"Forward" Short Story Collection by Amazon

Amazon's collection of Short Stories

Read the "Forward" Collection here

I recently discovered that Amazon Prime has a collection of original short stories. The latest being a collaboration of several well-known authors in a book called Forward. Forward is a collection of six short stories that focus on addressing the question “What is it like to live through a technological breakthrough?” (Goodreads, 2019). Author of Wayward Pines and Dark Matter, Black Crouch, has curated these six stories from other authors such as Andy Weir (The Martian) and Veronica Roth (Divergent series) to name a few.

In an interview conducted by Goodreads.com, authors Crouch, Weir and Roth sat down to discuss the new project. Crouch states that he put out the prompt requiring the stories to focus on emerging technology. He was surprised to find how different each author's stories were. Crouch enjoys science fiction because he believes it to be “a reflection of where humanity is heading” (Goodreads, 2019).

Crouch's story titled “Summer Frost” takes place in a gamer's world similar to Ready Player One, where the main character encounters a non-player character(NPC) in the game that shows signs of being sentient (Goodreads, 2019). The game's creator then bring the NPC into the real world to see what will happen. Sounds like an interesting premise, not only about gamer culture but about the emergence of artificial intelligence.

Veronica Roth best known for her Divergent series of books, states that maybe her audience will not be as interested in her short story “Ark”, because it lacks a love story and focuses on the science (Goodreads, 2019). Her story revolves around a horticulturist preserving samples of Earth before an asteroid hits, until she decides to stay on Earth to see it end.

An interesting premise that might delve into how humanity deals with the ending of our world. Roth describes what she likes about science fiction is “the possibilities of what might happen, especially the consequences of things we’re doing now, whether positive or negative” (Goodreads, 2019). Roth also mentions some of her favorite science fiction shows are Battlestar Galactica, The Expanse and Star Trek: Discovery.

Author Andy Weir talks about how his story “Randomize” takes place in Las Vegas and explores how casinos deal with new technology that can reverse engineer their older machines. I love the idea of his story taking place in a Las Vegas casino. While the story does revolve around the use of new technology making it easier for customers to cheat, the real story is explored through the characters. What will people do if they think they can cheat and get away with it?

Weir notes that he is a man of hard-science, as evident by his books The Martian and Artemis. He states that his favorite science fiction authors are Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov. Each author was asked the question of if they could time-travel in the future how far would they go. Weir gave a great answer by rethinking the question by asking:

"pick any two dates in history that are at least a hundred years apart? Would you rather live in the further back one or the further forward one? You’re always going to pick the further forward one because it’s always better. I see no reason why that won’t continue. It’s not just technology; it’s social progress, everything. We just keep getting better” (Goodreads, 2019).

An interesting approach to the question and different from Crouch and Roth's answers, both seeming to think that the future might be doomed. While I have only read Weir short story, I am excited to read the others in this collection, particularly Veronica Roth's story. I have not read the Divergent books, so I am not familiar with her work and would like to see what she can do with a short story before I give her books a try. I'm curious to see how different each of the author's stories are from each other.

As a short story writer I love the idea of Amazon publishing these original stories on Prime for free, and the concept of Forward sounds amazing. Amazon also did the show Electric Dreams on Prime and that was an anthology series based on short stories by Philip K. Dick. I very much enjoyed the show, and perhaps they could do something similar with Forward. So, check this book out on Amazon Prime, let me know your thoughts, which story was your favorite and what do you think about Amazon publishing original short stories? 

Works Cited

Hayley. “A Quick Chat About the Future with Andy Weir, Veronica Roth, and Blake Crouch” Goodreads, Goodreads, 12 Sep. 2019, https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/1681-a-quick-chat-about-the-future-with-andy-weir-veronica-roth-and-blake-c?content_type=all

Margaret Atwood "The Testaments" Interview

Margaret Atwood Interview

The new book Testaments is out now, a sequel to Margaret Atwood's 1985 book The Handmaid's Tale. My recent visit to Barnes and Noble had this book and other The Handmaid's Tale merchandise on several tables in the store. While I haven't read The Handmaid's Tale yet, I have seen most of the acclaimed television show starring Elisabeth Moss on Hulu.

