#joaquin deserves all the awards

[jlealyza]

Unveiling the Joy Within

When I randomly decided to apply for the Special Program in Journalism, it was the best decision I've ever made. After years of training and practicing, I am finally back at the Regional Schools Press Conference. So here I am, unveiling the joy that happened during my two-day experience at the RSPC in Punta Villa Resort, Iloilo City.

On Day Zero, we had to travel a day ahead of the contest since it took four hours to reach the venue. As I woke up exactly at 4 a.m., I was filled with excitement. I prepared all my things and got ready to go. Since there were no vehicles available in the early morning, I walked to our meeting place in the plaza. I stopped by the 7/11 to buy some snacks and then headed to the church to light a candle and pray. Afterward, we were off to Iloilo City.

Our first stop was in San Joaquin, and there wasn't much for me to do since I had nowhere to go. I simply stayed inside the van. Then our last stop was the venue. We waited a few minutes at the receptionist and left our baggage at the front desk since our room wasn't ready. We went to the cafeteria/poolside to have our lunch. Since I didn't bring my own lunch, I ordered chicken. Afterward, we killed some time while waiting for our room. (I don't know why I am writing this with so many details)

The first thing I did was explore the venue. Although it was my second time there, I didn't have enough time to fully explore it during my first visit. I talked to my friends, practiced, and read articles. Around 3 p.m., our room was finally ready, so we rested and I continued to practice. At 5 p.m., we had dinner, took some pictures, and visited different areas of the venue. Everything was so beautiful, and I had a lot of fun exploring the place. Around 7 p.m., we went to the rooftop, and that was the best part. From there, I could see the entire city, and it was breathtaking. The lights were bright, although it was still dark on the rooftop. It was a beautiful sight that met my eyes. After spending some time there, we went back to our room, practiced a little more, and then woke up at 3 a.m.

When my roommate's alarm rang, I immediately woke up and couldn't fall back asleep, so I read some articles. The only downside was that I had no internet connection since the Wi-Fi wasn't working, and I had to connect to a hotspot to access the internet. We had breakfast, and I could see a lot of people who would also be my rival (hehe) in writing. However, all I focused on was doing my best. The opening program went well, and I reminded myself to give my best. 

My contest was scheduled to be the first one, so I had no time to review. When it started, I had to rely on the facts I had memorized and trust my instincts. It was challenging, but I didn't hold back and gave it all. After finishing my article, I felt relieved and happy. We had lunch, and it started raining heavily, not just a drizzle. We had to decide whether to run back to our room or head to the poolside. Eventually, we all ran back to our rooms to grab our umbrellas (and it was so funny that we all just ran and had no idea what to do).

I had to prepare for the awarding/Saludo. Although I had a gut feeling that I wouldn't win, I was still excited. I knew that Ma'am Tin would win the Most Outstanding School Paper Adviser because I  believed she deserved it and we actually both applied this year. As for me, I did my best, but maybe this wasn't meant for me (for now, I guess?). As I expected, Ma'am Tin ranked first in MOSPA, and I placed second in MOCJ. 

I didn't feel any heartbreak feelings because I knew I gave my best, and that's all I could do. After the awarding, I spent the night making fun memories. First, after dinner, I went to the election for the writing guild, where I met new friends from different cities/provinces/places. I was elected as the secretary. We played a lot of games at the poolside and ate some pizza. We went to bed past midnight, knowing that the next day would be a tough one at the awarding ceremony. 

And indeed, it was a difficult day. How could I celebrate others' winning moments when I wasn't happy with my own result? It was the first time I cried after finding out that I didn't win. It was hard for me because I had given my best. I never missed a practice session or skipped any meetings/training/sessions, and I knew deep down that I had done my best. But then Ma'am Tin comforted us, and I realized that nothing was wasted. There are things beyond our control, and someday it will all make sense. 

I didn't have the appetite to eat, so I just went back to our room. While waiting for our door keys, I heard my roommate crying over the phone, which made me cry again. The three of us entered our room, and I locked the door. One friend went to the bathroom to cry, while I went to my bed and cried into my pillow. I could hear the conversation of my other friend. Then I set a 10-minute alarm on my phone because I thought I needed to eat and didn't want to waste the meal ticket. The three of us reflected on what had just happened, and I forced all three of them to eat, even though it was difficult.

Eventually, we decided to eat, and we were ready to go home. I packed all my things, and when my alarm rang at 12 noon, we went outside to eat. Afterward, we didn't head straight home because we decided to go to SM Mall to have some fun. I explored the place, bought some food, and then headed home. We arrived in Antique at 7 p.m. I went home and told my family everything. I was happy because they weren't disappointed, and they were happy with my achievement of getting second place in the award. 

The best thing was that I returned the money that I didn't spend. I only took a small amount for buying them some food. I spent a lot using my own savings because my parents invested a lot in supporting me, but I knew we needed money for my mom's treatment and medications. So, I hesitated to spend their money. All the expenses were mine, including paying for the hotel. That's why I cried because I felt like I wasted my money. (yet, NOTHING WAS WASTED). But anyway, as I said, there are things beyond our control, and this is just the beginning. I'll come back again and work even harder (not that I didn't work hard this time). I just want to say that I'll still give my very best, and I hope everything falls into place the next time I join the contest. Nevertheless, I was so happy that I finally experienced those lovely memories and I had a good time writing this one. Until my next Campus Journalism experience, I'll write it again very soon.

