Characters Reading: Prince Henry (Red, White & Royal Blue)

In this scene from the movie Red, White & Royal Blue, Prince Henry at night was reading the classic novel, Howards End by E.M. Forster. Henry is a total bookworm, he reads a lot of books and seems to enjoy talking about them and references them. Anyway, back to this scene, Henry didn't get a chance to finish reading because First Son Alexander Claremont-Diaz unexpectantly showed up to Kensington Palace. Henry had been ignoring Alex's calls, so Alex got on a plane and flew out to see him. He not only wanted answers to why Henry was ignoring his calls but to also declare his love for him even though he didn't think Henry would do the same. Which set up a very important and passionate converstation between them which highlighted how complicated Henry believed his life was. And although he loves Alex, he may not be able to live the life that he wants due to his royal status.

I love this movie, it's been a while since I've seen it. Maybe I'll rewatch it sometime this week or the weekend. And at some point I'm going to read the book Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

(Red, White & Royal Blue)

Happy Election Day! (+ a Geeky Holiday List)

If you haven't already, please make sure to vote today. Also, if you haven't registered to vote check to see if you live in a state that allows you to register and vote on the same day. Go to vote.org to find all the information about voting.

Today and probably the next few days are going to be stressful. Here's a quick reminder that it’s okay to take a break from all the election news. Don’t keep checking or scrolling through the news all day. So, to give yourself a break, put down or turn off your phone. Don't watch the news or election result shows. Here is a small list of things you can do: watch shows and movies that interest you. Spend time out in nature or go for a walk. Listen to music that interest you. Draw or knit. Hopefully, you will find something to do that interest you so you're not stressed.

Election Day is a stressful day, eventually we will know the results, so until then, take a deep breath (or several) and try your best to relax. And as always don't forget to vote. Below is a small Election themed Geeky Holiday List, for more, here are my other lists: (1, 2 and 3).

Art of the Day: Alex and Henry (Red, White & Royal Blue)

Artwork: Alex and Henry by Hann (artofobsession)

Entertainment News #57: 9-1-1: Lone Star, Rescue: Hi-Surf and Red, White & Royal Blue

- 9-1-1: Lone Star fans we don't have to wait too much longer for the fifth season (which may also be the finale season). The new season will premiere Monday, September 23rd on FOX. I'm still wondering what the Showrunner and writers are going to do about Grace Ryder and how they will explain her not being there. I know the show is going to open up with a train derailment emergency but I wonder what else is in store for all the characters?

Quote: Alex Claremont-Diaz (Red, White & Royal Blue)

Happy Pride Month Alex Claremont-Diaz!

(Red, White & Royal Blue)

Good morning.

Henry and I have been together since the beginning of this year. As many of you have already read, we've struggled every day with what this means for our families, our countries and our futures. And while neither of us is naive about what it means to be public figures, we never imagined our most private and intimate thoughts, fears and truths would become fodder for public examination.

What was taken from us this week was our right to determine for ourselves how and when we should share our relationship and queer identities with the world. The truth is, every queer person has the right to come out on their own terms and on their own timeline. They also have the right to choose not to come out at all. The forced conformity of the closet cannot be answered with forced conformity in coming out of it.

This isn't about shame. This is about privacy and the fundamental right of self-determination, which are exactly the principles on which the struggle for queer liberation has always been fought. But there is another truth that's much simpler. I fell in love with a person who happens to be a man, and that man happens to be a prince. He has captured my heart and made my life immeasurably better.

I love His Royal Highness, Prince Henry George Edward James Hanover-Stuart Fox. I hope one day we'll have the opportunity to be public about our relationship on our own terms.

Thank you.

~ Alexander Claremont-Diaz, Red, White & Royal Blue

Art of the Day: Prince Henry and Alex Claremont-Diaz (Red, White & Royal Blue)

Artwork: Henry and Alex by Ash (seanchaidh7)

As a way to support artists, I try to post links to their stores if they have one. You can purchase various art pieces and other items from the artist's account: Ko-fi.

