Descendants 2 Character review

Descendants 2 Review

 

I am a hopeless Disney Descendants fan. You know it, I know it and now the neighbors know it because I was a very enthusiastic fan this evening.


Here is a general review of the characters and the growth that we have been able to see. Overall I think Disney did a very nice job with this new movie and I think it flows nicely. There were some areas that could use a little more emphasis, but I guess that is where Descendants 3 comes in. ;)

 

Again, if you are new here I am going to provide a short self introduction as to my personality and writing style to help you better understand this review. I write in a casual/inclusive writing style. I want to you to feel involved and like I am speaking directly to you. Nothing is more frustrating than professional reviews that are painful to read, so here is an alternative review style. I am an enthusiastic cosplayer/reviewer who is 18 and well versed in most areas. If I don't know something, I will just tell you that instead of making something up. With that in mind, I hope you enjoy the review!

 

Descendants 2 had a lot of strong points but what this post is going to focus on is the character development in all of the characters.

Mal -

Obviously this movie focused a lot on Mal. She has grown a lot from the first movie but not in a healthy way. She developed some bad habits (spelling things and people) and developed some self image issues. This is a vast difference from our defiant and confident Mal from the first movie. While I don't like the softer Mal that was shown, even closer to the end of the movie, I like that they explored these identity issues. By the end of the movie Mal has reconnected with her roots, her group and what made her want to change in the first place. I think it leaves us with a strong Mal with more room to grow in the right direction.

Evie -

THIS IS MY GIRL! Gonna be honest, I disliked her in the first movie cause she was a ditz but my girl has come a lonngggg way. Evie grew from a superficial girl into an incredibly smart, talented and confident lady. She has a booming design business and doesn't take crap from anyone, and right beside her for these changes was her supportive boyfriend Doug. I love the dynamic they have because they are equal to each other, she is the strong one but he will still defend her to princes, he manages her business finances and supports her dreams. BUT she is not a dainty princess and he know he isn't her "prince" but he is her knight. I will defend this ship with. My. Life. Also, she has a big heart and is fighting for the kids that she grew up with. She is going to be a great advocate for the isle.

Jay -

Jay came a long way from his rule breaking enthusiastic lifestyle. He even obeys the smallest (and more sexist) of rules. We also saw that he became less aggressive than before. It was curious to see him as a responsible captain, and it was very fitting. Through out the rest of the movie we got to see him step up as a leader when Mal was lacking or when something needed to be said. Like when everyone was arguing he calmed them down and when Mal and Evie were chatting about her hair, he took initiative to bring them together. Jay is a born leader and is doing the one thing his father, jafar, could not. Being successful and compassionate in a leadership position. In the end when he forfeits his title as captain to Lonnie(?) so she can join the team that is him doing what is best for the team. She is strong and they needed her. He sacrificed his title for the greater good and I hope that doesn't go unnoticed.

Carlos -

Our shy boy came a long way as well. Carlos is a more outspoken and confident person. I don't think he lacked confidence in the first movie but I believe he was more introverted, now we see a more open Carlos who stands his ground. For example, kicking Chad out of his room repeatedly. He is dismissing a prince and gives 0 cares. We also have a slight mention of how he programmed his 3D printer to have really cool hacks and such which references his special abilities with computers. Jay can be physical, Evie can be smart, Mal can be sly and Carlos can hack. This is important. Finally we see our boy finally ask Jane out. To be honest, I didn't see it. BUT I am not against it. The little dorks make each other happy and they make each other stronger, for Carlos he has someone to protect and for Jane she has someone who makes her feel beautiful which is not to be under-estimated.

Jane -

Jane grew in a few notable ways. She became a more involved and outspoken person than the shy, squeaky girl from the first movie. Now she is coordinating big projects and making sure the schedule is kept to. BUT she is still insecure about herself and you can tell, even the way she thought Carlos wanted to go to the party as friends until he spelled it out for her is a sign of the insecurity. Carlos makes her feel beautiful and while that isn't the best place to get a confidence boost it is still a wonderful development for a young girls self esteem to have someone like that.

