Paper Girls - Amazon Prime

 

I know this is based on an excellent comic book but I have not read it nor do I know anything about it. But the main characters are girls and I know it is a popular story so I added it to our watch list last year. 

I am so glad I did. What an excellent series!! The girls were fantastic and the story was extra wild but really good. I didn’t have any issue trying to follow along with the story and while I may have missed some tie ins from the comic book series I don’t think it was anything critical. 

It’s good that I felt satisfaction with the ending since it will not have a second season. Not that I wouldn’t watch more if they had gone on but I felt closure with the story as told. 

The casting was incredible. I easily believed the versions we were shown and I wonder how the actors felt looking at versions of themselves. 

The music in this series was awesome too! Lots of "oldies but goodies" :) 

4 paws

Arcane - Netflix series

We came to see Toks Olagundoye as Mel and we were treated to one of the most incredible shows all around. Seriously, I have nothing negative to say … except I want more. And luckily, while we watched season one, we found out season two is coming this year. 

I have zero knowledge about the League of Legends game this is based on but I had no issue following along and easily being in the story. In fact, I was so into the story that when we had to stop watching the first night I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened and what was to come. I was impatiently waiting to get back to the series. 

One of the main things I loved about the series was the music. Both the score and the soundtrack were other characters in the episodes and were integral to the storytelling. 

The animation is like nothing I’ve seen before but then I don’t play any video games. But then I also don’t know if the animation in this series is the same as the game either. 

I think the voice actors for the characters were perfectly matched and I adored Toks as Mel. Her character was so layered and grew during the season, it was a joy to watch and listen. 

4 paws and a tail

Good Omens - Season One

Amazon prime is where you can find this Neil Gaiman goodie. 

Although I wasn’t as enthralled as I expected through the first two episodes, it did find its footing with me as it went along. I felt like I was watching Monty Python and while I like some of their shows, there are some parts I don't like and I worried about this when it first started. But I hung in there and as I said, it did get better for me and I ended up enjoying it.

The kids were incredible and I feel like they had to really push themselves in their roles as they had very difficult tasks and stories to move through. I adored the relationship between Aziraphale and Crowley and I am sure this is why so many of my friends love this series ;)

I would definitely caution anyone who is easily offended religiously and possibly even generally. This is quite a heavy story and covers many controversial topics. It think overall though it can lead to many good conversations about religion, good and evil and what it means to be a human being.

I have never read the story that any of this is based on but I know Neil Gaiman is a brilliant storyteller so I know we will be watching season 2.

3 paws

And don't forget to check out The Hillywood Show's pardoy of Good Omens on YouTube after you watch the first season!!

The Umbrella Academy- Seasons 1, 2 and 3

Another series that I absolutely LOVE!! 

And again a comic book series I know nothing about at all and it didn't hinder me from loving this 1000%!

I adored the cast, the story, the MUSIC, the special effects, the everything!  

Brainwise filled me with the limited information he had but many times if we had just waited a little longer, the story told me what I was wondering about. 

I am in awe of Aidan Gallagher who plays Five. His range was incredible. He had to do so much and it seemed to come so easily to him. I am very curious what he did to learn how to play old so well. Completely in awe of him.

Elliot Page as Vanya/Viktor was incredible. I love that his real life story was told through this series. So moving and an integral part of the story. The violin music used during the first season was so touching and moving. I saw that the episode titled The White Violin was up for quite a few awards and I can see (and hear) why.

Pogo! Oh my goodness Pogo. Whoever was responsible for his creation for the TV screen, they deserve all the awards and all the money. I wanted to hug Pogo so much. He was just incredible and at no time could I tell that he wasn't real. Simply incredible.

Justin H. Min as Ben broke my heart and Robert Sheehan as Klaus was perfection. Klaus was outrageous and I love him. David Castaneda as Diego and Ritu Arya as Lila were a lesson in love and conquering all things. Jordan Claire Robbins as Grace had an incredible arc and was integral to so many parts of the story. 

