TV Review: American Horror Story: Coven

Something that really makes me angry (irrationally - I admit), is that there are only 13 episodes of American Horror Story each year.  I would be so excited to hear of an extra long season, or even maybe two a year.  But this show is so good, that they can get away with 13 episodes a year. And as angry as it makes me, I'm way too addicted!  If you haven't watched this yet, or finished it, and plan to, I'm not sure this post is for you.  There will be spoilers!!

American Horror Story: Coven

 As per AHS fashion - it has quite a creepy intro....I'm not sure which is creepier. Fan made, or actual:

 

 

Coven is a take on the American history of witches.  We've all heard lots of stories ranging from the Salem Witch Trials to people who are practicing Wiccans (Michelle Bachman anyone?).  As always, Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk have created another universe that is darker and deeper than most. I have to say, Coven is probably my favorite of the three AHS's that have been created.  The first season was about Murder House, and the second season was about Briarcliff Insane Asylum and a serial killer named bloody face.

This season was a lot less gore (still pretty nasty, but not as bad as earlier seasons) but far more supernatural. This season had a creepy factor that was pretty intense.  One of the things that I liked most about this season was the fact that it was about a group of strong women, there was only one male cast member who was a regular throughout the season.

With this particular group of strong women, there is this constant struggle for power.  The series focused on Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies (located in the fantastical New Orleans).  This was, for lack of a better term, a training school and safe haven for young witches as well as the main stomping grounds for this particular coven. The leader of the coven, or the Supreme (most powerful witch), was Fiona Goode played by the unbelievable Jessica Lange. She has been a lead actress in all three series so far.  This one, in my opinion, was her best yet.

Fiona had lead her life, as the supreme, very vainly.  She only really cared about herself.  Her beauty was the most important thing to her, and as she aged (and got sick with cancer) she looked for anyway to avoid the inevitable.

Fiona did have a daughter. Cordelia Foxx (played by Sarah Paulson) was the leader of the school.  She was the very opposite of her mother.  She cared deeply for the girls and wanted them to learn to protect themselves from everything in the world that wanted to cause harm to them.

Since Cordelia's mother was absent most of her life, she was raised by and cared for by Myrtle Snow, played by Frances Conroy. Myrtle loved Cordelia as if she was her own.  She was also the head of the Witch's Council which is basically how they keep the witch's in check.

This coven has dwindled over the years as witches have stopped reproducing.  They didn't want to put their children in a possible position of having to deal with their powers.  During the season, there were a total of five girls in attendance.

Zoe Benson played by Taissa Farmiga

kills boys with her vagina

Madison Montgomery played by Emma Roberts

teen movie star - can move shit with her mind

Queenie played by Gabourey Sidibe

human voo-doo doll

Nan played by Jamie Brewer

reads minds/thoughts

Misty Day played by Lily Rabe

brings things back from the dead

These girls had plenty of drama going on between them.  Madison was a complete bitch, Queenie felt like she didn't belong, Nan already knew was everyone was thinking, Misty was simple-minded, and Zoe was the new girl.  They all thought they had the stuff to become the next supreme and didn't so much support each other, as they did try to kill one another.

Along with having to worry about each other there were a few other big bad's out there. For instance, the coven's main rival was a coven of Voodoo's who also practiced in 'Nawlenz'. This rivalry was based mostly on color of skin.  The reigning queen of the Voodoo was Marie Laveau, played by the stellar Angela Bassett. [Side note - Marie Laveau was based on an actual voodoo queen]

Immortal - she sold her soul for it

Fiona finds a certain "possession" of Laveau's.  This could be considered more of a pet, or source of entertainment for Laveau. Back in the 1800's Marie Laveau's beau was brutally tortured and murdered by one Madame Delphine LaLaurie, played by the always super creepy Kathy Bates.  As punishment and retaliation, Laveau made Madame Delphine immortal, and buried her alive.  Once Fiona found her, she decided to keep her around.  She thought she may find the secret to immortality, plus she was now in possession of something that Marie Laveau detested.  [Side note - Madame Delphine is based on an actual - terrible - person] {Laveau ends up welching on her deal for imortality, which then causes her death - and in that, LaLaurie's as well}

wretched, soulless excuse for a human

There are a few other minor characters. Kyle Spencer played by Evan Peters

Zoe's boyfriend, who died in a bus accident (caused by Madison), and was revived by Misty

