rebekah writes stuff.

Category: reviews

  • I finished The Hunger Games trilogy

    I finished The Hunger Games trilogy

    I finished Mockingjay, the final book in The Hunger Games trilogy, and I wanted to write about it. Obviously big spoilers ahead, so if you haven’t read the books, or want to, then click off now.

    I volunteer as tribute

    In this future world, The Capitol governs and controls the 12 Districts of Panem, each of whom must provide two tributes to participate in The Hunger Games; a violent, televised spectacle where tributes must fight to the death. Whoever is left standing is crowned victor and gets to live a life free (mostly) from The Hunger Games, with wealth and benefits for themselves and their home District.

    When the 74th Hunger Games is announced, Katniss volunteers in her sister, Prim’s, place, and Peeta is the male tribute for District 12.

    However, as in Katniss and Peeta’s case, winning wasn’t the one-way ticket to a life of peace as they thought.

    During the games, The Capitol tell the tributes that they will be accepting two winners from the same District. Katniss finds Peeta and works hard to keep them both alive. When they are the only remaining tributes, their victory is short-lived, when The Capitol announces that they have changed their minds and would only be accepting one tribute as winner. Left with an impossible decision, Katniss and Peeta threaten to commit suicide with nightlock berries and the Capitol intervene, crowning them both victors.

    Caesar Flickerman, as portayed in the film adaptation. Caesar Flickerman is The Capitol’s interviewer and talk-show host of The Hunger Games.

    Katniss and Peeta’s act of defiance against the rule change sees their newfound freedom quickly taken from them.

    President Snow announces the upcoming Quarter Quell, a special version of The Hunger Games held every twenty five years. The Quarter Quell marks the anniversary of The Capitol’s defeat of the Districts. During his announcement, he declares that tributes will be selected from the pool of previous Hunger Games victors, which ultimately throws Katniss and Peeta back in to the games.

    When an uprising occurs during The Quarter Quell, Katniss is rescued from by the rebels, and becomes the symbol of the rebellion against The Capitol: The Mockingjay. Through warfare, televised propaganda and the eventual overthrowing of The Capitol regime, Katniss and the rebels win, but it comes at a terrible cost.

    The Aftermath

    In the end, The Hunger Games are abolished and, in the epilogue, we are given a glimpse of Katniss’ future. Katniss lives a life of peace with Peeta and her two children, the pair still coming to terms with their trauma. However, while they might have won, it wasn’t victorious or triumphant.

    Katniss, and the people of The Districts, lived their lives in fear of The Capitol. The popular slogan of the games; “May The Odds be Ever in Your Favour!” is ironic, for The Capitol created the odds. The Capitol changing rules at the drop of a hat, showcased that the tributes, and the Districts, never had control, not even in the arena.

    A new regime of peace begins, but Katniss lost her sister, and many of her friends. Peeta was mentally tortured by The Capitol. Katniss lost her childhood and endured trauma, so much so, that her special place in the woods no longer provides the sanctuary it once did.

    It parallels Frodo from The Lord of The Rings. Sauron was defeated, Aragorn takes his rightful place as King and there was peace. Frodo got to return to The Shire with his friends, but it was never the same. Frodo too endured great trauma on his journey to destroy the ring in Mount Doom, hence he left with Gandalf to Valinor (the Undying Lands), where he could heal.

    “We set out to save the shire, Sam, and it has been saved … but not for me.”

    Frodo, The Lord of The Rings: The Return of The King (2003)

    Final Thoughts

    I genuinely really enjoyed this series. I couldn’t put it down and I thought the themes of reality tv, war and power were really interesting. Suzanne Collins’ pacing and world building are exceptional. The saga reflects the impact of war, the trauma and loss. I would highly recommend this series.

  • Stuff I thought would flop but didn’t

    Stuff I thought would flop but didn’t

    Avatar: The Last Airbender

    Ok, before you make a b-line for the unsubscribe button, you’ll be happy to know this show is among my favourites. It truly is a work of art – but I didn’t get to experience the beauty of this show without some convincing.

    Like many people, I was dissuaded by its cartoonish style and, no shade to Nickeloden, but I figured it was a kid’s show. How could this be relevant to me? I hadn’t grown up watching Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA) and it was a show I wasn’t all that interested in watching. When people desperately begged me to watch it, I was never that keen, no matter how amazing they said it was.

    I thought it was just a cartoon.

    Left to right: Momo, Aang, Sokka, Toph, Katara

    Eventually, I did give it the chance it deserved and my perceptions were sorely wrong. Each season became richer and the stakes kept getting higher and higher. I was hooked and it blew my expectations of a kid’s show out of the water.

