Welcome to Non-Horror Fall Movies

 Happy October everyone!

Spooky season is in full swing (even if it unofficially started in August - sigh). I've started compiling my horror movies and Halloween decorations. I'm buying all things pumpkin spice and everything nice. And I just saw Clue at the Kennedy Center.

Wait that last one doesn't scream October movie. It's not scary. It's funny...even with all the murder and mayhem. 

Clue isn't a Halloween movie (or in my case a fun play), but it's aerosphere is full of horror cliches without the scares. A group of people are having a party in a big spooky mansion, a thunderstorm is raging outside, murderer (or seven) are on the loose, and there are secret passages galore. The mansion looks is decorated and lit in a way that invokes warm oranges and dark velvet greens that are associated with a fall color palate. 

The Clue play is very similar to the movie - with about 200% camp and physical comedy. Mr. Green totally steals the show, but Wadsworth and Miss. Scarlett get some great zingers in there too. I also loved their interpretations of Colonel Mustard, with his ability to mix up words, and Mrs. Peacock's "old woman" act. Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Evette, and the Cook are also great performances. Each are given their iconic scenes to reenact. The motorist and the cop, though briefly on stage, have great presence. And the singing telegram girl is perfectly hilarious (her body keeps moving every time the front doors open - I swear this is not a spoiler).

It is also similar to the movie in that it's time at the Kennedy Center was at the start of the Fall season - similar to it's TV run in the 1990s and early 2000s. Many of us 90s kids first saw the movie version of Clue either while flipping between channels in late September or as a rental during a back-to-school sleepover. Seeing Clue on TV meant that school was back in session and Halloween was just around the corner.

Much like Clue, there are several other movies that may not intuitively be seen as part of the Fall season. Either they were often on TV during the month of September or their atmosphere is like a warm apple cider on a crips day. So, here are some of my non-horror fall movies to get a bit cozy with.

1. Clue - I already wrote a bit about this movie and the new play. Clue is such a nostalgia cult classic with a subtle fall feel. 10 out of 10, would recommend.
2. The Princess Bride - for the cult classic romantics out there, the Princess Bride is the perfect movie. For those of us who spent a lot of time watching ABC Family in the 90s and 2000s, the Princess Bride was often shown on a lazy Sunday afternoon. It was one of the first movies my generation learned all the lines too.
3. Matilda - a perfect back-to-school movie for my elementary school self, this movie actually scared me quite a bit as a kid. However, it was guaranteed to be on TV multiple times on multiple weekends during the start of a new school year. I find myself reaching for Matilda right after Labor Day every year, since I don't go to school anymore myself.
4. Jumanji - I'm talking about the 90s version, not the 2010s one. The original Jumanji is full of the same fall atmosphere as Clue, but likely actually takes place in the summer/fall transition period. The style is very 90s Fall fashion and it also was shown quite a bit in September. But this isn't the only Robin Williams entry.
5. Hook - I'll admit that Hook actually takes place in the winter time while everyone is in London. However, much like the previously mentioned movies, this was on all the time in September in the 90s and 2000s. As soon as September hits, I start thinking about Peter and Wendy growing up into adults. I also never fail to cry when Peter starts talking about when he ran away as a baby (not sure why they chose to have him run away as a baby, but it's sad). Hook is one of my favorite fall movies about never growing up and believing in yourself.
6. Dead Poet's Society - one of the few "mature" films on this list, I saw Dead Poet's Society in my 20s. The atmosphere is 100% back-to-school fall. This is another with Robin Williams, but this time its a much more serious role. "Oh captain, my captain" I will never forget this movie during the Fall season.
7. Labyrinth - don't be surprised by this entry, I love Labyrinth. I've always thought of this movie as a coming of age story for a girl trying to navigate the pressures of being a teenager in a world that hates teen girls. You've got a labyrinth built like a maze (a true labyrinth only has one path that takes you to its center and then leads you back out) symbolizing the confusing emotions and feelings teen girls are feeling. You've got the pressure to complete tasks you probably shouldn't be responsible for (saving her brother could symbolize parentification, and creepy old guys creeping on you (hello Jareth). There's a lot to love about this movie and it just looks like fall. From the orange and brown Labyrinth walls, to the Bog of Eternal stench set, and even the puppets this movie looks like something a farm with a corn maze might have.
8. Practical Magic - this is not a horror movie, but it is one about witches, ghosts, and sisterhood (it also takes place in March, but who cares). I love Practical Magic during the October season. It's all about how to be a witch without any of the (extreme) terror. There's even a bit of romance. 
9. Knives Out - this movie's aesthetic is all about fall. The leaves are on the ground, everyone is in sweaters, and hot drinks have been poured. Also there's a mystery afoot. This one isn't a product of nostalgia (at least not right now it isn't). Knives Out is a fall movie minus the Halloween horrors.
10. The Fantastic Mr. Fox - technically this could be considered a Thanksgiving movie (they do have a Thanksgiving dinner at one point), but this movie just looks and feels like fall. The color palate is reds, oranges, and warm yellows with leaves on the ground and the young foxes are in school. This movie is all about the Fall. 

