Thrones, Faerie Tales, Serial Killers, Zombies #FeatureFriday

Walking Dead‘s dead. Well, at least, it’s a zombie for now, until the next season. My family had good bonding moments over blood, guts, and gore for several months, and we’re now sad, taking a forced WD hiatus. I was personally in withdrawal…Was.

Well, this was meant to be a #TVTuesday post, but as you can see, Life intervened again (she’s so good at it, don’t you think?). I thought, why not for #WhatsupWednesday then? But again, you know. So I’ve decided, what the heck? Just write the darn thing when Life allows it! So here it is.

I am sharing with you what have been keeping me up almost every night, with quick reviews on the side. Anyway, for your perusal…

RATING GUIDE:

• Excellent – No doubt that I super love this and would love to continue watching!
• Good – Very interesting that I wouldn’t want to miss an episode
• Promising – Interesting that it can keep me glued to my seat and ask for more, but there’s still a chance my interest in it may wane
• Fair – Entertaining enough to watch to pass the time
• Undecided – Not consistently interesting that my feelings for it seesaws from almost-LIKE to meh.
• Bad – NOT recommended WHATSOEVER, for valid reasons

Game of Thrones (GoT)

I started with Game of Thrones after what seemed like forever. Many seasons after it started, I have decided to push through with viewing it, even if I heard there would be lots of sex and nudity in it.

Fans and bashers had been talking about it that I did not want to be left out anymore. Therefore, I got my copy of season 1. Oh yeah, people were right about the sex and nudity, most of which, unnecessary. I had to make sure I watched it super-late at night when the kids were already asleep.

I’m supposed to be watching season 2 now, but I encountered a technical problem. Meanwhile, my new Netflix subscription is not offering GoT, at least, not currently. How annoying! I will wait till I can see it again (which is soon enough as I know, as of this writing, that it’s true).

GoT’s got my attention even though it sometimes disgusts me with certain storylines. And I hate that like in WD, they suddenly kill off characters that have already grown on you. GRR Martin, I hate you. You could have let Boromir–I mean–Ned Stark live longer. #SaveSeanBeanForOnce.

A few more bad comments:

• GoT could be a great story that can be viewed with kids, but the for-adults-only scenes already make it a bad idea.
• I am especially watching it for the “fantasy”, but we do not really get to see the “fantasy” side of the story in season 1 except when (a) Jon Snow first fights a White Walker (alright, which show really used the term “walker” for zombies first?!!), (b) when Daenerys does not get her hand burned by the heat as she tests the giant eggs, and (c) at the very end of the season finale when the baby dragons appear for maybe a little under/over a minute.

RATING: PROMISING (Only because I haven’t seen season 2, so don’t you GoT-freaks diss and grill on me. The rating could change to a Good or an Excellent rating yet, with reservations due to the recurring “fleshy” scenes)

Once Upon a Time (OUAT)

Fantasy? Checked. Twists? Checked. Mysteries? Checked…Once Upon a Time has it all.

The good thing is, we get to watch it as a family. I do make sure I explain certain faerie tales so they can understand the episodes better, especially if the plots heavily depend on character background. Sadly, we’ve not finished OUAT’s season 1 due to the technical problem I mentioned. Netflix is currently no-help as far as this show is concerned. I am really rather disappointed because I am very much raring to meet other faerie tale characters.

It’s not a new idea anymore that movies and TV twist faerie tales, so this show lacks originality in that aspect. However, it doesn’t mean it’s all-boring and unoriginal. It is still rather interesting how they change and connect things. And I love that both the Evil Stepmother/Queen/Witch and Rumpelstiltskin have their own sad stories to tell that make them more human, so to speak. In fact, it makes me wish for them not to have sad endings when the series finally ends, or when their characters get written off, if ever.

I can’t wait to continue this for our well-needed family bonding at home!

RATING: PROMISING (I already know I like it, but I need to know if the next seasons will keep me interested)

Dexter

Dexter has combined two things that interest me in a crime show–serial killers and forensics. So big plus for them.

