Watched, Read, Loved: August 2017

Yay! It’s spring! (I am writing this up quickly in September). The weather has turned me into a positive, upbeat person for the time being. There is something to be said to drive to work and the sun is actually up when you get there, so I am pretty thankful. The saddest thing is naturally not being in the sun during the day, but it makes life worth it.

Life-wise, we went to the Modderfontein nature reserve for a friend’s birthday. It’s quite lovely, and as it is not the one I usually head to for a it-doesn’t-feel-like-the-city feel, it felt like a new place to see in the concrete jungle I live in. Had some amazing cupcakes too, which changed my life – like WOW.

I also watched the international Dota championships – like, I still don’t know how that happened. I hope to have actually played this game by next year to have a clue what is happening.

I also did a Parkrun – naturally the morning was chillier than all the rest, but I did one. I’d love to 1) make better time 2) remember my barcode and 3) get fitter. We are doing an international health challenge at work, starting the 27^th of September, and the aim is 10 000 steps a day. It is scary because I don’t think I manage 2000 a day at this stage.

Ghost (1990) – I really thoroughly enjoyed Ghost. The effects had me giggling, while the youth of Swayze and Demi Moore was really pretty to look at. Definitely one of the best Blindspots this year, though my selection has been pretty on point if I say so myself.

The Intern (2015) – you can read my review here. The Intern is a heartwarming film with a great message, and I had a great time.

Ella Enchanted (2004) – I seemed to have had a lot of exposure to Anne Hathaway this month, but I’m not complaining as I really like both films. Hathaway is joined by Hugh Dancy, who has the most perfect face to play any form of a Prince. So handsome. This is a really fun movie, and I always enjoy it.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016) – yes, again. Don’t judge.

Sully (2016) – probably my favorite watch this month, Sully is inspirational and I was on the edge of my seat. Highly recommended.

Wild (2014) – Wild is a prime example why I don’t like real life adaptions. The lead character was uninspiring and selfish, and a track across the NST couldn’t convince me to root for her.

Mean Girls (2004) – Is Mean Girls the most quotable movie of all time? This movie is definitely one of my favorite films ever. It is relatable, accurate, hilarious and just so much fun.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to find Them (2016) – I have a friend who was really outraged that I talked smack about this film. His attempt to convince me was to have me watch it at home in Bluray with 3D Glasses. I don’t have the heart to say that just because something is pretty to look at it means it is good, but it did improve on rewatch.

Stranger Things – the amounts of hearts I want to draw around this show. STRANGER THINGS IS EVERYTHING AND I NEED MORE NOW. The soundtrack, the premise, the whole I difference of it all, the miraculous amount of kids who can actually act. I was told by ten million people to watch Stranger Things, and now, after watching, my life is richer as a result. I need the second season now. Like NOW.

Game of Thrones Season 7 – I joined everyone and their grandma’s to watch the amazing penultimate season of Game of Thrones. I still need to do a recap of the last two episodes, which are some of the best this show as given us.

Vampire Diaries Season 7 and 8

Season 7 nearly sunk the show for me. The departure of Nina Dobrev proved to be a terrible blow to the show. The odd thing is that Season 7 started fine and halfway just lost the plot. It became so bad that Damon slipped in his number one ranking for me, and was replaced by Enzo. Even after being done with the show, Enzo remains as number one. I need to find it in me to review the last two seasons, but man, some things just can’t be forgiven, DAMON.

The Rise of Nine (Pittacus Lore)

I am steadily working my way through the Lorien Legacies series of Pittacus Lore. I am enjoying the Rise of Nine quite a bit, although I still find the battles way too frequent and drawn out.

The Gunslinger (Stephen King)

Finally, I am also trying to attempt to work my way through The Gunslinger. I really like Stephen King’s way – I’m not always sure whether his books are for me, the man is amazing with words. I was about 5 sentences in when I googled a word to check what it means, and that rarely happens for me. I’ll still have to see what the book is all about, and hope to finish at least the first one.

What have you been up to this month?

September 22, 2017September 12, 2017 by Natasha Categories: 2017, Blindspot, Books, movies, novels, reading, UncategorizedTags: Aaron Eckhart, Amanda Seyfried, Anne Hathaway, Bonnie Bennet, Candice Accola, Candice King, Damon Salvatore, Demi Moore, Ella Enchanted, Enzo StJohn, Fantastic Beasts and where to find them, Game of Thrones, Ghost, Hugh Dancy, I am Number Four, Ian Somerhalder, Kat Graham, Lily James, Lindsay Lohan, Lorien Legacies, Matt Davis, Mean Girls, Michael Malarkey, Michael Trevino, Michiel Huisman, Patrick Swayze, Paul Wesley, Pittacus Lore, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Rachel McAdams, Reese Witherspoon, Robert DeNiro, Sam Riley, Stephen King, Stranger Things, Sully, The Gunslinger, The Intern, Tiny Fey, Tom Hanks, Vampire Diaries, Wild, Winona Ryder 7 Comments

Game of Thrones Season 7: A recap of the so far

Me, and the majority of the world seemingly, have been following the latest Game of Thrones season. Sure there are people who still feel the need to say that “this isn’t their show” or “I’ve never watched Game of Thrones in my life”, and they are all really annoying, but for the most part people are at least really interested in what is happening in Westeros. It is probably the only show I make the effort to watch as it comes out, because people love talking about this show that you are bound to know every single detail if you don’t watch it the moment it is released.

As usual, I felt that the show started slow. It is on par with the layout of the previous seasons – the snail paced start of the first few episodes and the eruption of war and chaos everywhere a few episodes in. The first episode was a catch up of what had happened and where every character had ended up, and it felt slow but it was also a necessary aspect.

I really do enjoy Euron Greyjoy. I’m mentioning him first of the characters because he’s my favorite new addition to this season. Sure, he’s an absolutely horrendous character, but actor Pilou Asbaek is having the time of his life portraying this mad, fearless pirate. He provided a fierce battle on the water, and the scene where he rides into King’s landing after sinking Daenerys’ fleet amused me – he is clearly having the time of his life. The death of the Sandsnakes were desperately disappointing, with their rumored excellent fighting skills just that – a rumor.

