Things About "Grace of Monaco" That Bothered Me

 

Lifetime premiered Grace of Monaco last night. The film was a French-American Biography about, former, Hollywood star and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly. Nicole Kidman portrayed Grace decently, although it was painful watching her attempt to show emotions with that botox injected face of hers. Unfortunately, I have to admit the film was filled with untrue accounts of what actually went down. Here is what bothered me the most:

Marnie

It was true that Alfred Hitchcock bought the rights to Marnie so he could convince Grace Kelly to return to Hollywood to play the lead, but the film portrays Prince Rainier as being completely against Grace making Marnie. In real life, Rainier actually encouraged her to take the role. He was very supportive of Grace making the movie because he knew how much she loved being an actress. He was excited to rent a house on location in the U.S. and make it a family summer vacation. He thought he could play golf and enjoy himself away from all his cares in Monaco. Grace said it wasn't exactly going to be a vacation for her, with the early morning call times and long hours on the set, but she was happy at the thought of returning to her craft, and thrilled that Rainier was interested in joining her with the children.

Grace Agreeing To Feature In Marnie Leaks To The Press

One of the major plot points in the movie was that the Palace of Monaco press release was leaked to the media before it was officially announced, which was not true. The Palace actually released an official announcement stating Princess Grace would be making a motion picture with Alfred Hitchcock during her summer vacation. She was due to receive one million dollars for the film, which was unheard of for an actress in those days. She said she would donate the money to charity because she really just wanted to act again.

Speeding Off In Her Car?

The film showed Grace speeding off in her car, nearly hitting someone walking on the road. In real life, Grace actually didn't like driving and when she did drive she was known to be a notoriously slow and careful driver. 

The Film Was Fictional

The film begins with the brief statement: "The following film is a fictional account inspired by real events". However, the film then opens with black and white stock footage of Grace Kelly's arrival in Monaco for her wedding to Prince Rainier. This newsreel footage immediately gives the audience the impression that the film is historic. 

Overthrow Attempt Actually Happen 7 Years Before The Crisis With France
A major plot point of the film centers around an attempted overthrow by Prince Rainier's older sister, Princess Antoinette, and her husband, Jean-Charles Rey. While it was true Princess Antoinette had planned an attempt to depose Prince Rainier in order to put her 6-year-old son, Christian, on the throne, these events happened in 1955 - seven years before the 1962 crisis with France during which the events in the film take place.


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Although the film was inaccurate it wasn't a complete disappointment. Nicole Kidman did a pretty decent job portraying Grace Kelly. There isn't much of a resemblance between the two but in some shots I found myself noticing a few similarities. I have to honestly say I wouldn't recommend this film to anyone. It could have been a lot better. I'd give it a 2/5 stars (simply based on Nicole Kidman's portrayal and the supporting cast members).

Netflix Recommendations: TV Shows

I decided to do something new and recommend some of my favorite television shows available on Netflix. I'll explain why I enjoyed it, give it a rating, how many seasons, and show what genre it is. I hope you take up one of my recommendations and enjoy!

