"We're catching up!"
Okay, this is getting ridiculous. So much stuff has gotten backed up, I’ve been meaning to post. I’m doing some of it now. Non current things ahead so, disclaimer: Not all that interesting. It's just…I went to the effort of typing it, so I might as well.
Dollhouse
It upsets me that Dollhouse is premiering in the U.S and I doubt I’m going to get to see it for months. Today at work I was on the official website (seriously it was that dead my manager was playing solitaire) and it looks awesome. I even got to see a brief clip and can I just say, at the risk of repeating myself, and stating the obvious to most of the members on my flist,
Eliza Dushku is the epitome of sex.
That’s an official definition from me. Look up sex in the dictionary and there’ll be nothing but a picture of ED. I just love her. I love her interviews, her talent, her activism, her feminist-ness, plus she’s got that slightly husky voice and smoking hot features. The New Guy was roughly 80% more enjoyable due to her being in it.
I was disappointed with True Calling. Hopefully this will catapult an amazing actress to new heights! (some recognition to Joss wouldn‘t go astray either.) I know I’m anticipating greatness a little too soon, but I think it’s justified. Did anyone see the pictures of Amy Acker, who’s playing the doctor lady? Thin red scars all over that sweet little face. o.o It’s crazy. I am hoping it will see success, so much that we’ll get at least two seasons out of it. I definitely predict it will do better than Firefly. (Oh my poor beloved, doomed, Firefly.) At the very least it’ll be more accessible to viewers usually deterred by vampires and space westerns. Plus, it’s such an interesting concept, and there are so many different ways they can go with it.
Beauty and the Beast
Randomness,
I was thinking the other day about Beauty and the Beast, the Disney version, actually it was during a particularly loud version of ‘Gaston‘ (when I sing, I fully try to emulate the character.) My mind wandered around the scene in the movie, the loud rambunctious drunks, Gaston fan boys etc until I finally settled on the triplets.
Now, the triplets, I don’t know if they were actually given individual names, (*Edit* Apparently the characters are classed as ‘the bimbettes,’) but they were always a big hit in this household. The way they’d constantly swoon over Gaston, they were a group of blonde girls only differentiated by there dress colours. The purpose of the triplets seemed mostly for comic relief, the brief cut to them at Gaston’s impromptu wedding was great because you think, why would these girls show up to Gaston’s wedding, unless they we still vainly holding onto the hope, it's never to late and it could still be one of them? But the hilariousness of their patheticness aside, I believe their main function was to serve as an anti Belle, (or anti Belle‘s.)
-“What’s wrong with her”
-“She’s crazy!”
-“He’s gor-geous!”
Each triplet has exactly one line of dialogue (not including song dialogue) that accurately sums up their character. (And it is of course the one character X3) But I wonder what it was specifically about them that sticks in peoples heads, and leads to a group of sisters arguing over ‘who they are.’ ??? In my case I preferred the triplet in the green dress, as green was always my favourite colour, but of course there’s nothing else to go by.
My favourite scene with the Bimbette’s is just at the end of Gaston’s song, where the camera pans out. In the back and to the side are the triplets swaying back and forth, hands tightly clenched with a near fanatical look on their face. But whilst their conception of three ridiculous women, in a quaint little town, serves nearly no purpose or contribution to the story of Beauty and the Beast, they are still memorable and nevertheless deserve recognition. So this is my ode to them, I guess. *laughs*
Second Sons, Jennifer Fallon
I’m writing this not really wanting to because Second Sons is really picking up at the moment. The main character has just done something really bad and betrayed the trust of his partner…but why? I’m convinced it’s all a part of Dirk’s plan. That guy is wicked smart and incredibly resourceful. He can adapt whatever situation is thrown his way, and I’m convinced he hasn’t wavered in his course, it’s just Jennifer Fallon’s way of instilling doubt in the reader. All this crap about ‘who’s side is Dirk really on’ As if he would side with the woman who lit the pyre his mother was attached to. As if he’d ever think about returning to Antonov, I just feel sorry for Tia. (his lover.) What little trust was there, I fear it’s pretty much completely gone now. Which is sad because I’m only just starting to warm to them as a couple.