Cersei Lannister is still the Queen of Chaos and creating havoc where she goes. Lena Headey has done a fantastic job with this role and she continues to shine. This is a petty need, but I really just wish she can get other hair now in the show – that yellow short style hurts my soul. I’m now where she told Jaime she’s pregnant and threatened him in the same breath. She’s a crazy woman and although I’m not sure if she is going to stick to the plan to tell the world that Jaime is indeed the father of her child, she certainly knew the impact it would have telling him that.

Nikolaj Waldau-Coster still plays my favorite incestuous guy in Westeros. He’s clearly conflicted and a brave, honorable man – there was something insanely courageous and telling in the way he decided to charge Drogon. I hope this show takes him more places and he doesn’t just remain Cersei’s puppet. Although gross and illegal, he truly loves her, and while I’m sure she loves him, I often feel that she looks at him like a dispensable pawn. Jaime has levels that are untapped and if one of my ten million theories about how this show can end ever pans out, he’s probably going to be the Queen-slayer as well.

The other Queen, Daenerys of the million names, is irritating me on a level that I can’t put in to words. She has evolved over the season as any character has, but that is not always a good thing. She’s pompous, power hungry and a fool most of the time, and is steering towards the direction of her father at this stage. I was sorry when she burned Dickon Tarly and his father for refusing to BEND THE FUCKING KNEE – that phrase is irritating me so much – it showed that they were obviously honorable men (though Tarly senior was definitely a mean old thing), and on the seriously low looky level the show currently has I would have enjoyed more of Dickon Tarly. I really hope the resurfacing of the now cured Jorah Mormont will stabilize her attitude. Her relationship dynamic with Jon Snow is also interesting – after them finally meeting there was definite sexual tension in the air, which is just a bit gross since they are related. Neither of them know it yet at least, so thus far that tension isn’t a Lannister thing yet.

The combination of two of my favorite people in the show – Jon and Ser Davos – continues to keep me happy. I like Ser Davos so much – from his time where he acted as a kindly father figure to the now toasty Shireen Baratheon, Ser Davos is an honorable man who is loyal to his King. He’s proven to be a great help to Jon, though not always the most linguistically capable comrade Jon has. I also liked Davos bringing in Gendry (YAY!) again, and I hope Gendry and Jon have great adventures together. I really liked the banter shared between Jon and Gendry in Episode 5, and might I just say Gendry turned in to a fine young man while he was hiding in plain sight. There was lots of humor – the banter about Robert Baratheon’s girth and Jon not being as tall as Ned, and I particularly liked Gendry not hiding the fact that he’s a Baratheon from Jon. It’s important, because despite the many faults of Robert he and Ned were great friends and allies. Jon himself has grown – I’ve been annoyed with the character at times but he remains my favorite to be on the throne. He’s agenda is different and he’s focused on the right thing – the Night King and his frozen army. Jon had a moment where he stood up to Daenerys which I found really attractive – it is so pleasing when a righteous man puts his foot down once in a while. He’s now on his way back to capture a Zombie, and I really hope he, Tormund Giantsbane and Jorah make it back out alive. (I also wish Tormund and Brienne marry and have big, scary babies). The scene with Jon touching the dragons are obviously important, and I found the setup of the scene fantastic.

Arya has finally dropped the part where she was no-one, and after being in one of the best and most rewarding opening scenes in a series where she avenges Robb Stark, she heads back to Winterfell to reunite with her siblings. This is important as she was on her way, and would likely have succeeded, in killing Cersei. There was this awkward moment with Ed Sheeran (the internet mayhem kept me entertained for weeks), and a moment with Hot Pie that I really enjoyed, and afterwards her reunion with Sansa really didn’t have the same emotional punch as Sansa and Jon enjoyed in season six. I think it stems from the fact that the sisters were never really close at the start, and while they are probably happy to see each other they are likely still going to be competitive. Of the two sisters, Arya is my favorite. I think authority sits well on Sansa but she needs to get rid of Littlefinger – he has way too much hold on her at the moment.

I think the other last important thing to mention is Sam and Gilly. I like Gilly so much, and Sam a lot of the times, but he was just a bit annoying in the last episode. His heroics saved Jorah this season, for which we thank him, but his irritated dismissal of Gilly’s information did not endear him to me. Sam lost his temper a bit with his position at the Citadel, and has now embarked to who knows where. He had a point there at least – to provide valuable information to Jon.

I really like the scenery, the battles, the costume design (as always fantastic in this show) and how plots are falling in place – my brother in-law feels that it is too designed and easy, but I am enjoying it. The entire story is finally escalating towards massive battle scenes. Every single family has been uprooted and displaced, and the Tyrells have been completely obliterated (fantastic exiting scene from Oleynna Tyrell). If I could have a scene where Littlefinger dies, where Jon and Arya are reunited, and possibly love between Brienne and Thormund, I will consider myself a very lucky person. I think Dany and Cersei squaring off is probably only the very last season, but we can hope for that to happen soon too as it will be amazing.

What are your thoughts this far in?

August 18, 2017August 18, 2017 by Natasha Categories: 2017, Game of Thrones, Series, UncategorizedTags: Alfie Allen, Arya Stark, Conleth Hill, Daenerys Targaryen, Ed Sheeran, Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones, Game of Thrones Season 7, Gwendoline Christie, HBO, Iian GLen, Isaac Hempstead, John Bradley-West, Jon Snow, Kit Harrington, Lena Headey, Lena Headley, Maisie Williams, Nathalie Emmanuel, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage, Rory McCann, Sansa Stark, Sophie Turner, Varys 6 Comments

Watched, Read, Loved: June and July 2017

*warning: gargantuan post ahead*

I want to start every post now with “yes, it’s me, and I am still alive”. What a couple of months this has been! July has hands down just been the slowest month in everything for me. It was a roller coaster – I was away in Nelspruit end of June to bid my bestie goodbye, then for two weeks in Potchefstroom for university work and then I had to rush to finalize my younger sister’s 21^st birthday. And when I looked down at the date it was suddenly the 19^th of July and there were no blog posts from me! SHOCK, HORROR. So I am trying to move my blog into activity again, and herewith some of my favorite posts, a Watched, Read, Loved list for both June and July. I really hope to be back to full time blogging in August, I’ve really missed everyone and the feeling of having a creative outlet.