Duke -
well, he/she learned English so that is pretty impressive.

Ben -

Ben was a goodie two-shoes in the first movie. While he developed a wicked streak in the second one, he NEVER abandoned his big heart, which is what truly makes him King Ben. He was trying to tackle the life struggles of ruling a kingdom, dealing with an engagement, helping the project areas and maintaining his grades. We know he had to quit his different sports teams because he didn't have time, the time he spent with Mal dwindled to near nothing and we know he was overwhelmed. He never complained though. Ben is a strong character who is taking care of business and while he might not be the first to throw a punch he is powerful with words before fists, and he doesn't let his girlfriend fight all his battles for him. In the end when he still trying to seek peace, preventing what could have been a catastrophic battle, he was doing his duty as a king. He put his life on the line. His biggest development in this movie was seeing the other side of things and understanding just how abused these kids were. It is one thing to hear about it and think you know, but he never really knew.  And Uma abusing his kindness and spelling him didn't scare him away from continuing to seek justice for these kids. Ben is a good leader.

Lonnie -

In the first movie we never really got to explore her character. We saw that she wasn't afraid of our lil' villains and that she was still compassionate towards them but that was it. In this movie she is introduced as a threat. She is powerful and smart just like her mother, and she may be a love interest for Jay which is a perfect math. Talk about power couple, am I right?! I look forward to seeing more of her.
NEW CHARACTERS -

Uma -

 

You can see the results of abuse and bullying in her personality. All she is looking for is validation. This is the entire point of "Say my name", she wants to be acknowledged. Her dwarf rats don't really obey her, they still challenge her constantly and call her "Shrimpy". While she has issues, there is room for change. I really hope Disney takes the opportunity to properly show kids/people how to interact with someone who comes from that abusive background.

 

Harry Hook -

 

Dang.. Uh, not gonna lie, I am so weak to this little out law. I was practically drooling over him, and when he tickled Ben my heart skipped a beat. I could ship that, I wont cause I will be lynched, but I could. I could see him being a bigger problem in the future. He has more of a cutthroat attitude than Uma and it is clear that him and Jay have bad blood. I hope we see much more of that delectable pirate.

 

Son of Gaston -

Sorry dude, I can't remember your name but I bet you are one that gets to leave the isle. You don't seem inherently bad, just kinda a dunce. Definitely room for improvement. 

Flash update: ARDA

ARDA DID THE THING!

 

Arda is the wig company that I religiously order my wigs from. They have made some ground breaking progress lately which has relieved some major stress from the cosplay community.

 

They released Kyle which is a wig that can be made to have an UNDERCUT.

 

This is ground breaking because now characters like Levi (Attack on Titan) And Dean Winchester (Supernatural) are within reach.

 

Anyways here is the link: https://www.arda-wigs.com/products/kyle-classic?mc_cid=56227537ef&mc_eid=240c7dc393&variant=42810982732 

 

Much love!

 

~Aki Ame Okami



Cosplay Radar: Update

 

Cosplay Radar: UPDATE (6/21/17)

 

 

Hello everyone! This will be the heading that I make updates for the cosplays under.

 

 

Progress with previously planned cosplays:

• I have started looking for Indian prints for Isi Dawn Dancer
• I have gotten back into the gym and healthy eating (I'd dropped it during my hiatus when things got so rough). This is kinda generally good thing for cosplay because lets face it, a strong character with organic muscles looks nice.
• I have sought out jackets for the characters who have distinct jacket. There will probably be a separate blog post about this. The popular opinion is "make it all!" but realistically materials cost money, and your time is worth money. If it is going to take $20 to buy the materials (and that is if im going cheap-o on fabric) + 4 hours of work with lets use my current wage (4X$11 = $44) that = $64 for a jacket, plus 4 hours lost when they are sold online for $25-$35 and it takes seconds to order. Some things I will argue that you should just make them yourself, but not these types specifically.

