie: I'll admit, when I first heard Will Smith was being cast as the Genie, I thought this movie was instantly doomed. Boy was I wrong. I actually never cared for Will Smith or any of his roles in the past, but for me he actually succeeded in what Robin Williams did in driving the movie forward. Granted(pardon the pun) nobody will ever really match up with the rapid-fire entertainment of Williams' Genie, but I'm glad that Smith did his own thing. He and Aladdin had great chemistry, bouncing off one another, making for hilarious moments, and I was surprised to find that he was also able to deliver an emotional performance where it was needed. Dahlia: I was always rather sad at the fact that Jasmine had, perhaps less people to talk to than Belle did in her little town, so I'm glad they added in at least a handmaiden to keep her company. A character like this can easily be done wrong(take Darcy in Thor: the Dark World), but she turned out pretty hilarious. Her romance with the Genie might have felt shoehorned in if it wasn't as adorably executed as it was. It might have been a little fast for the both of them, but to me that just means that they were careful not to let it overpower the main romance. Jafar: Oh boy. If there's any main complaint I have with the movie, anything that would ultimately banish it from having any competition with the original, it would be this Flat-Sprite-Emmet Brickowski-bland "portrayal" of Jafar. Disney clearly had their priorities set on casting someone attractive, like they did for Maleficent, rather than someone who actually fit the part. He delivered everything with the finesse of a paper towel, and when he showed his more insane side, it simply looked like the domestic, meddling next door neighbor kind of insane. Okay, I'm sure many people will be hating on the actor for this, but honestly I'm not sure it's his fault. He'd probably be much better suited for a different kind of role. His lackluster performance only has me questioning Disney's creative decisions. Iago: Though I missed the grumpy, abrasive Iago, this new one, portrayed by Disney's new golden boy, Alan Tudyk, was amusing in his own way, with more subtle, in-the-background kind of humor. With so much going on already, a more vocal Iago might have complicated things. The Sultan: In all honesty, I like this new sultan drastically better than the old one. The '92 version being an easily manipulated childish little man got tiresome after a while, as well as him seeming aloof to what Jasmine really needed. In this movie, he's still bound by tradition but now with an immense love for his daughter, and it shows. I'm also happy with the mention of their late mother. It was a kind acknowledgement without looking overly sentimental in the way that previous remakes did. SONGS: Since I already talked about their sequences, I'm mostly going to be talking about the songs themselves. I'd just like to say right off the bat that Alan Menken once again outdid his past self with this score. I'm in love with the more ethnic feel of this score, as it makes the tale much more immersive. Arabian Nights: Though I wonder why they changed the lyrics as much as they did, this version of the song is actually better than the original. It's longer, more intense, and Will Smith performs this, along with his other songs, better than I thought he would. One Jump Ahead: From the beginning, it started out to sound like it'd be a more ethnic, yet as energized as the first, but something about this version didn't hit it off with me. This song in particular felt like they were all too aware of the fact that they were recreating a popular Disney song in a movie that wasn't a cartoon. One Jump Ahead(Reprise): Nothing much really changes from this one, but now you really get to hear how well Mena Massoud sounds as Aladdin. Friend Like Me: Considering that this is the first impression we get of the remake of the Disney character with one of the biggest pair of shoes to fill, they did pretty spectacular. Again, I'm very surprised with how much character Will Smith gave to this performance with his own flavor. That being said, it sounds like a great, classic song with a modern spin. Prince Ali: The scene was spectacular. The song was spectacular. I can't rave about this one enough. It's everything I could ask for in a remake of my favorite song in Aladdin. It has a modern spin, with newly added Middle-Eastern instruments, with as much energy as the original version. When prevented with both versions of the song, I'd honestly have a hard time deciding which one I'd listen to first! A Whole New World: I have mixed feelings about this one. It does have a beautiful build up, the singers carry it beautifully, but it doesn't flow as well to me as the original. One Jump Ahead(Reprise 2): Even though I still question the destination of this scene, I do really like this addition. Speechless(parts 1 and 2): I suppose I was always sort of disappointed that Jasmine was one of the only princesses without her own individual song, despite the movie not starring her. It's a beautiful song with a beautiful melody, but after a while I feel like Naomi Scott is overselling it a tad. I kind of like the album version better, where it's a key lower. But that's not the first time I liked it when a Disney princess power ballad was taken a key lower. MISC ASPECTS I'd mostly like to talk about the execution here. The original far outweighs the remake here. It's not just that it's hard to stand up against Disney 2D animation of the 90s, but the editing of this movie was just bad. And by bad I mean overkill. The Friend Like Me scene was particularly off-putting for me, as the realistic, dramatic lighting only made it look like the mood was set for a horror movie. Aladdin falling into the ocean is inexplicably slowed down. The scene where Jafar steals the lamp from Aladdin looks more like a perfume commercial. Sometimes it felt like a character couldn't drop a handkerchief without getting a 360-degree spin of the camera, and other times it felt like an over-dramatic commercial for a Disney park.....oh. The final aspect I'd like to get past really quick is the humor. As I mentioned before, a live action movie isn't able to carry on the same kind of humor as a cartoon, so they substituted that for more witty dialogue and clever acting, and honestly, I like it just as much as the cartoonish humor of the first. With all things said and done, and certainly, after all this praise, I bet you're wondering which one I liked better. It's a bit of a toss up actually. On terms of overall execution, theatrics, and especially villain, I prefer the original, but on terms of story and character development(excluding Jafar), I think I actually prefer this one. This probably means that the original is still better, as I expected, but this movie was a refreshing surprise of a Disney remake. I honestly didn't expect to have so much fun that my face would hurt from smiling. As fun as it is though, if asked if these remakes would never happen in favor of more original ideas, I'd still have to take that deal. Still, that doesn't take away that I had quite an enjoyable experience at the movies.

