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Back when I was a child, I had a difficult time reading. In fact, I loathed it. I never understood why we had to read in the first place, it seemed extremely tedious to me. It had gotten so bad to the point where it became obvious that I just did not want to read. It wasn’t until my parents signed me up for this reading thing at my elementary school, where after hours, like dinner time, they would give us a book to read. I wasn’t a fan of this because why the hell would I want to be reading at 7 pm on a Wednesday night? Yes, you read that correctly, a Wednesday! The first session, they made us read a book from an author in Hawai’i. They wrote a children’s book and they made us read it, which I didn’t because it never interested me. So, the next Wednesday comes around and I just expect it to be the same. Just give me my copy of the book that I am never going to read again and I’ll call it a day. But that didn’t happen. For the first time, I actually found a book I was interested in: The Lightning Thief. 

(Credit: Goodreads)

Everything about Percy entrapped me in this mystical world of Greek Gods, monsters, and half-bloods. I was never like this before, reading page after page just to know what happens next. Along with that, since I started reading them when I was twelve, it was a great way to see myself in these different characters, feeling the triumph and betrayal throughout every twist and turn of their adventure.

I read all of Percy Jackson and the Olympians and The Heroes of Olympus throughout my time in school, and also watched the movies, but, while watching the movies, I was disappointed to find that it wasn’t like how I imagined it. They changed aspects of the story that didn’t need changing and in doing so, kinda destroyed the magic that made it so great. Grover was a kind hearted boy and while I like Brandon T. Jackson, I didn’t buy him as Grover. Sure he was a great friend to Percy, but he wasn’t Grover to me. Logan Lerman was the perfect Percy, just the wrong time for him. And do not get me started on Alexandra Daddario as Annabeth, she was the worst offender of the three in my opinion. Them changing every aspect of the story just made me super upset, and do not get me started on that second movie (Love you Blackjack). The point is, as a Percy Jackson fan, we needed better, we deserved it!

(Credit: Wikipedia)

During 2020, I finally got my wish when they announced that the show was greenlit. Everyone around the world rejoiced as we finally got our chance. Once that happened, everyone started to wonder about who would be casted as the titular character. Then, April 2022, Walker Scobell was announced. At this point, I haven’t watched the Adam Project or anything that he has done, but after watching it, I was stunned, I was like, ‘That’s Percy…’ Then, Leah Sava Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri were casted as Annabeth and Grover and the world lit on fire in the community.

(Credit: Polygon)

As a woman of color myself, not African American, but Asian, I was ecstatic to see Jeffries take on Annabeth. I’m the type of person that cares more about if they embody the soul of the character than the appearance. Daddario may have looked like Annabeth, but Jeffries IS Annabeth. There are still portions of the community that cannot wrap their head around that the beloved daughter of Athena is a different race, but I don’t care. It is especially prominent in this Facebook group (yes, I still use Facebook) I am a part of to share my love for Percy Jackson. I try to surround myself with like minded people, and sometimes, a few of the racist ones just come through.

As you can see, I loved the series. From the moment I heard Scobell’s voice, I knew the series was built with so much love. I always felt drawn to Percy, being from Hawai’i, the ocean is special to me. I always found his snark and humor relatable, since I am similar with my friends and family. I also was drawn to Annabeth with her no nonsense attitude, along with being a strong female character. Also, cannot forget Grover, the literal glue of the group. The quest would have gone completely wrong if not for him. Scobell, Jeffries, and Simhadri all played their roles to perfection. They are truly the Golden Trio come to life. 

(Credit: Town and Country Magazine)

I need to also call attention to all the different actors and actresses who played supporting roles throughout the series. Virginia Kull’s masterful performance as Sally, showing just how difficult it can be on the mortal parents of a demigod child. Glynn Turman as the perfect Chiron, showing a sense of care and concern as Percy’s mentor. Jason Mantzoukas’ performance as Mr. D is a standout, with him completely capturing what it means to be the punished director of Camp Half-Blood. Megan Mullally was an amazing Alecto, bringing a sense of fear immediately into Percy’s life. Timm Sharp played an amazing Gabe Ugliano, showcasing a different way that Gabe could be portrayed for an audience today. Adam Copeland, also known as Edge in the WWE, plays Ares, a terrifying force in the book that Copeland captures perfectly. Also want to shout out Nick Boraine, the voice of Kronos, who brings a sinister feel to the series, showing he is the big bad of this story.

