So here it goes, I’m about to come clean. I love crappy movies! There I said it. And by crappy I just mean movies that don’t get noticed or deemed “good” by society and the media.
Yet I feel they get completely underrated. Why… because they are TV movies? If so, I beg to differ, TV movies are so damn good!
Hallmark’s slogan reads…
“The Heart of TV”
(And I’ll prove to you why that’s true!)
This summer I’ve been working my way through my on demand Hallmark movies list. So far I’ve watched 5 movies. And although some were better then others, I enjoyed each one in a different way, and for different reasons. Hey, give me a guy, a girl, and a love story, and chances are I’ll find something to love about it. The plotlines are sweet and there is always someone from some other WB/CW or Fox show that you will recognize. Always! It’s the best, lol.
When Erin (Danielle Panabaker), Casey (Jessica Parker Kennedy) and Stella (Britt Irvin) discover that a paperwork error has annulled all their marriages, they reassess their relationships with their new nearly- husbands. Erin finds herself competing with mother-in-law Renee (Naomi Judd) for the loyalty of David (Ryan Kennedy), Casey questions Nick’s (Travis Milne) commitment, and Stella deals with balancing her desire for a career with Mark’s (Steve Bacic) expectation for a stay at home wife. With the pressures of marriage all around, all three couples must again decide whether to make the long walk down the aisle…or to walk out the door and start over. The three friends navigate the highs and lows of their new marriages together, but ultimately must make their own decisions about the futures of these relationships.
Young businesswoman Elyse Samford’s (Autumn Reeser) life takes a turn when she inherits Samford Candy, a multi-billion dollar corporation, from her retired father (Richard Burgi). A trademark infringement lawsuit against a rival company brings Elyse to Higgins Attorneys and Sons, where Rob Carelli (Christopher Russell), a young, too-nice-for-his-own-good lawyer, is bullied by his boss, firm founder Carter Higgins (Chris Gillett), and his two arrogant sons (Damon Runyan and Danny Smith). Despite his workplace woes, Rob becomes instantly smitten with Elyse.
With Halloween just around the corner, Elyse invites the Higgins law firm staff to an opulent masked Halloween costume ball. Rob obeys an order to remain in the office working that night, but has a change of heart when his spunky, 12-year old niece, Ruby (Helen Colliander), convinces him to attend the ball wearing a prince costume. After a magnificent waltz and magical exchange with the handsome “prince,” Elyse yearns to locate this mysterious man and hopefully find the romance her life has been missing.
Three attractive girlfriends, each in their early 30’s, are desperate to get married to Mr. Right and manage to find success with the advice of a romance novelist with plenty of experience. She’s been married eight times! Stars Andrea Roth and Delta Burke.
Lauren Hennessey (Danielle Panabaker) has always loved to cook and is a proud perfectionist at her job at “Food & Entertainment Magazine’s” test kitchen while she dreams of being able to finally afford culinary school in Paris. When her boss offers her a bonus if she agrees to ghostwrite the cookbook of a difficult celebrity chef, Lauren sees her dream becoming a reality as soon as she can tame the notorious bad boy chef in question, Dexter Durant (Shawn Roberts). Slowly peeling back the layers of Dexter’s tough-guy persona, she starts seeing a different, vulnerable side to this big-shot chef. Suddenly, their dueling culinary styles become the perfect complement in the kitchen and an attraction between them starts to boil over. As the cookbook nears completion, Dexter and a scheming young chef must face off in a final cook-off, judged by celebrity Peter DeLuise (as himself). Will Dexter win the competition and Lauren’s love? *Loved this one!
Still suffering from the ugly-duckling syndrome that branded his youth, Harold White (Eric Mabius) hires Annie Hayes (Brooke D’Orsay), the pretty and popular girl he knew in high school, to be his dating coach and help him shed his wallflower approach to romance. Annie even enlists her friend Kim (Kathy Najimy), a waitress at a local diner, to be Harold’s practice date. Annie draws Harold out of his shell and teaches him to win over a new love interest with the help of their shared passion for classic love songs. But when sparks unexpectedly fly between “student” and “teacher,” both Harold and Annie must learn how to make up for past mistakes if they’re going to hold onto true love. *Loved this one!
**************************************
Although Hallmark movies can be at times filled with cliché romance, cheesy and often cringe worthy acting moments, and the dialogue can be a little too fairytale, or overdone. I enjoy them. The endings leave some to be desired, as they seem to have a good storyline and great potential but they force a wrap up and tend to fall short. Sometimes I feel a movie is so good and then it wraps up so quickly and it often ends with a wedding and I’m just like wait a minute didn’t these people just meet? So unrealistic. Although I have to admit, when I write my love stories marriage is usually where my story tends to drive toward. In many ways I think I love Hallmark movies so much, because I can see writing something like that, myself. Hell, I probably already have. I would totally jump on the chance to write a Hallmark movie. Because in the mist of all the things you can find wrong, there are moments of pure heart. There is love. There is story. There are characters that you for some reason are drawn too, characters you can relate to, characters that you care about. These movies pass the time, they are relaxing and funny. They are entertaining and light, you don’t have to think, you just have to enjoy and laugh along the way. They can help you escape from a long hard day, and unwind. These movies are truly the heart of TV.
I already found a bunch more titles, that I can’t wait to watch! Signed, Hopeless Romantic 😉
So I need to share some incredible music with you guys. These two fierce women have left me in awe of their lyrical genius and unattainable talent.
The first is:
“Woman (Oh Mama)”- Joy Williams (formerly part of the epic duo The Civil Wars)
I’ve sang my praises for this duo several times on this blog and I was heartbroken when I heard they broke up. But the show must go on and Joy Williams is doing her own thing and has just released a new single called “Woman (Oh Mama).” And it is fierce as hell. It’s an incredibly powerful song accompanied by that similar folksy sound we all fell in love with when listening to The Civil Wars. But even through the absence of John Paul White’s voice that so perfectly complimented Joy’s, you instantly fall in love with Joy and her solo stage. I adore the message of this song and the lyrics are magic. Read Joy’s message about creating the single, HERE, on her website. And also click HEREfor a rather interesting interview she did with USA TODAY about her transition from being a duo to a solo artist, she mentions gaining advice from a certain Innovator. *Hint. I swear when my musical worlds collide it’s like Christmas morning for me! Also artist Matt Morris is mentioned as a creative help to Joy while recording her upcoming album Venus, set to be released later this summer!
Favorite Lyric Choice:
I am the universe wrapped in skin
The second is:
“Call of the Wild”- Bethany “Joy” Lenz
I fell in love with Joy, as she played Haley Jameson One Tree Hill. I have never felt such an adoration towards a television character before her. I just related to her for some reason. The sweet, caring, simple girl next door. Her divine sense between right and wrong and her ability to truly be herself no matter what everyone else was doing or calling “popular.” And by extension I was introduced to Joy’s spunky and soulful personality. And her incredible voice is doing amazing things in her latest new set of songs from her project entitled Get Back To Gold. Call of the Wild, is my favorite so far. It’s got a different, new, feel to it, then her past more folksy stuff. It’s a bit more sonic and galactic. Her voice sounds reinvented, and it’s amazing. Follow Joy’s amazing music endeavors along with sassy fashion tips on her blog Wish You Were Here.
Favorite Lyric Choice:
Baby when it’s good
It’s so good
Couldn’t you die
Baby when it’s bad
It’s always on your mind
Couldn’t you die
You are the last of the real lost boys
You are the last of the call of the wild
Wouldn’t it be amazing if these two fierce and powerful voices collided. I’m just putting that out into the universe. Because I would flip, it would be something special and I would be all about that JOY[FUL] Music! Get it?
