Author Archives: Ellen Lloyd

The Fangirly Show: Episode #4 Fangirling Over Girl Power

Posted in The Fangirly Show, Uncategorized by

Ellen and Whitney get deep into it while discussing strong females on TV and movies, diving into which shows are doing the ladies proud and which have some explaining to do.  How are gender politics affecting fandoms?  And is SNL doing right by its ladies?  Plus, a rapid fire game of Either/Or to get to know us better.  Star Wars or Star Trek?  Friends or Seinfeld?  Listen to find out!

You can listen and subscribe HERE on iTunes or you can go HERE to listen and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

girl power

The Fangirly Show: Episode #3 Fangirling Over Halloween

Posted in The Fangirly Show by

With an early episode just in time for Halloween, Whitney and Ellen dish on all of their favorite spooky pop culture, including what they put on their Halloween playlists, the first movie to scare their socks off, and who from the horror villain gallery they would prefer to be their murderer.  Plus, Whitney throws out some crazy hypotheticals in a Halloween themed game of Would You Rather!

*NOTE: Listen for the PS at the end of the episode.
You can listen and subscribe HERE on iTunes or you can go HERE to listen and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
FGHalloween

The Fangirly Show: Episode #2 Fangirling Over Fall TV

Posted in The Fangirly Show by

For this episode, we discuss our hits and misses of the 2015 Fall TV season, both new shows and returning.  Also, they get a bit giggly playing a game of Truth or Dare.  Listen as Ellen does horrible celebrity impressions and Whitney reveals who she thinks would be a real lion in the boudoir.

You can listen and subscribe HERE on iTunes or you can go HERE to listen and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Fall tv

Thoughts on Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer

Posted in Movies, Web Bytes by

star-wars-trailerSure fire way to make a the Comic Con crowd and NFL crowd come together? Air a Star Wars trailer during the halftime of Monday Night Football.  I had to actually figure out what channel ESPN is on in order to take in the sweet, sweet goodness that is this trailer.  My thoughts and reactions were multiple and varied, but I thought I would run through some of them for you.

  • First off, I cried.  I am a bit of the “boy who cried wolf” as I cry at the drop of a hat, so this may not be saying much.  It is of note, however, that I cried during this trailer out of pure excitement and not because of anything particularly sad.
  • WHERE IS LUKE?  The question that is haunting nerds everywhere.  Is he good?  Has he gone to the dark side?  What is he doing?  How much will he be in the movie?  Looks like JJ and Co. are reserving that and more until December 18.
  • I am happy to see Rey (Daisy Ridley) featured so prominently in the trailer, almost as if she is the lead.  Star Wars has always suffered criticisms because of the its lack of ladies and while there may only be two (that we see the faces of) in the trailer, baby steps.
  • How cute is BB-8?  I want one.
  • Is Finn a Storm Trooper?  Former Storm Trooper? Why is he in the Storm Trooper getup?  I am thinking former, especially with the line that we get here “I was raised to do one thing, but I’ve got nothing to fight for.” Perhaps he saw too much of the dark side in his former employers?
  • How amazing do the effects look?  Right mix of CGI and practical.  It looks so beautiful.
  • Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is really channeling Darth.  He seems to be a bit obsessed, really.  That mangled helmet rings of Helga on Hey! Arnold.
  • “It’s true all of it.” + John Williams score beginning to swell + Millenium Falcon in hyperdrive =  Ellen crying
  • Speculation about that look between Finn and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaacs) are swirling, but I think it is just a moment of camraderie as they head into a fight that could be their last (or something like that), so calm down, internet!
  • I know that the hilted light saber had its naysayers, but I dig it.
  • Over whom is Daisy crying?  Hmm?
  • I love that moment of Han and Chewie with their hand on their heads.  Looks like those crazy kids are still up to their hijinx.
  • Again, so excited for Rey.  She looks bad ass and integral to the story.
  • This final montage of all these quick shots of epic looking action set piece makes me get goosebumps every time.  There’s just so much I want to know!
  • Han comforting Leia!  I hope this means that those two worked everything out.  I’m also hoping for a “scruffy looking nerf herder” at some point in all of this.
  • Agh! That final moment of Finn and Kylo about to battle with light sabers?  SQUEE!!!!  Better yet, watch John Boyega’s reaction to that moment.
  • My favorite part of all?  That I still know nothing about this  movie, really.  Yes, I want to know everything, but only within the context of the whole movie.

