Commentarii Curiosius

Now that Season 4 has finished up, here are some ideas/theories I have on the future of the show:

Plot Lines:

Have Emma be in total isolation for at least a couple episodes. - A big factor of this show is how characters can save others from the darkness with true love’s kiss or even a simple pep talk. It’s a skill that Emma has had to cultivate over the course of the series as she comes out of her shell, to be able to talk to others and sort out all those emotions inside her. Now that she is the Dark One and poses a viable threat to all our heroes, she needs to act like one. The new villain of a season usually doesn’t have nice pep talks with the inhabitants of Storybooke. No, they fester in solitude, devising up plans built on rage and fear (like Regina’s curse from the pilot). Wouldn’t that be a great plot line for our Savior-turned-evil? Have her really confront her identity and formulate a plan in the deafening silence of solitude. I think of Sister Jude from AHS: Asylum, and the reveal of her being trapped in solitary, muttering prayers to herself while looking like an absolute mess. That’s the kind of fear and desperation I want to feel when watching this Dark One Emma. She is alone in a frightening and potentially dangerous situation that could get her loved ones killed, something a simple True Love’s Kiss won’t be able to solve.

Give Henry something meaningful to do. - The writers had a shot at giving Henry a real plot when he became the author in Season 4′s finale, but that was nixed pretty quick when he snapped the pen...Ugh. Seriously, give poor Jared S. Gilmore a meaty plotline that doesn’t involve him being kidnapped for ransom or some other form of plot device. Henry is a PERSON, in a very unique situation at that, give him some personality!! 

Resolve the Robin-Regina-Zelena triangle as quickly as possible. - This storyline was really painful to watch this past season. It’s just an entire mix of ugh, no one wants to see Zelena be just an extra “threat”, and not a very intimidating one at that. I love Rebecca Mader as an actress, but seriously she needs to leave. Please. Aaaaaaand of course they upgraded her and Sean Maguire to regulars. Of course. Just, try to not make it too painful, ok writers? Please? I’m begging you.

Put Rumple out of the picture. - For real. He’s been out of plotlines for a LONG time. Plus, it would give the show something challenging to do: write a storyline that does NOT involve Rumplestiltskin. Robert Carlyle is great, but there’s only so much more “dearie” I can take.

Have the balls to kill off a major character. - *cough* Rumple lookin’ at you. But in all seriousness, killing off one of the main cast and having their death actually impact the story in a meaningful, dramatic way (sorry Neal, your death was kinda lame and awkward) would do the show some wonderful favors in terms of establishing genuinely threatening stakes. This series needs more long-term shake-ups!

This was an...interesting season of our beloved OUAT. As a rabid fan of all things Frozen, the first half of the season definitely had my attention. From the instant I saw the teaser trailers shown at Comic-Con, I was pumped. And when the season actually came around, I was more than satisfied. Confusing and arbitrary magic aside (the Wishing Star?? Triple parallel timelines along with time travel and lots of convenient portals?), it had all the chaos, complications, mind-boggling atmosphere that I love most about the show. Ingrid’s Shakespearean desire for familial love/acceptance, as evidenced in The Snow Queen and Shattered Sight, was a truly heartbreaking and emotional glimpse into a seriously damaged, yet wildly entertaining character. Elizabeth Mitchell did a wonderful job with Ingrid. Emma and Elsa’s friendship felt natural and organic, and it was really fun watching them work together. Additionally, even though I could pretty much predict how episodes like Smash the Mirror would end (they wouldn’t ACTUALLY kill off the Frozen characters, come on), I simply enjoy watching the Frozen actors play off the rest of the cast, and of course, the sequelized version of their own timeline. Special props to Scott Michael Foster for really bringing out all the sass our beloved Kristoff really has to offer, including a memorable sass-off with the dull Hans. Truly OUAT at some of its best. 

However, after a disappointing midseason finale that failed to live up to the action and amusement of Shattered Sight (the conclusion of the Frozen arc), I still believed that the rest of the season could prove as enchanting. With three villainesses and a vengeful Rumple at their disposal, surely Ed and Adam could ramp up the action and confusion even more. Unfortunately, this did not prove to be the case. After what could be considered some of the best episodes of Once, Season 4B was extremely lackluster. Not accounting for all the ret-cons against Snow and Charming’s characters that were manufactured in a painfully obvious manner (seriously, we all knew Emma would forgive them), the season really went nowhere. It was unfocused, defined by “shocker” moments that were just that: moments, not part of a larger story arc. Cruella had the one good episode and was instantly killed off. Maleficent and Ursula join the heroes’ side embarrassingly fast, Rumple continues to weasel his way through EVERY plot line imaginable, Lily was an annoying and pointless diversion, Hook, Belle, and Henry remain irrelevant to make way for more ridiculous character introductions (the Poor Unfortunate Souls episode was a particular disaster), you get the picture. Even the much-touted season finale, while entertaining and fast-paced for a change, was basically a redo of Season 3′s excellent finale, diminishing the impact of both in the process (the whole switched-roles thing has been done 3 times now, if you count Shattered Sight). And the result? Well, Emma is now the new Dark One, which might actually be pretty interesting. That Dark Swan poster looks promising. But did that require a whole half season of basically nothing? Probably not. Don’t even get me STARTED on the ridiculous Outlaw Queen stuff that happened. Major cringe stuff with the whole Zelena fiasco and Robin being a horrifically hypocritical character who Regina really doesn’t need bogging her down. I want to see how the relationships of the characters we know are being tested, in as natural a sense as a show about magic can provide. Wasn’t that what everyone loved about Season 1? The soft, quiet, but still charming (ha) character development of the citizens of Storybooke? The endless plot machinations take away from the power of these characters by themselves. Emma is one of the best protagonists I have had the pleasure of watching on television, and here she is, entering the new season as a plot device. Here’s hoping we can actually get some new insight in her character in this new role. 