(Credit: PopBuzz)

I wanted to make a separate paragraph for the last supporting character: Luke Castellan. Luke is played by Charlie Bushnell, who really sold me as a demigod feeling betrayed by the gods. Just from his acting in Episodes 2 and 8 solidified to me that this is how Luke is. Granted, the confrontation scene is not as sinister as it is in the book, I believe that the TV series did it better, where Annabeth is there in person to see the betrayal happen. I mean, that is literally her brother betraying her, I cannot imagine what she is going through. Bushnell really sold it as Luke honestly, showing he’s an upset demigod who believes the gods have turned their backs on them. He made use of his time on screen, and I cannot wait to see him in future installments as our big bad.

(Credit: IGN)

Lately, the video game industry has taken a turn. When it comes to purchasing high-end games, instead of the $50 amount that I used to pay, I find that now games can cost upwards of $80, which to me is ridiculous. I mean, clearly with the success of Baulder’s Gate 3, they show that they can make an amazing, complex, and fun-filled game for $60. I can already hear people saying, ‘Well, if you want the Deluxe version, that is $80.’ Yes, it is, but it is worth it when you can play the game over and over again and have a different adventure each time. I will write a blog post later about Baulder’s Gate 3, but let’s just say I am a huge fan. Unlike games that require you to not only buy the equipment, but the game itself cough Spider-Man 2 cough. I personally never played Spider-Man 2 and I heard it is great, but it is absurd to me that I have to have a PS5 in order to play one game. Anyway, I am getting off topic a little, the point is, games are getting expensive in the mainstream and I just want something fun to play with me having to pay little to no money. I was searching through Steam when I found it, the game I am about to talk about: A Date With Death.

(Credit: Steam)

A Date with Death, which was released on December 7th of last year, is a texting and chatting based game where you are talking to a Grim Reaper created by Two and a Half Studios. You are able to communicate through text messaging and video calls for the majority of the game, with at least one chat and video call per in-game day. You can customize your own character, choosing from an array of different outfits, skin tones, hairstyles and colors, facial attributes and accessories. You can also choose your pronouns, your first and last name, and pet. You can also customize your in-game apartment with all sorts of things, such as polaroids or plants. 

(Credit: Two and a Half Studios)

At the point I am writing this, I have completed the game, obtained every ending, and got every Steam achievement available. I played the game a total of four times and received a different ending each time. There are many different requirements that you have to do to complete each ending, and while, during the game, it could seem confusing, once you figure out how Grim, that’s what I will call the Grim Reaper, reacts to your words, then you’ll be able to change the course of the story. Although this game only goes for seven in-game days, they find many ways to pack it with content. I have a total of 26.6 hours on the game (honestly, some of it is from it being idle), but that shows you just how much I played it. Before we continue, I also want to add that this game does have swearing and some suggestive content, but I think that can be assumed because this is a romance visual novel. Nothing NSFW shows up in the game. 

Also, before we continue, I have to admit that I got the DLC for this game, which was $7. It adds more dialogue and different choices you can make in your character’s appearance, so there is that. However, I can tell what was a part of the base game, thanks to a little star next to the new dialogue (I honestly thought it was saying he likes those the most, that is not the case for some of the choices). What I am saying by bringing up that I purchased the DLC is that you do not need it in order to enjoy the game. It really is great without it at its core. 

It helps that Grim himself, to me, is pretty cute. I love his snark and charm and instantly understood that that is what the developers were going for. His outfit is also unique. He is wearing a jacket, but it’s around his shoulders. He also has white hair (LOVE) and red eyes, because of course. He is video calling from his bedroom, and he is usually slouching like he is in the image on Steam. Sometimes he will perk up and blush and stuff, but he is normally guarded when he is on call with you. He will also message you in different styles since he is learning to talk with a mortal, so there is that little bit of information. Oh, I forgot, you can also completely customize your in-chat profile, changing the image and name, but only after an in-game event. 

