Scream Franchise

 

The Scream Franchise: A meta horror feat

 

Meta:(of a creative work) referring to itself or to the conventions of its genre; self-referential.

Recently, I have been rather intrigued with the horror genre. I hadn't paid much mind to it. After all, as I became old enough to really begin to delve into the genre, Saw movies were being made. I watched (without actually watching the movies) as blood flowed and reviews plummeted in a franchise that just wouldn't die. So I went through the years thinking that horror movies generally consisted of a lot of blood and very little character development. Somewhere around the age of 8, I managed to somehow become psychologically scarred by the image of The Ghostface Killer, the slasher of the Scream Franchise... how I managed to do this, I'm not quite sure considering I had never seen the movies... but he embodied the darkness and danger that seemed to lurk around every corner, just waiting to sink its knife into me.

All these years later, I thought it time to sink my teeth into the horror genre. We had never really gotten along but if I was to have a future in reviewing, I would have to at least be familiar with and respect the art form. I was able to see it as that, an art form, and slowly began to expose myself to some of the classic films about things that go bump in the night (the original Dracula, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Shining), generally avoiding the typical slasher films. While exploring the horror section on Netflix, I noticed the presence of the entire Scream Franchise and found myself oddly tempted. My mouse hovered over it several times, daring myself to press play. I watched the trailer again, trying to gauge if viewing the film would uncover some of the scars that may lie under the surface. I finally clicked play and began the movie that would help me further my understanding of the genre and what I find so off-putting about it. See the trailer here:

I was greeted by an opening sequence so effective and so chilling, I couldn't help but watch more. The killer's voice sent chills down my spine, the terror in the victim's screams, the brutality of the murder... it was all so shocking and yet deliciously dark and cool. So I continued and found that the movie was not a typical slasher but a sly, witty deconstruction of the genre I have hated and been oddly attracted to. The chase scenes are pulse pounding, the characters adequately developed, and the violence tolerable. The movie, and franchise, seem to benefit from the mystery aspect of the movies, the question of who is behind the mask. In some slashers, the identity of the killer doesn't really seem matter, the numerous victims do... which is kind of odd because lord knows the numerous victims aren't getting any development! Perhaps that is why the genre can often feel empty. What makes the movies so "meta" is the fact that the characters acknowledge the situation they are in and how it resembles many of the horror films that they love to watch. The rules are spelled out, broken, and the characters pay the price. One thing I did find so interesting was the fact that the killer was fallible. It seems that the victim is often at the mercy of the killer, running and screaming, never fighting back(am I wrong?). This is not the case in Scream. The killer trips, the kids fight back... it was all strangely empowering. All of these kids stood a chance, something I'm not sure many victims get. It is said that Scream helped redefine a genre and it's easy to see why. Scream is a funny, scary, and an all around cool movie with one hell of an ending.

I pressed on the second film with high hopes. And they were met. It was more of the same witty and clever violence... but was still a joy to watch. The rules for a sequel are a little different:
"1. The body count is always bigger.
2. The death scenes are always much more elaborate, with more blood and gore. "
The first scene of the sequel is arguably more meta than the entire first movie, a murder at the premiere of the movie Stab, a fictional movie based off the events in the first movie. Is that hard to understand? Basically, a survivor of the first movie takes what she experienced, writes a book... which is turned into a crappy horror movie, the very thing the original Scream was poking fun at. The first murder at the premiere seems to send a message about the effect of violence in movies... a message I am still a bit fuzzy on... While the movie contains all of what made the original great, it does manage to add some more, most notably character development. I remember a scene where I quite literally felt myself falling in love with the characters. They begin to form bonds with each other, bonds I feared would be severed by the swing of the killer's knife.

The third movie is generally regarded as the low point of the series, accidentally employing the very clichés that it once scoffed at. It takes place on the set on the newest movie in the fictional movie franchise based of the events of the first movie (I'm really not sure how to explain it in a clearer way).The issue lied with writing. The script had a change in writers, a change I noted rather quickly. The killer's dialogue was particularly satanic, opting to tell people they "are going to be skewered like a little piggy" rather than opting for the classic "you're going to die tonight." Such dialogue made me cringe a little more than I would have wanted. Essentially, the movie is a long, murderous episode of Scooby Doo played by the rules of the final installment of a trilogy:
1. "You've got a killer who’s gonna be superhuman. Stabbing him won’t work, shooting him won’t work. Basically in the third one, you gotta cryogenically freeze his head, decapitate him, or blow him up."
2. "Anyone, including the main character, can die."
3. "The past will come back to bite you in the ass. Whatever you think you know about the past, forget it. The past is not at rest! Any sins you think were committed in the past are about to break out and destroy you."
The chase scenes are still thrilling, the characters continue to develop, and the movie does have some genuine thrills. The final act does take place in a mansion with numerous secret passages, further amplifying the Scooby Doo feel. However, during this installment, as one of the supporting and infinitely disposable characters acts rather selfishly in the face of death, I realized why I am often so offended by horror movies. There is something about human being's natural instinct to save ourselves that I find particularly disgusting. People are selfish when faced with their own demise, often sacrificing others for their own escape. Perhaps it is the fact that this instinct lies in all of us that I find so threatening but something about it does not sit right with me. However, the recurring characters in these films do not fit this description. They never seem to think twice about running towards the killer in hopes of saving their friends. The recurring characters aren't victims, they're fighters. They aren't survivors, they're heroes. It's an aspect that seems to enhance the characters and really allow you to root for them. Is it great? No. But it's watchable! If you watched the first two, you probably will find something to like in the third one.

