My Top 5 New TV Shows

As some shows, much to my chagrin, are now entering their mid-season hiatus, it is safe to say that we are well into the TV season. The crop of new shows is being pruned of the bad (goodbye, Playboy Club and Charlie’s Angels) and we’re reaping in the good. While some shows’ fates have yet to be determined, it’s fairly clear who is going to get to stay around. With that in mind, I thought I would give some recommendations on what I think are the top 5 new shows of the season.

5. Hart of Dixie (CW) – Okay, bear with me here. If you go into this show knowing that it is schlock and suspend your disbelief to allow for the possibility that we live in a world where Rachel Bilson could be a cardiothoracic surgeon, then I think you, too, could enjoy this show. It’s nothing groundbreaking, sure. But if after two episodes, you DON’T want to live in Bluebell, Alabama with Wade Kinsella, well, then hells bells, I don’t know what to think. Best episode so far: “In Havoc and In Heat”

4. Once Upon a Time (ABC) – With the first couple episodes of this one, I didn’t see how they were going to make an interesting show out of stories we have all heard/seen a million times, but this latest episode restored my faith. If they continue giving our beloved storybook characters a different back story than the ones we are familiar with, I’m all in. Best episode so far: “Snow Falls”

3. Up All Night (NBC) – Before this show premiered, I was crossing my fingers so hard for it to be good. I mean, Will Arnett, Christina Applegate, and Maya Rudolph? It needed to be good. I was so pleased when it was. Best episode so far: “Working Late and Working It” (for Jorma’s presence alone)

2. New Girl (Fox) – Considering that I am in love with her band, obsessed with her website, and already a fan of another TV show starring a Deschanel, it was pretty much a given that I was going to love Zooey’s new show. Yes, she’s a little over the top in her dorkiness, but us girls love to see our lesser qualities amplified in the media to make ourselves feel better about them. Since the premiere of Jess on New Girl, I’ve been wearing my dork badge with a little more pride. Best episode so far: “Wedding” (“He’s so soft like a towel” and Slo-Mo Chicken Dance, y’all!)

1. Revenge (ABC)- Yes, Revenge is my favorite new show. Before you start with the judgemental looks, have you seen this show? It’s nuts burgers! But get past all the pandering to our basic need as a society to see rich people dress pretty and ruin their lives or, at the very least, each other’s lives, and you have a show that actually has a lot to say about morality and, what do you know it, revenge. I also give it major props for having what is possibly the most morally ambiguous lead character on TV. As Emily Thorne seeks revenge for her father’s life, she consistently resides in the grey area. The most empathetic characters on the show are the two guys that she is stringing along as part of her ruse. It’s so good, you guys! Trust me. Best episode so far: “Pilot” (Because you really need to start there.)

So there you have it. What are you liking this season? Anything I missed? I am (sadly) always open to new shows.

The Last Movie I Saw: Like Crazy

Like Crazy opened yesterday and as it is a smaller movie, I felt like I needed to tell some of you about it, because as you are about to read, I really liked it.

The film begins with an American boy, Jacob (Anton Yelchin), and a British girl, Anna (Felicity Jones, who I have watched and re-watched several times in the most recent adaptation of Northanger Abbey), falling in love. Anybody who has ever seen a movie knows that if we start with people falling in love, they are bound to run into some bumps in the road. Like Crazy is no different. Anna overstays her student visa to remain with Jacob in Los Angeles after they graduate, but is eventually found out and forced to return to London. Now they must learn how to handle being constantly drawn to each other while being thousands of miles apart, and as the film progresses that distance becomes more than just physical.

In interviews, director Drake Doremus has said that much of the dialogue in the film is improvised. The actors were simply given an outline of what needed to happen in the given scene. The result of this was me cringing throughout a good chunk of the movie because everything feels agonizingly real. Recently, I wrote a post on wanting to live in a Nora Ephron movie because I was amazed at how she was able to make her characters seem so naturally eloquent and witty. As I was watching the new film Like Crazy last night, I came to the realization that as much as I want to be in a Nora Ephron movie, it is the world of Like Crazy in which we actually live. And I am intending that as praise. When Anna and Jacob argue, it is a real argument of sputtering and not knowing how to state your case. When they go on their first date, it is awkward but sweet. This is no Hollywood romance, but a real, honest-to-goodness romance, with all the red-faced crying that usually comes with it.

Felicity Jones is getting a lot of praise for her performance in this film, but I will extend my praise to Yelchin, as well. As both characters go through this hurricane of emotions, you can see every single one written all over their faces as clear as day.

With all that said, I suppose this long-winded review could be summed up like this: Like Crazy is one of the most honest movies I have ever seen and I think you should see it, too.

An Ode to Nora Ephron

I wish my life were a Nora Ephron movie.

If Nora Ephron wrote my life, the human race would only include people who are smart and speak in the most eloquent and well executed of sentences. Even the most menial of conversations would be witty and urbane. Best of all, we would find ways to relate the plots of films and books to all of life’s problems. When I would try to argue a point, I would know exactly what to say and how to say it. Every barb would be cutting and to the point. Accompanying every stroll through the park or lunchtime in the flower market would be a tune by Ella Fitzgerald or Louis Armstrong. You know, something classy and sophisticated. Like what you would hear in a Starbucks or bookstore.

