It's the most wonderful time of the year again. No, not the Christmas season. Awards season. The beauty of awards season you may ask? Well, this is the magical time of the year when the studios push their best work at us. The theaters are not filled with the big superhero blockbusters, but with Oscar hopefuls. So, to start off the season, let us begin with David O'Russell's American Hustle.
In the last few years, David O'Russell has made quite the name for himself with The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook. Now, he brings his favorite actors together with this crazy movie about Abscam - a real life FBI sting operation. O'Russell brings the 70s to life with big hair, big craziness, and big promises of perfection. And he most certainly keeps those promises.
It is very possible that American Hustle could have been a big mess of a movie with a lesser director and lesser actors. The acting in this movie is some sort of magic. Christian Bale and Amy lead the cast as a pair of can artists working for the feds. It's amazing enough that Bale actually gained himself a beer gut for the role, however the way that he and Adams steered this movie and made you feel their joy and sorrow throughout all the games and craziness is something of brilliance. However, the real star of the show is Jennifer Lawrence as Bale's unhappy wife. Every scene she is in she steals, whether it is screaming at her husband or killing his mistress out of spite. If she doesn't once again win every award this year, I will be shocked and appalled.
Bottom Line: This is going to be a hard movie for other's to surpass on it's way to the awards show darling stage.
Grade: A+
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Let the Oscar Race Begin
Well technically speaking, this whole year has had movies that have every opportunity to get a nomination or two. However, when the weather cools down and there is nothing better to do anymore expect work and sleep, the Oscar bait movies come a-knocking.
So far, almost every movie and actor that you expect to get a nomination probably will. Sandra Bullock, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep. And there are still so many other movies to be discovered. Leo DiCaprio and Scorcese team up again in what is sure to a nomination favorite. And director David O. Russell has another ripped from a true story movie starring the likes of Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Amy Adams, and newly-minted Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence (who won for Russell's last entry). And you just have to know that 12 Years a Slave and Monuments Men are each going to garner an abundance of nominations. Nothing beats the Oscar buzz that movies about slavery and World War II make.
It is not just a year about the Oscar bait movies. In fact, like in recent years (looking at you District 9 and Silver Linings Playbook), movies that no one would imagine getting a nominations solely based on their premise will probably be getting honored. And I do not know about you all, but if Gravity does not manage to pull in a Best Picture nod, I will be the first won to start the revolt.
So please, if you are getting bored because you cannot frolic around outdoors anymore, just go see an Oscar movie. And if you don't like to see one of the pretentious Best Picture ones, just go see The Hobbit. I'm sure it will get some makeup and costume nominations.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
The Return of Pretty Little Liars
If there is one guilty pleasure show that I watch religiously, it is Pretty Little Liars. Back from what seemed over a year, the ABC Drama picked up where the finale left off. As always, don't read on if you don't want to be spoiled.
Opening the trunk, the gang and Mona discover a body. However, this is just the body of a dead pig. As soon as the car is about to be found, the liars bolt, but not before Mona erases the tape of Hannah's mom committing assault. Looks like the former A is trying to make amends. Also along those lines, Mona spills all her secrets to the girls about the A team.
Once you think everything is good and peachy for the girls, at least for the moment, looks like they overlooked another body the night before: Detective Wilden. Looks like everyone's favorite policeman has bit the dust.
Other major developments in the episode: The Delaurentis' are back. I still can't figure out how the girls can afford their wardrobes. Ezra is just as adorable awkward as he is not awkward. And he has a job at Rosewood now. Spencer and Toby are back together (yawn). Hannah's mom may be in danger. Toby is still working for A because she knows something about his mom. The girls are back in trouble. As per usual.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
The Killing is Back with a Vengence
The killing is back and it is good. When announced that the show would be back for a third season, I will admit that I was a little skeptical. The first season was brilliant and the second season... Well it had a lot to be desired. And that's putting it nicely. After watching the premiere and last week's episode, I am so glad this show is back.
This season looks not at the death of a single girl, but at the serial murders of many young teens, all homeless and many working as prostitutes. Some of the girls are as young as 12. Linden finds the mass grave site at the end of the premiere and in the subsequent episode joins the police once more to catch the killer.
At the heart of the possible suspects is a known killer on death row, played by Peter Skarsgaard. He had killed his wife and left his young son in a locked house with the body for a few days. While not sure the complete connection, Linden knows there has to be something as she found the grave site from a drawing done by his son.
Let us hope that the rest of the season stays as strong as the first few episodes. If it does, I have faith in this show becoming popular again.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
My Love Letter to The Office
Tonight, The Office ended it's nine-year run. Sure, it was sometimes rocky, but it was always there when we needed it most. I'm going to keep this little love letter short and sweet, as it will be impossible to describe all the feelings I am having as this show has ended.
For me, this was the show that got me into watching television. I started watching when I was 13 years old, never having religiously watched any show in my entire life. I fell in love with the characters, laughed, cried, screamed, and smiled. It was always there for me to give me a little pick-me-up when I needed it the most.
Since The Office began, sure, I have had my doubts with it. Thought it was going in the wrong direction. And sure, I have developed love affairs with other shows since. But nothing beats your first (that's what she said). In the last few weeks, where I was watching the entire series and it was really always going until this moment. It all culminated in this last batch of perfect episodes, and I thank the writers and actors and crew for allowing me and the rest of the fans out there to witness the life and growth of these amazing and realistic characters.
I was just going to write a recap of the series finale, as I do with so many other shows, but that just didn't seem like enough. How do you sum up a nine-year love affair with a show like this? Well, I think the finale did the perfect job with this impossible task. There were surprise guests, revelations, a wedding, and some bittersweet goodbyes. It was everything that I could have hoped for. Goodbye, The Office, you have been there in good times and bad, and I will never forget the many ways you taught me how to laugh.
"The people that you work with, are just... when you get down to it... your very best friends. They say, on your deathbed, you never wish you spent more time at the office. But I will. Gotta be a lot better than a deathbed." - Michael Scott
For me, this was the show that got me into watching television. I started watching when I was 13 years old, never having religiously watched any show in my entire life. I fell in love with the characters, laughed, cried, screamed, and smiled. It was always there for me to give me a little pick-me-up when I needed it the most.
Since The Office began, sure, I have had my doubts with it. Thought it was going in the wrong direction. And sure, I have developed love affairs with other shows since. But nothing beats your first (that's what she said). In the last few weeks, where I was watching the entire series and it was really always going until this moment. It all culminated in this last batch of perfect episodes, and I thank the writers and actors and crew for allowing me and the rest of the fans out there to witness the life and growth of these amazing and realistic characters.
I was just going to write a recap of the series finale, as I do with so many other shows, but that just didn't seem like enough. How do you sum up a nine-year love affair with a show like this? Well, I think the finale did the perfect job with this impossible task. There were surprise guests, revelations, a wedding, and some bittersweet goodbyes. It was everything that I could have hoped for. Goodbye, The Office, you have been there in good times and bad, and I will never forget the many ways you taught me how to laugh.
"The people that you work with, are just... when you get down to it... your very best friends. They say, on your deathbed, you never wish you spent more time at the office. But I will. Gotta be a lot better than a deathbed." - Michael Scott
Movie Review: Star Trek Into Darkness
Star Trek Into Darkness begins not too far off from where the first one left off. The Enterprise with the same crew is on a rescue mission on a distant planet. Things go wrong, as usual, and Kirk (Chris Pine) does not follow all protocols. Events transpire and we are introduced to our main villain of the movie: John Harrison, played by Benedict Cumberbatch.
Harrison is an interesting character with a little bit of a secret past behind him that we as the audience are not privy to until much later in the film. In fact, much about him is still a complete mystery, including his identity. While we are figuring out him, the movie turns into a little bit of a psychological thriller. Is this character really bad? Is Star Fleet corrupt Who should Kirk and Spock (Zachary Qunito) trust in all this?
The whole film itself is a bit of an emotional rollar coaster. Twists come out around every corner and some just leave you speechless. Tears are shed and you may just feel an intense pain in your chest. But there is also happiness and hope, as with everything Star Trek. And there is the occasional jump out of your skin moment that director JJ Abrams is so good at.
The action sequences throughout are some of what keeps the story moving forward. Unlike Michael Bay, Abrams has the ability to input a ton of action that is actually relevant to the plot of the film. The effects are amazing, as you would expect, and it really is the best action movie of the year. So far at least. There are a lot of them coming out this year.
Bottom line: Not as amazing as the first one, but it keeps to its roots and has enough suspense and twists to surprise and make fans of the serious and new comers equal thrilled. And excellent movie and one that JJ Abrams should be proud of,
Grade: A-
Harrison is an interesting character with a little bit of a secret past behind him that we as the audience are not privy to until much later in the film. In fact, much about him is still a complete mystery, including his identity. While we are figuring out him, the movie turns into a little bit of a psychological thriller. Is this character really bad? Is Star Fleet corrupt Who should Kirk and Spock (Zachary Qunito) trust in all this?
The whole film itself is a bit of an emotional rollar coaster. Twists come out around every corner and some just leave you speechless. Tears are shed and you may just feel an intense pain in your chest. But there is also happiness and hope, as with everything Star Trek. And there is the occasional jump out of your skin moment that director JJ Abrams is so good at.
The action sequences throughout are some of what keeps the story moving forward. Unlike Michael Bay, Abrams has the ability to input a ton of action that is actually relevant to the plot of the film. The effects are amazing, as you would expect, and it really is the best action movie of the year. So far at least. There are a lot of them coming out this year.
Bottom line: Not as amazing as the first one, but it keeps to its roots and has enough suspense and twists to surprise and make fans of the serious and new comers equal thrilled. And excellent movie and one that JJ Abrams should be proud of,
Grade: A-
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
New Girl Finale Recap: Let's Sabo this Wedding
If you have yet to watch the season finale of New Girl, back away from the computer. Otherwise, feel free to read on.
The episode began on the morning of Cece's wedding. The gang was all gussied up and taking pictures before headed over to the venue. Nick and Jess were together, Winston went stag, and Schmidt went with Elizabeth. You know things were about to get crazy when Bucky the badger showed up.
On a trip to the bathroom (these weddings do take three hours you see, and Schmidt has a small bladder), Schmidt accidentally walks into Cece's dressing room. You can just tell by the way that she is looking at him that there are some serious second thoughts going through that lady's head. And Schmidt sees it too. Of course, no one believes him and get ready for the ceremony. Instead of this, Schmidt wrangles Winston in on his sabo plan (sabo is short for sabotage). Nick refuses, knowing how important this day is to Jess, and Schmidt is not so happy about this.
So all the plans for sabotage go on with some degree of success. Winston blows an air horn to scare the horse Shivrang is riding in on. Cotton Eye Joe comes on the stereo system. You know, classic pranks. During the latter, Jess mistakenly is under the impression that Nick is involved and basically just calls him a child. Which does not sit well with Mr. Miller. For the final act, which goes off less than stellar, Winston and Nick (upset by what Jess said) go up into the air ducts to release the badger at the wedding. Even Schmidt admits it has gone too far.
Up in the vents, Jess finds Nick and the two have a little serious conversation about their future and how messy it will probably be. After falling on the wedding right before it is about to be complete, the wedding breaks off. First, Cece, looking at Schmidt the whole time, basically says she is in love with someone else. Next Shivrang runs off with guest star Taylor Swift (not playing herself). Then at the end, Schmidt is left to decide between Elizabeth and Cece. Well this will turn out interesting next season.
In Nick and Jess land, the two decide to call it. It was already too messy and it would just end up being far too messy all around. Jess leaves, and Nick goes over to the bar to hang out with Winston. Here, Winston actually gives some great advice and tells Nick to go get the girl. Turns out, she hadn't quite left yet and the two un-call it. A nice happy ending to a perfect season.
The episode began on the morning of Cece's wedding. The gang was all gussied up and taking pictures before headed over to the venue. Nick and Jess were together, Winston went stag, and Schmidt went with Elizabeth. You know things were about to get crazy when Bucky the badger showed up.
On a trip to the bathroom (these weddings do take three hours you see, and Schmidt has a small bladder), Schmidt accidentally walks into Cece's dressing room. You can just tell by the way that she is looking at him that there are some serious second thoughts going through that lady's head. And Schmidt sees it too. Of course, no one believes him and get ready for the ceremony. Instead of this, Schmidt wrangles Winston in on his sabo plan (sabo is short for sabotage). Nick refuses, knowing how important this day is to Jess, and Schmidt is not so happy about this.
So all the plans for sabotage go on with some degree of success. Winston blows an air horn to scare the horse Shivrang is riding in on. Cotton Eye Joe comes on the stereo system. You know, classic pranks. During the latter, Jess mistakenly is under the impression that Nick is involved and basically just calls him a child. Which does not sit well with Mr. Miller. For the final act, which goes off less than stellar, Winston and Nick (upset by what Jess said) go up into the air ducts to release the badger at the wedding. Even Schmidt admits it has gone too far.
Up in the vents, Jess finds Nick and the two have a little serious conversation about their future and how messy it will probably be. After falling on the wedding right before it is about to be complete, the wedding breaks off. First, Cece, looking at Schmidt the whole time, basically says she is in love with someone else. Next Shivrang runs off with guest star Taylor Swift (not playing herself). Then at the end, Schmidt is left to decide between Elizabeth and Cece. Well this will turn out interesting next season.
In Nick and Jess land, the two decide to call it. It was already too messy and it would just end up being far too messy all around. Jess leaves, and Nick goes over to the bar to hang out with Winston. Here, Winston actually gives some great advice and tells Nick to go get the girl. Turns out, she hadn't quite left yet and the two un-call it. A nice happy ending to a perfect season.
Monday, May 13, 2013
How I Met Your Mother Recap: Do we meet the mother?
If you haven't watched tonight's finale, please back away from the computer. If you have, feel free to read on.
The episode begins with Marshall and little Marvin making plan to visit his mother back in Minnesota. Apparently, Marshall and Lily had yet to tell mama Erikson that they were moving to Rome for a few years, so they had to go away for a little visit. While Marshall and the baby are away, Lily is left to spend time with Ted and in the meantime, see his newly finished house in Westchester. When visiting the house, looks like Ted is planning on selling the place, as Lily finds a For Sale sign in the study that we have been watching the kids sit in for the last eight years. Turns out, Teddy Westside is movie to Chicago. Surprise!
