Haiku Revieu | Love, Simon

Love, Simon
★★★★1/2

Heartwarming and fun
Harkens back to old rom-coms
Important movie

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Simon Spier keeps a huge secret from his family, his friends, and all of his classmates: he's gay. When that secret is threatened, Simon must face everyone and come to terms with his identity.

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I read Becky Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda—the YA book that Love, Simon is based on—a couple of years ago for FYA Book Club, and I loved it. It's a super sweet, funny coming-of-age novel about a young man who isn't quite sure how to reveal to the world that he's gay. And from the moment I heard that it was going to be a movie, I was on board. Hesitant, because it's such a great novel, and we all know how adaptations can go, but excited for Simon to get his day on the big screen.

Happily, I can say that my hesitations were pretty much for naught, because Love, Simon is a fantastic adaptation—and an all-around delight of a movie.

The movie is very reminiscent of romantic comedies of old, with a freshening up for today's audiences. (I've seen it described as John Hughes-ian, which I think is very apt.) It's cute and awkward (SO AWKWARD) in equal amounts, and you'll find yourself falling in love with Simon, his friends and his family from the very start.

Nick Robinson—a current YA film go-to—is adorable as Simon. He's not a stereotype, and I think anyone can see their own early identity investigations in his, regardless of whether they're a young gay man. His struggles, while not universal, are believable and honest; they resonate. Simon's parents, played by Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel, are brilliant (even though it's somewhat hard to watch the two play parents) and are involved in some of the most moving moments of the movie.

As Simon's email relationship with Blue (an anonymous guy at Simon's school who's also hiding the fact that he's gay) progresses, it's easy to get swept up in the romance of it all. You'll cheer, you'll shed a tear, and you'll be all the better for it.

Definitely get to the theater to see this movie, and show the powers that be that representation matters!

Check it out:

P.S.—I also highly recommend reading the book, but maybe not right before or after you see the film.

Haiku Revieu | Allegiant

Allegiant
★★

Divergent: Part 3
What the hell are those bubbles
Yes, there is one left

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After the earth-shattering revelations of Insurgent, Tris must escape with Four beyond the wall that encircles Chicago, to finally discover the shocking truth of the world around them.

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WARNING: Possible spoilers ahead.

Although I am thankful to know the women (and occasional guy) of the Austin chapter of the FYA Book Club all of the time—because they are wonderful, amazing people who I am beyond honored to call friends—there are certain times when I am ever so slightly more thankful. Having them around to go see movies like Allegiant with, rather than having to drag Colt or going by myself, is definitely one of those times.

Before the first movie in this franchise was released, it had promise. Unfortunately, the quality of the movies seems to be matching the quality of the books in the trilogy; i.e., getting worse with each new addition. Allegiant, the book, was my least favorite of the series, and the book that made me question if Veronica Roth had really thought about the overarching plot of the whole series before she wrote Divergent. (TL;DR: Basically, I thought the last book was a drastic departure from the rest of the series that completely threw off the entire storyline.)

The individuals who made Allegiant, the movie, seem to share my opinion that the story in the third book needed some changes, but they took things way too far in the opposite, WTF direction. It's been a while since I read the book, but a general consensus from my friends—who've all read the series, too—was confusion about the movie's plot. More than once, we found ourselves asking "wait, was this in the book?" (It's even one of the drinking game items.) I totally get that adaptations often aren't close to the source material, but this was one of the worst examples I've ever seen.

The cast continues to average out to mediocre. The good/decent: Theo James as Four (his action scenes were a saving grace); Miles Teller as Peter (even though his character isn't anything like the one in the books, and feels like a real-life person randomly stuck in these movies); Zoë Kravitz as Christina. The bad: Naomi Watts as Evelyn (I still can't suspend disbelief to see her as Theo's mom); Bill Skarsgård (new to the franchise in this movie, and super, cuper creepy even when he's not supposed to be?); Shailene Woodley (I sincerely hope the time of her being cast in everything has come to an end).

Part of me is really curious to see what happens in the fourth movie—because, yes, this is another franchise that's fallen prey to the last book being split into two movies—but that's only because I want to see if anything can redeem the series or if the train wreck will finally burn itself out.

If you're a completist—or have a group of friends to hate watch with, like I did—feel free to see this movie. Otherwise ... eh.

Check it out:

Previously, in this franchise:

• Insurgent
• Divergent (Just FYI: This link will take you to my old blog.)

5 Fandom Friday | Five Favorite OTPs

For those who aren't familiar with the lingo—OTP stands for "one true pairing." The phrase means your favorite couple—be them an actual couple or people you just wish would be together—from a TV show, movie, book, etc.

What's great about the abbreviation, however, is that even while it implies there can be only one, you can actually have as many OTPs as you'd like. And trust me when I say that I certainly do. (So many that I've included some honorable mentions at the end of the post.)

