Lego Movie 2: A Review

I'm afraid I'm rather lax about reviewing movies. I usually excuse myself by the fact that I almost never watch newer movies, and on that rare occasion that I do, they are usually ones that have already been out and reviewed for a while. Nobody wants to hear reviews of old or obscure movies, so I just disappear from the movie-reviewing scene. However. I committed the every-so-often atrocity of going to a theater to see a movie, so I suppose in this case, I have no excuse not to provide a comprehensive review of the movie I saw - that being The Lego Movie 2. The trailer is here.
[*Spoiler warning*]

The Plot

As a plot is generally what carries a movie, I chose to review this first. The plot consisted of the Duplo aliens, played by the little sister of the boy, (they were seen at the end of the first movie) having successfully terrorized the Lego world and left, only coming back to destroy whenever something that caught their interest was built (e.g. something shiny, colorful, or creative).

Thus, the world had degenerated into a teenage apocalypse in a few years, and everything built was dark and uninteresting. The conflict begins when another spaceship from the aliens arrives, this time apparently bearing a beacon of peace - all the strongest leaders of this Lego world are to come to attend a marriage ceremony on one of the alien planets for the purpose of making peace. Obviously, Emmet and Lucy (previously known as Wyld Style) are suspicious of this, particularly the latter.

But it is left completely up to Emmet, the apparently spineless sap, to save Lucy and the others when Lucy, Batman, Captain Metalbeard, Benny, and Unikitty are all forcibly taken in the spaceship by an ambassador, to go to the aforementioned ceremony. Emmet is quite alone and quite unprepared for the job, being apparently helpless despite the abilities seen in the first movie. On setting out, he is aided and saved from near failure and doom by a mysterious and ultra-masculine space wanderer (who drives a time-traveling spaceship manned by a raptor - yes, dinosaurs - gunning crew) by the name of Rex (or REX).

Now. When all turns out, *large spoilers alert* the bad guys turn out not to be bad after all - the aliens really do merely intend to make a marital alliance. The real bad one, apparently, is Rex, who merely wants some sort-of vague, unspecified revenge upon vague, unspecified persons, for an event that took place years ago and changed his sweet personality of Emmet to the  (allegedly) toxically masculine one he now possesses, as REX (Radical Emmet X-Treme, if my memory serves me correctly). *spoilers end*

The plot had some good points to it - it certainly surprised me on the matter of the queen of the aliens, partaker in the marriage ceremony, who had a relevant identity unrevealed until the end. And while the choice to make other certain parties evil or incompetent was a rather cliché one, they involved another plot twist which was worthy of an eyebrow-raise.

Overall, the plot was fairly typical of the modern children's movie - rather unimaginative at its core but having a few worthwhile surprises to keep one from boredom.

The Characters

The characters I expected to know and love from the first movie were, unfortunately, rather changed. While Lucy (Wyld Style) was essentially the same, the light taken with the character of Emmet was not that he was a simple person eager to please and help, nor that he was a blind half-witted follower, as many think in the first movie. Rather, he was put up as a sort-of archetype for a femininely-caring and rather spineless, optimistic idealist who always thinks everything is awesome no matter what.

The character of Batman was also, sadly, not its formerly exaggerated and comical image. Batman was not only not in the movie a great deal, but spent most of it brainwashed (though we are made to believe in the end that he was not brainwashed at all) to love the effeminate and do whatever he is led into. Unfortunately, there was not much of Batman's ridiculously rude script which I personally found one of the entertainment highlights of the original movie.

Unikitty, Benny, and Metalbeard likewise are absent during much of the movie and do not seem like themselves much, except perhaps the former (though an amusing poke is made at the rather embarrassingly true fact of Benny not having much consistent character anyways).

Rex was easily my favorite character in the movie, I'm afraid to say. His gruff and hands-on personality was infectiously smiling, and, due to the lack of traditional gender roles in modern movies, it is always nice to see an unapologetically masculine character like him. The characters of the two main aliens, General Mayhem and the queen (don't ask me to spell her name, because I believe it would be futile to try) were ambiguous - General Mayhem had little to no character, and the queen's was hard to riddle out, as she never at any point, per the plot of the movie, seems to have clear intentions or characteristics, though I might say that a little less singing on her part to illustrate her hazy motives for her would've done her characterization a great deal of good.

The Themes

As you can probably tell from a few snide comments above, the I most certainly did not enjoy the theme. The main theme interwoven throughout the movie was an anti-masculinity, holding that it was toxic, destructive, and against true personality - even for those characters who at least aspired usually to be masculine, such as Batman. The feminism throughout the movie was, unfortunately, a killing disease. The movie was very good all but for this overwhelming propaganda-feel that was one of its unfortunate foundations. Just the blatant, in-your-face, constant feminism masked as femininity throughout the whole movie was sickeningly saccharine to me, making even the spectacles of the movie unbearable for the sheer sparkliness and colorfulness of it all. Everything masculine was choked out or vilified for most of the movie, which made it, unfortunately, a great deal less enjoyable and less skillfully done of a movie in comparison to the first one.
The Music
To me, the music is one of the most important things about a movie, but I realize that not everyone agrees with that, so I'll be brief. For the most part, the score consisted of fragments of the first movie's music and then the addition of a handful of rather irritating pop songs that did not quite measure up to "Everything is Awesome" in the first Lego Movie. Enough said.

