Living in Gray TV/Movie

Grey's Anatomy Episode Review: Tainted Obligation (08/10/2009)

2009-10-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

Can I just say how much I'm loving Derek this season? It's like he's a completely different guy. One who knows and loves Meredith. His support for her while she had to think over Thatcher and Lexie was one of the most present thing in the whole episode. And he barely said more than a few sentences to her. Eversince the Elevator Love Letter episode where he proposed, he's been a very healthy constant presence for her. He wasn't before because he couldn't grasp who the hell she is as a person. He couldn't grasp her dark and twistiness. And now he is grasping it firmly and I'm glad for it. Because dear god, this Meredith is so hot. She's dark and twisty AND bright and shiny.

So yeah, the thing about Thatcher and Lexie. I kinda get that Lexie would do that, so willingly offer a part of her liver for her dad. Because he was there for her while she was growing up. And we all know he wasn't there for Meredith. So it was understandable that Meredith wasn't at all conflicted of her feelings toward Thatcher in the beginning. But now that she has Lexie, there's a whole lot of conflictedness going on. So she gives him a part of her liver, and she tells him that she's leaving the door open for him... For them to try and make something of themselves, for Lexie.

I love Meredith and Lexie as sisters. I'm glad that they have each other. I'm glad that Meredith is learning what it is to have blood-family who is there for you. Even after you treat them like crap.

Everybody's still in a tizzy about the Mercy West/Seattle Grace merger. Callie getting all obsessed about getting her job back but feeling fearful because she practically told the Chief to suck it. I'm glad Arizona totally put her on the spot about that.
I have one complaint about the Arizona/Callie thing. While I love, love, that they're actually still together and haven't broken up in a parking lot, or committed suicide or murdered somebody... I haven't seen much of anything that actually shows they're together. They call each other girlfriends, but I could easily do that with my friends who are female. I haven't seen a kiss, let alone hand-holding. And I know there is no way they could actually be a celibate couple because hello, they're both freaking hot and Callie definitely likes her sex.
Oh no wait, Callie did lean her head on Arizona's shoulder while they were having lunch... Yeah, that would totally last me till the next episode.

I kinda want to see where Bailey's head is at y'know. Like, I know she's most likely still grieving for George but I don't know. She seems kind of detached, to me. Apart from when she told Meredith that she'd better come out of the liver transplant surgery alive. But I just want to know what's going on in her home life now because there were quite a few episodes about her difficult home life with Tucker and all that.

And wow, while I actually feel for Dr Hunt and his PTSD but I don't get him. I get the PTSD and I get the total going slow thing for them both. But I don't get him. Everybody knows that Meredith is safe because of the Chief and Derek, but he doesn't want to play favourites with Cristina? I just feel like he's so very nonchalant and blase with her. And Cristina definitely cannot do blase or nonchalant when it comes to her career, especially when she's still trying to build it. I am hoping that Mercy West has a cardio attending who can take over to teach her, so the Chief won't have to cut her.

And Izzie. Jeez, I still think it's too soon for her to come back to the hospital as a doctor. What happened to her patient, just goes to prove it's still too soon. Owen is right when he told her that she needed to stop thinking as a patient, and remember to think as a doctor. It just goes back to her thing about getting too close to patients. While I'm sure we all love that she gets close enough to her patients to actually know and care for them, but there are just times when she can't let it cloud her judgement. She's always in such danger over that, I worry.

But dear god, what the hell is happening with the Chief? Seriously... I have not been liking at all since last season. And this season... I feel slightly sorry for him but still pretty annoyed. Get your head in the game, Richard!

Here's the summary for next week's ep:
"The residents of Seattle Grace and Mercy West vie for surgeries and their careers as day one of the hospital merger begins. Meanwhile, Arizona stands by an enraged Callie when her father, Mr. Torres, employs a priest to help convince her to date men, and Izzie experiences the brunt of her new surgical competition."

Yeah, I figured on the Izzie thing. But wow, Mr Torres... 1. That's freaking low and 2. Talk about delayed reaction. I have a feeling I'm going to be annoyed for most of that episode. Guess we'll just have to see, eh?

I want to see this: Agora

2009-08-28T17:50:00.000-07:00

Official site: IMDB site, Agora the Movie
Director: Alejandro Amenábar
Cast: Rachel Weisz (Hypatia), Max Minghella (Davus), Oscar Isaac (Orestes),
Film info: 4th century A.D. Egypt under the Roman Empire… Violent religious upheaval in the streets of Alexandria spills over into the city’s famous Library. Trapped inside its walls, the brilliant astronomer Hypatia and her disciples fight to save the wisdom of the Ancient World… Among them, the two men competing for her heart: The witty, privileged Orestes and Davus, Hypatia’s young slave, who is torn between his secret love for her and the freedom he knows can be his if he chooses to join the unstoppable surge of the Christians.

Female lead? Check.
Religious conflict? Check.
Period of ancient times? Check.

I like and the movie sounds like it could be good, so hopefully, I won't be disappointed.

Release: December 18, 2009

I want to see this: Chéri

2009-06-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

Official site: IMDB site
Director: Stephen Frears
Cast: Michelle Pfeiffer (Lea de Lonval), Kathy Bates (Madame Peloux), Rupert Friend (Cheri), Felicity Jones (Edmee)
Film info: Set in 1920s Paris, Cheri tells the story of the end of a six-year affair between an aging retired courtesan, Léa, and a pampered young man, Chéri. Turning stereotypes upside-down, it is Chéri who wears silk pajamas and Léa's pearls, and who is the object of gaze.

Michelle Pfeiffer looks really good. Movie looks interesting and I love, love movies in those times. Comes out today. So... Keep your beady eyes out for it.

Release date: June 26th, 2009

Updates

2009-06-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been blogging. I've been away and have just been busy to the max. But I have been writing. I have a few reviews for movies that I recently saw and TV shows that have aired. They need editing and adding but I will get them up before I leave for London. Which is in about three weeks so, enough time for that right?

Hope you all are well.

With all that I am, I wish you love.