[withbitterness]

HI HOWDY HELLO I go by Jess and I’ve been scanning the tags for what feels like ages for a good rp to join, so I’m so excited I found this place! this is an altered version of my bb sherri, who I created about a year ago but have only played once for a v short period of time

☼  ☼  ☼  ⎿  MUSE 1:  CARLSON YOUNG, CISFEMALE, SHE/HER ⏋  oh look,  SHERRI LOWE  is back, the TWENTY-THREE  year old  THEATRE COUNSELOR  at camp otenaw. looks like it’s their THIRD year as a staff member. rumour has it, they tend to be  SELFISH and JEALOUS, but hopefully we’ll get to see their DARING and DRIVEN side too. I heard they  INJURED HER STAGE PARTNER TO FURTHER HER CAREER; let’s hope this will be an epic summer ! ⎿  JESS, 21, EST, SHE/HER⏋  ☼  ☼  ☼

background 

raised in a single parent household in new york. her parents had a turbulent relationship and didn’t stay together for long, so sherri was mostly raised by her mother, with occasional contact with her father. 

her mother was a business woman, a CFO of a prominent oil and gas company. as such, she didn’t have a lot of time for sherri while she was growing up. in a move that was both beneficial (for it freed up her summers of having to care for sherri) and sentimental (bc she thought sherri might actually enjoy it), sherri’s mother (who was originally from vancouver but moved to NY for work) decided to ship sherri off to the summer camp she went to for many years in her youth. so, from the age of seven onward, sherri spent every summer at camp otenaw.

she hated it at first. hated being alone, in a whole different country, with people she didn’t know doing shitty camp shit that was so far out of her comfort zone. even as a child, she was a city girl at heart, and being outdoors in cabins spending her days getting dirty was Not the way she would have preferred to spend her summers.

but then she discovered the theater department, and just like that all her misery faded away. a lifelong passion for the performing arts was born in its place. sherri eventually warmed to the place after that, made friends, made romantic connections and the like. found a place for herself at the camp despite herself.