The major thing that makes this show different from any other show is the main protagonist is actually the killer on the loose, hiding in plain sight. Not just a troubled person or a person with a troubled past, but a serial killer, I cannot emphasize that enough.

I had always been curious about the show ever since I learned of it. It is only now, through Netflix, that I got to watch its first three seasons.

I like that Dexter, the character, is a good person battling a much-different inner demon than most crime show heroes who deal with their own inner conflicts. It’s also interesting that somehow, for a serial killer, he shows empathy, sense of morality and feelings akin to love.

I feel that though backed up with research (pop knowledge on the subject), the show does explore various things and lets Dexter get out of the box and be less stereotypical. That’s what I love about it. Meanwhile, looks-wise, great choice for an actor to play the lead. Michael C. Hall has this face that can also really look mean, making him an effective no-mercy killer.

That said, I have a few negatives.

• Personally, it takes time for their characters to grow on me. Dexter’s okay, but all the others? Loud-mouthed tough female roles, I’ve loved in the past, but Dexter’s sister Deb is just usually annoying and with quite a questionable half-blind taste for men. The only Asian guy, though stereotypically brainy, is creepy-horny-pervy, he’s hard to like. In real life, I don’t like people like that, so why should I excuse this one? Meanwhile, some characters, I am beginning to warm up to, but will see.
• As I love forensics, it disappoints me that they have such a shortage of it in this show while there’s an abundance of steamy scenes. Just saying. Blood spatter is interesting, of course, especially when Dexter tries to explain it to colleagues when he knows very well what went on. But I need more forensics! (I’m seeing a few blood spatter documentaries on YouTube, so you know what other things I’ll be watching)

The only reason I stopped at season 3 was I didn’t want to saturate my interest in it and for me to discover other shows I would like. Will get back to this when I’m ready.

RATING: GOOD

iZombie

So the zombies have not only invaded the movie screens but TV screens as well. Count the shows. In this one, though, there are no hordes (yet) and the zombies can still function enough in the world of the living. Also, this particular zombie in the story helps to solve crimes–who would’ve thought? Well, okay, the show’s producers and execs did. Good for them!

The lead character in iZombie named Liv Moore (how…appropriate) eats brains and temporarily inherits the memories of the dead she takes them from. If you’ve seen the Romeo-and-Juliet zombie tale Warm Bodies, the idea’s not that original then.

To be fair, the show is actually based on the comic book Vertigo where the zombie also experiences the same. BUT, the main difference between the movie and iZombie/Vertigo is the protagonist also inherits the personality of the brain source. This is where the crime-fighting comes in, when she helps solve the mysteries through the memories and acquired abilities. Oh, and there are the many ways to cook a brain. They could certainly come up with a recipes-for-brains book.

I like this, yes. Still, I can’t help but feel like I still need more, too, some kind of…oomph. Oftentimes, the mystery doesn’t stay long when Liv’s “visions” practically reveal what happened. Quite a spoiler for anyone who loves a good mystery like me. Once in a while, there are surprises, but I need them to up the ante, you know? I don’t know. Something is definitely missing from season 1 and the few episodes I have so far viewed from season 2.

RATING: PROMISING (It really needs to step up the game!)

YouTube channels

It’s no secret I have become quite addicted to watching YouTube channels. I usually watch reaction videos, vloggers, mukbangs (food reviews) sometimes, comedy sketches/parodies and socially relevant presentations. There’s another time to talk about these.

 

Now you know what keep me awake so far. I am currently on iZombie-mode and will temporarily stop after season 2 or 3 to make way for other shows. So far, below are what’s on my watchlist. Several zombie shows there, I swear zombies have replaced vampires as the monsters of choice. I was also looking for Fear the Walking Dead, no luck.

These are what I have so far, based on what Netflix suggested to me. But I am adding stuff to the list, which should basically tell you I am into detective, forensics, and supernatural shows.

My current Netflix list…Don’t know why Dexter was not listed when I took screenshots, but anyway, I re-added it already

How about you? What are your present guilty viewing pleasures? Comment below and let’s compare notes!

