Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     Welcome to the last review of the year and how fitting that its the biggest film of the year. Mostly because it has been thirty plus years since the franchise began. Now I don't want to go into too much detail for those of you who haven't seen it. But just know that this film is as good and epic as people are saying. Let's get to the review of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, episode seven.

     I was hesitate going into the film because I didn't want it to be as bad or worst than the prequels. Not that they could be worst, the prequels was pretty bad. Regardless I was going to see it just because it was Star Wars. And like Will Wheaton said on The Big Bang Theory episode the night before, you can't take Star Wars too seriously. He was right weather the movie was great or a total piece of crap, its not going to change our lives. I just had to make a reference to that episode, it was crazy.

     But after I saw it, I liked it. quite enjoyed it. I thought it had a good story and humor as the original trilogy and it was a well made as the prequel trilogy. I thought the original cast still had it and meshed well with the new cast. I also thought the fact that the new trio sort of mirrored the original trio. I thought it was great of the filmmakers to put all kinds of call backs to the originals, some nostalgia for the hardcore fans.

     Obviously the special effects were better in this one than the originals or even the prequels. But I am glad the film and J.J. Abrams relied more on writing and really making sure he had a solid story and less on special effects. Because that's where the falter. They are well made and the special effects are great but the writing is weak. And if the story is weak than even the best special effects is not going to save the movie. But Abrams did a really good job on the story. 

     Now I just have to say Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher still does a good job. Even though and spoiler alert Mark Hamill is not in it much. I won't give away how much he is involved but let's just say it make sense for his character and you won't be disappointed. And I can't wait to see what part he plays in episode 8. I just had to mention the original cast because if it wasn't for them starting the franchise than we wouldn't get to see how the story began before A New Hope and how it continues after Return of the Jedi. The new cast was just as good and I really like the fact the main character is female. Because it is something we never seen in a Star Wars film. And it shows how far cinema has come where not every lead character is male.

     Bottom line is if you do not take Star Wars too seriously than you will enjoy the beginning of this new saga. The only downside is we now have to wait til 2017 to watch the next one. And then til 2019 to see the last one, but I think it will be worth the wait.

                                               -Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review.

Update

Hello Everyone,

     Sorry that I haven't posted anything lately. I have been working crazy late hours. It is the holiday season so I have not had any time to see any movies. And on my days off I've been so tired that I haven't felt like doing anything or going anywhere. So I haven't seen any movies but hopefully after the holiday season I will see more movies. 

     I am also hoping when I have time I will be able to write a review of the hit comedy Modern Family. Recently I started watching Modern Family from the very beginning and before long I was caught up to the current season and the current episode. So I am hoping to share with you my thoughts on that funny show as well with a bunch of other great shows and even some not so great or some that has the potential to be great.

     As far as films I am hoping to see "A Bridge of Spies", "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2", and of course "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" just to name a few. So I am hoping to see those films soon and write about them. In the meantime some shows to check out to get you through the Winter hiatus shows on television are going on are: Netflix series Daredevil, season 2 is coming up early next year. So if you haven't seen the first season you better hurry. There is also the newest show Jessica Jones also on Netflix. And for all you Doctor Who fans, don't forget to watch the Christmas special, The first interaction between the 12th doctor and River Song, so it should be good.

                                               -Katiejayforever

P.S. Stand by for next review!

Crimson Peak

Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     Well it's time for another film review and for all you who cannot wait for Halloween are in for a real treat this week. Because this week the film will really get you in the mood for Saturday. And if you don't like Halloween or not a horror fan then maybe you should stop reading this post right now and wait for the next one. But if your someone who can't get enough gore than you are in the right place. Now let;s get started with the review of Crimson Peak.

     First thing is the way I would describe this film is gory, graphic, freaky and disturbing. So basically everything that Guillermo del Toro is known for. When I first saw the trailer and I saw Guillermo del Toro directed it, I knew it had to be gory. And that was just fine with me because for me the bloodier a horror movie is, the better. Because what's the point of watching horror if its not gory. Another reason I wanted to see the film is because I was looking for a film I could watch in Halloween. I enjoy watching horror movies on Halloween, its the best time to watch horror and try to scare yourself. So this movie was a good way to say goodbye to October 2015. I also enjoy watching Tom Hiddelston play a role that is not Marvel related. It gives him a chance to branch out in his acting. Though I do love him as Loki but every now and then its nice to see him playing a different role. And his role in this was the furthest from Loki then he could possibly get. And he was great as well as the other actors in it and everything the role called for them to do, they did. The acting was one of the things that made the movie really fun to watch.

