The Neon Demon

Image via IMBD

The Neon Demon is a horror movie consisting of alluring aesthetics and pretty imagery. Tackling the fashion industry and high-end models, this film targets a genre that exposes vanity in the darkest way.

Jesse is an underaged model struggling in LA when her chances of making it big come true. Everyone around her either falls under her spell, greatly fascinated or becomes rapidly jealous at her growing success. Not as naive as she seems, Jesse is no fool to the look her peers attempt to recreate as beauty is presented as an unreachable reality or privilege someone such as herself is lucky to have obtained. Elle Fanning nails the innocent and virginal character whose appearance unleashes a deadly wrath among confused admirers.

Makeup artist, Ruby, befriends the new talent along with model friends, Gigi and Sarah. Watchful and curious, these girls prove to be vultures in disguise. No one’s safe in a shallow world that transforms insecurities into monsters. The closest thing to the fountain of youth, Jesse embodies the magical and immortal qualities of beauty all three girls eventually devour. Literally. The Plastics are nothing to starving models. Cannibalism and necrophilia are to be expected. Things don't only get bloody but extremely disturbing.

The Neon Demon isn’t for everybody. While the cinematography is a dream and excellent score supportive of its transformative moments, it moves forward at a snail’s pace only someone with patience can handle. Nothing truly groundbreaking occurs other than the exaggerated results of absolute beauty. The Neon Demon is visually striking. It’s hard to look away as this film openly indulges in its own theme. This film won’t change your life, but the visuals alone are enough to encourage your viewing. Watch if you wish.

Z for Zacharia

 

           Book Cover via Amazon              

It’s no argument, film adaptations are a common trend among filmmakers. Some succeed while others miss their mark, Z for Zacharia takes the latter. The movie looked promising as it was the trailer that prompted my reading of the novel. Due to this, I was under the impression I’d be reading a startling love story or tragedy. To my great surprise, I was in store for something much greater.

Z for Zacharia by Robert C. O’Brien is an unforgettable and exhilarating novel about the end of the world. Ann is the only survivor of a nuclear war, and for some explainable reason, the only place untouched by deadly radiation is a valley hidden away from the unknown dangers left of the world. When a figure in a suit appears, it leads trusting a stranger who’s allowed one moment of hope ruin their only chance of survival. Providing food and shelter to the man close to death, he suddenly turns on Ann in what becomes a frightening game of hide and seek.

The novel exceeded past my expectations and left me in a state of suspense. The adrenaline rush alone was something I had not thought was possible that I hoped to relive during the movie. Unfortunately, the movie did no such thing as its unrecognizable plot included love triangle only had one thing in common with the book, its title.

Watching the film, you can’t help but understand what the creators of this production were trying to capture. There’s no point denying that love triangles are enjoyable to watch but the problem with them is how often they’re used, their long exposure to audiences eventually bores them. We’ve seen the desirable woman torn between two men and vice versa. After a while, it all begins to look the same. If this is not delivered in an original or unique manner, the story ultimately fails to stand apart from the others we’ve come to see many times before. It’s this that I believe the creators of this movie tried to take advantage of the novel’s post-nuclear war setting. Choosing between the last two men on earth is a fascinating approach but one that failed nonetheless. It just didn’t deliver. The temptation to include a love triangle is understandable but completely unnecessary as there is enough to watch from Hollywood cinema’s long archive of messy romances.

Z for Zachariah is disappointing once compared to the novel. On their own, both might have different things to offer but it’s no contest, the movie is nothing but a missed opportunity at something truly amazing. The film’s ending not only comes up short but just didn’t live up to the suspenseful image created from its trailer.

Her

Image via IMDB

Her is about the predictable and complicated love story between an iOS and its owner, Theodore. Going through a divorce and finding a way to cope, Theodore installs a new operating system to his phone and computer. By doing so, he becomes very close to the artificial intelligence, Samantha, that leads to an unlikely friendship that eventually becomes romantic. Her not only explores the uniqueness of this relationship but truly captures the full complexity that is love.

Joaquin Phoenix’s performance was boundless. He perfectly embodied his character, Theodore, whose permanent state always seemed to be unhappy with a mustache that ironically looked to be a frown. Phoenix’s performance was endearing as it reached the audience concerning dejected situations we’ve faced feeling like utter failures or completely awkward. Scarlett Johansson’s voicing of Samantha gave the iOS system a sincere quality as it was a warm and genuine sensation providing emotional dimension to the frequently used device.