I humored myself by making a few quick edits. 😉
#dontjudgeme
SO um THIS HAPPENED! And I am fangirling! It’s not everyday one of your inspirations tweets you back. #tweetgeek. Joy Williams favorited it first too! So it’s out there in the universe for sure now!
* I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise, music, lyrics or videos used *
These five girls came onto the scene as hopeful contestants on Season Two of X Factor (USA) a few years ago. They placed third. But if you ask me they should have either placed runner up or won. They were that good. [Although I have to say Carly Rose Sonenclar made me cry every single time she sang, I really wanted her to win! But Tate Stevens won over both acts and that was the stupidest outcome I’ve ever seen!] But looking at where they all are now, they’ve won BIG time. Each of the five girls of Fifth Harmony auditioned for the competition as solo artists. When they were not chosen to go to the next round, hearts shattered and so did dreams. But then the judges; Simon, Demi, Britney and LA Reid, surprised them all by creating a girl group; Camila, Lauren, Dinah, Ally and Normani. And they became Fifth Harmony.
(formerly known as LYLAS- [Love You Like A Sister] and 1432.) HERE is one of my favorite performances of theirs on X Factor.
Upon their exit from X Factor the girls released “Better Together” an EP of amazing songs, including popular singles Miss Movin’ Onand Me & My Girls. They even opened for well known acts like Austin Mahone, Cher Lloyd and even their X Factor Judge Demi Lovato on her recent Neon Lights Tour. Now Fifth Harmony has released a brand new full studio album; Reflection that brought us new hits like Bossand Sledgehammer, and they are now headlining their own tour. As a fan of there’s from the beginning, I can safely say I feel like a proud cousin, or something, haha. I don’t know… I’m just so proud of how far they’ve come and how their talent has only grown.
As with every group, there are favorites. I really love Camila, she’s the baby of the group but man oh man can she hold a note. And both Lauren and Dinah’s voices are something soulful and special. As someone who supports girl power and sisterhood, and friendship, I sincerely hope they never split up. BUT I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the three I mentioned pull a Beyoncé or a Justin Timberlake and strike it big solo. But as a whole the group harmonizes really well…hence the name. They each have unique voices that bring something to each song. And it’s been a while since we’ve had a great girl group on pop radio. They are like a more attainable and modernized/U.S. version of The Spice Girls. 😉 So thanks Fifth Harmony for taking the torch and spreading girl power, positivity, respect and damn good music into the world.
Camila
Lauren
Dinah
Listen to Reflection below:
Some of my current favorites include:
*Like Mariah (I died when I heard the intro…Sound Familiar?)
Was anyone else a big fan of Mariah Carey as a kid? No, just me, ok…
(…lies) 😉
*Them Girls Be Like
*We Know
Fav Lyric:
[Camila:] Even though you’re so damn fine
I know I’m
Better off without u
Even if you cross my mind
I would always have to doubt you
*Going Nowhere
Fav Lyric:
[Chorus:] Sit yourself down, ’cause you know you gonna stay
Boy, you better listen to the words I say
You ain’t going noooooo where.
You ain’t going noooooo where.
Boy, you better act like you got some sense,
‘Cause you got a dime, and it’s money well spent.
You ain’t going noooooo where.
You ain’t going noooooo where.
*Body Rock
*Brave, Honest, Beautiful
Fav Lyric:
[Chorus – Camila:]
You can dance like Beyoncé
You can shake like Shakira
‘Cause you’re brave, yeah, you’re fearless
And you’re beautiful, you’re beautiful
So whine like Rihanna
Go and pose like Madonna
‘Cause you’re brave, yeah, you’re honest
And you’re beautiful, you’re beautiful
I just really love the album. With every listen I become more obsessed and I end up having a new favorite song each time. It is definitely one of the albums I’m listening to most lately. I just love how they spread positivity about body image and going after what you want and just believing in yourself and who you are. But they do it with such sass. Girl Power at it’s finest, give it a listen!
* I do not take credit for any images or videos used.*
Loosely based on the R.L. Stine novel by the same name. Read More HERE.
*** 10 Reasons Why You Should Be Watching MTV’s Eye Candy ***
Tommy & Lindy
Partners? Friends? or More? We still don’t know. But there’s definite potential there.
Tommy is HOTTT…like holy crap where did you come from hot?
Oh hey you were Chad on Days of Our Lives…
Lindy is a hacker who uses her skills to overpower the police but also to help save lives and find missing people. She uses her powers for good, she’s like a superhero! Kicking ass! Victoria Justice is stepping things up and taking on more mature roles. Who else watched Victorious? Yea I admit it, no shame. That show would have me cracking up laughing. But I’ve got to say Eye Candyis something special.
George is her adorable, smart-techy sidekick, he’s just a little teddy bear! You’ve got to love him!
Its timeslot is a pretty good one, Monday nights on MTV at 10. For me there’s not much that this conflicts with, so that’s a plus when you’re a TV show juggler like me.
Mondays @ 10pm
The setting is New York City, as a Brooklyn girl I get giddy just thinking about shows who are based where I live. It just makes things more relatable.
The mystery. This is a really cool concept, a different type of storytelling.
The story revolves around Lindy’s determination to find her kidnapped sister.
Plot Twist; Lindy definitely gets hit with a few surprises.
Like when an unknown stalker becomes obsessed with Lindy and claims she is perfection, he ends up killing those around her who he deems imperfect just to prove a point…
Lindy’s past with Ben and her present with Jake….it all ties into the mystery…really good stuff!
Ben
Jake…he’s super hot! He kinda looks like Christian Gray, which is never bad. ;P
And last but not least Eye Candyteaches you to be cautious of people, technology and all accounts of social media. The world is watching. #thatswhymywebcamiscovered. 😉
Fingers crossed for some #Tindy scenes…yea it’s a thing.
This show is SO GOOD, and really underrated. I sincerely hope it gets a Season 2, there’s so much more to explore. And the characters are so interesting. This story is by far, not over with. I only hope the network feels the same way the show’s fans do.
* I do not take credit for any images, gifs, or videos used. *
But as her music career continues, I find that her movies are what I love most. I just love how in every role she plays she makes her character so relatable.
But needless to say I can still get my groove on to On the Floor and when Let’s Get Loud comes on you know I’m running to the dance floor. #partystarter
Jennifer played Mexican American singing sensation Selena Quintanilla. The resemblance is really something and even though she lip sung the songs out of respect to the artist Selena’s memory, I remember hearing how hard she studied Selena’s gestures and stage movements to get things just right. That’s dedication and it’s definitely one of my favorite Jennifer Lopez films and films in general. I had a serious obsession with this film when I was a kid, I was so heartbroken by Selena’s passing. She was a true artist. And a generous soul. Til this day whenever it’s on, I watch, but I will admit I usually don’t stick around for the end, gets me every time. But on a lighter note I will do the washing machine and belt out the not so correct words to “Como La Flor.” I own the soundtrack and can’t understand what she’s saying. haha. Rosetta Stone where you at?
WATCH JLo pay tribute to Selena during one of her concerts.
Jennifer plays wedding planner Mary Fiore. To say I was obsessed with this movie would be an understatement. This is the movie that put me in the “I wanna be a party planner” phase of my life. That scene where she finds the F.O.B (father of the bride) drunk and hiding out. And she instantly whips open her blazer and you see a party planning fanny back essentially full of little things everyone may need in a crisis. It’s freakin genius! She’s just perfect the entire movie! I freakin’ love it! And well Matthew McConaughey is her love interest so um yea…there’s that. 😉
Jennifer plays maid and single mom Marisa Ventura. Um… I still adore this movie. My favorite scene is when she’s getting ready to meet her man (that guy that kinda looks like Liam Neeson but isn’t), to “end things” and they show her getting ready, her hair, makeup, and omg the outcome is just magical. I was always so jealous of her dress! Oh and fun fact her kid is played by Tyler Posey, the Teen Wolf kid. He was such a cutie in the film!