Overall, OUAT Season 4 was one of the most mixed seasons of television I have ever seen. A stellar first act that was mangled by the confusing, circular second act, I am really hoping that the writers start tightening things up in the following season. It’s time to start pushing the series towards a definitive end, hopefully one that can leave my thoughts of the show in a positive light. And for heaven’s sake, where the heck did Mulan and Ruby go?? For all its flaws, this remains one of my favorite shows and I actually am really pumped for Season 5. I mean, just look at this poster. AWESOME. 

And if anyone’s interested, these were my weekly ratings of the show throughout the year.

A Tale of Two Sisters- 6/10

White Out- 2/10

Rocky Road- 10/10

The Apprentice- 2/10

Breaking Glass- 9/10

Family Business- 6/10

The Snow Queen- 10/10

Smash the Mirror (2 hours)- 9/10 

Fall- 9/10

Shattered Sight- 10/10

Heroes and Villains- 4/10

Darkness on the Edge of Town- 8/10

Unforgiven- 7/10

Enter the Dragon- 6/10

Poor Unfortunate Soul- 3/10

Best Laid Plans- 5/10

Heart of Gold- 7/10

Sympathy for the De Vil- 10/10

Lily- 6/10

Mother- 3/10

Operation Mongoose (2 hours)- 8/10

A Game of Thrones: 5 Stars

Brimming with complexity and intrigue, A Game of Thrones completely changed the fantasy genre by exhibiting a trait today’s fast-paced, explosive society too often ignores: patience. A slow, powerful burn to one of the greatest literary plot twists ever, the bittersweet, emotionally charged conflict between Starks and Lannisters completely enchants, sprinkled with the stirring emergence of Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen as key players in the titular game. This was the book that showed just how button-pushing, hair-raising, tender, yet unflinchingly brutal a story could be. Martin’s prose is simply enthralling; he exhibits a masterful awareness of differentiating between each character’s perspective without ever compromising the overall style and rhythm of the novel. Arya, Daenerys, and Ned’s chapters in particular are outstanding, never for a moment was I bored as I found myself becoming completely engrossed in the universe. This IS the game of thrones. The show is great as well, but in no way can it compare to the sheer gravitas and complexity of the inaugural entry in the enchanting Song of Ice and Fire.

Favorite Perspectives: Arya, Daenerys, Ned, Catelyn, Bran

A Clash of Kings: 5 Stars

Masterful, powerful, artistic writing. Martin elevates the grit of the first novel to an even more staggering scale, as the novel shifts focus from the Starks to the Lannisters, with occasional updates on the ever inspiring Daenerys and the rather boring (to me) Jon Snow. I found the titular civil war to be utterly fascinating; seeing the downfall of the divided House Baratheon along with the breakdown of House Lannister’s internal structure amidst the conquests and stealth missions of House Greyjoy and House Stark was a true delight. Stannis in particular, along with his loyal smuggler Davos Seaworth, have both captured my attention with their almost tragic sense of duty. The book took me almost a year to finish, but it was WELL worth it. I can’t wait to read the next three.

Standout passages: Any dialogue between Cersei and Tyrion, and the naval siege of King’s Landing. 

Favorite Perspectives: Tyrion, Arya, Sansa, Daenerys, Theon

A Storm of Swords: 5 Stars

Indisputably the greatest novel I have read in my high school years. Martin is a storytelling GOD, and A Storm of Swords heightens the already frenetic pace from A Clash of Kings to the craziest levels of awesomeness and tragedy deemed humanly possible. Finally, finally, Daenerys and Jon Snow shine, and spectacularly at that, while the War of the Five Kings reaches such insane heights that I literally couldn’t breathe after some of the chapters. You know which scene I’m talking about. Martin elevates background characters like Davos or Jaime to a status of such complexity, likability, yet darkness that the reader cannot help but be drawn to them. I for once am impressed he has gotten me to still care fiercely about almost all the players in the game of thrones even as contestants are dropping like flies. The cliffhangers to each of these chapters were deliciously infuriating, and honestly this was one of the most edge-of-your-seat experiences I have ever encountered. Mad, mad props. Excuse me as I curl into a ball and cry over this series.

Favorite Perspectives: Arya, Tyrion, Sansa, Jaime, Daenerys, Catelyn, Jon

A Feast For Crows: 4 Stars

DISCLAIMER: SPOILERS

A different novel in the enchanting Song of Ice and Fire, Feast offers something a little more ponderous, thoughtful, and creeping than the relentless fury of the first three novels. This is a character study, one that continues to enthrall with the ever increasing complexities of Jaime Lannister, the delicious spiral into paranoia that Cersei undergoes, and the subtle reworkings of Arya and Sansa Stark into unrecognizable shells of themselves, tools for another life. Arya’s passages in particular I found very moving. The brief subplots of the Greyjoy kingsmoot and the Tyrell internal turmoil also provided a refreshing outside perspective of the other Houses entangled in this never ending dispute.

The only critique I have is that some of the material Martin includes definitely feels extraneous in this novel. Specifically, passages with Areo Hotah, Samwell, and multiple Greyjoys, while appreciated for character moments, do not really add much to the story that couldn’t have been explained by a throwaway line. Rather, direct POV’s for important battles like Ser Loras Tyrell’s tragic siege on Storm’s End, or Margaery’s conniving plots against the Lannisters, or even Podrick’s reactions to the novelty of his adventure with Brienne, are shafted for these repetitious passages that often reinforce things we already know about Westeros and its inhabitants. Major missed opportunities and misdirected interest.

