I know it's been a super long time since I've done a list, but there is a reason for it.
I was reallllly busy dealing with life, basically. Between high school graduation, art projects, cosplay projects, and getting ready for college, I've not really had any time for this blog.
I'm HOPING to have a new post up within the month, but I can't guarantee anything.
Until then, the blog's on hiatus.
25 August 2011
16 April 2011
My 10 Favorite Anime and OVAs (That you should watch too)
It's been a little while. I'm alright, more or less. I finished playing Dragon Age: Origins, went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows pt. 1 (for the third time. DX) at the local college here. It was so much fun. I also went to the zoo (again) and did Relay for Life with my mom and aunt. It was a lot of fun, especially at 4 o clock in the morning when my mom and aunt became delirious. Best. Night. Ever.
So, I changed this post being about music to this post being about MY top ten favorite anime and OVAs. This isn't really an in depth analysis of the stories as if it were a legit list, nor do they reflect the "real" best of the industry. Most of you probably won't agree with me if I were to say these were the best the industry has to offer, because they aren't and it's really a question of preference. Some of you may say that Bleach (yech!) or Fist of the North Star is the best. I don't really care, cuz this is my list. Make your own if you don't like it. ;)
(WARNING: Here thar be spoilaaaars!... Did you like my Fail Pirate?)
(Original Japanese Manga Cover)
10. Berserk - Berserk is one of those anime that seems your standard run of the mill anime... until the shit starts going down. Demons, women getting raped, unborn children becoming corrupted, and the god awfulness that is politics becomes interwoven into the plot in question. In the middle of all this is Guts, a sword for hire who just happened to have joined the Band of the Hawk as a way of making money and a living. If you couldn't tell, he's the main character. What I liked about Berserk was the fact that it didn't sugar coat things, it showed you what happens in plain, and non metaphorical images, such as sex, death, violence, and just what greed can do to people. (talking about the Manga now) You KNOW Casca was raped. You KNOW Griffith is a total douche bag who "becomes" a God Hand and rapes Casca IN FRONT OF GUTS. It doesn't get more douche-bagger-y than that. Anyway, Guts goes on a quest for revenge, and it is awesome. For once, the good guys don't win. Which is also just as awesome. I like a story that deviates from the norm. Just be forewarned, the anime is pretty depressing.
9. Black Rock Shooter - This is my favorite OVA, not gonna lie. In the "Human World" it follows two young girls just starting out in middle school. Yomi has moved, and very shy at first, surprisingly makes friends with the more outgoing Mato. The two of them join different sports teams, volleyball and basketball, respectively, and their friendship grows. However, the next year they are moved to different classes, and Yomi becomes jealous of Mato's new relationship with the basketball club manager, Yuu. She disappears, and Mato and the police cannot find her. Receiving a blank message from Yomi, Mato goes to their meeting place, and finds a star shaped charm she'd given the other girl. It begins to glow, and that's when Black Rock Shooter (as shown on the cover) shows up out of no where and offers Mato help. If Mato "merges" with BRS, she'll be able to find Yomi, in the "Other World." From there, I'm not going to reveal any more. Suffice to say, it was really good. The OVA is based off of an illustration by Huke, and later a music video by the group Supercell, sung by Vocaloid synthesizer Hatsune Miku. A manga has begun, and a video game is also in the works. Needless to say, I am excite.
8. Vandread - One of the few mecha anime I'll watch, and it's pretty over the top with the sexual references and jokes, but it has an awesome plot. The story takes place some time in the distant future, where men and women have separated and live on separate planets (Taraak for men, Majere for women). Hibiki, being the idiot he is, decides to smuggle a vanguard from Taraak's military forces by smuggling himself on a battleship. The battleship however, is attacked by female pirates, and from there, things for Hibiki aren't exactly looking up. He gets caught up in a Strange Love Square, the war between the sexes, and some pretty big Surprises. The visual effects of this anime were awesome when they came out, and are still kind of impressive. I enjoy the story, and the individual character backgrounds, especially Meia's (pictured with the blue hair). Just be prepared for some weird sexual references.
7. Puella Magi Madoka Magica - I've already covered this anime in a previous blog post, but it's quickly become one of my favorites. For those of you who have not read my blog about it, it's about a group of girls - and one in particular, named Madoka, who have sold their souls to a little cat thing (it's really an alien) called Kyubey (or Incubator, whichever you prefer), in return however, they have their greatest wish granted. In exchange, they must fight Witches, beings that destroy lives and eventually (it seems) destroys the world if given the chance. One problem is that these girls eventually become Witches themselves. All of this is to halt the dying of the Universe. Which totally sucks. Anyway, it's really good, and I cried during Episode 10, and yeah. It's awesome. Watch it. I don't want to give too much away. If you want to learn more, go read my blog about it.
6. Hellsing Ultimate - This IS NOT about the Anime. Which totally sucks. Ugh. Anyway, this is about the OVA, which, sadly, I have not finished cuz I can't find a good quality episode 6. D: (Again) Anyway, the basic plot consists of Vampires, the Catholic Church, the Protestant Church, and Nazis. Pretty straightforward, right? It more or less is. Alucard (Dracula if you can't process that backwards) is now a "dog" of the Protestant Church, killing vampires, partly because it's his job, and also cuz he really likes doing it. He once upon a time made some Nazis really mad so now they want to make themselves vampires like him, and probably kill him. Good luck with that, you crazy Nazis. The only thing you need to know going in is that it's very gory.
5. Ef - A Tale of Melodies - Originally a Visual Novel series by Minori, and another one of my favorite series. The first series(Memories) follows 3 different love stories, with the stories rarely intersecting. You also meet most of the characters of the second series in the first series. In the second series(Melodies), it follows two love stories, one of which is happening in the past. It may seem to just follow love stories, but there is also friendship dynamics, and an underlying plot about the destruction of one of the cities the series takes place in. It's extremely emotionally engaging, and for the sake of not revealing too much, I'll only say that things get tense. Seriously, watch it. It's ridiculously good.
4. Angel Sanctuary - Ok, the thing about Angel Sanctuary anyone ever remembers is the incest. There's more to the story than simply that. The story follows the overriding conflict between God's Angels and the Demons of Hell, and in the OVA, it leads up to the Awakening of Alexiel and Setsuna's decision to go to Hell to find the soul of his sister/beloved, Sarah. The THING about the incest, and why it's even there, is the fact that every reincarnation of Alexiel leads a tragic and short life, and Setsuna's is rife with the forbidden desire for his sister. He knows it's wrong, but he still desires her. It's one of my favorites because of the religious conflict. I like that Angels are shown with flaws, similar to Humans, and the fate of the war rests on the shoulders of a young man that just wants to live normally. I truly adore Angel Sanctuary.
3. Hetalia -Whenever I think about World History now, I immediately think of THIS show. The show takes place between World War I and World War II, with the personifications of the the different countries of the world as main characters. It primarily follows Italy, Germany, and Japan (the Axis Powers during WWII) and their... escapades, but it also shows the dynamic relationships between America, France, and England (some of the Allied Forces during WWII). A lot of fan-girls love this show simply for it's yaoi potential (there's very few female countries). It doesn't help that France runs around naked and tries to marry England (both of them are male). What makes it so fun really is how completely out there the show is, but it still manages to educate the viewer about various events that happened in the world in this specific time frame. You DO actually learn some things, which is kinda awesome. I know someone who didn't study at all for their World History exam and used Hetalia as a reference and actually PASSED the exam. Anyway, you should watch it. It's very funny, if a little racist. But really, everyone's a little bit racist.
2. Ouran High School Host Club - Ouran is one of those shows that affectionately parodies it's own genre, which makes it automatically awesome. The show follows Haruhi, who's a "Special" student (she's poor) who's been allowed into an Elite Academy for the Rich and Famous. On like, her first day she manages to make herself confused for a male, and breaks a very, very expensive vase. Because she broke the very expensive vase (that was owned by the Host Club of the school) she becomes the Host Club's lap dog and veritable slave to pay them back. Once they find out she's female however, things get a little wacky. They decide to make her a Host so she'll have a better chance to pay back the Host Club for the vase, but she has to pretend to be male. Really the best part of this show is really the other characters, in particular the twins and Tamaki; they're hilarious. It has legit shoujo moments, but even those are done tastefully.
1. Loveless - Loveless is one of those anime that people have heard of, but probably haven't watched. A lot of fan-girls love the yaoi potential with this show. It really straddles the line between harmless Shonen - Ai and Yaoi. What I enjoy about it is the artwork and the plot line. Ritsuka's brother was found burnt to death in Ritsuka's class room, and it's been some time since that really occurred. Since then, Ritsuka is abused by his mother daily and has undergone a complete personality change - in fact, he suffers from multiple personalities, part of the reason his mother abuses him so much. One day, out of the blue, a tall, blond man shows up out of nowhere, and claims he loves Ritsuka. His name is Soubi, and he claims to be Ritsuka's Fighter Unit, and once was Seimei's Fighter Unit. Ritsuka, however, knows nothing about Fighter Units. Over time, Ritsuka becomes obsessed with finding out why his brother died, and he and Soubi are relentlessly pursued but the "Powers That Be" who happen to be in charge of Fighter and Sacrifice Units, and the ones responsible for Seimei's death. This show is one of my all time favorites, even if the anime deviates from the plot of the manga.
