Mt. Fandom

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The Post

The Post is so relevant in the modern day it is sad seeing as how it set 40 odd years ago. But freedom of speech is important and the message of that is so clear in this film it does sometimes feel a little worn. 

The Good: 

- Meryl Streep brings her A game. Of course, what would you expect from a 20 time Oscar nominee. She brings Kay Graham to the screen with the a nuanced delivery that explores every facet of the complex publisher of The Washington Post. She is vulnerable yet strong in the face of the patriarchal business she finds herself. Streep killed it. 

- Tom Hanks is really good. Like I was surprised that he could be so domineering in a way. Ben Bradlee is bullish in his mannerisms but it is all from a place of strength. He is confident and proud but not totally blind and I liked him. 

- Supporting cast nailed it. Bob Odenkirk is notable and so is a surprising performance from Sarah Paulson who in this one scene really summarises the heart of Kay’s story.

The Okay 

- I am not a direction expert or anything like that but I didn’t think it was anything special. I thought Spielberg serviced the film and created a compelling picture. But it was not remarkable, not that I expected it to be, but it wasn’t special.

The Not So Good: 

- I say the not so good and not the bad because it was a good film foremost. But my problem was that the pacing was a little scattershot. The almost two hour runtime feels longer because they dally slightly in scenes that really didn’t feel overly important. If it was longer I feel it would have served better as a miniseries. There was so much that they wanted to cover but they couldn’t do it all. 

[mountfandom]

Coco

Now that the UK is finally getting Pixar’s latest I can unreservedly say it was worth it. Coco is a beautiful vibrant film full of music and colour all serving this slightly predictable plot focusing on the importance of family and mortality. 

Following Miguel as he ventures to the Land of the Dead on the Day of the Dead where he meets his family and must earn their blessing to return to the world of the Living. 

This film is anchored almost entirely by Miguel voiced by Anthony Gonzalez and I’m not gonna lie he did an outstanding job. Absolutely incredible. He brought to life this character who wasn’t once whiny or difficult which is notable because he is a 12 year old. Miguel is lovable in his love for music and how, like most people do at that stage in their lives he, disheartened with his family he his. But their reasoning is to them at least solid. 

Venturing into the Land of the Dead we meet Hector a tricky individual with a heart of gold. Miguel and Hector’s interaction is so important for the ending that Gael Garcia Bernal and Gonzalez did a wonderful job of playing off each other and really building this bond. And though the ending is meant to be a shock it isn’t which is my one flaw in this film. It should have been a twist but it wasn’t it’s a Pixar film. Ernesto proves to be less than adequate so zero chance of it being him now is there. 

Colour is such an important part of this film because every scene is bursting with life. Any lack of colour is done for a reason and with such a poignancy that we feel like the world is leaping out at you. The music is the other huge thing that is just so well done, the songs are all performed excellently, especially Gonzalez just noting, and they are just fun. The whole film is so fun. Thoroughly enjoyed and may go for a rewatch. 

[mountfandom]

Molly’s Game

I tried to keep my expectations going into this modest. Miss Sloane was my favourite film of last year, mostly because Jessica Chastain brought it so hard it was like burned into my brain. And now with Molly’s Game she’s  done it again. Someone give this woman all the awards please because this is the film that deserves more love. 

Molly’s Game is a true story of Molly Bloom, poker princess. She builds herself up and then gets brought crashing down with the FBI knocking at her door. I mean actually there is so much more to it than that but that’s the general gist. That’s all you need to know. 

Jessica Chastain brings Molly Bloom to life as a person, not a character, a person. She breathes that role taking it all in her stride as she navigates complex characteristics and embodies this powerful, brilliantly intelligent woman. Not only that she brings a class and finesse that just elevates the film to new heights of wonder. Not only that but she works so well with everyone she is on screen with, most of it is Idris Elba and the two of them work so well together it was unbelievable.

Elba plays her lawyer Charlie and god he had his work cut out for him. How do you even go about defending someone who doesn’t seem to want to be defended? There is one scene though that just blew my mind. I don’t wanna spoil it but it was the right line of anger and righteousness to sell it as justified. Not only that but the bounce off each other so well it’s a delight. 

Aaron Sorkin wrote and directed this film and ya know what he  did a class job. The script is tight which I’ve heard you should expect from Aaron Sorkin, it finds humour and wit to lighten the tone of a darkish film. Moments of comedy never feel forced so they just burst with authenticity that some scripts *cough* Thor Ragnarok *cough* could never hope to replicate. And he directed it as his first feature and you wouldn’t believe that. The shots are slick and at times so artfully interposed together that it just makes the whole film that much greater.

Needless to  say I loved this film even the narration which at first I couldn’t get behind but it grew on me, helped by Chastain’s charm I’m sure. The cutting between the present case and the past was seamless and worked to the absolute advantage of the story. Even the scenes of Molly as a child seemed to fit perfectly in painting the life of this extraordinary woman. This ship was steered in the right direction by Sorkin with some top notch crew members to bring the film to a slick finish.

[mountfandom]

The Greatest Showman

Every part of me wanted to enjoy this film. It’s a big musical with a cast that can actually sing, something overlooked most times nowadays, that all worked very well to tell this true story. Only the creative liberties taken for the truth make the whole spectacle seem absurd. I also have a glaring dislike for a certain cast member who just didn’t sell it for me. 

The Good: 

- The Songs were incredibly done. The writing duo wrote the songs for La La Land so you expect them to be good to some level. But it was the performances that really sold them. Keala Settle shines whenever she is allowed to sing. She out belts, out emotes and out plays every member of the cast. Loren Alldred the singing voice of Jenny Lind was also mind blowing, Never Enough is possibly my favourite musical number. 