I’m digging JF’s third series, however, I feel so far it hasn’t come up to the standard that was Demon Child and Hythrun Chronicles. It seems all the ingredients are there. We’ve got strong, smart, ruthless female characters, sharp dialogue, hugely extended noble families you need to physically draw a family tree up of, just to remember who’s who, political intrigue up the wazoo, unlikely couplings, etc….but it’s not quite there yet.
I love the World of Ranadon. The red skies, the blistering heat. The two suns. I love how Belagren twisted the faith of the people to her own selfish means, elevating her as a powerful religious figure, I love the theme of religion VS science and the fact that although it’s all based on a lie, people are still willing to protect their way of life. It’s very well thought out and interesting, and I think on the world building front Fallon has delivered in spades.
I’m just a little concerned about the characters. I mean, they are to me the second, if not most important element to any novel, fantasy or otherwise. In DC/ HC I felt for those people. I loved and loathed them, they sprang out of the page, whoever was speaking, it was all so purposeful from the next High Prince right down to the young Karion boy, taken along for the ride. I admired Jennifer Fallon’s ability to utterly capture my thinking.
Second Son’s has a lot of characters I like and dislike. Characters I’ve changed my mind about, and few surprising me. Dirk is someone I started off feeling indifferent about….he’s the main character! Until the rape charge he barely warranted much attention. Yes he was taken away from his home, yes he was young, angry….but I think he suffers from all those ‘steely looks’ and ‘inscrutable face that displays no emotions’ I just wasn’t sure about him. Now that he’s been away from Senet (and we‘ve had the chance to see his crazy clever brain in action) and become more worldly, I’m really starting to like him. Actually, ever since he had the resolve to shove a knife through the brain of his father, with precision had me thinking…Damn it. This guy is badass! He’s also developed a wry sense of humor, and though I found his jibes and rows with Tia (just a tad reminiscent of Damin/ Adrina…but less funny) okay, I tired of them quickly. Much more interesting when they started sleeping together, which we all knew would happen eventually.
Other characters that mention a nod, Alenor, the child queen, formally princess, loyalist to Dhevyn. She is a new character I feel, I’ve yet to see in JF’s writing. She’s someone who whilst retaining a child like innocence is proving to be an extremely formidable and unsuspecting force. Her belief that the older generation have let their country degenerate into Senet’s bitch, and her willingness to actually do something about it has me cheering on the side lines. What makes her even better is the fact she has all this power and
plans in motion and she is terrified she’ll be discovered. She is horrible at lieing, and only okay in manipulating/ dealing with people, which is what I mean about Alenor being different. In any other JF book, she’d be as utterly ruthless as anyone else. We can’t all be like Marla Wolfblade, and young Alenor has a way to go but I am confident she’ll get there.
She’s already shown promise in dealing with that bitch, Marqel. (I also hope, although I have a hugely terrible feeling about Alexin, the two can share at least one romantic moment together of what is an obvious attraction….Well one in which they acknowledge their feelings to each other at least.)
Alenor’s cousin, Lady Jacinta is my new favourite though. (Is she the Teejay Lionsclaw, of this series? This guy hopes so!) A hard personality, who has turned down several prospective husbands and has no problem defying authority figures. She is endearing, protective and tough. She’s probably smarter than Teejay in dealing with people. I can’t wait to see what else she achieves as Alenor’s confidante and friend. (Please don‘t kill her off Ms Fallon! She is one of the more interesting/ fun people at the moment.)
Besides Dirk, Alenor, and Jacinta, there’s Misha, Antonov’s son. ‘The Crippled Prince‘, heir to the throne of Senet. Apparently Bela and her cohorts are planning on killing him off….this interferes directly with my own wishes because I really like this guy. He’s smart, funny and has an incredibly good heart about him. He would be an ideal leader for Senet, fair and just, it would be a most wonderful thing if it weren’t for his addiction/ sickness. Every time he has a violent fit I’m really upset. Especially if it’s after he’s just had a victory, albeit a minor one. Hopefully he’ll recover, I’d hate to think Belagren’s plans might succeed in this case.
The High Priestess Belagren and Antonov Latanya, The Lion of Senet, are the main antagonists in the series.
Now Both have proven themselves ‘truleh ebil!’, throughout the series. Anton can be needlessly bad, even if he is motivated by his religion, he is manipulative and charming, which would endear him to me in a villain role if he wasn’t so stupid.