Well, it took me a lot longer than I wanted to write this, and I'm kind of drained. Next time I'll be going over western animated films, some of the best ones released from the industry, from companies like Disney and Dreamworks. Anywho, let me know what you think, please. Ciao!
So, I changed this post being about music to this post being about MY top ten favorite anime and OVAs. This isn't really an in depth analysis of the stories as if it were a legit list, nor do they reflect the "real" best of the industry. Most of you probably won't agree with me if I were to say these were the best the industry has to offer, because they aren't and it's really a question of preference. Some of you may say that Bleach (yech!) or Fist of the North Star is the best. I don't really care, cuz this is my list. Make your own if you don't like it. ;)
(WARNING: Here thar be spoilaaaars!... Did you like my Fail Pirate?)
10. Berserk - Berserk is one of those anime that seems your standard run of the mill anime... until the shit starts going down. Demons, women getting raped, unborn children becoming corrupted, and the god awfulness that is politics becomes interwoven into the plot in question. In the middle of all this is Guts, a sword for hire who just happened to have joined the Band of the Hawk as a way of making money and a living. If you couldn't tell, he's the main character. What I liked about Berserk was the fact that it didn't sugar coat things, it showed you what happens in plain, and non metaphorical images, such as sex, death, violence, and just what greed can do to people. (talking about the Manga now) You KNOW Casca was raped. You KNOW Griffith is a total douche bag who "becomes" a God Hand and rapes Casca IN FRONT OF GUTS. It doesn't get more douche-bagger-y than that. Anyway, Guts goes on a quest for revenge, and it is awesome. For once, the good guys don't win. Which is also just as awesome. I like a story that deviates from the norm. Just be forewarned, the anime is pretty depressing.
(Original Pilot Cover)
9. Black Rock Shooter - This is my favorite OVA, not gonna lie. In the "Human World" it follows two young girls just starting out in middle school. Yomi has moved, and very shy at first, surprisingly makes friends with the more outgoing Mato. The two of them join different sports teams, volleyball and basketball, respectively, and their friendship grows. However, the next year they are moved to different classes, and Yomi becomes jealous of Mato's new relationship with the basketball club manager, Yuu. She disappears, and Mato and the police cannot find her. Receiving a blank message from Yomi, Mato goes to their meeting place, and finds a star shaped charm she'd given the other girl. It begins to glow, and that's when Black Rock Shooter (as shown on the cover) shows up out of no where and offers Mato help. If Mato "merges" with BRS, she'll be able to find Yomi, in the "Other World." From there, I'm not going to reveal any more. Suffice to say, it was really good. The OVA is based off of an illustration by Huke, and later a music video by the group Supercell, sung by Vocaloid synthesizer Hatsune Miku. A manga has begun, and a video game is also in the works. Needless to say, I am excite.
(some of the girls of Vandread)
8. Vandread - One of the few mecha anime I'll watch, and it's pretty over the top with the sexual references and jokes, but it has an awesome plot. The story takes place some time in the distant future, where men and women have separated and live on separate planets (Taraak for men, Majere for women). Hibiki, being the idiot he is, decides to smuggle a vanguard from Taraak's military forces by smuggling himself on a battleship. The battleship however, is attacked by female pirates, and from there, things for Hibiki aren't exactly looking up. He gets caught up in a Strange Love Square, the war between the sexes, and some pretty big Surprises. The visual effects of this anime were awesome when they came out, and are still kind of impressive. I enjoy the story, and the individual character backgrounds, especially Meia's (pictured with the blue hair). Just be prepared for some weird sexual references.
(First Japanese DVD Cover)
7. Puella Magi Madoka Magica - I've already covered this anime in a previous blog post, but it's quickly become one of my favorites. For those of you who have not read my blog about it, it's about a group of girls - and one in particular, named Madoka, who have sold their souls to a little cat thing (it's really an alien) called Kyubey (or Incubator, whichever you prefer), in return however, they have their greatest wish granted. In exchange, they must fight Witches, beings that destroy lives and eventually (it seems) destroys the world if given the chance. One problem is that these girls eventually become Witches themselves. All of this is to halt the dying of the Universe. Which totally sucks. Anyway, it's really good, and I cried during Episode 10, and yeah. It's awesome. Watch it. I don't want to give too much away. If you want to learn more, go read my blog about it.
(Cover of the First Volume OVA)
6. Hellsing Ultimate - This IS NOT about the Anime. Which totally sucks. Ugh. Anyway, this is about the OVA, which, sadly, I have not finished cuz I can't find a good quality episode 6. D: (Again) Anyway, the basic plot consists of Vampires, the Catholic Church, the Protestant Church, and Nazis. Pretty straightforward, right? It more or less is. Alucard (Dracula if you can't process that backwards) is now a "dog" of the Protestant Church, killing vampires, partly because it's his job, and also cuz he really likes doing it. He once upon a time made some Nazis really mad so now they want to make themselves vampires like him, and probably kill him. Good luck with that, you crazy Nazis. The only thing you need to know going in is that it's very gory.
(Logo of Ef - A Fairy Tale of the Two)
5. Ef - A Tale of Melodies - Originally a Visual Novel series by Minori, and another one of my favorite series. The first series(Memories) follows 3 different love stories, with the stories rarely intersecting. You also meet most of the characters of the second series in the first series. In the second series(Melodies), it follows two love stories, one of which is happening in the past. It may seem to just follow love stories, but there is also friendship dynamics, and an underlying plot about the destruction of one of the cities the series takes place in. It's extremely emotionally engaging, and for the sake of not revealing too much, I'll only say that things get tense. Seriously, watch it. It's ridiculously good.
(Original Japanese Manga Cover)
4. Angel Sanctuary - Ok, the thing about Angel Sanctuary anyone ever remembers is the incest. There's more to the story than simply that. The story follows the overriding conflict between God's Angels and the Demons of Hell, and in the OVA, it leads up to the Awakening of Alexiel and Setsuna's decision to go to Hell to find the soul of his sister/beloved, Sarah. The THING about the incest, and why it's even there, is the fact that every reincarnation of Alexiel leads a tragic and short life, and Setsuna's is rife with the forbidden desire for his sister. He knows it's wrong, but he still desires her. It's one of my favorites because of the religious conflict. I like that Angels are shown with flaws, similar to Humans, and the fate of the war rests on the shoulders of a young man that just wants to live normally. I truly adore Angel Sanctuary.
(Original Japanese Manga Cover)
3. Hetalia -Whenever I think about World History now, I immediately think of THIS show. The show takes place between World War I and World War II, with the personifications of the the different countries of the world as main characters. It primarily follows Italy, Germany, and Japan (the Axis Powers during WWII) and their... escapades, but it also shows the dynamic relationships between America, France, and England (some of the Allied Forces during WWII). A lot of fan-girls love this show simply for it's yaoi potential (there's very few female countries). It doesn't help that France runs around naked and tries to marry England (both of them are male). What makes it so fun really is how completely out there the show is, but it still manages to educate the viewer about various events that happened in the world in this specific time frame. You DO actually learn some things, which is kinda awesome. I know someone who didn't study at all for their World History exam and used Hetalia as a reference and actually PASSED the exam. Anyway, you should watch it. It's very funny, if a little racist. But really, everyone's a little bit racist.
(Original Japanese Manga Cover)
2. Ouran High School Host Club - Ouran is one of those shows that affectionately parodies it's own genre, which makes it automatically awesome. The show follows Haruhi, who's a "Special" student (she's poor) who's been allowed into an Elite Academy for the Rich and Famous. On like, her first day she manages to make herself confused for a male, and breaks a very, very expensive vase. Because she broke the very expensive vase (that was owned by the Host Club of the school) she becomes the Host Club's lap dog and veritable slave to pay them back. Once they find out she's female however, things get a little wacky. They decide to make her a Host so she'll have a better chance to pay back the Host Club for the vase, but she has to pretend to be male. Really the best part of this show is really the other characters, in particular the twins and Tamaki; they're hilarious. It has legit shoujo moments, but even those are done tastefully.