I started off June by watching Wonder Woman (2017). I’m not really a weeper, but let me tell you I was misty eyed reading some of the truly excellent tributes that poured in. Little girls in costumes, women everywhere just flooding cinemas to watch a superhero films and all the financial and critical acclaim that accompanied this film just filled my heart. I can’t do any more justice to this excellent work of director Patty Jenkins that has already been done, but I assure you that I will always try.

I also saw Say Anything (1987) for the first time. I can now put a film to the iconic John Cusack pose that is everywhere on the internet, and I’m not really surprised that I enjoyed this film because it is right up my alley. It is a short, fun and easy watch and really good in its’ genre. I must post its review soon but a severe case of apathy towards typing out reviews has taken hold of me at this stage.

 

I also saw Rules Don’t Apply (2016) which has the unfortunate distinction of being one fantastic box office fail. It’s not really bad, it is just frustratingly boring. It could have been great with its excellent set design and costumes, solid acting and notable performances. It just lacked heart and a decent turn of events.

I picked up Mother’s Day (2016) to watch with my own mother, because I can promise you Gary Marshall won’t be putting too risqué sex scenes in any of his films. I was right – there is little to no romance. If you can get past the notion that Jennifer Aniston is supposed to be the old, washed out mom in here, you will likely enjoy it. Julia Roberts is hidden under the most horrible wig I have ever seen, but the film is sparingly okay and has some legitimately funny moments in. It also casts Jason Sudeikis, and I have never seen him in anything except this and that godawful We’re the Millers – can someone tell me why he’s famous?

I also watched Bad Moms (2016) which was rather fun and hilarious. I know, I was shocked too.

Then there was Jackie (2016), a movie that got an Oscar nod for Natalie Portman. While her performance certainly deserves a nod, the movie itself is quite slow and not really worth the hype.

On the Afrikaans movie front I watched Platteland again. It is such an intense musical, and as Afrikaans as can be. I really do have a fondness of locally produced movies, and my plan to branch a part of this blog off into local films will hopefully happen sometime.

Spiderman: Homecoming (2017) was a first of three July cinema watches for me. I really still struggle to formulate thoughts on this film. I sincerely didn’t hate it, but I have struggled to see the reason for Spiderman for years now, and this reboot even more so. Tom Holland is okay I guess. I particularly liked Zendaya. I think it is safe to say while I still have time for amazing and new superhero films (such as Wonder Woman), the generic Marvel film has become somewhat of a repetitive bore.

I still cannot believe that I refreshed my makeup, made sure my outfit was okay and went out on a damn Friday night (this is torture for me) to watch Valerian and a City of a thousand planets. You will see that review hopefully Friday, but heads-up: I hated it.

I also saw Dunkirk this last weekend and that at least was worth my time. Christopher Nolan is the salve to every hurt a bombastic Bay/Snyder movie throws out, and the beautiful, heart wrenching film hit me quite in the feels.

Series:

Yes, I know. I need to tame this wild Pride and Prejudice obsession that has gotten over me. Not only did I see the 2005 film AGAIN – this is in addition to the watch I did in May of it, I also got my hands on the 1995 series version of it. I am a bit torn. I’ve read far and wide that it is the best adaption, and while it is certainly the most faithful adaption, I really hated the score – classical music makes me want to pull my hair out.

I finally started watching Alias season 4. It isn’t bad, still has plenty of Michael Vartan in, and I want to finish it before it somehow gets spoiled by the internet for me.

The Vampire Diaries Season 6: Season five of this vampire-tastic show took me ages to finalize. It was slow, badly planned and really unimaginative in some places. I am glad to report that season six is wonderful – it is the first season with really legitimately funny moments in, and I am having a fantastic time.

Game of Thrones Season 7: This is still ongoing and I am avoiding people or comments like the plague who have watched it – the internet is the rudest place ever.

On the reading front I haven’t been exactly revolutionary, but I have picked up Rage of Angels by Sidney Sheldon. I have never read anything by this author, and I am really enjoying it so far. It is fast paced plot and is well written with likeable characters. I didn’t think I would like a lawyery story, but it seems I was mistaken. I’ve hit a lag with it, and should really finish it up. I’ve slightly changed my opinion with the events that just loops all the time.

I have reread a bunch of Nora Roberts novels – Blue Smoke, The Obsession and some small ones which I really can’t recall the names of. I’ve also picked up Jewels of the Sun and Tears of the Moon, and I will review the entire trilogy once I am finished with the third book.

I am also now reading Come Sundown – I did all the dance moves when I got a special on Loot (online shopping rocks) for this new release of Roberts. I always weep because I’m just not okay with forking out the prices retailers ask in South-Africa for new releases, so this was quite a score. I can tell you now that there is something different to Come Sundown. I will see how it ends, but it is one of the most unique books Roberts has ever done, and the tone is quite different from what she usually does.

I also should really get in to finalizing those 100 Happy Days post on here. They are just so much work and admin that I am not in the mood. I did finish the challenge, and you can few that all on my Instagram account.

As for adventures, I quickly went down to my bestie to see her one more time before she goes on her international adventure. The next time I see her will be in London, which at this stage is simply mind boggling to me.