Every season would be romantic.

But the best part of all would be falling in love. Falling in love in my new Nora Ephron world would be the best falling in love ever. Love conquers distance, awkward hook-ups, and dreadful first impressions. Men aspire to be Cary Grant. Yeah, the straight ones, too! When they cite reasons for why they fell in love with you, they list things like the crinkle on your forehead or how you peel apples. They usually cite these reasons in a sweet, comical, and perfectly executed speech given when you are least expecting it.

In Sleepless in Seattle, Meg Ryan’s character gets accused of wanting to be in love in a movie. But who wouldn’t? As long as it is written by Nora Ephron.

(Can you tell I had a day in watching When Harry Met Sally…, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail?)

Don't watch the video below unless you have already seen When Harry Met Sally... And if you haven't, I suggest watching it pronto.

Get Your BBC Period Drama On! BONUS!

In my, ehem, research for my post about the BBC period dramas, I stumbled across this little gem.

My first reaction is, “What is wrong with these Australian women?” I am totally on board with Darcy being their number one fantasy, but even if you know nothing about Pride and Prejudice, wouldn’t you stop and talk to this guy simply out of morbid curiousity? My favorite part has to be when he resorts to getting wet.

Get Your BBC Period Drama On!

Ah, summertime. When the living is easy, the sun is shining, and movies in the theaters are better. Of course, for me, there are still those summer days when I prefer to cool off by being magically whisked away to jolly old England. Granted, I will watch a BBC period drama anytime of year, but just work with me here.

Over my countless years of experience and numerous viewings of these miniseries or TV movies, I have noticed something. If I am ever having a bad day or I’m feeling low, I’ll just pop one of these in or go to YouTube and just watch a particular scene, skipping over Lydia and Wickham in Pride & Prejudice or all the people dying in North & South. I know that those among you who I count as my faithful readers also have an affinity for these shows, so I decided to countdown my top ten favorite moments in a BBC period drama.

Just a few things before we start: 1) I had to restrict myself to the shows that originally aired on TV, so if you are wondering where Becoming Jane is or why I pick certain versions of a scene over the perhaps better version that is on film, now you know. 2) No comments from the peanut gallery on how I am only representing four authors with this list. I know what I like. I won’t apologize for that. 3) A lot of my choices for scenes are highly spoilery, but I give my full endorsement to all of the options referenced in this list, so just find the whole thing and watch it.

Honorable mention: Lost in Austen (2008) “Lake scene” – While I have to respect this series as an Austen-phile, I never particularly warmed to it. I blame it on the Darcy, who never seemed to embody the role for me. That being said, I loved the meta-ness of this scene. If you haven’t seen the series, all you need to know is that a modern girl gets placed in the middle of Pride & Prejudice. Best line: “Will you do something for me?”