[rookie-critic]

Rookie-Critic's Top 20 Films of 2021: #1 - C'mon C'mon (dir. Mike Mills)

My #1 pick from last year's movies is one that has gotten almost no awards attention whatsoever. Why that is, I can't say, because, to me, it is easily the greatest film that came out last year. What can I say about this film that can even come close to doing it the justice it deserves? Well, I'll just start by saying that Woody Norman is one to keep an eye out for. This kid gives more depth and realness to his character than almost every single adult actor on the rest of this list combined, and him and Joaquin Phoenix are a perfect pair. Actually, no, I take that back, they are the best imperfect pair imaginable. This movie tackles so many things: what it means to be a parent, what it means to be a friend, what it means to be a partner, what it means to be a sibling, and so many more topics that I'd be here all day if I tried to list them all, and the thing is, it gives each and every one of its many interpersonal relationships and meanings attention and care, allowing the film to come into its full potential.

One of the most important things this movie does is something most media would never dream of: it views its child character through the same lens as it views its adult ones. Norman's Jesse is one mature kid. No, he doesn't talk like a grown-up or act like a grown-up or smoke or any of the normal hallmarks of a "mature kid in movies." He can't handle his emotions, he gets too rowdy, he makes mistakes, but that's the beauty of it. Mike Mills and C'mon C'mon dare to present an adult/child relationship where the adult gives the child the benefit of the doubt. Phoenix's Johnny is honest with Jesse, and talks to him like he would any other person. He allows Jesse to vent his frustrations and flies in the face of traditional parenting, and Jesse comes out better for it (not to give too much away). Instead of the burden being put on the child to change for the betterment of the adult, the burden is put on the adult to teach and to teach not with fear and punishment, but with compassion and understanding that the kid is just that, a kid. Jesse also has parents who suffer from mental illness, and there are sequences that have nothing to do with either of the 2 main characters that are some of the most beautiful pieces of storytelling I've seen in a long time. This movie is a pretty standard 1 hour and 49 minutes, for the last half of that runtime, I was an emotional wreck. Not only is this my favorite film from last year, but it has climbed its way up in my heart to also become one of my favorite films of all time. Please, if you get nothing else out of all my Top 20, watch this. Watch this incredible piece of film making.

Score: 10/10 (Although a perfect score still isn't good enough for this masterpiece)

Currently available for streaming on Paramount+ & Showtime.

[ausetkmt]

"I am naturally anti-slavery. If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong. I cannot remember when I did not so think, and feel," declared President Abraham Lincoln in April 1864, less than a year before the American slave trade was abolished under his premiership. Yet, 157 years later, slavery is still by no means eradicated; according to the charity Anti-Slavery International, there is still a staggering 50 million people entrapped in modern slavery around the world. The trade has and forever will leave a blotch on societal conscience, a heinous, inhumane evil that is almost unimaginable to those in today’s civilized societies.

Amistad

Spielberg sets sail in his 1997 movie, Amistad, starring Djimon Hounsou, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Matthew McConaughey, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, the movie follows the story of a Spanish slave ship, La Amistad, heading for Cuba. Those enslaved spark a mutiny on board, led by Joseph Cinque (Hounsou), and successfully capture the ship and plan to sail it back to Africa. Cinque and his fellow countrymen entrust La Amistad’s navigators to plot a safe passage home, only to be betrayed.

Lincoln

Steven Spielberg’s two-and-a-half-hour epic won Daniel Day-Lewis his second Academy Award. The Phantom Thread actor stars in the titular role of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The film concerns the latter period of the former president’s life as he attempts to unite a warring nation and bring an end to the devastating disease that was slavery, that ravaged the lives of so many. Lincoln represents a turning point in American (and world) history, an exploration of how abolition was achieved while also being right in the midst of a civil war.

Related: Here Are Some of the Best Cinematic Historical Dramas

Gladiator

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator isn’t a film that would immediately jump out as your typical film on slavery. Though, Scott’s representation of the slave trade within the Roman Empire is of accurate origin, with most gladiators brought to the arena in shackles and owned by the rich and powerful. Maximus (a great Russell Crowe) is a celebrated war hero with distinguished service to Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who offered him the title of Caesar following his death, despite his own son, Commodus (a wicked Joaquin Phoenix), being next-in-line.

Following Marcus’ demise via the hand of his own son, Maximus is sold into slavery and so his adventure as a gladiatorial entertainer begins. Gladiator is an undeniable epic, in scale, narrative, and critical reception. From the set-pieces in the Roman amphitheaters to the huge emotions and performances on display, it's a heartbreaking but honest example of how slavery is the byproduct of power, corruption, and the fears and jealousies of the people in charge.

Django Unchained

Jamie Foxx stars alongside Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio in Quentin Tarantino’s punchy Western Django Unchained. Dr. King Schultz (Waltz), a bounty hunter posing as a dentist, frees Django Freeman (Foxx) in return for his help identifying three wanted criminals. Subsequently, the pair team up and embark on a mission to locate Django’s wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), a slave at the infamous Candie Plantation, run by the devilish Calvin Candie (DiCaprio).

Django Unchained is a picture that oozes style but backs it up with an abundance of substance. Jamie Foxx plays a slave reborn, empowered by his freedom, he’s feasibly the first man to ever make a prince aristocrat outfit look cool. Much was made prior to Django Unchained, of how Leonardo DiCaprio was yet to scoop an Academy Award, and while that wasn’t to come until three years later with The Revenant, his performance as the depraved Calvin Candie certainly deserved Oscar recognition.