Witches of East End Seasons: 1 Available Genre: Drama Rating: 4/5	Witches of East End will always be a favorite show of mine. The series is about the Beauchamp sisters, Ingrid and Freya, discovering they're immortal witches. The sisters eventually have to learn to control their powers, with the help of their Aunt Wendy, in order to protect their loved ones, all while keeping their powers a secret from those around them. I have a love for witches so of course it's a favorite of mine. Season 2 will be hitting Netflix this summer, so watch season 1 now!
Twin Peaks Seasons: 2 Genre: Mystery Rating: 4.5/5	Twin Peaks involves an investigation into the murder of home coming queen Laura Palmer, led by FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper. The show is unlike any other. In 2016 the show will return for a limited run, but unfortunately David Lynch left the revival so who knows how good it'll even be.  Still if you love a (damn) good mystery this is for you!
American Dad Seasons: 8 Available Genre: Comedy Rating: 3/5	American Dad surrounds CIA Agent Stan Smith and his family. It can be compared to shows like Family Guy (which I hate) and The Cleveland Show (which I also hate) but it's actually good. You'll fall in loves with the characters, especially the family's alien Roger and pet fish Klaus. So if your looking for a show that will make you laugh constantly, this will do the trick!
Melrose Place Seasons: 7 Genre: Drama/Soap Rating: 5/5	I never imagined watching a soap opera kind of show but I was very glad I decided to watch Melrose Place. I fell in love with Kimberly's tricks, Amanda's bitchiness and attitude, Sydney's need for attention and everything else tied into the show! The show features great writing and plots that'll stick with you. How could you not watch? It has relationships, explosions, asylum's, murder, and of course a lot of revenge. This is a can't miss series! But if you decide to watch it I must warn you, don't watch Melrose Place (2009 edition). It's a huge let down compared to the original classic!
30 Rock Seasons: 7 Genre: Comedy Rating: 4.2/5	30 Rock was a comedy starring Tina Fey (god I love her so much) as Liz Lemon. The show followed Liz and her life writing for a live sketch-comedy titled TGS, formly known as The Girly Show until Tracy Jordan joined the cast. The show also starred Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, and Jane Krakowski.  If you're looking for a show that'll make you constantly laugh, this will do it!  Plus it's a little under 30 minutes long so they are short episodes you can enjoy.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Seasons: 1 (so far) Genre: Comedy Rating: 3.2/5	If you enjoy 30 Rock you will enjoy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. The new Netflix series stars Ellie Kemper as Kimmy Schmidt, one of three other women who were just rescued from an underground doomsday cult, run by a reverend who convinced them the human race had been wiped out. Kimmy decides to start her life over in New York and learn new things living in the modern day world, with the help of her roomate Titus Andromedon, a struggling actor, and Jacqueline Vorhees, a rich women whom she is working for as a nanny. The show is unbelievable funny and worth watching!
Freaks And Geeks Seasons: 1 Genre: Comedy Rating: 5/5	Freaks and Geeks is a show that will forever remain on my list of shows that shouldn't have been cancelled. The show starred Linda Cardellini as Lindsay Weir, one of the "freaks" along with Daniel Desario, Kim Kelly, Nick Andopolis, and Ken Milleyer. On the other hand, Linday's shy younger brother Sam was one of the "geeks", along with his friends Bill Haverchuck, and Neal Schweiber. The show focused on life in high school, family, relationships, and personal situations. It had a good mix of seriousness and comedy. I'll forever miss it!
Ringer Seasons: 1 Genre:Crime Rating: 5/5	While I'm on the topic of cancelled television shows I loved I wanted to discuss Sarah Michelle Gellar's return to television, which was Ringer. The show surrounded twin sisters Bridget Kelly and Siobhan Martin. When Siobhan seemed to have committed suicide Bridget took her place, which included her husband, money, and step-daughter. The series had some amazing twists and turns and will leave you begging for more once you finish it. Unfortunately the show was cancelled. We tried to rally for its return but we sadly had no luck. I even made a website back in the day... oh well
Buffy The Vampire Slayer Seasons: 7 Genre: Drama Rating: 3.2/5	As soon as I mentioned Sarah Michelle Gellar I knew I had to mention cult-classic Buffy The Vampire Slayer. The show was instantly a favorite of mine. Buffy was, of course, a vampire slayer who (in the beginning of the series)  had to deal with school, family, and relationships. As the show progressed Buffy's life seemed to only get more complicated with loss, demons, a new sister, and tears. My favorite person on the show was Faith. It's definitely enjoyable! Check it out! It'll SLAY!
Dollhouse Seasons: 2 Genre: Sci-Fi Rating: 4/5	A top secret facility, known as the Dollhouse, erases the personality of Echo, among other actives so they can assume different personas. Some might be assigned to pleasure, others might be for various missions. After each assignment, the actives get their personalities wiped so they can enter the next scenario with no memory of previous ones. But as time moves forward Echo starts to remember, creating chaos. The show was amazing, except for the two futuristic episodes. Dollhouse stars the beautiful Eliza Dushku which makes it worth the watch!
Bob's Burgers Seasons: 4 Available Genre: Comedy Rating: 5/5	Bob's Burgers happens to be my top favorite cartoon comedy of all time. The show surrounds Bob Belcher, his wife Linda, and their three kids Louise, Tina, and Gene. We get a look into their life working at Bob's Burgers and even a look into Louise, Tina, and Gene's constant shenanigans. The show is a must watch. I fell in love with Tina - I even find myself quoting her from time to time. It's a quick watch and worth every minute of your time!
Bates Motel Seasons: 2 Available Genre: Drama Rating: 2.7/5	Bates Motel is definitely a good show. I'd much rather watch Psycho for my Norman Bates fix but the show definitely is interesting. Vera Farmiga shines as Norma Bates, her alone is my reason for continuing to watch. I'm not a fan of Freddie Highmore or of his poor attempt of portraying Norman Bates but the show's writing, twists, and Vera Farmiga keeps my interest throughout. It's sure worth a watch!
3rd Rock From The Sun Seasons: 6 Genre: Comedy Rating: 5/5	3rd Rock From The Sun is a classic comedy starring John Lithgow, French Stewart, Kristen Johnson, Joseph Gorden-Levitt and the amazing Jane Curtin. The show is about high commander Dick Solomon and his alien compatriots Harry, Sally, and Tommy who are a group of aliens who land on Earth, in human form, to study the everyday lives of humans. The show is simply hilarious and a must watch!
Charmed Seasons: 8 Genre: Drama Rating: 3.2/5	Who doesn't love a show about witches? Charmed is about three sisters Piper, Prue, and Phoebe who discover they're witches. Each of them have a specific power, and with those powers they work together to fight off evil. The sisters face love and loss but remain to work together and remain strong. I love the show and am one of those nuts who hopes they make a movie someday! It's worth a shot!

