Monday, 12 December 2011
The passage of unhappiness.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Breaking Dawn Part 1 & other Twilight-related rambles.
- The wedding: by far the most anticipated portion of the entire saga. And frankly, I do not think it disappointed at all. Without spoiling too much, the wedding was what I imagine any fancy wedding to be - beautiful and tied in with a myriad of cute wedding-day memoirs that occur to most people on their special day (jitters, awkward family speeches, crazy dancing).
- On that note, Bella's dress: I had supremely high expectations for this dress. I had pictured a dress that was both elegant but classic, classy but sexy, and princess-like rather than modern. What the movie delivered was both elegant and vintage, but more Kate Middleton- worthy than Cinderella-style. After time to think about it, I really loved the design; the train and veil. Lovely.
- Jacob's arrival at the wedding: Truly touching moment between him and Bella. Taylor Lautner is becoming quite the savvy little actor. I'm impressed.
- The honeymoon and the time leading up to Isle Esme: Robert Pattinson usually takes my breath away, but somehow, seeing his portrayal of Edward "in happy honeymoon bliss" sent my heart into overdrive. I don't think I wiped the grin off my face for the entire sequence leading up to Isle Esme - the dancing in Rio, the power boat ride, the traditional sweeping-the-bride-off-her-feet-and-carrying-her-over-the-threshold. His adoring gaze kept me captivated.
- Moments on the island: there was a waterfall scene that was particularly gorgeous, and some chess games that were both soulful and adorable. I will leave it at that.
- The sex: we were discussing this after the movie (great car conversation ;)) and came to the conclusion that while the fire was there, there still wasn't enough passion. Still, seeing the headboard break? Totally worth the wait.
- Rosalie and her obsession with 'demon baby': as soon as Bella told Rosalie about baby, Rosalie took to protective lioness like a charm. The entire second half of the movie I was in love with Nikki Reed's portrayal of Rose's obsession. Perfection.
- Bella's nightmares: always a treat. This time, they were especially terrifying. An American Horror Story would be proud.
- Leah Clearwater: just brilliant. Julia Jones? Just gorgeous. She took that broken heart and threw her all into it. I hope there's more of her in Part 2.
- The wolf-pack's reaction to 'demon baby': while I'll get to the ridiculousness of the voice-overs, I have to say I enjoyed the tension and reactions of the wolf pack when they found out about the 'abomination'. It gave us what the book was lacking - more intensity.
- The scene where Jacob thinks Bella is dead: no words can express how depressed I felt for him in this moment. Kudos Taylor. Just kudos.
- The sickly-looking Bella: my congratulations to the entire production team for portraying the way Renesmee was tearing apart Bella's body. The gaunt, hallowed look that slowly overcame Bella's features; the deathly paleness - thrilling. And then the way she 'recovered' - it wasn't rushed and it was believable that the blood was helping. Kristen Stewart shone in this part; by far the best I have seen her across all 4 movies.
- When Edward 'hears' Renesmee: if looks could move the earth, surely Edward's would have created the entire Grand Canyon. The adorable couply/first baby air that washed over Bella and Edward in this moment captured my heart. Beautiful and simple and touching.
- The maid's reaction to Bella's pregnancy: done according to the book. I have no qualms.
- Funny quips by Jasper and Emmett: always a treat.
- Charlie and his fatherly instincts: I love Charlie. He was adorable in the books, and Billy Burke has improved his character in leaps and bounds.
- Alice: never anything bad to say about her. Ashley Greene you are delightful.
- Carlisle is still a dish: Peter Fanchelli is such a delicious daddy. Just saying.
- The flashbacks during Bella's transformation: a touching way to remind us about everything that's happened throughout the first 3 movies. I adored it.
- The wolf pack's 'physic link': I nearly went into spasms of laughter from the sheer idiocy of this. As something that should have been addressed 2 movies ago, the link of thoughts between the wolves came across tacky and a pathetic attempt to right some wrong of leaving it out. Voice-overs were shocking. Sorry, but you will see what I mean once you see it.
- The gore: I think it was too much - purely based on the fact that the other movies were hardly gory at all. IF the saga was to be done again I would definitely LOVE a darker undertone, with 'evil' actually feeling 'evil'.
