tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50870586450257314962024-03-05T11:06:46.242-08:00Melissa Parkin's BlogWhere Melissa Parkin Talks (Sometimes Rants) About All Things.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-6710600933959560482017-05-03T00:00:00.000-07:002017-05-03T00:00:17.802-07:00T.C. Matson's "No Holds" Cover Reveal & Giveaway <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Title: No Holds</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Series:The Fighter Series #4</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">By: T.C. Matson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Publication Date: May 17, 2017</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Genre: Contemporary Romance</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cover Design: <a href="http://www.mayhemcovercreations.com/">Mayhem Cover Creations</a></span></div>
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#noholdsreveal</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ryker</b><br />
I lost the championship.<br />
The contract.<br />
My dignity.<br />
<br />
I’ve been offered a second chance.<br />
I’m back with vengeance.<br />
Determined and focused.<br />
I’m going to win the championship.<br />
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Just when I thought I had it all planned out, she walked into my brother’s anniversary party. She’s beautiful, exquisite, and has a smile that makes me weak. I need to make her mine. Now I’m not only fighting to win the championship, I’m also fighting to win her.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whitney</b><br />
My life was on track…until him.<br />
He’s not my type—an adrenaline junkie who enjoys inflicting pain on others for sport. Tall and tattooed with piercing blue eyes, he’s too sexy to resist.<br />
I didn’t see him coming until he was already firmly entrenched in my life.<br />
Suddenly, I’m falling head over heels for a man I realize I can’t breathe without.<br />
We’re in for the fight of our lives.<br />
And we both have everything to lose.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
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<b>Blindsided - The Fighter Series #1</b></div>
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<b>Awakened - The Fighter Series #3</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Dreaming in Reality…You dream in reality when you pick up a book and get lost in it. In my writing, I strive to take you to a place where reality and fantasy become a blurry line. Everything should be relatable. It could happen…couldn’t it?” ~ TC Matson<br />
<br />
TC Matson loves to let her character’s voices be heard. With a head full of stories, she puts her keyboard through a beating daily. With an understanding that love isn’t always instant and full of flowers—her writing mirrors it.<br />
<br />
She’s a romance junkie at heart and an avid reader. Add those two together and she will devour books within hours, getting lost in the world the author creates.<br />
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<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Matson resides in the peaceful Piedmont area of NC with her husband and three boys, where staying hopped up on caffeine is the key to her sanity. Chaos is indefinite and a sense of humor is an absolute must. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-18768394880572105142016-04-24T22:18:00.000-07:002016-04-24T22:18:27.998-07:00Book Review: Dark Summoner (Relic Keeper Series Book 1) by D.D. Miers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6Ww0sDSDLxSLxcoH-q7RFA4RC-_lcbNwiuzk2NlFc5OTYYLd5Vd09_Sbl7EFt2Qsm6VMwU2jgeJ9-nzq46cf9wnK7-RODPCJ2eNAJdV7VuqCcfTwcv9_ZtkjUfJILWCbjiN04RICvFs/s1600/darksummonerimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6Ww0sDSDLxSLxcoH-q7RFA4RC-_lcbNwiuzk2NlFc5OTYYLd5Vd09_Sbl7EFt2Qsm6VMwU2jgeJ9-nzq46cf9wnK7-RODPCJ2eNAJdV7VuqCcfTwcv9_ZtkjUfJILWCbjiN04RICvFs/s320/darksummonerimage.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; line-height: 21px;"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Looking at him made me desire things I never thought I would want." </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;"><b><i>Bound to a fate she doesn't want... </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;"><b><i>Burned by a passion that torments her soul... </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;"><b><i>Torn between two immortal rivals...</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;"><b><i>Only one thing is certain. Nothing is as it seems. </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;"><b><i>Abby Davenport has spent the last ten years forgetting her past until a fateful night reveals her false reality. Thrust into a new world of dark sorcery and ancient magic, she's shocked to discover her destiny lies as the keeper of a powerful relic. Now everyone wants to control, own, or destroy her. No longer able to discern truth from lie, she's torn between a charming guardian and a mysterious summoner. Abby finds herself strangely drawn to each man--one sworn to protect and one who calls to her soul. Can she survive the strange and dangerous labyrinth of the first realm, where every move, emotion, and reaction must be a calculated one? </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;"><i><u>QUICK REVIEW: </u></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;">First of all, what a beautiful cover! Secondly, I'm so happy I came across this. Even better, I nabbed it for FREE from Amazon during a promotion. A free book with stunning "You-know-you-want-to-read-me" cover art...of course I got hooked. Props goes out to D.D. Miers for this great first installment of her "Relic Keeper" series. Plus, it's her freaking debut!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;">That's amazing! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;">It's an easy, quick, gripping read. Abby, our main protagonist, is a highly relatable character, despite her tortured past. Her inner monologues reflect the same thoughts that you, the reader, would think as she's swept up into this new, crazy world, and that puts you right in the front seat of all the action. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;">We've all read books where we roll our eyes at the stupid things the protagonist does, says, or thinks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;">Abby Davenport is NOT that character. She's smart. She reacts with common sense. She does what we the reader would do if we were in her shoes. And you can't deny the chemistry between her and the swoon-worthy Dorian.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;">My only gripe with the book...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;">I wanted more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;">No, not because it was an incomplete story. I'm just being a bit greedy. I wanted the words to never end. I can't wait till the next installment comes out so that I can continue on with this series. Definitely a fan! If you're looking for a enthralling read, I highly recommend picking this up, ASAP! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 21px;">Rating: 5 Stars</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b>Buy here:</b></span><span style="line-height: 21px;"> </span><i style="line-height: 21px;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Summoner-Mystery-Romance-Keeper-ebook/dp/B00X6PJ18I/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1461560955&sr=1-1&keywords=9780986138904">Dark Summoner: A Magic Mystery Romance (Relic Keeper Series Book 1)</a></b></i></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-28806361396819527062016-04-16T23:29:00.000-07:002016-04-16T23:29:33.284-07:00MOVIE REVIEW: "Everest"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dWFK-CKOrRRjMe4JERbT04amQw8zVWMpDe8ZXEYYRZ5NjAfysnfgAVMiveWCBGex8DOZ7t2iNpGd5x5Ro-dwxOi-0hAhwKAM7NWK71bBdzXMx0Li9ekcIwl8xV4m-9cc0moTCUd80B0/s1600/everestposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dWFK-CKOrRRjMe4JERbT04amQw8zVWMpDe8ZXEYYRZ5NjAfysnfgAVMiveWCBGex8DOZ7t2iNpGd5x5Ro-dwxOi-0hAhwKAM7NWK71bBdzXMx0Li9ekcIwl8xV4m-9cc0moTCUd80B0/s320/everestposter.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Experienced climber Rob Hall (Jason Clarke), the leader of guiding expedition company Adventure Consultants, says his goodbyes to his pregnant wife Jan (Keira Knightley). He flies out to Kathmandu where he meets up with his new batch of clients that he’ll train and escort to the top of Mount Everest. Forking out a small fortune of $65,000 a piece to brave this harrowing mission includes the ever so charming Texan, Beck Weathers (Josh Brolin), humble mailman Doug Hansen (John Hawkes), and Yasuko Namba (Naoko Mori), a skilled climber who has already conjured six of the Seven Summits, making the peak of Everest her final mission.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Tensions rise between Hall and fellow climber Scott Fischer (Jake Gyllenhaal) when prestigious journalist Jon Krakauer (Michael Kelly) joins the Summit climb after Rob snags him for publicity over Fischer’s competing company named Mountain Madness. Rob’s company embarks on the ascent where we’re introduced to Helen Wilton (Emily Watson), Adventure Consultants’ base camp manager. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">The different teams embark on a forty-day long prep exercise, and in the midst of training, overcrowding proves problematic. Given the crucial time window to safely scale and descend the mountain before nightfall, the two rivals decide to team up. All seems to be going to plan as the joined companies reach the summit, but after discovering that guide ropes on upper reaches haven’t been installed, it sets the teams back by over an hour, just as a deadly blizzard descends on the mountaintop.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rvUxNh2Gkg3Bcf7zzkkrpPP3SIRzWfmmgcOOJkvZEYTsPYiSsAiF3oBs0LE9eVOvTglLmkZczP1LV5icSYu_j9AnfLMIRrF-b_fPstuJ49nZQlbRUbOdMzL4pT_j_StErCc0zgZje8o/s1600/everest+blizzard.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rvUxNh2Gkg3Bcf7zzkkrpPP3SIRzWfmmgcOOJkvZEYTsPYiSsAiF3oBs0LE9eVOvTglLmkZczP1LV5icSYu_j9AnfLMIRrF-b_fPstuJ49nZQlbRUbOdMzL4pT_j_StErCc0zgZje8o/s320/everest+blizzard.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Mountaineering movies are nothing new to the silver screen, having graced us with thrillers like <i>Cliffhanger</i> and <i>Vertical Limit</i>. Given that the feat of concurring Earth’s highest mountain is a death defying stunt in itself, <i>Everest</i> captures not only the thrill of previous climbing movies, but also the survivalist spirit seen in grittier films such as 2012’s <i>The Grey</i>. Sweeping landscapes and stunning cinematography make <i>Everest</i> a vertigo-inducing adrenaline rush that will leave its audience on the edge of their seats. There’s no doubt that <i>Contraband</i> director Baltasar Kormákur was the right choice for the project, capturing the brutality of the mountain’s elements in breathless fashion. The pitfall to this movie ultimately rests in its pacing and plot development. The first act of<i> Everest</i> is a rather slow ascent that sets the stage for the climax, but the drawn out introduction bogs down the runtime. Thankfully, the information provided to us by way of training exercise montages clues us in on the true dangers of Everest. And that’s where we see the true star of the movie: the mountain itself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Avalanches, faulty gear, rickety ladders, high winds, hypothermia, and even severe frostbite aren’t the only things to fear. Upon reaching the top summit of Everest, known as The Death Zone, any injury or wrong move can cost you your life. The atmosphere is so thin in fact that the human body starts to systematically shut down at this elevation, hence the ominous nickname. This dizzying peak rests at the same cruising altitude of a 747 aircraft, making it an open graveyard that no helicopter can reach in attempt to rescue. If that’s not frightening enough, the lack of oxygen is pretty much the final nail in your coffin on the likely chance something goes wrong. This can cause swelling in the brain that will lead to disorientation, loss of vision, difficulty breathing, and even hypoxia that can make you behave irrationally and suffer from hallucinations. Every aspect of this harrowing journey is demonstrated with such white-knuckle intensity that it puts you, the audience, in the middle of the action, making the terror literally palpable.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRCzOFmv2CAFbf8RgTD-Enc9baaDPuu5W__5Mt11LaHcvC5KWl7ksHpPWhXXlPVv9-t64Uvlxv-vXtNWBVInsq0IFbbqpm348utOPFYPQmR2Z7Bj3n-RHRzqfWXJ73qHUOVy2grkomaU/s1600/everesttop.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRCzOFmv2CAFbf8RgTD-Enc9baaDPuu5W__5Mt11LaHcvC5KWl7ksHpPWhXXlPVv9-t64Uvlxv-vXtNWBVInsq0IFbbqpm348utOPFYPQmR2Z7Bj3n-RHRzqfWXJ73qHUOVy2grkomaU/s320/everesttop.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Another thing the film does so cleverly is hook potential viewers with a star studded cast. Hollywood heavyweights Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira Knightley, Robin Wright, and<i> Avatar</i>’s Sam Worthington all play a role in <i>Everest</i>, but surprisingly enough, none of them are the leads. Jason Clarke takes the helm in a particularly compelling role of real life climber Rob Hall, and an impressive batch of character actors pilots the supporting roles that includes John Hawkes (<i>Winter’s Bone</i>), Josh Brolin (<i>No Country For Old Men</i>), Thomas M. Wright (<i>Outsiders</i>), Martin Henderson (<i>The Ring</i>), and <i>Dawn of the Dead</i>’s Michael Kelly. Considering the heavy clothing and hazardous conditions, no one has the particular luxury of using body language to convey emotions. Everything relies solely on actors’ close-ups, and it never fails. Each plays off one another impeccably, but the one misgiving is that of Jake Gyllehnaal. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkZkVIYvZBGNsh9NN0TeVykst_04hboYbWH1uOigT82r5fefMExGIXQGxw3LvyFcNYSqk3BUwE-nkw3X-7UjHk7RXBTceKovPs-J63p6umGjoM4Shyphenhyphen1-XIAuprw0mLTmEDkTxmcnBCY/s1600/jakegyllenhaal.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkZkVIYvZBGNsh9NN0TeVykst_04hboYbWH1uOigT82r5fefMExGIXQGxw3LvyFcNYSqk3BUwE-nkw3X-7UjHk7RXBTceKovPs-J63p6umGjoM4Shyphenhyphen1-XIAuprw0mLTmEDkTxmcnBCY/s320/jakegyllenhaal.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Don’t get me wrong. His performance was stellar. But…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Most advertisements rank him as the third lead in the film, and his face is on a lot of the promotional posters. Yet, his screen time is very limited. This gripe aside, <i>Everest</i> is a thrilling spectacle that deserves viewership. But don’t even think about watching it on your phone.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwobBA34zWUhXieSXQBWxaU2_qQnX2TxXdPkN9pMj-kJx_vRXN05DAB1h0GZN0Tp1DvN9kW8H_PU5eExBlolsCvbkzAYGgCc_T5xPnW1Stx2xepdSfJHSgU9IXg82Mvd-bkAPbsScFYRs/s1600/phone.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwobBA34zWUhXieSXQBWxaU2_qQnX2TxXdPkN9pMj-kJx_vRXN05DAB1h0GZN0Tp1DvN9kW8H_PU5eExBlolsCvbkzAYGgCc_T5xPnW1Stx2xepdSfJHSgU9IXg82Mvd-bkAPbsScFYRs/s320/phone.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimi5Kiy-9FI8QgX7ZIqC_PjCyX3fXe5B_RbvbuHdYb8IhfVm6xHg-R423jdV3d2VyJKqc0sMLEHntQO4Ua9EwXqP9zJNmv-A-WmeztQn3X4fxzwiHEc59Sflgmp3hEuZ5dXQ4l8gUsAzM/s1600/dontyoudare.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimi5Kiy-9FI8QgX7ZIqC_PjCyX3fXe5B_RbvbuHdYb8IhfVm6xHg-R423jdV3d2VyJKqc0sMLEHntQO4Ua9EwXqP9zJNmv-A-WmeztQn3X4fxzwiHEc59Sflgmp3hEuZ5dXQ4l8gUsAzM/s200/dontyoudare.gif" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">I’ve become an advocate for televisions in recent years after hearing a friend of mine watched <i>Gravity</i> on his cell. Sure, certain movies like rom-coms don’t lose any of its experience by viewing it on a smaller screen. So if you want to watch <i>Bridget Jones </i>or <i>The Wedding Singer</i>, then by all means… But movies like this deserve a properly sized screen. So grab a blanket and plant yourself down in front of your TV, because <i>Everest</i> will leave you chilled to the bone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Rating: B+</b></span></span></div>
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By Source, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Everest_poster.jpg" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everest_(2015_film)" title="Everest (2015 film)">Everest (2015 film)</a>">Fair use</a>, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46883004</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-62550917655791820162016-04-05T22:08:00.001-07:002016-04-05T22:17:49.425-07:00Once Upon a Time: "Our Decay" Recap & Review<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">What do we get when the Wicked Witch and the God of the Underworld team up? A match made in Hell...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wjnDvXS1Be71wvscXFKLUhe3TuSLuCacJF4aDGvzrHHRqCa3S9cmYBEYKJRQWYGXLUHAqtNe6W_gSVzuBvyv9f3fR-Eug72Ic2skOja3lvus1dqu0sI9UgPitB25rdaEMBkxG-Uurm0/s1600/onceuponopening.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wjnDvXS1Be71wvscXFKLUhe3TuSLuCacJF4aDGvzrHHRqCa3S9cmYBEYKJRQWYGXLUHAqtNe6W_gSVzuBvyv9f3fR-Eug72Ic2skOja3lvus1dqu0sI9UgPitB25rdaEMBkxG-Uurm0/s320/onceuponopening.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">We return to the past in the wondrous green realm of Oz on Zelena’s so-called <i>birthday</i>. On her quest to enact the time travel spell that will claim Regina’s happy ending as her own, the Wicked Witch tries to steal the brain from Dorothy’s beloved Scarecrow. Before she can finish the deed, a certain Kansas girl, now all grown up, swoops in to save the day. With the help of Toto, Dorothy distracts Zelena long enough to grab her friend and go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In the present day Underworld, Hades strong-arms Rumplestiltskin into opening up a portal to Storybrook. As Belle visits Mother Superior to help feed Zelena’s baby, the Wicked Witch appears to reclaim her child. A gaping hole in the floor appears, swallowing up Belle, Zelena, and the newborn. Crash-landing in the Underworld, Belle manages to escape an injured Zelena, taking off with the baby.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Along the way, Belle manages to find Rumple. Her husband breaks the news to her about his deal with Hades, where the Lord of the Underworld will claim his second born child. Baffled by his concern, she realizes only then what he’s hinting at. <i>She’s pregnant.</i> If having the fear of your unborn child being ripped away from you isn’t bad enough, Belle also discovers the truth that Rumple has become the Dark One…again. Unable to condone his need for power, she leaves him to find her friends. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">FLASHBACK:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Still sulking over the loss of the Scarecrow’s brain, a vital ingredient to enact the curse, Zelena finds an unwelcomed visitor in Oz. Hades himself appears, offering his helping hand. In return, he wants to share her soon-to-be curse. If he can go back in time, he can overthrow his brother to take Olympus as his own. Having been banished to the Underworld, the only way he can be fully free to stay in other realms is by true love’s kiss, which is pretty much impossible since he’s been stripped of all kindhearted emotions. Zelena refuses his offer, but he won’t take no for an answer. When she returns to her castle, he begins pestering her all over again, this time poking fun at her lackluster birthday festivities. She sharply corrects him that it <i>isn’t</i> her birthday.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">“I don’t know the day I was born, but thank you for reminding me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">“That is actually a sad story,” he muses.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">“I only know the day my mother abandoned me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">“Getting sadder,” he mocks. “So, this is <i>what</i>? Celebrating Abandonment Day?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The two verbally spar off, but they eventually come to find that they aren’t so different. Having been robbed of their happy endings by their siblings, they’re both out for vengeance. Zelena finally consents to his offer, and they go out together to find the Scarecrow. Oddly enough, cuteness ensues as they come across a bicycle among Dorothy’s wreckage, sharing a bike ride through the woods that ends in a playful tumble. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgdb2_k0EXyrqsmxIjExI4QUyKUHHaSQsuEn0YjhJ-QuqvqqFBq_ncUjT5G6pGvK0mky_UALyx-lkDmOS90LrgHYNGZqVy1q5J1FZFJ_d_JP_JPqVObfBGaNsTG_nBo9welKfmI-lujQ/s1600/hades+zelena.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgdb2_k0EXyrqsmxIjExI4QUyKUHHaSQsuEn0YjhJ-QuqvqqFBq_ncUjT5G6pGvK0mky_UALyx-lkDmOS90LrgHYNGZqVy1q5J1FZFJ_d_JP_JPqVObfBGaNsTG_nBo9welKfmI-lujQ/s320/hades+zelena.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When they find the Scarecrow, Zelena gleefully takes care of Dorothy and claims the Scarecrow’s brain, only to see afterward that Hades is gone. Returning to her castle, she’s only too happy to find him waiting for her. Zelena then assumes that he’s come to say goodbye, because he is condemned to return to the Underworld. He assures her differently, professing her to be his true love. If she kisses him, then he’ll be free. Distrust gets the better of Zelena, and she refuses him. They’re both cut from the same cloth, and she fears that Hades is only using her to get what he wants most: revenge. Zelena demands he go back to the Underworld and never return, in which he sourly assures her that she will regret her decision.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">PRESENT DAY:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Realizing that Hades opened the portal to take her baby, Zelena winds up on Emma’s doorstep, asking Robin and Regina to help her find her daughter. The trio eventually crosses paths with Belle. Desperate to hold the baby, Zelena convinces Robin to let her feed their daughter. Unsurprisingly, she uses her magic to escape with the baby. Reality hits when she’s safe and sound, seeing that her magic backfired, injuring the infant. Regina and the others track Zelena back to the Underworld’s version of her house, where Zelena openly returns the baby to Robin. Fearing that she can't properly protect her daughter, Zelena tearfully pleads with him and her half-sister to take care of the child, to keep her safe from Hades. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Meeting in the town square, Hades and Zelena reunite. To her dismay, she learns that Hades only opened the portal to keep her daughter safe from the others who took her away to begin with. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">“I would never hurt you… That’s the thing about true love; it endures. It can never be broken.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Hades recreated the Underworld to look like Storybrook just for her, so that it was in the image of the dark curse she wished to enact. After all this time, he still loves her. History repeats itself however, as Zelena can’t bring herself to trust him just yet. Smart girl. She sets out to find her daughter—on her own—when Hades calls out, “April 15<sup>th</sup>.” Her true birthday. In a rather dementedly sentimental fashion, Hades had tortured the information out of Cora, taking care of her for Zelena’s sake. He assures Zelena that if she ever changes her mind, he’ll be waiting for her. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OR23h5FZQiFiSknWGlcdGFYHpdCaO8bxplOFkQhSEL4HNJPHaWooaKlofrMRwjs2HahThvx6psimfAlTab70L_BrDEqz1wLtBRztrJ37LTd-DMDUVs-8UARJsa-NRjOvEGFDrIVazjM/s1600/hades+love+zelena.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OR23h5FZQiFiSknWGlcdGFYHpdCaO8bxplOFkQhSEL4HNJPHaWooaKlofrMRwjs2HahThvx6psimfAlTab70L_BrDEqz1wLtBRztrJ37LTd-DMDUVs-8UARJsa-NRjOvEGFDrIVazjM/s320/hades+love+zelena.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Following the rocky ride that has been season five, “Our Decay” is the best of the year…by far. Sure, we’ve got some people making some really stupid decisions here, but that’s nothing new. Despite their repeated defeats, the villains still prove to be the smartest of the bunch. Why would you trust Zelena to not pull something and run away with your daughter, Robin? Let’s face it. The Heroes of the show can be so naive and gullible sometimes. Even though they all know very well that the Baddies are evil, they can’t help but to keep falling for the same tricks. Yes, the show is about redemption and the hope that anyone can become a hero. But just because you try to see the goodness in people doesn’t mean you have to be downright idiotic. As the saying goes, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” Well, we’re at the 167<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">th</span> second chance here, and yet no one's learned from their mistakes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6NkLEZC21RfU_GofbgNbihGl0cN5GfrXp-CWXIPq-0L5xEo2NCTpukpGM9nWjFIv6pSyMEjZbFd2gDwpq3xbV0whu20SW9ySt3UoJosmY2MZ2dQXIC9Gp3dp_VdGUiQd_K0wuhzA3SQ/s1600/idiots.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6NkLEZC21RfU_GofbgNbihGl0cN5GfrXp-CWXIPq-0L5xEo2NCTpukpGM9nWjFIv6pSyMEjZbFd2gDwpq3xbV0whu20SW9ySt3UoJosmY2MZ2dQXIC9Gp3dp_VdGUiQd_K0wuhzA3SQ/s320/idiots.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">That gripe aside, the romance between Zelena and Hades is oddly charming. Their past damage has made them wise, particularly Zelena. It’s refreshing to see someone using everyday commonsense. Sure, love makes you blind, but heartbreak makes you wiser. And Zelena proves to be smart enough to keep her head above her heart. Anticipating the slow burn of their romance certainly peaks interest. With the show’s main couples seeming to have stalled out, the authentic connection between these two villains is a much needed refreshment. Up until this point, Zelena has been the woman we all love to hate. Between her genuine devotion to her daughter’s wellbeing and her rational approach to Hades, there’s undoubtedly a change in the wind. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Episode Rating: A</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-44880750826198639312016-04-02T23:17:00.000-07:002016-04-02T23:17:34.240-07:00MOVIE REVIEW: Jeff Nichols' "Midnight Special"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dQp1dfHOlNQtLcC_p5FiycOaHoWBBb85fpUb-c9vABLiX65xSEHq-yvRnM6CaNDJYJ9FyZkCaA4_t3mvi7IzQQQMPlGerxg9IO9bT7QRafG0wJqJHYPiYnoqE6DDVgKIZY_fuOWoPds/s1600/Midnight_Special_%2528film%2529_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dQp1dfHOlNQtLcC_p5FiycOaHoWBBb85fpUb-c9vABLiX65xSEHq-yvRnM6CaNDJYJ9FyZkCaA4_t3mvi7IzQQQMPlGerxg9IO9bT7QRafG0wJqJHYPiYnoqE6DDVgKIZY_fuOWoPds/s320/Midnight_Special_%2528film%2529_poster.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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<i>Midnight Special</i> tells the story of Roy (Michael Shannon) after he escapes a rural Texas cult with his eight-year-old son Alton (<i>St. Vincent</i>’s Jaeden Lieberher). Accompanied by a state trooper, Roy’s childhood friend (Joel Edgerton), they take off down remote roads under the guise of night in an old Chevy as an Amber Alert is issued. Initially opening as a chase-thriller, it’s unclear as to the motivations of Alton’s hijackers. In fact, everyone’s an enigma, particularly the boy who’s oddly sporting goggles and noise-canceling headphones. As it turns out, the trio is being pursued by both the government and religious extremists who believe that Alton is either a threat or a messiah. Why might they think this? As it turns out, the curious boy with the glowing eyes in the backseat just so happens to possess otherworldly abilities.</div>
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Jeff Nichols’ films, though highly acclaimed, remain grossly underseen. Finding one of his movies playing at your local cinema seems as likely as stumbling across a Honus Wagner baseball card on the sidewalk. Being a fan of his work since seeing 2011’s <i>Take Shelter</i>, I’d made a conscious effort to see his newest films when they hit theaters. With that determination in mind, it took two gallons of gas and an hour-long drive just to get to the closest screening for <i>Midnight Special</i>. My expectations were admittedly high before I even got to the theater, as you can imagine, given that the round trip cost more than the price of the movie ticket.</div>
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As seen in Nichols’ previous works, <i>Midnight Special </i>teases its audience with the conceptions of each genre the director/writer tackles, but he never fully commits to the formula. Nichols also refrains from the conventional narrative. While similar films map out everything from the get-go, <i>Midnight </i>treats you as if you’re a fly on the wall. You’re not told anything through exposition. The world is fully recognized, but it’s left up entirely to the audience to piece the story together. This brilliantly executed concept leaves an underlying tension woven throughout the entirety of the plot, all the while making the relationships between his characters the true focus. And it’s always refreshing to know that the filmmaker trusts his viewers to be both smart and curious enough to follow along.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJGfuc8KsaJ92z-T4JByoS0h2klVCCo2OSK-8xgS_1pgvvIN_eeRPQvTSEGaNv4JupqE7mO3Jg82k45GckQu9om4qNKBKtfaoDiLPd-7MDeOOyiVEP1AfutN8uwvOKp_TI0kW3u2yCPs/s1600/MidnightSpecial+giph.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJGfuc8KsaJ92z-T4JByoS0h2klVCCo2OSK-8xgS_1pgvvIN_eeRPQvTSEGaNv4JupqE7mO3Jg82k45GckQu9om4qNKBKtfaoDiLPd-7MDeOOyiVEP1AfutN8uwvOKp_TI0kW3u2yCPs/s320/MidnightSpecial+giph.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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It’s impossible not to draw comparisons between <i>Midnight Special </i>and the early works of Steven Spielberg, particularly <i>E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial</i>. The earthy Texas scenery and throwback fashions also lends a hand in capturing an ambiguously retro time period, seen similarly in last year’s horror hit <i>It Follows</i>. Accompanied by David Wingo’s churning ethereal score, the film’s underlying mystery lifts expectations to dizzying heights, which may be its only downfall come the final act. Rarely does a film of this nature truly satisfy everyone upon payout. And given the secrecy surrounding the project, it’s impossible to express said oversights in greater detail, at the cost of potentially spoiling the film. With that said, fans of Nichols’ previous films like <i>Mud </i>and <i>Take Shelter </i>will find the emotional investment more gratifying than the eventual conclusion.</div>
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This is made possible by the stellar cast. Your average moviegoer may be familiar with Michael Shannon for his towering stature and often villainous character portrayals in films such as <i>Premium Rush </i>and <i>Man of Steel</i>. Having worked with Nichols on every one of the director’s projects, there’s no doubt as to why Shannon’s partnership remains so strong. Between the complexity of his characters and the continuous choice to never play into Shannon’s wheelhouse, Nichols always pulls a wholly original and even stronger performance from the actor with each project. And as previously seen in <i>Mud</i>, Nichols clearly has an eye for casting great child actors. Jaeden Lieberher is no exception. With regards to the supporting players, Sam Sheppard never disappoints, and Adam Driver shines as the film’s comic relief. As for Joel Edgerton, this Aussie can’t seem to do any wrong as he continues his hot streak of truly riveting performances. Additional credit goes out to him for having nailed a spot-on Texas accent. Honestly, is there an inflection this man can’t do? The biggest surprise comes from Kirsten Dunst who delivers in the heartbreakingly powerful portrayal of Alton’s frumpy, excommunicated mother, a turn many did not expect out of the actress (unless you’ve been watching FX’s <i>Fargo</i>). Seriously, if you haven’t seen her in it, you’re really missing out. Binge-watch, people.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6G027hke93LQ0zs0V_hxB5dR7gx7xq3YkVZAA9M19IVCVP-kciNwG8E_-wJBABHYC4O1-RbDz8jvbl6vUZBqkGm6nU2aA18KiQ-Pp9c7xd-_Jkll4c-M-FUsJgpVtEHFPwg4GSQXj8qY/s1600/fargodunst.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6G027hke93LQ0zs0V_hxB5dR7gx7xq3YkVZAA9M19IVCVP-kciNwG8E_-wJBABHYC4O1-RbDz8jvbl6vUZBqkGm6nU2aA18KiQ-Pp9c7xd-_Jkll4c-M-FUsJgpVtEHFPwg4GSQXj8qY/s320/fargodunst.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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In summary, <i>Midnight Special</i> is a truly beautiful, albeit uneven viewing experience that will undoubtedly be the topic of conversation upon exiting the theater. Its homage to classic 80’s sci-fi is a breath of fresh air amid the storm of CGI blockbusters flooding the cinema. The film ultimately works better as a character study than a science fiction piece, but it’s still a compelling experience that shouldn’t be missed. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Rating: A –</b></i></span></div>
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By Source, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Midnight_Special_(film)_poster.jpg" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_Special_(film)" title="Midnight Special (film)">Midnight Special (film)</a>">Fair use</a>, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48545443</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-81465240290635369922016-03-25T22:24:00.000-07:002016-03-25T22:24:02.951-07:00Movie Review: "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice"<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The highly anticipated battle that comic book fans have been waiting for finally hit theaters. But do the Caped Crusader and Metropolis Marvel make for silver screen gold, or does their movie matchup make for kryptonite?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Two years following the destructive events of <i>Man of Steel</i> that left Metropolis in ruin, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) shares the public’s sour sentiment towards Superman (Henry Cavill). Given the devastation left in the wake of his limitless power, The Last Son of Krypton is now viewed as a threat to humanity, and Batman sees himself fit to put an end to his reign as the infamous Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) launches a devious quest of his own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">We all saw the trailers, and a painful one in particular gave us a glimpse into the convoluted and congested plot of this two-and-a-half-hour spectacle. It’s common knowledge nowadays that Zack Snyder makes visually stunning movies, and <i>Batman v. Superman</i> proves to be yet another prime example of his keen directorial eye. But even the best visuals can’t mask the incoherency of Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer’s screenplay. If anything could be taken away from Marvel’s execution to the big screen, it’s that the slow burn of singular entry films builds up much more nicely to a team-origin story. Just as what crippled <i>The Amazing Spider-Man 2,</i> too many players on the board bogs down the development of the eventual Justice League.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICgnvjsKq6BNjMGp4dvbv66y4uGZJGsP1bk30T6UGz-jnWeP_lXzNeUCDDxz-xanFxwQtNfRsZZi2OGncnCIOrc0L4P-vKL7MB5rF6vVr4YbU2uk6v1NAkIWZFjK-lE1hS1-Ma3Ge3lg/s1600/Batman+v+Superman+justice.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICgnvjsKq6BNjMGp4dvbv66y4uGZJGsP1bk30T6UGz-jnWeP_lXzNeUCDDxz-xanFxwQtNfRsZZi2OGncnCIOrc0L4P-vKL7MB5rF6vVr4YbU2uk6v1NAkIWZFjK-lE1hS1-Ma3Ge3lg/s1600/Batman+v+Superman+justice.gif" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Batman v Superman</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> remains bloated and jumbled as it tries juggling far too many key points. Four separate storylines run throughout the course of the movie, and none of them are properly fleshed out by tale’s end to give viewers any true investment. Whether this is the studio’s decision to accelerate the expansion of the DC Universe or merely a choice of the screenwriters, it’s still shoddy plotting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Poor storytelling coupled with jarring shifts in genre make for a disjointed mess that hardly compliments its actors. And that really proves to be the greatest pity of the entire production, considering its handy ensemble. Henry Cavill remains serviceable in the role of Superman, Amy Adams does her best despite the screenplay robbing her character of any particular relevance, Gal Gadot delivers a solid performance as Wonder Woman, and Jeremy Irons is a delight in his turn as Bruce Wayne’s trusted confidant, Alfred. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVp8xvbsfgSs0k49RVfQmkbTQZSmhovMaShHkm97Ktmw8cU19E_d3cauLVyGiId9csYhZD2al3azH5CO7hJxW3k5Zjww9H3PDtaF4D7oi6_kguLQLrPuQgyiFknWUcUMoGCtJuaJYEn4/s1600/alfred.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVp8xvbsfgSs0k49RVfQmkbTQZSmhovMaShHkm97Ktmw8cU19E_d3cauLVyGiId9csYhZD2al3azH5CO7hJxW3k5Zjww9H3PDtaF4D7oi6_kguLQLrPuQgyiFknWUcUMoGCtJuaJYEn4/s320/alfred.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">As for the controversial casting choices surrounding the film, those decisions result in a tossup. The internet exploded in a tirade last year over Ben Affleck landing the iconic role of Batman. The </span><i style="line-height: 115%;">Argo</i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> director most certainly gets the last laugh over the unwarranted hatred here as he brilliantly embodies the Caped Crusader’s grizzled, primal aggression seen yet only in comic book format. Some may gripe over this embodiment’s loose “no killing” rule, but Batman’s nature in the grit of this universe still seems fitting. On the other side of the coin, Jesse Eisenberg sadly plays as the weakest link of the bunch, but that’s not to say that he’s horrible in the role. He’s just not Lex Luthor. With his short-circuiting tics, Eisenberg’s portrayal resembles more of the intelligibly quirky Riddler than Superman’s charismatic archenemy.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOA55GRGgshhiDMfFAFGnyzN6YVQ0gXUfGiRnlgN4vZ8aRpMOJDMp1xuF076CqAXWAgjLJ1dEK1tSR6GiDBb1zHghGKvpsC_KF23eweBbGk4cWnBwxmW2vWhmyqP_Qca4sqj-AdrIt2U/s1600/lexluthor.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOA55GRGgshhiDMfFAFGnyzN6YVQ0gXUfGiRnlgN4vZ8aRpMOJDMp1xuF076CqAXWAgjLJ1dEK1tSR6GiDBb1zHghGKvpsC_KF23eweBbGk4cWnBwxmW2vWhmyqP_Qca4sqj-AdrIt2U/s320/lexluthor.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the studio had taken its time and explored each of the many plot points in separate films, the DC Universe could have given Marvel a run for its money. Unfortunately, its eagerness to flood the market results in a chaotic mess. Worst of all, it casts a shadow of doubt over the highly anticipated <i>Suicide Squad</i>, due out in August. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysqNC5ezcX6gDqSyeY7KdroS4wVfpscl3X9A6Z1Ovuyi2WJv-uWCXcSxiMzpwDohvJbAGsJj5OV5kOxbCNZcj0zup67kyi8zMURX4kFM8HgVzrkFC-yOqUin__nc203wxpbLLcpypN1g/s1600/suicidesquad+joker.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysqNC5ezcX6gDqSyeY7KdroS4wVfpscl3X9A6Z1Ovuyi2WJv-uWCXcSxiMzpwDohvJbAGsJj5OV5kOxbCNZcj0zup67kyi8zMURX4kFM8HgVzrkFC-yOqUin__nc203wxpbLLcpypN1g/s320/suicidesquad+joker.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Final Verdict: C -</span></b>