     What I thought was clever was the way they edited the trailer was misleading then what the film actually is. When I first saw the trailer I thought the movie was going to an haunted house type of thing but it was the exact opposite. And I like that the trailer did that because that's what the trailer is supposed to do. Make you think one thing so you will be surprised when you actually see the movie. And as I was watching the film I was surprised at every turn and it made the movie that much more enjoyable. Because it was more surprising that meant there were more moments that either made you jump or made you think "oh shit" which is always the best part of a horror movie.

     On top of being gory it was also graphic, they showed things that are normally covered in most movies or at the very least tamed down. But this film is rated "R" so enough said. Now pretty much everything about the film is disturbing but what makes it truly disturbing is the climax where everything is revealed. Now I won't give it away but lets just say if and when you do see it, you are going to "oh my God" or "so that's what was going on on the whole time." And that is what really seals it of being a really good horror flick. 

     So if you guys want to have your pants scared right off of you, or your looking for something to do on Halloween then I suggest you check out Crimson Peak. It is a gory, graphic, freaky and disturbing film that you will be able to watch every Hallows eve.

                                               -Katiejayforever

P.S. Stand by for next review!

The Big Bang Theory Taping

Hello Everyone, 

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     So this week is going to be a little different, I don't have a movie to review this week. Instead I was lucky enough to get tickets to see The Big Bang Theory being taped. So I thought it would be fun to tell you guys of that experience. Now I really like The Big Bang Theory and I have wanted to see a taping of it for a while. But tickets are really hard to come by. So I was glad when something came up for it. Alright let's get started with discussing my experience of The Big Bang Theory taping.

     1) Getting the tickets
     The Big Bang Theory is a popular show, everyone wants to see it being taped. Now you can get tickets and for free to but it is incredibly difficult. The way I got them was the web site www.tvtickets.com, but I didn't get them the first time I went on the site. I had to keep checking back, the key is persistence and patience, just keep checking the site. The funny thing is I wasn't expecting to get tickets at all. I just got home from work one night and check the web site and noticed there were standby tickets available so I jumped at the chance. The only thing was they were standby so I knew I had to get there very early. 

     2) The waiting game
     The day of the taping came, my dad took the day off, I was off and we were picking my mom up at a certain time from her day job. Here's something to make sure to do before you go and that is make sure you eat a good breakfast because once you get there and get in line you do not want to get out. Unless you go with some people then one of you can do a food run. But you will get hungry. For The Big Bang Theory make sure you get there at least at noon probably no later then one o'clock. Especially if you have standby tickets. Around 3:30 the audience coordinators take you to the waiting area of the parking structure. This is when they tell you to put your cellphones in the car. That's right there is no cellphones or any electronic devices allowed in the studio. They take guarantee ticket holders and people that decide to do the VIP first. Then they take standby ticket holders. And they don't take all the standbys that's why you have to get there early. If you don't get in, they take you to an auditorium and you watch from there, but that wouldn't be any fun. The funny thing we weren't expecting to get in, they let in 42 standbys and we were 34, 35 and 36. So we got very lucky and it was worth it. 

     3) At the taping
     When we got into the studio, they check our bags one more time and if anybody still had their cellphone they kept them until the end. They sat us down and in the studio 200 people could fit so they really packed us in. Before the taping began we got to see a brand new episode that hadn't aired. Then after that they announce cast introductions which it is hard to see the cast because everyone stand up. But that's okay because you see them enough when the taping starts. We were lucky they built a new set and we got to see three to four scenes shot right in front of us. The other set was around the corner so we had to watch it on the monitors, still cool. Now the cast doesn't mess up too much, can't afford to, but they mess up and that's funny. The taping ended at 10:00 PM and the cast do not sign autographs so when they its time to go, its time to go.

     Overall it was an interesting experience but also a long day and night. Tapings for the show are Tuesdays from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

                                              -Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review!