- The birthing scene: just as disgusting in the book, if not worse. I suppose I'm slightly impressed with the more vampiric nature of Edward in this part, but still grose.
- Stephenie Meyer's cameo: words can't express how truly annoyed this made me. Stupid and dumb all rolled into one.
- The slight Spiderman-feel that came with 'a changing heart': shots of the venom shooting through Bella's veins - just reminded me of Peter Parker in Spiderman when he was bitten. A little too CGI, a little too much (once again, I think from the very different nature of this movie compared to the first 3).
- Bella's not-so-awesome attempt at being angry at Edward: the morning-after buzz was ruined, and Bella hardly made a move. I wanted angry Bella. That is all.
- The imprinting thing: still weird. Will never be used to that.
- Bella's red eyes: I could only laugh. Wait and see.
- Irina's spack at the wedding: just a minor note. While I love Maggie Grace with my whole heart, that little mental she had was a tad annoying.
- Eggs for breakfast: nearly died when I realised this wasn't included. One of the cutest parts about Edward and Bella's honeymoon. Oh well.
- The dog bowl commentary between Rose and Jacob: while there were a few funny snaps between the two about 'dogs', I seriously missed this moment. Rosalie throwing that dog bowl at Jacob's head was one of the funniest moments in the book.
- Bella's car: most people wouldn't have noticed, but right at the start of Breaking Dawn Stephenie Meyer makes a huge deal over the car Edward gave Bella - a Mercedes Guardian. Ridiculous, and I know it was made-up, but I love cars. I just wanted a silly armor-plated car that Bella could drive. I'll just leave that now.
- More Jacob-related side of things: an entire chunk of the book was dedicated to how Jacob felt and from his side of things. Perhaps I was expecting too much, but I NEEDED to see more of Jacob's pain. Foolish, yes.
Sunday, 13 November 2011
A letter of all letters.
Dear Joseph,
It is a testament to your exquisite skills as an actor and my uncanny need to write that I am here, writing this letter – the first I have ever written to a celebrity before (by actually putting words to physical form!).
It is difficult to know where to start! How I think your acting blows me away? How seeing you on the screen, you astound and amaze me? How I can't help but feel every emotion with your character? How your face makes my heart flutter? Or how I have eons of respect for a man for supports such a wonderful organisation like Positive Women? Too many avenues to take. I am torn between filling pages and pages with my adoration for you, or choosing to keep it simple (for your sake I will take the latter optionJ)
I remember seeing you in Alexander and thinking briefly “he’s cute”. I remember seeing you in Mansfield Park and marvelling at your versatility. And I remember seeing you in Ben Hur and wondering how someone’s voice could sound so much like sex. But it wasn’t until you were welcomed into my favourite TV show The Vampire Diaries that I truly began to appreciate you as an actor and as more than just a delicious face.
You have taken us on a journey with Klaus that I don’t feel any other actor could have accomplished in such a dedicated, polished and flawless way. Small features of your own personality leech through into this complex character and make him the Original we all love and adore. You are gifted and brilliant; demonstrated through Klaus’ character development and through your love for this show.
It will be a sad, sad day when Klaus leaves The Vampire Diaries (though who knows? He may stay – Julie and Kevin may see to that ;)) but I have no doubt that you will go on to do many fantastic things (testified by those of your fang fans who have already seen Immortals) and will become one of the “greats”. I will be ready and waiting in front of the TV with a glass of champagne - ready to toast you - when you receive an Academy Award.
As a more recent fang fan I may not have the standing that your ‘original’ followers do – but I still have a dedication that will see you through to the end of your acting career. You have captured me heart and soul Joseph Morgan, and this fan love will never die.
Til the day I meet you and ask for a hug.
Fang-fan-fully yours,
Jayne Balke
The Vampire Diaries never disappoints.
Friday, 4 November 2011
"If you wake Mikael then we are all doomed."
This episode gave me tingles and shivers - not to mention that my brain is literally exploding with questions and overwhelmed with the information we've learned.
- What's the deal with Klaus? Why did he feel the need to kill his own mother I wonder?
