[MOVIE] undertone (2025)

Not the scariest movie ever heard for sure.

Evy Babic, a skeptical paranormal pod-caster caring for her comatose mother, receives disturbing recordings tied to a folkloric threat, and every new file pulls her closer to fears she can no longer explain away.

I was attracted to the idea of this movie, which builds itself around the sound, but unfortunately I was one of those who are conflicted. Partially it's not bad, but partially it's a bit much.

Being skeptical about files and their authenticity I can understand the Evy's side of the story, there are also people who honestly believe in paranormal like Justin.

The last part of the movie leaves an open ending in case if those things really happened or not. But while she was recording the best part to me was her islating the sound from around her and then when she looked around and looked into the darkness, I have this too. There is nothing there but sometimes you just watch.

I honestly would not be against if this movie was truly built on silence and occasional sounds. Nothing is as creepy as dark and silent house, especially when you're alone. Occasional sounds may come suddenly like a jumpscare, but it can be something random.

I have few examples like I scared myself and it made me laugh too.

Just recently a swallow flew into my kitchen and the flap of the wings was a sound that should not be heard in apartment.

Another time I made a pile of fritters, so when you do them you can obviously drop a drop of batter now and then, so I suppose one such drop, which obviously browned a lot got stuck to one of the fritters, but when I moved them under the law of physics that small piece started rolling down, but to me it looked like a cockroach that suddenly appeared on the pile of fritters.

Oh once a small spider crawled onto my screen and it was at night, so it scared the shit out of me.

Or when you pile up washed dishes, but not on the holder, and then they move suddenly, it's not because of some entity, it's just physics.

A lot of things can be explained, yet it sounds alien and unusual at first.

But this movie takes the path of paranormal. That two podcasters listen to audio files sent from someone. It's hard for me to get involved. The tension to me came more from some random shit that came from the darkness.

When I listened to the audio files part I was like - didn't you put the recorder or what you used for recording down, why does it feel like it follows you around while you move? I wish it gave more dimension. Also it felt very staged I think, they sounded like the most staged couple ever.

Especially audio files that can be faked just felt like some prank.

And the ending fell apart for me, because it started to connect all the supernatural dots and gave us the haunted house galore. While it could have been more. I'm not sure I liked it that much because it was just everything put together at once.

Me saying it as someone who realizes how difficult it'd be to basically play a one-man movie, although the mother is a character we see, but she sleeps almost all the time, while Evy is the one present in our view at all times.

It's just a pity it could have been better.

RATE: 6/10.

[Chinese BG novel] 快穿好孕：娇娇靠生子被大佬独宠 by 南北稚 / Quick transmigration: Blessed pregnancy - charming girl gains protagonist's favor through childbirth (*I know the title is horrible)

*Qidian

Lin Yan is a director of an orphanage, all her life she lived with disability and knew she would never be able to have children, this is why all her love was poured into kids she was responsible for. But one day she met an accident and was bound to Xiao Ba, system that asked her to travel worlds and help destined people to have an offspring. For Lin Yan it would also be a chance to experience what it is like to be a mother of her own children.

#qt, sweet romance, everyday life, childbirth

The title of this story sounds horrible to me, as if the FMC is some kind of breeding machine instead of a living being. Surely it is her task and she doesn't involve herself too much emotionally (plus after each world her memories are partially erased), partially she gets what she always wanted - it is to become a mother, partially she does it for the final reward - getting money she can spend on her orphanage and bring all the unfortunate kids and let them have a better future. If she didn't want to do it, she wouldn't do it, so here we are.

It is easy to describe the positive sides of this story, since there's not much to mention in general.

I'll be honest and say I kinda liked the first arc, because it felt different from others.

Let's move aside the fact that I've read several "pregnancy system" stories and I think almost all of them started from arc with Emperor and maid.

Here I think the overall situation is more nuanced than general trend and the situation and development are more down to earth and are not so dramatic.

Lin Yan indeed became a maid, she got her chance to sleep with Emperor because he got drugged, no one viewed this situation as romantic. Emperor wanted to repay her but she refused. Later he sent her to Empress' palace where she lived and actually connected to Empress a lot. Empress and Emperor were married for a long time and she stayed as Empress because she was quite assertive, yet she wasn't some vindictive woman who would destroy a maid just because she got Emperor's attention.

No one was portrayed as a saint or a sinner, all characters were more or less dimensional, since they have their own situation. Emperor had to balance the power of noble families, if he had no offspring of his own he would have to put the dinasty in danger of another infighting. Empress drifted apart emotionally from the Emperor, since she lost her child to another concubine who was protected by the Emperor (at that time he was still a prince and had no options aside making the matter a smaller one). So the overall situation is more layered.

But it's the only story that got such treatment tbh.

FMC did not care about the Emperor much, becase she got pregnant she indeed got treated better, but because of her origins she couldn't be official mother of her shild, it should have been registered under the Empress. The situation had a solution, but it was also a sad situation overall.

But from the second to the last arcs changed the tune to having more romantic atmosphere, MLs, even if they were from ancient planes, having only Lin Yan as a wife. At least 1st arc was less unrealistic, don't know how to express it better.

This I did not like:

• For a woman who wanted to have children FMC acted sometimes as if she did not care about kids at all. Not to mention kids are not important for the story, she gets pregnant, she gives birth (painlessly of course) and kids are giver names and the end of the arc is a chapter where we get a short description what happened after happily ever after. Often time FMC relied her children to others, since many of the arcs happen in ancient times she had wet nurses helping her. In few modern times her babies relied on the formula. She often time cared for her own figure after giving birth and even if was mentioned that she changed, but didn't change much since she got beauty pills from the system. As if her changed body was something she couldn't live with. Every part I mention was always mentioned to have some sort of "reason" behind it, but to me it wasn't like this.
• Her kids felt like that one arc where they decided to have pets. She and the ML of that world got a cat and a dog, but she just wanted pets, but the one who cleaned after pets was the man. As if she just wants to enjoy the good parts, not the bad ones.
• The importance of children and why she gave birth slowly dissipated and was not mentioned much. While in first arc there was emphasis that the child will bring prosperity to the world. And the same rhethoric was used in other ancient planes (though not mentioned). But for example in one arc where she traveled to 80's there is no reason for ML of that world having kids, it was described that he just moved out after his parents passed away and he was lonely. 
• From one point the plots are really mild and get repetitive a bit. Also unlike the first arc that had some good exploration of the situation, some others were just randomly melodramatic.
• I also dislike this forced melon theme. If those MLs were not handsome and dashing and held positions do you think she would do the same? Although it is described how she had feelings for them of course without completely losing herself. But the feelings sometimes had a bit of falsehood in them. After all they were her targets, not just a handsome men she found for herself. So she had to plot against them to get her task completed. So what is real and what is not.