But overall, A Feast for Crows stands just as triumphantly as the other novels in Martin’s canon. I can’t wait for A Dance with Dragons and the epicness and sorrow it is sure to manifest.

Favorite Perspectives: Arya, Cersei, Jaime, Arianne

A Dance With Dragons: 5 Stars

Vast, provocative, mindbendingly badass, there are few things George R.R. Martin’s epic Song of Ice and Fire can’t accomplish. A Dance with Dragons is easily my second favorite novel in the saga yet, and I can’t even begin to articulate my feelings about it. Granted, my favorite character Jaime really only had one chapter to shine, but everyone else was on their A game. Daenerys’s quest for the throne truly resonates, as she is forced to confront who she really is amidst a sea of mistrust and turmoil as she does a practice run on Meereen. The ending confrontation in the fighting pits is on par with the infamous Dracarys chapter from Storm. Theon also does a complete 180 on the reader and captured my full attention in arguably the most disturbing chapters of the series, with Reek’s paranoid, disheveled state invoking a human sympathy for a character we couldn’t stand before. Even Jon had my attention, despite not accomplishing much. I will say that Arya’s storyline, while tense and poetic and cathartic all at once, remains shrouded in mystery. I look forward to see where her tragic evolution into a shell of the girl she once was takes her in the books to come.

A vast improvement over the relatively dull action of Feast, I was thoroughly enchanted by the Dance, and now just like every other superfan, I will have to endure the agonizing wait for the last two books in this intoxicating series of masterpieces. On to the TV show!

Greetings. It has been quite a while since I’ve written here. School and stuff. Now that summer boredom has officially driven me into a state so comatose even I am ashamed to acknowledge it, I hath returned. That’s what reditus stands for lol. The return. Anyways, you would be pleased to know that since my last post, regarding a rather uniformly excellent episode of Once Upon a Time’s ultimately shaky 4th season, I have been introduced to a NUMBER of amazing television series. A wonderful friend of mine inducted me into the marvelous world of Avatar: The Last Airbender and the Legend of Korra, both of which I finished within a matter of months. I wish I had been running this blog still so you could see the gradual evolution of my increasingly frenetic freak-outs over how awesome the Avatar universe is, but you get the picture. I’ll probably go through and do a grand rewatch at some point, but maybe in a few years. HOWEVER. I recently completed all five books so far released in George RR Martin’s death-defying (er, promoting), bone-chillingly incredible Song of Ice and Fire saga, and I plan to spend this summer diving into the equally juicy television series. Good times. 

So yeah, to get back into business, here’s a small preview for reviews/freak-outs to come:

1. An overview of my thoughts on Season 4 of OUAT, complete with an average rating based on the list I compiled throughout the season. 

2. A reposting of my reviews of the Song of Ice and Fire series from my goodreads account, to add some literary stuff.

3. Overall thoughts of each individual season of ATLA and Korra, to give you an idea of how much the universe means to me, even though I came pretty late to the party.

4. Continuous updates over my gradual binge-watching of Game of Thrones. SPOILERS.

5. Thoughts on the first season of HBO’s Rome, which I’ve been studiously watching since the start of June.

6. A retrospective look at American Horror Story: Freakshow. 

7. A review of Pixar’s hotly-anticipated Inside Out, which is coming out this Friday! So. Pumped.

8. Might finish that Top 20 Countdown one day lol.

NOW THAT'S WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. This episode was Once at some of its finest: epic, mindbending, convoluted, juicy, sweeping, and AWESOME. Having my brain become overwhelmed by all these intersecting and diverging plot lines, that's what I LOVE about this show. Perfection.

Flashbacks (Arendelle): 10

I really enjoyed seeing this new dynamic between Kristoff and Elsa, two characters who really didn't get to interact much in the original movie. Their sassy, but steadfast friendship provided some emotional weight when Hans nearly killed Kristoff (who continued backsassing the whole way. Ah Kristoff, never change). Although, in that scene, I was very confused as to why Elsa didn't simply freeze Hans and his brothers while they were threatening her. She could've dropped an icicle on Hans or something! Maybe she was so afraid she wasn't able to control her magic or something...Idk. But yeah, introducing and then axing Hans so suddenly was VERY satisfying. Rest in ice, loser. 

And then there's the matter of Elizabeth Mitchell's absolutely captivating Snow (Ice?) Queen. What exactly is she doing in Arendelle? Did Elsa's mom really trap her? What does she know about Anna? Where does their ice magic come from? SO MANY QUESTIONS. Hopefully they can all be answered by the end of this arc, but ughhhh I'm reeling from all the juiciness. THANK YOU ONCE.

Also, wasn't that mountain/forest area Kristoff and Elsa were traveling through really pretty? Nature doe.

Present Day (Storybrooke): 10

Again, simply fantastic writing. The breakneck pace really created an urgency that had been seriously lacking from the last 2 episodes. Poor Emma, rushing around to save everyone but doubting herself the whole way, and when she broke down in front of Hook because she thought she was gonna lose him like she's lost all her past loves?

1) Props to the writers, who have finally decided to acknowledge events that have occurred in the past that obviously have had a strong effect on the MAIN CHARACTER of this show. I mean, you gotta acknowledge this stuff every now and then guys. AND THEY DID. 

2) For once, my cold, cold, shipper heart (that's like 3 puns in one, guys) approved of this dynamic between Hook and Emma. Because yes, she does have problems, and yes, this does translate into her relationship with Hook, but I'm so glad they're able to talk it out and not lie to each other (which is like so cliche).

3) It was cute. Even though they could've gotten run over by a car or something. But yes...I ship it. 