Grey's Anatomy episodes review: Here's To The Future & Now or Never (14/05/2009)

2009-05-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

I'm going to talk about both episodes because I saw them in one sitting and oh my god. I knew what was going to happen, but the episodes still managed to keep me on my toes.

I'm sure quite a lot of people knew, or at least had a feeling, that the guy who got hit by the bus was going to end up being George. Because for one thing, we knew that T.R. was going to leave but we didn't know how. And well... Actually, that's the only thing. Though I truly thought that Shonda would just have him leave to be a trauma doctor for the army, and y'know, not get flattened by a bus. But once you realise that George wasn't even at the O.R. and the girl coming in and saying all those things, you just get that nasty feeling in the pit of your stomach that you might just know the person lying on that bed.

Who else totally called Meredith saying that she loved Cristina? I was totally anticipating it while she was giving the little speech about how you should let the ones you love know that you love them. And I totally called Cristina hugging Meredith, lol. It was an odd sight to see them try be affectionate with each other but, it felt good too y'know? They both have been through a lot to get to where they are now.
Their journey together from where they began in the first season has been long and arduous. And really if you look at them closely, they're still the same people that they were. But they're just... Better at being the people that they are.

I felt sorry for Alex though. It's like he's going back and forth and he's just not sure who's doing the pushing. Like he was just crumbling underneath the pressure and he's not sure where to go. I get that he was scared and I'm sure Izzie did too. But it still hurt to watch.

I also did not appreciate Derek wanting to play hero with Izzie. Well, I've never appreciated that part of him. The one that always wants to save. The one that thinks he can save somebody just because he figured out a way. And yes, I know that he felt that he was doing it in Izzie's best interest. But I guess I felt like he was cornering her on it. Like his way is the only way. I didn't like that message.
And killing off Izzie's cancer-patient friend (Alison?) was just harsh. Actually, Izzie signing that DNR was pretty harsh.

Here's my opinion on the matter right. Izzie does the surgery, possibility she'd lose her memory, but likely she'll live longer. Izzie doesn't do the surgery, she'll die, don't know when, but most likely sooner than desired.
Damned if she does, damned if she doesn't.
Maybe I'm of the minority that feels that I'd rather die than lose my memory. Because my memory makes up for part of who I am as a person. As an individual. And to lose my memory, my characteristics, my traits might still be there in me. But my identity? My whole history? That's what completes me. Who am I, if not for my memories? I'd just be... Play-Doh. Like the Dolls from the Dollhouse. A shapeless mould waiting to be shaped. An empty slate waiting to be filled. And that mould, that empty slate... Is not going to end up being the me that I or anybody knows. It's going to be a completely different person, with different memories. So forgive me for being slightly attached to the memories I currently have.
I'm sure that being a different person with completely different memories, I wouldn't exactly miss the me before, but the people around me would have a problem with it, and in turn would make me have a problem with myself. It seems like a vicious cycle that I wouldn't want to put anybody through.

When Meredith realised that John Doe was actually George, that gasp she let out was just heart-breaking. I'm not a big fan of George but I know that he's a good guy. I mean hell, he is the kind of guy who would jump in front of a bus to save you. Not many people would do that. We'd like to think that we would, but not many of us actually would.
I don't know whether George will live or die, but I'm hoping that wherever T.R. is going, he will do well and be happy.

Looking forward to the next season, Shonda!

Chuck Episode Review: Chuck Versus the Dream Job (06/04/2009)

2009-04-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

That was such a Star Wars moment, eh? Finding out Orion is actually Chuck's dad. Who invented the Intersect. Crazy, right?
While Chuck's dad was rambling on and on about how he invented all those things, I had a sneaky suspicion that he wasn't talking crazy. And I was right!

I felt sad for Ellie though. That first moment when she saw him and said, "Pancakes." And then at the end, when she comes back and sees the plate of pancakes waiting for her. But I'm glad Awesome was there for her. And I really like that he humored Mr Bartowski.

What I kinda want to know is why Chuck didn't go to work for that IT company straight after he got his diploma? Because he did get his diploma... from the US government, yes, but still, got a diploma. And he could have gone anywhere with that.
It might be a better disguise than the Buy More because really, the bad guys just seem to know where to find the Intersect anyway so the Buy More wasn't really as effective as they think.

And I get why Morgan and Chuck are friends. But I really don't get why Morgan doesn't seem to do any growing up. I mean yes, his coming out and saying congrats to Chuck right there at the dinner table is keeping in line with his character but really, it's exactly like when Jeff and Lester were watching that photo slide show from the bachelor party and Ellie was walking past them. They are a string of events that are somewhat realistic, I guess, but seriously, make them less annoying! My eyes hurt from rolling back so much.

I read something about there being no news of NBC picking up Chuck for a third season? There's nothing official yet but usually we would hear something by now, I guess. But, I'm sure NBC won't be stupid and cancel Chuck, right? NBC is like the home for 30 Rock, The Office, My Name Is Earl, and hello, Parks and Recreation! I mean seriously, they're not FOX.

... I really didn't understand why Joss Whedon went with FOX to showcase Dollhouse really. It's like getting back with an ex-girlfriend who totally fucked you up the ass, and not in the way you wanted it. NBC would have been the perfect network for Dollhouse. And Fringe too. AND Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Jesus, Fox. Is it like, the women-fronted shows that you're canceling? 'Cause I remember well and clearly, that you cancelled Wonderfalls, Dark Angel, Firefly (okay, technically not women-fronted, but let's not crowd on technicality right now, I'm on a roll), Point Pleasant, Tru Calling, Canterbury's Law. Okay so I can maybe forgive a couple of them, but really, they were quality.

It's just sad that so many good shows get cancelled and some really bad ones keep sticking around, even when the ratings for the show slips by the week. They should start counting how many download these shows actually get, adding them with the ratings.

Seriously.