- What will happen now that Rebekah knows about Klaus? Will she go onto Delena/Ric's team or stay sided with brother-dearest?
- Damon and Elena are all kinds of adorable. And I think that their romance will happen, despite the screams of Stelena fans. I just think that the writers have to explore that option.. what does everyone else think?
- Is anyone else literally in LOVE with Claire Holt after this episode? Cos I surely am.
- I'm wondering whether Mikael is all that bad... I mean, Klaus did kill his wife. Hmm.
Friday, 28 October 2011
Leave your 'unfinished business' at peace please.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Once Upon A Time [there was a man known as] Grimm.
- Ginnifer Goodwin plays two characters, the first being our classic Snow White and the second being Mary Margaret Blanchard, a kindly, gentle school teacher who albeit seems (understandably) lost. I love her portrayal of the teacher more than her version of Snow White, because it falls more into what Ginnifer is good at (the type of character she normally plays). Plus, it's difficult to watch anyone play a cartoon character and not think it's just a tiny bit cheesy.
- Joshua Dallas is Prince Charming and John Doe, named so because he was hurt in his own world by the Evil Queen's guards and left in a coma in our world. I adore Josh; there is very little I can say that's bad about him. When he cradled baby Emma I felt a little whoosh of admiration move through my body. He's adorable. Anyway, he plays Prince Charming rather well, and is especially convincing as he tells his wife to hide out in the special wardrobe to protect her and her child (sadly that backfired for Snow White, but still saved Emma). However as John Doe in a coma there's not much he can do in our world. It'll be interesting to see more of him in the weeks to come.
- Jennifer Morrison plays Emma Swan, and is the 'ultimate key' to breaking the curse on the Enchanted Forest and its inhabitants. She is approached by the son she gave up (Henry) and told about a book detailing the stories of each fairytale character and her role in saving them. Hesitant to believe him at first, it takes a few meaningful moments between the two before she decides to give Henry what he asked for - to stay a week in Storybrooke with him.
- Speaking of Henry, Jared Gilmore plays this character and he does a fantastic job of it. I always admire child stars, but Jared (I have a feeling) is going to be a superstar. I loved him in Mad Men, loved him in The Back-up Plan (YES I actually remember him from that) and I already love him in this. I think if I ever gave a kid up for adoption and he decided to track me down - I'd want him to be like Henry. He's so bold, but obviously holds a lot of secrets close to his chest. And we find out that he's kind of a loner; and his foster mum is actually Evil Queen who apparently KNOWS who she is and isn't too happy to see him bonding with Emma.
- Lana Parrilla is the Evil Queen herself, and alias foster mum and Storybrooke's mayor Regina Mills. She is dark and beautiful as the Evil Queen, but just as icy and sexy as Henry's adoptive mother. I did wonder whether she would know who everyone in the town is meant to be; and then her dangerous glare into the mirror while she clutched the story book confirmed it. Lana is impressive, to say the least. I look forward to seeing more layers of her character.
- The final character I absolutely HAVE to mention is Rumpelstiltskin/Mr Gold, played byRobert Carlyle. As if Robert himself wasn't fantastic, the characters of Rumpelstiltskin and Mr Gold are equally great. We haven't seen much of Mr Gold yet, the prospective 'owner' of the entire town of Storybrooke, but it looks like he might be in on the Evil Queen's plan more than first thought. But as Rumpelstiltskin - wow. Carlyle delivers a downright scary performance as the evil character who knows the future and demands to find out Emma's name from Snow White at the beginning. He fits the character perfectly; and why shouldn't he? After the other movies we have seen him in. Can't wait to see more.
- David Guintoli plays the homicide detective and future Grimm-hunter Nick Burckhardt. I haven't seen him in many shows before, but (at least in looks) he reminds me of Zachary Quinto so I liked him immediately. Nick is as dumbfounded as you would be, being told by a woman you lived with when you were younger that "your parents didn't crash, they were killed" and "there's so much you don't know about our family". In Secret Circle-esque style, Nick is forced to find out about his family through whatever means possible - including a monster known as 'Eddie'. He does well though, considering the circumstances!
