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

Movie Review: Cinderella (2015)

“I have to tell you a secret that will see you through all the trials that life can offer. Have courage and be kind.”

Plot: When her father unexpectedly passes away, young Ella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her daughters. Never one to give up hope, Ella’s fortunes begin to change after meeting a dashing stranger.

Rating: 6.5/10

 

With the annual event of a live animated Disney film, we know what to expect: the knowledge that a dress and pretty shoes will help you find your Prince. I mean, who needs personality or brains or kindness? Nope, just have your dress, shoes, evil stepmom, fairy godmother and mouse ready, coz you are going to find that handsome bastard and marry him within a first few days of your meeting. Oh, there will be some challenges, but because you are nice and everything it will all work out in the end.

Now that I’m finished with those nasty thoughts, I was really excited for this film and that it didn’t pay off. I had hoped for something more than the classic fairytale, but Kenneth Branagh produced what can really be called a reinforced version of Disney’s favorite fairytale.

Pros

Kenneth Branaugh really worked his material to the best of its ability. Cinderella is shot beautiful with such colourful style and just a slight hint of flamboyance and is able to carry the movie when the plot slows down.

The casting of Richard Madden. Can the world just stand still with me and marvel at Robb Stark’s incredible beauty and talent. This guy is a phenomenon in the “Zoë and Natasha’s eternal debate on the need of male facial hair” debate – we both agree that Rob’s little moustache is delicious and should be kept in a hall of fame. The news that he was cast as Prince Charming made me so excited but he was sadly devoid of facial hair in the trailer, which disappointed me a bit. Well, Madden apparently works with either option because he is the perfect Charming to James’ Cinderella. He also does a really good job as Kit and his acting is impressive. I enjoyed the looks you got at him with his father – there was love and the acknowledgement of their duties between them. The insight into his kind heart justifies why a woman would just accept a man’s hand at the blink of an eye.

Background on Cinderella. I am naturally suspect on truly sweet people – it seems so unnatural for a person to always be kind and nice, a foreign concept in our world. James as Cinderella is then naturally suspected because that kind behavior to such wicked people seems very incomprehensible. The childhood factor helped to show that Ella was always taught to be kind to people even when they didn’t deserve it and that shaped her to become the doormat for the wicked Stepmother and her loony daughters. (I still don’t trust Cinderella, she’s too nice)

 

Some background on stepmother, although not enough. Cate Blanchett handles this role with ease; she’s done much more with just such excellence before. It is criminal that she wasn’t more used. Some insight into her deplorable activities were given – why would a woman openly hate a young girl the second they met? It has been on my mind lately how bitter women become so bitter and cruel and this was just another case study how such things happen. I enjoyed Lady Tremaine’s attitude, her sarcasm and her constant irritation with her silly daughters, and yet you could tell that she loved her daughters despite the fact that she wanted to kill them.

The first dance between Kit and Cinderella at the ball. Call my heart soft and squishy but the romance in this scene was tangible and beautiful. That dress was incredible and Madden leading James through that dance sequence had me sighing with happiness.

 

I am a huge Disney fan, but as time progresses and I am more aware of the subconscious sexism women are subjected to each day I am more and more worried that Disney stories are what young impressionable girls are watching. Disney has been on a mission to fix their damage in recent years – Disney’s Frozen had Elsa openly question why her sister would want to marry a man after only knowing him a day. Cinderella is still unbearable sweet and kind and that must not be seen as oppression but as for the personality and charm it is. Cinderella speaks her mind when she meets Kit and has an opinion and I was like HALLELUJA. Her constant bowing to the prince at the ball had my eye twitching but I do acknowledge that feminism was allowed at least fifteen minutes of play time.

 

Cons:

The movie starts with a slow pace, picks up some speed and then slows again. It dragged a bit at the end and felt purposely drawn out.

When you are gifted Cate Blanchet and Helena Bonham Carter, you used them and don’t under utilise such talent.

