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