Jennifer plays Slim Hiller, a mom and wife. Her husband constantly cheats [who cheats on JLO?] and becomes abusive when she confronts him, endangering the lives of her and her daughter. When it seems like there’s no hope for safety, Slim takes things into her own hands and it’s pretty KICK-ASS. Enough is ENOUGH. Seriously her most badass role to date, in my opinion.
Jennifer plays Paulina a dance teacher. This film has kind of a strange dynamic because it almost seems as though Paulina is falling for her dorky, dance challenged, older student played by Richard Gere. But then we just see how it’s just about dance. At the root of the story the movie is about using dance as a form of fun expression and shaking out of your shell. And Jennifer Lopez at the root is a dancer; a true, crazy talented dancer. I mean home-girl was a fly girl on in living color, need I say more? Plus her clothes in this movie make me want to take a dance class, just so I can dress like that. 😉
Jennifer plays Charlie a bohemian soul, she holds many jobs such as yoga instructor, dog walker, but she loves to paint. Charlie meets an amazing man and is engaged to him rather quickly. But the honeymoon phase is cut short, that is even before the honeymoon even gets to happen, as Charlie has to deal with his crazy overbearing, overly possessive, mother. This character is spunky. I love her outfits in this movie yet again. Everything always looks kind of thrown together, but creates a style in itself; it’s a style that lets the world know she’s a creative soul. Her wedding dress in this film makes her look like a Latin princess. Can you say va va voom! And there’s also this other little tidbit that I adore, Charlie wears a question mark necklace throughout the film. And when asked why, she says “Oh, ’cause I just don’t know.” Which I found really cool and an amazing little character trait. I mean the world is full of questions, no? Hey look that was one right there. And the necklace complements the free spirit in her character. This “go with the flow” Charlie is very different from The Wedding Planner’s uptight, “everything in its perfect place;” Mary Fiore. But yet Jennifer rocks both roles.
Jennifer plays Zoe, a woman who is looking to become a mother on her own and on the day she is artificially inseminated, she meets the man of her dreams. Is it me or do all the guys she co-stars with kinda look alike? Hmmm JLo’s got a type. I kid, I kid. So the two must navigate a tricky situation and see if this is indeed something they can work through. It’s a backwards story, but a sweet one. Definitely not my absolute favorite, but I watch it every time I see it on, so I had to include it. There’s some comedy in there too that you just can’t deny. Worth watching!
And I don’t know about you guys but I’m super interested in seeing her newest film [that she produced] The Boy Next Door, look scandalous. 😉 #GetItGirl
Thanks for entertaining us Jennifer, you are a super woman. Considering you had movie after movie some released during the same year and on top of that a music career too. You are a force to be reckoned with and an inspiration. We love you J to the Lo. 😉
* I do not take credit for any images, gifs, or videos used. *
So…am I the only one still freaking out over the How To Get Away With Murder season finale?
So many twists and turns. And just when you thought you could breathe, something insane happens to make your mind reel in confusion, fear, and well…sadness.
*******SPOILER ALERT….. I’m about to discuss specifics so if you still haven’t seen it… (It’s Monday people, I waited to post this until Monday…so if you really haven’t seen it and plan to, either stop reading or GET ON THAT!)*******
“Bitch, you better watch it.”
Watch the Trailer below it doesn’t even hold a candle to the actual epic episodes!
The How To Get Away With Murder season finale was not only one hour but TWO, so you can imagine we have much to discuss. This is going to be categorized very loosely as a review, but it’s basically me spilling my frazzled emotions. Join me won’t you?
If you want the abridged version of my initial thoughts on the finale read the following tweets…
Holy Freakin' Shit….that episode was a complete mindfu*k i dont even have words i cannot even process this… #Howtogetawaywithmurder
If you want the longer more emotional version keep reading!
Lila’s true killer was revealed.
Someone else was murdered.
And well there’s some sexual tension and Viola Davis well, being the incredibly badass Annalise Keating.
“I said, watch it.”
This episode was a complete and total mind f*ck. Excuse my French. But I truly don’t know how else to explain it. I must have shouted HOLY SHIT! And OH MY GOD! At least 50 times, all while crawling up on my couch. I’m a very animated TV watcher. How else should you watch TV? I mean really.
Ok so let’s get down to business.
Throughout the episode we flash between several cases. The first case is who actually killed Lila? What actually happened? Has Rebecca been lying this entire time? Or did Sam really kill Lila and put her in that water tank? And it isn’t until the very ending that we actually find out the truth. Cliffhanger, bitches. 😉
Rebecca has her obnoxious lie game on point. As she twists and turns her stories inside and out, and the Keating law students begin to lose their minds. Wes begins to realize the girl he’s been putting his future, his heart, his life on the line for may have just been using him all along. Cue the term “sleeping with the enemy.” Wes starts to question Rebecca’s story (uh it’s a little too late there buddy, you already threw Sam under conviction for killing Lila and killed him in the process…so um…there’s that.) Laurel reminds him of Rebecca’s short temper and urges him to “act normal.” Because I am sure it’s the easiest thing in the world for Wes to have sex and whisper I Love You’s to someone he thinks is a killer. But then again….Wes is a killer too (he clobbered Sam who was nearly choking Rebecca to death). So um match made in heaven? or psycho girlfriend and a boyfriend who just so happened to save her life? You decide.
In the mist of this ongoing who killed who case. Who killed Lila? Sam or Rebecca? Wes killed Sam. (We knew this) But now we have to deal with poor Nate going to jail for Sam’s murder. Damn Annalise you are one crazy biatch! Setting up your lover to save your students asses. And did we mention Sam is Annalise’s husband, yes we know this. But let it be known Annalise always has a plan; a hidden agenda if you will. Not only does she surprise us with every crazy new illegal action, she manages to fix things and get shit done. And in the process help the people she cares about. Example 1, in an attempt to get Nate out of jail she has her right hand man; Frank order a beating on him in prison. But it fails when she finds out Nate was put into solitary confinement instead of being relocated. Example 2, Annalise has Bonnie and Frank call in one of the law students; Golden Boy Asher to schmooze the female judge on the case. Causing her to be thrown off the case, due to a conflict of interest. What a harmless conversation with a friend’s son met by the production of a few sneaky photos will do to a judge’s reputation. This in turn got Nate a new judge who let him out on bail. Annalise you get us every time. Annalise then tries to right her wrongs by going to see Nate to explain what she has done and why she is now trying to help him. She gives him a number of a lawyer who will win his case.
Now there’s current cases the Keating team is working on as well something about a pastor killing another pastor for molesting a young boy who ended up killing himself. So there’s that too. But in the grand scheme of things this case is really just the least of our problems. It’s a two hour finale, we know shit is going down, and it’s gonna be real. Shonda Rhimes doesn’t mess around.
Slowly but surely throughout the episode we get a true timeline of the events that led to Lila’s death. As true as the audience can believe them to be. Because this show will turn you out! They have lied to us, shocked the shit out of us, made us laugh, and made us cry…oh the rollercoaster of emotions! Seriously though what is behind the mind of one Shonda Rhimes, so depressing. You need a hug. Or a high five for being a damn good storyteller. Yea I’d high five you for sure. Never the less, in a rather shocking reveal, we see Rebecca’s story proven right; she didn’t kill Lila, but she did find her body and the evidence would have piled against her either way. But as Lila meets Sam on the roof (near the water tank) we see him confess his love for her, kiss her and then leave. Leaving us reeling with this new information that neither Sam nor Rebecca actually killed Lila. Instead we see Sam make a call to someone saying “I need you to do what we talked about, you owe me,” and a figure dressed in black choke Lila to death on the roof, reverse that angle and we see FRANK! What? Yes Frank, the same Frank that we’ve all secretly had a crush on, the same frank we think is both creepy yet hot for getting his freak on with law student Laurel even though he’s done this with many other female students before her. But he seems to really like her. Frank, I actually liked you, and in a weird way I trusted you. I feel so betrayed! My money was on Bonnie as Lila’s killer or maybe even Annalise, just because I thought that would have been some crazy shit. Like what did Frank owe Sam? If anything Bonnie and Sam had some weird relationship that would have made more sense. But like everything in this show there are reasons we don’t even know exist. So it was Frank and now we know he’s a hit man. The very thing he got mad at Laurel for accusing him of. Laurel was right to dump his ass. What the even heck?