I was quite interested to know that there was now a sequel to the book, so I decided to read an interview with Margaret Atwood conducted by the website Goodreads.com. A great site for any fan of books and literature. Here are some highlights from the interview and the full interview can be found here https://www.goodreads.com/interviews/show/1462.Margaret_Atwood?content_type=all#comment_form

The interview starts out with Atwood talking about how the book Testaments came about. For years Atwood said she wouldn't do a sequel to the book because she couldn't do the “continuation of the story of Offred in her voice” (Goodreads, 2019). Having not read the first book, but hearing it ends on a cliffhanger it sounds like she had no more of Offred's story to tell. But as the years went on and society seemed to approach her vision of Gilead, she began to think about the story outside of Offred's perspective. Around 2015 Atwood began writing notes for a new book, and by 2017 she said “the ideas were all pretty much there” (Goodreads, 2019).

The new book Testaments will explore the lives of females in Gilead 15 years after the end of the first book. Looking at the children that have grown up in a totalitarian society and the power of women, such as the Aunts, within Gilead. The distance of the handmaids and how they are viewed form a child,

“a privileged position in the hierarchy of descending position, you want to keep your position, not risk it to help people who are not at that level” sounds like an interesting way to further the story and world that Atwood has created (Goodreads, 2019).

This is one thing that the show does a little bit of, exploring other handmaid's lives outside of Offred's.

Speaking of the TV show adaptation, Atwood said she spoke to the show runner, Bruce Miller, telling him not to kill off Aunt Lydia. Working with Miller to maintain a consistency between her books and the show, especially during writing Testament. Atwood even had a small cameo in the season 1 pilot episode as one of the Aunts.

Later in the interview Atwood talks about how she has influenced other female writers of dystopian fiction. Not giving any names, a few that spring to my mind are Suzanne Collins and Veronica Roth. Atwood mentioned the books that influenced her were 1984 by George Orwell and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. “I think we are quite influenced by what we read in high school. But it takes us a while to acquire the skills and craft to create our own” (Goodreads, 2019). This is an interesting notion in writing, we read what we enjoy but cannot yet create for ourselves. It takes time and practice and perhaps several reads of our favorite works before we are ready to try and emulate our favorite authors.

Off topic Atwood talks a bit about her optimism of the younger generation and politics, as well as climate change. Shining some light on Project Drawdown (https://www.drawdown.org/) and the book Drawdown. Stating she is a be advocate for solutions to climate change and even donates to a company that will compost your dead corpse. A bit creepy, but apparently green friendly.

Hayley. “What Happened to Offred? Margaret Atwood's Big Sequel Answers Readers' Questions - Goodreads News & Interviews.” Goodreads, Goodreads, 6 Aug. 2019, www.goodreads.com/interviews/show/1462.Margaret_Atwood?content_type=all#comment_form.

Ranking The Wizard of Oz Songs

To continue honoring the 80th anniversary of "The Wizard of Oz", let's take a look back at the iconic musical number with my personal ranking of the songs. 

1. Somewhere over the Rainbow

A beautiful and melodic tune that is not only iconic to the film but further solidified in music history with the popular cover version by Israel "Bruddah Iz" Kamakawiwoʻole and still covered by popular artists to this day. It's the song that showed the talents of Judy Garland and endured the audience to the lovable Dorothy.

2. The Wizard of Oz 

First started after the Yellow Brick road song and then continues after Dorothy is joined by each new member, the Scarecrow, the Tin man and the Cowardly Lion. After Over the Rainbow this might be the most sung tune from the movie, fun to whistle and skip along to and of course gives the title of the movie. Anytime your out for an adventure it's hard not to burst out singing "we're off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful wizard of Oz". The song also makes great use of alliteration in the lines "We hear he is a whiz of a wiz; If ever a wiz there was; If ever, oh ever a wiz there was". 