This film touched on personal and relatable issues I believe many are afraid to admit they experience such as this constant state of isolation. There was this universal desire of belonging in the film. Everyone wanted to get rid of the overwhelming sense of loneliness they were experiencing and relive the same moments of love and affection they once had before. Such a delivery highlighted how one in the same we truly are, a person searching for their other half or a convenient substitute till something better arrives.

Her is sentimental and kind as it projects a clear message, love is something not meant to be understood, just simply felt.

Twinsters

Image via Amazon

A French fashion student and Los Angeles actress come to share their extraordinary story of discovering a twin they never knew existed via the internet. Adopted from South Korea and raised in different continents, Samantha and Anais search for answers in this warming documentary, Twinsters.

Samantha receives a Facebook message from a girl who startling looks just like her, with similar birthdays and backgrounds, this is all that’s needed to begin an investigation that seeks the truth. Are these two twins or is everything just purely coincidence?

Where most documentaries have educational intentions or persuasive narrative, this one showcases a touching reunion that makes the audience feel a part of, ultimately provoking a curious wonder at the life-changing surprises the world has in store. Twinsters is sweet and moving, beaming a message of unconditional love and family as both girls make up for lost time through Skyped calls, insides jokes, and visits from across the world. Their quickly formed bond proves time and distance do nothing to negatively impact a relationship that was always supposed to be there. These girls’ closeness and endearing fondness over the other leaves you overwhelmed with joy at how lucky these two are to have found each other.

This unlikely and incredible miracle is not taken for granted as it provides reflection, who is one after all this? How much of one’s origins are unknown and secret? And the most mind bobbling of them all, how differently would have Samantha and Anais’ lives would have been if they were never separated let alone adopted?

Twinsters is profound. Available to stream on Netflix, I strongly suggest this documentary for an evening with loved ones.

Stranger Things

Image via IMDB 

Stranger Things crafts brilliance in this eight-episode series that takes place in the 80s. With its great selection of elements taken from classics such as The Goonies, The Breakfast Club, and Carrie, Stranger Things slams you with nostalgia. From small town where nothing happens, kids riding their bikes trying to save the day to odd girl with special abilities, it's everything that creates this amazing sci-fi show taking advantage of a very iconic and missed era. When a boy goes missing, and a frightening creature appears, everything becomes very X-Files as the local facility nobody knows about does everything in its power to cover up the disappearances taking place.

Stranger Things is phenomenal. Winona Ryder is stellar as the hard working mother quickly made into hysterical parent once her child goes missing. The sheer desperation to find her son and refusal to believe he’s gone feels real than just a mere performance. Ryder’s on-screen son, Jonathan Byers (Charlie Keaton), is the silent type with a strong dedication to finding his brother. With his sharp features and shaggy hair, there’s no denying the close resemblance the actor has to a young Leo and Edward Furlong.

What’s great about this series is its small group of child actors that portray true friendship when searching for their friend with the help of their trusted bikes and walkie talkies. Adding the strange girl with superpowers the boys found in the woods into the mix only further adds to the magic and suspense. And that's exactly what this show is, magic. Each episode introduces itself as a chapter from a book with the type of adventure and anticipation you haven't felt in ages.

Stranger Things is a hit. With the season ending with unanswered questions, prepare yourself for the frustration of having to wait next year to see what happens next. 

Comet

Image via IMBD 

Comet is about the on again, off again relationship between Kimberly (Emmy Rossum) and Dell (Justin Long), the two most fit yet incompatible people ever. Kimberly and Dell’s romance is one that seems to last forever as it's portrayed to be in parallel universes. Almost having his life ended by a car collision, Kimberly saves Dell’s life and thus starts their relationship the night a meteor shower brings them together.

Having watching Comet greatly reminded me of 500 Days of Summer minus the manic pixie dream girl and nostalgic music of The Smiths and The Cure playing. 500 Days of Summer and Comet both have the same similarities of debuting a memorable relationship that (spoiler alert) doesn’t succeed, showcasing monumental flashbacks, undeniable chemistry, and a final goodbye providing little closure to the person who needs it most.

Comet’s cinematography has dreamy and colorful tones that are romantic and depressing all at the same time, with its disruptive and flickering transitions from one point in time to another; it does well support its parallel universe like narrative making it all the more exciting to watch.

Comet is bittersweet and wistful, having you question what other versions of yourself have met someone that’s led them to the same unkind faith life always seems to bring us. If parallel universes exist, where’s the one with happy endings? As you'll see towards the end of this film, Dell feels similar to the unfair world we live. 