Bah! *walks off*

Chuck Episode Review: Chuck Versus the Broken Heart (30/03/2009)

2009-04-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

I have a weird sort of affection for General Beckmen. Even though she totally wants Chuck killed off as soon as the Intersect is gone from his brain. She's all about the job. And I have a feeling she's going to succumb under Chuck's very geeky charm eventually.
I'm a little weirded out with the very easy access she has to Chuck, but I think that might lead her to get to know him a little bit better, right? To know him as more than just as "Asset".

Now Sarah, I don't have a weird sort of affection for. Y'know, just the typical slightly crazy fan-girl lust.
Seriously though.
Every time I see her, this is what is running in my mind,

"XXX"

Yeah, exactly.

Obviously, I do care for her too. I did not like the whole deal with the 49B thing, even if it was Tricia Helfer.

But! Tricia Helfer in that cop outfit?

YEOW!

I could literally feel the drool pool in my mouth. And I knew that I just found the first woman (though fictional) that I would totally have hate-sex with. As long as she's not packing, I don't exactly want her to tranq me after she... arrives. She was a little too trigger-happy for my liking.

Though I don't get how she was good at the whole dancing stripper thing but not the nurse thing. It's like, she couldn't just come up with a back-up story when she and Chuck came out of that... closet, was it?

I knew that Sarah was going to find Chuck's dad for him. Because I know she loves Chuck. But she knows that she can't love him freely because then she'd lose her job. Both Chuck and Casey know that Sarah is the best handler for Chuck because of how she feels for him. And anyway, don't tell me that it's totally possible to keep your job and your feelings separate. Integrating yourself into somebody else's life, and pretending to play a big part in it, doesn't equal clear-cut and dry, people.
But I really do look forward to when Chuck and Sarah can somehow be together. They are sweet. When Chuck isn't annoying.
See, I'm not all about the gay.
... Well, until the next hot female agent that comes around and has freakishly hot chemistry with Sarah, lol.

I'm a little worried about Ellie and Awesome though. I'm really annoyed with Lester and Jeff most of the time. 5% of the time, I find them amusing. But the rest of the time, it's like "PLEASE SHUT UP."

Is it my imagination or were Chuck and Sarah totally going to kiss before his dad opened the damn trailer door? I was like, "NO, close that door you fucking hermit-who-lives-on-the-edge-of-the-earth!"

Oh and the gun foreplay between Casey and Agent Forrest? That was just... disturbing. Because I was already looking at her as more of the female version of Casey, so to me, it was like watching Casey doing foreplay, with himself. A hot himself with boobs and everything, but still... *shudders*

Grey's Anatomy Episode Review: Elevator Love Letter (26/03/2009)

2009-03-27T23:41:00.000-07:00

He finally understands her! *cries*

I seriously, seriously, applaud Meredith for the way she's been lately. I mean sure, she hasn't been all gung-ho with the surgery and everything but, she's working on something bigger than that. Herself. And man, is it showing.
After that episode when she told off those interns, I knew she was getting there. It makes me kind of tearful really, to see how far she's come.

In this episode, Derek proposes. Twice, and both times she turns him down because she knows that she doesn't deserve to be proposed that way. She doesn't want to be proposed by Derek like that, while he's still unsure, and cornering her to say yes because he thinks if she does, he can ace the surgery. She wanted him to realise that even without her saying "yes", he's still a brilliant neurosurgeon. It was a little touch and go for awhile there but he got his groove back. And I'm glad, because Derek's dark side? So obvious that he hadn't encountered it very much in his life.

The things he said to her in that elevator though (how funny was the Chief trying to keep her off the other elevator?), when he said that her dark and twisty isn't a weakness, but a strength; I cried. He finally gets her. Before I was shaky and meh about them being together because of that simple fact. I knew they loved each other but loving each other isn't always enough to keep you together. But now he finally sees it, I know I will be okay and support this relationship. Meredith deserves someone who doesn't just love her, but gets her. And he finally does.

Derek Sheperd: "If there's a crisis, you don't freeze. You move forward. You get the rest of us to move forward. Because you've seen worse. You've survived worse. And you know, we'll survive too. You say you're all dark and twisty, it's not a flaw. It's a strength. It makes you who you are."

On the flip side, Cristina's not faring well. Breaking up with Owen.
My heart ached when she hugged him after coming out of the bathroom. Though on a side-note, I think it's very awesome that Callie and Meredith worked together to keep him away from her. Meredith really is a mini-Bailey because who else in that hospital can get a man to lurk away with a look. Ain't nobody else but Bailey!
I think it was brave of Cristina trying to move forward from the choking. And you can see trying to regain some control when she said to let her determine when she's had enough. I had a feeling that after the sex, she'll realise that she was way past enough.

I miss Cristina and Meredith time so I'm happy when they get time to be with each other. I love them as friends because they get each other the best. Even when they've grown up and gotten better, they'll still get each other.

The only part I was very eye-rolley about was George. I mean jesus, fine, Izzie told Cristina first. Omigod, what a crime. It doesn't matter that she's going to go for some majorly hard surgery, she told Cristina first! Bitch!
I know that he's scared that she might die but it just didn't feel right to me.

The patient, the old lady that just kept coming back to life, and her people who'll always come, no matter how busy they actually are? I like that it was done in a light-hearted manner. Well, as light-hearted as possible since the old lady did actually finally die. It was a simple message that no matter what, having people around, ain't such a bad thing.

I know, I know.

2009-03-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since my last post. But in my defense, there hasn't really been anything that's caught my attention. It's the quiet time for movies, I guess. Well, I have a sort of guilty pleasure that I might want to catch the Hannah Montana movie. I blame all the Liley fanfiction, lol.

That is the sucky part of fanfiction, I guess, that there are moments when you wish to forget that in the fictional reality, it's sometimes just not what you want to see. It doesn't bother me too much otherwise it'd just make me stop watch everything and that's just not cool, lol.

But since it's a quiet time doesn't mean I won't post anything. I figure I can get to those TV reviews that I meant to do but never got the time to, so... you can watch out for that.