Entertainment New #52: Red, White & Royal Blue Movie Sequel

I know I should be sleep, I have a busy day tomorrow (well, today) but I saw this announcement and had to post it. A little before midnight, the Red, White & Royal Blue on Prime Video Instagram account posted the announcement simply stating "announce a Red, White & Royal Blue sequel is in the works? ok."

Fans have been eagerly awaiting this announcement and now it's here. I can't believe it. I loved the first movie (I still have to read the book) but I'm so happy that this movie is getting a sequel. Director Matthew López will return to write the script for the sequel alongside Casey McQuiston (who is the author of the book Red, White & Royal Blue).

Quote: Prince Henry and Alex Claremont-Diaz (Red, White & Royal Blue)

Henry: There's this charity polo match in Windsor next month that my mate Percy's foundation organizes. I, uh...I was wondering if you might want to be my guest.

Alex: Oh! Um... I don't know how to play polo.

Henry: Damn! Well, I suppose that will be all right, seeing as you won't be playing. I will. You'll be watching on the sidelines.

Alex: Great! That's probably safer for everyone.

Henry: Yeah, agreed.

~ Prince Henry and Alexander Claremont-Diaz, Red, White & Royal Blue

(gif Source: userkhael (hyprfixations)

(Red, White & Royal Blue)

Fashion Meets Fandom: Zahra Bankston

In the movie Red, White & Royal Blue, Zahra Bankston is The Deputy Chief of Staff for President Ellen Claremont. I would describe Zahra as being smart, tough and no-nonsense and whose opinion is direct and to the point. She is the epitome of all business. She has an extremely important job and you can tell that her career is very important to her. Which is why I wasn't surprised that her wardrobe throughout the movie is very business chic. In most of her scenes, Zahra wore chic and sophisticated dresses (sometimes paired with blazers), blouses, turtlenecks and pants.

Quote: Alex Claremont-Diaz and Zahra Bankston

Alex: Can I just point out that the royal family are purely figurehead? They serve no elective role whatsoever.

Zahra: Oh, unlike you, whose role is clearly spelled out in Article Nothing of the U.S. Constitution!

Alex: (laughs mockingly) Zahra.

Zahra: And you are going there to work. No hookups, no partying. You can hate Prince Henry all you want, but the minute you see a camera, you better act like the sun shines out of his ass and you have a vitamin D deficiency.

Alex: You know...

Zahra: And there is no getting out of this.

Alex: Oh, yeah? What if I set myself on fire?

Zahra: We'd ship the ashes to Heathrow.

~ Alexander Claremont-Diaz and Zahra Bankston, Red, White & Royal Blue

(gif Source: hischiersdraisaitl)

(Red, White & Royal Blue)

Video: Red, White & Royal Blue: "Campfire" Deleted Scene

Amazon Prime recently released this deleted campfire scene from the Red, White & Royal Blue movie. And I can't understand why it wasn't included in the film because it added so much to the story. It might seem like a simple yet romantic scene of Prince Henry telling this wonderful fairytale to Alex Claremont-Diaz. But it was more than that. The story is about a Prince wearing a suit of armor to protect his heart (and himself). However, the love of a Peasant Boy found a way to break that armor. But there was one small piece of the armor over his heart the Prince tried his best to hold on to. It's also interesting that Henry said that if the Prince always wore the armor nothing would ever happen to him.

Again, this Campfire scene added to the story because it ties into two scenes: the hook up after the White House party and Alex showing up in the rain at Kensington Palace. At the beginning of this Campfire scene, Alex brought up the moment after they first hooked up after the White House party. During that scene Henry said they should keep it casual because he couldn't afford for Alex to fall in love with him. This was played off as a joke as well as Alex thinking Henry was being self-centered, arrogant or presumptive. However, instead this scene showed that Henry was trying to protect his heart. Throughout the movie, Henry tried his best to keep his heart protected and not fall in love with Alex.

