Courtney |

The Flash Season Two (Part One)

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Courtney

The Flash is one of my favorite shows. Last season it WAS my favorite show. And while it continues to entertain, it seems to have lost the magic that made season one so exciting to watch. Let me start out by saying I’m a huge Flash fan, but this season has been missing the magic that made Season One so great. Hopefully when the show returns from it’s winter hiatus it will return with the spark that’s been missing. Let’s start with the not so good parts of the first half of Season One:

The Bad:

What’s Up With Barry?:

The first season was incredibly fun television that I really felt had been missing from shows for a long time. The writers balanced the drama with comedy and developed the characters so the audience cared about each and every one of them. Now while this season is entertaining (at times), it’s missing the spark it used to have. Barry is no longer the fun loving superhero. Instead he’s crabby. All the time. Yes he’s been through a lot, but they need to bring back a little fun considering it’s what made him so endearing in the first place. A little comedy now and then won’t hurt.

BFF’s:

One of my favorite parts of season one was Barry and Iris’s relationship. And I don’t mean Barry’s pining for Iris. I’m talking about their friendship. I understand they want the audience to buy the Barry/Patty relationship for a while, but it feels like they’re sacrificing the WestAllen (Barry & Iris) friendship in return. The lack of scenes between the two is glaringly obvious and leaves a hole in almost every episode.

Patty:

Where do I start? She’s so obviously a filler it hurts. She’s a carbon copy of Barry, but not in a good way. I really tried to like her, but there is nothing I find endearing about her character. Once she shot Harry (Wells from Earth 2) I was out completely. To be honest I’m just counting down the episodes until she’s gone. I’m hoping that her lack of character development is a sign that she won’t be around too much longer.

The Good:

Zoom:

Zoom was only the main focus of one episode, and appeared briefly in the winter finale, yet he’s managed to leave his mark. He is the most ruthless villain the Flash has ever had, and might possibly be the greatest villain they ever will have. As soon as he drug Barry around Central City, showing off his conquest, I was sold.

Wally:

Yes he was only in the very end of the winter finale, but my excitement for Wally is already here. There are so many places they can go from here with his character and it appears they will finally explore the West family like they promised before the season started. Here’s hoping Wally’s the jolt of electricity that this show needs.

ParkWest (WestPark?):

Linda and Iris’s friendship was only showcased in two episodes (heavily in one), but it’s been one of the best highlights this season. Since Iris seems to be a prop in Star Labs, it was nice to see her bond with someone other than Barry. This show could use more female friendships, something that is glaringly lacking. Since Wally is now in the picture, maybe Linda could stick around for a while?

Cisco:

I mean. What do I really need to say? Cisco is the only humor in the show right now and has saved even the blandest of episodes in my eyes. His sass towards Harry (Harrison 2.0) is so well done I hope Harry sticks around for good. He’s also slowly becoming a superhero with hopefully more to come. More Cisco is always a good decision.

Oh CW, How I Love Thee

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Courtney

I’ll admit, I love anything aimed at teens. The show that started my love affair with all things entertainment was none other than One Tree Hill. It seems lately though, the network aimed at teens has branched out. It’s turned into shows like the charming Jane the Virgin, and the medieval drama Reign. The leading network for all things teen is introducing a wide variety of shows into their programming.

The CW has been building its brand, starting out as a teen focused channel, but they have expanded to so much more. With diverse and progressive programming, they are not only evolving as a network, but challenging the larger networks to do the same. While their largest demographic has always been younger women, they have started to gain male viewers with the comic book series Arrow and the Flash. They’re no longer doing what’s expected and instead diversifying their lineup.

It’s not just the amount of viewers that’s changing, it’s the quality too. I had always heard that the CW hired actors based on their head shots. And while the actors continue to be the hottest on television (don’t fight me on this) that doesn’t diminish their acting abilities. They are producing quality television and even though a lot of people don’t want to admit it, mostly because of their “teen” reputation, it’s happening. Instead of telling everyone they had evolved, they decided to show them with their programming. Just recently, they started to get more critical praise with Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez winning the Golden Globe, a much deserved win and the start of the career of a full-blown star.