 

**********************************************************************

My friends, it’s almost August. Go Fund This Couple!!! They still need half of the expected amount so they can thoroughly enjoy their Philippine stay. Please feel free to check out their GoFundMe page! Even a dollar can help…Thanks 🙂

Going Disney #WhatsupWednesday

Hey, wazzup, wazzup! It occurred to  me that for the holiday season, I’d like it to be more merry, so I am sharing some funny stuff. Hope you liked yesterday‘s post 😉

For #WhatsupWednesday, I thought I’d go Disney. (For the record, I never dreamed about being a princess when I was a kid.)

Let’s start with Whitney Avalon singing an original “Anna” song, That Would Not Be Me…

Nice one, Anna–I mean, Whitney. I only found Whitney and her YouTube channel when I chanced upon her impressive Princess Rap Battles features. Props to you, girl!…There are more Disney princess stuff on her channel, do check them out. To be honest, I haven’t seen her non-rap ones yet, though.

Okay, now we go the princess sorority route. We’ve got Rachel Levin and her friends playing Disney princesses in the real world. I think the vids are fun in a kind of silly way. If you want to be entertained, they could work.

I’ve chosen two of my faves, but to be honest, it’s mainly because of the acerbic Elsa. I don’t really have a fave princess, but in this group, that would be her. I laughed when she said, “Jasmine’s sister is creepy”…Elsa merchandise seem to be everywhere, that’s why. To be honest, too, the Disney Princesses vids are the only ones of theirs I’ve checked out so far (well, except the two superheroes videos, which kind of sucked).

Don’t know their real background, if they just happen to be a bunch of pretty girl friends or what, but anyhoo…

So while we’re on putting Disney princesses in real, modern world scenarios, more of ’em below. How about princeses, too? By the way,

WARNING: SOME S-, B- AND F-BOMBS DROPPED IN ‘EM VIDS

How about if they were in not-so-real scenarios? The Princesses are invading The Real Housewives and The Bachelor!

Alright, I’ve had my fill. Done with this Disney stuff. I also enjoyed them so I hope you did, too 🙂

Yo, Man! Imma Show Ya Rap Battles! (post-)#WhatsupWednesday

Today, I introduce you to #WhatsupWednesday (don’t mind that it’s late). I could call it #WhateverWednesday, but I don’t think I like the sound of that. It’s like your mom telling you something and you roll your eyes and mutter, “Whatev”. Nope, I’m not comfortable with that. “What’s up” sounds friendlier in contrast. So for this alternate hash potato, I’m sharing various stuff that have caught my interest, but are not that applicable for my other hash potatoes.

Now that that’s explained…

I’ve just recently realized that I’m actually a YouTube-freak. I go through the site searching for vids of songs, musicals, funny talk shows, pranks (zombie vids!!!),…Not anymore cute animal vids, though, as I get that a lot from Facebook already. Anyway, these searches have brought me interesting stuff and because I grew up in the “rap of ages”, you ken betcha momma’s *bleep* I got a heckuva kuhlecshun here! *wink, wink* Okay, before you proceed,

WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE AND SEXUAL CONTENT. NOT FOR KIDS!

Thought I’d give you that. Now, do tell me who you think won in these vids.

First, I found Anne Hathaway rapping against James Corden of Carpool Karaoke fame (he’s famous for his show and whatev, but I never really knew about him except when I happened to search for “Carpool Karaoke”, which I did hear about). I’m not going to share CK vids as it’s so popular, you’ve probably already seen them all. I did like the ones with Adele and Sia, even the one with One Direction because of the collab kind of thing. Gotta watch more, maybe. I do give credit to James, he’s got some musical talent in him.

Here are the two doing rap battle at Corden’s late show’s Drop the Mic segment.

I think that she did “Hatha-slay” him! Yo, Anne, you rock!!! I mean, rap!!!

I’m not seeing that many DTM vids, but I enjoyed this one with Kevin Hart, though he’s an actor I’m  just a tad familiar with (did see his movie with The Rock while on a bus).

