What's on Screen? Ghostbusters

This past weekend I finally had the chance to watch the new Ghostbusters movie. I have a few things to say about it on a whole. But before I get into that, I want to tackle other peoples opinions about the film.

The majority of reviews and comments that I saw in reference to this film were negative. A lot of people did not give it a warm reception, instead they wanted to compare it to the original 2 films from the 80's. Doing that leads to a few problems in my opinion. The 80's are a rather nostalgic time right now, because it's what people grew up with or watched with their kids. (Yeah... I know that sounds weird but hear me out). This means when they saw the name Ghostbusters, they were likely expecting the same sort of film. Filmography and what people expect in movies is much different now.

What was high tech and scary back in the originals is corny now. It doesn't get the same reaction from the audience. Technology has also improved, meaning there was a great window to try some new effects. To be honest, while yes I'd have been interested to see the film as a continuation of the original films, the reality is it wasn't a feasible idea.  So I'm not going to tell anyone that didn't like the movie that they should have, or ought to. But I am willing to listen to their complaints and give my own account of what I thought.

So first things first. The more or less all female cast. I found this refreshing, mainly because I do feel there is a rather sad amount of positive female role models in the media. I don't care if they're not conventional or 'kardashian' gorgeous. I found them appealing on a number of levels. They were almost real. They seemed like people you might actually run into.

The male villain, surprising as it was, gave the story a validity. I could believe that a person could try to cause mayhem, due to selfish aims. I could see them using similar technology based on the same research. I could also feel sorry for him. Not because he was bad or good, but just because he seemed to have gone off the deep end.

The sets were rather nice, I had no complaints on that. The story didn't lag or slow down. There wasn't too much nonsense, though the ghost fighting scene near the end did remind me a little bit of the Power Rangers. So yeah, it was a funny as well as entertaining.

There was one thing about the movie that bothered me a lot. The soundtrack lacked something. Most of the music was decent. Yet the longer song sequences grated my nerves because they didn't feel like they fit into the film. It was almost like they were trying to force the music to fit. I wish they would have gotten one of the original soundtrack writers (though it looks like after some research that might not have been feasible... I didn't realize so many people from then aren't around anymore). In honesty it was the only part of the movie I think could have been improved. Which means most of the movie was awesome. So I have to say I do recommend it.

Pokemon are still a Thing

And that's alright. In fact it's kind of awesome.

When I was a bit younger, I remember Pokemon being a cartoon on tv. I also remember eating a LOT of Kids Meals trying to find the talking Pikachu my little brother wanted. I also remember playing Pokemon Gold on a black and white Gameboy.... But in today's modern Pokemon Go phase there is a multitude of merchandise being pushed. But with that in mind, there's a number of unique items you can collect to accessorize and show off your love of the little digital monsters, regardless of the team you've chosen.

You don't doubt me on that I'm sure, but to prove the point I'm going to share some of the interesting things that I've seen on Etsy of late. I'm always exploring and enjoying the various pieces people share there.

So one of the first item's I'd like to share with you actually surprised me. Because it turned up in my feed when I was researching chainmail, not Pokemon.

These chainmail pokeballs are gorgeous little heavy duty keychains, that you can see offer a unique take on the classic pokeball.  They're available in a variety of colors (and I suspect if there's a color you'd prefer other than what's shown, well... maybe it can happen). Love these and highly recommend them for the more classic gamer type, or even the newer sort. They have a nice classic edge to them. When this blog was written they were available for $6.00, not bad for gifting. (Just remember to order early) Find them here : Aislinn's Collared Designs Chainmaille Pokeball

Our next selection is actually something that plays with the fighting between the teams.

A maker called TheFreshPinsofLA has this pin available. To my rather untrained eye, it appears to be a combination of the three team emblems featured in Pokemon Go! The Team Harmony pin made me smile, because it was a unique take on a rather silly thing. People shouldn't be split up based on the team they pick, unless it's friendly rivalry of course. You can find the pin here:  TheFreshPinsofLA Team Harmony Pin

The next thing up for your perusal is something that I kinda wish I'd get to see in person. I'd wish it was something I could get except I'm not really someone that looks good in yellows.