(Original Manga Cover)
1. Loveless - Loveless is one of those anime that people have heard of, but probably haven't watched. A lot of fan-girls love the yaoi potential with this show. It really straddles the line between harmless Shonen - Ai and Yaoi. What I enjoy about it is the artwork and the plot line. Ritsuka's brother was found burnt to death in Ritsuka's class room, and it's been some time since that really occurred. Since then, Ritsuka is abused by his mother daily and has undergone a complete personality change - in fact, he suffers from multiple personalities, part of the reason his mother abuses him so much. One day, out of the blue, a tall, blond man shows up out of nowhere, and claims he loves Ritsuka. His name is Soubi, and he claims to be Ritsuka's Fighter Unit, and once was Seimei's Fighter Unit. Ritsuka, however, knows nothing about Fighter Units. Over time, Ritsuka becomes obsessed with finding out why his brother died, and he and Soubi are relentlessly pursued but the "Powers That Be" who happen to be in charge of Fighter and Sacrifice Units, and the ones responsible for Seimei's death. This show is one of my all time favorites, even if the anime deviates from the plot of the manga.
Well, it took me a lot longer than I wanted to write this, and I'm kind of drained. Next time I'll be going over western animated films, some of the best ones released from the industry, from companies like Disney and Dreamworks. Anywho, let me know what you think, please. Ciao!
26 March 2011
Lists No Jutsu!
No this is not Naruto related, I've just been watching too much Naruto Abridged and Ninjabridge recently because of all the new episodes. xD Anyway... so there have been SIX fires at my high school in the span of 3 months. I find this kind of ridiculous. Last year there was a fight practically every week... now we have fires. It's so silly.There's been so many fire alarms that none of the students care any more.
I might be getting Pokemon Black soon. I'm not sure yet, but I'm kind of excited about it anyway. I still want Dead Space 2, though so I'm very conflicted about it. I know if I get it, I'll have nightmares. But I want to play it so very bad. D:
So this posts list is The Top Ten Best Movies. Onto the list!
10. A Clockwork Orange - When it comes to movies that kick you in the face and show you all the horrible things that humans are capable of... A Clockwork Orange is that bully that is in charge of the whole gang of bullies. The story is that of (15?) year old Alex DeLarge, who's pastimes include raping young women, beating up old homeless men, and getting off to Beethoven's 9th. Seriously. The only moral I think this movie (and book) shows us is how absolutely horrible we can be to each other, and how our youth is slowly being corrupted. The scary thing really is that this kind of society doesn't seem all that far-fetched with the steady increase of child murderers. It's a good story, and a great satire of society... I just recommend watching it ONLY if you aren't easily disturbed.
9. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - A film lauded as being one of the best of 2004, this film takes it's ridiculously hard to pronounce title (if you have a speech impediment) from a poem by Alexander Pope, Eloise to Abelard. If you have read that poem... it's kinda the same idea as this movie. If not... well... the story follows this guy named Joel (Jim Carrey) who meets this girl named Clementine (Kate Winslet) on a train. Despite their totally different personalities, they get along extremely well, so well in fact that it's surprising. What they don't know, and you find out, is that they're former lovers, who have had their memories of each other erased. Most of this film takes place in Joel's mind, actually, as he undergoes the procedure to have his memories of Clementine erased. But as his memories are being erased, he realizes that he doesn't want to forget her. It's all really sad, and it's a very good movie.
8. Inception - If you haven't seen this movie, I'm going to seriously wonder what is wrong with you. Anyway though, this film is now considered one of the highest grossing films of all time, and received several Academy Awards; Best Sound Editing, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects. That being said, the story follows that of Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his associates as they illegally enter someone's mind while they're sleeping and steal ideas (or plant them...). Sounds... not extremely complicated right? The only problem is that Dom's subconscious keeps messing up their efforts (his dream-wife to be precise). They're hired by Mr. Saito (Ken Watanabe) to "inception" Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy) - also known as "plant an idea in his head". Like all movies about heists, it starts to go horribly wrong. The story is amazing, the visual effects are even better, and the ending left so many people angry at Christopher Nolan.
7. Titanic - Another Leo film, Titanic is one of those movies where you know the ending, and you go see it anyway. The REAL RMS Titanic sank on April 10, 1912, if that gives you any indication of the time frame in which this story takes place. Anyway, Titanic is one of those love stories that everyone knows. When it came out, it was considered one of the best films of all time, and has only ever been beat by it's sister film, Avatar. The plot more or less takes place in like, 3 days - if that. Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) is engaged to be married to a business mogul, but she's not happy. Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) is penniless, and WINS his tickets in a poker game the day that the ship is scheduled to leave port. From there, the two meet, and begin a forbidden romance. It's made even more forbidden by the fact that the SHIP SINKS. Every girl (and most guys though they won't admit it) is a blubbery mess by the end of this film.
5. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - The Lord of the Rings film trilogy is one of my all time favorites. It's right up there with Star Wars for me. The Two Towers is my favorite for one simple scene: The battle for Helm's Deep. Anyway, though, the film picks up where the Fellowship ended, Frodo and Sam are on their way to Mordor and run into Gollum along the way, and Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli are now in Rohan looking for Mary and Pippin, where they meet up with Gandalf - who they thought was dead. I would give the actors names for their characters... but that would take a while. Suffice to say, the actors are awesome. Anyway - again, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, and Gandalf make their way to the capital of Rohan, and once there, they free the king from the Evil Clutches of Saruman. After that, the battle for Middle Earth gets crazy. This film series is based off of Tolkien's books by the same title, and Tolkien's work was literally the start of the fantasy genre. While the movies deviate from the novels some, they still bring the story to an audience who would probably never have read the books.
4. The Lion King - Probably the BEST DISNEY FILM EVER. Ahem. The Lion King came out before I was born, but it was re-released for the Christmas Season, and I was taken to go see that. The Lion King was the first film I ever saw in theaters. The story is basically an animal retelling of Hamlet. Like Hamlet, the king is killed by his brother who wants the throne. And like Hamlet, the Prince leaves home, and eventually decides to avenge his father. The plot is rather simple, and has definitely been used before, but the animation and art work is what makes this movie so good. With talent like Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, James Earl Jones, and Jeremy Irons(:D) doing the voice acting, it's easy to see why this film was the highest grossing film of 1994, and why it's the poster child of Disney's Renaissance period.
3. Psycho - Probably one of the first horror movies, Psycho is readily considered one of Hitchcock's best films. It's real life serial killer counterpart is that of Ed Gein... and if you know anything about Ed Gein.... yeah... gross. The plot is that of an encounter between Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) and Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) in a hotel that is managed by Bates... and what happens after said encounter. This movie is probably most famous for it's "shower scene" which has spawned a generation being terrified of taking a shower without checking the shower curtain first. The film was almost a flop at first, but a second review had a better impression, and the film did so well in the box office that several people wanted it banned for "bad taste." That didn't stop how successful the film became, if anything, it heightened how much people wanted to see it.
2. Gone With the Wind - If there was ever a question to think of a film about the Civil War... it would be this iconic film that people think of. Honestly, it's one of my least favorite films, what with it's ridiculous length and all the "ASHLEY!!" "SCARLETT!" "RHETT!"'s being bounced around. But it is a good film. It definitely shows life in the South after the succession and during the war. Personally, I think Scarlett (Vivian Leigh) is a whiny little girl who obviously doesn't know what she wants, but everyone thinks she's the epitome of a strong woman. Sure, she does what's necessary to scrape by during the war, but she also treats Rhett (Clark Gable) like crap because she's secretly (or not so secretly) pinning after Ashley (Leslie Howard). And yes, Ashley is a guy. I know. That is a really fruity name. Hence another reason why Rhett will always be better than Ashley. This film is also the reason for the forever immortalized line "My dear, I don't give a damn." And I just found out that there wasn't a "frankly" in front of the "my dear." My whole life has been a lie.... ANYWAY, there will be time to break down later... The film, the actors, the soundtrack, and even most of the dialogue has become something so well known that you'd be hard pressed to meet someone who didn't know at least one line of Gone With the Wind.
1. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back - So, just for everyone's information, Star Wars is probably my all time favorite movie series of all time. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is one of those films that EVERYONE knows at least one line of, most famously, "I am your father." by Darth Vader to Luke Skywalker. Anyway, in the Empire Strikes back, the Rebel Alliance is struggling - they've been forced into hiding by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, where they get totally pwned by Vader and his AT-ST's and AT-AT's who want to destroy the shields so they can further pwn the rebels. Han (Harrison Ford), Leia (Carrie Fisher), Chewbacca, and C-3P0 make their escape and Luke goes on his own to the Degobah system with R2-D2 to train with Jedi Master Yoda. Once there he comes across a little green dude and begins his training. Half way through said training though, he finds out his friends are in danger in Cloud City where they'd gone for repairs and supplies. Ends up being, Han is frozen in Carbon and given to Boba Fett (OMG I want his Mandalorian Skull as a tattoo so bad) so he can be bount...ied(?) to Jabba the Hutt. Luke dukes it out with daddy dearest (Vader), finds out he's the son of Darth Vader, and then has his hand chopped off. After that, he finds his way back to the Millennium Falcon. If you didn't know that plot... I just ruined it for you. But it's your own fault for not having watched Star Wars in the first place. Anyway, the thing I love about Star Wars is how much it's definitely a Hero's Journey kind of story. It's reminiscent of the Aenead, the Odyssey, Beowulf, and any other epic in which a young man must come into his own and snare his own destiny. Those kinds of stories are ones anyone can relate to, and that's what makes it such a wonderful story.
