Breaking Bad

2011       TV-14     Season 4

Emmy winner Bryan Cranston stars as Walter White, a high school science teacher who learns that he has terminal lung cancer and teams with a former student to manufacture and sell high-quality crystal meth to secure his family's future. More here!

Breaking Bad is very popular and with very good reason. The story is just plain great. As much as I love the story I have to admit I can only take this show in bites sizes. A bit of en episode here, some there, and a little more over there. it is so dark and so much happens that is terrible, sad, disappointing, upsetting, horrible, and just plain bad. It really ruins my mood if I watch too much in too short a time.

This latest season, 4, was just as good as the previous ones. Jesse and Walt are cooking meth, trying to survive, and live their lives. The thing that stuck with me most this season was the change in Walt. Obviously he has been doing questionable things, doing illegal things, and has been changing. but, this season he really takes a sharp turn into darkness. 

I really can't say too much about the show because I will give something away. So much of the show is building off of little things. It is all stacked up.

netflix gave Breaking Bad 4.5 stars and I give 4.5 meth cooking fellas.

Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles

2011     NR     1hr 26m

For three decades, strange plaques with messages about resurrecting the dead have mysteriously appeared on streets throughout North and South America, prompting director Jon Foy to seek out the story of their origin. From Netflix!

I am not exactly sure why I decided to watch this movie but I am very happy that I did. It kind of stuck with me. I caught myself telling people about it and telling them about how great it is. The subject matter is really interesting, the music is great, and the story that the movie tells is compelling. 

The movie follows Justin Duerr, a man who is trying to solve the mystery of the Toynbee Tiles. Starting in Philadelphia tiles were spotted all over the city. In the middle of the roads and other places there are tiles that say...

Toynbee Idea

In Movie 2001

Resurect Dead

On Planet Jupiter

No one knows who is doing it, why, and what it means. Justin Duerr tries to solve the mystery. He follows all the leads that he has taking him all over and talking to everyone. For the first part of the investigation I didn't think they were going to find the person responsible for the tiles but the further in they got, the more I thought they could and would. I really wanted to find out. It was captivating.
Here is a trailer of the movie. I think it will better convey the movie than I could.
Netflix gave this movie  3.8 Stars and I give it 5 tiles. Woo!

Bear Nation

2010    NR   1hr 17m

This intriguing documentary profiles gay men known as Bears -- often thickset and hirsute homosexual males who revel in their masculinity -- as they break stereotypes and search for love, friendship and acceptance in America and Britain. More here!

I was browsing through the movies with nothing in particular that I wanted to watch and this movie poster and title caught my eye. I saw the words "From the makers of Small Town Gay Bar" and I knew I wanted to watch it. Being a fan of Kevin Smith and his podcast, SModcast, I was familiar with his friend that he has on his show, Malcolm Ingram. Malcolm is one of his close friends and often comes on his podcast and freely talks about being a Bear and being gay. He is very funny and I really like listening to the 2 of them talk. They are just the funniest. Malcolm has directed 3 movies. The last 2 pertaining to being gay.

I watched Small Town Gay Bar quite some time ago here on Netflix and it was great. (I really recommend you give it a watch) I really enjoy movies where I can learn something about another lifestyle or learn about other people. Bear Nation taught me a bit about the Bear community withing the gay community. All the interviews were interesting and heartfelt. Just like any group of people that have an interest, quality, or aspect that make them different there is something to be learned. Just like any other niche there are many details, rules, and dynamics. There are Bears, large hairy gay men. And there are people who are attracted to these men and their type in particular. It sounds so cut and dry but there is much more to it. There are different types of bears and differing opinions.

The movies shows you different Bears in their home towns and also at conventions. I think conventions are the best things ever for being around like minded people who enjoy what you do and spending time together. It was great seeing the hotels that they were staying at just bursting with large hairy guys. Not only are they able to attend cons but there is a thriving presence on line. It is nice to have a place that you can go on line even if you don't have any close or local people that you can meet with. 

I don't want to give too much away so I won't say anymore so you can really enjoy the movie. it is really short so it is an easy watch and they keep it pretty light hearted. Netflix gave it 3.2 stars and I give it 4 big, hairy, gay men.

Jim Gaffigan: Mr. Universe

2012           1hr 17m           NR

Funnyman Jim Gaffigan offers up his unique take on everything from Disney World to overweight whales in this live show from Washington, D.C. Other topics include McDonald's, indoor pools, slothfulness and having a fourth child. From Netflix!

I remember seeing Jim Gaffigan years ago before I really knew who he was or how funny he was. I loved him from the first 30 seconds of his show. He was super funny back then and he is just as funny today. I love his little voice that he does and the supposed thoughts of the audience. They are spot on and make his humor his own and stand out. 