When all is revealed to the audience, Frank is still floating about all stealthy. As the Keating crew host their own trial for Rebecca. Wes struggles with whether or not to believe Rebecca. And they end up keeping Rebecca hostage in Annalise’s basement. In the end Annalise agrees no one has come up with a good enough testimony to convince her that Sam in deed did not kill Lila and that Rebecca did so she decides it’s time to let Rebecca go. The Keating gang begins to freak out worried she will go to the police. As they have all expressed their disdain for Rebecca and her web of lies. But as Annalise goes to free Rebecca we are welcomed by an empty basement and an open door. And Annalise wanting to know who freed her. All signs point to Wes. But I knew better, as it is later revealed that Annalise returned to the basement once again to find Frank. They discuss who did it? As the camera pans to a bloody and dead Rebecca in the corner hidden by some boxes. This I expected in a way. But I was still shocked too. I initially thought that it was Annalise who freed Rebecca and then I thought oh you know what maybe she’s hiding her and they’re gonna strike up a deal that will work for both of them. But no, boom Rebecca’s dead. Now Frank and Annalise do the whole I didn’t do it bit. Is that the kind of person you think I am? Yes Frank this actually is the person you are. We know this now. But Frank and Annalise were at the scene of the crime, so they would be a little obvious. So my money is on one of the kids. Wes already has Sam under his kill belt. Frank has Lila under his. And well Annalise may be the ringleader, but I just don’t think she has it in her to kill, at least not this early in the show…she is more of a fixer upper for the killers. And well all the kids (except for Asher) had a hand in helping Wes dispose of Sam’s body. My bet is on Michaela or Laurel for killing Rebecca. Laurel kept asking frank if he was going to “Take care of things” hence the whole hit man conversation. So maybe Laurel took it upon herself to take care of things. But she just doesn’t seem that diabolical. However, Michaela on the other hand has an evil streak. I can see it. Trying to be perfect for so long, in the mist of her trashy past is probably getting too much for her and she’s cracked. She even threated to “destroy” Rebecca. So hey maybe she did. All the kids are really just trying to cover their own asses so it could be anyone at this point. Or maybe Rebecca just overdosed on some Purple X. The same drug she gave her old dorm mate, that landed him in the mental hospital, poor Rudy. Yes Rebecca you may not be a killer, but you are a terrible person. R.I.P though.
While all the drama is going on in walks the beacon of light. The main reason I get so excited when I realize it’s Thursday night and How To Get Away With Murder is on. Yes, #coliver fans, I’m talking about the love story between our favorite men; Connor and Oliver. I don’t know what it is, but I just love these two. I blame Kurt and Blaine from Glee for making me obsessed with gay men in love. Haha. Hey, Love is love. The last time we saw Oliver and Connor, they were putting their “relationship” on hold. Why? Well let’s back track a bit… Connor met Oliver in a gay bar and hit on him only for the sole purpose of getting information for a case they were working on. When he found out Oliver was also a tech wiz and quite the hacker, he enlisted Oliver’s help with finding evidence for cases often. In exchange Connor was rather willing to repay Oliver in various scandalous ways. When we first meet Oliver you instantly have to like him. He is adorable, sweet, caring, and as time goes on you see how much he actually likes Connor. He’s kind of shy and slightly insecure but still has a really good grip on his self worth. Which silently kills us inside because we know Connor is a male slut, and hooks up with guy after guy, and we know Oliver is going to get hurt. And he does. All that being said Connor worms his
Asher being Asher.
way back into Oliver’s on the night of Sam’s heinous death. The death and cover up all the Keating law students had a hand in (except poor insanely annoying Asher). Connor comes to see Oliver at 6 in the morning, a mess and clearly shaken; unable to breathe regularly. Oliver although upset with him for obvious reasons still lets him in, calms him down and lets him sleep it off. A few hours later Connor showers and feels slightly better, leaving a confused Oliver wanting some explanation. Connor lies and says he was high, and that he has a drug problem. This in turn leads to a supportive Oliver, who continues to hack for Annalise’s team on the side, and Connor begins to spend more time with him. It’s clear at this point how they both care for each other. But Oliver is still keeping Connor at arm’s length. He in some way suggests that Connor is hotter than him as a reason for Connor never introducing him to Annalise Keating and the other law students. Connor agrees to introduce him, but uses this as an in to let Oliver know he wants him back; “Fine I’ll introduce you, but what am I supposed to tell them, that you’re my maybe future boyfriend if you ever start trusting me again.” Boyfriend um, he said boyfriend, p.s. he also goes home to visit family during the holidays and tells his sister he has a boyfriend named Oliver. So um ahhhhhhh! But needless to say Oliver wasn’t having it just yet. Connor introduced Oliver to the kids at a bar later that night. Watch scene HERE. Drunk words are sober thoughts, Oliver. 😉 So back to the present, Connor and Oliver shine through the darkness and are essentially making out on Oliver’s couch. Only to have Oliver put the brakes on things and blurt out that they should get tested. A very reluctant but sexually frustrated Connor agrees. Throughout the episode we see a very nervous Connor, as he knows he has had many sexual partners in his past and isn’t always safe and smart about it. When Oliver finally calls him, Connor still doesn’t have his results as Oliver says he tested negative, Connor worries his doctor hasn’t left any messages for him because it’s bad news. However during his case work, Connor blurts out to Asher that his doctor called and he tested negative. When Connor comes home to a dark, silent apartment, Oliver is lying in bed crying. Connor finds out Oliver tested positive. And that my friends, out of all the big reveals was the one that affected me most, that really got to me. Everything seemed fine and then boom, heartbroken. I think for me this was the biggest shock, a quiet storm that snuck up on us just when we thought our love birds were in the clear to be happy and together again.
Yes I get Connor would have been obvious, but I honestly even as a writer, and an avid tv watcher, I did not see it being Oliver at all. I did not see this couple taking on this storyline at all. What a freaking twist. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s a story that needs to be told I guess. I’m interested to see how this will play out. I am eager to see how each of these big reveals will play out, but the Connor and Oliver reveal is what I’m most worried about. It was kind of vague as to what exactly Oliver tested positive for. They were tested for STDs and HIV. But during the guy’s conversation Oliver says “1 in 5 gay guys is HIV positive and half of them don’t even know about.” Watch scene HERE. So something tells me it’s HIV, but I’m hanging onto hope that maybe it’s just a curable STD. None of it is to be made light of though, regardless of Oliver’s diagnosis. What’s crazy to be is that Oliver is the
monogamous one. And he seems like the very reliable, responsible type. After all it was his idea to get tested to be safe, because of Connor’s extensively colorful sexual history. And yet Connor skates by clean and poor Oliver tests positive. I guess this is just another lesson that it can happen to anyone no matter how careful you are, there’s always a risk. All I know is they better not slack off on this story next season. If they are gonna smack us in the face and leave us crying for weeks, they better tell this story and tell it well. And Connor better man up and be there for Oliver. Oliver has been there for him. HIV is not a death sentence. With modern medicine, people are still able to live their lives. Granted I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, but I’m just saying it is possible for Oliver and Connor to have a future. They just have to be educated and responsible and look at their options.