While this is all going on, Barney and Robin, about to get married, are out for a celebratory dinner when they run into an obnoxious couple played by Michael Key and Casey Wilson. "They have always been our arch enemies. Only now did they reveal themselves." Basically, they are the most annoying couple in the world and stole Barney and Robin's favorite table. So now the almost-married couple are plotting revenge by breaking up the obnoxious people. Plan: plant an engagement ring in Kristen's (Wilson) champagne. And it succeeds. Until it doesn't. Turns out that the couple actually decide to get married. Womp womp.
In order to convince Ted that he is making a big mistake by moving to Chicago, Lily pulls on his heartstrings. She is basically saying that his wife will be in New York, not in Chicago. He has to wait for them so that he and his future wife and Marshall and Lily can all hang out together. Of course, Ted is not so convinced by this. And it is made obvious pretty soon that he is leaving because Robin and Barney are going to be getting married. Turns out, Ted felt something last episode as he helped Robin dig up her "something old." He knows his feelings are too big for her, and just has to leave.
New plot twist: Marshall has been accepted to be a judge! This is sure to put a damper on the Rome plans. In order to accept the job, he would have to stay in New York.
Flashback time: Robin did the same thing when Ted was going to marry Stella. That's why she was going to Japan. She then took the locket way back then, hence why she couldn't find it last week. Robin was just too drunk to remember. Looks like the locket is still with Ted. Lily tells him to be careful giving the locket back, as it might bring back too many feelings.
And it is wedding day folks! Ranjit picks up the wedding couple, Marshall still hasn't told Lily about the judge appointment. Everybody just looks ready to go. And then we see boots walking up, holding a bass case and a yellow umbrella. We see that it is a brunette woman, but hey, we did already gues she would be brunette. AND THEN WE SEE HER. AND SHE TALKS! THE MOTHER IS REVEALED! And will be played by the musical Once's Cristin Milioti.
The episode begins with Marshall and little Marvin making plan to visit his mother back in Minnesota. Apparently, Marshall and Lily had yet to tell mama Erikson that they were moving to Rome for a few years, so they had to go away for a little visit. While Marshall and the baby are away, Lily is left to spend time with Ted and in the meantime, see his newly finished house in Westchester. When visiting the house, looks like Ted is planning on selling the place, as Lily finds a For Sale sign in the study that we have been watching the kids sit in for the last eight years. Turns out, Teddy Westside is movie to Chicago. Surprise!
While this is all going on, Barney and Robin, about to get married, are out for a celebratory dinner when they run into an obnoxious couple played by Michael Key and Casey Wilson. "They have always been our arch enemies. Only now did they reveal themselves." Basically, they are the most annoying couple in the world and stole Barney and Robin's favorite table. So now the almost-married couple are plotting revenge by breaking up the obnoxious people. Plan: plant an engagement ring in Kristen's (Wilson) champagne. And it succeeds. Until it doesn't. Turns out that the couple actually decide to get married. Womp womp.
In order to convince Ted that he is making a big mistake by moving to Chicago, Lily pulls on his heartstrings. She is basically saying that his wife will be in New York, not in Chicago. He has to wait for them so that he and his future wife and Marshall and Lily can all hang out together. Of course, Ted is not so convinced by this. And it is made obvious pretty soon that he is leaving because Robin and Barney are going to be getting married. Turns out, Ted felt something last episode as he helped Robin dig up her "something old." He knows his feelings are too big for her, and just has to leave.
New plot twist: Marshall has been accepted to be a judge! This is sure to put a damper on the Rome plans. In order to accept the job, he would have to stay in New York.
Flashback time: Robin did the same thing when Ted was going to marry Stella. That's why she was going to Japan. She then took the locket way back then, hence why she couldn't find it last week. Robin was just too drunk to remember. Looks like the locket is still with Ted. Lily tells him to be careful giving the locket back, as it might bring back too many feelings.
And it is wedding day folks! Ranjit picks up the wedding couple, Marshall still hasn't told Lily about the judge appointment. Everybody just looks ready to go. And then we see boots walking up, holding a bass case and a yellow umbrella. We see that it is a brunette woman, but hey, we did already gues she would be brunette. AND THEN WE SEE HER. AND SHE TALKS! THE MOTHER IS REVEALED! And will be played by the musical Once's Cristin Milioti.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Revenge Season Finale Recap: After the Blackout
If you have yet to watch the Revenge season finale, please back away from your computer. Everyone else, feel free to read on.
This episode kicked off right where the last one ended: the entire city of New York , including the Hamptons somehow, is in a blackout. Jack is explaining his revengenda to Victoria (why he is trusting her I will never understand). Emily is trying to calm Aiden down and then goes into revenge mode with Nolan. Charlotte is pregnant, presumably with Declan's baby, and Daniel is the only one who knows so far. Declan is stuck in a bank with Charlotte's annoying friend who we learn is actually in love with Charlotte. And Conrad is with his campaign, looking to be planning something extra sketchy.
And then the lights come back. And the drama commences. Conrad is just about all out of sorts. He is worried about Grayson Global, something Daniel tells him will be fine with him at the wheel, and learns from Victoria about Jack's plan to sabotage his press conference. In the Thorne universe, Emily finds the body of her once-mentor, Takeda, leading to some flashbacks of the early days of the revenge training when she was still Amanda Clarke. Little does she know who his killer is: her man love Aiden. Me thinks this is the end of their little love affair. When meeting up with Aiden a little later, he explains that they should run away together. When she finally realizes that he is the killer, he explains that Takeda was training them for his own fight to avenge his fiancees death. Emily does not necessarily believe him and says that all she ever wanted was the truth. Now that he lied, it looks to be the end for these little love birds.
Back on the political side of things, everyone is ramping up for the big Governor's election, one that looks to be all but decided for Mr. Grayson. hearing of Jack's little sabotage plan, Conrad changes the time of the press conference, telling Ashleigh not to tell Mr. Porter. Of course, she probably will. In order to make it look like the family is close, Conrad implores his son to join for the press conference.
Elsewhere in the Grayson clan, it seems that Victoria knows about her daughters pregnancy. When Declan comes to the press conference in order to talk with Charlotte, he finds Victoria first who essentially kicks him out of the building. He finds out about her situation. Later, Charlotte's little lady friend bad mouths Declan when the kid himself calls and reveals that he knows about the pregnancy. Charlotte, clearly mad at her mother for revealing her secret before she was ready, hangs up on him and calls out her friend as a liar.
As the first hour of the season finale two-parter ended, Conrad's press conference is going on when it seems practically everyone in the city is receiving a text stating "Long Live David Clarke." Just then, a bomb goes off in Grayson Global, a place where Jack was being led to believe the laptop incriminating Conrad was being kept. Emily frantically searches for him when he shows up at Nolcorp, searching for answers as to how Nolan knew the building would blow up. And he got some. Well not all the answers, but a fair few. In the middle of the discussion, Ashleigh calls to tell Jack that his brother was in the building and taken to the hospital. Nolan does not believe him and just as Jack is about to leave anyway, Emily shows up and Nolan tells Jack that he needed to start trusting her. We'll see how that goes. Either he does and learns everything, or he is going to get himself killed probably.
As Jack goes in to see Declan (disguised as a nurse, that sneaky dog), Emily receives a little visit from Aiden. Looks like he had some last minute convincing to do before he took off, presumably for good. He tried to appeal once more saying that just a week ago she was ready to run away with him. She counters back that "it was a different time." Sure, Emily. One week is so different. We totally get it. Anyway, Aiden gives her one last chance to meet him before he leaves. Looks like we are going to just have to wait a see if she takes him up on it.
The rest of the episode goes by very fast. It seems that Aiden is gone for good. Daniel is basically mad at everyone in his family. Conrad set the bomb off in order to look the hero during his press conference. Apparently he has also become a member of the Initiative's inner circle, which basically meant that everything Victoria did to keep the family safe was all for nothing, including that pesky murder. Oh and Declan is dead. I guess that's a biggie. And Nolan is arrested for acts of terror. Uh oh. While incarcerated Noland claims that the Falcon set him up. Of course, there is incriminating video footage of Padma discrediting him and claiming that he is at the helm of the Initiative. And Aiden and Daniel fight whilst Aiden tells him that he needs to give up on Emily. Oh, and also while there is a gun right next to Daniel. This cannot end well. Except that nothing looks to have happened since Daniel shows back up at Conrad's winning Governor's speech, seemingly unscathed. And Patrick shows up at Victoria's door. As Jack is about to kill Conrad when Emily enters and tells him that she is Amanda. So good stuff all around.
This episode kicked off right where the last one ended: the entire city of New York , including the Hamptons somehow, is in a blackout. Jack is explaining his revengenda to Victoria (why he is trusting her I will never understand). Emily is trying to calm Aiden down and then goes into revenge mode with Nolan. Charlotte is pregnant, presumably with Declan's baby, and Daniel is the only one who knows so far. Declan is stuck in a bank with Charlotte's annoying friend who we learn is actually in love with Charlotte. And Conrad is with his campaign, looking to be planning something extra sketchy.
And then the lights come back. And the drama commences. Conrad is just about all out of sorts. He is worried about Grayson Global, something Daniel tells him will be fine with him at the wheel, and learns from Victoria about Jack's plan to sabotage his press conference. In the Thorne universe, Emily finds the body of her once-mentor, Takeda, leading to some flashbacks of the early days of the revenge training when she was still Amanda Clarke. Little does she know who his killer is: her man love Aiden. Me thinks this is the end of their little love affair. When meeting up with Aiden a little later, he explains that they should run away together. When she finally realizes that he is the killer, he explains that Takeda was training them for his own fight to avenge his fiancees death. Emily does not necessarily believe him and says that all she ever wanted was the truth. Now that he lied, it looks to be the end for these little love birds.
Back on the political side of things, everyone is ramping up for the big Governor's election, one that looks to be all but decided for Mr. Grayson. hearing of Jack's little sabotage plan, Conrad changes the time of the press conference, telling Ashleigh not to tell Mr. Porter. Of course, she probably will. In order to make it look like the family is close, Conrad implores his son to join for the press conference.
Elsewhere in the Grayson clan, it seems that Victoria knows about her daughters pregnancy. When Declan comes to the press conference in order to talk with Charlotte, he finds Victoria first who essentially kicks him out of the building. He finds out about her situation. Later, Charlotte's little lady friend bad mouths Declan when the kid himself calls and reveals that he knows about the pregnancy. Charlotte, clearly mad at her mother for revealing her secret before she was ready, hangs up on him and calls out her friend as a liar.
As the first hour of the season finale two-parter ended, Conrad's press conference is going on when it seems practically everyone in the city is receiving a text stating "Long Live David Clarke." Just then, a bomb goes off in Grayson Global, a place where Jack was being led to believe the laptop incriminating Conrad was being kept. Emily frantically searches for him when he shows up at Nolcorp, searching for answers as to how Nolan knew the building would blow up. And he got some. Well not all the answers, but a fair few. In the middle of the discussion, Ashleigh calls to tell Jack that his brother was in the building and taken to the hospital. Nolan does not believe him and just as Jack is about to leave anyway, Emily shows up and Nolan tells Jack that he needed to start trusting her. We'll see how that goes. Either he does and learns everything, or he is going to get himself killed probably.
As Jack goes in to see Declan (disguised as a nurse, that sneaky dog), Emily receives a little visit from Aiden. Looks like he had some last minute convincing to do before he took off, presumably for good. He tried to appeal once more saying that just a week ago she was ready to run away with him. She counters back that "it was a different time." Sure, Emily. One week is so different. We totally get it. Anyway, Aiden gives her one last chance to meet him before he leaves. Looks like we are going to just have to wait a see if she takes him up on it.
The rest of the episode goes by very fast. It seems that Aiden is gone for good. Daniel is basically mad at everyone in his family. Conrad set the bomb off in order to look the hero during his press conference. Apparently he has also become a member of the Initiative's inner circle, which basically meant that everything Victoria did to keep the family safe was all for nothing, including that pesky murder. Oh and Declan is dead. I guess that's a biggie. And Nolan is arrested for acts of terror. Uh oh. While incarcerated Noland claims that the Falcon set him up. Of course, there is incriminating video footage of Padma discrediting him and claiming that he is at the helm of the Initiative. And Aiden and Daniel fight whilst Aiden tells him that he needs to give up on Emily. Oh, and also while there is a gun right next to Daniel. This cannot end well. Except that nothing looks to have happened since Daniel shows back up at Conrad's winning Governor's speech, seemingly unscathed. And Patrick shows up at Victoria's door. As Jack is about to kill Conrad when Emily enters and tells him that she is Amanda. So good stuff all around.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Scandal Recap: After the Storm
If you have yet to watch this week's episode of Scandal, please back away from the computer. Everyone else, feel free to read on.
The episode begins right where the last one left off: Fitz and Olivia are in bed and Cyrus is in the middle of a fire fight with reporters. Refusing to acknowledge whether the scandal is true or not, Cy goes to find the president in the arms of Olivia. Of course, Olivia wants to fix all of this, but the president is determined to take this in his own hands. Line of the night: "I hope [the president's lady love] will have Olivia Pope on her side" - David Rosen.
As far as the Gladiators are concerned, the biggest issue of the day is the identity of the mole. One interesting new theory is the Vice President. While Harrison pushes Liv to understand that she needs to get in front of the train that is about to run her down, Ms. Pope is determined to prove if the mole is the madam VP or not. Turns out, it is not Sally. I'm still not convinced, but apparently there is enough evidence of it not being her.
On the First Lady's side, looks like there is a new fixer in town, played by the wonderful and charming John Barrowman. Looking at the scandal that just broke, Barrowman (I'm not going to bother learning his real name) is just a little confused at just went down. Mellie is a master manipulator of the press, but she just comes out saying her husband, the POTUS, is having an affair with another woman and she will not say who said woman is. All this poor fixer wants to know is who the woman is. And Mellie will not give it to him. At least not yet.
