GIRL MEETS WORLD

If you were grew up in the 90's then you know all about Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) and his charismatic adventures on  Boy Meets World (1993-2000). It followed the Matthews family, specifically Cory, as we watched him grow-up and find himself in his world. The series ended shortly after Cory married his childhood sweetheart Tapanga Lawrence (Danielle Fishel). Now, over a decade later Disney has brought life back into the saga with Girl Meets World (2014).

Where: Disney Channel

When: Friday's @ 8:30/7:30C

Photo Captured via Google - Google Play

Girl Meets World Wikia Link

I have only watched a few of the first episodes, but I believe it is a show that the entire family can watch. It follows with its successor; that it has plenty of heart, with charming characters and with situations that you can relate to, that will continue to draw you in for more. The Matthew's Family live in the fast-paced world of New York. Cory is a teacher; more specifically he is his daughters History teacher. Topanga is a lawyer. Together they share an apartment with their oldest daughter Riley and their youngest son Auggie (short for August). Read more about the GMW (Girl Meets World) Character Bios here.

Riley is the teenage (pre-teen) daughter of Cory and Topanga Matthews. So far I would describe her as conflicted, to say the least. She wants to be naturally care-free and cool like her best friend Maya, but it's just not in her DNA. Riley seems enthusiastic, responsible, and energetic. I think she seems like the perfect combination of her parents; outgoing and charismatic Cory and opinionated and quirky Topanga. She has an amazing support team, much like her father did growing up. So far I am in love with this show!

Links

Official Disney Girl Meets World Site

Girl Meets World on IMDb.com

Boy Meets World on IMDb.com

Like Girl Meets World on Facebook

Like Boy Meets World on Facebook

Want reviews of each episode? 

Make sure to leave a like, share, or comment below to let me know.

What other childhood series would you like to see a sequel?

MOVIES IN REVIEW - MALEFICENT

WICKEDLY GOOD

When I had first heard that Disney was working on Maleficent I was thrilled, yet a little skeptic. Growing up Sleeping Beauty (1959) was one of my favorite Disney Animated movies. I could sing you all of the songs and (when I was younger) could probably recite the movie word for word (or just nearly). Either way, Maleficent is a quintessential Villainess. From the time you first met her on-screen you knew she was wicked and terrifying. So my skepticism was in the form of who they would cast as the iconic characters. I've never been a huge Angelina Jolie fan, neither for Elle Fanning. However, after watching this movie I might just change my mind on a few things.

****SPOILERS****

This rendition of the Sleeping Beauty tale takes us through a different perspective as Aurora herself is the narrator and tells us the tale. Just like the title, the movie is all about Maleficent; she's more than just a villain - if you want to call her that anymore either. This rendition Maleficent is a rare fairy who lives in an enchanted kingdom. If my memory serves me correctly, their side of the kingdom is referred to as the 'Moores'. The other side of the kingdom is ruled by a greedy King who desires to acquire the rest of the kingdom for his own. Not on Maleficent's watch! She swoops down and calls upon her enchanted friends and they are fierce and drive those pesky humans away.

Maleficent introducing herself to the King's army...

Before all that nonsense however, when Maleficent is much younger, she meets Stefan. They're both orphans and seem to have an instant connection. But, Stefan gets greedy and spends less and less time with Maleficent. She only grows stronger though and hence, is able to lead the greedy King away along with his army. This leaves the King scornful, he calls for her head and instructs a room full of men (who are ready to take his throne once he has perished) whomever brings him the head of Maleficent would gain his throne and his daughter. Stefan, realizing he has an advantage, goes to see his old friend Maleficent. He couldn't kill her, and didn't get her head; rather, he cut off her wings. 

A young Maleficent meeting the thieving Stefan for the first time...

His actions corrupt sending Maleficent into darkness where she seeks her revenge. She enlists the help of a crow, who she saves his life and can easily use her magic to turn him into a human - to easily converse - and also into whatever form that best suites her needs (although he doesn't prefer dogs). I think this was a nice mirror of the Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty and her pet crow that flew around keeping watch on things. In Maleficent she manipulated the Crow to replace her wings; she could no longer fly, so she needed the aerial perspective.  Diaval (the crow) kept an eye on Stefan, who was now King, and kept reporting back to Maleficent, as she grew darker into descent, she claimed a throne of her own within her realm as well. Then, when Diaval reported the birth of Stefan's daughter... she sees the prospect of a perfect revenge.