3. If I Only Had A Heart

The sweet sounds of the Tin man's vocals bring warmth to the character. His journey for a heart is something that a lot people could relate to even to this day. He may be the most sympathetic of the trio and the moment that he bangs his hollow body to the percussion's of the song in the middle of a dance number makes the whole scene remarkable. 

4. The Merry Ol' Land of Oz

The welcoming response to our four heroes makes for a fun song that sticks in your head. From introducing the horse of a different color to cleaning up each member of the group, this song is sure to have you singing a “couple of tra-la-la's, that's how we pass the day away in the merry ol' land of Oz.”

                                                5. The Munchkin Parade/Ding Dong the Witch is Dead

This opening number in the colorful Munchkin land starts off with some amazing rhyming by Dorothy describing her encounter with the witch. It quickly turns to an infectious number that will have you singing “Ding dong the witch is dead, which old witch? The wicked witch.” The song shows Dorothy as a hero to the munchkins for ending the reign of terror by the wicked witch of the East. The Lullaby League and the Lollipop Guild along with the rest of the munchkins make for a great start to Dorothy's journey through the land of Oz.

6. If I Only Had a Brain

The introductory song to the Scarecrow shows the characters struggle in life without a real brain. It's a fun song and dance number that endears us to the Scarecrow and begins the real journey of “we're off to see a wizard”. 

7. Follow the Yellow Brick Road

The yellow brick road is the opening of the “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” tune found throughout the movie. The short and simple song is responsible for the phrase that is often quoted form the movie “follow the yellow brick road” where ever someone sets off on a journey.    

8. King of the Forest

Highlighting the Cowardly Lions dream of being king of the forest this tune is sung while the group eagerly awaits seeing the Wizard. Not a fun musical dance number like much of the other songs this one instead takes a personal look into the dreams of the heroes.

9. If I Only Had the Nerve

The shortest of the “If I Only Had a...” Songs but the Lion makes up for it later in the movie with King of the Forest. Again showing the lack of a component that each companion thinks they need to be whole, this short song is the most forgettable of the three. But it still ends with "we're off to see a wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz."

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh my! Is not an actual song sung but a repeated phrase, so it doesn't count. But still one of my favorite quotes from the movie. What is your favorite song from "The Wizard of Oz". Comment below or tweet to me @BelleArboreus. 

Here is the link to an article about the 80th Anniversary https://longislandweekly.com/the-wizard-of-oz-film-celebrates-80-years-of-magic-and-wonder/

The Wizard of Oz movie quotes

The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies of all time and a classic staple of Hollywood cinema for a reason. Not only are the characters iconic but the movie has so many lines of dialogue that it is quoted throughout media. In honor of the 80th anniversary since the film premiered, here are my 10 ten favorite lines from the movie The Wizard of Oz.

1. "There's no place like home."
   This is a classic line from the movie that is often referenced in the media. 

2. "We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz" This is a line that I personally quote. Every time I skip or go on a hike, I burst out into this song. It's cheery, fun and anyone can sing along.

3. (Toto.) "I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."
   Another classic quote that is often used in media. Several television shows or movies will quote this when something seems off.

4. "I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog too."
   This is the classic line from the film's villain, the wicked witch. It's also highly quoted, even not by villainous characters.

5. "Lions, and tigers and bears oh my!"
   This is personal favorite quote of mine, that I often say, and I find it to be funny ever time I say it. 

6. "Ding dong, the (wicked) witch is dead."
   The song sung by the munchkins is so fun to sing along to and sticks in your head. There's also a small reference by a certain (unlikable) character at the end of Buffy the Vampire Slayer's season 7. It's another classic saying that can be used in victory.

7. "If I only had a brain/If I only had a heart."
   Another pair of great songs from the film. As a kid my dad would always say “If you only had a brain”, every time I did something stupid. Never in a mean way, always teasing.

8. "That's a Horse of a different color."
   Another personal favorite quote of mine that I use a lot. Never gets old. Any time something new comes up, you can say this line.

9. "That a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others."
   This is a touching quote that I find to be deep and moving. I think it's beautiful, and a good reminder to people that your impact on others is what reflects your life.