So these are some movies that I consider fall classics without the horror elements (Practical Magic has some, but not enough to qualify as a horror movie). So if you're not a horror fan, check out these movies during the spooky season. They'll put you in the mood for cozy sweaters, apple cider, and pumpkin spice with everything nice tasting.

Let me know your favorite Fall movie in the comments. I know I missed a few. Until the next week.

If you enjoyed this post (or it really pissed you off) please like, share, and/or leave a comment. I love hearing from my readers and I hope y'all like hearing from me.

Welcome to More Muppet Movies

Happy Easter everyone!

And to avoid controversy, I'm going to talk about fan casting the Muppets into stories. This should go well.

Every once in a while, I'll see people put together their perfect Muppet cast for one of their favorite stories. They'll usually have one of their favorite actors be the only non-Muppet in the cast (though there can be more) and then fill in the rest of the characters with Muppets. Fights will ensue as commenters clash and their dream Muppet team is torn to shreds.

A lot of this is for Lord of the Rings Muppets.

I wasn't a huge Muppet kid, though I did grow up with some of the later movies like Muppet Treasure Island (that one is the perfect Muppet movie and can never be remade) and the occasional episode of Sesame Street. I was more familiar with the Muppet's 3D show at Disney World...and to some extent Muppet Babies.

But it wasn't until I was much older that I started watching the old Muppet TV show and the movies. Other than my love of Muppet Treasure Island, I have a special fondness for Muppets From Space - aka, the one where we learn where Gonzo comes from - and Muppet Christmas Carol. I also remember seeing the Muppets Wizard of Oz when it premiered on TV.

Additionally, if they count, I've seen The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth many times. I'm more confused by The Dark Crystal than entertained by it and find that I've watched it a few times to simply understand what is going on. Labyrinth is another masterpiece that I love to pieces and see something new every time I watch it. David Bowie cannot be replaced as Jareth, but I have a short list of actors who I will accept in a remake, reboot, or sequel. 

Wait....

Where was I?

Oh, right, Muppet movies that I'd like to see made.

I recently watched The Great Muppet Caper and think this would be a fun one to have a sequel to (see what I did there - wacka wacka wacka). All the cameos are perfect and Diana Riggs is the real treasure. Plus, I love it when human actors fall in love with Miss. Piggy and would love for that to happen again. 

I understand that Muppets Most Wanted might be a bit of a spiritual successor (though it's really a sequel to the 2011 The Muppets movie), but I think there are ways we could add the Caper story.

For example, let's make it with the Night at the Museum team. Basically, the Muppets would have to stop the cursed Hope Diamond from being stolen. Ben Stiller as Larry Daley would be our main human "good guy character". Our bad guy could be one of several human actors as well. My short list includes Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Daniel Craig. The bad guys must again flirt with Miss. Piggy (now married to Kermit). Or maybe have all three of them as a bad guy team up - yes, this is a better idea.

I also wouldn't mind a Muppet Austen interpretation. Like Kermit as Mr. Darcy and Miss. Piggy as Elizabeth. Robin would be Georgiana (with a wig). For the rest of the sisters, Janice as Jane (ergo Mr. Teeth will be Bingly...or maybe Rowlf?). Skeeter dressed as Scooter for Mary. The other two could be new Muppets. 