Now the spoilers, but basically short desciptions of what happened in those worlds:

ARC 1. As mentioned Emperor and a maid. FMC was a maid in Emperor's palace, she got her chance when someone drugged him. He lived for years without anyone giving birth until FMC. She was sent to the Empress who eventually treated her well, but because Empress had such a heart hurdle fo years she eventually passed away when the twins were born. More or less Emperor and FMC had a good relationship afterwards. But the story was done better in terms of emotions than the plot.

ARC 2. Another ancient plane. He is a childless Crown Prince who was poisoned one day. Now he escaped to a small village where FMC lived. Her family treated their second family as workers, while others had a better life. FMC acts violently to make this family fear the consequences of angering her and making her own parents to breath from all the hard work. She saved the prince who later came back with news, she was actually a daughter of some high ranking official, so she took her parents away and moved. The situation of swapped babies. But the fake heiress was pretty normal and a good girl. Soon FMC was married according to Impreial edict and soon became pregnant with a child, giving birth to a son and thus solidifying the position of crown Prince among others. They had a happy life and Crown Prince made monogamy more popular, since he lived and liked his Princess more than anyone else.

ARC 3. Widower and divorced bride. Story in the 80's. FMC is a woman from the village whow as married off by her parents for a big dowry. Her husband was actually gay, but she bore most of infamy for not having children. We also have a reborn cousin who in previous life killed OG of this body out of jealousy. This is she now did everything in her power to marry this man FMC divorced. Not knowing that his fame and fortune belonged to his wife in previous life. 

Honestly, I know that many gay men had to marry women and basically swindled women into such marriages, but otherwise they would be prosecuted if caught. It is not excuse for wasting someone's life playing as a shield.

FMC married a "widower" but actually this man had two brides, one eloped and died on a way, another had a relationship but did not end it well and was murdered by her ex-lover on a wedding day, others were too supresticious to marry this man. FMC's target was this man and they lived a pretty happy life. Slowly their business became better, they moved away. She also gave birth to twin daughters, which was quite symbolic in this time when girls were unfavored. The story often time picked up a theme to discuss where women were rather unfortunate in ancient times and even modern, which is true, no one denies it.

Instead of having a better life reborn cousine made a mess out of her life. She chased this man, while previously she chased another guy. A lot of rumors were flying around her. She also tried to do something on her own but soon reverted to old habits of relying on someone. Eventually realized Lin Yan was also a reborn person who finally gave her a hint that this chaste husband is gay. She divorced and married her ex-husband from previous life expecting they'd have a better future, but he aways had violent tendencies and they stayed.

Tbh in many ways kinda plain story. And also what type of world fate depended on this man and his children?

ARC 4. Emperor x Empress Dowager. As an illegitimate daughter born to a concubine she was chosen for a "lucky" marriage to old Emperor thanks to Astrologer's predictions, but on her wedding day Emperor was gone, new Emperor let her stay as Empress Dowager, she acted as a crybaby in this one. Was quite annoying tbh. Especially when she threw phrases like - catering to male chauvinism.

So she was protected. Others wanted to join the harem but were unsuccessful. While the two played this a bit forbodden game for a while before Lin Yan used the same trick, someone drugged her and she used it to have a go with Emperor, after which they got together and he also created a persona for her, so she could enter the harem as Empress.

Her family did not favor her, thus she was a crybaby, her own mother was forced into this harem so she never protected her from harm. Eventually the family fell, she did not care, she now belonged to other family and also became the Empress.

ARC 5. Yandere boss. he wasn't so yandere. Another fake / true heiress plot. She was switched at birth. Later when she returned the fake heiress always cried pitifully and sow discord, making the real heiress unloved. Even a marriage to a crippled boss was moved onto her. She didn't mind since he was her target. She helped him get better, since suddenly author decided to mention that she acquired years of knowledge in Chinese medicine and was on a higher level.

While her family was a mess, since fake heiress only did one thing sow discord. Everyoe had so many negative emotions but were also too stupid to realize they were used. Before FMC showed them proof of all the misdeeds of the fake heiress.

But even that did not stop them completely from trusting and liking her. At one time she was kicked out, but because she faked jumping she was brought back again. Her real identity was now known to others and she wanted a better future, so she used her own brother. Good point is that not everyone is made into some kind of pervert who secretly harbored love for their sister, that'd be disgusting. On the contrary the family was very conflicted about this. Only later the child was found to be not her brother's and the fake heiress finally disappeared.

(only to return in one final phrase on the news how a family of four was poisoned, only two younger ones survived and the poisoner jumped to their death).

FMC never helped this family since they ruined her, when family was on decline she used her fiance \ husband to make the family fall into her hands. While she herself had a good time, got married and lived a happy life.

Also this is the arc where she got pets, but the one tidiying up after pets was her CEO husband.

Tbh many times it was mentioned how unfortunate the women were, but this story did not make its' goal to make her change the story, she always said - oh, she's only one person, what can she change. She also did not make any other moves. In ancient planes she was idle, in modern time she wasn't idle only once. She said she is not cut out for these things, but she has years of experience too.

ARC 6. About a eunuch (who was not really a eunuch) and another maid. I was already skipping this one since it was not interesting and took too long. He was a notorious eunuch who wielded a lot of power in the palace. Emperor used him for many errands. She was a maid who happened to have her medial talent. He is the only one who did not live much due to years of poisoning etc. The main part was for her to slowly gte closer and eventually she took the chance when she saved him.

