( Then the reality we must face will turn everything, even dreams into rust )

I wrote this ficlet months ago, but circumstances intervened. I wouldn't like to look like I'm planning to stop writing, though, so here you go. Because it asks for this line of thought at the moment, I don't think this fic compares in any way to the epic story I posted a year ago almost to the day. But, it's a tiny little something. Feedback appreciated; I may be out of shape.

Title: Inaction
Pairing: Past Albus/Gellert
Rating: PG
Word Count: ~500
Summary: Albus enjoys no calm on quiet days.
Disclaimer: The HP universe is JKR's. I make no profit and intend no copyright infringement.

( Outside, everything is stark and fast and frenziedly logical. )

So much that I need icons with them already, but I still haven't chosen which. They're lovely, in any case. Why, yes, I always thought that boy wasn't using his full potential in Sweeney Todd.

...Can we skip the HBP movie and get straight to the grand finale? I'm starting to look forward to it (now that I know they're at least not going to cut the young Albus and Gellert completely) and I don't want to wait, whine whine.

I went to see this pretty much on rec, but it turned out to have quite a few of the elements I enjoy in a movie. I was amused that this was the director of 300, but this really was different. Now, as soon as I find the original book(s?), they are MINE.

Beware: this review will reek of pure I've-only-ever-seen-the-movie-once n00bdom. I know that irritates me in HP, so this is a fair warning. But on to the actual movie.

First off, the atmosphere. I liked the mix of stylized violence, contemplative scenes and parts that were essentially music videos. Dynamic is the word I'm looking for. I know this may be inappropriate for me to say since I haven't read the original (yet!), but it felt like a comic book. The way the plot followed the characters while incorporating the world at large worked well too; no loose ends as far as I could tell, everything coming full circle. The ending was the proverbial crown to that. I could go on about how brilliant that was, but let me just say those twists were among the things that ultimately set Watchmen apart from your typical "superhero" movies.

Speaking of which, I especially liked that although it technically was about heroes, none of the main characters was unequivocally a good guy or a villain (at least to me). I mean, for the longest time I had a huge problem with the Comedian, but then he got that scene where he's "spilling his guts to his own arch-enemies" and my perception of him did a 180. It was similar with most of the other characters - there was always something or other I could appreciate about each. I'd never have thought I'd sympathize with a right-wing nut like Rorschach but honestly, aside from his comments about the "indecent lifestyle" and such, I did relate to his disillusionment and at the same time uncompromising dedication to his cause. (His last scene was only inevitable in that regard, but I won't spoil in case there's anyone on the planet who hadn't seen this before I did.) Dr. Manhattan - very believable with practically living in a different world. He had some of the best lines, I'd say. Nite Owl and Laurie were likeable but less fascinating to me (though I did appreciate that you could tell why they'd be attracted to each other, something that het pairings in high-budget movies don't always bother to show because they just expect the audience to take it all for granted). Finally, Ozymandias: he's even more of my favourite than the others, and not only because he mentioned Alexander the Great (by the way, dude, I hear you). They've done a good job on showing that even though he's probably the second most powerful character, it's no cakewalk for him either. He does mean well in the grand scheme of things - do I dare say "for the greater good"? - but when all is said, he's the one left standing in the wreckage. That doesn't speak to me, that screams. Also I got way too hyper about that neatly placed quote from Shelley (you may be able to guess which poem). That was a brilliant little touch.

( Sample quotes of win )

Moral of the day: I do enjoy other films besides arthouse from time to time. It really struck the right chord with me. Got me thinking as well.


PS: serenity_winner, THANK YOU FOR THAT COMM. A THOUSAND TIMES.

"It's a flame of sadness urisosogu kanashimi sura dakiyose
Life is going on kareru made aruiteyuku dake
It's a flame of sadness"

( Now it snows in hell! )

I am currently distracted (EXAMS? WHAT EXAMS?!) by one particular trailer for Resident Evil 5. I have the sneaking suspicion that this game is going to out-gross even the previous one in the series (which is saying something... eurgh, the island), though I don't dare guess whether it's going to be scarier. At the same time, I can't wait for it to come out. This is because DAMMIT, WESKER! What happened to make you so full of action? (He's a very important character, in fact, but he's been mostly watching and pulling the strings from afar for a while now. AND SUDDENLY HE'S FIGHTING OUT THERE WITH A VENGEANCE!) Sure, he's a calculating somewhat-evil jerk, but I digress. He's badass. He's stylish. He means business. And he's among my favourite characters in the series for some reason, so he'd have to do something really disgusting to make me hate him yet. I only worry he might get, you know, killed since it looks like they've made him the main villain in the new game. You'd better not bite it, Wesker, you hear me? There's no Resident Evil without your... influence.

So, if you can either enjoy or survive all the disturbing stuff, watch this. It's pretty exciting, actually. Look out for the suave gentleman in a black coat. XD

You see? I don't do pretentious literary things all the time.

Since I can do nothing but sort out my stuff these days, I shall now bring order to the fics I wrote last year.

