Tag Archives: film

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile – My Thoughts

I just want to prefix this post with a potential spoiler warning – I personally don’t think a film based on true life events can necessarily have spoilers, but if you don’t want to know anything about this film then stop reading now.

When the trailers for the Ted Bundy biopic featuring Zac Efron as the notorious mass murderer hit the internet a few months back, I told myself it was a movie that I wouldn’t be watching, but as being a Sky customer meant I could watch the film on the tv in the comfort of my own home on the same day it hit cinemas, I found myself putting it on out of sheer curiosity.

I have never been into this sort of thing. I’m not into murder documentaries or true crime and I refuse to watch anything that glorifies or romanticises abusive relationships or domestic violence and I figured those themes would be inherent in this film which was why I was put off, but I had some reasons behind why I found myself hitting play.

Firstly, the response to the trailers had me interested. My twitter feed was divided into two types of people: those who were going googly-eyed over Zac Efron, as so many of my generation do, and those who were incredibly annoyed by the former, concerned that this film would romanticise the real life character of Ted Bundy, who raped and murdered so many young women. I guess I fell in the latter, and I really wanted to know if this film would be turning viewers into living versions of the heart eyes emoji – hoping, of course, it would not.

Not I don’t know if because I went into this movie with concerns that I was immune to it, but I certainly did not feel like Ted was made to attract the audience. Sure, the part was played incredibly well by Zac Efron, and his character of the deceptively sweet-talking and certain man that his namesake was was very clearly portrayed, but at no point did I feel like many people would be swooning over what I was watching. I think that knowing the true outcome of the case that shocked a generation was the main factor in all of this – we go in knowing that the man is guilty – so my initial concerns were put to rest.

Through the whole movie I knew he was a lying, manipulative criminal and all I wanted was for Liz, played by Lily Collins, to get the happy life away from him that she deserved.

As for the rest of the film, I don’t know if impressed is the word but I respected it. The acting was incredible, the storytelling was clever and when during the end credits they played actual tapes from the real trial, I couldn’t not feel like hats off was due to the director who had really made many of the scenes from the film like for like. There were no proper scenes of any of the crimes committed – which I appreciated very much – only one brief and partially shown incident was in the movie, which I thought showed some respect to the real life victims.

Will I watch it again? Probably not, but my curiosity was satisfied and I am glad it was made in the way I hoped it would be.

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My Most Hated Movies

Have you ever watched a film and as the credits roll just sat back and thought ‘those are a few hours of my life that I am never getting back’?

From overhyped openings to straight to DVDs releases, they’re the movies that you can’t even describe as funny-bad, and these are a few that I’ve had the painful experience of watching.

Cowboys and Aliens

What even happened in this film? Like I know I sat and watched it one afternoon, but did it even have a storyline? I don’t remember anything, just how painfully dull it was.

Marley and Me

Someone actually gave me this on DVD for my birthday one year. I mean, is that the worst and cruellest present yet? If I can give you one piece of advice, I would be don’t ever watch it, especially if you’re a dog lover.

Diary of a Teenage Girl

Netflix lists this as a comedy, and I guarantee you it is not. I watched it on a plane once and even midway through an 11 hour journey from LA it wasn’t worth it.

The Lifeguard

Generally I like anything with Kristen Bell in, but this was all sorts of awful.

127 Hours

I remember this film as the most painful cinema experience of my life. I spent the whole first part of the movie on edge waiting for the inevitable moment, and then the rest either bored out of my mind or grossed out. I get that its a real story and everything but no no no.

These are just a selection of a few that I’ve had the misfortune of actually watching through, but if you’ve got any recommendations to NOT watch, drop me a comment!

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Thoughts I Had During Beauty and the Beast

The movie Disney fans have been waiting for for what feels like forever is finally here, and OH MY GOSH.

Now I know it’s only been out for a week, so rather than a full review I thought I’d do my classic ‘chuck all the things that popped into my head while watching the movie’ thing, and keep it spoiler free for those of you who don’t want to ruin the experience – not that it’s not a story you already know though..

Ok, from the top, maestro!