Sorry, James, I think that’s two times in a row your bottom got whipped! *trying a cleaner language here 😉 *

Meanwhile…! I found these ones below just yesterday. It’s great that they actually take effort to take care of the settings and stuff when they could just do a kind of DTM thing.

Enjoyed most of them, but a couple didn’t quite make it to my list. The Gandalf vs Dumbledore one made me squee in glee at first only to have my bubble burst–yeah, it wasn’t as good as I expected it would be (so click at your own risk). Mostly sexual references and nothing substantial enough. I liked the Albert Einstein vs Stephen Hawking vid as well, but I don’t like making fun of the differently abled. I’m not even going to attempt to link to it. You do it. There’s also one with the Eastern Philosophers vs Western Philosophers, but I respect our Eastern Philosophers so, up to you to check also.

Now, for the battles.

I found that I liked the Princess Rap Battles more, so I’m showing them first. The guys’ vids have some sick verses as well, though, and the beats, awesome.

It seems that Daenerys won here in the end, but rap-content wise, I think it’s a tie.

It’s a tie, too! Don’t you think?

Oh, Galadriel won this one, hands down. Leia never had an iota of a chance to win against the great elf.

Now, the boys doing Epic Rap Battles of History. The girls are princesses and the guys get to be intelligent, geeky ones…Although, there is that Superman vs Goku vid, so I guess it kinda even things out.

Sorry, GoT fans, but LOTR nailed this battle. I don’t understand the reference to Led Zeppelin, though. [UPDATE: That last statement is quite the proof that I am not a Led Zep fan, LOL!!! Just found this that should explain the reference: Led Zeppelin and Lord of The Rings – Rockers and Tolkien Fans.]

Nobody won. Well, maybe the third one in this battle (being not-so-quite techie still, I have no idea “who” that was). Or was that also supposed to be “Steve“? And, boy, too much of an angry Bill here.

It’s true: Jack was a real serial killer who never got caught; Hannibal was fictional and did get caught (or he would not have met Clarisse). That said, Hannibal killed Jack  *he he, get it? killed?..uh, okay…*

I…honestly don’t know who won…

Here are some more that I liked (in random order), if you’re interested:

1. Ash Ketchum vs Charles Darwin (Picachu was no match to Darwin’s ape, methinks)
2. Snow White vs Elsa (oh, yeah, the princess was no match for the queen! It wasn’t really a fair match. Just let it go, Snow White, dear)
3. Miley Cyrus vs Joan of Arc (don’t even know the connection between them, but anyway, Joan just slayed Hannah Montana)

So the people behind these vids are asking viewers who they’d like to see do rap battles. I already gave these ideas:

1. boyband vs. boyband

2. Walking Dead vs. World War Z vs. Zombieland (whichever they can “pair” up), OR Rick Grimes vs. Gerry Lane vs. Tallahassee

3. Bones vs. CSI

4. Elementary vs. Sherlock (two Sherlocks, yay!!!)

5. Johnny English vs Austin Powers

6. Charlie Chaplin vs Mr. Bean (I wonder how they’re gonna do this unless they act it all out as they talk gibberish with subtitles below, he he)

7. Wayne & Garth (Wayne’s World) vs Bill & Ted (Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey) vs Jay & Silent Bob (View Askewniverse)

8. Cats The Musical vs Lion King The Musical (it would be awesome to see how they’ll do the costumes!)

9. Elphaba (Wicked) vs Fiona (Shrek)

I’ve been thinking of more, like Xena maybe rap-battling it out with…Wonder Woman? Not sure if there’s anyone else more appropriate for the Warrior Princess. Maybe, I could also suggest James Corden vs Jimmy Fallon. I mean, people are already comparing them anyway: they sing and they have famous “Justin” buds (Bieber vs Timberlake, respectively). How about Edward Cullen vs Louis de Pointe du Lac, or simply Louis of Interview with the Vampire.

We’ll see.

*************************************

Hope you enjoyed the vids. If you’re a minor, I hope you didn’t. Who would you like to see doing a rap battle, guys? Suggest some below if you can’t make a comment over at YouTube 🙂