There Were Good Things About It...

There were a few moments of sheer hilarity, I'll grant. The down-to-earth sense of humor that needs no reference to the crude or banal for its self-assertion which we saw in the first movie was again present in most of the second one (with an occasional exception concerning male-bashing jokes). And, obviously, the animation was amazing, just like the first one, and the Lego scenery was inspiring to any aspiring Lego creator, of course.

In Summary

The theme was terrible - feminist propaganda never showed its face so blatantly, I believe. The humor, aside from feministic traces here and there, was splendid, and was not dependent on rude gags and gross characterizations as most modern children's movie humor seems to be. The characters did not act like themselves, and it was a rather sad change, honestly. The plot mostly was a reflection of the theme. The Lego spectacle was, again, aside from feministic parts, quite stunning. The music was, well, rather forgettable. On a whole, I thought it was a slightly sad tribute to the first movie, which to date is one of my favorite CGI kid's movies. The only big moral problems with it were a feministic political correctness interwoven (plus, a brief appearance of a Lego Judge Ruth Bader-Ginsburg). It did, however, for its very denial of the need of traditional gender roles, accidentally reveal the differences between the genders: the male characters, even Emmet, all are active, generally wishing to protect and fight rather than be protected or fought for, and the female characters, even Lucy, had a nature more built on understanding and feelings (which... got a bit sickening as it was exaggerated considerably, but whatever).
Overall, I would say that the movie's probably not worth a second watch at least for the theme, but if you want to go and try it for yourself, there are definitely parts that would make it worth the time... just... don't buy a super expensive movie ticket for it.
What do you think? Have you seen this movie? Do you agree, or did you enjoy it more than I did? Planning on seeing it? Anything to add or argue? Chat with me!

Get to Know Me: Writer's Edition Tag

So. You probably are all wondering why, after so many sincere apologies and wishes to do better, I have vanished off of the face of the earth yet again. Well. All I can say is "meep." Because there really is no better excuse I can give, I'm afraid (though, as far as excuses go, "meep" is a pretty good one, even if it is overused). Lent happened. And the school year decided that now was not the time for Belle to blog. Oh well...

Anyways, though, the reason I'm back to seek redemption once more is because, a) I love you guys, of course, and b) Catherine offered me a wonderful little tag that looked quite fun. But before I get into it, I must touch on the rules (and quote, as always - "what is fun without the rules?").


1. Link back to the person who created the tag. (Miss Savannah can be found here.)
2. Thank the person who tagged you.
3. Share the tag graphic (optional). (Well, I don't know about you, but generally, when I see the word "optional," I think "actually, don't do it, it's not necessary.")
4. Tag eleven bloggers.


My most hearty thanks to you, Catherine *tips hat, but then realizes it's not ladylike and curtsies instead* - hopefully my attempt is as enjoyable as Catherine's own post was (I suggest checking it out, here, despite the fact that she is photo-shy).


As for who I'm tagging... I don't even know eleven bloggers, I don't think. So. I shall tag two bloggers who (I think) have not done it yet, and whoever else passes this post by idly (and is a writer, of course). I tag Megan Chappie and Lia. And now, I shall hope to it...!

Vital Stats/Appearance

Name: Belle Anne (no kidding - but not my full name, of course, because, if you haven't noticed, I am a cyberphobe, and don't like using my full name online.)

Nicknames: Most prominently Bellbell, but also occasionally Anyone, Peanut, or Granny/the Old Lady (Spiderman has also shown up as a name from time to time).

Birthday: In November, the most disagreeable month, of course.

Hair Color and Length: Oh boy. Um, think a mix of chicken broth and dishwater for hair color, haha, but semi-wavy and hip-length. Basically very long and a rather hideous shade of blond.

Eye Color: Very bright blue, as I love to boast of constantly as my own version of Jo March's hair.

Braces/Piercings/Tattoos: Ugh, haha, no tattoos, but I do have my ears pierced, and, while I never wore braces, per se, I used to wear plastic trays and still wear a retainer at night.

Righty or Lefty: A boring old righty, I'm afraid!

Ethnicity: Barbarian, haha. While the variations thereupon are a bit diverse, I am almost completely Viking and Celt (so lots of Norwegian, Slavic, and Scottish), though I am an Italian wannabe.

Firsts

First Novel Written: Um, a long-trashed version of Snow White that was basically the exact same as the typical fairy-tale, just slightly elaborated on. Either that or a Red-Riding Hood one that was a similar story.

First Novel Completed: Huzzah - The Pain of a Memory was completed just this past year, and it is now in the halls of glory as one of my most prized possessions.