I’ve always had the opinion that there is nothing wrong with a story made for teens. We were all that age once and it’s a time that is emotional and crazy and one where you are experiencing new things all the time. Everyone watches television for a dose of drama. The CW is finding a way to incorporate the elements of a teen program into adult series.

It’s a channel with everything from the comic series Arrow, to the Vampire Diaries. While their policy They will continue to grow and evolve the programming they produce. Give one of (or all maybe) their shows a chance and you just might be pleasantly surprised.

My Favorite Films of 2014

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Courtney

It’s the end of another year which means plenty of “best of” lists. I like to think mine’s a little different, mainly because I didn’t judge these films just on their quality, but purely by my own personal opinion. That’s right, my blog, my rules. So basically if I liked a film so much I wanted to run out and watch it again, or can’t wait to buy the DVD, it’s here. There’s still a handful of films I need to see from this year’s crop (Top Five, Unbroken, Foxcatcher), but I’d like to think this is a pretty great list (it’s purely my opinion remember?)

It was certainly a year for Keira Knightley (at least according to me) where she broke out from her usual period piece to play three strong women in a modern setting. Another fish out of water scenario came from Daniel Radcliffe, who successfully made me forget he once played Harry Potter in eight films in What If, the indie romance that grossed far too little at the box office. Superheros stayed on top, history took a front seat, and love was everywhere. Here’s my favorites from 2014.

Begin Again
The Hundred Foot Journey
Captain America: Winter Soldier
The Imitation Game
Dear White People
Fury
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Guardians of the Galaxy
Laggies
What If

What were your favorite films this year? Are any on this list?

My Favorite Film?

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Courtney

There’s always that one movie that you could watch forever. For me that movie is Remember the Titans. Every time I see it’s playing on my television I have to watch it, no exceptions and thanks to ABC Family this happens often. If you’re like me you see a lot of movies each year, so it’s interesting for me when one sticks out enough to stay with me. I was quite young when this film was released, but I remember it was a special one. It’s the kind of movie I can watch no matter what mood I’m in, my family watches it on movie nights and holidays. When I sit back and think about it I’ve probably seen it over 1000 times. I’m even known as the “Sheryl Yoast” of my family. So why is such a good film?

Let’s start with the actor’s performances. Denzel Washington is always a stand out, regardless of the role he’s playing. The relationship between Gary and Julius truly carries the film.(SPOILER) I swear if you don’t cry when Julius visits Gary in the hospital you have no heart. It deals with a subject matter that unfortunately is still relevant to today. One thing I always loved is that the film doesn’t shy away from it, but instead embraces it’s subject matter. There are plenty opportunities for tears, but it’s also filled with laughter.

Donald Faison’s Petey has a never-ending supply of jokes that help bring out the lighter scenes, while nailing his own dramatic storyline. As a bonus there’s an appearance by a young Ryan Gosling as a country-loving fellow player. The lighter portions of the film, singing Ain’t No Mountain High Enough in the locker room, create a balance that other family sport films have failed to achieve.

Remember the Titans is rare in that combines everything you look for when you go to the movies, laughter, tears, and a message that will have you talking about the subject matter. It also deserves major bonus points for possibly the best soundtrack in any film ever. This is one film that Disney did right and I might even say it’s perfect. I would say that Remember the Titans is my favorite film, but the idea of picking one favorite terrifies me. It certainly has had an impact on my life, but I can’t single it out as my number one (I have many number ones). Here’s some of my other favorite sports films.