But I couldn't care less. I got tired of this story by now. 

I skipped Arc 7 entirely, since it had women in power and men giving birth. I'm not a fan because women are swapped with men but they also do not act any better in such stories.

After she finished she returned with her reward, said goodbye to her system and lived a fullfilling life making many people who came from her orphanage successful, since she let tem have better chances. At the end of her life Xiao Ba system appeared again and asked if she wanted to be bound again and now having a task to save pitiful and wronged children to which she agreed.

The End.

While having such a promising start the story turned ino all types of directions afterwards. The stories falling flat, nothing intersting coming up and I don't mean adding drama, it was just not so interesting and also took too long.

It was unknown which was more important, even if arcs were long not much was uncovered, no depth was given.

And the character herself started feeling too two-faced when it came to initial reaction and description of her wanting her own kids so badly.

RATE: 2,5/5.

[ANIMATION] Pat & Mat

I call it a story of two MENACES. I accidentally saw it on YT and because it was a silent animated series I watched it (I mean if there was dialogue not matter how proficient I may be at guessing I still don't know the language). First of all the theme was close to home, I even have the same toy constructor they had in one of the episodes. But these two menaces are out of this world with their genius engineering ideas.

Czechoslovak slapstick stop motion silent animated series. This is a short official description from Wiki.

Pat and Mat are two clumpsy people who always get into some trouble and always find a creative way to solve it. Filled with optimism.

I haven't seen all of the episodes, but they were a lot of fun and good thing is that they're available on YouTube.

Please witness these two menaces in action ahahaha

(From episode "Jahody" or berries)

[ANIME] Witch Hat Atelier / とんがり帽子のアトリエ (2026) (Season 1)

Excuse me, EXCUSE ME!! This was fantastic, why I had no idea this story existed?

I totally don't get people who have anything bad to say about this show, to me it was many levels above other shows I watched recently.

And who cares if it ends on cliffhanger (spoiler), but you can read the manga, stop being a sour loser and read the material if you want, this anime is truly faithful to the source.

Animators who did the wonderful job poured blood and sweat into this, the show is done with so much care and brought the story and this world to life.

I honestly want to read the manga now after finishing.

Tongari Boushi no Atelier - a story of a little girl Coco living in a world that has magic and witches, she was given a book of spells by unknown witch. Coco has been ennamored in magic her entire life, but believed she had no talent for it. Only one day to discover that her concept of how to cast the spell was entirely wrong.

note 1: can you even sit down and think about the fact that she came into contact with forbidden magic when she was a little girl? can you just sit and think that someone much older than her had plans for her and she accepted the gift, unknowingly putting herself in grave danger. I saw some ppl having comments about their teacher, but I want to ask the same people - are you okay? is any relationship between older people and your kids that involve teaching is bad? then don't bring your kids to school the next day. what the "eye witch" Iguin did to Coco is way more dangerous than Qifrey with his apprencticeship. he looks after the girls like any other teacher would, look back at the history and look around, don't make it sound weird.

note 2: I saw people criticizing Coco and other kids. and I want to ask - you adults have some brains in your heads or no? they're kids, what do you expect them to be?

By accident Coco discovers that witches don't use magic wands, instead they wield pens and magic ink that heps them to draw magic circles. The more intricate the magic circle is, the more complicated is the spell.

Being oblivious to danger she meets devastating consequences. The only way to solve her tragedy is for her to learn magic and maybe one day to have a chance and reverse it. This is how she joins three other girls and Qifrey becomes her teacher.

The story is very layered, although it involves some information of the world it is not overbearing, the plot starts rolling with good pace.

A lot of people criticize that 13 episodes is too little (I think this is the sign the show is good if you want to see more).

Some even say too little happened and I don't agree because you get so much information in those episodes. It's not only the plot points but also the small details about the world.

The main part is the conflict of allowed and forbidden magic. This is why the witches who use the forbidden magic are called brimmed hat witches. A hat is a symbol, it's like id. Some day in the past the world was facing danger, this is why the conflict broke out and consequently witches decided to completely conceal how the magic is cast and how it works. This is a nice detail that involves their clothing, because they wear cloaks and whenever they draw they do it blindly, which demands a great deal of practice.

We also get the glimpse of witches hierarchy, the structure of how they pass their examiations and achieve a freedom to do what they want (honestly that underwater city left me completely stunned and wanting to see more of this world).

Magic is also classified, not only by forbidden or not, but you can see how much detail went into it judging by elements alone. How each spell has to be drawn with precision, how every symbol makes changes to the spell possible. This also includes the cruelty of brimmed hats, because their magic is forbidden they might not even know what the result will be, but they never care if it's a fail or not.

We also know partially how this world treats witches, they're not just helpers people rely on and are easily recognized in the crowd by their hats, but people sometimes put too much faith in them. Judging from two incidents it becomes apparent that people, common people, expect a miracle from the witches, some gratifying instant effect and may becomes dissatisfied if you don't deliver. But there is also fear.

Although the world seem to be a bright place because our four main characters are little girls, but it doesn't mean this world is not without danger. Just what happened to Coco alone and the group later shows that danger may come from places unknown. 

I can't emphasize enough how cruel and dangerous it feels when we know the brimmed hats may target young naive girls who may think highly of magic and not realize they're about to be trapped.

Another point to discuss are characters. Will reiterate, main character are young girls, they're pretty distinct at first glance. Klutz, lively, flegmatic and dark cloud of ambition.

Although girls are very distinct at first glance each had her own story before she appeared in this place.

Don't get me started, but I still don't like Agott. Although she has her own reasons, but the girl is still vile and lacks any empathy for another human being. Her conflict with Coco for example, she may not know the reason why Coco was left with her memories and why she now tries to learn magic, but if she knew it makes matters worse. You know she relies on it to save her mother, but you disregard any of that just because you believe you're so self-important that you have the right to decide other person's fate. The way she did it was also full of treachery. Another example is the carriage accident, she basically stalled the adults who were on their way and tried to join to "prove her worth", but honestly I was also talking to my sceen saying - girl, lives are at stake, do you care about people or not? Even her words, she cared for a chance, for promotion, not for lives or anything else.