( 2008 Fic Meme )

As everyone knows, I hardly ever watch what's on the TV because I'm picky and 99% of what's on turns out to be crap. But yesterday, people, I was shocked. First, there's this channel that mostly shows the same mainstream stuff a thousand times over and then some, but yesterday they actually showed Brokeback Mountain. SHOCK! I'm surprised this movie has finally made it to the TV here at all, but that it was on this channel as well is just unbelievable! I already have the DVD anyway, but I hope a lot of people watched. It did start at almost 11 PM... can't have everything, I guess. But still! They've finally shown it, and not at 3 AM for a select few! *victory sign*

Yeah, say I'm overreacting, but I'm just damn pleased.

And as if that wasn't enough, another channel just decided to put on the second skating show that took place here in (I think) October. No Johnny this time, but the others were amazing! There were even two guys skating together who had awesome performances. SKATING FTW!

So I think that's not a bad start for a medium I hardly ever bother with. As one does on New Year's...

Here comes the annual well wishing post: have a great holiday, no matter what and when exactly you celebrate! (Or don't celebrate - we all need some optimism every now and then). Enjoy the season and don't let anything spoil it for you.

This isn't very festive, I know, but sometimes a little goes a long way.

MISERY (Live) ~ Beauty & Stupid (Live) ~ 50% & 50% (Live) ~ LEMONed I Scream (Live) ~ Rocket Dive (Live)

Okay, the above is just my not-so-classy way of informing you the Permanent Account plan worked. It really upgraded immediately. Oh, and some of you may recall my current icon from a while back - once upon a time I deleted it, but now it's back! I've been going crazy with the icons, actually. Right now I have about thirty and am convincing myself to give it a rest, otherwise I'll fill up even my shiny new limit of 195. YOU FOLKS, THAT IS SO MUCH. *faints*

Anyway, to make this post useful, here's my experience with this account so far:

~ Lots of icons. Mmm.

~ No ads. NO ADS! Showed all that untargeted stuff, it did. I need to get used to the new placement of some things now. XD

~ LJ seems to be loading faster. Come to think of it, I think there was some "express lane" or whatever for paid accounts, so this would make sense. Obviously, if you have a fast connection/computer the difference shouldn't be that huge, but since my comp's memory is almost full and causes a constant lag anyway, I'm pretty pleased about the faster loading time now.

~ As I said, it worked immediately. Gotta give LJ credit for the service.

~ I'm not sure whether I'll actually use up all the storage space, but all these other benefits are worth the purchase already. Um, no, I'm not trying to sound like an advertiser, not at all. XD

~ I'll probably discover more about these features as I go along, so if there's anything exciting, you'll know.

There, just in case anyone's curious.

Because my LJ has been seriously lacking in that department lately. Always, in fact. So behold my Socrates-approved badassery.

( Cut because of an epic image )

Okay, the score could still be improved, but... I hereby challenge you to a duel! XD

What is this, a death day? I've just found out that Munetaka Higuchi of LOUDNESS has died of liver cancer. Although I heard that he was ill, this still comes as a shock. He wasn't even fifty.

So that's another of my favourite bands whose members aren't all alive anymore. I really just don't know what to say.

Except for one thing: Rest in peace.

So, it's been 108 years since Oscar Wilde died. Time really flies. But no worries, Oscar, you're not forgotten!

In happier news, you should all check out this promising RPG called CXXIV. It takes place in 124 AD, meaning during Hadrian's reign, and it looks awesome! Even if you don't intend to play, do have a look at those gorgeous "Roman Life" and "About Villa Adriana" sections - you won't regret it. I'm so happy it seems like there's going to be more about Hadrian around. Seriously, where's the fandom?

Speaking of which, if you have any favourite history links, now would be a good time to share them should you feel the urge. XD

Why orange? Well, it's been snowing and the streetlamps are making everything seem to have that colour. The snow, the air. (How poetic.) Sometimes nights like this also look purple, but this time, it's orange. Never mind me. XD

Anyway. Screw the world, I'm writing drabbles! One is happy and the other sad. I won't tell you which is which. You have to find out... it is pretty obvious.

They're both inspired by the snow because it's beautiful and I'm in the mood.

Title: Tranquility
Pairing: Remus/Sirius
Rating: G
Word Count: 100
Summary: Remus and Sirius spend a cold day out. MWPP era.
Disclaimer: The HP universe is created by JKR. I make no profit and intend no copyright infringement.

( Snowflakes are aflutter in the air, no doubt about to engulf everything. )



Title: Forever and Never
Pairing: Albus/Gellert
Rating: G
Word Count: 100
Summary: Albus has plenty of time to reflect.
Disclaimer: The HP universe is created by JKR. I make no profit and intend no copyright infringement.

( Sometimes, like on this day in winter, Albus wishes to wipe his memory blank or turn back time. )

Two words: Gregory House.

Of course, I wouldn't want to experience any of the strange ailments that typically land the unsuspecting patients in his care. But the thing is, even though House is so sarcastic and insufferable, he's not afraid to go against all expectations and chances are that he would actually help me. Or at least, I'd hope so. XD

No witty movie analyses in this post. Just a little comparison of my experience of last year and this year because I've found it doesn't really come across in the previous posts.

( So, once again... )

Yep, this is where I stop numbering the days because my order is no longer the actual order.

( Yesterday's movies )

( Today's movie )

Well, that's it for this year. I've noticed I was going for more documentaries than other films this time around, but that's just as well. Too many movies might not be so good for my mental health at the moment.