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By Source, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Batman_v_Superman_poster.jpg" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman_v_Superman:_Dawn_of_Justice" title="Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice">Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice</a>">Fair use</a>, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41557090</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-53889519122250053892016-03-21T10:30:00.000-07:002016-03-21T10:30:12.211-07:00MOVIE REVIEW: Joel Edgerton's "The Gift"<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6WsaaGQwB-sJv6PWYa4ixeuxltd1UWKFT3dKS6oHEe-1knCbrnCFXcDke2W4387g0cKjtpBhjwtCCjSgKRw7HZSFPdm8xiLvdXzxpTUxlAem78L0vZF-HV91yTJo0sogr7e7w-ECR84/s1600/The_Gift_2015_Film_Poster1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6WsaaGQwB-sJv6PWYa4ixeuxltd1UWKFT3dKS6oHEe-1knCbrnCFXcDke2W4387g0cKjtpBhjwtCCjSgKRw7HZSFPdm8xiLvdXzxpTUxlAem78L0vZF-HV91yTJo0sogr7e7w-ECR84/s320/The_Gift_2015_Film_Poster1.png" width="215" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a new job lined up, married couple Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) relocate from Chicago to Los Angeles with the hopes of finding a fresh start. The pair returns to Simon’s hometown and settles in with the purchase of a swanky house in the Hollywood Hills to start a family. A chance encounter with Simon’s old and rather peculiar high school classmate, Gordo (Joel Edgerton), threatens to spoil their idyllic lifestyle however after he goes out of his way to welcome the happy couple to their new home. Robyn sees past Gordo’s awkwardness and finds a kindred spirit in him. Gordo begins leaving the couple numerous presents and even visits Robyn to lend her a helping hand while Simon’s away at work. Things take an unsettling turn though after Simon voices his concerns, insisting that he and Robyn need to sever ties with the oddball.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having been introduced to the slew of run-of-the-mill thrillers last year with films like <i>The Perfect Guy</i> and <i>The Boy Next Door</i>, it’s impossible not to go into <i>The Gift</i> thinking that it’ll be another regurgitated slop of clichés. Modern-day cinema thrives on gratuitous content, and this genre is no exception with its exploits of sex, nudity, violence, and gore. So imagine my surprise of finding out that <i>The Gift </i>is rated R…only for language. Even in the gilded age of top-notch thrillers like <i>Cape Fear</i> and <i>Fatal Attraction</i>, drastic age-sensitive content was required to affectively tell the story. So how does a film like this one hold up without any of the obvious flash and slash? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remarkably well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joel Edgerton proves that he’s a force to be reckoned with, having written, produced, and starred in his first full-length directorial film. <i>The Gift </i>expertly takes its time peeling away its many layers with brilliant subtlety, unnerving its audiences and urging them to the edge of their seats before leading into a stunning, tailspin climax. Subverting from the clichés and conventions we all know too well from the genre, <i>The Gift</i> is essentially a character-driven chamber piece thriller that relies only on its masterfully crafted storytelling and superb cast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And what a cast it is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With antagonists commonly portrayed in thrillers nowadays as always being hyper aggressive and in-your-face, it’s a breath of fresh air to see Edgerton dial down and play the role with perfectly devised restraint and sensitivity, making his character someone that audiences can oddly empathize with. Even in spite of his subtle demeanor, he’s still the film’s scene-stealer, and that’s not an easy feat by any means. Best known for his comedic chops in projects like <i>Horrible Bosses </i>and <i>Arrested Development,</i> Jason Bateman steps outside his comfort zone and delivers his most versatile and effective performance to date since 2007’s <i>Juno</i>, proving he’s more than a one-trick pony. And as far as Rebecca Hall is concerned, it continues to amaze me why she isn’t on top of Hollywood’s A-list. She hasn’t worked with acclaimed directors like Christopher Nolan, Woody Allen, and Ben Affleck just because she’s another pretty face. The character of Robyn, with her struggles of past demons, personal loss, and social insecurities, is undoubtedly complex. It takes a true talent to portray these depths, and with the service of Edgerton’s writing and direction, Hall’s performance appears so natural and effortless. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Gift </i>teases us with the conventions of the thriller genre and flips it all on its head at just the right moments. As soon as the audience feels they know where the story is going, it lurches in the other direction. The characters’ personas strip away as the story arc progresses, overturning the stereotypical roles of protective husband, tentative housewife, and creepy outsider into something truly authentic. The cinematography is beautiful, the direction perfectly executed, and the foreboding atmosphere never ceases with slow-burning tension from start to finish. It’s a polished piece that knows exactly what it’s doing and never falters or goes astray from its objective. The storyline resonates within the viewer, leaving a lasting impression that will inarguably make us all reflect on past experiences. Joel Edgerton delivers a poignant psychological thriller unlike anything put to film in recent history, proving that <i>The Gift </i>is indeed a gift that will keep on giving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Gift: </span></i></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">4 ½ out of 5 Stars</span></b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span title="must have been published or publicly displayed outside Wikipedia">Source</span> (<a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NFCC#4" title="Wikipedia:NFCC">WP:NFCC#4</a>), <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Gift_2015_Film_Poster1.png" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gift_(2015_film)" title="The Gift (2015 film)">The Gift (2015 film)</a>">Fair use</a>, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46366854></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-33064173375391962802016-03-16T23:33:00.001-07:002016-03-16T23:33:43.686-07:00Pretty Little Liars "Hush, Hush, Sweet Liars" Recap & Review<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday night on <i>Pretty Little <s>Infidelity</s> Liars</i>,
season six wrapped up not so much with a bang, but with a massive <i>WTF? </i>Dedicated fans know strange happenstances are commonplace in
Rosewood, yet no one could quite wrap their heads around the events of the
finale. That’s what you get when you mix <i>Mission:
Impossible, Night of the Living Dead</i>, and <i>Army of Darkness</i> into <i>PLL</i>. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVbfo6oWTodSt4Nrh98k2JYODPTzymuTUJwAh5_1BVQo_iDj6BLAhdoTKQIBehXo10l9wjcLstfhjlXjxIumYVF5lZ3tNZt2vpxlpjXvXFOHfo_ZN3peHXs0-tMdMjjAWZ-_gR5E-HbE/s1600/jensen+excuse+me+what.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVbfo6oWTodSt4Nrh98k2JYODPTzymuTUJwAh5_1BVQo_iDj6BLAhdoTKQIBehXo10l9wjcLstfhjlXjxIumYVF5lZ3tNZt2vpxlpjXvXFOHfo_ZN3peHXs0-tMdMjjAWZ-_gR5E-HbE/s320/jensen+excuse+me+what.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, you read that right. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, how did all of this transpire? Time to breakdown
the mania of 6B’s closer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Hush, Hush, Sweet Liars” kicks
off right after Hanna sends “Uber A” her false confession. The perp appears to
buy the ruse, responding that he/she will shoot all the girls if Hanna is
lying. Mind you, “shoot” is sent in the form of an emoji gun.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLO3SlrrDh0VGVt_h4rHotk9DyR7KBAWcNUji4TlpIBCXSI4rOvTkDPxH1ku6hMQLVfkeoBxcDZumGoxcAc1KY03T7AfsDuFoKoUSnPnb1jtFNmstLbzLbA3bgOSLNVZ_tCeyhIlKSAIM/s1600/eye+rollig.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLO3SlrrDh0VGVt_h4rHotk9DyR7KBAWcNUji4TlpIBCXSI4rOvTkDPxH1ku6hMQLVfkeoBxcDZumGoxcAc1KY03T7AfsDuFoKoUSnPnb1jtFNmstLbzLbA3bgOSLNVZ_tCeyhIlKSAIM/s320/eye+rollig.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hanna agrees to meet with “A”,
but requests one more day to get her affairs in order. And with that, all Hell
breaks loose over the course of the next twenty-four hours. Yvonne and Toby
spar off when Cavanaugh tells his fiancée that he won’t be able to attend her
mother’s election party. She demands to know why, but he can’t tell her
anything other than that it’s in the service of helping Spencer. The pair parts
ways for the night on poor terms, but Spoby fans get treated to a glimmer of
hope as Spencer and Toby team up to investigate Radley. Using Sara Harvey’s
blueprints to hopefully uncover what she’s likely hiding in the refurbished
building, they go down into the underbelly of the old sanitarium where they run
into a snooping Mona. The three come across an empty room with nothing but old
medical records for someone named Mary Drake, who gave birth to Charles
twenty-five years ago when she was still a patient at the asylum. This child
was then adopted by the DiLaurentis family, making Charlotte Ali and Jason’s
adopted brother/sister.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuT59eRplaubk_drYig-eICqVWlzWhw6SA0WIUTwACPmKVYpaSuZ5fdWabrn0V9Sj07x7OV7kbN9fUURbepNWU4hgqXw7TZ2eea-MyJcCIfWsvrkL-18rjp3LyQyPzk9H4xVsVAbpfJQM/s1600/ryan+reynolds+confused.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuT59eRplaubk_drYig-eICqVWlzWhw6SA0WIUTwACPmKVYpaSuZ5fdWabrn0V9Sj07x7OV7kbN9fUURbepNWU4hgqXw7TZ2eea-MyJcCIfWsvrkL-18rjp3LyQyPzk9H4xVsVAbpfJQM/s320/ryan+reynolds+confused.gif" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, Caleb rigs up an
electrical fence by the Lost Woods Resort with the hopes of thwarting “A” before
the big meeting. As Hanna and he wait things out, Hanna finally comes clean to her
ex over the fact that she still loves him after we’re treated to a flashback of
the former couple’s breakup. Despite Spencer dropping the “L” word on her new
beau not twelve hours prior, Hanna and Caleb share a lip lock until they’re
interrupted by Aria and Ezra. This infidelity hurts all the more considering
the showrunners pushed for us to accept Caleb and Spencer as the new pairing for
the entire winter half of the season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And they’re not the only
adulterous ones of the bunch. Whether or not you like the tumultuous shipping
of Aria and Ezra, it still leaves a bitter taste in your mouth when these two
former lovebirds take a roll in the hay upon getting glowing reviews from
Aria’s boss over their new book. We may not have spent much time with Liam, but
it’s obvious that he’s a good guy (and a much healthier relationship option for
Aria). Ms. Montgomery even spoke to Emily about Liam’s fear that she still had
feelings for Ezra, claiming they were, for the most part, unfounded. Aria seems
to suffer from some personality disorder, because not three hours later, she’s deep in the sheets with her ex-English teacher…again.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yuwi8zaY-9nBzbzHixjG1-mj7E4u-sqch335iOIYprnmO1mrH9FO6ipAutcl03fz1gm5ZFX6epXh00ECGr4fg1ObjHO_cod1lyUjrX7Q6pCdacedklPFOVccBBj3gdQgGZA2LhGg5LA/s1600/head+bang.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yuwi8zaY-9nBzbzHixjG1-mj7E4u-sqch335iOIYprnmO1mrH9FO6ipAutcl03fz1gm5ZFX6epXh00ECGr4fg1ObjHO_cod1lyUjrX7Q6pCdacedklPFOVccBBj3gdQgGZA2LhGg5LA/s1600/head+bang.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amid the relationship melodrama,
Alison takes a detour from happy honeymooner to full-on <i>Girl, Interrupted</i>. After her vivid dream in the hospital of her mom
coming to visit her, she suddenly seems to be suffering from hallucinations. A
music box starts playing on its own upstairs, and when Ali goes to investigate,
she sees her grimy, dirt-ridden dead mother standing in the doorway of her old bedroom.
Rightfully in a panic, Alison seeks comfort with Emily, who assures her that
it’s all just a side effect of her painkiller medication. She tries convincing
herself that it’s the culprit, only to find the deceased Detective Wilden lying
in bed with her when she wakes up from a nap. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5djjbIeM9B7kpct2Anz3AK5wLCpCe2NJqsx5epGAhc3HiTy6Yi0kOdeA9QvKTGJJNIWEi7nf67w6RRd4Z6yxS0g-EuPdhdMHAvl3GeBswSthRoo2N-SLyyvcHWzlvR6J7MVjilYNe-MI/s1600/jack+sparrow+scream.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5djjbIeM9B7kpct2Anz3AK5wLCpCe2NJqsx5epGAhc3HiTy6Yi0kOdeA9QvKTGJJNIWEi7nf67w6RRd4Z6yxS0g-EuPdhdMHAvl3GeBswSthRoo2N-SLyyvcHWzlvR6J7MVjilYNe-MI/s320/jack+sparrow+scream.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thinking that she’s off her
rocker, Alison checks herself into the mental health facility that previously
housed Charlotte mere hours before Elliot is supposed to come home from his
business trip. Emily begs her to reconsider, but Ali ultimately goes through
with the decision.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All’s well at the Hastings’
campaign party when it’s announced that Veronica won the election. The merriment
gets crushed when Aria calls Spencer to inform her that Hanna has gone missing.
During the elaborate trap to catch “Emoji A”, someone triggered the sensors
coming up to the motel room. Apparently, nobody thought of implementing the
buddy-system to ensure that Hanna wouldn’t be left alone, because Caleb, Aria,
and Ezra all leave her to check out the trigger. Of course, no one’s there, and
they discover the same when they get back to the motel room. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First rule of baiting traps, make
sure there isn’t a secret passage hidden beneath the floorboards. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVK7_4ijxUzmsjXBbTrSBrnbNodEXPzMR8RVFlANgKYxXMQ7MIM6JtcRkt9Jz2kOe-MZubvZK0HUAX4_PnPjZQBYV80BQyaDXiD8RAbZHrA8HdHLdwxSP09hc1mNbt2Xia4uYsszvqTM/s1600/facepalm.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVK7_4ijxUzmsjXBbTrSBrnbNodEXPzMR8RVFlANgKYxXMQ7MIM6JtcRkt9Jz2kOe-MZubvZK0HUAX4_PnPjZQBYV80BQyaDXiD8RAbZHrA8HdHLdwxSP09hc1mNbt2Xia4uYsszvqTM/s320/facepalm.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bunch of amateurs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The group reviews Caleb’s camera
footage from the electrical fence, seeing none other than Alison’s dead mother
on the recording. In the last minutes of the show, the deceased Detective Wilden
appears again in the DeLaurentis house and rips off an Ethan-Hunt-style facial
mask, revealing himself to in fact be Elliot—with a British accent no less. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqSa7Ti-w0xEMF9zSL9ktAGvttLfaWgYu9ImWeR1AsBffdTom9x2cp_8WLY6TXEX_4uhZoA3fSCFf9M-71f7aFV9WABQKNLK1pCoEAeDkLfEZ4uJq4skTWxoLH7SI3Q1f5HObnlQTSoQ/s1600/misionimpoissible.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqSa7Ti-w0xEMF9zSL9ktAGvttLfaWgYu9ImWeR1AsBffdTom9x2cp_8WLY6TXEX_4uhZoA3fSCFf9M-71f7aFV9WABQKNLK1pCoEAeDkLfEZ4uJq4skTWxoLH7SI3Q1f5HObnlQTSoQ/s320/misionimpoissible.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What?!?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroU5HEXkpAkFECDUFJf4HxzWgfK207eJkZWeL9dhoIx2Cn9FCeHIqh9F6bepc0hS2QmyRHEg_OfAsCC1KlFVGjEcCSryoqSfiEPnl-ErBxKBFmmM0icRXxFHWgfaFk-ivSQR0U6mtBFk/s1600/how+absurb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroU5HEXkpAkFECDUFJf4HxzWgfK207eJkZWeL9dhoIx2Cn9FCeHIqh9F6bepc0hS2QmyRHEg_OfAsCC1KlFVGjEcCSryoqSfiEPnl-ErBxKBFmmM0icRXxFHWgfaFk-ivSQR0U6mtBFk/s320/how+absurb.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As it turns out, Mary Drake, the
woman from the recently uncovered hospital records, is in fact Mrs.
DeLaurentis’s evil twin! She and Elliot invented this entire ruse—including
Elliot marrying Alison—all so that when she checked herself into the mental
hospital, Elliot would have control over the Carissimi Group. Taking away the
family business is apparently step one in their quest for vengeance, as Elliot
was apparently in love with <i>Charlotte</i>
and Mary wants justice for her daughter’s death. The Liars receive one last
text message reading, “Thanks for giving me Hanna. You’re free to go. – A.D.”
Then the show concludes with events coming full circle as Hanna’s body is
dragged across the floor of the church bell tower where Charlotte met her death
at the start of 6B. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAye3iAmE8Q6nCTR-1bc7L6SuO0FzMWkckj9HkcVIRDemmPeWZQ9pFidw-MbCAujfRryY_1igwOjKqA17tdtHQ7nWH_hGPLNDnD7CvXfsDgjT3D79F91YFi62bHGzZ-l-xLt57WBVr9I/s1600/juff.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAye3iAmE8Q6nCTR-1bc7L6SuO0FzMWkckj9HkcVIRDemmPeWZQ9pFidw-MbCAujfRryY_1igwOjKqA17tdtHQ7nWH_hGPLNDnD7CvXfsDgjT3D79F91YFi62bHGzZ-l-xLt57WBVr9I/s320/juff.gif" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Considering all the “twists”
coming out of left field and the sheer lunacy of events, it’s impossible to
watch <i>PLL</i> anymore with any sense of
investment. The suspension of disbelief one has to implement is seriously
pushing it, even by soap opera standards. When the show debuted, the original “A”
proved to be a formidable foe. The sound of an incoming text message honestly
put knots in your stomachs, because “A” was truly menacing. This “Emoji A” has
about the same gravitas as a petulant middle schooler. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amid all the ridiculousness, the
worst offense remains in the writers’ treatment of a particular Liar. Distraught
from her father’s death, broke from poor life choices, and left without a job,
Emily had the most compelling back story following the five-year time jump.