Does Belle have her skirt tucked into her knickers?

I can’t be the only one who’s first thought was this, can I?

YES SHE IS NAILING THIS SONG

I also loved the little tweaks to the classic Bonjour

I love Olaf, wait I mean LeFou

Forget the whole ‘I only see Emma as Hermione’, Josh Gad is Olaf Olaf Olaf and I love it

Luke Evans looks kinda old..

I get that Gaston is meant to be kinda rugged, but those wrinkles..

LeFou is SASSY

And I’m still loving it.

Belle is SASSY

I wouldn’t want to be his ‘little wife’ either.

Maurice is adorable

Fab casting Disney, fab indeed.

Ewan and Ian are a match made in Disney heaven

I knew I’d love these two.

I thought Emma Thompson was playing Mrs Potts

Turns out she was, I just couldn’t tell with the voice she was putting on..

BE OUR GUEST

Holy mother of Disney that was stunning.

Belle looks at books the same way I look at mugs

The sheer love on her face in that library. Same.

Why does Beast wear that raggedy cape when he has such beautiful clothes as well?

That dressing gown is gorgeous, so what’s with the grunge look?

THEY’RE DANCING

AHHHHHHHH

Yes LeFou!

You are sassy and independent and don’t need no Gaston in your life

Ok, that was brutal

When Mrs Potts couldn’t find Chip, when Lumiere and Cogsworth said goodbye.. I’m crying.

That transformation though

UGH IT WAS PERFECT RIGHT DOWN TO HIS HAIR AND OUTFIT

THAT WAS JUST SO PERFECT

I honestly thought the whole thing was beautiful.

If you’re unsure of whether or not you want to see this movie, just do it. I know people who were convinced they’d hate it but absolutely adored it, so what’s the harm? I don’t think you’ll regret it!

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My Change of View on Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast Live Action Funko

It feels like forever since the announcement that divided Disney fans worldwide – a new, live action movie of Beauty and the Beast. And despite all that time, its now only 2 months away from cinema release, and the closer we get to it, the more I find myself thinking about it.

The cast had me squealing with joy. Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, partnered with the legened himself, Sir Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, along with Emma Thompson and Josh Gad; it all had me buzzing for the first trailer I watched it with excitement. I loved the side by side comparison with the original animated trailer, the dark castle and music.

What I wasn’t sold on entirely, like many others, was Emma Watson. Unfortunately, all I could see in the brief time she was on screen was Hermione Granger, and this had me a little worried for how much I would enjoy the film. It had nothing to do with her appearance – in fact I adored all the artwork and clips being released – it was just that little scene where she entered the castle and said ‘hello’. That was it.

Now I know this opinion has bothered a lot of people, so before you think I’m gonna be a negative ninny, I want to tell you how my mind has been changed..

A few weeks ago, a sound clip of Emma singing Something There was released. This is one of my favourite songs from the film, and I braced myself as I pressed play.. I actually loved it. Having never heard Emma Watson sing before, I was always a little dubious of her casting, but it was everything I wanted it to be, and in those 30 seconds, I felt my whole attitude towards the movie change. I guess the fact is, much like the moral of the story, you can’t judge a book by its cover..

Are you excited to see it?

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Thoughts I Had During Rogue One

Rogue One Spoiler Free

Once again, the movie gods saved all the major films to the end of the year, and in my eyes, the whole of 2016 has been leading up to the moment that I got to see ‘A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..’ on the big screen once more.

Not seen it yet? Don’t worry, there are no spoilers here!

DUNNNN DUN DUN.. What?!

So I decided that I liked the opening how it was, but I kinda really wanted that theme tune blaring out..

I am loving all these new places

Its so nice to not see the same planets cropping up all the time, and also to see the diversity of climate on different planets and moons

Is this Poe’s Mexican cousin?

Do I like him though?

That is one sassypants droid

K-2SO makes this film!

What’s this, another desert-ish planet?

Surprise surprise, there’s sand again..

This blind guy is BADASS

Yes the force is with you, you crazy awesome dude

I’m gonna need to watch this a second time to work out everyone’s names

There are a lot of names flying around, and I’m not entirely sure who’s is who right now..

