FROM A FLIP TO A FLOP: AMERICAN HORROR STORY

American Horror Story is a series that thrives on reinventing itself– usually using the actors who appeal most to viewers in different roles each season to set a different scene in creator Ryan Murphy’s re-imagined alternate universe. The scenarios that fill the scenes are terrifying to say the least, even unbearable to watch at times but we cannot stop!

Coming off an amazing high of a third season with ‘Coven’ and picking up some pretty outstanding actresses (Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Emma Roberts, etc.), you would expect that the latest installment, ‘Freakshow’, would be unstoppable…but maybe not.

This season of American Horror Story is downright terrible, to say the least. Avid viewers, like myself, expected much more out of this season and have been terribly disappointed at the storylines and the way they have predictably unfolded. Sure, some scenarios undoubtedly come out of left field, but they do not make up for the awful roles the amazing cast has been placed in (or displaced in). I attribute most of the blame to Jessica Lange’s character, Elsa Mars, and the painful musical numbers littered throughout the episodes.

Elsa Mars is not entertaining, not even a little. Lange has had a good streak with the show and usually portrays a very dark but relatable villain who is adored by the audience. Last year, I was ranting and raving about my love for the actress, who portrayed Fiona Goode at the time, and now…I’m just not so sure anymore. Mars is as about relatable to the audience as the circus tent under which she stands. ‘Freakshow’ may very well be Lange’s last run on the show, and– good. Someone needs to stretch out the cane and get that lady off the stage.

The musical numbers are dreadful, too. I believed, at first, that they would breathe life into the show and be something to look forward to. Kinda like Murphy’s other show, ‘Glee’. But, no. Cover songs usually are not as great as the originals, but the covers on ‘Freakshow’ are so painful to sit through I actually have to resort to watching pre-recorded showings on my DVR because it’s unbearable to sit through. Take a look for yourself…but beware: your ears might bleed.

You can check out ‘American Horror Story: Freakshow’ every Wednesday @ 10 pm EST on FX

Review: ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’

This film could have been a lot better if the title character, Llewyn Davis (played by Oscar Isaac) was actually likable. Every time the audience began rooting for this down-and-out folk singer, he gave them a hearty reminder as to why nobody else in the film was. There are several times throughout the film where Llewyn breaks out into very long, dragged-out folk song performances that were painful to sit through. If you already dislike a character– chances are you do NOT want to sit through three minutes of them singing a very melancholy song.

The rest of the cast was great, however. Unlike Llewyn, when the other characters broke out into song, it was meant to be funny and most of them were actually hilarious. Justin Timberlake and Carey Mulligan play Llweyn’s two “close” friends and married couple, Jim and Jean Berkey, and they certainly light up the screen. The duo (actually a trio alongside actor Stark Sands) sing the most hilarious religious song early into the film that had the entire theater laughing. However, since Llewyn’s solo performances are all meant to be taken seriously, it was sometimes puzzling to the audience who were confused as to whether the film was becoming unintentionally funny. Not necessarily a comedy or drama– this film is just not worth watching. No character stays on-screen long enough to grow attachment or feelings other than pity because they have encountered such a horrible, leeching individual such as Llewyn in their lives. I believe that Llewyn’s solo performances being cut out of the film would have made for a much more watchable film, perhaps even creating a more likable character in the process. I predict this film will not be garnering any nominations in the upcoming awards season; except perhaps some Golden Raspberries if they are lucky.

My advice to someone viewing this film would be: don’t get inside Llewyn Davis.

You can catch ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ in theaters on December 20, 2013

LOOKING GREAT: I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER

Back in 1997, I was absolutely fascinated by the cast of ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ and the insanely good looks the cast had. But I realized something recently about the cast that left me stunned– these actors are barely showing any signs of aging! While pessimists will argue that they probably have good plastic surgeons because they are rich and famous, I just do not see any signs of work done on their faces. They have aged, sure, but so gracefully that it has left me a bit hopeful that I look just as good as they do at their age!

THEN: 1997

NOW: 2013

Jennifer Love Hewitt
Date of Birth: February 21, 1979 (Age 34)

Hewitt has probably stayed in the public eye the most, especially with her latest Lifetime Original Series, ‘The Client List’ which spawned from a made-for-tv film of the same name. Hewitt has also became notorious in the tabloids for romantic failures with celebs such as Carson Daly, Jamie Kennedy and Wilder Valderrama (to name a few!). But just as her career gained steam with ‘The Client List’– so did her love life on and off-set. She hooked up with co-star Brian Hallisay in March 2012 and the couple gave birth to daughter, Autumn James Hallisay, November 26, 2013.