The Final Girls

Image via IMBD

The Final Girls is a horror slasher flick we’ve all been waiting for. As she often does, Taissa Farmiga plays the relatable and unimpressed teenager, Max, that makes for a great protagonist that misses her mother and tries to save her.

On the anniversary of her mother’s death, Max attends the anniversary screening of the cult horror classic her mother was known for. During Max and her friend’s attendance, an accidental fire erupts in the theater forcing everyone to flee from one life-threatening situation into another. Finding themselves mysteriously trapped in the very movie they were just watching the only way to leave is survive till the final credits roll. Keyword, survive. Taking advantage of what they know, Max and her friends use their knowledge to do just that (or at least try to.)

In short, a slasher horror flick within a slasher horror flick. Cue the cliched summer camp setting and lost phone signal as this film follows after almost every scary movie trope from urban legend to death caused by unnecessary sex scene. Also, let’s not forget the signature theme playing once the killer is about to strike!

The Final Girls is hilarious and unforgettable, taking the horror movie genre to a different level. For those not too thrilled of horror, have no fear as the film’s consistent humor, and comedy shall settle any bubbling anxiety or sensitive stomachs that’ll mostly likely won’t make an appearance. Don’t worry, plenty of chuckles will be involved just as much blood and over the top screaming will be.

Girl in Progress

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Most coming to age films are usually dominated by white male teens in high school, Girl in Progress isn’t. It focuses on a young girl, Ansiedad, being raised by her single mother, Grace. What’s so charming about Girl in Progress is that it’s not the events and actions that life brings upon its protagonist that makes her grow, but the experiences she chooses to inflict upon herself. In short, it’s about a girl taking charge of her own coming to age story.

Rather than enjoy her youth, Ansiedad decides to follow the same plot the coming to age stories she’s learned in class have in order to quickly grow up. Determined to leave everything behind, Ansiedad completes tasks in order to fulfill her story such as sacrificing her first kiss for the sake of adulthood.

Throughout her journey, Ansiedad drives away her best friend and mother in the process. But you’ll see in the film that it’s her mother who needs to grow up most of all. Grace leaves a long trail of men she’s dated, along with the many places her daughter and her self-have moved each time a relationship didn’t work. Her current relationship, an affair with a married man.

As the film ends, it proves that every coming to age story happens to everyone, no matter what the age as both mother and daughter come to learn and grow from each other and most importantly, themselves. Girl in Progress is an underrated but truly bright film.

Daredevil

Image via ComingSoon

Daredevil is startling and marvelous.

Opening credits are the most underrated part of a show and that being said, Daredevil’s opening credits are compelling and striking. Whether the red coating  upon everything symbolizes the city's blood or savior's color, it has all it needs to say and that's this show means business.

Netflix and Marvel are a match made in heaven, creating an unreachable standard of television that other superhero shows can never dream of achieving, in other words, Daredevil is ‘goals.’ What other writers and producers have ever hoped to create their own shows to be have successfully been done elsewhere. As the first season has proven, Netflix and Marvel can do no wrong. If you have not yet watched the first season, then enjoy yourself a binge-watching session you’ll never forget.

Season one introduced Matt Murdock as portrayed by Charlie Cox as the blinded lawyer by day and crime-fighting vigilante at night. The first season was thrilling, providing incredible fighting scenes that even the audience themselves can feel exhausted from. The most epic and outstanding of them all, a brawl in a hallway you must watch here.

This season is impressive and bloody. With two new guests over welcoming their stay in Hell’s Kitchen, Matt Murdock struggles to find a balance between his night time activities and day job as a new vigilante has made their way into the city with very controversial methods. Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) or as most known as, The Punisher, makes his first debut by killing a gang with frightening firearms and experience.

Elodie Yung is magnificent and memorable, bringing to life a character that is well deserving of their own spin-off. Elektra Natchios is wild and destructive, presenting a dark side that’s attractive and hard to ignore. Returning after a ten-year disappearance, Elektra seeks help from ex-lover Matt Murdock as they both eventually team up to bring down a catastrophic plan happening in Hell's Kitchen.

Daredevil is exciting and amazing, what other words are there left to describe this show? No other show can compete, honestly.

Fuller House

Image via Collider

It’s insane how the second season has yet to be announced and with that, here’s my Fuller House review that’s having me re-watch the season as I write. Fuller House is just as similar to Full House for the exception of its gender switch. It’s very warming cheesiness is ever present as the same cast members from so long ago.