Award for Writing: Haha, no awards yet, except the honor of successfully turning everybody's least favorite character into their favorite, including my rather persnickety writing confidante.

First Publication: Um, hehehe... aside from stuff on this blog and a writing newsletter I recently left, I have never published any writing, I don't think. I am publishing a song, however...

*cue music for a musical number*

Conference: The first and only writing conference I ever went to was a conference of Bryan Davis, the writer of a few commendable Christian fantasy novels. It was pretty fun, I remember it fondly, and it was a good initiation into the writing world, I suppose, but I will note that Bryan Davis' styles generally do differ from my own preferences, to say the least...

Query/Pitch: For a story...? Okay, here goes...

Sometimes a memory can have a lot of power. It can make a man. It can shape the most twisted monster or the most virtuous hero, as Anwynne, a young queen-to-be, finds while on her journey to her future throne. When that journey is halted, she meets many a hero and monster shaped by fighting or forgiving memory, and discovers her own humanity in the light of others' suffering.

Favorites

Novel (that you wrote): Okay, that's just cruel. You want to start a sibling rivalry or something?! Because that's what will happen if I choose between my kids, you know - and they're unruly kids at that, so sibling rivalry is something I need like a hole in the head. But... if I had to say... I guess I'd say either The Top-Hat Gang or Alomina.

Genre: Probably historical fiction, at least for reading. Though my appreciation for nonfiction, particularly philosophy, has skyrocketed in the past couple years.

Author: Ooh, that's a toughie. Probably either J.R.R. Tolkien or G.K. Chesterton.

Writing Music: Hmm, depends on the story. But usually it is either movie soundtracks, particularly the 2015 Cinderella (for my medieval novels) or swing music, particularly by Bing Crosby or Glenn Miller (for the five novels that are twentieth century onward).

Time to Write: Either afternoon or evening, because those are the quietest times of day.

Writing Snack/Drink: If a snack, then either pretzels, veggie straws, or chocolate, but if a drink, almost always coffee.

Movie: Okay, I don't actually have a favorite movie. There are way too many. I used to, but then I could never decide satisfactorily, so I just don't have a single favorite now. But... of my favorite movie types, I'd say most things with Gary Cooper or early Tyrone Power, Abbot and Costello movies, and the couple really good religious movies there are out there (namely The Passion, The Robe, and For Greater Glory). (And I just realized that only two out of all those movies are not in black and white or Technicolor...)

Writing Memory: The wonderful writing group I used to be a part of, particularly one day when we were discussing clichés. It was... quite amusing, to say the least.

Childhood Book: Some of the first chapter books I remember reading were Little House in the Big Woods (high five, Catherine!) and an abridged copy of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and both remain quite beloved with me.

Currently

Reading: Cardinal Sarah's The Power of Silence and also still Imitation of Christ.

Writing: Mostly this year's big project - my frustrating Fantasy series-starter, The Second Brother.

Listening to: Il Divo!

Watching: Anything Gary Cooper that I can get my hands on, but most recently High Noon.

Learning: Latin and Italian, how to play the full version of Fur Elise (finally!!!), and still the E Strano... Sempre Libera sequence from La Traviata.

Future

Want to be Published: Actually, I don't really care that much if I never get published. Sure, I would like to be at some point, but I realize that most of my writing is directed more towards the rare sort-of stodgy tastes like mine, so it is unlikely to ever get published. So I'm totally fine just sitting on the sidelines of the writing world - besides, most of the people I would want to read my story could without it being published, though I am rather sad that its theme might never reach anyone in need of it due to the bad writing quality and the fact of not being published.

Indie of Traditional: I'm assuming this means self-publishing or press-publishing? In that case, if I did publish, I'd prefer to press-publish with some smaller, more lenient press.

Wildest Goal: To get my musical and opera performed on stage, or at least one of them.

That's all for now, folks! What did you think? Have you done this tag? (If not, please pick it up!) What are you reading right now? Is anybody else here an Il Divo fanatic...?!







Meet the Books! - The Harlequin Sleuth

Whelp, I promised I'd do my best to get it out soon, so here it is! Hopefully I have successfully flaunted blog laziness for a little while. Anyways, though, for any of you who don't know Meet the Books!, it's a link-up of my own making for anybody to join and introduce their WIPs on their blog. The only rules are to answer the questions in a post, and to link it up back here so I can see it. So, without further ado, I'll get right to it.