Spalding played by Dennis O'Hare

mute butler who has been in love with Fiona forever. Zoe kills him

The Axeman played by Danny Huston

serial killer from 1919. love interest of Fiona. killed by coven girls

Hank Foxx played by Josh Hamilton

Fiona's husband, and member of a group of witch hunters. killed by Queenie

There were lots of background stories and smaller side stories throughout this season.  The main plot and center of the season, revolved around finding the new supreme.  Fiona did everything in her power to help prevent this from happening (she killed a whole bunch of the girls, luckily there are certain powers that can bring people back from the dead). Meanwhile, the girls all thought they were the next supreme, which caused many rifts between them.  

So they are fighting a group of witch hunters, the other voodoo coven, and each other...this all ends up making them weaker than they had ever been.  

Once Fiona is killed (or so we think, by the Axeman), the girls set out to accomplish the 7 Wonders.  Zoe, Madison, Queenie and Misty (Nan was killed by Fiona and Marie) set out to complete the tasks (in no particular order): 

1. Telekinesis (manipulating objects with mind)
2. Concilium (mind control over another)
3. Pyrokinesis (control and conjuring of fire with mind)
4. Divination (extra-sensory awareness)
5. Transmutation (teleporting)
6. Vitalum Vitalis (returning from purgatory)
7. Resurgence (reanimation of once living thing)

So, when they start out to do this, Nan is already dead. Which was really sad, because she was my favorite. I was still pulling for her in the end.  Everyone else had died and been brought back, why not her??  As they continue, Misty cannot complete the Vitalum Vitalis and gets stuck in a loop.  Once time is up, she disintegrates (in Cordelia's arms no less). 

Next, Zoe has an incident when she was performing transmutation.  She ended up spearing herself in the abdomen (she landed on the top of the pointy fence surrounding the school).  

They proceed to attempt resurgence, which is the last of the seven.  So basically, whomever can bring back Zoe is also destined to be the next supreme.  So...Queenie tries, and I'm hoping for her, because at this point it's between her and Madison - and Madison's a totally bitch. Queenie cannot bring back Zoe and feels she has failed.  Madison then realizes she's the next supreme.  She refuses to bring back Zoe, but instead kills a fly and brings it back to life.  (Seriously, total bitch!!)  At this point Myrtle (who has been overseeing the set of obstacles along with Cordelia) convinces Cordelia that she can also try to accomplish the seven wonders.  

Fast forward through some pretty creepy montage - Cordelia brings Zoe back to life, and is officially "crowned" the next supreme of the Coven. (Madison was then killed by Kyle - he was kind of like Frankenstein and had emotional issues. He was angry at her for not trying to revive Zoe, whom he loved.) As her first act of her supremacy, Cordelia sentences Myrtle to burn at the stake (punishment for an earlier crime against other witches). So Myrtle is now dead. 

Cordelia then announces (via a news interview) information about the coven and the school.  She's reaching out to other witches and letting them know they have somewhere safe to go.  She's doing what is best for the coven, and the survival of their species. 

Of course, however, Fiona is not dead.  She shows up to visit her dear Cordelia one last time.  She wants her "Delia" to help her die - AKA take away her pain and suffering because she's too chicken to do it herself.  Cordelia refuses, saying it's almost time, and within a few moments, Fiona dies, in her daughter's arms.