The opening scenes with young Ella and her parents were very kitsch, forced, cheesy, over the top and unnecessary.

This movie is exactly what you expect. There is nothing new and original, no fresh take.

Cinderella didn’t really have all that wrong with it; it just lacked either of the two things that could have made it work: magic or originality.

April 7, 2015April 5, 2015 by Natasha Categories: Movies, ReviewsTags: Cate Blanchet, Cinderella, Disney, Kenneth Branaugh, Lily James, Movies, Reviews, Richard Madden 8 Comments

Five Things Friday: A collection of thoughts

Well done! You’ve fought bravely all week to reach Friday! No small feat! To celebrate today, I’m putting up a collection of things that appealed/shocked/intrigued me over the last few weeks. Enjoy, and let me know what you thought of all of them!

Two things that made me question society:

#DressGate

 

I woke up Friday morning to see a Facebook feed full of one not-so-particularly-outstandingly-gorgeous dress, and mad questions of people desperately looking for an answer on the color. Random people in the street asked me, colleagues, ex-colleagues, friends, families, faint acquaintances, everyone asked me.

The internet is such a phenomenon these days. I get that it’s been quiet news wise lately, but the internet explodes over the weirdest things (Kim K’s ass, as an example). It’s hilarious and very weird and gives you an understanding of the outrageous control social media has over us.

As for me? Well, it’s quite obvious that it’s black and purple 😉

The success of Fifty Shades and everyone’s need to see it

Wow. I can’t even believe this movie is so popular. It is the greatest tragedy of our movie-year, and yet everyone is compelled to go see it. I gave it some thought, and while it might be worth being able to discuss it with everyone who keeps asking, I’m not comfortable with the moral dilemma of knowing that I was one of the ticket buyers who sent it over the billion dollar mark. Rather not.

Two things I’m very excited about:

Richard Madden as Prince Charming. We lost Robb Stark and we don’t like George Martin anymore (unless he reads this, ever, then just don’t kill Tyrion, I’m SORRY, George!) but Richard Madden can still be his kingly self and charm us senseless in the Cinderella movie that has been sent to us by the kind rulers of Disney. I’m definitely seeing this one in cinema, there’s not even a possibility that I won’t!

Something I need by Ben Haenow

This song. It makes me so happy. It’s the happiest song ever. Did I mention that it makes me happy?

This hilarity:

If you don’t want to hear, you must feel… right? For reasons that escapes me, there was a girl who  wanted lips like Kylie Jenner’s and ended up looking like this because she just brought something from an odd internet site (because that worked out well for the majority of people who tried that route previously)

Well, happy weekend! Let me know what amused you endlessly this week!

March 6, 2015March 1, 2015 by Natasha Categories: Five Things Friday, General, MoviesTags: Dress Gate, Five Things Friday, Friday, Kylie Jenner, Richard Madden, Something I need, Thoughts 11 Comments

Series Review: Game of Thrones Season 3

The Lannister’s win of Battle of Blackwater Bay secured their reign in King’s Landing and Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) has taken over as Hand of the King. His son Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) does not take his demotion well after risking his life and nearly dying his sister’s orders. Tyrion is still secretly seeing the former prostitute Shae, who is now Sansa Stark’s handmaiden. Cersei (Lena Headley) is still fretting over her lover/brother, Jamie (Nikolaj Waldau-Coster), who was taken captive by Robb Stark. Unknown to Cersei, Jaime is on his way back, escorted by by Brienne of Tarth (Gwendolyn Christie), the female soldier under orders from Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley).

Catelyn is still being treated as a prisoner by her son Robb Stark. Robb (Richard Madden) is furious with his mother for releasing Jamie behind his back which angered his men. He also has to deal with the anger of Lord Walder Frey (David Bradley), who is very peeved that Robb married Talisa (Oona Chaplin), and not one of Frey’s daughters as promised. Robb and Catelyn begin to repair their relationship when they hear that Bran and Rickon, the two youngest Starks were most likely killed by their former friend Theon Greyjoy.