once she graduated high school, sherri decided to keep up at the camp as a counselor in the theatre department. she opted out of college in favor of a career, so she spent her years making connections and going to auditions, then spending the summers at camp. she did this for two years until she decided to commit her whole year to her career

for the next three years, sherri labored over her career, taking every audition she could get, taking acting classes, going to every party and social event she heard of in the hopes of networking with someone big. she found minor success in ensemble roles and supporting roles in off-broadway productions, but none of it truly satisfied her

secret

she got her break when she managed to snag the role of understudy to the part cinderella in a recent broadway revival of rodgers and hammerstein's cinderella

she was initially thrilled, but then she grew antsy. it seemed that the woman who played cinderella never got sick, never needed a day off. every now and again, sherri would get to do a matinee show when the woman needed to give her voice a rest, but never an evening show.

in the back of her mind, sherri knew she’d get her turn. more often than not, the understudy’s of leading roles on broadway got to be the lead when the actor’s contract was up and they left the show. but that time was not coming fast enough for sherri

a couple of months into her year-long contract for the show, sherri was presented with an opportunity. the cast and crew were partying together. both sherri and her stage partner were more than a little drunk, and happened to decide to take the stairs together when exiting. it was a moment of weakness. her partner was drawling about how amazing it was to perform, the rush she got from it all, the massive success of the revival, talking about the offers and opportunities she was already being presented with for after the show. it grated on sherri’s nerves. her partner was so drunk that she couldn’t find her footing, and she managed to fall down the long flight of stairs. at least, that’s what everyone believes. no one was around to see sherri’s foot trip the woman, the way sherri made no attempts to help her.

it was meant to be a petty, impulsive thing, hopes for small injuries to get sherri to at least get to perform the weekend shows. she didn’t expect for her castmate to break her leg and fracture her arm, kicking her out of the game for the rest of the show’s run. it was a shocking, but admittedly satisfying turn of events, with sherri taking on the lead status from that moment forward

she’s never told a soul about what happened, is grateful that her castmate was too drunk to remember it. sometimes, she feels bad about it. wonders what type of person she is for it. other times, she doesn’t ive it much thought. it was a necessary evil to get her where she is today

the show came to a close earlier this year after a brief extension, and sherri’s already got another role lined up. this time, for the role of elphaba in wicked, negotiations for sherri to take on the role when the leading lady’s contract runs up at the end of the summer.

subplot: met you in the summer (muses 1/2/3)

she hadn’t intended to come back to the camp, but her summer was free, and she missed her s/o. they’d been in a relationship for the past 4 years, probs long distance since sherri’s leave of camp, so she’s here as a guaranteed way to see her bae day in and day out. however, her time away in the braodway community has changed sherri more than she’d like to admit, but she’s hopeful the change means nothing for her relationship’s success, even if she’s got a bit more of a wandering eye now

personality (pinterest)

some character inspos: lauren cooper (faking it), sharpay evans (hsm), petra solano (jane the virgin), rachel berry (glee), tonya harding (i,tonya), bonnie plunkett (mom)

not necessarily mean, but gives off a lot of mean energy probably

very feminine, very girly

girl boss energy 

likes to have a good time when she’s not working

only problem is is she works a lot. little bit of a perfectionist, likes to workshop herself a lot, so is often singing and practicing her steps a lot

tries to live a healthy life. does yoga, drinks healthy smoothies all the time, goes on diets and all that. however, she’s got such a fucking sweet sot for sweets. tell tell sign that she’s upset is when she lets herself just stuff herself on the sweets.

selfish, looks out for herself first. will throw you under the bus if it means saving herself/elevating her own position. might regret it afterwards though if she cares about you 

camp reputation

she attend camp every single summer since she was 7, then was a counselor for two years after that before bailing on the camp

was probably the Mean Girl initially as an camper, v snooty, but as the years went on she definitely found her place around camp and lost some of her holier-than-thou attitude

she was p v bad at like the hiking and more outdoorsy activities, but excelled at arts and crafts, theatre, archery. things were precision and creativity were big. 