(Credit: Steam)

The artwork in this game is absolutely stunning for a free game as well. I cannot believe how gorgeous it is. They give you a gallery, which shows all the different images of Grim and what the previsuals looked like before the in-game counterparts. They give a lot of artwork and put a lot of love into the game and I appreciate it so much. I really enjoy when I see people put their heart and soul into games they create because it shows that they love what they do. It doesn’t feel like a cash grab, but rather a passion project that they can build more off of.

(Credit: Two and a Half Studios)

Speaking of that, currently, there is a DLC expansion planned for the game. There is currently no release date at the time of this post, but I can assure you, once it comes out, I will be one of the first ones to purchase and review it! 

A Date with Death, a free game where you chat and romance the Grim Reaper was a lot more fun than I anticipated it to be. I found myself going back and wanting to complete everything instead of it feeling like a chore to achieve all the endings and achievements. While I don’t think I’ll play it again right away, once the new content comes out, you best believe I will return to Grim and our adventures. In the end, play this game. I honestly think this is a well made game for FREE, and I believe anybody will have a fun time with it. 

The year of 2023. What an interesting year it was for me personally. Honestly, I’m done with this year, so instead of thinking about the memories I’d rather forget, let’s go through the best movies of the year!

Scream 6 (Released March 10th)

(Credit: Wikipedia)

Starring: Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding

Director(s): Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett

Scream 6 is the first movie on my list and first horror movie! With the fifth movie being an excellent addition to the franchise, this sixth installment takes us out of Woodsboro and into the city that never sleeps: New York. This movie clearly benefits from the change of scenery, adding suspense in ways that was unreachable for the franchise until this point, like the subway scene with Mindy (Jasmin Savoy-Brown) or the ladder scene with Anika (Devyn Nekoda). The story follows sisters Sam (Barrera) and Tara (Ortega) as they fight against another Ghostface. 

(Credit: Variety)

What made this one stand out to me more is the lack of legacy characters this time around. Courtney Cox returns as Gale Weathers, in a very small cameo, while Hayden Panettiere reprises her role as Kirby Reed from Scream 4 in a much more substantial role. Despite those additions, this is Barrera and Ortega’s movie, with their relationship becoming the main thing holding the movie together. The Ghostfaces (Yes, more than one) are kinda mediocre and predictable, but the motives aren’t, which makes up for it. All in all, an awesome suspenseful film that is a perfect end to a franchise, thanks to Barrera, Ortega, and the director leaving. 

Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (Released March 31st)

(Credit: Wikipedia)

Starring: Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis

Director(s): Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley

An underrated gem from this year is Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. The trailers did this movie an injustice, as it was nothing like they made it out to be. Pine and Rodriguez play a perfect platonic pair of friends as they try to survive in this big fantasy world. The story follows Edgin (Pine) and Holga (Rodriguez) as they travel across the world to save Edgin’s daughter Kira (Chloe Coleman) from Forge (Hugh Grant). Everyone plays their parts to perfection, and it makes you feel like you’re playing as these characters, and it shows that not everything will go as planned. 

(Credit: NY Post)

There are so many funny moments from the Fat Dragon to different ways Edgin gets out of sticky situations. It also helps that both Smith and Lillis play excellent side characters that add to the awkward dynamic that may feel familiar to D&D players. Along with that, there are fun cameos from different actors that I won’t spoil that made me and my friends laugh. I hate that this film didn’t get more love because it truly is a joy to watch it. All in all, this is an amazing movie that deserves more love, and you should give it a watch if you haven’t, you’ll enjoy it!!