So. The coven, which was already pretty thin to begin with now consists of:

Cordelia (supreme)

Zoe (appointed to witches counsel by Cordelia)

Queenie (appointed to witches counsel by Cordelia)

Kyle (new mute butler, less mute, more attractive)

They open the doors, and there is a line around the block of new students. This is probably the happiest ending to a series yet, but I think I'm okay with that.  Some people are upset because it wrapped up "too perfectly".  I think the series kept me guessing every episode!! Who cares if the ending is a good one, where good perserveres over evil? It's okay to happen every once in a while.  Even Ryan Murphy says so ;)

So, what did you think? Sorry if I seemed all over the place.  Lots of stuff happened in this short but spectacular season.  I may have grazed over something that may have been important, because there's just that much in the world of AHS. This may be why I get so angry that there are only 13 episodes.  But maybe if there were more it wouldn't be as good!?  If I've left you confused and need to clarify, just let me know. But definitely check out some of the links above, the AHS Wiki is pretty awesome!

Movie Review: Philomena

It is my goal to watch all of the Best Picture nominated films before the Oscars air on March 2nd. I have officially seen five out of nine.  American Hustle, Captain Phillips, 12 Years a Slave, Gravity and now I have seen:

Philomena

Released: November 27th, 2013
Watched: January 27th, 2014
My Rating: 7/10 stars

Starring:
Judi Dench and Steve Coogan

Director:
Stephen Frears

The only thing I knew before I saw this movie, was the general premise.  A woman looks for a son who was adopted many years ago.

Philomena Lee (Dench) is woman, whom 50 years earlier, gave birth to a son.  When her father had found out about the pregnancy, he dropped her off at an abbey with nuns (scary ass nuns if you ask me).  She and the other young mothers in residence there were only allowed to see their children for one hour a day.  This of course was the highlight of their day, which was otherwise filled with hard labor to cover the costs of the birth and living expenses.

One day a couple arrives to adopt her best friend's daughter (the daughter was also very close to her son, Anthony). When the couple met the girl (Mary) they noticed how close the two children were, and ended up adopting both children.

Philomena was not happy (very very opposite of happy) with this and became devastated after her son was taken away.

Cut to fifty years later, Phil finally confesses to her daughter that she had another child.

In walks a political reporter, Martin Sixsmith.  Martin had a career working with the BBC until a he said - she said ruined him professionally.

Phil's daughter convinces him to help tell her mother's story and help look for Anthony.

Philomena is what you would call a wonderfully sweet old woman.  She doesn't yell, and tries to look on the bright side of everything.  Martin, on the other hand, he's the honest one who asks the questions she wouldn't, and shows outrage, which she wouldn't. 

Without ruining the rest of the story, they embark on a journey to find Philomena's son.  They travel to Ireland, and the US.  Martin - using all of his connections to search everywhere an answer may be.  They each learn from one another along the way (as a good story should have).  If you want to know what happens - go see it!

My hopes were set pretty high for this movie due to the fact that everyone said how wonderful it was.  It was a great movie, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't the best movie I have seen this season.  Dench was adorably charming, and Martin was the one us Americans would relate to.

And, if you want to learn about the real story (warning - it tells what happens in the end) you can read about it here.

Steven Coogan (Martin) and the real Philomena Lee

Coogan and Dench, the real Martin Sixsmith and Philomena

Have you seen the movie? Are you interested in it?  Has anyone read the book? (It's on my kindle wishlist now) Apparently, the book and the movie differ greatly.

Side Note:
I went to see this with my Liz friend.  We were most definitely the youngest people there by at least 30 years. Now, I'm not sure where I got this idea, but when a movie theater is relatively empty, you should always leave a space between yourself and the next group of people.  At least, that's how I handle it.  Well, this extremely old lady decided she wanted to sit directly next to Liz (where her coat was).  Okay - we can deal (or she can, I wouldn't have handled it as gracefully as Liz).  But this lady had the WORST gas ever in such a public area.  It was gross, and Liz was glad that she wasn't the only one who noticed.

There was one other couple in our row - I assume they were married.  Well the old man was basically deaf.  Kept saying "What?" every few minutes.  At one point, he said "What?" after everyone laughed.  This was right after Judi Dench said something along the lines of "I never even knew I had a clitoris".  His wife proceeded to yell the word "clitoris" at him until she finally just said "Shut Up!".  Don't they make audio hearing devices for people who have a hard time hearing? It would have saved me from hearing the old lady yelling clitoris repeatedly.