What is the genre?
The genre is Mystery. Not strictly Murder Mystery, mind you, but just general Mystery, like Sherlock Holmes and Father Brown and all those wonderfully diverse mystery series.
What is the title? Time period?
The title of the first book (and of the series) is, at least for now, The Harlequin Sleuth. The time period is the mid-1930's.
How is it written (POV, main character, etc.)?
As usual, third person limited, though with only one main character.
Who are the characters?
These are only the repeating characters - it would take way too long to list all the characters planned through the series.
Ettiano Travista is a circus runaway (quite literally) with an Italian performing carnival in 1930's America. He came to America from Santa Lucia as a performer after avoiding the life he had previously pursued - that of a professional police detective. In becoming acquainted with the lifestyle and people, he decided that there was nothing he wanted less than to spend his life with such sordid people, always have enemies, and daily endanger his loved ones merely for the satisfaction of mental challenge and a well-paying job. It just isn't a responsible thing to do. Though everyone else seems to feel rather differently about it... including
Zolita Diez del Castillo, Ettiano's Hispanic date who sings in the carnival. She is headstrong, though strictly traditional (and strictly European) in her values, and often gives Ettiano a hard time about any range of things - particularly his choice to fly on the wires instead of hunting down criminals. After all, should a man cower from what he's good at just because he claims to not want anyone to get hurt?
Gregorio Ricci is the strong man at the carnival. Perhaps a bit naïve, but generally one of the kinder souls in the strange country, and always willing to help, sometimes to his disadvantage...
Ettiano's mother, Maria, is the strongest advocate of the detective career for Ettiano, unlike Ettiano himself. Like Ettiano, though, and probably even more so, she is extremely stubborn.
Lieutenant Rackett is a slightly cynical, though very clever police detective who often criticizes Ettiano as well. He, however, can quite live with the fact that it's up to him to solve any crimes around the carnival, as he not only enjoys his job, but is extremely skilled at it. Perhaps a bit American, and therefore doubtful of the strange troupe of Europeans, but cool of temper and quick of mind.

What does the plot consist of?
For the first book, the plot can be summed up easily - a murder where the victim isn't killed, a theft where the object isn't stolen, and a case where the policeman doesn't put two and two together alone. But of course, one cannot make much sense out of mystery stories.
What is the setting?
The Italian carnival as it travels through Great Depression-age America.
What gave you the idea?
Not sure... Probably the wish to try a new genre, I suppose.
Who are the favorite characters so far?
Ironically, Gregorio, who hasn't even made a full-fledged appearance yet.
What is the favorite scene so far?
None as of yet, as far as I know.
Any themes of music for this work?
Not at the moment - unfortunately, detectives don't usually have theme songs.
Any drawings?
Yes... but it was terrible, so I'm afraid I'll skip it for now.
Any snippets?
While I love reading other people's snippets when they do this link-up, it seems I never can manage to post any myself... *sighs* Unfortunately, none of the story is typed up yet, so there are no snippets except hastily scrawled in a notebook.
Strong point in story?
I have never written a mystery book before, and never a successful short story, so I haven't the slightest...
Weak point in story?
Hmm, probably how fast I seem to be forgetting most of the ultra-important, invaluable, plot-won't-work-without-this details...
What are your plans for it?
Meh. Finish it and start another one when I feel like it. I'm mainly writing this series for kicks more than anything else, and to try something new, so it's not a huge project or anything.
Any particular writing habits for it?
Other than always writing in the same notebook, and listening to lots of Chopin, not really.

If it were made into a movie, what would be your ideal cast for it?
Not sure... I guess Fernando Lamas would make a good Ettiano, but that's the only actor that immediately comes to mind.
Whelp, that wraps it up! What do you think - would you read it? Are you working on any projects right now? Are you planning on joining the link-up? What is your favorite detective series? Have you ever tried writing one?

January Updates

Hello, mi amici. I apologize for my sudden disappearance - I wish I had an excuse. Unfortunately, as you all know me well, you know that I am very prone to be absent-minded, and often poor old bloggie suffers for it. So... I apologize. And I figure, since it's been a while, I'll attempt to re-start the blogging train with what I've been up to lately.

Life

I'm not even sure why this is a section of my life updates, because, obviously, my life is not a big part of my life. Anywho. Primarily, I went to a swing dance, babysat a ton, and failed to make enough time for homework.

Books

Now we're into the more interesting part. I am in the midst of reading C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy (I'm almost finished with the last book), but not quite done, so I'll probably write a review of it as soon as I finish, but so far, I can tell you that these books are seriously worth reading - I would say that they're easily better by far than The Chronicles of Narnia, and Narnia's pretty awesome, so that should say something. I also am reading the Sacred Heart Press's Imitation of Christ, which is also quite commendable.

Writing

I finished TPoaM, as you all know, of course, and am currently on a bit of a break before my next big writing project. I am working on a short story which I intend to make known soon enough, but just haven't written a Meet the Books! for yet - but I am trying a new genre. Also, the story that will get finished this year has been decided, I believe - The Second Brother will hopefully not see the end of the year incomplete. I have been reading a lot of other people's writing as well, though, and come across some serious gems, some honorable mentions being Catherine Hawthorn's The White Rose and Megan Chappie's Barnstormers.