    Why? In a war-torn world, these tweens and teens are pushed into the roles of adults, not unlike many youth who stepped up in World War I and II. Our protagonists sacrifice their childhood to be warriors, leaders, and, in Aang’s case, to be the saviour of the world. This bildungsroman, or ‘coming of age’ story, shows us how each character navigates their way in an unforgiving world. Indeed, the themes of war, genocide, oppression, politics and power shape the narrative. It breaks the mould for what can be included in a kid’s show and, for this reason and boldness, ATLA has been praised and received countless awards.

    It’s so much more than just a cartoon, and I highly recommend you watch it.

    Being an early bird

    I’ve never been a morning person. I never thought it could be for me. There was zero appeal in seeing the sun rise, leaping out of bed and pursuing a life that started before 10:00am. It baffled me that people could have so much vim and vigour that early in the day.

    I admit, I am a bit of a bear. I enjoy my sleep and love a good lie in. If it was an olympic sport, I’d have many a gold medal. I thrive in the evening, where most would start to dip in energy. But the world isn’t designed for sleepy bears like me and, eventually, I had to swap my sleepy ways and join the hordes who wake up early.

    And wouldn’t you know, I actually don’t mind it.

    The peace of the morning is unmatched. You get more out of your day. Sure, the inertia after waking up feels terrible, but give it five minutes and boom, it’s actually bearable. Yup, even a sleepy bear like me can change their sleep schedule – with the help of the snooze button and a bunch of alarms.

    Art by Jennifer Thermes

    If you want to wake up earlier, but think it’s not for you, I’d honestly say don’t knock it til you try it.

    Wonka

    I didn’t even want to see this movie, I had my mind so fiercely made up. I didn’t see the point of adding yet another Charlie & The Chocolate Factory movie to the world. It’s a cash grab, I would say. I stood so strongly with Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Willy Wonka that nobody could move me.

    When I was forced along to the movie, I sat with my arms folded, enduring the 1 hour 56 minutes. But I didn’t endure it. I actually left the movies in a state of shell-shock. While my mum and my sister spoke excitedly about how much they’d loved it, I was speechless. I couldn’t believe how horribly wrong I’d been about this movie.

    The storyline was original and heart warming. The songs were catchy and we proceeded to blast them as soon as we got home.

    I went back to see it again and the tone was completely different. I actually let myself enjoy it – I had the movie experience I should’ve had the first time. I laughed, I bobbed my feet and saw Wonka in a whole new light.

    It’s easy to get protective over our favourite movies and the constant reboots and poorly written sequels (Mufasa, for example). I’m glad I went, because I would’ve missed out on such a sweet gem of a film.

    Have you had any similar experiences? Let me know below in the comments!!

  • Looking for a disaster movie to watch tonight? I’ve got you covered.

    Looking for a disaster movie to watch tonight? I’ve got you covered.

    Hi new subscribers! Welcome back to everyone already subscribed! And hello new readers – welcome to the blog 🙂

    Who doesn’t love a good disaster movie? Now, I know there are some bomb alien and zombie movies, but let’s stick to natural disasters today. These are my top picks!

    Are you in the mood for shifting crust, a GIANT wave and secret government shenanigans? Then 2012 is for you.

    I don’t care what people (and rotten tomatoes) have to say. This movie is hugely underrated. Sure, it’s a bit long but it’s pretty epic and never fails to give me goosebumps. Plus we all thought that 2012 was the year the world was going to end, remember?

    The movie is centred on Jackson and his family, but there’s a whole host of characters all over the world – scientists, government officials, you name it. If you want to strap in for an epic-holy-sh*t-thrill-ride with volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, famous landmarks collapsing – the visual effects though, can we talk about the budget 200 million USD!! – then get the popcorn and strap in for 2012. Also it’s the same guy who directed Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow soooo I’ll just leave that there.

    Are you looking for peak cinema and a modern day ice age? Then The Day After Tomorrow is for you.

    This movie cannot be topped. It’s not your classic natural disaster where there is fire and destruction. Nope, it’s a different kind of enemy. It’s the cold.

    The Day After Tomorrow made its mark as a top tier disaster film starring baby Jake Gyllenhaal. Climate change AND an ice age?? It’s unconventional, epic and it mostly centres on a group of teens on a school trip, as well as other scientists, and their survival. This movie rules. 4 words for you – eye of the storm. That’s all I’m going to say.

    Are you looking for a giant volcanic eruption movie with Terminator lady and James Bond? Then Dante’s Peak is for you.

    Dante’s Peak looks over a small American town. This movie breaks down the volcanic eruption, from the lead up to the aftermath. I believe it was inspired by the Mt. St. Helen’s eruption in 1980 that happened in Southwest Washington USA. This trailer is from 1997 – it doesn’t do the movie justice at all. Dante’s Peak is a banger disaster film. If you want to know more about volcanic eruptions, then Dante’s Peak is the one to choose.