I (maybe) want to see this: Lesbian Vampire Killers (full trailer)

2009-02-17T16:45:00.000-08:00

Click to see the previous post with the first trailer

Release date: March 20, 2009

I want to see this: Dead Like Me: Life After Death

2009-02-17T06:47:00.000-08:00

Official site: IMDB site, Dead Like Me Movie
Director: Stephen Herek
Cast: Ellen Muth (George Lass), Callum Blue (Mason), Sarah Wynter (Daisy Adair), Jasmine Guy (Roxy Harvey), Britt McKillip (Reggie Lass)
Film info: After the departure of Rube Sofer, a new head reaper named Cameron Kane takes over. He's a slick businessman who couldn't care less about helping the newly dead. Chaos ensues and brings out the worst in Daisy and Mason who begin drinking anew. George and Reggie re-connect for the first time when George reaps a new friend of Reggie's.

I have been wanting to see this since I heard it announced. Which feels like forever ago. And although it's only going straight to DVD, I still can't wait to buy it. And yes, buy, not download. Because Dead Like Me is just that awesome. If you don't know it, buy/rent the first season, and I dare you to totally hate it.

I'm still upset that I won't be seeing Laura Harris as Daisy, *pouts*.

Release date: By some stroke of luck, the official site says that it should be released today. Yay!

I want to see this: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

2009-02-16T23:10:00.000-08:00

Official website: IMDB site, Tranformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Director: Michael Bay
Cast: Shia LaBeouf (Sam Witwicky), Megan Fox (Mikaela Banes), Josh Duhamel (Captain Lennox), America Olivo (Frisbee Girl), Rainn Wilson (College Professor)
Film info: The battle for Earth has ended but the battle for the universe has just begun. After returning to Cybertron, Starscream assumes command of the Decepticons, and has decided to return to Earth with force. The Autobots believing that peace was possible finds out that Megatron's dead body has been stolen from the US Military by Skorpinox and revives him using his own spark. Now Megatron is back seeking revenge and with Starscream and more Decepticon reinforcements on the way, the Autobots with reinforcements of their own, may have more to deal with then meets the eye. (source - imdb.com)

Okay, America Olivo? Seriously?
So much hotness in one very, fine body.

I really liked the previous Transformers movie. Though the famous Megan Fox scenes were definitely a bonus to witness, but it wasn't the thing that kept me watching. Though I do look forward to any more similar scenes in this next movie, should there be any. Pleasebeany,pleasebeany.
And add the fact that America Olivo is in this, even if just as a Frisbee Girl? Yeow. Momma, you can lay me down to sleep. As soon as I set my peepers on that lovely lady, that is.

Release date: June 24, 2009 (though according to the poster, it's 26th... Oh well)

I want to see this: Inglourious Basterds

2009-02-15T22:54:00.000-08:00

Official website: IMDB site, no official site found.
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Cast: Brad Pitt (Lt. Aldo Raine), Diane Kruger (Bridget von Hammersmark), Mélanie Laurent (Shosanna Dreyfus), Christoph Waltz (Col. Hans Landa), Mike Myers (General Ed Fenech), Samuel L Jackson (Narrator)
Film info: During World War II a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as "The Basterds" are chosen specifically to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. The Basterds soon cross paths with a French-Jewish teenage girl who runs a movie theater in Paris which is targeted by the soldiers.

Um, hello, Quentin Tarantino?

I'm so there I'm practically seated in the theatre.

Release date: August 21, 2009

I saw this: Prayers for Bobby

2009-01-29T16:49:00.000-08:00

Official website: Prayers for Bobby, IMDB site
Director: Russell Mulcahy
Cast: Sigourney Weaver (Mary Griffith), Henry Czerny (Robert Griffith), Ryan Kelley (Bobby Griffith)
Film info: In "Prayers for Bobby," Mary Griffith is a devout Christian who raises her children with the conservative teachings of the Presbyterian Church. However, when her son Bobby confides to his older brother he may be gay, life changes for the entire family after Mary learns about his secret. While Bobby's father and siblings slowly come to terms with his homosexuality, Mary believes God can cure him of what she considers his 'sin' and persuades Bobby to pray harder and seek solace in church activities in hopes of changing him. Desperate for his mother's approval, Bobby does what is asked of him, but through it all, the church's apparent disapproval of homosexuality causes him to grow increasingly withdrawn and depressed. Guilty over the pain he is causing Mary, Bobby moves away, yet hopes that some day his mother will accept him. His subsequent depression and self-loathing intensifies as he blames himself for not being the 'perfect' son and is driven to suicide. Faced with their tragedy, Mary begins to question her faith when she receives no answers from her pastor concerning her devastating loss. Through her long and emotional journey, Mary slowly reaches out to the gay community and discovers unexpected support from a very unlikely source. The film is based on the 1995 Leroy Aarons book of the same name. (source - prayersforbobby.com)

I just watched this last night, and god, I don't think I've ever cried so much for most, if not all of the time watching this movie. I am still overwhelmed by the sheer power a film that carries this subject matter could affect me as much as it does. But I guess it is understandable if you were to look at my own situation at the moment.

My one and only complaint about this movie is that it is too short and didn't allow us to see more of the evolution of Mary's acceptance about Bobby's homosexuality. Because it was slightly faster than I imagined it. I mean I understand that we're supposed to see that evolution from her continuous visits to see the priest at the MCC, Betty Lambert visiting her and the PFLAG meeting, but I guess I would have liked to see more than just that. Or more of that rather.

There were a few scenes that really struck me hard. I think the one that hit me the hardest was the one where Bobby is standing on the edge of the overpass, having flashbacks of his life. And the very last thing we hear is his mother saying "I don't have a gay son." I know I already heard it when they had the actual conversation, but I just felt like I couldn't breathe when I heard it again. Makes it harder to cry, I tell ya.

There were many references to the bible, which is to be expected. What is even more expected was the use of the passage in Leviticus. It's tired, I guess, to use pretty much the same passage every single time to make an argument against homosexuality. But I'm not going to talk about the bible. I haven't read it, except for the few passages that I have looked up. But I refuse to talk about something of which I don't have complete knowledge.