The president, sans Olivia, has his own major set of problems. He claims that he will not run for office again, much to the chagrin of Cyrus. Speaking of Cyrus, looks like there is trouble in paradise with his man love, James. James is adamant in stating that he had no choice but to break the story about the President and the First Lady, but Cyrus just comes right on in claiming that there is no way in hell that the First Lady would not choose him unless it was to get back at Cy. Of course, he says this in the meanest and most condescending way possible.
I'm pretty sure that Cyrus has the toughest time throughout this entire ordeal. Not only does he have POTUS and Mellie and Olivia to contend with, but Jake's mysterious handler is now in his sights. Turns out Cyrus has the tape of Liv and Jake in his possession. Will he tell Fitz? Probably. This will be especially problematic due to the fact that Jake clearly has feelings for Olivia. Also, the reporters cannot be easy to deal with.
In a nice little turn of events, it turns out that the President was not ever going to think about running for office again. To Olivia, this means that he does not think that he has the capability to win because of Defiance. To her, it is her fault. He has to run again and win or she will blame herself forever. So, during his speech in which he claimed that he will not run for President anymore, Fitz says that his marriage is none of the press' business and that he will be running for president again. Fitz for President! Except for the fact that he murdered that lady.
And the Gladiators have a name for the mole. And the mole is..... Billy Chambers! With help from David. How the finale is going to play out, only the cast and crew of the show know.
The episode begins right where the last one left off: Fitz and Olivia are in bed and Cyrus is in the middle of a fire fight with reporters. Refusing to acknowledge whether the scandal is true or not, Cy goes to find the president in the arms of Olivia. Of course, Olivia wants to fix all of this, but the president is determined to take this in his own hands. Line of the night: "I hope [the president's lady love] will have Olivia Pope on her side" - David Rosen.
As far as the Gladiators are concerned, the biggest issue of the day is the identity of the mole. One interesting new theory is the Vice President. While Harrison pushes Liv to understand that she needs to get in front of the train that is about to run her down, Ms. Pope is determined to prove if the mole is the madam VP or not. Turns out, it is not Sally. I'm still not convinced, but apparently there is enough evidence of it not being her.
On the First Lady's side, looks like there is a new fixer in town, played by the wonderful and charming John Barrowman. Looking at the scandal that just broke, Barrowman (I'm not going to bother learning his real name) is just a little confused at just went down. Mellie is a master manipulator of the press, but she just comes out saying her husband, the POTUS, is having an affair with another woman and she will not say who said woman is. All this poor fixer wants to know is who the woman is. And Mellie will not give it to him. At least not yet.
The president, sans Olivia, has his own major set of problems. He claims that he will not run for office again, much to the chagrin of Cyrus. Speaking of Cyrus, looks like there is trouble in paradise with his man love, James. James is adamant in stating that he had no choice but to break the story about the President and the First Lady, but Cyrus just comes right on in claiming that there is no way in hell that the First Lady would not choose him unless it was to get back at Cy. Of course, he says this in the meanest and most condescending way possible.
I'm pretty sure that Cyrus has the toughest time throughout this entire ordeal. Not only does he have POTUS and Mellie and Olivia to contend with, but Jake's mysterious handler is now in his sights. Turns out Cyrus has the tape of Liv and Jake in his possession. Will he tell Fitz? Probably. This will be especially problematic due to the fact that Jake clearly has feelings for Olivia. Also, the reporters cannot be easy to deal with.
In a nice little turn of events, it turns out that the President was not ever going to think about running for office again. To Olivia, this means that he does not think that he has the capability to win because of Defiance. To her, it is her fault. He has to run again and win or she will blame herself forever. So, during his speech in which he claimed that he will not run for President anymore, Fitz says that his marriage is none of the press' business and that he will be running for president again. Fitz for President! Except for the fact that he murdered that lady.
And the Gladiators have a name for the mole. And the mole is..... Billy Chambers! With help from David. How the finale is going to play out, only the cast and crew of the show know.
Glee Recap: It's Time for Regionals (Again)
This week marked the season finale of everybody's favorite corny and completely unbelievable show about a glee choir. If you have yet to watch, please back away from the computer. Everyone else, feel free to read on.
The episode started out simple enough: the geniuses at MIT were telling Brittany that apparently she is a genius. I know, I know, completely ridiculous. Then again, remember what show you are watching. Returning from the meeting, Brittany has turned into a major diva, something both Sam and Santana are worried about. Turns out, Brittany was offered early admission to MIT, an offer that she had to leave immediately. Hence the crazy diva behavior.
In other news: Blaine attempts to make a proposal to Kurt for marriage. While this is all well and fine with the recent Supreme Court cases the past month, it is still a little strange that this is not the first, but second possible teenage proposal in about a year of the show's life. Anyway, at the ring store, Blaine meets a lesbian couple who had been together through decades. At dinner at (where else) Breadsticks, the couple tells their story in front of Kurt and Blaine and then there is a proposal, by the lesbians, not Blaine. Thank the good lord.
In catfish news, Ryder finally confronts the group and Marley admits to being catfish. He gets all mad and threatens to never talk to her again. Turns out, she was just covering for Unique (who else saw that coming? Everyone, right?). While it might seem for a second that he will be understanding, but nope. He is royally pissed and quits the glee club immediately following Regionals.
In New York, Rachel has her final call back for Funny Girl. And that's all that happens with her the whole finale.
Elsewhere in Lima, it's time for Regionals. The New Directions choose a pretty interesting set list including Hall of Fame by The Script, I Love It by Icona Pop, and Marley's original song All or Nothing. I might have just been excited because I've been pretty obsessed with I Love It the last week or so. Back to Regionals. And the winner is..... New Directions! So supposedly next season we will see their journey back to Nationals. Oh and speaking of Regionals, Will and Emma get married in the choir room after their win. Why Sugar is the flower girl I will never understand. And that's all, folks.
The episode started out simple enough: the geniuses at MIT were telling Brittany that apparently she is a genius. I know, I know, completely ridiculous. Then again, remember what show you are watching. Returning from the meeting, Brittany has turned into a major diva, something both Sam and Santana are worried about. Turns out, Brittany was offered early admission to MIT, an offer that she had to leave immediately. Hence the crazy diva behavior.
In other news: Blaine attempts to make a proposal to Kurt for marriage. While this is all well and fine with the recent Supreme Court cases the past month, it is still a little strange that this is not the first, but second possible teenage proposal in about a year of the show's life. Anyway, at the ring store, Blaine meets a lesbian couple who had been together through decades. At dinner at (where else) Breadsticks, the couple tells their story in front of Kurt and Blaine and then there is a proposal, by the lesbians, not Blaine. Thank the good lord.
In catfish news, Ryder finally confronts the group and Marley admits to being catfish. He gets all mad and threatens to never talk to her again. Turns out, she was just covering for Unique (who else saw that coming? Everyone, right?). While it might seem for a second that he will be understanding, but nope. He is royally pissed and quits the glee club immediately following Regionals.
In New York, Rachel has her final call back for Funny Girl. And that's all that happens with her the whole finale.
Elsewhere in Lima, it's time for Regionals. The New Directions choose a pretty interesting set list including Hall of Fame by The Script, I Love It by Icona Pop, and Marley's original song All or Nothing. I might have just been excited because I've been pretty obsessed with I Love It the last week or so. Back to Regionals. And the winner is..... New Directions! So supposedly next season we will see their journey back to Nationals. Oh and speaking of Regionals, Will and Emma get married in the choir room after their win. Why Sugar is the flower girl I will never understand. And that's all, folks.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
New Girl Mini Recap: The Morning After
If you have yet to see this week's installment of New Girl, back away from the computer. Everyone else, feel free to read on.
The episode kicked off the morning after Nick and Jess' little roll in the hay. All seems well, and Nick even gets up to make Jess a little breakfast in bed. All seems to be coming up roses when Jess' dad is let into the building just as Jess comes out of Nick's room wondering where he went. Of course this comes to some hilarious bits as Jess leaves for a teaching job (who else forgot she was basically unemployed still?) and Nick is stuck in the loft alone with Papa Day with strict instructions not to tell him anything. Which of course he goes and ignores as soon as he has a feeling that Bob likes him. This doesn't go over well. Next thing you know, Nick is holding a croquet mallet and hiding a mini baseball bat and what appeared to be a tiny metal disk when Jess enters. Of course, she is pissed and Papa Bob Day tells her to back off of Nick because he is basically just like him, freaking Jess out in the process. Later that night, Nick is setting the breakfast back up on the roof for Jess to enjoy. He even added a little flower to a bottle of beer. Ah, young love.
Other than the little romance between Nick and Jess, Schmidt and Elizabeth are supposed to go out for lunch when Schmidt gets all douchey and she dumps him. He later redeems himself by showing up at her date wearing a frog sweatshirt she bought him in college. The two then join Nick and Jess on the roof with the excuse of stargazing and matching the constellations with Schmidt's back moles. Sounds like a fun date to me. In much smaller plot news, it's Winston's birthday and everyone forgot. When the two couples are gathered on the roof, Winston walks up and just assumes incorrectly that they were just pretending to forget his birthday. Looks like everyone is getting their happy ending.
Now it is the waiting game for Nick and Jess to decide what they mean to each other in the season finale. At least, I hope they figure out where to go from here.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Smash Mini Recap: A Little Like Rent
If you haven't watched this week's episode of Smash, back away from your computer. The rest of you, feel free to read on.
This week's installment of Smash felt a little like the real-life story of the musical Rent. Like that show, which had its composer and play-write Jonathan Larson, pass the night before its off-Broadway debut, the writer of Hit List met his untimely death. Kyle, who grew into his own the last batch of fresh episodes, lost his life after the car at the end of last week's episode hit him. Just like Rent, the show would go on, this time in concert version.
Kyle's death seemed to serve a purpose for this season's story arc. Instead of solely paying homage to one of Broadway's most beloved musicals and the man who made it possible, it allowed Jimmy to actually have a heart and possibly reach some resolution by season's end. The two were best friends and collaborators and had a long history together. It also makes much more sense why Karen was even into Jimmy in the first place: he actually has a heart and deeply cares for others. The episode sure made it seem like Jimmy would learn something and be redeemed. Let's hope this does happen.
Elsewhere in the episode, Karen and Derek almost sleep together. Both stop because they are in love with other people: Karen with Jimmy and Derek with Ivy. Bombshell is picking up steam in the Broadway race, though this may slow down once Hit List breaks into the ranks. Speaking of Hit List, Jerry makes his return in style, promising his cash to bring the little musical that could to the big leagues. Tonys, here we come!
This week's installment of Smash felt a little like the real-life story of the musical Rent. Like that show, which had its composer and play-write Jonathan Larson, pass the night before its off-Broadway debut, the writer of Hit List met his untimely death. Kyle, who grew into his own the last batch of fresh episodes, lost his life after the car at the end of last week's episode hit him. Just like Rent, the show would go on, this time in concert version.
Kyle's death seemed to serve a purpose for this season's story arc. Instead of solely paying homage to one of Broadway's most beloved musicals and the man who made it possible, it allowed Jimmy to actually have a heart and possibly reach some resolution by season's end. The two were best friends and collaborators and had a long history together. It also makes much more sense why Karen was even into Jimmy in the first place: he actually has a heart and deeply cares for others. The episode sure made it seem like Jimmy would learn something and be redeemed. Let's hope this does happen.
Elsewhere in the episode, Karen and Derek almost sleep together. Both stop because they are in love with other people: Karen with Jimmy and Derek with Ivy. Bombshell is picking up steam in the Broadway race, though this may slow down once Hit List breaks into the ranks. Speaking of Hit List, Jerry makes his return in style, promising his cash to bring the little musical that could to the big leagues. Tonys, here we come!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
New Girl Recap: The Virgin Diaries
If you haven't watched New Girl's installment this week, please back away from the computer and keep walking away. For the rest of you, feel free to keep reading on.
It was the tale of the lost virginities of all who inhabit the loft, and Cece. The episode starts off with Jess getting a text from the man who took away her flower, Teddy, asking to go out. This starts off the stories of all the first times of the gang.
Jess begins by giving a long-winded tale of her first time. It all began in 2000 of prom night. When her date could not get her dress off (her mom had to sew it up because Jess made it) she yelled at him to be a man and he freaked out a little bit. She left the room for a bit and ran into a lovely looking man with a guitar with whom they shared a duet of Lisa Loeb's "Stay." When it all seems that this is how Jess lost it, it is all for color. Years later, when Jess is 22 and worrying because she is still a virgin, she see Mr. Guitar in the very bar that Nick now bartends. Fun gag, Winston, Nick, and Schmidt are all at the bar in the flashback and Jess' look of disgust when Cece suggests she have one of them "take her flower" is pure gold. Back to the story: Mr. Guitar and Jess go to do it in a play castle, except he can't perform due to antidepressants. It then ends up being morning and the firemen have to come to get the almost-lovers out of the castle. Turns out, Teddy is one of the firemen.
Cece's story is much shorter and much less embarrassing. It is prom night once again and while sitting in the hotel bar, Mick Jagger spots her and asks to have sex. That's pretty much the end of it and the boys are all very impressed, especially Schmidt.
There is also not too much to say about Winston's story. He and Nick are in New York in their teens with Nick's father, who so very kindly orders some prostitutes. While Nick cannot do the deed with his, marvelously called Octopussy, Winston loses it with his women, Mysteria. Turns out, Winston never actually figured out that she was a prostitute until telling this story and Nick confiding that his dad swore him to secrecy until his death. During this scene, there is a nice exchange between Nick and his dad: "I don't want you to miss out on the best things in life because you are thinking too much. Because those turn out to be the best things." I'm paraphrasing them.
Schmidt's story is with his college girlfriend, Elizabeth, played by Merritt Weaver. The funniest moment comes a few hours earlier, when Schmidt goes to Nick to ask some advice about loving his lady. I was basically in tears by this point. So the story: Schmidt overuses the mega bucket of lube he bought and slips on Nick, who was tripping in his bed. But it still all goes to plan.
Nick's story: "Allison Daniels, on a towel in the woods. She cried. I left her bra on. It was nice."