The fourth installment, being released 10 years later, deals with a reboot. Someone is once again slashing people and observing the rules of the reboot/remake. The movie seems to get away from itself at times, becoming possibly too meta (like mega-meta). The movie may simply think it is smarter than it is. For example, the scene in which they lay down the rules is thrown at you very quickly in an attempt to make the whole thing feel slick. I took the liberty of transcribing the rules:
" The unexpected is the new cliché. Virgins can die now… and the kill’s gotta be way more extreme. Modern audiences get savvy to the rules of the originals so the reverse has become the new standard. In fact, the only surefire way to survive a modern horror movie? …You pretty much have to be gay."
Anyone else get lost somewhere in there? It's still fun and by this point, I am so attached to the characters that I am screaming at my screen when they are in danger, squirming and squealing at the intensity... I may just be a freak, but I really attached to these characters and I really didn't want to see them get slashed. It should be noted that gore is rather amped up in this installment. The MPAA seems to have become more lax on the amount of violence that it allows in film because the blood really seems to flow. It isn't the strongest installment but it is still fun.

Scream is a series that I respect immensely for it's ability to poke fun at and properly deconstruct a genre that seems to often be looked down on. It arguably loses steam in its later chapters but in truth, they are all watchable and all enjoyable. Definitely worth checking out... if you have the guts. After you watched the franchise, I'd just be dying to know... What's your favorite scary movie?

Scream is rated R for strong graphic horror violence and gore, and for language. 

Scream 2 is rated R for language and strong bloody violence. 

Scream 3 is rated R for strong horror violence and language. 

Scream 4 is rated R for strong bloody violence, language and some teen drinking. 

http://cdn.bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/scream-poster.jpg

Tags: Scream, Scream 2, Scream 3, Scream 4, Scre4m, scream franchise, scream series, r, horror, thriller, recommended,

Boyhood

Boyhood is an intimate and beautiful story.

9 out of 10

 

I don't quite remember where I saw the trailer but I immediately knew I needed to see this movie. See the trailer for yourself right here:

In fact, my desire to see this movie drove me all the way to NYC to IFC Center where the popcorn was organic, nobody would give me grief about my age, and the movie was actually playing. It is a shame this movie has such a limited release but everyone seems to agree, Boyhood is something you should see.

 

In case you are a little confused, allow me to clarify. Boyhood is a fictional movie about a boy growing up. The boy was cast when he was 6 and the movie was filmed over the following 12 years using the same cast. It isn't a documentary but at times it seems like it could be. The dialogue feels natural and the moments so relatable they gave chills. Did you not grow up a boy? Not to worry! There is truly something here for everyone to relate to as the whole family, not just the little boy, goes through life and matures.

 

Boyhood is such an amazing experience. I went with a group of girls and after the movie we discussed it on our train ride home. It quickly became apparent that I missed almost all of the little details in this movie. I was so overwhelmed and impressed (not to mention lost in my head contemplating my own experiences) that I missed the "finesse points" of the film. The movie is so amazingly well done that I am excited to sit for another 3 hours and watch it again! Yes, 3 hours of studying a boy and his life. And let me tell you, there is not one car chase or gunshot. Does 3 hours of sitting in a theater with no action sequences scare you? If so, please don't watch this movie. For the rest of you, I can assure you the 3 hour run time is not a problem. Never once does the movie feel like it's dragging. By the end, I had been on a rollercoaster of emotions and I felt like I could look back on this movie and reminisce as if it was my own childhood.

 

I can't really express how amazingly well done this movie is. It is so amazing to watch these characters evolve as they are shaped by the world around them. The movie is incredibly in tune with the times, integrating pop culture with ease. The movie is just awesome. Do yourself a favor and see it.

 

Boyhood is rated R for language including sexual references, and for teen drug and alcohol use.

http://filmschoolradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Boyhood-poster-I-.jpg

Tags: drama, comedy, R, recommended, boyhood

Godzilla (2014) is a visually stunning and thrilling disaster movie.