I’m a soap opera girl, and one of my favorites is General Hospital. Now I’m not exactly thrilled at the current storylines being told. But back in the day, there was a couple that lit up the screen; Dr. Patrick Drake and Dr. Robin Scorpio. A couple that was so in love, it would make your heart ache. Robin is HIV positive, she contracted it as a teenager, from her boyfriend who she was madly in love with. He later passed away from AIDS. But after Robin dealt with the terrible reality, she was able to see her options and get on the proper medication and in turn she was able to live her life, be a doctor, and have relationships. In walks Patrick, their relationship was rocky to say the least, but the way they handled her HIV story, between the two was amazing. He was so respectful and he was so in love with her. Watch a scene that gets the root of their storyline regarding Robin’s HIV medication. They even had a baby and got married, (in that order haha.) And yes their baby is happy and healthy and HIV negative. It’s proof that love conquers all. So I know Connor and Oliver have a long and tough road ahead of them. And they in a way seem like just kids. But they genuinely have a deep connection and I think that if Connor really loves Oliver, he’ll want to be there for him.
So I have rambled on for longer than I thought I would. Is that even a surprise to anyone here really? Michelle you need to learn how to get to the damn point. And if you don’t watch the show, all of this means absolutely nothing to you, and makes absolutely no sense. But if you’ve gotten this far, either way thanks for reading! 😉 Let’s go down the line. Sam is slime regardless. He still made the call to end a girl’s life, just so what- his wife wouldn’t find out, well she did, and he’s pathetic. Frank is hot as hell, but I’m scared of him now. Bonnie is still fishy, she’s definitely gonna kill someone sometime in this show’s future. Asher, poor Asher, just be glad you’re the only one not invited to the killer parties, although watch out for Bonnie and Frank, I feel like they both have secrets and you’re screwing one of them; Bonnie. Wes I thought we were friends, but I’m just not sure about you at all. Rebecca you pissed someone off, but I got to admit you were starting to annoy me too. Keating team, who dun it? And last but not least bow down to Viola Davis, a force to be reckoned with as she owns the role of Annalise Keating.
Shonda Rhimes, why must you do this to us? And now we have to wait all the way to the FALL for new episodes. This season only got 15 episodes…um why didn’t this show get a full 23 episode season? I mean ABC knows it’s a Shonda Rhimes show right? She basically owns their Thursday nights. There was no doubt this show was gonna be a hit! UGHHHHHH…… I cannot. I just can’t. Who else is with me? What was your biggest shock of the 2 hour season finale? I’m here for you, let’s talk about it.
The How To Get Away With Murder; episodes 1×14-1×15- “The Night Lila Died” & “It’s All My fault”
*the title of episode 15 is the same line Wes says when he is sitting in the staircase being consoled by Annalise. He admits everything; Sam’s death, and believing in Rebecca and taking her case to them was all his fault. But he also says he didn’t free Rebecca and that he doesn’t love her anymore. Annalise offers him her advice to believe the version of the truth that lets them all move on. Sam killed Lila. That’s the truth. And killing Sam was justified. It’s the truth they all need to believe. And in some distorted version of the truth, Sam did kill Lila. Full circle people, full circle.
Season 1 – *2 hour Season Finale
Aired Thursday, February 26, 2015 from 9-11pm on ABC
As controversial as this movie has been, I personally was really excited to see it. I read the books and was a fan. And I was interested to see how the film adaption was going to work.
The decision to read the books started off as wanting to just see what the whole hype and hoopla were about. But it basically put me in a weird coma of not being able to put the books down until I finished the trilogy. I can’t say that I would want to put myself through that again, though. It kind of consumed my life. And I’m not going to lie, it was kind of weird. I was like a zombie. Haha. I finished all three books within a pretty short amount of time, and I’m not a reader, so there’s that.
The ideas that this is considered “mommy porn” or just straight up “porn” are not lost on me. I get it, I’m aware of the criticism. And having people ask “Ew why are you reading that?” was a question I think everyone of us got while reading it. Shut up and read whatever it is you do or don’t read and leave me and my E.L. James alone. 😉 Again I do get it though, it’s about sex…which I guess in the reading form is so taboo and unheard of for some people! Shocker.
But there is a story here. It may be bizarre and unrealistic but it’s there. That’s what storytelling has the power to do; take you outside of your comfort zone and drop you into a world unlike your own. Now don’t get me wrong reading those books I was definitely uncomfortable at times, I definitely cringed A LOT and the writing was rather, how do I put this delicately not professional. But who am I to judge. It’s a book to read just to read, to enjoy. I didn’t want to really have to rack my brain to understand the plot. If I’m going to actually read at all, it’s going to be something that’s a quick, easy read. Needless to say a whole lot of “What did he just say to her?” “What did he just do to her?” were thought throughout the reading of this trilogy. But there was something about it that made me want to read the rest of their story. I knew that it couldn’t have just been that, I knew there had to be more behind his cold steely gaze and her naïve innocent eyes.
A few of my friends were reading along too, but one of my friends and I were literally obsessed and would have conversations about the books every time we saw each other. It was all we could talk about. I don’t know what that says considering it’s a BDSM themed storyline, HA! The way I see it, was that was just the niche; something to hook attention. When you read on you realize why Christian Grey is the way he is, and it eventually snowballs into a love story between him and the young and slightly naïve but mouthy Anastasia. No pun intended, I swear. It’s an extremely unconventional love story, but a love story none the less. And I’m a sucker for a love story. And I challenge you to give me a story that I can’t find the love story within. Because I will find it. Call me a hopeless romantic, I’ll take it.
Christian Grey is a wealthy businessman, he’s gorgeous and has a severe control streak in him. Anastasia Steele is the “Plain Jane” esque college student looking for herself and just trying to make it to graduation. Sounds pretty familiar. She’s relatable, she’s your average girl. But she also doesn’t know what she’s capable of. She comes in and basically throws Christian’s rule book and need for control back in his face. She often challenges him every chance she gets. But yet he can’t seem to stay away from her, and she doesn’t want him to. What can I say I’m a sucker for a story where the female character changes the male character for the better. Not sure that actually happens in real life, but let’s just pretend that it does.
When I heard they were making the movie for this, I was invested. I wanted the casting to be done right. You only get one shot, to get it right onscreen. The first movie will pave the way for the next two; hence there are 3 books total. This is the first trilogy I’ve read. I wasn’t a twilight groupie (although I’ve seen the films, the first one is the only one I actually liked) and as for things like the Hunger Games and Harry Potter, I pretty much just stuck to the film versions there too. Although I will say The Hunger Games films are BOSS. But this, this was different. This is something I’ve read and I’ve crafted images, and faces in my mind. And I wondered if what I saw would come to life and reach my expectations. Hearing the casting and who was up for the roles, I was definitely hoping they would pick actors that would get it right. I was skeptical of both Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson at first but I was pretty much sold when I saw the trailer. And now after seeing the film, I was incredibly impressed. And I couldn’t fathom anyone else playing those roles.
All the reviews were mixed as per usual. But I’m someone who never listens to reviews. If I wanna see a movie, I’ll see it. I want to judge for myself. I also have been one to have crappy taste in movies, I love an array of movies ranging from gems like “The Notebook” to the Mariah Carey flop “Glitter.” I actually did love that movie and still do. Fun fact; as a kid I was oddly obsessed with Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy” record, I actually has it on vinyl.
Many critics were bashing the subject matter, which I totally get. But what I don’t quite understand is the idea that the two actors didn’t have chemistry. I’m sorry but that’s a load of bull. Within the first scene they had together, which is the simple school newspaper interview scene where a nervous, and clumsy Anastasia literally falls into Christian’s office on behalf of her roommate who just so happens to be sick, you immediately see they have a connection, and they play it off well. You can feel it. He’s frustrated by her lack of preparation for the interview but yet intrigued by her nervousness and insecurity. You can tell she’s unaware of her effect on him and she is intimidated by his overpowering in depth Christian like stare.