Music

Well. It seems that I'm in over my head... as usual. Not only am I performing in a musical (thankfully in the chorus), but I agreed to do a piano duet for a talent show, and sing solo for a Mass at my music teacher's parish. Help. Not only that, but I am on the road to getting a song I composed published, which is both exciting and simultaneously terrifying. If it is without kinks, then it should be out probably before the summer, but even with kinks, I shall probably announce its arrival within the year. As for the rest of my music... I'm taking it easy for a while. I realize that my music is still pretty amateur, so I'm putting my opera on hold for a time when I can do it more justice, and working strictly on more simple things right now. Hopefully this will allow for more devotion to choir and more attention to other people's compositions.

In Conclusion...

Well, all in all, it's not been a terribly busy month due to sickness (thankfully my siblings are all better now), but blogging will be better soon, I hope, and I will definitely try not to lose the thread again. I suppose I shall try and get that Meet the Books! post up soon and another snippet of TPoaM, as well as (perhaps) a new tag. For now, though, I believe that's all!

What have you been up to this month? Have you ever been swing-dancing? Do you know Lewis' Space Trilogy? Can you ever forgive me for forgetting the blog?!

10 Things - A New New Year's Tradition

Happy New Year, Merry Christmas, and Happy Solemnity of Mary to all of you! I know that all of you are probably a bit occupied for blog-reading at present, but I figured that I'd post this just in case. So - getting down to business. I'm starting a tradition for this blog here and now. What sort of a tradition? I'm going to suggest to you 10 things that you should try in the new year that I discovered this past year (and feel free to post about your results with them!), and in the comment, you guys suggest any (up to 10) new things that you think I should try this year. They could be movies, songs, activities, books, new genres of anything, snacks, or whatever pops into your head! I'll do my best to try them and post the results as the year goes on, and well as a summary and 10 more new things at the end of the year! Hopefully the tradition catches on! Here goes!

 New Thing #10 - Polyphony

If you've never tried to sing or listen to polyphony, I suggest trying it (and trying it seriously) now! It takes some time to appreciate it, but when you do, you really come to love it, and you realize that it is some of the most beautiful music there is! I had sung a little bit before, but when I joined probably one of the hardest Church choirs I've ever seen this year, I was in way over my head. But I still love it - having to learn it, and absorbing this beautiful music, even for so short a time, has given me such an appreciation for it. There's really nothing like it!

New Thing #9 - Ballroom Dancing

Okay, I know that this is a bit of a commitment, so I totally understand for anyone who doesn't do it - but, honestly, even just looking up a video and imitating the steps is pretty fun, and it gives you such a new scope on dancing in general. It is one of the single best hobbies I can think of, actually, and I'm sad that it took me up until late this past year to finally learn it! (Also, as a side note, not all ballroom dances need a partner, so don't worry if you're not sure who to call!)

New Thing #8 - Edward Feser and His Books

Even if you just read his humorous and profound blog posts, Edward Feser is a genius and his writing is a serious broadening of the mind. He really writes to make you think, and I wish he was better-known. His book on the mind (Philosophy of Mind, which I blogged about a while back, here) was amazing, and he has so many invaluable books on subjects that most authors can't even tackle. Hey, even if you're not big into philosophy, you can pop into his blog (here) and read his philosophical and superhero-comic-spattered thought posts.

New Thing #7 - Silent Movies

Honestly, silent movies are under-appreciated in this day and age. We think they're cheesy merely because they don't have the same special effects of now or the same acting of their near predecessors. They're such a milestone in history, though, and they are enjoyable, even if only for a laugh with some of them. Some of my favorites that I discovered and watched this year were It, Nosferatu, and Lon Chaney Sr.'s Ace of Hearts. I strongly encourage the spread of silent movies - some aren't worth keeping for morality reasons, it's true, but on a whole, they're a very neglected art.

New Thing #6 - Quote Battles

I'm sure, with close friends, everybody's done some bit of movie and book quoting before. But as a whole conversation? Trying to make a conversation that more or less makes sense merely out of quotes is not only usually hilarious, but very fun. It's one little thing I'm definitely not sorry I tried this past year.

New Thing #5 - St. Louis de Montfort

St. Louis de Montfort wrote a lot of incredible books, and I'm honestly ashamed that I didn't get around to reading any of them sooner. My family and I are finishing up his Secrets of the Rosary presently, and copies of his book on consecration to Mary were at Church for most of the school year, so I did finally remedy the situation a bit this past year, but still. I plan to read a lot more of his work in this new one. 

New Thing #4 - Singing and Playing

If you don't (and don't plan to) play an instrument, that's fine. But if you do play one that is compatible with any form of singing, let me recommend this extremely helpful brain exercise that not only boost one's playing and singing abilities, but coordination period. Even just learning to play and sing one song is quite a challenge!