8 out of 10

 

I wanted to hate it... I wanted to claim it was an empty remake... It was just too good.

 

We all know the story, Tokyo's least favorite radioactive lizard is back for another go at destroying cities. See the trailer here:

As far as the story goes, it was nothing special but it does what it needs to. It certainly takes its time, building characters and explaining past events that lead up to the film. As I'm sure you heard, Godzilla doesn't make many appearances, the movie is largely lizard free but it isn't a negative. If someone were to complain that you don't see the shark enough in Jaws you would call them ignorant. Same deal here. By not showing Godzilla, it builds anticipation rather than just throwing visual effects at you like a Transformers movie. But when the visual effects are there, they are beyond stunning. The carnage is incredible and really should be enjoyed on the big screen. We finally have the technology to make Godzilla an awe inspiring and terrifying creature. Note: the tone is this movie is unlike that of previous films. This is nothing like its campy and fun predecessors. Very few jokes will be made:

 

 A feeling of doom and terror hangs in the air from the moment the opening credits begin. The score is amazing and certainly helps in setting the tone. Make no mistake, this movie is no joke. The destruction is real and Godzilla's roar is blood curdling. It's awesome.

 

The performances were... fine. Let's be honest, do you really care? I was impressed, the humans were good, but the giant monsters steal the screen. Humans are boring.

 

Overall, this movie is an awe inspiring creature feature with some killer special effects and perfectly adequate everything else. Enjoy it on the big screen.

 

Godzilla is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of destruction, mayhem and creature violence. 

http://cdn.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/Godzilla-2014-Teaser-Trailer-Poster.jpg

 

Tags: Godzilla, action, PG-13, pg13, recommended,



Her is a tender look into what it means to be a human.

9 out of 10

 

 

Last night, I sat down to watch Spike Jonze's new film, Her, an unconventional love story set in the not so distant future. See the trailer here:

I had very high expectations going into this movie and they were all met and surpassed. This movie gave me the "feels". Samantha (the Siri like machine/lover) wants to experience all life has to offer as she learns about emotions and feelings. Her desires are simple but as a character, she is very complex and interesting. The movie is 2 hours and I enjoyed every single minute of it. It was perfect, the movie felt long and rich but never bloated.

 

Performance wise, this movie was astonishing. Joaquin Phoenix expertly portrays a sweet, possibly creepy man. I felt his sadness and could really relate to him as a character. Scarlett Johansson gives an absolutely fantastic performance as Samantha, the Operating System. Her voice is warm and inviting, you can't help but love her. Together, as the go around experiencing life and you cannot help but feel with them. Amy Adams, Olivia Wilde, and Rooney Mara are great supporting actors.

 

I know what your thinking, this movie seems so odd. How could someone fall in love with Siri? I will not deny you that the movie is odd, but Scarlett Johansson does such a fantastic job bringing Samantha to life that it doesn't feel that awkward. Their chemistry is palpable. I may have even fallen in love with Samantha a little bit!

 

Something about this movie really spoke to me. It truly is a sweet movie and an emotional rollercoaster. It is fresh and exciting. And be honest, is the premise really THAT unrealistic? Think about it. As a society, how far are we from falling in love with out gadgets? Food for thought.

 

Overall, Her is a wonderful and refreshing love story that may be odd but is definitely worth watching.

 

Her is rated R for language, sexual content and brief graphic nudity.

http://www.impawards.com/2013/posters/her_xlg.jpg

 

Tags: her, comedy, romance, drama, R, recommended,

The Wolf of Wall Street is distasteful and disgusting but wildly entertaining.

8.5 out of 10

 

 

I walked in to the theater thinking I was going to see a movie about the corruption of the finance world. Within 30 seconds, I knew I was getting something else entirely. Wild debauchery and constant bad behavior poured onto the screen and continued for 3 hours. Meet Jordon Belfort, a young man with big ambitions. At the age of 22, he begins his journey by working as a stock broker. He soon learns the business and starts his own with the help of his friends. The movie follows his climb to the top and his fall to the bottom. It is distasteful and vulgar but is interesting all the same. Make no mistake, this movie should not be written off. It is directed by Martin Scorsese so it has to be good right? Well...