Netflix Binge Movie Marathon Weekend

So this past weekend I was watching little miss Puddin'. It was cold, and snowy, and we (yes she helped) decided to snuggle up on the couch and watch a ridiculous amount of movies on NetFlix. Some of these movies have been on my "To-watch" list, and some I had never heard of...

Stuck in Love (2012)
Rating: 8/10 Stars

I had never heard of this movie, but was intrigued based on the actors and the synopsis.  Basically, this very cynical family of divorce attempts to either avoid love or grasp onto it. The movie was very easy to get into, and I thought it was extremely well done.


The Pianist (2002)
Rating: 9/10 Stars

Based on a true story - some of my favorite types of movies.  This movie is about the holocaust, but it has a different point of view.  Instead of following a story about concentration camps, this movie focuses in on the Warsaw Ghetto.  I've heard of the ghettos obviously, but actually seeing it (at least through the movie) was more gut-wrenching and horrific than I had imagined. Adrien Brody won the Oscar for Best Actor, and if you watch this movie, you'll know why.


Blackfish (2013)
Rating: 8/10 Stars

This is a documentary about the killer whales (Orcas) in captivity.  It follows one particular whale (Tilikum) from capture, to killing.  This movie really sheds light on these beautiful creatures that are held captive for monetary gain.  I never had a want to go to SeaWorld, but after this movie, you will never ever catch me there...


Butter (2011)
Rating: 8/10 Stars

This is a movie about a butter sculpting competition in Iowa.  A very intense rematch culminates at the infamous Iowa State Fair.  If you aren't sold yet then I'm not sure what would entertain you :)  In all reality, this movie was hysterical!  Acting was great, and over the top - as it should have been.


Fargo (1996)
Rating: 7/10 Stars (I think that's generous!)

I've tried to watch this movie a number of times.  For some reason I never got to the end.  This time, I was determined to finish it.  Once it was over, I was very underwhelmed.  This is a movie about extremely stupid and terrible people.  Frances McDormand, however, was awesome! She won the best actress Oscar for this performance, and I have to agree that she deserved it.  She's the only reason I got through the whole thing.


Salinger (2013)
Rating: 8/10 Stars

If you are a fan of J.D. Salinger (I am, I am!!), then you should watch this documentary.  The film has writers, friends, fans etc. all discussing the reclusive Salinger.  This man was absolutely insane, and I for one, find that fascinating!


The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
Rating: 8/10 Stars

This is another movie set during the holocaust.  It was an interesting point of view.  It followed the son of a Nazi high commander.  When the family moved due to the father's promotion, their new home was very close to a concentration camp which his father was in charge of.  The son (Bruno) didn't know what this place was or why everyone at the camp was wearing pajamas.  He befriends a Jewish child on the other side of the fence.  This movie really makes you think.  Innocence of childhood and being raised a certain way. It's kind of like seeing a fairy tale from the point of view of the villain.  I definitely recommend to anyone who likes period pieces.  Plus, the acting was superb.


Tiny Furniture (2010)
Rating: 6/10 Stars (again, generous)

I'm a fan of the show "Girls" on HBO.  So I had high hopes that Lena Dunham would make a movie that I also enjoyed.  This, however, was extremely difficult for me to finish.  Dunham's character did nothing but annoy me (granted, her Girls character annoys me too).  The only thing I found interesting about this movie is that her real life mom and sister played her movie mom and sister. Talk about love....


So yeah, movie marathon to say the least. If anyone has NetFlix, these are all available to watch.  Has anyone seen any of these? Do you have any thoughts? Any recommendations?

Book Review: Gone Girl

So I recently asked my Facebook friends what book I should read next.  The response was overwhelmingly in favor of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl.  The book was already on my radar so I jumped right into it.