Man From U.N.C.L.E

Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     The time has come for another film review. Now this film I wasn't expecting to see in theatres but my friend asked me to do something with her and this seemed like the most interesting movie that was out at the time. So we figured why not! This movie was originally a television show but it was a good stand alone possibly an origin story in a way film. Lets get started with this review of Man From U.N.c.L.E.

     Like I stated above Man From U.N.C.L.E was at first a T.V. show. Now I have never seen the show it was before my time but you don't need to, to see the film and understand what is going on. what I like was that you could watch the film without needing to now anything about the show or even knowing there was even a show at all. Because it was a stand alone plot which made the movie more entertaining and engaging. And in the same ways it was a origin story because the characters were introduce but they did not know each other before the film. So it was the story of two very different spies meeting, teaming up, defeating the villain and being forced into forming a team. Overall the writing of the film was not the best and it was okay but it did keep you going and it was amusing and had a lot of humor in it. But I am not going to lie, I have seen other films that were better written.

     I think the most interesting thing about the film was to watch how the two main characters interacted with each other from start to finish. This is one of the few movies that actually has two main protagonist just like the original show. And one of the few movies where the two protagonist are both male as most movies are male and female. So the main relationship was a platonic bromance instead of an romantic between the man and woman although you did have one in there it just wasn't the main relationship. I enjoy movies where the bromance takes center stage and the romance takes a backseat it makes for a nice change. I also enjoyed the fact the movie has a British actor playing an American doing an American accent. And an American actor playing an Russian doing a Russian accent. It gave the actors a nice variety of roles they can put on their resumes. And they did a good job at the accents they were doing.

     Speaking on the acting I thought it was good for what the movie was and what the actors were required to do for the film. Now since I haven't seen the T.V. show, I have nothing to compare it to but I think this is a good thing because when you have that something to compare you always tend to say the newest actors are not as good as the original actors. And that's when you usually get disappointed. So in this case yes I think it was good I had nothing to compare it to cause I'll probably would have been disappointed maybe not. I also like that they got two actors that are still just starting to make a name for themselves, to play the main characters. It showed their talent!

     Bottom line is Man From U.N.C.L.E is an interesting film with great acting. But I wouldn't pay too much to see it as it was just okay but you could just wait to see it on T.V. for free.

                                           -Katiejayforever

P.S. Stand by for next review!

Fantastic Four

Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     Well now is the time for another film review. For those of you who have read the title for this review and before you judge me for actually going to see this particular film, let me explain to you why I did. The reason being is my friend works at a movie theatre and she can get me in for free. So when you can see a movie for nothing then you are going to jump at the chance even if you know it is going to be a bad movie. With that being said this film was worth every penny I paid; nothing. Now lets get started with this review of the latest Fantastic Four.

     I have to start with how this latest Fantastic Four is written and how the story or the lack there of plays out. First of all if you are a hardcore fan of Fantastic Four or a fan of comics, then do not I repeat DO NOT SEE THIS FILM IT WILL PISS YOU OFF. Because it totally deviates from the comics and has nothing to do with them. That was the first thing wrong. The second thing was that Sue and Johnny were not biologically related and Sue was actually adopted by Johnny's dad. This didn't really bother me too much especially when I found out they cast an African American actor to play Johnny. I knew they were going to have one of them be adopted or have them be step siblings or not related at all. So that was the least of the problems with the writing. When it comes down to it the characters being related does not really drive the story. But it does make the audience realize that the characters about each other thus makes care about them to. This film still does that with the Sue and Johnny and the Reed and Ben characters. So score for one for the writers in that sense. But unfortunately that is not enough to make this a good superhero film. Here is the thing this film is supposed to be a reboot and a origin story of how these four different individuals get special powers and went onto become superheroes. And they completely screwed up the origin story. I think they could have at least kept how they got their powers the same. But the filmmakers though otherwise. 

