Where We Belong // Lynn Austin

I just finished the book and wrote the review on Goodreads, when I decided to post it here as well. 
_____________________________

My Review:
Overall, the book wasn't my favorite Lynn Austin book. She is such a good writer, and I admire so much of her work. This book wasn't badly written. It wasn't boring. It wasn't frustrating.
It just wasn't great.
It wasn't 'Hidden Places', it wasn't 'Wonderland Creek', and in my opinion the execution of each character's backstory was better carried out in 'Eve's Daughters' than in 'Where We Belong'.
BUT.
This book was special in it's own way, and had it's heart-wrenching, heart-warming, lovely and moving moments that left me thanking God that He is the way He is. Yes, this is a fiction story. But God is very real. His love is the realest thing you can experience.
Austin did a stunning job with this book in particular of bringing His loving and redemptive nature to life throughout the story, in the way the sisters cared, served and shown incredible mercy, grace, and love to certain characters in the book.
I also really loved the way everything came together at the end of the book. This happy ending story wasn't without heartbreak, which is a reminder that we never know how God will work. You never know how He will use you in ways that you can't imagine, and might never comprehend until heaven. It was a blessed reminder that it doesn't matter where you've been, what you've done, who you were in your past. Jesus flips that upside down. He's dying (literally- and rising again) to reach out to those very people.
In the words of 'The Pilgrim's Progress':

"Apollyon accused, "You almost fainted when you first set out, when you almost choked in the Swamp of Despond. You also attempted to get rid of your burden in the wrong way, instead of patiently waiting for the Prince [GOD] to take it off. You sinfully slept and lost your scroll, you were almost persuaded to go back at the sight of the lions, and when you talk of your journey and of what you have heard and seen, you inwardly desire your own glory in all you do and say."

To which Christian simply replies:

"All this is true, and much more that you have failed to mention...But the Prince [GOD] whom I now serve and honor is merciful and ready to forgive. Besides, these infirmities possessed me while I was in your country, for there I allowed them to come in. But I have groaned under them, have been sorry for them, and have obtained pardon from my Prince."

The LORD only can say who you are, what you are. No mistakes you've made can define you, as well as no good thing you can do. You will find this nowhere else, including religions. When religion demands "do", Christ states simply, "done".

But back to reviewing the book.

To be honest, the book helped me in my personal journey of loving and submitting to God in my own heart during this particular season of my life, and I've been a 'believer' for close to 10 years now (I've been churched all my life and I said "the prayer" at age 9, but I didn't really begin to grasp God's love for me and live my life for Him until I was closer to 12-14)! Who knows what God will do with my path as the years go on and my journey of life continues. It is my resolve to trust Him as He guides me along the way.
I love how so much of the sister's life was included, and how it all came to a beautiful and satisfying conclusion of how God brought things together, as is His way.
That's why, while not as good as some, this book has a special place in my heart and I will always connect it in my mind to the season that I am personally walking through right now.

_________________________

Well, that is all. I just wanted to share my thoughts. This book holds a special place in my heart for another reason - when I first received it for my birthday in January of 2018, I was still in my old childhood home. Everything in my life has prevented me from reading and enjoying books since then - including moving twice. I tried reading this book several times, only to read a chapter or two and then leave it for weeks untouched before being able to pick it up and focus again. It's been a difficult year and a half since I read the first chapter and so many things in my life have changed I can't even count them all- but a few things have remained constant. The LORD, and my underlying love for books, reading, and imagination, even while not having the time or the  mental energy to focus on enjoying them. My heart for those things was still there-lying beneath the surface as everything I thought I could count on in my life practically dissolved before my eyes.

Only in the last month, I've finally started to come back to my old way of doing things. My old hobbies, my old enjoyments, my old state of mental health. It's still rough, but God is still there. He is my constant Companion when everyone around me fails me or lets me down- and in being so, proving He's different and can be trusted. I don't ever want to take a break from books again- I hope that in the future, no matter what difficulties or trials I walk through, I will always come from a healthy place in my mind where I can focus on and enjoy a well-written story.
This is the book that I began at the beginning of that 'taking-a-break-from-books-and-everything-i-found-pleasure-in' season, and 'Where We Belong' ended just now... as that season is coming to an end. I'm not sure of very many things, but I'm quite sure that Lynn Austin books will always mean a lot to me.

That's all, friends.
I hope you've having a good day!

What about you? Have you read this book? What did you think of it? What book or author means a lot to you?

-Amaris ☆

Small Writing Tips

A few tips I have picked up from being a story lover for many years. 

Disclaimer: I've never actually written a book.

Unfulfilled Desires

If you're going to kill off a character, consider killing them off before they've achieved something important to them. Let the reader know exactly what they're leaving behind. For example, they couldn't wait to see their mom after many years, but they died right before being able to make the trip, and their mom will never see them again. Or, it was their lifelong dream to see the ocean. They wanted to tell their best friend they loved them. It really rips the reader's heart out because they weren't finished with life.