That's the end of the list! Next time I'mma tackle music. Hopefully. If I don't change my mind. ;) If you had any concerns, ideas, or just plain wanna talk, feel free to leave a comment in the little box. In fact, I WANT you to do that. TTFN!
I might be getting Pokemon Black soon. I'm not sure yet, but I'm kind of excited about it anyway. I still want Dead Space 2, though so I'm very conflicted about it. I know if I get it, I'll have nightmares. But I want to play it so very bad. D:
So this posts list is The Top Ten Best Movies. Onto the list!
(1971)
10. A Clockwork Orange - When it comes to movies that kick you in the face and show you all the horrible things that humans are capable of... A Clockwork Orange is that bully that is in charge of the whole gang of bullies. The story is that of (15?) year old Alex DeLarge, who's pastimes include raping young women, beating up old homeless men, and getting off to Beethoven's 9th. Seriously. The only moral I think this movie (and book) shows us is how absolutely horrible we can be to each other, and how our youth is slowly being corrupted. The scary thing really is that this kind of society doesn't seem all that far-fetched with the steady increase of child murderers. It's a good story, and a great satire of society... I just recommend watching it ONLY if you aren't easily disturbed.
(2004)
9. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - A film lauded as being one of the best of 2004, this film takes it's ridiculously hard to pronounce title (if you have a speech impediment) from a poem by Alexander Pope, Eloise to Abelard. If you have read that poem... it's kinda the same idea as this movie. If not... well... the story follows this guy named Joel (Jim Carrey) who meets this girl named Clementine (Kate Winslet) on a train. Despite their totally different personalities, they get along extremely well, so well in fact that it's surprising. What they don't know, and you find out, is that they're former lovers, who have had their memories of each other erased. Most of this film takes place in Joel's mind, actually, as he undergoes the procedure to have his memories of Clementine erased. But as his memories are being erased, he realizes that he doesn't want to forget her. It's all really sad, and it's a very good movie.
(2010)
8. Inception - If you haven't seen this movie, I'm going to seriously wonder what is wrong with you. Anyway though, this film is now considered one of the highest grossing films of all time, and received several Academy Awards; Best Sound Editing, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects. That being said, the story follows that of Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his associates as they illegally enter someone's mind while they're sleeping and steal ideas (or plant them...). Sounds... not extremely complicated right? The only problem is that Dom's subconscious keeps messing up their efforts (his dream-wife to be precise). They're hired by Mr. Saito (Ken Watanabe) to "inception" Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy) - also known as "plant an idea in his head". Like all movies about heists, it starts to go horribly wrong. The story is amazing, the visual effects are even better, and the ending left so many people angry at Christopher Nolan.
(1997)
7. Titanic - Another Leo film, Titanic is one of those movies where you know the ending, and you go see it anyway. The REAL RMS Titanic sank on April 10, 1912, if that gives you any indication of the time frame in which this story takes place. Anyway, Titanic is one of those love stories that everyone knows. When it came out, it was considered one of the best films of all time, and has only ever been beat by it's sister film, Avatar. The plot more or less takes place in like, 3 days - if that. Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) is engaged to be married to a business mogul, but she's not happy. Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) is penniless, and WINS his tickets in a poker game the day that the ship is scheduled to leave port. From there, the two meet, and begin a forbidden romance. It's made even more forbidden by the fact that the SHIP SINKS. Every girl (and most guys though they won't admit it) is a blubbery mess by the end of this film.
(1993)
6. Schindler's List - In terms of WWII movies... this one is my favorite. You can make half a dozen movies like Saving Private Ryan, because it's easy to tell the Allies point of view. But telling the German point of view, especially showing the way that the Jews were treated prior and after they were sent to the Death Camps... it isn't done often, and I feel that it should. A lot of people completely disregard the fact that the Holocaust happened; in fact, a lot of people don't believe it even happened. Movies like this one FORCE people to recognize it, to acknowledge it. The plot follows the story of Oskar Shindler, a business man who saved the lives of over a thousand Jews by employing them in his factories. Throughout the movie as it shows the business choices of Shindler, it also shows the actions of the Nazis and what they did to the Jews. The scene in which Shindler (Liam Neeson) literally breaks down in front of the Jews he saved, as he's fleeing from the Red Army... I was sobbing by the end of that scene.
(2002)
5. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - The Lord of the Rings film trilogy is one of my all time favorites. It's right up there with Star Wars for me. The Two Towers is my favorite for one simple scene: The battle for Helm's Deep. Anyway, though, the film picks up where the Fellowship ended, Frodo and Sam are on their way to Mordor and run into Gollum along the way, and Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli are now in Rohan looking for Mary and Pippin, where they meet up with Gandalf - who they thought was dead. I would give the actors names for their characters... but that would take a while. Suffice to say, the actors are awesome. Anyway - again, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, and Gandalf make their way to the capital of Rohan, and once there, they free the king from the Evil Clutches of Saruman. After that, the battle for Middle Earth gets crazy. This film series is based off of Tolkien's books by the same title, and Tolkien's work was literally the start of the fantasy genre. While the movies deviate from the novels some, they still bring the story to an audience who would probably never have read the books.
(1994)
4. The Lion King - Probably the BEST DISNEY FILM EVER. Ahem. The Lion King came out before I was born, but it was re-released for the Christmas Season, and I was taken to go see that. The Lion King was the first film I ever saw in theaters. The story is basically an animal retelling of Hamlet. Like Hamlet, the king is killed by his brother who wants the throne. And like Hamlet, the Prince leaves home, and eventually decides to avenge his father. The plot is rather simple, and has definitely been used before, but the animation and art work is what makes this movie so good. With talent like Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, James Earl Jones, and Jeremy Irons(:D) doing the voice acting, it's easy to see why this film was the highest grossing film of 1994, and why it's the poster child of Disney's Renaissance period.
(1960)
3. Psycho - Probably one of the first horror movies, Psycho is readily considered one of Hitchcock's best films. It's real life serial killer counterpart is that of Ed Gein... and if you know anything about Ed Gein.... yeah... gross. The plot is that of an encounter between Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) and Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) in a hotel that is managed by Bates... and what happens after said encounter. This movie is probably most famous for it's "shower scene" which has spawned a generation being terrified of taking a shower without checking the shower curtain first. The film was almost a flop at first, but a second review had a better impression, and the film did so well in the box office that several people wanted it banned for "bad taste." That didn't stop how successful the film became, if anything, it heightened how much people wanted to see it.
(1940)
2. Gone With the Wind - If there was ever a question to think of a film about the Civil War... it would be this iconic film that people think of. Honestly, it's one of my least favorite films, what with it's ridiculous length and all the "ASHLEY!!" "SCARLETT!" "RHETT!"'s being bounced around. But it is a good film. It definitely shows life in the South after the succession and during the war. Personally, I think Scarlett (Vivian Leigh) is a whiny little girl who obviously doesn't know what she wants, but everyone thinks she's the epitome of a strong woman. Sure, she does what's necessary to scrape by during the war, but she also treats Rhett (Clark Gable) like crap because she's secretly (or not so secretly) pinning after Ashley (Leslie Howard). And yes, Ashley is a guy. I know. That is a really fruity name. Hence another reason why Rhett will always be better than Ashley. This film is also the reason for the forever immortalized line "My dear, I don't give a damn." And I just found out that there wasn't a "frankly" in front of the "my dear." My whole life has been a lie.... ANYWAY, there will be time to break down later... The film, the actors, the soundtrack, and even most of the dialogue has become something so well known that you'd be hard pressed to meet someone who didn't know at least one line of Gone With the Wind.
(1980)
1. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back - So, just for everyone's information, Star Wars is probably my all time favorite movie series of all time. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is one of those films that EVERYONE knows at least one line of, most famously, "I am your father." by Darth Vader to Luke Skywalker. Anyway, in the Empire Strikes back, the Rebel Alliance is struggling - they've been forced into hiding by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, where they get totally pwned by Vader and his AT-ST's and AT-AT's who want to destroy the shields so they can further pwn the rebels. Han (Harrison Ford), Leia (Carrie Fisher), Chewbacca, and C-3P0 make their escape and Luke goes on his own to the Degobah system with R2-D2 to train with Jedi Master Yoda. Once there he comes across a little green dude and begins his training. Half way through said training though, he finds out his friends are in danger in Cloud City where they'd gone for repairs and supplies. Ends up being, Han is frozen in Carbon and given to Boba Fett (OMG I want his Mandalorian Skull as a tattoo so bad) so he can be bount...ied(?) to Jabba the Hutt. Luke dukes it out with daddy dearest (Vader), finds out he's the son of Darth Vader, and then has his hand chopped off. After that, he finds his way back to the Millennium Falcon. If you didn't know that plot... I just ruined it for you. But it's your own fault for not having watched Star Wars in the first place. Anyway, the thing I love about Star Wars is how much it's definitely a Hero's Journey kind of story. It's reminiscent of the Aenead, the Odyssey, Beowulf, and any other epic in which a young man must come into his own and snare his own destiny. Those kinds of stories are ones anyone can relate to, and that's what makes it such a wonderful story.