Spartacus (1960)

Stanley Kubrick was all too familiar with the word “epic,” and his 1960 film Spartacus featuring the phenomenal Kirk Douglas and Laurence Olivier is precisely that. It is a story of bravery, courage, and vigor, which follows Thracian Spartacus (Kirk Douglas), a man enslaved his entire life, who takes a stand against his authoritarian owners, and is consequently sold to Batiatus (an Oscar-winning Peter Ustinov), a gladiator trainer. Spartacus’ life changes after he and his fellow gladiators escape their captors.

A film that was deeply allegorical for the time (written by a blacklisted author about the McCarthy witch hunts), Spartacus remains a timeless depiction of the cruelties of the proverbial State, the inherent dignity of the individual, and the power that powerless people can create from unity.

12 Years a Slave

12 Years a Slave is a poignant yet horrifyingly disturbing depiction of slavery 20 years prior to its abolition. Based on the memoir of Solomon Northup, director Steve McQueen’s screen adaptation provides possibly the most comprehensively graphic illustration of the sheer scale of the atrocities of slavery. A free man and musician, Solomon (Chiwetel Ejiofor) lives in the state of New York with his wife and children but is drugged, taken to Washington D.C., and sold into slavery.

Related: Here's 5 Great Films That Fight for Civil Rights

His protestations fall on deaf ears, and while he’s initially sold to a relatively forgiving man, Mr. Ford, the unscrupulous and pathetically evil plantation carpenter John Tibeats takes a disliking to him, and soon Solomon is moved on to work for the menacingly brutish Mr. Epps. It’s at Epps’ plantation that Solomon endures the most persistent emotional and physical abuse at the hands of his slaver.

12 Years a Slave is littered with spellbinding performances. Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup puts in a flawless display as a man who, despite the tyrannical circumstances he has been placed under, is resolute and unwavering in the face of extreme adversity. Michael Fassbender is terrifying as Mr. Epps, the face of thousands if not millions of evil slave owners over centuries, with this malevolent, crazed glaze over his eyes, and utter contempt for the human lives under his cruel jurisdiction. Lupita Nyong’o, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt, and Paul Dano put in equally emphatic showings. In typical McQueen fashion, no punches are pulled, and no detail is spared — we are exposed to the horrors that were carried out and the inherent racially fueled prejudice of the trade itself. You may not want to watch it again, but everybody should see it once.

[bannersodinsonn]

“I used to think that my life was a tragedy, but now I realize, it’s a comedy.”

Joker (2019)

[djservo]

SERGIO: you know i heard every word of that right

JOAQUIN: good. now you know you give off feet-picture-NFT-selling vibes

SERGIO: [darcy from degrassi crying & cutting her hair gif]

beginning / previous / next

JOAQUIN: we’ve been here like 20 minutes this is ridiculous

SERGIO: we can’t just confront him in front of all these people man we gotta wait

JOAQUIN: wait on these NUTS ok one of us actually has a thriving social life that can’t be sacrificed for waiting around in a dank dressing room all night thank you very much

SERGIO: i could snap you like a twig if i wanted to

JOAQUIN: what

SERGIO: I said “then try to get him away if you want to”

JOAQUIN: oh. duh already on it. psssst johnny we gotta talk

JOHNNY: what’s up

JOAQUIN: private talk

JOHNNY: ughhhhhh right nowwww

JOAQUIN: it’s sergio, he’s... he’s... he’s getting into NFTs

JOHNNY: no way

JOAQUIN: he’s so lost in the crypto-sauce, he’s selling feet pics to get out of debt

JOHNNY: [sigh] can’t say I’m surprised... take him to the bathrooms down the hall, well have our intervention there

[arthurflecc]

‘Brothers Sisters’ TIFF 2018 Premiere

[nezumionice]

FUCK THE GOLDEN GLOBES

[ajokeformur-ray]

I saw joker and was like “hmm fanfic time” and then I was like “oh I bet sebastianshoe will be doing requests for that bc they are literally a fanfic legend” and you are!!!!! I love you

Yeeeeeeees ohmygoodness within five minutes of the film starting I was in love. I knew I’d love Arthur Fleck going into the film so maybe that’s why? But yeeees he just wanted to be loved and so, we, the fanfic creators and you, the lovely requesters, can work together to give him just that!

also check out @gothamslittlejester​ bc their writing is just phenomenal! their content is so lovely.

[oreolesbian]

my 2020 oscars predictions

*sigh* i guess i’m doing this

disclaimer: my predictions always center around what I feel like has the highest chance of winning based on the Academy’s track record as a whole and how the individual films have been doing at other award shows through the award season. my predictions do not necessarily reflect what i would like to see win, and to be fully honest, most of the nominations don’t fully represent what I would like to see win some of these categories, but that’s a whole other can of worms. :)

Best Picture - Parasite (1917 is a close second, but I want to hold out for Parasite)

Best Director - Sam Mendes, 1917 (this seems almost guaranteed, but Bong Joon Ho for Parasite could make it if we cross our fingers hard enough)

Best Actress - Renée Zellweger, Judy

Best Actor - Joaquin Phoenix, Joker

Best Supporting Actress - Laura Dern, Marriage Story

Best Supporting Actor - Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood

Best Adapted Screenplay - Jojo Rabbit (this was a close tie with Little Women for me, but I ultimately decided Jojo Rabbit could be seen as a little more fresh to the voters as opposed to Little Women, which has had multiple adaptations and can be judged in comparison to those previous works)

