The Other Bennet Sister

I finally saw it!

I read the book last year and really enjoyed it. It captured Mary Bennet's struggle within her family very well and being the middle child, there's was so much internal relation with her. So, when I found out there was going to be a television production, my period drama loving self was excited. Unfortunately, it took me forever to view it but while I was in surgery recovery I was able to binge watch the series in two days.

Hamilton

After years of telling myself I would, on July 4th I finally sat down and watched Hamilton. I remember this show back in its heyday. It was everywhere and although I love history, a musical about a Founding Father did not interest me at all. I knew nothing about Alexander Hamilton except he was on the $10 bill and he died in a dual. And seems prior to Hamilton's release, that's what most of the general public knew about him.

However, Lin-Manual Miranda's groundbreaking production, which premiered in 2015, did something no other musical in history had ever attempted. Uniting classic musical theater with hip-hop. And what better story to experiment with then the story of an immigrant who came to the new world and spent his life creating new ideas and making bold decisions that changed the course of history. 

Young Washington

He is one of the most revered, most loved and most admired men in American history. Founding Father, powerful general, devoted family man, and proud Virginian, known for his calm, resolve, wisdom and patience. All qualities that led him to become the first nominated leader of the newly created United States of America. George Washington is usually the first historical figure children will learn about in history. However, before he was the legend that helped birth America, he was once a young man who had nothing of material value, but only his intelligence, ambition and love for his country.

The Adventures of Merlin: Season 5

The finale that put my whole family in a 24-hour depression and after almost 14 years, the fandom has never forgiven the writers for their decisions. All that being said, with the exception of the last 10 minutes of the final episode, season 5 was actually a very good season! The entire Merlin storyline itself takes place in a span of ten years and in that time, we've seen Merlin grow up (very well) from an awkward boy to a confident young man (more on the growing up very well later). 

Merlin's character development can never be underrated. He wasn't perfect, he had fears and flaws, but he was loyal to a fault. Life handed him a raw deal, but he made the most of it. He was a good friend and an exceptional apprentice. While Arthur may be our golden king we admire, it is Merlin who is the common man we all see ourselves in and at end of the day, we all hope to have even half of his bravery and strength.

Young Sherlock

While I have never been a diehard Sherlock Holmes fan, I do enjoy a new take on the famed detective from time to time. My sisters have always loved the Holmes mysteries, but I myself have never read them. The actual closest I got to being a Sherlock Holmes fan was during the worldwide Sherlock era starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman that ran from 2010-2017. Ther BBC Sherlock mania was insane, and people were in love with the modern-day London detective. 

Every several years Sherlock Holmes and Co. always make it back on the screens in one form or another and is usually met with some degree of success (Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes films starring Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock and Jude Law as Watson, BBC Sherlock series and the more fan-fic inspired movie series, Enola Holmes). Now, Guy Ritchie returns to Victorian London for a new interpretation to the streaming screen, but this time as a young, handsome...juvenile delinquent.

The Adventures of Merlin: Season 4

I think a lot of people were surprised when boy changed into man!

So, if the slight alteration to the famous opening sequence didn't indicate the change of direction for the 4th season of Merlin...I don't know what else could. Upon rewatching this season, I was surprised at the rather dark turn the show took. My guess is that Game of Thrones was gaining momentum and the Merlin creators felt like they needed to mature the show just slightly. Whatever the reason was season 4 in my opinion is absolutely the strongest most well written season of the entire series. 

Merlin started veering off from the 'freak of the week' episodes in season 3 and began building a more connected storyline - Morgana's secret revenge against Uther, eventually trying to usurp both Uther and Arthur and therefore pushing Merlin harder to fulfill his destiny. Once that was set in place, by the end of season 3, it became the absolute groundwork for season 4.