It should be obvious, but December 18 could not come soon enough.  If you have been living under a rock and have not seen this yet, watch it below.  Or if you are like me and just want to watch it again, watch it below.

-Ellen

The Fangirly Show: Episode #1 Fangirling Over Superheroes on TV

Posted in The Fangirly Show by

We are so excited to announce our new podcast: THE FANGIRLY SHOW!

For our first episode EVER (!), we talk about superheroes on TV and the offerings brought to us by Marvel (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Daredevil, Agent Carter) and DC (Arrow, The Flash, Gotham, and soon Supergirl).

You can listen and subscribe HERE on iTunes or you can go HERE to listen and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.superhero

What to Watch and When to Watch It – Fall 2015

Posted in Get with the Program, TV by

It should be pretty evident that I am a huge TV nerd, so much so that it should not come as a shock that I make an Excel spreadsheet before every Fall TV season. In case you want to know what I am watching or in case you want to know what you should be watching, I am sharing my nerdy spreadsheet.

A few notes:

– Blue is for shows that have a guaranteed season pass, red is for either new or older shows that I am going to give a shot, new show in italics. I recently upgraded my DVR to allow for 6 shows to be recording, so I no longer have limitations.

– Also, for the first time ever I made a chart of the release dates.

– I saw the pilot for Supergirl and I liked them enough to know I want more.

– Only new show that is a guaranteed season pass: The Muppets.  Duh.

– Some shows that are not on the networks that I am jazzed about: Fargo (FX), The Walking Dead (AMC), The League (FXX), You’re the Worst (FXX), Doctor Who (BBC America), The Mindy Project (Hulu).

– You may notice that CBS’ schedule looks a little screwy, but that is because of Thursday Night Football.  Things will shift around after November, so the Thursday schedule I have listed is what it will be after football.

– Just don’t even try to talk to me on Tuesday nights anymore.

 

Fall 2015 TV

Fall 2015 Calendar

 

So go ahead, let me have it. What am I stupid for watching? What are you getting jazzed to watch?

– Ellen

10 TV Couples That Are My Relationship Goals

Posted in Choice Picks, TV by

There are many relationships on TV but only few are chosen… by me to someday emulate.  Many are fraught with drama and while those are fun to watch, I hope to someday have one that is more like the following:

10.  Monica and Chandler (Friends) – These two were my first OTP (internet speak for “One True Pairing”).  Shmoss and Shmachel, I only cared about Monica and Chanandler Bong.  I like that his amount of dorky is the perfect match to her amount of crazy.

monica and chandler

9.  Bob and Linda Belcher (Bob’s Burgers) – The Belchers are not only a relationship goal but a family goal.  Someday I hope to raise a similar band of weirdos.  Bob and Linda stick together and accept each other’s eccentricities amidst all the chaos.

https://www.tumblr.com/olliepestos/127119616890

8.  Jim Halpert and Pam Beasley (The Office) – Speaking of chaos, in a different bunch of weirdos, these two found each other.  They might have had a few (infuriating) bumps along the way to find each other but they did it.  I always loved that their relationship felt real.  They initially bonded over shared jokes and stayed together through hard work. Continue reading →

Fangirly Crush of the Week: Rob Delaney

Posted in Crush of the Week, TV by

mwbw-robdelaneyDuring the course of my Summer Binge I caught up on the Amazon/British series Catastrophe.  The show focuses on a couple who find out they are expecting a baby after a brief fling they had while Rob, played by Delaney, visited the UK on business.  The show is a really great contribution to the romantic comedy genre, while also being more than just a rom com.  It is a very funny, sweet, and authentic look at something that feels like a realistic relationship.