10. "I'm melting, I'm melting. Oh what a world. What a world."
    The final defeat of the witch. The actress playing the wicked witch delivers the line with such a great pitch that it's both chilling and funny at the same time. Classic line to quote from the movies.

There are so many amazing lines to quote from The Wizard of Oz. Here are a few that I feel I should mention, just cause I love them.

Honorable Mentions

"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain." I find this to be a funny line of course referring to the reveal of the wizard.

"If ever a wiz there was." (Another fun reference used on Buffy).

"I am king of the forest."

What are some of you favorite lines from the movie? Write down in the comments or tweet at me and be sure to check back for more Wizard of Oz related content coming soon. 

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Review

After watching the Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring about a month ago, I was excited to get back to Middle Earth with The Two Towers. I remember seeing this movie in the theaters and it being my favorite of the three films. I watched the extended edition of the movie which is about four hours long; which is why it so long long to find the time to watch the movie.

It was clear from the beginning of the movie that I didn't remember what happened. I probably remembered maybe 5% of what actually happened in the movie. But I was happy to see that we got more time with Golum, and he's such a sympathetic character whose just driven mad by the ring. He's like a pathetic pet, that you want to help. I loved Golum in this movie and can't wait to see more of him in the next movie. I also watched the behind the scenes of how Andy Serkis and the animators brought the character to life. It's fascinated, so if you haven't seen it, I recommend watching it.

As for the main characters, they are all separated in this movie, Sam and Frodo with Golum, Merry and Pippin with Treebeard, and Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli in Rohan. Speaking of which, Legolas and Gimli provided good comedic relief in the movie, that never takes me out of the epic scale of the story. What I was disappointed in was that we didn't get enough of Gandalf in this, but what we did get was great. I did remember loving the Tree Ents destroying Eisengard and it's still a great moment in the movie. 

There was also a scene in the extended version where we get a flashback of Boromir and how he ended up in Rivendell, which is what I was wondering about in the first movie. As far as the character journey's, Aragorn and the people of Rohan were the most interesting. Merry and Pippin don't really do much, and Sam and Frodo get side snatched by Gondor. Although, Sam does get a great speech about fighting for what's good in the world.

I have really enjoyed the rewatch of these movies since it's been over a decade since I first saw them. I'm curious to see what events happen in the last movie and where are character journeys take them. Out of the two, I'll say that I enjoy the first half of Fellowship more than the first half of Two Towers, but the battle at Helm's Deep is so awesome. I think the first movie does a great job of setting up the world and characters, and the second movie really lives in that world. I'm excited for Return of the King, which won 11 Academy Awards, winning in every category it was nominated in, including Best Picture. So, the bar is set high for the last movie. While I have enjoyed these movies so far, I still haven't read the books, but I'm hoping to be able to listen to them on audio books.

If you are a big fan of the Lord of the Rings, let me know your thoughts about the movies, as well as the books. Do you like the changes? Who's your favorite character(s)? Write your comments below or tweet to me @BelleArboreus. Thank you!

The Lord of the Rings-Fellowship of the Ring Movie Review/Experience

The Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship of the Ring

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is arguably (if not one of) the best fantasy stories of all time. When Peter Jackson made the movies in the early 2000s, I had no idea what Lord of the Rings was and had never heard of the books. I knew a lot of people in my classes that we're excited about the movies, but I didn't understand the hype. Now, I don't remember if I saw The Fellowship of the Ring in theaters, but I do remember owning the VHS double tapes (remember those). I did watch the 2-tape movies a few times back around 2002, then I did see The Two Towers and Return of the King in theaters.

Now since Return of the King came out on home video, I hadn't revisited The Lord of the Rings movies, until about 2015, when I watched the first half of Fellowship on TV, then fell asleep because it is so long. While short, I did enjoy that viewing and for years it made me want to revisit all of the movies. And with the TV show on Amazon Prime coming up in a couple of years, I knew I had to watch the movies first.