Cool Runnings

Bend It Like Beckham

The Sandlot

Angels In The Outfield

Coach Carter

We Are Never Ever Ever Getting Back Together (Just Kidding)

Posted on November 12, 2014 by Courtney

I have an obsessive personality. I will literally consume myself with a television show as soon as I fall in love with it. And while most shows keep this kind of attention from me for a while, there are other’s that I seem to have an on and off again relationship with. One of these shows is Grey’s Anatomy. It’s currently in its eleventh season so it’s easy to see how I have gone from watching it every week as it airs, to not watching at all and back again. I have seen all the episodes I missed in between, but it’s a fact that long-running shows hit a period (sometimes a long period) of time where they might completely lose your interest. Does this mean you don’t like the show anymore? No. Shows like The Vampire Diaries amaze me because they will have my full attention and enthusiasm for the most part, but there will be a six or seven episode stretch where I purposely avoid watching. I’ve had this problem with One Tree Hill (nine season run) and Supernatural (ten season run and counting). Can you name any long-running shows, I’m talking eight seasons or more, that kept your complete attention and enthusiasm throughout their run? I can’t.

All About Felicity

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Courtney

Arrow Review // 3×05

Okay so tonight’s Arrow was pretty much Felicity-centric so I felt the need to write about it. Let’s face it she’s the best character on the show and is quickly turning into one of my all-time favorite television characters.

We start the episode with her attempt at a workout (four sit ups, you go girl) and fairly quickly we’re introduced to her mother. Felicity looks shell-shocked, her mother insisting she told her she was coming, “To send a text you actually have to press send.” This is a lesson we’ve all had to teach our parents at one point right? Right off the bat we can tell Felicity in her mom have little in common besides their hair color, her mom humiliating Felicity at every moment a man is in the room.

Our first flashback introduces us to college felicity. Turns out she was a goth back in the day with her squad of computer-wiz friends, including a super hot nerdy boyfriend, Cooper. It’s made pretty clear that her boyfriend has a tendency to push the envelope though and not in a good way.

We get our first glimpse of Thea, buying an apartment that’s nicer than anything I’ll ever step foot in, with Malcolm Merlin’s money which does not please Oliver (but really what does?).

Sorry I have to make a note in here about Diggle with his baby because it was TOO CUTE FOR WORDS. Okay I’m done.

The power goes out and it’s clear someone has implanted a virus into the whole city, stating “we are in control now.”

Mama Smoak meets Oliver and boy is she impressed with her daughter, “Ho many billionaires do you know?” Everyone loves Felicity, that’s the answer.

Another flashback to college Felicity shows many PDA-filled moments with Cooper, but that’s cut short when the FBI arrest him, such a mood killer.

It’s then that Felicity realizes it’s the virus she created and has no idea how to stop it. Talk about something coming back to haunt you. She tells the team about her “hacktivists” group in college leading Oliver to question “Why didn’t you tell me anything about this?” Because apparently they’re supposed to just spill their guts to each other. I’m sorry Oliver but you blew your chance with her, she doesn’t owe you anything.

Anyways. We get a quick scene of Laurel and her father, it’s clear she’s struggling keeping Sara’s death a secret (who wouldn’t?). It’s interesting that the only person Laurel mentions Sara’s death to outside of the team is her trainer, that will definitely become an issue or at least come back into play later on.

Mama Smoak and Felicity share a sweet scene in which they decide they will always be different, but they have each other. Too bad it’s interrupted by two men kidnapping them after Felicity figures out that her mom was tricked into her visit by the offer of a free plane ticket. Let’s be honest though who wouldn’t take the free ticket?

To no one’s surprise, the hacker is in fact her ex-boyfriend Cooper who thinks felicity “became a corporate lap dog.” Oh you don’t know the half of it dude. Action sequences ensue and Oliver and the team swoop in to the rescue.

Now it’s this last scene that’s the most important. After being virtually absent the entire episode, we see a flashback or dream to Sara’s death where Roy is the one shooting the arrows at her. Roy wakes up in a sweat so we are left to wonder, is it a memory or a dream? That’s an ending.

What did you think of tonight’s episode? Is Felicity your favorite? (The answer is yes).