Best Original Screenplay - Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (holding out for Parasite in this category, but based on anonymous voter records I’ve read, Tarantino’s seems the most likely, with Baumbach’s Marriage Story pulling in a close third)

Best Cinematography - 1917

Best Costume Design - Little Women (if Julian Day for Rocketman and Ruth E. Carter for Dolemite Is My Name were nominated here like they should’ve been then it would’ve been a difficult tie between them, but alas, that is not the case)

Best Film Editing - Ford v Ferrari (this has become a wild card category for me since Bohemian Rhapsody’s baffling win last year, but I believe Parasite or The Irishman have good chances here as well)

Best Makeup and Hairstyling - Bombshell

Best Production Design - Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (1917 is a VERY close second here)

Best Score - Joker

Best Song - “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again,” Rocketman

Best Sound Editing - 1917

Best Sound Mixing - 1917

Best Visual Effects - Avengers: Endgame (1917 is a close second, this was hard because I know Oscar voters have an inherent bias against big blockbusters, which I don’t hate completely, but Endgame did have strong effects...I could definitely see The Irishman sneaking up on us as well)

Best Animated Feature - Toy Story 4 (I don’t find it super unlikely that Klaus can’t pull of a win...but the Oscars love Disney so who even knows lol)

Best Documentary - American Factory

Best International Film - Parasite (the easiest prediction of this whole list lmaoooo)

Best Animated Short - Hair Love

Best Documentary Short - Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re A Girl)

Best Live Action Short - Brotherhood

Total: 

1917 - 4 awards

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood - 3 awards

Parasite - 2 awards

Joker - 2 awards

Marriage Story - 2 awards

Judy - 1 award

Jojo Rabbit - 1 award

Little Women - 1 award

Ford v Ferrari - 1 award

Bombshell - 1 award

Rocketman - 1 award

Avengers: Endgame - 1 award

Toy Story 4 - 1 award

American Factory - 1 award

Hair Love - 1 award

Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re A Girl) - 1 award

Brotherhood - 1 award

[domxmarvel]

Serpents Preference- Nipple piercing

Masterlist

Sweet Pea

"Hey Sweet pea" You walked up to your boyfriend.

"Hey" He pulled you towards him,giving you a quick kiss.

"So I just happen to have the house to myself tonight,and I have a surprise for you" Whispering the last part into his ear. His eyes lit up mischievously. 

"What are you planning?" He whispered back.

"I can't tell you,then it wouldn't be a surprise. Meet me at my place at seven"

***

The movie you had started didn't keep your attention,you were already in Sweet pea's lap. His lips on yours,your hand through his hair. Your other hand on his neck pulling him closer,he kissed your neck down to your collarbone. Tugging at his shirt,you quickly pulled it over his head. He quickly did the same,freezing when he noticed your piercings. 

"Damn baby. Those are incredible" He slowly kissed down your chest. "That explains why you didn't want me to touch you"

"Yeah I deserve an award because that was almost impossible" The both of you laughed.

"To be honest I was scared that you were gonna break up with me" He admitted "This is better than anything I could've imagined"

Jughead Jones

"I love you Y/N L/N" It was the first time he had said it.

"I love you too Jughead Jones" You moved to close the distance between you,pressing your lips together. The kiss quickly turned into a full on make out session,his hands under your shirt and yours tangled in his hair. He broke the kiss for a second to lift you on top of the counter,before you pulled him back in. His hands reached your nipples and he pulled back,letting you take your shirt off. He stared for a second before asking.

"Can I?" Taking his hands,you lead them to your nipples.

"Yes you can" 

"Do you have any more surprises I should know about?" You smirk

"Maybe a thing or two" You pulled him closer "Why don't you take a closer look" You whispered into his ear.

Joaquin desantos

The sound of the bathroom door opening made you look up,only to see Joaquin walk in.

"Sorry,do you mind if I join you?" He had already taken off his shirt.

"You couldn't have asked earlier?" He smirked,stepping in. You had your back to him,soon feeling his hands around you. That's when you got an idea,taking his hands you led them up to your chest. He pressed his body against yours,his lips moving to your neck. When his hands reached your piercings,he pulled away from your neck to look down.

"Woah,when did you get those?"He asked,his hands moving back to them.

"I've had them for two years" 

"Why have I never seen them before?"

"Well you've never seen me shirtless before" You turned,pushing him against the shower wall. "Told you,you should've joined me sonner" He let out a low laugh.

"You're right I should've"

FP Jones

You had been together with FP for a few months,but you haven't really done anything sexual yet. It was your night to make dinner at your house,you were cutting up some vegetables when you heard the door open. Soon after feeling his arms around you,turning your head you kissed him.

“What’s cookin good lookin?”He laughed, making you laugh. 

“So how did it go?”You asked, referring to his investigation.

“Still nothing but we’re working on it”You could feel that he was stressed from all the pressure that came with being the new sheriff.

“I’m sure you’ll get to the bottom of this soon”You turned to face him,your hands cupping his cheeks. “Now go take a shower and dinner should be done by the time you're out”He gave you a quick kiss before letting you go.

***

You didn't know what happend one minute you were making out and the next FP had you in your bedroom. Your arms were wrapped around him,trailing your lips across his neck down to his chest.