Ok, I like him now

Poe’s Mexican cousin has redeemed himself in my eyes

I AM LOVING THIS

Its Star Wars, but not Star Wars and I can’t keep my eyes off the screen and I already want to see it again and its not even over

Were R2 and C-3PO really necessary?

I love a cameo, but I don’t know if that added anything

Scarif looks like a pretty place for a holiday

If I was the Emperor, I’d build a base there too just for those beaches

I’m not crying, you’re crying

I am one with the force, the force is with me. I am one with the force, the force is with me..

THAT ENDING THOUGH

AHHHHHHHHH

I loved it, I really did. I’m so glad I didn’t watch any of the trailers for it as I wanted to go in with a totally open mind, and I think that was for the best. I’m also really happy that they didn’t keep it too Star Wars – the soundtrack was perfect and the casting was spot on as always, just with its own little unique quirks.

I think if I could say one bad thing about the movie, its that I don’t really think its suitable for children as much as the other Star Wars films, which is a shame as a new generation of Star Wars lovers was created last year, and I imagine a lot of children would be wanting to see this film as a result, but without spoiling it, I’d probably advise that parents see it first before taking small children!

Have you seen it yet?

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Reasons Why I Loved Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them

Its the movie Potter fans have been waiting for; a prequel like no other.


Like any good Hufflepuff, I was pretty excited to see my house being represented well, and apparated down to the cinema on the day the film was released, and here are a few of the things that I thought made this movie properly magical – don’t worry, its spoiler free!

It wasn’t Harry Potter

While my excitement for this movie came from my love of the Harry Potter, this film felt nothing like a classic Potter.

There were no ‘for the sake of it’ references

You know how when you get sequels/prequels that are set in totally different times, one of the writers decides to put in a bunch of references to an original character that isn’t really necessary and you know they’re just trying and failing to be ‘relevant’? Nope, there was none of that and it was fab.

New vocabulary

Again, rather than just sticking to all the wizarding terms we’re grown to understand, there are a lot of new phrases and references that we’ve not heard before, which given how most language changes over time, is perfectly understandable given the date of this setting vs the Hogwarts years we know all to well

Eddie Redmayne

He just plays the part so well. A number of actors could have produced a number of different portrayals of Newt, but boy does Eddie hit the nail on the head!

Magical effects

With technology as it is these days, its easy for film makers to fall into the trap of overdoing their special effects, which results in unnecessary and unrealistic scenes, but while this film is packed with magical moments, at no point so any of these spells look out of place.

The beasts

Its quite easy to fall in love with adorable creatures in films, but when they’re also magical and full of personality, I defy anyone not to walk out of the cinema not wanting a niffler.

It gives you all the feels

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll gasp out loud.. You’ll love every second of it.

Have you seen it yet? Let me know what you thought!

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My Day at the Moana Masterclass

If you follow me on Twitter and Instagram, you may have seen that last weekend I was lucky enough to travel up to London to go to the Moana Masterclass, put on by The Guardian, and it was such an incredible day!


Despite being up at 5.30am, I was so hyped for the day that I didn’t get a wink of sleep on the train like I normally would – although the shrieking children across the aisle from me may have had something to do with that – and I arrived at Waterloo feeling super excited. In all the excitement, however, I managed to forget to put a memory card in my camera that morning, so I’m afraid all my photos from the day were taken on my phone as I had no time to buy one in my dash from Waterloo to the cinema!


The event was at Picturehouse Central – the cutest cinema located just off Shaftesbury Avenue – and it was outside there that I met my company for the day, Sophie, Cara and Courtney, and we headed inside to join the queue of people waiting to be lead in. The queue time consisted of a great deal of Disney discussion, as you’d expect, interrupted only by the guy coming to check our tickets.. and hand out 3D glasses. At this point my heart dropped a little as I had no idea we’d be shown the movie in 3D, and I’ve never enjoyed watching things in 3D, but I tried to keep an open mind.