Well, okay maybe he is just so blindingly trusting of these people he want’s as his own. Maybe he has grown so powerful and so used to people tripping over bodies just to gain his favor. Maybe it’s not stupidity per se, but everything he does, is just…Meh. There was that climatic scene in the parlor room where he diabolically outs Dirk and Johan but apart from that he’s just retreated further into his idiotic faith. I admit I’m anxious to see how he reacts once Bela’s lies are proven false. I predict a Mahkas Damaran reaction in which he loses his mind. I couldn’t blame the fella if he did. Might make things extremely interesting. Crazy people in Fallon’s books = loose cannons = usually an innocent party that ends up dead as a result of said craziness.
No, it’s Belagren who is the stupid character. As a villainess I don’t think she’s delivered. (Marqel, is much more dangerous. I hope there is more of a focus on her in the final book.) She’s just…It’s like she’s pretending to be so good at what she does, I find her not the least bit intimidating and like I mentioned earlier, the opposite of clever. She’s reacting poorly to new developments, she didn’t know Dirk was Johan’s OR why Anton is interested in him. She believed Neris was dead and she’s underestimated Marqel to the point, I wouldn’t put it past her to die miserably by the hands of the former acrobat. It’d be so easy. In comparison there is no way Alija Eaglespike, Marla Wolfblade….or even Joyhinia Tenragan (GOD I love those books!) would fall for…or pull the crap Bela does. And when the main bad guy/ girl seems like an incompetent foil for your hero, where does that leave the story?
Argh! Disappointment with some of the characters aside, I’m being way too harsh. (And there is more than a whole other book to go.) Perhaps my expectations were a tad to high to begin with. I mean the other two series were as if she pulled out all stops at every corner and didn’t provide you a moment to catch your breath. Second Sons is a more subdued series, very different than the others, I’m sure I’m just not used to it.
The Oscars
These are some of my Oscar thoughts I had whilst watching this years.
*Hugh Jackman proved himself as a highly charming, funny and charismatic host. He makes me proud as an Australian to be representing us over there. And all the wolverine jokes were brilliant. He has that ability to laugh at himself that makes him so loveable.
*The singing. Now I heard some rumours, (1) That the cast of HSM would be singing, (2) The cast of Mama Mia would be singing. Zefron and Nessa Smudgens aside, (I‘m a big fan of Amanda Siegfried.) The only problem I had was Beyonce. But Fuck. That opening number was AWESOME, as was the second one were the final line was, ’The musical is back!’ Hell yeah it is!
*Anne Hathaway. This girl is gorgeous, funny and incredibly down to earth. Did you see how humbled she was about her nomination? And I love her participation in the opening number. I did not know she could sing that well. o.o
*Absolutely loved the change of set up for how the awards were presented. Having five previous winners come out and speak directly to and about this years nominees was a brilliant touch. It didn’t feel clinic, but personal, and it made the entire show feel like a massive get together of friends. There was so much love and respect for each other, it was very enjoyable to watch.
*The time seemed to blow by. A lot of speeches were entertaining too. I liked that one guy who did magic and balanced his Oscar on his nose. And Kate Winslet saying she and her other nominees can’t get over the fact they’re up with Merryl Streep, and that she should just wear that comment.
*Queen Latifah singing. Hot damn that’s one sexy lady.
*Results Wall-E won best animation, which *cheers* People need to see. I rate it quite highly on the Disney/ Pixar scale. Ledger won best supporting actor, which he totally deserved. I recently watched the Dark Knight. Thought it was a tad overrated, like Batman Begins, (I prefer Iron man to DK truth be told.) I felt The Joker and Harvey Dent were the best parts of that film. I REALLY don’t like Bale as Batman…as Bruce, he’s okay, but once that mask goes on, I check out. Winslet, I need to see The Reader and Doubt too.
Harry Potter, short story.
And lastly, has anyone read the prequel J.K auctioned off yet? I have. It’s a really short story about James and Sirius running from the cops. And…it’s not all that great. Actually I found it pretty boring because it’s out of context and she raises questions and then refuses to answer them. I came out of it going…That was it? How completely pointless.