What I can say is what I think about this film. There is something that Mary says at the end, about how in God's eyes, it is love and kindness that really matters. And I find that it rings true, no matter what or who you are, love and kindness knows no boundaries. I have always said this in my blogs, that love just is. It doesn't judge who deserves it more or who doesn't deserve it at all. We don't have the right to judge that. We never had the right to begin with.

I don't believe in God. But I do believe in love. That it is what we aim for. That if there is a God, love would lead us to Him/Her. That love is boundless, and the highest of spiritual planes that we could reach.

This is a beautiful film to watch. It makes me feel grateful for the love I have experienced in my life, and look forward to the love I will experience in my life. Bobby never got to experience life as he could have. And it is for all the Bobbys in the world that we should live this life, and love with all that we are.

LiG Rating: A-

I'm watching this: United States of Tara

2009-01-28T22:12:00.000-08:00

Official site: United States of Tara, IMDB site
Creators: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Toni Collette (Tara Gregson/T/Buck/Alice), John Corbett (Max Gregson), Brie Larson (Kate Gregson), Keir Gilchrist (Marshall Gregson)
Show info: A woman struggles to find a balance between her dissociative identity disorder and raising a dysfunctional family.

I have always loved watching Toni Collette on screen. And not to mention that Diablo Cody (Juno) is the executive producer, so you're guaranteed that this would be funny.

I've seen so far three episodes of USoT and so far I am loving it as much as I thought I would. John Corbett as the faithful husband. Faithful meaning he actually doesn't even have intercourse with the other alters. Except for Buck, seeing as Buck is the male alter, lol. Brie Larson as Kate the teenage daughter, standing on the precipice, ready to dive into womanhood. And then there's Keir Gilchrist as Marshall, the sexually-ambiguous teenage son, who bakes Muffins of Triumph for his sister who got the lead in her ballet performance.
Well, I'm pretty sure he's gay, or my gay-dar needs rebooting.**

From what has been shown, Tara transitions into her alters whenever she's faced with a potentially traumatic situation. Like when she discovers condoms in Kate's bag, Tara turns into T, 15-year-old girl, who connects with Kate better than Tara does. Kate seems to like T better anyway. T also apparently likes to wear thongs. And while Toni has a very nice derriere, I would appreciate it if there were no more thong shots. Thank you.
Then there's Buck. The best word I can come up for Buck is that he's a redneck. Who spanks Kate's friend on the ass. Once, but still. That was just hi-larious.
Lastly, there's Alice. I call her Mrs Dalloway though. She's that perfect 50's wife, who bakes, cleans and irons for her husband. And wants to make babies. She's the desperate housewife that drinks during her private time. She says indirectly unpleasant things to people with a directly pleasant tone. She tells Kate off for not protecting her "flower" and washes her mouth with soap for being "scandalous".

Tara also has a sister (Charmaine. Yeah, I know, right?) who doesn't understand why her sister has alters at all. She believes that her sister is just acting. Sometimes she mistakes Dissociative Identity Disorder for Schizophrenia. Because yes, they are so easy to mix up.

When you watch the episodes together, you notice that the alters are there for a reason. They seem to help Tara come to term with certain parts of her life, even if she's not conscious of it. They help her deal with her day to day when things get hard.
But it's not all just about Tara, as we see how her family deals with it. And they seem to deal with her alter-transitions as smoothly as possible. It's nice that Tara has a supportive family, and they don't seem to be bothered too much about any negative responses as they are remarkably nonchalant when talking about Tara's disorder. I think from what it seems, they all know that Tara is better off without the meds, even when they know that they're going to be facing her alters at any given time.

Then there's the deeper meaning behind the alters' existence. In the third episode, Tara's sister's friend raised a topic about how everybody has a different personality for different situations. Like how you can be a meek, polite, dutiful daughter when you're around your parents, and then you somehow turn into an outspoken, opinionated, brash, stubborn woman when you're with friends (or certain other people). But I know, the difference for dissociative identity disorders, is that it's not as simple as that. For them, it's not a case about a different personality consciously coming to play, but it is a different personality unconsciously coming out.

But I've digressed completely.

I'll just end the post with this:
This is a so-far brilliant show filled with a lot of quirks, and is worth the half-hour that it fills. More, I say, more!

** - After watching the 3rd and 4th episode, yes, he is in fact, gay. Still don't know about his lady friend though. But yay, my gay-dar doesn't need rebooting!

I'm watching this: Leverage

2009-01-20T22:12:00.000-08:00

Official site: Leverage, IMDB site
Creators: John Rogers, Chris Downey
Cast: Timothy Hutton (Nathan Ford), Aldis Hodge (Alec Hardison), Christian Kane (Eliot Spencer), Beth Riesgraf (Parker), Gina Bellman (Sophie Deveraux)
Show info: A crew of high-tech crooks attempt to steal from wealthy criminals and corrupt businessmen.

First off, I just want to say, I completely worship Beth Riesgraf (Parker).

Parker is just cute, socially awkward and totally blunt. And she's a thief! Okay, that shouldn't be a thing to like about her, but really, her being a thief is really hot. And she is kind of intense sometimes, so there are some depths to her that we have yet to see, and I can't wait.
Her and Hardison would probably be the couple that everybody would want to see, after Nate/Sophie that is. I just can't help but see Parker as part of the sisterhood. But that's just my wishful thinking, I guess.

I just started watching this show, maybe a couple of weeks ago. It reminds me a lot of the show Hustle, except the people doing the hustling who do it for their own gain, are doing it for other people. To take down the Big Guy.

It starts out basically with Nate being asked for help by a Victor Dubenich, to watch over a team of con-people, who are stealing research that Victor said the competition stole from him. Everything starts smooth and ends just as, and the team separates because they're used to working alone. But then they meet again once they find out they haven't been paid. They realise that they had been screwed over by Victor, that they didn't take back what belonged to him, but just stole for him. So they decided to screw him over. And it was so well-executed, I could have cried, lol.
In the end of the pilot, they once again separate, only to come back together, just to say that they did an awesome job, and that maybe they could it do it again just one more time. And they go from there.