Even a sappy backstory won't make me like her more. Some kids may be bad.

Even Richeh has a better story development since she concentrated only on her own magic and spells she likes, but when the danger came knocking on the door sh realized how powerless she feels. Tetia is the most positive and lively so far along with Coco who is the king of klutz, sometimes she can't even walk normally.

You might think it is exaggerated, but I do not agree, some people are like that, even if they don't want to.

I like that Qifrey is not just a simple teacher, he also has agenda in finding the brimmed hats, but he is not so keen on sharing with other witches about his finds. But he genuinely cares for girls and tries to protect them, after all they depend on him.

It's a pity that outside of few characters others did not get enough screen time, but I'm sure they will appea more in the future.

Want to reitarate about the world. The small details are intricate and countless. From witches' attire to how they cast the spells to how they live and what items they use. Like, for example, Olruggio's rings that are activated when connected. Or the two semi-circles on the soles of their shoes so they can fly and many more. I also loved the details about the fashion and items filling the gaps. Maybe most characters will be wearing simple clothes, but look at the decor that surely adds to the abode.

Not to mention winged hats, I can't name them differently, they look fabulous.

The design of conus hats is more straightforward with small details I want to know more of. While brimmed hats feel more dangerous and mysterious.

Last but not least will be the animation. This studio felt like budget is unlimited. They delievered the movie-esque level of animation not many strive for. It's understandable to cut corners in this industry, but it felt like they went all out and not leaving any regrets behind. Was truly impressed by it.

I also find it amazing how many fanarts are out there as a reaction to this anime. So many beautiful and inspiring works. I applaude people for their creativity and am super amazed at the talent. 

PS: Maybe I should have made some screenshots, but I was so immersed that i forgot.

RATE: 10/10.

[Chinese BG novel] 豪门认亲？可我已经是千亿富婆了 by 慕云深深 / Reunion with a wealthy family? But I'm a billionaire myself

Not a bad start, interesting ideas, but lacked to fully execute.

Xu Youyou is reborn, her past life was a true disaster, she was switched at birth and instead of living a life of luxury she survived in an orphanage. Later when she returned se did not meet with warm and loving family, but a family who knowingly exploited her before she reached her expiration.

But after being reborn she is bound to a haggling system that allows her to find some good items. The system also rewards her with few skills, so she can also rely on herself in daily life.

Thus instead of once again being unwelcomed by her "wealthy" family, she slowly became a force to be reckoned with.

The more tasks she did the more the goal behind them became obvious.

tw: well, this story managed to sound xenophobic, but please read the irony how I think author basically shot themsel in the foot.

In several instances FMC travels abroad and meets with people who say some nasty shit. Which no one denies can happen, but you can't just make so many of the same choices when it comes to portraying foreigners. Or FMC was involved in several gun fights, which were like copy pastes of each other tbh. She mentioned how it is safe in China etc. I find it ironic since to make the story seem exciting for the reader author mentioned things like scamming, trafficking and other illegal activities which happened in China, a lot of basic characters that appeared were utterly disgusting, like those that sold their own children for money, tried to extort money, there is one incident of forceful marriage that just sounds like kidnapping in daylight, so many bad people, including her own biological family. This is why I find it ironic.

I think pros and cons exist so you can start from listing positive sides, not much to say:

- There were some interesting ideas how she started from casual items and then it led her to retrieve some meaningful ones and it also involved some metaphysics, though author did not fully use them (for example, I really like in the last 1/3 of the story FMC finds a girl with a koi luck physique, but there is a catch, who treats her well is lucky, but who treats her badly ends up badly, thus FMC relied on this girls's words sometimes when she just expressed things they ended up being benefitial, but you often ofrget she exists and traveled with FMC).

- I honestly liked that the system that a) tried to make all the income sound more or less legitimate (through real items found on the market, lottery tickets that were discarded or many more that was thrown out like trash or sold); b) it gave away skills like appraisal of antiques etc. thus she could use them even without system's task. Although again even if the system gave them except for antique appraisal she really didn't use anything more or there was emphasis on it as something important (like once system gave her basic hacking skills, never mentioned afterwards and she also later said she is absolute zero in technology which sounded illogical a bit). In short reviews I mentioned a story about the rich system, which I got tired of pretty quickly, my main problem was that things there just appeared out of thin air and who knows where that system got them.

But the list of cons might take longer, despite my initial favorable reaction to this story it went downhill from some point. This again reminds me that I should include in notes things I completed and things I did not when it comes to short reviews, because the story can turn sour like in this case and I have no idea, but without the note who will know.

- Too long. It could have been shortened and nothing would have changed because of it. But since it's self-published web novel it is understandable that the editing is lacking.

- Repetitiion. It had too many repetitive parts when author ran out of ideas. For example they went through several shootings when doing her tasks (one in America, one in Europe, one in Japan and there was in another place forgot which), which weren't truly needed I'd say and I'd add that so many is too much. She bought several houses just to get things inside and whenever it came to it it should have sounded strange for outsiders, but no one questioned her actions (again, to sound good and legit person she never trespassed).

- Contradictory FMC. The high morality of FMC that author tries really hard to promote all the time, since FMC feels guilty for taking something, even if the system and even other say - oh it was fate for it to happened that way. She could have easily just stick to finding antiques without all this flair, but system made her find some truly random things, although it was actually creative. But honestly, even in antique business, others may not realize the value, but you do, so what's the problem. But at other times she says and does stuff that isn't good and sounds cruel. Like the xenophobic stuff I mentioned. She finds a USB with technology that originally belonged to some Japanese company, but she never returns it and even at some point has not regret about it. I know the tense relationship between two countries. Of course author adds some bad words said by the Japanese, so you won't feel bad for them either. Let's remember her problematic family that expected her to come home and be part of the family obediently, author actually never did a good job at it, because honestly FMC is an adult and there is no need to force it, only after some time when they were humiliated several times they finally did not want to ackowledge her as their daughter. But let's not forget how disgusting this family is all-together, each and every member has some character problem. So in her past life FMC tried to please these people.. although the story mentions that she was trying to fit in and have a family, but honestly it feels like completely different people and that FMC didn't have enough brains in her past life. I could stress on how she lacked love and now she changed and this is why she was obviously swindled out of all her luck and value. But then in this life she goes and does nothing to this family, for karma it's good, she does nothing and Gu family may self-destruct many times, but it's her attitude when she mentions them and doesn't want to do anything to them that I find just too good to be true. I would appreciate it more if her own thinking progressed more and she would just let it go. She did eventually but so much time passed and you may say, well, these things need time and I will agree, but it's one thing what is said and the other is what is showed, she was pretty decisive against them many times. To make description shorter, which I have no talent for, at first she was fearful and it was described as such in her actions, but she still acted as she planned, decisive, but ater she acted decisive yet she mentioned the inner fear, but the way it was described didn't feel like it.