Powerful Villain

Be sure we know how powerful your villain is. Before your hero must confront the villain in the climax, make sure the hero (and your reader) sees first hand the kind of damage the villain can do. You have to instill that fear of the villain as organically and early as possible in the story.

Keep Old Drafts

Never throw away your old drafts, even ones from story ideas you've trashed. Keep them, and re-read them occasionally. You never know what important things you will want to go back and use.

Model Real Personalities

Be real. Especially with your main character. Figure out your hero's personality, and learn as much as you can about that personality. It will help you write your character more authentically. (I like to take this test through the eyes of my character. One of my favorite powerful characters I worked with back when I was still writing was an ESTJ personality and I loved using all the ESTJ information I found online to strengthen her characteristics). But don't forget to make your hero change and grow overtime (a.k.a. a 'character arc'). That's what real people do.

Watch Movies & Read Books

Watch movies and read books. Make notes of what you like/dislike about the stories and the characters. Remember them when you write your own stuff.

Reference

Don't forget to use references. You'll never get anywhere if you expect to figure out what to say and how to say it all on your own. Where do people go these days when they need inspiration? The internet. Welcome to the future, people. You want your character to express how they feel without being cliche? Go create a Pinterest account, follow some 'writing reference' boards.

Write Horribly

At the top of the rough draft of your story, label it 'The Dumbest Version'. It will help your mindset to allow yourself to write terribly because the rough draft doesn't have to be good it just has to be written.

Thanks for reading- I hope some of these can help you out sometime. :) 

// -Amaris //

The Greatest Showman Book Tag // Taking a Break From my Break

Hello....

It's mee.....
(You've forgotten me, haven't you?)

I am taking a break from my hiatus (actually that doesn't really make sense because isn't a HIATUS a break? So..... I'm taking a break from my break...?) because I read this really cool tag on Eva's blog, and I had to jump in and steal it!
Things are slowing down a bit with our moving (as in, the work is getting less and less the more we clean up and stuff), so hopefully I can be back to posting regular posts really soon!
In the meanwhile, here we go.

Edit cred: Eva

Rules:
~Answer the Questions
~Tag Whoever You Want

(I think I can do that...)

The Greatest Show: Name a book that's as entertaining as a circus.

Well, nothing comes directly to mind except for Rhett & Link's Book of Mythicality, which was quite fun to read, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you watch their YouTube channel, because that's what it's all about... :)

A Million Dreams: Name a book that's set in a fantastical world.

Well, I don't read a lot of books from that genre, so I'm just going to say The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Last time I read the series, the third book was my favorite.

Come Alive: Name a book that makes you outrageously happy.

I gotta say Lynn Austin's Hidden Places, not because it's a happy book per se, but it always makes me happy when I read this one because I love her writing so much. But I totally agree with Eva about The Blue Castle too. 

The Other Side: Name a book that changed your mind about something.

This book by Jack Klumpenhower, Show Them Jesus. This is probably the most influential book I've ever read in my life, other than the Bible. It's that good. The truths are amazing.

Never Enough: Name a book that you've re-read more than once.

Anne of Green Gables. That book made me so happy during my high school days. I need to read it again. I actually learned a lot about writing from that book, plus Anne's misadventures and Montgomery's writing style always make me smile.

This is Me: Name a book with a character that reminds you of yourself.

I wish I could say Patrick Jane from The Mentalist... but that's a TV Show. I have never met a character more like myself than that guy. But since this is a BOOK tag, I'm going to say Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. He does what is right while (mostly) keeping his mouth shut. He's great.

Re-write the Stars: Name a book with a forbidden romance.

I really love forbidden romance situations, so I wish I knew more books with them, but I don't so I'm going to say Lynn Austin's A Proper Pursuit. Although that one isn't super dramatic the way I like them. #yes i'm cliche sometimes
o

Tightrope: Name a book with an adventurous main character.

 I couldn't possibly name any other book or character than Sage from The False Prince Trilogy. I always admired the strength of that guy, and how he never stops. His cleverness never ends.

From Now On: Name a book with a wonderful family (related or otherwise)

Well, I'm going to go with the 'otherwise' option, and say how much I liked the companionship of the characters in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. They are not family, but they stuck together through the war, and afterward. And they accepted Juliet into their adorable circle of trust and friendship. *sigh* It makes my heart happy. I love that book. (WHO ELSE IS EXCITED FOR THE MOVIE. Let me hear ya!)

There we go. I love book tags. Thanks for letting me steal from you, Eva! :)

I Tag:
Tessa at This Great Adventure (AKA - MY VERY BEST FRIEND WHO NOW HAS A BLOG)
Abbie at Chronicles in Bloom
Mary from Sunshine & Scribblings

Go check out Eva's post here.

