that new show i've been meaning to tell you about

I've been wanting to write about a few 'new' tv series for a while now, but seeing as how procrastination often wins its battles against work, well...yeah.

It all started in January, when the lull in new episodes created by their regular hiatus near drove me crazy with boredom. So I went in search of new material, browsing through synopsis and pilots, reading reviews and asking friends and the internet......this is what I found.

(credit must be given to tumblr....who's existence though not unheard of, has only recently become a constant tool for distraction. seriously those potter tumblrs are so addictive)


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First up...

























Currently tying up its second season, Community follows a group of students as the make their way through community college. From the charmingly narcissistic to the overtly delusional, these characters take the current neurosis of the world and bring them together in one small study group. Add to that a sense of humour that is not afraid to challenge the clichés of the industry, a different pop-culture reference every few lines and whole episodes that pay homage to the classics and you've got one lovable comedy.

Although it's not without flaws (sometimes the characters take their quirks to extremes that go from making you roll your eyes to actually making you cringe in severe annoyance) the show is growing and forming its own personality. And with NBC renewing it for a third season, it can only get better.


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A contemporary update of the classic, this short series (seriously short, there are only three episodes!) produced for BBC and created by Steven Moffat (who now writes for Doctor Who!) and Mark Gatiss, adapts the well known characters and cases, giving them a new look while still keeping true the original essense of Sherlock Holmes.

Don't expect this to be anything like the recent movie, while Guy Ritchie's Holmes was an artistic brawling tough guy, this one is more of a quirky high-functioning sociopath. The casting of Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes works extremely well to this effect, Caumberbatch brings an aloof attitude that is intensly intellectual and his weird look and mannerism bring his Holmes to life. A good amount of credit should also be given to Martin Freeman who plays Dr. John Watson. Polarising Caumberbatch perfectly, Watson is portrayed as a steady, intelligent and dependable character. Freeman also brings to his character a sense of vulnerability and courage that adds realism to the complex and wonderful relationship.

The second series promises to be released late 2011, honestly, it couldn't come soon enough.


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Last but definitely not least, Misfits.

A bunch of youths doing community service get superpowers after being struck by lightning in a freak storm. Yeah, I know it sounds lame and overdone, but trust me, it's an amazing show.

Its gritty attitude, distinctly british personality and ballsy sense of humour make this show stand out among others that have dealt with similar material. Mutent powers have been explored before, but never with such flair, cheek and sexually charged wit.

It's a very compelling and strangely addictive show. Though unexplainable and at times irrational, your love for the characters is inevitable. It's that good.


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There you go. I thoroughly enjoyed watching all three shows, and I really can't wait for new episodes.


I have to add that recent news has also informed me that Supernatural will be renewed for a seventh season, and though my love for the Winchesters is unwavering, I don't know if that's good news.



till next time.

coming soon to a theater near you

wow, it's been a while since i've touched this blog. can't believe the last time i wrote was before i watched deathly hallows part one. which i loved.

since a review of it will be pretty much out of date by now i'll just say this, it's the closest the movies have ever come to the feel, tone and emotion of the books. Although there were flaws, it pretty much hit all the right notes. the seven potters, the trio, ron coming back, the scenes in the ministry, the malfoy manor, dobby's death and voldemort getting the elder wand! maybe it's because it's the penultimate film, maybe it's cause it marks the near end of my 'childhood' and the 'end' of the HP movies, but i really really liked DH1.

Part two has a lot to live up to, what with the battle, the kiss and all the deaths. And though i'm so looking forward to DH2...it's not the only movie that will be vying for viewer attention this year.

here are some that have caught my eye...





Thor. have you seen the trailer? it actually looks promising, let's hope it's able to stand out amongst all the other superhero stories marvel has been churning out.





speaking of marvel? there's also X-Men: First Class and Captain America: The First Avenger.

I'm looking forward to First Class, James McAvoy plays professor Xavier and i really like him.

Captain America on the other hand





How weird is it that that's Johnny Storm. Seriously, it's the same guy. He better fit the role perfectly because there really isn't any excuse. i mean, they're in the same universe!




i think everyone was surprised when they said they were making yet another one of these. but the stunts are cool, the cars are like whoa and the jokes are occasionally funny. so yeah, why not.