“FP”

“Y/N”His raspy voice was incredibly beautiful,his hands moved under your shirt as he kissed you. Pulling at his shirt,he broke the kiss to pull it off. You quickly did the same,making him stare at your chest. “Are those real?”He asked,his voice full of confusion 

“Yeah”You laughed,taking his hands and led them to your chest. “You can touch them if you want”

Toni Topaz

You were looking around for the shirt you wanted to wear,but you couldn't find it. So you were shirtless for the time being. That's when your girlfriend walked in without a warning.

"Y/N are you ready? We need to get going" You noticed that she was wearing your shirt,meanwhile she was staring at your chest. 

"Toni! Hey" She snapped out of her trance,looking back up at you. 

"Sorry I just,I didn't know you had piercings" She glanced back down,her face red.

"You can take a closer look if you want" You pushed her back against the wall

"Can I touch them?"

"Sure,but aren't we gonna be late?" She shook her head.

"Fuck it,we're not going"

[scotianostra]

Happy Birthday Scottish film director and writer Lynne Ramsay.

Born in Glasgow on 5th December 1969, Ramsay studied photography at Napier College, Edinburgh. In 1995, she graduated from the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield, England, where she specialised in cinematography and direction.

For such a talented filmmaker Ramsay as very few productions under her belt, with just made four features in two decades, each in their way a masterpiece. There are a few factors in this, she is known to be difficult to work with, admits to being a perfectionists, and if you try to meddle in the way she does things, she will walk out on the film, as she did with on the indie western Jane Got a Gun. She just didn’t turn up on the first day of filming, too me this must have taken guts and shows her as a strong woman.

The fallout around this cost her a reported half a million pounds, and probably offers of other work, not that she is worried about the work. The rest of the fallout was her marriage, which fell apart just before she gave birth to her daughter, she spent four years after this in Greece, licking her wounds and bring up her daughter, who has recently started school.

If you want a nitty gritty film set in Glasgow in the early 70’s look for Ratcatcher, a cracking film, and what a debut for Ramsay, it won her many fans and she deservedly picked up many awards including the Carl Foreman Award for Newcomer in British Film at the BAFTA Awards, the Sutherland Trophy at the London Film Festival and the Silver Hugo for Best Director at the Chicago International Film Festival, I can’t believe it’s almost 30 years since it’s release. Ramsay followed this up with the excellent Morvern Callar based upon the writer Alan Warners brilliant novel, set  in a remote Scottish town. Hollywood came calling after this and she wrote the screenplay and directed We Need to Talk About Kevin, which took on the difficult subject of a school shooting. It won many admirers and Scottish based actress Tilda Swinton was nominated for a golden globe for the film.

Ramsay has been offered many scripts to films in the states, but she says “ ….through the years I’ve been sent scripts…….but it’s always all packaged and ready to go, and that just isn’t me. Do you know what I mean?

In 2017  Ramsay directed and co-wrote the screenplay for her most successful film to date, You Were Never Really Here which stars three time oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix as mentally scarred ex military and FBI vet, go watch it, it deserves an Oscar, but I doubt it will be recognised for the brilliant film it is. On 8th October 2013, Ramsay was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Edinburgh for her contribution to British film.

A film I have mentioned a few times that is still only at the announced stage is  I Feel Fine  centring on “teenager Jonny White who becomes embroiled in crime and drug addiction. When a bounty is placed on his head for a crime he didn’t commit, White must get to the safe haven of rehab in order to stay alive.” The film stars last weeks birthday “boy” Gary Lewis, with fellow Scots Billy Boyd and Texas singer Sharleen Spiteri.  

“Polaris” is another one of several Lynne Ramsay projects has been linked with,  almost nothing has been revealed about the film beyond that title, but Lynne has said she wants  Joaquin Phoenix to star in it, she heaped praise on him, saying  “He’s crazy, but he’s the best actor I’ve ever met. Everything he does on the set has a reason,” She is also said to be  set to helm the Stephen King adaptation “The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon.” The project carries an impressive horror pedigree, as the producers include Christine Romero, the former wife of the late George A. Romero, and “It” producer Roy Lee of Vertigo Films.

Lynne Ramsay is a strong woman in a male dominated world and I shall leave the last words to her on that subject…..

“..I get questions about what it’s like to be a woman film-maker, and you don’t get that question a lot if you’re a man. I don’t really go there because I can’t really define what I bring to films as a woman.”

[thetypedwriter]

Far from the Tree

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway Book Review

For a book that I grabbed on a whim because Barnes & Noble was having a buy one, get one half-off deal, this book is really, really good. 

I realized that I’ve been reading a lot of fantasy lately, which I love, otherwise I wouldn’t be reading it, but this book reminded me of how much I also adore realistic YA fiction. 

Fantasy and realistic fiction are my two favorite genres and I don’t believe I’ve read a realistic novel since Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World so it’s been awhile and it was so refreshing. 

I only grabbed Far from the Tree because of the deal and because it was a National Book Award winner. I supposed it had to be good, right? Turns out that they only give out those awards to really fantastic books. Go figure. 

The novel revolves around three siblings, Grace, Maya, and Joaquin, who just realize that they’re siblings. All three share a mom (and have different dads) and were given up for adoption as babies. They’ve never met their bio mom or each other before. 

The book rotates POV’s between the three siblings and you learn slowly as a reader about each of their lives and what happened to them after being given up by their mom. 