Back in the present day, the gang all leave to see their various significant others, sans Nick who is staying in the apartment. Jess get's in the elevator to go meet Teddy and as the doors close, Nick's arm pops through and he enters as Ellie Goulding's "Anything Can Happen" rises. He lifts her in his arms, the two enter the bedroom and, after a little montage of the rest of the loft mate's nights, we see Nick and Jess, sweaty, lying in bed having just (finally!) done the deed. After a multitude of emotions playing across their faces, the pair burst out laughing. Thank God the final image was not the look of regret on their faces. The final episodes of the season should be epic.
It was the tale of the lost virginities of all who inhabit the loft, and Cece. The episode starts off with Jess getting a text from the man who took away her flower, Teddy, asking to go out. This starts off the stories of all the first times of the gang.
Jess begins by giving a long-winded tale of her first time. It all began in 2000 of prom night. When her date could not get her dress off (her mom had to sew it up because Jess made it) she yelled at him to be a man and he freaked out a little bit. She left the room for a bit and ran into a lovely looking man with a guitar with whom they shared a duet of Lisa Loeb's "Stay." When it all seems that this is how Jess lost it, it is all for color. Years later, when Jess is 22 and worrying because she is still a virgin, she see Mr. Guitar in the very bar that Nick now bartends. Fun gag, Winston, Nick, and Schmidt are all at the bar in the flashback and Jess' look of disgust when Cece suggests she have one of them "take her flower" is pure gold. Back to the story: Mr. Guitar and Jess go to do it in a play castle, except he can't perform due to antidepressants. It then ends up being morning and the firemen have to come to get the almost-lovers out of the castle. Turns out, Teddy is one of the firemen.
Cece's story is much shorter and much less embarrassing. It is prom night once again and while sitting in the hotel bar, Mick Jagger spots her and asks to have sex. That's pretty much the end of it and the boys are all very impressed, especially Schmidt.
There is also not too much to say about Winston's story. He and Nick are in New York in their teens with Nick's father, who so very kindly orders some prostitutes. While Nick cannot do the deed with his, marvelously called Octopussy, Winston loses it with his women, Mysteria. Turns out, Winston never actually figured out that she was a prostitute until telling this story and Nick confiding that his dad swore him to secrecy until his death. During this scene, there is a nice exchange between Nick and his dad: "I don't want you to miss out on the best things in life because you are thinking too much. Because those turn out to be the best things." I'm paraphrasing them.
Schmidt's story is with his college girlfriend, Elizabeth, played by Merritt Weaver. The funniest moment comes a few hours earlier, when Schmidt goes to Nick to ask some advice about loving his lady. I was basically in tears by this point. So the story: Schmidt overuses the mega bucket of lube he bought and slips on Nick, who was tripping in his bed. But it still all goes to plan.
Nick's story: "Allison Daniels, on a towel in the woods. She cried. I left her bra on. It was nice."
Back in the present day, the gang all leave to see their various significant others, sans Nick who is staying in the apartment. Jess get's in the elevator to go meet Teddy and as the doors close, Nick's arm pops through and he enters as Ellie Goulding's "Anything Can Happen" rises. He lifts her in his arms, the two enter the bedroom and, after a little montage of the rest of the loft mate's nights, we see Nick and Jess, sweaty, lying in bed having just (finally!) done the deed. After a multitude of emotions playing across their faces, the pair burst out laughing. Thank God the final image was not the look of regret on their faces. The final episodes of the season should be epic.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Fox Finale Madness
Two popular shows on Fox ended tonight: Bones and The Following. Two hours, back to back of madness, intrigue, suspense, drama, you name it. Here are some mini recaps of each show to tide you over until next season. Of course, spoilers ahead.
Bones: The search for Pellant is on. This time, it is Boothe's first FBI partner who was the victim. But instead of Pellant directly doing the killing, he uses a surrogate to do the dirty work. Once they find out who he is, it turns out to be the son of a victim from an FBI raid on a compound that Pellant has used to manipulate him to commit murder. Uncovering the code, it turns out that Pellant is using another child of a victim of the raid in order to attack one of their own. At first it seems like Boothe is the target, but it turns out the intended victim is Sweets. Luckily, they reach him in time. Unfortunately, Pellant is still on the loose.
On the personal front, Brennan finally realizes that she wants to marry Boothe. She asks him, over a romantic bag of jerky, and of course he accepts. Then he gets a call from Pellant saying that he will kill seven innocent people unless Boothe tells Brennan that they will not be getting married. He tells her, she is heartbroken even though she covers it up some. And that is seasons end.
The Following: The hour open with FBI hearing from Agent Parker, who has been buried alive. With the call from her, the agents frantically search for her burial spot, but unfortunately to no avail. Meanwhile, Joe brings Claire to a lighthouse, claiming it to be his motif, though she keeps on saying that he has no imagination whatsoever. Angry, conflict ensues, Joe kills another, and when Ryan arrives, the lighthouse erupts in a burst of flames. Presumably, Joe is dead along with many of his comrades. I'm still not quite sure that I buy that he is actually gone. Claire is alive and well and she and Ryan go back to his apartment. All is happy; the couple kiss and order in some food. However, that's when it all hits the fan. Molly is in the apartment. She stabs Ryan in the gut and, when Claire finds him after taking a shower, Molly stabs her in the back. This was her final chapter.
Bones: The search for Pellant is on. This time, it is Boothe's first FBI partner who was the victim. But instead of Pellant directly doing the killing, he uses a surrogate to do the dirty work. Once they find out who he is, it turns out to be the son of a victim from an FBI raid on a compound that Pellant has used to manipulate him to commit murder. Uncovering the code, it turns out that Pellant is using another child of a victim of the raid in order to attack one of their own. At first it seems like Boothe is the target, but it turns out the intended victim is Sweets. Luckily, they reach him in time. Unfortunately, Pellant is still on the loose.
On the personal front, Brennan finally realizes that she wants to marry Boothe. She asks him, over a romantic bag of jerky, and of course he accepts. Then he gets a call from Pellant saying that he will kill seven innocent people unless Boothe tells Brennan that they will not be getting married. He tells her, she is heartbroken even though she covers it up some. And that is seasons end.
The Following: The hour open with FBI hearing from Agent Parker, who has been buried alive. With the call from her, the agents frantically search for her burial spot, but unfortunately to no avail. Meanwhile, Joe brings Claire to a lighthouse, claiming it to be his motif, though she keeps on saying that he has no imagination whatsoever. Angry, conflict ensues, Joe kills another, and when Ryan arrives, the lighthouse erupts in a burst of flames. Presumably, Joe is dead along with many of his comrades. I'm still not quite sure that I buy that he is actually gone. Claire is alive and well and she and Ryan go back to his apartment. All is happy; the couple kiss and order in some food. However, that's when it all hits the fan. Molly is in the apartment. She stabs Ryan in the gut and, when Claire finds him after taking a shower, Molly stabs her in the back. This was her final chapter.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Game of Thrones Reactions: Kissed by Fire
Every once in a while, I need to write down my thoughts while watching an episode of one of my favorite shows. Here they are for your viewing pleasure. Spoilers ahead.
- Look at Jon Snow, finally getting some. Looks like Ygritte will stop saying "you know nothing Jon Snow" at least for a little bit.
- Not a lot of things on television can creep me out, but apparently rotting flesh on the stump of an arm can.
- Looks to be the end on the lovely relationship of Arya and Gendry. I would be lying if I said I did not tear up a bit when he said "you wouldn't be my friend, you'd be my lady."
- I'm pretty sure Robb Stark is turning more and more into a meaner version of his father with every passing episode.
- If it weren't for Joffrey, I'd say Stannis is the craziest of the kings. Maybe his wife is the craziest.
- I cannot tell you how, but this show may have just made me like Jaime. Maybe it's his increased vulnerability. Maybe it's because he is not having relations with his sister anymore. Maybe it's his relationship with Brienne. Maybe it's the abs. Whatever it is, the writers have done the impossible and made me almost root for the man who pushed Bran out of that tower after being caught in a compromising position with his twin sister.
- So Jaime apparently killed his king in order to protect a lot of innocent people. OK I guess I like him now, but let's have it be on a probational basis. On a related note, can Nikolaj Coster-Waldau get some recognition for that brilliant performance in the hot tub scene?
- Daenerys is starting to feel too many feelings for the unsullied.
- When is Ser Jorah going to let it slip how in love with Daenerys he is? And when is she going to realize this fact? It is so very obvious to everyone else.
- I'm not going to give away too many spoilers from the book, but there are going to be a lot of angry fans by seasons end.
- Margaery is kind of a mean lady sending Sansa after her brother when she knows full well that he bats for the other team. Or she is just an expert schemer.
- Oh Littlefinger, just after your own selfish needs, as per usual. Sansa, please be a darling and realize his true intentions. He does not wish you the best, just the best for himself.
- Oh happy days! I am not the only one that I know who knows about the upcoming wedding between Tyrion and Sansa! One of my favorite plot points and twists of the third book is finally shown to the world. Cue me doing an evil laugh.
The Good Wife Finale: Decisions, Decisions
Scandal. Voter fraud. The gubernatorial election. Those are the main points of this weeks installment of The Good Wife. If you have yet to watch the episode and do not want to be spoiled, please turn around and back away from the computer.
It all starts with Zach witnessing possible voter fraud while voting a day early for the Illinois gubernatorial election. The ballot he saw is for Peter Florrick's rival, Christiva, so of course he goes along to tell his mother about it. There is an emergency trial with Alicia and co. arguing for voter fraud. Of course, it cannot be this simple and, when the ballot box in question is found, it turns out that a startling majority of the votes are for Florrick himself. Cue the lawyers of the case to abruptly switch sides and argue against voter fraud.
Elsewhere in the Lockhart/Gardner universe, the fourth years are in the midst of finding office space to move into when they leave the firm. What they are looking for is a little bit above what it costs to bring along Kalinda so everyone, sans Carey, are arguing to leave her at her current position in addition to accusing Carey of bias. That's when Collin Sweeney shows up, figuring out the move by Carey and co. and suggesting jumping ship with them. Sweeney then talks to Alicia about all this and then Alicia gets angry at Carey. All anger, all around at this point.
Back to the election. A third party complaint of voter fraud comes in from Peter's old campaign manager Jordan, guest star T.R. Knight, in that his client's name was spelled wrong. Turns out the name wasn't his real name anyway, so the case is thrown out. And that brings out the next biggest unanswered question of the episode: Will vs. Peter.
There's a steamy scene between Alicia and Will in his car between the voter fraud case. Alicia brings up that the kiss between them a few episodes ago opened up something between the two again. They kiss, Diane sees, and it's back to court with Alicia's choice still completely up in the air.
Back in the courtroom, Jordan shows up again, that sly dog, to claim voter fraud in this area. The judge makes his ruling, and he rules against Alicia, Will and Diane. So 30,000+ votes are thrown out on the night prior to a nail bitingly close election. Who is with me in thinking that this whole thing was just a scene by Jordan in order to get his revenge on Peter for firing him and sticking with Eli instead?
And now it's election day. Eli is watching Hostel 3, which is probably some foreshadowing for what is to occur for the latter half of the finale. Even though the ruling came in, Alicia recalls Zach who contends that Jordan was lying under oath, bringing in a revised ruling. During the judges deliberation, however, Will and Kalinda come across a video of one of Florrick's campaign people doing the very fraud that they are up against. Will tells Peter, the two are sassy at each other for a bit, and Peter tells Will to make the decision based on whether he wants Peter to win or not. Will ends up not submitting it and they win the case. And Will wins by way more than the votes up for grabs in court. Cue random cameo by Mayor Mike Bloomberg.
Now onto the juicy stuff, Kalinda tells Carey to go to hell because he asked the new investigator to move with him. The elder Mrs. Florrick tells off her son. And Alicia has a big decision to make. Actually two decisions. Well we don't see her decision on the Will and Peter front, but we do learn that she chose to go with Carey. Looks like next season we will see some good drama in the new firm of Florrick/Agos.
Who else is excited about the new firm in town? Who saw it coming from a mile away that Alicia was in fact talking to Carey instead of Will? And who else is super frustrated that we didn't see Alicia choose between Will and Peter?
It all starts with Zach witnessing possible voter fraud while voting a day early for the Illinois gubernatorial election. The ballot he saw is for Peter Florrick's rival, Christiva, so of course he goes along to tell his mother about it. There is an emergency trial with Alicia and co. arguing for voter fraud. Of course, it cannot be this simple and, when the ballot box in question is found, it turns out that a startling majority of the votes are for Florrick himself. Cue the lawyers of the case to abruptly switch sides and argue against voter fraud.
Elsewhere in the Lockhart/Gardner universe, the fourth years are in the midst of finding office space to move into when they leave the firm. What they are looking for is a little bit above what it costs to bring along Kalinda so everyone, sans Carey, are arguing to leave her at her current position in addition to accusing Carey of bias. That's when Collin Sweeney shows up, figuring out the move by Carey and co. and suggesting jumping ship with them. Sweeney then talks to Alicia about all this and then Alicia gets angry at Carey. All anger, all around at this point.
Back to the election. A third party complaint of voter fraud comes in from Peter's old campaign manager Jordan, guest star T.R. Knight, in that his client's name was spelled wrong. Turns out the name wasn't his real name anyway, so the case is thrown out. And that brings out the next biggest unanswered question of the episode: Will vs. Peter.
There's a steamy scene between Alicia and Will in his car between the voter fraud case. Alicia brings up that the kiss between them a few episodes ago opened up something between the two again. They kiss, Diane sees, and it's back to court with Alicia's choice still completely up in the air.
Back in the courtroom, Jordan shows up again, that sly dog, to claim voter fraud in this area. The judge makes his ruling, and he rules against Alicia, Will and Diane. So 30,000+ votes are thrown out on the night prior to a nail bitingly close election. Who is with me in thinking that this whole thing was just a scene by Jordan in order to get his revenge on Peter for firing him and sticking with Eli instead?