I like this show. It doesn't try to do more than what it is, but I guess that soon enough they'll get into the whole inter-office drama thing that they've got going. And it doesn't just focus on the lead character (Nate), but also on his team. Though, I have yet to see any history on Hardison, I'm sure I'll get to see it. We've seen a bit of Parker's (her abusive dad), Sophie's (her art thieving days) and Eliot's (his knocking-heads days).

... I still wish Parker was gay though, lol.

I want to see this: Fast & Furious (2nd trailer)

2009-01-15T22:23:00.000-08:00

Click to see previous post with the first trailer
(I didn't do a proper IWtST post on this movie, so here it is)

Official website: Fast & Furious Movie, IMDB site
Director: Justin Lin
Cast: Vin Diesel (Dominic Toretto), Paul Walker (Brian O'Conner), Michelle Rodriguez (Letty Marciano), Jordana Brewster (Mia Toretto)
Film info: When a crime brings them back to L.A., fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto reignites his feud with agent Brian O'Conner. But as they are forced to confront a shared enemy, Dom and Brian must give in to an uncertain new trust if they hope to out manuever him. And from convoy heists to precision tunnel crawls across international lines, two men will find the best way to get revenge: push the limits of what's possible behind the wheel.

Release date: April 3, 2009

Golden Globes review

2009-01-12T22:06:00.000-08:00

I just got done watching the Golden Globes, and man, that was entertaining. I enjoyed most of it. My not so favourite moment that makes the reason as to why I didn't fully enjoy the Golden Globes was Sacha Baron Cohen. I know, I know. He's a completely different brand of humour, but omigod, there's being funny-insulting and there's just plain insulting.

Although, to talk about the humour that was in that room. It was pretty broad. And some were pretty frank and harsh, in that funny way, but wow. It's not funny to be subtle anymore eh?

And I don't ever comment about what the actors wear to these shindigs, but omigod, Renee, what were you wearing?! You're so lucky I adore you.

I am happy for all the winners, especially Kate Winslet. Leaving empty-handed five times before, makes winning now all the sweeter, don't it?

Tina Fey's speech was legendary. Absolutely legendary.

I think the biggest surprise for most is Colin Farrell. Not because he won, but his speech showed a different side to him than what we see in the media. And I'm glad about that.

Sally Hawkins won for Happy-Go-Lucky (Best Actress in Comedy/Musical), and for just a nano-second, I was trying to remember where I saw her from. FINGERSMITH! But I'm glad she won for that because it's just nice to see. I mean really, you go up with Meryl Streep as the other nominee (who also did a brilliant job in Mamma Mia), and all the other talent in the group, how can you really be completely confident that you'd win?
She seems like a nice girl, so it's kind of nice to see a relative unknown win something like this.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona won Best Motion Picture, Comedy/Musical. And I'm sure I recall hearing Salma Hayek saying that she'd give her good friend Penelope Cruz a kiss when she won. Didn't see any of that happening! Although, I don't know if she actually said that if she'd do it if Penelope won, lol. I just heard the kiss part, and completely blanked.
... Can you really blame me?

I had a feeling that Slumdog Millionaire would come out on top. Mainly because from what I've seen of it, it's one of those movies that has to win. It's like that movie that just comes from out of nowhere. And I've got to tell you, seeing Shah Rukh Khan on that stage presenting, was kind of a pleasant surprise as well.

I think I'm slightly surprised about Anna Paquin winning for True Blood. I mean, I love True Blood, I think it's a pretty awesome show. But beating out Sally Fields in Brothers & Sisters? Come on!

The biggest thing about watching the Golden Globes for me, is to catch up on movies that I haven't seen and support the actors I admire. And find out about movies that are being planned. Like, okay, I know The Lovely Bones was going to be made into a movie, but I didn't know that it's already in post-production. Like seriously. I cannot wait to see that.

So, let's let me be superficial for a few minutes.
Susan Sarandon = fiiiiiine. She's a classy lady.
Blake Lively = hott. Everytime I see her, I just want to run my fingers through her lusciously lustrous blonde locks.
Kate Winslet = (needless to say, but oh-so-beautiful
Salma Hayek = goddess. No seriously.
Tina Fey = I could just eat her up
Olivia Wilde = Okay, I saw her for like a nano-second, but it was a second of complete hotness.
Megan Fox = ...different, but her dress kinda made her look yummy.
Freida Pinto = yummy

Favourite quotes!
By a presenter
"Shhhh. Hello, mama talkin'." (Jennifer Lopez, telling the crowd to be quiet)

"How rude are you lot?" (Ricky Gervais, after trying to tell the crowd to be quiet, lol)

"We're TV actors. Yeah." (Rainn Wilson, reminding the movie actors that it's not just all about them)

By a winner
"Oh, ‘please wrap up.’ You have no idea how much I’m not wrapping up." (Kate Winslet - Best Dramatic Actress, for Revolutionary Road. Her second win of the night.)

"Thank you. I want to say thank you to the Hollywood Foreign Press. I’ve always loved the Hollywood Foreign Press and I have all the action figures. But I want you to really know how lucky I am to have the year I've had this year and, if you ever start to feel too good about yourself, they have this thing called the Internet! You can find a lot of people there who don't like you! I'd like to address some of them now! BabsonLacrosse, you can suck it. DianeFan, you can suck it. Cougar Lover, you can really suck it 'cause you've been after me all year. And to my husband, Jeff, I love you. Thank you very much!" (Tina Fey - Best Actress, TV Comedy/Musical)

"I want to dedicate this prize, as we promised to do, to the eight beautiful production babies who were born in our tiny studio in Tel Aviv during the making of Waltz in Bashir. I hope one day when they grow up, they watch this film together and they will see the war that takes place in the film … it will look like an ancient video game that has nothing to do with their lives…" (Ari Folman - Foreign Language Picture)

"at the end of the day, I think what we all do in some way, shape, or form — I hate to wax lyrical — is about love. Curiosity is love. It’s ignorance’s nemesis." (Colin Farrell - Best Actor, Comedy/Musical)

Oh! And it was also cool to see Steven Spielberg win the Cecil B. DeMille award for all his life's work in the film industry. It was awesome to see just how many movies and TV stuff he's been involved in. And man, he did a lot! It must have been pretty overwhelming to see just how far you've come right up there on screen, especially with some actors who have been in your movies/TV shows are right there in the audience.