 

Now if you are thinking, "Well we know Aki has leather jackets, what other characters needed jackets?" I have an answer.

These NEW-GOOD BOYS! And when I say new, I mean I grew up with these angels/demons.

 

Introducing:

 

- Rex Salazar, the MC from an AWESOME CartoonNetwork show called Generator Rex! This was my show when I was younger. I am 90% sure I have little figurines still tucked away somewhere.

He is one of the characters who'd I'd look at purchasing the jacket for. In a world where tiny "nanobots" have infected every living creature, occasionally turning them into monsters called EVO's, the best hope is a 15 year old latino boy named Rex Salazar. Rex has amnesia and knows nothing about himself, accept that he is being held captive by a government organization called providence. Providence uses him as a weapon, and besides the 3 friends that are his supervisors (or as he calls them, nannies). Rex just wants to be normal but at the same time he wont let

 

-Ben 10 (The older one probably) Do I need to say he is from the show Ben 10? It is kinda self explanatory, but hey, why not? Another awesome show from CartoonNetwork called Ben 10 is one that I grew up with, and it actually grew with me as well. Ben 10 has had multiple seasons with varying story lines, art styles, aliens and characters. It is still currently on air with the newest season being a CN reboot. Personally I am not a fan of the newest because... well, I am biased. I loved the originals. BUT ANYWAYS, Ben 10 everybody!!!!!

 

- Kevin Leven, Also from Ben 10. Kevin was a one time protagonist who changed (most of) his ways after taking the hard way in life and learning from it. Kevin and Ben were rivals until they were in a position that required them to not be, it was then that things started to change for him. Regardless, he is still my favorite bad guy from the show.

 

-Doyle Blackwell from The Secret Saturdays. Anyone know what I'm talking about? No? Where was your childhood?! outside?! (Rhetorical questions).   Doyle is my favorite bad-butt mercenary turned proud uncle. Doyle came into the game a little late as far as the show is concerned but he always spoke to me as a character. The MC of the show (Zack) was a homeschooled kid who was somehow shelter but also able to control all kinds of beasties. When Doyle met his nephew, it was love at first sight. Sure, the kid was a pain and had a smart mouth, but he was family and he really needed someone to teach him the hard-knocks life lessons. I have always had a special fondness for this man and despite the fact I wont be able to cosplay him perfectly, I am still going to try my very best.

 

-Danny Phantom from... well... Danny Phantom. (Why do all these characters have shows named after them?) DAN IS THE MAN! This ghost boy is my aesthetic, all black white and glowing green eyes. He is a large part of my childhood as well so it's just kinda natural for me to want to bring him to life.

 

-American Dragon Jake Long from American Dragon Jake Long! Arguably my first crush, Jake was where it was at as far as Disney channel went as a kid. This is likely where my fascination with Asian culture began. Jake is such a fascinating character that is forced to grow up and postpone/miss special events in life. He is a fan favorite among many people my age and I think it'd be a blast to take him out and show him off.

I hope you enjoyed the update ~

-Aki Ame Okami

Summer Schedule

Summer schedule

 

You may have noticed that I haven't mentioned upcoming conventions. That is because it will be a rather last minute thing for all conventions other than Yama-con. I would like to go to Shelby-Con and maybe a few select others; however, I do not know how schedules are going to fall.

 

I recently obtained a full time job as a receptionist/personal assistant and it keeps me busy through out the week, then on top of that I have 3 summer classes that each require 9 assignments during the week. Flipping school.

 

I will be cosplaying, gaming, taking pictures, reading books and tons of other things throughout summer I just don't know about conventions.

All of that being said, I will also be trying to introduce some new areas of life to this blog. Areas including the beauty of nature, dancing, music, art, exercise, maybe some car appreciations and possibly food. If you think that sounds boring, I promise I will surprise you. I will also find a way to loop all of the areas back into the traditional cosplay and anime but that wont be the sole purpose.

There is a big world out there but there is an even bigger world right here. There are so many hidden treasures to discover and share right here at home and that is what I want to do. So look forward to something new!