Soon I'll share recommendations for Netflix Movies, Amazon Prime TV Shows, and Amazon Prime Movies. I hope you check one of these shows out! These are only a few of my many favorites. I'll have to compile another suggestion list soon!

- John C

ABC's Revival of 'The Muppets' Will Be An Adult-Themed Mockumentary

Details have finally emerged for the, hopefully upcoming, ABC series starring The Muppets. ABC's revival has been announced as being a more Adult-Themed Mockumentary series which will follow the lives of all of our favorite Muppets. We'll obviously get a look into Kermit and Miss Piggy's relationship and the drama that goes on in all of The Muppets' everyday lives. The show will apparently have a 30 Rock feel to it (Which is great. That's another show I love!) and will be shot mock-documentary styled, like The Office. Here is the official description for the upcoming show:

"The Muppets return to prime time with a contemporary, documentary-style show that—for the first time ever—will explore the Muppets’ personal lives and relationships, both at home and at work, as well as romances, break-ups, achievements, disappointments, wants and desires; a more adult Muppet show, for kids of all ages”

As a huge fan of The Muppets I am very excited. A lot of fans were hoping the series would have more of a similarity to The Muppets Show but in all honesty I'm glad we're getting something new, and something that has never been done before in The Muppet world. I also hear it will have kind of a soapy feeling to it (I'm thinking a less extreme Melrose Place.. but Miss Piggy could definitely pull off a Kimberly in my opinion). I wonder how "adult" they're going to go with the series. It would be hard to imagine Muppet Sex Scenes (god that sounds exciting) .

The show has not been given a straight-to-series order but I'm hopeful it gets green-lit (Green as in KERMIT)! The world needs more of The Muppets so my fingers are crossed!