Five Favorite OTPs

5 | Alice and Hatter, Alice

If you've never seen the SyFy miniseries Alice—I highly recommend it. It's a spin on the traditional Alice in Wonderland tale, and features a fantastic cast of strange and wonderful characters and a story that makes you want to watch all 8 hours of the series in one sitting. But what really makes it special is the relationship between Alice and Hatter. It's one that starts out full of enemistry*, but soon evolves into something much more.

4 | Celaena and Chaol, Throne of Glass

I'm a book behind in reading Sarah J. Maas' Throne of Glass series, and I know some shakeups happen in the fourth book, but I'm totally dead-set on Celaena Sardothian** and Chaol Westfall ending up together. Their relationship starts out as a soldier/prisoner relationship, but quickly evolves into a mutual admiration, then friendship—then more. (Then more more, I hope.)

3 | Max and Liz, Roswell

Max Evans was pretty much my first pop culture crush (that counted) and the belief I had in his relationship with Liz Parker on Roswell was a full-blown OTP situation before I knew what OTPs were. I was so invested in the two of them being together that I actually still can't stand Emilie de Ravin—thanks completely to the fact that she played Tess, a character who attempted to drive Max and Liz apart.

2 | Clarke and Bellamy, The 100

I am totally head-over-heels in love with the idea of Clarke Griffin and Bellamy Blake, Princess and Rebel King of The 100, being together, regardless of the fact that it'll supposedly never happen (according to the show's creator). The two share far too many charged moments for their relationship to be purely platonic/one that co-leaders who had shared romantic feelings would have. (Thankfully, many people on the Internet agree with me, and create fanvids and fanfic to tide us all over.)

1 | Han and Leia, Star Wars

When I was younger, after watching the original Star Wars trilogy and quickly coming to adore the relationship between Han Solo and Leia Organa, I devoured the extended universe books, in which the two eventually get married and have kids. I knew, going into The Force Awakens, that things were going to be different, but I still held out hope that two would have had at least some sort of relationship between the movies. And although it wasn't exactly the happily ever after I'd wanted, it felt honest and real. Han <3 Leia, forever.

Honorable mentions: Ned and Chuck from Pushing Daisies, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from basically any Pride & Prejudice adaptation, Rachel Watts and James Mycroft from Ellie Marney's Every series, Aeryn Sun and John Crichton from Farscape, Steve Rogers and Tony Stark from The Avengers (mostly kidding on this one) ...

Learn more about 5 Fandom Friday and check out the prompts for February.

*Enemistry = "chemistry between enemies." A.k.a. the kind of relationship that starts out completely antagonistic, but eventually the two people realize they're totally head over heels for each other. Also, pretty much my favorite kind of relationship, as proven by the choices on this list.
**I'm using this name on purpose here because spoilers.

Haiku Revieu | The 5th Wave

The 5th Wave
★★1/2

ET invasion
Where has all the sci-fi gone?
The book is better

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Four waves of increasingly deadly alien attacks have left most of Earth decimated. Cassie is on the run, desperately trying to save her younger brother.

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WARNING: Possible spoilers ahead.

When I go to see a movie that's based on a book, I honestly try to give it the benefit of the doubt, and view the movie as a separate entity. Sometimes, however, a movie fails to live up to its potential, and just fails—both as an adaptation and a stand-alone film.

The 5th Wave is based on a YA book of the same name by Rick Yancey, and—although I've already said as much a couple of times in this review—the book is SO MUCH better than its film adaptation. The book is thrilling, and features exciting surprises and characters who you get attached to, easily and quickly.

I understand why the movie can't keep some of the book's secrets (e.g., keeping a character's true identity hidden is hard when you see his/her face from the start). But the lack of interesting characters stems, in part, from the plot of the movie being horribly rushed ... and the lack of acting skills of the main characters. (Or, perhaps, the direction that they were given. I'm not quite sure.)

I'm also highly disappointed in the movie's lack of science fiction elements. The book has a lot of them, and they're important elements. They're also believable. This story is about an  invasion by an advanced alien society, after all. The movie turns these items/plot points into gimmicks, or vaguely futuristic technology that comes across as cheap.

Additionally, I'm not sure that, if you haven't read the book, you'll really be able to follow—or care about—what's going on. (Thanks, also, to the rushed storyline and boring/wooden acting.)

I had hopes—not exactly high ones, but hopes—that this movie would be, if not wholly faithful, a decent adaptation of a great series starter. Alas.

Check it out:

5 Fandom Friday | Five Fandoms I'm Thankful For

It's back! I haven't participated in 5FF since September (whoops!), but I couldn't pass this prompt up. I am all about my fandoms, guys. And there are so many more that I could have included in this list, but I'm nothing if not a sticker for the "rules."

Five Fandoms I'm Thankful For

5 | Doctor Who

Although seven different fandoms are represented in my sci-fi tattoo, none of the ships has caused as many comments as the TARDIS. Perhaps it's the placement, but I like to think that it's because Doctor Who fans are some of the nicest, most open fans out there. Even when I disagree with people about the best Doctor (Ten) or the worst companion (Clara), I've never had a conversation with a fellow Whovian that felt like the other person was completely dismissing what I had to say.