- Silas Weir Mitchell plays Eddie Monroe, a reformed monster who has decided he doesn't kill people anymore. I love Mitchell because he was Charles in Prison Break (a show that had so much potential for more) and in Grimm he doesn't disappoint either. He does 'trippy' better than anyone I know. Eddie assists Nick with seeking out another monster who had captured a little girl and had been killing people in Hansel and Gretal fashion (played by Tim Bagley). I think it'll be fun to see how much of a part Eddie plays in helping Nick discover his destiny as a hunter.
- Kate Burton plays Marie, Nick's [aunt] (I'm going to use Aunt tentatively because I can't quite remember) and former Grimm hunter. She is sick enough to the point that her 'abilities' are passing onto Nick, and she has the mother-load of all weapons in her trailer, along with a mysterious necklace she passes onto Nick and tells him to guard with his life. The necklace turns into some kind of key; but to open what, we are yet to find out. Burton is a star in all respects; I know her best from Grey's Anatomy and I do hope she survives long enough to give us more of a glimpse of her fantastic acting skills.
- Other characters include Juliette Silverton, played by Bitsie Tulloch and Hank Griffin, played by Russell Hornsby. Juliette is Nick's soon-to-be fiance, and a bit of a background character at the moment I feel. Perhaps we will see more of her in future episodes, but I am not sure her character will develop as much as we might like. However, I will accept it if I am wrong! Hank Griffin, on the other hand, is Nick's partner and has a much more prominent role in the show thus far. He helped Nick rescue the little girl at the end and I wouldn't be surprised if Nick decided to confide in him. He plays your typical 'cop' but there is definite potential for more character growth.
- And lastly I will mention Captain Renard, portrayed by Sasha Roiz and Sergent Wu, played by Reggie Lee. Captain Renard we find out is actually a monster of some kind, and is planning to kill Marie at the most opportune moment. He is in an ideal position to 'keep an eye on things' while enacting his master plan (what that is, I am sure we will find out). Sergent Wu is a background character at this stage as well, but Lee is one of my favourite actors so I hope he becomes a more integral part of this show.
Sunday, 23 October 2011
"What's the plan, oh warrior princess?"
Not to be outdone, this week’s episode packed just as much punch (and bites) as last week’s! Granted, the delicious Joseph Morgan was absent this week but Rippah Stefan certainly made up for his absence.
This episode, as Julie Plec described it, is in homage to the very first day of school last year. It’s unbelievable how much has changed. Bonnie, Caroline and Elena decided they’d put that disaster of a prank night behind them and focus on a fresh start. Oh but hold up – it’s a year ago that Elena and Stefan met. Eesh, painful much? I think you take the cake for biggest drama love.
Ok so! Moving on to my...
Favourite moments
Elena and Ric’s fighting sesh: at first I was thinking, gosh Ric, ease up. Then he said his little “I think you found a way to get out of bed this morning and that makes you the strongest person I know. I think you can do pretty much anything.” Naw. Well said Ric! She is, and it’s amazing.
Twister with Rippah Stefan: ohh my word. I would play Twister with him anytime. Even if it meant I’d be snacked on if I fell over (and knowing how I play Twister, that’d happen A LOT). Oh well, just imagining Paul’s teeth on my skin is ridiculously delicious.
Bex and her dramatic entrances: Haha I have to say, Rebekah has me wrapped around her little finger. The way she marched on into the Salvatore boarding house and announced she was going to be staying, and then later when she sauntered into Ric’s history class. What a sly, sexy original. Love it.
Kat feeding Mikael mouse blood: That little montage of Katherine’s as she draped over Mikael’s coffin and tried to get him to drink mouse blood? Ha! I chuckled for a good minute.
Even when he tries to hide something, he’s adorable: Damon: “Is that the bell? Ring ring don’t wanna be late!”
A true homage moment: When Elena left the boy’s bathroom and ran into Stefan. Like old times except... not. I still pretty much adore Rippah Stefan though.
Speaking of Rippah Stefan... That jogging scene! “You think I’m annoying now, just wait til homecoming. Hey, who are you bringing by the way, I don’t want it to be weird.” Pretty sure it’s gonna be weird whatever you do Stefan. “I’m the guy who’s been assigned to protect a human blood bag. I mean, no offence or anything.” So MEAN. But I still drooled. Love him.