 

What could have been a cautionary tale of Wall Street corruption was instead a showcase of bad behavior. It was almost like someone sat down and said, "Let's make a very inappropriate movie! We can make the characters do A LOT of drugs and feature constant nudity and sexual content. And why not throw in every bad word under the sun!" Indeed, I often felt I was drowning in questionable content. I read that the F-word was said 414 times in this movie... and trust me, that is the least of your concerns. The movie seems to lose its way in all the partying. The woman who sat behind me agreed. At one point I heard her say, "Oh this is disgusting." Indeed, she was correct. I doubt she liked the movie very much. As soon as the credits rolled I turned to my father (I saw the movie with him) and said, "Well, that was interesting!" He turned to me and said, "You cannot blog about this." "Why not?" I asked. He looked me right in the eyes and said, "Because they will arrest me if they knew I took you to this movie." I can assure you my movie attendance was entirely legal but he had a point. I have no idea how this movie was not NC-17. The debauchery is tolerable, even entertaining, in the fist hour but by hour 3 it had lost its sparkle.

 

All that aside, I did enjoy myself. All 3 hours I was never bored. I always had a smile on my face... even if I was simultaneously rolling my eyes at the screen. With 3 hour movies, problems with pacing are common... not here. Sure they may have wasted time with party scenes but it didn't really affect the pacing. It was shot beautifully and the writing is very well done. The story itself was interesting, albeit predictable. The performances, wonderful. Leonardo DiCaprio was great and very funny. Jonah Hill was very funny. Everybody was funny! The movie was funny! I truly did enjoy it. My only major complaint is the constant explicit content.

 

It is not for young kids. It is not something you will want to enjoy as a family movie. It is not for the faint of heart. However, The Wolf of Wall Street may satisfy you... just know what you're signing up for.

 

The Wolf of Wall Street is rated R for sequences of strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language throughout, and for some violence. 

http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/img7/WolfofWallStreetNewposterNovrlsfull1.jpg

Tags: comedy, drama, R, recommended, the wolf of wall street, wall street, the wolf,

Closer is magnetic, heart-wrenching, and explicit.

9 out of 10

 

 

Closer is difficult to explain. It is a movie based on a play and centers on 4 adults in London. Life throws them together in a series of chance encounters and a story unfolds; a story of sex, betrayal, and revenge. But in the end, Closer is a story of relationships and the fickle nature of love. Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen star. Jude Law is the weakest link and often feels boring. He calmly explains his actions at times when I expected raw emotion. Julia Roberts has the same problem but to a lesser extent. It is more appropriate due to the fact that her character is a "depressive". Clive Owen is very good, successfully portraying the slimy character he is and I often felt his pain. He is a wounded man who seeks revenge and (in my opinion) ends up the most unlikable character. However, Natalie Portman steals the show as Alice. She expertly conveys Alice's naïvety and is a joy to watch. Her character is so complex and she tackles it with ease. All the movie's characters are magnificently complex and make for a strange but enjoyable experience. The movie itself is sexually-charged and occasionally uncomfortable. However, the explicit nature of the film serves a purpose. Through frank discussion and heated arguments, the topic of sex is explored and allows for a raw and affecting product. The movie is basically a play with about 10 scenes and the timeframe can be a little confusing so be sure to pay attention! The movie may not appeal to everyone, especially anyone who may be sensitive to the explicit content. However, if you can handle it, Closer may turn out to be a rewarding and affecting movie. Overall, Closer is beautiful but not for the faint of heart.

 

 

Closer is rated R for sequences of graphic sexual dialogue, nudity/sexuality and language.

http://www.impawards.com/2004/posters/closer.jpg

Tags: drama, recommended, R, Closer,

Friends is a television rarity that is utterly hilarious.

9.5 out of 10

 

How many sitcoms are about attractive young adults living in NYC? Countless. How many times do you see those young adults complain about lack of money while living in an impossibly large apartment? Too many. Well, Friends is one of those shows, but there is something more that makes this show such a success. The show follows a group of six friends that navigate life as adults in NYC. Such a loose and simple premise allows for plenty of freedom when it comes to keeping the show fresh.

 What allows the show to be so impressive is the characters and the actors that played them. Ross is an awkward science nerd that works in a museum. He begins to develop a crush on the newcomer Rachel. Rachel is a spoiled "daddy's girl" who has decided to live independent from her father. She is attractive (played by Jennifer Aniston) and naïve and relies on her new friends to navigate the concrete jungle. Monica is Ross' sister and is loud, crazy, and very OCD. She is a chef that is obsessed with cleaning and is always searching for "true love" and her future. Chandler is the "funny guy" of the group, always using humor as a way of defense. Joey is an aspiring actor. He loves to eat and is not the sharpest tool in the shed. Lastly, there is Phoebe (my personal favorite). She is a fan of the alternative lifestyle. Extremely spacy and always hilarious, she manages to be a hilarious addition to the show. Together, the Friends create a fantastic dynamic that is an utter joy to watch.

