Star Trek Prodigy - Season Two

I am in awe of this show. A rag tag bunch of misfits giving us all the story and power of Star Trek. A show supposedly for kids but it made this adult cry, laugh and feel hopeful for a better future. 

Again the last 2 episodes of the season, just like season 1, are all that Star Trek is about. 

I hope there is a season 3 but if it has to end it certainly went out on top. Although I don't think I am actually ready to say goodbye to my new favorite family: Dal, Gwyn, Rok, Zero, Murf, Maj'El and Jankom.

It was a joy to hear some familiar voices on the show and see them in all their animated glory :) We tried not to look things up on IMDB or read the cast credits so we could be surprised when certain people showed up. It was also the reason for us binging the show as best as we could before SDCC. We didn't want to be spoiled but ... in the end we were spoiled with riches ... due to an amazing show and story ;)

I will most definitely be watching the show again and if you haven't found it yet or started it, I highly recommend you rectify that. I don't believe you will be let down at all. Go along for the ride and enjoy the rag tag family of misfits in all their Star Trek glory.

4 paws and a Murf ;)

Scavengers Reign

 

After seeing so many people write about this series and how incredible they thought it was, I added it to our list. 

I have to say I almost don’t know what to say. 

It is truly original. The art is incredible. The music is a character all its own. It’s deeply depressing. It’s incredibly triumphant. It’s confusing and anger inducing. It’s what I would think a drug induced dream might be like. My heart and my head hurt sometimes each on their own but more times at the same time while watching. 

I do want to know what people loved so much about it. It definitely isn’t anything I’d add to my list to watch on my own but I am also not sad that I did add it and watch it. It is truly an experience, one I would never have had if people didn’t post about their love for it. 

Please let me know your thoughts on this show if you watched it. 

3 paws 

Old Guard - Netflix

 

I had no idea what this movie was about, of course it’s been about 3 years since this was released. I didn’t even remember it was based on a comic book until Brainwise started saying how different scenes looked like the book. 

The number one thing I will say about this movie is that it is ULTRA violent. I mean ULTRA violent. There was quite a lot that I didn’t watch because it was just too much. 

Charlize Theron looked incredible and was superb in this role. The story was very interesting and we found out that a second movie may be coming. I look forward to the story but maybe not the violence. 

Again it was good to see a female main character and a bad a$$ one at that. Kiki Layne was awesome and also very bad a$$ too. I also adored the scene between two of the male characters expressing their love for each other while in quite a bind with the bad guys. 

Such a very different story and incredibly interesting.

3 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

Star Trek: Picard Season One

 

I am huge Patrick Stewart fan and an even bigger Patrick Stewart as Jean Luc Picard fan. He is just pure perfection as himself and as Jean Luc. 

I loved this season. I heard many who had issues but I had none. I for one absolutely LOVED every cast member, I though they were perfectly cast and Alison Pill was so incredible (and could possibly be me  if I were in the show LOL). She has one scene that we replayed just because it was perfect and hilarious and soooooo me. 

We also repeated a Rios scene because it was absolute perfection and verrrrry unexpected ;)

There were soooooooo many tears though. Wow, that was truly unexpected. I don't think I realized how much I missed the characters or how much they have impacted my life and this is only the first season!!!

I loved the mystery of the season and I loved the discussions it led to between Brainwise and myself, including could the Romulans actually be right???

I give nothing away and I tell you, just sit down with a box of tissues and jump right in. Patrick Stewart brings it all along with the rest of the cast and we are off on an adventure of a lifetime, or two. I always appreciate the bigger questions that Star Trek asks as this season didn't hold back. There were times I thought I knew what I believed but by the end of the episode I was looking at it all a whole different way. Not many shows can do that after how many iterations. 

To that point, the show opens discussing death and I don't think of Star Trek as being about death. I always viewed it as being about exploration and finding life and helping other beings live their lives. But this season showed me what perhaps I didn't want to see or failed to realize and I am grateful for it. Life is not forever and you should get out and explore as much as you can in the time you have.

There were also tons of tie ins to Star Trek history and again I had to ask Brainwise quite a few questions but I would have been fine if I chose to not ask and just keep watching. Some things were answered as we went along, some things were not necessary in the end and other things helped me better appreciate the story.