It was nice writing a post again for once! I will be back soon, my bloggy friends...

-Amaris

Problems I Have With Pride & Prejudice 2005

I am not a negative person by nature, but I would like to present these thoughts of mine for your reading pleasure. Let us see on whether or not we agree!
I did a rather old post kind of like this awhile back, but my opinions have changed a little, so I wanted to update from a fresh perspective. So here you go.

Disclaimer: These are my own personal opinions, they are not meant to bash anyone who might think differently than me. Let's keep this fun, peeps.

To begin.

~It's too short

This story is not one to be taken in a small amount of time. The story requires a good deal of thought and pondering to enjoy it thoroughly. When watching P&P '05, we cannot do that. It's too painfully short. It's so short it hurts my brain to watch it.
I really wish they would've:
1. Made the movie into a miniseries, or at least
2. Made the movie super long.
This would give us much more time to spend with the movie's beautiful aesthetics and appreciate things such as acting talent. *sigh* But alas.

~Elizabeth Bennet's makeup isn't accurate- and it just bugs me in general

This "I love you" rainstorm scene in particular (completely setting aside the fact that this scene in this setting wasn’t supposed to happen anyways) just bugged me because of how dark and sultry Elizabeth’s makeup was. I am not a ‘costume’ expert, but I do know that back in these times, makeup was very faint, natural, and light. The only people who wore makeup enough to see was women of ill repute, or... (dare I say it on this clean blog…) prostitutes, who were essentially outcasts.
Not to mention dark, smudgy eyeliner bugs me in general. But that’s just me.
(Also, this is off the makeup biz, but why is Elizabeth such a ragamuffin in general? Certainly neat hair and ironed clothing were a must, even for someone of her class?) (Help me out, history peeps.)

~The costumes aren’t accurate either

This one I can’t say much about, as I am not a ‘costume’ expert, as I said. But in spite of my thoughts on this movies’ costumes, I have been in the discussion of other people who know much more of the subject who also think the costumes are historically lacking. And who am I to argue with a history person?
Plus, I just don’t understand Caroline Bingley’s dress in this ball scene at all??? In the 19th century, I always figured that women didn't wear night gowns to balls...
But perhaps I'm wrong... anyone?

~Mr. Darcy is the opposite of attractive (*whispers* aka he's ugly)

I know, I know. Some women think otherwise. This is my personal opinion (and no offense to the actor as a person), but I do not care for this Darcy’s looks. He’s supposed to be handsome, right? Isn’t that what the book suggests? Help me here, people. It’s been awhile since I read the book. P&P 05’s Darcy is not how I imagine a handsome-suitor-with-a-gazillion-pounds to look. Also, his hair is weird.

~The Bingleys are weird

Caroline does alright at acting high-and-mighty and all, but her costumes are horrid (again with the nightgown ball dress), but she's not even in the story enough for me to even have an extensive opinion about her.
That scene when Caroline was supposed to have caused her brother to leave town to keep him away from Jane? Like, for real that scene just happened so fast and without very much explanation at all. If I hadn’t read the book already, I would’ve been completely confused, as my mom was because she hadn't read the book. *frustrated groan*

And I haven’t even gotten to Charles Bingley yet. Let me just say this; I think Hollywood/other movie making people are getting confused about what the term ‘handsome’ means. He’s friendly enough (I rather think his personality is on the ‘ok’ side), but he’s just not attractive. At all.

~Mr. Collins isn’t ridiculous enough to make me hardly notice his existence at all

This Mr. Collins is just kind of there. Like, hardly anything happens with him until he proposes to Elizabeth and gets rejected, and even then he’s still not much of anything when it comes to ‘personality’. As I remember it in the book, Mr. Collins was supposed to be somewhat ridiculous and comedic, while he tries his best to be serious. You could take this Mr. Collins out entirely and it would effect the movie very little.

~The Bennet family isn't ridiculous enough either

In the true spirit of Jane Austen's writing, the Bennet family (apart from Jane and Elizabeth) are supposed to be ridiculous enough to make you laugh to yourself, and even out loud. P&P '95 captures the hilarity splendidly, but in 2005... I honestly can't remember laughing once, to myself or otherwise.

Mrs. Bennet is okay. Not funny, but okay. Mr. Bennet I probably like the most. But the rest of them are filled with many non-laughable moments (or perhaps they ARE laughable, but the moment is too short that I can't notice / enjoy it?) that leave me more bored than amused. Sad, but true.

