Upcoming W.W.W Viewing List

Downton Abbey Season 4 Premiere Sunday, January 5th 2014, 9 pm EST - Masterpiece on PBS 

Sherlock Season 3 Premieres Sunday, January 19th 2014 (right after Downton Abbey) - Masterpiece on PBS

Holiday Movie Countdown

Since there are only 15 days left until Christmas, why not celebrate by sharing our top 10 favorite Christmas movies. Now, I know there are many - many holiday movies out there and everyone has their own opinions and their favorites. I didn't conduct any formal survey's or compile any sort of previous favorite lists. This top 10 is my personal favorites that I enjoy watching - anytime really - especially during the Christmas season.

TEN

A Christmas Story (1983)

NINE

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

EIGHT

The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

SEVEN

Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992)

Home Alone (1990)

SIX

Christmas Vacation (1989)

FIVE

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

FOUR

Elf (2003)

THREE

White Christmas (1954)

TWO

Love Actually (2003)

ONE

Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)

BONUS 5

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

The Polar Express (2004)

Honorable Mentions

The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)

Scrooged (1988)

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

The Walking Dead 4.8

Too Far Gone

This was the episode we have been holding our breath for since last season: the showdown. The governor weasels his way into manipulating people to follow him and try to take over the prison. Rick, not wanting to have to make these decisions, is backed into a corner and just wants peace. The result is total chaos, death, and destruction. Now, let me wipe away the tears to get through this for you.

Just where last week left off, The Governor is creeping on Michonne and Hershel. "Brian" a.k.a The Governor is able to take the two as prisoners. His plan is to use them as leverage to gain access into the prison to take over. Hershel, being the wise man that he is, tries to explain to The Governor that there is another choice. However, in the demented mind of the psychopath, there is no other way.

Let's break it down really - The Governor knows that he's lied to the people he is leading. There are people from Woodbury in the prison and the main cast that have had their pasts with the demented too. So, his people would eventually learn of his true nature - I wonder if they would be so willing to follow his maniacal agenda. So, he knows going into this that anyone in the prison has to go, either by their own two feet or by his hand.

The Show Down

Rick, Daryl and Tyrese are investigating something within the prison. Remember the rats? Yeah, well someone's been dissecting them. Twisted or educational? Who knows. Either way the group is worried obviously, but more pressing Rick and Daryl are there to tell Tyrese that Carol was the one who had killed the two people, one being his girlfriend.

But that will have to wait (until February) there's an explosion and they go running to see what's going on. There The Governor "Brian" is on top of his newly acquired tank proclaiming that Rick needs to come down and talk. Rick is reluctant to go, he lets The Governor know that he's not the one that makes the decisions anymore - that there is a counsel. But, The Governor understands and asks if Hershel is on the counsel - then brings out Hershel for the group to see. Then he asks if Michonne is on the counsel and he brings her out and they're both on their knees.

By this time you know nothing is going to be the same - somethings coming and it's not going to be pretty. Meanwhile, back at the camp that "Brian" was leading, Meghan's mother is on watch and Meghan is playing nearby. Now, if you don't remember - Meghan is "Brian's" pseudo-daughter and he lovingly refers to her as "pumpkin". Meghan's mom spots a walker and is intent on watching the walker when Meghan is calling for her help. Mom brushes it aside, obviously the potential walker coming toward them is more dangerous. Then again, the walker is in a river and most likely not going to make it to their side. Just as we see the walker get carried away by the water, the daughter had found a sign that read "Warning Flash Flood Area" (or something along those lines). When we notice by Meghan's side the mud begins to shift... it's a walker!

Back at the showdown, evilness reveals it's face. Rick tries to reason with the Governor and I knew once Rick started to reason with "Brian's" followers that it wasn't going to end well. Rick had pleaded his case, that there were children there in the prison and that they were sick and they wouldn't make it "out there" and to no avail The Governor said there was no other way - they had to leave - tonight.