Now I received the Tales of the Beedle and the Bard, that was good. It’s basically wizarding faerie tales with commentary by Albus Dumbledore. I highly recommend it to Potter fans, as well as quidditch through the ages and fantastic beasts and where to find them.
Dollhouse
It upsets me that Dollhouse is premiering in the U.S and I doubt I’m going to get to see it for months. Today at work I was on the official website (seriously it was that dead my manager was playing solitaire) and it looks awesome. I even got to see a brief clip and can I just say, at the risk of repeating myself, and stating the obvious to most of the members on my flist,
Eliza Dushku is the epitome of sex.
That’s an official definition from me. Look up sex in the dictionary and there’ll be nothing but a picture of ED. I just love her. I love her interviews, her talent, her activism, her feminist-ness, plus she’s got that slightly husky voice and smoking hot features. The New Guy was roughly 80% more enjoyable due to her being in it.
I was disappointed with True Calling. Hopefully this will catapult an amazing actress to new heights! (some recognition to Joss wouldn‘t go astray either.) I know I’m anticipating greatness a little too soon, but I think it’s justified. Did anyone see the pictures of Amy Acker, who’s playing the doctor lady? Thin red scars all over that sweet little face. o.o It’s crazy. I am hoping it will see success, so much that we’ll get at least two seasons out of it. I definitely predict it will do better than Firefly. (Oh my poor beloved, doomed, Firefly.) At the very least it’ll be more accessible to viewers usually deterred by vampires and space westerns. Plus, it’s such an interesting concept, and there are so many different ways they can go with it.
Beauty and the Beast
Randomness,
I was thinking the other day about Beauty and the Beast, the Disney version, actually it was during a particularly loud version of ‘Gaston‘ (when I sing, I fully try to emulate the character.) My mind wandered around the scene in the movie, the loud rambunctious drunks, Gaston fan boys etc until I finally settled on the triplets.
Now, the triplets, I don’t know if they were actually given individual names, (*Edit* Apparently the characters are classed as ‘the bimbettes,’) but they were always a big hit in this household. The way they’d constantly swoon over Gaston, they were a group of blonde girls only differentiated by there dress colours. The purpose of the triplets seemed mostly for comic relief, the brief cut to them at Gaston’s impromptu wedding was great because you think, why would these girls show up to Gaston’s wedding, unless they we still vainly holding onto the hope, it's never to late and it could still be one of them? But the hilariousness of their patheticness aside, I believe their main function was to serve as an anti Belle, (or anti Belle‘s.)
-“What’s wrong with her”
-“She’s crazy!”
-“He’s gor-geous!”
Each triplet has exactly one line of dialogue (not including song dialogue) that accurately sums up their character. (And it is of course the one character X3) But I wonder what it was specifically about them that sticks in peoples heads, and leads to a group of sisters arguing over ‘who they are.’ ??? In my case I preferred the triplet in the green dress, as green was always my favourite colour, but of course there’s nothing else to go by.
My favourite scene with the Bimbette’s is just at the end of Gaston’s song, where the camera pans out. In the back and to the side are the triplets swaying back and forth, hands tightly clenched with a near fanatical look on their face. But whilst their conception of three ridiculous women, in a quaint little town, serves nearly no purpose or contribution to the story of Beauty and the Beast, they are still memorable and nevertheless deserve recognition. So this is my ode to them, I guess. *laughs*
Second Sons, Jennifer Fallon
I’m writing this not really wanting to because Second Sons is really picking up at the moment. The main character has just done something really bad and betrayed the trust of his partner…but why? I’m convinced it’s all a part of Dirk’s plan. That guy is wicked smart and incredibly resourceful. He can adapt whatever situation is thrown his way, and I’m convinced he hasn’t wavered in his course, it’s just Jennifer Fallon’s way of instilling doubt in the reader. All this crap about ‘who’s side is Dirk really on’ As if he would side with the woman who lit the pyre his mother was attached to. As if he’d ever think about returning to Antonov, I just feel sorry for Tia. (his lover.) What little trust was there, I fear it’s pretty much completely gone now. Which is sad because I’m only just starting to warm to them as a couple.
I’m digging JF’s third series, however, I feel so far it hasn’t come up to the standard that was Demon Child and Hythrun Chronicles. It seems all the ingredients are there. We’ve got strong, smart, ruthless female characters, sharp dialogue, hugely extended noble families you need to physically draw a family tree up of, just to remember who’s who, political intrigue up the wazoo, unlikely couplings, etc….but it’s not quite there yet.