Ok, now for the real meat (I kid, I kid) of the episode. The townspeople immediately doubting and fearing Elsa was kind of aggravating (haven't we learned our lesson from Regina), but perhaps an appropriate response from people who are tired of dealing with evil villains all the time. Emma and David working together to find the Snow Queen was nice, and I liked that they were able to talk about why Emma is stressing herself out by thrusting herself into this role as the Savior, a role that intrinsically cannot allow perfection, despite Emma being a crazy perfectionist. Ugh. So good. Why can't all the episodes be this good?!

Henry finally getting it together and helping Regina start Operation: Mongoose was cute and a really amazing growth in character development on both parties' sides. Henry used to be that brat who ran away from home all the time and claimed his mom was evil, and Regina used to be super condescending and controlling because she was so desperate for some sort of love. But now that they see each other as equals and can work together so peacefully, they're getting things done and answering one of the fundamental questions of this show (wherever that ridiculous book came from) and it's SO GOOD and ugh. 

Even the Outlaw Queen stuff wasn't so bad. Yes, Robin's kind of a dolt, but he's trying. And now that Marian is frozen he and Regina can have some legit conversations (Lana's acting was fantastic in this episode, I really felt for her). But yeah, I really hope that they can work things out, and it was super nice of Regina to take out Marian's heart before it could become frozen (which fits perfectly into the established mythology of Frozen) and look for a cure...She's really shown some amazing growth.

I am sensing some serious shade from Rumple and whatever business he has with the Ice Queen. Rumple, I am watching you filthy, lying, ridiculous- Props to Hook for putting him in his place (did you catch my #aposiopesis- looking at you, Neptune). But yeah, this is some fascinating stuff, and I can't wait to find out what happens next.

Overall: 10

A seriously fantastic episode that introduced a million new plot threads while staying true to characters from both the Frozen and Once universes. The only thing that was missing was Anna, but that's understandable considering how much they had to cram into this episode. How can an episode like Rocky Road be chock full of juicy, juicy plot, while ones like White Out feel so vapid and drawn out? Whatever.

Sigh. Still waiting for this season to pick up. But by the looks of the promo for Episode 3 that will hopefully be the case. Let's get to it.

Flashbacks (Enchanted Forest): 2

This segment was...very underwhelming. And distracting. For once, the Storybrooke plot was actually more interesting. I mean it's great to see a friendship blossom between Anna and Charming, but...Bo Peep? Seriously? Why introduce any more new characters when you have an enormous cast that you can focus on now? Also, the fact that Charming was so easily able to dispatch Bo Peep and her henchmen was something I totally did not see coming. In general, snooze. The only part that was interesting was the ending where Rumplestiltskin is creepin' on Anna with his crystal ball. 

Also, can we address the fact that Kristoff knows Charming as David, not James? Do the writers even watch this show, like talk about a #smh. 

Present Day (Storybrooke): 3

While the stuff with Elsa and Emma bonding over their lack of control over their powers was nice, it was rather boring to watch. There was seriously zero sense of danger. Come on, they're not gonna kill the main lead of the show, they're not gonna kill their newest character, so there was no suspense over the fate of our two heroines. The part with Mary Margaret yelling at the dwarves and Granny about their whining (seriously, when did everyone get so whiny?) was funny, but random. And Henry. Henry pls. Please give us SOME sort of tension and sense of danger. Remember season 1, where the plot felt cohesive and moving towards unraveling the mystery of Storybrooke? I'm not feeling that push here. I don't even know what's happening, because NOTHING is happening. 

I do like that the Charmings accepted Elsa into their little family unit so readily. However, now that Elizabeth Mitchell's in Storybooke, hopefully things will start moving forward and we can get some stakes in this season. Bring it on!

So premiere week has finally hit us, and all my favorite shows are coming back in rapid succession! I may start a Survivor blog if I have time (which I probably don't), but for now, I'll stick with just Once Upon a Time. So yeah, without further ado, these are my thoughts on the long-anticipated Season 4 premiere! Oh, and of course, MAJOR SPOILERS.

Flashbacks (Enchanted Forest/Arendelle): 7

The Frozen stuff was great, especially since I just love these characters so, so much. The resurfacing of Elsa's self-doubt seemed like a natural progression from the character we loved so much from the film. Anna and Kristoff were both fabulous as well; Elizabeth Lail did an excellent job in capturing Anna's enthusiasm and rapid-fire personality. The segment in the beginning with their parents was suitably intense and emotional, it definitely drew me into the trauma surrounding the impact of their death and why Elsa is reacting the way she does. 

While all this character development is of course welcome, as we needed some foundation before we dive further into the season, I can't help but feel like nothing really happened. We've got Anna running off to the Enchanted Forest, so there's an exciting story waiting to be told. I wish that they had spent more time on this segment, just so they could immerse us into the world of Frozen more gracefully, add an extra layer of conflict besides Elsa's self-doubt. Instead we got...

Present Day (Storybrooke): 4

Unfortunately, modern day events were less than exciting. Lots of great character development though! That's what this episode will be known as, the lull before the storm that the rest of Season 4 hopefully brings. My favorite moment was the parallel with Emma and Regina basically re-enacting the heartbreaking imagery of Do You Wanna Build a Snowman, with Regina's self-doubt meant to parallel Elsa's. Beautiful angle right there. While Regina's conflict was fascinating, I couldn't help but feel like her solutions to her problems still feel rushed and contrite. By rewriting the book to give villains a happy ending, doesn't that technically ruin the good guys' ending too...

I also liked the small relationship moment (yes, I actually approve of Captain Swann for once. Don't die on me okay) between Emma and Hook, where he was like "I don't know what that (Netflix) is, but let's do it". 

This was such a beautiful moment. Good on Emma for trying to work this out and not just disregarding Regina's situation because she's a "villain".