New Thing #3 - A New Movie Genre

I never watched Horror movies, or Thriller, and absolutely not Martial Arts movies. But I tried some of those this past year, and was, in some cases, impressed. I'm still not a big Horror or Thriller fan - I can't stand gore, and intensity makes me anxious or bored - but I still found a couple of movies I don't regret watching in the genre. (I did not enjoy every movie I saw, but I don't regret trying the genre.)  I definitely never really liked Martial Arts movies - they were always so cheesy, overdone, and violent, not to mention stupid in my own haughty opinion. But I tried a new one this year and actually ended up loving it (in fact... expect the movie Ip-Man to come up in another posts...). And I realized something from it - even if you don't like the genre in general, there's usually at least one movie in every genre that you would like, and you could be missing out on that movie just because of the genre. Besides, there are so many movies out there that totally don't fit the usually genre they're put in - you could be really missing out because of a fault label!

New Thing #2 - Tyrone Power Movies

Okay - this is easily one of the best non-religious things I discovered this year. I love Tyrone Power movies! Not only is he possibly one of the best-looking actors I've ever seen, but his acting is amazing, and most of his movies have great acting throughout them. Not to mention that a large chunk of them are thoroughly pro-Christian and pro-Catholic, as well as being dramatic in story, artistic in romance, and refreshing in their variety of setting - anything from romantic comedy to drama to action/adventure to mystery. The quality level of all of his earlier movies is also extremely skillful, with usually good sound, script, photography, and costumes (as well as, like I said, good supporting actors, including oldies but goodies like Orson Welles and Dana Andrews). I know, I know, I'm recommending a lot of movie things, but, honestly, even if you don't try a new genre or watch a silent movie, watch a Tyrone Power movie, please. (I will willingly recommend a few if you ask!)

New Thing #1 - The Traditional Latin Mass

So... I guess I didn't discover it this past year, but it definitely felt like it, because I haven't been going for very long. It really is just splendiferous, I'm telling you. Even if you're not a Catholic, the Latin Mass is a beautiful, culture-filled experience, as well as a prayerful and historical one - after all, even if you're not a Catholic, this is the way that Christians have celebrated the Mass almost since the time of Christ! Want to see how the Church Fathers and the Apostles saw the Mass? This is as close as you will probably get without a time machine. Again - even if you are not a Catholic, this is easily the one of the most culturally profound Christian Rites, and it is definitely an experience worth having. And what better way to start the year than to explore a beautiful, traditional way of glorifying God?

Well, that's all for now, folks - what did you think? Have any plans yet for things to try this year? Do any of the things on this list sound appealing to you? And now for the big question - what would you have me try this year? List up to ten things in a comment, and I will do my very best to try them and post the results up on this blog! Get creative - recommend anything you like, and I will hear the suggestion no matter what it is. I can't wait to see what you say!

10 Terrific Tropes (That Are In Serious Need Of Revival!)

A while ago, I posted another list of ten tropes, but that one listing tropes that were either commonplace, cliche, unrealistic, or just plain bad writing in general (a phrase which here means 'all of the above,' to paraphrase Lemony Snicket). But, of course, nobody likes a dark cloud. Not in writing advice, and not anywhere else! Especially with how easy it is to despair nowadays with how many things, even culturally, and in writing specifically, are at a low. So I'm going to offer a constructive opinion as well on the matter - I'm going to share some of my favorite tropes that I haven't seen in a while as my afore-promised part the second. Some of them are related to the clichés, and some are quite their own matter, but hopefully you'll see some that you recognize. (There is one thing I must note first, though: with the first post, I had a factual guide as to which of the tropes to put on there - I simply put those that were undeniably, technically bad writing - but with these, there are far too many tropes that are technically good writing out there, so most of these are chosen by my own opinion; just tropes that I personally enjoy that do not have serious writing flaws and are unfortunately uncommon now. Just so no one feels bossed around by my - well-meant, I assure you - writing advice.)

Terrific Trope #10 - The Brothers

My goodness, but this has to be one of my favorite things to see in a book or movie - brothers (or brother-figures) that are just friends, amazing friends, but go through tough times and have to - despite this original friendship - pit against one another, ending back in friendship. Even if they don't start out friends, too, that's also pretty interesting. It makes for a brilliant conflict, I can tell you, and it serves for character development, and a creative twist on a story (as well as solving the age-old 'how to involve siblings of the MC' problem in novels). I put it at the bottom of the list merely because it's slightly less uncommon, though still far too uncommon. I'm not saying that everybody should do it (after all, that's what makes a trope commonplace), but if it's useful to the story, go ahead and use it, because there are plenty of readers who like it! I've talked to plenty of other readers (and writers) who feel quite the same about the trope, and want to see it get bigger. Some good examples are some of the Thor movies, the movie, In Old Chicago, and the book Enemy Brothers (which... I have long wanted to read due to this, but haven't been able to get my hands on for more than an hour).

Terrific Trope #9 - The Hidden Thorn

Everybody loves a character who suffers. But what about one who doesn't rub it in people's faces, doesn't go crazy/evil/outwardly damaged because of, and doesn't even mention it themselves? When all the suffering of a character is kept from you until a time when nobody can do anything about it, readers' hearts bleed all the more for the character. The character who suffers and still stays steady (at least on the outside) is something rarely seen now! A character who suffers silently is not only a good role model, but an instant favorite for readers who like conflict. Good examples of this are Percy Blakeny from The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Rogue from the old X-Men cartoon.