That's the end of the list! Next time I'mma tackle music. Hopefully. If I don't change my mind. ;) If you had any concerns, ideas, or just plain wanna talk, feel free to leave a comment in the little box. In fact, I WANT you to do that. TTFN!
15 March 2011
I lied. Feature: Puella Magi Madoka Magica
So I decided this post was NOT going to be another list. Instead, it's gonna be a feature of Puella Magi Madoka Magica. This anime is growing in popularity and it's one of my favorites. It also makes me extremely angry.
Anyway, life hasn't really changed at all for me. lol I've been kinda stressed about school and boys. But it's all good now.
I went to the beach on sunday and there were a whole bunch of jellyfish that had washed up. I got some awesome pictures and my inner nerd was extremely happy. I felt kinda bad too, though. It made me a little sad that they were washing up. Now I have a sun burn from hell on my chest.
Now, on to the feature!
Puella Magi Madoka Magica - otherwise known as Madoka, SEEMS like your average, normal, happy Magical Girl show. See? It seems like a nice, happy show.
This is Kyubey. He seems pretty harmless, and slightly creepy at first, what with the strange smile that never leaves his face, and his adorable fuzzy-ness. But then you kinda start to notice he doesn't portray almost any emotions. Which gets even creepier as the episodes progress.
I'm not going to go into extreme detail with this review/rant, simply because the show is almost over, but only almost. There's still some stuff going on, and I don't want to spoil anything for those that may want to watch this show.
Unlike other Magical Girl shows *cough mostofSailorMoon cough* this show completely ignores and makes fun of the idea of "The Power of Friendship!" Which is really refreshing as much as it is depressing. Within the first 3 episodes THIS happens:
And it's more or less downhill from there. After this, the main characters are all grieving for Mami in their own way. And then even more depressing stuff happens. It becomes apparent pretty quickly that those who choose the Puella Magi path are pretty much screwed. You spend your entire life fighting "witches" and almost no one cares about you. If you die, no one will likely know about it, and you just become a missing person. AND YOU THOUGHT IT WAS ABOUT THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP.
Tension builds as the viewer finds out about Walpurgis Night, and a girl named Kyoko Sakura comes into the picture. After Sayaka becomes a witch, the depressing factor is amped up a notch as the "Power of Friendship" is mocked once again as the girls fail to bring their friend back by means of talking reason to her. I won't tell you what happens after that. Suffice to say that I was EXTREMELY ANGRY at the end of that episode.
Anyway, before I go on an angry rant, the show draws most of it's inspiration from Faust. I'm not sure if you've ever read Faust, but it's a German play about a guy who, though successful, is dissatisfied with life so he makes a deal with the Devil to have all the knowledge in the world at the measly price of his SOUL. That MIGHT have revealed just how depressing this anime is.
Like Faust, the girls choose to have a wish granted by Kyubey, but in exchange they must fight "Witches". In reality, Kyubey rips their soul from their bodies, turns it into something called a "Soul Gem" and if they don't purify said Soul Gem then they become the very thing they fought, a Witch.
UGH THIS SHOW IS SO SAD.
Ahem. Seriously though. I watched episode ten and I spontaneously burst into tears. Not gonna tell you why though. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think it's a great - if frustrating show. I definitely think it's worth watching, and I think it can only grow in popularity. It also has an awesome ending song:
Anyway, life hasn't really changed at all for me. lol I've been kinda stressed about school and boys. But it's all good now.
I went to the beach on sunday and there were a whole bunch of jellyfish that had washed up. I got some awesome pictures and my inner nerd was extremely happy. I felt kinda bad too, though. It made me a little sad that they were washing up. Now I have a sun burn from hell on my chest.
Now, on to the feature!
Puella Magi Madoka Magica - otherwise known as Madoka, SEEMS like your average, normal, happy Magical Girl show. See? It seems like a nice, happy show.
The show's premise is an alternate reality within reality. The main character, Madoka, and her best friend Sayaka lead normal high school lives. They get up, walk to school, learn, and are happy. Until ONE day, this thing shows up:
This is Kyubey. He seems pretty harmless, and slightly creepy at first, what with the strange smile that never leaves his face, and his adorable fuzzy-ness. But then you kinda start to notice he doesn't portray almost any emotions. Which gets even creepier as the episodes progress.
I'm not going to go into extreme detail with this review/rant, simply because the show is almost over, but only almost. There's still some stuff going on, and I don't want to spoil anything for those that may want to watch this show.
Unlike other Magical Girl shows *cough mostofSailorMoon cough* this show completely ignores and makes fun of the idea of "The Power of Friendship!" Which is really refreshing as much as it is depressing. Within the first 3 episodes THIS happens:
And it's more or less downhill from there. After this, the main characters are all grieving for Mami in their own way. And then even more depressing stuff happens. It becomes apparent pretty quickly that those who choose the Puella Magi path are pretty much screwed. You spend your entire life fighting "witches" and almost no one cares about you. If you die, no one will likely know about it, and you just become a missing person. AND YOU THOUGHT IT WAS ABOUT THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP.
Tension builds as the viewer finds out about Walpurgis Night, and a girl named Kyoko Sakura comes into the picture. After Sayaka becomes a witch, the depressing factor is amped up a notch as the "Power of Friendship" is mocked once again as the girls fail to bring their friend back by means of talking reason to her. I won't tell you what happens after that. Suffice to say that I was EXTREMELY ANGRY at the end of that episode.
Anyway, before I go on an angry rant, the show draws most of it's inspiration from Faust. I'm not sure if you've ever read Faust, but it's a German play about a guy who, though successful, is dissatisfied with life so he makes a deal with the Devil to have all the knowledge in the world at the measly price of his SOUL. That MIGHT have revealed just how depressing this anime is.
Like Faust, the girls choose to have a wish granted by Kyubey, but in exchange they must fight "Witches". In reality, Kyubey rips their soul from their bodies, turns it into something called a "Soul Gem" and if they don't purify said Soul Gem then they become the very thing they fought, a Witch.
Ahem. Seriously though. I watched episode ten and I spontaneously burst into tears. Not gonna tell you why though. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think it's a great - if frustrating show. I definitely think it's worth watching, and I think it can only grow in popularity. It also has an awesome ending song:
Even though this show obviously ignores the "Power of Friendship", it does recognize the bonds formed between friends. In the case of Madoka and Sayaka that bond is strong, but in the face of evil it doesn't stand. Homura is devoted to Madoka - and you eventually find out just how devoted. That kind of friendship can be admired and can definitely be empathized with.
Isn't it cute? It's actually extremely depressing in context. So you should watch this show. :)
Next time I'm back to my lists. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I have some ideas. If YOU have any ideas, be sure to leave me a comment in the little box.
Next time I'm back to my lists. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I have some ideas. If YOU have any ideas, be sure to leave me a comment in the little box.
Wanna make a contract?
27 February 2011
Life likes to throw curve balls and Second Top 10.
So it's been a lot longer than I wanted it to be between my previous post and this one. There isn't really a viable excuse for it, because I could have been working on it, but I DID have the flu... then an allergic reaction to the medication I was taking because of the flu, and now I'm on steroids for a couple of days. Otherwise, life has been pretty non-eventful. Got a hair cut. Went to a basket ball game. Got graduation stuff out of the way. And that's not really in any particular order.
This posts' list is the Top 10 Best Literary Characters. Onto the list!
10. The Stranger: Meursault Albert Camus- Meursualt was probably the epitome of the Existential conflict. He lived life to the fullest, but he didn't enjoy life; he could have died and he wouldn't have cared. He walked the fine line, and by walking that line, he dies. The Stranger is one of my favorite novels, and the conflict that is Meursault makes a compelling character. He doesn't even know how old his mother is, the next day after his mother's funeral he takes a woman home to sleep with, and he shoots a man just because the sun shines in his eye the wrong way. Sounds like a horrible character right? Honestly, for most of the novel I didn't like Meursault, but it's in the last chapter, when he's about to be hanged for killing a man, that the reader really feels for him. It is in his last moments that Meursault becomes able to appreciate life, the one thing he should have been doing the entire time. His death really left me sitting there going "WHAT THE CRAP?!"