Evil Dead Rise (Released April 21st)

(Credit: IMDb)

Starring: Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland, Morgan Davies, Gabrielle Echols

Director: Lee Cronin

Another horror movie that came out this year, and on my birthday, was Evil Dead Rise! This was my first time watching an Evil Dead movie in the theater, and I really enjoyed it, thanks to other patrons in the theater. This movie was brutal, but not as brutal as the 2013 remake. A lot of people were mad about how goofy the movie was, but that’s actually my favorite part! It was like a return to the original Evil Dead, taking it back to its roots. I loved the change in scenery, from a cabin in the middle of the woods to an apartment building on the verge of falling apart. 

(Credit: Variety)

The cold open was literally the best part, shoving people into the deep end and showing what’s to come. The story follows sisters Beth (Sullivan) and Ellie (Sutherland) as Ellie becomes possessed and begins to attack her sister and three children in their apartment. It was so suspenseful and insanely dramatic, to the point where it was laughable in the best way possible. Although, I’ll admit, the ending kind of lost me a little, I was willing to look past it thanks to the performances of the actors on screen. Overall, I say if you’re a fan of the first three Evil Dead movies starring Bruce Campbell, I highly recommend it. If you’re a fan of only the 2013 remake, I suggest going in with a bit of a warning that it is not as intense as the previous remake. 

Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 (Released May 5th)

(Credit: IMDb)

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan 

Director: James Gunn

The end of a beautiful trilogy. Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 not only solidifies the fact that this is the best trilogy, but also Gunn’s reputation as the best director in the MCU. From the very beginning, Gunn perfectly captured the tone of the film, and didn’t let me go until the very end. The story revolves around Rocket (Bradley Cooper) suffering a deadly injury, where Peter (Pratt) and the other Guardians travel to save him. 

(Credit: Space.com)

Throughout this movie, I was so anxious that someone was going to die, but to my surprise, Gunn didn’t kill anyone off. I adore this film so much, and while Gunn has left, I will hold this story and the other two in my heart forever. If you would like to read more about the Guardians from me, please go to my previous post!

The Little Mermaid (Released May 26th)

(Credit: Wikipedia)

Starring: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina

Director: Rob Marshall

Ah, the best Disney remake. Ariel has always been my favorite princess. I wasn’t born when the movie first came out, but coming from Hawai’i, I’m constantly surrounded by water, so how could I not have Ariel as my favorite princess? When I heard that they were remaking it for live action, I was excited. I was even more excited when they casted Bailey in the role. 

(Credit: Screencrush)

Although I am not African American myself, I am a POC, and it made me so happy to see representation. I can see the joy in other girls' faces when they see Bailey performing as Ariel, and it brings a tear to my eye. I never had anything like that growing up and seeing them makes me so happy. If you would like to read more about The Little Mermaid, please read my post below.

Spider Man: Across the Spider Verse (Released June 2nd)

(Credit: IMDb)

Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brain Tyler Henry, Lauren Vélez

Director(s): Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson

The sequel to the highly praised Spider Verse movie has finally been released this year, and it does not disappoint. First off, addressing something in the room, although it is a Part One to another movie, this is a full movie, and it does end on a cliffhanger, but it has an ending! This movie tries to pack so much into its runtime, that I’m surprised it even accomplished being a complete movie! It builds off of everything that happened in ‘Into the Spiderverse’, building off of characters like Gwen and Peter B. Parker, while also making us care about new characters, like Spider Punk and Spider-Man India. 

(Credit: Polygon)

This might be pretty contriversial, but I am not a fan of Spider-Man 2099, he’s too much of an asshole for me to care about him. The only saving grace is that he’s played by Oscar Isaac. Also, Jason Schwartzman as the villain was surprisingly amazing, and his origin story is hilarious. All in all, an excellent sequel that leaves me dying for more!

Elemental (Released June 16th)

(Credit: Disney Movies)

Starring: Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi

Director: Peter Sohn

Pixar is still releasing bangers, with Elemental being added to the list. First off, the trailers did this movie a HUGE disservice! It sold it as some whimsical world where elements live together in harmony, but it is a retelling of Sohn’s life story told through the eyes of Ember (Lewis). It is emotional, and it hits me in a certain way, thanks to being raised with Asian parents. 