- Most of the Cast did a fab job. Michelle Williams is of course brilliant because she is Michelle Williams. Zac Efron and Zendaya do surprisingly capable jobs of selling their love story and hold up against huge actors they face off against. 

The Okay:

- Production value was borderline too much in many points but it was a spectacle to behold. The frenetic choreography sometimes felt like too much but in other moments it was spot on. Lavish production doesn’t make up for some of the glaring errors though. 

- Side plots as a whole I thought were more interesting than Barnum’s actual plot, which I will rant about soon enough. I cared more about Efron and Zendaya and the racist attitudes of society because it was the better story. It felt cold and real unlike so much of the film. The acts being shunned by society I wanted to see them dealing with more, it would have made the film. 

The Bad: 

- The story. What story. It took embellishment after embellishment with Barnum’s life which I’m no expert in but I know a little. Taking creative freedom is one thing but when the whole thing feels like a cartoon storyline you have to wonder if they bothered doing any research. Or maybe at least could have made some of the lines more realistic. Just needed finessing and it didn’t have that.

- Hugh Jackman is not a good actor. I’m sorry everyone loves him but I just can’t get behind him. Vocally he was so much better than the atrocious performance he gave in Les Mis but that’s about it. Barnum was a terrible person in real life, he exploited people, but this Barnum is meant to be charismatic and likeable. But he’s not. Jackman doesn’t portray charisma at all. It’s almost like he didn’t bother trying to put effort into the role he so desperately wanted to play. He fails at making him likeable because of some of the accurate parts but he also doesn’t do enough to make him feel real. It’s such a mediocre leading performances that it frustrates me. If Barnum had been portrayed as a guy who got everyone on his side I would be down, or as a guy everyone hated I’d be down. Not a middle of the road guy with no exceptional talent or way with people. 

So yeah I can’t stand Hugh Jackman anymore. But the songs make the film so I’ll keep listening to them. Preferably ones he’s not in. 

[mountfandom]

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Don’t expect happiness when you watch this film, though doesn’t mean to say don’t expect laughs because the humour is surprisingly spot on. It is a dark film that follows Frances McDormand’s Mildred Hayes as she hires three billboards to call out the police department on their poor handling of her daughter’s murder case. 

It is a bleak film I think it is fair to say, the actually plot itself is driven by this struggle Mildred faces with the police department lead by Woody Harrelson’s Willoughby. In fairness she calls him out by name. But it is the menagerie of things going on around that I think made this film special. You have a wide range of background plots that I think heighten this excellent film.

Dixon. I could write reams about him. Go on for pages and pages about how I interpret his character but I won’t. I will sum it up in that he exemplifies all the small town stereotypes you don’t want to see. He is casually racist and a drunk and violent but I couldn’t help but pity him. So much. I don’t know why but I did. I just thought the way Dixon was as a character was so powerful to reinforce those stereotypes but in a way that never seem contrived was remarkable. It absolutely was down to Sam Rockwell who did an excellent job. Like outstanding. It was nuanced and I appreciated it.

I can’t not talk about how Frances McDormand is because let’s be real she is incredible. She walks a fine line throughout the film showing of vulnerability and abrasiveness when necessary but she does it all while maintaining the facets of a grieving mother. Another natural performance that I can see why people are hyping her up for the Oscar. She does a fine job with all that she is given and works so well on screen with Woody Harrelson and Lucas Bridges that it makes all those scenes burst with life. 

Side note Samara Weaving as Penelope killed it. She’s barely in it but I was in fits of giggles. 

My one onus with this film is actually the script. I know it was a 15 and was trying to depict this harsh Southern life but I was bored of the swearing. It was too much. I remember reading somewhere that swearing is for those with nothing to say. It was good for some moments and actually injected humour in but overall I wasn’t a fan of it.   

[mountfandom]

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

Wow what a heartbreaker. This was a huge step up from More Happy Than Not I will say that first. I honestly wasn't sure but Adam's writing has improved tenfold from his debut with a more exquisite tale of heartbreaking loss and first love. It was an odd book that looked at grief in a brutal way that I don't think I was quite prepared for. Griffin's grief for Theo is so tangible that I was on the brink of tears for almost the entirety of the book. Littered with some excellent examples of how mistakes aren't always a bad thing and you can make them to learn. It was just incredible I don't really know how to put it into words. Griffin's OCD was so interesting because his compulsions felt so raw, like everything in this book. It felt so unprotected and earnest. All his little traits made him lovable, especially to Theo. Their relationship was so heartbreaking because you know how it ends. And seeing all those things depicted were agony. The getting together, the break-up, the reuniting kiss, the last time they saw each other. It's just depressing. Jackson and Wade both play interesting supporting roles that I think did a lot to help Griffin. I think Griff's whole story was so engaging and the way he interacts with them is so key to the ending. Jackson and him's camaraderie was intriguing but really quite upsetting. Do you see the theme? It was all depressing. My only fault was that it was occasionally stalled and stilted in places. It wasn't a fully fluid story, it mostly worked but it was just missing a little bit of fluency. 4.5*

[mountfandom]

Justice League

Initial Thoughts: I went into this without watching Dawn of Justice, which some may call foolish but honestly I knew the basics and that feels like all you needed to know. I mean we all know this is no Wonder Woman but I was pleasantly surprised. It was flawed but not appalling.