9. The Legend of Drizzt Novels: Drizzt Do'Urden R.A. Salvatore - Drizzt was first introduced to his legions of fans as a supporting character in Salvatore's Icewind Dale Trilogy. He didn't seem like much, with Wulfgar and Bruenor in comparison. But then, he began to worm his way into the hearts and minds of thousands of fans with his racial conflicts and the simple fact that he wasn't like most other Drow - he actually cared about others. Now, spanning an entire series, readers have followed Drizzt on adventures and watched him grow into a being so unlike the rest of his race. It kind of helps that he's ridiculously good with dual wielded scimitars, and has an iron morality. He knows what's right, and what's wrong. His foil, Artemis Entreri makes for another interesting character, actually accenting the goodness that Drizzt represents. He's a great bastion of the conflicts of our own society, as he's discriminated against for the color of his skin and the long history of his blood thirsty people, the Drow.
7. The Phantom of the Opera: The Opera Ghost (Erik) Gaston Leroux - Erik - in the novel - is not a pretty boy. In the musical only half of his face is deformed and he cries a lot more. In the novel, The Phantom's whole face is deformed, his eyes are yellow, and he has a cavity where his nose should be. And he murders a lot of people for Christine. A lot. The reader spends most of the novel not really seeing the Phantom, he's just a name. But once he makes his appearance he is seared into the reader's mind. There isn't really a past for the Opera Ghost, and hints are only really dropped here and there (such as the fact that he came from Persia). The reader doesn't even know his age, or where he was born, but for some reason, his character is the most compelling of the novel. He kidnaps, murders, and threatens his way into the reader's heart. You can't help but feel for him as he laments his existence, promising Christine that once he finishes his master piece he's going to "go to sleep and never wake up."
6. Les Misérables: Inspector Javert Victor Hugo - If you've ever seen or read Les Mis you know that Javert is not the good guy. You know that he's more or less the reason Jean Valjean is on the run, and his version of morality has no room for gray areas. But for some strange reason, Javert is much loved, by myself included. He strives to uphold the law, and once his idea of the world crumbles he simply cannot handle it. But I'm not going to reveal too much, I suppose. What we know of Javert is that his mother was a prostitute and he was born in a jail, and because of this, he hates criminals. He spends the entirety of the novel chasing Valjean all over France as Valjean evades capture. But it's at the end, when Javert's world crumbles that Javert's nature becomes apparent, and we all love him even more for it.
5. Hamlet: Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark William Shakespeare - Honestly, who hasn't read Hamlet? If you haven't, shame on you. But I understand that. Hamlet IS hard to read. When I first started it, I didn't like Shakespeare. It frustrated me. But then Hamlet started to plot his revenge against Claudius and I was hooked. Hamlet is a hard character to even understand, honestly. He goes from extremes; stark raving mad, to depressed and unable to move forward with his plan. The reader begins to wonder if Hamlet is really insane or not, and by the time everything is out in the open, they still don't know. Hamlet plays his part so well, that it's hard to determine where his mind is. And at the end - as all tragedies - when everyone dies the reader is left wanting more; some kind of explanation for this whole thing seems in order, but we never get it. We're given a snippet of Hamlet's life, and nothing more. In such a short time frame we come to be engrossed in Hamlet's endeavors, and when it's over, we're left behind, empty.
4. Lolita: Humbert Humbert Vladamir Nabokov - In books about sexual obsession, one character stands out among the rest, and that is Nabokov's Humbert Humbert. This is the character that coined the term Nymphet, and with that, Lolita became synonymous with pedophiliac desires. The thing about Humbert is that he SEEMS to be a normal, and seems to tell the truth, but the reader never knows if he is really telling the truth. He twists every word and phrase to make him seem like a powerless man, a slave to Lo's sexuality. One has to wonder what he instigated and what he didn't, and what really happened. The entire novel the reader knows that Humbert is in jail, and several hints are dropped along the way as to why he's there until the end, when it's all out in the open; he killed a man. It isn't until the end that we really figure out why he committed murder (and no I'm not telling you). The thing about Humbert is that he's a biased narrator, and definitely the villain, but we love him anyway.
3. Harry Potter series: Severus Snape J.K. Rowling - Honestly, Snape is my favorite character of literally all time. He's a snarky bastard, but there's more to him than just that. In order to NOT reveal anything, I've got to tip toe around the facts, but I will reveal things you should already know. Snape has a pretty good reason for his behaviors; he was bullied by James Potter and Sirius Black his entire Hogwarts career, horrible things happened with someone that is yet to be revealed, and his father beat his mother. Seriously, Severus Snape has probably the worst existence ever. But despite this, he still fights back. He may be a flat out horrible person, but it's the reasons behind his horribleness that make him so compelling. Again, I can't reveal too much because the new movie isn't out yet... but once things are revealed, no one will view Snape the same as before. Seriously, I've read The Chapter at least six times, and it still makes me bawl like a baby. Snape's the most compelling character I've come across in a very long time.
2. Crime and Punshiment: Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov Fyodor Dostoevsky - I actually know the least about this character out of the ones I'm reviewing, as I'm not even half way done with Crime and Punishment yet, but he's honestly one of my all time favorites. Raskolnikov's mental and moral anguishes are the center point of the novel and as such, the reader becomes engrossed in them. The novel's premise is that Raskolnikov is a struggling former student, and he concocts a plan to murder a pawn-broker to take her money. Seems simple, but really, Raskolnikov spends the rest of the novel anguishing over what he's done, rationalizing it in any way possible, and by the end of it, we've become invested in Raskolnikov's story. If there's anything Dostoevsky is good at, it's making us fall in love with a murderer.
1. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: Sherlock Holmes Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Honestly there isn't a more eccentric character that anyone could review. Holmes spawned a whole genre of novels, and is even the inspiration for the popular television show House, M.D. And like House, Holmes is a walking contradiction. He uses his AMAZING deductive skills to catch criminals and save lives, but if it isn't interesting he doesn't want the case. He doesn't care about such "trivial things" as the fact that the earth revolves around the sun, but spends all of his time finding out about trivial forensic and esoteric "solutions" to crime. He's ridiculously strong, but about as skinny as a rail, going days at a time without eating just because he wants to concentrate on a case. The biggest character flaw in my mind is that despite his brilliance, Holmes is lazy, snarky, and a drug addict. Despite all of these flaws and quirks, Holmes solves his cases, his brilliant mind using the smallest clues to discover the means and mode of the crime and because of that, he's probably the most compelling, entertaining, and engaging literary character.
That's the list folks! Next time is more ranting and another list, so please stick around. :) I hope you enjoyed this, and if you have any tips or concerns, please leave a comment. Ta - Ta!
This posts' list is the Top 10 Best Literary Characters. Onto the list!
(Marcello Mastroianni as Meursault, 1967)
(Todd Lockwood's Drizzt Do'Urden, 2009)
9. The Legend of Drizzt Novels: Drizzt Do'Urden R.A. Salvatore - Drizzt was first introduced to his legions of fans as a supporting character in Salvatore's Icewind Dale Trilogy. He didn't seem like much, with Wulfgar and Bruenor in comparison. But then, he began to worm his way into the hearts and minds of thousands of fans with his racial conflicts and the simple fact that he wasn't like most other Drow - he actually cared about others. Now, spanning an entire series, readers have followed Drizzt on adventures and watched him grow into a being so unlike the rest of his race. It kind of helps that he's ridiculously good with dual wielded scimitars, and has an iron morality. He knows what's right, and what's wrong. His foil, Artemis Entreri makes for another interesting character, actually accenting the goodness that Drizzt represents. He's a great bastion of the conflicts of our own society, as he's discriminated against for the color of his skin and the long history of his blood thirsty people, the Drow.
(Larry Elmore's Raistin Majere)
8. Dragon Lance Series: Raistlin Majere Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman - Honestly, there isn't another character when all the reader can think "WHAT SIDE ARE YOU ON?!" when it comes to a confusing character. Raistlin Majere has been both protagonist and antagonist, changing sides at the drop of a hat, with the wittiest, snarkiest come backs that could even rival Severus Snape in mean-ness. In order to understand him even a little bit, here's a little back ground info on him: he's a twin, but unlike most twins, he and his brother are like night and day. Raistlin is weak, relying on his brother's strength for the most part. Raistlin, however, is an extremely powerful wizard, with an intellect that can't be rivaled. He was cursed by his mentor when he flat out killed a mirage of his brother - to see everything as if it was decaying for the rest of his life. So, on top of being sickly all the time, Raistlin only ever sees talking corpses and decaying buildings when he looks at anything. I think he's more or less allowed to be a snarky jerk. But it's deeper than that, when it comes to Raistlin. His greatest ambition is to be a God, and he'll do whatever it takes to get to that point, betray whoever, and kill whoever to get it.