Despite what was said after they first hooked up about keeping this casual, there was absolutely nothing casual about this relationship. They both fell in love with each other, the only thing is Alex allowed himself to. While Henry knowing that he couldn't do so freely tried his best not to. As for the second scene this Campfire scene ties into, is Alex showing up at Kensington Palace in the rain. After Henry ends things with Alex, which equates to him leaving in the middle of night without saying anything and not returning Alex's calls. Which understandably had Alex wanting answers, so he traveled to Kensington Palace to talk to Henry. Included in their passionate conversation was Alex saying to Henry "And you can live in your tower and protect your heart for the rest of your life, and nothing will ever happen to you. But Henry...nothing will ever happen to you." This perfectly goes back to the story Henry had told Alex about the Prince wearing the armor.

This is why I think the Campfire scene should have been included in the film, it provided additional information and insight into Henry's motive for not wanting to fall in love with Alex. Or have Alex fall in love with him. Because Henry's stodgy and pompous royal life didn't allow for such romantic liberties especially for someone such as himself who was gay.

What are your thoughts on this Campfire scene? Should it have been included or not included in the film?

Quote: Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry

Henry: What's going on?

Alex: I think my mom's working on her concession speech.

Henry: You fought hard, and it isn't over yet. You still haven't noticed my tie.

Alex: Yellow roses.

Henry: I read it was a thing in Texas. I thought it might bring you some luck.

Alex: Oh, my God, I'm so grateful you're here.

~ Alexander Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry, Red, White & Royal Blue

I love how supportive and caring they are to each other because I feel like once infatuation wears off that's where the real love is.

(gif Source: tha (prideandprejudice))

(Red, White & Royal Blue)

Wish List Wednesday: September 6th

Happy Wednesday!

For today's Wish List Wednesday, I only have two things on my list. The first is easily attainable and the second is truly a beloved wish that I hope one day will come true. Anyway, here's my list.

Characters Reading: Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry

Red, White & Royal Blue is such a wonderful romantic comedy and I knew as soon as I saw the scene below I had to post it for Characters Reading. In this scene, Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry were relaxing and reading books at Alex's parents' summer house. While Alex was too preoccupied by Henry's mere presence to concentrate on reading One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston. However, Henry (who I believe is a bookworm) was totally immersed in his book, Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo.

I love all the little details that were included in this scene. For instance, they were reading real books and not prop ones. And Alex's book is written by the same author who wrote Red, White & Royal Blue that the movie was based on.

(Red, White & Royal Blue)

Quote: Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry

Alex: I hate the tie you're wearing in Vogue. It's so boring. What do you have against color anyway?

Henry: Grey is a colour, thank you.

~ Alexander Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry, Red, White & Royal Blue

(gif Source: manisha)

(Red, White & Royal Blue)

Nesting: Teapot and Tea Cup from the "Red, White & Royal Blue" Promo Video

I was watching a promo video for Red, White & Royal Blue when I noticed the teapot and cups that were being used by the actors Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez. I'm a tea drinker, so of course I would notice the teapot and cups which I believe are by Maxwell & Williams. I think both the teapot and cups are so cute and I like the eye-catching pattern and the blue, pink and purple color combination.

To get the look, I did a search but I couldn't find the exact one that was featured in the video. However, I did find a similar one in blue, green and white.

Entertainment News #28: Red, White & Royal Blue Movie

Happy Tuesday! Here's a little Entertainment News:

I'm so happy that Red, White & Royal Blue did amazing, it's currently the #1 movie worldwide on Amazon Prime. I'm sure they hoped the movie would do well especially among the book nerds who read and loved the book and were looking forward to the release of the movie. But they probably never expected so many viewers (and not just from book nerds) to have watched this as well as rewatched it. And since the movie premiered last Friday (August 11th), it's definitely one of the most popular fandoms online.

I also wouldn't be surprised if sales for the book Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston increased from new fans wanting to read the story after seeing it. I'll be honest, although I haven't read the paperback copy that's sitting on my shelf (I will), I did recently buy the hardcover collector's edition on Saturday (August 12th). And I'm think of getting an official tote bag along with the movie tie-in cover (which I never do) of the book.