Tom Hopper as Luther and Emmy Raver-Lampman as Allison were the most "normal" of all the cast and I would love to be their friends. Lastly, Colm Feore as Reginald Hargreeves was certainly the man you loved to hate and hated to love. Colm portrayed Reginald to perfection and everytime I see Colm's real life photo I can not believe he was Reginald - incredible acting, makeup and getting lost in a role.

I could go on and on about all the characters and actors who portrayed them from the three season, so let's just say there were no weak links and I think everyone was perfectly cast and brought their A games to their characters and the story.

I loved how all the episodes weaved in and out of each other, with everything having meaning and purpose. The music was perfection! Even the choice of covers over originals at times made all the difference in how the song hit and/or fit in a scene. Brainwise already said he wants to create a CD of all the music in order from the three seasons.

I am happy there is a 4th season coming because I am not ready to say goodbye to my new friends but I am also extremely satisfied with how the story went, was told and "ended"(?).

4 paws and a tail of 7 cats ;)

The Mandalorian - Season 3

 

By far one of my favorite shows of all time. I adore everything about this show: the characters, the stories, the music, the visuals. I don’t even know what else I can say to state how much I love this show. 

I laugh, I cry, I yell, I scream and I just coo all over for Grogu. 

I love how even the smallest parts of the episode mean something and ties things together, even things that may not have been shown yet. When you think “why are we seeing this now?” You realize an episode or so later “ooohhh that’s why.” It’s the long game sometimes when watching and I’m here for it. 

Katee Sackhoff is perfect as Bo-Katan and as much as I love Giancarlo Esposito I am so over Moff Gideon. Lol 

4 paws 

Dune - 2021 movie

 

So I know absolutely nothing about Dune except it is about a desert. Yup, that's all, that's it. But when Brainwise stated I wasn't interested in watching the 2021 movie, I stopped him and said I was actually interested. A friend of mine thought I would like it, so we watched it. All 2 hours and 30+ minutes of it. Here are some of my reviews:

1) The music is OUTSTANDING!!!

2) The visuals are UNBELIEVABLE!!!

3) The cast is INCREDIBLE!!!

4) The story ... wellll ... I am not really sure...

I must say I am definitely looking forward to Part 2, so hopefully I can come back to this post and talk about #4 :)

I thought Timothee Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson were perfect in their roles. There are so many recognizable faces in this movie it was almost a distraction but everyone played their parts perfectly. 

Hans Zimmer was brilliant with his music. It was a whole other character in the movie. 

I say definitely check it out and then read the trivia on IMDB after you watch it to see all the crazy tidbits there are about the movie and the cast. 

3 paws     But only because I need the rest of the story 🙂

Black Panther - Wakanda Forever

 Dangrdafne review

What a wonderful tribute to Chadwick Boseman. So many tears. It truly was a wonderful story that included the loss of Chadwick and made it all work. I truly hope that the ceremony in the movie helped the actors deal with the loss. I felt that it helped me and felt that it allowed the public to be a part of the funeral.

I absolutely adored all the woman power in this movie. During the scene on the bridge I even said "there are three women of color as the main heroes in this movie!" I was blown away by the action and their stories. The actresses are excellent at their jobs and I am grateful for their portrayal of these incredible superheroes.

The costuming for this movie was beyond spectacular. Angel Bassett's outfits were out of this world beautiful and added even more to her beauty. I want to cosplay every outfit she wore. The white ceremony outfits were also simply beautiful and angelic. It was pure glorious beauty on the screen. I hope the costumers win the Academy Award for this movie.

I loved the music in this movie too. I feel like I don't recall lyrics in past Marvel movies, but I could just be misremembering, but each song really fit into the scenes and I definitely will seek out the soundtrack for this movie. I was a little thrown by the new Panther music but it does work very well. I do miss the tribal sound that was in the first movie but I understand why it wouldn't be in this one without Chadwick.

Namor was well done and the special effects for him were seamless and I was very impressed with how realistic he was. I did mention during the one underwater scene that even though I liked Aquaman, that this was the Aquaman movie that one was trying to be ;) Again I have no history with any of these characters, so I had no issues as some do and I liked the story and the portrayals.