     Speaking on the cast now I know they went with a younger cast to get younger viewers interested in the film but I am not so certain it was an advantage for them. I am not saying the cast wasn't good for what they had to work with. And I know that the characters are supposed to be top notch scientists. But Reed is so smart, he is able to send an object to another dimension from his garage at ten years old. A little hard to believe! Another thing we never get really see Reed and Ben become friends. Just Ben helps out Reed one time and boom their friends. I just would of like to seen more of their friendship, it would of help with character development. I mean at the end of the day they are just kids, remarkable kids but still just kids that get cocky and think they know it all and that is usually when everything falls to shit. So I think it would have been better if they stuck with an older cast to show that the characters realize that they don't know everything and also realize that shouldn't have started what they started. But they are going to do everything they can to fix their mistakes. 

     I thought the way they made Doom look was just okay but for the story they came up with made sense to a degree. But for what the character and story is supposed to be, it was blah. Now for some positive point: I did like the fact that this one was darker than the previous two. I like the fact that they made Johnny more serious and less of the comic relief. And the special effects were still good. But these positive points are still not enough to redeem the writing of the entire film.

                                            -Katiejayforever

P.S. Stand by for next review!

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     Well the time has come for another film review. This film I saw a couple of weeks ago with my friends. Needless to say going to the movies with friends makes for a good day at least for me it does. The movie we went to see was the latest addition to the Mission Impossible franchise staring Tom Cruise. Even though the film is part of a franchise, it was a good stand alone movie that had nothing to do with the other four prequels which made an entertaining film to watch. Now lets get started with this review of Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation.

     I must first point out that in general I am not really a Tom Cruise fan, I think hes okay I just don't really follow him too much. But the last few movies hes done ever since Jack Reacher have been pretty good. This latest Mission Impossible is no different. I don't remember really anything about the first three Mission Impossible films, its been a while since I've seen them. But I do remember the last one Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol and I thought that one was okay. But one of the things I enjoyed about that one was that it was a stand alone film separate from the first three. Which is what I enjoyed about Rogue Nation that apart from having some of the actors in it, it had nothing to do with Ghost Protocol. It was a different story line, different problems the characters had to overcome and different solutions to those problems. A lot of times films will try to do a continuation of the previous but most times the continuation falls flat and it would have been better if the filmmakers would have done just two stand alone movies. And have two separate story lines apart from each other. Rogue Nation did the smart thing had a different story line and it paid off as it was funny, action packed and just a fun movie to watch. 

     Now it was obvious that Tom Cruise was going to reprise his role as Ethan Hunt, he is the main character after all. But Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner also reprise their roles from the last one. I like both roles and both actors so it was great to see their characters explored more and to see the actors do something different than they usually do. My favorite character has to be Simon Pegg's Benji because he is the wildcard. He is the nerdy tech guy that everyone never sees as a threat but when the time comes he can really kick butt and be bad ass. He is just bad ass with a computer and not with hand-to-hand combat. It just goes to show you sometimes all you really need is a computer and intelligence. He is also really funny and Simon Pegg is great pulling off comedy.

     I bring up the characters to bring up the centralized relationship of the film. Most films the centralized relationship is between the main guy and the main girl. But is not the case with Rogue Nation the centralized relationship in this film like in very few films is actually between two male characters. And those two characters are between Ethan and Benji. I like the fact that the film put the light on the friendship between Benji and Ethan and show you that these two characters truly, deeply care for each other. Now I like it when a film shows you the friendship of two characters because it shows you while a romantic relationship is nice and while we all hope for romance, friendship is the key for true happiness and without it, we are lost. Without friends, someone we can just be ourselves with than we do not know what to do with our free time.

     Bottom line is Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation is a thrilling, exciting and kick ass movie and a great way to get out of the Summer heat and into an air condition building to cool down. A good Summer blockbuster film to watch!

                                                                                                                         -Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review.

Marvels Ant Man

Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     Well sorry I missed last week I took some time off from work and went camping with my family so I did not have any wi-fi. But it was good and relaxing to take a little vacation even if it was only for a few days. But not to worry for I went to see a movie before my mini vacation. And I also went to see the movie with my family so it was a very busy week with the family for me. Which is good because the movie was one of those films that has something for the whole family to enjoy. And that movie is Marvels Ant Man, now lets get to the review. 

     I will admit that I wasn't too sure if Ant Man was going to be any good. But the movie surprised me by being fun and entertaining. It had action like a superhero film should have, it was funny; it had me laughing throughout the entire film, and it also had heart. The two father-daughter relationships will have you saying "Awww" or at least that is what I said when I watched the film. I won't say too much in case you haven't seen it, but just know the relationships was really sweet.