When Rick couldn't decide The Governor jumps down from the tank, retrieves Michonne's sword and stands beside Hershel. Rick goes into a speech that otherwise you would have thought Hershel himself would deliver, about change and how they've all changed, how there were people there from Woodbury, that they live together and how they could all live together. Hershel seems so happy that Rick understands this process now, that he has been there to help this leader lead people that he cares deeply for and loves.  In a maniacal minute - The Governor knowing that there is no return from his deception, whispers liar and slices Hershel's throat killing him.

The Governor Strikes First

The death of Hershel sends everyone into shock and instant reaction of attack. Rick gets shot and the rest of the group is in chaos trying to follow the previous plans of getting people on the bus to get the heck out of dodge. Maggie tell Beth to stay on the bus so she can go get Glenn (who is still recovering), she's able to find Glenn and get him to the bus while the tank is hitting the prison repeatedly. But, when she gets there Beth is no where to be found. She learns that she went to try to find the children. Maggie leaves Glenn on the bus and goes to try to find the kids. You can tell it's killing Glenn that he is too sick to help. 

The group is scattered. Some are fighting The Governor's people advancing their attacks. There are plenty of intense scenes. The one the I literally was screaming at the television "behind you Daryl!" He was fighting the living that was attacking, meanwhile there were walkers coming up behind him. Just when one seemed to be seconds away from biting him it cuts to another scene. But, when we return, Daryl (of course) took care of business and is now using that walker as a body shield to advance toward the tank and introduces his grenade to the menacing tank. He meets up with Beth who is looking for the kids but the prison is now in more danger because of the break in the fence and all the action, the walkers are invading. 

Rick and The Governor are brutally in a knock-out drag-out fight. The Governor has Rick by his throat - you think he isn't going to make it (I could hardly watch!) when Michonne's sword splits through The Governor's chest cavity, Michonne kept good on her word - she killed the Governor - or at least terminally wounded him. But he's not dead yet! She walks away to let him bleed, turn or be eaten by the invading walkers. However, Meghan's mom actually gets the kill shot and she raises a gun within her shaking hand, aimed directly for his face - then you hear the gun shot. 

Rick starts his desperate search for Carl. He's bloodied and hurting in a bad way. He's calling out Carl's name when he realizes that walkers are everywhere. Two particular walkers start their way toward Rick when they're shot from behind - Carl wielding his shot gun. They make their way to try to find what happened to Judith. When they find her car seat, the only thing remaining is bloody interior cloth. It is presumed that Judith is dead. It's not safe to mourn there though, so they make their way far away from the prison and the last we see Rick and Carl they are in the woods and Rick tells Carl to just keep walking. In the background, the walkers are now on the prison grounds. All their hard work and farming destroyed. They have nothing now except the guns in their hands and what little ammo is left.

 

R.I.P Hershel - You'll Be Missed

"Let's have Spaghetti Tuesday (on Wednesday)"

The Moral Center - The Heart and Soul

Hershel can't believe what is happening on his family's land

Protecting The Greene Farm From The Attacking Herd

Keep In Touch Until TWD Returns

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TWD Too Far Gone on IMDb.com
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Talking Dead on AMC

Returns February 9th, 2014

What Can We Expect For The Rest Of The Season

What we know is that everyone is scattered and unprepared. Rick and Carl are on their own and heading out in the woods. Daryl and Beth left, if they are looking for the kids, who knows. The bus left full of what was left of the people in the prison, including Glenn. Maggie is with Bob, who was shot, and Sasha who is recovering as well. The little psycho girls are on the loose with Tyrese in their wake. We'll have to wait until February now to see how the group survives. Until then, feel free to leave a comment on what you are predicting and what you thought of this mid-season finale.

Movies In Review: Frozen

There's nothing quite like Disney Magic. Frozen proves yet again that they have perfected the art of storytelling. While the movie is entertaining for all members of the family, young and old, this movie touched my heart in many ways - which I'll name a few here. I usually wouldn't recommend seeing a movie more than once, especially with the killer movie prices. I'll make the exception for Disney's Frozen - I can't wait to see it again!

Sisterly Love

Meet Anna, the youngest of two princesses in the kingdom of Arendelle. We first meet Anna as a little girl who is bugging her big sister to play. You can tell right away that she is full of life and raring to go. She wants desperately for his sister to play with her. Finally giving in, they make their way to a huge room in their castle and we soon find just why little Anna was so eager to get her sister awake and to play.