~*~

Well, that's about it. 
Let's end this barrage of negativity with some positive notes:

A Few Things I Do Like:
~Jane Bennet (I love Rosamund Pike in this role)
~The soundtrack (I live and breathe the music from this movie no joke)
~The sets and props and aesthetics (such a beautiful movie really)

~*~
There you have it. My true thoughts on a movie controversial among period drama lovers around the world. I did re-watch this right before I wrote this so that I can remember all of my thoughts (gotta be accurate, you know?), and was not entirely bored, because in spite of it's flaws, I do enjoy watching it.
It's not terrible by any means.

On another subject, I feel like I've been posting a lot of period-drama related posts lately? Or is that just me? I certainly enjoyed the period drama tag all the bloggers did awhile back. :)
But if I'm not careful, I might end up one of 'those' period drama-obsessed blogs.
*shivers*
Anywho.
Let me know which of these sentiments you agree or disagree with. :)

See ya.
-Amaris

Lovely Blog Party // A Few Couples Who Are Worth Mentioning

Hello, my lovely peeps!!!

Cordy from Any Merry Little Thought is hosting a great blog party for the month of February to celebrate favorite couples! Go take a look at her blog for more info. :)

For my 'couple-related post', I decided to talk about a few of my favorite couples from movies, books, and television shows. Of course, my favorites change all the time, but here is my current list.

This was originally going to be a 'top TEN couples' post, but I realized about halfway through... I don't have 10 favorite couples. I'm a picky person with high standards when it comes to stories and characters. Much less, I don't think I have top ten favorite anything (maybe Owl City songs... I'll have to give that some thought tho).
So because of that, I present to you my top 5 or 6 'mentionable' couples from film and books. What's more, they're not in any order.

Without further ado, I shall begin.

A Few Worthy Couples // February 2018

~*~

~John Thornton & Margaret Hale~

North & South book by Elizabeth Gaskell

Specifically (as I have underlined above), the book version. I really loved these two in the 2004 series, but I loved them even more so when I read the beautiful book by Gaskell. I love it when romance comes from two people that initially hate/severely dislike each other. These two are no exception. And I like the little scenes of these two together in the book that isn't in the series.

~*~

~Drake Carne & Morwenna Chinowyth~

Poldark BBC
o

This couple is a new favorite. I just finished watching season 3 of Poldark (a show not recommended for every audience, I must throw out there) in which these two characters are introduced. And I love them. Both actors do such an amazing job with each other, and the story they are interwoven into is so intriguing. The thing about this couple is that there is so much going on around their story that they have no control over, yet they love each other through it. AND I'M SO MAD THE WAY THINGS TURNED OUT FOR MORWENNA. I MEAN SHE DID IT BECAUSE SHE LOVED DRAKE BUT GOSH.
They're in the middle of making Season 4 right now, and by golly I hope things get better for them then! If I can only wait that long...

By the way, Morwenna looks almost exactly like a friend I know. *shrug* Who knew.

~*~

~Faramir  & Eowyn~

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King book by J.R.R. Tolkien

 

Again, I must stress the book relationship more than the movie relationship as my favorite.
In the book I simply adore these two. I watched the movies first when I was 14, but when I read the books I remember how pleasantly surprised I was by their whole relationship that wasn't even in the movie. I mean, look at this:
"And as they stood so, their hands met and clasped, though they did not know it..."
"...and he took her in his arms and kissed her under the sunlit sky, and he cared not that they stood high upon the walls in the sight of many. And many indeed saw them and the light that shown about them as they came down from the walls and went hand in hand to the House of Healing."
 Just.
Aggh I love it.
Look at me in the eyes through the computer screen and dare to tell me that's not beautiful.

~*~
~Sherlock Holmes & Molly Hooper~
Sherlock BBC Show

o
Again, I must stress this is the show version I speak of.

I realize some might argue that these two aren't even a couple. And sure. They aren't married or anything. They aren't even dating, or purposefully getting to know one another. But are we going to ignore every single time Molly stood by Sherlock when he needed her, even as he was a jerk? Are we going to ignore the fact that Sherlock himself admitted out of this mouth that he needs Molly? Are we going to ignore all that went down between them in Series 4 Episode 3??? NO, my friends!
True, they aren't your conventional couple. But they are one of my favorites, and they deserve a place on my list. *nods decidedly*

~*~
~Philip Carlyle & Anne Wheeler~
The Greatest Showman (2017)

 
This is another new favorite.
I do have some problems with this relationship. Well, not PROBLEMS, exactly, there are just some things about their relationship in the movie I wish were different. For one, their relationship development? It's pretty much non-existent. Other than the fact that Philip holds Anne's hand during that one song but then lets it go when people see him. Then their very next scene together it seems as if too much has progressed that we haven't even seen. It's almost like they cut out a scene where he makes some sort of confession of his love for her. My friend put it: "They met and all of a sudden they were in love".

But hey. *shrug* They're still a great couple. I guess the main reason they are on my list is because of the epic-ness of the scenes they are in together and the songs they share. From 'Re-Write the Stars' to *spoiler* the time when Philip heroically runs into a burning building because he thinks Anne is still inside, to *end of spoiler*  the hospital scene, to the very end. It is blissful to watch.