So yeah, that was cool.

Now, I just need to actually watch these movies, lol.

I want to see this: Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li

2008-12-31T07:01:00.000-08:00

Official site: IMDB site, Street Fighter movie
Director: Andrzej Bartkowiak
Cast: Kristin Kreuk (Chun-Li), Chris Klein (Charlie Nash), Neal McDonough (Bison), Moon Bloodgood (Detective Maya Sunee), Michael Clarke Duncan (Balrog)
Film info: Devastated by the kidnapping of her father, Chun-Li takes to the streets of Hong Kong, embarking on an epic quest for justice – and hurtling toward a confrontation with a seemingly unstoppable foe.

Kristin Kreuk makes me melt.

And really, who in the world did/does not play Street Fighter? I loved playing it when I was younger. And I am kind of interested in how video games get made into movies. I haven't really seen anything too spectacular I guess but I'm not really going into this with any expectations. Just plain wondering.

Release date: February 27, 2009

I (maybe) want to see this: Lesbian Vampire Killers (teaser trailer)

2008-12-30T07:22:00.000-08:00

Official site: IMDB site, Lesbian Vampires Killers Movie
Director: Phil Claydon
Cast: Paul McGann (Vicar), James Corden (Fletch), Mathew Horne (Jimmy), Myanna Buring (Lotte), Silvia Colloca (Carmilla)
Film info: Their women having been enslaved by the local pack of lesbian vampires thanks to an ancient curse, the remaining menfolk of a rural Welsh town send two hapless young lads out onto the moors as a sacrifice.

As I said, I kind of maybe want to see this 'cause even though there are lesbian vampires, they will most likely be killed. By two hapless young lads. So it doesn't really appeal to me too much. But still, I'd see it... Just to give it a chance.

Release date: March 20, 2009

I want to see this: X-men Origins: Wolverine

2008-12-18T07:14:00.000-08:00

Official site: IMDB site, X-Men Origins
Director: Gavin Hood
Cast: Hugh Jackman (Logan/Wolverine), Ryan Reynolds (Wade Wilson/Deadpool), Liev Schreiber (Victor Creed/Sabretooth), Dominic Monaghan (Barnell Bohusk/Beak)
Film info: Hugh Jackman reprises the role that made him a superstar – as the fierce fighting machine who possesses amazing healing powers, retractable claws and a primal fury. Leading up to the events of X-Men, X-Men Origins: Wolverine tells the story of Wolverine’s epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe whose appearances in the film series have long been anticipated.

I love X-Men. Loved the movies. Love the comics.
I can't wait to see this.

Release date: May 1, 2009

I'm watching this: Anyone But Me

2008-12-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

Official site: IMDB site, Anyone But Me
Cast: Rachael Hip-Flores (Vivian McMillan), Nicole Pacent (Aster), Joshua Holland (Archibald), Jessy Hodges (Sophie)
Show info: When 16 year old Vivian McMillan has to move from New York City to the suburbs, her relationships, past and present, are tested. And her identity goes through seismic changes. The daughter of a NYC firefighter, Vivian has no choice but to leave the city with her dad after health problems he suffered trying to save people on September 11th force him to retire. This moving, funny, and relevant new drama speaks to all ages and hearts as it follows the journey of six teenagers and the adults who try to understand them.

I have seen so far four episodes and about two interludes and I am loving this web series. Particularly the relationship between Vivian and Aster, how the series portrays their relationship as a couple going through the motions of a long-distance relationship is very true to life. Well, the way they portray the couple as they are, rings true to life as well. Which is always good seeing as we very rarely see gay couples being portrayed as true to life.

And is it just me, or does Aster kinda look like Angelina Jolie at certain angles?

I'm looking forward to see how Vivian deals with coming out again. Will she come out, or will she be outed? What's going to happen to her and Aster, seeing that their relationship is already starting to rock slightly?

Can't wait to find out!

Watch this on: Strike TV - Anyone But Me

I saw this: Teeth

2008-09-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

So I finally got to see this movie, after having heard of it more than a year ago. At first, all I ever really heard about it, was that it was about a girl with vagina dentata. Let me just say, right off the bat, that a movie with that premise could not have a happy ending. Or at least, it'll have a funny dark ending. And I was right, on both counts. Because this is probably the first movie that I can remember in a long time, where I actually feel sorry for guys who try to take advantage of girls.

Now here's the official movie poster.
After having seen the movie, I don't think that the poster even half visually describes just how frightening the movie actually is. So I went to the official website and found this to be more... Appropriate.
Official website: Teeth Movie
Director: Mitchell Lichtenstein
Cast: Jess Weixler (Dawn O'Keefe), John Hensley (Brad), Hale Appleman (Tobey)
Film info: High school student Dawn works hard at suppressing her budding sexuality by being the local chastity group's most active participant. Her task is made even more difficult by her bad boy stepbrother Brad's increasingly provocative behavior at home. A stranger to her own body, innocent Dawn discovers she has a toothed vagina when she becomes the object of violence. As she struggles to comprehend her anatomical uniqueness, Dawn experiences both the pitfalls and the power of being a living example of the vagina dentata myth.

You know how it goes, you want to see the movie and don't want to be spoiled, just stop right here. Otherwise, read on.

For the first part of the film, it was pretty slow. But it definitely picked up when her va-jay-jay (Thank you Shonda) bit her? it's? first victim, a guy in her chastity group who wasn't really that pure to begin with, and thought that since the feeling of liking each other was mutual, decided to take advantage of it. I have got to say, I never thought I could hear a scream so filled with pain like that. And couple that with the psychological sympathy you already automatically get when a guy gets kicked in the nuts, ten-fold. Like seriously.

