Stranger Things 2 – REVIEW

I can’t believe how much I loved it. (And yes, I know I’m a months late reviewing the show. I’ve been busy, people. )

When “Stranger Things” came out last year, I was not impressed. At all. It simply isn’t (or should I say “wasn’t”?) my preferred genre. (If you’re interested you can read my reviews here and here)

The day it came out I was working all afternoon so when I came home and asked my sister what she thought about it, she played it cool. She didn’t say much.

But since I almost had a weekend to myself, I binged it in 2 days. And what a magnificent show. Wow. I was truly impressed.

This season was on a whole new level. The acting is still amazing, especially from the kids. A big shoutout to Will because he was incredible. I was mesmerized by his performance. They explored every single person on the show, resulting in a fantastic character development.

And we all know who I’m talking about. Everyone’s favourite mom: Steve Harrington.

I still can’t believe how perfectly his character development was: from being kind of a dick, to an attentive, emotionally intelligent and responsible young man. He is truly my favourite person on the show.

And let’s talk about Billy (played by Dacre Montgomery)! A wonderful omage to Jack Nicholson’s characters in his various horror movies in the 80s.

Not having been around in that period of time, I am 100% sure a lot of the reference went over my head but this one was perfect. Dacre was so believable as Billy. A truly madman, a psycopath. Can’t wait to see what they have in store for him in Stranger Things 3.

Chief Jim Hopper was another pleasant surprise. I really had no opinion about him in season 1, but they deepened his personality, both his qualities and vices and turned him into an amazing character.

The only thing I truly didn’t like about this was Eleven’s storyline. Don’t make me talk about episode 7 because I’m already mad. Her living with Hopper was clever and their dynamic together was super interesting, but then the whole “I need to find my mother and sister” bullshit was just a big NO for me. Episode 7, in particular, was a total waste of my time. The only good thing that came out of it was “bitchin'”. That’s it.

Let’s change topic or I’ll get angry…

On top of the great storylines and performances by ALL the actors, the directorial style was new and exciting. Scarier than the previous season and perfectly in sync with the horror vibe of the show.

Even though I laughed out loud in the most absurd and violent parts, I completely fell in love with it. I’ve been considering watching it again this weekend. To be fair, it’s not like I have suddenly discovered this is my favourite genre, but the show has made me appreciate it a lot. I found many parts to be hilarious and incredibly funny, even when they were meant to be devastating.

Anyway, I’m already waiting for part 3 of Stranger Things. I’ll be thinking of Joe Keery in the meantime.

xxx

Georgia

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November 2017: Books I’m Thankful For

I found this great group on Goodread.com that gives you monthly recommendation on books that other people enjoyed!

It think it’s a great wait to discover novels that otherwise I would have never discovered.

So, here is my personal list of books I’m thankful for:

• Trevor Noah – Born A Crime

I loved this book. Absolutely loved it. I’ve been telling every single person I know to read it. I’ve already talked about this book on my blog, but frankly more people need to get their hands on it.

This is current “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah’s autobiography. He was born during the apartheid in South Africa and since his mom was black and his father was white, he should not have existed. He was a crime.

He talks about what it was actually like growing up in that time: the corruption of the police, poverty, church, faith, racism, feminism, equality and more.

You can read my in-depth review of the book here.

• William Blake – Poems of William Blake

This is totally different genre. Polar opposites. I studied a couple of his poems in high school and I found this book for free on amazon. I purchased it and I read it. I had zero expectations and I was so surprised of how much I enjoyed myself.

Weirdly enough, it holds a special place in my heart because it was the first collection of poetry I loved. I hated poetry in school. Like, really hated it.

I still find it stupidly complicated, but I am so happy I liked it.

• Aziz Ansari – Modern Romance

Let’s finish the post the way we started it: with a comedian.

I read Aziz’s book in summer 2016 and I adore it. I think about it to this day. It’s so funny and interesting! Aziz and Eric Klinenberg went around America and the world to conduct focus groups about finding romance and relationships. He talks about types of love, navigating the dating world in his modern age and the difficulties people encounter nowadays.

Also, Aziz’s obsession with food is featured a lot in the book and I love it. I learnt a lot from it and I’ll probably read it again in a not-so-distant future.

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – We Should All Be Feminists

Another genre! This time non-fiction!

I had heard a lot of people talking about this and I am so happy I listened to them. This book is so important.

It’s a fabulous introduction to feminism. The author talks about what is means to be a feminist in the 21st Century, about issues both in the US and in her native country Nigeria, problems women face everyday in today’s society and (sadly) more.

I absolutely loved it and it has made me want to expand my knowledge on feminist literature and I currently have a pretty big TBR list of books I’m interested it.

I recommend it to everyone. Both man and women. But especially men. They should educate themselves and learn what feminism truly is. Equality.

• Sally Thorne – The Hating Game

This is probably the best romance book I’ve read.

