Is Cherry 2021 Worth Watching?

The ending of 'Brand New Cherry Flavor' is a wild ride that leaves you both satisfied and haunted. Lisa Nova's revenge against Lou Burke reaches its peak when she finally turns his own supernatural curse against him. The once-powerful producer becomes a grotesque, fleshy mass trapped in his own nightmare, while Lisa walks away with her soul intact but forever changed. The show's surreal visuals during the climax—especially the birth scene—are unforgettable. Boro, the enigmatic witch, gets her due too, revealing layers of manipulation that make you question who was really in control all along. The final scenes suggest Lisa's story isn't over, hinting at darker adventures ahead in this twisted version of Hollywood.

I remember how 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir dominated 2021—it was everywhere! The sequel rumors have been swirling since last year, but Weir's been tight-lipped. Based on his past release patterns (3-4 years between books), I’d cautiously predict late 2024 or early 2025. His sci-fi worlds take time to build, and he mentioned focusing on scientific accuracy, which explains the wait. Fans are theorizing it might explore the ramifications of Rocky’s species or Earth’s post-Hail Mary crisis. Some even speculate a prequel about Grace’s students. Whatever it is, Weir’s track record with 'The Martian' and 'Artemis' suggests it’ll be worth the wait. I’ve been refreshing his blog weekly—no updates yet, but his Patreon hinted at 'exciting developments' last month.

There’s something electric about the way Paul Atreides is introduced that stuck with me the first time I watched the 2021 film and the first time I turned the pages of Frank Herbert’s novel 'Dune'. In both versions the main character is Paul Atreides — the young heir of House Atreides, son of Duke Leto and Lady Jessica, who’s quietly being shaped into a leader by training, prophecy, and the Bene Gesserit influence. Timothée Chalamet’s Paul in Denis Villeneuve’s 'Dune' feels like a more visibly fragile, thoughtful version of the book’s protagonist, which I loved because it makes his later decisions weighty and believable. Herbert’s novel digs much deeper into Paul’s inner life, his prescience, and the broader political and ecological tapestry of Arrakis. The 2021 film covers about the first half of the book, so you get the set-up — the move to Arrakis, the betrayal, the fall of House Atreides, and the seeds of Paul’s destiny — but a lot of the philosophical and long-term consequences are reserved for later (and in Herbert’s saga, for sequels like 'Dune Messiah'). I also like that the film gives space to other key players — Jessica, Chani, Duke Leto, Stilgar — which reminds you that while Paul is center stage, he’s never acting alone. If you’re picking where to start: watch 'Dune' (2021) first if you want the visuals and emotional throughline, then dive into Herbert’s 'Dune' for the cavernous depth and worldbuilding. Both put Paul Atreides at the heart of the story, but they make you experience him in slightly different ways, and that contrast is half the fun to explore.

Cherry Peck is such a fun nickname—it immediately makes me think of the flamboyant, pink-haired investigator from 'SK8 the Infinity'. That's none other than Kojiro Nanjo, one of the show's most charismatic characters! What I love about him is how he balances this over-the-top, almost theatrical personality with genuine warmth and skill. He runs a restaurant by day and shreds on a skateboard by night, which just adds to his charm. The nickname 'Cherry Peck' comes from his rivalry with Adam, another skater who throws around playful (and sometimes mocking) nicknames. It's hard not to smile when Kojiro leans into the theatrics, flipping his hair and delivering dramatic lines. What's cool about 'SK8 the Infinity' is how it embraces these larger-than-life personalities without sacrificing depth. Kojiro could've easily been a one-note gag character, but he's got layers—like his longtime friendship with Kaoru, which has this lovely mix of rivalry and mutual respect. The show's vibrant animation style just amplifies everything, making his scenes pop with energy. If you haven't watched it yet, I'd totally recommend it for the dynamic characters alone—Kojiro's 'Cherry Peck' moments are pure gold.

audiobooks have been my saving grace. The best book of 2021, according to many critics and readers alike, is 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir. This sci-fi masterpiece is indeed available as an audiobook, narrated by the phenomenal Ray Porter. His performance brings the protagonist’s witty, resourceful personality to life in a way that print simply can’t match. The immersive sound design adds layers to the tension and humor, making it feel like you’re right there in space with the characters. Another standout is 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah, a historical fiction gem that tugs at your heartstrings. The audiobook version, narrated by Julia Whelan, elevates the emotional depth of the story. Her voice captures the grit and resilience of the Dust Bowl era perfectly. If you’re into nonfiction, 'Crying in H Mart' by Michelle Zauner is another 2021 highlight. The author narrates her own memoir, infusing it with raw vulnerability that makes the experience deeply personal.

Cherry Magic! is such a gem, and I totally get why you'd want to dive into it without breaking the bank. The official English translation is licensed by Square Enix, so the best way to support the creators is through platforms like their Manga UP! app or buying physical copies. But if you're strapped for cash, some libraries offer digital manga rentals through services like Hoopla or OverDrive—worth checking out! That said, I’ve stumbled across sketchy sites claiming to have free scans, but they’re often riddled with malware or terrible translations. The fan translations floating around a few years back were decent, but they’ve mostly vanished since the official release. Honestly, waiting for a sale or borrowing from a friend feels way better than risking a virus or disrespecting the artists’ hard work.

Mary Poppins in Cherry Tree Lane is actually the fourth book in the original series by P.L. Travers, not a standalone novel or a direct sequel in the way we might think of modern continuations. It follows 'Mary Poppins,' 'Mary Poppins Comes Back,' and 'Mary Poppins Opens the Door,' continuing the whimsical adventures of the magical nanny with the Banks children. What’s fascinating about this book is how it deepens the lore around Mary—her origins remain mysterious, but the stories grow richer with each installment. The tone feels more introspective, almost as if Travers was reflecting on childhood’s fleeting magic through these later tales. I’ve always loved how 'Cherry Tree Lane' expands the world beyond the Banks household, introducing quirky neighbors and new magical dilemmas. It’s less about big plot twists and more about those quiet, surreal moments—like Mary sliding up banisters or chatting with stars. Some fans argue it lacks the punch of the first book, but to me, that’s part of its charm. It’s like revisiting an old friend who still has a few tricks up her sleeve. If you’re craving more of that peculiar blend of sternness and wonder only Mary can deliver, this one’s worth curling up with.

Cherry Valance is such a fascinating character in 'The Outsiders' because she bridges the gap between the Socs and the Greasers, and her symbolism goes way beyond just being a pretty face. At first glance, her name itself—'Cherry'—hints at something sweet but fleeting, almost like the temporary truce between the two groups. She’s caught between worlds, just like the cherry blossoms that bloom brilliantly but don’t last long. Her willingness to see Ponyboy as a person, not just a Greaser, shows how superficial the gang divisions really are. What really sticks with me is how she represents the idea that empathy can exist even in a divided world. She’s not just a symbol of beauty or privilege; she’s a reminder that understanding doesn’t have to be rare. The scene where she cries over Bob’s death, despite his flaws, humanizes her in a way that challenges the stereotypes both gangs hold. It’s like her character is S.E. Hinton’s way of saying, 'Hey, people are complicated, and labels don’t tell the whole story.' That duality—her Soc status versus her moral clarity—makes her one of the book’s quietest but most powerful symbols.