Anyway, back to the movie, fans loved it so much they have been asking for a sequel. Some are even asking for Red, White & Royal Blue to be turned into a trilogy. And not to mention they are also asking for the three hour director's cut version of the movie prior to editing that was mentioned by the movie director, Matthew López in an interview. As a big fan of romantic comedies, I have to say I really enjoyed the movie so much I wouldn't mind seeing either a sequel or the director's cut. But regardless, I'm happy with the movie that was released, it truly is a fun and romantic film.

Weekend Films: A Safari Romance, Heart of Stone, Jules; Red, White & Royal Blue and The Last Voyage of the Demeter

Okay, I know it's been a while since I've posted a Weekend Films especially since I continue to watch so many new movies. Anyway, there are five movies that I want to see: A Safari Romance, Heart of Stone, Jules; Red, White & Royal Blue and The Last Voyage of the Demeter. There are quite a few choices and genres: two romantic comedies (A Safari Romance and Red, White & Royal Blue), an action movie (Heart of Stone), a sci-fi comedy (Jules) and horror (The Last Voyage of the Demeter).

Okay, so it's technically four movies I want to see, since I've already watched Red, White & Royal Blue yesterday. But that doesn't mean I can't watch it again which I'll probably do after I watch Heart of Stone. Because it's a wonderful, absolutely terrific film that has all the elements of a classic romantic comedy. I'll definitely count it as one of my favorite movies and romantic comedies.

As for the other movies, they seem really interesting first is A Safari Romance which has a biologist and a theme park designer exploring the wilderness and of course finding love. Second is Heart of Stone which looks like an exciting action movie centered around a shadowy organization and missing technology. Third is Jules a sci-fi comedy that looks like a fun movie about a group of senior citizens caring for an alien. And finally, The Last Voyage of the Demeter a horror movie that centers around the crew of the Demeter who unknowingly were transporting one of the greatest evils, Dracula. I keep saying I'm going to read Dracula by Bram Stoker but so far I have yet to get around to it. Anyway, can't wait to see this movie and the others.

What movies are you watching this weekend?


A Safari Romance                                                 8:00 PM EST                                        Hallmark Channel

Starring: Andrew W. Walker, Brittany Bristow, Simoné Pretorius and more

Director: Leif Bristow

Writer: Agnes Bristow

Description:

Working on protecting the wildlife in Africa, Megan, a biologist teams up with Tim a theme park designer who wants to create an over-the-top safari attraction.

Fun Marketing for the Red, White & Royal Blue Movie

With the SAG-AFTRA strike, actors cannot do press for any of their projects. So the promotion of the soon to be released Red, White & Royal Blue movie is entirely up to the marketing team. And something that I love is that they created Instagram accounts for the characters: First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry. Below, I included the screenshots of each of their accounts.

I think this is not only just a fun way to promote the movie but also to give a little insight to the characters from their posts. Which is good especially for some like me who haven't read the book Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston yet. And we won't really get to know the characters until we see the movie (or finally get around to reading the book). Anyway, the movie will be released on Friday, August 11th on Amazon Prime.


First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz

Prince Henry

Trailer: Red, White & Royal Blue

I think Red, White & Royal Blue is turning out to be a highly anticipated film for the summer. As someone who loves romantic comedies, I love that there has been so much interest in this movie which will premiere on Friday, August 11th on Amazon Prime.

I had planned to read the book it's based on, Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston before seeing the movie. No surprise, it's been sitting on my bookshelf for far too long and with the way my reading slump keeps returning, I may end up seeing the movie first. Anyway, this looks like a fun little movie that looks like it's full of hilarious antics, unexpected romance and political intrigue.


Red, White & Royal Blue (Amazon Prime)

Starring: Taylor Zakhar Perez, Nicholas Galitzine, Uma Thurman, Stephen Fry, Sarah Shahi, Rachel Hilson, Ellie Bamber and more

Director: Matthew López

Writers: Matthew López and Ted Malawer

Based on: The book Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Description:

Red, White & Royal Blue is a romantic comedy centered around Alex, the president’s son, and Britain’s Prince Henry whose long-running feud threatens to drive a wedge in U.S./British relations. When the rivals are forced into a staged truce, their icy relationship begins to thaw and the friction between them sparks something deeper than they ever expected.