And now it's election day. Eli is watching Hostel 3, which is probably some foreshadowing for what is to occur for the latter half of the finale. Even though the ruling came in, Alicia recalls Zach who contends that Jordan was lying under oath, bringing in a revised ruling. During the judges deliberation, however, Will and Kalinda come across a video of one of Florrick's campaign people doing the very fraud that they are up against. Will tells Peter, the two are sassy at each other for a bit, and Peter tells Will to make the decision based on whether he wants Peter to win or not. Will ends up not submitting it and they win the case. And Will wins by way more than the votes up for grabs in court. Cue random cameo by Mayor Mike Bloomberg.
Now onto the juicy stuff, Kalinda tells Carey to go to hell because he asked the new investigator to move with him. The elder Mrs. Florrick tells off her son. And Alicia has a big decision to make. Actually two decisions. Well we don't see her decision on the Will and Peter front, but we do learn that she chose to go with Carey. Looks like next season we will see some good drama in the new firm of Florrick/Agos.
Who else is excited about the new firm in town? Who saw it coming from a mile away that Alicia was in fact talking to Carey instead of Will? And who else is super frustrated that we didn't see Alicia choose between Will and Peter?
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Scandal Recap: Huck Gets Crazed
If you have not yet seen this week's episode of Scandal, please leave now. If you have or just like to read spoilers, then read on.
At the end of the last episode, we see Huck in a dicey situation at the storage facility and Olivia banging her head pretty good because of Jake. This week's episode picks up right after the fact, with Huck chanting the number 752 over and over and Olivia getting a special visit from the President. While Huck was chanting his numbers, the Fitz was chanting to Olivia that he loved her, while she rebuffs him.
Flashback: We see a cleaner version of Huck returning from a tour in Kosovo visiting his girlfriend, played beautifully by guest star Jasika Nicole. The two are happy and in love and, of course, we know this must end badly since she is not a regular on the show and Huck is now much dirtier and a little crazier. Returning from his tour of duty with the Marines, Huck is offered a government job with the CIA, one that has a job description of torturing and killing supposed traitors. And so it begins.
Back to the present, we see the President sticking by Olivia's hospital room even though she continuously says she hates him and will not talk to him. This causes all sorts of problems for Cyrus as he must now explain why Fitz is at the hospital in the middle of the night. And of course Mellie is not at all happy about all of this. As she is about to be discharged from the hospital, Olivia and Fitz have an intense moment of him saying that he's still angry about Defiance, but he cannot live without her and her admitting to still loving him. The two kiss, which of course makes the audience ridiculously excited. And a second later Olivia says she cannot do it anymore. Fitz looks devastated, goes back to the White House Only to find Mellie leaving him and take their son with her.
Back to the flashbacks. Huck is happy. He likes torturing and killing people. And then his life turns upside down. His girlfriend becomes pregnant, the two marry, and he begins to not enjoy his job anymore. Well of course the CIA is bound to find out and, when they do, they lock Huck in a box for extended periods of time, continuously asking if he has a wife and child, which he steadfastly says that he does. It even gets to the point when crazy assassin guy thinks that the CIA is doing too much. Finally, he says no. When assassin man is about to kill him, he instead lets him go and tells him to be a ghost. When saying that the mission is a success, we learn that the boss is none other than the man meeting with Jake about Albatross. Twists and turns everywhere. And Huck cannot even remember if his family is real or not, though Olivia gets him to admit that they at least felt real. Then we learn the reason for the number 752. It was the exact time when he saw his wife and son as Union Station and his son gave him a dollar, never realizing Huck was never more than a homeless man.
So what happens next? And can we please see Jasika Nicole again?
Monday, April 22, 2013
Game of Thrones Reactions: And Now His Watch is Ended
Every once in a while, I need to write down my thoughts while watching an episode of one of my favorite shows. Here they are for your viewing pleasure. Spoilers ahead.
- How this show actually made it possible for me to feel sorry for Jamie Lannister, I will never understand.
- And now I feel bad for Varys. What is happening?
- Wait wait wait.... Cassie from Skins is now on this show? With Chris already there, it's like a mini little reunion.
- Everyone seems to love Margaery.
- Brienne and Jamie just need to hook up.
- I quite enjoy how everyone on this show seems to hate Joffrey. Except maybe his mother.
- I freaking love Margaery's grandmother: "Lord Varys are you trying to seduce me?" So sarcastic and amazing.
- Theon can't catch a break, can he?
- Oh man if only people knew quite what was in store for Sansa for the rest of the season...
- I forgot how mad creepy this guy with all the daughters and sons is. Stay safe Night's Watch, stay safe.
- Now I feel sympathy for the Hound. This show makes me feel feelings that I do not want to feel.
- Daenarys is a badass now apparently.
- Even I would fight for Daenarys after that show of force.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
MTV Movie Awards Hosted by Rebel Wilson
You knew it had to be a good show when this was the first time in recent memory when Twilight wasn't nominated in pretty much every category.
The opening: What can I say. James Franco was there and made fun of his own hosting. Rebel Wilson had a boyfriend of Channing Tatum and his butt. Iron Man Giant (I would watch that movie). Wilson singing The Climb. The cast of Pitch Perfect! Skylar Astin rapping. And she was basically just overall hilarious with the perfect amount of raunchiness. So basically better than every other opening for this show I've seen in the last few years.
Of course, the show went off the rails after the beginning. Here is a breakdown of all the winners.
Best Male Performance: Bradley Cooper for Silver Linings Playbook. He can't win any real awards for this movie because of Daniel Day Lewis. But I am psyched he won! ANd he gave a little PSA for our vets, of which I'm sure most of the viewers of this show know nothing about.
Best WTF Moment: Jamie Foxx and Samuel L. Jackson. I'm pretty sure most of that entire movie could fit into this category, just like every other Quentin Tarantino movie.
Best Fight: Marvel's The Avengers. This definitely deserved to win. Probably the most expensive of all the nominees as well. It is always good to see Tom Hiddleston and Chris Evans. And Joss Whedon deserves every award made ever.
Trailblazer Award: Emma Watson. I am about her age, and boy did this make me feel bad about all of my accomplishments. It also made me REALLY miss Harry Potter. Jonah Hill's "announcement"about them starring in Fifty Shades of Grey was also perfect.
Best Kiss: Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence for Silver Linings Playbook. Only Cooper was there, so not really as much to say about this award as in years past.
Comedic Genius Award: Will Ferrell. I don't know if I'd say a genius, but I was ready to go with it. And then the speech went on. And there was clearly a bet that Aubrey Plaza lost in order to promote a movie. At least Will went for it. And then his Asian family came on stage (don't ask). Oh, and he was wearing a three-piece money suit. This is essentially when the show went off the rails.
Breakthrough Performance: Rebel Wilson. No real surprise here. She basically made Pitch Perfect as wonderful and hilarious as it was. Without her, it would just have really good singing, and not have the same funnies and heart.
Best Shirtless Performance: Taylor Lautner for Twilight. HOW THE HECK DID CHANNING TATUM NOT WIN? There are no words to describe my anger.
Best Villain: Tom Hiddleston for The Avengers. He was Hulk smashed. And he is an evil god. So basically he deserved the award. And he called Joss Whedon a beautiful badass.
Generation Award: Jamie Foxx. He seems like a pretty cool guy. So he definitely deserves this. Especially for his ground breaking role as Motherf****er Jones in Horrible Bosses.
Best Musical Moment: The cast of Pitch Perfect. Just a bunch of regular gals singing to a Mariah Carey chart topper.
Before I get to best movie, Brad Pitt why are you there? OK and the winner is...
Best Movie: Marvel's The Avengers. Making it the night's winner of most popcorn trophies. Joss, you deserve this buddy, even though most of me was pulling for Silver Linings. But seriously, Joss freaking Whedon, you are amazing and wonderful for writing and directing such a wonderful superhero movie that I'm pretty sure everyone in the world saw.
The opening: What can I say. James Franco was there and made fun of his own hosting. Rebel Wilson had a boyfriend of Channing Tatum and his butt. Iron Man Giant (I would watch that movie). Wilson singing The Climb. The cast of Pitch Perfect! Skylar Astin rapping. And she was basically just overall hilarious with the perfect amount of raunchiness. So basically better than every other opening for this show I've seen in the last few years.
Of course, the show went off the rails after the beginning. Here is a breakdown of all the winners.
Best Male Performance: Bradley Cooper for Silver Linings Playbook. He can't win any real awards for this movie because of Daniel Day Lewis. But I am psyched he won! ANd he gave a little PSA for our vets, of which I'm sure most of the viewers of this show know nothing about.
Best WTF Moment: Jamie Foxx and Samuel L. Jackson. I'm pretty sure most of that entire movie could fit into this category, just like every other Quentin Tarantino movie.
Best Fight: Marvel's The Avengers. This definitely deserved to win. Probably the most expensive of all the nominees as well. It is always good to see Tom Hiddleston and Chris Evans. And Joss Whedon deserves every award made ever.
Trailblazer Award: Emma Watson. I am about her age, and boy did this make me feel bad about all of my accomplishments. It also made me REALLY miss Harry Potter. Jonah Hill's "announcement"about them starring in Fifty Shades of Grey was also perfect.
Best Kiss: Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence for Silver Linings Playbook. Only Cooper was there, so not really as much to say about this award as in years past.
Comedic Genius Award: Will Ferrell. I don't know if I'd say a genius, but I was ready to go with it. And then the speech went on. And there was clearly a bet that Aubrey Plaza lost in order to promote a movie. At least Will went for it. And then his Asian family came on stage (don't ask). Oh, and he was wearing a three-piece money suit. This is essentially when the show went off the rails.
Breakthrough Performance: Rebel Wilson. No real surprise here. She basically made Pitch Perfect as wonderful and hilarious as it was. Without her, it would just have really good singing, and not have the same funnies and heart.
Best Shirtless Performance: Taylor Lautner for Twilight. HOW THE HECK DID CHANNING TATUM NOT WIN? There are no words to describe my anger.
Best Villain: Tom Hiddleston for The Avengers. He was Hulk smashed. And he is an evil god. So basically he deserved the award. And he called Joss Whedon a beautiful badass.
Generation Award: Jamie Foxx. He seems like a pretty cool guy. So he definitely deserves this. Especially for his ground breaking role as Motherf****er Jones in Horrible Bosses.
Best Musical Moment: The cast of Pitch Perfect. Just a bunch of regular gals singing to a Mariah Carey chart topper.
Before I get to best movie, Brad Pitt why are you there? OK and the winner is...
Best Movie: Marvel's The Avengers. Making it the night's winner of most popcorn trophies. Joss, you deserve this buddy, even though most of me was pulling for Silver Linings. But seriously, Joss freaking Whedon, you are amazing and wonderful for writing and directing such a wonderful superhero movie that I'm pretty sure everyone in the world saw.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
SNL with Vince Vaughn
Vince Vaughn hosted the latest installment of the Saturday night staple. And while it was not on the level of awesomeness as Melissa McCarthy or Justin Timberlake's hosting gigs, this outing was not nearly the worst of the season. Here are my picks for the best and worst skits of the week.
Best
HBO's Al Pacino Accused Murderers Biopics: Bill Hader as several different accused murderers in this courtroom drama. Notable murderers: Amanda Knox and Conrad Murray. And yes, that means Hader played Al Pacino as a woman and as an African American.
History of Punk: This was one of the biggest surprise in memoriams for Margaret Thatcher that I have seen all week. Truly original and funny.
Worst
Stormy Skies: Just utterly boring. With hardly a laugh to be had.
Weekend Update: While Seth Meyers seemed to do his best with the material from the past week, so much more could have been done. And the "guests" were just not at all funny or groundbreaking.
All in all: An alright outing. Just some advice that may help: BRING BACK PETER DRUNKLAGE!
Best
HBO's Al Pacino Accused Murderers Biopics: Bill Hader as several different accused murderers in this courtroom drama. Notable murderers: Amanda Knox and Conrad Murray. And yes, that means Hader played Al Pacino as a woman and as an African American.
History of Punk: This was one of the biggest surprise in memoriams for Margaret Thatcher that I have seen all week. Truly original and funny.
Worst
Stormy Skies: Just utterly boring. With hardly a laugh to be had.
Weekend Update: While Seth Meyers seemed to do his best with the material from the past week, so much more could have been done. And the "guests" were just not at all funny or groundbreaking.
All in all: An alright outing. Just some advice that may help: BRING BACK PETER DRUNKLAGE!
Friday, April 12, 2013
Why Pitch Perfect is Amazing
I remember reading in Entertainment Weekly's fall movie preview that they were not looking forward to this movie at all. Then, when it came out, they fell in love with it. Just like most of America. Here are some reasons why this is one of modern times' semi-cult classics.
- People love it despite its premise. Seriously. It should just be a Glee ripoff, but it is not. Instead, it has a heart of its own with wonderful songs and mashups to boot.
- Anna Kendrick is fabulous as the lead. Sure she may be an Oscar nominated actress, but I'm pretty sure that before this movie she was most well known for her minor role in the Twilight franchise. Thankfully, I do not think that is the case anymore.
- Skylar Astin, best known for roles in the musical Spring Awakening and the film Hamlet 2, is a breakout. Not only is his singing voice to die for, he actually portrays a realistic college romance. Not an easy thing to do, if I do say so myself.
- Whoever arranged the music is amazing. The mashups are perfection and are actually relevant to the story.
- Kudos to the casting directors. It is pretty easy in film to go with the big names instead of the big voices. The actors and actresses in this movie are all extremely musically talented. While there are some big names (looking at you Elizabeth Banks and McLovin'), they are not the main characters of the film.
- It is actually funny. I give most of the credit to Rebel Wilson and Adam DeVine. Each of these actors stole the show in every scene that they were in.
So if you haven't seen this movie already, I really urge you to see it. And it is also great to watch multiple times. Not many movies can achieve that.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Thursday, April 4, 2013
First Thoughts on NBC's Hannibal
The first episode of NBC's Hannibal got off to a bloody good start (see what I did there?), and it wasn't even until about 30 minutes into the episode that we got to see the namesake of the show. And when we finally did, he was drinking some nice chianti with some liver and fava beans (I mean, I'm just assuming). As it should be.