Scream Queens is Coming This Fall

Unless you've been living under a rock you might have heard American Horror Story's Ryan Murphy has a new anthology series coming this Fall to Fox, titled Scream Queens. The series will be a horror comedy about a killer murdering within a college campus. The only reason why I'm interested in the show is simply because of Jamie Lee Curtis. It's about time she returns, and for a horror series makes her return even better! Maybe we'll get to hear a few screams? Who knows! It also looks like Emma Roberts will be starring in the upcoming series. Her character, Chanel Oberlin, is said to be an even better Madison Montgomery (of American Horror Story: Coven). Other cast members, most of them I'm personally unfamiliar with, include Lea Michele, Keke Palmer, Oliver Hudson, Ariana Grande, Nick Jonas and Niecy Nash.

I also wanted to mention casting Niecy Nash is something I didn't expect. All in all I'm absolutely excited. My fingers are crossed it's a horror filled season filled with shocking twists, blood, and NO SINGING.

Are you ready for the return of Jamie Lee Curtis and for Madison Montgomery 2.0!?

- John C

Mr. Mercedes/Bill Hodges Trilogy Continues with Finders Keepers

I'm counting down the days until the release of Stephen King's upcoming novel Finders Keepers, releasing June 2nd, 2015. The novel is the second volume apart of the Bill Hodges Trilogy, preceded by hit Mr. Mercedes which released June 3rd, 2014.

A year later I'm excited to start the second installment. Mr. Mercedes was such an unbelievable read! Hopefully I enjoy Finders Keepers just as much. Here is a synopsis of the novel:

A masterful, intensely suspenseful novel about a reader whose obsession with a reclusive writer goes far too far—a book about the power of storytelling, starring the same trio of unlikely and winning heroes King introduced in Mr. Mercedes.


“Wake up, genius.” So begins King’s instantly riveting story about a vengeful reader. The genius is John Rothstein, an iconic author who created a famous character, Jimmy Gold, but who hasn’t published a book for decades. Morris Bellamy is livid, not just because Rothstein has stopped providing books, but because the nonconformist Jimmy Gold has sold out for a career in advertising. Morris kills Rothstein and empties his safe of cash, yes, but the real treasure is a trove of notebooks containing at least one more Gold novel.

Morris hides the money and the notebooks, and then he is locked away for another crime. Decades later, a boy named Pete Saubers finds the treasure, and now it is Pete and his family that Bill Hodges, Holly Gibney, and Jerome Robinson must rescue from the ever-more deranged and vengeful Morris when he’s released from prison after thirty-five years.

I cannot wait to see the main characters  Hodges, Jerome, and Holly back in action once again. June cannot come fast enough.

Since it's early I suggest all of you readers pick up a copy of Mr. Mercedes if you haven't. You will not be disappointed, and you will be ready for this gem!

- John C.

Help Save 'Twin Peaks'

As you might already know Twin Peaks will be making a 2016 return with 9 episodes. Earlier this week David Lynch announced he was no longer going to be apart of the Twin Peaks revival. On April 5th he announced via Facebook:

Dear Facebook Friends, 
Showtime did not pull the plug on Twin Peaks. After 1 year and 4 months of negotiations, I left because not enough money was offered to do the script the way I felt it needed to be done. This weekend I started to call actors to let them know I would not be directing. Twin Peaks may still be very much alive at Showtime. I love the world of Twin Peaks and wish things could have worked out differently.

I think we can all agree without David Lynch there would be and should be no Twin Peaks. In light of the news Mädchen Amick, who starred as Shelly in the series, put together a great video in hopes to #SaveTwinPeaks. The video features a handful of cast members explaining what "Twin Peaks without David Lynch is like..."