Okay, we got all that out of the way.  Now onto the swoony Rob Delaney.  Would 12-year old Ellen have appreciated Rob?  No, probably not.  While I may have admired his sense of humor, I was not yet mature and sophisticated enough to appreciate his swarthy manliness, nor his metro lumberjack fashion sense.  But guess who does appreciate all of that in a big way?  This girl.

In summary, I dare you to watch the show and fall for Rob the Character and I dare you to read the following Twitter conversation and not fall in love with Rob the Man.  Such a man.  Ooh, boy.

twit1

twit2twit3twit4

–Ellen

23 Times Liz Lemon Hit Too Close to Home

Posted in Fangirly Exposed!, TV by

Lately, I have been re-watching 30 Rock, just because. It’s like one of those times when you meet up with an old friend and it is as if no time has passed. If anything, you just remember how awesome that friend is and how much you miss them.

While I have always identified with Liz Lemon, I am realizing that age is only bringing me further into my Liz Lemonhood.  Let’s explore.

1. Post work evenings are more like this:

liz lemon 4

2.  Whenever I put on makeup and my contacts I feel like this:

liz lemon 25

3.  If ever I have a conversation with a crush without wanting to cringe:

liz lemon

4.  Never knowing how to comfort people going through a hard time:

liz lemon 24

5.  Anytime I go to a sporting event: Continue reading →

Ellen’s Summer of the Binge

Posted in Sweet Streams, TV by

Summer gives us some great movies, but the television is bit limited (other than Big Brother and SYTYCD, of course).  While some may bemoan this, I celebrate it by using this time to watch a whole lot of shows that I don’t always have the time to get around to during the regular TV season.  My bingeing is greatly aided by the fact that I can watch while I am at work.

I thought I would run through the shows that I have been watching this summer, in particular order.  Unless, “the order that I remembered them” is considered an order.

chuck-box5Chuck (First Time) – As mentioned in last week’s Crush of the Week, I fell pretty hard for both Zachary Levi and the show itself.  It can be a bit corny at times, but overall, I really loved it.  Fun, funny, and heaps and heaps of sexual tension.

Buying & Selling (First Time) – I definitely prefer the original Property Brothers or the OG PB as the cool kids call it.  Of course, this didn’t stop me from watching a lot of it.  I think my main problem with this version is that the buying is my least favorite part of OG PB.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Re-Watch) – Much like the other Fey/Carlock joint, the rewatchability factor on this is high, there is just so many hidden gems that come out on repeat viewings.

Spaced (Re-Watch) – I feel the need to bust this show out every now and then because I just love it so much. This time around, I watched each episode, then again with the original commentary, THEN AGAIN with the guest commentaries for the special edition DVD. Fun bit of trivia: My first post for this site was about Spaced.  I just love it that much.

Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (First Time) – This one may warrant it’s own post, so I may not say too much here.  Much like the OG WHAS, the humor here may not be for everyone but I have a major soft spot for David Wain and Co.  Even if the brand of humor is not for you, the cast alone may be enough reason to watch.

The X-Files (Re-Watch in Progress) – This show was on every Sunday night in my house growing up because my mom was a huge fan of both the show and David Duchovny.  I figured that I should give it a re-watch in preparation for the new series.

Rehab Addict (First Time) – Another show that is not my favorite, yet I watched all of it.  While I do like her design style and dedication to restoration, Nicole gets on my nerves and it drives me nuts that it takes multiple episodes to get through one house.

Flip or Flop (First Time) – The reason I don’t like Rehab Addict is the reason I like Flip or Flop.  Tarek and Christina are by no means my favorite, but I like that they get through a whole flip from buying to selling in only 20 minutes.

HFXUP105_BTS_Johanna-Chip-Muscles_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822Fixer Upper (First Time) – BY FAR my favorite of the HGTV genre.  I love their houses, I love the format, but mostly I just love Chip and Joanna so much.  That being said, I wish Joanna was out of the picture so that I could marry Chip and run a renovation company with him.

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (First Time and then Re-Watch) – I lost track of how many times I watched this show because when I was really obsessed with it, I would just put it on in the background.  Just because.  If you want more of my thoughts on this one, go here.