Yet, over the course of the winter season, her character arc fell flatter than
a pancake. And yet again, while the other Liars regale in copious love affairs,
Ms. Fields continues to be the odd girl out for another season. Our deepest sympathies
go out to Shay Mitchell for her continually untapped talents. Shame on you,
writers. These grievances aside, the question still stands, if Mary and Elliot
are “Uber A”, who actually killed Charlotte? And furthermore, do we <i>really</i> care anymore? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03UtXwPWq9IfK3V7WDptcq0CFtFYskeeP-tycPnNkrAJGdMCs40O8M__oXe67qA_dDqtbqrhwJUxXTwHmWWBE0qYkXxfI5xCNAV2vvq_5m8LSOu7Aa0hvxBwedgVExY2N7qapT1Hq5Lg/s1600/downey+dont+care.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03UtXwPWq9IfK3V7WDptcq0CFtFYskeeP-tycPnNkrAJGdMCs40O8M__oXe67qA_dDqtbqrhwJUxXTwHmWWBE0qYkXxfI5xCNAV2vvq_5m8LSOu7Aa0hvxBwedgVExY2N7qapT1Hq5Lg/s320/downey+dont+care.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not really. </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Pretty Little Liars "Hush, Hush, Sweet Liars" Rating: D +</b></span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-18960750093384764162016-03-09T20:29:00.001-08:002016-03-09T20:31:09.989-08:00Pretty Little Liars: "Did You Miss Me?" Recap & Review<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Text message “M” for muder.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Emily confronts Mona after discovering she was the one who called Charlotte the night she was killed. Mona confirms the suspicion, saying that she wanted to meet up with their former tormentor. Considering the amount of dirt Charlotte had on each of the girls, Mona wanted assurance that none of her misdeeds would come to light, but she tells Em that Charlotte never showed up at the Two Crows Diner for their get-together. On the other side of town, honeymooning Alison takes an accidental swan dive down a flight of stairs. Sure, she ends up in the hospital with a concussion, but it hardly seems like foul play. After all, distractedly standing at the edge of a second floor landing in towering high heels <i>does</i> leave you rather susceptible to mishaps. But since this is <i>PLL</i>, we’re supposed to believe that this is all the evildoings of “Uber A”…despite a direct close-up shot of Alison’s foot showing us that she blatantly took a misstep.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyX5shs9T1msewNJ6JJabuZHMHK3xE1acoY_hOZfEflWcJn-o7NQD4ax15zxPsRp8BWiaNJpremu9Fl16O_Yt2J_B_WE84UZeA6_6bNFVqXWL1SMMyZYN_xEhnLVGzfdjueINewaif4lI/s1600/do+youthinkimanidiot.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyX5shs9T1msewNJ6JJabuZHMHK3xE1acoY_hOZfEflWcJn-o7NQD4ax15zxPsRp8BWiaNJpremu9Fl16O_Yt2J_B_WE84UZeA6_6bNFVqXWL1SMMyZYN_xEhnLVGzfdjueINewaif4lI/s320/do+youthinkimanidiot.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Liars find it suspicious that both Ali and Aria are in the hospital now, and their reservations get confirmed when a get-well card arrives in Ali’s room with Emily, Aria, and Ali’s faces all crossed out of a cartoon drawing of the girls. Emily and Spencer go on a stakeout, following Mona around town where they spot her conversing with Sara Harvey’s personal driver. When the two conspirators part ways, Emily taps the backend of the mystery man’s car while he’s in the hardware store, giving Spencer an opening to search his belongings as he distractedly checks out the damage. Surprise, surprise. He’s toting around blueprints to Radley along with a room key to the joint, which he later hands off to a seemingly able-bodied Sara Harvey.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Top Cheese Ball Award of the Week</i> goes to Aria and Ezra as the pair works together on their new co-written book. Ezra wishes to rewrite a pivotal scene, where Nicole and he have their last conversation before her death. Aria sits on the couch and reads the rewrite, with Ezra and Nicole reenacting the scene behind her in the cheesiest, most overacted play-styled sequence in recent <i>PLL</i> history. Later in the evening, Aria’s publishing boss, Jillian, arrives in town with an invitation to dinner. The co-authors join her, where Jillian says that she’s knows that Aria and Liam “used to be an item.” Now, if Aria wishes to talk with the publishing house, she’s to report to Jillian directly, not Liam. But…wait. What? Did we all miss something? Because last we checked, Liam and Aria were still very much together. Did Jillian talk to Liam and force the two to break up? And if so, why? Losing an adorably loyal boyfriend via your evil boss would leave any other girl on Earth distraught, but after all’s said and done, Aria doesn’t see too broken up over it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The same cannot be said about a bedridden Alison. The newlywed takes falling down the stairs as a sign that karma’s coming around to bite her in the butt for all the bad things she’s done in the past. All’s well fifteen minutes later after a concussed dream brings the deceased Mrs. DeLaurentis to Ali’s bedside. Her mother assures her that Elliott is a good man that can protect Alison in the ways that she couldn’t. This gives Ali the assurance she needs to return home when her new husband is sent away on business for the next week.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Meanwhile, Hanna and Caleb hatch a plan to catch the evil “Uber A”, whose greatest offense so far appears to be overusing text messaging emojis. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgS5VRyXOiEj65uIiMgVPJTK3i4kdq8LGf-BBEpxgOrSXOrGAUEWKQdmZXq0ncYc2CW0WqNV3OXq941xRM3Z782VJdmRYV3Ki4mlsWuIzOY9-AQhFq6rNC1KEu3K-HrUmsEhmlOks7l4/s1600/drevil.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgS5VRyXOiEj65uIiMgVPJTK3i4kdq8LGf-BBEpxgOrSXOrGAUEWKQdmZXq0ncYc2CW0WqNV3OXq941xRM3Z782VJdmRYV3Ki4mlsWuIzOY9-AQhFq6rNC1KEu3K-HrUmsEhmlOks7l4/s320/drevil.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spencer drops in to break the news to them that Sara Harvey is back at the Radley under a false name when a teary-eyed Hanna suddenly “confesses” to murdering Charlotte.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQWbhPibKHwfExu3N_xy0pNS0RYVGfX0YlwTCYidm1sks0MGYq7FkgsBFmKqJSFZH7GITeLPi6nC7VvsXvaKC-NsSZp-cD74myxSMZVHzW1jVHDaeNOzNOyyWDUsg5mN2fQzlBzCmjH4/s1600/wtf.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQWbhPibKHwfExu3N_xy0pNS0RYVGfX0YlwTCYidm1sks0MGYq7FkgsBFmKqJSFZH7GITeLPi6nC7VvsXvaKC-NsSZp-cD74myxSMZVHzW1jVHDaeNOzNOyyWDUsg5mN2fQzlBzCmjH4/s320/wtf.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But not really. After relaying a detailed murder confession, Hanna suddenly goes into her best Resting Bitch Face as poor Spencer gawks in horror. Hanna turns to Caleb and says, “See? She believed it. And if she believed it, even for a minute, they will, too.” Turns out, it was all an act to see if Hanna could sell her story to “Uber A” to make he/she believe they’ve caught the killer. Talk about the cruelest form of “Gotcha.” When Emily gets brought into the mix, neither she nor Spencer are sold on this plan, but Caleb and Hanna tell them that they’re going through with it whether anybody agrees with them or not. We’re then treated to a flashback of Caleb and Spencer when they were in Spain, but it honestly serves no purpose other than to beat us over the head with the fact that the pair has good chemistry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hanna, who seems completely clueless as to the wedge she’s put between Spencer and Caleb, shares face time with another Rosewood beau, Lucas. Seriously, between her fiancé, her ex, and this wannabe boyfriend, Hanna’s not just having <i>her</i> cake; she’s eating the entire bakery! Lucas sweeps in to save the day by giving the blonde beauty a million dollar line of credit and an empty factory for Hanna to build her own fashion brand with new designers, no strings attached. For a girl who seemed hell-bent on leaving this torturous small town, Hanna suddenly has a change of heart and wants to stay.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yeah, because what says getting in touch with your roots better than crime scene tape and a high body count? As far as the Lucas situation goes, Hanna should know by now that nothing in life comes free. Proceed with caution, Ms. Marin.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s never an easy thing to rip on a show you enjoy, but honestly, <i>PLL</i> has fallen far from its prior glory. Each scene in this week’s episode is cheesy, melodramatic, unnecessary, downright silly, or worse: all of the above. Non-accidental accidents, an unimpressive villain, ghostly apparitions, and exaggerated storylines leave us all with one sentiment…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-25718610941102509972016-03-02T23:02:00.000-08:002016-03-02T23:04:13.911-08:00Pretty Little Liars: “Burn This” Recap & Review<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let the bridesmaids burn!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kicking off episode 18, Aria apparently went through with officiating Alison and Elliot’s wedding, as the newlyweds have skipped town. As the Liars clean up what’s left of the dual ceremonies, Aria discovers a series of ominous photos added to her parents’ camera. Staged by table cue cards, the messages warn the Liars to give up the killer by election night….or else. Aria manages to find a silver lining amid the drama, as Ezra informs her that he pitched an idea to her publishing house for her to co-write his new book.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Meanwhile, Spencer copes with the fallout from the campaign scandal, and her father isn’t making things any easier for the youngest Hastings. He demands that Spencer put some distance between her and Caleb. The plan fails miserably after Toby drops by the house and cold-cocks Caleb in the nose, believing him to be responsible for the leak. Instead of patching him up inside the house that they’re already in, Spencer decides it’s best to play Florence Nightingale with Caleb out in the open at a local park. Of course, the paparazzi catch the lovebirds in action, and the news passes through the grapevine back to a furious Mr. Hastings.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgFg1e_qAbkwDZ6VO2V1aaCMAmShdbcop8vw-EPjQXI2n3LmCYPJtuBax79WlSJNjLno6mitNtjyDEJhb3Q3N_NJzHjy_Ao-D61Oieso3EtOjATwITWYcpcdvIXAWl692U_DLouEeTHM/s1600/wow+today+sucks.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgFg1e_qAbkwDZ6VO2V1aaCMAmShdbcop8vw-EPjQXI2n3LmCYPJtuBax79WlSJNjLno6mitNtjyDEJhb3Q3N_NJzHjy_Ao-D61Oieso3EtOjATwITWYcpcdvIXAWl692U_DLouEeTHM/s320/wow+today+sucks.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thankfully, we finally get a little insight as to what broke up the beloved coupling of Spoby (Spencer and Toby). Flashbacks to Spencer’s sophomore year at college reveal that she had a pregnancy scare, forcing the pair to examine their strained relationship. Ultimately, it’s a false alarm, but the damage between the two has been done. Given this past circumstance, Spencer feels obligated to confront Toby over the political leak that his current fiancée had an abortion a few years back. She insists that Caleb had nothing to do with the scandal and at last comes clean about the new “Uber A” who has surfaced. Toby and Spencer find themselves on better terms, but all isn’t so fine and dandy for the remaining Liars.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Emily has apparently been bit by a radioactive spider, because she suddenly has superhero-level listening abilities. She overhears a random vehicle muffler as she walks down the street, and immediately recognizes it as the same sound as the truck that tried turning her into road kill the night prior. Going all-out Nancy Drew, she sleuths her way down to a local mechanic shop and finds the pickup hidden beneath a car cover. A worker spots her snooping around, and Emily is immediately—and quite conspicuously —turned away when she asks the mechanic if Spencer’s sister borrowed the truck.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As for Aria, an unwelcomed visitor lands on her front porch in the form of Detective Tanner. She insists that Aria accompany her to the police precinct for a lineup. Apparently, an unidentified witness gave a description of the woman who called Charlotte the night of her murder, and it’s a frighteningly close match to Aria. During her briefing, Ms. Montgomery steals a look at Tanner’s records. Of all things, the witness distinctly described an attractive brunette who just so happened to be carrying a pink dice key ring.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7gTGU4o8YNiPPEHJ2X7EaPTyWw1liqeEu-P0Z8kY8Woi94DMIvpgtH9icTGJk2JFNYcKzn6KEicdr4HWrNTeQH1HBishrzrUmxCwESDm_AUOIxwZRXy6nyC48OEpoFIAtwfyJ3AXsWU/s1600/dundundun.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7gTGU4o8YNiPPEHJ2X7EaPTyWw1liqeEu-P0Z8kY8Woi94DMIvpgtH9icTGJk2JFNYcKzn6KEicdr4HWrNTeQH1HBishrzrUmxCwESDm_AUOIxwZRXy6nyC48OEpoFIAtwfyJ3AXsWU/s1600/dundundun.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anywho....</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hanna may not be under attack by the law, but she definitely holds the record for the world’s most miserable Bridal Shower. When Ashley attempts to lighten the mood with a trivia game about the groom-to-be, everyone fails miserably to answer any of the questions right. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Are we really expected to believe that Hanna didn’t gush all about how Jordan proposed to her? Or how they even met? Yeah, no one’s buying <i>any</i> of that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If things couldn’t get any more awkward, Mona swings by the party just before Hanna’s electronically-controlled apartment goes haywire. The tablet that works everything from the temperature in the room to the music system suddenly malfunctions, shutting off the lights and kicking up the A.C. to tornado-level wind gusts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Obviously, the absurdity can’t end there. Just as Aria heads across the room to pick up some tossed gifts, the fireplace practically explodes in her face, leaving her hospitalized with second-degree burns. Still shaken by the incident, Emily and Mona stick around Hanna’s apartment to clean up the mess. After dumping out the last of the charcoaled party favors, Mona says goodnight and heads to her car. Of course, Emily takes notice to her keychain, seeing pink dice. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4BOOk13ScCR0wDdXd_r1JO5WoRCoXuChoBoDI2du1Dru-WewKWjvJEJTDc2laePbv5h92o83N3Gejm1P-KrP-OBtp5Uqj7h32Kga5kU7l2Mqhc-yb8LduzcqRhk3Ly03nK7a7SUHVvo/s1600/shock.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4BOOk13ScCR0wDdXd_r1JO5WoRCoXuChoBoDI2du1Dru-WewKWjvJEJTDc2laePbv5h92o83N3Gejm1P-KrP-OBtp5Uqj7h32Kga5kU7l2Mqhc-yb8LduzcqRhk3Ly03nK7a7SUHVvo/s1600/shock.gif" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, who was really shocked?</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anybody? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anybody?</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLk2iHo2auGX3mNm7YMwO7EGQeI7fI5Z-l0E5szM6PgpMDWvwk0srzLom7VTh06rv0CNYxl9g-w1gbyacBVG6ev1Ir68gscCt6U-iKVqRGIhRP4do_cbG5JQyGKWlaNUAWc8oxEzHtrc/s1600/tubmlweed.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLk2iHo2auGX3mNm7YMwO7EGQeI7fI5Z-l0E5szM6PgpMDWvwk0srzLom7VTh06rv0CNYxl9g-w1gbyacBVG6ev1Ir68gscCt6U-iKVqRGIhRP4do_cbG5JQyGKWlaNUAWc8oxEzHtrc/s320/tubmlweed.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yeah, didn’t think so.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>PLL</i> succeeds this week in giving its fans a reasonable excuse for why Spencer and Toby parted ways. Asides from that high note, the episode is possibly absurd, even by soap opera standards. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Apartment tornados, people. Apartment tornados.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdPhH30_6QwBY4vIXZyOfGEk76nsPyPqrDZQJ60F5L3xgkK6mV3mdJma2Fk_VtN6h1tRcpCtCH0IqVUuoxR_rMdIpHap_DnhKPQWpgtwW9_g8ivQJRz2sdTGTt8rNmLEwodvefLt_KPU/s1600/supernatural+dean+facebpal.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdPhH30_6QwBY4vIXZyOfGEk76nsPyPqrDZQJ60F5L3xgkK6mV3mdJma2Fk_VtN6h1tRcpCtCH0IqVUuoxR_rMdIpHap_DnhKPQWpgtwW9_g8ivQJRz2sdTGTt8rNmLEwodvefLt_KPU/s320/supernatural+dean+facebpal.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Need I say more?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Pretty Little Liars:</i> “Burn This” Rating — D+ </span><o:p></o:p></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-18296817543331365952016-02-23T19:46:00.000-08:002016-02-23T20:31:03.269-08:00Pretty Little Liars: "We've All Got Baggage" Recap & Review<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wedding bells and murder weapons. Ah, yes. What else would you expect from the town of Rosewood? As always, the Liars have their plates full, with Emily's eggs being stolen from a fertility clinic, Spencer’s mother coming clean about her cancer, Ezra returning with his newly written book that Aria ghostwrote in his absence, and Hanna finding herself unemployed. You know, the usual.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When a wave of dirty politics hits the Hastings’ Senate campaign, Caleb takes the fall for Spencer after a secret someone uses her IP address to send out damaging reports. Spencer’s mother fires Caleb after he falsely confesses and he is consequently kicked out of the barn. That seems okay with him, because he’s more preoccupied with the suspicion surrounding Spencer’s sister. After all, Melissa’s broken suitcase could be the murder weapon in Charlotte’s death. Plus, Hanna conveniently remembers an absurdly unforgettable run-in with Spencer’s sister back in New York. It's funny how something like this would slip her mind...until the perfect time to label Melissa as the next red herring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Emily meets a friendly face while ordering textbooks at Hollis, only to later find out that he’s an undercover reporter. With this knowledge, she turns the tables and weasels information out of him, discovering that Melissa returned early from London and therefore could have made the infamous call to the DeLaurentis house on the night of Charlotte’s murder. Emily heads out to the diner where the landline originated in search of more answers, only to find the parking lot and building empty. A monster pickup truck then begins threatening her, repeatedly barreling down on the young woman as she tries not to get made into a crushed hood ornament. Emily conveniently takes shelter on top of a large metal storage container after the truck manages to run over her cell. While up there, Emily just so happens to come across a long metal rod that looks suspiciously like the murder weapon! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But of course, she drops it, allowing the chaotic truck driver to reclaim the piece.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Meanwhile, Mr. Montgomery asks his daughter to be the wedding officiant for his and Ella’s impending nuptials as Hanna finds temporary work acting as Ella’s stylist. The wedding goes off without a hitch, but all isn’t well for Aria. Obviously, to up the melodrama, Liam assumes the worst in regard as to why Aria wants to stay in Rosewood. Apparently, it never <i>ever</i> came up that she previously dated the literary darling of her publishing house. So when Fitz accidently drops the histrionic bomb to her new beau over lunch, it racks Aria with unnecessary guilt later on as she officiates her parents’ second walk down the aisle. Then, of course, Liam comes to the wedding, and the two quickly make up over the ridiculous quarrel. The reunion seems sweet until a couple of unexpected visitors show up on Aria’s doorstep following the ceremony. Since Aria’s now officiated, Alison and Elliot come to her, insisting that she marry the pair right then and there. And by the look on Aria’s face, she’s not particularly comfortable with the idea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>PLL</i> th</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ese days is pretty hit or miss. Sure, the series has descended to more of a soap-opera level that forces you to suspend all disbelief at the door, but it can be fun in a campy sort of way. When it’s not so much fun though, it’s really just pure melodrama without payoff. In addition, the transition from past to present in the five year time jump is still rough. The Liars themselves blossomed nicely into their future versions, but the same cannot be said about the supporting players. One in particular: Caleb Rivers. Remember the days when he was the rugged, rough-around-the-edges bad boy?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yeah, those really are just memories now, because there’s not a single fleck of that guy left. Now, Caleb looks like a polished country club hipster, sporting polos and bright colors. Seriously, what happened to the leather jackets and devil-may-care attitude? He’s now another stuffed shirt in a line of replaceable cookie cutter men. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And even after all these weeks, we still have no clue as to what the heck happened between Spencer and Toby. There’s unmistakable hostility on his end, and the destruction of their relationship might help us feel better about the sudden ship between Spencer and Caleb. Answers, <i>PLL</i>. We need answers. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Episode Rating: C</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-42254554042185558882016-02-15T21:17:00.000-08:002016-02-16T00:49:11.953-08:00Movie Review: DEADPOOL<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSL25Q31BPjSuXAXEsbkDbJSFjwHaVIlLdqM_iqwma9vmXS88HHup552lTN1LPVZT5Z-YyWCz8blUK2ME0562LUcgZmiiJvLI4zFuveYFR0f89RiwXh_P4OnIdqcgeLUdQuxlJvEsZoQ/s1600/Deadpool_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSL25Q31BPjSuXAXEsbkDbJSFjwHaVIlLdqM_iqwma9vmXS88HHup552lTN1LPVZT5Z-YyWCz8blUK2ME0562LUcgZmiiJvLI4zFuveYFR0f89RiwXh_P4OnIdqcgeLUdQuxlJvEsZoQ/s320/Deadpool_poster.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Based upon Marvel Comics’ most iconic anti-hero, </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Deadpool</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> is the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds). After nearly being killed in an off-the-books experiment by rogue scientist Ajax (Ed Skrein), Wilson’s left disfigured but gifted with accelerated healing powers. Upon adopting the alter ego Deadpool, the wisecracking “Merc with a Mouth” hunts down the man who destroyed his life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As all moviegoers know, January is the worst month when it comes to film releases. And sadly, February rarely looks much better. Given this month in history also housed the releases of disastrous superhero adaptations such as 2003’s <i>Daredevil</i> and 2007’s <i>Ghost Rider</i>, it hardly instills confidence in audience members. Compound that with the fact that Ryan Reynolds has become a battle-scarred veteran of failed comic book adaptations (<i>X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Green</i> <i>Lantern, </i>and<i> Blade: Trinity</i>) and that <i>Deadpool</i> is Tim Miller’s feature-length directorial debut, walking into the theater with high hopes seems inevitably futile. So, is the fourth time really the charm for Reynolds?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the most rewarding surprise of the year, the Merc with a Mouth blows expectations out of the water with gratuitous violence, vulgar humor, and bloody satisfaction. Comic book origin stories tend to start slow due to character development, as seen in fellow Marvel movies like <i>Captain America: The First Avenger</i>. Breaking not only the fourth wall, but all the rules, <i>Deadpool</i> cleverly avoids this pitfall by way of nonlinear storytelling, jumping back and forth between past and present events. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ryan Reynolds is no stranger to comedy, considering most of his successful early work was in this very genre, and his timing, crass, and delivery couldn’t be more on point than right here, made all the more riotous when coupled with the hilarious T.J. Miller. Not only is the acting superb, but the writing is gloriously raunchy. This isn’t a soft R-rating by any stretch of the imagination. It knows it’s pushing the boundaries, and plows through them unapologetically. Adding to the first-rate roster is director Tim Miller. Yes, this may be his first full-length feature, but this is no amateur at the helm. With previous visual effects experience on both <i>X-Men</i> and <i>X2: X-Men United</i> and stunning directorial work showcased in David Fincher’s <i>The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</i>’s title sequence, it’s impossible to deny that the man has raw talent and an eye for stylized imagery. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMGXQlj1bX8OqqhNTLnJgIhwvVnEi5NGGUBzUv4BRzphs3wW3M03lhagQIZhm9ShKRiQ_uHtDCtaQkLm6L6zFqEYT4zYgZ4an04iJ89m_mCBC_Wbd2-R_eIFb9e_7N5wk40wfpHKRBuQ/s1600/girlwiththetattoo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMGXQlj1bX8OqqhNTLnJgIhwvVnEi5NGGUBzUv4BRzphs3wW3M03lhagQIZhm9ShKRiQ_uHtDCtaQkLm6L6zFqEYT4zYgZ4an04iJ89m_mCBC_Wbd2-R_eIFb9e_7N5wk40wfpHKRBuQ/s320/girlwiththetattoo.gif" width="320" /></a></div><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Due to its gratuitous nature, <i>Deadpool</i> may not everyone’s cup of tea, particularly for younger audiences. The film’s numerous trailers give you an accurate idea of just what kind of experience you’re in for. So if you’re one of the many who reveled in the sneak peeks, you’re guaranteed to love this rip-roaring comic book adaptation. In fact, it just might leave you giddy upon exiting the theater.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At last, we can wash out the horrible taste from our mouths with FOX’s previous attempt.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And we can now revel in the foul-mouthed glory that is this…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Deadpool</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> is undeniably the best laugh and action-pleaser seen this year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">5 out of 5 Stars</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">POSTER: By Source, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Deadpool_poster.jpg" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadpool_(film)" title="Deadpool (film)">Deadpool (film)</a>">Fair use</a>, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46244159</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-46217833168735320362016-02-10T00:00:00.000-08:002016-02-09T19:11:10.890-08:00A Humorous Look At Why Valentine's Day Sucks...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Ah, yes. Valentine’s Day, that special
time of year when Hallmark makes a killing, roses cost an arm and a leg, and
you can’t escape from everything heart-shaped. It’s supposed to be about love
and eternal happiness, but in actuality it’s just a headache and a half. Sure,
if you’re like my folks who’ve been married for more than a quarter of a
century, Valentine’s Day is just another routine of sweet gestures, flowers,
and a quiet dinner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">For the rest of us out there
though, it ain’t that simple. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">NOT. AT. ALL.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajkML4-wN4hYooisWlnjojucHKem7ySZc5AhdZ0TgE5A1hOT2aPxwpj3n7mfkQV76A-B_bH5OIuJcBq7zg1btBoDKRcc8OuPCd5CEZ8Q9l9pTkhbn21nvyCqL9qBZImdhNIAgNB42jQU/s1600/nope.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajkML4-wN4hYooisWlnjojucHKem7ySZc5AhdZ0TgE5A1hOT2aPxwpj3n7mfkQV76A-B_bH5OIuJcBq7zg1btBoDKRcc8OuPCd5CEZ8Q9l9pTkhbn21nvyCqL9qBZImdhNIAgNB42jQU/s1600/nope.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">What V-Day can really be is a
freaking emotional MINEFIELD, no matter what relationship status you hold! Here
is my Top 5 list of reasons why February 14<sup>th</sup> sucks.</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. MEN ARE DOOMED!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Thanks to the
unrealistic expectations Hollywood has ingrained into the mindset of the
average modern woman, pretty much every man has been set up to fail
spectacularly on this “special” night. </span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Sure, you could
pull a Christian Grey and tell your significant other that you “don’t do
romance.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3IOgOXQkzgrbTiURjjRioJa-ULSMjL17WrpD8KRRwphRJJd8gMTgRSzv2Wy7sS2RMW1tUlWa3yYeNQWjVgXnUGdXN6Mg-hKgbHZPDG0F5G-fxv_SOui3lyMMpwnl2pcok6lyP_i_pmA/s1600/lucifer+lauging.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3IOgOXQkzgrbTiURjjRioJa-ULSMjL17WrpD8KRRwphRJJd8gMTgRSzv2Wy7sS2RMW1tUlWa3yYeNQWjVgXnUGdXN6Mg-hKgbHZPDG0F5G-fxv_SOui3lyMMpwnl2pcok6lyP_i_pmA/s1600/lucifer+lauging.gif" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!