~*~

~Alan Turing & Joan Clarke~
The Imitation Game (2014)

Here we have a couple from history, as well as from a movie.
*spoiler* True, these two don't end up together because of *ehem* REASONS, but still. *end of spoiler*

I mentioned in my post about this movie that I loved the two actors together. I know the things that happen between them in the movie should be taken with a grain of salt, as it's based on a true story, but the way they are portrayed was what I loved most. I love the way Joan sticks by Alan through almost everything. And she doesn't give a single care about his 'problem'. She's very sensible, and caring. And he loves her two, in spite of his all-consuming work. They love each other, and I love them in this movie.


~*~
Well, there you have it. A few couples for this 'season of love'. Do hop over to Cordy's blog for more fun 'lovely' stuff! :)
Oh, and don't forget to read this post from Natalie. It's everything. :)

I also got tagged awhile ago for that Period Drama tag that's going around... which I hope to post sometime next week. In the meantime, I hope you are all enjoying February!

-Amaris

Watching Shows & Movies At My House

Some of the reactions/comments you might hear if you ever watch these shows with my family at my house.
~

Doctor Who:

-Why though...?

-Who/what is THAT?!?!

-Can I just touch his hair please
-What is going on?
-JUST KISS
-noooo plz don't send the cute one back in time.....
-Why is he doing that again?
-Why doesn't he just tell her he loves her? What is he, stupid?
-Pretty sure Rory is like the most adorable thing that ever happened to Britain.

~

~

Pride & Prejudice:

-Oooh look at the dresses

-Ew, Mr Collins. Ew.

-Colin Firth is SO the best Darcy
-Look heheh she ran into him again
-I'VE DONE THIS DANCE BEFORE AT A BALL.
-Since when is Lady Catherine the Queen of Everything?!
-You. Are so. Annoying.

~

Call the Midwife:

-Wow, look at THAT baby.

-When are one of the midwives (besides Chummy) going to have their own baby?

-HOW CAN YOU NOT KNOW WHEN YOU'RE THIS FAR ALONG, WOMAN
-Please don't make this an awkward gay moment. EaW STHOpP
-If he's the doctor, I'd want to get sick too.
-Why are you insistent on not getting help, lady. You obviously need it.
-I KNEW IT. I CAN ALWAYS TELL WHEN THEY'RE HIDING PREGNANCY.

-So what if your husband finds out? He might be happy, you know...
~

~
Sherlock:

-Oooh look at Sherlock's hair.
-can we pause at this shot so i can take a pic fo instagram...

-Do you ever wonder if John actually is gay

-*Humming the theme song*

-Look, mom! It's Bilbo, your favorite!

-I think I read a tumblr post about this part...

-hehe John's face...

-Poor Graham Lestrade
-Well that was a very British thing to say, sir.
-AAAAUUUUGHHHH I CAN'T TAKE ANYMORE TRAGEDY
-*shaking fists at moffat*
 ~

~

The Lord of the Rings:

-How do you never run out of arrows, elfboy?

-Aragorn, please take a shower. 

-Are Frodo's eyes real...?

-Finally a woman character
-eugh. faramir is such a mean-o.
-DID YOU SEE THAT. THIS IS WHY I LOVE HOBBITS.
-9 members... why couldn't they make it an even 10?

~

North & South:

-how?! is his face so perfect and British??

-DUDE. Relax. He's her BROTHER. gosh. #chill already

-surprise, surprise, another death.

-Mrs. Thornton... why you so mean all the time.
-you did not almost faint. calm down, drama queen.
-YOU SIR, ARE DISGUSTING AND I HATE YOU.
-Ah, yes. Margaret. Turning down proposals like a boss.
~

~

Monk:

-HAHHAHhahhahahahaaa he touched the lamp

-What is Sharona wearing?
-aww theres the trudy music
-NO NO YOU'VE GOT THE WRONG GUY YOU IDIOTS.

-Hehe I like his moustache

-I see, half painted nails. This was no suicide.

-How was he ever married at all?
-CALLED IT.

~

I Love Lucy:

-WHY DON'T YOU EVER OBEY YO HUSBAND, WOMAN

-Why is everyone scheming against one another?

-How dare you call ethel fat!

-yeee i love the costumes in this showww
-NOW LOOK YOU'VE GOTTEN YOURSELF INTO A MESS
-If you ask me, you're all fatheads.
 ~

That is all.
Goodbye!
-Amaris

* * * * * 

No, wait. I have a few P.s.'s:

p.s. Firstly, I wanted to apologize that I didn't post yesterday as I had intended to, but I WAS BUSY ALL DAY WATCHING AN ECLIPSE. You know. No big deal. Anyways, I was busy with that, because it did involve some traveling, and I was not able to post this because it was too late by the time I got home. 