Bran and Rickon are very much alive and are travelling to the Wall to find their half brother Jon Snow (Kit Harrington). They are accompanied by the giant Hodor (Kristian Nairn) and Osha (Natalia Tena). They meet the Reed siblings, Jojen and Meera, and Jojen particularly interests Bran because he has dreamt of the strange boy. Jojen (Thomas Reed) is able to tell name Bran’s seemingly magical abilities: he is a Warg, someone who can see into the future. Jojen begs him to heed to listen to what he sees while he sleeps.

Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) is still on her way to Winterfell with Gendry (Joe Dempsie) and Hot Pie (Ben Hawkey). They find themselves encircled by The Brotherhood without Banners, and meet Sandor Clegane. Sandor seems like a decent man and offers to set them free, but when his men arrive with the Hound (Rory McCann), taken captive after fleeing King’s Landing, and the Hound identifies Arya as a Stark, Clegane’s plans change. They are all taken to the secret cave where the Brotherhood hides out, and the Hound is sentenced to trial by combat. He wins the fight, and his slain opponent is brought back to life by the Brotherhood’s leader, Beric Dondarrion (Richard Dormer), who is also a follower of Melisandre’s god. Gendry tells Arya that he plans to join the Brotherhood, but his plans are destroyed when Melisandre shows up and takes him away.

Melisandre (Carice van Houten) takes Gendry to Dragonstone where Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane)is licking his wounds following his mortifying defeat. Sir Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham) shows up after nearly dying but he is thrown in a cell for speaking against Melisandre’s madness.

After Jon Snow’s capture by the Wildlings, he is taken to the King behind the Wall, Mance Rayder (Ciaran Hinds). Mance takes a liking to Jon, but warns him that he will be killed if he betrays the people behind the Wall. Jon gets further entangled by sleeping with Ygritte (Rose Leslie), breaking a vow of the Night’s Watch.

After the attack of the White Walkers, the Night’s Watch is in bad shape. They are once again taking refuge in Craster’s keep, but he is as horrible as ever, and the men are soon angered. Samwell Tarly meets Gillie again, the girl who begged him to help her save her young son’s life when the Men were there previously. The unnamed boy is nearly old enough to be offered as sacrifice to the White Walkers, and Gillie is very worried. Lord Commander Mormont dies when some of the Night’s Men rebel and Sam flee with Gillie and the baby, who is later also named Sam.

In Astapor, DaenerysTargaryen (Emilia Clarke) is continuing her quest to reclaim the Seven Kingdoms. Barristan Selmy (Ian McElhinney), the former King’s Guard who was thrown aside by Joffrey Baratheon saves her life and offers her his service, and she accepts. Jorah Mormont (Ian Glen) is also still around to advise her, and the two men flank her side as she frees slaves in every city she enters, offering them the choice to either follow her or be finally free, and also killing their old, cruel masters in retaliation of years of injustice and torture. Daenerys finally gets a massive army when she buys the Unsullied from their barbaric master and Missandei, the translator of the treaty, gets to join Daenerys in her quest and leave behind her life.

Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) is still in King’s Landing. Through a little bit of good luck she was freed of marriage to Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) when Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) became the King’s new fiancé. Margaery is infinitely more capable of handling the King’s madness and through some clever games of her own, she manages to endear Joffrey to the citizens of King’s Landing, but Cersei still deeply despises and mistrusts her. Sansa finds a friend she desperately needs in Margaery, and when Margaery and her grandmother Olenna ask if Joffrey is a good person, she overcomes her fears and tells them how horrible he really is.