I read it in two days, I truly couldn’t put it down. The story is about Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, two co-workers at a publishing company that hate each other. When they are up for the same promotion, they start to realize that maybe they are not enemies after all. I know it sounds cheesy and corny, but it’s very good. I’ve recommended it so many people!

It’s such a fun and light-hearted rom-com. I definitely hope someone will buy the rights for the movie. It will be a guarantee success. It was one of the books I’ve read this year that made me fall back in love with reading.

I can’t wait to read Sally Thorne’s second novel!

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Hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know what you think about these books (if you’ve read them).

I’d love to start a discussion.

xxx

Georgia

MINDHUNTER (Netflix) – Review

This show is disturbing. Very very disturbing.

I’ve spoken to a friend about this and I can’t find another word to describe it.

“Mindhunter” is a Netflix show about two FBI agents who travel around the country talking to criminals in the 70s. And yes the fashion is amazing. The two characters are inspired by real agents who tried to understand the psychological problems behind these criminals’ horrific and abhorring murders.

While travelling around the US, they often consul with local policemen in deeply upsetting cases.

Moreover, they bring in a Harvard professor (played by the brilliant Anna Torv) who helps them turn these random interviews into something with structure that can resemble a method of investigating.

It’s so interesting. Such a fascinating subject. But let me tell you, it’s hard to watch.

Not because of the violence on screen, but because of the terrible stories these criminals are narrating.

The sexual nature of these crimes is what gets to me. How these disturbed people relate to sex and relationship with women. The hatred against women, mothers, daughter, fiancées is what upsets me.

Why are men so angry towards women? Why is there so much need for control and the domination of women? In light of recent events (see Donald Trump, Kevin Spacey, Louis CK, Bill O’Riley and sadly more), this is even more revolting. Seeing these twisted and sick minds narrate their actions and feelings with such non-chalance, really makes you feel angry and disgusted of men.

On a different topic, Debbie’s progressive and independent free spirit is a refreshing and reassuring presence that makes you forget, even if just for a moment, the depravity you’ve just heard.

From a technical point of view, I love the 70s style! Something else I’ve enjoyed, is the gigantic white writing that tells you which city the two agents are in. So cool! It blinds you every single time it pops on your screen. And the music?! Adored it! So funky and (weirdly) mostly upbeat! ❤️

The colours are always leaning towards the grey and the atmosphere reminds me of those sad british period pieces where everythings is depressing.

Anyway, I recommended it to my friend and she binge-watched it in two days. She was so eager to talk about it and share opinions and various impressions on the characters.

Created by Joe Penhall and with directors like David Fincher, the show sees Jonathan Groff (Kristof from Frozen and King George from Hamilton), Holt McCallany(Fight Club, Suicide Squad) as protagonists along with the brilliant and magnificent Anna Torv (Olivia Dunham from Fringe) and Hannah Gross.
luding, this show creeps me out. To me, it is utterly disturbing but at the same time, so well-crafted. I definitely hope that the Television Academy will considerate it for many Emmy nominations.

Let me know your opinions! I’d love to chat about it!

xxx

Georgia

September 2017 TV Premiere – Opinions

I’m a bit late with this… I haven’t been particularly present on the blog community recently. I’ve had two great month and I was busy actually living my life.

But I enjoy writing about TV and I want to catch up on all the reviews I didn’t do and the beauty hauls I haven’t put together. (I did take the pictures. Now I’m missing the names of the product and I can’t seem to be able to get up, get the makeup and write the names down. I’m lazy.)

Anyway, these past two months have been amazing for Tv! So many great shows and so many old obsession making a comeback!

Let’s get into it!

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• VICTORIA (ITV)

I absolutely loved this second season, great moments between the Queen and Prince Albert, great storylines involving feminism, a woman in power, loss, grief, medicine, inventions and more.

I really liked season 1, but I think I’ve enjoyed season 2 more. This year, we already knew the characters and the climate of the Victorian age, but they kicked it up a notch. The famine in Ireland and the trip to France deeply explore the terrible issues of the era.

On top of that, they dealt with homosexuality and the secrecy of it. The show experimented with different directorial choices and I truly appreciated it.

On top of that, Lord M broke Britain’s heart and the show’s viewers will never forget it.

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• YOU’RE THE WORST (FXX)

I adore this show. I know it may seem bad, but it shows the inner me. The side that is wild, with no filters and restrictions. Although I am truly sad about Jimmy and Gretchen’s break up, it’s still funny seeing them navigate the world as single people again.

To be honest, the show isn’t as good as its first and second seasons. As I’m writing this, there are only 3 episodes left before the finale. Having said that, I feel like this season has been a little bit stuck. The characters haven’t evolved that much and it seems like the show is piling on as much crazy shit as they possibly can. Without really going forward.