We were taken to a screen right at the top floor of the building – hello three sets of escalators! It was a fairly small room, which was great because we were in the third row and felt fully emerged in the whole thing. After a little introduction, we went straight into the good stuff – the latest short, called Inner Workings, which was a brilliantly funny cautionary tale about embracing life – then the movie began..

I’m not gonna spoil the story, but I had tears streaming from the first minute. As well as the film meaning a lot to me personally, it was just so perfect. I’d probably go as far as saying its the most visually stunning film I have ever seen; Disney have absolutely out-done themselves on this one. As for the 3D, I actually thought it only made the film better! Unlike other films, it didn’t feel like I was watching something in 3D, it just gave the scenes a more natural feeling of depth, and I would actually recommend seeing it in 3D if you have the change!

Everything about the film was perfect, the casting, the music, the visual effects, and it left me speechless, feeling totally in awe.

After the showing, we had a break for lunch, which, while the food was good, the organisation was a little poor as there wasn’t space for everyone to get around the buffet, and we had to stand as there wasn’t enough seating for everyone in the lounge that it was done in, but we filled the time talking more Disney, then went back into the screen for the Masterclass with John Musker, Ron Clements and Osnat Shurer.


For starters, seeing Disney legends so close was just so awesome. They started with a presentation about their inspiration for the film, and all the research that went into ensuring cultural accuracy, then went on to talk about the casting, music and all the stages of production from storyboards to finishing effects. As John and Ron are famous for their hand-drawn animation, it was really interesting to hear about their first experience with digital animation on this film.


After their presentation, there was a short Q&A session. We learned a little about how John and Ron both got into Disney animation in very different ways, they talked a little about some of the Easter Eggs in the film (look out for them!) and they also gave some advice for those looking to get into animation and film making. As a total dunce when it comes to animation and visual effects, I just sat and listened to what was being asked and answered, but if you want to know a little more, keep an eye out on Courtney’s blog as I’m sure she’ll be posting a more detailed account from the eye of an illustrator!

Honestly, it might sound like I’m just gushing about this but that’s because it was such an incredible experience and I had the greatest day. I feel so lucky to have been able to see the film before general release, and it was more perfect than I could have ever dreamed, and I just feel so honoured to have been in a room with such legends from the world of Disney. There’s one quote from the day that stuck in my head the most, and its a quote from an elder that the team met on one of their many research trips:

“We’ve been swallowed by your culture. One time, can you be swallowed by our culture?”

Let yourself be swallowed by this film. You’ll enjoy every second of it.

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Thoughts I Had While Watching Finding Dory

I hate how late I was to the Finding Dory party. I mean, I’ve obviously been looking forward to it since it was announced, but it had been out almost two weeks before I saw it!


And because I’m rubbish at writing proper film reviews, I’m gonna make like my similar Zootropolis post, and just share some of the things that popped into my head while sitting in the cinema – spoiler free!

‘That was just the cutest short ever’

I always love Pixar shorts, but I think that was definitely my favourite!

‘Oh the opening titles..’

Such a cute nod to the original

‘I need a baby Dory’

You can get one from the Disney Store, just FYI..

‘I too like purple shells best’

Shells in generally are just all so pretty

‘Kids these days are getting sassy’

Its true, and I like that they’ve reflected that

‘Dory is just so damn relateable’

I think we all feel a little Dory at times

‘I miss Monterrey Bay’

Please can I go back to California now?

‘Seriously, is Idris Elba in everything at the moment?!’

How does he have time to do his laundry between all these movies?

‘I want to join the cuddle party’

Sea otters are just so adorable

‘What would Dory do? are words to live by’

All life decisions are gonna be made this way now

‘I’m not crying, I’m not crying’

Follow the shells..

‘Holy carp!’

I found that way funnier than I should have done..

‘This is the funniest film I’ve seen in a long time’

I may even go as far as to say I enjoyed this more than Finding Nemo; I don’t know if that’s because I got all the jokes now being an adult, or because its been so hyped up and completely lived up to the expectations, but I think Pixar have gone and done it again!

Have you seen it yet? What did you think?