Brienne and Jamie are waylaid by Bolton arms men, and Jamie loses a hand. Without his sword hand, Jamie is lost and desolate, but Brienne manages to keep him motivated. Jamie tells Bolton that Brienne has a superbly rich father, ensuring that she doesn’t get raped. He goes through a whole lot of things to try and keep her safe, showing that he has redemption in him. When Roose Bolton sends Jaime back to King’s Landing, Jaime returns and saves Brienne, establishing their unlikely friendship.

The death of Catelyn’s father brings some reconciliation between Robb and Catelyn. He agrees to attend his grandfather’s funeral in Riverrun, much to the anger of Lord Karstark, who still justifiably wants vengeance on Jamie Lannister for killing both his sons.

Petyr Littlefinger (Aiden Gillen) shares the Tyrell’s hopes to marry Sansa to Loras Tyrell. Tywin is furious and intercepts, and convinces Olenna to let Loras marry Cersei instead, and this new development is not taken well at all by the Queen Regent. As reward, Petyr is sent to win the affections of Lady Lysa Arryn, the Lady of the Vale. Tywin Lannister promotes Tyrion to Master of Coin, and while he is happy with new responsibilities he is overwhelmed by the magnitude of the job and his inexperience in it. Sansa becomes betrothed to Tyrion, and no one is happy about the new developments.

Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) is still being held captive and tortured. He is hopeful when a mysterious young man helps him escapes, telling him that his sister is trying to save him. His escape is futile – his saviour is actually not a saviour at all, and only sets Theon free for the sport of catching him again. Theon is castrated by his torturer.

Lord Karstark kills two young Lannisters as retribution and Robb is forced to execute him. As Karstark’s men leave Robb, he is forced to try and make amends with Walder Frey. As a peace offering, Robb’s uncle Edmure is now to marry Robb’s previous fiancé, Roslin. The wedding seems to go well, and even Frey seems like he has made peace about it.

Sam is still trying to get Gilly and her young son to safety after the massacre at Craster’s Keep. They are attacked by a White Walker, but they are saved when Sam uses the dragon glass he found on the mountains on it. Jon and Ygritte are still close and they discuss their relationship. Jojen tells Bran that they must find the three eyed raven, but Osha is still adamant that she will not travel beyond the Wall. Eventually they reach a compromise – Osha will take Rickon to Jon Snow while Bran stays with Jojen and his sister.

Arya Stark escapes the Brotherhood’s captivity, but is once again captured, this time by the Hound. She struggles with her hatred of him while he tries to get her to Robb Stark to claim some money.

Sansa is still horrified by her upcoming nuptials. Shae tells Tyrion that their relationship will end with his marriage to Sansa. Margaery, who has become a great source of comfort to Sansa, assures her that she is lucky to receive Tyrion as a husband. Neither Tyrion nor Sansa enjoy their wedding much, but eventually some form of a rapport does develop.

Gendry arrives at Dragonstone with Melisandre. Stannis has an inkling his favourite witch is up to no good and he releases Davos to stop her, but not harm her. They are just in time to stop Melisandre from sacrificing Gendry for his Baratheon blood, and he is thrown into a cell.

Daenerys arrives at the Yunkai and learn that the Second Sons, a mercenary company, are employed there. She meets the lieutenants of the company, all but one are very rude. Daario Naharis kills his fellow leaders and offers his company to Daenerys. Her army soon takes over Yunkai and Daenerys once again gives the slaves in the city the option to be free or follow her.

Bran and Jon are eventually a few feet apart but Jojen convinces Bran to not let Jon know they are there because it means they will never find the three eyed raven. Bran saves Jon’s life after Jon refuses to kill an innocent man. Jon escapes and Ygritte is furious that he left her behind.

Yara Greyjoy decides to save her brother, but Theon is not himself anymore and eventually she gives up hope. Sam and Gilly finally reach Castle Black and Gilly is allowed to stay and care for the men. When Ygritte sees Jon again she shoots him, and he arrives injured at Castle Black. With Jon and Sam back, Westeros can finally be alerted of the existence of the White Walkers. The news reaches Stannis Baratheon first, and Melisandre says that fighting the Walkers is their most important task.

