Postponed Murder

Going through the process of re-watching childhood nostalgia. 'Murder, She Wrote' and 'Lilo and Stich' the TV series. One is definitely more entertaining than the other to re-watch as an adult. I've been watching 'Lilo and Stitch' as background noise while I'm trying to go to sleep or play a game. Definitely, not something that can hold my full attention again. I don't think I had ever watched the full series, definitely all the films at one point.

Murder, She Wrote is nostalgic because it was always on before or after CBBC section was on. With Diagnose Murder as well. I think Murder she wrote was on before and then Diagnosed Murder and maybe it was on BBC Two and would switch between them during the bad kid shows.

Got more into Bullet Journalling, started a TV/Film one to document my splints and my Film watching project. So far it's just TV ones but I plan to add my Film watching project. Not going that great because a lot of them are impossible to find. I have started a LetterBoxd account. I still keep a Bujo note of the films I watch but it might be good as a digital one when I don't the immediate time to document in my Bullet Journal.

Eurovision should have been tonight. I missed the start (17 minutes) of Eurovision: Europe Shine a Light On, I was too caught up on murder. I'll probably download and watch incase it was something decent I missed. Probably not much if it's pasted winners singing in their gardens.  I wonder if Junior Eurovision will happen in November.

I never go why people complained about Australia being in Eurovision when Israel has been in and clearly not being in Europe for years and being an awkward sticking point.

This is depressing. I wish they had shown the songs on the TV instead of doing a Livestream on YouTube. Our song was called 'My Last Breath'. That's depressingly fitting.

I'm now doing six things at once. Watching TV, Knitting, reading and Writing. Successfully, not really. I have too many things to do at once all the time. So I'm off to find another project somehow.

Monster Uni. (that reminds me...)

Hello negated readers (if you were more vocal you might not be so negated), you might have notice post appearing/ed randomly. Is there a reason? Sort of. Is it a good one? Not really, but I honestly though it was Friday till I checked two weekdaily online comics and realise that they both hadn't uploaded. I lost a day, not sure where, if found please return to me. I think it was Thursday, not sure, but I have no memories of Thursday, or maybe I have memory of Friday.

So I saw Monster Univeristy today, it really puts you in the mood for starting uni and getting kicked out before the end of the year. What a shame I'm not starting Uni this year. Oh, well there always next year.
Seriously, though August has gotten a bit away from me and I need to start applying to UCAS and decided what courses I'm applying to. English, but tempted by film things such as script writing. I'll keep you sort of posted.

So back to film. Has anyone else noticed that Pixar have released two sequals that go with the current age of the group of the kids who first saw them. I mean Toy Story 3 was about leaving childhood and change with Andy going off to college (Though, I really don't understand why he had to clear out his room, is he now banned from the house all together now or something?). And now we have Monster Univeristy which is set in a Univeristy, amazingly. I mean I know people my actually age tend to be in their third or seconded year of Uni but still.

Have Pixar just decided to go with it. Should I expect a Toy Story 4 when I'm in my 30s about Andy's kids' toys or Monster Nursing Home when I'm 80. God, those would be terrible movies if they made them.

Monster Univesty was alright. It was watchable, like I'm not dying to see again but it not the worst pixar sequel I ever seen (that honour goes to Cars 2).

So I got thinking about some of the terrible Sequels that Disney have produce saddly in my life span. Not saying all Disney sequels are bad, but for God Sake there is a sequel to FUCKING BAMI. Just honesty, don't know why anyone would think that it would be a good idea to make sequels to classic Disney films. It like Disney built my childhood to then go on to destroy it, sequel by sequel. They've gotten slightly better, but there was a time where I wouldn't have been susprized if they made a sequel to the Swode and the Stone, I mean no one likes that movie but they just might have tried it. Here a list of Sequels that they had no right to attempt but did: Peter Pan (those Fucking terrible TinkerBell movies which in she can talk and voiced by Barbie, she completely out character, Tinkerbell is meant to be hot tempted and vain (also should have been dead by Peter Pan 2)), Junge Book, Clinderella (there's two by the way), Bami (just why?) and I'm sure there's more that I can't think of (thankfully). There are few sequels that are terrible but can be justified by the fact that it was the same people who made the Original that made them but they were still petty terrible, such as the Fox and the Hound 2.

To be honest they is some sequels I liked, such as the Beauty and the Beast ones. However, those films where made within a decade of the original film (I first watched them as a kid). I also liked the TV series such as Hercules,  Aladdin, and Little Mermaid. I even like the 101 Dalmatians one, but that was more a spin off the original film with four of the puppies being the stars.

If day comes that there ever a proper Snow White film(I think there was some terrible Disney Princess thing but we're just ignore that now or better yet Forever), just remember that Walt Disney did not think that was a good idea. The same man who annoyed the hell out of 101 Dalmatians' writer for a sequel to the original book she intentionally wrote a bad one so he would leave her alone. Which probably is a better (never read either books) sequel that most of the Disney film ones. I would just like Forever After to actually mean something again.