My Obsession With Rookie Blue

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Courtney

Cop shows are everywhere. Crime dramas dominate television across the board and people can’t seem to get enough of them. I’m one of those people who tends to turn away from crime dramas. I used to be obsessed with them like the rest of the public, but I quickly grew tired of them. They all seemed to have the same formula, one case per episode, which has gotten a bit tiring. So when my friend suggested I watch Rookie Blue, a Canadian cop drama, I was hesitant, but boy was I wrong.

Rookie Blue takes the typical crime formula, and somehow makes it feel completely different. It follows five rookie cops as they go through the transition from training to rookies together in Toronto.

The characters are varied, Gail the bitch with a secret sensitive side (and my favorite), Andy the golden girl, Chris the goody-too shoes, Dov the overachiever, and Traci the one everyone can count on. The show does focus on a case per episode (sometimes spread across multiple episodes), but the most important aspect is that it works to develop its characters and their lives outside of work. I enjoyed seeing each character responded to the various situations they are thrown into, especially when the situations were high-stress (most of them are), where you get to see another layer of their personality emerge. Character-driven dramas are my cake. I eat them up and this show is a dark chocolate fudge cake in my world (the best kind).

Do yourself a favor and find a way to watch it. The series isn’t on Netflix, Amazon, or Hulu (unfortunately). The DVD’s aren’t too expensive to purchase and the series is currently showing on the iON channel or catch the newest episodes airing in the summer on ABC.

It’s November!

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Courtney

Hiya!

It’s November again and that means National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo is upon us. I was planning on participating this year, but I think I’m going to track my progress on my own since I have multiple projects in the works. Is anyone else participating? Any tips for staying on track? (I tend to get distracted easily). I find that I get the most work done when I go to a public place. The wifi is usually slower and everyone else around you is working on something as well. This is an instance in which peer pressure (sort of) is a good thing.

On a related note, I had a dream last night that sparked a writing sprint this morning so I am on a roll!

Happy NaNoWriMo everyone!

Taking It Back To 1989

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Courtney

Full Of Pop

I have to admit I’m a recent Taylor Swift fan. I wasn’t a full-blown fan until she released Red, partially because I tend to steer clear of any music that borders on country. One thing was always clear though, the girl’s got a crazy talent for songwriting, making it inevitable that she would move into the pop genre. From George Strait opener to shining pop star, Taylor Swift is in her own category now.

For some reason music always sounds better in the car. Each time I buy a new album I always give it a first listen in my car and after listening to 1989, I have concluded that it is something magical. I can’t think of any other way to describe it and I admit I’m a bit obsessed. It’s got a little of everything. The beautifully honest “Clean”, the 80’s style liquid pop “Style”, and her next single “Blank Space” which finds Taylor poking fun at the tabloid version of her. One of my favorites (well they’re almost all my favorite), is the track “Wonderland” featured on the deluxe version of the album, comparing a romance to falling down the rabbit hole. It’s rare that an artist releases a complete album, with most aiming for a hit single, but 1989 is on point from beginning to end.

The thing I love about Taylor Swift is that she’s brutally honest. She leaves nothing unsaid and that’s refreshing. Her diary-style writing makes you think you’re at a sleepover talking to your best friend. It’s that kind of personal touch that makes Swift stand out from other current pop divas and 1989 shows that she has a wide range of talent. Time will tell if this album becomes one of my top favorites (along with Swift’s last outing Red), but I will tell you Taylor Swift is not going away anytime soon. Get in your car, put on some sunglasses and blast 1989, I promise it will make your day 1000x better.

Favorite Tracks:

Style

Out of the Woods

I Wish You Would

I Know Places

Clean

Wonderland

My Shows

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Courtney

I used to think that I would only enjoy CW-esque shows. Teen dramas were definitely my cup of tea, but now I find myself gravitating towards a wide variety of shows. The plan is to write one or two recaps per week from the shows listed below. Do you watch any of these shows? If not what are some of your favorite shows?

Sunday:

8:30 / Brooklyn Nine-Nine

9:00 / The Walking Dead