Rating: 7.5/10

I went in with high hopes for season three, bolstered by the excellence of season one and two. High hopes are often dashed, and mine were just a bit damaged by the slow pace of season three. The story was as good as always, but the characters constantly seemed to be waiting for something to happen.

The last three episodes of the season completely exploded. I left out the big plot twist to spare anyone who hasn’t seen Season three yet. Let me just say I was gobsmacked and screaming and even angrier than when Ned Stark got executed back in Season One. Hint: I HATE MR. FILCH SO MUCH.

Daenerys once again just keeps on climbing the awesome ladder. She occasionally frustrated me in season two, but I thoroughly enjoyed her uncompromising attitude in Season Three. I really liked the inclusion of Daario Naharis. The actor that played him had something, not in looks but in attitude that just smacked of Khal Drogo. The girl has fine taste in men!

I used to be a sympathiser with Stannis, but not anymore. For the first two seasons I thought he was just a man being bamboozled by Melisandre, but he finally showed the full extent of his douchery by his treatment of his scarred daughter. His wife is a thorough nut, and I DO sympathise with him for being married to her.

The girl power in GoT rocks so much. My favourite ass kicking ladies are naturally Daenerys and then Margaery Tyrell, who impressed me so much. I thought she was mad for willingly becoming betrothed to Joffrey, but after a while I could see that she would perhaps be the only person on the planet that could control the @#$%. She furthered endeared herself to me by being so nice to Sansa, who REALLY needed a friend. I also like Arya Stark. That little girl is such a Stark and she just won’t give up and I respect her so much for it.

Some relationships were so sweet and some so annoying. I absolutely adored the love between Talisa and Robb Stark, and the whole Gillie and Sam thing. Shae and Tyrion had something going that was sweet, but eventually I didn’t like Shae’s attitude at all. I did not like Ygritte’s terrifying obsession with Jon Snow. Seriously, I get the addiction to Kit Harrington completely, but wow that was a bit overly attached girlfriend there!

Have you seen the third season? What did you think?

July 17, 2014 by Natasha Categories: ReviewsTags: Aidan Gillen, Alfie Allen, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Carice van Houten, Charles Dance, Davos Seaworth, Emilia Clarke, Gendry, Iain Glen, Isaac Hempstead-Wright, Jack Gleeson, Joe Dempsie, Joffrey Baratheon, John Bradley, Jon Snow, King Robb Stark, Kit Harington, Lady Catelyn Stark, Lena Headey, Liam Cunningham, Lord Petyr Baelish, Maisie Williams, Margaery Tyrell, Melisandre, Michelle Fairley, Natalie Dormer, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Oona Chaplin, Peter Dinklage, Princess DaenerysTargaryen, Queen Cersei Lannister, Richard Madden, Rory McCann, Rose Leslie, Samwell Tarly, Sansa Stark, Ser Jaime Lannister, Ser Jorah Mormont, Shae, Sibel Kekilli, Sophie Turner, Stannis Baratheon, Stephen Dillane, Talisa Maegyr, The Hound, Theon Greyjoy, Tyrion Lannister, Tywin Lannister, Ygritte 10 Comments

Game of Thrones: Season 2

Following orders from his father, Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) becomes the Hand of the King at King’s landing, while Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) is still on the field. Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane) starts worshipping Melisandre’s (Carice van Houten) fire god, burning anyone who objects to his change of faith as offerings. He lays public claim to the Iron Throne as its rightful heir, revealing Cercei’s (Lena Headley) and Jamie Lannister’s incest and one of the results of it – King Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson), who has no right to the throne as he has no blood of deceased King Robert Baratheon. Despite his mother’s assurances that he is a rightful heir, Joffrey orders every single bastard child of Robert murdered in King’s Landing.