- FMC herself is a pretty peculiar character, since she has such blatant moments of IQ rising and dropping. I even mentioned some parts in summary in such a cryptic way because FMC doesn't strike you as the smartest (like she did not really explore or explained or author never mentioned in depth why system started doing targetted tasks after her novice period was over, that involved finding things and disrupting several metaphysics masters (but mainly there was one), like why she never started right away from it, or why system did not provide protection since it was obvious system didn't want those items to end up in bad people's hands, so why not help but obstruct so much, it only makes you theorize since author never bothered to explain system's origins and if it couldn't tell because it could only guide). She's my main point of criticism in the story, since she gives some really sound orders during their travels, but at other times her smartness leaves her completely. Although many times she mentions things and says things that make you think she is self-aware of her own level. Like she is bad with technology and aven business management is not her forte so she heavily relies on her subordinate Xie Ran, a man she found and put in a CEO position, one of her lucky finds. She is really lucky he never betrayed her and took their relationship seriously, always remembering the grace of saving him and letting him avenge himself (though again author never explained in details what happened to him except that he was framed). Sure she had a reason for leaving things to others, since when she was traveling around with system tasks she had no time to deal with her company, but good thing nothing happened or all her amassed wealth would disappear.

- Maybe not to overcomplicate things author did not dive deeper into metaphysics, but again, I'm not against it, I just find it strange how FMC sometimes felt too dense and never questioned things. Why some items even appeared is also beyond me. For example, there was this unlucky dagger, but she actually sold it to someone (unknown) and she was okay with it, while it's such a specific artifact to use. 

If you start to ask questions then some parts start making less sense. For example Gu family knew they had a different daughter, but why change her and leave it like that? There is no particula reason. The story several times mentions her luck, but if she was lucky, hy keep her outside, if your master of metaphysics you worship wants you to sacrifice, why keep people outside? Xu Youyou should be someone with luck, but i don't know if they exausted her luck in previous life or simply used her for things like bone marrow and I think a kidney (classic). But still why make her live outside? They only saw benefits and never cared what price they paid for these favors from the dark master. I just felt they acted like brainless fools when it came to the final part. The Gu family itself is a mess tbh flushed so quickly in last few chapters just to summarize what happened (oh spoilers but three member including father, mother and eldest son were used as human sacrifice in their master's attack against Xu Youyou, three others were gone in fire thanks to the third son who was already mad, but he knew his fake sister seduced them for a reason and he was for some reason mad about her despite knwoing her true face and how vain she is, the second brother gone with them because he got Gu Xieying pregnant, Gu Xieying herself thought she'd try to find a way out but she was gone with them).

- Oh yeah, the ending. It became too obvious what it was and what will come out of it, so with no suspense the dark master tried to use sorcery to curse FMC, it backfired thanks to the final item she found and he was gone. Why I say it is flushed is because it just happened rather quickly, though the way they fought over that last cellar was so... kinda childish or I don't know how better to describe it. Anyway, what last things Xu Youyou collected were leading her to the last item, imperial seal. Why I say it felt flushed is also because in very short terms it explained who this dark master is and it's nothing more but a desciple who practiced, but was too swoon with riches and betrayed, later he did many rituals and prolonged his life with antique, especially those that have spirituality.

- I think I expleined most of my problems, if I remember something else I will return to edit this post, but the last was mediocre romance. I thought the two characters who had a bad start will still have some time to continue on this path, but no it resolved pretty quickly. Again MMC fel for her for some reason... Later on they had a good relationship and finally he confessed. Still can't forget one convoluted scene when they met Gu Xieying with third brother on their journey, Xieying lost her child and while they got her to the hospital Xieying remembered some past even in front of FMC and MMC, but FMC is like - let's break up, since she was afraid he will betray her like other and will fawn over her.. Absolutely no idea why it was like that, he showed his sincerity and she could toss it out at any second. Good thing it was resolved right away.. but what was the point of it I have no idea. but still this romance is so background, they do the same thing, he travels to her or with her sometimes, shows that he understands she has her secrets, also they mentioned at least three times about the first misunderstanding they had. basically no romance at all, he acted like companion.

I'm surprised I finished. At last 1/3 I already felt - when this will be over? - and I really couldn't be happier to get rid of it. I just felt that part of it had some ideas, but part of it really siffered from commercializing and making it into something too basic that every other story has.

RATE: 2/5.

[ANIMATION] NICCOLO

It's short, but incredibly stylish and beautiful animation about Pagonini's life.

[MOVIE] The Batman (2022)

So, what's going on with The Batman 2022.

In short - I enjoyed it. My expectations were on the level floor, I must say I had none at all. I really thought I might not like this one at all.

Instead I got hooked by the atmosphere.

Biggest pros to me:

• Operator's work and director's vision. I liked how the movie looked, now I understand why so many people called this movie "dark". Not only it has so many night scenes, but also just uses darkness. The way it was shot was really nice, it really looked familiar yet new.
• Atmosphere. It is a Gotham city that can stand on its own. Rugged and messy city, full of crime and filth has spontaneous sparks of gothic architecture. Everything looks messy, dark and dusty.
• Design. The way characters looked made you feel more down-to-earth instead of classic spandex costumes or latex and leather. Batman had all his gear mostly visible, there is no taking out out of invisible pocket (I'm looking at you Tim Burton). I liked that "Cat woman" is just a random girl with a cat suit basically. Riddler looked as if he ordered his gear on Amazon. No one wore something that will remind you of comics and would stick out like a sore thumb. Even the Penguin, gosh, if you don't know you can't tell what actor plays him, that overall make-up is something else.