The first of the siblings we’re introduced to, Grace, just had a baby herself at sixteen-years-old. She was adopted into a loving family and decides to give up her baby, nicknamed Peach secretly in her mind, to another couple as she feels like she can’t give Peach what she needs when she’s a kid herself. 

This realization and the love she has for her newborn daughter makes her realize that maybe something similar happened with her own bio mom and she sets off on an adventure to find her bio family, which involves her sister Maya, her brother Joaquin, and their long lost mother. 

Maya, also adopted into a loving home with two parents and a younger sister, has issues of her own, however. Anger eats her up inside and her mom’s alcoholic tendencies, her parents’ constant fighting, and the multitude of secrets she’s keeping start to drag her down. 

The only solace she has is in her girlfriend, Claire, but even Maya manges to ruin that. Grace and Joaquin become the support she never knew she needed. 

Lasly, there’s Joaquin. Unlike his two sister’s, he’s half-Mexican and never officially got adopted. Living his whole life in the foster care system has made it hard to trust people, see his own future, and recognize his own self-worth.

 Even with current loving foster parents wanting to adopt him, Joaquin fears that he’ll ruin everything just like he always does. Only after meeting Maya and Grace does he start to realize that maybe he deserves happiness too. 

This book was genuinely incredible. 

Basically every YA written has an orphaned main character. The statistics of this are on my side, people. However, I don’t think I’ve actually truly read a novel about the realities of being given up for adoption, the reasons why people would do this, and the aftermath of this choice. 

Grace, Maya, and Joaquin tell a poignant story of what family truly means and showcase both the harsh and beautiful realities of adoption, the foster care system, and finding your place in the world when you feel like you don’t have any foundations to speak of. 

This book wasn’t supremely written or contained breathtaking prose, but it didn’t need to be. The content itself more than made this story noteworthy. Not only tackling things like adoption and foster care, but also alcoholism, divorce, anger, therapy, and identity.

 The end of the novel had me in tears for about four chapters, as secrets were revealed and the adventure of finding their bio mom came to a crescendo. 

My only slight criticism is that I do think the story was a little too happy and wholesome. I understand the importance of this, but I do think the realities of the foster care system and finding your biological siblings would probably be more harsh, less idealistic, and a difficult road to traverse. 

There were hurdles, of course there were, but at the end of the day Grace, Maya, Joaquin all loved each other, seemed to fit seamlessly in each other’s lives, and found their way in the world. I recognize how powerful this is, but I do question how realistic it is. 

It’s a slight criticism, but I figured I would mention it. As someone who wasn’t adopted or put in the foster care system, I can’t really comment on the validity of the novel, but I’m sure Benway did her due diligence. 

This book was a great read, both lovely and heartbreaking at the same time. It wasn’t difficult in terms of writing level, but it was gut-wrenching emotionally, and that, to me, is the mark of an excellent book. 

Recommendation: Turns out that Far from the Tree was a National Book Award Winner for a reason. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about adoption or foster care, this is a great start. If you love the found family trope and want a heart warming story filled with three lost people who finally find each other, I 100% recommend you add this to your reading list. 

Score: 8/10

[capsiclecevans]

“you bring out the best of me”

Warnings: none as usual, just floofy fluff Summary: Chris finally wins the Oscar he has always deserved and he dedicates his win to you and mentions you in his acceptance speech  Word Count: 1.5k  Pairing: Chris Evans x Reader 

⭐︎ ashleigh’s masterlist ⭐︎ | ☾ ashleigh’s taglist ☽

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Chris was nervous, there was no doubt about it as you watched him button up his crisp white shirt in the mirror, his hands trembled lightly as they reaches for the next button. It wasn’t uncommon for him to be nervous on award show nights, but tonight was more intense than every. It was the Oscar’s and Chris was nominated for the first time, and he was a favourite to win for his role in the latest drama he was the male lead in. His anxiety had been building over the last couple of weeks on the build up of tonight and you had tried your best to help calm him, but you could clearly see how it was affecting him as he was getting ready in the hotel room you had for the night. 

You carefully stand up from the chair you was sat on, making sure that you didn’t stand on the elegant dress you was wearing, walking over to your nervous wreck of a boyfriend. You rest your hand on his shoulder lightly, not wanting to scare him as it was clear that he didn’t notice you approach him, the thoughts in his head overpowering everything else. He looks at you and tries to smile at you, tight on his lips, you smile back gently. You have never seen him this nervous before and it struck at your heart because he was sweetest man you have ever met and he didn’t deserve to feel like this. 

“You are going to be fine, I will be there right beside you the entire evening…” You say, finishing with the buttons on Chris’ shirt and helping with tucking it into his black slacks and then with his bow tie. Once you have finished you straighten the collar of his shirt and press a kiss to his cheek. 

“There we go…” You step back lightly, looking Chris up and down slowly, smiling to yourself before looking at him. “If you aren’t the sexiest man in the world, then pigs can fly…” You say, earning a laugh from Chris for the first time since you had both started getting ready for the award ceremony. 

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The red carpet went better than you imagined, Chris kept you close the entire time. Either an arm round your waist, hand on the small of your back or hand-in-hand. Like he was scared you were going to go back against what you told him in the hotel room while you were getting ready. Now you were sat in your seats, your hand resting against Chris’ thigh as he spoke to James Corden who was sat to his left about their plans for the next year or so. You were just taking in the occasion, smiling to yourself when the light hit your engagement ring just right for it to glimmer and catch your eye. In the plans that Chris was talking about was your upcoming wedding, or as the press was calling it ‘The Wedding of the Year.’ 