     Another thing I wasn't sure about was Paul Rudd as Ant Man just because I have never seen him in a movie like this so I didn't know if he would be able to pull it off. But to my surprise he did and I thought he was entertaining in it. Especially in the scenes with Ant Man and Falcon. I think those were my favorite scenes because I enjoyed the banter and fun fight scene and the fact that Falcon got his ass kick by Ant Man. Funny! Another reason their banter was fun was because of the writing, the writers did a good job at mixing amusing dialogue with a butt kicking, action packed fight scene. That is something I hope to achieve when I become a writer for a television show or film, hopefully a superhero film or show.

     However I was a bit disappointed that a line in the trailer did not make it in the final cut of the film. And that line was when Ant Man and Falcon are talking and Falcon asks Ant Man who he is and the response is "I am Ant Man," Falcon just stares at him with an expression like "really" and Ant Man say "Iron Man was taken."It is a silly line but it would have been fun. But oh well at least we got the line in the trailer. That is my one complaint which shows you how good the movie is. The thing with superhero films is you cannot take them too seriously.

     Ever since Disney bought Marvel I have really like what they have done. The movies that have made and how they have made them all connect to each other have been very impressive. I like that they don't care how many movie it takes, they will do a film for each other heroes and explain how they become the hero they are then they will bring them together. For example they will do a Iron Man, A Captain America, a Thor etc, explain their story then they will bring them together for The Avengers. That way you as the audience already know the characters before they team up and you won't have to worry about explanation for The Avengers. Instead you can just watch their team up and their adventure unfold and enjoy it. Ant Man is not different and I personally can't wait to see Ant Man meet and team up with the other Avengers and yes Falcon is an Avenger. That is what Warner Brothers needs to do with DC Comics.

     In conclusion Marvels Ant Man is a fun, entertaining, laugh out loud film that everyone of all ages will enjoy. So if you are looking for a film to see, go and see Ant Man. After all it has got to be better than Adam Sandler's Pixels.

                                             -Katiejayforever

P.S. Stand by for next review! 

Shallow Hal

Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     So for this review I am going to a bit lighter and instead of reviewing an action or thriller film or a Science Fiction television show this time I am going to review a romantic comedy. IN general I am not really a romantic comedy sort of person but every so often I will watch one that really enjoy. And the film that I am about to review I do enjoy every time I watch it. Not only is it funny but it also has a good message and we will get to what that message is. Now lets get started with the review of Shallow Hal.

     Even though I am not a romantic person I do have to say I do like the love story because I think its really sweet that Hal play by Jack Black learns to love Rosie play by Gwyneth Paltrow for who she is on the inside. Because whether we care to admit it or not, we are not perfect; no body is. And when it comes down to finding someone to love and to love us, we want someone that will accept us our faults and all. So I thought it was clever of teh writers to have Hal be hypnotized to see whats on the inside of people, it forced him to get to know Rosie and the kind of person she is and fall in love with that person. Thus it forced the character to change because it he was able to see what was on the outside then he wouldn't get to know her resulting in no change and remaining the shallow guy he was at the beginning of the film. And we wouldn't fall in love with the story and the film would be boring and tedious. The writers did a nice job creating an compelling story and allowing the audience not to be afraid to fall in love with the characters and the story.

     While being a sweet love story it was also very funny. I know it is a romantic comedy so it kinda had to be. But I find most romantic comedies are just sort of funny but Shallow Hal had some great laugh out loud moments. I think the funniest part of the film is to see Gwyneth Paltrow dressed in the fat suit and how they have her made up. Because for those of you who are familiar with Gwyneth Paltrow then you will know she is a very fit person. So to see her in a fat suit was funny because when she was wearing the fat suit and the fact that they had her so made up, she didn't even looked like herself and it gave her chance to take more risks with her acting. I thought Jack Black was funny as well. Now I am not an huge fan of Jack Black for the most part I think he is okay but in the film I think he shows off some of his best acting. And the fact that his character has to go through some kind of transformation and change really helped with his acting ability. And I also thought Jack Black and Gwyneth Paltrow had some great chemistry. The rest of the cast was excellent, the story and cast really comes together.