10. Persuasion (2007) “Run-in at the Shop” – This version would almost be perfect if it hadn’t so royally screwed up the ending (KISS HIM ALREADY!) with the exception of that tacked on last scene. Persuasion is my favorite of Austen’s novels and the ending is, of course, my favorite part, so you can imagine that this was quite the blow. What this version has working for it, though, besides the scrum-diddly-umptuous Rupert Penry-Jones, is that it nails the awkward longing from Anne and Wentworth. This is nowhere better exemplified than this shop scene. Best line: “A man cannot recover from such a passion. With such a woman. He ought not. He does not.” And if it can count for a line, Rupert’s smile.
9. Cranford (2007) “Lace” – Yes, it’s my only choice that does not have explicit romantic connotations. While there is romance in Cranford, I had to include this scene on my list. Correct me if I am wrong, but this is the only period drama that gets away with a fart joke. Juvenile though it may be, it’s still dang funny. Best line: “We are in the throes of an exceptional emergency.”
8. Emma (2009) “Proposal” – In my opinion, Johnny Lee Miller is no Paul Rudd. Nor a Jeremy Northam for that matter. However, this has always been my second favorite Austen proposal scene (see number 5 for my favorite). I love that the crazy mix-ups almost spoil the whole thing, but then… he tells her. Way to man up, Knightley! Also, this version of Emma gets bonus points for the inclusion of possibly my favorite Austen line ever. Best line: “If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.”
7. Jane Eyre (2006) “Proposal” – Oh, poor Jane Eyre, to think that if you had been in a Jane Austen novel, this scene would mark the end of your story and we could get to assume that you married Mr. Rochester in that little church without any worries about his loco wife. Alas, this is Bronte and sister does not mess around. What I really like about this scene is that if it was given modern language, Jane would be saying, “Screw you! You don’t know me!” (Note: If you are a fan of close-talking and loud kissing, you might prefer this scene.) Best line: “If God had given me some beauty and wealth, I would make it as hard for you to leave me as it is now for me to leave you.”
6. North & South (2004) “Train Station” – I once did a scene analysis of this for a Literature and Film class where I had to transcribe the scene and describe each shot. Best. Paper. Ever. Words cannot express how much I love this series, but especially this ending, so instead I will give you a topic of discussion: This scene is made much more effective by Richard Armitage not wearing the cravat. Discuss. Best line: “You’re coming home with me?” Anytime, day or night.
5. Sense & Sensibility (2008) “He’s Not Married!” – Ms. Austen certainly had a thing for the romantic entanglements, huh? Let’s get something straight. Nothing tops the moment when Emma Thompson’s Elinor breaks into tears, but there is something to be said for this new version, as well. First of all, I am not the biggest Hugh Grant fan, so I fell much harder for Mr. Dan Stevens’ Edward. Also, this version plays the awkwardness pretty well. Best line: “So now you can marry Elinor.”
4. Northanger Abbey (2007) “Kiss” – Northanger Abbey was my first Austen novel and after I had been let down by the atrocious 1986 version, you can imagine how utterly pleased I was by this latest interpretation. Felicity Jones and JJ Feild are perfection and their kiss at the end is so adorkably perfect that I feel I can go out on a limb and say it is my favorite Austen kiss ever. Haters to the left. Best line: “But you can see their house from the window.”
3. Little Dorrit (2008) “John’s Speech” – Everything about this scene is heartbreaking. The look on Arthur’s face when he realizes what a fool he has been, John’s befuddlement at Arthur’s blindness, John offering his hand at the end, everything. John Chivery certainly gets the award for being the most heartbreaking character in a BBC period drama and you naysayers can talk to me in the comments. Best line: “All the time I was breaking my heart over her, she was breaking hers over you.”
2. North & South (2004) “Look back at me” – Some of you may be surprised that I am ranking this scene over the train station scene, but you shouldn’t be. This scene has equally as much passion but it is all crammed into four little words. (Topic #2: Richard Armitage has the sexiest voice in the world. Discuss.) Best line: Um, duh.
1. Pride & Prejudice (1995) “Pemberley” – Okay, I am going to cheat here and deem any and all scenes taking place at Pemberley as the best scene from a period drama. I have seen this scene hundreds (Yes, literally hundreds) of times, yet I still get twitterpated when Darcy comes around that tree or when he gets that little smile on his face when they longingly gazing at each other over the piano. While I have no qualms with the whole wet Darcy thing, I mainly love this scene because he is trying so hard to impress her and she is so confused that it all results in this perfect little awkward situation, which you may have noticed that I am a fan of. Best line: “And your parents are in good health and all your sisters?”

So there you have it. What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Is there one that you haven’t seen that you now realize you need to watch? Let me know!

And check out the pretty entertaining bonus post!

I Don't Care What You Think, I Like Katy Perry!

It is time that I go on record and say that I love Katy Perry. I am totally on board with her geeky-cool-retro schtick and anyone who puts out a video like her latest for “Last Friday Night”, which I have linked below, is A-OK in my book. You have Kenny G, Corey Feldman, Debbie Gibson, Kevin McHale, Darren Criss, and Hanson (who look so much hotter in the 2000s, by the way) in one video. Even the inclusion of Rebecca Black kind of rocks my socks because I respect that Katy is giving the girl a chance to shred her “national joke” image and I felt like she (very nearly) delivered.

Mainly, I love the video because it feels like every teen movie or TGIF TV show plot from the 90s. My parents found out that I went to that party?! Wah-wah. I was waiting for Danny Tanner to walk in at the end, cue the sentimental music, and have a heart-to-heart with Katy’s alter-ego Kathy Beth Terry about the dangers of teenage partying. Also, I am pretty sure that my childhood Malibu Barbie wore the same outfit that the sexified Kathy Beth wore to the party. What can I say? Barbie had to look smokin’ when she drove around my bedroom in her pink Jeep with the top down.

Watch the video and let me know what you think? Were you also getting a Step by Step vibe? Does this make you like Katy Perry more? Less? The same amount?

Favorite details: the guy with the drawn on tuxedo, bobbled hair-ties, Artie walks (!), “Why is there some lost boy in your bed?”, and the font of the credits.

Guys, The Pressure’s On.

Those of you who know me, know that if I am any two things, those things would have to be a cinephile and a hopeless romantic. So when those two things collide? Watch out. AND THEN, when that lethal combination is overlain with a soundtrack of Florence + The Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over”? Game over.

Such is the case with the video that I have attached below. Watch it, then report back for my commentary.

LUCK - NYC Wedding Proposal from Aria Melody DJ on Vimeo.

First of all, there is no way that any woman ever in the history of womanhood could turn down a man that would make this video. Am I right? It’s practically science. We are hard-wired to be suckers for this kind of stuff. Or is that just me?

Second, this is just good filmmaking. I know that he had help, but whoever is responsible for the concept, editing, and direction, gets some serious kudos.

How do you we feel about this, ladies? I feel like I am ready to declare it the best proposal that I have seen posted on the internet, possibly even the best proposal that I have seen. Period. I know, it’s a strong statement, but that is how much I love this. Agree? Disagree? And be honest, did the tears come?