We are already going to start Season 2 but I wanted to be sure to get this written before we did that. I am very curious where we are going next but I am definitely along for the ride. I wonder who we might run into this time around :)

4 paws

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2

Brilliant and every single possible synonym!!!!

I am practically speechless from this season.

AND the musical episode... who ever in their right mind thought there would be a musical Star Trek episode??? Not me!! BUT it may be one of my favorite episodes of any show ever that I have seen. It was perfection from start to finish, including the opening credits and closing credits... in fact make sure you always watch and listen to them for all the episodes ... they tie in more often than you would expect.

I adore each casting in this show and I am grateful for the love and care each actor has for their character. These are big character shoes to fill and they all do it wonderfully. I can't even call out one of over any other. They all bring their A games every time and it looks like they all get along in real life.

I will also just place a name here which to me is proof of how amazing this show is: Carol Kane!

I am also glad we happened to watch 2 episodes of Lower Decks before we launched into this second season. As there is an episode with a cross over... yup you heard me.. a crossover with an animated show. Again, the brilliance this took to pull this off was outstanding... err out of this world ;) I was grateful to understand the incoming characters by watching the 2 episodes, I am pretty sure I would not have enjoyed it as much without the background.

I do love all the mentions of other parts of Star Trek but I do have to ask Brainwise quite a few questions to keep up with it at times. I just don't have the mental capacity to recall my Star Trek watching history and catch all the tidbits but Brainwise is like a Star Trek Encyclopedia at times :) and I mean that in the most loving way. Also you don't necessarily miss anything if you don't know the history, it just adds a layer if you do know it.

I have to say if you aren't watching this show... get off your butts and then hold on to them while you watch one of the best series out there.

4 paws and a tail (or is that contrail)

Fubar

 

Arnold ... is perfection in this role. But then he should be. It is pretty much all his past characters in one. This show is so clever in so many ways. I loved how they utilized all his previous movies and characters but made it feel like it was all new for this show. If you never saw a previous Arnold movie, you would still like this but it is waaaaay more fun when you have a history with him :)

Each character was perfectly cast and I loved how each character "related". There will be a second season and I am curious to see if some of the things I thought were going to play out in the first season will come to pass. 

I did originally think this was a movie so imagine my surprise when I found it was a series. I am very happy it was a series as they got to build on so much and make the story so much more intense and interesting. 

I think the best part was trying to not figure out what was going on and I just let each episode take me on a ride. A wonderfully crazy and fun ride.

4 paws

No Time To Die

 The final movie with Daniel Craig as James Bond.

A perfect send off. I loved this movie. I thought it was a perfect ending for Daniel Craig and even this generation’s James Bond. 

Great story, incredible action, excellent characters. I don't recall what the reception was for this movie but I greatly enjoyed it. I thought it felt like a James Bond movie and while it allowed for an ending that wasn't expected, I quite liked it and felt it was fitting.

There were a few throwbacks to other James Bond movies and I am sure I missed quite a few things also but I felt it paid its dues. I would definitely watch this one again.

4 paws

Bullet Train

 

WOW WOW WOW

I was really unsure about this movie, even after hearing all the great things from so many friends. I was afraid I wasn't going to like the "farce" of it but it turned out to be the best thing!

Every character was perfection and I laughed, cheered, cried and yelled at every single one of them.

What an incredible ride. I can't recommend this movie more. I will warn you that it is quite violent and visually gory but it did not hinder my love for this movie.

4 paws

John Wick 3: Parabellum

 

I have been wanting to see this one for awhile now. I was hoping it would be free at some point and luckily when I was channel surfing I noticed something called Tubi and it had John Wick 3 for free. There were a few commercials but they were well planned, short, and the movie always came back on back a few seconds so you never missed anything. I would definitely watch a free movie on Tubi again.

Back to John Wick, if I haven't mentioned it before I LOVE John Wick. I love the no talk, just shoot or stab or blow up or punch. I get so tired of shows where they swear they are going to kill someone only to NEVER DO IT. They talk their way out, they hide or run, or something else happens and no killing happens. 