You were brought out of your little daydream when Chris’ hand came to wrap round yours gently, covering your ring lightly. You smile up at him softly and raises your eyebrows as he smiles back at you, leaning over and kissing your cheek softly. You lean into the touch, a small flush coming to your cheeks. 10 years together and you still acted like you have only been together for a few months, this is the affect he had on you and you never wanted this feeling to stop. You were completely in love with this man and you knew you both would do anything to keep each other happy. 

“You okay?” He asks, looking at you, a smile touching at his lips. Far from the anxiety riddled Chris that you had in the hotel room, you smile and nods, squeezing his fingers with yours to let him know you are happy. 

“Yeah, just taking everything in…” You chuckle before leaning into Chris, striking up your own conversation with him till the ceremony started. 

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As the ceremony went on, you could feel the nerves radiate off of Chris as his category came closer. You reach over and rest your hand on his knee, smiling at him lightly when he eventually catches your eye with his. He sighs a little, smiling nervously before taking your hand in his, bringing it up to his lips for press a kiss to your knuckles. 

You look over to the stage when Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Lawrence are announced to present the Best Actor award. You smile lightly at Chris and squeeze his hand gently, keeping a hold of it so he has a grounding point over the next couple of minutes. Whether he won or lost you knew you would be exceptionally proud of him and what he has achieved. 

“Wow, tonight has been fantastic, with some worthy winners…” Sandra says as Jennifer smiles and nods along with her. 

“And we have 6 outstanding actors lined up for this next award, Best Male” Jennifer says into the microphone on the podium before introducing the nominees. “The nominees for Best Male Actor are, Joaquin Phoenix for Joker, Antonio Banderas for Pain and Glory, Chris Evans for Life of the Party, Leonardo DiCaprio for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Adam Driver for Marriage Story and Johnathon Pryce for The Two Popes.” 

“And the winner is…” Sandra says as she starts to open the envelope, looking down and reading the winner before looking to the crowd and leaning to the microphone. “Chris Evans for Life of the Party.” 

Cheers erupt around you and Chris as you look at each other happily, pride emanating off you as you kiss him briefly, standing up to hug him as James Corden claps him on the back in congratulations. You are sure you hear Robert Downey Jr. a few rows back shout “Go on Capsicle!” But it is drowned out by the cheers and clapping for your fiancé. 

There was now a permanent smile on your face as you watched Chris walk up the steps of the stage to accept his well deserved Oscar trophy. All his handwork had paid off and you could not be more proud of him. 

The clapping finally died down as he stood at the podium to give his acceptance speech, after receiving the award from Jennifer and hugging both her and Sandra, he nervously chuckled before catching your eye in the crowd. You smile at him and give him an encouraging thumbs up, tearing up a little at the sight of him accepting the most prestigious award of his life. 

“Wow…I can’t believe this…thank you…” He starts off, still in utter shock that he has won and that he is holding an Oscar that will have his name engraved on it by the end of the night. “I’d just like to thank everyone on the production of Life of the Party, especially Rian Johnson our director, this wouldn’t be happening right now if it wasn’t for you and your brilliant job at directing. Also, my parents and siblings, they have been so supportive throughout my entire career and I would never have started acting if you didn’t give me the courage to do so.” He takes a deep breath before he turns slightly in your direction and smiles softly, like he is now only talking to you, ignoring the hundreds of people in the theatre and the TV cameras that are broadcasting the ceremony live across the world. “And finally I would like to give the biggest thanks to my wife-to-be, my soulmate and my everything. She’s been with me ever since before I was casted as Captain America, Steve Rogers as you will, and she has been my rock ever since. I couldn’t have done this without you, and sometimes I am shocked at how you handle everything that comes with myself and this life. I know it is crazy and overwhelming at times but I love you and in everything I do, you bring out the best of me, I love you so much darling. This award is for you.” 

You couldn’t help the tears fall down your cheeks as Chris spoke about you, in front of millions of people watching in the theatre but also at home. He never shied away from declaring his love for you or showing the world how in love he was with you. When he finally arrived back to his seat during the next, and final, ad break you hug him ever so tightly, even more in love with him than you were moments ago before he won the award if that was possible. You were extremely excited to marry and spend the rest of your life with Chris, and hopefully the news in the form of a small baby onesie sporting the “My Daddy is an Oscar Winner” on the front that you had printed for tonight, not that you knew he definitely would win, would seal both your happiness for years to come as you gave it to him the next morning after spending the night celebrating with each other in the hotel room you started the evening in getting ready than out at the Vanity Fair Party. 

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[kylosbrickhousebody]

Silly question but do you have the same username on Twitter? I saw your response about Adam’s awards chances and tbh I think he could sit out this awards season. I know there’s a lot of hype among fans for House of Gucci but I don’t know if anyone is aware the writer-Roberto Bentivegna-is a newbie. I think fans should focus more on its critical reception instead of its box office. Let’s be honest: I don’t think anyone expected The Last Duel to get the kind of positive reception it got.