Another thing that need be noted is the writing. It takes great finesse to create 10 seasons of a show that never feels stale. Every new episode brings new surprises and adventures. The quick and clever dialogue is immensely satisfying. In its earlier seasons, Friends seems to opt for a more sentimental feeling. Every episode has heartfelt moments followed by laughs to break the tension. The show seems to cut out the heartfelt portion rather quickly which I see as a very good move. In the show's later seasons, the show becomes all about the laughs and the plotlines take a back seat. Instead of an overarching plotline, each episode functions almost entirely independent of the others which allows for a less affecting but goofier experience.

 The show ran for 10 seasons, all of which were spectacular. Overall, Friends is a TV gem absolutely worth watching.

 

Friends is rated TV-14

http://www.panicposters.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/f63dc5ec28f3175f8a7f615bd217eb71/p/p/pp31558-friends-poster.jpg

 Tags: Comedy, TV, TV-14, tv14, friends, recommended,

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is a thrilling installment to the franchise, greatly improving upon its predecessor.

9 out of 10

 

Let's be honest, we can say we loved The Hunger Games movie but we all know it was somewhat disappointing. The movie failed to connect fully with the book. Catching Fire does not make the same mistake. Katniss and Peeta have returned from the 74th Hunger Games. When she is visited by President Snow, it is clear something is wrong. While on her victory tour, she soon learns that the fight for survival is far from over. The events that unfold are thrilling and engrossing. Where the first movie strayed from the book, Catching Fire remains close, trusting the strength of its work. This movie does a better job of creating the world of Panem and making it come to life. During her victory tour, Katniss visits all 12 districts. This allows you to really understand the diversity of the world. The pain of the people comes to life and tugs on one's heart. The brutality of the government is horrifying and the emotion makes for a deeply affecting and occasionally overwhelming experience. The pacing of the movie is similar, 90 minutes of setup before the action but this movie never feels boring. Each moment is filled with tension, fueled by the hate for the President. What in the first movie felt like a useless fashion show is now mocked, more easily illustrating the foolishness of the ritual. Everything about this movie feels different, reinvigorated. The Capitol is much more interesting in this film. The characters spend more time there which allows the movie to illustrate the stark difference in lifestyle between The Capitol and The Districts. The material is more affecting and dives into the deeper meaning of the text. The action in this film is also exceptional. Danger lurks around every corner and the action sequences are thrilling and pulse pounding. The special effects are stunning and create a very attractive and pleasant viewing experience. The violence is never graphic but still brutal, retaining the films decency. The acting in this film is one of its highlights and allows for moments of pure emotion. Katniss has grown as a character. No longer is she a scared girl but instead a symbol of strength and hope. Jennifer Lawrence seems much more comfortable in her role and is able to shine. She remains one of the most impressive young actresses and expertly conveys emotion, allowing one to empathize with her (note: Jennifer Lawrence may be the ugliest crier in all of Hollywood.). Peeta is as much as a sweetheart as ever and Josh Hutcherson is pretty good. Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket is as entertaining as ever and provides much needed comic relief. Johanna Mason is a very interesting character and the actress does an amazing job. Everyone in this movie is spectacular and succeeds in making the world of Panem come to life. Overall, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is an emotionally gripping and impressive installment to the series.

 

 

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation and language. 

http://latino-review.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/thehungergams-catchingfire-ukposter.jpg

Tags: action, recommended, the hunger games, the hunger games: catching fire, the hunger games catching fire, catching fire, PG-13, pg13,

Sex and the City: The Movie will thrill fans of the show but is ultimately less inspired.
7.75 out of 10

 Hardcore fans of the series were ecstatic to see Carrie put on her Manolo Blahniks once more. It provides a fun experience to satisfy fans of the show. Carrie has chosen her man and remains in relationship purgatory for 6 years but searches for the perfect apartment for them to share. Miranda is living in Brooklyn. Charlotte is now happily living her dream on 5th Avenue. Samantha is working in LA. Drama begins and what unfolds is the same stuff the viewers loved about the show. The only problem is the run time: 2.5 hours! It is basically a mini season of the show! Sometimes, it feels like it is dragging and needed help with pacing. The girls are as fantastic as ever and the writing is still good (not quite as good as the show). Overall, if you were a fan of the show, you will probably like the movie.

 

Sex and the City: The Movie is rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity and language. 

http://www.moviegoods.com/Assets/product_images/1010/417593.1010.A.jpg

Tags: R, recommended, Sex and the City, Sex, city, Sex in the City, sex and the city: the movie, sex in the city: the movie, sex and the city the movie, sex in the city the movie

Sex and the City is a fun and heartfelt look into sex and relationships in the 21st century.