Dornan and Johnson became their roles. The film at times, is surprisingly witty, and playful. Which is a great balance to the intensity of the sexual tension created between these two characters.
Cinematically I think director Sam Taylor-Johnson really captured the world. The colors of grey used matched the title. As Seattle was often cast in clouds and rain. The weather reflected the emotion in the story, the emotional roller coaster Ana and Christian have gone through in their very short time they’ve known each other. But yet the tender moments were greeted by bright shiny sun rays or quiet still nights.
The Charlie Tango scenes were amazing and makes you rethink what the description of date really entails nowadays. Flowers and candy my ass! Although no, seriously I’d probably have a panic attack in a helicopter, so I’ll stick with the basics. 😉
The portrayal rings very true to the book, which I was really excited to see. As a writer I couldn’t imagine how difficult and nerve wracking it must have been for E.L. James to hand her work over to someone else to tell visually. That’s something that completely terrifies me about this industry. These images are in your head and your heart. You spend time with the characters you know them and to trust someone with them, to trust them to get it right, is like handing your baby over to a stranger and walking away. There’s a phrase a professor of mine used to say when we would talk about the editing process of writing she would say “it’s like killing your babies.” Which I feel is true in this situation too. Giving up creative control is a difficult thing.
The settings were very well portrayed too. Christian’s business is very clearly envisioned, with the blonde staff dressed in their sleek suits, makes Ana feel underdressed and out of place. Christian’s home is spot on, the isolation, the clean cut modernized feel. The grand piano. It’s all there. And Ana’s quaint college apartment and simple run down car are all there too. The Christian Grey look he gives Ana, that makes her knees tremble amongst other things, is dead on. It’s icy, intrusive, and H-O-T, hot. The security blanket need for Ana to bite her lip in times of discomfort is well showcased too. And I feel neither character trait was too overdone. In the books it gets to be redundant because well books have more time and space for elaboration. But the film portrayed our beloved characters well. To see it all come into place was really cool and really exciting.
Jamie Dornan IS Christian Grey, watching him was like being in my own head while reading the book. He owned the role. And Dakota Johnson shines as Anastasia Steele. I really appreciate her portrayal, because she plays it with integrity and an heir of sassiness. Anastasia is whisked away into Christian’s world and it often seems like she’s just letting him control her, which as a feminist makes me want to slap the stupid out of her. His whole “You are mine” spiel makes me want to slap the stupid out of him to. A woman’s security and sexuality, is determined by her and only her. It isn’t tied to a man, and vice versa. Every human being is there own. Free will and control of oneself is something that everyone should have and it should never be taken from them warranted or not. But Ana deep down in her gut knows that and she does challenge him. She says no when she doesn’t want something, she negotiates, she “disobeys” for lack of a better word, his contract. She understands how insane all of this is. And yet she’s intrigued, she’s fascinated. In a lot of ways Ana is the moral compass of the film. She often asks the questions the audience wants to know the answers to. Why is he like this? Why can’t she touch him? Why won’t he just let her in? Again she is relatable.
The music enhances the theme. There are playful moments, and there are moments of tension, angst, wonder, and sensuality. But what I also really liked about the film was it knew when there was no need for a soundtrack at all. It allowed for quiet and stillness, and for the words to just linger in the air. For the comfortable and tension filled moments to just build and boil over.
One of my favorite scenes had to be the hardware store scene, where Christian makes his first attempts in “stalking” Anastasia. If you read the books, you get what I’m referring to, if you haven’t get on that. The irony of her helping him choose the right cable ties, masking tape and rope is hilarious. No Ana, he’s not redecorating. You really have no idea what he actually uses these things for. But we do and that feeling makes for hysterical storytelling.
I also love the elevator scene. I think this was probably the scene I was most excited to see portrayed, because it’s the first time you see Christian kind of throw caution to the wind, and forget about rules and contracts and just follow his emotions. And Anastasia’s reaction is pretty hysterical (you’ll see).
Now let’s talk about those explicit sex scenes. Granted she is completely nude. And he is pretty close to full frontal at times, not quite but close. I’m guessing they’re saving that for the next film. HA! However, given the explicit content and due to the usage of the occasional f bomb, the nudity was way less than I thought it would be and they managed to stay true to the story within the restraints of an R rating. For an rated R film and for the subject matter I thought it was tastefully done, it could have been much more gritty/risky and much sluttier for lack of a better word. I’ve seen movies where the sex scenes are way more explicit than this. Yes she is nude, yes you see everything, but if you read the books or have heard the hype you know this. I went into the film knowing to not get too caught up in what I wanted it to be. I had a gut feeling it was going to be portrayed well. And I was impressed, how well done it was. I don’t know how to explain it. I mean how tasteful can bdsm sex scenes really be right? But for me I just felt like it could have been way more off the charts, but it wasn’t, which I appreciated. Whereas in the books you almost grow tired of how often they have sex, it becomes annoying and overwhelming until it’s underwhelming. So I think that the movie created just enough of it all to keep us interested in wanting more films. And what an ending. Damn those cliffhangers!
I’ll admit there were some corny bits, here and there, but the book is written casually. So I expected this. It’s a strange subject matter though I mean reading the books I was so pissed at how she would submit to him. As a feminist I was really disgusted by that, but I understood the allure. I guess I could vaguely understand her attraction to, and wanting to explore his world. There’s a certain intrigue. This rich- buys you anything you need- gorgeous, powerful man, wants her and it makes for a difficult reason to say no. Which is exactly why I bought the ticket and every other person part of the 300 million dollar profit, bought the ticket. It’s no secret that sex sells. We know this.
At the heart of the story there is a budding love that is happening, and I think going into the film you have to take that and keep it in your mind. Everything else, all the bdsm stuff take it with a grain of salt. It’s in the moments where he’s overprotective and worried about losing her that I get caught up in. This is more than a power struggle, this is someone falling in love, but not understanding what to do with it.
So now that I’ve rambled on forever, to sum things up I really enjoyed it, the actors killed it, the director killed it and it was overall and good film. I’m definitely looking forward to the next two films.
I mean after that cliff hanger, I can’t wait!
Oh and just in case you were wondering this article pretty much sums
up every girl’s rollercoaster ride of emotions while watching this film!
-<3-
What was your take? Are you or aren’t you a fan? Did you like the film adaptation?
*I do not take credit for any images, or videos used*
So I’ve been seeing a lot of hype swirling around The CW’s newest hit series Jane the Virgin.The lead actress Gina Rodriguez even won a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series- Musical or Comedy. So I was curious as to what it was about. I’ll admit when I first saw the promos for it back in the summer/fall. I was like what? a pregnant virgin? and that title….is stupid. What the heck? She was artificially inseminated by accident? What? How is this even going to work? Are you just going to ask me to suspend reality, here? (Something I’m totally cool with by the way…so I was IN.)
So the other day I found myself bored and so I checked my on demand and there they were episodes of Jane the Virgin, right there in front of me. Waiting to be watched. So I dove in. And man oh man was I impressed.
Jane the Virgin was loosely adapted from a Venezuelan telenovela. Which explains a lot; namely the many artistic liberties they take when it comes to storytelling.
I’m not going to give too much away, but I will tell you that there are twists and turns every single episode. You will not see them coming. Even all my years of watching soap operas, haven’t prepared me for this.
The formula they use for this show, is really very unique. I personally haven’t really seen it done. They basically throw you in this weird unrealistic situation and make it believable. It’s basically a more modernized telenovela/soap opera showcased in the form of a TV comedy drama series. In fact each episode is a chapter. Like in a romance novel.