August 11, 2017August 14, 2017 by Natasha Categories: 2017, Movies, movies, Nora Roberts, novels, reading, Review, Reviews, Romance, Series, UncategorizedTags: Afrikaans, Alden Eldenreich, Alias, Blindspot, Blindspot 2017, Books, Cara Delevigne, Christopher Nolan, Colin Firth, Come Sundown, Dane DeHaan, Dunkirk, Game of Thrones, Games of Thrones Season 7, Gary Marshall, Jackie, Jennifer Ehle, Jennifer Garner, John Cusack, Kenneth Branagh, Lilly Collins, monthly rundowns, Mother's Day, Movies, Natalie Portman, Nora Roberts, Platteland, Pride and Prejudice, Rules Don't Apply, Say Anything, Spiderman, Spiderman: Homecoming, Tom Hardy, Tom Holland, Valerian and the city of a thousand planets, Vampire Diaries, Wonder Woman, Zendaya 9 Comments

Episode Review: Game of Thrones, Season 6, Episode 3

Rating: 8/10.

I liked that Jon Snow was so completely freaked by being alive – Kit Harington was quite excellent right here. It would have been so stupid if he just woke up and was like heeey. I am still cheering that he executed Alliser Thorne and fucking Olly. I think Edd as a Night Watch leader can be a good thing, Jon must obviously do other things this season and Edd seems like the only half decent soul around that isn’t Ser Davos, a Wildling, Sam (who left) and Jon. Speaking of Sam, in yet another pointless exercise he and Gilly is on a boat, where he reveals that she must stay at his parents (we’ve previously heard that his father is quite unsavory) while he learns to be a master. Sam is still a mix of sweet and weak and annoying, and it’s a bit of a struggle dealing with him. I do love Gilly though!

Bran with his visions reveals this time around that Ned might have been slightly exaggerating when he said that he killed Ser Arthur Dayne outright. Nothing is revealed yet, apart that Lyanna is in some form of a predicament, before he is pulled back from his visions yet again.

Daenerys is on screen again – she’s expected to live with widows in Dosh Khaleen. We all know that is not how she rolls, and Homebrand Khal is obviously going to be a pain in the ass and try to dictate her, and it is going to be so great when she shows him exactly who is boss. Her cities are still in a bit of a mess and Varys and Tyrion are still trying to short shit out.

The King’s Landing arc is now a full-fledged pain in the ass. Tommen is weak and Cersei’s vengeance alone is not enough to keep this afloat.

Rickon Stark returns to the story in an obvious PLOT MOVE, and Ramsay looks particularly delighted. There is obviously no class in Lord Umber, and I hope he dies soon.

Overall this episode was okay – the best is still happening at Castle Black and it seems to be the only scenes I love a lot. The rest are okay – it just seems that a lot is unnecessary at this point.

What did you think of this episode?

December 8, 2016December 2, 2016 by Natasha Categories: 2016, Game of Thrones, Review, Reviews, SeriesTags: Alfie Allen, Arya Stark, Carice van Houten, Cersei Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones, Game of Thrones Season 6, Gwendoline Christie, Iwan Rheon, Jaime Lannister, John Bradley, Jon Snow, Kit Harrington, Lena Headey, Liam Cunningham, Maisie Williams, Natalie Dormer, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage, Sansa Stark, Sophie Turner, Tyrion Lannister Leave a comment

Episode Review: Game of Thrones, Season 6, Episode 1

The Red Woman

SO I’m finally ready to review GoT Season 6. It is time, and I must say I’ve avoided it for a while because five was a bit of a waste in my opinion. I’ll do one episode per week, so if you’ve seen it, please feel free to discuss below – but if you haven’t and the internet hasn’t spoiled literally every surprise for you, note that that all of these posts contain spoilers.

First and foremost is the hopelessness that surrounds Jon Snow’s death. Seeing him lying there so lifelessly is quite depressing, and it truly seems at this stage like yet another Stark has perished. I’m loving Ser Davos still, he’s probably one of my favorite guys at this point. He obviously has no point what Melisandre has done to Shireen Baratheon. I hope when he finds out Melisandre will volunteer to face Ramsay’s dogs before facing his wrath. Speaking of Melisandre – how hilarious and creepy is that scene where she drops all pretenses and we see just how well she’s handled aging? I felt some vindictive pleasure in that.

I didn’t really get Ramsay mourning for Myranda and then feeding her to the dogs, but hey, it’s Ramsay here. Iwan Rheon is working his heart out in this role and he really deserves all the praise. I don’t know how I can constantly wish that he would be a decent human being, even knowing what he’s done. It’s probably that innocent face that hides such a deplorable character.

Sophie Turner and Alfie Allen are both also doing outstanding work in this season. It really looks like they are freezing to death (I’m sure they did looking at that hopefully non-CGI weather), and they are both just so hopeless. I was exceptionally happy when Brienne and Podrick turned up, and things finally started looking better for Sansa. And yay to Theon for his bravery – atonement for his past transgressions, though I am not sure that I will ever completely like him after that Robb business.

Cersei’s grief is still showcasing the only humane thing about her when she learns of Myrcella’s death. I liked that, as I always do, and I think that is why people aren’t quite ready yet to hate Cersei like they hated Joffrey. What I really didn’t like was the Sand Snakes – Ellaria and the Sand Snakes seem petty, bitchy and just plain unnecessary at this point. I would have liked if they could have been slightly more like Brienne – still kicking ass but not being such pains about it. I’m not sure what is planned for The Sand Snakes in the upcoming episodes, but it seems a waste of time to be in Sunspear right now.

Everyone’s other favorite Tyrion Lannister keeps his wit and personality in Mereen. He’s still teamed up with Varys, who always manages to have little birds. No one is particularly happy with Daenerys at this point, who has been captured by the Dothraki in what really is the homebrand version of Khal Drogo. I must say, Daenerys is okay, but I’m really much more interested in Castle Black and Ramsay Bolton at this point.

To finish off the character focus, Arya is blind and begging on the streets of Braavos. I really hope the Waif dies, and soon, because I hate her. Not overly interested in this storyline right now, but Maisie Williams is also doing a fine job.