9.75 out of 10

 

Sex and the City is a fun and fantastic story 4 women as they attempt to navigate love, sex, and relationships in modern NYC. Carrie is sex columnist. It is her job to observe and write about sexual trends in NYC, but her analytical tendencies start to conflict with her budding relationship with the mysterious Mr. Big. She narrates the story and acts as the main character. Samantha is a loose and highly sexual woman and believes that women are just as strong as men. She is an independent woman who feels no need to conform to society's norms. Miranda is the definition of a jaded New Yorker. Often cynical and frigid, she serves as the anchor of the group by providing the hard truth. Charlotte is a preppy optimist. A believer in true love, she constantly searches for the man to settle down with and start a family. Together, they team up to conquer the NYC social scene. Sex and the City was such a smash for the simple reason that it's amazing. Each character adds a new dimension to the group and allows any topic to receive a complex analysis. It was a bold show, able to speak candidly about sex. The writing team was able to accomplish something amazing: making the characters feel real. Through witty and occasionally poignant dialogue, each scene feels full and satisfying. Each episode features a "coffee table scene" in which the girls process the events in their life. Each one is complex and hilarious with characters never missing a beat. The show demonstrates a certain finesse by being able to talk about sex but not feel over the top. The girls are strong, independent and ultimately admirable. Sure, they may make questionable decisions... but who doesn't? They are realistic characters who the viewers are able to become very attached. In the first 2 seasons, the show is somewhat rough. During each episode, a topic will be mentioned and then multiple people will be consulted for their opinions. This provides more of an analytical feeling, which is fine but doesn't help viewer attach to the character. The show finds firmer footing in its 3rd season by cutting out confessionals. By creating solid narrative, the show was able to evolve and ultimately become stronger. The show ran 6 seasons, all strong and magnificent. Never once does the show feel stale; each new boyfriend brings something new. Even the returning boyfriends never feel stale. The show was followed by 2 movies and inspired a prequel spin-off. Overall, Sex and the City is a blissful television experience.

 

 

Sex and the City is rated TV-MA

http://amymcculloch.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/sex_and_the_city_poster.jpg

Tags: tv, television, tvma, TV-MA, HBO, recommended, Sex and the City, Sex, city, Sex in the City

House of Cards is a dark and satisfying political drama

8.5 out of 10

 

House of Cards is a new Netflix show aired entirely on the internet. Dark and slick, it serves up good, albeit slow moving drama. Frank Underwood (Spacey) is a congressman who thinks he is going to get the Secretary of State nomination but the president elect screws him over. Hungry for revenge, he embarks on a twisted quest to destroy the presidential administration from the inside. Frank himself is a very interesting character; an intriguing anti-hero. The young reporter he manipulates, Zoe, is even more interesting and makes one question the price of ambition. Lighting is dark and sets a dreary and daunting tone to the show. Music creates a very tense atmosphere and manages to keep you on your toes. Characters are complex and have their own ambitions and personalities which makes the show as interesting as it is. Wonderfully directed and skillfully acted, it makes you question the need for cable. If a show this good can be made in the internet, why should I pay for cable? One thing I must note is that the show is very political and talky. To be honest it is the definition of no action show. However, if you can stick with it, you may be greatly rewarded. It has one season available on Netflix and the second season is set to air in 2014. Overall, House of Cards is a slow but intriguing political drama worth considering.

 

House of Cards is rated TV-MA

http://www.impawards.com/tv/posters/house_of_cards_ver2_xlg.jpg

Tags: drama, tv, television, TV-MA, tv, tvma, recommended, House of Cards, cards, political

Game of Thrones is a television triumph

9 out of 10

 

 

Game of Thrones is an absolute gem. Utterly engrossing and addicting, it is the definition of quality television. Welcome to the land of Westeros where summer can last for years, and winter even longer. Noble houses rule the land all united under a single king, protector of the realm. Lord Stark of Winterfell knows that winter is coming. He begins a journey up the political ladder. Complex plotlines and interesting plot twists follow and he learns that in the game of thrones, you either win... or you die. There is no question, Game of Thrones is worth the hype. It may start out slow but it achieves great success and provides great reward for those who can stick with it. Game of Thrones is the definition of excess; excess violence, sex, and money. Make no mistake, it may look like Lord of the Rings, but this is an entirely different ballgame. The violence is gratuitous and occasionally cringe inducing. Anyone who doesn't handle violence well will most likely not find comfort in this show. Sex is also extremely prevalent in this show, which I do not have a problem with except it doesn't always service the story. Occasionally, graphic sexual content is thrown in just for the sake of it and can lead to some very uncomfortable moments. I understand the show is on HBO and is allowed freedoms but those freedoms do not need to be used constantly. This show also has a very large budget, and it is used very well. A whole new world is created filled with lush scenery and interesting sets. Each landscape and city offers a new and interesting setting. The characters and actors are stunning. The characters are complex and never fail to entertain. There is a healthy balance of characters I love and characters I love to hate. Multidimensional characters allow for a more complex and dynamic viewing experience. The plot is also amazing with betrayal and intrigue around every corner. The show certainly does a great job mixing it up as it will kill off a major character without a blink of an eye. It has aired 3 seasons and has been renewed for a fourth. Overall, Game of Thrones is a very mature and complex fantasy absolutely worth checking out.