Derry Girls (2018-2022)

L-R: James Maguire, Michelle Mallon, Erin Quinn, Orla McCool and Clare Devlin

The life of a teenager is hard but growing up in a war-torn country fueled by political and religious prejudice...well that's not exactly ideal living. In the mid 90s the town of Londonderry (or just Derry), Northern Ireland is a prime location for bombings and riots from the warring catholic/protestant sides, and also never-ending trouble from 16-year-old Erin Quinn and her best friends. Whether it's sneaking out to a concert (in spite of an escaped polar bear), getting rid of drug infused scones, stressing about their exams, endless conflict and confusion amongst their families and even getting arrested, it's safe to say that there's never a dull moment in Derry.

Content Warning: There is a lot of swearing in this show and sexual content that is more or less implied!

The Adventures of Merlin: Season 3

12 years ago, I wrote the season 2 review for Merlin, thinking that the season 3 review would be following shortly afterwards...

So now here we are...

Anyways, my husband (who knows nothing about Arthurian legends), and I are going through the series, and it has been the best rewatch experience for me! I had totally forgotten what a comfort watch this show is and what sold the show was the very believable bromance between Arthur and Merlin, which gets better and better with every season.

La Belle et la Bête (2014)

As a Beauty and The Beast lover for many years (probably since I saw the Disney film), I was excited to see an actual French production of the original tale. Well, this version certainly didn't disappoint! From the stunning sets, gorgeous costumes and solid backstories, this film does absolute justice to the original storyline while also creating their own fantasy narrative as well. The movie is filmed in French, and the English version has dubbed American actors.

The Swan Princess (1994)

One of my all-time loved films from my childhood! I remember when the movie premiered on television and it was hosted by Pillsbury and so before the film there was this cute commercial with the Pillsbury doughboy. My family recorded the movie and the commercial with it and so I always associated Pillsbury with the Swan Princess for years.

Loosely inspired by Tchaikovsky's ballet, Swan Lake, which premiered in 1875, the ballet was possibly inspired by old Germanic and Slavic folk and fairy tales. By nature, it's a rather depressing story (everybody dies), however, over the years the ballet has adapted a more hopeful ending to the storyline. I actually got to see Swan Lake on stage performed by a Ukrainian dance company, and it was breathtaking.

Bridgerton: Season Three

At first, I wasn't going to review season three. It wasn't my favorite because there were too many stories going on, the primary storyline being about Colin and Penelope who are probably my least favorite characters. I don't hate them, but Colin is portrayed as a pretentious pretty boy and Penelope is just annoying. However, upon rewatching it in preparation for season four (and for this review), I realize that this was a very good season and both Penelope and Colin really became their best selves.

Hawkeye

How does one rebuild after tragedy? And more importantly how does one rebuild after triumph?

 For Clint Barton or Hawkeye that's not an easy question to answer. As one of the last of the original six Avengers, Clint's life has been one danger infused after another. His loyalty to S.H.I.E.L.D. then the Avengers was second to none. His loyalty to his family is just as strong if not stronger. While Clint may regain his family when the blip was reversed, he is still haunted by his life decisions during the five-year period and the one decision that was completely out of his control. 

How does one rebuild after tragedy? And more importantly how does one rebuild after triumph? 

When the aliens attacked in New York in 2012, Kate Bishop lost her father; but was saved by the Avengers archer. While at her father's funeral Kate knew what she wanted to do and moreover who she wanted to be.

The Chosen: Season 3

 

As The Chosen has progressed you begin to notice that each season has a certain theme. Season 1 was finding the Messiah, Season 2 was teaching the Good News. Season 3 can be condensed in one word. Healing. Healing of heart, body, mind, soul and spirit. Healing from our past, healing from our fears and anxieties. Amidst the pain and sorrow that this world holds for us, there is healing to be found in hope. Small as hope might be it can be the difference between life and death.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

- Matthew 11:28-30

The Hunger Games: The Balled of Songbirds and Snakes

 Two things I never thought I would say about Coriolanus Snow:

1. He’s absolutely gorgeous (which has been well and truly established since the film came out) 

2. He cries all the time.

Over a decade since the release of The Hunger Games, the audience is transported back to Panem, 64 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteered as a tribute. This time the story is told from POV of Coriolanus Snow; and the first steps he took as a ambitious college student to becoming Panem's most notorious blood thirsty president. The book was published in 2020 and it's excellent. Needless to say I knew a film was going to be coming up in the near future and it did not disappoint.  