Rating: 7/10

For a season starter episode it went quite well. The characters are all over the place at this point, and there are a whole lot of story lines involved. I’m not necessarily wishing that the body count rise, but it would be more helpful if some of these characters can get to one location and reconcile a few things. I’m particularly uninterested in Ellaria and her Snakes, it was just Season three / four business and while it was cool then, it’s just a waste of screen time now.

November 4, 2016October 30, 2016 by Natasha Categories: Game of Thrones, Review, Reviews, Series, UncategorizedTags: Aiden Gillen, Alfie Allen, Carice van Houten, Cersei Lannister, Conleth Hill, Game of Thrones, Game of Thrones Season 6, Gwendoline Christie, Iain Glen, Ian, Iwan Rheon, Jaime Lannister, Jon Snow, Kit Harington, Kristian Nairn, Lena Headey, Liam Cunningham, Maisie Williams, Melisandre, Natalie Dormer, Nathalie Emmanuel, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage, Sansa Stark, Sophie Turner, Tyrion Lannister Leave a comment

Links I love V

Links I Love: Part V

First of all, we must discuss the big #Brangelina split. I think we all like to pretend that we’re just involved in our own lives my own life and couldn’t give jack shit about celebrities, but let’s just drop all of that for a few and focus on this. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK? The internet has been on FIYAH this last few days and it’s been pretty hilarious. My favorite so far is why Jennifer Aniston is not giving a shit that Brad is getting divorced, brought to you by Huffington Post.

Passengers trailer

If there was ever a Jennifer Lawrence in a male form, Chris Pratt would be it. This seems like a great film, something new in space films – I mean, the avenues seemed to have been exhausted to venture into and there two actors are certainly capable to bring it to the table and carry a film as the only two characters.

This Epic Game of thrones theme cover – AHHH it is absolutely amazing

Where is the love? Black Eyed Peas remix

This gave me all the chills. We’ve come to the brink of societal collapse, and on days where I am feeling particularly morose I can’t help but wonder when exactly World War Three is going to break out. It is such a depressing and scary notion, but we cannot expect countries to sit by and constantly have their citizens slaughtered by lunatics. Anyway, on this completely depressing subject, I found the Black Eyed Peas remix of their hit song that was originally released in 2003. It is a song that has always had a lot of resonance, but it seems even more profound today. The remix is incredible and is an excellent production.

What Thor was doing during Captain America:

Bless Marvel for always being some form of a clown. I really enjoyed this clip and thought it was a perfect thing to release to hype people up for Ragnarok.

Engen petrol attendants dancing at petrol station

You need to watch this – South-Africans can be so damn cool when they want to be.

This Snow Patrol crowd that sung the song back to the bad ❤

Okay, there you go. Hope you enjoyed these!

September 28, 2016 by Natasha Categories: 2016, Links I Love, UncategorizedTags: Black Eyed Peas, Brangelina, Captain America, Chris Pratt, Game of Thrones, Jennifer Lawrence, Links I Love, Passengers, Snow Patrol, Thor, Where is the love 4 Comments

HAPPY MIDDLE OF THE YEAR – MID YEAR IN REVIEW

Hello everyone! Today is the 2^nd of July, a.k.a. the EXACT MIDDLE OF THE YEAR. In exactly 183 days we will be partying in 2016. It also means that we only have another 183 days left where things can go totally wrong for us. Not bad, eh?!

To celebrate this joyous occasion, I have compiled a list of things that I’ve done in this year that seems noteworthy… or not. It at least proves the amount of time I spend on movies, books and series! Enjoy!!

2015 Movies watched so far:

The movie year didn’t start off so well for me. I mean, I watched Seventh Son. I gave it a 6/10, and I still think that is a very fair assessment. It is really not great and it could have been much more with the cast they had available.

The next was Best of Me, a movie adaption from Nicholas Sparks. It was unoriginal and cheesy, typical Sparks. I gave it a 6/10 as well, and counted my losses, and looked with hope to the next movie.

The next movie is still one of my favorites of the year, Ballade vir ‘n enkeling. It is a South-African film and I thought it would be okay at best. It was so well done. I was and am so proud of the quality they produced here and super chuffed that it is a local film, that I got to see it in cinema and that one of the lead actors, Armand Aucamp, was nice enough to read the post, comment on it and favorite it on Twitter #hellyeah #famousness. I gave it a well-deserved 8/10.

I went to see Disney’s latest live adaption, Cinderella, in cinema. It wasn’t close to the entertainment that Maleficent brought us last year. The story was exactly as it has been since Cinderella the animation was released a million years ago, the characters were perfectly cast (but was that even necessary?). I think that if Disney wants to keep on doing these and make them a success they need to make it unique or at least change perspectives of the film. I gave it a 6.5/10, because it was quite enchanting even though it wasn’t excellent.

I chose watching Kingsman: A Secret Service, instead of Fifty Shades in Cinema, and let me tell you, it was an excellent decision. The movie is

Avengers: Age of Ultron has easily been my most anticipated movie of 2015. I am a massive fan of the first Avengers, and think Marvel excelled there. This time around everything was bigger – the villain, the explosions, the fights, the character development. It worked really well although I don’t see the point of the love story. But anyway. It was good, and I rated it an 8/10

#cannotBeUnseen

Fifty Shades of Grey.LOLS. I know so many people who were really looking forward to this. I wasn’t, and even refused to go watch it in cinema because that would mean helping it edge closer to the billion dollar mark at the cinema (which it didn’t, and I’m very sure it is because I stood my ground!). It is bad. Like really, really bad. The source material is nothing to work from, because it is sex, sex and more sex and then more sex on top of that. You can’t put all that sexy time into a movie in the graphic detail the readers seems to have wanted into a film and show it to large audiences. The acting was awful – the best was Dakota Johnson, and she’s not any Meryl Streep if you know what I mean. The chemistry lacked, the lines were painfully cheesy and the sexy time wasn’t sexy. Just go read my review and see what I said haha. I gave it a 6/10, received some flak for it, but I stand firm – it wasn’t THAT bad and Johnson worked really hard at this.