The story is set in Miami, and follows Jane Gloriana Villanueva. Jane is a 23 year old woman studying to become a teacher when she really dreams of being a writer. She works part time as a waitress for a snazzy hotel with her friends, is dating an adorable cop, and is surrounded by a loving yet strictly religious grandmother and very promiscuous yet loving mother. Jane is a Latina, with a strong religious upbringing. Her grandmother only speaks Spanish, and we can read her words through English subtitles. Jane and her family love their telenovela. And they sit and watch it together as she falls into the story, eating up every word. You can tell she loves them. Little did she know she’d soon be living her very own version of one.
The Spanish culture is subtle yet rich. I don’t find it obnoxiously stereotypical like some TV shows can be. I really appreciate it, because I’m part Puerto Rican and I didn’t grow up learning to speak Spanish, but I wish I did. So this show kind of gives me this taste of a part of my culture, and I feel a connection to it. And I mean Jane wants to be a writer, so right there, I knew I could relate to her on some human level.
There’s also “stats” that show up on the screen accompanied by the sound of a type writer as the words spell out character backgrounds. Every time a new character is introduced it’s like a pause comes over and the words scroll across supplying you with the information you need. It sounds weird but it’s actually very cool, and not annoying or disruptive at all. You have to watch it to understand. This technique is also used to share the characters inner secrets and struggles to the audience. The show also has a voice over/narrator with a heavy Spanish accent that tells you the story from the very beginning and keeps you clued into the ever changing developments. He’s actually quite funny and makes me laugh. Often times they have flashbacks to when Jane was young, explaining why the current situation is the current situation and where certain feelings and actions stem from.
Young Jane
Moving onto the character development. Each character has a colorful past, and many layers to them. Jane herself is known as the all-around good girl, which instantly makes her likeable. She has a sweet face and a kind heart and you just feel good watching her. You feel for her, when this extreme event gets thrown into her lap… pun intended. Because she was in no way expecting this, at all…hence she’s a virgin who has been saving herself for her future husband. Basically trying to do everything right, to avoid any derailments in her life timeline. And yet boom the train goes off the track. But how she handles it all really shows that this character has potential to be a healthy, positive role model for young girls. Watch Gina Rodriguez’s inspirational acceptance speech.
But of course the father of the baby has his own crazy story and his identity comes as a surprise to Jane too. And is a very sexy surprise for the audience as well. Our eyes thank you.
Notice the halo around his head. It’s hysterical because they use the halo effect when she thinks he’s perfect and then it vanishes if he’s acting like an ass.
Anyway what I really love about the character of Jane is that she’s got her beliefs and she doesn’t let anyone or anything shake them. In fact her conscience follows her, and they display it in certain scenes where she thinks she sees one thing but it’s really something else. It’s like a small hallucination, to make sure she always does the right thing. Lying doesn’t come naturally to her. She can’t keep things from her family. She’s kind-hearted, she’s smart, she’s driven. And she’s beautiful but it’s a very natural beauty. She’s never overdone, but she always looks amazing. And she is not a skinny mini. She’s got a curvy figure. Which is absolutely accurate, 1) because Latina girls have curves people. And 2) she’s going to be pregnant for 9 months. So her being skinny mini on either account would be unbelievable. Well the whole scenario of her being a virgin and then randomly getting pregnant due to an accidental artificial insemination, is extremely unbelievable. But somehow this show makes it work. They make it human, and you just let it be.
I don’t know watching it I just felt like once you get past the weird factor you just dive into the story. And every character is a shock, they all relate to each other is some strange way. It’s a really cool story, a really cool formula, and a really interesting concept. And the writing mixture of wit and drama is beautiful. It’s so heavy the things Jane has the go through and how many twists and turns get thrown at her and in her way, but they keep it light somehow. And she remains likeable because she always tries to be kind in her attempts. Her intention is always good.
The acting just works, all the characters fit and it just works. There’s good chemistry and that’s a huge TV perk. Never the less it’s no surprise that this pregnancy is going to weigh on Jane’s relationship with her cop boyfriend, especially when the baby’s father wants to be involved in her pregnancy. I mean can you blame him? It’s human. Thus snowballing into a possible love triangle? It’s a writer’s dream when your audience starts lobbying for their chosen sides. Those reactions and initiating of teams are just proof that you’re doing something right. You’re drawing the audience in.
I just found out that on January 15, 2015, Jane the Virgin was already renewed for a second Season. So cheers to more drama, more laughs, and more beautiful moments with Rafael. Because let’s be honest he is abnormally gorgeous. Team Rafael (baby daddy) right here. A family should stay together, no matter how random or unexpected the pairing was. Although I do feel for Michael (cop bf), poor guy loves her so much. So much has happened to and between these characters, and it’s only the first season. But as storytelling goes, I am sure there’s definitely more love triangle potential in the future of the show. Watching it, I was reminded of Fox’s Ugly Betty, which I loved. And I literally said that and then two seconds later the dad from Ugly Betty popped on screen as Jane’s priest! Small world!
Jane the Virgin in currently on YouTube, Free on demand, Hulu, and TheCWtv website.
However, I just started watching few days ago and tonight the show is on Episode 11/ Chapter 11. The websites and on demand do not have all the episodes up though. Just a select few. So I resorted to watching the first 4 on demand, then watching the rest on various YouTube accounts, which was a pain in the butt, because the subtitles were cut out of the frame, so I couldn’t understand what Abuela was saying!!!! But I got through it and I basically got all caught up! Except for Episode 8, I cannot find it anywhere, I have watched everything before it and after it, so I know what’s going on. But I would still like to watch the episode. Anybody have any links, no downloads or payment fees though. 😉
I dedicate this to my continuous love of television and storytelling. Television has always been close to my heart. When I was growing up we didn’t actually have cable tv in our home, so I was a big fan of FOX and The WB (turned The CW). But when I was in junior high school I fell in love with the Disney channel and all its gloriousness; and in walked Lizzie McGuire. I remember locking myself in my Cousin’s room at my Aunt’s house and just watching for hours. They had cable and I had to take advantage. Granted I got yelled at a lot by my mom for being anti-social. But looking back now TV was an outlet. An outlet to express emotion and storytelling. I may not have known all the way back then that I wanted to be a writer of television (and film) but maybe it was my gateway to a dream that would captivate my heart for years to come.
Then came along a little show called One Tree Hill. And this is where the idea of directing and behind the scenes stuff really became of interest to me. I was completely obsessed with this show’s story and its characters. I was interested in how they came up with the ideas and would often watch behind the scenes footage and listen to commentary. I was just as interested in what the creator had to say as I was interested in what the cast/actors had to say. My best friend was equally obsessed, we used to have weekly viewing parties and watch together. Gosh I miss that! Time flies! Anyway, that led to the discovery of fanfiction(which if you don’t know is a place where fans write fiction stories about their favorite characters on their favorite tv shows…and then post them online to share with other like-minded fans…) No I never posted I would just write them (pen and paper, the good old fashioned way). My best friend and I began writing stories based on the One Tree Hill characters and would exchange them during school. This I think is where my love of writing really started. So thank you Mark Schwahn for paving the way, and thank you Roe for being my first critic. 😉
TV allows you to feel.
It expands reality.
It’s an escape.
It’s a new world we get to live in and love in and experience that all, as a part of the show.
As the audience we want to see the drama unfold but we also want to see realistic aspects and bits and pieces of ourselves in these characters.
That’s how we relate.
The content has to be human.
So what makes a good show (not necessarily a successful show because I’ve seen some really great stories cancelled before they got their chance)… but what I think makes a good show is finding a way to fuse the two; to incorporate real life into this television dream land of sorts.