Gone Girl

Written By:
Gillian Flynn

Published: May 24th, 2012
I Completed: January 25th, 2014
My Rating: 5/5 Stars

Holy Crap!! This was such a good book.  Flynn did a tremendous job of keeping you interested. 

The general synopsis of this book - it's Nick and Amy Dunne's 5-year anniversary, and Amy goes missing.  All the evidence points to Nick, and along with his sister Margot (Go), he tries to prove it was not him.

Every other chapter in this book is written in either the perspective of Nick in the current time or Amy (via diary entries) in the past...  The end of each chapter was a cliffhanger of some sort, but you couldn't get to the continuance of that particular story until you finished another chapter.  This made me want to not put the book down at all!!  It took me a couple of days to read the book, but if I had just continually read (I do have other things to do sometimes) I could have finished it in a day!

I didn't have any idea how it would end, nor did I want it to end a specific way.  It just kept me guessing, and nothing was obvious.  Well played, Flynn, well played.  If you haven't read it yet, DO IT!! (I promise you'll like it, and if you don't, I'm sorry)

I'm not quite sure how this will translate into film (October 2014), but David Fincher (Se7en, Fight Club) is directing so there is hope! Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike have been cast as Nick and Amy, of which I approve...

Here's some stills that have been release:

I don't have much faith that the movie will live up to the greatness of the book - but here's to hoping! No matter what happens in the movie, I will definitely be checking out more of Flynn's work.

Have you read Gone Girl? What did you think? Do you agree with the casting choices?

Book Review: The Survivors Club

I've officially read my first detective novel. It was advertised as on sale on the front of my Kindle and the reviews left me intrigued.

The Survivors Club

Written by:
J. Carson Black

Published: October 15th, 2013
I Completed: January 19th, 2014
My Rating: 4/5 stars

So this was my first attempt at reading a detective novel.  It follows Detective Tess McCrae and her search for the person who murdered (seriously brutal!!) a retired cop.

It took me a while to get into the book because there are so many characters.  At one point I was a bit dizzy from trying to keep up :)

Once I got into the flow of everything, it totally pulled me in.  So many things happen in this book, and it was all wrapped up very neatly by the end.  I'm a big fan of series, but I enjoyed this one-off novel.  You get a look through the eyes of almost every character in the book, but mainly it was through the eyes of Tess.  I wasn't quite sure where the book was going to go, and the end got me!  I thought it was entertaining and thrilling.

And not to give anything away - Tess has a sneaking suspicion that the murder is related to others.  These murders happen to people who have survived outrageous incidents and then die in a related way - hence the title of the book.

Currently I'm reading Gone Girl, so expect a post on that in a few days (it's pretty spectacular!!).

Has anyone read The Survivors Club?   If you do, I'd love to know your opinion.  And if you have Amazon Prime, you can borrow it for free!!

Movie Review: Gravity

I'm trying hard to watch as many of the Oscar nominated movies before the big night.  Ideally I would love to write a post about who I think will win and I would like my choice to be as educated as possible.  There are two Best Picture nominations that I have (or had) no interest in seeing.  Her and Gravity....

Gravity

Released: October 4th, 2013
Watched: January 16th, 2014
My Rating: 6/10 stars

Starring:
Sandra Bullock and George Clooney

Director
Alfonso Cuarón

Now the reason I had no interest in seeing this movie was because the premise scared me.  Like, actually scared me.  Not like Freddie Kruger's going to get me, but more like - holy shit, floating in space, terrible fear, no thank you.

Once you sit for a few minutes (knowing bad things are going to happen) it's not that bad.

I thought the movie was "MEH".  It was an absolutely stunning film.  The cinematography was beautiful.  But the premise just wasn't for me.  Bullock did a good job, but not better than I've seen her before.  And Clooney played Clooney.  Debonaire, ladies man - knows how cute he is.

The one "plot twist" there was in the movie - I immediately called so even that didn't entertain me.

This is not necessarily a movie that I would want to watch again - I.E. if it's on TV one day.  But if you're a fan of stunning cinematography I'd recommend this to you.

Anyone disagree with me? Did you like it? Were you too scared to watch it?