( Gerard Butler as The Opera Ghost, 2004)
7. The Phantom of the Opera: The Opera Ghost (Erik) Gaston Leroux - Erik - in the novel - is not a pretty boy. In the musical only half of his face is deformed and he cries a lot more. In the novel, The Phantom's whole face is deformed, his eyes are yellow, and he has a cavity where his nose should be. And he murders a lot of people for Christine. A lot. The reader spends most of the novel not really seeing the Phantom, he's just a name. But once he makes his appearance he is seared into the reader's mind. There isn't really a past for the Opera Ghost, and hints are only really dropped here and there (such as the fact that he came from Persia). The reader doesn't even know his age, or where he was born, but for some reason, his character is the most compelling of the novel. He kidnaps, murders, and threatens his way into the reader's heart. You can't help but feel for him as he laments his existence, promising Christine that once he finishes his master piece he's going to "go to sleep and never wake up."
(Roger Allam as Inspector Javert, 1980)
6. Les Misérables: Inspector Javert Victor Hugo - If you've ever seen or read Les Mis you know that Javert is not the good guy. You know that he's more or less the reason Jean Valjean is on the run, and his version of morality has no room for gray areas. But for some strange reason, Javert is much loved, by myself included. He strives to uphold the law, and once his idea of the world crumbles he simply cannot handle it. But I'm not going to reveal too much, I suppose. What we know of Javert is that his mother was a prostitute and he was born in a jail, and because of this, he hates criminals. He spends the entirety of the novel chasing Valjean all over France as Valjean evades capture. But it's at the end, when Javert's world crumbles that Javert's nature becomes apparent, and we all love him even more for it.
(Edward Booth as Hamlet, 1870)
(Jeremy Irons as Humbert Humbert, 1997)
4. Lolita: Humbert Humbert Vladamir Nabokov - In books about sexual obsession, one character stands out among the rest, and that is Nabokov's Humbert Humbert. This is the character that coined the term Nymphet, and with that, Lolita became synonymous with pedophiliac desires. The thing about Humbert is that he SEEMS to be a normal, and seems to tell the truth, but the reader never knows if he is really telling the truth. He twists every word and phrase to make him seem like a powerless man, a slave to Lo's sexuality. One has to wonder what he instigated and what he didn't, and what really happened. The entire novel the reader knows that Humbert is in jail, and several hints are dropped along the way as to why he's there until the end, when it's all out in the open; he killed a man. It isn't until the end that we really figure out why he committed murder (and no I'm not telling you). The thing about Humbert is that he's a biased narrator, and definitely the villain, but we love him anyway.
(Alan Rickman as Severus Snape, 2001 - 2011)
3. Harry Potter series: Severus Snape J.K. Rowling - Honestly, Snape is my favorite character of literally all time. He's a snarky bastard, but there's more to him than just that. In order to NOT reveal anything, I've got to tip toe around the facts, but I will reveal things you should already know. Snape has a pretty good reason for his behaviors; he was bullied by James Potter and Sirius Black his entire Hogwarts career, horrible things happened with someone that is yet to be revealed, and his father beat his mother. Seriously, Severus Snape has probably the worst existence ever. But despite this, he still fights back. He may be a flat out horrible person, but it's the reasons behind his horribleness that make him so compelling. Again, I can't reveal too much because the new movie isn't out yet... but once things are revealed, no one will view Snape the same as before. Seriously, I've read The Chapter at least six times, and it still makes me bawl like a baby. Snape's the most compelling character I've come across in a very long time.
(John Simm as Raskolnikov, 2002)
2. Crime and Punshiment: Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov Fyodor Dostoevsky - I actually know the least about this character out of the ones I'm reviewing, as I'm not even half way done with Crime and Punishment yet, but he's honestly one of my all time favorites. Raskolnikov's mental and moral anguishes are the center point of the novel and as such, the reader becomes engrossed in them. The novel's premise is that Raskolnikov is a struggling former student, and he concocts a plan to murder a pawn-broker to take her money. Seems simple, but really, Raskolnikov spends the rest of the novel anguishing over what he's done, rationalizing it in any way possible, and by the end of it, we've become invested in Raskolnikov's story. If there's anything Dostoevsky is good at, it's making us fall in love with a murderer.
(Sidney Paget's Sherlock Holmes, 1891)
That's the list folks! Next time is more ranting and another list, so please stick around. :) I hope you enjoyed this, and if you have any tips or concerns, please leave a comment. Ta - Ta!
02 February 2011
Introductions and the Top 10 Best Video Games from the last 20 years
So, here's the obligatory into: My name is Traci, but I go by Rosemary on the inter-webs, and I'd like it to stay that way. The idea for this literally came to me at 1 'o clock in the morning when I was bored out of my mind. I know the idea probably isn't very original, but whatevs.
I intend to have a list of the Top 10 Best and Worst for pretty much whatever I feel like. The first one that I'm doing is the Top 10 Best Video Games from the last 20 years. I could do from All Time, but I think that would have to be extended beyond 10. Maybe when I've gotten a little better at this, I'll attempt such a list.The other reason I decided to go with the last 20 years is because...to be honest, I've only recently gotten back into gaming. Kinda sad, I know.
This blog will also serve as my reviews for movies or video games once I've watched them or played them...or they've been announced.
All you really need to know about me is that I'm graduating from High school this year, I enjoy reading, video games, anime, and music, and I don't have much of a life. My life consists of a few friends, my cat, and my books. Sad, I know.
On to the list!
10. Rome: Total War (PC) - Probably the best Strategic Turn Based game in a while. The fact that it is based on the historical Roman Empire makes for an interesting idea. The fact that you can fight Carthage - Rome's greatest enemy, is kinda awesome. It has quotes from various historical Romans on each loading screen, which I see as a kind of "food for thought" while you wait for the loading screen to load. What makes this game so great, and innovative, is the fact that it combines Real Time AND Turn Based Strategy, something I haven't seen very often. Playing as historic Roman Families has a certain appeal too. Overall, this game is great, and very innovative for it's time. Truly, it - and the other Total War games will continue to be as popular as they are.
9. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (PS2, PSP) - I'm actually listing this one for two reasons. One, because of my friend Izzy. He enjoys this game series quite a bit, so it's certainly garnered my interest. The other reason, is that it's hailed as a pretty awesome RPG. And if you know me, you know I love RPG's. Most of you don't, but whatever. ANYWAY. In Persona 3 you play as a High school kid and you join this special group who goes around when everyone else is asleep (sounds like a suck-y job to me) and you fight Demons. The whole Persona thing comes into play when each character summons a Persona (to I guess fight for you or to have some kind of effect) WHICH YOU SUMMON BY SHOOTING YOURSELF IN THE HEAD. Ahem. The theme of Death is pretty heavy in Persona 3, I must say. It's been described to me as RPG ("Go kill some monsters in this dungeon") meets Dating Sim ("Wanna go back to my place?"). Sounds like loads of fun. Game play is mostly Role playing and Simulation.
8. Red Dead Redemption (PS3, XBox360) - From the people who brought you Grand Theft Auto, we get RDR, an interesting Free Roaming Western video game. In this game you play as John Marston, a former Bad Guy trying to save his family, and it just so happens that he more or less becomes a Bounty Hunter in order to do this. You mostly run around on your horse killing baddies, doing farm work, and sometimes getting into nasty bar fights. Why is this game so awesome, you ask? The plot. Over the course of the game you ARE John Marston, trying to free your family and get revenge against your former gang mates. It also helps that John Marston is also a very likable character. You can really sympathize with him, which is important to keeping gamers interested. SOME PEOPLE find random acts of violence kinda boring. Having a reason is much more entertaining and engaging.
7. Dead Space (PC, PS3, XBox360) - I decided to lump these two games together mostly because the plot overlaps heavily in these games. It just so happens that I have not played these games, but for some inexplicable reason, I'm drawn to them (and I HATE Zombies or anything close). I find Isaac's dementia and the FREAKY NECROMORPHS almost fascinating. It's a Science Fiction 3rd Person Shooter that also has Survival Horror thrown in. And it is terrifying. It's in the same vein as the Silent Hill and F.E.A.R. franchises, which means it is Nightmare Fuel with a capital 'N'. The story is that Isaac (you) goes to a space ship that has lost communications, and once you get there, the WHOLE SHIP is full of reanimated dead bodies. Sounds like fun? Yeah-no. You're girlfriend is somewhere on this ship and you're looking for her, and the reason this happened. Not to give too much away, but uh... things get FUBAR. The various types of Necromorphs and the even more various ways of getting rid of them is definitely the stuff of nightmares, but it makes for interesting game play.
6.The Halo Franchise (XBox, XBox360, PC) - As much as it absolutely pains me to add this game series to the list... I must. Halo is pretty rich in game play and plot. It's one of the best 1st Person Shooters out there (this puts such a bad taste in my mouth to say!) If you haven't already played this game series (Wow, you're like a Unicorn!) the main plot is an interstellar conflict/war and you play as Master Chief (who everyone loves for some reason), the Hero of the series. The humans and the Covenant are at war and you're some kind of superhuman trying to save humanity. And then a planet called Reach gets involved and from there I'm kinda hazy on the details. All I know is that EVERYONE LOVES IT. And what little I do know of it sounds pretty cool. In a round about way. In my opinion, the best thing that ever came out of Halo is Red Vs. Blue. Regardless, I hate this franchise for how ridiculously over-marketed it is. I REALLY don't think it's as amazing as everyone thinks. But because it IS a good game series, and it's done a lot for the gaming industry, it deserves a place on this list.