Robb Stark (Richard Madden) now rides to war against the Lannisters in vengeance of his father’s unfair execution. Robb, named King of the North, offers peace to the Lannisters in exchange that the North function as a separate entity.

Cersei rejects Robb’s offer of peace while Tyrion hatches a clever plan to see who he can trust in King’s Landing by leaking his marriage plans for his niece, Cersei’s daughter, but telling the three separate people different spouses who he intends to marry her off to. Cersei is furious when she learns of his plans and vows revenge on him while she watches her daughter sail away, while Tyrion has the Grand Maester Pycelle (Julian Glover) thrown into prison for his betrayal.

Robb sends his friend, Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) to the King of the Iron Islands, Balon Greyjoy (Patrick Malahide). Theon, the only living son of Balon, was taken captive by Ned Stark following the suppression of the Iron Islands after Balon’s revolt against Westeros, and his father and sister taunt and despise him for his Northern mannerisms, and even his betrayal of Robb Stark’s trust won’t change their minds.

Robb and his mother Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) rides to seek an allegiance with Renly Baratheon (Gethin Anthony) , the gay brother of Robert who has married Margeary Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) who is well aware of her husband’s preferences but doesn’t really care as long as she gets to be queen.

Meanwhile, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), who became the mother of three dragons, is leading her miniscule army through the Red Waste. They are starving and they meet many enemies, all who are unwilling to assist them. In Essos, she sends out riders to look for help, but the rider loses his head and carries a message of warning to her. She and her army eventually reach Qarth, a prosperous city, but they are nearly turned away yet again until Xhoan Daxos (Nonso Anozie) vouches for her and her troops. They are soon fed and cared for within the city, with Xaro offering her everything she wants in return for her hand in marriage. She refuses, still in love with her deceased husband Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa), and has to find other resources. Xaro heads up a coup of the state and he becomes the King of Qarth. Daenerys is horrified when her dragons are stolen, and when the immortal warlock Pyat Pree(Ian Hanmore)reveals that he has them locked in his “temple”. She heads to the temple to find many obstacles, including an illusion of Drogo with their baby, but she finds the strength to kill Pyat Pree, free her dragons and leave the temple. She finds one of her handmaidens with Xaro, and locks both of them in the vault Xaro had said held all his riches but is actually empty.

Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) is travelling with the Night’s Watch beyond the wall and they take shelter at the Wildling (Robert Pugh) Craster’s home, where he is living in incestuous relationships with his wives and daughters. It is unclear as to what precisely happens to the boys that are born of the relationships between him and his wives/daughter as he keeps only the baby girls. Jon gets curious and investigates, and finds that Craster offers the boys to the White Walkers in return for safety. Jon is furious and is found by Craster on his way back, leading to tension between Craster and the Watchmen. Meanwhile, Samwell Tarly (John Bradley) befriends Gilly (Hannah Murray), one of Craster’s wives who is pregnant. She begs him for help with the baby should it be a boy, but Jon tells him to not interfere any further and make Craster even angrier.

Following her father’s execution, Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) is saved by Yoren (Francis Magee). As he heads to the Wall with some criminals to employ as Watchmen, he promises to drop her off in Winterfell in honour of his friendship with her father. He is killed by some of the Lannister’s army for refusing to give up one of his prisoners. Arya thinks the Lannisters are looking for her, but they are actually still hunting for Gendry (Joe Dempsy), who is a bastard child of Robert Baratheon. They both make it out alive by pointing out a dead boy to be who the Lannisters are looking for, but they are taken captive and held at Harrenhal, where they watch people being tortured to death for information no one seems to have. Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) arrives and immediately puts a stop to the torturing, and when he notices Arya is a girl, employs her as his servant and has no clue she is the girl his family is desperately trying to catch. Arya gets an unlikely protector, Jaqen H’ghar (Tom Wlaschiha), a man she saved from being burnt to death. In return for the three lives she saved, he promises her three lives of her enemies. She chooses her first “payment” to be the man who tortured the innocent people of Harrenhal to death. Her second is a man who discovers she is working against Tywin Lannister, and her third becomes a bunch of guards as she and Gendry escapes Harrenhall.