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

 

Even with the popularity of Bridgerton and the anticipation for season 3, I don't think anyone could have expected the absolute success of the prequel series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story which centers on the young Queen Charlotte and her early marriage to King George III. When the show premiered on Netflix in early May it literally took the world by the storm. After viewing a few clips from the show, my mind was made up, and I finally sat down and binge watched season one and season two of Bridgerton in one week!

Bridgerton: Season Two

Season Two has the audience returning to the London season for more romance, scandal and adventure in the lives of the Bridgerton family and the residents of the ton. This time the head of the Bridgerton family, Anthony, takes center stage as he fulfills his role as the Viscount. In order to do so Anthony believes he must find himself the most perfect woman to be his match. Meanwhile, Lady Whistledown continues with her gossip and intrigue, much to the dismay of Queen Charlotte, while both the Bridgerton and Featherington family's course through their own private and public controversies.

Bridgerton: Season One

After a year of debating of whether or not I should finally watch the Netflix series (that is loosely based on the book series from that came out in 2000), I finally decided to give the show a chance. Of course, my hesitation came from the reviews of what a sexed up Regency Romp it was and I think someone almost likened it to Game of Thrones. So naturally I was cautious; however, when I saw some scenes from the spin off prequel series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, I was very interested, but I thought it would be best to get caught up with the prior seasons first. 

Lord of the Dance/ Feet of Flames

When I was a child I grew up with an appreciation of all things Irish due to my family's Irish history primarily on my mother's side. For years (well centuries really) Irish culture was despised and look down on. While under English subjugation, the Irish were made to believe that their way of life was inferior and that it should be wiped out especially their dancing. However, the Irish continued to hold tight to their culture and traditions which eventually made across the ocean to America.

In 1994, the world was blown away by the "new" dance phenomenon of Irish step dancing when Michael Flatley and his small troupe performed at Eurovision. Michael's interval act has made the way for multiple shows over the decades. However, none have had the full lasting impact as his fantasy spectacle Lord of the Dance and its extended version, Feet of Flames. 

Moulin Rouge!

 

Beauty

Truth

Freedom

Love

The Bohemian ideals of the turn of the century. However how can anyone understand these ideals if they have never actually experienced them? And when they finally do, will they ever be the same person afterwards? Those are the primary questions in Baz Lurhmann's historical-with-a-modern-slant musical about two star crossed lovers surviving within the confines of the degenerate and sinful dance hall, the famed Moulin Rouge. Two very different people, one who believes in love, yet has never known its happiness or its pain. The other who has been forced to sell herself to satisfy the lust of men; and by doing so believes that she is unworthy of any real love. Can there beauty in truth and freedom in love? And if so, what are we willing to sacrifice to make such ideals known and real?

Newsies (Film & Stage)

Historical events and social change have always been excellent musical inspiration. Musicals such as Les Miserables, Hairspray, The Sound of Music and West Side Story were at the heart stories of the tide of social change. Les Miserables and The Sound of Music are about the moral decisions that govern every part of our lives (Jean Val Jean vs Javert // Captain Von Trapp vs the Nazi Party). Hairspray and West Side Story manage to take hard issues such as racism and prejudice by telling them through the eyes of young people who question the beliefs of previous generations. 

Newsies manages to tell all that and more. When the lively musical - starring an up and coming 18 year old Christian Bale as the lead hero, Jack Kelly - premiered in 1992, it didn't make a stir at first. However, over the years Newsies has become a much loved classic through its memorable songs and extraordinary choreography. 20 years after the film, Newsies was finally brought to the stage where it became an instant success.