I have no idea who would be Wickham...let's have them be the human actor. 

But Gonzo should be Mr. Collins with Camilla the Chicken as Charlotte. That is clearly the match we are all rooting for.

For a Halloween special, I'd love to see the Muppets take on a classic Hollywood horror story. Like having Miss. Piggy as Mina, Kermit as Johnathan Harker, Janice as Lucy, Gonzo, Rizzo, and Fozzie as Lucy's boyfriend squad, and the human (maybe get Gary Oldman to reprise the role) as Dracula. 

(Edit: Animal is Renfield by order of my friend Jeff...can’t believe I left this out originally).

I'd also take an interstation of Phantom of the Opera with the ghost haunting their new show location, setting their sites on Miss. Piggy as the lovely, but still sassy Christine. 

I know! We need the Muppets Three Musketeers! 

Kermit is Athos. Gonzo is Aramis. Fozzie is Porthos. Rizzo is D'artagnan. The king can be Sam the Eagle (I knew I'd find a role for him yet). M'Lady is Miss. Piggy (she'll get a redemption arc). Bad guy again is human - someone who can really ham it up and chew the scenery... Nathan Lane! 

When we get right down to it, the Muppets could do any number of versions of stories and make them amazingly entertaining. Yeah the Lord of the Rings lists will pop up every now and then (come on guys Kermit has to be Aragorn because Miss. Piggy was born to play Arwen), but I have so many other stories that I want to see get the Muppets treatment. 

Do you guys have a story that you'd like to see the Muppets turn into a classic movie? Do you disagree with any of my ideas (you can disagree, but know that since this is my blog, I am - of course - right)? Are you a Disney executive here to steal my ideas?

Let me know in the comments section. I expect royalties Disney!

If you enjoyed this post (or it really pissed you off) please like, share, and/or leave a comment. I love hearing from my readers and I hope y'all like hearing from me.

Until next week.

Welcome to a Different Kind of Strength

Last night, I had the pleasure of having dinner with and seeing speak at one of my writer's groups, the fantasy novelist Sarah Beth Durst. Though I haven't read her novels (or seen the Hallmark TV movie based on one of them), they sound amazing and I'll probably pick a few up once my "to read" pile decreases a little bit. The majority of her writing centers around female protagonists, which naturally led to the question: how do you write a strong female character?

Sarah Beth Durst isn't the first author I've seen speak be asked this question and I doubt she'll be the last. A lot of authors who write lady protagonists seem to get this question all the time.

Which makes me wonder: is it really that hard to write a "strong female character"?

Interestingly enough, TV Tropes doesn't have a page dedicated to this topic, so it doesn't seem to have a defined set of characteristics. They do, however, have several links to other pages with titles like "awesome strong female protagonist", "funny strong female protagonists", and "Action Girl"  to name a few examples.

Guess I'll have to base this off of anecdotal observations on what characterizes a lady character as "strong".

If I were to name a few strong lady characters that I grew up with, I'd probably list out Buffy Summers, Princess Leia, Wonder Woman, Hermione Granger, and The Power Puff Girls. I'm sure there are others, but these were the ones who came first to my mind.

What do these ladies have in common?

They're smart, determined, and are able to kick major butt when they need to. In fact all, but maybe Hermione (I mean she does punch Draco in the third book) are able to handle themselves in an action sequence. They're also leaders of their respected social groups (in the Power Puff Girls case it would be their elementary school class). They certainly don't need a man to save them, but they find that guys are still nice to have around, even if they are very frustrating.

Newer versions of the strong female lead include Kitness Everdeen from The Hunger Games, Rey from the new Star Wars movies, and Black Widow from the Avengers team.

These women embody what I was taught was meant to be a strong woman. You had to be loud, unafraid, able to handle yourself in a fight, and not be the warmest cuddliest person on the team.

But does a strong female character have to be an a$$ kicking, outspoken, extrovert?

Short answer: No.

However, we as a society seem to gravitate towards the idea that a lady needs to be a black belt in karate or at least be a natural fighter to be the ideal lead in an epic story. Women who stay home and focus on love or loyalty typically aren't given the strong female character status. Strong women characters don't need to be saved, they do the saving. And they only cry on rare occasions.