The Good: - Gal Gadot continues to make Wonder Woman an intriguing character. She delivers and it's needed. - Ezra Miller was a pleasant surprise he was very charming and dorky which injected some humour into the film. - The last act actually felt quite cool, the fight with Steppenwolf was very dramatic and bold. Nice visuals and an almost sensible conclusion meant it was enjoyable! - Amy Adams is great but it's Amy Adams, of course she couldn't be in it loads but she did a good job with what she had.

The Okay: - Jason Momoa ran a thin line between cocky and funny. Aquaman is daft as a character but it was fun. - Ray Fisher's Cyborg was the oddest addition I find. He just didn't seem to fit with the rest and seemed a bit ambiguous to start with. I could see what they were aiming for but it didn't quite work for me. By the end though he redeemed himself; he improved.

The Bad: - Ben Affleck's Batman is unbearable. I don't know if it's the archetype of rich superhero's with no powers (Iron Man) that I can't gel with but no not a fan. Bland and uninteresting I could skip him. - God the beginning is slow, like sooooo slow. - Trying to cram so many introductions in with masses of back story didn't work. Aquaman and the Flash were so rushed through I'm disappointed that we don't get to see their origins on the screen. It could have been so much more interesting.

The Bottom Line: It wasn't a bad film by any stretch of the imagination. But by trying to catch up with Marvel they have rushed through introducing some characters that could have been so much thoroughly fleshed out. A visual piece definitely but not a bad 2 hours even if the start feels like that on its own.

[mountfandom]

Andi Mack: Here Comes the Gay.

Andi Mack is a show that airs on Disney Channel. It follows Andi, a quirky 13 year old who’s life is turned upside down when her older sister comes back to town. With her two friends Buffy and Cyrus she must navigate the shocks of her life while dealing with her crush on THE Jonah Beck. 

It was announced a while ago that Andi Mack would be featuring one of the young cast coming out as part of the show. Episode 1 of season 2 debuted last night and it is revealed that it is indeed Cyrus who is also crushing on Jonah. And I think this is a huge step in the right direction. Kids are coming out younger and younger as society takes steps towards being more liberally minded. So why shouldn’t a children’s TV show explore a young teen exploring their sexuality. 

It has been sown from the beginning that Cyrus is almost as nervous around Jonah as Andi is. He fans over him and generally is excitable at the prospect of having a friendship with him, which I relate to so hard. Having male friends when you are really confused is something that so easily becomes more than a friendship on one side. I had my share. But it is the final episode of season 1 that really hits home that this is going somewhere.  

Amber, Jonah’s ex-girlfriend, says something about turning around and looking back indicating having feelings for someone. Andi looks back zero surprise but then Cyrus does. And in the premiere of season 2 he confronts those feelings after Andi and Jonah grow closer making him upset. It culminates in a beautiful scene between Buffy and Cyrus. He struggles through it but she is there for him and their friendship is honestly one of the best things about the show. She was so understanding and so kind that though he was nearly in tears Cyrus stays strong. I think both Joshua Rush and Sofia Wylie did a sweet job of making the scene important but simple. It was delicate and soft as a first crush should be. 

I look forward to seeing if Disney Channel can stick to their guns with this. There are petitions and boycotts going around but Disney should not give in. This would have been so incredibly helpful to have scene as a child. To stop yourself feeling like the odd one out. Andi Mack is not a perfect show but it is progressive and I hope that more shows follow suit. 

[mountfandom]

Mindhunter Review

I finished Mindhunter now just over a week since it came out. And honestly I do still think it was a good show, I think it was meticulous in it’s attention to detail and a wonderfully plotted storyline that has a faltering quality. The last episode. 

The series follows Holden Ford and Bill Tench two behavioural scientists who are investigating serial killers in a time before serial killers were called as such. They go and interview the murderers to gain insight into the way their mind works and use it to solve crimes. It’s a good premise that is based on reality, the book the series is based on is the memoir of the real life ‘Holden Ford’ though that isn’t his real name. Supported by Doctor Wendy Carr they begin to make real progress. 

I’ll admit I was drawn to the show because I heard Jonathan Groff was in it. I like him as an actor and for the most part I thought he did a splendid job. While my qualms with series stem from how Holden’s character transformed him from this slightly bumbling but intelligent man to an arrogant, egotistical prick Groff did a good job in showing the arc so I must applaud him for it. Even if I don’t agree and think it was dumb as shit.

Holt McCallany’s Bill Tench is the mentor figure that we all kind of want. Blunt but deep down he’s a nice guy. He wants to do right even if it means butting heads with Holden. Holden has all the new ideas he’s very fresh but Bill’s been around a while and acts as an excellent foil to Holden. The way the two bounce off each other is brilliant and I think their relationship is one of the highlights of the series.

Another highlight is Anna Torv. I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen her in anything before but now I want to. Wendy is incredible. She’s a badass intelligent woman who takes a lead after being asked by Bill to have a look. Though reluctant she joins the study to further research the killers because she sees potential. Yet she becomes so much more than that. She becomes the voice of reason and intelligence in the office with her external perspective playing a large part in helping the study become something more. Professional and remarkable and to top it off she’s a lesbian a secret I hope is explored further in season 2.

I liked every episode of Mindhunter apart from the last one. Each instalment has purpose and tells a story and reveals so much about the way the mind works. It is it’s meticulous attention to detail that make it great. But the last episode just felt like a waste of time. I think it needed something else other than complete character assassination of Holden. The ending though was a cliffhanger and I’m eager for season 2.  

[mountfandom]

Mindhunter Episode 1+2

I wasn’t sure whether I was going to watch this. I’d heard a lot of buzz and there was lots of trailers I didn’t watch but I do like Jonathan Groff. Then I saw the Rotten Tomatoes score and I realised I needed to give it a go. Something with that much praise and acclaim can’t be terrible.

Mindhunter focuses on Holden Ford an FBI agent who works at Quantico teaching a behavioural science. He is a fresh set of eyes with a very different view of the world. With his new ideas he attracts the attention of Bill Tench and together they embark on research to have a proper look at how criminals think, by talking to the criminals.

One thing I didn’t realise going in was the setting was 1977; it suddenly transforms the world into a much more stunted one. This was where racism was even more common place, homophobia was a prominent thing and smoking was everywhere. But it fits because the information they gleam from the interviews you can imagine would revolutionise the way criminals are considered.

I don’t wanna talk spoilers and I have only watched the first two episodes but Jonathan Groff is one to watch in this show. There something about Holden that is simultaneously annoying but so mesmerising. He brings every nuance to life even though him being straight doesn’t quite sit with me if I’m honest, possibly because I’ve seen clips of Looking and I know he’s gay in real life.

 Holt McCallany’s Bill is surprisingly fun. He is gruff and honest but also very wise, he proves to be an excellent foil against all Holden’s slightly outlandish ideas. Though they don’t quite gel there is an earnest quality to their friendship, they both want to help. I hope this is explored thoroughly in the coming episodes.

The writing of the show is clever and carefully considered I think revealing key things with ease but not always expected manner. The plot though slow is moving along at a steady pace to reveal more and more. This coupled with David Fincher directing the first two episodes in an almost cinematic manner makes the show feel real, real and dark. All shots are beautiful and the acting is superb. I cannot wait to see how the show continues to develop.

[mountfandom]

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

I don't think I've ever been more surprised by a book. I can't explain it but this book made me very happy. Which is awful for a book that is about murder and plotting but it just brought a smile to my face. Karen M. McManus creates a book with a winding narrative that carefully reveals details through out to create a murder mystery that actually impressed me. Sure there was some issues with the overall resolution and the differentiating between character voices wasn't the easiest, though in some places it was very well done, but overall I think she has made an excellent book here that I would read again. Each of our four leads holds a special place in my heart. Bronwyn the geek, let's start with her. She is without a doubt an incredibly clever character and unlike most in her cliche she is ostracised for it. Which I liked. Then she has this secret that she cheated which I actually thought was interesting. She initially seems so far removed from a murderer but as the later revelations show it possibly isn't that far. Except of course you never really believe it's her. And my reasoning for that is Nate. Nate is the bad boy with a tragic past. It's all so sad. And unfortunately predictable, until his dead mum makes an appearance. Like what. But I rolled with it mostly because I really like Nate. I think he is an independent boy who has real steel in his bones. But mostly I loved their relationship. How Bronwyn and Nate developed this friendship slowly but surely transforming it into something more and it was so well done. I was so happy. I mean of course the ending was a little tumultuous with Nate being a defensive prick but I have hope that they end up together in my head. So I believed neither of them could have done it because why invest so much time in something if there is no chance of happy ever after? It just didn't feel like that kind of story. Addy. Oh Addy. She was a trainwreck. Caught in this toxic relationship with a secret hanging over that unravels first among the group. She cheated on Jake. And tbh I hate cheating, I think it's so wrong on so many levels. I mean Jake's reaction was cruel and he's a bastard. And Addy takes a long time to realise that. But slowly she comes into herself. She really kicks ass by the end. I loved her recording Jake even though it almost gets her killed. And the whole taking up cycling as a way to kind of distract her but actually make her super fit and healthy is so cool. And I relate. Not as much as I relate to Cooper. Oh Cooper the precious snowflake who I'm pretty sure doesn't have a mean bone in his body. Like seriously he's an angel. He's the all american boy that's gay. And he is so not okay with that. Even though he's been seeing a guy he still can't come to terms with it because he thinks it spells disaster for him. But seeing him struggle and freak out is something I understand. It's hard to accept yourself if you think you are going to be hated if you do. Like seriously the people who complain about this as a plot twist weren't following carefully because it's hardly a twist if you've been paying attention. But it is really hard for some people to accept themselves and I thought Cooper's struggle was actually well dealt with and tough to read because of it's realism. Plus the snippets we see of Cooper and Kris's relationship made me happy. I feel I should end by talking about Simon. Who it turns out was a bit of a psycho. The whole thing was a set up to take as many people down as he could that he personally loathed by committing suicide and framing them. And it does make me slightly uneasy how the suicide is treated. It was a clever idea and executed reasonably well. I just don't think it worked for me. Simon was clearly depressed and rather low when he decided this but it's hard to imagine someone going to that length to hurt people he didn't like. But I suppose you never know what depressed person is really thinking. Or how it all makes sense in their mind. His ultimate plan was almost perfect except for Addy befriending Janae and Kris's keen eye. Jake played along perfectly and like I said he's a bastard. I do though feel sorry for Simon. Because all he wanted was for people to like him and he couldn't make them do it. So he let them hate him because he hated himself anyway. It is sad that he felt he had no choice but to hurt himself to hurt others but I still don't full agree with how it was used as a plot device.

[mountfandom]

Siege and Storm By Leigh Bardugo

Do you know what? I'm pleasantly surprised. I read Shadow and Bone and enjoyed it. That's about it, more of a 3.5* star read but this was absolutely solid. Following on seamlessly it wove a complex world of lore and politics in with the ongoing war. Bardugo did an excellent job of expanding the world she had started and developed the characters in nice arcs that seemed to truly work for them.

I think my favourite addition to this book, and the series as a whole, is Nikolai. He is just precious and funny and witty. Firstly he's a pirate, but then he's a prince. And he opens up the court politics to us in a way YA rarely does. And I love it. I live for political intrigue in fantasy books. Alina trying to play in the world is interesting as she is so out of depth but Nikolai is so effortless. I love him. Vasily on the other hand can die in a whole, like seriously. Alina becoming a leader though was something I thoroughly enjoyed, her uniting of the First and Second Army's makes perfect sense to me but everyone is so against it. And mixing the different order of Grisha, it's all so sensible. Like really sensible. Which honestly I don't expect from Alina because she can be a wee bit rash.

The amplifiers lore is greatly improved in this with more about Morozova and the Saints. It's really fascinating how it works with the Grisha powers and the magic being completely separate. It should be confusing but Bardugo has been clear with how the rules work and I think that is possibly one of the strengths of the book. Because we learn as Alina does it is clear cut as to how it all functions. The quest for the third Morozova amplifier I imagine will play a large role in Ruin and Rising. I have thoughts on that.

I don't like how Alina is in this book. That may stem from Alina being a bland character. Sorry in my opinion she is so irrelevant. Which is odd from a book that is literally all about her. But I don't care. She becomes more arrogant through the book because she has all this power after getting the scales amplifier. Yes she plays along with Nikolai's plans and she's going through her own stuff with hallucinating, or is she not, the Darkling everywhere. It's creepy it's weird. Her and Mal were an absolute trainwreck. I detest their love story because it's so boringly YA. I think that is my main problem with YA and that is the romance heavy approach. She literally has 4 guys trying to get with her in some way. Like what?

The Darkling is lacking in this book and he does just come across as a cookie cutter villain in this one. He's not in it much and when he is he's either flirting with Alina or looking ill. Except the end. Because that invasion was perfect. Vasily is an absolute twat for falling for that. And the massacre happens. It was so well done. All that careful planning we see through out goes up in flames and shadow. Bardugo executes that final act with a delicate hand that honestly was incredible. It just came from nowhere, all the scheming hinted at is a careful groundwork that is just magnificent. The final moments of Alina trying to kill the Darkling through their bond was a clever one but just leaves ruins for them rise from. I see where the third one gets it's title. But yeah solid entry much better than Shadow and Bone. So much more interesting just yeah good fun fantasy.

[mountfandom]

Noah Can’t Even by Simon James Green

Like I don't even know what to say. I finished it in one sitting sans the first chapter. So 300+ pages in one go. And I'm not even sure why. There is something about contemporaries that are strangely addictive. I'm not even sure if I really liked this book because I can't decide if it was meant to be funny or whether it was bad. I'm hoping it was aiming for comedy because let me tell you it's hilarious.

Noah thinks the best way to become popular is date Sophie, a popular girl. Then his best friend Harry kisses him at a party. That plot is very simple and actually the entirety of the book is pretty standard, sure some unusual plot twists and fun characters make it a little different but it's just a fluffy contemporary in the end. And after Way of Kings it's just what I needed.

Noah being so confused about his sexuality is the best thing about this book. It wasn't something that he really dwelt on despite him admiring the many males in his life many times over. He just can't accept it because he has this idea how life should be and I hardcore related to that. Like so badly. That was my problem with coming out, it didn't fit in how I thought my life should go. But him and Harry were destined to be together. They are so cute together. Sure they have a lot of downs in this book, mainly because Noah is a fucking social invalid. Like seriously I've never met a character who puts his foot in his mouth as often as Noah. He says stupid shit all the time and everyone is like what are you doing. It's so funny though he's so awkward and at times it is painful but I laughed so hard. So hard.

There is also the whole plot with his mum and I will say it was an interesting dynamic that I didn't feel was fleshed out enough. It felt very one-dimensional even with the shocking revelations of the letters and Eric. Just didn't quite work for me though I like the idea and how it could have been explored more. But that would be more serious and this is a light hearted book. I did like how it approached the Gran having dementia. It was tragic but it wasn't sad, it wasn't like an overly destructive thing. It was happening and they weren't happy about it but they keep going. Noah visits with her were adorable and made a difference from the drama of Noah's life.

Sophie was kind of irrelevant, sure she proves a good friend but seriously y'all hardly know each other. She was a kind hearted girl and I liked the fact she never wavered in her support of Noah. It's like she could tell he needed it. Though she did end up serving the straight person telling the non-straight person they aren't straight trope. Which I don't actually hate as a trope but eh for that.

Harry I think is my favourite character purely because he's an angel. He was protective of Noah he stood up for him and took the crap for it willingly. He stood by him until the memory stick fiasco. The scene where he says they aren't friends made me tear up because I'm weak. And the Connor bit made me tear up to, I wanted Harry to be happy. But with Noah. And thank god the ending was happy for them. Though massively cheesy, everyone got a happy end. Like what horseshit. Noah and Harry didn't need to declare themselves boyfriends or anything but it was still cute. Harry was just an angel, god I need a Harry.

Overall I think my main problem with this book was it's immaturity, it felt very juvenile in the way it dealt with some topics. Which I expected because Noah is socially inept, there were moments he would talk like an adult, a very wise one at that, but interacting with people were a no-no. It was fun and fluffy but still not sure if it was meant to be a comedy or not. Not perfect but certainly not a bad read.

[mountfandom]

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

I'm not sure I can quite put into words how stunning this book was. The Way of Kings follows an array of characters in aftermath of the murder of the king of Alethkar. The new king sought revenge and a whole host of other problems arise from that.

Let me start with some spoiler free thoughts. The three main perspectives in this book are Kaladin, Shallan and Dalinar sprinkled with Interludes of other characters and occasional minor chapters from other characters. The story is woven together from 3 separate locations from the three main characters all playing very different roles. Kaladin is a slave trapped in a bridge crew, Dalinar a highprince of great importance and Shallan a studious girl with shadowy motives.