I love the World of Ranadon. The red skies, the blistering heat. The two suns. I love how Belagren twisted the faith of the people to her own selfish means, elevating her as a powerful religious figure, I love the theme of religion VS science and the fact that although it’s all based on a lie, people are still willing to protect their way of life. It’s very well thought out and interesting, and I think on the world building front Fallon has delivered in spades.
I’m just a little concerned about the characters. I mean, they are to me the second, if not most important element to any novel, fantasy or otherwise. In DC/ HC I felt for those people. I loved and loathed them, they sprang out of the page, whoever was speaking, it was all so purposeful from the next High Prince right down to the young Karion boy, taken along for the ride. I admired Jennifer Fallon’s ability to utterly capture my thinking.
Second Son’s has a lot of characters I like and dislike. Characters I’ve changed my mind about, and few surprising me. Dirk is someone I started off feeling indifferent about….he’s the main character! Until the rape charge he barely warranted much attention. Yes he was taken away from his home, yes he was young, angry….but I think he suffers from all those ‘steely looks’ and ‘inscrutable face that displays no emotions’ I just wasn’t sure about him. Now that he’s been away from Senet (and we‘ve had the chance to see his crazy clever brain in action) and become more worldly, I’m really starting to like him. Actually, ever since he had the resolve to shove a knife through the brain of his father, with precision had me thinking…Damn it. This guy is badass! He’s also developed a wry sense of humor, and though I found his jibes and rows with Tia (just a tad reminiscent of Damin/ Adrina…but less funny) okay, I tired of them quickly. Much more interesting when they started sleeping together, which we all knew would happen eventually.
Other characters that mention a nod, Alenor, the child queen, formally princess, loyalist to Dhevyn. She is a new character I feel, I’ve yet to see in JF’s writing. She’s someone who whilst retaining a child like innocence is proving to be an extremely formidable and unsuspecting force. Her belief that the older generation have let their country degenerate into Senet’s bitch, and her willingness to actually do something about it has me cheering on the side lines. What makes her even better is the fact she has all this power and
plans in motion and she is terrified she’ll be discovered. She is horrible at lieing, and only okay in manipulating/ dealing with people, which is what I mean about Alenor being different. In any other JF book, she’d be as utterly ruthless as anyone else. We can’t all be like Marla Wolfblade, and young Alenor has a way to go but I am confident she’ll get there.
She’s already shown promise in dealing with that bitch, Marqel. (I also hope, although I have a hugely terrible feeling about Alexin, the two can share at least one romantic moment together of what is an obvious attraction….Well one in which they acknowledge their feelings to each other at least.)
Alenor’s cousin, Lady Jacinta is my new favourite though. (Is she the Teejay Lionsclaw, of this series? This guy hopes so!) A hard personality, who has turned down several prospective husbands and has no problem defying authority figures. She is endearing, protective and tough. She’s probably smarter than Teejay in dealing with people. I can’t wait to see what else she achieves as Alenor’s confidante and friend. (Please don‘t kill her off Ms Fallon! She is one of the more interesting/ fun people at the moment.)
Besides Dirk, Alenor, and Jacinta, there’s Misha, Antonov’s son. ‘The Crippled Prince‘, heir to the throne of Senet. Apparently Bela and her cohorts are planning on killing him off….this interferes directly with my own wishes because I really like this guy. He’s smart, funny and has an incredibly good heart about him. He would be an ideal leader for Senet, fair and just, it would be a most wonderful thing if it weren’t for his addiction/ sickness. Every time he has a violent fit I’m really upset. Especially if it’s after he’s just had a victory, albeit a minor one. Hopefully he’ll recover, I’d hate to think Belagren’s plans might succeed in this case.
The High Priestess Belagren and Antonov Latanya, The Lion of Senet, are the main antagonists in the series.
Now Both have proven themselves ‘truleh ebil!’, throughout the series. Anton can be needlessly bad, even if he is motivated by his religion, he is manipulative and charming, which would endear him to me in a villain role if he wasn’t so stupid.