But anyways, more on the eclipse later.

* * * * *

p.p.s. Also (yes this is random), here's a shout-out to the very first time I've ever shown (even part of) my face to the internet. Behold my new profile pic. I realize it's not a big deal, but it's kind of a big step for me. *shrug* I don't know.

#yay #accomplishments

 ...and yes I know my hands are reflected in the picture. #i'm not an expert at this

Ok, that's all. See you later!

Spider-Man: Homecoming // 2017

Did you ever think you would see another Spider-Man post on this blog?
Well, if you did and even if you didn't, here's another one.
This past Sunday I saw Spider-Man: Homecoming.
I'm going to try something different with the way I present this review. I'm going to separate my thoughts into categories, and we shall see how it goes.
What's that you say? You want pictures and gifs? Don't worry, I have those too.
Let us begin.

Firstly, I must say, this is a bit of a long review, as I have lots of things to talk about. I tried to cut it down some, but it's still pretty long. So bear with me. :)
Before I actually saw this movie, I was a little worried that it wasn't going to make a lot of sense, because I got the impression after watching trailers that it went hand-in-hand with the latest Avengers movie.
That would have been very confusing, considering I have not seen ANY Avengers movie, ever. So if SH made a lot of references to past stories, where would that leave me? Thankfully, that didn't really happen. While the Avengers people DO tie into Peter's story in this movie (Iron Man and Captain America were both involved), Spider-Man: Homecoming stood 99% on it's own, apart from just a few references that I didn't really 'get'. Anyhow, I was happy to discover that a person can watch SH with or without having seen past Avengers movies.

What I Liked About Spider-Man Homecoming:
~First and foremost, I gotta say that Tom Holland did an excellent job as our friendly web-slinger. Even though I love past Spider-Men, Tom has something that they didn't: youthfulness. Sure, Tobey Maguire looked kind of young, but he didn't really look high school age to me. Same with Andrew Garfield. But Tom? Perfection. He did such a good job at being awkward, and boyish, and a geeky science nerd, and fifteen. Which is quite young to act like. But Tom did it! He brought it. Amazingly. You see, Peter Parker's character has to have the correct ratio of boyish and edgy (but not annoying) sarcasm, spider-resembling superpowers, and emotional baggage for him to be the Peter he was meant to be.

From the Amazing Spiderman... see what I mean about the sarcasm...

 He is a combination of weakness and strength, *semi-spoiler* but his strengths always come through in the end, just like they're supposed to. And they end up saving the day, which was a great part of this movie. *end of spoiler*
He is your modern and updated Spider-Man, but he's still your classic Peter. He even cried a couple of times. Yes, when you get Tom Holland as Spider-Man, you get the complete package.
Like I said, Tom did it. Jolly good show, Tom.
*hats off to tom*
 Plus can we just take a second to appreciate how low-key adorable he is....

~The overall story, I feel, was engaging and very thought out. Some of the problems I get when I try (yes, I do try) to watch other super-hero movies (HEMcaptainameicaAHEM), is that they don't have enough plot to satisfy me. Well, there's plot, I guess. But it's just a bunch of fighting plot, and not enough interesting plot. I feel like I can't even get to know the hero because everything is moving too fast and everyone is punching and shooting, but where's the emotion? Where's the personality? Where's the heartbreak? I just can't find it. But in Spider-Man: Homecoming, I found it. The excitement and violence did NOT outweigh the touching parts, and we were actually given a chance to resonate and connect with who Peter is supposed to be as a character.

-"I just want to be like you!"  -"I want you to be better."

~This movie was funny! I loved the kind of humor that Peter's friend, Ned, brought to the picture. There were some scenes that I just laughed right out loud. It was just enjoyable like that. I get a little tired of crude and rude humor in movies. But thankfully, this movie wasn't like that (for the most part). It was genuinely hilarious. It was the perfect blend of serious stuff and funny stuff, which (to me), is what a good super-hero movie should be like.

I also like how Ned knew Peter was 'The Spider-Man'. It brought a lot of humor into things, and it was kind of a refreshing change from the first Spider-Man movie with Tobey Maguire when literally no one knew who he was. I guess I'm glad that Peter wasn't alone in this one. Several people knew who he was, actually.

What I Didn't Like (yes, there were a few things):
~Aunt May. I did not like Aunt May. No offense to the actress who played her in the movie, but I prefer the older, friendly, understanding, granny-type Aunt May. This one was... weird. And annoying. She didn't seem like your typical 'aunt' at all. I mean, I know everything is supposed to be redone and modern and updated in this movie, but couldn't we keep the 'old Aunt May' theme? This one seemed more like Peter's older sister! Plus, to me, the two didn't have the aunt/nephew chemistry at all. Every time she tried to encourage him, or give him a hug, or just be his aunt that we've always loved, it was just... so... weird. It didn't seem right. :P

~There was one more little thing: I wish that the movie had shown more of Peter helping and saving people. There wasn't anything BIG that he was able to help with. In fact, he messed a lot of things up. It almost seemed like Spider-Man wasn't a big deal to anyone at all. Aren't superheroes supposed to be heroes to people? I do realize that the movie was portraying how young and naive and immature he's supposed to be, but I feel like they could have made him be a bigger help to random people in general.