I loved all three of them with all my heart. Kaladin has a magnificent arc throughout the book and it starts at such a dark place. Sanderson is quite like any author in his handling of multiple stories and he does it so perfectly. Shallan is unique because she is so far removed from the others, she is so intelligent and creative but her ulterior motives are dangerous. Dalinar I hesitate to say is my favourite. He is so wise and level-headed and just generally a great leader. He has his heart in the right place and I love him for it soooooo much.

Plot wise for a non-spoilery thing, we have a lot of plot threads ongoing that all are largely hinting at something much greater. There is so much history and world and powers that you have to kind of wrap your head around and I'm still not sure on some bits but that's mostly because they weren't heavily featured. Sanderson is an excellent worldbuilder because it never feels like exposition, it always feels relevant and keeps the story moving forward. All the storylines come to great climaxes and have a soft denouement that sets up the Words of Radiance excellently. I don't want to say any details because I knew nothing going in and I think it was so much better that way.

Spoilers ahead Now let's start with the beginning, because I think it bears some thinking about. I'll admit I was confused at the beginning because you get a couple of chapters from characters that promptly disappear. Then we finally meet Kaladin the slave. And he is so broken, we get glimpses of his glory in the beginning but now we truly get the starting point. He is damaged and enslaved for reasons we find out through handy dandy flashbacks sprinkled throughout. Unlike some books were I wasn't fond of the flashbacks I think these were excellent because they had a whole separate storyline that just wove so well with the present to reveal exactly what happened to Kaladin. Once he becomes a bridgman we get going. The bridgemen are treated like absolute shit. And Kaladin is put with the worst of them. Bridge four. Oh Bridge Four my precious gang of broken people. Bridgemen are the lowest of Sadeas's army forced to carry the bridges across the Shattered Plains so the army can march into battle across the chasms. They are expected to die. All of them are disposable. And that fucking grates Kaladin and he finally gets his ass in gear. Initially everyone really thinks he's a weirdo, because like why is he trying to help the bridgemen. Even his fellows in B4 are against him. But through his prodigious skill as an ex-soldier and surgeon he slowly begins convincing them. His surgeony stuff is very helpful because they are all so often getting injured. It made him such an interesting character as a soldier and a surgeon, a healer and a fighter. And that kinda plays at the end with his discomfort with killing. He begins slowly helping them with injuries and beginning to gather extra food. And then he begins training them, like actually training them. They become so efficient and I fucking loved it. I adored them all getting whipped into shape. Moash, Rock and Teft are like my fave bridgemen, they all brought something different to the table. Rock was so randomly funny and Teft such a good second in command to Kaladin. And as we get further into the book they begin to plot to escape the bridge crews and Kaladin starts training them after his highstorm encounter. Which by the way one of the most horrific chapters I've ever read. Like that is some endurance and he gets destroyed. But he has Syl. Which brings me onto the surgebinding discovery. He starts absorbing stormlight. Which in itself is really weird. But damn I loved it. Surgebinding I'm still a little confused on but Kaladin's discovery of using it was so cool. And it was by accident for so long but Teft sussed it out. Clever ole Teft. Bit by bit he learns to use it for the climactic fight. Oh my god I can't even the battle of the Tower was stunning from both perspectives. Kaladin and his spear though, a force to be reckoned with. In short I loved Kaladin, I loved his journey and his bouts of lows and how they were contrasted by the highs of his building friendships. Sure the tragedy in his past was awful but he learnt from it.

Shallan is the least seen perspective character but she is rather different because she isn't an action packed storyline. She is all about intelligence. She's on a mission to get a Soulcaster off Jasnah, Elhokar's sister. I'll admit I was a little disapproving of this mission at first but damn this whole storyline had me intrigued. Firstly because Jasnah is a badass. Not in a kickass kinda way but also in that way because that horrific murder of the thugs scene. Turning a man to crystal and smoke like damn. But mostly because she is one of the most intelligent characters I've ever read about. She asks all the questions to get Shallan to think not blindly learn. As she decides to take Shallan as a ward despite her educational gaps she teaches some necessary lessons. Sure Shallan isn't that interested in history she's more interested in scheming and flirting with Kabsal. Side I really liked Kabsal but disappointed in his reveal as a would-be assassin. That whole thing of the poisoned bread was traumatic. Like oh my god my fucking heart. Shallan recovers from her accidental soulcast, which people assume was a suicide attempt, only to almost die because she doesn't want jam on her bread. Like what. Also those fucking creepy spirits with glyphs as heads in her drawings genuinely had me scared. I think Sanderson really did an incredible job of making them creepy but not cheesy. Menacing but not threatening. At the end though Shallan has learnt a lot and comes to Jasnah after being caught for stealing her soulcaster with the revelation that the soulcasting isn't coming from the fabrial. It's coming from within Jasnah and more interestingly Shallan did the same. It poses an interesting point because it is akin to the Knights Radiant like Kaladin's surgebinding is like them. Hmm link I see? But best plot twist in fucking history. So we keep hearing about the voidbringers and the return of the voidbringers and they are evil and they are the parshmen. The servant figures that do just about everything menial and they are the voidbringers. Jasnah the genius has worked it out and she has some theories of their cousins the Parshendi, the group behind the murder of King Gavilar. Now they are on their way to study the Parshendi on the Shattered Plains. Short story Shallan provides an excellent resource to give large amounts of backstory and conversation about things that relate to other characters and the overarching plot. She is witty and creative but vulnerable and naive from her sheltered childhood. I thoroughly enjoyed her learning process and can't wait to read Words of Radiance as her focus book.