The show opens with a series of murders of young girls, all matching the same physical profile. Lawrence Fishbourne plays the lead investigator on the case, Agent Jack Crawford, who brings in our protagonist, Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) to help with the profile of the killer. It is quickly revealed to the audience that Graham has a personality disorder closely related to autism or asbergers. This disorder, however, makes him able to brilliantly enter the minds of the killers and find evidence and motives. In fact, he can empathize with almost any human being. And it is precisely this genius that allows him to make the connection that the killer eats his victims. Enter Dr. Hannibal Lector.
Dr. Lector (Mads Mikkelsen) is referred by a fellow psychiatrist to work on his very own case. With Graham's special observation skills, you may imagine that the two men do not get along so well, which allows the world to experience this bit of genius dialogue from Dancy: "Don't psychoanalyze me. You wont like me when I'm psychoanalyzed."
The show brings what you might expect from a history of Hannibal Lector: gore, violence, intrigue, and of course lots of nice footage of him cooking body parts. What you may not expect are the brilliant performances from the two leads. Dancy is able to play a slightly unstable man with a personality disorder with such ease and grace somehow and Mikkelsen brings in the creep factor without going over the top.
Bottom line: Watch this brilliant show. Seriously. If you need great television in your life, you have to watch this show.
Grade: A
The show opens with a series of murders of young girls, all matching the same physical profile. Lawrence Fishbourne plays the lead investigator on the case, Agent Jack Crawford, who brings in our protagonist, Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) to help with the profile of the killer. It is quickly revealed to the audience that Graham has a personality disorder closely related to autism or asbergers. This disorder, however, makes him able to brilliantly enter the minds of the killers and find evidence and motives. In fact, he can empathize with almost any human being. And it is precisely this genius that allows him to make the connection that the killer eats his victims. Enter Dr. Hannibal Lector.
Dr. Lector (Mads Mikkelsen) is referred by a fellow psychiatrist to work on his very own case. With Graham's special observation skills, you may imagine that the two men do not get along so well, which allows the world to experience this bit of genius dialogue from Dancy: "Don't psychoanalyze me. You wont like me when I'm psychoanalyzed."
The show brings what you might expect from a history of Hannibal Lector: gore, violence, intrigue, and of course lots of nice footage of him cooking body parts. What you may not expect are the brilliant performances from the two leads. Dancy is able to play a slightly unstable man with a personality disorder with such ease and grace somehow and Mikkelsen brings in the creep factor without going over the top.
Bottom line: Watch this brilliant show. Seriously. If you need great television in your life, you have to watch this show.
Grade: A
Sunday, March 31, 2013
The Walking Dead Recap: It's Hard Out Here for the Living
If you haven't yet watched this Sunday's The Walking Dead finale, you should probably turn away from the screen now. Otherwise, read on.
This was a finale full of death, not unlike past finales of this show. Almost too many to count. There were a bunch of walkers meeting their deaths, Milton, Walker Milton, the Woodbury Soldiers, the walker versions of the Woodbury soldiers. The biggest shocker of all: Andrea met her doom.
Something bad was going to happen when the Governor left a handcuffed Andrea in a room with a dying Milton. Milton would turn and try to eat her dead. As the Governor said: "You kill or you die, or you die then you kill." While Milton did try to help Andre by leaving a wrench close to her feet, she wasn't fast enough to finish him off before he took a bite out of her. Of course, the audience wouldn't find this out until the end of the hour, when Rick, Michonne, and Daryl find Andrea close to turning. Michonne stays with her in the end while Andrea does the suicide deed herself. The scene was heart wrenching Rick calling Andrea one of us, the season one callback quote about the safety, and Michonne crying throughout. It was a tough scene to get through.
In other news, the Governor is crazy. Well, we already knew that. But now we really know that. After a wildly unsuccessful attack of the prison, the Governor breaks. When some of his soldiers suggest that they just leave the prison be, the Governor snaps, pulls his gun up, and guns down almost everyone. Only one target survives, and she lives to bring the aforementioned prison trio into Woodbury. The Governor drives off with Martinez and another soldier, not to be seen for the rest of the episode. In related news: David Morrisey, aka the Governor, will officially be back for season 4 as a series regular. Where will he go? And what craziness will he be up to when next we see him?
Other notable aspects of the hour: Carl is starting to turn crazy and kills a teen soldier trying to surrender. Carol and Daryl have a teeny moment when she mentions Merle giving the group a chance. The poncho was back! Woodbury moves in with the prison. And probably a lot more I can't even think about right now.
Next season cannot come soon enough.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
The Walking Dead Reactions: Goodbye Mr. Devil
Every once in a while, I need to write down my thoughts while watching an episode of one of my favorite shows. Here they are for your viewing pleasure. Spoilers ahead.
- Can I just say, Daryl's hair looks more professionally done each and every episode. Not that I'm complaining.
- All Merle needs is some good pot. Then he can be a reasonable person.
- Don't you even think about giving Michonne up, Rick.
- Wait wait wait.... How did Merle just all of the sudden become part of the inner circle at the prison?
- Carol is beginning to become such a sassy mouth and I love it.
- Merle, I'm pretty sure Daryl has balls. He just has more sympathy for the people who have been the most like family to him.
- I'm not quite sure what my feelings are towards Merle are sometimes.
- Lori, please go away. Please. Rick needs to make some big decisions.
- So I guess it's time for Merle to go do the dirty work. I mean, I guess that can be his role in the prison...
- And that right there is why we don't leave Merle alone. Poor Michonne.
- Merle has got the jokes this week: "You gotta play the hands you're dealt. And I only have one."
- Glenn, you little romantic you. Asking Herschal for permission and everything. I guess we know who the sweetheart of the group is.
- Damn car alarm causing all sorts of trouble.
- Michonne makes some valid points, but there is no way in hell that is going to get through Merle's thick skull.
- I stand corrected.
- Merle and his whisky and radio. The way I think Merle partied before the zombie apocalypse.
- Apparently, getting his fingers bitten off was not the worst punishment. Merle needed to be shot as well.
- "How you live and how you die is not up to me. I'm not your governor." - Rick
- YOU LEFT HIM TO BE A WALKER YOU SICK SICK SICK BASTARD?!?!?!
- Time to go cry my eyes out now. Norman Reedus delivers again. I just can't right now.... I just can't.
Monday, March 25, 2013
How I Met Your Mother's Return to Legendary Status
Tonight's episode of How I Met Your Mother reminded me of why I got so into obsessive television watching.
It's no secret that this season has been less than perfect. However, tonight the show proved that it can rebound in the best way possible. There were callbacks to classic episodes (Okay, Awesome), dance-offs, Marshall making girly drinks, and so much more. Jayma Mayes finally made her return as the coat check girl. Really, just perfect call back references to past seasons.
What really made this episode stand apart was the end with Ted rushing to meet his future wife. Well, not actually meet her, but his twenty year older self imagining the scenario. Only 45 days people. That's how long Ted has to meet the love of his life. 45 days. Not long at all, though he has all but given up on love. There are only 45 days left until he meets the mother of his children and then he will never be as lonely as we saw him tonight ever again.
Speaking of Ted's loneliness, can I just give a round of applause to Josh Radnor? For almost eight seasons he has been the heart of that show, and he reminded viewers of Ted's earnest wish for happiness tonight with a performance so heart wrenching and hopeful and lost that me and other HIMYM devotees could not help but shed more than a few tears.
On a lighter note, can I give props to the person who came up with the future Ted and Barney storyline? Especially the one who came up with their beautiful harmonizing. That was pulled off to perfection. Sure, the show has always been fairly quirky, but this pulled it to a whole new level. While the audience obviously knew it was not happening to Ted, it was still real in a way that most sitcoms would never be able to pull off.
This has been my love letter to a perfect episode of How I Met Your Mother. And I pray that the trend continues because, if it does, this show will get the respect it deserves.
It's no secret that this season has been less than perfect. However, tonight the show proved that it can rebound in the best way possible. There were callbacks to classic episodes (Okay, Awesome), dance-offs, Marshall making girly drinks, and so much more. Jayma Mayes finally made her return as the coat check girl. Really, just perfect call back references to past seasons.
What really made this episode stand apart was the end with Ted rushing to meet his future wife. Well, not actually meet her, but his twenty year older self imagining the scenario. Only 45 days people. That's how long Ted has to meet the love of his life. 45 days. Not long at all, though he has all but given up on love. There are only 45 days left until he meets the mother of his children and then he will never be as lonely as we saw him tonight ever again.
Speaking of Ted's loneliness, can I just give a round of applause to Josh Radnor? For almost eight seasons he has been the heart of that show, and he reminded viewers of Ted's earnest wish for happiness tonight with a performance so heart wrenching and hopeful and lost that me and other HIMYM devotees could not help but shed more than a few tears.
On a lighter note, can I give props to the person who came up with the future Ted and Barney storyline? Especially the one who came up with their beautiful harmonizing. That was pulled off to perfection. Sure, the show has always been fairly quirky, but this pulled it to a whole new level. While the audience obviously knew it was not happening to Ted, it was still real in a way that most sitcoms would never be able to pull off.
This has been my love letter to a perfect episode of How I Met Your Mother. And I pray that the trend continues because, if it does, this show will get the respect it deserves.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
5 Reasons to Catch Up on Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is a hit on HBO. If you are not caught up, or have been living under a rock and have not watched yet, here are some reasons to get yourself caught up before the season 3 premiere on Sunday, March 31.
- Season 3 is based on arguably the most exciting of the books, A Storm of Swords. Actually it's the first half of the book. And trust me when I tell you, this is the most exciting book with the biggest twists and turns of the entire series.
- There will be an event this season. An event that will change the lives of many of the character involved. Maybe even kill some of the characters. I would say it's name, but that would give it away.
- There will be death. That's not really a spoiler, but there will be many important deaths.
- Even though Tyrion Lannister, played to perfection by Peter Dinklage, plays a somewhat small role this season, by season 4 his role will be beefed up to the max. So catch up now before he gets another Emmy-worthy season in him.
- This is one of the biggest cross-over hits around. There's intrigue, mystery, violence, romance, murder, vengeance, sex, drama, comedy, and anything else you can possibly imagine. There is something for everyone. Trust me, you will like this show. And if you don't, you obviously don't have good taste in television. No offense.
So there you have it folks. Please watch this marvelous show. Please. You will enjoy it and won't regret it. And this season and the next are poised to be the best yet.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Is Bates Motel Worth the Hype?
Short answer: Yes. Slightly less short answer: Hell yes.
Bates Motel is a prequel to Psycho, arguably Alfred Hitchcock's most famous film. But only kind of. Instead, it takes place in the present day with the young Norman Bates and his loving mother, Norma. And no Mr. police man with great eyelashes, it's not weird that a mother can name a boy after her. There is nothing yet about Norman stabbing women in showers, but I'm sure that will come later. Instead, this show is meant to be one where everyone can follow along, even those who have never seen the original cinema classic.
Vera Farmiga plays the mother who Norman will someday grow to love a little too much. She is strong, tough, and seems to already have murdered at least two men. So I guess we know where Norman's killer instincts come from. Speaking of Norman, Freddie Highmore plays the infamous member of the Bates family. Norman as a teenager is a little naive and not quite at his murderous rage yet. However, Highmore's performance suggests something deep buried inside this somewhat calm facade. This two actors bring such incredible performances to this show. In fact, I believe they are both highly worthy of being in the Emmy race, at least as nominees.
Bottom line: This show has incredible potential, and this may just be because of the outstanding depth that the two leads give to their characters.
Grade: A
Bates Motel is a prequel to Psycho, arguably Alfred Hitchcock's most famous film. But only kind of. Instead, it takes place in the present day with the young Norman Bates and his loving mother, Norma. And no Mr. police man with great eyelashes, it's not weird that a mother can name a boy after her. There is nothing yet about Norman stabbing women in showers, but I'm sure that will come later. Instead, this show is meant to be one where everyone can follow along, even those who have never seen the original cinema classic.
Vera Farmiga plays the mother who Norman will someday grow to love a little too much. She is strong, tough, and seems to already have murdered at least two men. So I guess we know where Norman's killer instincts come from. Speaking of Norman, Freddie Highmore plays the infamous member of the Bates family. Norman as a teenager is a little naive and not quite at his murderous rage yet. However, Highmore's performance suggests something deep buried inside this somewhat calm facade. This two actors bring such incredible performances to this show. In fact, I believe they are both highly worthy of being in the Emmy race, at least as nominees.
Bottom line: This show has incredible potential, and this may just be because of the outstanding depth that the two leads give to their characters.
Grade: A
Sunday, March 17, 2013
The Walking Dead Reactions: Get Outta There
Every once in a while, I need to write down my thoughts while watching an episode of one of my favorite shows. Here they are for your viewing pleasure. Spoilers ahead.
- I've been wondering about all of these lonely nights that Andrea and Michonne had while they were on the road.
- Fans of the comic will know what those chains mean for Michonne.
- Just shoot that son of a bitch, woman!
- Just listen to Andrea, Tyrese. Trust me, you will be better off to get the heck out of Woodbury than staying in that place of hell.
- This guy who came with Tyrese to stupid and crazy.
- While running through that building, Andrea just needs to be more quiet and find a good hiding place.
- Well Philip is not going to be quiet, is he?
- Now I have learned how to cut someone's face in half with a shovel.
- I bet one billion dollars that the Governor is going to get out of this walker trap.
- The Governor is definitely going to put Andrea in the rape/torture chamber right? Yes, I thought that would happen.
- My money is on Milton for burning up the pit walkers.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Veronica Mars Movie is a Go!
Thanks to Kickstarter and the awesome Mars fans out there, the Veronica Mars movie will officially happen! The website was set up to raise $2 million in 30 days to make the feature. All it took to raise the money? Less than one day.
Due to start shooting this summer, the film is set to be released early 2014 and will feature the return of show favorite Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, Enrico Colantoni, Ryan Hansen, etc. The project will also be written by Mars creator Rob Thomas (also known for creating the short-lived Party Down).
Get ready for one of the most anticipated films of 2014 Marshmallows!
Due to start shooting this summer, the film is set to be released early 2014 and will feature the return of show favorite Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, Enrico Colantoni, Ryan Hansen, etc. The project will also be written by Mars creator Rob Thomas (also known for creating the short-lived Party Down).