"I need you to be my wings" Maleficent to Diaval

This scene was really important for me, while the beginning was explaining more about Maleficent and a deeper story, this scene was important because from here is where Sleeping Beauty really is that iconic scene in my head. Jolie delivered such a realization that it gave me goose bumps up and down my arms while I was watching it! This was the definitive moment - could Angelina deliver? YES! It wasn't exactly like the movie, but they took parts and then added their own - and created some awesome scenes. The smile, the maniacal laugh, down to the sentence "Listen, all of you..." these things made me smile from ear to ear knowing that this was a rendition of a beloved Disney classic.

"I too would like to bestow a gift..." Yikes!

What I didn't quite expect was what happened afterward. The plot stayed pretty close, the three fairies take Aurora to a secluded part of the forest to raise her until her 16th birthday. In Sleeping Beauty they renamed Aurora, Briar Rose and the three fairies were Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. Maleficent's three fairies are more like bickering adolescents and the scary part is that they are charged with raising a princess. Maleficent sees this and under the radar take the reins. When baby Aurora is hungry, she feeds her. As a toddler, when a very young Aurora runs off of a high cliff, she saves her. Over the years Maleficent takes care of her and when she tries to revoke her enchantment or curse, it can't be stopped.

Flittle, Knotgrass and Thistletwit

This is definitely a different take on a classic tale. We do get to see Prince Phillip and Aurora meet for the first time, however it's nothing like how they met in Sleeping Beauty. Aurora isn't singing in the forest with her woodland animal friends pretending to be a prince. In Maleficent she's practicing what she is going to say to her 'Aunties' (the fairies) because she wants to stay with Maleficent (who she calls her fairy godmother - a hilarious scene)... when low and behold, a handsome prince just happens upon her in the secluded forest. He is looking for King Stefan's castle and he's lost. She points the way and they agree that he'll stop by again. In Sleeping Beauty Prince Phillip has a much larger role as Aurora's 'loves first kiss' savior. In Maleficent there is a totally different spin - that I love. I wasn't sure I liked it at first, but after Jolie's scene I was completely convinced. 

What's meant to be - will be...

My boyfriend went a long with me and usually he ends up falling asleep during most movies. He stayed awake through out the entire film and even truly enjoyed it himself. There are so many different aspects within this one movie that there is definitely something that everyone can enjoy. Overall, I would say spend the money (for us it was $22 for two adults) and go check out this wickedly good movie! 

One of my favorite images with Angelina as Maleficent
and her daughter as a young Aurora...

While I thoroughly enjoyed Angelina Jolie's portrayal of Maleficent - she did do an amazing job. I had my doubts with Elle Fanning. While I understand her character was given the gift of always being happy, I thought her portrayal was minimum. I know there are Elle Fanning fans out there and I'm sure she's lovely. However, Aurora to me is still within the classic Sleeping Beauty. She didn't capture her elegance, her beauty or her charm (to me, my opinion). I'm still not a fan is all I'm saying. She didn't ruin the movie - I still think it's a great movie. I'm just saying for the things that I didn't particularly care for, she was one of them. I adored the scenes with Jolie's character interacting with all the different aged Aurora's (the toddler was her own daughter). There is a lot of endearments through out the movie; how she refers to Aurora as "Beastie", I love the new rendition of Maleficent. A definitely must see.

Links

Maleficent Official Disney Site

Like Maleficent on Facebook

IMDb Maleficent

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: Lone Ranger

Originally, I was leery about watching this depiction of an old classic American television series, especially after reading how a friend detested this movie and his inability to disconnect from previous movies the actors had been in. Most specifically, Pirates of the Caribbean saga, which starred Johnny Depp. Here Depp plays Tonto, a Native American that, through great tribulation, is seeking revenge from a wrong done to him many moons ago. I watched with a critical eye and thought Depp delivered an enjoyable rendition of the American Indian Icon in Tonto. Of course, he has to put his signature on his eccentric characters, I believe this is part of Depp's charm and a technique to capture the audience and connect with them to deliver an escape from the ordinary; which, let's face it - is desperately needed sometimes.