-Aki Ame Okami 

Cosplays in progress!

Hello darlings!

 

Cosplays that I am beginning the process of working on. Some of them may potentially be taken to Yama-con 2017 (Themed supernatural/paranormal) will be listed below and become a regular topic on the blog and FB page.

 

 

List:

 

Males-

• Dean Winchester - SuperNatural
  

  
• Lots of people only appreciate Dean for his looks; however, for me there is more to it than that. Dean is a soldier. His entire life was about taking care of someone else for them to leave. He never felt like he could get attached to people because they would leave. Above it all though, he is still a lover and fighter. He never stopped loving those who hurt him and he never stopped fighting to protect those he loved. So next time you think of Dean, please get past his looks.
• Kiba Inuzuka from Naruto Shippuden
  

  
• Before you start "Whyyyyyy?" -ing me, let me explain. Kiba was my first cosplay, and I have grown a lot as a person since them. So in order to close the door on who I was I would like to re-visit where it started. So I am going to do the grown version of Kiba. My leveled up Kiba, so to speak.
• has a character based off of Loyalty and hard work.
• Doesn't get enough love or credit

• Ryuji Sakamoto (Persona 5)
  

  

• This boy is my personality in a nutshell. Might be a group cosplay with a friend that I met from Yama-con last year. Gonna either test my limits as a cosplayer or be super easy.
• Fabulous personality
• Going to be a challenge if I make his armored version

• Noiz - DMMD
  

  
• He is very attractive, but again, he means more to me.
• He can't feel anything, and all he wants is to feel pain. He wants to remember what it feels like. He grew up in a hard way and those things still stick with him and I can relate and respect that. I want to show the guy that girls with fan-girl over, but I want to show them a man whose been hurt.  

• Kuroo Tetsuro - Haikyuu!!
  

  
• Because I am sports anime trash.
• I love him.
• He is my attitude embodied in a character.
• I would probably do the different variations of him such as-
• Volley ball player
• Police officer
• mobster
• neko
• suit and tie good boy

• Tsukki - Haikyuu!!
  

  

  
  
  
• I'll already have the wig if I do Ryuji
• This salty twig is me.
• I love volley ball.
• He is actually a very strong and metaphoric character.
• Might do other characters from Haikyuu as well, depends on what wigs I have and what I feel like.

• Shizuo or Izaya from Durarara!!!
  

  
• I adore them
• Both of them have major personality traits that I respect and relate too
• are both very deep characters
• I ship it
• I want to
• I more or less already have both costumes made

• Hei - Darker than Black
  

  

  its a big pic, click for better res

• Complicated character who deals with all kinds of pain and suffering, eventually deals with addiction but over comes it.
• Curious back story
• interesting character to try and portray- someone who never dealt with emotion suddenly starts feeling things and can't cope
• was/is an awesome assassin

Females-

This year I am going to try and do more females. Why? Because doing a Fem!Black Ranger costume and taking it to the movies showed me something. The little girls were amazed to see a powerful female that they could look up to, because heroes were "Supposed to be the boys!". I met a bunch of little girls who thought that the boys were the only ones who could be strong. That's not okay, so I want to inspire more people by doing strong women cosplays that rely on more than sex appeal.

 

• Shego - Kim Possible
  

  
• Okay, I know she is a villain but come on! That is one bad butt chick! I'd follow her to the ends of the earth and back.
• I also may do Kim herself.
• Character I grew up with
• Strong. Very strong, with a good heart. 

 

• Astrid - How to Train Your Dragon
  

  
• As a person with Viking heritage it would be an honor to bring some factual history into Astrids design and play around with my armor working abilities. Not to mention I really want to make a battle axe.

 

 

• Isi DawnDancer - Monster High
• 

  

  Credit to Fantazyme

  "What?" Shut up. Monster High is kinda like My Little Pony in the way that, regardless of the intended audience, it is very entertaining and has good life lessons.
• A lot of little girls like the Monsters and see them as strong, so if I can bring one of their heroes to life then I will.
• Isi has a style influenced by Native American culture and I also have Native American blood in me so this is a personal interest.