Well, four years later, it has finally happened! My boyfriend is a huge fan of the books and even has a J.R.R. Tolkien tattoo (which is pretty sweet). So, I knew at some point I would have to sit down with him and watch the movies, he owns the extended versions. He sat me down and watched Game of Thrones (which I had not seen until 2018), and throughout he would fill in the gaps of the book for me. He is so knowledgeable about Lord of the Rings, that I knew he could helpfully explain the story to me as we watched.

Now, I was very excited that we were finally able to sit down on Sunday to watch The Fellowship of the Ring. I couldn't tell which scenes were a part of the extended cut, but the movie was around four hours long! We had to change discs for the second half, so at least we took a small break from sitting on the couch. We also paused throughout so that my boyfriend could explain certain characters and dialogue to me. Which helped clarify the story. We also have a big poster map of Middle Earth that we used for reference.

Watching the movie, and I had seen the first two Hobbit movies by Peter Jackson, what I found amazing was the production quality. I watched the behind the scenes of making the movie, and I just can't believe how much time and effort the crew put in to make this movie feel as real as possible. Most of the CGI is either blended very well or hardly noticeable. I love the techniques used to make the hobbits smaller compared to the other characters. Considering these movies were filmed in the late 1990's/the early 2000s, it's incredible special and visual effects that never take me out of the movie. The locations in New Zealand and bringing Hobbiton and Bag Ends to life is just amazing to me.

As for the characters, I love Gandolf, he has some great lines of subtle humor, but always commands the power on screen. Aragorn was a character I didn't remember well but grew to enjoy. The hobbits on their journey to Bree, and then with Aragorn to Rivendell is my favorite part of the movie. Now, my memory had served me wrong in thinking that Elrond and Arwen were bigger parts in the movie, and I didn't remember almost anything after Rivendell establishes the Fellowship.

Having my boyfriend explain more about the history and world of Middle Earth to me, really allowed me to immerse myself into the movie. I enjoyed the movie, and can't wait until we watch The Two Towers, because I remember that being my favorite of the trilogy. I enjoyed watching the behind the scenes features, and while I haven't read the books, I might just add them to my ever-growing reading list.

So, what are your thoughts on The Lord of the Rings, have you read the books? If so, which is your favorite? Who is your favorite character and why? Leave comments below or feel free to tweet at me, @BelleArboreus on Twitter, and @Fantastic_literature on Instagram. Would love to hear your thoughts, follow the blog and until next time, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” - Gandolf.

The Lion King (2019) Review

The Lion King Movie (2019) Review

With the success of the recent live-action remakes of classic Disney animated movies, I was really looking forward to this new version of The Lion King. I loved what Disney did with Beauty and the Beast and most recently the new Aladdin movie. The later of which I find has the best soundtrack of these new remakes. So, I was hoping to be blown away by the new lion king movie. While I did enjoy the movie, I left a bit disappointed.

The new version is almost shot for shot the same as the original animated movie. Unlike the new Aladdin which added several new changes, The Lion King only had small changes that didn't actually impact the story much nor give the story a broader scope. Director John Favreau used the technology he help develop during filming The Jungle Book live action remake, and up'd the game for this movie. The visuals are spectacular, at times you forget that these are not actual lions or animals on screen. Even the landscape and environment are computer generated graphics. This movie looks better than some nature documentaries.

However, looks are not everything, and this movie falls flat for me in a few areas. First, the voice actors specifically, Scar, Simba and Nala. To be fair, the actors are not trained voice professionals, but little emotion comes through in their performances. Secondly, the story doesn't add enough new to it, making me think this was only remade to challenge the visual effects team. Lastly and most importantly the songs. The original animated movie has a some of the most notable Disney musical numbers. So, popular that the Broadway musical version is still going on to this day. And while Donald Glover and Beyonce do bring their vocal talents to the song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” the other songs aren't as strong, and that includes the new Beyonce song “Spirit”. While the songs in the movie were fine, they didn't blow me away the way the Aladdin soundtrack did.