Love Jeremy and Anna: Malese is the sweetest little thing. Her eyes are super big and beautiful. I would believe anything she said too. And that ‘touching hands’ moment at the end? So, so sweet. Sorry Beremy shippers. I’m all about the Janna.
“I’m watching you...” Stefan watching Elena at the bonfire is another cute homage to the first one, though this time it’s substantially more creepy than the last. But there’s a knowing look that passes between them that made me somewhat wistful for ‘the old days’. (that moment passed quickly, I needs me more Delena)
Sebastian Roche: So apparently Mikael feeds off dead things, not alive things. Kinda grose, but whatever. I’m too epic excited for Sebastian Roche to be in TVD.
Bex and Damon heating it up with marshmallows and s’mores: Tell ya what, when Damon puts his flirt on I feel like going all ninja. [*chants to self* Jealously is unattractive. Jealously is unattractive. Jealously is unattractive]
Elena’s ‘snap’ moment: “You think I’m gonna let a blood addict tell me how to drink?” ROFL.
Caroline: Always Caroline. Tyler is apparently a “freaky hybrid slave minion”. HA. And in that same scene, I love when Damon tells everyone that Tyler’s been sired and what that means – and Ric’s FACE in the background! LOL. Cue rolling eyes and rolling head (if you can’t remember it go watch it now please. Hil-AR-ious).
Surefire way to get a woman in bed: “Everything I like about me is you”. Sigh. MORE SHIRTLESS TYLER. That is all.
I adore fake-drunk Elena: lazing on the bleachers looking at the stars. Whether she was truly drunk or not, I love this girl. (btw, LOVE that outfit she’s wearing. What a babe)
Stelena moments: True, I ship Delena, but can you blame me for loving Stefan and Elena in this episode? (Read my rant at the end and I’ll explain my views on this further!) Stefan: “Do you have any idea how pathetic that makes you?” Elena: “No Stefan it makes me strong!” and BAM! Wooden bullets in chest! Dramatic exit! That girl is badass.
Mason is BACK: Okay so all the ghosts (most of them anyway) are back from the dead. Umm can anyone say ‘shit’? This is gonna be mentallll. But to Taylor Kinney – welcome back. Can’t wait to see more of you!
And of course, the ULTIMATE favourite moments: Delena. The first one – “What’s the plan oh warrior princess?”. I’ve decided that if you want to get Damon to do something for you, all you gotta say is “Do it for me”. Well, if you’re Elena that is. Man, the sexual tension in that scene! My heart skipped a few million beats. Damon, you can touch my sternum any time you want.
The second one – when Damon is touching up Elena’s face at the end. Elena: “You played your part of the plan really well tonight.” Damon: “Oh yeah?” Elena: “Yeah you had Rebekah drooling all over you and your marshmallows.” Damon: “Yeah before she skewered me... I thought you were too drunk to notice.” Elena: “I was faking most of it.” Damon: “So was I.” [cue me swooning all over the screen]
And in true Jayne fashion, I always have more to say about everything else in the episode.
Bothersome moments
Vicki is a crazy bitch: But a nice one, at first. While that conversation in the car was highly depressing, it’s good to know that Matt had some sort of closure at the end of the day (after he released Vicki and then put her back in ghost world – though apparently allowed every other ghost to come out and play [Damon and Mason... hoo boy!]).
Bonnie and Jeremy have a little tiff: I agree with Bonnie, put yourself in her shoes. Uh oh, that relationship is on the tip of a precipice, I hate to say (not really, because I ship Janna;))
Tyler’s a bit rude, and apparently all jacked-up on Hybridness: OH and then we find out that he’s been ‘sired’ – which (after Tyler and Caroline did the nasty) all I could think was “Shit shit he’s trying to get Caroline to have mini hybrids!” That sired thing is just plain weird. And I think Tyler is liking this hybrid vampire thing a bit too much. The blood? The compulsion? UH huh. And he has gone back to being a dick.
Mystery witch: I really wanna know who this witch is who’s been communicating with Vicki. I don’t like her already.