    Are you looking for a MASSIVE tornado meteorologist adventure? Then Twister is for you

    Fun fact, I actually wanted to be a storm-chaser when I was a kid after watching this movie haha.

    For this rag-tag group of meteorologists and scientists, storm chasing is just part of their 9-5. However, testing out new tornado alert technology is not without its risks. Set in Tornado Alley (USA), Jo and Bill, who are on the verge of finalising their divorce, team up to trial Jo’s new tech. As the wind and tornadoes get bigger, so too does the drama. Again, another classic 90’s natural disaster movie. Give it some love!

    Now, which one do I watch?? What are your top natural disaster movies? What do you think of my choices?

    rebekah_writes_stuff is on insta! Follow to stay updated 🙂

  • What actually happens in Encanto?

    What actually happens in Encanto?

    I watched Encanto a couple of years ago. There was a lot of hype and as a fellow Disney stan, of course I was going to watch it. The experience, however, left me feeling, for lack of a better word, confused. Waiting a year or so, surely it would’ve made more sense the second time when I rewatched it, right? Wrong.

    Strong start

    Before the title sequence, we are told about Abuela (Mirabel’s grandma) and how in fleeing from her home and losing Abuelo Pedro (Mirabel’s grandfather) to invaders, an ordinary candle became magical and created a refuge for all those displaced. The Encanto. The miracle, as it is referred, includes a magical house called casita and tall surrounding mountains. The magic candle also provides powerful gifts. Abuela’s children and her children’s children have all gone on to receive gifts. Well… about that…

    Our protagonist is Mirabel and we discover that at her ceremony, she didn’t get a gift. We’ve only just started and at this point, I’m hooked. Why didn’t she get a gift? What does this mean??

    A few years later, we can see how Mirabel’s lack of ’giftness’ changes how she is treated. As much as she tries to be part of family life, Mirabel is pushed away, especially by her Abuela. But why? People who are married into the family don’t have gifts, plus there’s a whole village down the road full of people with no gifts either!

    On this particular day in the film, it’s Antonio’s gift ceremony. He’s worried he won’t get a gift and will end up like Mirabel, but nooo. Instead, the miracle provides and Antonio receives the super amazing gift of being able to talk to animals. Poor Mirabel. What is the deal??

    Plot is thinning

    After Mirabel is blatantly left out of a family photo (like??!!), cracks appear in the casita. And, of course they disappear when she calls everyone for help.

    Something is clearly wrong with the magic. The next day, she asks Luisa (her older sister with super-strength) if she noticed anything at the ceremony. Luisa says she felt weak. Then there’s something to do with a vision and Bruno’s (her uncle’s) tower.

    In the abandoned tower, Mirabel finds Bruno’s vision and after We Don’t Talk About Bruno, she finds out that she is the reason the magic is wobbling… but we sort of already knew that, didn’t we? Dolores (her cousin) then blabs to everyone about Bruno’s vision and a proposal dinner is ruined and then Mirabel is blamed for trying to ruin the family yet again. So … now what?

    Plot is liquid consistency

    Mirabel follows some rats and finds her estranged uncle Bruno living in the walls of the casita. Now, we really need to talk about Bruno. He has been living in isolation for years inside the kitchen walls. He even has his own plate drawn on the table oh my god. This family sucks.

    Mirabel is still determined to save the miracle – still not quite sure what this means – and she asks Bruno to look at the vision again. When they do, the vision reveals the solution is … to hug her sister Isabela. Really? Is this just Frozen all over again? So, wait, the solution to the cracks in the casita, the weakness in the magic, is for Mirabel to apologise and hug Isabela? What?

    Plot has evaporated

    Where are we now?? Oh yeah. Isabela and Mirabel patch things up but the miracle isn’t saved. Abuela and Mirabel have another argument and the casita collapses and the candle peaces out. The mountains encasing them split open and Mirabel ups and leaves. Godspeed, Mirabel. Go and find people who actually love and care for you. Here, I’ll help you pack.

    Her Abuela follows her. She talks about the tragedy of losing Abuelo Pedro all those years ago and how she was so worried about the miracle leaving. I mean fair enough, it’s very dark and intense what Abuela and Abuelo endured … but then Mirabel just hugs her and all is forgiven? After all that?? So wait, was the solution that she was meant to hug her Abuela?

    Then they build the casita again and everyone gets their powers back and wait, was the candle the grandad? But how can they have their powers if the candle is burnt out?? Speaking of forgiveness, Bruno just forgives Abuela after years of neglect and isolation. Again, how??