Yeah, hate to break it to you, but if you were hoping to get lucky, you’re
gonna have to look to your right hand.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">With that notion
axed, you’re going to have to find something mind-blowing to sweep her off her
feet. But when you’re competing against your lovely lady’s fantasy of Ryan
Gosling passionately kissing her in the rain, your box of toothpaste-filled
chocolates and ten dollar teddy bear don’t stand a chance. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. YOUR WALLET IS GOING TO TAKE A BEATING!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Because of this
commercially driven faux-holiday, the price of everything is going to
SKYROCKET. Sorry, fellas, but that money you had set aside to fill up your gas
tank will be flushed down the metaphorical toilet so you can buy ridiculous
things like a singing stuffed animal that your girlfriend/wife probably won’t
ever touch again after tomorrow morning. </span></div>
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. YOUR RELATIONSHIP WILL SUDDENLY BE PUT UNDER THE MICROSCOPE!</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Yep, like it or
not, but when the fourteenth rolls around, you’re gonna find yourself in the
world of COMMITMENT. For a reason unbeknownst to me, Valentine’s Day makes
couples go crazy. If you’re in a new relationship, you now have to worry about
what impression you make on the evening. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">It’s just
another date night…right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Nope. For some,
when you take someone out on February 14<sup>th</sup>, it can be a much bigger
deal than you’d think it is. Some people see this invitation as a cue that
you’re ready to take things to the next level. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGR3Bu0_TkALkpeDZn0GEXkWfQzS46fSz3qyzL7e3IYpOGavmluhW4q0eaqnkX9GXdEwuqTbXc6BiZscMjHcoJlVo8Jsgi8hLQ0yd918yGAk3mBGDnXf_ICITqFHgkLgOO6ENhEUBX8M/s1600/excited+girl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGR3Bu0_TkALkpeDZn0GEXkWfQzS46fSz3qyzL7e3IYpOGavmluhW4q0eaqnkX9GXdEwuqTbXc6BiZscMjHcoJlVo8Jsgi8hLQ0yd918yGAk3mBGDnXf_ICITqFHgkLgOO6ENhEUBX8M/s1600/excited+girl.gif" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Yep. While you’re innocently
deciding on what entrée you want off the menu, the person sitting across from
you may already be planning your guys’ wedding in their heads! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDqnkYLT0dw6bGRF5_Gb74WZKInB8pi8A0g3FdAEPUF00aZ20RkpCuEUvtu2ATquymgp4ynda0un7bKmDjQeJCIb7h-Fq_FkdDo2P-T7E4xdJKNxvkRAvd5DKaD4Cfe9xJ2r_Chfgqws/s1600/wait+what.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDqnkYLT0dw6bGRF5_Gb74WZKInB8pi8A0g3FdAEPUF00aZ20RkpCuEUvtu2ATquymgp4ynda0un7bKmDjQeJCIb7h-Fq_FkdDo2P-T7E4xdJKNxvkRAvd5DKaD4Cfe9xJ2r_Chfgqws/s1600/wait+what.gif" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">And if you’re in
a relationship that's a bit more long-term, then prepare for grenades to start
going off. Popping (or not popping)
the question can honestly lead to a five-year relationship going up in smoke.
Everyone knows that romantic gestures are all the rage during the holidays, whether
it be performed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Years. Valentine’s Day is no
exception. If one member of the couple has previously expressed that it’s time
to tie the knot, V-Day is the other person’s nightmare. If the woman wishes
for her man to “put a ring on it” and the guy’s not ready to step up to the
plate, he’s doomed for. And if the tables are turned, then the woman will be
living in sheer dread for dessert time to arrive, because she knows there’s
going to be a diamond ring hiding in her ice cream. The entire evening is
pretty much like being trapped in a plane plummeting from the sky. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzWd5A_FRnyN0_n7UQGjsCqEkGv2-cjFBYOrxOOoahlqsC4QXMYB6wxWn_mRWZlOv5q0ShpHkHepf_J73myx2vNo4G5_ArfBLAXb7MR2R6VhYQQFRGlSwNxqb_bKmQkGaklsD52ecegs/s1600/plane.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzWd5A_FRnyN0_n7UQGjsCqEkGv2-cjFBYOrxOOoahlqsC4QXMYB6wxWn_mRWZlOv5q0ShpHkHepf_J73myx2vNo4G5_ArfBLAXb7MR2R6VhYQQFRGlSwNxqb_bKmQkGaklsD52ecegs/s1600/plane.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">You <span style="font-family: inherit;">won’t</span> know
when the crash will happen, but you knows it’s coming. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. THE TIME LEADING UP TO VALENTINE’S DAY TURNS PEOPLE INTO LOVE-TRANCED MANIACS!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7oLPxyerrapmbOSkNdXijinYvvtRvQl78irx9JCeKMT-pLrju2zo8MFcA69eCJDwsb6HkGqjo7n2ueiVeU2XdK6TudbtJ5Uq0dRDcNI7WvBYZgxXzpfmoq-5vKT-Kkfi50bZzwodH8k/s1600/let+me+love+you.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7oLPxyerrapmbOSkNdXijinYvvtRvQl78irx9JCeKMT-pLrju2zo8MFcA69eCJDwsb6HkGqjo7n2ueiVeU2XdK6TudbtJ5Uq0dRDcNI7WvBYZgxXzpfmoq-5vKT-Kkfi50bZzwodH8k/s1600/let+me+love+you.gif" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">When the
holidays roll around, some of those single folks out there seem to feel the
loneliness more than ever. When Valentine’s Day is on the horizon…oh boy, can
things get weird… You know when you’re at the bar and you have that pesky
patron that just won’t leave you alone? At the beginning of the evening, you
know this guy is easily the most annoying human being in the room. After a few
cocktails though....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">....this gremlin starts to look less and less horrible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: large;">This same
curious mindset can be applied to the days leading up February 14<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Some people
can’t stand the thought of being alone on this particular day. This may lead to
irrational thinking. Remember four months ago when you were throwing your boyfriend’s
clothes out your guys’ apartment window? Yep, that ass-hat who you swore to
loath for all eternity. Now, come February, as you’re being bombarded by
Valentine’s Day themed everything at the grocery store, you begin to take a
walk down Memory Lane…with rose-colored glasses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">And now you're not thinking clearly....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDhxdmWSc2kwGMtyZU3bYKJmHwIuXKbIaiNG_sD6SImiHpUoB4ixM1upB7vFR_8oFLcnDXM_DmoRoIokqSKjO_BEH-mmJcvNNgiKwj2xlZQdQE09cMjZwiVG0NsGroN49Z1pwS1Og49s/s1600/i+love+you+this+much.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDhxdmWSc2kwGMtyZU3bYKJmHwIuXKbIaiNG_sD6SImiHpUoB4ixM1upB7vFR_8oFLcnDXM_DmoRoIokqSKjO_BEH-mmJcvNNgiKwj2xlZQdQE09cMjZwiVG0NsGroN49Z1pwS1Og49s/s1600/i+love+you+this+much.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">....and you're feeling more alone
than ever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhyEUnZK6_aFZp52lUL3BmTfQ4gPbJmiXIiel0fpFEJVIQl3s6fysFNuWQ2rXSFuOVHWlSH3BL6JNeWtgzplkKdm4JfGPOczC8uR278NNH5TcFxMdtNJhaInN2lmPUwyFijDDRoyW_y4/s1600/crying.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhyEUnZK6_aFZp52lUL3BmTfQ4gPbJmiXIiel0fpFEJVIQl3s6fysFNuWQ2rXSFuOVHWlSH3BL6JNeWtgzplkKdm4JfGPOczC8uR278NNH5TcFxMdtNJhaInN2lmPUwyFijDDRoyW_y4/s1600/crying.gif" width="320" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Worst of all....when the ghosts of boyfriends past comes seeking YOU out! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Terrifying!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Just when you think it's safe to head out the front door, you notice a certain <em>someone</em> waiting for you, and you're all like....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">And then you notice them suddenly showing up everywhere you go, because they want to talk with you....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvXnIogJ4OP6xB9Sy774ZaLAXCDTiG-2MWoApxs2BKMOznxIXaOstZcT5mG7b30zVGC3m-nBaXMqRvK2QSEIUK3t54j9mQOgMcF0sQoqdA0N_FIRPQHFsBATsIrsicX3zm7ILjw1DIgc/s1600/run+bitch+run.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvXnIogJ4OP6xB9Sy774ZaLAXCDTiG-2MWoApxs2BKMOznxIXaOstZcT5mG7b30zVGC3m-nBaXMqRvK2QSEIUK3t54j9mQOgMcF0sQoqdA0N_FIRPQHFsBATsIrsicX3zm7ILjw1DIgc/s1600/run+bitch+run.gif" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">They just need
some love, right?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIOoYYSKjjHtxzhZnk8ZW_Yc8Z3j2mQ2e5IrqUiNh191WfJ68_rKr7gcgNoiYZKkX7ZhPfGDY8-MCBAp76fM03USO3N3QZAEwUQLDvTCy60iY2eoiXah1uJuquWNYd7wTVCQgyKF_uQ4/s1600/nope+jump.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIOoYYSKjjHtxzhZnk8ZW_Yc8Z3j2mQ2e5IrqUiNh191WfJ68_rKr7gcgNoiYZKkX7ZhPfGDY8-MCBAp76fM03USO3N3QZAEwUQLDvTCy60iY2eoiXah1uJuquWNYd7wTVCQgyKF_uQ4/s1600/nope+jump.gif" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Not from
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. YOU’RE LABELED AS A LEPER FOR BEING SINGLE!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">All your happily matched-up friends gab about
their special plans for the evening, and inquiry inevitably shifts to you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Friend: </span></o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“So, what are
your plans Sunday night?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">You: “Just staying
in.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQKS_46F1trQuP8LnIQT4Falu3aVF_OKxKzSMCwMMTTGG20H12k0ZCbpiQKYNqkbWcafB8m0-4Uxp5FR2f_diuCbk5Rl1KmobdwDxz9zeQcfKuYSkJCZ4CMJrdC6H2cmNhuE9shdLJAI/s1600/awkward.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQKS_46F1trQuP8LnIQT4Falu3aVF_OKxKzSMCwMMTTGG20H12k0ZCbpiQKYNqkbWcafB8m0-4Uxp5FR2f_diuCbk5Rl1KmobdwDxz9zeQcfKuYSkJCZ4CMJrdC6H2cmNhuE9shdLJAI/s1600/awkward.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Valentine’s Day suddenly makes those without a beau feel like that poor kid in high school who wasn’t invited to the BIG party.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">You tell yourself
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">So after all the horribly awkward "pity" stares from loved ones, you decide to embellish your plans. When you're asked the next time, you tell them that you're spending the night curled up on the couch with not one, but <em>two</em> delicious men....which is sort of true. You just fail to mention that their names happen to be Ben & Jerry.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">After all's said and done, you're not getting out of Valentine's Day without some emotional scars.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">There's only one thing left for you to do....</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!! :-)</span></strong></div>
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Disclaimer: I do <strong>NOT</strong> own any of these gifs, and I do not receive any compensation for their use. All rights belong to their respected owners. I just LOVE "Supernatural," and these guys just really know how to express my feelings. :-)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-79064816862961531722016-02-08T06:30:00.000-08:002016-02-08T11:59:59.263-08:00Review: WGN America's "Outsiders"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhHUvV8qrflkOa8YCSFzdmc42jdP_0DnR-JNoZOHtUTCd8frIlS7roYrM38eDaC1qYMDJEYGkZYZXJ-DCy7EolkTZRszWUR9pqgezSajEvONNL_WKMMl8b-K7kPFge5n2dpXCCvPuZO0/s1600/Outsiders_Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhHUvV8qrflkOa8YCSFzdmc42jdP_0DnR-JNoZOHtUTCd8frIlS7roYrM38eDaC1qYMDJEYGkZYZXJ-DCy7EolkTZRszWUR9pqgezSajEvONNL_WKMMl8b-K7kPFge5n2dpXCCvPuZO0/s320/Outsiders_Logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first thing a casual viewer thinks of when hearing WGN America is either sports programming or off-air sitcom reruns. It’s not until the past couple years that the forty-year-old network has stepped outside its comfort zone by coming up with its own original programming. Since making headway, WGN America has produced the highly acclaimed period drama <i>Manhattan</i> and the dangerously sexy supernatural series <i>Salem</i>. Added to the roster this year comes the Paul Giamatti/Kurt Sutter original show <i>Outsiders</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky rests mountainfolk known as the “Farrell Clan.” Having shunned the conventions and comforts of society, these people live in isolation just outside the fictitious town of Blackburg where locals fear their unwelcomed presence on the rare occasion these outlaws make their way into town. The Farrell’s’ idyllic, homesteading way of life suddenly comes under attack as a mining company gains approval to evict the clan from their beloved mountain to obtain the precious materials buried beneath the land.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This distressing news comes at an opportune time for Asa Farrell (Joe Anderson, “<i>The Grey</i>”), who has been imprisoned upon his return to the clan after spending a decade in ordinary society. Given that every other member of the clan is illiterate, Big Foster (David Morse) regrettably sets Asa free for his abandonment, as he needs him to read the eviction notice stapled at the bottom of the mountain. In town, widowed Deputy Sheriff, Wade Houghton (Thomas M. Wright, “The Bridge”), tries to warn his superiors regarding the inevitable bloodshed that will follow if they try to force out the unruly mountainfolk. His concerns are overlooked, and he’s now saddled with the ill-fated undertaking of having to remove the Farrells from their land. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">News of the eviction results in a power struggle in the clan as monarch Lady Ray (Phyllis Somerville) suddenly delays turning over her authority to Big Foster. As retribution, Big Foster leads a raid in Blackburg against a mobster that goes sideways, resulting in a tailspin of events.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the hands of lesser minds, “Outsiders” could quickly dissolve into a ridiculous attempt to glorify violence with the use of hillbillies as a catalyst to convey the evils of coal mining. As a welcomed surprise to the network’s growing catalog, the series surpasses expectations with deeply layered subplots, compelling performances, and cleverly crafted dialogue. Its true endowment, however, rests in its perfect cast of character actors. Kyle Gallner (“The Walking Dead” and “American Sniper”) proves only further just how underrated he truly is with his portrayal as the charming backwoodsman Hasil Farrell, holding his own amongst a very talented, eclectic troupe. Accompanying him is “Sons of Anarchy” alum Ryan Hurst, who steps back in to familiar territory as another ruffian outlaw, and David Morse as the aggressive and psychotic Big Foster. Thomas M. Wright, however, claims the title as the series’ official scene-stealer in his turn as the depressive Deputy Houghton. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plenty of comparisons can be drawn between “Outsiders” and Kurt Sutter’s prized “Sons of Anarchy”, which is an amazing accomplishment for such a fresh faced series. Just as “SOA” paid homage to <i>Hamlet</i>, it’s impossible not to note the undertones of <i>Macbeth</i> in “Outsiders”. With copious amounts of moonshine, hunting, and criminal undertakings, fans of “Sons” and “Justified” will revel in WGN America’s unyielding newcomer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Definitely a must-watch.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"><span title="must have been published or publicly displayed outside Wikipedia">Source</span> (<a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NFCC#4" title="Wikipedia:NFCC">WP:NFCC#4</a>), <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Outsiders_Logo.png" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outsiders_(TV_series)" title="Outsiders (TV series)">Outsiders (TV series)</a>">Fair use</a>, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49241888</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-85952686281272455552016-01-31T15:46:00.000-08:002016-01-31T21:32:10.667-08:00Movie Review: "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamLvvJ8SQe_43dUMVY9dl4zuVK7lID4-9NjhBn0F0VXqebvyDZ3Top05YXs2s4D3R5p2pbi-mIXjXnxqVHVwVKBhuaRPsO0BreYic9iFCi5XNnEUYMUhdpF3WtY58RIDoep7hnVmoP8I/s1600/13_Hours_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamLvvJ8SQe_43dUMVY9dl4zuVK7lID4-9NjhBn0F0VXqebvyDZ3Top05YXs2s4D3R5p2pbi-mIXjXnxqVHVwVKBhuaRPsO0BreYic9iFCi5XNnEUYMUhdpF3WtY58RIDoep7hnVmoP8I/s320/13_Hours_poster.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Michael Bay’s “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” tells the harrowing true story surrounding the Islamic militant attacks placed against the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012. At the time of the coordinated assault, the city has been deemed as one of the most dangerous places on Earth. As a result, all countries, with the exception of the United States, evacuate their embassies in the region owing to the threat of militant attacks. An off the books U.S. consulate, called the Annex, also remains, protected by a team of six former military members turned CIA security contractors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens arrives in Benghazi with the hopes of reassuring peace in the city by holding a press conference. With an understaffed protection detail and local pro-American militia safeguarding the Ambassador, the Annex team, stationed only a mile from the Consulate, is brought in as Stevens’ drivers and backup security. On the morning of the September 11<sup>th</sup> anniversary, suspicious behavior is spotted outside the compound. Come nightfall, a group of Islamic militants overrun the Consulate, forcing the guards to take Stevens and United States IT personnel Sean Smith into a safe room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overwhelmed as the radicals set the building ablaze, the security detail radios the Annex team in desperation for them to come to the rescue. Locked and loaded, the contractors (James Badge Dale, John Krasinski, Dominic Fumusa, Max Martini, David Denman, and Pablo Schreiber) await the order, but ultimately hit a wall when their chief rejects the petition out of fear of redirecting the militants to attack the CIA Annex. Defying the demand to stand down, the outnumbered contractors bravely dispatch to the Consulate in hopes of rescuing their fellow countrymen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the melodramatic disaster that was <i>Pearl Harbor</i>, having Michael Bay at the helm of another real life war film should only inspire eye rolls and aggravated moans. His movies are notorious for their overindulgence of unnecessary detonations, pyrotechnic explosions, shaky-cam, and style-over-substance storytelling. Film buffs have even scathingly deemed these gratuitous trademarks as “Michael Bay-isms”. With powerful, modern-day war films like <i>American Sniper, Lone Survivor,</i> and <i>Zero Dark Thirty</i> placed in the hands of critically acclaimed directors, Bay’s undertaking only seems all the more problematic. In truth, it’s cringe-worthy, and you haven’t even taken a seat in the theater.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the surface,<i> “</i>13 Hours” seems to play into all the archetypes seen in virtually every other American war film, right up to the pregnant wife at home. Given that this is based on the book of the same title by Mitchell Zuckoff and the actual Annex Security Team, it throws into sharp relief that these instances are in fact reality for our servicemen. What the film notably strays from, for better or for worse (depending on the viewer), is outright endorsing any political affiliations. It focuses solely on the intrepid ex-military men who combated wave after wave of militia fire. The runtime leading up to the attack does lag in some scenes, but once the going gets tough, the pacing is positively breathless. The acting is superb, the fights are well choreographed, and even Bay manages to impress, proving he’s far more capable guiding actors than CGI robots. Some might not appreciate certain filming choices, particularly his use of shaky-cam. Thankfully, the techniques are still tolerable, and in some ways, they add to the grit of the narrative. It’s easily Bay’s best movie since 1996’s <i>The Rock</i>, and it’s elevated by a soaring score by renowned composer Hans Zimmer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The film does comes out at a time when its subject matter is at the height of political controversy, but its likeliness to sway the public’s opinion one way or the other isn’t too great. What “13 Hours” does achieve is stirring our appreciation for the servicemen and women who brave these battles against impossible odds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>4.5 out of 5 Stars <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:13_Hours_poster.jpg#/media/File:13_Hours_poster.jpg">13 Hours poster</a>" by Source. Licensed under <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:13_Hours_poster.jpg" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13_Hours:_The_Secret_Soldiers_of_Benghazi" title="13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi">13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi</a>">Fair use</a> via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/">Wikipedia</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-43071891569830227522016-01-30T09:30:00.000-08:002016-01-31T20:59:39.716-08:00Under-the-Radar Film Gems: Thrillers<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Best conserve your oxygen, because here we’re revealing some under-the-radar thrillers that will leave you breathless. These three movies play within the boundaries of the genre, but each distinctively cuts out its own little corner to give viewers a unique and rousing experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">First up…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nqibEjfEkaCljrx6fsf_duQQA1TVdMkP8h1Q4H2uP6LI3wIbxLTujhamdngOTAYgBmZpAX3GWYLVqiXIwY0gDVu2-NB25T7L-6E3pnFosmRTH2PZeEigc0RY62emlivR8wV3KIYDE_o/s1600/Snowpiercer_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nqibEjfEkaCljrx6fsf_duQQA1TVdMkP8h1Q4H2uP6LI3wIbxLTujhamdngOTAYgBmZpAX3GWYLVqiXIwY0gDVu2-NB25T7L-6E3pnFosmRTH2PZeEigc0RY62emlivR8wV3KIYDE_o/s320/Snowpiercer_poster.