Yup that's me and yep I'm not sure if he's gonna get ANY nominations, honestly. I agree re: box office not being very important to Oscar noms, but tbh I didn't think he was Oscar level in TLD. It was great but, y'know. Jodie Comer is going to take TLD's acting nom and I do not think it was good enough to get 2 acting nominations. And anyone who thinks he's getting a Best Actor nod for Annette is living in fantasy land. Does he deserve it? Sure. It was one of his best performances to date for sure. Is that how the Oscars work? NO. I think Sparks will get a Best Original Song nod. MAAAAAAYBE Annette can pull nominations like best original screenplay, but that's if they're very very lucky. Annette is not an "Oscars" movie. And agree, I think HoG will be too commercial to vie for an Oscar. But then, Lady Gaga is very popular, so a nom could potentially come through (imma be honest with you, neither she nor Bradley were very impressive AS ACTORS in A Star Is Born and yet they both got acting noms.) So I think HoG is Adam's best bet at this stage. And frankly I think he would juuuuuuuust squeak in there. Almost a 0 percent chance of actually winning the Oscar this season. From what I hear, it's going to Denzel or Will. And Matt Damon will probably get a nod for Stillwater because the Academy likes that kind of shit. EDIT: The good news is, among the opinions of people he actually cares about, this year was amazing for him. Almodovar loved Annette, for instance. Guillermo del Toro loved The Last Duel. His career will be big time bolstered (as if it wasn’t already lol) by these movies. So, in the way that REALLY matters, he won. EDIT2: For the record, I do think he will get an Oscar... eventually. So much of winning an Oscar is luck. But I also don’t think he’ll Glenn Close it forever. He needs another turn like Marriage Story in a year that DOESN’T have a virtuoso-level performance like Joaquin Phoenix’s (alternatively, Adam can turn out that virtuoso performance, which he has come close to but imho not quite yet achieved.) It’ll need to be a somewhat “artistic” (aka probably not House of Gucci) movie that is nevertheless not mega arthouse (see also, Annette). Marriage Story balanced those things very well. It was really a shame that he truly just got very unlucky by having to compete about Joaquin’s Joker, which honestly... probably one of the most overwhelming Oscar wins of all time. It was just the clear choice. But that kind of performance DOES NOT happen every year. So either he needs a nomination in a less genius-tier year, or he needs to be the genius. Either is very possible, and I’m sure one of those things will happen... eventually.

[thattimdrakeguy]

I don’t understand the popularity of the Joaquin Phoenix Joker.

The movie? Sure, I get that. Not so much the critical praise given it’s really derivative and a lot more simple then what people think. But I can get why it’s popular, because enjoyment isn’t always based in which character has the most nuance.

But why the actual character himself? He never once acts like the actual source character in the whole movie. He doesn’t even look like him. More like a boot-leg version of the character. It’s a massive stretch to say he ever actually acts like the Joker in it. He tells a dark joke, and shoots a guy, and laughs. That’s so bare bones. That’s the majority of film villains.

And people say “Oh it’s his origin story. He doesn’t really become the Joker till the end”.

No he freaking doesn’t, alright? After the big riot he’s back in a mental asylum and he’s just--I don’t want to say average because he’s clearly dangerously mentally ill. The mental illness and the way he reacts to it is clearly dangerous. But overall he’s just acting like a normal dude besides the dancing and murder?

I keep seeing people act like Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker is the end all be all Joker. And don’t get me wrong Joaquin Phoenix totally deserved the award for his performance, he was freaking excellent and the movie wouldn’t be where it was without him even with the Joker’s popularity.

The writing, and direction of the character isn’t an adaptation of the character. It’s just using the branding and names to be able to sell a movie that wouldn’t be nearly as successful otherwise. I’m pretty sure that was the whole point as well.

You put Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker in a movie with literally any Batman and he’d be stopped very very quickly.

If they do a movie where he becomes more into his potential criminal empire and all that sure. But in the movie that we do have, and by the time it ends. He’s not really the Joker.

Joker fanboys--I don’t know what it is, but they just freaking bug me so much lol

[lilliantherenthead]

Presenting my first official Oscar Thought for the 95th academy awards

Andrew Garfield in Tick Tick Boom is my personal pick for best actor this year, however I still think the category is a two horse race between Will Smith and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Will Smith has been seen as the frontrunner all year, and now with Leo, Peter Dinklage, Joaquin Phoenix and Adam Driver pretty much out of the discussion, that position has definitely been solidified. He has the biopic advantage, and considering his career trajectory, this will probably be the last chance the academy gets to reward him. I do think Will Smith's career deserves to be rewarded, but I don't know if an Oscar is the way to do it.

Benedict Cumberbatch is giving the better performance of the two by far, but it isn't a very oscar friendly role. The best comparison I can make is Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood, who's win in this category as seen as one of the times the academy unexpectedly got it Right. He also has the advantage of being in film that is most likely going to be a big winner, it's the current frontrunner for Director and Screenplay. My current prediction is he will take home the award.

But now I want to talk about why Andrew Garfield shouldn't be left out of the discussion. Many film critics and oscar experts have been making clickbait articles on why Spiderman No Way Home could sneak into the tenth best picture slot that's currently up for grabs. Most Oscar fanatics see this as a laughable claim. My take? With the ratings dip the Oscars have been experiencing, it's definitely a possibility that the tenth slot would be used for its original purpose, getting popular films in the best picture category. If No Way Home performs in other categories, such as vfx, sound and editing, its definitely possible. IF the oscar voters have that much goodwill towards No Way Home, its definitely possible they will take into account Andrew Garfield's standout performance in the film, along with his brilliant work in Tick Tick Boom when voting time comes. However, Andrew Garfield is a fantastic young actor with a long fantastic career ahead of him, and will probably lose the award because there will absolutely be other chances to reward his work.