The first episode reunites (almost) everyone under the same roof before they part and go their separate ways. DJ is a mother of three boys preparing to take care of them on her own. With her whole family overhearing her distressed confession as to how she’s going to do it all, Stephanie along with Kimmy decide to move in and help.

Throughout the show is nothing but ongoing silliness rotating between the three adults and four children. Throughout the season are surprise visits and helpful hands from Becky, Jess, Danny, and Joey reliving their same one liners and catch phrases they have before.

Fuller House is innocent and wholesome, the very rare quality of television that's hard to find today. Despite negative reviews, the show beams of nostalgia and cheerfulness. Delightful and corny, the pleasant easygoing ordinary in all our lives the high maintenance viewer may find boring. With the common graphic and sexual content in almost everything, the dislike is understandable yet inexcusable. If you need the occasional nipple or bloodshed to stay engaged and entertained, the show’s not the problem, you are.

This reunion show was well done and with the many opportunities they took to joke about Michele’s absence as well as themselves, it was all in good fun and let’s be honest, too hard to pass up. I’m looking forward to what else Netflix has to offer, like the second season!

5 Great Valentine Day Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and with not enough time and, let's be honest, not much money, the pressure to buy the perfect gift is tough. Although Valentine's Day is expected to be grand and extravagant, it's not realistic. Sometimes its important to remember the small things convey the same message of affection as the predictable dinner date or bracelet.

If on a budget or attempt to be cheesy, I've conducted a list of what I consider affordable, cute, and thoughtful gifts that'll assure that special someone that they're indeed special! One, starting from most affordable, to five, the most unique and expensive.

1. What I Love About You By Me Book ($10)
Lost for words? Love can do that but with the 'What I Love About You' book you can count on these helpfu fill in the blanks to better explain what you love about your partner. Because although a simple 'I love you' may do, having to explain why is far better.

2. Love Tokens ($11.99)
Save yourself the trouble of embarrassing handwriting and terribly crafted coupons, these Love Tokens will be perfect for that special someone to cash in those amazing foot massages you're always bragging about. Want to create your own special offer among this? No problem, six blank coupons are included to write down any surprises you have in stored. 

3. Achievement Trophy ($13.35)
Red carpets, flashing lights, and adoring fans are unneeded to make that person in your life feel like the star they are, these Oscar like Achievement Trophies will do the trick. With a customizable engraving of your choice, you can really show your appreciation with a 'Best Boyfriend/Girlfriend' as the chosen caption. Perhaps to really show your appreciation, an award winning 'Best Lover' as the engraving!

4. Edible Arrangements (Price varies)
Edible Arrangements is great, with a variety of colorful and yummy selections, there are a ton of options to chose from. Although expensive, there are cheaper options available such as chocolate covered fruit.

5. Star Registry (Price varies)
Saving the best for last, Star Registry! Buy a star and name it! Star Registry has three star naming kits available, all including a beautiful certificate with the star's date, name, and coordinates.

Tiger Lily

Image via GoodReads

Being a child at heart and enjoying the simple pleasures of Disney films while growing up, I chose to read Jodi Lynn Anderson’s Tiger Lily. With something as magical as Disney’s Peter Pan, I got the impression I would be reading something as happy and joyful as the film. Finishing the novel feeling melancholic and without hope, it completely changed the story of the Peter Pan and Neverland I knew of.

Anderson’s lovely dedication page was hint enough how special this novel was going to be as it read, “For the girls with messy hair and thirsty hearts.”

Tiger Lily is about the unknown story of what happened before and after Wendy Darling arrived to Neverland. Through this novel you absorb and learn more of the hardly ever talked about Tiger Lily that is seen through the observant eyes of Tinker Bell, who follows her everywhere. Tinker Bell respects Tiger Lily for her strong and unique spirit. She really is an amazing character that you can’t blame Tinker Bell for admiring.

You see that despite Tiger Lily’s tribe’s traditions, she tries her best to escape them. Instead of accepting the inevitable, she does her best to delay them. You learn that avoiding the creeping responsibilities of adulthood will always catch up on everyone, even those who live on the magical and treasured island of Neverland. Eventually, she acquaints herself with Peter along with the Lost Boys. With their developing friendship and not so surprising romance, I couldn’t help but fall as equally in love with Peter as Tiger Lily did.

Anderson's writing is beautiful, a downright product of what magic would feel like. This novel has you hoping for an ending you know will never come. Tiger Lily is a bright and an emotional touching book with a bittersweet ending. This book is amazing and soon hold a special spot on my bookshelf (and heart).