(Credit: Los Angeles Times)

Ember and Wade (Athie) are both adorable in their own way, and I believe that people just saw this as a Zootopia rip off and decided not to go. It’s not!! They’re two different stories!! Please go ahead and watch it if you haven’t!! You will not be disappointed. With Pixar movies just being shoved into Disney+, Elemental deserves to be on the big screen. 

Hi there, I’m sorry that I lied, I’m back now and everything is okay! I will be posting a review of Percy Jackson this Friday, but today we are going to finish this and get back on schedule.

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (Released July 12th)

(Credit: Amazon)

Starring: Tom Cruise, Haley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

I have loved the Mission Impossible series since the beginning, and this is no exception. Tom Cruise still has it as Ethan Hunt. This movie plays around with the real threat of AI, which scared President Biden. This movie is the perfect way to showcase just how terrifying AI can be, while also being a fun action packed movie. 

(Credit: IMDb)

This movie will leave you gripping on your arm rest as you watch the intense thriller portions. While I may not be a fan of Haley Atwell’s character (and she is in here a lot), I can overlook that for more Benji (love him) and the other characters. I cannot wait for the sequel to come out, but until then, I’ll be patiently waiting.

Barbie (Released July 21st)

(Credit: Microsoft)

Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon

Director: Greta Gerwig

Now, onto the powerhouses of the summer. First, I want to talk about Barbie, which I watched second after Oppenheimer. Barbie was an amazing movie! I loved everything about it. From the perfect Barbie and Ken castings to the story of Barbie learning about the real world was something I didn't know I needed. 

(Credit: Deadline)

I have been a woman studies student for a while, and this movie literally answers everything that we discuss in our classes. I remember taking my boyfriend to watch this during the iMAX rerelease, and he cried during the montage part, and he squeezed my hand. He loves the movie, I love the movie, it’s great.

Oppenheimer (Released July 21st)

(Credit: IMDb)

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr. 

Director: Christopher Nolan

Oh, Oppenheimer. What a powerhouse. Fun fact, I did a History research project on Oppenheimer with two other classmates. We won our county’s competition. My portion was on the aftermath of the bombings, which included the Strauss’ hearings and the security clearance meetings. This movie was a masterpiece, visually, musically, every aspect was created with such care. 

(Credit: The Lantern)

And to everyone who thinks this movie is pro bomb, rewatch it. I promise you it is not. If you rewatch it and still come to that conclusion, I don’t know how much else to tell you than...you're dumb, I don’t know. Another fun fact, the first time I watched this, a guy gave me COVID.

Blue Beetle (Released August 18th)

(Credit: IMDb)

Starring: Xolo Maridueña, Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Elpidia Carrillo

Director: Angel Manuel Soto

Blue Beetle, the beginning of the James Gunn led DC Universe. Honestly, this is a great one to start on. Sure, it is a little predictable with the plot, what really sells it is Jaime (Xolo Maridueña) and his relationship with his family. This movie would not be what it is if it were not for the supporting casts’ relationship with Maridueña. 

(Credit: The Washington Post)

Maridueña also excels in this role as Jaime. I haven’t watched Cobra Kai, which is what he is known for, but I am completely sold on him just from this performance alone. He becomes the hero that not only his family needs, but the DC universe. I am disappointed it didn’t do as well as it deserved, so if you haven’t watched it yet, WATCH IT!

Five Nights at Freddy’s (Released October 27th)

(Credit: Wikipedia)

Starting: Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Mary Stuart

Director: Emma Tammi

Oh my gods, Five Nights at Freddy’s. I have loved the series since its release in 2014, which is where I was introduced to Markiplier. So, since I was a big fan of the game, I have been waiting for an adaptation forever. Honestly though, I was concerned as to how they were going to do it, since there wasn’t really a cinematic story when it came to the first game. I mean, the first Game Theory video on Five Nights at Freddy, MatPat linked it to a real Chuck E Cheese Massacre. What they came up with was not what I was expecting in the best way possible. 