The first time I saw John Wick I cheered. Now don't think I am all for actual killing and violence because I am not. I am aware that this is a movie and not real life. It was just nice to see someone stick to their word and not the tropes in most violent movies.

This one seemed a bit more violent/gory, as I seemed to avert my eyes more than normal. And the story was a little "lacking" or something. It did feel a little more like moving from violent stunt to violent stunt but then again that is kind of the point of John Wick. 

I can't wait to check out John Wick 4 when it becomes available.

3 paws

Andor (Star Wars)

 

I had heard great things about this show and although I worried I wouldn't be able to follow along, it couldn't be further from the truth.

Espionage filled, thrilling, excellent writing, amazing cinematography, great story and no need to worry about knowing Star Wars or not for the most part. Just sit back especially after the first 2 episodes that were a little slower than the others and let the story take you on a ride.

Every one was excellent in their roles. I love how everything comes together as you watch, even things you think don't mean anything, suddenly come to light an episode or 2 later. I feel like I have said that many times about Star Wars shows but I guess if it works, why change it :)

I'm sure if you are a Star Wars fan and know lots of the history, etc, this show might even be better for you but I liked that I was able to enjoy it and not miss out on things because I might not remember the history or some of the people.

There is going to be a second season and I am very curious what that will bring about for the show.

4 paws

Free Guy

 

Third of three movies of our Memorial Day Weekend.

And the BEST of the bunch! I mean this movie was hilarious, clever and amazing!!!

Ryan Reynolds is always a favorite and this movie was perfect for him or he was perfect for the movie, either way, he and the movie were perfection. 

Jodie Comer was amazing too. She had a huge role and she was incredible. I also loved the extra that you can watch about the making of her character - very interesting and insightful.

We laughed soooo much during this movie. We rewound at times because either we missed things from laughing or we just wanted to laugh all over again.

I can't believe we weren't spoiled at all on anything and I certainly won't spoil anything here but let's just say there was a great scene for Marvel lovers.

If you love video games, this is a must watch. I don't know much about the video game world but that did not hinder my viewing and loving of this movie. I can only imagine how much more can be seen and taken from this movie if you do know video games.

I can't wait to watch this again.

4 paws and a tail

 

Inescapable: A Ghost Story by D.K. Stone

 

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book but now it is fully released and simply put, go out and get this book!

Here is my review I wrote on Goodreads and in order to not give anything away at all about the book, that is all I am going to post.

Wow wow wow! 

I just finished Inescapable! I adore Danika’s writing so much. It’s just flows and it’s so easy to see. 

Chapter Nine blew me away. The moving between the stories but never missing a beat. 

My heart was racing, I was yelling, I was crying, I was smiling and laughing. Phew. 

What a great book!

Wednesday on Netflix

 Dangrdafne review:

What an incredible thrill ride. Excellent writing and story. Jenna Ortega was very good as Wednesday but my heart was with Thing. I loved Enid. It blew my mind that all the "teens" were 20+ years old in real life. But perhaps that allowed the actors to bring a different level to the teens they were portraying. 

I loved all the throwbacks to the original show and all the ways they brought in my favorite parts of the original but updated and in clever ways. Two snaps ;)

I loved all the twists and turns and red herrings. It kept me guessing and it was a very satisfying outcome overall. Although I would say I didn't try too hard to figure it out as I just wanted to watch, enjoy and see where we ended up.

I was ok knowing that there may not be a second season as this one was pretty much all encompassing but after it was all said and done and we found out during our binge watching that it would be back, I think it is a good decision and there is definitely more story to tell.

4 paws

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

 Dangrdafne review 

Hmmm I liked it but it wasn’t amazing or anything. In fact I really want to watch it again already to see what it was about it that was just ok or if it can be elevated.

All the actors were great and overall the story was interesting. The cinematography of course was incredible. I was worried about the horror aspects but I think watching it on our TV and not a huge movie screen help temper the scenes for me. It is definitely violent and there is definitely horror aspects throughout, it is Sam Raimi after all. But I had no issue overall.

I did feel like I was thrown into the middle of the story when the movie started and I don’t mean because this is the middle movie. I mean it felt like I was missing information to start the movie. But apparently it didn’t matter overall as I managed to figure it all out and watch the movie.