Watch the video here and join the #SaveTwinPeaks movement by tweeting. Also join fans on Facebook: facebook.com/savetwinpeaks

”Twin Peaks without David Lynch is like…??” …we want to hear from you #peaksies#SaveTwinPeaks - brought to you with love from the cast of #TwinPeaksHere's our OFFICIAL TWIN PEAKS CAST run website! - https://m.facebook.com/savetwinpeakshttp://www.whosay.com/l/QVmapdk
Posted by Mädchen Amick on Tuesday, April 7, 2015

The video features (in order):
Sheryl Lee (Laura Palmer/Maddie Ferguson)
Dana Ashbrook (Bobby Briggs)
Sherilynn Fenn (Audrey Horne)
Mädchen Amick (Shelly Johnson)
Peggy Lipton (Norma Jennings)
James Marshall (James Hurley)
Kimmy Robertson (Lucy Moran)
Gary Hershberger (Mike Nelson)
Catherine E. Coulson (The Log Lady)
Wendy Robie (Nadine Hurley)
Al Strobel (MIKE) 
Jennifer Chambers Lynch (Daughter of David Lynch)

Hopefully David Lynch returns to the project! If not could anyone successfully take his place? Doubt it! Get rallying people!!

- John C

Kathy Bates Returns For American Horror Story: Hotel

It's official. Kathy Bates will be returning to American Horror Story in the show's fifth season, titled American Horror Story : Hotel. This will mark her third season in the series -- after her roles as the immortal Madame Delphine LaLaurie in Coven and bearded woman Ethel Darling in Freak Show. I'm excited Kathy Bates will be returning.

Confirmed to co-star alongside Bates in American Horror Story: Hotel are Lady Gaga, Matt Bomer, Wes Bentley, Cheyenne Jackson, and Chloe Sevigny.

Hopefully Hotel will be a great season, without singing. It's going to be different without Jessica Lange but since Kathy Bates will be back this season I definitely will be watching.

I'm also hoping Bates will have a long living character. FX may not have revealed what character Bates will be playing this time around but creator Ryan Murphy tweeted Bates will be "running the hotel".

Kathy Bates is running the Hotel. #AHSSeason5

— Ryan Murphy (@MrRPMurphy) April 8, 2015

Let's hope for a great season!!

- John C

The Lizzie Borden Chronicles on Lifetime

Lifetime might have cancelled my favorite show, Witches of East End, but they've introduced a new show I can call my favorite. The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, which follows events after the lifetime film Lizzie Borden Took An Ax, delivers a fictional account of actual people and events surrounding Lizzie's life after the double murder of her father and stepmother in 1892.
The series stars Christina Ricci, who shines again as Lizzie Borden. Ricci was partly my reason for watching, she did a great job portraying Borden in the movie so I'm glad she returned, I also watch because of my interest in the Lizzie Borden case. American Horror Story: Asylum guest star Clea Duvall has also returned as Lizzie Borden's sister Emma.
The first episode of the series premiered on Easter (April 5th 2015) and new episodes will air every Sunday at 10/9c only on Lifetime!
What do you think of the series so far?

- John C

Lita Ford's Memoir 'Living Like A Runaway' Will (Finally) Release In June

UPDATE: 'Living Like A Runaway: A Memoir' has been pushed (again) to October 13th, 2015. I am definitely upset by this news and will continuously wait for the book to finally arrive. 

Blabbermouth.net just confirmed Lita Ford's highly anticipated memoir 'Living Like A Runaway' will finally make its debut in June. I have been waiting forever for the book to release. I pre-ordered exactly a year ago but due to the release date continuously changing I cancelled my pre-order. 

The 240 page memoir is set to release June 16th! Read a bit about the book below and get excited people:

The legendary former lead guitarist of The Runaways opens up about the ’70s and ’80s music scene and her extraordinary life and career in this long-awaited, emotionally powerful memoir.

Lita Ford lived her dreams, until her life turned into a nightmare. She left home at age sixteen to join the world’s first all-female rock group, the Runaways jand went on to become the first woman hard rock guitarist, a platinum-selling star who gave Ozzy Osbourne his first Top Ten hit, a bare-ass, leather-clad sexy babe whose hair was bigger and guitar licks were hotter than any of the guys. She is also the mother of two sons whose harrowing tale of her catastrophic marriage to a metal rocker makes Ike and Tina Turner sound like life at the country club.