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Thoughts I Had While Watching Zootropolis

Hands up who’s seen Zootropolis? *raises hands*


If you haven’t, don’t worry, this is spoiler free, but seriously, book those tickets and go go go!

‘I could watch this 100 times and still not spot all the tiny little details that Disney have put in’

I’m surprised I didn’t pull a muscle trying to watch everything all at once.

‘Ok, I already want to watch this again and I’m only 10 minutes in’

I want to spot all the details!

‘Tiny hamsters in tiny business suits. This is the best thing ever’

This should be a real thing.

‘I didn’t know Josh Gad did a voice in this!’

He didn’t..

‘Is Idris Elba doing an English or American accent or both?’

I still don’t know the answer to this. I’m not even sure he knows the answer.

‘Judy Hopps is really rocking that uniform’

Clothes have never suited an animal more.

‘Do I have a girlcrush on an animated rabbit?’

She’s just such a pretty rabbit! Those purple eyes..

‘I just love Ginnifer Goodwin’

Yep, basically.

‘Oh my gosh is that a carrot logo on the back of her phone?’

Move over Apple..

‘Pig Hero 6 ahahaha’

Sow funny. Get it..

‘I definitely need a carrot recorder pen’

You can genuinely buy these from The Disney Store.

‘The references Disney sneak in for the parents are brilliant’

Living proof that Disney isn’t just for kids.

‘Ok, now I need the tsum tsums’

I hate buying merch before a film comes out, but I guess its acceptable now..

Do you agree with me on any of these?

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Have Courage and Be Kind

We are lucky enough to be having some totally gorgeous weather in Bournemouth this week, so today I am blogging from a picnic mat in my garden while soaking up some sun and imagining I’m in Florida!

So yesterday I went to see Cinderella in the cinema again, and second time round I was still blown away by the beauty of it, not just visually but also the messages it conveys.

“Have courage and be kind”

For so few words, this quote has so much power. You may not think that courage and kindness are really all that linked, but in life I think that kindness can sometimes take a whole lot of courage; sometimes we just don’t want to always be kind, sometimes we think we’ll feel better by belittling people whether it be in words or just in our own minds, but does that really makes us a good person, even if we temporarily feel better for it?

No, it doesn’t. Kindness is selfless, and unfortunately that is why so many people choose to ignore their kind urges, because they don’t believe it will serve any purpose to themselves, but that is where many are wrong. Kindness is not innate, we must learn how to be kind and in doing so we must discover our own way to enjoy it, whether it be that warm fuzzy feeling you get from helping another living being, or just appreciating a simple thank you.

“They treat me as best they can”

We cannot expect kindness from those we do not treat in the say way. Although Cinderella isn’t treated right by her new step-family, she can appreciate that that is simply the only way they know how to act, and does not restrict her kindness to them, as she hopes that through her kindness they may learn it too. How simple would it have been to tell Kit that she was not treated well? Perhaps she thought about saying that. But in her heart Cinderella is grateful that she is not treated worse, as she knows she could be. She has lost so much that she has learnt to appreciate what she still has, which is a purpose to keep on going.

“But kindness, kindness makes it everything”

And the Fairy Godmother was right: kindness improves everything. Its like service vs. service with a smile, there isn’t anything we do that cannot be improved with the addition of kindness. I don’t imagine anyone has ever said ‘the only thing that could have improved that would be if they hadn’t been as nice’, and if they have then I feel sorry for that person, who cannot appreciate the act of kindness that they were lucky enough to have received. Kindness is a gift we all must learn to appreciate from others, and be generous enough to share with those around us.

“Will you take me as I am?”

Acceptance of others; it is a thing that in this world I cannot imagine why it is so difficult, yet is is a thing that occurs so frequently that we believe it to be normal. In order to accept others, we must allow ourselves to see them as they truly are, see past whatever assumptions and negativity we want to put upon them and understand why they are who they are. To give someone your understanding is a great kindness, and you may find that they are kind enough to give you theirs in return. And if they don’t, you must try to understand why they cannot, and learn that this is not a reason to withhold kindness from them, as it may be that it is something they do not understand.