I am sad that Scarlet Witch was a villain but it is important to distinguish the difference between Scarlet Witch and Wanda in this case. I’m curious where we go from here and I will definitely stick around to find out.

3 paws

The Batman

 Dangrdafne review:

Wow Wow Wow Wow!!

For me this was The.Best.Batman!

I loved every second of it. I loved Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman. I loved Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman. I loved Jeffery Wright as Gordon and even Andy Serkis as Alfred (it was nice to see Andy as a full human ;) character). 

In fact during the car chase, before the chase even ended, I said to Brainwise that this was my favorite Batman ever. He asked, "person or movie?" I answered Yes. Then the chase ended and I clapped and cheered. Wow!!!! I am all in.

This was an excellent noir detective movie and it was like a full comic book come to life in front of my eyes. Seriously, full on eye candy in all ways. Every scene was important and carried out perfectly. 

Hilariously I was concerned about people saying the movie was too dark to see but I had absolutely no problem with this issue. I was able to see everything and never felt that it was too dark to see. I also felt the violence was not as bad as people had said. I expected gore and blood and to avert my eyes all the time and I never did and I didn't think the violence was actually that violent. It was Batman comic book violence but it was also noir violence and you don't actually see most of it. Maybe I am just immune at this point after all the movies I have seen but I have no complaints about this movie... ok maybe there was a little too much whispering :) but I heard it all and didn't miss anything as can sometimes happen.

So my favorite things were:

1) The shots of Rob with the black eye makeup and his hair all disheveled and no, not because he looks hot or anything like that, as some would say. I just thought it seemed the most real Bruce out of the Batman suit and I think it represented Bruce's mind set: dark, disheveled, confused, lost, and wanting.

2) The car chase!! The noise, the rain, the speed, the filming of it all, the fire and the end shots!

3) The dark hallway shooting scene! Woah! Incredible filming and choreography!

4) The music. From the score to the chosen songs. All the sounds added depth and brought me deeper and deeper into the movie. So impressed.

5) Everything!

Seriously, I loved this movie. I didn't think it was too long, I didn't think it was too dark, I didn't think it was too violent, I didn't think anything bad at all. I thought it was a brilliant story, acting, filming, directing, everything. Can’t wait to watch it again! 

4 paws and a tail

The Flight Attendant - HBO Max

 Dangrdafne review:

Holy Moly!!

What a show!!!

I never read the book this series is based on but if it is even half as good as this show, then it is incredible!

Kaley Cuoco as Cassie is absolutely mezmerizing in this role. So unexpected to me and so incredibly amazing. She had to hit all emotions and play a role I never thought I could see her in but I am so glad I did. I almost passed this up when I saw the first ads for it. But one day while on the treadmill I thought, why not? I can always turn it off if I don't like it. 8 episodes later... no I didn't walk for 8 hours but I was tempted... I was so happy I started this series.

I loved that I only figured out one thing in the mystery thriller and I loved more how they twisted and turned and tricked me all along the way. It is cleverly written, filmed and told to the viewer.

One of my favorite actors is in this show too, Michelle Gomez and she is now added to my list of people I would love to meet and talk to or at least thank for the joy she has brought me through her roles she has played. She is perfect but once again.

Rosie Perez, boy do I love her too. She plays her role with such vulnerability and at times it seemed like a quiet and small role but it is not and she doesn't let it be either. I know the series is coming back for a second season and I hope she is part of it. I need more of her on my screen and I really need to know what happens with her character, if they should decide to show us.

Zosia Mamet as Annie was spectacular. She went through the wringer as Cassie’s best friend. Her role is critical to the story and she played it perfectly. I must see what else she has been in. 

I am most grateful that the show is focused on women and all the power they hold in various ways. I was uncomfortable with all the alcohol use but it was imperative to the story. This truly was a great mystery thriller and everyone was perfect for the roles they played. 

4 paws!

Black Widow - Disney Plus

 Dangrdafne review:

I'll start with that this is my favorite MCU character. I love Black Widow and I love Scarlett Johansson's portrayal of her. And now I love her even more after this movie.