But in the end, Lita’s story changes from a music story to a woman’s story—a wrenching, desperate drama of human bondage and a mother’s love, a life-and-death struggle over her own soul. Trapped in an increasingly terrifying marriage, systematically stripped of her connections to the outside world, Lita Ford became a prisoner in her own life, a slave to her husband’s demands, living like a captive. She plotted her escape and her freedom cost her the boys she stayed in the marriage to protect. Her graphic, explicit story will terrify and horrify readers, but they won’t be able to put it down.

Living Like a Runaway will shock people with the candor that Lita Ford shines on her dramatic life story. At ease as a woman in the previously all-male world of rock, Lita shares with her male counterparts an unvarnished directness when it comes to topics such as sex, drugs, money or fame. No female rock star of Lita’s stature has ever before told the real story of women in rock. With unprecedented rawness and honesty, Living Like a Runaway reminds us that Lita Ford is not only one of music’s greatest pioneers, but also one of its fiercest survivors. (Amazon)

I'm a huge fan of Lita Ford and I cannot tell you enough how excited I am! On August 19th, 2012 I had the pleasure of meeting Lita and I'm hoping she does a book signing so I can meet her again. I can't believe it was so long ago (I WAS 15?!). My fingers are crossed..

- John C 

Cherie Currie Is Back With Reverie

Step aside Lita Ford and Joan Jett, Cherie Currie has surprised us all by releasing her comeback album Reverie on iTunes. As a long time fan of Cherie Currie, and of course The Runaways, I'm extremely excited it is finally here. Her comeback has been highly anticipated for years. Each song is special, you can tell just by hearing them. A few should even be familiar to fans of The Runaways.
As soon as I pressed play my jaw dropped. Cherie Currie introduces such an amazing new vibe. Overall I'm extremely happy with the album. I only have two complaints.

1 - I hope the physical album comes soon! I would love to actually hold it in my hands and play it repeatedly in my CD player.

2 - There was only 10 tracks. Why couldn't there be 100 songs? 400? 800? All kidding aside the record was so good it left me wanting more, which I'm sure was the plan!

I want to thank you Cherie Currie, and also Lita Ford, Jake Hays and anyone else who made this masterpiece possible by lending a hand! It was such a great album! 

A special thanks and R.I.P Kim Fowley. You'll never be forgotten. 

I recommend you all buy now!!

-- John C

Penny Dreadful: New Teaser Releases

The second season of the Showtime series Penny Dreadful will begin May 3rd, and expect it to be just as twisted and dark like the first season.  Many compare the show to American Horror Story but really Penny Dreadful makes American Horror Story look Disney. The show stars a number of talented actors, including  Eva Green, Josh Harnett, and Harry Treadaway. 

Showtime has constantly teased us with previews and information about the new season. This time they just released a new teaser that is making me very excited! I wish it was May already! Check it out below!

Pre-Order Ghost Whisperer The Complete Series on DVD

CBS has been releasing new box sets and I am very thrilled. First Charmed and now we're finally getting a complete series box set for Ghost Whisperer! The series starred Jennifer Love Hewitt as Melinda Gordon, who inherited the gift of communicating with spirits, from her grandmother, who have unfinished business with the living. This is a 29 disc box set with all 5 seasons and 107 episodes. The complete set will release on March 17, 2015. According to Amazon, special features include interactive features, games, deleted scenes and more. All 5 seasons for $50.69 is a steal if you ask me, but I'm still going to wait. I have a feeling the price will only drop. If you're interested it is available for pre-order on Amazon! And might I add the artwork is amazing. I cannot help but love Jennifer Love Hewitt. I always will.