I am grateful that some how I was not spoiled on anything in this movie and I will not spoil anything here now. I did figure out one thing while the movie progressed but I am ok with that. It is best if you can just watch and let everything unfold. I think it was an excellent story, told very well.

I do definitely wish we saw this movie in the theater, as I think it would have been all encompassing and hit even harder for the action but I am also so glad I was at home to cry throughout this movie.

Another excellent addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

4 paws

She Hulk: Attorney at Law Season 1

 Dangrdafne review:

I have never read anything with She Hulk and I don't know anything about her. I do love Tatiana Maslany though and she is perfect in this role. She perfectly portrays both Jennifer Walters and She Hulk. I am also a fan of Ginger Gonzaga from her other roles and I think she is wonderful as Nikki Ramos. And of course Mark Ruffalo is wonderful.

I did have to ask some questions of Brainwise while we watched and he added lots of back story and context that helped me with the series. He even pointed out some really, really good "Easter eggs" that weren't so hidden but I didn't catch them but appreciated them once I was made aware. Some I missed due to lack of knowledge and some I missed due to lack of memory from the other series that tie into this one. The length of time between the series and the other stories it was pulling from for the Easter Eggs was waaaay too long for my memory but when I was reminded of the connection, I was impressed and jealous of those who got to enjoy it in real time :)

The music in each episode is perfectly picked and always adds to the story. I will be on the lookout for a soundtrack.

I definitely had a hard time watching the horrific treatment of the woman characters in the show but that is the point. It just makes me so sad and that did hinder me being able to fully engage with the show and to fully enjoy it. And then reading some of the social media posts about the show made me even sadder and sick to my stomach. It is quite amazing how many males hate females or anyone that isn't male.

3 paws

Spirited

 Dangrdafne review: 

When I first saw a teaser for this, I thought it looked interesting. But I admit, I was not sure I was going to like the humor. Then I saw some friends who raved about it and again their humor is not the same as mine for liking things. So I was pretty sure I wouldn't watch it but here it was Christmas Day and I thought we should check it out.

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! I am soooooo glad I didn't listen to myself. This movie was incredible! 

It is another take on A Christmas Carol but "modern" and filled with incredible music and dancing. Simply put, this will be added to our annual list of movies to watch. My feet are still tapping 24 hours later. This movie really sticks with you but in the best ways.

While there were still some cringing moments of humor, it just wasn't enough to warrant me to not like the movie and to not highly recommend it. 

The cast was absolutely incredible: Octavia Spencer was splendid, Ryan Reynolds was perfect and Will Ferrell was fantastic. All supporting cast were wonderful and the singers and dancers were spectacular. There were so many references to other movies and the songs and script was so clever and well written. 

I actually want to watch it again already just to see all that I might have missed the first time and to listen to all the music again ;)

4 paws

Thor: Love and Thunder

 Dangrdafne review

I was really looking forward to this movie the other night. I had heard some not good things but I try to not let it get to me and form my own opinion. Well, after watching it ... I wasn't thrilled with it and I am sad for that. 

I think the first two thirds of the movie was meh and the last third was good and more like the Thor movies I like. It all just felt a little frenetic, thrown together and it spent more time on trying to get ideas into the movie rather than things that served the story.

I don't mind a humorous Thor but it has to work for the story and most of the humor just didn't work for me this time. Something was off. I also felt like some information was missing. How did God Killer figure out his end game? Brainwise filled in how it might have happened but it certainly was not in the movie.

The music was awesome! Guns N Roses used to perfection.

My biggest question is ... why Russell Crowe? Oh my that casting just did NOT work for me and what was up with the accent. I just didn't get it or understand. 

I'm grateful that the movie was only 2 hours long but honestly they should have made it longer and filled in the missing information... and removed some questionable humor. 

 The death and love themes saved this movie from being 1 paw from me.

2 paws

Encanto

 Dangrdafne review

What a glorious movie!

So lush, beautiful, happy, celebratory, deep, true to life and wonderful. 