 

• Yin - Darker Than Black
• There is something about the empty expression she wears that draws me to her. She looks hurt, but she is strong as heck. And that's okay, to be hurt and be strong. I want to show people that through her.
• Hopelessly in love with a cat.

 

• Lisbeth - SAO
  

  
• This girl and I have a lot in common. She loved someone, but her friend loved him first so she backed off. She has a ton of guy friends. She is strong and resourceful. She is a maker. She has a slightly different body type than the average.

 

 

That is all I have for now. I would like to cosplay characters from Psycho-pass; however, I first must get over the emotional trauma that the show caused me.

I hope you look forward to what Ani-Maze-Me has in story! See ya at the cons ;)

~Aki Ame Okami

The Hiatus is over!

 

The Hiatus is over.

Ani-Maze-Me

IS

BACK

 

Or at least Aki is XD

 

Okay, before you guys be upset with me for the unplanned hiatus, I want to apologize. I am not going to make excuses.

 

I am sorry. It was unfair of me to just disappear and I apologize for any worry, concern or distrust it may have caused. Despite my vacation I still care about you all very much and I would like to repair any bonds that I may have broken.

 

Don't be upset with me please!

 

In the next few months I am going to make an effort to bring my blogging back into a regular schedule. I am going to try to post several articles relating to anime/manga/gaming, some about the new Pirates of The Caribbean movie because I am a hopeless fangirl, self growth/realization and maybe a few tutorials since I am now working with new materials!!!

 

I will also take human interest articles if you have a topic that you would like for me to do some investigating, either email it to me or comment on a post. 

 

 

Thank you all for you understanding and forgiving hearts!

 

 

~Aki Ame Okami 



Music Rant

Hello everyone,

Today's article is going to be a little different from usual. I'm not recommending or reviewing anything and I'm not giving a tutorial. This is more of a personal interests and life value type of article, so read if you are interest (and if you value my heart) or, don't read and be a heartless monster. Whichever you prefer. Just kidding you all know I love and value you, regardless of whether you read my rants.

We all have that friend who wont let you play one of your favorite songs because it "reminds them of their ex". Man that gets annoying. It is your favorite song, so obviously it means something to you too. You want to feel the emotions that this song makes you feel, and they don't want to.

Or maybe you are that friend. You have one song that you just can't listen to. You will be having a good day then hear it on the radio, or catch a few chords from someone else's car as the pass you in a parking lot, and it just ruins your day.
That's it though, that's the point. That is the entire point of music. Artist take the time to perfect a song because they want it to make you feel something.
      Music isn't an accident. So many songs are sang with pure emotion from the artists. That is one of the beautiful things about music. A single song, that means one specific thing to the artist, can mean something as equally tragic to a fan. It is a universal form of therapy and release.

So what do I say to those people who wont listen to songs that make them sad, angry or happy? FFFF.

Face it.
Face the fear of feeling those emotions again. Let them wash over you with every chord that plays. They are there to teach you something about yourself.

Feel it.
Feel the emotions that you have been running from. If you need to cry, cry. If you need to get angry and yell, do it. If you need to be so happy that you are down right giddy, do it! Don't deny yourself the emotional closure that you are subconsciously seeking.

Figure it out.
Find out why these songs meant something to you. Are they words you wish you could say? Is it a song that someone you use to love sent you? Did turn to this song as a coping mechanism when you lost someone?

Free it.
Free the resentment and fear that you had towards these songs. Absolutely nothing in this world needs to contain you. A song shouldn't have the power to cripple you or ruin your day.


I still have issues with getting stuck in the "Figure it out" stage. I've lost some people in my life, permanently, and it's hard when you hear their songs. It can take you back to a different time where you were fragile and that's painful. I don't regret it though, and I wont stop listening to those songs. Those songs help me remember the people and those painful feelings help me see how much I have grown.

So go listen. youtube.com


~Aki Ame Okami