The IT Crowd (Re-Watch) -I watch a lot of these shows while I am working, so it is nice to have an easy comedy that I can not pay a lot of attention to and still enjoy thoroughly.  Very British and very silly but so funny and Chris O’Dowd is so cute.

Love It or List It (First Time) – You might be able to tell, but I went on a bit of an HGTV bender this summer.  This is yet another that is not my favorite, but it was mindless entertainment for a couple days at work.

Derek (First Time) – I wrote a lengthier review of this one after I had watched all of it.  I’m really surprised that it took me so long to get to this one being the fan of The Office and Extras that I am.  It is very sweet and melancholy in the same way as those shows.

catastrophe-sharon-horgan-rob-delaneyCatastrophe (First Time) – If you are a fan of funny yet realistic romantic comedies then this one is for you.  The chemistry between the two leads (Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney) is very sweet and grounded and made fall in love with Rob.  I dare you to watch and not do the same.

RuPaul’s Drag Race (First Time) – Honey, you better work.  This show is just fabulous and eleganza extravaganza.  Shantay, you stay on my DVR list because honey, if you can’t love yourself, how the hell you going to love someone else.  Can I get an Amen?  (This review is brought to you by the catchphrases of RuPaul)

Inside Amy Schumer (First Time) – This has been deemed as the Summer of Amy Schumer by media outlets, so I figured I would get on board and watch her show.  I was not disappointed.  Like most sketch shows, not all of the skits are amazing, but there is a lot of joy to be had from the good ones (my favorite being her Friday Night Lights spoof)

snowGame of Thrones (Catch Up) – I had fallen behind on this one and catching up seemed like an insurmountable task, but that’s what summer is for.  Some of my experience was tarnished by spoilers I had learned through the grapevine, but this show is still pretty nuts.

Silicon Valley (First Time) – I will always support the comedies that get nominated in the Best Comedy category that are actually, you know, funny.  I was happy to discover that this is one of those shows, which is not surprising when considering the people behind it and the cast.

Justified (Catch Up) – This is a show that I love but fell behind on when I didn’t have cable.  This one is a really great drama that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.  Also, I will never be mad at Timothy Olyphant in a hat.

Helena-Tatian-Maslany-in-Things-Which-Have-Never-Yet-Been-DoneOrphan Black (Catch Up) – If you caught a whiff of the excitement around Tatiana Maslany’s Emmy nomination and wondered why everyone was making such a big deal, watch this show and you will totally get it.  I had already watched the first season but needed to catch up on the 2nd and 3rd.  I know that the 3rd has gotten some mixed reviews, but I will always love getting more Helena.

Humans (First Time) – There wasn’t a lot to binge here because it is fairly new, but I did watch all episodes one Saturday a couple of weeks ago.  I found this show quite interesting and hope that more networks start picking up British imports.

I know.  I have a problem.

–Ellen

Fangirly Crush of the Week: Zachary Levi

Posted in Crush of the Week by

zachary-levi-sesame-streetGather around children, it’s story time.  Once upon time, Whitney and I went to Comic Con together.  It was magical week of nerds and sleeping in lines.  One night, we slept outside to get into a magical land called Ballroom 20.  Chuck was having a panel for its last season, so Zachary Levi took it upon himself to walk the line and say hi to everyone.  At the time, neither of us watched Chuck, but we are still functioning females who can recognize his patented blend of approachable, adorable, nerdy charm.  When he got to us, Whitney told him that he was awesome, he high fived her and told her that she’s the bee’s knees (which she is, by the way).  She…did not handle it well.  Granted, it was something like 3 in the morning, but she fell back giggling so hard that she whacked her head on the sidewalk.  For some reason, we got a good laugh out of that, so Zachary Levi has long held a special place in our hearts.

zl2His crushiness was further solidified by attending some of his Nerd HQ events at Comic Con where he is just all kinds of charming and handsome.  That said, it was only until this week that I watched any of Chuck, but I made up for it by watching it hard.  Guys, if you are at all like me and devour a show with a good ship then have I got a show for you.  I have gotten through almost all five seasons in six days.  What is summer for if not binge watching?