“I forgive you”

The power of these three little worlds is astonishing, for without forgiveness the world would be a very different place, and if more people believed in the act of forgiveness then it would also be much changed, but for the better. If Cinderella can forgive her step-mother for her poor treatment and even imprisonment, then why is it so difficult for those of us who suffer so very little to forgive those who wrong us in such minor ways. What does forgiveness cost us?

Nothing. And those who do not expect forgiveness will be more changed for knowing it; being forgiven for wrongs we have committed shows true courage and kindness from our victims, which we in turn must learn to have and appreciate.

“The fairest and kindest”

We must all endeavour to be described as such. We must compete with ourselves to constantly become a better person than who we were before, always improving with time, and learning to show kindness and forgiveness to not only those around us, but also to ourselves. If we cannot be kind and understanding of ourselves, the person we truly know best, then how can we know how it feels to do the same for others. We must look at ourselves in the mirror and see the person we are, and where we have come from to be where we stand today. We must always be the best versions of ourselves, but know that everyone is capable of mistakes, and therefore we must forgive ourselves for them.

So will you make the pledge with me: to have great courage and learn true kindness? From here on out I promise to always try to find the courage for kindness, to understand and forgive others who cannot, and accept them for who they are. I promise to try to make everything better by adding kindness, and always strive to be the fairest and kindest person I can be, and forgive myself when I struggle to be so.

Are you with me?

°o°

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6 Reasons Why I Loved Big Hero 6

I’m going to be breaking from usual posting this week because a) I’ve got a few other things to write about and need a bit of a break from regular scheduling and b) I’m working away this week so I’m a little short of time!

BUT..

Yesterday I saw Big Hero 6! I know its been out since the end of January but me and the boyfriend just haven’t had the time to go see it until now.

I think love is a bit of an understatement; it was AMAZING. So I’m gonna talk today about why I loved it, and hopefully won’t give away any spoilers!

1. Baymax.

This big guy needs no real explanation: he’s adorable, hilariously funny and has a robotic heart of gold.

2. San Francisco is one of my favourite cities ever.

Ok, so the movie is set in San Fransokyo, a fictional combination of San Francisco and Tokyo, and the designers did an incredible job of combining the two cities; so clever! Picture the hills and streets of San Fran, with classic Japanese buildings scattered around, cable cars, brightly lit skyscrapers and the Golden Gate Bridge with a pagoda like structure, genius!

3. Honey Lemon is literally me as a Disney character

I literally gasped when she came on screen. Not only does she look like me (blonde-brown hair, glasses and a love of wearing yellow), but she’s a nerdy scientist, which is exactly who I was in school.

4. The smart kids are the cool kids.

This film is giving out a great message to the younger generations: using your brain and skills can revolutionise the way the world works, and anyone can be at the forefront of this change if they set their mind to it.

5. It teaches us that those we’ve lost are never truly gone.

Throughout the story, Baymax helps Hiro through the stages of grief that accompany the loss of a loved one, and quite literally proves that everyone lives on in your heart.

6. Baymax.

I mean, just look at him!

°o°

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Review: The Princess and the Frog

Today I watched The Princess and the Frog for the first time.

Until now I’ve been a little sceptical, being from a generation of the true classics, about how a new princess film would match up to something as legendary as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, but I was pleasantly surprised..

1. There is a character called Lottie – how could I not love that? (although I wish she had been a little less self-absorbed and money-orientated)

2. Not a magical kingdom far, far away.. – Mixing it up, Disney set the scene in Jazz-age New Orleans, with real life, hard-working parents James and Eudora raising their beautiful daughter Tiana.

3. That girl can work! – Tiana teaches little girls all over the world that dreams can come true if you work hard to make them a reality. Once again, Disney buck the traditional princess trend: Tiana’s ‘kingdom’ is the restaurant she built from scratch, and she continues to work post-coronation.

I wouldn’t put it in my top Disney films, and compared to other more recent princess films (I could watch Tangled all day), it doesn’t have me rushing to buy it on DVD, but I can’t say no to a good bit of breaking social norms!

Well worth a watch 🙂

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