It explained a lot that she would champion the chastity group. But then I thought at first that she knew about it. Nope. It turns out that when she bit her first guy, that's when she realised that there must have been something about her. And that is when we find out about the dentata thing. She clings to it like it's the Holy Grail. The story about the woman with the toothed vagina and that a mythical hero has to defeat her, blah blah.
So she went to this guy (name escapes me... as he was pretty forgettable) because she thought she killed Tobey, and her mother had just been admitted in the hospital. Oh, and also her vagina just bitten four fingers off a gynecologist. So the guy was being sweet at first, got her to take a bath, which was the scene in the official movie poster. Then he whips out the candles, and the wine and you just know, it's not going to end well. But you have to give him props for using "I'm your mythical hero" line. And he did succeed for awhile. And then he does the most douchey thing ever, and he gets his bitten off, lol.
My favourite line? "Some hero!" I was laughing my ass off.

Her step-brother Brad, is strongly inappropriate by the way. And you could tell from the first moment they interact, that he's got major wood for Dawn. We find out eventually just how much he does feel for her later though. It was somewhat surprising hearing it and I almost wanted him to be the "hero". But then when Dawn finds out that Brad had ignored her mother when she fainted, she hatched a plan. It's pretty cruel but it's that scene when she's putting on her make-up before going to Brad, that's when you start realizing that Dawn might just be starting to know what she can do, to bring justice.

This final image is the last we see of Dawn before the final credits. She had just left town, and hitch-hiked with some old guy. A pervy old guy, so you know where I'm going with that. And with that smile she directs to him(us), we know where she's going with that. I have to say though, her smirk is downright sexy.

There were things I would have liked to be explained, so I was kind of annoyed with being out of the loop there. Jess was pretty good as the innocent and so very naive Dawn. She made it believable that she just didn't know what was going on, and in the ending, finally come to her own, I thought that was the best part.
I definitely do not regret watching it. This movie sort of reminds me of Hard Candy as well, except without so much of the sex, and more of the castration part, lol. It's not as dark funny as Hard Candy either, but it has it's moments.

LiG Rating: B+

I saw this: Spartan

2008-03-01T22:56:00.000-08:00

I know you do not know how deep my affections for a certain Miss Bell go... And I'm here to tell you, they go deeper than a Yeats poem.

Veronica Mars. Elle Bishop. Gossip Girl. Mary Lane.
Love. Love. Love.
So some time ago, I decided to peruse through her backlog... Rent/buy some of other movies/TV shows she's been in. Which is how I came to own 'Spartan'.

(I'm going to be sort of recapping/reviewing the movie, so if you want to watch the movie, skip over until the very last paragraph... 'Cause there's going to be some maaaajor spoilers.)

It's a movie about a teenage girl who gets kidnapped. I don't think you'd really miss the whole point of the movie when everybody and their mother seem to be asking the same damn question, "Where is the girl?"
She also happens to be the daughter of a US government official. Kind of high up on that political ladder. And because of that, the Secret Service are looking for her. Which is where Robert Scott(Val Kilmer) comes in. He's the typical, world-weary, bitter-looking, cynical military dude.

They basically discover that she's been kidnapped by some guys, involved in the foreign sex trade. Something about Arabian tourists liking pretty blonde girls. So they were getting ready to go to Dubai... To save her, but then a news broadcast comes up saying that she (and her professor) washed up on the beach, dead. Drowned from being too strung up on coke. So they abandoned the whole mission.
But obviously, since this is actually a conspiracy movie, that's not the end. Curtis (some newbie) finds Robert, and shows him an earring that he found while they were looking for those Arab men, begging the question, if her earring's there, how did she end up washed up on the shore?
Scott (Val's character): How did they fake the DNA?
Secret Service Agent: You don't fake DNA. You issue a press release.
I would have laughed at that... If it weren't so darn true.

So after a whole broohaha, Robert discovers that it was all a cover-up, because on the day the girl was kidnapped, the official statement was that she was having lunch with her dad. But it turns out she didn't. In fact, her own father took her security detail, leaving her defenseless, so he could go... indulge himself with another woman. And when they found out that she was kidnapped, his handlers told him to just let her go because it's Election Year. And if they saved her, people would find out that the reason she was kidnapped was because her dad was too busy boinking some woman to be with her.

So Robert goes to Dubai to save the girl, which he does. And we also discover that she knew the reason she was kidnapped, that her dad was off, elsewhere. And understandably, she doesn't want to go back home.
But Robert's warmth and cuddliness (sarcasm, mind), convinces her to go back. And then they find themselves being chased by the same Secret Service people who were trying to cover the whole thing up. Robert gets shot, but Laura (that's Kristen btw, and yes, it is only nearer to the end of the movie where we finally see her) is put away on a plane. Saved by a journalist and her team. Irony, seriously.

In the end, we see a press conference where the Big Kahuna in the prior investigation took credit for the save. Okay, he didn't really say it, but it was pretty much implied that he was taking the credit. And he's giving this eye-rolling speech about how daughters are "the souls to this great country".
Excuse me while I vomit a little.

All things aside, I liked the movie. It was entertaining, and Kristen as always, did an amazing job. And Val Kilmer was pretty decent as the guy who is used to following orders and not asking questions, and then gradually finding out that maybe you should break the rules sometimes to do the right thing. And William H Macy can never really go wrong. He can do creepy and scary very well.

But god, the whole premise of the story? Sex slavery, and conspiracies? Not that it's anything new, what with the vast amounts of conspiracy theories going around the world. And not just that, the Secret Service's really facile way of accessing peep-holes into anybody's world, it's very unsettling. And it's upsetting.
Plus, I was rooting for Kristen to not go back home either. Oh well.

I give the movie a B+ because even though I didn't see Kristen till almost the end of the movie... I was hooked and very involved with what was going on. It's not that Hollywood movie where there's guns blazing and bombs exploding, because they know that the story is enough to keep people in their seats. Not for everybody... There is no happy ending, and that's what makes this movie real.

Living In Gray (LiG) Rating: B+