Stannis is still fully in the clutches of Melisandre, much to the discomfort of his right hand, Ser Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham) Stannis sleeps with Melisandre so that she can give him the son his wife couldn’t, but Melisandre gives birth to a shadow creature that kills Renly Baratheon.

Catelyn Stark and Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie), a female warrior, are forced to flee Renly’s camp after they witness his murder. Brienne swears her allegiance to Catelyn and vows revenge on Stannis Baratheon.

Back at King’s Landing, things are still not going well for Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner). She suffers abuse under Joffrey every time her brother gains a victory. Joffrey incites a public riot and Sansa is nearly raped by some commoners, but the Hound (Rory McCann) saves her. After she has her first period she is horrified that she can now bear Joffrey’s children, and even though she and Shae (Sibel Kekilli), her handmaiden and Tyrion’s secret lover, tries to hide it, her secret is discovered by the Queen.

Winterfell is attacked by Theon and his men and when Bran(Isaac Hempstead-Wright) and Rickon Stark (Art Parkinson) escape, they are hunted down with a search party. Robb is furious when he hears of Theon’s betrayal and sends men retake Winterfell. Theon burns the bodies of two boys who everyone believes to be Rickon and Bran, but they are hiding within the castle. Bran is still having strange dreams about a three eyed raven and still has no clue what it means. Yara Greyjoy (Gemma Whelan) heads to Winterfell to take Theon back to their father, while Osha (Natalia Tena) plans to get Theon, Rickon herself and the giant Hodor (Kristian Nairn) to safety.

The Watchmen arrive at the Hand of the First Men, an ancient stronghold. While Jon is out on a journey with some of the men they capture wildling Ygritte (Rose Leslie). She openly tries to seduce Jon and manages to divert his attention enough to escape, which eventually leads to him being trapped by Wildlings.

Jamie Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), still being held captive by the Starks’, nearly escapes after killing a guard. The rest of the camp wants him to be executed for killing one of their own, and Catelyn orders Brianne to take Jamie back to King’s Landing in exchange for her two daughters. Robb is furious with his mother and orders her to be under constant supervision while he tries to calm his men down. He meets Talisa (Oona Chaplin), a beautiful healer, and is instantly captivated by her, despite being betrothed to the daughter of one of his allies. Defying his mother’s warnings, he soon weds Talisa.

The animosity between Tyrion and Cersei reach new heights when she has a prostitute she believes to be Tyrion’s lover beaten up, unaware that she has the wrong girl. King’s Landing is meanwhile preparing for the siege of Stannis Baratheon, and Tyrion gets control of the stock of Wyldfire in King’s Landing and prepares to use it as a weapon. Stannis promises to make Davos Hand of the King if their siege is successful, and agrees to have Mellisandra stay behind.

Stannis Baratheon lays assault to King’s Landing in the Battle of Blackwater Bay. Joffrey, who is supposed to be the fearless King that is leading the army of the city, hides beneath the orders of his mother while leaving Tyrion to rally the men. After an inspiring speech, they set out to kill whatever hasn’t been killed with the wildfire. Cersei drinks herself into a stupor while Sansa tries to calm the ladies down. Tyrion nearly dies on the battlefield but his squire saves him from an assassination attempt by his sister, and Tywin Lannister’s forces arrives, defeating Stannis, and stopping Cersei just in time from poisoning her youngest son Tommen (Callum Wharry)

After the battle, Joffrey agree to marry Margaery Tyrell as a favour to her brother Loras, who helped with the saving of the city. Tyrion still fears for Shae’s safety, especially after his father’s arrival. Melisandre is working on motivating Stannis again, while Brienne is constantly facing attack in getting Jamie to King’s Landing.