Other than that? Um. Yeah... There was some pointless Rumple stuff with him feeling all that guilt regarding the whole dagger situation WHICH HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN FEELING AT THE END OF SEASON 3, so snooze. Belle remains as passive and overly-happy as ever. And while the Beauty and the Beast theme being played on the record was pretty, Rumbelle still kinda makes me wanna puke. Sorry shippers, I just...I can't. 

So that leaves us with the whole Marian-Robin-Regina triangle. Which should be super dramatic and exciting, but it's...not. Obviously I care a lot about Regina and I find Lana Parilla's acting absolutely heartbreaking whenever she is conveying the inner conflict between good and evil that has resurfaced in Regina. But Marian is just so bland. So predictable. I KNEW that Regina would save her and Marian would like OUT OF THE BLUE change her mind about Regina and like...ugh I just can't see this storyline ending prettily. BUT REGINA DON'T CRYYYY.

And what exactly are Charming and Snow White and Henry doing? Oh yeah, nothing. And they're like half of the main cast.

Overall: 5.5/10

My thoughts were...mixed. Maybe I had hyped up the episode too much over the summer. But overall, the sense of scale and urgency was not as present as it has been in past premieres. I like to think of this episode as the Lost Girl of Season 4. You know, the episode that has interesting character moments but is overall kind of a snoozefest. Here's hoping that the next couple episodes spice things up. Big time. 

#14: How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

The Gist: When a new villain threatens to destroy the dragon-friendly land of Berk as they know it, a mature Hiccup takes it upon himself to stop an all-out war from happening. Meanwhile, Stoick presses Hiccup to take up responsibility as chieftan, despite his reluctance. 

Even though this is a relatively new film (literally, it came out less than 2 months ago), I do not hesitate to include it on this list of my all-time favorite movies. How to Train Your Dragon 2 is everything a sequel should be, and better. You know how in my last post I talked about how Toy Story 2 upped the ante on the themes and conflicts of the first film? HTTYD2 practically sledgehammers the first film (also a fantastic movie though) in comparison. This movie is freakin’ amazing. It’s darker, grander, and does not hesitate to dive into the complicated emotions swirling within our characters. Hiccup’s character arc goes on a legit emotional rollercoaster, hitting unbelievable heights and devastating lows at a lightning fast pace. Seriously, I don’t think I ever lost focus for a second when watching this movie, it was that captivating. 

So what makes this movie so good? Well, for starters, it raises the stakes by a lot. Like A LOT. So not only does Hiccup has to face the fears within himself, he has to face a murderous psychopath who killed almost an entire Viking council and is raising a dragon army to take over the world. Hiccup’s naivete in dealing with such a criminal proves to be his downfall, and let me tell you, it is not pretty watching your characters get broken so devastatingly. There is one moment in this film of such shocking darkness that my mouth literally dropped open. I couldn’t believe what I was watching. And yet, it’s always the darkest moments where our characters shine the brightest, right? That’s what makes this movie so great. The characters are so strong, so likeable, and it is glorious watching them rise from the ashes to battle the darkness around them. I’ve always liked when supposed “kids’ films” don’t pander to the supposed audience and fearlessly introduce dark themes that are sadly, a part of life. So kudos, Dreamworks. 

But despite all the dark and sad moments, don’t think for a second that the movie lets up on the laughs. It is just as hilarious as it is heartbreaking (kinda weird, huh). “TAKE MEEEEE” is my favorite line. Actually, all of Tuffnut’s ridiculous advances on Eret were downright hilarious. And the score, as usual, is utterly fantastic. It’s joyous, reflective, soaring, and just amazing. My favorite track is Dragon Racing, because it’s so epic and like ugh. I WANT TO FLY ON A DRAGON OK IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK.

Favorite Scene: Hmm, tough call, but I’d have to go with the flying scenes with Hiccup and Toothless in the beginning. I LOVE flying scenes (if I had a superhero power, it would be to fly) and the acrobatics and dives that they were doing in the air gave me serious feels. Like that shot of them zooming across the water. So good. 

Overall, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is Pixar-esque magic and truly represents the very best that Dreamworks has to offer. Funny, adventurous, and heartbreaking all at once, it is truly something to behold. 

I’m back! Apologies for the gap between my posts, I’ve been away for the past 3 weeks and I’ve finally regained the energy to return to my blog. Sooooo here goes! 

#15: Toy Story 2 (1999)

The Gist: After Woody is kidnapped by a greedy toy collector, Buzz and the rest of Andy’s toys embark on a daring mission to rescue him from the heart of the city. Meanwhile, Woody questions his mortality as Andy’s toy when he meets the rest of the eccentric Roundup Gang collection. 

Aaaaaaand we have reached the beginning of the Toy Story series on my list. In case you don’t know, I LOVE Toy Story. So ranking them is incredibly difficult, but I do distinguish between the films. So while 2 happens to be the “worst” of the Toy Story trilogy, it’s actually an incredibly inventive, deep movie that has the misfortune of being sandwiched between two of my favorite films of all time. So, let’s talk about why I love this film.

For starters, the story raises some fascinating issues, mainly, the idea of mortality and how we deal with that. One could say that this film functions as Woody’s mid-life crisis, as he questions what his value is to Andy if he is broken. And the whole film is dealing with this enormous conflict, and there’s some great dramatic scenes with Buzz and Woody arguing over what it means to be a toy, with their conflict from the first film completely flipping tables. Now it’s Buzz who has to tell Woody “You. Are. A. Toy! You’re a child’s plaything.” This is some juicy stuff, and it’s made all the more emotional by the way we have grown to know these characters. A great thing about Pixar sequels is that they never need to explain exposition or development from the first film. No, the characters have moved on from the conflicts of the first film, and now an even bigger adventure with bigger stakes has come up. Woody and Buzz have a functioning friendship that is put to the test by these unusual circumstances, and it’s simply marvelous to behold. Just incredible stuff.