Pitch Perfect  2 was my most apprehensive venture into cinema yet this year. I hated the first one (disclaimer:  I need to watch it again because I was hanging when I saw the first one and it might not be that bad). The second one was really a lot of fun and had elements of girl power, and you all know I cheer madly when that happens. I love Fat Amy, she’s hilar, and I think the execution of the movie was really well done. I gave it an 8/10 again.

I just watched Jurassic World and thought it was great fun and a very good sequel. I don’t really know if I support more movies coming into this franchise, but after the massive box office hit I am sure they won’t let this in peace. Chris Pratt the adventurer is also a lovely thing to behold 😉

Books

I’ve read an astonishingly small amount of new books this year, instead rereading all my favorite ones. The best book I’ve read for the first time this year is definitely Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. I campaigned to everyone I knew to read that book and still do – it is such a cute book man.

I recently read the first four books in the Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot. It is not such an amazing achievement though, as the books are never more than a 150 pages long each. They are really fun though, and excellent entertainment when your brain needs some easy fun.

The Liar by Nora Roberts proved to be a very nice read. The quality of her last couple of books hasn’t been excellent, so naturally I was relieved when this book had some entertainment value.

The Brightest Star in the Sky has been the oddest book I’ve ever read from Marian Keyes, and she is well known for her odd books. The book is way too long and often a bit drawn out, but I had a good time.

I am currently busy reading Atonement by Ian McEwan. I’ve been interested in this book after seeing the heart wrenching movie, and although I am only a few pages in I find that the book is really well written.

Further on I would like to get to The Woman who Stole my Life (Marian Keyes), Looking for Alaska (John Green), Indelible (Karin Slaughter) and Ruby Circle (Richelle Mead).

Series

The Dawn of Downton Abbey

Have you guessed I would talk about this series on here? Because I’ve reviewed Seasons 1, 2 and 3 already, and guess what? Season four is scheduled for scheduled for tomorrow 😀 :D. I blew through all the seasons of this. It is simply impossible to stop watching something so well done. It is very likely my favorite series of all time.  Season three made me rather angry – some deaths were SO uncalled for. Season four was good but not up to the standards of the previous three and season five was as good as the first three. Have I mentioned that I can’t wait for the sixth season?

Game of Thrones

Meh. I hoped season five would be like the glorious first two seasons. But we can’t always have what we want, right? I reviewed the first four episodes and still need to get to the rest, but really, I am so disinterested in Westeros at the moment. The story is badly developed at the moment and I think they are incapable of dealing with the expanding territories at the moment.

Gilmore Girls

I spent a lot of time running through this series this year. It is the best throwback EVER. I still need to finish Season 7, but as we know it is not the best ever. There are increasing talks to get a movie out, but we will still see, won’t we?

I am currently busy with Pretty Little Liars Season 5. It is okay, but I think I’ve seen so many other series that are really good at this point that I am slightly bored with this right now. It makes for senseless viewing, which isn’t a bad thing at all. I would like to get into Vikings – I saw the first few minutes of the first episode and it hasn’t gripped me yet. Daredevil and Agent Carter are the two Marvel series I am looking forward at watching as well. YAY for Superheroes!!

How has your year been so far?

July 2, 2015July 2, 2015 by Natasha Categories: Books, Fun, Movies, Reviews, SeriesTags: Age of Ultron, Anna Kendrick, Atonement, Ballade vir 'n enkeling, Best of Me, Books, Cinderella, Colin Firth, Dakota Johnson, Downton Abbey, Eleanor and Park, Fifty Shades of Grey, fun, Game of Thrones, Gilmore girls, Ian McEwan, James Marsden, Jurassic World, Kingsman, Lilly James, Marian Keyes, Meg Cabot, Middle of The Year, Movies, Nicholas Sparks, Nora Roberts, Pitch Perfect 2, Princess Diaries, Rainbow Rowell, Rebel Wilson, Reviews, Richard Madden, Series, Seventh Son, The Brightest Star in the Sky, the Liar 13 Comments

Top Ten Television Crushes

Have I done one of these already? If so, I don’t care because I am doing another one! My list has certainly evolved the past few months with some pretty awesome and fine gentlemen working their way in! As I’m writing this the post is threatening to turn into a novel, so sorry for the long one!!

Special mentions:

Luke Danes – Scott Patterson, Gilmore Girls

Jon Snow – Kit Harrington, Game of Thrones

Jax Teller – Charlie Hunnam, Sons of Anarchy

Chuck Bass – Gossip Girl

10. 

Jess Mariano – Milo Ventimiglia, Gilmore Girls

Character rating: 8/10

Smoky factor: 8/10

Final Score: 16/20

Jess comes in at number 10 because he is the perfect bad boy that every girl should have once in her life. He is not always good to Rory and his problems in life keeps him back, but later on in the story his character becomes extremely satisfying to see succeed.

9. 

Seely Booth – David Boreanz, Bones

Character rating: 8/10

Smoky factor: 8/10

Final Score: 16/20

I LOVVEEE Bones. The show is good and takes place in a lab which, as it is part of my career world, I enjoy immensely (although the drinking and eating around human remains… nope).

Booth is so damn fine. The height, the size, the character, just take me now. I have a big thing for the whole injured soldier story so that factors in really well too.

8.

Damon Salvatore – Ian Somerhalder, Vampire Diaries

Character rating:  7.5/10

Smoky factor: 9/10

Final Score: 16.5/20

I’ve only seen the first three seasons and I’m not that interested in seeing the rest because season three is already rather boring, but the main attraction of that show is Damon Salvatore. He is comfortable with his nature and doesn’t whine as much as his brother. Also, the eyes of Ian Somerhalder, paired with the black hair and that fuck-it-all attitude. Win.

7.