Needless to say, my crush is now full blown.  I mean, how could it not be?  Sure, I have a hard time buying this handsome devil as the repugnant nerd that they sometimes make him out to be, but his journey from bumbling geek to confident but still nerdy super spy is … super hot.

zl

We here at Fangirly will always support a hottie with legit geek cred.  Zachary Levi, we salute you.  Scha-wing.

–Ellen

(Here’s a gif of him dancing with Tom Hiddleston.  Just because.)

zlandth

Run-On Sentence Review: Spy

Posted in Movies, Run-On Sentence Reviews by

spyWith Bridesmaids, The Heat, and now Spy, the collaboration of Paul Feig and Melissa McCarthy is gaining a pretty great track record because in the same way that The Heat was a spin on buddy cop comedies, Spy is a spin on, you guessed it, spy movies and it spins in a pretty fun way, mostly due to McCarthy who takes a nice journey from drab to fab and she gets some pretty fun moments of bad-assery but lending a helping hand, Jason Statham and Rose Byrne are great choices for, respectively, the blowhard tough guy and the ice cold “Bond villain” but I think what I really liked about this movie is that it always seems to be laughing with McCarthy and never at her because she is the heroine of the movie and I know that other films would still go there, this instead gives her a lot of smarts to show off while still being hilarious.

Verdict:  Definitely a good candidate if you want a laugh.

– Ellen

A Birthday Tribute for Whitney: Queen Whitney and the Parade of Chrises

Posted in Movies, TV by

Once upon a time, there was a fair maiden named Whitney.  She was queen over all the land of Vernalia.  She was a fair, but vigilant leader.  eating junkHer subjects worshiped at her beautiful feet.  On the eve of her 23rd, her loyal subjects sought to honor her in a way befitting her status as the most benevolent and beautiful maiden in the land, so they brought her an array of Chrises.  “O, incandescent Queen Whitney, we present to you these men,” said her lady in waiting, Ellen. “So that you may pick one of your choosing to do with what you will.”surprise face  “Marry him or… do what you will. Will that you suit you on this the day of your glorious birth?” I'd love it First down the great hall, came Chris Hemsworth and he knelt before her throne.Hemsworth wink  “He is quite the hunk of man, ” said Whitney, the fair, with an approving eye.I would have his babies  “He can be saved for further consideration.” And down the hall they came, dozens of Chrises.   Dozens of usChris Evans, Captain of… America…Evansheating upOne after the other they came.  Chris, the Earl of Pine…

pineChris O’Dowd, the charming Prince of Ireland…odowd

Chris of Messina…messina

 

Chris of the Hardwicks (he brought props to demonstrate how he would treat the queen)…hardwickChris the Duke of Parnell (how did he get in there?)…parnell

 

Chris of the Topher Melonis…meloni

Down the aisle they came. “And to top us all off,” said Lady Ellen with a flourish, “Chris of Kingdom Pratt.”prat manso-cuteWith that final option, Whitney was left with quite the dilemma.

tina 25 guysDifficult lifeDont pretend to know my painEllen tried to console her during this trying time.I acknowledge your pain“But my queen, who said anything about choosing?”  This had Whitney’s attention.ReallyUntil she was quite overjoyed.jane-dance“I have made my decision,” she exclaimed.  “I will not choose one and instead I shall keep you all to do my bidding.  I am after all the queen and always strive to live my family’s motto:”

shark weekHer declaration was met with thunderous applause by all of the men named Chris, as they all had hoped to serve her.  And Whitney was quite pleased with her decision, as well. anigif_enhanced-buzz-24304-1419268580-4And Whitney and her Chrises lived happily on this the day of her birth and all the days after.

Happy Birthday, Whit!  Love ya!

– Ellen

 

 

 

Sweet Streams: Derek

Posted in Sweet Streams, TV by

derekOur category of “Sweet Streams” has never been more because this show is “sweet” both in the “sweet, brah” sense and in the “awww, how sweet”.  This show has been around on Netflix for a quite a while now and I am not sure how or why I went so long without watching, but in the course of two days, I recently watched both seasons.  When I told my mom that Ricky Gervais was in a show that was very sweet, she thought I was being sarcastic, but fans of Extras and The Office may not be as shocked.