Then there’s Jessie. Her story is so heartbreaking; the “When She Loved Me” sequence is some of the studio’s best work. She is so afraid of being abandoned again, and that’s why she is so desperate for Woody to join them in the museum, so she will never feel that empty again. She has one line of dialogue that absolutely rips me apart. “You don’t forget kids like Andy or Emily. But they forget you.” OK PIXAR THAT’S TOTALLY FINE JUST RIP OUT MY HEART AND STOMP ON IT TOO IN 2 SENTENCES THAT’S COOL. But yeah, this is some intense stuff. And these are questions everyone has faced at one point or another. People drift apart, people forget about each other. That’s life. And people get broken, but hey, there are always new friends to help stitch you back together again. This is one of the greatest things about the Toy Story movies. They address all these crazy life questions, but always in a fresh and inventive way. Who would've know that a bunch of toys could make you question your relationships in life? Jessie's tragic characterization is just another prime example of how masterful Pixar’s storytelling is.

Of course, at the same time, the film is an absolute blast. It never slows down from start to finish, the toys are yanked on one crazy adventure to the next. The exhilarating plane chase at the end is a great action sequence, and the film is also hilarious as usual. “I’m a married spud, I’m a married spud!” Ha. I’d say the only thing that makes this movie slightly below the other 2 is Al. He’s not exactly a threatening or interesting villain, he’s just kind of the run-of-the-mill greedy guy. Also he eats Cheetos. Cheeto fingers are so gross. The Prospector is introduced too late to be a truly effective villain. But that’s fine, because the toys are really facing the fears within themselves. This is a very minor nitpick; I’m not at all suggesting that a film needs an obvious, extraneous villain. It’s just the ones that they included were kinda…meh.

Favorite Scene: Buzz confronts Woody in the apartment.

This scene is really great because it shows how well Woody and Buzz play off each other. Buzz is concerned that Woody is willing to throw away his entire life at the mere chance of immortality in a museum, while Woody’s fears about his purported irrelevancy in Andy’s life are obstructing his basic instinct of being the glue that holds Andy’s toys together. It’s some juicy stuff, and the argument is tense and uncomfortable. But it’s exactly what Woody needs. Just like when only Woody was able to convince Buzz of his worth in the first movie, only Buzz is able to knock Woody into his senses. It’s fantastic. Woody’s last defiant line of dialogue to the Prospector is great: “You’re right Prospector, I can’t stop Andy from growing up. But I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” YES. YOU TELL HIM WOODY.

ALL THE FEELS

#16: Gravity (2013)

The Gist: An onslaught of debris from a destroyed space station sends two astronauts drifting into space. The two must battle impossible odds if they are to return to Earth safely.

Gravity isn't a very complex film. Two astronauts are trapped in space and they need to get back home. That's about it in terms of plot. But its terrifying premise gives the filmmakers an opportunity to craft a unique, mind-blowing cinematic experience unlike any other. This film is just absolutely stunning. From the serenity of the opening visuals of Earth, to the heart-pounding destruction of the space station, the cinematography of this movie is just incredible. I can safely say this is the most visually-impressive film I have ever seen.

But what is a movie without its characters? Thankfully, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney do a wonderful job making us care for these characters in the movie's brief 90-minute running time. Bullock's character is really the main vehicle of the film, with her past traumas dictating the movie's emotional spectrum. What I just LOVE about this movie is the way it connects its imagery to its theme of rebirth. The film is a harrowing experience; Sandra's character Dr. Ryan Stone is constantly being thrust from one danger to the next with very little time for breathing. Yet when it reaches its inevitable conclusion and her character rises from all the destruction, the moment is both physically and emotionally satisfying. We watch Stone shift from wallowing in her fear to finding the will to survive, and it is an incredible journey. It's a reminder to all of us, that we must always fight for that second chance, that opportunity to carve a new path out of destruction.

Favorite Scene: The "Shenzou" sequence, in which Stone's escape pod plummets towards Earth in a fiery inferno.

This scene is just amazing. Dr. Stone's monologue to herself is a wonderful moment for her character. I think I'm just going to let the visuals speak for themselves, because they really drive in the emotion of this scene.

#17: The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

The Gist: In this epic conclusion to The Dark Knight trilogy, Batman must come out of hiding to save the citizens of Gotham from a new terrorist threat, the terrifying Bane. As he races to stop a nuclear bomb from exploding from underneath the city, he must confront the darkness that lies within himself and those around him. 

The Dark Knight Trilogy is undeniably one of the best (and most consistent) superhero franchises ever. The “darkness” (ha) of the material and the expertly crafted story makes for an emotionally-charged, utterly compelling film experience. I truly believe this is some of Christopher Nolan’s best work. Characters are (generally) not two-dimensional and are rarely boring; they feel like genuine people who would react realistically to the crime that is running rampant in the city. And The Dark Knight Rises is the culmination of all these themes that have been running throughout the film series, the deadly power of self-doubt, finding the strength to recover from trauma, and unraveling the complex layers of trust. Bruce Wayne is not the typical superhero; if anything, he is just as broken and frightened as the people he is trying to save. This is much more interesting to watch than a bunch of fancy action sequences (and believe me, the movie still has plenty of those!), because the internal conflict just adds an extra dimension of fear and excitement.

The Dark Knight Rises works because it wraps up pretty much all loose ends without losing what made these characters special. It’s incredible watching Batman reflect on the choices he has made, and how they have shaped who he has become. The ending is one of my favorite endings period; it’s just a wonderful culmination of this relentlessly dark story that we’ve been invested in for years. And of course, the movie does not fail to deliver on spectacle. This is some seriously awesome cinematography. The chase sequences, the epic final battle, it’s all just awesome to behold.