Now on to the positives of the movie! Three of the characters stood out, Timon voiced by Billy Eichner, Pumba voiced by Seth Rogen and Zazu voiced by John Oliver. These three make a big impact on the movie and provide most of the comedic relief. Eichner and Rogen even sing a new and longer version of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. And Eichner pays tribute to another classic Disney song from Beauty and the Beast (not the one you're thinking of). While I was disappointed In Chiwetel Ejiofor's Scar, I was impressed with Alfre Woodard's Sarabi (Simba's mom). She offered a strength to the character that was in the original but Woodard improved the character. A quick mention to the hyena's, they are a lot more threatening in this version, with Shenzi being the fierce leader.

If you loved the original animated The Lion King then you will enjoy the new version. However, don't get too excited for the musical numbers. While there is a lot of good in this movie, it's not one of my favorites from these new Disney remakes. I may watch it again, but since it doesn't added enough new changes I'd rather watch the animated movie. I'll say this though, I did cry throughout the whole movie, and as a cat person, I found young Simba to be absolutely freaking adorable! So, there you go, a good movie, but not a favorite of mine. Still something to check out if you love the animated version. 

Dracula Readings part 5 the finale

As the book starts to draw towards the ending, I find myself more engaged than ever. I have so many questions in my head. Not knowing the conclusion, I'm curious if they will succeed at killing the Count or not. I'm also curious about whether or not killing Dracula undoes the vampiric effects on Mina Harker. Will she go back to being a normal girl? Will she turn? Or will she become something in between.

Throughout the book we get small details about vampires and how they work, but I'm curious about the part where Van Helsing can hypnotize Mina and she can report on what Dracula sees or smells or hears. Is that a power that vampires have? I've never heard of it. It also seems to appear that certain times of day can have an effect on the vampire or whatever transition Mina is in.

Going into reading the book for the first time, I assumed Van Helsing would be a small but significant character, so I'm surprised that he is really the driving force behind all of this. What I love about him, is that he isn't arrogant about his knowledge of vampires. He listens to the group and values their input and truly cares about them. It's great to see them work as a team to track down Dracula. Lord Godalming using his resources to help locate the ship and gain privileges. I love how Van Helsing went back to the records to figure out Dracula's plan.

The journey to Dracula's castle felt a bit dragged out, and Dracula is not very active during this pursuit. The ending of the book, and downfall of Dracula, was anti-climatic, in my opinion. While, I do enjoy the story, I'll have to read it again to really understand the story, but I will say I do wish the story would have spent more time with Dracula and his castle.

Overall, I did enjoy reading this book, and I'm glad that I did so, however I think it will take a second reading to really understand and appreciate what Bram Stoker was trying to accomplish. Now that I know what happens my expectations will be different going into a second reading. One thing I really enjoy was Stoker's take on the vampire mythology, the story gives you want you need to know but leaves some mystery for the reader. As someone who doesn't read a lot of vampire fiction I enjoy these elements of the story. While I admit my problems with the book, I do think that it is a must read for any avid book reader, especially those interested in horror and supernatural. Someday I'll read this again, and even though it wasn't what I thought, I enjoyed Dracula very much.

Spider-Man: Far From Home - Movie Review

Spider-Man: Far From Home review

As a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe I was excited to see how Spiderman: Far From Home would deal with the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame. The movie does show how life in the MCU has continued since the end of Endgame but it doesn't linger on it for too long. Far From Home is a true sequel to Spiderman: Homecoming, focusing on Peter Parker and his classmates. While I think I prefer Homecoming, there are some great aspects of Far From Home. The first being that this is the first Spiderman movie where the primary story does not take place in New York City.

In the movie Spiderman battles creatures called Elementals which are made from water and fire. The special effects in this movie are amazing. The action scenes are great, but the overall plot of the movie falls a part if you think it about it afterwards. This includes the villain Mysterio, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. I did like Gyllenhaal's performance and his interactions with Tom Holland's Peter Parker were excellent.

As mentioned this movie does not take place in New York but rather, Venice, Prague and London, with a stop off in Berlin and the Netherlands. The fun of this movie is with Peter and his classmates traveling across Europe while encountering the Elementals. The last Spiderman movie (Homecoming) focused on Peter trying to be Spiderman, an Avenger level hero, and this new movie does the opposite. Peter just wants to be Peter, a normal teenage boy trying to ask out a girl he likes and having to be Spiderman gets in the way. It's a different take on the character that I find refreshing, but at the same time, I feel as if Spiderman the hero is not as impressive in this movie.