Last main character plot I wanna talk about is Dalinar. Oh Dalinar, the brother of Gavilar and Uncle to King Elhokar. Highprince, acclaimed warlord and pending lunatic. In the highstorms he experiences visions of the past which we only find out later but they are visions of the past. He seems wars of the Knights Radiants and the Day of Recreance when they all give up. And it all seems to slowly point towards where they must head. A united Alethkar. That is Dalinar's goal. A bit of context for the Shattered Plains wars, they are fighting over gemhearts, they treat it as a game against the Parshendi as opposed to revenge for killing Gavilar. It's about wealth. Dalinar does not care though. He grows tired of the war and I'm like me too Dalinar, me too. It doesn't help Sadeas is there. Because he is a massive twat. Seemingly a nice guy but turns out not. Everyone is against an alliance though all the highprinces are like no. And I was like listen to Dalinar he's so clever and wise and ughhhhhhhh. Then Sadeas is like yes. And then it fucking ends up with him betraying him in one of the greatest battles ever. BofT. Sadeas retreats and it's like nooooooo all is lost but Kal and his bridge crew comes back to save the day. It's a intense fight and an incredibly battle sequence from all characters. Dalinar is not only about battle though he has complex relationships especially with his son Adolin. Adolin is someone I'm not sure of. He's so hot-headed and against the visions being true him and Dalinar butt heads a lot. Only when Dalinar announces his intent to step down Adolin is quick to change his tune. In reality I think he's a scared boy he doesn't know quite what he wants, like his constant changing of courtships. They are quite the foil to one another but I loved their dynamic. Dalinar is best. End of. I loved his storyline soooooo much. I didn't know what to do with myself. A united Alethkar before the Everstorm. An ominous prophecy with a deadline my kind of thing.

Szeth is the main secondary character that is of importance as the assassin of Gavilar. He is incredibly powerful but bound to the Oath stone thing which I still don't quite get. But most intriguing is actually the ending with king of Kharbranth whose name I can't spell. He's actually behind the slaughter of lots of important people after he acquires the oath stone. I want to see more Szeth and I hope we do.

Overall an excellent book written perfectly. It balances action, magic, politics, religion and personal storylines with an expert hand as I'd expert from Brandon Sanderson. This also introduces some big concepts for the Cosmere so I need to keep going. Hoid actually had a substantial appearance in this which I liked, it actually gave more growth to him as a character which I thought was merited. This is honestly a masterpiece and I can't wait to continue.

[mountfandom]

TV Shows I’ve Given Up On This Season

So the official 2016-2017 television season has come to an end, and while many shows are still running into the summer or starting new seasons there are a couple that have lost me as a viewer. Most of these are shows I’ve been following for a while and with new seasons and my changing taste in shows I’ve finally said enough is enough and abandoned them. 

Honorable Mentions: Designated Survivor and Speechless

Designated Survivor was a new series this year that I was really excited about. I thought the premise was good and the cast itself seemed rather solid. The reviews started coming out and they were pretty glowing. I think I watched about 5 or 6 episodes before stopping. While the plot was engaging and the characters likeable it was just kind of forgettable as a show. I grew uncaring as to why the Capital Building was destroyed and the revelations about certain aspects just became less interesting. I can see why a lot of people like this show and maybe if I get bored one day I’ll finish it, but for now sorry Designated Survivor.

Speechless I’m upset I didn’t get into it. I watched about the same as Designated Survivor but it was really hard to relate to the show. I couldn’t identify with any of the characters and while I saw the comedy I wasn’t crying in laughter. Which is my own problem, American comedies and I aren’t the best of friends at the best of times. Couple it with the rather irritating Dad, who’s chronic laziness and whatever was down right stupid, I found myself letting go rather easily. 

3. Shadowhunters

I’m putting this here because I know there is absolutely no chance I’m going to resume watching this trash heap. Season 1 wasn’t good, by any stretch of the imagination. It diverted from the books, created unnecessary characters and mostly drove straight off the rails. I went in to Season 2 clinging to two things, Malec and maybe they’d find the books again. When it became apparent the books were being used only for character names I was done. I was also very angry. This is the second attempt to use the books to create a franchise and both have been trainwrecks. It annoys me that people can disregard the source material so easily  when without it they wouldn’t exist. It is an injustice to Cassandra Clare’s world and writing that Shadowhunters is allowed to continue honestly. You can’t watch it for one ship and that’s what it became. 

2. The Fosters 

I tried to keep going. I really did. I loved this show, it was my baby. It helped me come to terms with my own sexuality and I’m forever grateful for it for that. But it wasn’t the Callie show. And it became Callie show. And they also turned Jude into a bit of a dick which I didn’t appreciate because he was my favourite characters. By the mid point of season 4 I was watching for Joah and the Mom’s. Everyone else’s storylines weren’t keeping me interested. In fact Brandon’s made me want to chuck my TV and Callie just annoys me. This is one I may pick up one day because it was so important to me but for now the realisation that Callie isn’t the most interesting character in existence needs to happen to the writers. 

1. Once Upon A Time 

Oh how the mighty have fallen. A show I used to class as one of my favourites. Like I adored this show. I loved everyone in it even the villains. Season 5 was a bit uneven but I got through it and I really liked the potential for Season 6. The Land Of Untold Stories could have really helped inject some new life into the show. But instead they went with let’s make the Evil Queen the main villain. I was so disappointed when they killed Hyde and just kind of wrote of the Land of Untold Stories. Just what was the point? I have kept up to date with spoilers and what not so I know what happened for the most part and it doesn’t appeal to me. The Musical Episode especially looked dire. The only beacon I have is that Season 7 is a soft reboot. So maybe I’ll have a look at that, but for now me and Once are done. 