There are a few story tellers who write lady strong lady characters who don't fall into this societal norm. Studio Ghibli has tons of strong female leads from Sofie in Howl's Moving CastleI to Kiki in Kiki's Delivery Service. Then the are pretty much ever lady character in Princess Mononoke, who all kick butt, have leadership positions, and authority in their own stories.

One strong young female character I constantly return to from my childhood is Sheeta from Castle in the Sky. When we first meet her, she's fairly passive and definitely seems like the typical damsel in distress. However, that spark of courage is shown early on when she climbs out of an airship window to get away from her kidnappers (and another set of would-be kidnappers who eventually turn into allies...and I'm off topic sorry). She takes great pains to keep her new friends safe, even at the detriment to her safety.

Sheeta seeing Laputa for the first time

It isn't until she's taken in by the Dola Gang that her strength really begins to shine. Her determination to work is balanced by her ability to be flexible. Her kindness endears her to all the other pirates, including their leader (and for some of the pirates their mother) Dola. She becomes defiant and confident while staying with them, which gives her the strength to give the movie the ending we deserve (sorry no spoilers).

However, Sheeta isn't an action star and her main character traits are her unending kindness and loyalty. On the surface she seems to be a "weaker" character, but most of her actions are based on the fact that she's about 12 and in multiple situations that could kill people she cares about. Dola is another unexpected strong lady character. She's an older woman with a ton of kids, doesn't have the most "ideal" body type (at least not as far as society is concerned), but she does kick butt and has a position of authority in the gang.

You might notice that I haven't meantioned Disney, yet. They, too, have a lot of stories with female leads. However, society seems to find these leads too passive or "weak" to be considered strong characters - at least if we're looking at female characters from movies before the 2000s.

I don't want to discount the Disney princesses, but they don't really match the expectations I grew up with for the strong female character archetype. Which doesn't entirely make sense to me because Belle, Cinderella, and Snow White all have an inner strength that should be admired. Yes, people harp on how a man still saves Cinderella and Snow White (who was 13 by the way) and it's become popular to claim that Beauty and the Beast is an example of Stockholm Syndrome (it's not, watch this explanation by Lindsay Ellis for details).

These characters are all strong, but there stories leave something to be desired for some modern audiences. Though I still think the original animated Beauty and the Beast is a masterpiece and no one will change my mind.

What I think is holding back the "strong female character" type is that we've placed too much emphasis on shedding them of their female traits. Compassion, loyalty, love, and emotional intelligence are thrown to the wayside in favor of more traditional masculine traits. On the surface, there isn't anything necessarily wrong with that. Some women are more masculine than traditionally feminine.

However, traditional feminine traits aren't passive. It's just that the stories they are written in, make them seem passive.

A great example of strong female lead who embodies everything that it means to be feminine is Sarah from Labyrinth. She's compassionate, friendly, kind, resourceful, and almost completely non-violent. I think the one time she resorts to violence is when she throws a chair to shatter an alternate reality she gets trapped in. There is a battle of sorts in the movie, but you never see her actually hurt any of her opponents (at least I think she doesn't the goblins are a pretty incompetent bunch).

Sarah in the labyrinth

It's through her ability to embrace her strengths as a woman that allow her to navigate the labyrinth. She's kind to the monster Ludo and Ludo basically becomes her body guard. She slowly but surely befriends the goblin Hoggle. Though their relationship is rocky at first, she cements their friendship by forgiving him for helping trap her in that earlier mentioned alternate reality.

So the next time someone asks me what qualities you think a strong female character should have, I'm going to respond that they just need a good story to show off their best qualities. Strong female characters, like any good character, needs to be put in a situation where their strengths best shine. Molly Weasley might have been the smothering mother archetype throughout the Harry Potter series, but when push came to shove, she still killed Bellatrix when her daughter was threatened.

To be a strong character simply means that that they need to be determined to get their objective done. Don't tell stories that put a character in a passive situation, put them in a plot that requires them to be an agent in their own destiny.

And ladies don't need a black-belt to do that.

If you enjoyed this post (or it really pissed you off) please like, share, and/or leave a comment. I love hearing from my readers and I hope ya'l like hearing from me.

Until next week.