4 | The 100

When I get obsessed with something, I get really obsessed. Like stalking Tumblr, watching fanvids, reading fanfic, writing fanfic, obsessed. It's a fact of my personality that I've come to terms with, and something about me that my friends and family recognize and tolerate. (And maybe even love a little?) Most recently, this happened with The 100, post-season two finale. I've talked about this before, but I feel like this little show that could is amazing and not enough people know that. So the the fact that others got as much into it as I did made me feel less alone in those beliefs. Also, I do so appreciate enablers.

3 | Marvel Cinematic Universe

It's pretty obvious that I'm a huge fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe—ahem—but this is a fandom through which I've made some great friends both online and off, and it's one that I can get excited about so easily. It's nice to be able to get silly over something you love even when you don't love everything about it, especially when you're in your early 30s (like I am) and have to act like an adult most of the time.

5 | YA Literature/Pop Culture

Speaking of not acting like an adult ... having YA lit/pop culture on this list is stretching the prompt a little, since it encompasses books, movies, TV shows, etc., but it's another fandom that I have met so many amazing people through. I love being able to read YA books and discuss them, quite intelligently, with my book club friends. I love being able to write about YA TV shows for Forever Young Adult and have people from all over the world want to chat about them with me. I love making connections with people of all ages at the opening nights of YA movie adaptations. There's nothing better than feeling like you've found "your people," and the YA-loving crowd are definitely mine. Related:

1 | Twilight

As much as I have to roll my eyes at how ridiculous my involvement in this fandom got—and it got really ridiculous, y'all—I am super thankful for the doors said involvement opened. I met some amazing friends through Twilight, and reading the book rekindled my love of the YA genre, which led to meeting more friends (see No. 4), and so many unexpected opportunities. Although I'm not as much into these books (or the terrible movies, haha) any longer, the franchise will always have a special place in my heart.

Learn more about 5 Fandom Friday and check out the prompts for November.

Dream cast the Throne of Glass TV show | Forever Young Adult

Yesterday, it was announced that Sarah J. Maas' YA fantasy Throne of Glass series has been optioned for TV. As a huge fan of the series, I'm super excited about the possibilities, but also totally frightened that the adaptation will turn out to be terrible.

If you've never read the series, and you're a fan of fantasy stories led by strong female characters, you really should. Here's a synopsis of the first book:

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her ... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead ... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

There are three additional novels in the series, with two more planned, and a handful of short stories.

Over on Forever Young Adult, I have a post up about the news that also features some casting ideas for the main roles of Celaena, Chaol and Dorian.

Click the image to check out who (else) I've chosen, and add your own ideas in the comments!

Paper Towns vs. the Manic Pixie Dream Girl | BIRTH.MOVIES.DEATH.

I've talked about writing for BIRTH. MOVIES. DEATH., the official magazine of the Alamo Drafthouse, previously, but I wrote another piece for the July issue.

It's an editorial on how John Green's Paper Towns subverts—or attempts to subvert—the "manic pixie dream girl" trope.

Although the article was originally published in the magazine, it went up online yesterday. You can check it out here!

The movie adaptation of the book opens this weekend. I enjoyed the book quite a bit—it's actually the only John Green book I've read; I've been avoiding The Fault in Our Stars so long that it's gotten kind of ridiculous.

Have you read the book? Will you be seeing the movie? What are your thoughts on Miss MPDG?

Haiku Revieu | The DUFF

The DUFF
★★★★

Mae's a total gem
It's OK to be a DUFF
Yay for teen movies

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A high school senior instigates a social pecking order revolution after finding out that she has been labeled the DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier, more popular friends.

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WARNING: Possible spoilers ahead.

There's something special about the classic "ugly duckling turns beautiful swan story," and there are many great instances of this sort of theme in popular culture, particularly in teen movies. (She's All That is a shining example from my actual teen years.) In the case of The DUFF, however, the trope is turned slightly on it's head, and in a very fun way.

The movie, which is based on a book by the same name by Kody Keplinger, is the story of Bianca, who finds out that she's the "DUFF" of her friends. (Even though she's neither fat nor ugly.) This discovery leads to her wanting to change and needing to do the unspeakable—i.e., play nice with the most popular guy in school, Wesley—to make that change. In the end, however, Bianca realizes that everyone has their DUFF qualities, and that's not actually a bad thing.

Mae Whitman, who plays Bianca, is an absolute delight. She adds an amazing amount of sass and silliness to a role that could have gotten stereotypical super fast. Robbie Amell, who plays Wesley, does well as both the man-whorish dumb jock and the surprisingly sweet guy. (Since they're both 26, they're obviously not teenagers, but this is pretty typically Hollywood these days.) The cast that backs up these two leads—Allison Janney and Ken Jeong, among others—are fantastic, too.

And although the whole idea of a DUFF makes me cringe a little (I understand wanting to take the term back in a good way, but it's still kind of awful), the movie's underlying message is a great one: Be who you are, regardless of what others think or say about it. Even at 31, I still appreciate hearing this sort of thing.

Check it out: