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February 4, 2025

The Best Underrated Romance Films You’ve Never Heard Of

REAPER IS BACK AGAIN! Well, I hate February for obvious reasons, but I don’t really hate Romance films(even if I tell everyone that I hate romance as a genre). ANYWAY!

Romance. The genre that has given us everything from life-altering masterpieces (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, anyone?) to absolute trash (365 Days, looking directly at your cringefest). But today, we are not talking about the overrated, the talked-to-death, or the “Netflix keeps shoving this in my face” love stories. No, GEERDS, we are diving deep into the shadows of cinematic brilliance, the hidden gems that will make your heart combust with emotions you didn’t know you had. Prepare yourself. Also I keep forgetting to add my punchline, but…Catch a support chair or something, for this Reaper is going to change tones and sing you poetry…

Portrait of a Lady on Fire – AKA “Yearning: The Movie”

If you haven’t watched this masterpiece yet, I’m going to assume you hate yourself. Imagine 18th-century France, stunning cinematography, and two women falling for each other with so much tension that you could cut it with a butter knife. The sheer lack of a background score lets the silence and longing do all the work, and before you know it, you’re crying over a goddamn painting. It’s poetic, it’s devastating, and it’s art. Also, it’s French, so naturally, you’re contractually obligated to call it cinema with an obnoxious accent.

Before We Go – Chris Evans Doing Romance? Sold.

Captain America himself decided he was done throwing shields and wanted to throw us into a pit of FEELS. This indie romance follows two strangers wandering through New York City, having those deep-ass, late-night conversations that make you reevaluate your life. It’s soft, it’s melancholic, and it’s one of those movies that reminds you why fleeting connections can hit harder than full-on relationships. Also, Chris Evans directed it, meaning your brain is legally required to support this man.

In the Mood for Love – The Ultimate Lesson in Sexual Tension

Oh, you think you’ve seen slow-burn romance? Honey, no. This Wong Kar-wai masterpiece is the cinematic equivalent of two people standing two inches apart for an eternity and never actually touching, and yet it’s sexier than half the garbage Hollywood churns out. Every shot is dripping with tension, regret, and unspoken emotions, proving that sometimes, just existing near someone is enough to break your heart. Also, the cinematography is so good, you’ll feel like you’re committing a crime just by blinking.

The Half of It – The Queer Coming-of-Age We Deserve

Netflix actually did something right with this one, shocking, I know. The Half of It is a sapphic, modern-day Cyrano de Bergerac where our protagonist helps a clueless jock woo a girl she secretly loves. It’s awkward, adorable, and hits every single nerve of adolescent longing. The dialogues are sharp, the emotions are raw, and if you don’t feel personally attacked by at least one scene, congratulations, you’re emotionally stable

Like Crazy – Long-Distance Relationships Are The Worst

Anton Yelchin (rest in peace, you legend) and Felicity Jones take us on a journey of passion, separation, and sheer frustration that will make you want to scream into the void. It perfectly captures the painful reality of falling in love with someone when life is determined to keep you apart. The chemistry is off the charts, the emotions are too real, and by the end of it, you’ll want to throw your phone across the room because, damn it, love shouldn’t be this hard.

Your Name Engraved Herein – Pain. Just Pure, Undiluted Pain.

Taiwan really said, “You wanna cry? Say less.” This LGBTQ+ romance is set in the 80s, when homophobia was peak society, making it as heartbreaking as it is beautiful. The lead performances are stupidly good, the soundtrack will emotionally cripple you, and by the time the credits roll, you’ll be left staring at the ceiling, questioning every choice you’ve ever made.

Weekend – A Two-Day Romance That Feels Like A Lifetime

If you’re sick of Hollywood’s sanitized, straight-laced romances, Weekend is here to rip your soul out in the best way. This British indie follows two men who spend, you guessed it, a weekend together after a chance hookup. What follows is an intimate, painfully realistic exploration of connection, identity, and the sad reality that sometimes, the best things in life are fleeting. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it’s real.

One Day – Anne Hathaway’s Accent Aside, This One Hurts

This one’s for the masochists. One Day follows two people over the course of 20 years, checking in on them every July 15th. It’s charming, it’s funny, and then it emotionally stabs you in the gut when you least expect it. Anne Hathaway’s accent might be questionable, but the chemistry is undeniable, and the ending? Devastating.

Last but not the least – Better Days

Oh, you thought we were done? No, because Better Days exists, and it deserves to be screamed about. This Chinese romantic crime drama is a masterclass in pain and gut-wrenching storytelling. It follows a bullied high school girl and a delinquent-turned-bodyguard who find solace in each other amidst an unforgiving society. The romance is tender but brutal, showing how love doesn’t always come wrapped in a pretty bow. It’s raw, it’s haunting, and it will absolutely wreck you.

Final Thoughts: Watch These Before Hollywood Remakes Them and Ruins Everything

Romance films aren’t just about grand gestures and Nicholas Sparks-level melodrama. Sometimes, the best love stories are the quiet, indie masterpieces that slip under the radar while the mainstream clogs up our screens with predictable plots and forced chemistry. So go forth, watch these underrated gems, and prepare to have your soul wrecked. Just don’t blame me when you end up in a spiral of existential sadness. That’s on you.

February 3, 2025

Slow Burn vs. Love at First Sight – Which Romance Trope Reigns Supreme in Anime?

Ge-erdy Animes & Mangas

HEY! REAPER IS BACK! And it’s almost valentine’s! AND GUESS WHAT?! I’M STILL A LONE WOLF(A loser) who is satisfied just shipping his favorite anime characters! Today we’ll dive into Slow Burn vs Love at First Sight! Well, I’ve been in situationships and what not…but a long lasting relationship? Hell noo, my top notch conversation skills made sure none lasted more than three months…Ah I miss my ex…ANYWAY!

Ah yes, the eternal war of romance anime: Slow Burn vs. Love at First Sight. One takes its sweet-ass time, dragging us through enough awkward tension to give an entire fanbase anxiety. The other slaps two strangers together like a pair of Barbie dolls and says, “Now kiss.” Which one is superior? Which one is the true king of anime romance? And most importantly—why do we, as a society, tolerate some of the absolute dumpster fires that come out of both tropes? Buckle up, because we’re about to go full chaos mode on this.

Let’s start with slow burns. You know the drill: two characters spend an entire goddamn season (or five) refusing to acknowledge their feelings. There’s an accidental hand touch here, a dramatic stare there, and just when you think they’re about to confess—BOOM. Interruptions, misunderstandings, and enough UST (unresolved sexual tension) to fuel a thousand fanfics. If you’ve ever watched Toradora!, you know exactly what I mean. Taiga and Ryuuji spend 25 episodes bickering, fighting, and emotionally wrecking us before finally realizing, “Oh wait, maybe we love each other.” Bruh, we KNEW. We knew back in episode 3. But sure, make us suffer.

Or take Kaguya-sama: Love is War. It’s literally a psychological battle where two rich idiots refuse to be the first to confess because of pride. Imagine willingly losing at love because you don’t want to lose a pissing contest. If that’s not the most alpha Gen Z approach to romance, I don’t know what is.

Other elite slow burns include Clannad, where Tomoya and Nagisa take ages to get together, but at least they make us cry along the way.

Fruits Basket does the slow burn so well that we were practically begging for Kyo and Tohru to just kiss already.

And don’t forget My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, where Hachiman and Yukino give us a masterclass in socially awkward yearning.

March Comes in Like a Lion also deserves a mention, with Rei and Hina’s gradual relationship development making us sob in the best way possible.

Nodame Cantabile takes a different route by making us watch Chiaki slowly, excruciatingly, realize that Nodame is the love of his life after multiple seasons of denial.

Slow burns thrive on suffering. The writers know we’re desperate for that one moment of release—the first confession, the first kiss, the first time the characters admit they’re head-over-heels—and they milk the anticipation for seasons. It’s like watching a balloon inflate for 24 episodes, knowing damn well it’s gonna pop but still gasping when it finally does. And somehow, we love it. The angst, the longing, the emotional devastation—it’s addicting.

Now, let’s talk about Love at First Sight. Because some anime writers don’t believe in development or realistic relationships—they just yeet two characters into love like it’s a shoujo manga speedrun. Example number one: Your Name. I get it, it’s gorgeous, the music slaps, and the emotional gut-punch is legendary. But let’s be real—Mitsuha and Taki fell in love without ever having a real-ass conversation. They swapped bodies, wrote cute messages on their hands, and suddenly, they’re willing to defy the laws of time and space for each other. Damn. I can’t even get a text back.

And then there’s Sword Art Online. Oh, SAO, you chaotic disaster. Kirito meets Asuna, and in the span of five episodes, they go from party members to married with an adopted AI child. Meanwhile, we’ve got slow burn couples over here taking entire arcs to hold hands. Explain.

Other lightning-fast love stories include Plastic Memories, where Tsukasa and Isla fall for each other at hyperspeed before tragedy ensues.

Guilty Crown throws Shu and Inori into romance before they even know each other’s blood type.

Weathering With You, where Hodaka and Hina fall head over heels while literally fighting climate change.

Angel Beats! also rushes Otonashi and Kanade’s romance in the final moments of the show, because apparently, ghost love follows different physics.

Akame ga Kill straight-up throws Tatsumi and Mine into a relationship with zero warning, only to emotionally wreck us later.

Love-at-first-sight couples thrive on chaos. It’s the anime equivalent of getting hit by a truck (but in a good way). The romance just happens—no buildup, no logic, just immediate fireworks. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need. The world is burning, our attention spans are fried, and sometimes we just wanna see two idiots fall in love instantly with no existential crises in between.

So which trope is better? Honestly, both are flawed AF, and yet we keep eating this stuff up. Slow burns make us wait forever, and love-at-first-sight couples make us go, “Bro, do you even KNOW each other?” But in the end, as long as the chemistry is fire, the drama is spicy, and the ending doesn’t make us want to throw hands (looking at you, Clannad), we’ll keep coming back for more.

There’s also the hybrid approach, where an anime starts out slow but then hits warp speed toward the finish line. Think ReLIFE—the couple takes their sweet time developing, and then suddenly, BAM! Emotional climax.

Or Horimiya, where Hori and Miyamura start off with cute slow-burn energy before going full-speed-ahead into “we are obsessed with each other and everyone else can deal.”

Steins;Gate plays this hybrid game too, as Okabe and Kurisu spend most of the series bickering before their romance speeds up due to, you know, actual time travel stakes.

At the end of the day, anime romance is about emotional damage, whether it’s from the agony of waiting or the whiplash of characters falling for each other in record time. So tell me, fellow degenerates, which one do you stan? The pain of slow burn, or the absolute chaos of instant love? Either way, one thing is for sure—romance anime will never let us live in peace.

February 1, 2025

Streaming vs. Cinema: The Death of Theaters or a New Golden Age?

Ge-erdy Movies & Series

HEY IT’S YOUR FAVORITE TIME! (REAPER TIME!) Today’s blog is mostly gonna be a rant. Why? Because one of my dumbass friends—whose Netflix account I’ve been mooching off for years—forgot to pay his monthly subscription. So now? I’m a goddamn pirate! That’s right, I’m out here sailing the high seas of illegal streaming, dodging ads for shady gambling sites and Russian wives waiting for me a mile away, all because streaming services have officially lost their damn minds.

So, is this the future? Are theaters going the way of Blockbuster, or is this just another plot twist? Let’s dive in. Spoiler alert: Hollywood ain’t ready for what’s coming.

Act 1: The Rise of the Stream Gods

Once upon a time, in a land before Netflix & Chill, if you wanted to watch a movie, you had to go to a theater. No exceptions. No piracy. No infinite content buffet at your fingertips. It was the Wild West of cinema—limited screenings, overpriced tickets, and the deep, primal fear of sitting next to a popcorn-chewing psychopath.

Then, BAM! Netflix shows up in the early 2000s like, “Hey losers, what if you didn’t have to wear pants to watch a movie?” And just like that, people lost their damn minds. Fast-forward to today, and we’ve got Netflix, Disney+, Max (because apparently HBO was too cool), Prime Video, Apple TV+, and approximately 78 other services that your broke ass can’t afford.

Act 2: The Theaters Are Bleeding (But Are They Dead?)

Now, movie theaters are struggling harder than a Marvel movie trying to get good CGI. The pandemic delivered a Fatality (yes, Mortal Kombat-style) to cinemas, forcing even the biggest studios to throw their movies onto streaming faster than your ex moving on. Warner Bros. straight-up dropped their 2021 lineup on HBO Max the same day as theaters, and that was the moment Hollywood realized, “Oh sh*t, we might be in trouble.”

Since then, theaters have been scrambling to get butts back in seats. Top Gun: Maverick and Barbenheimer gave them a shot of adrenaline, but let’s be real—outside of huge blockbusters, nobody’s rushing to see Oscar-bait dramas in theaters anymore.

We’re living in a world where people would rather watch Dune on a 6-inch phone screen while sitting on the toilet than in IMAX. That’s madness, but also… kinda convenient?

Act 3: Streaming Ain’t Perfect, Either

Now, before you go all-in on your “Cinema is dead, old man” hot takes, let’s talk about how streaming is also kinda screwing us over.

Too Many Subscriptions – You wanna watch Stranger Things? Netflix. The Boys? Prime Video. House of the Dragon? Max. Oh, and don’t forget Disney+ for your Marvel and Star Wars fix. Wanna see that one artsy movie that no one’s heard of? Well, congrats, now you need MUBI. Before you know it, you’re spending more on subscriptions than you would on actual movie tickets.
Content Overload – There are too many damn shows and movies. Every week, a new series drops, and if you don’t watch it within 48 hours, Twitter (X? Whatever) will spoil everything.
The Death of Quality? – Since streamers need endless content, they’ve started churning out half-baked movies faster than McDonald’s cranks out burgers. Not everything needs to be a damn 10-episode series, Netflix!

The Verdict: Is Cinema Dead?

Not quite, my popcorn-munching friend. Theaters will survive—barely. Studios have realized that people will still show up for Event Movies (Avatar 2, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Oppenheimer), so we’ll see more blockbusters keeping theaters alive. Meanwhile, streaming will continue to dominate, but with so many services, piracy might make a big ol’ comeback (raise your hand if you miss LimeWire).

So yeah, we’re in a weird in-between phase. Maybe one day, AI will just inject movies directly into our brains, but until then? Just enjoy the chaos.

Now, go rewatch Fight Club on whatever platform you illegally borrowed an account for. Cheers. 🍿

February 1, 2025

Epic Store Free Game (30th Jan)

Ge-erdy Games

Welcome back to another mini-blog (it’s definitely not coz I’m too lazy to write a proper one), where I, Sloth, talk briefly about the game that’s currently free in the Epic Games Store.

Undying is a survival game set in a world overrun by zombies. A mother, Anling, has been bitten by a zombie and wants to get her son, Cody, to safety. We have to ensure Cody’s survival in this zombie-infested world by protecting him, searching for safety, and teaching him valuable skills at any cost. There are multiple NPCs we have to interact with, and the decisions we make can change the outcome of the story. There is a crafting system and the items one crafts could change the difficulty of the game by a lot.

There are 14 major locations on the map and they will be spread out in a variety of layouts, giving us that element of surprise all gamers hold dear. They even mention David Brevik helped design the dungeons! And how can it be a proper apocalypse if you don’t have a cute kitten as a pet? There are different mutations of zombies, and the devs warn us the story could be a tear-jerker!

Moral of the blog? Dare prove the devs wrong on that last sentence? So long, peeps. Happy procrastinating!

January 29, 2025

The Biggest Oscar Robberies: When the Academy Played Us All

Ge-erdy Movies & Series

Welcome back, GEERDS! Reaper is back with his rambling,,,uh, I mean blog! These days a lot of robberies have been taking place in my locality. Well not jewellery and stuff but hearts. There’s this new hottie in the town and everyone’s losing their mind over her…everyone but your very own SIGMA(loser) REAPER! Because well, all I’ve been doing is plan new articles for y’all also a new project(Spoiler: I’m not telling you what…yet!) Anyway!

The Oscars: that one night a year when Hollywood pats itself on the back, and Twitter (sorry, X) erupts into chaos. While the Academy loves to pretend they’re all about cinematic excellence, sometimes they hand out awards like they’re picking raffle tickets. Over the years, we’ve seen actors absolutely destroy their roles, only to get left in the dust by someone who just had a better Oscar campaign (side-eyes the Academy). Let’s take a stroll through some of the most unhinged moments when actors were basically robbed of their well-deserved Oscars.

Glenn Close – The Wife (2017): The Oscars Said “Not Today” (Again)

At this point, Glenn Close needs to put “8-time Oscar nominee, 0-time winner” in her Instagram bio. Everyone knew this was her year. She gave an absolute masterclass in The Wife, playing a woman who spent years in the shadow of her egotistical husband. The hype was real. Even Olivia Colman, who actually won for The Favourite, was like, “Uhh, sorry, Glenn.” And yet, the Academy ghosted her again.

Bradley Cooper – A Star is Born (2018): “Just Wanna Take Another Look at You” (Winning an Oscar, That Is)

Bradley Cooper gave everything in A Star is Born—acting, singing, directing, looking like a tragic yet hot rock star. People were convinced this was his moment. But nah, the Academy decided Rami Malek lip-syncing as Freddie Mercury (no shade, but also, a little shade) in Bohemian Rhapsody was the move. Bradley was so done, he didn’t even get nominated for Best Director. Hollywood, explain yourselves.

Amy Adams – American Hustle (2013): The Academy’s Favorite “Always a Bridesmaid” Actress

Amy Adams could literally cure diseases on-screen, and the Academy would still be like, “Eh, not this year.” Her performance in American Hustle was chef’s kiss—deceptive, magnetic, and just the right amount of unhinged. The girl was working. But instead of finally giving her an Oscar, they handed it to Cate Blanchett for Blue Jasmine. Like, Cate was amazing, sure, but Amy Adams is out here stacking nominations like Infinity Stones with no payoff. Justice for Amy.

Peter O’Toole – Lawrence of Arabia (1962): When the Academy Decided Excellence Was Overrated

Peter O’Toole was Lawrence of Arabia. No, really. His performance was so good that people were convinced he actually was T.E. Lawrence in real life. But did the Academy give him an Oscar? Nope. Instead, they gave it to Gregory Peck for To Kill a Mockingbird. Now, don’t get me wrong, Atticus Finch supremacy forever, but how do you snub one of the greatest performances in cinema history? O’Toole ended his career with eight nominations and zero wins. The disrespect is astronomical.

Marlee Matlin – CODA (2021): The Academy Forgot She Existed, Apparently

CODA won Best Picture, which is great and all, but where was Marlee Matlin’s nomination? Like, did the Academy just forget she was in the movie? She already made history as the first (and only) deaf actor to win an Oscar back in the ’80s, but when she delivered yet another stunning performance in CODA, they just… ignored her? Make it make sense.

So, Why Does This Keep Happening?

The Oscars aren’t just about talent (which is already a red flag). Sometimes, it’s about who has the better campaign, which studio has more money to push their film, or which actor Hollywood feels like rewarding that year. Other times, it’s just plain chaos—like when La La Land won Best Picture for two minutes before the Academy was like, “JK, it’s Moonlight.” The truth is, winning an Oscar is a mix of politics, luck, and whether or not the Academy voters had enough coffee before filling out their ballots.

At the end of the day, some of the greatest actors in history have walked away from the Oscars empty-handed. But you know what? Twitter (again, sorry, X) will never let us forget these robberies. And honestly, isn’t that the real award? No? Okay, fine.

So, dear Academy, do better. And give Glenn Close her damn Oscar.

January 28, 2025

The Oscar-Winning Legends: Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron

Ge-erdy Animes & Mangas

HEYA, GUYS! REAPER’S BACK AGAIN! And well before we get into today’s topic…BIG NEWS! I PASSED MY 11TH SEMESTER. The next semester starts soon and well I’m shifting to a new home soon. Oh, how I wish I got an oscar for this daily life of dramatic scenarios…ANYWAY today we’re getting into Oscars again and this time my favorite Studio Ghibli.

Japanese animation has always been a treasure trove of compelling storytelling and breathtaking artistry. Among its many gems, two masterpieces stand tall, having achieved the ultimate recognition in Western cinema: the coveted Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. These films, Spirited Away (2001) and The Boy and the Heron (2023), showcase the artistic heights of anime and reflect its universal appeal. Let’s dive into the magic that brought these two works to Oscar glory. So, catch a support chair or something, for this Reaper is going to change tones and sing you poetry.

Spirited Away (2001)

Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Oscar Win: 75th Academy Awards (2003)

Plot

Spirited Away tells the story of 10-year-old Chihiro, who stumbles into a mysterious, supernatural world after her parents are transformed into pigs. Trapped in a realm ruled by the witch Yubaba, Chihiro works in a magical bathhouse while uncovering secrets about her mysterious friend Haku and struggling to find a way to break the curse on her parents.

Themes

Coming of Age: Chihiro transforms from a scared, whiny child into a brave and resourceful young girl.
Identity and Memory: Characters must remember who they are to escape the spiritual realm.
Environmentalism: The polluted river spirit symbolizes humanity’s neglect of nature.
Japanese Folklore: The spirits and creatures draw heavily from Shinto traditions.

Why It Won

Visual Splendor: Miyazaki’s hand-drawn animation is exquisite, immersing viewers in a world of surreal beauty and detail.
Universal Themes: The journey of self-discovery resonates with audiences of all ages.
Cultural Authenticity: The film introduced global viewers to uniquely Japanese aesthetics and storytelling.
Critical Acclaim: Praised as a modern fairy tale, Spirited Away earned rave reviews from critics worldwide.
Emotional Depth: Its characters, even minor ones, evoke genuine empathy.

The Boy and the Heron (2023)

Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Oscar Win: 96th Academy Awards (2024)

Plot

In The Boy and the Heron, Mahito, a grieving boy who has lost his mother during World War II, moves to the countryside with his father. His life takes a surreal turn when a mysterious gray heron lures him into an otherworldly tower. Inside, Mahito navigates a world that blurs the lines between reality and dreams as he searches for closure and understanding.

Themes

Grief and Healing: Mahito’s journey is an exploration of loss and the resilience of the human spirit.
War and Destruction: The film subtly critiques the devastation wrought by war, particularly in Japan.
Life and Death: It presents death not as an end, but as a cycle intertwined with life.
Fantasy and Reality: The film’s dreamlike sequences invite viewers to interpret their meanings personally.

Why It Won

Miyazaki’s Legacy: As possibly his final film, it’s a culmination of decades of mastery in storytelling.
Philosophical Depth: The film explores profound existential questions in ways both accessible and profound.
Innovative Visuals: The surreal landscapes and stunning animation push the boundaries of the medium.
Global Themes: The universal nature of grief and resilience resonated across cultures.
Critical and Fan Acclaim: Universally praised for its ambition and emotional weight, it solidified Miyazaki’s status as an unparalleled storyteller.

The Legacy of Anime at the Oscars

Both films highlight the power of anime as more than just a genre—it’s a medium capable of deep emotional resonance and stunning visual artistry. Spirited Away introduced the West to the richness of Japanese animation, and The Boy and the Heron cemented its place as an enduring force in cinema.

Their Oscar wins not only brought global recognition to Studio Ghibli but also opened doors for countless other anime films to be appreciated on the world stage. With their timeless stories, these films continue to inspire audiences and creators alike.

January 27, 2025

Oscars 2025 Predictions: Who Will Take Home the Gold?

Ge-erdy Movies & Series

Ladies, gentlemen, and film fanatics, Reaper is back, for the time is nigh! The 2025 Oscars are upon us, and I’m here to dish out my predictions for who’s taking home those golden statues. Whether you’re in it for the cinematic triumphs or just to see who trips on stage (it happens more often than you think), this year’s lineup is stacked. So, let’s roll out the red carpet for some educated guesses—and a healthy dose of gut feeling.

Best Picture

It’s a battle royale of epic proportions this year. Among the contenders are, “Anora”, “The Brutalist”, “A Complete Unknown”, “Conclave”, “Dune: Part Two”, “Emilia Perez”, “I’m Still Here”, “Nickel Boys”, “The Substance”, “Wicked”. My money? “Dune: Part Two” seems like the safe bet for its raw world building, characterization, plot, cinematography and the themes that it covers, which are both frightening and mind bending. But oh well it’s the Academy we’re talking about…(I’m literally gonna lose my mind if Emilia Perez wins! It shouldn’t even be on this list!”) Oh well my second bet is “The Brutalist”, I mean I see History/Drama, I munch it down, but honestly this epic 3 hours 35 minutes movie was worth every second.

Best Actor in a Leading Role

This year, we have a mix of seasoned legends and breakout stars. Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”), Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknow”), Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing“), Ralph Fiennes(“Conclave“), Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice“). Timothée’s performance has been called career-defining (again), but Adrien is back with his masterclass in acting and that’s hard to ignore. My pick? Chalamet edges this one out by a whisker, but it’s anyone’s game (Well I want him to get out of that sad phase of “so close yet so far”).

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Oh, the drama in this category! We’ve got Cynthia Erivo (“Wicked”), Karla Sofía Gascón (“Emilia Pérez”), Mikey Madison (“Anora“), Demi Moore (“The Substance“), Fernanda Torres (“I’m Still Here“). My heart says Demi, but my gut says Karla could pull an upset(Please! No awards for Emilia Pérez!”).

Best Directing

Sean Baker (“Anora”), Brady Corbet (“The Brutalist”), James Mangold (“A Complete Unknown”), Jacques Audiard (“Emilia Pérez“), Coralie Fargeat (“The Substance“). Don’t ask me “What’s Emilia Pérez doing here as well?” (Honestly, I’d love to get the answer to that myself!). My prediction? Brady Corbet grabs it, but wouldn’t it be poetic if Sean Baker snatched it? (I’m still mad about the fact that Denis Villeneuve wasn’t nominated! It’s not as it was written!”)

Best Writing (Original Screenplay)

Originality is the name of the game here. “Anora” and “The Brutalist” are strong contenders, but “A Real Pain” stands out for me because of its unique narrative and character development and how relatable it is. If the Academy values storytelling finesse over flashy concepts, this could be the dark horse winner.

Best Animated Feature Film

It’s hard to overlook “Inside Out 2”, the feel-good animation that took the world by storm. But “Flow” has the artsy vibe that Academy voters eat up. My guess? “Inside Out 2” takes it out—pun intended.

Final Thoughts: Who’s Your Pick?

There you have it, folks—a breakdown of what’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive Oscars in years. Whether I’m spot-on or totally off, one thing’s for sure: the speeches, the fashion, and the memes will be unforgettable. Now, over to you—who do you think will take home the gold? Drop your predictions in the comments below!

January 25, 2025

Edge of Your Seat: 10 Thriller Anime That’ll Mess With Your Mind and Your Sleep Schedule

Ge-erdy Animes & Mangas

HEY THIS IS REAPER BACK AGAIN! I know…I know…I haven’t been able to write as many blogs I would like to…but HEY! The other GEERDS are doing amazing! Just like Sloth with his games, Scarlett with her amazing posts in our social media sites, Pixie Quill with her deep analysis, Enchanted Potato with his Dark mysteries…and guess what?! Another cutie has joined us, Flossy Fuff! Her first post is about BLACK SWAN! I mean, seriously, these psych majors are like human MRI machines. They’ll scan your soul, spill your secrets, and probably diagnose your existential crises for free. AND ALSO ALSO ALSO—hold on to your anime body pillows—Nasty is now our collaborator! His animations are so sick (not literally, don’t panic) you’ll want to tattoo them on your eyeballs. Go stalk our Insta, and you’ll know what I’m talking about!

Anyway, let’s get to it. Thriller anime—because why not add some existential dread to your insomnia? If you’re looking for mind games, plot twists, and enough suspense to turn your hair gray, you’re in for a treat. Grab your popcorn, lock your doors, and let’s dive in!

Death Note – The OG of Mental Chess Matches

So, what happens when a bored teen with a god complex finds a notebook that lets him kill people? Utter chaos, that’s what. Death Note is the blueprint for psychological warfare, complete with a battle of wits between Light Yagami, our resident morally dubious genius, and L, the quirky detective who never heard of chairs. Watch it for the tension. Stay for the potato chip scene. (If you know, you know.)

Monster – Morality’s Gray Area

Here’s the pitch: a brilliant surgeon saves a kid’s life. Years later, turns out that kid’s a sociopath who ruins everything. You’ll spend 74 episodes pondering humanity’s deepest questions while praying Dr. Tenma survives his “I saved the wrong person” regret arc. It’s like a true-crime doc but with extra existential dread.

Paranoia Agent – A Fever Dream With a Baseball Bat

Is it social commentary? Is it just trippy? Honestly, it’s both. This anime starts with a mysterious bat-wielding figure attacking people and spirals into the kind of storytelling that makes you doubt reality. Perfect for those nights when you’re already sleep-deprived and want your brain to melt.

Mirai Nikki (Future Diary) – Red Flags: The Anime

Imagine if your phone could predict the future, but the catch is you’re stuck in a death game where everyone’s trying to kill each other. Enter Yuno Gasai, the poster child for “yandere” and the reason every guy on TikTok now questions their type. Watch it for the twists. Stay because you’re too scared to stop.

Erased – Time Travel, Trauma, and Tears

This one’s a mix of murder mystery and emotional gut punches. Satoru gets thrown back in time to prevent the kidnapping of his childhood friend, and honestly? It’s a masterclass in “how much pain can we pack into 12 episodes?” Keep tissues handy. You’ll need them.

Kaiji – Gambling With Your Life (Literally)

Debt is scary. Kaiji is scarier. This anime is about gambling… but on steroids. You’ll sweat through every high-stakes game and probably start side-eyeing your Monopoly board because nothing will ever feel innocent again.

Perfect Insider – The Locked Room Mystery You’ll Obsess Over

One murder. One isolated location. Endless questions. This anime is for the Sherlocks out there who love piecing together puzzles while simultaneously wondering why all the characters are so insufferably cool.

Beautiful Bones: Sakurako’s Investigation – CSI: Anime Edition

If crime-solving and gorgeous visuals are your jam, this one’s for you. Sakurako, a bone-loving forensic genius, dives into murder mysteries while making you wonder if you should start your own bone collection (spoiler: don’t).

Psycho-Pass – Big Brother’s Watching (and He’s Got a Gun)

Set in a dystopian future where your mental state determines if you’re a criminal, this show is the ultimate mind-bender. The action is slick, the tech is futuristic, and the moral dilemmas? Chef’s kiss. Bonus: the Dominator gun is cooler than your entire existence.

Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance) – Explosive Drama (Literally)

Teen terrorists with a tragic backstory and puzzles that would make the Riddler jealous? Yes, please. This anime delivers intense action and heart-wrenching moments while making you root for the “bad guys.” It’s complex, emotional, and will leave you staring at the ceiling at 4 AM.

Final Thoughts: Thrill Me, Baby!

There you have it—10 thriller anime guaranteed to mess with your mind and maybe make you question your own moral compass. Watch them. Obsess over them. And then come back to yell at me for wrecking your sanity. You’re welcome, by the way.

Now, go forth and binge responsibly… or don’t. Just don’t blame me when you’re avoiding mirrors after Paranoia Agent. Stay weird, my anime fiends!

January 25, 2025

Gaming Phones: Devices Running Console Games With Smaller Screens

Ge-erdy Tech

Now, now, I know I haven’t posted in this category for quite some time now. And that’s why we’re here today! I had promised a blog on PC peripherals, but before that, I think I should do our mobile gaming friends some justice and make a blog about them too. Especially since phones are becoming more and more capable of doing heavy tasks that would’ve required a laptop some few years ago. I do know there hasn’t been any mobile game release recently that would push these top phones to their limits, but hey! Who can predict the future?

Sup peeps, Sloth here, and if you haven’t guessed already, today’s topic will be mobiles and their specs. We’ll go from low-range to mid-range, to top-of-the-line phones, where basically every mobile is a premium gaming one. Let’s begin, shall we?

Starting with lower budget phones, we got the Infinix GT 20 Pro at $259 approximately. It shares many similarities with its predecessor, Infinix GT 10 Pro, with the boxy body, sharp edges, the three rear cameras with neon strips in the background, and more. It is 7 grams heavier too, with 194 grams. We have the volume and power buttons on the right and a USB Type-C port at the bottom. Sadly, there’s no 3.5 mm audio jack. Let’s talk about the gaming aesthetics. There’s an RGB light setup at the back, with 8 colour combinations and 4 lighting effects. You can not only set custom lights for specific notifications, but the lights also adjust to the beats of the music you’re playing and sync with the game you’re running for that cool gamer look. The phone itself comes in 3 colour variations, Mecha Orange, Mecha Silver and Mecha Blue.

The Infinix GT 20 Pro offers a 6.78-inch (17.22 cm) Full-HD+ (1080×2346 pixels) AMOLED flat display with 144 Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits peak brightness. It features dual stereo JBL speakers. With MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate, 8 GB/12 GB LPPDR5X RAM and 256 GB 3.1 storage, it’s AnTuTu score is… wait for it… 936985!!! Yes, close to a million and it’s not even $300! It even has a dedicated graphics chip made with PixelWorks which enhances SDR content to HDR. It utilises VC Liquid cooling tech, and also has a GT Cooling Fan you can buy separately for greater cooling. There is a 108 MP main camera with OIS, and two 2 MP cameras for macro and portrait shots. It also has a 32 MP punch-hole front camera. Speaking of battery, it has 5000 mAh and 45 W charging. In PCMark’s battery test, it took nearly 10 hours for the battery to drop from 100 to 20 percent. In short, this phone is perfect if you’re a gamer with a tight budget. But keep it in mind, there are other phones with better cameras in this segment.

Moving over to mid-budget, we have OnePlus 12R at $499, for those who want a flagship phone but at a lower price. The display looks premium, with curved glasses on the front and back and a solid matte aluminium frame. There are 3 colour variants, Iron Gray, Cool Blue and Sunset Dune. It’s got that big circular camera module that can only be found in OnePlus mobiles. It features a 6.78-inch (17.22 cm) AMOLED curved display (2780×1264 pixels) with 120 Hz refresh rate and 4500 nits peak brightness. It has IP64 rating, stereo speakers and weighs 207 grams. There is also an IR sensor at the top and an alert slider on the left. You also get features like Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support.