[mountfandom]

The Gunslinger by Stephen King

I've decided to try and read some more classic-type fantasy novels and the Dark Tower series I feel is one of them. The Gunslinger is an unusual book that I honestly thought was going to go a different way. Stephen King blends together Western with fantasy with Dystopian with sci-fi and just about anything else. It pulls on it all to form a story line that is clearly just the beginning. 

I'll say this that the end doesn't feel like an end. Because honestly the book feels like one massive precursor to something more. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. For a book only 200 pages or so long it sets up the conflict and world with a surprising amount of ease. King really does a good job of making the exposition, which is very present, never lose its pace. We learn about the Gunslinger's back story in Tull and then we get Jake's back story, then more Roland growing up and then the man in black's explanation at the end. A lot of information to absorb and a lot less action than I expected from a book about a guy with guns. There was action, but I was expecting more. Honestly I can recall two clear passages of explicit action, the Tull massacre and the New Muties scene. Those were the most intense and horrific for me. And I enjoyed them, not necessarily because I ever thought Roland was in danger but more because it highlights his skill. Characters with really strong skillsets make me happy. 

The plot itself is odd, we see Roland trying to follow the man in black. So we get a lot of Roland travelling in pursuit of him. I think honestly if it hadn't been broken up with the flashbacks this would have been unbearable. There's only so much you can do when crossing a desert or climbing a mountain. So that worked in the books favour to introduce us to so much more about the characters. I'm gonna say it now, Jake was my fave. He was such a sweet kid, he had a steel that made him so much cooler and really helped give Roland some human emotion. I think without a companion he would have been too brash, and I wasn't getting along best with him anyway. But giving him a companion who is a child meant Roland develops this really protective complex with him that becomes a problem later on because he kinda needs Jake to die. Not that I really recall why but apparently Jake was destined to die. And he did, but I mean he has to come back right? Because if not imma cry. I just think without him Roland is less human and relatable. 

The ending was a bit mediocre in my opinion, the climax felt a little flat and the revelation that the man in black is working for someone was predictable. But him offering Roland his next stage in his quest for the Tower makes sense. I liked that bit. But yeah I feel like I need more. Which is possibly the good thing because I want to know what happens next. So despite it's many shortcomings it has hooked me quite well. The Gunslinger as a character is an enigma in a world that I hope will be explored further. There is so much going on and I can't wait to see what.

[mountfandom]

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

I can't even. What just happened. My heart poor heart. Cassie has done it again. Without fail she delivers a book that is filled with action and incredible character growth that always feels perfect. Exploring the Faerie culture so much more is a definite highlight of this book and of course the complicated relationships between all the characters is like the selling point. But the plot itself was woven so well I can't help but wonder where it will go next. I think the Blackthorn's are honestly why the series works so well. Their unit is so compelling and the people that exist around it just draw it all in. I feel overwhelmed with how much I love Julian, Ty, Livvy, Dru, Mark and Tavvy. I just want to protect all of them. And well the end happened and I don't think I'll recover. I think something this series is also really drawing well on is racism. Which sounds awful but the situation that is being paralleled is sad because it still happens in real life. The Cohort extremism literally risks all the downworlders because they are different. Lead by the Dearborn's, hated Zara just an fyi, they pose a real risk to the Accords. I'm very interested to see how this plays out in the final book. Annabel Blackthorn, I can't go through this and not talk about her because she is becoming the villain. That is very clear. But she seemed so nice. She's lost it, but she wasn't doing too badly. She was bonding with Julian and then it all goes tits up and the end happens and I'm broken. Poor Livvy. She deserved so much more. I honestly thought it was going to be Dru. But it makes way more sense for it to be Livvy. Because it creates a huge potential story arc for Ty. Who is my fave so that's good for me. But she is an example of a tragic villain I find, she has become a horrible person because she had horrible things happen to her. Of course the Unseelie King is more of a threat, loved the Faerie adventure must say, but she is a more direct weapon against the Blackthorn's. She's already cut them deep and she can easily do it again because she still has the Black Volume. Kieran and Mark and Cristina are posing an interesting storyline. Mostly because I'm confused this is gonna end in polyamory. They seem so interlinked with each other I don't know how it's gonna go. I love them all individually and Kieran's memory loss was horrid because he had to remember eventually and it destroyed him. Emma and Julian of course provide angst as they are so meant to be together. And they have an option now, two options. But I think the exile one isn't gonna work because now Livvy. They won't be able to separate. Which is gonna be killer for them. Julian may I just say is literally everything I hope to be in a father. he's great. Ty and Kit. My little dynamic duo. Formerly trio. Well this is gonna be a wild last book isn't it. I think Ty is the cleverest character I've ever read about, he is so logical. I adore him and all his little things that make him him. And Kit even addressed his autism with Julian even for a moment, and I think that is soooo needed. Fantasy books can have representation too. He worked out the bust thing and the raven thing and got Annabel there. Which technically means he is roundabout responsible for Livvy... Oh shit. The Riders of Mannan were fascinating because they could pose a real threat going forward. I hope they do because there is so much more that could be done there. They were menacing in all the right ways. Whilst on fae the Unseelie King is gonna be a problem. His blight thing is genuinely worrying and so unlike the other threats from TID and TMI. This is a magic. Dangerous and demonic. And I can't wait to see how it goes. Passing thoughts, Magnus is ill. I do not like this. Diana is trans, I approve this. Heavily approve. Ty and Kit are destined. I am confident. I need more books now please.