i can see her being v like, Bold during camp. like, she may have been a lil bitch, but she was a fun lil bitch. didn’t back down from challenges, always down for truth or dare, skinny dipping, underage drinking and the like. she wasn’t a lil punk okay, she may not have gotten Drunk, may have been too big on her appearance to do anything Reckless, but she liked to have fun too

as a counselor, I imagine her to be v hard pressed on her kiddos to do good. like, this shit may be fun but fun does not mean these kids can scream and act out and not learn their parts if they’re performing a skit or a play. 

since she left after 2 years as counselor and now she’s back just out-of-the-blue without telling anyone (I also imagine she probs dropped contact with a lot of Camp Friends after leaving too bc long-distance/what do these camp ppl far away from me mean to me while i’m pursuing a career in the states??, probs just social medias follows and thats it), that might be smth to play with. like, she’s back as this huge success, having been on broadway, she went out and did the damn thing and now she’s back being a counselor for a summer like whoa idk

connections

past camp crushes - babe’s bisexual and even tho she fell for her bff at camp, that didn’t happen till the later teenage years. before then, bb had lots of crushes

exes - summer romance was fun for sherri, i imagine a lot of these were v summer based, but maybe one or two could be ones where they tried to keep it up during the year too! we can plot it out

a relationship that made sherri realize that wow, she’s bi. this is the girl that sherri crushed on, maybe kissed/had a relationship with, maybe just awkward pining, maybe just experimental stuff late nights in the cabin when everyone was asleep or maybe smth that started under the guise of dares (”I dare you to kiss x!”) and late night skinny dipping but grew into a whole blown sexual awakening, anything! this is the the muse that just really made sherri realize she was into girls too, and how their relationship was like vs. how it is now could be fun to plot!

friends friends friends - alllllll of them. she may give off mean girl energy but sherri can be easy to talk to usually. charismatic, blunt, generous, to the point, likes to have fun, i can see her befriending anyone from the adorable sweetheart to the outcasted bitch

and more! idk what else, enemies, fwb, past hook ups, someone who has also Done Something Bad who she can maybe bond over later with, anything! i’m down for it all loves!

and yeah! that’s everything! sorry this is soooo long, believe it or not I actually cut some of it back. anyways, I’ll be on later today to plot/hit up starters. feel free to give this a like, and I’ll be sure to message you for plots!

[myanimerecs]

The iDOLM@STER

Rating: 2/3

Categories: comedy, game adaptation, idol, music, showbiz, slice of life

Nobody said that being an idol was easy but that doesn’t stop the girls at 765 Production from striving towards the top. Whether it’s taking new promo pics or performing gigs they’ll never stop pushing for their dreams while also finding the fun in the journey.

Xenoglossia, 26 eps

Xenoglossia Specials, 8 eps

Live For You!, 1 ep

S1, 25 eps

Special, 1 ep

Shiny Festa, 3 eps

Puchimas! Wakku Waku!!, 1 ep

Puchimas! Petit, 64 eps

Takatsuki Gold Densetsu Special!!, 5 eps

Puchimas! Petit OVA, 2 eps

Movie

Puchimas! Petit Petit, 74 eps

Cinderella Girls S1, 13 eps

Cinderella Girls: Special Program, 1 ep

Cinderella Girls S2, 12 eps

Cinderella Girls Special, 1 ep

Cinderella Girls Theater S1, 13 eps

Cinderella Girls Theater Specials, 2 eps

Cinderella Girls Theater S2, 13 eps

Cinderella Girls Theater S3, 13 eps

Cinderella Girls Theater S4, 7 eps

Cinderella Girls Theater Climax Season, 13 eps

Side M, 13 eps

Side M - Episode of Jupiter, 1 ep

Side M - Passion of the Passion, 1 ep

Side M: Wake Atte Mini!, 12 eps

Side M: Wake Atte Mini! OVA, 1 ep