 Enter Elsa, the eldest and future Queen of Arendelle. She's the eldest sister that is just trying to get some rest and is pretty tolerant of her younger sister and her nagging requests. Soon, she gives into her sister's begging and they make their way to a castle room where she reveals her magical powers - she can wield ice. After an accident with the two sisters during they're playing, Elsa fears that she could cause more damage to those that she loves. The decision is made to cut Elsa off from the rest of the world, in an attempt to protect everyone - even to protect her from herself.

Fast forward a few years, after the King and Queen have passed through a tragic boating accident, Elsa has come of age and it is now the day of her coronation. When the entire castle has been shut-out from the rest of the world, now they're opening the doors. While Anna is ecstatic about the possibilities, Elsa is terrified of what she could do. Through her jitters, they make it through the coronation and finally Anna gets the change to talk to her big sister Elsa - briefly as it may be. Fate intertwines, the naive and boisterous Anna bumps into the handsome and charming Prince Hans. They believe it is love at first sight and decide that it may be crazy, but they're going to ask Elsa for her blessing, that they want to get married.

Once They've reached the castle and find Elsa, they are enthused in their proclamation of love. However, Elsa does not give her consent and explains why. She tries to leave the scene before she can no longer control her powers. But, Anna is adamant and wants more from Elsa. She tries to warn her sister to stay away but instead gives a demonstration of what she is capable of - to the shock of everyone else in the kingdom. This was what Elsa had feared for years and she flees from the castle, unknowingly leaving in her wake freezing her kingdom.

True Loves Kiss

We all know the Disney theory of true loves kiss and it comes into play for this movie too. When Elsa flees her kingdom, Anna believes that she is the only one that could bring Elsa back and help the kingdom to thaw from the winter that she inflected during the summer for Arendelle. This is where Anna meets Kristoff who helps her on her quest. Kristoff's trade is in the ice industry. He's rugged, handsome, and cares for Anna. On the other hand you have prince Hans too - what's a girl to do?

Kristoff's pet and companion is Sven, the reindeer. He's dopey, funny, and oh-so-lovable! There were so many great scenes that might go unnoticed because of what else is going on in the shot. Like, when Anna and Kristoff are leaving Elsa's ice castle, Sven was told to wait outside, and as Anna and Kristoff pass Sven, his tongue is stick to the ice staircase - hilarious. Here, he is traveling with his new buddy Olaf, another great Disney character. Olaf is a snowman that Elsa created and is also a memory that the two sisters share from their time together when they were younger. He is hilarious and had the theater in stitches.

Be Careful Who You Trust So Willingly

I don't want to say who in the movie this is referring to, obviously I don't want to ruin a great plot twist for you. But, when I was watching the movie I knew this person was too good to be true. When we are young and naive we want to believe in that magic, that wonderful all inspiring feeling of love. But, take warning because this can be used against us too. While this is just a movie, there are people out there that take advantage of people that are trusting. I love that Disney brought this into the light. That princesses don't always find their prince charming the way they have depicted in the past (they meet - they fall in love - they live happily ever after). 

The Bond Between Sisters

Growing up as the youngest of two sisters, I could relate with the two sisters Elsa and Anna. I had taken my two nieces with me as well, and they related to the sisterly connection as well. Another great aspect that this movie demonstrates is that there are more loves in the world than just the one about "true loves kiss". Also, no matter how we argue or fight, we know we have each other's back. This was excellently demonstrated within the movie. Yes - I will admit it - I cried.

I rated Disney's Frozen on IMDb.com 10 out of 10 stars. We watched this in 3D and it was spectacular. The movie was full of great music, extraordinary charms, and the captivating Disney magic that not only do we fall in love with the characters, we are taken on a magical adventure. The movie is 108 minutes and includes the amazing voice talents of Kristen Bell as Anna and Idina Menzel as Elsa. Go and check it out!