Terrific Trope #8 - Pa and Ma

Parents who not only have character, but have likable character are invaluable in fiction nowadays. Parents and parent-figures so often get jipped nowadays, being only reserved for the sentimental and the sappiest films wherein those character still at least start out in the wrong. How many parents do you know who are actually as stupid, malicious, or just strange as the ones commonly depicted on television? Some good examples of this trope are (as much I personally don't like him for other reasons) Mo Folchart from Inkheart (the books), Ma and Pa Ingalls from the Little House on the Prairie series (for whom this post is named), and King Gris from Medallion.

Terrific Trope #7 - Symbolism

I only didn't put this one as #1 because this is not a particular trope, per se, but rather a general aspect of writing. It seems like symbolism, allegory, and metaphor are so neglected in fiction nowadays, being reserved only to tell the shallow-most political and ideological messages. The last mainstream mention of symbolism in a story I heard of was the homosexual agenda thinly veiled within Frozen and Zootopia. Is that what symbolism's come to? Good symbolic books are The Lord of the Rings (obviously) and just about anything else by Tolkien, mostly, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and John C. Wright's sci-fi short stories.

Terrific Trope #6 - The Villain From Below

Again, this has to do a lot with allegory and metaphor. So few villains nowadays are actually respectable or scary - mostly they're sympathetic or rather pathetic now. If they're scary at all, it's only because of creepy makeup in their screen representation, their creepy hideout, or their gory habits. What about villains that actually scare the heck out of you? Villains that represent (or even are) something deeper than some creep in a costume or a robo-suit... Those are the villains that scare you the most, because those are the ones that are real. Some very good examples are Dracula, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and, of course, the Silmarillion (actually, I hesitate to say it merely because of some other personal bones I have to pick with the villain, but Davy Jones from the PotC movies has some of these qualities, for sure).

Terrific Trope #5 - The Friends

Unfortunately, I must confess, I too am guilty of neglecting this trope. When a guy and girl are best friends in a story and don't end up together, it's so refreshing from the constant romance bombardment of today's culture (and I am by no means anti-romance!). It's not only refreshing, but realistic. Opposite genders can be friends, after all, without being in an erotic relationship. And writing should, at least to a certain extent, reflect reality. To simply end all male-female character relationships in some sort-of awkward romance is just a tad laughable. It's true, however, that, just because such friendships do realistically go both ways, this trope should be exercised with moderation, and friend-to-romance character relationships shouldn't be discouraged either. Some good examples are Beorn the Proud, Nya and Cole (after the sixth season!) in Lego Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu, and Dracula.

Terrific Trope #4 - Traditional Gender Roles

I'm quite positive that all of you have heard me rant about traditional gender roles at some point or other. They're the foundation of inter-gender relations! Enough said. Some good examples are Pride and Prejudice (and most Jane Austen novels, for that matter), and most old movies before the 1950's.

Terrific Trope #3 - The Artsy One

Imagine some of the most famous and long-beloved characters in fiction. Most of them have some sort-of quirks, right? And the ones who all seem to have the most distinction of character are the ones who have some sort-of art or task that they devote themselves to passionately. Think of Sherlock Holmes with both his logic and his violin. Think of Zorro with his fencing. Or think of Jo March and her writing. Having your characters care about something deeply that isn't necessarily a part of the plot gives them more personality and makes them more of a relatable person than just words on a page or an actor in a movie. Besides the ones I already mentioned, some good examples are Hercule Poirot from his self-titled mysteries, Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit and LotR, and Flambeaux from the Father Brown Mysteries.

Terrific Trope #2 - The Wit

Don't you just love it when you read a book and there's one character who always has something to say for every situation? The one who makes you look up from the book and laugh out loud when you realize what they just said? I don't know about you, but I always love those characters whenever they're around. They're not only entertaining, but they're intelligent, and often are as much help to the main characters as they are comic relief. Two birds with one stone - that's good writing. Some good examples are Gambit from the old X-Men cartoon and Pyle's Robin Hood.

Terrific Trope #1 - The Conversion

I just love it when characters reform and redeem themselves, don't you? But isn't it even more satisfying when they convert right to the top? There are so few stories now that center around religious conversion, but it's such a beautiful and touching thing! So many people who are converts have told me how amazing the process was, and how much it took to make the decision. If those doesn't sound like qualities that make up a story, I don't know what does! It really is such a wonderful and real topic, I don't know why it's so neglected. Honestly, it's so rare now, I can't even think of a good example.

Well, that's all for now, folks. What did you think? How do you like these tropes? Can you forgive me for taking so long with this post? Have you any more tropes to add to the list?

The Pain of a Memory - Part XII

I apologize for being gone so long - I was celebrating my birthday this month and totally forgot that this blog was also (yay! Bloggie's two years old now!). Hopefully you can forgive me for my absent-mindedness once again!