     Lets talk about the message if the story which is to look beyond the outside of people and get to know them for who they are in the inside. We all know that looks do play a part in a relationship but they are not the most important part. While we want to be attracted to a person we also want to know them and have them know us. And to just enjoy each other company. Shallow Hal does a fine job at exhibiting the above statement. Because at the end when he really sees her, he doesn't care. Hes attracted to her but also loves her for her and just wants to be with her. And isn't that what we all really want: to just be with someone.

     Shallow Hal is a romantic comedy but you don't have to be a romantic person to enjoy it. It has laugh out loud moments, great chemistry within the cast and a good moral to the story. Its a movie you can cuddle up with that special someone and have a good time together.

                                              -Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review!

Terminator: Genisys

Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     Now like the last review I am going to take you back in time but not all the way back to the 60's. This time I am going to take you back to 1984 when the term terminator came to be. A time where watching robot and humans fighting and trying to kill each other was considered cool. Where people of all ages came to know what exactly is judgement day. Now I take you back to the 80's where The Terminator franchise began with this review with the newest film of the franchise with Terminator: Genisys.

     An interesting story is last Sunday night when I got home from work my Dad told me that him and my brother went to see this movie that day. He told me he liked it and also told me that I would like it because of a certain actor was in it that I enjoy watching. But he wouldn't tell me who but he told my Mom. Now at this point with the Internet these days I was tempted to look up who that actor could be; but, I was good and didn't. So since I was off from work on Tuesday I made time to see it and that's exactly what I did. And as soon as I saw the actor I knew that was who my Dad was talking about and I was excited and it made the movie much more enjoyable. And in case your curious the actor that was in the film that I love was Matt Smith better known as the eleventh doctor from Doctor Who. Who knew my Dad was right! LOL! Just kidding I love my Dad he knows me so well.

     First thing first is that if you have not seen the first two Terminator movies in a while then it might be helpful for you to go back and rewatch them or at least read the synopsis of them. Just to refresh yourselves of the T800 and T100 model terminators. Although it not necessary, it just might be helpful for you to understand the plot of this new one. If you don't that's okay, you will be able to understand the plot just fine.

     If you read the reviews and actually pay attention to the critics then you already know that the film is getting mixed reviews. But for me I did not think that it was bad at all. Here is the thing about any of the Terminator movies, you cannot take them seriously. I mean think about it they are about robots and humans trying to kill each other and also about time travel. You can't take that too seriously they are not meant to be taken that way. They are meant for you to watch them and have fun doing so. So yeah I quite enjoyed the entire film, I thought it was funny, had plenty of action and had talented actors in it. 

     Speaking on the acting I thought this was one of the best performances done by Arnold Schwarzenegger in a while. This film and his acting made me realize just how good of an actor he is. He took me back to the first and second terminator when he was the good robot in the second but also the bad ass killer in the first. By now you all should know how I feel about Matt Smith I just love him. But after watching him in Doctor Who and seeing him play the good guy, it was a nice change to watch him play the villain for once and he was remarkable as always. Lastly another actor I really like that was also in this movie was J.K. Simmons. I think his character was really funny especially when he was trying to figure out what was going on from the main characters. And the ending was great because it was the first time and spoiler alert here that John Connor died and Kyle Reese lived. Sorry about the spoilers for those of who whom haven't seen it let. 

     And on that note to avoid giving away any more spoilers I shall end this review here. All I asked of you is see the movie first before you judge it. It might come to a surprise to you that you will really enjoy it like I did. I hope you go see it and I hope you will find it entertaining. 

                                                -Katiejayforever

P.S. Stand by for next review!

Star Trek: The Original Series (Season 1)

Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!

     For this review I am going to take you back to a simpler time for television. A time where the writers had to be at the top of their game in order for their show to be successful. A time where depended more on stories and less on special effects. And a time where those stories reflected on what was going on in the real world. So I take you back to 1966 with this review of Star Trek: The Original Series season one.