Robb Stark – Richard Madden, Game of Thrones

Character rating: 8/10

Smoky factor: 8.5/10

Rating: 16.5/20

SOB. He was everything until George Martin was George Martin and killed him off. I’ve noticed that GoT has the same route – endear a character to the watcher/reader, and then pop him. Rob, with his curly hair, his kingly nature and his impulsive streak (that lead to said popping) made such a good character. Richard Madden was a great attribute to the show – looky wise, acting wise and execution of the storyline. He is sorely missed.

6.

Tom Branson – Allen Leech, Downton Abbey

Character rating: 8.5/10

Smoky factor: 8.5/10

Final Score: 17/20

Tom Branson is initially introduced into Downton as a depiction of the unrest that was very much real in the middle and lower classes in Britain in the 1920s. Tom is adorable in his outspokenness and opinions and his fearless determination to give his opinion. His love story with Sybil is so romantic and fun because it is seen as inappropriate.

I love Tom. He is a good man and can see how the upper class isn’t all that bad although he disagrees with the class system. His grief at Sybil’s death had me so upset because it was done so well. His love for his young daughter and his determination to make life good for her.Just YES.

5.

Khal Drogo – Jason Momoa, Game of Thrones

Character rating: 7.5/10

Smoky factor: 10/10

Final Score: 17.5/20

If this post was based solely on characters Khal Drogo would probably have been lower on the list. His character is cool but let’s face it – even though the love story between him and Khaleesi eventually becomes so beautiful it causes physical pain, the start of their sexual relationship is not at all consensual (at least in the series)

So it is thus the looks department that brings Khal Drogo in at number five on this list. He is so hot. All that muscle and manliness and the little scar above the eye and his looks and everything

4.

Dean Winchester – Jensen Ackles, Supernatural

Character rating: 8.5/10

Smoky factor: 9/10

Final Score: 17.5/20

Ah Dean. Supernatural is such a great show (until season 5) and I’ve been scared plenty of times watching it. We all know who the better Winchester brother is. Sam Winchester is the most annoying crying baby that any show has had (apart from Carrie Matheson in Homeland). Dean however, is everything. HE is strong and resilient and such a good brother and smoking hot. His taste in music, his taste in cars, clothing and food. Everything just wins where Dean is concerned!

3.

Peter Quinn – Rupert Friend, Homeland

Character rating:9/10

Smoky factor: 8.5/10

Final Score: 17.5/20

This could really be a list of my favorite shows too, as far as the numbering is currently going! I really enjoy Homeland and even though I find the drama, especially in Season 4, very much like a war propaganda from the US, I think the show is really well produced and the characters extremely well written. Carrie Matheson is the bane of everyone’s existence, not just mine, so the show’s quality relies on the supporting cast and the story.

Peter Quinn came to Homeland in Season 2 but never really received the proper character development he deserved. Every season would start off with some introduction on his life and extraordinary work skills and then just fade as Carrie’s crying face got all the attention.

Season 4 finally really starts to focus on Quinn, and although I retched when his feelings for Carrie came out into the open, I really enjoyed that he got more screen time.

Quinn is efficient and loyal and dedicated to his team, all of the things which Carrie is not. When he goes into avenging mode, it is damn hot and I just want to jump through the screen. I enjoy the many layers the character has and how he struggles with many of the decisions his superiors make.

2. 

Sherlock Holmes – Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock

Character rating: 9/10

Smoky factor: 9.5/10

Final Score: 18.5/20

Sherlock comes in a close second on the favorite characters list. He is so intelligent and quirky and Benedict Cumberbatch brings the legendary sleuth to the screen in the way that no person could have thought possible. The three seasons are all highly entertaining, the banter between Sherlock and Watson is sharp and acerbic and the chemistry onscreen between Cumberbatch and Freeman contributes to the enormous success of the show. The story is sharp and layered and excellently written and produced. However, without Cumberbatch this show would have been really good, but I don’t think that it would have been as excellent. His unique features and nature brings the character to life – no one will ever be Sherlock as well again as he. Then there are Cumberbatch’s eyes and that voice that just kills me. (The hair and his height and his trench coats too)

1.

Matthew Crawley – Dan Stevens, Downton Abbey

Character rating: 10/10

Smoky factor: 9/10

Final Score: 19/20

Matthew Crawley has forever ruined television crushes for me, because no one will ever be able to compete against him and walk away the victor. I don’t always go for blonde haired guys, so when I do, you must KNOW that it is for character reasons as well as looks. Matthew really perfected my standards here. His character is amazing. He is kind and compassionate in situations where it wouldn’t be unfair of him to lose his temper. He goes through so much in the show and he remains this gentle soul. I love everything about him and I can’t see myself ever giving this spot away to anyone else.

June 26, 2015June 24, 2015 by Natasha Categories: Friday, Fun, Top Ten CrushesTags: Allen Leech, Benedict Cumberbatch, Bones, Damon Salvatore, Dan Stevens, David Boreanz, Dean Winchester, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Gilmore girls, Homeland, Ian Somerhalder, Jason Momoa, Jensen Ackles, Jess Mariano, Khal Drogo, Matthew Crawley, Milo Ventimiglia, Peter Quinn, Richard Madden, Robb Stark, Rupert Friend, Seely Booth, Sherlock, Sherlock Holmes, Supernatural, Tom Branson, Vampire Diaries 20 Comments

Game of Thrones: Season 5, Episode 4

*WARNING: Major Spoilers in post!*

What happened?

A whole lot. My only complaint so far about season 5 has been that the episodes have been rather slow. But typical of Game of Thrones, it is picking up mid-season (how are we mid-season already?!). The most notable event is certainly the attack on Daenarys Targaryen’s strongholding and the fall of Ser Barristan Selmy. Is he dead? The ending was left unclear although I am certain he will pass on whereas Greyworm will pull through. I will be very disappointed if Grey Worm falls – he is an endearing character and he and his lady crush added something completely new to the story – some chaste and sweet love vibes. I do wonder how Daenearys will react to the news and how she will address it – will it cause her to be less hostile when Jorah finally arrives with Tyrion up his sleeve? Can it ensure Jorah’s safe return to Dany’s side? I do find Jorah’s desperation really sad right now. There is no doubt that he was an absolute idiot at the start of his journey to Daenearys but he changed his ways and is totally for the queen right now. Dany can be a bit of a brat more often than not but I do hope she finds it in her to forgive Jorah and take him and Tyrion under her wing for some advice. Tyrion is infinitely more capable in charming a reluctant population than Dany is.

