Author: shauny

Shift (Silo, #2) – ★★★★

Posted on by shauny
Shift (Silo, #2)

It’s a very good book but I read it after watching the first series of the TV show, looking for more answers. I found a few answers but not all the ones I want. I’m not sure there even are answers. I’ll keep going, onto the next book….

The Little Mermaid, 2023 – ★★★½

Posted on by shauny

This review may contain spoilers.

I feel so conflicted.

The Little Mermaid (1989) is probably my most-watched movie ever. I was 4 when it was released and I think I saw it at the cinema, then we got it on VHS and I watched it over and over until the thing wore out.

So I know it off by heart. Every word to every song, every word in between the songs.

I knew going into this that there would be changes. There’s the extra 52 minutes to fill. And I am totally on board with the casting - more diversity is great and Halle Bailey is incredible.

What kills me are all the smaller, unnecessary changes. Adding 2 songs is great to try and expand Eric’s backstory and show that he is in the same boat as Arial, which helps to explain why they are good for each other, but why remove 2 songs? I just mentioned we have 52 minutes to play with here.

Right from the off, removing the “Daughters of Triton” song (Disney really said “This song could have been a meeting”) made me worried for the film.

Other small unnecessary changes - Ursula’s pets Flotsam and Jetsam no longer speak but instead function as an underwater Zoom call (seriously, what is it with Disney and meetings?). 

Ursula’s enemies no longer turn into little pathetic slug things. There are hands with eyes on though, like something from Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

They don’t sign a contract, one of my favourite parts of that song, but instead she signs it with blood. Apparently this is to cover up the plot hole that Arial understands English and could have written to Eric. Ok, so make the contract in merspeak or something! Don’t get rid of it and so ruin the part at the end where Triton signs it instead. Let’s just kill him and bring him back to life….!!??

I could go on. So many changes are done to try and stop anthropomorphising the fish, but what about Flounder and Sebastian? That ship has sailed, run with it!

Sigh. 

I love the songs. I love the meaning behind the story (I grew up thinking it was an allegory for forbidden love - being gay, I latched onto that). I love the diversity. I just think I’d have been happier if it were more faithful to the original. 

Oh, well. You nearly did it Disney.

Oh and the rap with the bird and the crab… no. Just, no.

Easy Vegan Slaw

Posted on by shauny
Easy Vegan Slaw

Easy Vegan Slaw

Course: SidesDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes

This easy vegan slaw is a very tasty and healthier alternative to store-bought coleslaw which often has egg in. You can add or subtract most of these ingredients to make it however you want it! (The photo is not the same as the below recipe, make it up with whatever you have!)

Ingredients

  • 200g white cabbage

  • 200g red cabbage

  • Half a red onion (or alternatively, spring onions)

  • 4 carrots

  • 3 red peppers

  • 6 tsp white sesame seeds

  • 3 handfuls of fresh coriander

  • Sesame oil or olive oil

  • Dijon mustard

  • 1 Lemon

Directions

  • Finely slice the cabbage, pepper, and onion, and peel or grate the carrot. Place all into a bowl
  • Roughly chop the coriander and add to the bowl
  • Zest the lemon and add that to the bowl, juice the lemon
  • Add the oil, mustard, lemon juice, sesame seeds, and some salt, and mix it up!