In the list of cons would be just some places that were too unrealistic or felt like misses, used for the sake of performative effect. My biggest example would be how his parachute got stuck and he hit the metal frame with his entire body, was thrown meters away but managed to stand up and move right after. This type of unrealistic shit, when Bruce Wayne should be some random human dude.

But it's better not to dig too deep into any hero movies etc. Not a single one will handle the criticism (and you can think there is an explanation for everything, but does it work)

I bet there is always an explanation, but to me what Bruce does is basically illegal too, browling and violence when he tries to fight the evil. Also he's just one dude. And there are some nitpicking about the details, but it's easy to skip them.

Like he says - don't cross the line or you'll be like them (criminals) - but do we forget how much damage their chase caused? Of course we forget, it was so spectacular. Stuff like that.

But overall, it was fine.

RATE: 8/10.

[SHORT REVIEWS] #31

Well, time for another short reviews. Though I don't know how to rename this section since it started resemble short reviews + what I want to read / watch. But I do update previous posts when I feel like it or remember something.

BOOKS

CHN

Status update from previous short reviews, some web novels I still wait to be completed:

- 权臣穿进豪门养子文学 by 二月竹. (BL) The story about powerful minister transmigrating to a modern world. Very melodramatic plot, which I like. Previously I described the plot in other short reviews, but shortly MC becomes an "illegitimate" son, but actually it's not true, his own father changed his identity because he secretly took back the child of his lover as his own and made everyone hate MC in this family, so they won't see anything strange. This MC was not only a powerful minister but helped unpopular prince reach the throne, had many misunderstandings about Emperor he chose tbh. Emperor transmigrated with him too (he also has a melodramatic backstory, because of his outburst he was institutionalized). Also this is the author of Backtracking and Infernal, I love their style tbh with this cat playing with mice type of story, a story of revenge for sure, since MC will avenge the original body. It is still on-going and I can't wait to read it in full.

- 漂亮替身玩转豪门修罗场 by 惗肆. (BL) A story about a bleck-bellied MC who navigates the world of wealthy. I read this author and consistently follow their works, usually I adore their more melodramatic plots and can't wait for this one. MC is really playful and has a lot of tricks. ML of this story is the only person who noticed hs true face, but does not obstruct. Also the main story is over and author arranges to write extras.

- 豪门前妻（重生）by 橘子舟 (Tangerine Boat). (BL) I was surprised to see this author writing something. But honestly their story is nothing new from their previous works, really such an old-school vibe. A bit whiney but talented MC who is reborn (really doesn't matter if he's reborn or not). And a domineering ML who pampers his wife. Some very cliche but shallow long misunderstanding, but also has a lot of questionable parts. At the moment of me typing it the story is fully available and also completely free on JJ. I completed this one. But it's not something I Would recommend to avid BL readers. Oh, forgot to mention, Tangerine Boat loves mpreg, so this one has it too. 

[BL] 穿为换亲寡夫郎后 by 且拂 *JJ

(mtl: Transmigrated into a widowed man of exchanged marriage)

Status: Ongoing

Progress: 16

It is freshly released story about a medical student (Chinese medicine) Li Fenglan who transmigrates into a book, where he has a reborn cousin who steals his husband. The original book is about a person who is an only child of a former Crown Prince, living incognito in seclusion in a small village. He was supposed to marry OG Li Fenglan because he found him pretty and also easy to manipulate. It's a basic story of a person who achieves success, but also has a lot of romantic followers before becoming the Emperor. Li Baocheng is reborn and remembers how his cousin (Li Fenglan) achieved success and became Empress (oh, forgot to mention, supposedly this is a novel with men who are like ger, can have children and fertility is indicated by red birthmarks, but there is no emphasis on this aspect so far, so I tend to forget it even exists), so when Li Baocheng was reborn he thought he struck gold and it was not too late to exchange husbands. Li Fenglan who had the plot knew much more and it didn't matter to him to lose this unfaithful and trashy husband, but what we know at the beginning is that one husband is destined to become an Emperor, while the other is destined to die (which of course is not completely true when it comes to the story that follows). Fenglan didn't find it a bad thing, he actually welcomed it instead, he didn't have to have a relationship with an unknown man. But to survive he has to navigate the ancient world. To help him further he bound Medical System.

Fenglan is a pretty smart person I must say, he analizes a lot of what is happening with the plot and the changes surrounding him. Like the Ji family, family of his husband, did not appear much in the story and he had no idea what happened to them, but he still wanted to help them survive. He deducted on their escape that Ji family most likely met with an accident even back in the village (the second child was pushed and almost hit his head, which Fenglan prevented), he also deducted from Baocheng's reaction that he was surprised to see the second child alive and conscious. Another secret comes from the jade pendant and ring. Fenglan realized that his mother-in-law must have a connection to a minister and her heirlooms were either stolen or taken on her way. I just like when characters can deduct things from reactions and events, although many may not be cunning, but he is observant and uses the plot knowledge and what he witnesses to his advantage.

The plot starts from the famine and escape, along the way Fenglan reveals more and more secrets, which promises lot of fun.

[BG] 绑定神豪系统后我成了豪门真千金 by 墨洙洙 *Qidian

(mtl: After binding the Rich system, she became a true rich heiress)

Status: Completed

Progress: DNF

Well, this is really such a shallow and unsatisfying story. Basic idea is of FMC Yun Zijing binding a rich system. All she needs to do is - spend money and get rewarded with unimaginable riches. Although it feels like a great dream come true, but such stories have one particular downside. This one followed the same path too. The main problem is when FMC herself doesn't have any substance ad then gets something for nothing it just ends there. Although the story tries to placate and say that this never marred her character, but I do not agree and she sometimes flaunts - oh, money not a problem - well, of course, since you never felt what really means to get it through your own efforts. She sometimes acts really weirdly, treating money as dirt, not knowing where these money came from, not really caring if one day they will run out etc. It took her some time to finally do something good with it too.