Whilst we talking about damaged childhood, I finished watching all 99 episodes of The Animaniacs as today, now I only need to watch the watch the movie for this return to my childhood to be complete. Though, if Warner Bros. would actually release The Animaniacs dvds over here (also finish Batman: The Animated series). I would be a happy girl and they would have my money. Till then I'm a Pirate (wrong yes, but its the only way I could re-watch them as they not on TV in the UK nor can I buy them dvd forms). I remember parts of it, not all. Maybe I'll finish re-visiting Batman: the Animated series. Probably catch up on my negated books. See ya next week (I promise).

The Animaniacs (Sweet, Sweet Childhood Gold)

I recently stumbled on to something from my childhood and in true fangirl style, I sat and watched all the episodes off Youtube. Sure, if possible I would have brought the full boxset but Warner Bro. in the annoying attitude to their 90s cartoons have not released any of it at all the DVD in UK, yet it existences in such form in the states. So for now I make do with two volumes of Batman: The animated series and wait for other volumes of fine cartoons to be release my region.

Back to the much happier topic of the cartoons themselves. I fondly remember watching Animaniacs after school on BBC One children programming (which as of recently no longer exists).  I was wandering about Tumblr, like I normally do when Animaniacs related post appear and it put me in the mood to go listen to some of the Animaniacs songs on Youtube. For those unaware, one of the high lights of the Animanics being its songs.  I've had the theme song for one being stuck in my head. Though, for some reason when I sing it out loud the tune starts turn into a Fall Out Boy song. Not sure which one, but it sort of amuses for the moment.

The Animaniacs was show that several different stories in one episode and there 99 episodes. Mostly involved the Warner Brother and the Warner sister Dot. It also the launch the Pinky and the Brain that eventually got its own show and featured on shows the Executives had summoned from Hell so we won't talk about that.

There were several different recurring characters. Not all that I like, for examples I never got the Hippos, Chicken Boo or Buck and Mindy. The Good Feathers were alright sometimes. I just really the Warner Brothers and think that they probably could had a show just with them.  I also like the Good Idea, Bad Idea segment as well. Slappy the Squirrel is also very entertaining idea of an old Cartoon Stars.

Basically, I love it and you should all go watch it. It makes fun of its own network (I'm petty sure they do it before the Simpson does), the jokes are mature audience (some times adult), which one reason I probably liked it as kid. I've always hated shows that play dumb for kids. Kids are lot smarter than they get credit for and yes do like stupid stuff but so do you. Its a show that both kids and adults will enjoy and therefore stands the test of childhood. I hate when you go back to something you liked as a kid and its shit. This was and is still awesome.

It actually like a better Family Guy, in times of its songs and parodies and unlike Family Guy it doesn't become too idiotic and lazy. (I could rant how Family Guy should really just stop now.

The voice acting in is amazing as well, they basically have the best in the business for the time and there are a lot voices you should reconise (but only if you look at the credits cause otherwise you're have no clue).

That all I really wanted to say on the matter, it 20 year old show that I love and so should you. It also might explain where some of my humour came from but probably not. Anyway, I leave you with my favourite song from the whole show.

Book Review: School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

Arthur's true love was clearly Merlin which explains that dream I had last night.

A dark and enchanting fantasy adventure perfect for girls who prefer their fairytales with a twist.
Every four years, two girls are kidnapped from the village of Gavaldon. Legend has it these lost children are sent to the School for Good and Evil, the fabled institution where they become fairytale heroes or villains.

Sophie, the most beautiful girl in town, has always dreamed of her place at the School for Good while her friend Agatha, with her dark disposition seems destined for the School for Evil. But when the two are kidnapped they find their fortunes reversed… 

There's a lot of annoying things in this book, though this might be on purpose. Its just a little dumb at times.

Like Sophie is petty much shallowly evil. Like she either incredibly dumb or just a bad person. Like she refuse her dad marrying another woman after her mother been dead for 5 years because she the woman is "ugly" and gives orphans mirrors.

Evil can't be beautiful which goes completely against several fairy tales. Yes, evil usually turns ugly to match their ugly souls. But Snow White's mother was beautiful at the start so Sophie being beautiful shouldn't count her against being evil.

I guess this meant to be saying something about good and evil but someone beside Agatha should have actually been good. Like no one talked to Agatha because she was "ugly". Also the School for Good, dismissed all the fairy tales where its the Princess that helps the Prince or whatever random guy that shows up. Sometimes, it is the Princess that saves the day. It about fairy tales but just involves the ones everyone half knows from Disney movies.

 It actually kinda good if ignore half the stuff Sophie says. The big Twist were petty obvious and I didn't really buy the "pure" thing. It just wasn't backed up enough.

I'm not sure on the friendship between Sophie and Agatha, it always seems like one of convenience. Sophie drops Agatha like that and I just feel Agatha is just holding on to Sophie as she needs her to get home.

The plot was well thought out and executed well. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars. Its one of those books that actually quite good when you're reading but not so good in reflection ( so just like Twilight, that's meant in the best possible way).   Its the start of a trilogy and I will eventually read the next book. I recommend this to anyone who likes fairy tales but doesn't mind when they're completely changed.