Part I

Part II

Part III

Part IV

Part V

Part VI

Part VII

Part VIII

Part IX

Part X

Part XI

***

            Echo dismounted from his horse. He turned around a signaled his men. "Time to camp," he said to them, getting his satchel out of the horse's saddle pack.

            At his command, the other men in the party dismounted their own horses and began to get their packs out. Some of them began to set up a camp. Good, Echo thought. Everything is taken care of.

            Echo opened up his satchel. He looked inside. There was some of Lania's bread inside. She had packed it for him, and put some of the fresh-baked loaf in there. Echo smiled. Now this was traveling food. It was certainly far better than what he usually got, which was also traveler's bread. But the real difference was that one kind reminded him of home, and the other only reminded him of the journey. Echo sighed a little, still smiling to himself. Soon enough, he would be home again.

            With these thoughts in mind, Echo turned back to his men. The camp was all set up, and a good fire was blazing in the middle of it. He walked towards the center of the camp. Then he sat down next to the fire. Echo tore a chunk off of the bread from his satchel and ate it. Then he put the rest back. He looked into the fire's resplendence absently.

            Then one of his men sat down next to him. Echo looked over. "Hello, Evern," Echo addressed the knight.

            Evern nodded. "Captain"

            Echo smiled. "It's Echo when we're alone, Evern. And aren't you hungry?"

            Evern shook his head. "I'm a bit unsettled about this journey, Echo. I've heard plenty a thing about this robber band from some Nistrian travelers. There are supposed to be a hundred score of them, so I'm told"

            Echo laughed. "You listen to travelers too much. If there are a hundred score of them, then why has no one before gone after them?"

            Evern shrugged. "You tell me, Echo. You're the one who's been in this area before"

            Echo nodded and sighed a little. "Yes... But it's been a long time since I've had to be here. The last times I was here it was for a mission"

            "And it is so once more"

            "Yes..." Echo looked off into the distance. "But in particular, we're going to a place I haven't ever been to for a mission"

            Evern looked over at Echo. "I thought you'd been there before?"

            Echo nodded. "I have. I was there about fifteen years ago, back when I was a infantry man in the war"

            Evern laughed. "Has it really been that long?" He shook his head. "It doesn't seem like the war was that long ago, does it?"

            Echo shrugged. "Well, in all hopes, it will be very long before any such thing ever happens again"

            "That could be accomplished, so long as Nistria would be compliant"

            "Well, they'll have a new king soon enough, so that may help things, Evern"

            Evern nodded. "And I've heard rumor that Ingrecia is considering an alliance with Nistra, which would also help things"

            Echo looked back at Evern. "Really? What kind of an alliance?"

            Evern shrugged. "I have absolutely no idea"

            Echo smiled. "Well, you're the one who talks to travelers all the time - haven't you heard something from any of them about it?"

            Evern shook his head. "Not a thing"

            Echo laughed. "Well, why'd you go and hear the beginning of the rumor if you weren't going to have the decency to hear the end of it?"

            Evern joined him in laughter. "Well, you know, I cannot choose what I hear or don't hear, Echo"

            "Yes, but you can choose what you begin to tell me and what you keep silent. Why did you even tell me the beginning? You know I hate stories without an ending, Evern"

            Evern smiled. "Well, I'm no storyteller such as yourself, Echo. But at least all of my stories are true, whether they ever are finished or not"

            Echo chuckled. "Was that jest a jab at my truthfulness, Sir Evern?"

            Evern shrugged nonchalantly. "Perhaps. But if you have a story to tell, it often is one, well, of your own fancy"

            Echo shook his head smilingly. "I at least finish my little fairytales, which is better than having an unfinished real event to tell"

            Evern nodded in defeat. "I suppose so" After a moment of silence, Evern just laughed. "We are rather ludicrous knights, now aren't we, Torriven? All we've done since the camp was up is discuss foreign politics and storytelling, when we have a mission five days ahead of us"

            Echo shrugged. "You forget that you were the one who started both of those so-called ludicrous discussions, Evern. And the mission is ahead of us. We have not reached it yet"

            "Yes, I know, but surely we must put some measure of focus on it?"

            Echo laughed. "You are the ludicrous one really, Evern. We went over it when we were in the town" At Evern's comical expression, Echo laughed again. "Don't worry, Evern. I was only jesting. Believe me, I have been thinking about the mission"

            Evern nodded and stood up smilingly. "Good, because I don't want to follow a distracted captain into a mission. I mean, it wouldn't be quite ideal to follow an absent-minded knight, who's only constantly thinking of his little village and little family the entire mission, would it, Echo?" And with this, he promptly left, still smiling, with a hint of sarcasm in his tone and expression.

            Echo merely burst out laughing. Evern knew him perhaps a little too well...

What did you think? Any critiques? Comments? Suggestions? I would love to hear any feedback, especially since this story's now being prepped for longer roads, so speak your mind!