Get ready for one of the most anticipated films of 2014 Marshmallows!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
A John Hughes Movie Marathon
Quick thoughts on my impromptu John Hughes movie marathon:
Pretty in Pink: Just an all around perfect 80s romantic comedy with great characters played by Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, and Jon Cryer. And by the end, you will be in love with McCarthy's Blane. Trust me.
Some Kind of Wonderful: I know this is Hugh's answer to what he considered not the best ending to Pretty in Pink, but Pretty in Pink is much better. Just saying. The story doesn't seem to much in this one. But still not a bad movie, just not as great as some of his other ventures.
She's Having a Baby: It is just weird to see Elizabeth McGovern in any setting that is not Downton Abbey. But I will like any movie with Kevin Bacon, so this movie was just fine. Though Bacon's character is pretty unlikeable throughout most of the film.
Weird Science: This one is for the nerd in all of us. Plus, there's Bill Paxton! And Robert Downey Jr.! So yea, it's pretty damn good.
The Breakfast Club: Basically the best high school movie ever. There's really nothing else to say here.
Sixteen Candles: Pretty much the second or third best high school movie ever. Depending on where I decide to place Pretty in Pink in the list.
Pretty in Pink: Just an all around perfect 80s romantic comedy with great characters played by Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, and Jon Cryer. And by the end, you will be in love with McCarthy's Blane. Trust me.
Some Kind of Wonderful: I know this is Hugh's answer to what he considered not the best ending to Pretty in Pink, but Pretty in Pink is much better. Just saying. The story doesn't seem to much in this one. But still not a bad movie, just not as great as some of his other ventures.
She's Having a Baby: It is just weird to see Elizabeth McGovern in any setting that is not Downton Abbey. But I will like any movie with Kevin Bacon, so this movie was just fine. Though Bacon's character is pretty unlikeable throughout most of the film.
Weird Science: This one is for the nerd in all of us. Plus, there's Bill Paxton! And Robert Downey Jr.! So yea, it's pretty damn good.
The Breakfast Club: Basically the best high school movie ever. There's really nothing else to say here.
Sixteen Candles: Pretty much the second or third best high school movie ever. Depending on where I decide to place Pretty in Pink in the list.
Movie Review: Pretty in Pink
Molly Ringwald plays the protagonist of this story, Andie, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Duckie, the role Jon Cryer became famous from, is her longtime friend who seems to be desperately in love with her. Of course, people over the years have also said that the character was gay, but that's not for me to decide. And Andrew McCarthy is Blane, the rich boy who falls for Andie. Of course, when that happens, all of his rich friends turn on him and make him rethink his choice in the young, poor woman.
The whole thing is centered around the last few weeks of the characters' senior year with the approach of prom on the horizon. Once Blane asks Andie to the prom, things start to get awkward. Steff, played by James Spader, is Blane's best friend who basically tells him to stop hanging out with Andie or he will have no friends left at all. This gets to his head, and he essentially stops talking to her for a little while. All the while, Andie's relationship is tested with Duckie as he hates everything that rich Blane represents.
The heartbreak between all the characters continues for quite some time of the movie until the prom. Andie decides to go despite the awkwardness and sadness that she feels. And of course, like every great 80s movie, all is resolved.
Bottom line: A quintessential John Hughes classic that lives up to and exceeds its romantic and corny premise.
Grade: B+
Sunday, March 10, 2013
The Walking Dead Reactions: Just Hit Them with a Baseball Bat
Every once in a while, I need to write down my thoughts while watching an episode of one of my favorite shows. Here they are for your viewing pleasure. Spoilers ahead.
- Creepiest slow walk ever.
- I have to say, the Governor is a very charming man, no matter how evil he is.
- Just kill him Rick. Just shoot that motherf***** in his good eye.
- Looks as though Andrea is the only one in both groups who does not know what the Governor did to Maggie.
- This is the most intense negotiation since Carrie interrogated Brody on Homeland.
- I am so nervous while watching this show.
- Yea, you don't call yourself the Governor. Sure thing buddy.
- Way to bring Li'l Asskicker into this. And man does Andrea have loose lips in the bedroom, telling the Governor all that.
- A baseball bat is one way to kill the walkers.
- Herschel has got the jokes this episode.
- I felt bad for the Governor for about two seconds. And then I remembered that everybody has that same type of story, if not more tragic.
- Don't you trust that man Rick! And don't you dare hand over Michonne to that sociopath.
- You can just go ahead and put that eyepatch on whenever you feel up to it.
- Ah young love in what I will now call the sex garage.
- Damn the Governor is cold blooded with that plan. But I guess Rick is too. But if that man does anything bad to Daryl I swear to god....
Friday, March 8, 2013
Movie Review: Moulin Rouge!
This is not my first watching of this movie. This isn't even my tenth watching of this movie. But I believe this is one of the best musical and romantic movies of all time.
At first glance, this is a very strange film. Especially the first half. It's filled with absinth Argentinians with narcolepsy, music from This Sound of Music, and lots and lots of colorful strippers/prostitutes. What you might not necessarily notice is the heart of this movie. It's a movie about hope and love and beauty. As the characters subscribing to the Bohemian lifestyle constantly say, this movie is about "freedom, beauty, truth and love."
The curtains open. They literally open. We see Christian (Ewan McGregor) typing away on his typewriter about the woman he loves. We learn right away that she is (SPOILER) deceased. Thus, the audience knows right away the end game of this movie. Of course, by the end of the film, you will be hopelessly wishing that Christian was lying in his voiceover. In between this revelation and the end, the movie is filled with beautiful people, dancing, singing, and love.
Christian meets Satine (Nicole Kidman) at the Moulin Rouge where she mistakes him for the Duke, who we learn is going to invest at the theater and develop a show. After some awkward encounters and flustering, Christian is assigned to write this play and Satine will play the main character. Of course, through the writing of the play, Christian basically writes about their story. Satine is supposed to end up with the Duke eventually, but after a duet between the two, they realize their love. Of course, she is still entrusted to the Duke, but making up every excuse in the book to not sleep with him. So the illicit affair begins. There are bumps along the road, but it's nothing that cannot be fixed with a song.
The music in this movie really is phenomenal. I applaude the one who made the music arrangements and especially the one who wrote Come What May. That may easily be the best music made for a movie ever, in my humble opinion. It is used as the lover's secret song, when Satine and Christian want to let each other know that they love each other. Elephant Love Medley (where Satine and Christian realize their love) is a well arranged mash-up. Nature Boy is the perfect beginning and end song of the movie. And one of the best of the film is Christian's version of Your Song, originally sung by Elton John. This song on its own is wonderful, but in the context of the show, when Christian is wooing Satine, it is one of the most romantic songs in cinema.
Botton line: One of the best, if not the best, movie musicals of all time. And one of the best romantic movies. Perfect casting, perfect songs. All in all, just a wonderful movie that I can watch over and over.
Grade: A+
At first glance, this is a very strange film. Especially the first half. It's filled with absinth Argentinians with narcolepsy, music from This Sound of Music, and lots and lots of colorful strippers/prostitutes. What you might not necessarily notice is the heart of this movie. It's a movie about hope and love and beauty. As the characters subscribing to the Bohemian lifestyle constantly say, this movie is about "freedom, beauty, truth and love."
The curtains open. They literally open. We see Christian (Ewan McGregor) typing away on his typewriter about the woman he loves. We learn right away that she is (SPOILER) deceased. Thus, the audience knows right away the end game of this movie. Of course, by the end of the film, you will be hopelessly wishing that Christian was lying in his voiceover. In between this revelation and the end, the movie is filled with beautiful people, dancing, singing, and love.
Christian meets Satine (Nicole Kidman) at the Moulin Rouge where she mistakes him for the Duke, who we learn is going to invest at the theater and develop a show. After some awkward encounters and flustering, Christian is assigned to write this play and Satine will play the main character. Of course, through the writing of the play, Christian basically writes about their story. Satine is supposed to end up with the Duke eventually, but after a duet between the two, they realize their love. Of course, she is still entrusted to the Duke, but making up every excuse in the book to not sleep with him. So the illicit affair begins. There are bumps along the road, but it's nothing that cannot be fixed with a song.
The music in this movie really is phenomenal. I applaude the one who made the music arrangements and especially the one who wrote Come What May. That may easily be the best music made for a movie ever, in my humble opinion. It is used as the lover's secret song, when Satine and Christian want to let each other know that they love each other. Elephant Love Medley (where Satine and Christian realize their love) is a well arranged mash-up. Nature Boy is the perfect beginning and end song of the movie. And one of the best of the film is Christian's version of Your Song, originally sung by Elton John. This song on its own is wonderful, but in the context of the show, when Christian is wooing Satine, it is one of the most romantic songs in cinema.
Botton line: One of the best, if not the best, movie musicals of all time. And one of the best romantic movies. Perfect casting, perfect songs. All in all, just a wonderful movie that I can watch over and over.
Grade: A+
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Why Glee Can be Awesome
This song explains why this show can still be awesome, especially with its music choices and who sings what.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
A New Normal Halloween
After a long, long wait, The New Normal Halloween episode was brought to televisions across the country. This made the Community Halloween episode (which aired on Valentine's Day) seem to air at a more appropriate time. Reminder: this episode was pushed back because of the many areas of the Northeast US without power from Hurricane Sandy. Now, here's a list of the best and funniest parts of this episode.
- Rocky as Matt Lauer. And her having no idea who he was.
- George Takei playing Brian's makeup artist. Pure perfection.
- "So you're son is going as George Falange?" "No I wouldn't let him."
- The Honey Boo Boo costume. Oh. My. Lord.
- Shania and her speech about them being a Frankenstein-ian family.
- The dad dressed up as a fairy with his son. So sweet and funny and adorable.
While this show will continue to be corny and full of cliches, it really is a sweet show. And maybe, just maybe, it can show people some semblance of tolerance.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Fox Renewal Update
Fox was a little busy today sharing the love with its renewals for next year. The four lucky shows you may ask? Well here they are.
Now if only NBC would start announcing their renewals soon, me and the rest of the TV aficionados can sleep easy. Or badly, depending on how they go.
- The Following
- Raising Hope
- New Girl
- The Mindy Project
Now if only NBC would start announcing their renewals soon, me and the rest of the TV aficionados can sleep easy. Or badly, depending on how they go.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
The Walking Dead Reactions: Welcome to Crazy Town
Every once in a while, I need to write down my thoughts while watching an episode of one of my favorite shows. Here they are for your viewing pleasure. Spoilers ahead.
- This is just about the most awkward car ride ever.
- Carl: getting more and more badass by the day.
- Oh my God it's Morgan! I've been wondering where he went since he has been off the show!
- I feel like Duane definitely died.
- Yup. Knew it.
- Michonne is probably the most practical character on this show. Maybe on all of television.
- I guess Rick is starting to trust Michonne. Either that or he doesn't really care about Carl's safety enough to protect him against someone he thinks is bad for the group.
- Calm the heck down, Morgan.
- OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SNAP!
- Why hello there shirtless Andrew Lincoln.
- Way to stop checking up on the people that saved your life, Rick. Might have been the teeniest trigger in his craziness.
- Rick, take notice. This is your future.
- Oh man, Morgan's wife was the one who ate Duane? Oh no..... No wonder this guy is living in n intense version of Home Alone.
- Now Carl, what are you up to?
- Slowly but surely, Michonne is winning me over. Especially with that colorful cat.
- Apparently no one is going to worry about that stab wound. I guess that's the point these people are out now.
- Poor random hitchhiker man...
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Quick Review: Chicago
Well I finally got around to rewatching this Oscar winning movie. When I first saw it years ago, I hated it. Which is weird, because I love pretty much all musicals, even the super corny ones. But watching it this many years later, I can see why it won the Oscar.
It is a fun and sexy musical. The acting is phenomenal, especially by Catherine Zeta Jones and Jon C. Reilly. Renee Zellweger still looks like Renee Zellweger, and she does a good job as the lead of the movie. And they all have better singing voices than I thought would be the case. Of course Queen Latifah rocked it, but Zeta Jones knocked her songs out of the park. After a semi-weak performance during this past week at the Oscars, I wasn't quite sure how her singing and dancing would be, but it was wonderful. Great choreography, cool staging. It is just a solid movie all around, and a great musical to add to the list of mediocre ones.
It is a fun and sexy musical. The acting is phenomenal, especially by Catherine Zeta Jones and Jon C. Reilly. Renee Zellweger still looks like Renee Zellweger, and she does a good job as the lead of the movie. And they all have better singing voices than I thought would be the case. Of course Queen Latifah rocked it, but Zeta Jones knocked her songs out of the park. After a semi-weak performance during this past week at the Oscars, I wasn't quite sure how her singing and dancing would be, but it was wonderful. Great choreography, cool staging. It is just a solid movie all around, and a great musical to add to the list of mediocre ones.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Psych is Back!
After a much too long wait and a cliffhanger that makes even the most experienced TV nerds sweat, Psych is back on TV tonight!
Get excited Psych-o's
Get excited Psych-o's
Smash: Why more people should watch
Last season Smash fell victim to the recent trend of hate-watching. This is probably thanks to the barrage of unlikeable characters and some questionable story lines (poisoned smoothie, anyone?). This season, with the immense overhall by the new showrunner, something has changed. Those who hate watched left, and left hardly anyone tuning in week after week.
But the show is better now. So why aren't people watching? I can't tell you that, but here are some reasons why more people should tune in.
- No more Ellis or Leo or Julia's annoying husband
- Jennifer Hudson belting out like the powerhouse that she is
- Better songs. The ones they have for Jimmy and his little musical are actually really catchy and a fresh injection of modern music into the show
- No crazy dream sequences. OK there was one, but it was good and not crazy like the Bollywood hot mess like last season
- The new character, while occasionally annoying, are still far more likable than the ones they replaced
- There's more of a focus on the making-of aspects of Broadway
- If you love Katherine McPhee, you will love the direction of this season
So really people, please watch. The show has so much potential and deserves a shot.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Follow on Twitter
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Sunday, February 24, 2013
The Walking Dead Quick Reactions: Don't Trust Her
Sometimes I like to just watch a show and write down whatever my thoughts are while watching. Then I post them here for the world to see inside my brain.