(Credit: AP News)

This was a crazy ass movie, and it needed to be. Also, love that Living Tombstones had their song in the credits, I still listen to that song to this day. Along with that, Josh Hutcherson is amazing in this movie, carrying it, and my favorite, Matthew Lillard, steals the show. One critique I must say is that I wish they didn’t share that he was Purple Guy, honestly. Seeing the reveal would have been incredible, and with him saying his iconic line, it was a masterpiece.

The Boy and the Heron (Released December 8th)

(Credit: IMDb)

Starting: Luca Padovan, Robert Pattinson, Karen Fukuhara, Gemma Chan

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

The Boy and the Heron is one of, if not, the best animated film of the year. I love it so much, and hope to one day watch the sub version. This is an amazing story that shows the journey of a boy going through life in the wake of his mother’s passing. He ventures into a mysterious realm to save his stepmother. I love Miyazaki films, and this is no exception. 

(Credit: IGN)

He brings it in this film, especially casting Robert Pattinson as the titular Heron for the English dub. If nobody told me that it was Pattinson, I would not be able to tell. This movie relies on many different characters and the way they interact with the titular Boy, Mahito. It is honestly a joy to watch, and while it is a little jarring to hear some familiar voices in there, it doesn’t take you out of the movie.

Okay, I have some more movies, but we will do a quick Honorable Mention thing.

Honorable Mention Quick Round

Leave the World Behind

This Netflix movie is a must watch for those who are reliant on technology. This movie shows just what might happen when America falls victim to a cyberattack.

Fast X

This series never ceases to catch my attention. While this installment might be weaker than ones before it, I believe it is still an entertaining movie that will keep you entertained. 

The Marvels

The latest movie in the MCU was a fun, action packed film. Iman Vallani is a standout in this movie, carrying it on her shoulders. It was also nice to see Zawe Ashton, Tom Hiddleston’s fiancee, in a role.

Air

This movie based on the Air Jordan shoes is an interesting movie that showed the legacy of the shoe that became one of the best selling shoes in the world. I would give this another watch on a rainy day.

Quiz Lady

This straight to Hulu movie brings Awkwafina and Sandra Oh as sisters trying to get their dog back by going on a quiz show. This is a cute movie, which especially shows just how far siblings are willing to go for one another.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Indiana Jones’ latest adventure was an action filled, well, adventure. I really enjoyed it, but this movie also suffered from an unlikeable sidekick in the form of Phoebe Waller-Bridges character. 

The Iron Claw

A heartbreaking movie that I had known nothing about going in, and I was devastated by the end, crying until I had no more tears to give. Also, Zac Efron is unrecognizable in the role as Kevin Von Erich. Best role he has ever done, in my opinion.

Hi everyone!

Long time no see! It has been a bit since I posted last! I wanted to share with you all a couple updates to my blog.

First off, I will be posting every single Friday Night (Movie Related), every other Monday Night (Gaming) and every other Wednesday Night (Personal). This way, I can still post what I want and I can share my love and experiences with all of you.

Secondly, I am starting up my Youtube Channel again! It will be under 'RenYen808' most likely. I hope to make unique content on there, but may also recreate the content I make here in an audio or visual form.

That's all the updates I have! Cannot wait to share with you my first blog post, which is on the best movies of 2023!

Hello everyone! Welcome to my blog ‘Screen and Joystick’! This blog specializes in movies, video games, music, pop culture, and more!

My name is RenYen. I got my name thanks to a particular Star Wars character (Kylo Ren) and the currency of my most prominent ethnicity (Japanese). I am currently a college student, but I am passionate when it comes to the Pop Culture scene, particularly movies and video games. Over the past couple years, I have expanded my horizons when it comes to my taste in films and games, and I want to share this journey with you all. I wanted to create a space where I can share my insight of movies, and open a healthy space where we can converse and share opinions on it without being attacked. 

You guys should read my blog because I will bring a unique perspective on the things we all enjoy! When it comes to the big blockbusters to watch or small indie films that deserve attention, to big video games and small indie ones, I want to share it with you and allow you all to read my opinion.