Movie Review: Lone Survivor

So I've heard nothing but great things about the newest war movie.  I love war movies! I love things based off of actual events and learning about the hardships people have been through so we can live here in the USA comfortably.  This movie has been compared to Saving Private Ryan in it's authenticity.  The difference in the two, in my opinion, is that Lone Survivor was based on an actual failed mission, and retold through the eyes of the lone survivor of the mission, Marcus Luttrell, whereas Ryan was loosely based on the Niland brothers. I feel that this makes LS a much more powerful story. (Though I do enjoy SPR very much!)  

Lone Survivor

Released: January 10th, 2014
Watched: January 19th, 2014
My Rating: 9/10 stars

Starring:
Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, Emile Hirsch, Taylor Kitsch and Eric Bana

Director:
Peter Berg

Okay - so this is based on a true story and book by Marcus Luttrell.  The book Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of Seal Team 10  which I have not yet read, but will most likely add to my Kindle wishlist.  SPOILER ALERT: don't read the title if you don't want to know how it turns out.

Operation Red Wings was a Navy SEAL mission in 2005.  The SEALs sent in a four-man team to observe a village and capture or kill a leading Taliban member thought to be allied with Osama bin Laden - Ahmad Shah.

From what I have read, the main difference between the book and the movie is that the movie left out Luttrell's pre-war life.  But it focused in on the training, camaraderie and loyalty of the SEALs.  I thought that the acting in the movie was superb.  I knew how it was going to end, but I didn't know how it was going to get there.

Top: SEALs from Operation Red Wings - Bottom: Still from Lone Survivor Movie

This is one of the best war movies I've ever seen.  The suspense, gut-wrenching at times, was amazing.  Some people may find it uncomfortable to watching something like this, but in my mind - we are watching a true story, men who fought and died for our country, what's a little anxiety and uncomfortableness learning about it, them.

The actors had some serious training for this movie, you can tell just by watching.  But Wahlberg made sure that people know that training for a movie, and actually being in war are not comparable.  I thought this was extremely noble of him to announce and admit.  You can see what Luttrell thought about it here. 

I recommend to anyone who likes war movies, historical movies, action movies, or suspenseful dramas.  I definitely laughed and cried during this movie, and at the end I just sat there in awe.

Has anyone else seen it? Anyone read the book?

Movie Review: August: Osage County

On Monday, I met my oldest friend for coffee.  We randomly decided to go see a movie.  It was difficult trying to choose since I've seen a bunch and think that "Her" looks beyond inane. Liz then mentioned "August: Osage County".  I immediately said yep!

August: Osage County

Movie Poster 1

Movie Poster 2: Much more appropriate

Released: January 10th,2014
Watched: January 13th, 2014
My Rating: 8/10 stars

Starring:
Everyone!! But I'll just list the big names...
Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Dermot Mulroney, Sam Shepard, Chris Cooper, Margo Martindale, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch and Juliette Lewis

Directed by:
John Wells

This movie was based on a Tony award winning play of the same name written by Traci Letts (of which I have never seen, nor read)

The movie is set in (wait for it....) August in Osage County, Oklahoma.  It's hot, and sticky.

The general synopsis of this movie is Violet (Streep) has mouth cancer and is addicted to pain medication.  Her husband Beverly (Shepard) is a bit of an alcoholic.  Bev goes missing, and their three daughters (Roberts, Lewis, and Julianne Nicholson) show up to the house, and familial drama ensues.

Without ruining key points in the plot that we didn't know beforehand, I'll just say that Liz and I kept being surprised.  I must have hit my head in embarrassment at least ten times.  I'm pretty sure at one point I even yelled "Oh, shit!".  This is one of those movies that should have an "awkward" rating. (you know, the kind of movie that makes you feel awkward for the people in it?)

The issues this family has, even though extremely over the top, are very believable. The acting was superb!  Meryl has three Oscars and 14 other nominations for a reason! Two minutes in I said to Liz, God she's good...