 

 

Game of Thrones is rated TV-MA

http://www.pagepulp.com/wp-content/gotseas1.jpg

Tags: Game of Thrones, Throne, Thrones, Game, HBO, TV, television, drama, action, fantasy, tvma, TV-MA, recommended, 

Smash starts out fresh and fails in its second season.

7.5 out of 10

I stumbled onto Smash accidentally. Shortly after I abandoned the sinking ship called Glee, I saw a large amount of promos for Steven Spielberg's new musical. I sat down and watched the pilot and was immediately hooked. It centers around a group of New Yorker's who are trying to create a Broadway musical about Marilyn Monroe. Julia and Tom are the writers and the struggle to figure out what they want their show to look like. Ivy wants the starring role and believes she deserves the part. She has served her year in the ensemble (and is a close friend of Tom). Karen is the new girl from the south who appears suddenly and is graced with a chance at the part of her lifetime. And so enter other great characters into the web of lies and betrayal that is Broadway. Season one was amazing. The show brilliantly captured the tension and stress and created a lot of drama while never being too cliché. The characters all weaved together very nicely and the product was rich and elegant. One very interesting thing about Smash is that every single character is unlikable in some way, yet I stay attached. Such characters demonstrate a certain finesse. After season one, I was left waiting for more. I was overjoyed when I sat down for the 2 hour start of season 2. About halfway through, I remained unconvinced that season 2 would be any good. I shook it off and thought the new season just needs to regain its footing. It never did. Season 2 was a huge and insulting downgrade. New characters were not only unlikable, but annoying. Old characters became stale. The whole show was just a mess of tangled plot and bad writing. To its credit, season 2 featured some great music but the predictable story was problematic. About halfway through, it was switched from its primetime spot on Tuesday to Saturday... a death sentence. Sure enough the show was canceled... but not before the writing was degraded to sitcom antics. Overall, season 1 is a stunning showcase of betrayal on Broadway but season 2 is a less inspired mess.

Smash is rated TV-14

http://cdn.smallscreenscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/smash.jpeg

Tags:smash, NBC, TV, television, tv14, TV-14, drama, musical, recommended

Stranger than Fiction is charming and unique.

8.75 out of 10

 

Stranger than Fiction is unlike anything I have ever seen and is remarkable. It centers around a mundane tax collector named Harold Crick (Will Ferrell). His life is calculated down to a science. One day, he hears a voice narrating his life. Convinced he is not crazy, he sets out to find answers. He finds that he is a character in a book but the question then becomes, "Am I in a comedy or a tragedy?" Clearly, it is a strange movie. However, it works well. The movie finds Will Ferrell in a very interesting role (he isn't a man-child!). The rest of the cast is amazing as well. I struggle to figured out if the movie was a comedy. I decided it was not. In fact, it is genuinely heartbreaking at times. I was very impressed with how the movie was able to handle heavy themes while still creating a lighthearted atmosphere. Overall, Stranger than Fiction is a original and amazing movie absolutely worth seeing.

 

 

Stranger than Fiction is rated PG-13 for some disturbing images, sexuality, brief language and nudity

http://www.sfsite.com/gra/0612/sflg.jpg

Tags: stranger than fiction, comedy, drama, recommended, PG-13, pg13

Weeds is fun but its plotlines get repetitive in its middle seasons.

8.25 out of 10

 

Weeds is brimming with colorful and interesting characters and some very interesting plot twists. There is no way around it, Weeds is a highly addictive series. Well, at least it starts out that way. Nancy Botwin is your average soccer mom from California. Recently widowed, she is forced to start selling weed to maintain her lifestyle and support her family. The show follows her struggle to balance work and family as well as manage the dangers of being a drug dealer. Nancy turns out to be the  ultimate badass. Mary Louise Parker is absolutely hilarious and does an excellent job with the character. Her supporting characters are what really make the show shine. Each character has their own personality that makes them likeable in their own way. Weeds has an excellent first 3 seasons. In fact, I watched the first 3 seasons in 1 week (season 2 and 3 on one weekend). Weeds first 3 seasons were edgy and fun. They had raunchy humor but also a lot of emotion which made it very easy to feel attached to the characters. In season 4, the show seems to become less inspired. After some major changes at the end of the 3rd season, it almost feels like an entirely different show. Season 4 is by no means bad, just different. Season 5 is similar but season 6 caused me issues. It felt less anchored. Again, it is not bad, just not nearly as good as the first 3 seasons. Season 7 is able to stabilize the show and bring is to a satisfying (albeit strange) conclusion in its 8th season. Weeds is the perfect show to binge watch and its easy accessibility on Instant Netflix make it that much more enticing. Overall, Weeds is a highly addictive show definitely worth watching.