Isn't it the cutest apron ever? It's a Pikachu cosplay apron! It even has a tail!!! It'd be an awesome look for any Pokemon fan that's not really sure they'd be comfortable in an adult onesie at con. Or for a gal (or guy) who wants to cosplay as a couple (you know.... if their partner wants to be Ash or something >.>). These are handmade by a seamstress that I've been following for a long time, and I do personally own some of her pieces. Maybe I'll share them sometime, but her attention to detail on this piece is smashing! So YES! Pikachu Cosplay Apron for the Win! Find it here : Violet Phoenix Designs Retro Anime Cosplay Apron (P.S. She also has some awesome Team Ties available)

I hate to admit it, but the next item I'm sharing plays into one of my personal odd likes.

Yes, that is an Oddish Planter. It's adorable, and everytime I look at the picture I can't help but smile. The idea is really cute, and they also have Bulbasaur available. Meaning you can pick whatever plants (within size reason) you want to grow out of them. Too cute, and also a reasonable gift for the holidays. Available here : 3DPMakery Pokemon Planter

And how about something to end on a giggle.

Yes... That is a Deadpool Pikachu Cross Over enamel pin. Why I found it in my instagram feed, I have no idea. But I love this pin. It's in my checkout basket right now, I just haven't figured out if it's one of those purchases I want to make because it's a cross over of two fandoms I kind of like... Or if it's a purchase I want to make because it's a cross over idea I never would have expected. It's too cute and I laughed too hard.  You can find this on etsy here : KingOfThePin Deadkachu Pin

Anyways, I'm glad you stopped by, and I hope you're still enjoying your Pokemon of various sorts as much as I am. See you soon!

Music Monday : No Numbers Please

Yeah I know we've really fallen behind when it comes to actual entertainment value. But I do promise that it's going to be improving in the near future (mainly because I'm having a lot of fun with instagram and I have been enjoying the community of makers that is on it.) But right now it's monday and I want to share some music (some that I've shared before probably) that sum up how I feel lately.

Don't give up just because we're little. Little things make up a large whole when put together <3 You're amazing and You should never forget it. <3 We're more together than apart too. ... and I'm babbling, sorry. On to the music!!!

Emeli Sande - Read All About It

Ingrid Michaelson - Be Ok

Meghan Trainor - Close Your Eyes

Dove Cameron - Better in Stereo

Lenka - We Are Powerful

It's finally November

Which means that Halloween is over, Thanksgiving is on it's way, and Christmas has already run over everything else.

Yeah, stores are already full of Christmas merchandise and have been quick to add more the closer november came. It's kind of disappointing honestly. I'd like to have a little time to work through my holidays and reflect on them a little, not feel like I have to be done with them already. But on the plus side, I have to say I do have my christmas presents mostly purchased and the majority of them are wrapped too.

Yay for small accomplishments.

When I have some time to get my life back in order, I'll do a post about some of the awesome things I've picked up in the past month. I won't spoil them now by listing them either.

I am kind of glad that the Halloween season is over, I did enjoy my time working at Spirit Halloween. But I don't really feel like I got to celebrate, even if we did go to the event at the beginning of last month. I'm kind of disappointed because of how I feel.

I also have a lot of sad feelings, but I'm trying to sort them out.

I'll try to get you a proper update soon. Thanks for caring enough to read, and I hope you've been having a safe year.

Just Visiting : Halloween In The Catskills

Wow it's been a while since I actually posted about having gone somewhere. Mainly because it's been a while since I really have gone anywhere that I haven't talked about on here before.

So first things first. We scheduled to go on this trip months ago, sort of blindly. We've never gone to one of the Jeff Mach Events before. But we've talked to some people who have and they spoke highly of them. So we packed rather lightly and Halloween generic, since we weren't really sure how other people dress, Though after the fact we decided we felt slightly under-dressed(but that's a horse of a whole different color).