Still, if they don’t re-new it for a 5th season, I will be sending FXX a series of angry and profanity-filled emails.

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• BETTER THINGS (FX)

Even though I feel that they made it as absurd and as weird as they could, this show has some amazing gems.

The episodes are centred on Sam, her three daughters and the crazy things that life throws at them. It’s very explicit and the daughters treat their mother to an attitude that I would never allow. Not to me and not to everybody else. They are so disrespectful! I have the urge of slapping them in the face.

But just like in “You’re The Worst”, Sam isn’t afraid of other people’s opinions and her angry rants about sexuality and feminism are GREAT!

There are amazing monologues and Pamela Adlon is a fantastic actress. It’s quite explicit and raw but I’m really excited to see the last two episodes!

Also, on Oct. 19th, they announced they have renewed “Better Things” for a 3rd season!!! YAY!!

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• BROOKLYN NINE NINE (FOX)
  

I will write this entire section mostly in all-caps because it’s been my obsession, I’m so excited and I love it so much.

WHY AREN’T MORE PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT “BROOKLYN NINE NINE”?? I DON’T GET IT! IT’S ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! ANDY SAMBERG IS A NATIONAL TREASURE, I’M IN LOVE WITH HIM AND THE ENTIRE CAST.

DAR GOOR AND MICHEAL SCHUR, YOU ARE MY IDOLS AND GODS. I LOVE YOU.

I got my closest friend hooked on this show and we legitimately spent an entire day watching episodes together. Not even joking. Best day ever.

This 5th season has been incredible. So funny and full of spectacular character developments. Especially Jake.

The Halloween episode is probably one of the best episodes of a comedy show that I’ve seen in a long time. In every season there is a Halloween episode that is centred about a heist that will determine who, in the precinct, is the “Ultimate Detective / Genius”.

It’s so rare that a show in its 5th season is still going strong, but Brooklyn Nine Nine never disappoints.

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• THIS IS US (NBC)

I reviewed the first episode of this second season at length, so I’m not going to say too much about it here.

The show is still great, the characters are so well-written and although there hasn’t been that much crying on my part, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Nonetheless, there are still some things that piss me off and clichés I wish they hadn’t done, but I’ll keep watching. There is no doubt in that.

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• MODERN FAMILY (ABC)
  

What can I say about this show: it’s a staple, it’s iconic. A classic.

The show is still great, the dynamics between the characters still relevant. What more can I say other than “I love you, Modern Family.”?

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• GREY’S ANATOMY (ABC)

Ehm… Well… I’m not a person that likes pointing out the negative things but this one deserves it.

WHAT ARE THEY DOING?!?! What are these absurd storylines? Come on!!!! From Owen’s sister randomly being alive, to Amelia’s stupid stupid stupid tumor and to Maggie and Jackson having a thing, I really don’t know how the show is still on air.

I took it to Twitter while watching one of the episodes from this season and I noticed that I hadn’t tweeted positive things about the latest Grey’s Anatomy episode since 2014. That’s sad.

One things after another, they demolished the show. Thankfully, they didn’t damage too much Meredith’s character, otherwise I won’t be here talking about it.

I’ll probably keep watching every once in a while, when I’m in the mood for a soap opera with doctors.

I’ve recently watched the 300th episode and although a bit mismatched, they paid tribute to all the major characters that have left the show and I loved it. Also, Jackson’s speech made m tear up.

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• WILL AND GRACE (NBC)

Wow.

I was super shocked because I didn’t think a show like “Will and Grace” was going to be so political.

Right from the first episode, they throw joke after joke (mostly insult after insult) towards Donald Trump and the current administration! I loved it! The fidget spinner and russian dictionary joke in episode one is one of my favourites!! And let’s talk about the hat with “Make America Gay Again”!! Absolutely adored it!

In just 6 episodes, they talked multiple times about the current political climate in America, the struggles of being openly gay in the country, the appreciation young people need to have in regards of those who fought for their rights and how stupid conversion camps are. Speaking of which, the Mike Pence portrait in the background literally made my day. SO FUNNY!!!

I truly appreciate when a show explains and takes time to explore such subjects. Tv is also meant to be educational and I believe “Will and Grace” is doing it right.

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• SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (NBC)
  

Even if it started really well with guest host Ryan Gosling, the following hosts haven’t been that impressive (aside from Kumail Nanjiani, obvs).

The political commentary is still very much relevant, but I feel like they have hit a bit of a rough spot in these past weeks. I hope it’ll get better.

I’ll keep watching, especially the parts with the amazing Kate McKinnon, Pete Davison, Leslie Jones and obviously Weekend Update.

AND LIVE FROM NEW YORK… IT’S SATURDAY NIIIIIIIIIGHT!!!

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That’s it from me! At least for today! Hope you liked it and let me know your thoughts on any of the shows I’ve mentioned: I’d love to hear your opinions.

xxx

Georgia