Cowboys & Aliens. If the title doesn't make you stop and take notice, or at least go 'wha?' then the trailer with Daniel Craig pulling out a space laser blaster gun definitely will.



sure it looks laughable, but it also looks like it might be a good story with a few good laughs a couple of heart wrenching moments. plus Joseph Gordon-Levitt is in it.




it looks kinda cute. and though we all know how it'll end, hopefully we'll get some surprises along the way.




the tag says it all really. no matter what happens i'll probably be a teary mess at the end of this.


So, those are the highlights. 2011 is looking good so far!

The last in the series...or is it?

picture from : wedueltokill.tumblr.com


with all the trailers, posters and promotional news spouting from the marketing machine that is Warner Brothers, the next Harry Potter movie (in case you don't know yet, they're splitting it into two parts) has probably breached everyone's subconscious.

you've probably seen the poster with the burning castle on it and the title 'HP7' in the iconic font. if anything the fact that they're not bothering with full titles anymore marks how much Harry Potter has become a cultural and worldwide phenomenon.

just thinking about visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park in Orlando gives me happy goosebumps all over.

as for the movies, i'm staying away from all the advertising, besides popping into mugglenet once in a while just to browse the news, all trailers and TV spots are a no go. 1- they spoil bits of the movie and 2- they mostly set you up for disappointment.

as a potter fan, i've come to accept the movies for what they are, interpretations of the book rather than pure adaptation, they don't always get it right but at least most of it looks good. don't get me wrong, i'll still be there, queuing with all the rest of them on opening day...(we might actually go in costume this year, seriously)

with the internet already brimming with arguments and information on what should or should not be in the film, i'll just say this. WB has got it's work cut out, i'm glad they split it cause that gives them more time, i hope they stay as true to the books as possible and if there's a scene in the film that wasn't in the books at all (like in the last one where the burrow was attacked) i will be very very very upset.

the stuff on tv

the dry spell is over...hopefully.

what with the new television season starting up again, lets hope that it'll spark me to write more. that being said, its been a difficult few months, struggling with assignments and coping with tv withdrawal symptoms.

reruns do not a happy tv-addict make.

so, five cheers for the new season, because three aren't enough!

After going through all the first couple of episodes. here are some thoughts. *and some spoilers*





- Big Bang Theory

its cool to see sheldon in a 'relationship', lets face it, he's the funniest one of the bunch. personally, though i love the show, the other three main characters seem to be surfing on whats already been given to them, there's nothing new. and besides being a shadow of normality popped in for some prettiness, penny is basically useless.

same goes for HIMYM (How I Met Your Mother)

its been getting stale, and a tad bit more obvious that they're re-using jokes. *gasp*
we're all simply holding on cause we HAVE to know who she is! and we will keep watching!! at least for a couple more seasons....but that's it!

- Glee

what can i say, i freaking love this show. i admit it. i'm a gleek.
not all is perfect though, that 'grilled cheeses' episode for one, seriously? is it just me or does Finn seem to be getting dumber? it's not just him either, quite a few of the characters seem to be slightly devolving. BUT, the music definitely makes up for it. the song choice seems to be getting better and better. i nearly smiled my cheeks off when Sam and Quinn sang 'lucky' in the latest episode.

- House

So the Cuddy/House boat has finally sailed. I'm really enjoying the new season, the cases are entertaining enough and all the characters have their fair share of spunk. But the relationship's what this season is gonna be all about so...hopefully that floats.

- NCIS/NCIS LA

there's a reason this show is in its eighth season and has a spin off. the regular NCIS is pretty much keeping up with the spirit of the show. And while LA is still in its early years, there has been visible improvement, though it'll need a bit more character anchoring before it can come close to its original's greatness.

- Bones

i don't think i can express how much i love this show. after what happened last season though, the drama has certainly mellowed. it's the whole will-they-won't-they thing, it's seriously got me on edge.