     Now those of you who are not into science fiction or those who have only seen the spin-off series. Star Trek: The Original Series depicted the space adventures of Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise and his first commander Mr. Spock, a half human, half alien being. Portrayed by William Shatner as Captain Kirk and the late Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock respectively. And rounding up the main cast was the late Deforest Kelly as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, the late James Doohan as Lieutenant Commander Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, Nichelle Nichols as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, George Takei as Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu and Walter Koenig as Ensign Pavel Chekov starting from season two. And also staring was the creator Gene Roddenberry's wife Majel Barrett as Nurse Christine Chapel.

     Here is the thing about star Trek whether it be the original series, a spin-off or one of the reboot films directed by J.J. Abrams, the premise is about people traveling through space and meeting other beings or creatures from other planets so you can't take it too seriously. You just have to have fun watching. I think that is why some people do not like the reboot films, they take it too seriously. But we are not talking about the reboots at least not right now. I am talking about the original series that first premiered in 1966 and was cancelled in 1969 after only three seasons.

     Let's first start with the production value of the series which is by today's standards very cheap. As you watch the series you will realize that Gene Roddenberry and crew had almost no budget. Its funny as I was watching season one I was no more than about five episodes in when I realized that they used their greens screen as part of their set. I noticed they decorated the green screen set with fake cliffs and plants to make it looked like another planet. When you as the audience can noticed the green screen that is a pretty horrible set. The set was not the only horrible part of the show, the special effects was also pretty bad. I know for the 60's they were top notch special effects. But by today standards they do not hold up. Most of the special effects were strobe lights and anything they can get their hands on for a few bucks. Now it was not their fault the special effects were terrible, they just didn't have the technology that we have now. Imagine if the creators has today's technology back then that would have been great effects for the 1960's. 

     Next lets talk about the choreography for the fight scenes which were incredibly cheesy. When the characters fought each other, they fought like ten year old's and not like two different species trying to kill each other. I think the reason for the corny choreography was because television executives back then were a lot more limited to what they could show then they are now. Don't get me wrong executives are still limited today but they can show a lot more hence the fight scenes are a lot more violent now then back then. Bottom line is the set, special effects and choreography is not what makes the series hold up. What makes it hold it are the stories. 

     Star Trek: The Original Series has a big fan base but it really didn't start to get that big fan base until it was already cancelled. But the stories sort of mirrored the real life events that were going on. which is why I think the stories still hold up today. I mean if you think about it the overall story is Caucasian men, and Asian male, a Russian male, an African American woman and a mix race male all living and working together on one ship. And they all cared deeply for each other. During the 60's you had the Civil Rights, Feminist movement, Black Panther Party etc. going on and everyone was trying to get along. The stories reflected real life! Now the first season was a times hard to get into but it still had engaging episodes. One of the most entertaining episodes was the Khan episode because it had one of the better villains and it served as a back story for Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, the second film with the original cast. And the fight scene between Kirk and Khan was actually pretty good. As good as that episode is I think my favorite episode is episode five titled The Enemy Within which was Star Trek's take on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The idea that everyone has a good and bad side to them. I like it because its true we all have light and dark, good and evil in us. I think this episode was also some of William Shatner's best acting. This episode also marked the start of Spock's famous neck pinch. The original script called for Spock to come up behind evil Kirk and hit him with the butt of the phaser. And it was Nimoy developing his character and Shatner's acting that established the neck pinch. It was an excellent episode!

     If you ever take a film criticism class and learn about gay/queer theory and homoerotic, then you will realize there is some homoeroticness between Kirk and Spock. For the most part the relationship between the two is that of best friends/brothers but if you analyzed the show you will realized the relationship is also of two characters having unrequited crushes on each other and are gay in a way. For me I don't care I like the relationship between Kirk and Spock. 

     Even though the production value doesn't hold up today, and the first season was a time hard to get into, season one of Star Trek: The Original Series was a good start to a show that will spring more than one spin-off and an entire reboot film series.

                                                -Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review!

Jurassic World

Hello Everyone,

SPOILER ALERT!!!

     Welcome to the first review of this blog.Now I am about to take you back to 1993 when the Jurassic Park franchise started. I know that it you watch Parks and Recreational or just enjoy to laugh at Chris Pratt then you will enjoy reading about this film. And if you like to watch dinosaurs running around eating people then this is the review you should be reading. Now lets get started reviewing Jurassic World.