I have recently admitted I’m not a huge animated Disney movie fan. This one bucks that trend. I bopped along with every song. I laugh, I cried, I cheered, I identified waaaay too much with these characters. 

Luisa’s song, Surface Pressure, may be one of my favorite Disney songs now. Just perfect! And a touch too true to life and on the nose for so many women and people overall. 

I highly recommend this movie to have a little Disney therapy and to dance and hum along for some great fun. 

4 paws 

The Book of Boba Fett

 Dangrdafne review

I truly love the world of this show and The Mandalorian. They are intrinsically tied together and they use each other well. Jon Favreau knows his way around this world and is a great story teller. He puts so much life into faceless characters and droids and makes you care for each character.

I will say I did not love this show as much as The Mandalorian BUT since I adored The Mandalorian more than I could have imagined, that leaves a lot of love to still be shared with Boba Fett :)

The story telling was verrrrry different and I had trouble sometimes remembering where we were in the time line but I had faith it would all shake out in the end and it certainly did and in retrospect I liked the way the story was told. I think if it were told traditionally it would have been too plain and boring for the story and would have been a disservice to the characters.

And of course, I don't think this is a spoiler and sorry if it is, I extra loved the episodes with The Mandalorian in them. I was grateful that I didn't have to wait for season 3 to see him again.

Ming-Na is incredible as Fennec Shand in this series and is a perfect match for Boba Fett. She is strong and powerful and a great leader. I believe I would still like the Fennec Shand character even without Ming-Na BUT it is definitely enhanced because of her. She just brings such power to her roles and I appreciate how hard she works to be true the characters.

Again the music was incredible. It was a whole other character in the show and I love everything about it. I love that the characters have their music and then how it is used in the episodes to enhance scenes and the story. I am in awe of the creativity and talent required to create the music and add it to each show.

I loved how much we laughed, cheered, yelled and cried, oh yes we cried... so much. I am 100% invested in this world, the characters, the music, the stories, and every aspect of these shows. Making family from non-related characters is my favorite and Boba Fett brings it all!!

I remember being in Star Wars Land in Disney World in Orlando FL in February 2020 for the first (and only) time and falling in love with it. I don't really know why overall but I just loved it. It was immersive and amazing and it played to all my senses. I get that same feeling watching The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. I am all in and I can't wait to see more.

4 paws and a tail

and an extra 4 paws and a tail for the episodes with The Mandalorian in them ;)

Doom Patrol Season 3 - HBO Max

 Dangrdafne review:

Well this was quite the long con (for lack of a better term). 

But worth it for the pay off at the end.

I loved the three characters who show up in Dead Patrol. I hear there could be a spin off for them and I’m in if it is the same actors. I know absolutely nothing about these characters but Brainwise does and when I said the actors seemed perfectly fit to the roles he agreed.  

Michelle Gomez was beyond perfection in her role this season. I adore her as is but I think I love her even more now. She is simply amazing in her roles and this one is no exception. Good, bad, both, don’t know… maybe it doesn’t matter. Watching her is worth every second of this season. 

I was worried when a few sections seemed very disjointed and not tied to the season but it paid off. Patience was definitely a virtue this season.  Especially during the Undead Patrol. Definitely not my favorite episode but needed to fill in the season long story. 

I loved how the season all intersected and each piece was needed to tell the story. At the end, I could see how thought provoking it all was and I was quite moved by each character and their growth. One thing I always look for in a show is the growth of the characters. It doesn't have to be huge or major but anything that moves the character forward works for me and keeps me interested. The best thing I can say now is... when does Season 4 air??!!

Before the last two episodes I had 3 paws for the season but after watching the final 2 episodes and seeing the full completed puzzle I now rate season 3 of Doom Patrol...

4 paws 

and

4 paws and a tail for Michelle Gomez 

His Dark Materials - HBO Max

 Dangrdafne review:

This post was originally only going to cover Season 1 but we couldn’t stop watching, so it is a post for both seasons.

I listened to the audio book for The Golden Compass years ago and I saw the 2007 movie version of The Golden Compass but that is it. So I am missing the rest of the Dark Materials: The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass.