Bring It Back: TV Shows I'd Like To Return

As an avid television watcher I've watched plenty of shows. Some are still airing, others were unfortunately cancelled or have come to an end. I wanted to share with you my list of television shows I'd like to come back, even if there is no chance!

Witches Of East End

If you really know me you'd know I have a love for the former lifetime series Witches of East End. I've joined many fans, rallying for the shows return. I've created banners that were even shared by the shows stars Mädchen Amick, Rachel Boston, and Jenna Dewan via twitter. The show was around for two seasons, I'm hoping the show will eventually be picked up for a third season by Netflix and a Netflix Original.I won't give up hope on this one!



Melrose Place 2.0

We all must admit, the reboot of the 90s classic Melrose Place was definitely a disaster! It had so much potential but for me it was a huge disappointment. Why? For many reasons. First off, killing off Sydney Andrews (Laura Leighton) in the first episode was a huge mistake! Although she, thankfully, made appearances in flashbacks she should have been the apartment manager throughout the season. Killing her off as the season finale's plot twist could have been cool, but the whole "Who Killed Sydney Andrews" storyline was a horrible first season focus. I would've liked the show to continue, in hopes they would bring back more originals like Allison Parker (Courtney Thorne-Smith), Kimberly Shaw (Marcia Cross), Megan Lewis (Kelly Rutherford), and even Peter Burns (Jack Wagner). With them returning the show would have been perfect, but unfortunately it just wasn't even close to perfect...
Lets have a Melrose Place 3.0 and forget this mess ever happened, right?!


Ringer


I've dedicated a lot of time rallying, hoping the CW series Ringer would return but sadly that never happened. The series starred Sarah Michelle Gellar and with its constant thrills and plot twists it was a much watch series of 2011-2012. I rallied with many other fans for years, and have even made a website dedicated to the rallies and the shows return, but sadly it was all a failure. The show did last for a full season at least, but sadly the CW never even released it on DVD. As much as I would love the show back I know it won't happen. All I really ask now from the CW is to release the first season on DVD finally.



Charmed

Another Aaron Spelling series and another witchy favorite of mine was Charmed. The show ended expectedly in 2006 but I think it's about time for a revival? Lets get a power of four together. Bringing the TV show back would be great, but a movie would be even greater. Who wouldn't want to see the power of three (maybe even get Prue back to make it four!)?
Although this happening is unlikely it would be pretty neat to see.

Hey at least they're still doing Charmed comics to keep it alive? Right?






Persons Unknown

1. 
   

   

   Another show cancelled after just one season, Persons Unknown. Think of it as a better version of Under The Dome. The NBC series was about a group of strangers who were taken out of their everyday lives. The strangers then wake up in a deserted down with no recollection of how they got there and no way out. With constant motorization they must fight to survive. It was such a great show, I'm surprised it didn't make it. The show is sadly another that isn't available on DVD, but it is on Netflix so it's worth checking out!

Those are the only shows I'm going to list for now!

- John Collins

Bates Motel -- "We all go a little mad sometimes"

Bates Motel will be returning March 9th, and I can't wait. When the series premiered on March 18th 2013 I was highly disappointed. I felt as if Freddie Highmore did a horrible job portraying Norman Bates, but a few episodes later I realized his portrayal of my favorite Psycho character was amazing. Although I've learned to love Highmore, Norman Bates definitely isn't my favorite character of the series. Norma Bates, portrayed by the amazing Vera Farmiga, happens to be my favorite character of the series and I cannot help but love her. If Norma was my mother I'd definitely want an incestuous relationship with her!

Anyway with season 3 coming who knows what will happen next. I'm expecting Norman and his mother will eventually get even closer. Rumor has it Norma Bates might soon be killed by Norman, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. The craziness is just getting started and I'm already to check in!



A trailer for the season has just been released and I'm loving the Psycho reference, "We all go a little mad sometimes".