I started this comedy special up on Saturday because my husband was jumping in the shower and was going to be busy for a little while. 20 seconds after I started it up I heard the same music in the bathroom. Turns out my husband had the same idea as me because he just stared it up as well with his Ipad in the bathroom. I matched mine up with his so when he got done with his shower we could watch it in the living room together without a hitch. 

This stand up performance was just as funny as his other ones. I laughed a lot and my husband laughed a lot as well. The only thing I didn't find super funny was all the humor about his kids. Since I don't have kids of my own or particularity like kids, I don't find humor about kids and raising them great. But, since Jim Gaffigan is so funny and I like his sense of humor he made it funny.

Netflix gave Mr. Universe 4.3 stars and I give it 5 cute funny kittens.

The Wild Hunt

2009              1hr 35m             NR

The line between fantasy and reality quickly merges in this psychological drama set within the elaborate mini-world of a role-playing game - based on an ancient legend - that's being staged in Quebec by a large cast of costumed enthusiasts. Info from Netflix!

This was just a random movie that I watched because I liked the look of the cover and when I saw the synopsis I saw it was about LARPing. Great! Being a super nerdy girl (I love video games, anime, D&D, and cosplaying) I thought I would give this movie a try. The movie starts as if it is a serious fantasy movie. A king and one of his subjects are quarreling and soon it comes down to a sword fight. It takes a light hearted turn when they start hitting each other with foam swords. 

I thought it was going to be a funny movie, it does have humor, but it is not just a funny movie. It is one of those catch all movies with a little bit of everything. The story follows a love triangle, a loving big brother, and a large group of LARP friends. This movie made me want to try a weekend of LARP. It looks fun. The outfits, fun stories, and  excitement. The last part of the movie takes a drastic and for me, unexpected turn. 

I highly suggest checking this movie out. Whether you are into LARP or just like a good story, watch it. Netflix gives it 3.3 stars and I give it 5 scary antler bone heads.

What I Watched on Netflix Podcast Coming!

Yes! It is happening. I tried to make this happen quite a while ago but it didn't happen for reasons. Now, it is in the works. I will start recording next week and hopefully release it within the next few weeks. It might take a little time to figure out how to actually make the podcast available, but I can do it. 

The first podcast will most likely just be me but then..... I will have guests. Friends and family who I think will entertain. My husband, sister in law, and a couple of friends who are very funny and will make for interesting shows. Just a warning, when my sister in law comes on the show be prepared for lots of penis jokes. They will be plenty.

Now you are warned. I will post more as the podcast comes along. Hopefully there are no problems or difficulties publishing it.

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

2011          1hr 39m           R

Soon after moving in with her father and his new girlfriend, young Sally discovers she isn't alone in the house: strange creatures live there -- and they might not be as friendly as Sally thinks. Guillermo del Toro co-writes this horror film. Info from Netflix!

This was another random movie that just watched because I like the cover of the movie. Within 30 seconds I knew this movie was directed by Guillermo del Toro. I didn't see his name on the cover because I was not paying too much attention. But, his style of direction is so recognizable. It is just so him. I saw Pan's Labyrinth when it came out and I just loved it. It was dark but whimsical. Kind of like Tim Burton but I like del Toro's style much more. Pan's Labyrinth made me a fan of him. I watched The Orphanage and just kind of liked it. I wanted to like it more but just couldn't. Anywhoo...

If I had seen this movie when I was a little girl I would have loved it beyond belief. I have a soft spot for movies where people move into a new house and there is something going on and they uncover it through exploration and luck. I think I like it because I want to move into a big house and have a mystery surrounding it. Nothing terrible, just something unknown. Secret rooms and passageways, skeleton keys, and attics with dusty old treasures.

Del Toro has a knack at making scary and interesting monsters and the ones in this movie are perfect. The drawings of the monsters are even scarier than the monsters themselves. I kind of wish they had shown the drawings before the monsters. It would have made them even creepier. Even though the little monsters are super scary I didn't think about them that evening when I went to bed. I have a habit of thinking about scary things when I go to bed. I don't get scared like a little kid and then can't sleep but I do get nervous. Not with this movie though, I think it just didn't pop into my mind while falling asleep. Paranormal Activity though, that is a different story. 

The ending was good, I kind of wish it had ended a bit differently though. As a child I would see it differently but now that I am older I see it from a different point of view. I tend to put myself into the roles when I watch movies. This is why I cry a lot when I watch movies and shows, and even when I read books.

Netflix game this movie 3.4 Stars and I give it 5 Scary Monsters.