 Ok, last of the dislikes:
~I did not like Peter's high school girlfriend/crush, Liz. Ok, I didn't hate her. I just didn't feel like she was right. Kind of like Aunt May, she didn't seem to go with Peter. She wasn't terrible, but I think they could've done much better. She was no MJ. Also, it was kind of weird that she's like, 8 years older than him (in real life, not in the movie) and I could kind of tell it. But I do like the way Peter acts around a girl he likes. It's pretty funny. XD

Violence & Other Content:
~I didn't enjoy the generous amounts of language sprinkled throughout this movie. Why are superhero movies like this? Can't they just be clean? Anyways, you have to watch out for cuss words. Because there are some, including an unfinished f-word (please, Marvel. Please), crude comments made by high schoolers (you know how they are... in the movies, anyways), rude nicknames for Peter, and your usual d-word, h-word, a-word, and more that I can't remember. It wasn't an unbearable amount of language, but I gotta say that a language filter would be nice to watch this movie with.

~As far as violence goes, it didn't seem super intense or graphic to me. I'm not used to watching Marvel movies, you understand, so I don't rightly know what kind of violence levels are in all of them. But anyways, in spite of a few small things, the hitting and punching and shooting wasn't the worst I've ever seen in a movie.
A guy gets disintegrated by some kind of matter-dissolving ray gun (that sounds pretty cheesy when I type it), Spider-Man gets beat up a couple of times, of course (he's the 'good guy', after all). People scream when there's a disaster on a ferry, a store almost gets blown up, etc. You know. The usual.

That's almost all I had to say, but here are A Few Other Things:
I liked the villain: Not too cheesy, interesting enough. I liked his bad-guy costumes, too.
I liked Michelle: She's always... just... there. With funny comments. "You guys are losers..." "I can't believe you guys are at this lame party."
I liked Tony Stark: Or as the internet calls him, 'Papa Stark'. I love his role as Peter's mentor figure, and the way he sweeps in with his fancy suit all the time.
I liked the high school setting: All the teenager vibes, backpacks and school hallways. Sticky notes, pencils, notepads, gym bleachers. You know.
I liked Peters super-cool super-suit: I do feel like the spider symbol thingy could have been more epic looking, but the rest of the suit and all it's gadgets was pretty cool. Karen was hilarious. :)

Overall:
I kind of expected to enjoy this movie because of my partiality to Spider-Man, and I did. It was put together well, the acting was splendid on everyone's part, I laughed out loud and even almost cried once. It was quite a fun time all around because I usually don't watch superhero movies at all, much less in theaters. So it was pretty great. Would I recommend this movie? Yes. Even if you're not a superhero person (and I'm still not at all...), I dare you to go see this movie and not enjoy it.

After all, this is what I said when my friend texted me and asked me how the movie was:
Me: "Well, there were a lot of funny little bits, mixed with touching bits, mixed with exciting bits, [plus Ned plus Tony plus Karen] and altogether it made a pretty enjoyable movie."
And so.
I think I've said my piece. If you've read all the way to the end, congratulate yourself.
Bye, friends!
-Amaris

But first... just look at those glasses... look at them.

 Ok. Bye.

I Have Watched The Forbidden Princess Movie (A.k.a. BATB)

 Hello, friends! Are you all doing ok without my posts? I'm sure you are. It's been an up-and-down kind of summer for me. But it's not over yet! I have heaps of posts to share with you all, but I still have another couple of weeks of ministry to be involved in, so I don't think I shall have time until August or so.
But anyways!
But let's get back to the point of this post.
I have done it, friends. I have gone and watched Beauty and the Beast!
And, surprise, I have OPINIONS.
Brace yourselves.
Let's divide said opinions into categories, shall we?

Characters:
Belle: I think Emma Watson did a good job. I have some friends who told me that her singing voice is terrible, but I disagree. I thought she had a kind of sweet voice. I know it was probably partly fake, but, you know.
She was also really pretty and the part was played well, in my opinion.

The Beast: I COULD SEE MATTHEW CRAWLEY. Every time I saw the Beast's face, I saw Matthew Crawley from Downton Abbey. Most of you probably know that I don't watch the show (as of yet, anyways), but I still know who some of the people are. I also think the face of the beast was a good job, because the face almost made him human-like. And sometimes he was almost handsome, which would be probably be hard considering his costume. So that was a win for me. The rest of him looked fake at times, but it wasn't too bad.