Derek follows, you guessed it, Derek, played by Gervais, and his cohorts at the senior home where he works.  Derek is a little odd, but with a heart of gold, caring most for little animals and his friends.  Chief among those friends his Hannah, the manager of the home who has a lot on her hands trying to care for the residence, but more efforts seem to go towards wrangling Derek and his friend Kev.  Her big sisterly love for Derek is the real heart of the show.

If you, like me, sometimes crave a good cry, then this is the show for you.  Even if you ar not a crier, there is no way that this show won’t tug at your heart strings.  Its main message of surrounding yourself with good people who understand what is really important in life is touching.  Give it a watch.

Derek

– Ellen

Fangirly Crush of the Week: Jason Derulo

Posted in Crush of the Week, Music, TV by

Summer is here and with it rolls in my favorite anytime of year dance competition show, So You Think You Can Dance.  However, never before this year has SYTYCD had such a dishy judge on the panel (with the exception of guest judge Twitch, but that is for another week).  Jason Derulo joined the show as a permanent judge this season and, honey, he can talk dirty to me (and more) all he likes. I know, it’s an obvious joke, but still true.

I had never really paid him much mind because “Talk Dirty to Me” is the only song of his that I know, but I perked up a bit when they brought him on the show.  And THEN, I perked up a lot when he sang and dance with a group of kids on this week’s premiere.  Maybe if he is a really poor judge on SYTYCD I will lose interest, but for now I’m all in.

– Ellen

Marry, Boff, Kill: The Boys of Summer!!! (Ellen’s CORRECT Answers)

Posted in Marry Boff Kill, Movies by

Yesterday, you may have seen that Whitney played a round of MBK with some of the characters from some of our favorite movies this summer.  She predicted I would throw shade and she gives me no choice but to do be shady when she gets it so unequivocally wrong.  Once again, it falls to me to not totally disqualify us as experts in objectifying men.  Whitney, you are totally going to ruin our street cred.  If you feel like we are both getting it wrong, or if you feel like you need to tell Whitney how wrong she was, let us know on our Facebook page, our twitter@fangirly2, or at fangirlyfangirls@gmail.com.

Ellen’s Picks

Jurassic-World-Chris-PrattMarry: Owen Grady

First of all, he looks like Chris Pratt.  That should be enough, but I’ll go on.  Granted, this is the one movie I haven’t seen of the three, but just from the trailer I know that he has the gentle-yet-firm approach to train velociraptors that is sure to make him the perfect candidate with whom to make babies.  Doesn’t hurt that the process is sure to be quite…enjoyable.

avengers-age-of-ultron-scarlet-witch-quicksilver-marvelBoff: Quicksilver

I don’t know how to be delicate with my response to this one.  But…umm…he has super speed and I won’t lie and say that I am not curious as to how that would manifest itself in the boudoir.  Admittedly, “fast” is not always what one wants in that department, but I feel like it could also have…ahem…satisfactory results that I am not prepared to bypass for the purposes of this game.  Was that all vague enough to still be appropriate?

nicholas-hoult-in-mad-max-fury-road-movie-3Kill: Nux

It would a bit of “pot calling the kettle black” to reject him for skin tone alone, but I’ll start there.  Then I will move on to what Whitney referred to as his “cute little tumors” and the fact that he requires a human being to be chained to him as a blood bag.  Listen I am open to experimentation, but I am not quite prepared to have a voyeur joining us.  So, Nux, I send you off to that great Valhalla in the sky.

– Ellen 

Sweet Streams: Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries

Posted in Sweet Streams, TV by

castThis is the time of year when I start scouring the streaming services for shows to watch.  While I admittedly tend towards re-watching my old favorites, I do sometimes give those unknowns in my “Recommendations” section a chance.  I kept seeing Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries pop up and took it for one of those Miss Marple-type shows that Masterpiece Theater was putting out in the 80’s.  While the show is a Miss Marple-type show, it is decidedly more modern.  Even though it is set in the 1920’s.