Boy Wonder

2010             1hr 36m             R

Years after witnessing his mother's brutal murder, withdrawn Sean Donovan develops a dark alter ego and starts dispensing some vigilante justice. But soon a dedicated cop picks up his trail, and Sean's twisted crusade begins to implode. Info from Netflix!

I am going to start by saying to watch this movie. You will like it. I watched this movie because I liked the look of the cover and the name. That is it. I didn't even look at the synopsis. I love the cover for the movie. His piercing eyes and black painted cheeks peeking out from under his hood make him look so dark and cool. 

The name of the movie and the synopsis make it sound a bit like a normal super hero movie but it is far from it. There is a bit of ass kicking an it pretty awesome. I could have used a bit more dolling out of the justice. 

While watching the movie I knew I knew his face from somewhere but I could not place it so I looked him up. Apparently, I know him from several places. He was in Lost, The Unit, and Zoey 101. Where most people might recognize him is from True Blood as Tolliver Humphries. He was very good in this movie and fell into the role easily.  He was very believable. The end of the movie was great and does not disappoint.

Netflix gave this movie 3.8 stars and I give it 4 super heroes.

Hannibal

2001             2hr 11m            R

Anthony Hopkins returns as serial killer Hannibal Lecter -- one of the great villains in screen history -- in this riveting sequel that finds his only surviving victim trying to draw Lecter out of hiding by using FBI agent Clarice Starling as bait. Info from Netflix.

The Hannibal movies are all good movies to me. The original is the best of course and the others are nice additions. Hannibal has always been a likeable bad guy to me. He has a lot of charisma. Even though he is a murderer and a cruel person, I can't help but to like him. Anyone else? Or am I just a big weirdy-beardy? 

I am fine with Clarice not being played by Jodi Foster but I kind of wish that they had gotten her. It is just a little weird when actors switch in and out. The continuity gets a little messed up. But, I like Julianne Moore so no big deal. Anthony Hopkins will forever be Hannibal Lecter to me no matter what movie he is in. I know that is not what an actor wants but I can't help it. The original movie stuck with me and and he was so weird and scary. I love it.

Netflix game it 3.6 Stars and I give it 4 Hearts.

Not Another Teen Movie

2001          1hr 28m           R

 

On a bet, a gridiron hero at John Hughes High School sets out to turn a bespectacled plain Jane into a beautiful prom queen in this outrageous parody that ruthlessly lampoons popular teen movies of all stripes. Info from Netflix!

I haven't seen one of the spoof movies from the early 2000's in some time so I thought I would watch one of the funny ones today. It was new on Netflix and was perfect for my mood. It was really funny, just like I remember. It was strange seeing some actors that I didn't know of back then and now to see them so young. Ted Mosby of How I Met Your Mother and the main character is Lexi from Grey's Anatomy. I spent half the movie trying to place her and finally I just looked her up.

The humor was really enjoyable and I laughed quite a bit. Being a teen and young adult when all the teen movies were coming out I really enjoyed this movie making fun of them. I like a movie that doesn't take its self seriously. If you haven't seen this movie, watch it. It makes fun of all teenagers and their movies. What is not to like about that?

Netflix gives it 3.3 and I give it 4. 4 puppies.

Queen of the Damned

Plot:

After many years of sleeping in his coffin, the vampire Lestat awakens only to find that the world has changed and he wants to be a part of it. He gathers a following and becomes a rock star only to find that his music awakens the ancient Queen Akasha and she wants him to become her king... Written by Andrew Main  

Stuart Townsend as Lestat

Marguerite Mureau as Jesse Reeves

Aaliyah as The Queen of the Damned

The above info is from imdb, here.

			This is about the 3rd time that I have watched this movie and I really do like it.  It was a vampire movie before vampires were super cool with the kids.  I personally believe that the above poster sheds a heavy light on Aaliyah is false advertising.  She is in about perhaps 15 to 20 minutes of the movie.  Yes, she is trying to take over the world but she only has a few scenes where she is try to do so.  I would have liked to have seen more of a focus on the character of Jesse Reeves, our young and curious Lestat loving girl.
			This movie is pretty fun all the way through.  I love the character of Lestat and the silliness of him being in a band.  He is cool, cute, and seems like a half way decent vampire.  Jesse is a girl that I can connect with because she is curious and naive about vampires and Lestat and also a bit of a snazzy dresser.  I must say, I love the long fur jacket that she wears to the vampire club.  I also love the buns in her hair (I like to do buns in my hair as well).
			This movie is not a serious watch, but if you are looking for a fun vampire movie to watch I can't recommend it enough.  It is not a very violent movie.  There are a few a few fight scenes but it is mostly flying around and what not.  Nothing like the Blade movies, which are amazing. I give this movie 4 fangs. ****