- Shut up Merle, no one wants you here anyway.
- Listen to your son, Rick. Just give up the reins and let someone else get crazy.
- Andrea, please stop falling for this man's charm. He is pure evil. Not the cool cat he like to portray.
- OK, I really need Daryl to get over his brotherly affection right now.
- Carol, please just start making out with Daryl right now.
- I feel so bad for Milton sometimes. I don't think he loves the Governor, just don't think he would be able to survive otherwise.
- Wow Milton is really bad against the walkers.
- That jaw breaking scene is really hard to watch. Ow.
- Tyrese! Stop! Don't go to Woodbury!
- Get your head out of your ass, Andrea.
- I wonder if the suicide pact from the comics with Tyrese's daughter is going to be put into play in the show. Could be interesting.
- I'm going to name my female child Lil Asskicker.
- Wow, Carol laying out a plan of vagina warfare. I like tough Carol.
- I know you may be a little.... ahem frustrated... during this zombie apocalypse, but please open your eyes and see the world around here.
- Oh hello naked Andrea... now grow some balls and kill the Governor already. Please and thank you.
And the winners are....
Academy Awards 2013 results (including random ramblings and/or rants):
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz. Really anyone here could have won, and I'd have been happy with anyone. Maybe I wanted Deniro to win a little more. But I adore Christoph. And it's nice to know he can win with a nice character too.
Best Animated Short Film: Paperman.
Best Animated Feature Film: Brave. I'm sorry, I liked this movie, but Wreck-It Ralph should have won. It's because Pixar made it.
Best Cinematography: Life of Pi. No surprise there. Very beautiful movie.
Best Visual Effects: Life of Pi. Again, no surprises here. Much deserved award.
Best Costume Design: Anna Karenina - Jacqueline Durran.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Les Miserables. I kind of wanted the Hobbit feet to win, but I guess this works too.
Best Live Action Short Film: Curfew - Shawn Christensen.
Best Documentary Short Subject: Inocente.
Best Documentary Feature: Searching for Sugar Man. I feel like I should really start watching the movies nominated in this category.
Best Foreign Language Film: Amour. No surprise there, as it was the only one in the category to be nominated for Best Picture. And this is well deserved. Such a beautiful, touching movie.
Best Sound Mixing: Les Miserables. Can't tell you what this award means, but having the musical win makes sense to me.
Best Sound Editing: TIE: Zero Dark Thirty and Skyfall. I have never seen a tie during the Oscars before.
Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway. No question.
Best Film Editing: Argo. Definitely an awesomely edited movie. Also glad Argo is starting to win some awards up in here.
Best Production Design: Lincoln.
Best Original Score: Life of Pi. Makes sense. No complaints here at all. Very, very beautiful.
Best Original Song: Skyfall. There was no way that Adele was not going to win this. Perfect song from the movie. And it's Adele. Freaking Adele. She is perfection. No contest.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Argo. The Argo screenplay truly is something wonderful. Congratulation, very well deserved. I would've rooted for Silver Linings Playbook, but the screenplay is so different from the book.
Best Original Screenplay: Django Unchained. This actually surprised me. Don't know why, just did. But Tarantino really did make something original and unique. Though Zero Dark Thirty probably deserved to win just a little bit more. Just saying.
Best Director: Ang Lee for Life of Pi. I guess he did a good job. It could not have been an easy book to make into a movie. I'm just biased towards David O. Russell.
Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence! YES YES YES. So deserved! She was amazing in this movie. So much emotional depth. And I just adore her so much.
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis. There is not another actor who deserves it more or who could play Lincoln better. Bravo sir. And so humble. Just a wonderful actor.
Best Picture: Argo! Ben Affleck created such a wonderful film. You know a film is good when you get nervous watching a movie you know will end relatively happily. I love this movie, and I am so glad that it is the recognition it deserves.
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz. Really anyone here could have won, and I'd have been happy with anyone. Maybe I wanted Deniro to win a little more. But I adore Christoph. And it's nice to know he can win with a nice character too.
Best Animated Short Film: Paperman.
Best Animated Feature Film: Brave. I'm sorry, I liked this movie, but Wreck-It Ralph should have won. It's because Pixar made it.
Best Cinematography: Life of Pi. No surprise there. Very beautiful movie.
Best Visual Effects: Life of Pi. Again, no surprises here. Much deserved award.
Best Costume Design: Anna Karenina - Jacqueline Durran.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Les Miserables. I kind of wanted the Hobbit feet to win, but I guess this works too.
Best Live Action Short Film: Curfew - Shawn Christensen.
Best Documentary Short Subject: Inocente.
Best Documentary Feature: Searching for Sugar Man. I feel like I should really start watching the movies nominated in this category.
Best Foreign Language Film: Amour. No surprise there, as it was the only one in the category to be nominated for Best Picture. And this is well deserved. Such a beautiful, touching movie.
Best Sound Mixing: Les Miserables. Can't tell you what this award means, but having the musical win makes sense to me.
Best Sound Editing: TIE: Zero Dark Thirty and Skyfall. I have never seen a tie during the Oscars before.
Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway. No question.
Best Film Editing: Argo. Definitely an awesomely edited movie. Also glad Argo is starting to win some awards up in here.
Best Production Design: Lincoln.
Best Original Score: Life of Pi. Makes sense. No complaints here at all. Very, very beautiful.
Best Original Song: Skyfall. There was no way that Adele was not going to win this. Perfect song from the movie. And it's Adele. Freaking Adele. She is perfection. No contest.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Argo. The Argo screenplay truly is something wonderful. Congratulation, very well deserved. I would've rooted for Silver Linings Playbook, but the screenplay is so different from the book.
Best Original Screenplay: Django Unchained. This actually surprised me. Don't know why, just did. But Tarantino really did make something original and unique. Though Zero Dark Thirty probably deserved to win just a little bit more. Just saying.
Best Director: Ang Lee for Life of Pi. I guess he did a good job. It could not have been an easy book to make into a movie. I'm just biased towards David O. Russell.
Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence! YES YES YES. So deserved! She was amazing in this movie. So much emotional depth. And I just adore her so much.
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis. There is not another actor who deserves it more or who could play Lincoln better. Bravo sir. And so humble. Just a wonderful actor.
Best Picture: Argo! Ben Affleck created such a wonderful film. You know a film is good when you get nervous watching a movie you know will end relatively happily. I love this movie, and I am so glad that it is the recognition it deserves.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
The Surprising Awesomeness of Pitch Perfect
By all indications, Pitch Perfect should be a horrible movie. I guess some people may hate it. But based on reviews and me just polling everyone I know, it is a beloved movie. So how did this happen?
The most obvious thing is the casting. Is there anyone better than Rebel Wilson? She is just hilarious and delightful. I give her the most credit for making the movie so great. But the other casting is great too. Adam Devine is so hateful, but so intriguing. Anna Kendrick plays her "alternative" role to its highest potential. And Jesse... oh Jesse. You cannot watch this movie and not fall in love with him. I often find myself yelling at my television at Kendrick's Beca for not realizing what a sweetheart he can be. But while he is adorable, as with the rest of the cast, this is not the only thing that makes the film awesome.
The music. Holy cow I don't know who the filmmakers got to do all the arrangements and mashups and whatnot, but that person is good. It is almost physically impossibly to watch this movie and not hum along to its many catchy beats (notably the final Bella's mashup, any Treble Makers song, and the riff off scene). Of course, believing these characters could so quickly learn any arrangements in the time span of the movie is not easy, it is just a movie. And thank God there is not any Glee-like dream song sequence. That would have killed it for me.
Finally, the story of the movie should be contrived and dull. But the filmmakers manage to make a done story fresh and new, even if a little predicable. In lesser hands, this movie would have been a flop. Instead, it's funny and smart, and that's just what the audience deserves after seeing so many musical movies that are terrible.
The most obvious thing is the casting. Is there anyone better than Rebel Wilson? She is just hilarious and delightful. I give her the most credit for making the movie so great. But the other casting is great too. Adam Devine is so hateful, but so intriguing. Anna Kendrick plays her "alternative" role to its highest potential. And Jesse... oh Jesse. You cannot watch this movie and not fall in love with him. I often find myself yelling at my television at Kendrick's Beca for not realizing what a sweetheart he can be. But while he is adorable, as with the rest of the cast, this is not the only thing that makes the film awesome.
The music. Holy cow I don't know who the filmmakers got to do all the arrangements and mashups and whatnot, but that person is good. It is almost physically impossibly to watch this movie and not hum along to its many catchy beats (notably the final Bella's mashup, any Treble Makers song, and the riff off scene). Of course, believing these characters could so quickly learn any arrangements in the time span of the movie is not easy, it is just a movie. And thank God there is not any Glee-like dream song sequence. That would have killed it for me.
Finally, the story of the movie should be contrived and dull. But the filmmakers manage to make a done story fresh and new, even if a little predicable. In lesser hands, this movie would have been a flop. Instead, it's funny and smart, and that's just what the audience deserves after seeing so many musical movies that are terrible.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Scandal Reactions: Somebody's Watching You
In case you are new here, I do this thing where I write down my immediate reactions while watching some of my favorite shows. Here are my reactions to tonight's Scandal. And, obviously, there will be spoilers involved.
- Come on Kerry Washington. It's Scott Foley. Scott freaking Foley. Just have a nice date with him.
- As part of a Navy family, I appreciate this quote: "I'm a Navy man. Navy men never give up."
- It's nice to know that President Grant is turning to the booze. I feel like I'm watching an episode of Mad Men.
- JAKE AND PRESIDENT GRANT ARE FRIENDS?! I love this twist. Also, they will not be close for that long.
- So Fitz is having Jake follow Olivia.... interesting. Very interesting. How long til Fitz realizes Jake is into her?
- This Caldwell family is beautiful. Can they stay on forever?
- Take a shower, Huck. You are making everyone miserable at the office.
- PERD HAPLEY IS ON SCANDAL. I REPEAT, PERD HAPLEY. SCANDAL. YES.
- OK, so Ballard is officially not creepy in my book anymore.
- Drone attacks. Because that is going so well in the America set in reality. So a drone strike will go over really well in the fake one I guess.
- It is now my lifelong dream to have Perd Hapley appear in all my shows. I have Dexter, Parks and Rec and now Scandal.
- Mellie is a pain in my ass. I just want Fitz to divorce her now.
- I agree with Cyrus' rant about Mellie.
- This Senator running for Governor is totally sleeping with his brother's wife, right? I don't think I'm misreading this.
- I really cannot wait for Mellie to shoot herself in the foot.
- Olivia looks wonderful tonight. I wonder if the President will be able to keep it in his pants.
- Already jealous. Knew that hatred wouldn't last long Fitzy.
- I know he is a major creep, but I love Jake Ballard right now. Hopefully he isn't a bigger creep.
- Totally called it. It's always the brother's wife. That's my motto.
- And the President is back with Cyrus! Success. Well played. Well played.
- I knew it was Woody (and for those of you who don't know, Woody is his character on Psych)
- Fitzy, you're the one who wanted it over. Now get over it. She's hurting over you. You blew it. Just let her be.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Movie Review: The Impossible
Only in a movie field this strong would a film like The Impossible be overlooked at the Oscars. Granted, Naomi Watts did get the best actress nomination, but as of right now the way that award season is shaping out, it does not seem likely she will win. If it were last year, when the field was not very great, this film probably would have been recognized for many more awards. But alas, movies were too good this year. Not like I am complaining.
The Impossible starts out like any vacation movie: the Bennett family is on the plane, making wise cracks at one another. The kids are fighting. Half the family is scared of a little turbulence Once the plane lands, it's all about enjoying the ocean and the beach resort.
And then the unthinkable happens. Brown, murky water comes cascading over the beach house, destroying everything in its path. These scenes with the tsunami are difficult to watch. As someone who has thankfully not experienced something like this, you don't realize what happens under the water. Broken branches, glass, cars, everything is under the water. And any of these can cause life threatening injuries at any point.
It truly is a wonder how Naomi Watts' Maria got out and found one of her three sons, Lucas. What the audience then learns, however, is that the rest of the family is nowhere to be found and Maria has some serious injuries that need prompt medical attention. Somehow they make it to the hospital, but what comes next for Maria ia truly the critical part. You truly have no idea, as an audience member, what her fate is in this scenario. Unless you know have read the true story.
Watts' portrayal of the injured Maria in this film is truly remarkable. I'm not an actor, but I think it would be extremely difficult to play a woman is such severe distress and make it 100% believable at the same time. But Watts pulls it off flawlessly. You can see the pain and determination in her eyes as she searches for somebody in her family in order to have at least a little sliver of hope.
Bottom line: This is not an easy movie to watch. It's hard to watch these character get so injured and feel the loss of hope. But this is a movie everyone should watch. It is one of the best movies of the year and reminds people of what a tragedy the tsunami was.
Grade: A+
Sunday, February 17, 2013
The Walking Dead: Ambush Attack
Here are some of my reactions while watching tonight's The Walking Dead:
- Lori, I didn't even like you when you were alive. Please go away now that you're dead.
- When is someone going to ask the Governor about all the severed heads he has been hiding away in his home?
- The Governor seems completely legitimate in his apology... Not.
- Damn, Glenn is really becoming a badass.
- Merle, please do not be a jackass. Just let Daryl go help those poor people and kill all of the bridge walkers.
- Daryl, you must go back to the prison. Other men have eyes on Carol.
- These bridge people are too bad at killing walkers to still be alive in this world.
- Merle.... still so racist.
- Daryl is not going to be able to take this crap from Merle for much longer.
- Look at Daryl, being all tolerant.
- "He's Korean." - Daryl has got the jokes this week.
- Glenn 2013.
- Yeah OK Rick. Sure you have stuff to do in the woods. Not like you are seeing your dead wife or anything.
- Damn Governor. You don't waste any time do you. Just when I was starting to trust that random prisoner guy.
- Using a human shield. Very resourceful, Carol.
- WHO IS IN THE VAN?!?!?!?!
- Daryl is back!!!!! Thank the lord Daryl is back!
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