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Snowpiercer</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> (2014)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">When global warming reaches critical mass, climate engineers try to counteract the deadly results, but the effects backfire and send the planet into an ice age that kills most of its inhabitants. The few remaining survivors take refuge on the Snowpiercer, a titanic train powered by a perpetual motion engine. Forced into submission by the commanders of the train, the famished residents residing in the tail carts continue to suffer in their putrid living conditions nearly eighteen years later. When cryptic messages incite the enslaved survivors to revolt, Curtis (Chris Evans) and a band of rebels hatch a plan to overthrow the class system by taking control of the train. Only horror awaits them though as the ragtag team battles their way through the many different compartments on their way to the engine room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">The idea is seemingly high-concept, but as this story progresses, the complexity of this dystopian world reveals a far more extraordinary plot. Directed and co-written by Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho, this poignant science fiction thriller masquerades as a high-octane action movie, but the originality and execution of the story make <i>Snowpiercer</i> one of the best films in recent memory. The brutal fight sequences have a rather glossy comic-book ambiance, but the applied grit and realism reinforce the severity of each blow. Symbolism and allegory play a prominent role as well, further adding to the film’s brilliance from a genre otherwise plagued in clichés. With an unpredictable story, stunning visuals, an eclectic cast, and relentless gumption, <i>Snowpiercer</i> can easily be deemed as the most exceptional and vastly overlooked film of the 21<sup>st</sup> century. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Perfect for fans of: 2006’s <i>The Host (also directed by Bong Joon-ho) </i>and Danny Boyle’s<i> Sunshine.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImiQUikccRzTRTa8unox2Ts76kXP4uMejHzp6sMa2BJXmwGzBqWFTMlX9Ev6alQ7ANkgYWvGWnVz03BHf5WmTlMlnbaPNqgoFHh9FlAZig3qqNrzAHG4JkU-GvY1HkxdqNbKE7eZaZEk/s1600/Stoker_teaser_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImiQUikccRzTRTa8unox2Ts76kXP4uMejHzp6sMa2BJXmwGzBqWFTMlX9Ev6alQ7ANkgYWvGWnVz03BHf5WmTlMlnbaPNqgoFHh9FlAZig3qqNrzAHG4JkU-GvY1HkxdqNbKE7eZaZEk/s320/Stoker_teaser_poster.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Stoker</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> (2013)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">On her 18<sup>th</sup> birthday, India Stoker (Mia Wasikowska) receives the tragic news that her father (Dermot Mulroney) has been killed in a car accident. Left only with her bitter and distant mother Evelyn (Nicole Kidman), her world takes an unexpected turn when her charmingly enigmatic uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode) arrives to lend his support to the family. Despite having never met him, as Charlie’s spent his whole life traveling the world, Evelyn takes an immediate liking to her dead husband’s brother, inviting him to live with her and her daughter. India, however, isn’t so easily swayed by the charismatic stranger and gives him the cold shoulder. Suspicions only grow after the family’s caretaker (Phyllis Somerville) goes missing after India witnesses the woman arguing with her uncle. Her mother becomes closer to Charlie, but India rejects his efforts to befriend her. She finally begins to unearth the troubling secrets behind her uncle’s ulterior motives, and in a strange turn of events, the girl unexpectedly becomes infatuated with the man. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">There’s a reason why Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Peter Berg and Sylvester Stallone redefined their careers writing screenplays. If the talent is truly there, something very beautiful happens when an actor sits behind a typewriter. Some do this from a place of frustration because they wish to showcase their talents by creating a character they themselves will portray, but others do it simply out of the love of storytelling. <i>Stoker</i> is definitely the byproduct of the latter, as actor Wentworth Miller (<i>Prison Break</i>) wrote this hauntingly off-kilter screenplay under the penname Ted Foulke to allow his writing to speak for itself. And what beautifully twisted things it has to say. Miller’s acting credentials definitely helped shape this script, as he masterfully substitutes clunky exposition for subtle actions to convey his characters’ back stories. As the old saying goes, “Showing is often more effective than telling.” This articulate touch is only further complimented by the lavish visuals of director Park Chan-wook. <i>Stoker’</i>s gothic elements tease with the boundaries of works like <i>Rebecca</i>, paying subtle homage to the likes of Hitchcock, and each actor radiates an unsettling sophistication. Matthew Goode, in particular, exhibits an old-school Gatsby-esque quality rarely put to film anymore, and that allure makes the sinister and aggressive aspects all the more disquieting. As Chan-wook’s English debut, he showcases his talents in glorious fashion by way of unbearable tension and stylish scenery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Perfect for fans of: <i>The Gift</i> and <i>Hard Candy </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4m1DkaG9_3LYRprvDtvDU1dbjUjnIvh8dCuDQQb9Pw9bjGSh2VXHUVYwVZ4soxmCbOrcStfoBVVVVEg74-OhwYvkUwHeeyD2it8nsi6EnHSrbLwqIJ9Ixq6kIkHsqrCqpstAsGhhSxck/s1600/ravenousposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4m1DkaG9_3LYRprvDtvDU1dbjUjnIvh8dCuDQQb9Pw9bjGSh2VXHUVYwVZ4soxmCbOrcStfoBVVVVEg74-OhwYvkUwHeeyD2it8nsi6EnHSrbLwqIJ9Ixq6kIkHsqrCqpstAsGhhSxck/s320/ravenousposter.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Ravenous </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">(1999)<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">After cowardice inadvertently allows a United States Army Lieutenant to capture the enemy command at the height of the Mexican-American War, yellow-bellied John Boyd (Guy Pearce) receives a promotion to Captain but is relocated to the desolation of the Sierra Nevadas. He settles into his new position as second in command of a motley skeleton crew of eccentric soldiers, but the tedium of the remote outpost gets shaken to its core when a famished Scottish traveler (Robert Carlyle) wanders into the station nearly frozen to death. Relaying the grisly tale of horrors his wagon train faced after getting lost in the Rockies, the stranger convinces the lone crew to help him recover the remaining members of his party from a cannibalistic colonel plucking them off one by one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Blending Native American mythology with the terrors of the infamous Donner Party, director Antonia Bird and screenwriter Ted Griffin deliver one of the most unique, eloquently layered films to emerge from the genre. This delightfully wicked 19<sup>th</sup> century tale is anything but categorical and has thus gained a cult following. <i>Ravenous</i> continuously shifts genres by initially playing as a western before descending into horror, dark comedy, and suspense, before eventually coming a chamber piece, all the while remaining true to its ultimate message concerning Manifest Destiny. Though the story is compelling on its own, the mastery of <i>Ravenous</i> cannot be achieved without its stellar, colorful cast of character actors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Guy Pearce takes the helm as the straight-laced member of this crew, leaving everyone else the liberty to experiment with their roles. The typically quirky Jeremy Davies delivers another charming performance as the childlike and mildly squirrelly preacher Toffler, Neil McDonough shines as the steely eyed psychotic Private Reich, and David Arquette really hams it up as the endearing, peyote-smoking Private Cleaves. The real scene-stealer of <i>Ravenous</i> though is inarguably Robert Carlyle’s all-inclusive turn as F.W. Colqhoun. For those brave enough to watch this fun and bloody gem, prepare for some dark laughs and cringe-inducing kills. As the tagline says, “You are <i>who</i> you eat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Honestly, there isn’t another film quite like it to compare, but if you enjoyed <i>Cabin Fever</i> and 2010’s <i>The Burrowers</i>, chances are you’ll happily devour <i>Ravenous</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Stay tuned for more…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Snowpiercer_poster.jpg#/media/File:Snowpiercer_poster.jpg">Snowpiercer poster</a>" by Source. Licensed under <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Snowpiercer_poster.jpg" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowpiercer" title="Snowpiercer">Snowpiercer</a>">Fair use</a> via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/">Wikipedia</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stoker_teaser_poster.jpg#/media/File:Stoker_teaser_poster.jpg">Stoker teaser poster</a>" by <span title="must have been published or publicly displayed outside Wikipedia">Source</span> (<a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NFCC#4" title="Wikipedia:NFCC">WP:NFCC#4</a>). Licensed under <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stoker_teaser_poster.jpg" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoker_(film)" title="Stoker (film)">Stoker (film)</a>">Fair use</a> via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/">Wikipedia</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ravenous_ver1.jpg#/media/File:Ravenous_ver1.jpg">Ravenous ver1</a>" by Source. Licensed under <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ravenous_ver1.jpg" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravenous" title="Ravenous">Ravenous</a>">Fair use</a> via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/">Wikipedia</a>.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-25637544359941447082016-01-30T08:30:00.000-08:002016-01-31T21:01:23.632-08:00Under the Radar Films: Crime Dramas<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We all know crime doesn’t pay, but it sure is entertaining to watch. Today on my <i>Under the Radar</i> series, I’ll be putting the spotlight on some great hidden gems of the criminal kind. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First up…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In Bruges</span></u></i></b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> (2008)<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After an assignment goes horribly wrong, Irish hitmen Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleason) find themselves stuck in the title’s little-known Belgium town as they wait to hear back from their boss (Ralph Fiennes) for further instruction. The pair kills time quietly sightseeing in order to fend off boredom, but Ray proves to be the worst tourist to hit the medieval province. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“I grew up in Dublin. I love Dublin. If I grew up on a farm, and was retarded, Bruges might impress me but I didn't, so it doesn't.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Naturally, the duo’s conspicuous antics quickly send them into a comedic tailspin of events as they upset locals, fellow visitors, and especially their foulmouthed boss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Playwright turned screenwriter/director Martin McDonagh’s debut full-length feature proves quite a number of things. For starters, Guy Richie has some stiff competition for being Tarantino’s British counterpart. With an abundance of seemingly inconsequential, yet quick-witted dialogue, <i>In Bruges</i>’s equal combination of dark humor and tragedy makes this arguably one of the best crime films to hit the silver screen. Every last actor cast in this production is fit to perfection, but no performance surpasses Colin Farrell. We’ve seen the potential of his range in glimpses throughout Farrell’s career, best displayed in 2002’s <i>Phone Booth</i>, but nothing rivals the depths showcased here. Farrell’s Ray can switch from being offensively comedic to mournfully suicidal to compassionate and heartfelt over the course of a singular scene. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>In Bruges</i>’s expertly woven tale urges viewers to pay strictest attention as the film constantly steers clear from the conventions of Hollywood’s standards by adding depth with philosophical undertones rarely seen in modern cinema. Its focus on character only makes the tension raised in its thrilling chase scenes all the more impactful, and the film’s ending strikes on a most powerful note. <i>In Bruges</i> is the pinnacle of criminal misfortune, as it is a true masterpiece of filmmaking that is sadly underviewed by the masses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perfect for fans of: <i>Seven Psychopaths </i>and <i>Snatch.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqjAlvgWEPEh8Wv6NA1KRW9Yd-TUmVEuVxQ9OuTCUNvMY8RgKhIRgpOKyDUXUWcd8td5OERHWugVlqG55DIlYSWpsAySGfifNJdufFJNjoGaxWBaIhNnsPLcBq755fprOS979ahnX8EI/s1600/Suicide_kings_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqjAlvgWEPEh8Wv6NA1KRW9Yd-TUmVEuVxQ9OuTCUNvMY8RgKhIRgpOKyDUXUWcd8td5OERHWugVlqG55DIlYSWpsAySGfifNJdufFJNjoGaxWBaIhNnsPLcBq755fprOS979ahnX8EI/s320/Suicide_kings_poster.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Suicide Kings</span></u></i></b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> (1997)<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Avery (Henry Thomas) discovers that his sister has been abducted for a $2 million ransom, he turns to his yuppie-wannabe group of friends (Sean Patrick Flannery, Jay Mohr, Johnny Galecki, and Jeremy Sisto) to recover her. In an act of desperation, they resort to kidnapping a semi-retired mob boss (Christopher Walken) to exploit his connections and financial backing. The plan quickly goes awry as the mobster’s driver (Dennis Leary) enters into a hot pursuit to take down the youngsters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After Quentin Tarantino’s success in the 90s, the market flooded with low-grade knockoffs, resulting in critics’ immediate condemnation of all inspired flicks. This undue treatment ultimately led to <i>Suicide Kings’</i> failure at the box office, but viewers fortunate enough to catch the film recognized its value, earning it a 75% approval rating amongst fans. Sharp dialogue, great cast chemistry, and its blend of drama and dark humor gives audiences an unpretentiously fun 106 minute thriller. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perfect for fans of: <i>Reservoir Dogs </i>and <i>Boondock Saints</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Cop Land</span></u></i></b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> (1997)<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In celebration of Sylvester Stallone’s bravura performance in this year’s <i>Creed</i>, it only seems fitting to call attention to some of his previous work that has since been forgotten. Stallone is recognized as one of the greatest action stars of all-time, and it’s a true rarity to see him step outside of that comfort zone. That very observation is precisely what makes his starring role in this crime thriller so fascinating. Ditching his athletic build with a 40-pound weight gain to sport a pudgier physique, “Sly” stars as Freddy Heflin, a belittled, half-deaf sheriff of Garrison, New Jersey. Due to a loophole in the legal system, the fictitious town is made up almost entirely of NYPD’s finest, letting them run their own streets without objection. The eyes of the world turn to them though as controversy overtakes the media after young NYPD cop Babitch (Michael Rapaport) misguidedly kills two unarmed black men. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As fellow officers investigate the crime scene, Babitch supposedly commits suicide by jumping off the bridge they’re on to escape the impending wrath. When his body can’t be recovered from the water, suspicion sends Internal Affairs Lieutenant Tilden (Robert De Niro) to Garrison. Tilden, who tries to recruit Heflin to his team, believes Babitch received help from his brothers in blue to fake his death and return to town. The task to provide evidence in such a case proves deadly though as fellow policemen Ray (Harvey Keitel), Frank (Arthur J. Nascarella), and Jack (Robert Patrick) become the prime suspects in the conspiracy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With additional players Ray Liotta, Janeane Garofalo, Cathy Moriarty, Noah Emmerich, and Peter Berg, the star power of <i>Cop Land</i> deserves praise in itself. The complexity of this crime drama sets it apart from others in the genre. The heart of the film centers on its characters versus the crime, focusing particularly on Freddy’s uphill struggle to prove his worth in a town that refuses to take him seriously. Stallone’s return to form that hasn’t be seen since his <i>Rocky</i> days makes for the most captivating aspects of <i>Cop Land</i>, and his dedication to the role cannot go without recognition. Acting alongside so many Hollywood heavyweights would prove disastrous for a standard action star, but Stallone rises to the challenge and delivers one of his most poignant roles to date. What seemed to make <i>Cop Land</i> fall into relative obscurity after initial release is most likely the abundance of serviceable crime capers that flooded the whole of the ’90s. The fact remains that <i>Cop Land</i> is one of the strongest of its genre for its character-driven drama that takes precedence over high-octane action. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perfect for fans of: <i>Heat </i>and <i>The Departed</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stay tuned for more recommendations. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:In_Bruges_Poster.jpg#/media/File:In_Bruges_Poster.jpg">In Bruges Poster</a>" by Source. Licensed under <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:In_Bruges_Poster.jpg" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Bruges" title="In Bruges">In Bruges</a>">Fair use</a> via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/">Wikipedia</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Suicide_kings_poster.jpg#/media/File:Suicide_kings_poster.jpg">Suicide kings poster</a>" by Source. Licensed under <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Suicide_kings_poster.jpg" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_Kings" title="Suicide Kings">Suicide Kings</a>">Fair use</a> via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/">Wikipedia</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cop_land_movie_poster.jpg#/media/File:Cop_land_movie_poster.jpg">Cop land movie poster</a>". Via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/">Wikipedia</a>.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-65160257987005478872016-01-20T23:20:00.000-08:002016-01-31T20:38:22.702-08:00Shadowhunters Review: Demons, and Angels, and Hotties, Oh My!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Adapted from Cassandra Clare’s
worldwide best selling </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Mortal
Instruments</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> book series comes FREEFORM’s attempt to cash in on the young
adult fantasy craze with “Shadowhunters”. The story revolves around Clary Fray
(Katherine McNamara), a New York City artist, who on her 18th birthday
discovers the underbelly of an impossible world where vampires, werewolves,
demons, and angelic hybrids all exist amongst humans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As it turns out, Clary’s
run-of-the-mill mother, Jocelyn has been hiding her daughter from the past and
the magical properties that come with said knowledge. Jocelyn was once a
Shadowhunter, a member of an elite order of guardians who slay demons and
protect mankind. After Clary quite literally runs into Jace (Dominic Sherwood),
a gorgeous demon-hunting bad boy, she notices he’s quite taken aback when she
confronts him.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“You have the sight,” he mutters.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Little does Clary know that this chance encounter results in a domino effect that forever changes her life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The Mortal Instruments</i> is a sprawling urban fantasy world that
rivals <i>Harry Potter</i> with its vast creature count, complex mythology, and
universal laws. Shadowhunters are Nephilim offspring, which means they are of
both human and angel decent. This dwindling race eradicates demons using powers
granted to them by etching runes into their skin and weapons with Steles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Confused?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, runes are magical symbols
that give Shadowhunters abilities of all sorts, from speed to invisibility, and
a stele is simply a blade made of the heavenly metal <i>adamas</i> used to draw them onto objects/flesh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And apparently, us muggles, or
“mundanes” as we’re referred to here, shouldn’t be able to see Shadowhunters
and Downworlders. They’re invisible to the human eye. Now, “What’s a
Downworlder?” you ask. It’s pretty much every other class of creature that
doesn’t possess angelic blood. Vampires, werewolves, warlocks, witches,
faeries, you name it. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then there's the</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> rogue Shadowhunter, Valentine
Morgenstern, who kidnaps Clary’s mother in his quest to recover the Mortal Cup,
one of the three divine items given by the patron angel Raziel to Jonathan
Shadowhunter, the first Nephilim. The Cup possesses magical transformative
properties that can turn mundanes (humans) into Shadowhunters, just by drinking
from the goblet. Plus, Shadowhunters also save on time and transportation fees
by using various portals, five-dimensional doors that can rapidly transport
them all over the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And the complexity doesn’t stop
there, by any means, but you get the picture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even over the course of a 585
page book, the introduction to this series, <i>City of Bones</i>, is a lot to digest
for a reader. For a television viewer, the story is painfully convoluted when
the creator crams half that material right into the 42-minute pilot episode.