Disney's Frozen on IMDb.com

Official Disney's Frozen Site

Movies In Review: Paradise

(2013) Drama 86 minutes

Starring the gorgeous and sweet Julianne Hough as plane crash survivor "Lamb". She comes from a strict religious community where she was not permitted to wear shorts, shave her legs, go to public school, or anything we would consider - ordinary. Lamb is a vivacious young adult who has a promising future, until one day her boyfriend, who could fly planes, took her up in a two-seater. Unfortunately, tragedy struck leaving Lamb with scars all over her body that cause her chronic pain and her boyfriends death. We learn all of this as a back story within the movie.
I admire that they didn't go the route of CGI and the elaborate - tragic plane accident that has us all fearing to take flight ever again. Instead, it really focuses on the human that is left to deal with the scars.

Dealing with the scars...

In the beginning it sets it up to let you know that before her accident she was this beautiful and virtuous young lady. I really love this scene because it has Julianne as Lamb before the accident in the ocean walking around, and Julianne as Lamb after the accident sitting on the beach. This is reality for someone facing what Lamb is going through. You have to mourn for the person that you once were while you are trying to deal with the pain and suffering of what your life is now.

Everybody Has Wounds

Becoming fast friends

I really loved the heart and soul of this movie and what it reminds us. We are a society that is quickly becoming desensitized to human feelings and kindness. That's why I love the characters Loray and William. Loray was wonderfully portrayed by the fabulous Octavia Spencer. She is a hardened woman of the Sunset Strip that is an ironic performer. However, upon meeting Lamb, almost reluctantly she becomes Lamb's tour guide of Las Vegas and leads Lamb to the "real Vegas". She further explains how people go to Las Vegas, but it is really called Paradise, the real Las Vegas is a few miles away.

Enter the mysterious William, played by Russell Brand. I'm a sucker for the English accent. William is a bartender and is one of the first encounters of the naive Lamb upon her arrival. He explains that Lamb is like waking up and experiencing that fresh morning snow, untouched and beautiful. While you would think he would be the 'love interest' and Lamb has those 'tingling' feelings for him. He is a pure gentlemen - which I admire - he shows her respect; which let's face it - doesn't happen anymore in life. 

The Napkin of Sin

Lamb had denounced her faith in front of her entire congregation at a church service. She was mad and questioned why this happened to her. So, she decided enough is enough and that she wanted to experience and live life. So, she jet sets from Montana to Nevada in the hope of committing some sins and finally tasting the sweetness of life. While she is on the prowl for fun in Las Vegas, a bar full of people write down on a napkin what they think she should do. This included smoking, ink, and porn. I thought it was really cute the innocence of it all. When she got her tramp stamp, it was just a tiny dot. This sequence was great though and brought a smile to my face (in a time that I needed one). 

Julianne, Holly, and Nick playing
The Mannerheim's

After Lamb gets her fill of Sin City, she heads home to her loyal and loving parents, the Mannerheim's, portrayed by Nick Offerman and the legendary Holly Hunter (who I absolutely adore). It would only be a short visit, Lamb had more exploring to do, she wants to travel. In the end of the movie we see that Lamb is traveling all over, because William displays his postcards that he receives from her up on the bar wall where he works. I would have liked to see Lamb and William reconnect, but life doesn't always work out that way and why should movies continually feed those fantasies - entertainment, that's why! 

Overall I gave this movie 8 out of 10 stars on IMDb.com. It felt real and was personal for me since I have physical scars and deal with chronic pain myself. I could relate to a lot of what Lamb was going through. While Lamb has an amazing ending to her movie, many people left with physical scars for life do not get that big settlement check. Which Lamb addresses in the movie as well - she refers to it as a miracle - that she was able to obtain a settlement check and that she had people that love her and take care of her. Not everyone has that and it makes the process much more difficult. The movie addresses Lamb's human struggles, short, sweet, and to the point. Loved it.