Julia Roberts (whose mouth I'm pretty sure has gotten wider and wider) did a great job balancing her role of daughter, mother and wife, all of which she struggled with.  

Everyone else did a great job.  This was a true character study that kept you guessing as well as kept surprising you at every turn.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes any of these actors, or just movies with great real-life story lines.  You didn't have to suspend your disbelief for anything in this movie.

Have any of you seen it? Do you want to? What do you think? Has anyone seen or read the play?

Movie Review: The Legend of Hercules

So I decided this past weekend that I wanted to go to the movies.  I had a gift card from Christmas, picked out a movie and went on my way - by myself!! (gasp!!).  I wanted to see Wolf of Wall Street, but didn't want to see a three hour movie by myself.  So I picked The Legend of Hercules.

I'm a big fan of Greek and Roman mythologies (though I have a hard time separating the two) so I thought even if it's a bad movie that I would enjoy it.

The Legend of Hercules

Released: January 10th, 2014
Watched: January 11th, 2014
My Rating: 5/10 stars

Starring:
Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss, Scott Adkins, and Roxanne McKee

Director:
Renny Harlin

Now, the version of Hercules that I know best happens to be the Disney version...

The Disney version include gods and godesses, titans and satyrs. The newest Hercules did not contain any of the mythical creatures besides gods.  

Now, due to horrendous traffic on 422, I missed the first few minutes of the movie.  But based on context clues I was able to fill in the blank. 

Basically, in ancient Greece, there was this dude who became a tyrannical ruler.  His wife wanted peace, and prayed to her gods to receive it.  Hera (Zeus' wife), goes to this queen and offers her to carry Zeus' baby.  (She had already had one by the crazy king). 

King Crazy-pants catches his wife doing it with someone (you can't see him, he's Zeus and doesn't need to be visible to get his freak on). He then vows that his son would always come before this child.  

Flash forward 20 years--->

Hercules, age 20 (drool)

Herc and his brother don't really get along, and they are both in love with the same girl, Hebe (pronounce He-Be, very odd name). She obviously loves Herc and they get married and live happily ever after.  JK!

After Hebe is announced to marry Herc's brother, King Coo-Coo sends Herc off to battle.  Word comes back that all of the men were killed, which leaves Hebe depressed and suicidal.  Of course, Hercules didn't die, but no one else knows this.  

The rest of the movie you follow Hercules and his journey to get back to Greece and fight for the woman he loves, as well as the people stuck under his "father's" tyrannical rule. 

This was in no way a great movie that will become a classic, but it did entertain me.  It had a fun story line.  And the best part, Kellan Lutz barely had a shirt on!!

Has anyone else seen it? Did you like it/hate it??

And if anyone likes to research stuff like I do, here's the Wiki link to learn more about Hercules...

Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars

So I'm a big fan of media.  During the end of last year there were lot of lists going around the interwebs...(movies, shows, books, music...). On most, if not all, of the best books of 2103 type lists was something called "The Fault in Our Stars"

 The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 

Date Published: January 10th, 2012
I Completed: January 8th, 2014
My Rating: 5/5 Stars

Now, John Green is an extremely intelligent and fascinating (at least to me) individual.  He has a Vlog with his brother located here.  He is also part of a group of people at MentalFloss (which is where I first learned of who he is).

The Mental Floss videos are very entertaining.  They contain random facts, some useful and some not, all about random topics. This video series led me to following him on Facebook.

While following him, he kept talking about TFiOS movie.  I was so confused - I know FiOS as a verizon magical cable thingy. (technical term). I did a little bit of research, and found that he was making a movie based on a book he wrote.

I wasn't quite sure what the book was about when I started it - usually I do like a bit of a synopsis.  I started it one night, and within 24 hours - including sleep and my Remicade infusion!  The characters in the book are humans. They feel, and think, and there's no magic.  This is a book about having cancer.

I knew that the ending was not a happy one (one of John's Facebook posts was - why did I write such a sad book?).  But I kept guessing how it would end.  Even preparing myself for what happens, my emotions had quite the toll taken on them.