What a great back current story for the character. It was funny, heartwarming, sad, thrilling, violent and a great way to give Black Widow her time in the spotlight to tell her story. We know a lot of her story already but this definitely fills in the details and makes her a more rounded character.

I LOVED Florence Pugh in this movie. She is spectacular and her interactions with Natasha are perfect. I definitely suggest watching this movie BEFORE watching Hawkeye if you can. It isn't critical BUT it will offer some perspective to Hawkeye when you watch it. I do wish a little bit in retrospect that we stopped Hawkeye when we started and switched over to this move :)

I absolutely LOVE stories about families that are not blood families and this movie fits that bill 110% and it makes me love the movie even more.

It is ultra violent at times but that is to be expected for the Black Widow character and story. I don't mind it but sometimes the scenes got a little long and I would have preferred a little more conversation or story if I had to find one thing to pick out.

4 paws

Sip Sip Bang Bang by Danika Stone

 Dangrdafne review:

 

A fast paced thriller with a love story brewing underneath it all. I was literally exhausted after reading this book. Soooo good.

I LOVE Danika Stone's writing. She always creates incredible characters that go against the norm and surprise you at every turn. She also creates wonderful scenes and tales that intrigue and excite.

I truly don’t want to tell you about this book because you have to read it to feel it all. I literally was out of breath at certain points because the writing and story were so thrilling and one part was verrry claustrophobic!

I love how the book is set in real time and uses the perfect pop culture references to move the story along and add just the right extra insight into the story. Danika knows her pop culture and I often wonder which cane first: the reference or the story. Whichever it is, I’m just glad it’s there 🙂

The ironic part of the book, that I will say, is that I kept thinking about what a good movie this will make and it turns out to be part of the book too. I could really see the book in my mind and I definitely would LOVE to meet the main characters in real life. I feel that way about all Danika’s books. She just has a way of writing her characters and making them real and plausible. Even if the story is winding around like crazy, her people are realistic and I want to know them more.

4 paws

Switchback - Danika Stone - book review

Dangrdafne book review - NO spoilers


The main reason for no spoilers is because you have to read this book for yourself. You need to take the roller coaster ride that this book offers. It is NOT what I expected but it was everything I wanted it to be in the end.

Switchback as defined by Merriman-Webster: a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill.

Quite the understatement for this book. The switchbacks in this book were amazing. A Physical Education class trip gone wrong in so many ways and the crazy journey Vale and Ash go on, as does the reader, to get back home. 

It’s also a story about friendship, the most incredible friendship, and its survival at all costs. Vale and Ash are high school students, friends since elementary school, the outcasts, and the absolute best of friends. I loved them, I want to know them, I would definitely have been friends with them.

This will sound like a bad thing but hear me out. I kept getting annoyed reading some parts of the book and while that sounds bad it’s actually a sign of amazing storytelling. I wanted, needed to know what was happening so I just wanted to skip the small talk and get to it but I couldn’t because I would miss something that would be important to the story later. It was frustrating but frustratingly wonderful. I can’t tell you the last time I read a book with so much suspense. To use a common theme, it was a real page-turner. 

And while I loved the thrill and the suspense I have to say reading about a friendship between a boy and a girl was my true joy in the book. The things they learn about themselves and each other and how they have to support one another is perfectly lovely. It warmed my heart to watch two souls find themselves and each other and learn and grow together, and in high school students no less. This is not a love story, this is a friendship story and how often do you get to say that for a story about a boy and a girl. I appreciate it so much.

I was left with questions, good questions, not literally unanswered questions as odd as that sounds. Just more that I want to know. Pieces I want to fit in. Behind the scenes per say. Basically I just want more.

I keep identifying with Danika's teenagers and I think that is great, especially for a 50 year old. It means Danika writes well-rounded characters with whom the reader can imagine as a part of them or that they are people they know or have known or I guess in this case, want to know.

4 paws

I also very much enjoy Danika's writing. It is descriptive and crisp and easy to read. I look forward to the next books I have from her, a trilogy, the third book of which comes out in November. I have to decide if I am going to start reading the first two I have because I am sure it will be torture to wait until November to finish the story if I start the books now :)