If you haven't yet catch up on Bates Motel on Netflix now before the season 3 premiere on March 9th!
- John Collins

My Thoughts On: American Born Chinese

American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, was assigned to my English class to read. I have mixed opinions on the graphic novel. First off, read the graphic novel with an open mind. It can be considered very racist and stereotypical, but I believe that's what makes the story so interesting. There were three different story lines, each introducing us to new characters. Each of the three story lines had the one single idea of wanting to fit in.                                          
The first story line introduced us to character Jin Wang who started a new life in a new home and a new school. He struggled to fit in with his new classmates who only see his differences. His classmates focus only on the negative stereotypes they have heard about the Chinese people. He's constantly mocked, and the only friend he can find is a bully who threatens to make Jin eat his boogers if he won't share his food. I find his character so relatable. In school I've always been the odd one out of everyone, basically because I'm different. I wasn't like the other kids around me. My favorite movies and music were from the 70s/80s, and it's hard to find a circle you can relate to when their interests seem to be the pop bullshit overplayed on any local radio station. I was also an avid learner/reader which basically isn't normal to people around me.  

http://cbldf.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/jinwangintro.png

In the second story line , the King of the Monkeys is angered when he is turned away at a party for being a monkey. No matter how much skill he acquires, he is belittled for being a monkey. In his anger, he beats the hell out of multiple people using his kung fu skills. Finally, he receives a visit from the great Tze-Yo-Tzuh, a god, who encourages the Monkey King to accept his role in life and to take enjoyment in that role. Be proud you are a monkey, he seems to be saying. The Monkey King won't listen and is "punished" for his refusal. I found that the King of the Monkeys had this built up anger and seemed to let it out often. His character might be familiar to those who might have read Journey to the West (a Chinese novel published in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty..)

In the third, and my least favorite, story line, a teenage boy named Danny feels humiliated everytime his cousin Chin-Kee comes to visit him. Chin-Kee has buck teeth, can't correctly speak, and generally makes a fool of himself. The story line was absolutely painful to read and if I were to ever re-read this graphic novel I'd gladly skip over the parts that feature Chin-Kee. 

Overall I'd rate the graphic novel a 3.2/5. It was entertainingly funny, featured great graphics, and although I didn't care for one of the three plots I liked how they all tied together in the end.

- John C.

Melissa & Joey + Sabrina's Teenage Witch

 Melissa & Joey has officially been cancelled after four successful seasons. The series starred former witch Sabrina Spellman Melissa Joan Hart along side Joey Lawrence. ABC Family's programming executive Karey Burke explained:

        "We are proud of the milestones Melissa & Joey has achieved, being the     network’s first sitcom to reach 100 episodes and the network’s first comedy to win a People’s Choice Award. Now that the kids are grown and Mel and Joe have married and are looking towards starting a family, it seemed like a natural time to bring the series to a close. We are grateful to Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, and the whole cast and crew who worked so hard on this successful show."

 Her announcement left me puzzled. The kids were grown from the beginning of the series, wouldn't the next logical step be Mel getting pregnant? Just because Mel and Joe are finally married doesn't necessarily mean the show should end. Why didn't they move forward with the show? But this is ABC family we're talking about, they've cancelled a lot of great shows with only one season. At least Melissa & Joey lasted for four seasons.

Now with Melissa Joan Hart no longer tied up with a show how about starting a new one. I'd love it if they continued the 90s fan favourite Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. Continuing the show would be a great move, and show continuations seem to be popular nowadays (For instance Heroes, and more currently, the Boy Meets World continuation, Girl Meets World). The continuation would attract new viewers and of course older ones. Perhaps call it Sabrina's Teenage Witch. Sabrina and Harvey could be raising a little witch of their own, maybe even a few. Salem would have to return! I would love it if that happened, but I'm extremely doubtful.

All I can say is keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best.




18 more episodes are left of Melissa & Joey, one of which airs tomorrow night guest starring the amazing Valerie Harper.









- John C.