Throughout Hazel and Gus's relationship I felt like I was with them. Completely immersed in their world, which was simple, as it is our world.  I laughed and cried.  I giggled and sobbed.  I felt butterflies and a heavy heart.

This book reminded me of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, which is one of my favorite books.

Suffice it to say, if you enjoy reading, read this.  It won't take you long and you'll be happy you did - even if you wake up the next day with a puffy face!




**Also - book lovers tend to be skeptical of the movie interpretations.  The movie comes out June 6th.  John Green was present for casting, shooting, pretty much the whole kit and caboodle.  So, my hopes are set pretty high and I hope not to be disappointed!

Hazel and Augustus - Movie Set - Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort

Follow Me: Day of Remicade Treatment

So as most (or all) of you know, for the past few years I've been in and out of hospitals, doctor offices, and had a few surgeries.  In May of 2009, I was diagnosed with malrotation - with a surgery to attempt to correct it. In October of 2010, after exploratory surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease.  (in between these surgeries I had my gall-bladder removed, and they took my appendix in Cleveland - amongst other things)

After the diagnosis of Crohn's, my doctor started me on something called Humira.  After about a year and a half of giving myself a shot every Friday (in the belly), my doctor decided to switch me to a drug called Remicade.

Remicade is a more invasive treatment, that can be tweaked to a persons needs (frequency, amount).  The reason this is more invasive than giving yourself a shot, is because you have to go to the hospital (cancer center) for a 3-ish hour long infusion.

I've been on Remicade for 17 months now.  I receive 5mg/kg (kg of body weight), and I receive it every six weeks.  I had my most recent infusion on Wednesday (January 8th) and decided to chronicle it for whomever is interested. *warning - there is one picture of an IV in my arm*

This was an unusual visit - and I will explain as I go along. To preface - every time I need an infusion I have to have someone drive me.  I'm not allowed to drive on infusion day because they give me IV Benadryl.

My wonderful Lala (my usual ride) and I left the house around 9am. We swung by WaWa to get some drinks and snacks before we hopped on the turnpike.  We have to take the North East extension to 476 to 76 to Roosevelt Blvd.

 

Once we reach the boulevard - we have to take some side streets to get to the actual hospital. 

Now - a difference to this visit as opposed to others was the parking garage we usually use was not accessible.  So after driving around, trying to find where to put the car, we actually found a new parking garage that may work better for all future trips to the hospital. (WIN!) We parked the car at about 10am.

We enter the hospital and get the necessary badges.  Then we headed up to the Cancer Center and I signed in at 10:15.  I was finally checked-in at 10:25.

Once I was checked in, we headed back to the area where infusions are done.  Usually, I get a room immediately. However, this time we did not get into the room until 11:30.

Usually at this point - they take my vitals.  This did not happen until the end of my treatment this time. I was given two tablets of Tylenol.  Then an IV was placed (11:45) and they started me on IV Benadryl (50mg).  This then takes over and knocks me out.

I started receiving the infusion of Remicade around 12:15.  This actually began while I was sleeping.  I slept until around 1:45 and was finished my infusion at 2:30

Once I was finished they took my vitals:
BP: 137/89 (high because I was in a bit of pain and extremely nauseated)
O2(oxygen): 99%
Temp: 97.7

After this was completed, I was unhooked and the IV was removed.  Then we headed back to the car and we were home by 3:45.

The rest of the evening I felt out of it, and a bit achy.  The next day was the same; tired, achy and pretty sick.   After a few days of this I should start feeling like my normal sick self - but hey - I go to the ER far less now that I'm on Remicade so there's something ;)

I do want to thank the best Lala a girl could have for taking so much time to help me to and from these infusions.  The only other people to take me to an infusion were my brother (once), a friend (once), and my ex (twice - once after we broke-up).  It's not so great having to rely on other people so frequently, but I'm glad I've had all of you - but especially my Lala!!

If anyone has any questions, just let me know - I may not have explained something well enough since I'm around it all of the time.   The next post will be far less clinical, I promise!