Favorite Scene: Bruce climbs out of the pit, WITHOUT the rope.

This is just such a satisfying moment. We’ve seen Bruce try and fail to jump onto the ledge, and that was with the rope. When he decides to not use the rope, it is an enormous leap of faith that really emphasizes that the jump is mostly a psychological test. If you use the rope, it means you are expecting to have a safety net if you miss, which means you have a nagging doubt that you won’t make it. But Bruce chooses not to use the rope, knowing that the jump relies 100% on his belief in himself. And after 3 movies of watching Bruce Wayne spiral into a chasm of self-doubt, it’s really fitting that he metaphorically (and physically) is able to jump out of the pit so he can resume his identity as Batman. It’s just a wonderful cinematic moment. Also, dat music. ‘Tis epic.

#18: Frozen (2013)

The Gist: Anna, the quirky, but lonely princess of Arendelle, teams up with reluctant mountain man Kristoff to search for her sister Elsa, who has accidentally set off an eternal winter that plagues the entire kingdom. As everyone struggles to battle the icy conditions, both Anna and Elsa must confront the shadows of the past in order to stop the blizzard.

Ok, so I know everyone is super sick of Frozen at this point, and honestly, I can kind of see why. There's just a little too much hype surrounding the film, what with the continuous Let it Go covers popping up on YouTube and parents frantically trying to appease their children by buying every single piece of Frozen merchandise that exists. But at its heart, this is a great movie with a strong message, wonderful songs, and breathtaking animation, one of the Disney greats. It really is a spectacular movie, just maybe not as perfect as the hype makes it seem. Well, let's get down to business.

One of my favorite things about this movie is how character-driven the film is (well, for the most part). Even though the trailers made it seem like the slapstick-heavy Olaf and Sven would take away from the heart of the film, Anna and Elsa really are the main focal points of the story. You can tell that they have a complex relationship, and the story never tries to simplify the powerful emotions that exist on both sides of the door. The ending is also a wonderfully refreshing twist on the classic Disney fairytale archetype, and it's not an out-of-the-blue moment either. The writers took time to develop the nuances of Anna and Elsa as characters, and it really pays off.

I especially love that the two sisters get not one, but TWO musical numbers: For the First Time in Forever and its reprise. In the first rendition, both Anna and Elsa are singing to their own self, respectively, about their dreams. It's the classic "I want" song in musicals. But the reprise is one of the first time the two sisters actually talk to one another, not like the awkward and bitter social interactions back at the coronation party, but actually talking (well, singing). Anna affirms "You don't have to live in fear, cause for the first time in forever, I will be right here." Awwww. But then Elsa responds TRUTHFULLY (that's a first), saying "You mean well, but leave me be. Yes I'm alone, but I'm alone and free! Just stay away, and you'll be safe from me." That's the moment when Anna realizes that Elsa has only been trying to protect her all these years. As Anna tries to reassure Elsa that they can work out how to stop the blizzard together, Elsa grows more panicked and interrupts Anna's verses, building up to a dramatic finale where she screams "I CAAAAAAAAN'T" and (SPOILER ALERT) accidentally strikes Anna in the heart, the very thing she has been afraid of since the childhood accident. That. is. BRILLIANT. We get a glimpse into the way Elsa simply cannot let go of her fear (no matter what Let it Go would like us to believe) and another glimpse into Anna's desperation (and failure) to reach out to her sister. Just fantastic usage of musical numbers to enhance character development. From the perspective of Anna and Elsa as the focal point, Frozen is simply an astounding work of art.

However, it is not without its flaws. The trolls really serve little to no purpose, other than to throw in a hackneyed musical number (seriously guys, Anna is dying as you sing) and to...well...I don't even know. That section really threw off the otherwise excellent pacing. I also would've really liked to see more of Elsa trying to live on her own. After the jaw-dropping Let it Go sequence, we don't really see how she's adjusting to solitary life. Is she still thinking about Arendelle before Anna finds her? Is she even worried that Anna will find her? WHAT IS SHE EATING TO STAY ALIVE?! That was a section of the film that I thought would've been more important than, say, an unnecessary five minutes of trolls singing about an that could've been introduced in like, a line. "True love will thaw a frozen heart". There. Was that so hard? 

But of course, the strength of the main storyline overshadows these slightly nit-picky flaws. Eh, I'm still bitter about the trolls. But they don't ruin the film, they just detract from it. And then there's the songs. Oh man, the songs. There's a reason this movie's soundtrack sold like dynamite. It's because the songs are simply fantastic (even the trolls' song, Fixer Upper, is a heart-warming catchy tune, once you take it out of context that is). I literally can't decide on a favorite song because they are kind of all amazing. From the sweeping melody of For the First Time in Forever, to the earnest, emotional Do You Want to Build a Snowman (that song takes you through at least 10 emotions in around 3 minutes...impressive), to the cheesy, but addictive Love is an Open Door, and of course, the unforgettable, ridiculously catchy, empowering anthem Let it Go. Legit I can't pick a favorite from these 4 songs, they are all so good. Even the light, fluffy songs are good! In Summer is a delightful little tune that is very Broadway-esque, and Reindeers are Better Than People is a short, but relaxing little ditty. Frozen Heart is a decent attempt at some ominous foreshadowing of Elsa's powers. Just a wonderful soundtrack. The score is...pretty good. Not amazing, but still pretty good.

Favorite Scene: Ugh don't make me pick...I guess I'll have to pick Do You Want to Build a Snowman because of how charming, yet devastating it is. Plus the moment when they're on opposite sides of the door and they both want to speak to each other but they CAN'T, I just...Ugh. Brilliant. 