The show is a recent hit out of Australia based on a series of mystery novels by Kerry Greenwood.  Both the novels and TV show follow “lady detective” Phyrne Fisher, played by Essie Davis on the show, as she works with, and sometimes against, the Melbourne police force on, you guessed it, murder mysteries. Phyrne is a forward-thinking, glamorous, wise-cracking woman who you could dislike for how cool she is and how many men fall at her feet, but she is just so dang likable and good to the people who are close to her.  My favorite among those people is her demure, ultra-Catholic maid who often helps Phyne in matters outside those of the domestic variety and begins a sweet romance with the equally guileless but Protestant (gasp) Constable Collins.  These two are just too adorable.  In contrast, the simmering sexual tension between Phyrne and Detective Jack Robinson is equally satisfying if not quite as actualized on the show.  The characters make the show for me more than the actual cases, but the mysteries are still dealing with a lot of issues, such as homosexuality, sexual politics, and drug use that you don’t get from some of those old Masterpiece mysteries.

I know that several of our readers, like me, enjoy a good period drama and are sure to enjoy this cheeky, period murder mystery and it really is perfect for some light summer viewing with a dash of intrigue.

– Ellen

Web Bytes: Beyoncé Dancing to the DuckTales Theme

Posted in Music, TV, Web Bytes by

I have discussed my nostalgia for my cassette tape of theme songs from the “Disney Afternoon” lineup and I am a human being on planet Earth so, of course, I love Beyoncé.  That being said, it should come as no surprise that this video is my new favorite thing.  The creator of this video and I should probably be best friends.

If you like than should have put a “woo-ooo” on it.

– Ellen

Run-On Sentence Review: May Movie Round-up

Posted in Movies, Run-On Sentence Reviews by

avengers_age_of_ultron_2015_movie-wideAvengers: Age of Ultron – I have been pretty open about my bias for Marvel in the past and my level of excitement for this movie was heightened by watching all of the 10 preceding Marvel movies in the months leading up to the release of this second team up of our heroes but I have tried to not let this bias affect my reviews of this movie when people have asked for it because while I LOVED this movie I can recognize that it is not without its faults because, and I don’t know if this is on Marvel or Joss Whedon, but they just bit off a lot more than they should have because in the course of this movie they are already dealing with six Avengers, introducing (SPOILER) some new Avengers, and doing some major setting up for not one, not two, not three, but FOUR upcoming Marvel movies, four if you count both Infinity War movies and just felt like too much and the movie struggled for it because there was exposition just whizzing by to make room for all of these components, but that being said the jokes were on point, the action was awesome, and Ultron made for a great villain due to the performance from James Spader and Paul Bettany was great as… a new character.

Pitch Perfect 2Pitch Perfect 2 – I will always throw it in my friends’ faces that I had to drag them to go see the first movie with me on opening night because I knew it was going to be good before it became the “surprise hit” that it was but it is this very “surprise hit” factor that debilitates the sequel because I think this second film is as good as the first, it just lacks that fresh feeling of the first film but isn’t that the case with any sequel because here the jokes are still aplenty, the girl power vibe is even more prevalent, and the music is probably better than in the first if not at least having more of it and isn’t the music really the best part of movies like this, it’s just like dance movies where the only reason I really like them is for the dance scenes and not really the story, at least with this movie you get a pretty enjoyable story, as well.

maxresdefault (1)Mad Max: Fury Road – There are plenty of extensive treatises on this movie that will discuss this movie much more eloquently that I will or could in this run-on sentence  but I will still endeavor to convince that this movie is freaking awesome because it is and you should see it (see what I meant about the eloquence) but if for no other reason than seeing the most awesome car chase sequence ever should you see this movie because it is basically a two hour car chase and making the car chase even more awesome is the fact that it is, for the most part, all practical effects which, being the rarity that is today, makes it stand out even more and the other thing that you are hearing about with this movie is that it is the first feminist film and that is not without credence because, despite the title, this is a film led by a female saving females who are being objectified by males, so does it get much more kick ass feminist than that?

Verdict: Mad Max is the best overall movie, Ultron is essential viewing for being able to keep up with the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe that also happens to be fun, and PP2 is definitely a fun movie but only you can know if it is worth it for you to see it in theaters.

– Ellen