(Is it just me or are my reviews getting worse. Though in my defence I am currently ill and stressed).

Book Review: Doll Bones by Holly Black

 Creepy Doll action with a male protagonist (mostly).


Zach, Poppy and Alice have been friends for ever. They love playing with their action figure toys, imagining a magical world of adventure and heroism. But disaster strikes when, without warning, Zach’s father throws out all his toys, declaring he’s too old for them. Zach is furious, confused and embarrassed, deciding that the only way to cope is to stop playing . . . and stop being friends with Poppy and Alice. 

But one night the girls pay Zach a visit and tell him about a series of mysterious occurrences. Poppy swears that she is now being haunted by a china doll – which claims to be made from the ground-up bones of a murdered girl. They must return the doll to where the girl lived, and bury it. Otherwise the three children will be cursed for eternity . . .

The main and important thing that is missing from the above summery is the Game. The trio (no, they never refer to that in the book) have this elaborate story going on which they act out with dolls which is the main reason Zach is so upset that about his father throwing out his toys. (From the honest point of view of twenty year old, I'd still be playing with dolls if I hadn't moved when I was 12 and they some how never made it into the house. Instead I write more and go through session of watching others play with dolls on Youtube). 

Zach instead of telling Poppy and Alice the real reason the Game is over, lies to them, saying he doesn't care about the game anymore. The Doll a.k.a. the Queen of their kingdom turns out to be haunted and leads them on to a quest.

The main theme is growing up and change, partly afterlife. Both are very depressing. The growing up theme includes drastic changes, growing apart and first romance which I ignored mostly as I'm actually still an eight year old that's not at all interested in that.

I'm a big fan of creepy dolls that are haunted and compared to all the other ones I've came across this doesn't really cut the mustard if solely basing it off that. I just don't think a real creep level is ever reached. Stuff happens but never constantly, though it is meant to be in question on whether or not the whole thing with the doll is actually true. You meant to wonder if Poppy has made the whole thing up with the purpose of leading Zach back into the game. I suppose its a better mystery than a horror (even twelve year old level).

There are few very unrealistic things that happen, which can be let to slide since this is a kid's book and makes the plot more interesting. I just say "Bus station" and "harbour" which will make sense once you read this book.

The three main characters are well defined. I personally think the strongest part of book is their friendship and the issues they work out through the book. Twelve is that awkward age where a lot of friendship from childhood can die or be severally weakened (Of course this tends to happen in Scotland more to do with this being the age to start Secondary school, but still). There hints of deepness to the characters, however this being a 250 page book, the hints were fine.

There are some lovely illustrations in this book by Eliza Wheeler. Petty and creepy. I do have a favorite illustration but it bit of a spoiler if I say which one. If actually interested its the one that features the label that been in my last four reviews (including this one).

Overall, I gave this books 4/5 stars. A few minor problems with it, but its still very good books. I probably eventually get my own copy, but not for a while as I'm broke and spent my pretty book fund on Sherlock Holmes (I regret nothing).

Disclaimer: I got this book off NetGallary. So for free for Review. Don't worry that doesn't effect my opinion at all. 

The Death of the Wander Shop (His Master's Voice leaving the High Street)

So I went to my local HVM yesterday. Guess what? Its shutting down. Frankly, its like all the HVM are shutting to me without the spoilers (Remember Woolworths?)

I actually went to the Grand Opening of my local HVM. I hadn't actually moved down here yet, but Son of Dork were going to being doing a signing. For those who do not remember the short life of said band. It had James from Busted in it, which was why we went to the signing. My sib just loved Busted (I did too, but she was the bigger fan) and had soft spot for James. Also that one album was petty good, in the cheesy rock sense (Oh, yes there such a thing as Cheesy Rock, its like pop ones but with guitars, real drums and possible parental advisory warnings).


It will have only been there Eight years and it probably be empty for two years if its like Wooworths (seriously there's one is same place as HMV was empty that long and the one nearest me once again empty after a brief fring with Pound King). I felt rather depress walking about it, probably for the last time. The realisation that my kids will never see a music store, just full of CDs, and dvd and odd books. No random merch. Fucking Tesco Extra is probably the closest they've ever get while being followed by security horse (That's my theory of the near future). I really am going to miss HMV, mainly for the aimless wandering about. I guess with the lost of Woolworths and HMV, the wanderer shops are gone.

THE RECESSION KILL MY CHILDHOOD. Well, the two stores that  heavily featured in it.


Though even with being sad over the situation, didn't stop us joking about it. Such jokes/ideas as entering the store with a dogs size coffin; asking to pre-order a game; trying to use my loyalty card and several others that no longer come to mind. I guess I will never get to complain about Paramore being in the Metal section.

I know it was petty obvious that HMV couldn't last, it and Woolworths were the Internet store before it took off. Everything they sell can be sold over the internet easily and other issues the music industrial is having with lack of people actually paying for music.


So in summary its sad that HVM is struggling (and soon to be gone for me), its probably inevnerable for it and its likes to disappear from the High Street. Now there's only supermarkets that sell CD and dvd. *sigh*