Dalaric: I miss the Dalaric bromance. That’s all I have to say about that.
Bex STABBED Damon: Ugh. I love Barbie Klaus but nobody stabs my baby and gets away with it. Nobody.
Why does everyone have to cut their hand in order to get something to happen? It’s grose. And Matty, you made a big mistake bringing her back. Just saying (she almost FRIED Elena and Rippah Stefan, whom we all love and would miss just a tad).
To everyone who’s panicking that Kat is dead: NO WAY. There is no way the writers would take such an incredibly strong character and let her die in a wrong-place-wrong-time type situation. Nope, that girl would never go down without a fight. PLUS when has a vampire ever died from having their blood drained from them? (In TVD anyway).
Important things to note
- If Mikael knows how to kill Klaus – I don’t want him to. I love Joseph Morgan too much.
- Elena’s blood is still the key. Therefore, there will still be more people coming after her to kill her. It’s not just Stefan, Klaus and Bex she’s gotta worry about.
My confusion
I was thinking – I’m not sure why we could see Vicki but not the other people who had turned into vampires (i.e. Jenna) anyone got a clue why that might be?
Mini rant about Stefan, his humanity and this whole ‘nobody cares about him anymore’ business
Okay so, something that has been wreaking havoc all over twitter is this: “why has everyone given up on Stefan?”. This is my little rant to counter-act/elaborate on this question. (This was inspired by @RippahStefan’s extended tweet. Read it, his rant is epic.http://www.twitlonger.com/show/doc11n)
Ok a lot of people have been saying that everyone has given up on Stefan except Elena, and that they've forgotten that he’s had his humanity stripped from him rather than him choosing to lose it. I almost entirely agree with this, but I don’t think that everyone has given up so much as they have had ENOUGH. Can you imagine what they've all been through in the past 24 hours – their senior prank night totally destroyed, with ghosts and Klaus coming back and Stefan losing his humanity and hybrids being created and so on and so forth – all in the one night? I mean, it’s a lot to take in, even for these guys (who have seen their fair share of drama).
As for Damon and his need to help Elena outweighing his need to help his brother – I don’t think we should make such bold assumptions yet. True, Damon is a little blinded by his love for Elena, but did you SEE that concern wash over his face when he saw Stefan playing Twister? It isn't so much that he’s given up – I think he’s resigned to the fact that Stefan is DANGEROUS and so he’s protecting the one person he still can i.e. Elena. And perhaps he’s hoping that Mikael will be the answer as well – perhaps he’s happier to wait it out, where Elena isn't content with sitting still. Where she wants to take action, Damon is content to just keep an eye on him. Some food for thought.
And yes, Elena is the only one who hasn’t given up (which I am kind of inclined to agree with Stefan when he calls her pathetic) but at the same time I think it’s amazing of her – and I think that she has some weird supersonic tolerance level that allows her to see optimism in everything.
Now that I’ve had that rant, some food-for-thought (Stefan-related)
Stefan’s humanity: I don’t think there’s anything left of Stefan’s humanity, per se, but I think his memories are what is wrecking havoc with his behaviour. Klaus didn’t take those away – so Stefan still knows what has happened between him and Elena. And while he doesn't FEEL, he still REMEMBERS. I think that’s a key point to note, and possibly something he can grasp onto even in his compelled state. Examples of this:
- The jogging scene: Did anyone else notice that, even though Stefan called Elena possibly the most insulting thing ever, he also knocked that guy off his feet cos he ran into Elena? There was totally some of the hidden protective Stefan there. That’s what I think anyway.
- You’re a lightweight drinker: Stefan doesn’t feel, yet he remembers Elena is a lightweight when drinking. There is that remnant of ‘I should care’ when he’s around her.
- C’mon I’ll take you home: Catching Elena when she fell off the bleachers (I bet you were wondering when I was gonna mention this ;)), whether it was still memories of Klaus’ compulsion, we are yet to find out, but there was definitely SOMETHING there.
- Jealous much: Oh but as much as Stefan says he isn’t jealous, he totally is. Or thinks he is. Or wonders if he is. *awkward pause*