Halloween in The Catskills was held at the Blackthorne Resort in Durham New York, meaning it was a bit of a ride from Buffalo. About 4 hours or a little more is what it took us to get there, and that was mainly because we kept getting behind people that were not driving the speed limit. Luckily I spent a decent portion of the drive asleep in the back seat. The back seat is sort of my designated hiding place for the really long trips, because I do have a tendency to fall asleep in the car anyway.

Anyway, our gps sort of brought us into the place through the back so it was a little confusing at first, and we sort of drove all the way through the resort and out the other side before realizing that we were there. Kind of funny I guess. But we turned back around and found a parking spot. When we walked into the resort office we were tickled and surprised to find an amazing display of Dr. Who memorabilia that was shaped like a Tardis, A small toe pincher like casket with a viewing window, and a variety of steampunk and Halloween style decor. Oh and let me throw this out there, it definitely seems (after going through more of the resort) that the steampunk type stuff is a permanent fixture. I found this to be both encouraging and interesting. We've never really gone somewhere that really did have steampunk things as part of their permanent appeal.

This was on Saturday night when we dressed up.
 The Mind enhancer was really cool looking and creative,
 and a GREAT photo opportunity.

It took us a little while to find our room, but once we did we settled in to deciding what we were going to do. I traipsed off to explore a little before a lot of other people got there, and when I got bored with that I went down and joined the pumpkin decorating in the pub. Yes, I said pumpkin decorating in the pub. I met some very nice people and decorated the pumpkin of my choice. I chose one of the tinier pumpkins because I knew it would be something no one would be upset about if I brought it home to enjoy. (take up as little space as possible at home, don't ask.)

Throughout the weekend we did a variety of things, we explored the various vendors that were available, saw live music performances, heard stories, and enjoyed an amazing variety of food that was made in the resorts kitchen. The staff were amazing and there was really a lot to enjoy. I will admit that I had to go lay down for a while because I wasn't feeling well, but while I do feel a bit guilty for missing out on some of the fun, it's part of life that I've accepted.

^_^ We even got to take a group picture with The Long Losts!

All in all we had a wonderful time. I really enjoyed being in a place where it felt like most everyone was like us. It was fantastic to feel accepted, even if we didn't know anyone very well. Acquainting ourselves with a new group/event pool felt wonderful. And everyone was superbly nice. I added some new music to my collection, picked up another t-shirt, and buttons! Oh my gourd the buttons! I haven't took pictures of them but the buttons made me very happy. ^_^

This is some of what I brought home with me from the event,
other than, you know, memories.

So, just because I want to make sure I share more. I'm going to set you up with some links to a few of the groups that we had the pleasure of seeing over the weekend. If you're curious about how the weekend was in person, by looking into them you may get a glimpse at the entertainment, and a little bit of insight into how the event went. It was a lot of fun, and we've already discussed a little bit the idea of going again.

The Long Losts are a group that I saw at Tatsu Con (well our first in person viewing was there). We really enjoyed their music, and If you want a comparison from me as to what their music sounds like, the closest group I can think of that I might have shared in the past would be Creature Feature. It was exciting to see them perform again. www.thelonglosts.com

Jess-O-Lantern was completely new to us, but her music did not disappoint. It had more of a lighter feel to it, but I've really come to like a few of the songs on her album a lot. I'm quite partial to "Lost, boy". You can check out her music on Band camp ^_^ jess-o-lantern.bandcamp.com

Karnevil was a performance group that does a variety of side show type things. (I think I missed most of this, but I got to hear them discuss their acts) You can get a better handle on them on their website www.karnevil.net

Night Gallery was impressive also. The band members are super nice, and they give the best explanations when it comes to describing their music. You can see more info about them and get a feel from them off their website www.nightgallery.us

Gah I know I'm forgetting something. But all in all it was a wonderful weekend. Full of entertainment and interesting costumes and artistic accessories to enjoy. There was so much to see, and I didn't really take as many pictures as I should have. That's my one regret, but the memories are great <3.