- Supernatural

ok....so i haven't actually watched any new episodes. I think i'm holding off on it cause, 1 - i don't want to be disappointed and 2 - its the last season (supposedly), and i have this weird thing about feeling like it never really ends if i don't watch the last episode/season.
(i still haven't watched the last season of Buffy, and i only watched the last episode of friends this june =p )



ok, there are a couple more shows, but i don't really have anything to say about them except that i like them, that's why i watch them, and you should check them out.

here's the list

- Fringe
- Chuck
- Lie to Me
- The Mentalist
- Criminal Minds


Also...i watched 'the last airbender' recently, and it sucked so much that its not worthy of its own post. so there.

hmmm

sometimes when you're alone and inside your head, you feel like you can't stop talking. and you keep talking, just to get that voice out of your head. the one telling you that you've got something to say but no one to tell. the one that has a voice that isn't your own with an accent that's not yours either and that keeps changing with every sentence.

so you talk.

about jellyfish, the way sweet perfumes make you cough, brown paper bags, strawberry cookies, musicians, motorbikes, the music that's seeping through your walls, make up, plastic cups, the pins and needles creeping from your feet up to your calves, how everything seems more interesting on TV, how everyone should get a soundtrack to match their lives, posters, blue-tack, the smell of books, friends, leather pants and what it would taste like if your whole mouth filled up with blood.

you talk until your mind goes blank, or you fall asleep.

I think that's how you get weird dreams.

hey mickey you're so fine

It's always fun to go to the cinema with a bunch of friends to catch a new movie.

But it's a whole different kind of fun when a bunch of girlfriends get together to watch a movie you've all watched before and loved!

Especially when the movie is 'Bring it on!'

Safe to say that after our amazing burrito dinner, our hilarious round of truth or dare (that's right! we did play that game!) and our usual girl drama. We were all set to cuddle up on the couch with our wine and caramelized bananas and soak in some cheer-tastic goodness.

we laughed, we cheered along, we all did the spirit fingers move (in-sync with the characters on the screen I might add, are we awesome or what!)

In short, after lots of shrieks and giggles, i realized that this is one of the reasons why movies are great things.

They bring people together, they make us laugh and they make us see that on some level, we're the same.

And its the one's that you grew up with, the ones that you can quote from and the ones that influenced your personality, that really stay with you.

No matter how cheesy they are.

Robin Hood

Every ten or so years Hollywood picks up one of the classics and repackages it so they can retell it to the current generation. Personally I can't wait for the Harry Potter series to be remade.

But back to the focus of this post. Robin Hood.

No matter how many times it's retold, whichever actor they place in his shoes and whatever little tweaks they make to the tale, one thing remains the same. At the heart of it all, Robin Hood is about bravery, justice and love. He steals from the rich to feed the poor, he leads those who are lost, but most of all he fights for those who cannot fight for themselves. Seriously, this story always makes me wish I could fight with a sword.

This newest version takes a more realistic tone to the legend. Showing us not only the man behind the hero but also giving us a more rounded view of all the other characters as well. King Richard the Lion Heart (Danny Huston) for example, is not completely hero-worshiped, we also get to see the repercussions of the crusades and his decisions. It's definitely a more serious film than the 1991 Kevin Costner adventure (I love that version, definitely worth watching if you're interested in the Robin hood legend).

The story looks at Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe), the man before he becomes Robin Hood, the Hero. It takes a much more human look at how it all comes together; how the state of the country, the attitude of Prince John (Oscar Isaac) and the need of the people push Robin into taking the steps that eventually make him an out-law and a hero to the masses.

I could go on about how a Ridley Scott movie is always worth watching, how the cast fit into their roles (it is worth mentioning that Cate Blanchett made Marion Loxley a much stronger woman and therefor a much more admirable character) and how the swash buckling thrilled me as always.

But the best thing about this movie, was that its story, though different, was true in its tone to the legend of Robin Hood. It had heart and bravery, grit and gallantry, and although it's not as magical as previous versions, or as fun, it makes a good effort.




Rating: 7.5/10. It pulled at the heart strings and there were a couple of laughs, plus the slow-mo archery is awesome.