It is powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with 8 GB/16 GB LPDDR5X RAM and 128 GB UFS 3.1/256 GB UFS 4.0 storage, and offers OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14. Its AnTuTu score is 1473559. OnePlus promises 3 years of software updates and 4 years of security updates for the OnePlus 12R, a year less than what the company is offering with the OnePlus 12. The camera department sets this phone fairly apart from the flagships, as it uses the same cameras it did in OnePlus 11R. A 50 MP Sony IMX890 main camera with OIS, 8 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP macro and 16 MP front camera. You can record steady videos up to 4K 60 fps with the primary sensor.

It has a 5500 mAh battery and 100 W charging support. The phone also delivered an impressive 20 hours in the PCMark battery test. The R series in OnePlus’ lineup has reached a point where you question whether it makes sense to invest in the brand’s premium flagship. The OnePlus 12R gets several terrific upgrades which would make me suggest it over the OnePlus 12 purely for the value it offers, with the camera being the only downside. Simply put, I would recommend the OnePlus 12R to anyone looking for a fast Android phone with a clean software experience and good battery life, but not to someone looking for pro-grade cameras.

At the top budget, almost every phone can run games extremely well. There’s iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung S25 Ultra for those who want cameras, performance and display all together, but we will focus on two other phones. First, Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro has 6.78-inch (17.22 cm) AMOLED display with 2500 nits peak brightness and 165 Hz, with a Game Sense feature that bumps it up to 185 Hz. It also has IP68 dust and water resistance. Gaming is still where Asus’ smartphones set themselves apart, and AirTriggers, Asus’ version of shoulder buttons, is one of the most unique ways that they do so. They also have haptic feedback for added immersion. There’s an AniMe version that creates a display on the back with 648 LEDs. You can display time, battery level, a custom GIF or even play a couple of games.

As one would expect from a flagship smartphone, especially one focused on performance, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro boasts a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, with a whopping 24 GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1 TB 4.0 storage. The cameras include a 50 MP Sony Lytia 700 main camera with 6-axis hybrid gimbal image stabilization, 32 MP telephoto camera, 13 MP ultrawide camera and a 32 MP front camera. There is a 5800 mAh battery and supports 65 W fast charging. The AnTuTu score is 3110000 and gave more than 13 hours in the PCMark test.

The 2nd phone we will talk about is the REDMAGIC 10 Pro featuring a 6.85-inch (17.39 cm) AMOLED display with 2000 nits peak brightness and 144 Hz refresh rate. It comes in 4 colour variants, Moonlight, Dusk, Shadow and Lightspeed. Speaking of performance, it has the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset too, with 24 GB LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and 1 TB UFS 4.1 Pro ROM, making multi-tasking a breeze, even more so than other flagships. It also has an AI-powered chip, the Red Core R3 for double frame insertion, 2K upscaling and more. As usual, it has dual stereo speakers, enhanced by DTS Ultra certification and Qualcomm Snapdragon sound.

The cameras are a 50 MP main camera with OIS (duh), a 50 MP ultrawide, a 2 MP macro and a 16 MP under display front camera. Yes, the front camera is under the screen, so its not visible. You can record 8k videos at 30 fps with the main camera. And there’s no camera bump on the back, the body is fully flat. And… that starts the list of unique features this phone has. There’s a 7050 mAh dual battery and 100 W fast charging. The thing that sets this phone completely apart? A high-speed turbofan that has cool RGB lights and a speed of 23000 RPM. The AnTuTu score is 3102960 and PCMark test gives 11 hours.

So, that was it for today. Hope you found something to your liking. There are many other phones you can game on, but that would make the blog too long. Let us know down in the comments which phone you’re using and/or plan to buy. Moral of the blog? I’ll probably buy Nothing 3a Plus when it comes out. So long, peeps. Happy procrastinating!

January 24, 2025

Epic Store Free Game (23rd Jan)

Ge-erdy Games

Wassup, Ge-erds! I’m Sloth and today we’re talking about the game that’s free in the Epic Games Store from 23rd to 30th Jan. Mind you, it’s no AAA title, but an indie one.

Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery is a vivid, interactive fiction about an aspiring artist on the cusp of finishing the final piece of her gallery submission. You guide her brush strokes and solve a variety of puzzles to help her complete her masterpiece. The game can be played at any pace. You’ll slowly find yourself getting immersed in the panoramic world filled with resplendent colors, beautiful hand-animated visuals, and a smooth, easy-listening soundtrack. Each painting has it’s own story to tell. You can also take coffee and breakfast breaks.

It is inspired by Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli visuals. A game perfect for when you’re feeling sleepy and want to play for 10-15 minutes before heading to bed.

Moral of the blog? There’s no moral, just claim it for when you’ll need it later. So long, peeps. Happy procrastinating!