Rating: 8/10

The Second Season of GoT was just as riveting as the first season, and maybe just loses a few points because season one had that absolutely WOW factor. I really enjoyed the intricate storyline and the magnitude of each character’s influence, and how everything interlinks so perfectly. I haven’t found any glitches in the storyline and I just enjoyed every story arc created. I love the random giggle moments because there are so few and those present is just hilarious therefore.

Danearys is one of the best and strongest female leads I have ever encountered. I admire her courage and determination and her resolve to never marry anyone again because she loves Khal Drogo so much. I thought the fact that she could walk out of the tent with the illusion of Khal and their baby was powerful and showed how strong she really is.

I found it hilarious that Arya Stark was under Tywin Lannister’s nose the entire time and he didn’t even know it. I have great admiration for both characters. Arya is a brave little thing, focused on surviving and a lot stronger than her sister Sansa. I like how she makes friends with the right people and how her judge of character is always right. I was cheering when she got an alliance with J’aqen and the whole three deaths and how she used them. She needed some champions and having a very scary, mysterious knight as a protector was very valuable to her safety. I think she and Gendry can become such a power alliance if you look at their lineage and I hope that they both make it to the end.

Tywin Lannister I respect. He may be short with his children and be the father of two incestuous children and that Joffrey is related to him, but he is an army man, doing the things he does to protect his family, without the pettiness of Joffrey and Cersei. I don’t like him much for the fact that he wants to kill Robb Stark, but I respect him for the fact that he is doing his job, not because he is hiding an incestuous relationship and invalid claims to the Throne, but because he is a warrior and plans to keep his family alive.

Sansa Stark. I did not like this typical teenage girl at all. BUT, in the end pure pity won out against the irritation I felt towards her. She has really had a tough time since her father died and she is so alone that it is just sad. I like that even though her life is horrible she still carries on.

Tyrrion: I STILL LOVE THIS GUY. He is one of the worthy competitors in my mind to be on the throne. His bravery far outstrips Joffrey’s and he is the only child of Tywin Lannister that deserves an ounce of respect.

Robb Stark: He just rocked in season two. I like how angry he was with his mother – she is constantly messing up everyone’s plans. He is also gorgeous and I love his attitude and that he and Talisa fell in love. Robb has honour and dignity and it is so obvious he is miles better than any Lannister. I respected him because he wanted nothing more than making the North free – he doesn’t ever claim to want that stupid Iron Throne that drives everyone mad

Jon Snow. FTW. He is still so pure and honest and good, and I love how he thinks for himself despite orders. I am not a huge fan of Ygritte, but I do like her attitude. I love his relationship with Sam, and I adore Sam just as much. He is sweet and well read and so different from the people he is surrounded with that he is constantly fun to watch.

The White Walker looks awesome. It is still amusing that everyone is slashing each other up and the biggest threat is around the corner, being ignored by the entire world.

I could go on about every single character in this show and how much I love/loathe them for hours and days, and discuss them forever (I somehow manage to work GoT into most conversation these days… I’ve become THAT person), but as conclusion I will say that this show has so much going for it and if you haven’t started on it yet, do so, and stay off the internet because it is a treacherous bastard that will spoil everything for you.

June 17, 2014 by Natasha Categories: UncategorizedTags: Arya Stark, Catelyn Stark, Cersei, Charles Dance, Daenarys Targaryen, Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones, Hodor, Jamie Lannister, Jon Snow, Kit Harrington, Lena Headley, Maisie Williams, Michelle Fairley, Nikolaj Waldau Coster, Osha, Peter Dinklage, Reviews, Richard Madden, Robb Stark, Sansa Stark, Series, Stannis Baratheon, Theon Greyjoy, Tyrion Lannister, Tywin Lannister 9 Comments