The other really shallow part is being favored by people. It's very easy to pinpoint the MMC of this story, just follow the person who "never treated well or paid attention to women before but with Yun Zijing he is different". Such pathetic reasoning. Although she gets skills and not only property and stuff like that, but she herself does nothing substantial to say - wow. She goes around and everyone marvels how she throws money around as if it's nothing big, her management skills are zero. Within very short time she gets people who do things for her (because system provides it). And I didn't want to read more, because it got really boring really quick and looking at the number of chapters this story has - 776 - it provides nothing.

Oh, and also the story of her being a true heiress, it's such a cliche and brainless plot that you may die from cringe.

Update: Recently, I found novel that also has a "rich system" in it, but it's written in a much better way, so this type of story can work if author cares to do so. I'm currently enjoying it and will make a separate post whenever I'm done, but let me introduce you to 豪门认亲？可我已经是千亿富婆了, in this story FMC Xu Youyou binds a system, which does allow her to scavange and bargain, but get some awesome rewards. I like the fact that system does not provide things out of nowhere. For example she took a lottery ticket first from a trash can okay. Her rewards are good but not super excessive in comparison to this novel I described above. FMC herself does not act as if she's some shit, even if she was reborn and this is the reason for her system binding. You can see that she still learns along the way.

[BG] 黑月光泄露心声后，所有人都慌了 by 以介景福 *Qidian

(mtl: After hearing true thoughts of a dark moonlight everyone panicked)

Status: Completed

Progress: Completed

Lu Sijian transmigrates into a book and binds villain supporting system, her task is to get as many negative points as possible, so she can return and get a money reward. But she had no idea that everyone from the main cast could hear her thoughts.

Lu Sijian transmigrated into a body of a person who recently woke up from a coma, while she was unware of what was going on, Mu Liangyue or the protagonist of this word has been harassed for years as she tried to do things, since Sijian was her benefactor. Later everyone around Sijian will see her true face and switch sides.

It could have been better if the story did not start to involve some really brainless plots, so the system comes from higher realm and Liangyue was chosen as protag for her kindness, as if she was somehing light and spotless. But things were pretty basic, Liangyue just brainwashed herself and tried to pay back for any good that came her way, she did so many things in return that it would make anyone look bad, as if return of gratitude became a sin for those who helped her. How can you treat her so harshly, she did so much for you to pay gratitude. Similar case waited for Sijian, even if she said that Liangyue did not need to do anything, it did not stop Liangyue and she did many presumptious things basically making Sijian look worse and worse.

Others who were won over by Liangyue dedication slowly realized what was going on.

Bt even if the main cast could hear her thoughts not everyone thought of her as innocent, on the contrary. I think this part could have been interesting, but the story really is nothing to rave over.

Even after finishing I ad to read synopsis to remind myself what happened in this story, this is how forgettable and disappointing it is with some priests from above who assigned Liangyue as protagonist, when actually Sijian was the original one. It actually is connected to the luck of this world they collect through this method. Honestly.. pointless.

Just MEH.

[BG] 协议结婚后，我上恋爱综艺爆火了 *Qidian

(mtl: After contractual marriage I became a sensation on a dating show)

Status: Completed

Progress: 43

Pretty okay story so far.

Pei Shi returned to Pei family for a while and already entered a contract marriage. Everyone thinks they're a plastic couple and they're not far from the truth. Getting into trouble the couple ends up on a dating show where everyone finds out who the real Pei Shi is and what is the truth of their relationship.

Pei Shi got into a huge accident, after which she binds an animal close to her husband every month. She can act wantonly howere she wants. What she doesn't know is that her husband can hear her thoughts.

So yeah #sweet romance, dating variety show, hearing thoughts.

Actually I didn't read much, but so far it's not bad at all. You know when you can clock melodramatic trashy plots right away, the same goes for authors that want to write relatively normal stories, so this is the exmple of one.

US

What's A Little Blackmail Between Friends by Lynn Morrison

Found on one of the searches, really was attracted by that title ahaha

These are more for the TBR list instead of having any thoughts about it at the moment.

Another Victorian period mystery. Love mysteries~ Always on a watch out for new books, will see how this one goes if it's any good or not.

The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren

I remember I read one of their books, so want to see another one. The last was a pretty okay book to me. Also I love these lush flowers on the cover.

It has some interesting idea of a lover revival? What? Will see. This is a July release.

Darkest at Dusk by Eve Silver

First in the series of Revenant Roses.

Is it too obvious I was attracted by the cover? It promises romance, gothic, horror and paranormal. I'm in.

ANIMATION

Only 2 episodes left for Witch hat atelier to be completed, so I can watch it in bulk, meanwhile I'm happy to see season 2 of Seihantai na kimi to boku coming so soon. Yay. 

Nothing else from the anime season summer 2026 catching my attention. Either all posters look the same tbh or it's just not it. Also I set too many goals to watch.

But I do want to finally see Kubo and the two strings. 

MOVIES

The Batman (2022)

Really had this on my list since forever ahaha I wrote a separate post for it.

But shortly, it was a good watch. I expected to be super disappointed and my expectations were on the floor. Instead I got hooked by the atmosphere and how it was shot. I got to say, most of it is thanks to camera work and director's vision, otherwiese it wouldn't have worked the same. So I won't lie, I indeed enjoyed it. Ref. review.

Mr. K (2024)

I watched it on 16th, I actually put it back again and again because when I searched for it I saw that ratings are quite low. So I decided to watch in spite of it and actually I agree with the low ratings. I assumed there would be more, but who knew this would end in such a bizarre way.

Mr K is an Illusionist who registers at a hotel where he plans to have a performance, but later he gets lost in corridors and can't find the exit. The hotel with one entrance and no exit concept.

Artistic and bizarre.

Inhabitat by other people who never left the hotel actually, before Mr K finds the hotel slowly shrinking and tries to warn others.

At first people agree, then they seat and wait for him to do all the job and then they get angry for creating the problem.