 

Paradise (2013) on IMDb.com

Faith Warrior: Testimony In Life - Persevering Pain

Faith Warrior: Testimony In Life - Survivor

Movies In Review: Man of Steel

Entertainment That Delivers

We all know the story of Superman by now. Growing up, having watched the other movies, I wasn't sure how I would perceive this one to be. It seems today that the 'remake' is starting to get old. But, I have to say - this was a very watchable and enjoyable movie. It does contain the main theme, but what I liked about this depiction was Jor-El, Superman's (Kal-El/Clark Kent) father. I really loved the sequence in the beginning of the collapse of Krypton and how it all unfolded.

Michael Shannon
(Boardwalk Empire)
Plays General Zod

The film is packed with great actors including Russell Crowe as Jor-El, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon as General Zod, and Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman/Kal-El. I think this helped depict the characters in different ways. I also helped -me- to invest myself in the characters and the plots. The only character I wasn't sure about was Amy Adams. Having watched her in Enchanted and The Muppet's I didn't know if she could be the callous Lois Lane. After my sister assured me she did a fabulous job, we rented the flick and I was pleasantly surprised. Did you know that Heny Cavill was originally the muse for Stephenie Meyers in the Twilight Series as Edward Cullen?

Iconic Superman and Lois Lane

Overall I would recommend this movie, especially if you liked the 1980 Superman II. The 2013 remake still is entertainment that delivers and goes further into the El family, which was fascinating to me. Granted, I'm not an avid Superman fan or comic reader, so as to the validity of the series and the information I cannot contest to. I hope that these actors continue to portray their given characters and continue in the series.

Seductive Series

With the sleepless nights, unaccomplished tasks, and vegetative state; I have helplessly fallen victim for the following series - hook, line and sinker. Thanks to programs like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Prime Instant Video, it has given people an option in the enjoyment and access of series and movies alike. On the down-side with the streaming series all in one nice package, once you get started you have to exercise discipline.

Downton Abbey

This series was a real eye-opener for me in the traditions and way of life that existed pre-WWII. This series follows the Crawley family and their servants. Currently, it is in it's fourth season. The first three seasons are available on Amazon Prime Instant Video. Quickly you become intrigued with this different lifestyles and the lives the different characters lead. One of my favorite characters is the matriarch of the family, Ms. Crawley, The Dowager Countess of Grantham. You experience their heartaches, their challenges, as well as their joy. The first episode aired in September, 2010 and has acquired quite the gathering. It is a British period drama on ITV created by Julian Fellowes and co-produced by Materpiece and Carnival Films.  Downton Abbey on IMDb.com

Lark Rise to Candleford 

Recently I found this gem when browsing through Amazon's Prime Instant Video. This follows the living of Laura, a small town (Lark Rise) girl from poor means, that has gone to live and work for her Aunt who owns and operates Candleford's post office. It is full of great actors who do a fantastic job of drawing you into their different towns and their dilemmas. It is another British dramatic series, adapted y the BBC from Thompson's trilogy (semi-autobiographical novels) depicting the lives of the English countryside around 1940. The first episode aired in January, 2008. The only thing I regret is that I feel the series ended too open-handedly. Meaning, we know change is coming and we want to see the towns through this change. But, I guess all good things have to come to an end eventually.  Lark Rise to Candleford on IMDb.com

Supernatural

Follow the Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean, as they travel the US in search of the different, bizarre and other-worldly. First aired on the WB in September, 2005 it is now on it's 9th season with the CW! Created by Eric Kripke. This is a great drama series for Fantasy and Science Fiction lovers. It doesn't hurt either that both brothers (while they do not resemble one another - at all) they're both equally HOT and definitely, after the episode you have your fill of eye-candy. Sam is the younger brother, smart and has a conscious that he battles with. Where his older brother, Dean is more buoyant and takes time to enjoy life's pleasures. They both have a gift though - they find trouble where ever they may be. Supernatural on IMDb.com

Other Popular Series

While these are some of the series that have contributed to the countless nights of unrest, there are other noteworthy series available as well that people love. Such as Lost, Heroes, and Doctor Who - just to name a few. These tend to be my fallback plans - I know they are there and I want to watch them. I just hesitate starting it because then it is a vicious beast until you finish... and then you don't want them to end either - especially because you have invested so much emotion and time into the characters and series.

So - what have been your addictive series that you can't get enough of?