That said, it did not ruin my enjoyment of this series. WOW!!!! The music is incredible, the cinematography is immense and the CGI is barely noticeable to me. Dafne Keen as Lyra is perfection. Exactly how I pictured/remembered her from the book. The animals/daemons are simply adorable and created perfectly. There are many times I wondered if they were real or not, to me that is a good sign of the amount of time they took to create them.

I would say the weak spot of the whole series for me is Lin-Manuel Miranda as Lee Scoresby. He was not gruff enough and he was too happy, even sounding like he was rhyming at times and that is not the Lee Scoresby I remember from the book. But again it was not enough to ruin the series for me and I am more than grateful that Lee Scoresby exists in the series for reasons I will not spoil.

I did remember a lot of the Golden Compass but since this is not distinctly one book per season, but almost I think,  there were things I didn't know during the first season and I knew even less in the second. I will add that watching the two seasons now, I want to go back and re-read the first book and read the other two books. I am curious as to what was different and if it made a difference. Since it has been so long since my reading and watching the first book, I could not recall what was in the book or not in the series.

Again, like so many other shows we have watched lately, it is another very timely tale and I am sure my blood pressure must go up while we are watching. There are so many storylines that just get me so angry but it is all necessary and part of the story. I am sad we have to wait quite some time for season 3 but I will patiently wait as I know it will be well worth it.

4 paws 

Titans season 2 - HBO Max

 Dangrdafne review

I told you this was a show I couldn't stop binging. I JUST posted about season one and we have already finished season 2.

WOW, WOW, WOW

I really feel like everyone involved in this show has been waiting to make this show. They are Titans in the industry and they have all just been waiting for everything to align to make this dream show. Each actor is perfectly cast for their character, the cinematography is spectacular and the writing is superb. I just can not get over this show. I love it.

Season two did have a rougher start than season one especially since season one was the longest introduction to a show ever but worth every second. But it didn't take me long to fall right back into step with everyone. I love the storytelling on the show and the character study episodes are like individual movies of their own. The episode "Conner" had me forgetting what show we were watching and thinking it was a whole different show (and that is not a bad thing to me). Impressive!!

One big change for season 2 was the music. Season one episodes closed with the Titans theme, which I love. Season two closes each episode with a perfect story matching song. This was a strange change at first but each song was thoughtful and perfect and some of my favorites.

I don't know when season 3 will exist but I am ready and waiting for it. 

In the meantime, there is another show that I like just little more than this one... and you all know that is a huge statement since I have been raving about Titans for 2 weeks now. Stay tuned right here to see what my favorite show is, even more than this one - if that seems possible.

4 paws and a tail

Jingle Jangle

Dangrdafne review:

If you watch any new Christmas movie this year please make it Jingle Jangle on Netflix. 

It is a glorious film. It is eye candy, ear candy and best of all soul candy. 

The costumes are incredible, the music is spectacular with moving and inspiring lyrics and the story warms the soul. 

Each actor is perfectly matched to their character and the singing is amazing. Every child should see this movie and they should pay special attention to the Possible song sung by the young girl. Tears come to my eyes just remembering this beautiful moment.

I remember reading the review in Entertainment Weekly and being so excited to see this movie. The writer was so enthralled with the movie that it came through directly to me and made me want to see it too. This was the first night hubby and I had time together to watch. It was worth the wait! And I’m ready to watch it again already. 

I am not going to discuss the story at all as you should experience all the wishes and wonder for yourself. Please treat yourself and your family and watch Jingle Jangle and believe in the impossible. 

4 paws and a tail!!

Dead to Me - Season 2 - Netflix

Dangrdafne review - NO spoilers are here

Dead to Me season 1 and 2 are over the top. Waaaay over the top and I love it. Both seasons are amazing and I love that each season is 10 episodes at 30 minutes an episode. It isn’t long and drawn out, well I guess the overall story is but it is so good and you just want to know what happens. So sit back and enjoy the crazy. Let yourself be fooled. Yell at the characters and pray none of this ever happens to you.