I would have to see the movie again to really see how I feel about this one. There's some great comedy, awesome action and brilliant character interactions but something is missing for me. While I love Holland in the role of Peter Parker, I don't think this is my favorite movie with his Spiderman in it (that goes to Infinity War). I will say that both of the end credit scenes were amazing and shocking. Hopefully they will have bigger implication going forward in the MCU. Still, if you enjoy this version of Spiderman, you will like Far From Home.

Captain Marvel vs Wonder Woman

Captain Marvel vs Wonder Woman

I recently decided to watch both Wonder Woman (2017) and Captain Marvel (2019) back to back to compare the two female super hero movies. Let me start by saying that I am a huge fan of the Marvel movies, not so much the DC movies. Captain America is my favorite super hero, but when it comes to these two women, I actually prefer Wonder Woman.

When it comes to their power sets, Captain Marvel might be more powerful, but Wonder Woman is better trained at combat, literally training for centuries. Throughout their movies each character learns more about their powers and how to control them. While Captain Marvel might glow, I enjoy Wonder Woman's accessories, the sword, the shield and the lasso.

Outside of their standalone movies, I have enjoyed both women but WW has had more screen time. First introduced in Batman v Superman and then featured in Justice League, Wonder Woman was a highlight of those two films for me.  Unfortunately Captain Marvel was not in Avenger's: Endgame that much, but she does bring an impressive assist to the team during the final battle. 

Both Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel focus on emotions as a theme. Emotions are often seen as a weakness in women, but these movies attempt to show that emotions, (empathy, love and compassion) are positive traits for a superhero. In Captain Marvel, Carol is constantly being told to keep her emotions in check (even though the only emotion is anger), and in the end she learns that her emotions (her connections to the people she cares about) are a part of her strengths. 

In Wonder Woman, Diana is presented as being different because of her compassion and innocence in the world of "man". Throughout the movie she shows empathy for the victims of the war and in the end she fights for love. In terms of the theme of emotions, I think the WW movie handles it better. It really shows that a woman can be strong, powerful and save people all while embracing these "emotional female" traits. Captain Marvel on the other hand, is more about how her emotions can restore her memories and unlock her true powers. It's not really about how she uses them to be a superhero.

Now Brie Larson (CM) is a better actor than Gal Gadot (WW) and I love everything that connects CM to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Overall, I think that Wonder Woman is the better movie. I think it has a solid narrative structure, even though the last act sort of falls apart. The first act shows Diana (WW) growing up and training and it's her call to action. The second act is about starting the journey and gathering the team. The third act escalates and then finishes the main antagonist. The fourth act reveals the true villain and pays off the character arc. Captain Marvel starts off with an exposition dump, the team is already assembled and then she literally crash lands on Earth. The movie sort of skips the hero's call to action moment and the audience is never truly invested in the characters outcome. So, the narrative is a bit of a mess, but moment to moment the movie works well enough to entertain me.

I love both of these strong female superheroes, although I actually consider Buffy(the vampire slayer) to be my favorite heroine. If I had to chose one of them to fight side by side with, I'd pick Wonder Woman. Because I feel like she would care more about me not getting hurt. Both women are kick-ass and strong but I feel like WW takes more of an emotional interest in the people she is saving. It all depends on where your personal moral values lie, but for me, WW in more inline with my moral compass. This is the 5^th time I've seen WW and 2^nd time I've seen CM. I enjoy both of these movies, and look forward to seeing their sequels.

PS:(Looking up photos for these characters, I could not find a dynamic pose for Captain Marvel, whereas Wonder Woman has several poses to chose from. Partially, because of her accessories).

If you like to read stories on WattPad, then you're in luck! Because I have recently posted some short stories on WattPad! Get ready for Halloween by reading my spooky/thriller inspired stories!

"Grave Little Witches"

"Through the Blackout"