5. Neverwinter Nights (PC) - Also known as "Neversleep Nights" in my house hold, this game is addictive. The fact that it's developing company is Bioware means something. It's a 3rd Person perspective Role Playing Game based in the realm of the Forgotten Realms series, which was made popular by writer R.A. Salvatore. Anyway, it really depends on the expansion pack you play, but the main story line is that you're one of many heroes who has sojourned to Waterdeep to help the city, because the whole city is afflicted with a mysterious plague. Long story short, your travels take you a lot of different places with epic boss battles after epic boss battles, with betrayal along the way. Truly worth every sleepless hour spent playing it.
4. Devil May Cry Series (PC, Xbox360, PS2, PS3) - Developed by Capcom, this hack and slash game series was born as a spiritual sibling of Resident Evil. In this particular series, you play as Dante (and in DmC 4, Nero) who happens to be half demon, fighting other demons. Dante's characterization is probably what makes this game series so popular, and as a Dante Fangirl, I can agree with this statement. The game centers around Dante's desire for revenge for his Mother's murder which COULD be considered a freaky Oedipus Complex to some. It also so happens that Dante has a brother, Vergil (I like the fact that they're all named after Roman or Italian historical figures....my history loving heart was stolen pretty quickly), who has renounced his human parentage and makes Dante reaalllllyyyyyy angry. Throughout the games Dante is a gun/sword for hire, killing other demons mostly because he gets payed (it's pretty implied - to me - that he's looking for whoever was responsible for Mommy-dearests' death). Dante's devil may care (aha did you see what I did there? I'm a genius!) attitude is a big reason he's so popular, and by extension, the games. In the game play department, it's pretty unique in that you're "graded" on your performance in battle and how many combo's you can manage to pull off.... which can be hard if you don't have very good hand-eye coordination - like me.
3. Star Fox 64 (N64, iQue Player, Virtual Console, N3DS) - My favorite N64 game, hands down. This shooter game follows the story of Fox McCloud, a...fox... who's father was killed when he was young. So, in order to be keep his father's memory alive, he becomes a space pilot during the Lylat wars. A particular planet, Venom, has been exhibiting strange behaviors, so it's Fox's job to go there. This particular game is one of many in the Star Fox series, but in my opinion it's the only good one. I actually don't have much to say about this game, because it's pretty straight forward. You can't exactly move around the levels a lot, and there's only one way to go. The boss battles are ridiculously fun, though. All in all, the game has become a cult classic with a few meme's spawned from it.
2. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (PS3, XBox360, PC) - For those few of you who actually know me, you know I LOVE Assassin's Creed. In particular, Ezio, but that's besides the point. In this 3rd person Stealth-Action game you reprise your role as Ezio Auditore da Firenze, now a middle aged man. It's pretty incredible, having watched Ezio grow from a hot-headed young man to the wise leader that he is. So, after the events of AC2, you return to Monteriggioni to live out a normal life once more.... but that doesn't really happen for you. The Templars find you and things start sucking. Ezio and his family flee to Rome, and over time, Ezio rebuilds the Assassins Guild, while trying to fight against the Pope and his family. What makes this game so AWESOME is the most amazing feature ever: summoning your Assassins whenever you want. If you haven't played this game, it's SO AMAZING. Instead of having to sit there and plan out how you're going to kill a guy to make a distraction you can send your Assassins to do that instead. Which makes me VERY happy...and probably quite a few other players. Also, the Online Feature (though I haven't played it - I hate online play) is pretty fun, and one of the best online features I've seen in a while.
1. Final Fantasy VII (PS, PC, PS3) - Now, I know the lot of you are probably collectively groaning from the fact that I've listed this game. But before you go away, please hear me out. I AM a little biased, but not because I'm blinded by it being "the best RPG EVAHHH". I was RAISED on this game. Literally. My mom would play it for hours and I would watch her. I can't tell you how often I've watched Aerith die (and if you didn't know, WHAT ROCK DID YOU LIVE UNDER?), Cloud give Sephiroth the Black Materia, etc, etc. The Turn based system - while it may be illogical - is what I know best. What makes this game - in my opinion - the best game in the last 20 years is the story, and the fact that without this game, RPG's wouldn't have gained popularity in the U.S. and I don't think so many U.S. Citizens would be playing Final Fantasy in general without it's introduction. But back to the story.... it's really convoluted and confusing and hard to explain if you haven't played the game. The gist of it is that the Super Evil Corporation Shin-Ra is literally sucking the life out of the planet and you (Cloud) start working for an Anti-Shin-Ra group called AVALANCHE to save the planet....but then Aerith, an Ancient, gets involved and then Sephiroth starts plotting to destroy the world for mommy (AKA Jenova), and then you become the Resistance. That's... about it. In a nutshell anyway. The story is incredibly engaging and you'll spend several sleepless nights trying to beat it. Anyway, there's a bunch of sub-plots and a ba-million details that I haven't explained but the best thing to do is to JUST PLAY IT. What does annoy me about this game isn't the actual game itself. It's the over popularity and the thousands of Fans who claim to love FFVII and have never played it. They've watched the movie, played the prequel and the sequel... but they haven't actually played this game. I know it's kind of expensive to buy, but if you're a real "Fan" you'll save every penny and buy it. I generally separate this game from the rest of the FFVII series when I'm playing it, and it's still ridiculously fun.
That's the list! At least, the first one. Next time I'll have a new list and probably rant a little about life, so please return to me. ;) If you have any opinions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment, I won't bite your head off. Ta-ta!
I intend to have a list of the Top 10 Best and Worst for pretty much whatever I feel like. The first one that I'm doing is the Top 10 Best Video Games from the last 20 years. I could do from All Time, but I think that would have to be extended beyond 10. Maybe when I've gotten a little better at this, I'll attempt such a list.The other reason I decided to go with the last 20 years is because...to be honest, I've only recently gotten back into gaming. Kinda sad, I know.
This blog will also serve as my reviews for movies or video games once I've watched them or played them...or they've been announced.
All you really need to know about me is that I'm graduating from High school this year, I enjoy reading, video games, anime, and music, and I don't have much of a life. My life consists of a few friends, my cat, and my books. Sad, I know.
On to the list!
9. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (PS2, PSP) - I'm actually listing this one for two reasons. One, because of my friend Izzy. He enjoys this game series quite a bit, so it's certainly garnered my interest. The other reason, is that it's hailed as a pretty awesome RPG. And if you know me, you know I love RPG's. Most of you don't, but whatever. ANYWAY. In Persona 3 you play as a High school kid and you join this special group who goes around when everyone else is asleep (sounds like a suck-y job to me) and you fight Demons. The whole Persona thing comes into play when each character summons a Persona (to I guess fight for you or to have some kind of effect) WHICH YOU SUMMON BY SHOOTING YOURSELF IN THE HEAD. Ahem. The theme of Death is pretty heavy in Persona 3, I must say. It's been described to me as RPG ("Go kill some monsters in this dungeon") meets Dating Sim ("Wanna go back to my place?"). Sounds like loads of fun. Game play is mostly Role playing and Simulation.
4. Devil May Cry Series (PC, Xbox360, PS2, PS3) - Developed by Capcom, this hack and slash game series was born as a spiritual sibling of Resident Evil. In this particular series, you play as Dante (and in DmC 4, Nero) who happens to be half demon, fighting other demons. Dante's characterization is probably what makes this game series so popular, and as a Dante Fangirl, I can agree with this statement. The game centers around Dante's desire for revenge for his Mother's murder which COULD be considered a freaky Oedipus Complex to some. It also so happens that Dante has a brother, Vergil (I like the fact that they're all named after Roman or Italian historical figures....my history loving heart was stolen pretty quickly), who has renounced his human parentage and makes Dante reaalllllyyyyyy angry. Throughout the games Dante is a gun/sword for hire, killing other demons mostly because he gets payed (it's pretty implied - to me - that he's looking for whoever was responsible for Mommy-dearests' death). Dante's devil may care (aha did you see what I did there? I'm a genius!) attitude is a big reason he's so popular, and by extension, the games. In the game play department, it's pretty unique in that you're "graded" on your performance in battle and how many combo's you can manage to pull off.... which can be hard if you don't have very good hand-eye coordination - like me.
That's the list! At least, the first one. Next time I'll have a new list and probably rant a little about life, so please return to me. ;) If you have any opinions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment, I won't bite your head off. Ta-ta!
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