    I’m lost

    Encanto is, visually, a beautiful film. It’s colourful and the animation is seamless, plus there’s a jaguar (winning!). Its messages are also solid… sort of. It’s true, you don’t need to be perfect. Encanto tells us that you’re more than your gifts. That you’re special just as you are, even though Mirabel was treated as an outcast for a majority of her life.

    Plot-wise, the story is long winded and littered with plot-holes. Did the magic specifically not give Mirabel a gift so that she would cause conflict? Then why give Antonio a gift? *Sigh* Mirabel deserved so much better. What caused the magic to wane? The fact Mirabel was being excluded? I can’t help but feel like she’s trapped in the Encanto and would fare much better out of it. There was a wonderful opportunity for the story to have shown why Mirabel wasn’t given a gift and perhaps taken us on a different journey. Instead, the main storyline is muddled in the lives of other characters.

    So, what do you all think? Do you feel the same or differently? Can you answer any of my plot questions?? Let me know your thoughts on Encanto!

    Are you following the @rebekah_writes_stuff instagram?

    Also don’t forget to subscribe to my mailing list!

  • I rewatched Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas

    I rewatched Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas

    Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999) is a nostalgic Disney classic. For those of you who’ve never seen it, or who last watched it on a VHS, the film is separated into three chunks, each with a different Christmas meaning.

    The first two stories ended thoughtfully with classic Christmas messages spread throughout, but it’s Mickey’s story which took me by surprise. Before I unpack Mickey’s film, here is a quick summary of the first two:

    Donald Duck: Stuck on Christmas

    Story one is about Huey, Dewey and Louie and how they wish that Christmas could be everyday. In true Disney fashion, their wish comes true and sure enough, Christmas is yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. The novelty soon wears off and, eventually, they discover that Christmas isn’t solely about receiving presents. It’s about family and being present. Time magically restores itself and that’s that. I’d rate the moral of the story a solid 4/5.

    A Very Goofy Christmas

    Story two follows Goofy’s son Max. Their neighbour Pete (the antagonist) puts a dampener on Max’s Christmas when he postulates that Santa couldn’t possibly exist. Naturally, this dulls Max’s Christmas spirit and his love of Santa. Goofy works tirelessly to keep Max’s Christmas spirit alive, to the point where he maxes out his own Christmas joy. In the end, Max realises he doesn’t need proof and that it’s more about belief, being with your family and spreading Christmas cheer to those less fortunate. I’d give it a 3.5/5 for moral of the story.

    We have now arrived at the final story, which is Mickey and Minnie’s. Here we go:

    Mickey and Minnie’s Gift of the Magi

    Mickey and Minnie are working hard to make ends meet, Mickey selling Christmas trees and Minnie in Mortimer’s (a department store). Both Mickey and Minnie, in an effort to buy something for each other, are swindled out of their hard earned money, with Mickey’s boss Pete stealing his tips and Minnie’s Christmas bonus presented in the form of a fruit cake. That can’t be legal, can it??

    Christmas is now up in the air.

    Key thing to note here is Mickey’s harmonica. He takes it everywhere with him to get a bit of extra cash and he is incredibly talented. SO talented that the toy drive hire him on the fly to support the band and raise donations. Ok, so remember: Mickey LOVES his harmonica. It brings JOY to him and to others.

    Before the day is up, Mickey rushes to the jewellery store to buy Minnie the necklace he has been eying up for her. Unfortunately, the owner closes up the shop.

    When Mickey and Minnie reunite to exchange presents by the fire, Minnie gives Mickey a harmonica case. She reveals she exchanged the watch Mickey had bought her the year before in exchange for the case. Then, Mickey presents his gift: the necklace from the shop window. It turns out he won’t have any need for the harmonica case because he traded his harmonica in exchange for the necklace. The end. WHAT?!

    *Stunned silence*

    The pressure of Christmas time?

    Let me collect my thoughts. So, what they’re saying is, is that you should do whatever it takes to buy your partner a present at Christmas time – even if it means giving up on the thing that brings you joy?

    On reflection, does Mickey’s decision to trade in his harmonica show the pressure people feel at Christmas to have something tangible to give to someone? The fear of showing up empty handed. To one up last year’s presents. Perhaps. Even still, you shouldn’t have to sell your pet, your piano, your playstation or take out another deposit on your house just to impress your partner.

    Mickey, you should never have traded in your harmonica. Minnie, you should never have traded in the watch Mickey bought you. That’s not what Christmas is truly about.

    Moral of the story gets a 2/5 from me. It got me thinking, that’s for sure!

    Let me know your thoughts on this ending! Or any other movies you would like me to review!

    *All images belong to Disney