Before he finds this fleshy tunnel in his own room.

I actually thought the way hotel transformed looked cool, but the rest of it, like the story, were quite basic, but the fleshy an** at the very end just made me laugh. I'm sorry, but what else does it look like, even the very last part where he pushes the unknown creature in its' sphere out, it all looked... very specific.

[Chinese BG novel] 反穿后我和死对头隐婚了 by 微姑娘 / After I trasmigrated I was secretly married to my nemesis

*Qidian

Synopsis: After Cheng Mi fought tooth and nail for the throne she was betrayed and killed by the man whom she tried to put on the throne. But instead of perishing she found herself in a future, she transmigrated into the body of "illegitimate" daughter of a Cheng family, her mother died in fire while she lived worse than a servant in this family. Not to mention she found she was married to someone who actually was a Crown Prince, her biggest nemesis and someone she did the dirtiest in her past life.

Later she found that not only Crown Prince regained his memories but other princes whom she wronged in the palace fight regained their memories too.

So it's a trashy melodramatic story, which was partially quite entertaining. If some work was done editing it, you know the usual snipping here, expanding there and the story would be even better. But so far it's a path of transmigrated Cheng Mi who navigates the new world and deals with her husband, those who regained memories and many melodramatic plots of wealthy families.

There's a lot to unpack, so I made a relationship diagram.

It's not complete (also I'm sure I effed up someone's name), but it has the majority of main characters / supporting characters.

SPOILERS

Cheng Mi (FMC) daughter of He Chuping and was believed to be an illegitimate child of Cheng ZX (forgot his full name lol), but it was all a cover of her mother and Grandpa Mu to protect her from being found, especially by her biological father Shen Lianghao.

She bankrupted the Cheng family, Cheng ZX jumped after she dug his involvement with Chuping's death. 

Cheng ZX has a wife, legitimate daughter Zhaoying and another illegitimate child either XiangXiang or XiaoXiao, I forgot because she appeared just a bunch of times, very forgettable character.

Cheng Mi later moved to capital and found that her family is a He family and her mother has a past with a man named Shen Lianghao. He family was once wealthy but now faced a fast decline because of the conflict with the Huo family that lasted for two decades.

It's the goal of the story for her to take revenge on behalf of Chuping and OG Cheng Mi and deal with a Zhu family (not in the diagram) who acted on behalf of the Huo family and ordered Chuping to be murdered. And of course pay back Huo family, though this one was not realized and rushed through at the very end (unsatisfying).

Mu Zhihan (MMC) comes from a prominent Murong family. He has another grandfather Murong Zhang, his mother Murong Feng and sister Murong Nuan.

He was a Crown Prince in last life. Actually was Cheng Mi's master with a secret identity, he loved her then and now, but they had conflicts they solved in this life eventually (actually the dragged out misunderstanding part at the beginning).

Wu Zhichen. Someone Cheng Mi promoted in last life for the throne, who betrayed her for Zhaoying, even in this life he did the same. Cheng Mi ruined his career, but others even got rid of his family, he should be a final boss, but it was underwhelming and author rushed to finish the story.

Was not favored in past life and used Cheng Mi to ascend (was actually shortly after the death of Cheng Mi killed by Mu Zhihan).

Deng, Xie, Nangong - transmigrated princes who were in conflict with Cheng Mi. I don't think their arcs were utilized well. Eventually they realized they actually liked Cheng Mi and pursued he, but she was married already, though they had no idea for a long time. Honestly, have no idea why they fell for her when she caused their death.

He family. Grandpa He Yong is Chuping's father. He Yongqi is her brother, with Zhou / Zhao as sister-in-law (honestly this character appeared once or twice and had common last name but of course I forgot). They have three kids. Their family declined because of the Huo family.The origina of the conflicts tems from the fact that Chuping fell for Lianghao and while they were away He family was approached by Huo family, who actually caused their business to suffer behind the scenes, but for help they wanted a marriage alliance, they also lied that Chuping was on board. He family agreed, but later Chuping returned with her lover. Huo family escalated the conflict and persecuted He family for years afterwards.

The secret of why Chuping left was pretty standard. Surprisingly was created by her own mother (unexplained why, Yang Fenlang, Chuping's mother, has been dead for years now) who sent Yao Cui to Lianghao's bed, but even if they failed to make Lianghao have sex, he was still caught in bed. Also while Lianghao was kept captive, Yao Cui came to Chuping with pregnancy report.

Shen family. Shen Lianghao became a wealthy person afterwards and was searching for Chuping for years. While he was mostly away and as a straight man was oblivious to rumors, Yao Cui being ambitious created an image and everyone thought she was Mrs Shen, but they were not married, they did not have any relationship, Lianghao just let her stay at their house as a favor. Even if she was the one who caused the conflict. Illogical I know.

Shen Mi is her daughter from who knows where, but for her daughter she created an image of only Shen family princess, which eventually drove Shen Mi mad when Cheng Mi finally appeared. Shen Mi is not Lianghao's biological child, but other had no idea, she was also not an adopted one. She is a very vain person who had no subtsance but used her brothers for her own popularity.

Shen family has 6 adopted sons, they all achieved success in their own fields, but they're the only ones who are officially adopted. Lianghao actually adopted them in good faith they will protect his and Chuping's daughter / child they planned to have. 

Also only Yangyao was a married son from the Shen family, his wife Cui Penshan is such a delightful person who never gave anyone face.

So these are the main relationships and conflicts.

It feels a lot but when you break it down it's not much.

I think a lot of characters were not utilized to their fullest potential. Such as Xin'er and one of the Huo family sons, the two had such a cool forbidden love / R&J vibe to them.

I didn't like how the conflict / misunderstanding between CM and MZH dragged for so long, two adults who can't communicate.

Also the past is a bit flat. At first when they discuss things which were horrible and gory, but it almost felt like author makes it sound goofy. Emotions of guilt and grief for her actions actually were okay when it came to CM.

This had 746 chapters and I must add they were short and easy to read, but editing was really needed. Not lacking water and brainless parts though.

But in general I had my fun.

RATE: 2,75/5.