Christina Applegate (Jen) and Linda Cardellini (Judy) are incredible actresses. The emotions and mental anguish they both have to go through on this show are out of this world. For instance, episode 9 of season 2 had me sobbing on my treadmill as I was walking while watching the show. Judy has a breakdown and I couldn’t contain myself. I felt all her emotions pouring out of her. I worry what Linda Cardellini was actually thinking about that allowed her this cathartic moment. It was raw and real and just amazing to witness.

The best part of the show is the mystery and the twist and turns, many you don’t even know exist until they are happening. I love being fooled and surprised. I hate ruining things for myself by figuring it all out. I either can’t in this show or choose not to. Sometimes it feels like every piece of the episode is a cliffhanger and again I love it.

Actually maybe the best part of the show is the female power. The friendship between Jen and Judy is unlike most that I see on TV. And most of the other people around them are all women too. Oh, and the music is perfection. The songs mean just as much as the script and the cinematography. I will have to see if there is a soundtrack available.

The supporting cast is also just incredible. Jen’s children pay a main role in everything and the actors hold up their end without question. There are no small roles here, trust me, even if you think they are... they are not ;)

If you have never watched this show before, you can not start at Season 2. You MUST watch season 1 to understand anything and to fully enjoy it all. Unless you just want to watch master classes on acting, then just jump right in anywhere but again it all starts in Season 1. I truly can’t believe how much I love this show. The foul language is horrible and overbearing and usually I would shy away from it all but somehow it works and fits and I just let it go.

 I am terrified to see what will happen in Season 3 as the ending to 2 was cataclysmic and I definitely did NOT see it coming. This is easy to binge and I highly recommend it.

4 paws

Friday 80s Flashback for July 26, 2019

[The Great Conjunction] -- In honor of 1982's The Dark Crystal, which turned 35 in 2017, and its new spinoff series, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, I thought this week's Flashback should revisit the original movie's soundtrack. The Dark Crystal was billed as the first live-action movie with no human actors on screen. And even without that distinction, The Dark Crystal was still an amazing feat of puppetry and animatronics. I like to say this film is a mix of The Hobbit (in terms of themes) and The Muppet Movie (in regards to the technical elements of bringing the characters to life). It is definitely one of the more creative movies of the early 80s, if not the entire decade. Jim Henson and Frank Oz -- with the help of David Odell (screenplay), Brian Froud (concept artist), and others -- created a fully fleshed out fantasy world of the planet Thra.

Thra | source: Muppet Wiki

Speaking of "and others," Trevor Jones' musical score was -- let's say instrumental -- to that effective bit of world-building. The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was released on vinyl and cassette in 1982, CD in 2007, and digitally in 2017. In addition to the standard CD release in 2007, a limited edition CD set was also available, and it featured a reissue of the original soundtrack album on disc 1 and a previously unreleased film score on disc 2. For our purposes, I've embedded the the playlist for the reissue of the original 13-track score. Trevor Jones originally wanted to use acoustic instruments and strange electronics, but instead opted for an orchestral score performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy!

Flashback: "When single shines the triple sun | What was sundered and undone | Shall be whole, the two made one | By Gelfing hand or else by none." (prophecy about the Dark Crystal)

---

Well, that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.

I'll see you in seven!

Friday 80s Flashback for 12/21/2018

[Scrooged] -- There was a time when the phrase, "Bill Murray is starring in a comedic take on Charles Dickens' immortal classic, A Christmas Carol," might have prompted disbelief. Hel, it might even have given some folks cause for concern. But Scrooged (1988) wasn't a complete train wreck. It wasn't exactly a runaway hit, either. Even though I do count myself among the fans of Scrooged, I'm a little surprised to be typing my next sentence: Scrooged became 30 years old as of November this year! Was it ahead of its time? Has it aged well? These are questions I'll leave to others. I'm more interested in the soundtrack. Of course, Danny Elfman composed and recorded the film's score. But I'm talking about the pop radio soundtrack, tunes that tried to enter our annual vernacular of Holiday music. Now, not every track on the Scrooged Original Soundtrack (1989) was Christmassy. But if you want to revisit the few that were, well, read and hear more after the break.