Fans took issue over the rushed world building in the 2013 silver screen
adaptation <i>The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones</i>, yet Ed Decter doubled down on
the critique when creating “Shadowhunters”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Setting aside the problem of
pacing, plenty of other issues plague this TV newcomer. MTV’s new fantasy
series <i>The Shannara Chronicles</i> delivers the goods on the CGI front, only
emphasizing how weak the special effects are for “Shadowhunters”. The overall
production lacks value. Despite <i>Mortal Instruments: City of Bones</i> not being a
perfect movie, the film still nailed the aesthetic of the novel, especially the
majestic gothic architecture of the New York Institute. In “Shadowhunters”,
we’re introduced to some strange high-tech police department instead. Plus, the
choreography isn’t filmed well. The weapons look like toy lightsabers. There’s
a blatant lack of chemistry between the two leads. The majority of the acting
is subpar at best, excluding the delightful Alberto Rosende. And the script
generally falls flat, even becoming cringe-inducing at some points with its clunking and cheesy dialogue. Even the gorgeous faces and six-pack abs can't mask the flaws.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What made the book series so
special was not just the elaborate world, but the character complexities that
drove each person. In “Shadowhunters”, everyone’s been whitewashed to clichés and
stereotypes. For an avid reader and massive Cassandra Clare fan (such as
myself), you most likely won’t appreciate this rendition. As for a newcomer to
the intricate world of The Mortal Instruments, this televised version will most
likely leave you scratching your head in confusion due to the inexhaustible
information dump during the first two episodes. Is it possible that the
Shadowhunting realm should remain only in print? For now, the odds sadly lean heavily in favor of <i>yes</i>.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-17770987315813343122016-01-12T23:58:00.000-08:002016-01-31T20:38:53.760-08:00Pretty Little Liars: "Of Late I Think of Rosewood" Recap & Review<div class="WordSection1">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tuesday launched FREEFORM, the new name for ABC Family, with the Winter Premiere for <i>PLL</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Summer’s finale hinted at the impending danger awaiting the Liars upon their return to the infamous town of Rosewood five years after “A”’s reveal. Hanna’s taking the fashion world by storm in New York, Spencer’s political aspirations have taken her to D.C., Aria’s pursuing her artistic passions in Los Angeles, and Emily seems to have lost her way in sunny California. And…that’s about it. For anyone who caught the Thanksgiving special back in November, <i>none</i> of this is news.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And this snooze-fest of exposition isn’t the only pain that will have to be endured. After investing years of interest in the show’s beloved couplings, everything has gone up in smoke upon this winter’s return.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hanna’s engaged…to someone who<i> isn’t</i> Caleb.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spoby is no more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Emily didn’t rekindle her relationship with Paige, even though they both wound up on the west coast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And the forbidden romance between Aria and Ezra is nothing but a distant memory.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anywho…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After extensive rehabilitation, the courts believe that Charlotte, a.k.a “A,” may be ready to be reintroduced into society. Given how broken her home life has become, Charlotte is the only real family Alison has left. To ensure Charlotte’s best chances to be freed, a hopeful Ali begs her old friends to put in a good word. Time may heal all wounds, but half a decade still isn’t enough for Hanna, Emily, Aria, and Spencer to be overly forgiving. Old habits die hard though as they eventually (and nonsensically) cave into Alison's request by speaking up on Charlotte’s behalf. They tell the courts that they are no longer afraid of “A”, despite the fact that she tried killing them all on more than one occasion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everyone flat-out lies…except Aria, who breaks down in front of the judge and confesses to the extent of her PTSD. Despite her heart wrenching statement and the extensive documentation, the courts still decide to release Charlotte into Alison’s care. Disillusioned by the verdict, the Liars drown their feelings in alcohol.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lots and lots of alcohol.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When they awaken the next morning, the town’s painted red with a dead body on the grass outside the church that is later identified as Charlotte. Despite the murderous history of Rosewood, everyone simply assumes Alison’s sister committed suicide…after just being set free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yeah, because that makes sense...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Liars go to the funeral, only to see the illustrious Sarah Harvey in attendance. Upon the service’s dismissal, Alison’s past fling, Officer Lorenzo, informs the girls that they shouldn’t leave town. “Why?” you might ask. Because, Charlotte was…murdered!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DUN-DUN-DUN</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yeah, no one’s remotely shocked here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</span> <span style="text-align: justify;">The decision to time jump was apparently implemented to reinvigorate the series, but if the winter premiere is any indication of this show’s shelf life, then </span><i style="text-align: justify;">PLL</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> isn’t looking too good. </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-89709695608299457382016-01-07T15:50:00.002-08:002016-01-31T20:39:45.333-08:00Best Movies of 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As we kick off the New Year and
struggle to keep our resolutions, it only seems fair that we give 2015 a proper
sendoff. And what better way to do it than highlighting the best films of the
year? But what makes a ‘Best’ list anyway? Are they the Oscar bait films that
make critics drool? The highest grossing movies of the year? The highest rated?
Composing said lists are very subjective and wholly in the eyes of the
beholder. One man’s poison is another man’s treasure. Genres, fandom,
filmmakers, and more influence the composer’s choices. </div>
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Sure, I can talk about how
Leonardo DiCaprio might finally get an Academy Award, or that Tarantino
released yet another cult classic, or rave endlessly about just how amazing <i>Star Wars: The Force Awakens</i> is. But
here I’m going to shake things up a bit by recognizing some
otherwise overlooked films in a “Best” list. </div>
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<b><u><i>Best Original Concept</i>:</u></b></div>
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<b>Robert David Mitchell's<i> "It Follows"</i></b></div>
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The passionate kiss in the rain, the good guys
defeat the baddies, the underdogs save the world at the last minute, blah, blah, blah, blah. We know the drill, because we’ve
seen it all…. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Or have we?<o:p></o:p></div>
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When a truly original concept hits the silver
screen, it earns the respect of humble moviegoers. We revel at the thought, because it's only once in a blue moon that such a pleasure comes our way. For this treat to arrive in the form of the horror genre simply blows our minds, as the category is plagued by even more cliches than chick flicks. </div>
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When said concept is about a
sexually transmitted demon stalking its prey being played in all seriousness though…</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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You may have just lost us.</div>
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Admittedly, the pitch to this
John-Carpenter-esque film sounds like a Syfy channel movie that could rival the
ridiculousness of <i>Sharknado</i>, but in
the hands of Robert David Mitchell, <i>It Follows </i>surprised audiences worldwide in
the best way possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After having sex with her new boyfriend for the
first time, Jay (Maika Monroe) discovers that she’s the latest victim of a fatal
curse transmitted only through intercourse. Death will follow her wherever she
goes, taking the guise of either a loved one or a stranger, until it catches up
to her and murders her in brutal fashion. It may not seem like much of a threat given
that it only ever moves at a walking pace, but this demon is unrelenting. It can’t
be killed and will haunt you the rest of your life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Like that drunken wedding video of you…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Only worse.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Accompanied<i>
</i>by Rich Vreeland’s ’80s inspired electro score,<i> It Follows </i>pays homage to classic horror films with a genuinely unnerving
premise that leaves its viewers in deep discussion concerning its overall
message. Any fan of the original <i>Halloween</i>
will eat this up like a kid at Wilky Wonka's Chocolate Factory.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Joel Edgerton's </b><i><b>"The Gift"</b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Married couple Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) run into Gordo (Joel Edgerton), an acquaintance from Simon's past, after relocating back to Los Angeles. Their perfect lives soon enter a tailspin as mysterious gifts and uninvited encounters plague the pair at their home. Sensing an unspoken tension between her husband and his old classmate, Robyn delves into their past, only for her to begin questioning the very man she married.</div>
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Trailers can be a powerful thing. A
brilliant one can make even a bad movie look amazing, à la Zack Snyder’s <i>Sucker Punch</i>. In unfortunate cases, it
can have the reverse effect. Dramatic moments of silence, background ticking
effects, jump scares, screen static, sinister music, and the <i>Insidious</i> producer namedrop put
together, and Joel Edgerton’s full-length feature debut couldn’t look anymore
generic. Cue the eye rolls and head banging.</div>
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Among last year’s slew of
underwhelming thrillers like <i>Return to
Sender, The Boy Next Door</i>, and <i>Knock,
Knock</i>, this character-driven
chamber piece about past ghosts turned out to be a resounding breath of fresh
air. Despite its underwhelming and cheesy trailers, the film actually subverts
the clichés and conventions of the genre with masterfully crafted storytelling
and its superb cast. For any moviegoer wishing for an escape from the
by-the-books formulaic thriller, <i>The Gift</i>
is most certainly for you. Let the creepy stares ensue.</div>
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<b><u><i>Best Underviewed Feature:</i></u></b></div>
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<b>James Ponsoldt’s "<i>The
End of the Tour"</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The End of the Tour</i> focuses on late author David Foster Wallace
(Jason Segel), recounted by journalist David Lipsky (Jesse Eisenberg) who
interviewed the novelist during a Midwest book tour twelve years prior to
Wallace’s suicide. This film doesn’t require any flash to tell its story,
focusing solely on the provoking conversations exchanged between the two lead
stars. </div>
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Reflecting on the brilliant perception of the late writer, <i>The End of the</i> <i>Tour</i> shows just how thought provoking a film can be purely on the
merit of its sophisticated, yet natural dialogue. Its execution allows viewers
inside the mind of a tortured writer without ever resorting to the pretentions
typically found in these biopics. <i>The End
of the Tour</i> is a heartbreaking, thought provoking, and insightful rollercoaster
ride of emotions. The fact that it only brought in a measly $3 million at the box office makes it criminal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u><i>Best Soundtrack:</i></u></b></div>
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<b><o:p>Sam Taylor-Johnson's "</o:p><i>Fifty
Shades of Grey"</i></b></div>
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<o:p>Forced to fill in for her sick roommate, shy college senior Anastasia Steele interviews the mysterious billionaire Christian Grey for the newspaper. After literally stumbling through the meeting, she discovers she’s left an impression on the man. Given Ana’s sexual inexperience, Christian sees her as the perfect submissive partner, and he inserts himself into every aspect of Steele’s life. The pair enters into an affair, and Ana soon discovers her new man’s dark secret playing on the boundaries of pain and pleasure. </o:p></div>
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<o:p>Officially written as<i> Twilight </i>fan fiction, E.L. James set the literary world on fire with this dark contemporary romance that was only destined to hit the silver screen.</o:p></div>
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Okay, if you’d have told me a year ago that <i>50 Shades</i> would be on any Top List, especially written by me, I would
have undoubtedly been like…</div>
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Yet, here we are.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The story centers on a rich, yuppie businessman
with <i>peculiar</i> extracurricular activities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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No, we’re not talking about Patrick Bateman here…but
this concept is as equally disturbing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With Mr. Grey’s behavior drawing comparisons to
that of manipulative cult leaders, it’s really, really hard for us to think of
him as a plausible love interest. Anastasia even refers to him as a serial
killer at the sight of his hardware shopping list! Run away, girl! Just run
away!</div>
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Yet, Christian still manages to brainwash the
impressionable young woman and gets her to do his bidding.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not weird at all…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Say what you want about the movie, but it’s not so
easy to knockdown the soundtrack however. With Beyoncé’s “Haunted” and the 2014
remix of “Crazy in Love” taking place on this playlist, it’s pretty hard to go
wrong from there. Then add Annie Lennox’s rendition of “I Put a Spell On You,”
The Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden,” Skylar Grey’s “I Know You,” and Ellie
Goulding’s critically acclaimed “Love Me Like You Do,” and you have record
gold. Just try not to picture Christian Grey stalking you, as he's quite notable for…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Best of luck to Leo come Oscar season.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-45216799228582536522015-12-21T21:47:00.000-08:002016-01-31T20:56:07.348-08:00Under the Radar Films: Movies For the Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The holidays are upon us, and just like the youth of America, our favorite TV shows are on Winter Break. So what’s a person to do for some fresh viewing pleasure? We have Redbox, Netflix, and movie channels to keep us occupied, but what’s really new to watch? HBO and Starz continue playing the same hit movies over and over again. Redbox is chockfull of all the summer blockbusters that we already enjoyed on the silver screen. And Netflix keeps giving us the same recommendations, even if we’ve already watched them. We’ve all seen the classics and all the new releases, and it makes us question if there’s anything left to watch that’s worthwhile. With the convolution of the film industry, it’s a matter of mathematical certainty that good movies fall through the cracks, never getting the proper recognition they rightfully deserve. That’s why this month I’ll be unveiling some great under-the-radar films from every genre, to give you cinephiles some sweet gems to enjoy during your holidays. To kick things off, I’ll start with a few heart-warmers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">First up:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">What If</span></u></i></b><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (a.k.a <i>The F-Word</i>) </span></u></b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">(2013)<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Having discovered that his girlfriend cheated on him with his Anatomy teacher, Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) decides to drop out of medical school and inevitably moves into the attic of his single-mom sister’s house. Down on his luck and having lived the past year in social seclusion, he finally resurfaces after his best friend Allan (Adam Driver) forces him into attending a party where Wallace meets the utterly adorable Chantry (Zoe Kazan). He quickly becomes smitten by the animator as the pair shares a wisecracking evening, only then to learn at the end of the night that she already has a boyfriend. Wallace genuinely likes Chantry as a person, and he soon finds himself in the most miserable place known to mankind: the friend-zone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">With a delightfully witty script by Elan Mastai and a perfectly casted set of actors, <i>What If</i> is essentially the modern-day <i>When Harry Met Sally</i>, begging the age-old question: Can a man and woman REALLY be <i>just</i> friends? Radcliffe and Kazan share wonderful chemistry and the forever scene-stealing Adam Driver delivers the perfect balance of dry humor and slapstick as cleverly crafted dialogue flows effortlessly from start to finish. Director Michael Dowse gives us a sophisticated take on the romantic comedy, riffing perfectly between the lighthearted conventions of the genre as well as the deeper examination of real relationships. <i>What If</i> is an irresistible charmer for sure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Perfect for fans of:</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <i>When Harry Met Sally</i> and<i> Definitely Maybe</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">Ruby Sparks</span></u></i></b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (2012)<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">With a world-renown debut novel looming overhead, young author Calvin (Paul Dano) suffers from a severe case of writer’s block as he struggles to recreate his earlier success. Crippled by this fear, he turns to his therapist (Elliot Gould) who gives Calvin a one-page assignment to write in an attempt to get him out of his funk. To his complete and utter surprise, the project works, inspiring Calvin’s fictitious muse, Ruby Sparks. Situated at an old typewriter, Calvin begins writing his new story and subsequently falls in love with his character. He then wakes one morning to find Ruby (Zoe Kazan) <i>actually</i> in his apartment. Initially believing he’s hallucinating, he soon discovers that the feisty redhead is in fact REAL, and that his imagination somehow invented her. Everything that Calvin writes about Ruby comes true. And with great power comes great responsibility…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The idea of <i>Ruby Sparks</i> can easily turn into a by-the-books raunchy comedy, but screenwriter Zoe Kazan (who also plays the title character) elevates the premise into being something quite fantastical and heartfelt. On the surface, it’s a comedy-drama, but the exploration of real life relationships in the guise of fantasy makes <i>Ruby Sparks</i> a very unique viewing experience. And the film’s whimsy finds itself in perfect hands with co-directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton (<i>Little Miss Sunshine</i>). <i>Ruby Sparks</i> is quirky, funny, insightful, and deeply satisfying, made all the more absolute by real life and on-screen couple Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Perfect for fans of:</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <i>Stranger Than Fiction </i>and<i> Midnight in Paris</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">Kinky Boots</span></u></i></b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (2006)<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">After the death of his father, reluctant young marketer Charlie (Joel Edgerton) desperately searches for a niche market to save his family’s failing shoe factory. A chance encounter crosses his paths with a sassy drag queen named Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor), and the two strangers form an unlikely partnership. Despite the profound skepticism from the employees, Charlie and Lola reinvent the straitlaced company by custom designing sexy fetish heels for drag queens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The concept of a business resorting to outside-of-the-box strategies to save itself isn’t exactly new, and it’s hardly a stranger to comedy either. <i>Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story </i>is a prime<i> </i>example. What makes <i>Kinky Boots </i>so watchable isn’t its groundbreaking formula. It rests solely in its touching message and superb cast. There’s a standard nowadays when drag queens are put to film. They’re either pre-surgery transgender or flamboyantly gay to the point of being an offensive parody, but almost never as actual human beings. They’re usually caricatures. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s portrayal of Lola though dives into this unobserved world by peeking behind the curtain and seeing the real person. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Lola isn’t just a sassy singer with a fierce strut and perfectly manicured nails. She’s a fighter. Being a drag queen is a great way to expression yourself, but it also opens the door for ridicule and harassment from the close-minded. The way Lola handles herself shows just how much heart she really has, while also presenting the vulnerability underneath. As Lola says in the film: “Put me in heels and I can sing ‘Stand By Your Man’ to a crowd of strangers. Put me in jeans and I can't even bloody well say hello.” Seeing the layers peel away is quite heartwarming, and so fantastically unique that you can’t help but fall for Lola. Major kudos goes out to Chiwetel Ejiofor for his performance. This role showcases just how versatile this incredible actor truly is, and that’s why it’s so disappointing that this film flew under the radar from the general public despite him snatching a Golden Globe nomination for the role. His Oscar-nominated performance as the lead in <i>12 Years a Slave</i> thankfully gave him the recognition he so longly deserved, letting him finally become a household name. <i>Kinky Boots</i> follows in the step of plenty of other delightful British comedy-dramas, but Ejiofor’s take on this fish-out-of-water tale makes it a cut above the rest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Perfect for fans of:</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <i>The Full Monty </i>and<i> Calendar Gils</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Stay tuned for some more great underrated films…</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_F_Word_theatrical_poster.png#/media/File:The_F_Word_theatrical_poster.png">The F Word theatrical poster</a>" by <span title="must have been published or publicly displayed outside Wikipedia">Source</span> (<a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NFCC#4" title="Wikipedia:NFCC">WP:NFCC#4</a>). Licensed under <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_F_Word_theatrical_poster.png" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_F_Word_(2013_film)" title="The F Word (2013 film)">The F Word (2013 film)</a>">Fair use</a> via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/">Wikipedia</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ruby_Sparks_poster.jpg#/media/File:Ruby_Sparks_poster.jpg">Ruby Sparks poster</a>" by Source. Licensed under <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ruby_Sparks_poster.jpg" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby_Sparks" title="Ruby Sparks">Ruby Sparks</a>">Fair use</a> via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/">Wikipedia</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kinky_Boots_(movie_poster).jpg#/media/File:Kinky_Boots_(movie_poster).jpg">Kinky Boots (movie poster)</a>". Via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/">Wikipedia</a>.