Well, okay maybe he is just so blindingly trusting of these people he want’s as his own. Maybe he has grown so powerful and so used to people tripping over bodies just to gain his favor. Maybe it’s not stupidity per se, but everything he does, is just…Meh. There was that climatic scene in the parlor room where he diabolically outs Dirk and Johan but apart from that he’s just retreated further into his idiotic faith. I admit I’m anxious to see how he reacts once Bela’s lies are proven false. I predict a Mahkas Damaran reaction in which he loses his mind. I couldn’t blame the fella if he did. Might make things extremely interesting. Crazy people in Fallon’s books = loose cannons = usually an innocent party that ends up dead as a result of said craziness.
No, it’s Belagren who is the stupid character. As a villainess I don’t think she’s delivered. (Marqel, is much more dangerous. I hope there is more of a focus on her in the final book.) She’s just…It’s like she’s pretending to be so good at what she does, I find her not the least bit intimidating and like I mentioned earlier, the opposite of clever. She’s reacting poorly to new developments, she didn’t know Dirk was Johan’s OR why Anton is interested in him. She believed Neris was dead and she’s underestimated Marqel to the point, I wouldn’t put it past her to die miserably by the hands of the former acrobat. It’d be so easy. In comparison there is no way Alija Eaglespike, Marla Wolfblade….or even Joyhinia Tenragan (GOD I love those books!) would fall for…or pull the crap Bela does. And when the main bad guy/ girl seems like an incompetent foil for your hero, where does that leave the story?
Argh! Disappointment with some of the characters aside, I’m being way too harsh. (And there is more than a whole other book to go.) Perhaps my expectations were a tad to high to begin with. I mean the other two series were as if she pulled out all stops at every corner and didn’t provide you a moment to catch your breath. Second Sons is a more subdued series, very different than the others, I’m sure I’m just not used to it.
The Oscars
These are some of my Oscar thoughts I had whilst watching this years.
*Hugh Jackman proved himself as a highly charming, funny and charismatic host. He makes me proud as an Australian to be representing us over there. And all the wolverine jokes were brilliant. He has that ability to laugh at himself that makes him so loveable.
*The singing. Now I heard some rumours, (1) That the cast of HSM would be singing, (2) The cast of Mama Mia would be singing. Zefron and Nessa Smudgens aside, (I‘m a big fan of Amanda Siegfried.) The only problem I had was Beyonce. But Fuck. That opening number was AWESOME, as was the second one were the final line was, ’The musical is back!’ Hell yeah it is!
*Anne Hathaway. This girl is gorgeous, funny and incredibly down to earth. Did you see how humbled she was about her nomination? And I love her participation in the opening number. I did not know she could sing that well. o.o
*Absolutely loved the change of set up for how the awards were presented. Having five previous winners come out and speak directly to and about this years nominees was a brilliant touch. It didn’t feel clinic, but personal, and it made the entire show feel like a massive get together of friends. There was so much love and respect for each other, it was very enjoyable to watch.
*The time seemed to blow by. A lot of speeches were entertaining too. I liked that one guy who did magic and balanced his Oscar on his nose. And Kate Winslet saying she and her other nominees can’t get over the fact they’re up with Merryl Streep, and that she should just wear that comment.
*Queen Latifah singing. Hot damn that’s one sexy lady.
*Results Wall-E won best animation, which *cheers* People need to see. I rate it quite highly on the Disney/ Pixar scale. Ledger won best supporting actor, which he totally deserved. I recently watched the Dark Knight. Thought it was a tad overrated, like Batman Begins, (I prefer Iron man to DK truth be told.) I felt The Joker and Harvey Dent were the best parts of that film. I REALLY don’t like Bale as Batman…as Bruce, he’s okay, but once that mask goes on, I check out. Winslet, I need to see The Reader and Doubt too.
Harry Potter, short story.
And lastly, has anyone read the prequel J.K auctioned off yet? I have. It’s a really short story about James and Sirius running from the cops. And…it’s not all that great. Actually I found it pretty boring because it’s out of context and she raises questions and then refuses to answer them. I came out of it going…That was it? How completely pointless.
Now I received the Tales of the Beedle and the Bard, that was good. It’s basically wizarding faerie tales with commentary by Albus Dumbledore. I highly recommend it to Potter fans, as well as quidditch through the ages and fantastic beasts and where to find them.