     Now the reason I started this blog with a review of "Jurassic World" is because it is the Summer block buster and because it is the forth film of the Jurassic Park franchise. And because it is about dinosaurs, who wouldn't want to read about that. The first time I saw the trailer I was instantly hooked mostly because I was a fan of the first three Jurassic Park films so I was excited to see the story continue. I really like that in this one, we get to see the full scale theme park that Hammond from the first film was shooting for. And now we finally get to see his vision come to life, it also brought the whole franchise full circle. I also really like the fact that to get more people to visit the park, Bryce Howard's character creates a even more dangerous dinosaur. Because for one it shows what real theme parks do to get more people to visit their park. They create new gimmicks, the only difference in real life the new gimmicks usually don't involved dinosaurs attacking people. The second reason I enjoyed the creation of a insanely dangerous dinosaur is because its fun watching characters keep making the same mistakes. It makes me as the audience want to jump in the movie and yell at them "don't do it." The only thing that gets me is if that were real life the people in charge of the theme park would be slap with so many lawsuits and yet in the movie; nothing.

     And now lets talk about the acting. I have heard that some people have been complaining about the younger brother behaves. But I didn't think he was that bad, I think some people didn't like the fact that he kept spouting out random facts. But here is what I thought, all those facts he kept saying just kept saving their lives. So how can you complain about something that keeps saving the characters that you are becoming invested in  lives. Or maybe you wanted the kid to get eaten, I am not here to judge. The older brother was just the typical teenage angst brother with a bad attitude but there is more to him as the movie goes on. Bryce Howard who is the daughter of director Ron Howard was entertaining. She is a tough, brave and at time slightly scary woman that can hold her own in any situation. But at the some time can also take crap from Chris Pratt's characters and also dish some of own back at him. Even thought this is an action film there is a the romance between the lead male and female characters and how they fall in love with each other. So all of you who love the romance will enjoy that part of the film. And lastly Chris Pratt is just overall really good in the movie. When I saw Chris Pratt in the trailer I was thinking "well he pulled off Guardians of the Galaxy I think he will pull off this." And I was right, he had funny moments and he nailed those but he also pulled off the action moments. He also pulled off the love/romance parts but that could have been Chris Pratt just being Chris Pratt and not so much acting just kidding. LOL! Chris Pratt is really making a name for himself since Parks and Recreational. He did have one cheesy line at the end, but oh well it just made it funny.

     Jurassic World is a thrilling action film that all the Jurassic park, romance, or dinosaurs fans in general will have fun watching. So if you want to go to the movies this Summer I would recommend you go see Jurassic World. Plus its Chris Pratt!

                                                -Katiejayforever

P.S. Stand by for next review.

Introduction

Hello Everyone,

     I am a recent college graduate from Cal State Los Angeles. Class of 2015 rocks! LOL! I majored in Television, Film and Media Studies so I thought it would be fun and a possible way to get my foot in the door in the film industry plus I really like to write. Anyway I thought it be fun to start a blog based on movies and television show reviews. This blog will tell my thoughts, production value, content, acting etc. on the film and shows I review. So if your a person who enjoys movies and television then this is the blog for you. So sit back, relax and enjoy reading about some good film and T.V. or some not so good, I'll leave it up to you to decide. After all everyone has a difference in opinion.

     Let me tell you a little bit about myself. Like I said I am a recent college graduate from Cal State Los Angeles, I majored in Television, Film and Media Studies. I would like to do film but I am actually leaning towards television. Because I really do think this is the golden age of T.V. My dream would be to be a writer, director and actor. But I at least would like to be a writer. I am currently working on a script based on the Stepmother from "Cinderella", her side of the story. So like "Wicked" but in my story the Stepmother is still the antagonist (villain). I am also a bit of a Science Fiction geek, it is one my favorite genres. And one of my favorite shows is "Doctor Who" and yes I will be reviewing it at some point so for those of you that are not familiar with the show, stay tuned you will find out soon.

     Some of my other favorite genres are: fantasy, I love "Harry Potter" it is what got me into reading. I also like action, adventure, western, and also satire or parody. Some of mine other interests include:reading, music, and anything DC comics or Marvel. Now enough about me, lets get to the reviews.

                                                 -Katiejayforever

P.S. Stand by for the first review.