Gaston: Please. You must allow me.
NOOOO ONE'S SLICK AS GASTON, NO ONE'S QUICK AS GASTON, NO ONE'S NECK AS INCREDIBLY THICK AS GASTON'S.
FOR THERE'S NO MAN IN TOWN HALF AS MANLY.
PERFECT, A PURE PARAGON!
....
You sang it in your head, didn't you? You can sing it out loud if you want. I won't judge.
Initially, as much as I like Luke Evans (Bard the Bowman, anyone?) as an actor, I didn't think I would like him as this part, because I thought that the perfect person to be Gaston would have to be Henry Cavill (a.k.a. 'the superman dude').

See what I mean? So I kind of expected to not like Luke Evans at all. But you know what? 
I did.
He did a splendid job with the whole business. He is so good at acting angry. Actually, I thought he was better at acting angry than he was at acting arrogant. But overall he was really good, and he acted perfectly nuts for the part. Bravo, Evans Sir. *claps for evans sir* Forgive me for doubting you. *bows*

LeFou: Yes, yes. This is he. The *guy* that we've all heard about. Fortunately, I don't think the gay 'agenda' thingy was exactly glorified through his part, but you could definitely pick out a few specific moments where you're like "Oehh that was a g.a.y. p.a.r.t.....", as well as parts where he 'looked up to' Gaston a little too much. Also I somehow got the idea when I was reading the articles about the so-called 'gay agenda' going on that there was something explicit in the movie...? But there wasn't. Which I was glad of.
As far as the character was played, I think Josh Gad did a really good job. He made it a funny and enjoyable time throughout. It's funny also, that I know someone I work with whose name is Josh, and he looks almost exactly like Josh Gad, with the same build, same face, and everything. It's kind of creepy watching 'josh' in the movie the whole time. XD

Look at the costumes. LOOK AT THEM.

There are obviously more characters than these in the movie, but these were the main ones that I wanted to touch on.

Costumes (Mostly Belle's):
One thing I appreciate about the costumes in this movie is that BELLE ACTUALLY HAD A NUMBER OF OUTFITS. Instead of just, like, three. All of which were lovely. When Cinderalla came out, I kind of got sick of the same old blue.... But Belle wore different colors. There wasn't a HUGE array of costumes for her, but I still like the amount they had. 

I've heard more than one person/blogger talk about how they thought Belle's dress looked cheap. I personally don't think so, and it looks better when you're actually seeing it in action during the movie. I thought it was a pretty good job. The bodice is not the best (what is that shiny plastic-y striped/layered business?! :P )

But anywho, I thought all of the costumes were well done. I loved the part at the beginning when all of the guests where in the Prince's palace and they had on their fabulous dresses.
AND ALSO. I must mention Belle's dress at the VERY END.
IS. IT. NOT. PERFECT.

Sadly, there is not a lot of pictures around the internet for me to show you what I mean. :P But this whole scene was beautiful, just for the record. And everyone else's costumes were good too. Even all the men's. I love the whole kind of 'colonial' vibe.

Music:
The music was really nice. I like how they kept some of the original songs from the animated movie (only with different voices of course), but they also added in a few new ones, which I thought were sweet and pretty.
It was funny because on the way home me and my sister were singing all the songs over again together while I was trying to drive home from the movie theater on the highway, and my mom was like:
"Amaris, focus on driving, not on singing."
Me: "Okeeyyyyy"
But it was a good time. We all enjoyed it.
Also the dancing parts were very pretty.

Overall:
This was a very beautiful, enchanting, good movie. I enjoyed it.
There were some kind-of-magical moments (such as the part where the beast turned into a prince, etc.), and they were not too cheesy, thank heavens. Speaking of that 'transformation scene', ^^ I had really high expectations for that part, and it fell a leeetle short, but it wasn't too bad.

Also on 'high expectations', one thing that I was REALLY disappointed in (like, more than Belle's dress, which wasn't that bad, and more than the transformation scene, which was also not that bad), was the LIBRARY.
GUYS THE LIBRARY WAS TERRIBLE.

I was SO looking forward to that HUMOUNGOUS and beautiful white and blue and golden hall with like a million books, but this version was extremely disappointing. :P :P :P
It was almost ugly. And DREADFULLY small.
No, no, no.
ONE MILLION THUMBS DOWN FOR THE LIBRARY. GHHRHRRR.
(as if i had a million thumbs)

There were so many enjoyable aspects, however, in spite of the few things I have mentioned. It was the perfect picture of a fairy tale story, I enjoyed sitting back watching a classic villain, the beautiful heroine, the not-too-complicated plot.
It was a really beautiful movie, overall.
Great job, peeps.

That's all, friends. See you later!
-Amaris