 

 

Weeds is rated TV-MA

http://www.tvposter.net/posters/weeds_2005_247_poster.jpg

Tags: Weeds, TV, television, comedy, drama, tvma, TV-MA, recommended

Girls provides a darker and genius look into growing up in a modern world.

9 out of 10

 

Many compare this new HBO show to Sex and the City. There are similarities but ultimately it is an entirely different product. Girls is an experience unlike anything I have seen before. Brimming with cynicism, Girls is an explicit and often hilarious look into the lives of 4 women. Hannah is in her 20's and lives in New York City. The pilot finds her being cut off from the financial support of her parents. As a writer, she struggles to find a way to make money while figuring out who she is and who she wants to become. She doesn't stumble along the way, she falls flat on her face and her journey is truly something to behold. Her best friend Marine seems to have it all figured out. She has a committed boyfriend and a successful job, but is she happy? Jessa, their English friend, appears once more having just returned from her latest trip. She is a flaky and loose girl who has traveled the world and doesn't really have a set plan in her life. And Shoshanna, Jessa's cousin, is a virginal college student that doesn't know how to shut up. Together, they embark on a journey of self discovery that the show describes as, "Living the dream. One mistake at a time." Writer/director/star,  Lena Dunham (plays Hannah), is simply amazing. Her characters come to life in an extremely realistic way. I found it incredibly easy to relate to them. However, due to their realistic nature, they make mistakes. Some of these mistakes are very obvious and thus create a feeling of annoyance but in the end, they are still awesome. Girls is one of the most mature shows I have ever seen. Some scenes are very sexually explicit and made me uncomfortable (no easy feat). If you do decide to watch Girls, know what you are signing up for. That said, the show is not all twisted sexuality. There are moments of genuine joy that set this show apart from the rest. One of which is a dance party Hannah has after receiving some distressing news. Such displays of innocence are a joy to watch. Season 2 further refines the show, toning the sexual content down (not by much! It is still very explicit). Is it perfect? No. However, it does provide a very interesting look into one of the most whiny and self-indulgent generations. Overall, Girls is a fun and explicit look into maturing in today's world. It is absolutely worth checking out, if you can handle it.

 

Girls is rated TV-MA

 

http://pics.filmaffinity.com/Girls_TV_Series-683166605-large.jpg

Tags: Girls, HBO, recommended, television, tv, TV-MA, tvma,

The Newsroom is a fresh and inspiring look at what TV should be.

9.25 out of 10

 

 

HBO's The Newsroom is a stunning look inside journalism and the news today. It features wonderful and stinging social commentary. Will McAvoy is a famous news anchor on the fictional news network ACN. He follows the status quo until Mackenzie McHale appears and shakes up his world. From that moment, the ACN newsroom covers real life news with a very interesting and honest twist. It is filled with colorful characters (Sloan Sabbath is particularly interesting) and a fair share of relationship drama (just the right amount). Inspiring and well written, The Newsroom had me cheering for more. It's second season was more focused in its narrative and was just as wonderful as the first season. A third season has been confirmed and I anxiously await its release. Overall, The Newsroom is a wonderful (and very mild by HBO standard) show and is worth checking out.

 

The Newsroom is rated TV-MA

 

http://store.hbo.com/imgcache/product/resized/000/374/644/catl/00374644-746785_500.jpg?k=c0933ad8&pid=374644&s=catl&sn=hbo

Tags: comedy, drama, HBO, news, newsroom, recommended, television, the newsroom, tv, TV-MA, tvma

Black Swan is a stunning psychological thriller.

9 out of 10

 

Black Swan is a trippy look into madness and the pursuit of perfection. Brimming with chilling visuals that never seem to lose their power, Black Swan can only be described as deeply disturbing. Ambitious ballerina, played by Natalie Portman, finally gets a chance to stand in the spotlight. Innocent and sexually inexperienced, she struggles tying to capture the sexuality of the black swan. Consumed with desire to be perfect, a descent into madness begins and a thrilling ride ensues. Portman is absolutely fantastic. Chilling and absolutely stunning, Black Swan is an amazing movie that will have you cheering (and on edge).

Black Swan is rated R for strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use.
 

http://i2.listal.com/image/1678144/600full-black-swan-poster.jpg

 Tags: black, black swan, drama, R, recommended, swan, thriller