I found it really interesting that Rhaegar Targaryen was mentioned twice in one episode. While visiting the same crypt in Winterfell that Ned and Robert visited back in season one, Littlefinger tells Sansa the story of how Rhaegar ignored his wife (Elia Martell, Oberyn’s sister) in favor of Lyanna Stark at a tournament. This provides significant insight into Rhaeghar and other possible bloodlines, a theory that has been stuck in my head for ages now. The other mention of Rhaeghar is when Barrister corrects Dany’s impression that her brother loved murdering and tells her that although her father was indeed insane, her brother had a great love for music and not piled up bodies. It is a very sweet scene that gives Dany something to hold onto and is also crucial information about Rhaeghar – he certainly does not sound half as bad as the legends make him out to be. I wouldn’t be one bit surprised if Littlefinger did something wrong to start the war between Robert Baratheon and the Targaryens. It would not be the first time.

Stannis Baratheon is heading to Winterfell to reclaim the land from the Boltons and I am ridiculously excited. He even promised to make Jon Snow the Lord of Winterfell and Jon Stark, and that gave everyone the chills in the first few episodes of the season. However, Jon opted against it, and I would actually love if Sansa got to rule Winterfell. Sansa is currently betrothed to Ramsay Bolton, and that is not sitting well with me. I can’t wait until Ramsay and his father are beheaded, because bloody hell, the North Remembers.  I’ve never really liked Stannis because of the way he treats his daughter, but right now he is the only leader actually capable of overtaking the Boltons at Winterfell. I also have a reluctant admiration for him – he is a warlord and quite capable of warfare, despite his emotional detachment to his only child. The scene between him and Shireen helped thaw a lot of my irritation with him – he seems to be a much kinder man than his warlord persona and actions towards his (bat-shit crazy) wife might suggest.

Continuing the plot developments at the wall, I can’t help but worry about Jon Snow being seduced by Mellisandre. That woman is just no good and I was so tense with her whole booby flashing with Jon politely declining. It might be just because Jon is the only fine man at the Wall, but I think that the Red Psychopath is up to something and knows that Jon’s blood is regal – whoever’s son he really is at the end of the day. Great points to Jon for telling her where to get off, quite literally. He’s the man right now! (How chilling was her words to him after she rejected him???)

Jamie and Bronn are still sneaking through Dorne to rescue Myrcella. I really enjoy the relationship between these two guys. Jamie is disappointing now with his left hand in battle and I would really enjoy to see him reclaim some of his former glory. Oberyn’s daughters are terrifying and badass and I sincerely hope that poor Myrcella is rescued before they reach her.

I really enjoyed this episode. It felt like the show finally found its direction and began preparing for their major last few episodes, as is the norm. I personally hope to see the Boltons die, but am also anxious to see Sansa Stark in a safe location. I would also like to see more of Arya’s journey in the next few episodes and what the elusive J’agen Hghar has planned for her. Also, what exactly is crackelacking with Bran Stark? Where is the other Baby Stark? Also, wouldn’t mind seeing more of Daario Naharis. I wouldn’t mind one bit.

#ForScience

May 6, 2015May 5, 2015 by Natasha Categories: Game of Thrones, Reviews, SeriesTags: Arya Stark, Cerise van Houten, Cersei Lannister, Game of Thrones, Jon Snow, Jorah Mormont, Kit Harrington, Lena Dunham, Maisie Williams, Mellisandre, Peter Dinklage, Sansa Stark, Stannis Baratheon, Tommen Baratheon, Tyrion Lannister 2 Comments

Game of Thrones: Season 5, Episode 3

What I liked:

Margaery Tyrell and dowager Queen Cersei: These two ladies have been sniping at each other the second Margaery became betrothed to Joffrey way back then. They’ve never grown attached, maybe because Cersei just can’t share family. Now Margaery is married to Tommen, and Tommen is incredibly happy with his new wife. Cersei knows that boys will choose certain things over their mothers, and that irritates her endlessly. She finds way to annoy her new daughter in law and Margaery finds ways to reference Cersei’s age and lack of power all the time – and this magnificent bitch feast makes great television.

Tyrion’s change of company to Daenerys Targaryen. I really do enjoy Varys and his oddities, and thought the interaction between him and Tyrion is really entertaining. I do like him being kidnapped by Jorah – I’ve been waiting for him to find a way in with Daenerys again.

OMFG JON SNOW HAS BALLS. I never thought he would behead Slynt. I thought he would back out and look like a wuss in front of Stannis and the entire Watch, but he didn’t do it and I was cheering – that guy was a constant problem in the Watch and would just have caused drama.

That scene where Arya Stark buries Needle. Oh, be quiet my weeping heart. That scene was really emotional and Maisie Williams did a great job there.

What I didn’t like:

Ramsay Bolton and Sansa Stark??? HOW CRUEL CAN LIFE BE TO THIS GIRL? She’s gone through so much, she survived Joffrey and Lysa Arryn, and THAT is what Petyr Baelish has in store for her? I am so reassured that Brienne and Podrick being just around the corner, but really, this plot direction terrifies me.

Game of Thrones Season 4 picks up some speed with episode three. I really enjoyed it and I hope this continues!

April 30, 2015April 30, 2015 by Natasha Categories: Game of Thrones, Reviews, SeriesTags: Arya Stark, Cersei Lannister, Game of Thrones, Game of Thrones season 5, Kit Harrington, Lena Headley, Maisie Williams, Margaery Tyrell, Natalie Dormer, Petyr Baelish, Ramsay Bolton, Sansa Stark, Sophie Turner 6 Comments