But yeah, despite the overhype, this really is a wonderful film. Definitely one of the all time Disney greats. But honestly, if you haven't watched it by now, I think you're lying. It's kind of a big deal right now, if you haven't noticed. GO FROZEN. 

P.S. Can we just address how Anna spends YEARS asking Elsa if she wants to build a snowman...AND THEN ELSA BUILDS ONE WITHOUT HER. Oh the bitter irony.

#19: The Incredibles (2004)

The Gist: Desperate for adventure, retired superhero Bob Parr resumes his identity as Mr. Incredible under the employment of a mysterious figure. As he attempts to relive "the glory days" by fighting off a powerful robot called the Omnidroid on the elusive Nomanisan Island, his worried family follows him to the island and is soon caught up in the adventure. 

The Incredibles is one of those films that has something for everyone. It doubles as an action-adventure extravaganza and a powerful family drama, but rather than overusing either aspect, it achieves that perfect balance. There's an awesome chase sequence involving the boy Dash, who has the power of super speed. At one point, Dash and Violet combine their powers to create a human hamster ball. There's a big epic battle at the end with the entire family (and Frozone) facing off against the Omnidroid 10 in the heart of the city. And who can forget the very intense "Missile Lock" sequence, in which Syndrome nearly succeeds in killing Helen and the kids? It's both a great character moment (Violet is having trouble accessing her force field powers while her panicked mother is desperately yelling at her to defend their plane) and a heart-pounding action sequence. When Helen says "Abort, abort, there are children aboard!" and Mirage's eyes widen in horror and when Mr. Incredible actually thinks they've been killed and just breaks down into sobs, it's some seriously intense stuff. Gets me every time.

At the same time, Bob's mid-life crisis, stemming from his reluctance to move on from his past as a superhero celebrity, is a clear, compelling arc that establishes the surprisingly deep emotional stakes. How do you deal with sudden, often unexpected life changes? How do you deal with past failures? If everyone can be special, is there really such a thing? As Syndrome snidely remarks, "And when everyone's super, no one will be." Dash is disappointed he can't try out for sports because of how good he would be (#superspeed), prompting Helen to tell him "Everyone's special Dash", and then he just looks away and says "Which is another way of saying no one is." Seriously, this is some deep stuff.

And yet, for all its deepness, the movie never fails to deliver in the humor department. The entire film is hilarious, what with the antics of the hyper Parr children or the subtle jabs at superhero films (like the "monologue" joke that is used with Syndrome), and of course, the fabulous Edna Mode's stringent philosophy of NO CAPES. But the ultimate comedy highlight is an unexpected one; I think you know what I'm referring to. I think the scene speaks for itself.

Frozone: "The public is danger!"

Honey: "My EVENING'S in danger!"

Favorite Scene: Hmm, this is a tough one, but I'm gonna have to go with the Missile Lock sequence. For all the reasons I stated above. It's just a really powerful moment.

Ultimately, the Incredibles is just one of those amazing films where everything just clicks into place. Actually, as I've been writing this, I am kind of surprised that I didn't put this higher on my list. I told you this list was highly subjective. Well, it's too late now. 

Since I've recently been sinking into that summer stage of neverending boredom, I decided to dig through my collection of movies and narrow them down to a top 20 list. I am going to briefly state the reason I included a film on this list, and then I will reveal what my favorite scene is from that movie (expect SPOILER ALERTS). Here goes! 

N.B. This list is entirely subjective and often veers wildly into sheer bias. Except for the top 5, this order could literally change at a moment's notice. Bear with me. 

#20: The Hunger Games (2012)

The Gist: 24 children are selected to participate in the annual The Hunger Games, a popular TV show in which the "tributes" fight to the death until one victor emerges. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in her sister's place and struggles to survive the Games while battling the tyrannical power of the Capitol and her own personal demons.

Considering my high expectations as a reader, the film adaption of Suzanne Collins's captivating novel The Hunger Games does not disappoint as a cinematic achievement. Despite his weird shaky cam fetish, Gary Ross manages to articulate the various dimensions of the sick, twisted dystopia of Panem, from the bright colors of the shallow Capitol to the ravaged, starving District 12. The entire movie has a fittingly bleak atmosphere: the danger of the Hunger Games is always lurking around the corner in the first half of the film, and when we get to the Games themselves, it is a nonstop rollercoaster ride. 

Even amidst all this spectacle, we never lose the perspective of our callous protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. This is a damaged, depressed character, a child who has been forced to grow up all too quickly to fend for her family in an unforgivingly cruel environment. Jennifer Lawrence is masterful as Katniss, capturing her complex emotions while injecting just the right amount of sass and shade to add some color to this otherwise completely depressing character. As Katniss fights for her life in the arena, we as the audience are right there along with her; we want her to survive these horrific circumstances. A movie is only as strong as its characters, and the complexity of Katniss Everdeen is a major factor in the film's success. Also JLaw. JLaw is queen.

Favorite Scene: Katniss's hallucinations post-tracker jacker sting.

I know this is a weird scene to pick as my favorite, but I just love the way it's shot. You got the mine exploding and then reforming again, like how Katniss's family is torn apart by her father's death in the mines and then it has to be put together again. As if everything could be normal again, which it clearly can't... And then Katniss is begging her grief-stricken mother to say something, to do anything, but then Peeta's telling her "KATNISS WHAT ARE YOU DOING GET OUT OF HERE GO" and I'm like LOL WUT, and there's also Caesar stepping out of nowhere with an evil grin saying "The venom of a tracker jacker string can create powerful hallucinations." The entire scene is just insanity, but it's also an emotional glimpse into Katniss's past and a welcome reprieve from the tense environment of the Games. Just an awesome scene.

Overall, an excellent adaption. But just wait until I get to the sequel...