I mean television life is way sexier but that’s just because it has to be.
What do I watch you ask?
Well let me break down *my TV show schedule* for you…
Monday
The Fosters @8 abcfamily
Eye Candy @10 MTV
Tuesday
Pretty Little Liars @8 abcfamily
Married At First Sight-First Year @9 FYI
Chicago Fire @10 NBC*
Wednesday
Melissa & Joey @8 abcfamily
Baby Daddy @8:30 abcfamily
Chicago PD @10 NBC
The Game @10 BET*
Thursday
The Vampire Diaries @8 The CW
Grey’s Anatomy @8 ABC*
Scandal @9 ABC
How To Get Away With Murder @10 ABC
Friday
Hart of Dixie @8 The CW
Glee @9 FOX
Saturday
*NONE* I take a day off 😉
Sunday
The Walking Dead @9 AMC
The Talking Dead @10 AMC
Revenge @10 ABC
Girls @9 HBO*
*– means I try to keep up with them but don’t always get the chance. The others I make sure to fit in!
**Other shows I watch that are on hiatus/available on NetFlix
Finding Carter -MTV
Awkward -MTV
Faking It -MTV
Young & Hungry -abcfamily
Bates Motel -FX
Orange is the New Black *Netflix
Lost *Netflix (still have to finish this series!)
When it comes to storytelling I become a giddy school girl. Fangirling is for real. My favorite thing about TV and movies is their ability to tell a good love story. But I love TV even more than film because TV is allowed the time to tell the ins and outs and ups and downs of building relationships. I’m a sucker for a well-played out love story. I love the “couple’s timeline.” You know First Meeting, First Date, First Kiss, First I Love You’s, First Time…. It’s pure magic. And when two actors really have good chemistry on screen, it’s even better! I love watching it all unfold. I love the couple names, you know when you take half of one name and combine it with the other half of the other person’s name. Watching tv is when I get to become a fan again. An audience member again, (not that I won’t critique the scenes, but I will be able to enjoy the story).
I remember watching One Tree Hill and being at the edge of my seat or standing on my couch during scenes of The Walking Dead. I am very obnoxiously eccentric when I watch TV. And it’s not because I’m trying to be, I’m just excited about the story. I just can’t help it. I guess I’m just so absorbed, I feel I have to dance or scream to let out my happiness, lol! I really should be filmed while watching certain shows, because I am sure it would be hilarious. In fact just this week I was in a frenzy watching Chicago PD, yes it’s an action show, so there’s definitely that. But Sophia Bush’s (also known as Brooke Davis from One Tree Hill) character Detective Erin Lindsay has been having this ongoing flirtation with her partner Detective Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) since Season 1. Now we are in Season 2, and these two have yet to get even close to starting something. They had went out once, and decided they were friends and partners and that it wouldn’t be wise to start something in the work place. P.S. their boss a.k.a. Det. Lindsay’s father figure wasn’t gonna have it in his unit. So now Lindsay traded up to a position on a task force and she and Halstead no longer work together…so what do you think happened…use your imagination or watch this and freak the f out like I did. #Linstead. I ship them. I was nearly standing on my bed, screaming, dancing, climbing, and jumping… all the verbs. I was so excited to see all the friendship, care and flirtation that had been building for over a season be positioned into something so great. It was a tasteful love scene too, so props! The cast does a live tweet during the show, so I was literally a frenzied ball of tweets and screams. And now I sit here dying to know what’s going to happen with them this coming Wednesday. That’s good tv, that’s when you know the people involved know what they’re doing. That is what TV does for me. And you can call it weird or obsessive but I call it passionate research.
So I will continue being very vocal, I will continue to yell at my TV (same goes for scary films, I can’t go to see those in theaters I scream and do the running man in my seat.) My brother always laughs at me and my mom he says we are the best people to watch scary movies with because of our reactions. I got it from my momma. 😉
Notice my TV schedule as of the moment is extensive. It’s a lot to keep up with and I don’t have DVR or TiVo so thank tech gods for free on demand and the internet. YouTube is a godsend, haha. Like I said, I don’t call this obsession, I call it research. No shame. TV is where I wanna be. My ultimate dream is to write for a TV show and eventually be able to executive produce and create my own. I’ve been writing bits and bobs of one for years! Until then! 😀
**R.I.P**
to the fallen TV shows who got axed before their peak…
it’s just like they stopped and I was left wondering well what happened next? That is honestly the WORST feeling. As a writer I could only imagine how unsettling it would feel to put your whole heart into something and then not get to finish telling your story. I think that’s partly why my blog posts end up always being so damn long! haha.
Beautiful People -abcfamily
Privileged -The WB
Jane By Design -abcfamily *this one still stings
The Carrie Diaries -The CW
Manhattan Love Story -ABC *its new episodes were released on Hulu and abc.com and on demand. So maybe it’ll get a second season?
One Life To Live -ABC *oh my fallen soap opera
*I do no take any credit for any images or gifs used*
*** I posted this little tid bit on my instagram yesterday to honor Justin Timberlake on his incredible tour and I thought I’d share because it gave me an idea for a blog post.***
For the past 2 years I have gotten the chance to fall back in love with an artist who I have always admired. Ever since his video explaining he was ready to release new music to the release of suit & tie to the release of both albums to the tour I have been on this non stop wild ride. Over the 2013-2014 period I was blessed to have been in the audience for three of his shows and they were all phenomenal. Justin Timberlake you are a true legend in the making, there’s a reason why they call you the next Michael Jackson. Best of luck as you close out your 2 year tour with these last 2 shows. Vegas is lucky to have you. It’s been an amazing time making fun memories with this album…and I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us in the future. But not before you take some much needed time off! Pros need rest too. P.S. Congrats to you and @jessicabiel … I hear you’re gonna be a daddy 🙂 @justintimberlake
Over the past 2 years Justin Timberlake has been touring for an album or rather two volumes that brought us hit songs suit & tie, mirrors, tunnel vision, take back the night, tko and not a bad thing, along with videos. To the many magazine covers, tv appearances and awards shows we finally got to see him nominated for his own music yet again and see him grace the stage for performances and acceptance speeches, to a 2 minute mini *NSYNC reunion. It’s been amazing to see Justin Timberlake make his return to music. Below you can follow my past two years as a mega fan girl for The 2020 Experience….or what I’d like to call the greatest return to music…ever! Wow man when you come back you really come back! Looking back at all these posts makes be feel so great, that I have them to always look back on and remember. It was around the time of when I started this blog, that Justin announced his “come back.” I had been waiting tirelessly but it was definitely all worth the wait. Read along and follow my fangirl journey!
That last one pretty much sums up this obsession and tops this post off perfectly. I bet you were reading this thinking “man this girl is obsessed,” well I already know that and I am fine with it, I have accepted it so ha! No shame here my friends, no shame. I think I called it when I posted my “Year of Justin Timberlake” piece….but it was more like 2 years 😉 So hats off Mr. Timberlake and the TN kids, thank you for the music, and for the memories, we love you!….now go get some rest…you’re gonna need it! Daddy duty will be calling your name soon enough 😉 (I know I know he hasn’t confirmed…but let’s be honest here people. More on that when he does actually confirm!)
Shout out to a man who knows what hard work means! 2 years touring the world, giving fans a true experience, I can safely say I myself even witnessed history in the making. Only having to cancel/reschedule at most a handful of shows due to illness, he kept it going night after night. He’s shutting down Vegas tonight for the last show of The 2020 Experience world tour. I was at opening night for this tour and I can’t believe he’s been back 2 years already! Go out big tonight JT…and then go soak in some Epsom salt hahaha (just try not to wait another 7 years for the next one, huh?)
-<3-
*I do not take credit for the Justin Timberlake images used in this post most are credited to Justin’s facebook and JustinTimberlake.com*