Spirit Horse and Tonto

We first see Depp's character Tonto, many years later and in a wild west circus act. A young boy, dressed similar to The Lone Ranger himself, awakens the sleeping savage and begins to tell his tales. The make-up involved into turning Depp into a very old version of Tonto was amazing. What ties his performance together is his dead bird friend that he supports on top of his head. When Tonto was asked why he feeds a dead bird, Tonto's reply is something along the line of, he's feeding the spirit. Then at the end of the movie, when the old Tonto leaves the circus enclosure, a black bird that looks like the one that had been upon his head flies out, much like a free spirit that has been unleashed.

The Lone Ranger Houses Great Talent

Armie Hammer brings life to deputy John Reid, the Lone Ranger himself, who sheds his rose colored classes for the dust filled ones as a result of his home town in the west being consumed by the power and greed behind the iron giant of the railroad. I think Hammer brings a genuine humanity to his character. John Reid is fresh from law school and still believes in the naive justice prevails facade.  This morale code begins to crack on his train ride home, when he first encounters Tonto and the villainous Butch Cavendish played by William Fichtner. Fichtner's character is someone you definitely wouldn't want to cross paths with. Cavendish is ruthless and homicidal with a taste for flesh! But even he has a boss. Upstanding American citizen, educated, well dressed; Cole. The businessman with the hidden agenda - he should have been in politics! Cole's character is played by the wonderful talents of Tom Wilkinson. Cole is one of the two men that lead Tonto toward revenge, having found silver near Tonto's people, Cole and his accomplice wiped out the threat, leaving Tonto to carry the burden of his good heart.
Of course, what Johnny Depp movie is complete without Helena Bonham Carter? She plays Red Harrington, a one legged Madame. Where it is believed Cavendish or Cole had consumed her dreams of becoming a ballerina, taking a leg. She's a survivor though, and she rebuilt the leg to fashion a shot gun, that she can utilize with deadly force! The other damsel in the movie is the widow Rebecca Reid, who had been married to the Lone Rangers older brother, savagely murdered by Cavendish, and ignites John Reid toward vengeance of his own and transforms into the Lone Ranger. However, Rebecca's character played by Ruth Wilson, was the only character that I had a hard time connecting with. She might be a good actor, but to me, wasn't a good fit for the character. I couldn't help starring at her upper lip too, it seems to protrude further and almost misshapes her natural beauty.

Overall - I would suggest that you should go and see it. Unless your budget belt is tightened, then I would wait for the rental. But, if you have the means to spend the outrageous price of the theater tickets, then definitely take the chance to see this on the big screen.

Disneys Paperman

Since I did not see Wreck-it Ralph (2012) in the movie theaters, I didn't get the pleasure of watching this Disney short on the big screen. As a sucker for "love conquers all" shticks this was Disney's fine quality wrapped up in 7 worth while minutes. The animation was perfection. The only thing that bothered me (very slightly) was I thought the lady protagonist looked a little like Ariel from The Little Mermaid (1989). However, this slight didn't hinder my enjoyment. I loved the originality and spirit of this film. It gives the illusion that a man would go that extra mile to kindle a spark. It was very sweet and even humorous.

"Upon its victory at the 85th Annual Academy Awards, "Paperman" became the first Disney animated short film to win the Best Animated Short Film Academy Award in 43 years since "It's Tough to Be a Bird", as well as the first Disney animated film (feature-length or short film) made by Walt Disney Animation Studios to win an Academy Award since "Tarzan"." (IMDb.com, 2013)

I loved the animation in this movie. It feels fresh and crisp. I liked that the color palate was very simplified, it gave the story and product a timeless feel to it. Released November of last year (2012) Paperman is a Disney short that both children and adults can enjoy. It might have a sophistication to the story line, but I think there are a couple elements that kids (of all ages) will enjoy, and that's the paper planes.

"When the film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short, producer Kristina Reed began throwing paper airplanes adorned with lipstick marks off the balcony where she was seated. She was escorted out of the theater by security, but was allowed to return 10 minutes later after a short protest." (IMDb.com, 2013)