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-86120896987515568852015-10-27T11:24:00.002-07:002016-01-31T21:02:43.219-08:00REVIEW: "Crimson Peak"<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the turn of the 20<sup>th</sup> century in Buffalo, New York, young aspiring writer Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) meets the dashingly mysterious inventor Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston), who has come aboard to pitch a business proposal to Edith’s father (Jim Beaver). When tragedy strikes, the forward-thinking Ms. Cushing quickly finds herself married to Sharpe and gets whisked away to his home in England. The newlyweds arrive at Allerdale Hall, the Sharpe family’s beautiful, yet ramshackle estate. With red clay bubbling up from the foundation of the property and mixing with the snow, the outside grounds appear to run red with blood, hence the nickname “Crimson Peak.” The scenery isn’t the only thing foreboding here. Edith is met by Thomas’s unwelcoming sister, Lucille, who despite Edith’s kind efforts refuses to warm up to her brother’s new bride. Things take a turn for the worst as gruesome apparitions of former inhabitants appear to Edith at night. Desperate to discover the true history of the house, she soon uncovers something far more horrific—the buried truths that affect her very life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just as in <i>Pan’s Labyrinth</i>, director and co-writer Guillermo del Toro continues to weave paranormal elements into his stories that revolve around the very real evil of this world: the human condition. Upon reflection, it’s also impossible not to draw parallels between <i>Crimson Peak</i> and M. Night Shyamalan’s <i>The Village</i>. Both were widely advertised as “horror” films, when in fact they were that of the romantic variety…albeit, <i>Crimson</i> being a much darker one. Trailers and TV spots would convince you that ghosts and chilling atmosphere reign supreme at the title manor, but as the protagonist herself states about her own work, “It’s more of a story with a ghost in it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can argue that a movie shouldn’t be judged on the merit of its advertising, but when it’s misleading to moviegoers who fork out ten bucks a ticket, you can’t simply chalk it up as a trivial error. Universal Studios Hollywood even adapted the film into one of their mazes for their annual Halloween Horror Nights event this year, further marketing it as a blatant horror piece. This issue aside, the movie still falls short of expectations even when properly placed in the gothic <i>romance</i> category. At the height of the film, <i>Crimson Peak</i> delivers on all cylinders. The grandiose, gothic scope of the manor is one of the best sets put to film in recent history. Oscar worthy production design brings this dilapidated yet beautiful estate to life, and the cinematography captures its intricacy with flawless depth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Del Toro proves himself as a visionary director, but the same cannot be said about his storytelling. Given the magnificence and originality of its set design, along with del Toro even stating during filming that he wanted to subvert the conventions of the gothic genre, the movie charms you into thinking that the entire production is just as innovative. What we get instead is a collection of recycled plots from various gothic renderings, ranging from <i>Rebecca</i>, <i>Jane</i> <i>Eyre</i>, and <i>Flowers in the Attic</i>. The script is relatively weak, and the plot “twists” can all be deduced within the first act of the film. The greatest pitfall rests with the Sharpe siblings’ interactions. Their motives are made perfectly clear right out of the gate, killing the supposed blossoming romance between Edith and Thomas, not to mention robbing the audience of a cleverly crafted cloak and dagger back story. And despite Del Toro professing his film to be a gothic romance, there is in fact <i>little</i> romance to be found.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The interpersonal relationship between the main threesome fails from a lack of character depth, and the chemistry between Hiddleston and Wasikowska isn’t all that convincing. Why might that be? Edith’s character suffers from the “Bella Swan” syndrome, as I like to call it. At the start of the film, everyone in Ms. Cushing’s life repeatedly makes mention of her forward thinking and profound sense of individuality. These qualities are supposedly what affect Thomas’s inner most being. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>“You’re different,” he says.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>“From what?” questions Edith.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>“Everyone.”</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yet, Edith herself doesn’t ever really display any of these inimitable traits. Calling a pigeon a “flamingo” doesn’t change the fact that it’s still simply a pigeon, no matter how many people say it. If anything, Edith is incredibly naïve, especially for a twenty-four year old. Plus, Mia Wasikowska has a rather enigmatic quality to her, showcased wonderfully in films like Jane Eyre and Stoker. Putting her in the shoes of a friendly heroine that the audience should be rooting for on the other hand…it’s apparent that she’s miscast. Charlie Hunnam (<i>Sons of Anarchy</i>) also seems out of place with his turn as Edith’s pining and polite childhood friend, Dr. Alan McMichael. Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain prove to be the true scene stealers here, despite them having to chew up the sometimes clumsy dialogue.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The untapped potential to this film is enough to make any gothic fan gnash their teeth with frustration. Despite the impressive sets, gorgeous costume design, and talented cast, <i>Crimson Peak</i> sadly proves to be magnificently mediocre.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 out of 5 Stars</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
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"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Crimson_Peak_theatrical_poster.jpg#/media/File:Crimson_Peak_theatrical_poster.jpg">Crimson Peak theatrical poster</a>" by <span title="must have been published or publicly displayed outside Wikipedia">Source</span> (<a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NFCC#4" title="Wikipedia:NFCC">WP:NFCC#4</a>). Licensed under <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Crimson_Peak_theatrical_poster.jpg" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimson_Peak" title="Crimson Peak">Crimson Peak</a>">Fair use</a> via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/">Wikipedia</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-17409630474127857312015-10-15T15:45:00.003-07:002016-01-31T21:03:59.976-08:00REVIEW - "American Horror Story: Hotel"<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>AHS</i>’s TV teasers are always frighteningly weird and oddly wonderful. They’re essentially works of distressingly beautiful art. This time around with <i>Hotel</i>, it appears showrunners Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk aimed to produce a full 90-minute commercial and decided to slap the label of “episode one” on it. This anthology series is notorious for pushing the envelope, but it seems that the creators threw everything but the kitchen sink into the chaotically paced, aimless premiere.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The plot revolves around Homicide Detective John Lowe (Wes Bentley) who finds himself at the center of a series of grisly murders committed by an unknown assailant simply labeled as the Ten Commandments Killer. Asides from him, we’re introduced to a slew of societal misfits all suffering from a variety of addictions. Sarah Palson’s hypodermic Sally, Kathy Bates’ obsessive Iris, Matt Bomer and Lady Gaga’s blood lustful Donovan and the Countess, and so on. Is it an interesting set of characters? Definitely. Their purpose in relationship to the main storyline? Seemingly nothing. And therein lies the rub. The grandiose scenery of the Hotel Cortez is undeniably glorious, but it’s not enough to sustain viewers’ interest when there’s virtually no plot or purpose behind most of the characters.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everything’s essentially all shot and no powder, in the most disturbing, self-indulgent fashion. <i>American Horror Story</i> is no stranger to disturbing content, and neither are its loyal viewers. Previous seasons gifted us with plenty of nightmare-inducing images, like <i>Asylum</i>’s murderous St. Nick, <i>Freakshow</i>’s killer clown Twisty, and <i>Murder House</i>’s school massacre. What made these scenarios so effectively terrifying was the realistic fear behind the individual stories. <i>Hotel </i>handles its horror factor a bit…differently, to say the absolute least, and it can leave even the most permissive viewers uncomfortable for a variety of reasons.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The erratic storytelling jumps nonsensically from one bloodcurdling scene to the next with no rhyme or reason. We see a woman being pushed out a window at high heights, two female tourists being held captive to be drained of their blood, a creepy guy climbing out a sewn up mattress…for whatever reason, children being abducted, a man’s eyes and tongue being removed, graphic crime scene images including men being strung up by their innards, and a sexual graphic foursome that ends with two participants having their throats slashed open as the other pair drinks their blood.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But <i>AHS</i> makes sure to scar its audience right out of the gate with its most painfully gratuitous display to date when a wildly foppish heroin addict comes strutting through the Hotel Cortez’s lobby. All the man wants is a quiet little place for him to ride out his high, but that plan goes to hell after he shoots up in his recently rented room. He’s attacked by the apparent brother of that eye monster from Pan's Labyrinth, who proceeds to rape the addict with a large drill-bit tipped metallic dildo. As they’d say in <i>Battlestar Galactica</i>, “What the frak?” I’m no prude when it comes to the horror genre, but honestly, the premiere feels like Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk accidentally aired their showcase of sexual fetish snuff film fantasies instead of an actual episode.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As far as the cast is concerned, with the exception of Wes Bentley’s John Lowe, not a single character is the least bit likeable. For anyone curious as to Lady Gaga’s acting chops, just check out her “Telephone” music video. That’s honestly the fullest extent. Her physicality works in her benefit, but whether she has any real emotional range remains to be seen. It’s not until episode two that we get someone truly captivating. Yes, as always, Evan Peters steals the show. This time, in the form of the charming, campy, and utterly psychotic James March, the hotel’s builder and original owner. Despite this bright beacon of hope, the rest of the episode falls flat. As <i>Hotel</i>’s premiere suffers from having virtually no plot, “Chutes And Ladders” fails from having almost nothing but pure exposition. Any creative storyteller knows that it’s always more effective to show rather than tell, so it’s a wonder why Murphy and Falchuk decided to have every plot point discussed verbally by means of literal guidelines and lengthy explanations.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What makes <i>Hotel </i>even more cringe worthy is its blatant lack of originality. You can argue that the show is simply paying homage to other horror projects, but in essence, that’s all the show is. Nothing is organic. The biblically inspired central crime is a rip-off of David Fincher’s <i>Se7en</i> where it’s the Ten Commandments instead of the seven deadly sins. James March’s back story comprises of H.H. Holmes and <i>Sweeny Todd</i>, with the body disposal system and the grisly throat slashing. Countless <i>The Shining</i> references can be spotted everywhere from the creepy children in the halls to a cryptic room number to the similarly shaped patterned carpets. Yes, it’s obvious. And there’s a transparent imitation to 1983’s <i>The Hunger</i>. It’s clear that this season favors style over substance, yet remains unclear as to whether it will ever have an identity of its own. If you dare to place a reservation for <i>Hotel</i>, don’t be surprised if you find yourself checking out prematurely.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">American Horror Story: Hotel</span></i></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Rating: D+</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:American_Horror_Story_Hotel_Teaser.jpg#/media/File:American_Horror_Story_Hotel_Teaser.jpg">American Horror Story Hotel Teaser</a>" by <span title="must have been published or publicly displayed outside Wikipedia">Source</span> (<a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NFCC#4" title="Wikipedia:NFCC">WP:NFCC#4</a>). Licensed under <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:American_Horror_Story_Hotel_Teaser.jpg" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Horror_Story:_Hotel" title="American Horror Story: Hotel">American Horror Story: Hotel</a>">Fair use</a> via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/">Wikipedia</a>.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-51611573261144593602015-09-30T23:38:00.000-07:002015-09-30T21:38:02.149-07:00Enter Below to WIN $20 AMAZON GIFT CARD during the "DIVINE VICES" blog tour!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Title: Divine Vices<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Series: Divine Vices #1<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Author: Melissa Parkin<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Genre: Paranormal Romance<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Release Date: September 29, 2015</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 27.6px;"><b>The last thing sixteen-year-old Cassie Foster needs is trouble, but that doesn’t stop <i>him </i>from finding her.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 27.6px;">Nine months after the tragic accident that killed her mother and sister, this high school junior just wants a fresh start. Settling down in the quiet town of New Haven, Maine, she’s found peace at last…until the new resident bad boy, Jackson Matthews, comes into the picture. Arrogant, sarcastic, and devastatingly sexy, he’s the very last thing Cassie wants to entertain. Romance was never part of the plan. But when terrifying circumstances drive these two together, she finds herself in over her head and drawn in by his allure. As local girls begin disappearing, Cassie can’t help but wonder if it’s just a coincidence that everything started when this blue-eyed Casanova strolled into town. Will falling into Jackson’s arms mean she’ll be falling victim to a </span><i style="line-height: 27.6px;">real </i><span style="line-height: 27.6px;">lady-killer…or worse? </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 27.6px;"><b>The answer will open the door to a world she never thought possible. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25927907-divine-vices"><img border="0" height="45" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_8QF57U__R43X1Mwa0cC7OEi09sjkThrVXpxa_AtCDuleqQtthSOOQRmi9TUhNnm-rLwQzfVlS-VfeSOZSgpg1-U7nMhGJ3H50c9bX7u0APiaHEF5lhOxJIq3w0djPdg3uwqYgUWxBQ/s400/addtogoodreads.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Divine-Vices-1-ebook/dp/B015JCIUFA/">BUY ON AMAZON</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">***GIVEAWAY STARTS SEPTEMBER 28TH AND CLOSES ON OCTOBER 12TH AT 11:59 P.M.***</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087058645025731496.post-75596152045186883102015-09-30T21:37:00.000-07:002016-01-31T21:05:22.695-08:00REVIEW: "Scream Queens"<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNRwkS8mxA1qSpXySWSjqZAdooPIdXYhe8nznqwtvrMemJQv-Zw8PjHKSeqVPYDbkla0bXdZ5NDaAH5Q4azIFvn0wV_JZmbhKShNMKZFuG1AHMS3jd3SzxUB-BdncKexX9e8ssCOaDhc/s1600/Scream_Queens%252C_title_art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNRwkS8mxA1qSpXySWSjqZAdooPIdXYhe8nznqwtvrMemJQv-Zw8PjHKSeqVPYDbkla0bXdZ5NDaAH5Q4azIFvn0wV_JZmbhKShNMKZFuG1AHMS3jd3SzxUB-BdncKexX9e8ssCOaDhc/s320/Scream_Queens%252C_title_art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The creators of <i>Glee</i> and <i>American Horror Story</i> bring us a twisted horror spoof of bitchy proportions. On the twentieth anniversary of a sorority sister’s death, Wallace University’s campus is plagued by a series of grisly murders by the masked Red Devil. From all the promotional trailers and TV spots, the show played up the tongue-in-cheek self-awareness of the horror genre that made Wes Craven’s <i>Scream</i> so brilliant. Co-creator Ryan Murphy even stated that the series would be <i>Halloween</i> meets <i>Heathers</i>. Given the showrunners’ credentials and the eclectic cast of characters, <i>Scream Queens</i> seemed to have all the ingredients to be something truly special. What we got though…can’t justly be summed up in a mere sentence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Emma Roberts stars as Chanel Oberlin, the malicious president of everybody’s nightmarish idea of a sorority named Kappa Kappa Tau. She meets her match in Dean Munsch (the original Scream Queen herself, Jamie Lee Curtis). Determined to take down Chanel and her vile sorority, Munsch kills the prized exclusivity of Kappa by allowing anyone to pledge to the sorority. As you’d imagine, every ideal pledge bolts, leaving only the runts of the litter (including a nerdy blogger who enjoys eating candle wax) to endure Hell Week. Just as the hazing begins, so does a string of murders—like an outlandish lawnmower decapitation—by someone dressed as the school’s infamous mascot, the Red Devil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Despite what its marketing claimed, <i>Scream Queens</i> is <b><i>not</i></b> a horror show, but more of a spoof of the genre. Everything is essentially played for laughs; some jokes hitting their marks while others…not so much. Strangely enough, the peculiar layouts of each murder are the funniest the show has to offer. The dialogue, on the other hand, is very hit or miss. It’s overly apparent in the sorority sisters’ pop-culturally fueled monologues that the writers are trying to be snappy and sarcastic, but let’s face it. Try describing sex as being, “Eiffel Towered by two hot morons who are brothers,” or “spit-roasted by hot golf frat twins,” and not feel like you’re trying way, waaaaay too hard. It’s impossible. The members of Kappa Kappa Tau in general aren’t likeable. Everything about the girls, especially Chanel, is mean-spirited, but not in the fabulously-evil Regina George kind of way. If anything, you’re rooting for the Red Devil to go Michael Myers on all of them from the moment they’re introduced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">This week’s episode “Chainsaw” thankfully takes some focus away from the Kappa girls, and it’s a riotous laugh. The brief introduction to the new school mascot, Coney, displays what true spoofs can accomplish. Imagine two school mascots literally fighting to the death as Wham’s “I’m Your Man” plays in the background and try not laughing. As for the main cast, notorious man-whore Chad Radwell and his fraternity brothers steal the show. The best moment of the entire series so far comes from the members of the Dickie Dollar Scholars fraternity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">This dimwitted pack of frat boys, whose combined IQ would be lucky to reach the triple digits, miraculously figures out that their recently deceased brother didn’t commit suicide, but was probably murdered. In an act of retribution, the DDS go “ghetto” by arming themselves with baseball bats as they prowl the streets, attacking anything and everything that’s red from fire hydrants to cars in an attempt to lure out the Red Devil. The absurdity of their plan to face a chainsaw wielding psychopath with nothing but wooden bats is made all the more hysterical by the fact that they’re all dressed in head-to-toe white country club apparel as the Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” plays in the background. That’s “ghetto code” for ya’. As the lyrics order you to “throw your hands up in the air,” one of the two masked Red Devils that confronts the DDS saws both arms off one of the frat members. In the very next time slot over on FX, <i>The Bastard Executioner</i> delivers the same brutal slaying, but it outright loses its effectiveness in comparison to the cartoonish take on <i>SQ</i>. This scene is easily going to be the best clip of any television series to air this week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">That very fact though is part of the problem. Despite that the show is called <i>Scream Queens</i>, the antics of Chad Radwell, the boys of DDS, and the killer are what makes each episode worth watching. The girls leading the sorority rarely ever deliver the goods. Roberts is essentially playing the same character she portrayed in<i> American Horror Story: Coven</i> and Abigail Breslin seems miscast in the role of a minion sorority sister. Niecy Nash, on the other hand, deserves proper kudos for her caricature role as Denise Hemphill, the world’s most ill-equipped security guard. The overall unevenness of the show makes for a rather jarring viewing experience. It has you itching to hit the fast-forward button during at least half the scenes, yet also provokes you to re-watch the few exceptionally orchestrated scenes that will stay with you long after viewing. It’s still too early to give a verdict on the overall series, but for potential watchers, you’ve been warned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Scream Queens’ “</span></i></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Chainsaw” Rating: B-</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall Series Rating: C- </span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Scream_Queens,_title_art.jpg#/media/File:Scream_Queens,_title_art.jpg">Scream Queens, title art</a>" by <span title="must have been published or publicly displayed outside Wikipedia">Source</span> (<a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NFCC#4" title="Wikipedia:NFCC">WP:NFCC#4</a>). Licensed under <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Scream_Queens,_title_art.jpg" title="<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scream_Queens_(2015_TV_series)" title="Scream Queens (2015 TV series)">Scream Queens (2015 TV series)</a>">Fair use</a> via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/">Wikipedia</a>.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10208443847443856710noreply@blogger.com0