Sarah Michelle Gellar
Date of Birth: April 14, 1977 (Age 36)

Gellar has kept her career alive by starring in some films– but it is no doubt that she is much more successful on TV. Her long stint on ‘Buffy: The Vampire Slayer’ gave Gellar an unprecedented cult following that will live on for a long time. Gellar luckily found her future husband onset of ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ as she married Freddie Prinze, Jr. on September 1, 2002. Strangely, the couple shared no lines in the film and did not directly interact with each other onscreen. The couple now shares two children, Charlotte Grace Prinze and Rocky James Prinze, and sometimes boast about their long-lasting marriage.

Freddie Prinze, Jr.
Date of Birth: March 8, 1976 (Age 37)

Prinze has remained out of the spotlight for the most part, taking very little parts in film and television since the iconic film. Prinze most notably appeared in the ‘Scooby Doo’ franchise in 2002 and 2004 alongside wife, Gellar. The films were highly successful and were the first time they interacted in a film for the audience! More recently, Prinze has scored a role on one of Lifetime’s newest Original Series, ‘Witches of East End’– which has just been renewed for a second season.

Ryan Phillippe
Date of Birth: September 10, 1974 (Age 39)

Phillippe steamed up the screen soon after ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ alongside Gellar in 1999’s ‘Cruel Intentions’. Phillippe’s career has not really been a success since the 90’s– but he has always remained employed and obviously maintained his looks! Phillippe married ‘Cruel Intentions’ co-star, Reese Witherspoon, and the couple now shares two children, Ava Elizabeth Phillippe and Deacon Reese Phillippe. The couple later divorced. In 2010, it was reported that Phillippe had been dating model, Alexis Knapp, but that they split in September before discovering that she had become pregnant. She gave birth to a daughter, Kailani Merizalde Phillippe Knapp, in 2011.

REALITY TV GUILTY PLEASURE: CARLTON GEBBIA

Gebbia is a big breath of fresh air for the ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ and I must admit that at first– I did not like her! She seemed a bit uptight and did not warm up to the girls who have surprisingly kept up the same shenanigans for several seasons. Something about Gebbia really shocked me in the past two episodes where she actually admitted to the audience that she is a practicing witch! I was shocked at her admission but I am not gonna lie… it was juicy, and just what the show needs this season. Gebbia’s budding friendship with fellow co-star, Brandi Glanville, also helps her become a likable fixture for the audience to enjoy. They play off each other’s personalities well and she seems to be off-put but the other girls, who try their hardest to remain relevant by prying into details of each other’s lives. Gebbia admits to practicing dark magic in the past but changing her ways because of her children. Gebbia reminds the audience and her ‘Beverly Hills’ co-stars that she is all for the empowerment of women and surely enjoys the company of beautiful women (as is evident in her staff of lovely and attractive female 20-somethings).

Be sure to catch Gebbia, along with the other ladies of ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’, every Monday at 8/7c

Actress Spotlight: Jessica Lange

Date of Birth: April 20, 1949
Awards Won/Nominations: 37/84

No other villan can smoke a cigarette on-screen in the graceful manner Lange has mastered– not even the dalmation-hunting cartoon demoness, Cruella de Vil. However, Lange has been largely overlooked for the past decades; despite having a number of impressive acting roles under her belt. Not until her very versatile appearances in Ryan Murphy’s latest creation, ‘American Horror Story’ did Lange become almost a household name for a younger generation. Lange began her acting career strong, starring as heroine Dwan in the 1976 version of ‘King Kong’ and receiving a Golden Globe in the Best New Star-Actress category. I personally became aware of the actress upon viewing ‘Hush’, a 1998 film in which Lange stars as the overbearing, murderous mother-in-law of Gwyneth Paltrow (for which Lange was nominated for a Golden Raspberry in the Worst Actress category). Lange has always possessed an evil air that is worthy of great recognition and much greater roles– both of which she has barely received, which is such a shame. We could use more cigarette-wielding villains on our screens.

You can check out Jessica Lange (alongside Angela Bassett and Kathy Bates) on ‘American Horror Story: Coven’ every Wednesday @ 10 pm EST on FX

Top 5 – TV Talk Shows

1. Watch What Happens! Live (Bravo)
Hosted by: Andy Cohen
Airs: Sunday-Thursday 11:00 pm EST

2. The View (ABC)
Hosted by: Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Sherri Shepherd and Jenny McCarthy
Airs: Monday-Friday 11:00am EST

3. Live! With Kelly and Michael (ABC)
Hosted by: Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan
Airs: Monday-Friday 9:00am EST

4. The Wendy Williams Show (FOX)
Hosted by: Wendy Williams
Airs: Monday-Friday 10:00am EST

5. The Ellen DeGeneres Show (NBC)
Hosted by: Ellen DeGeneres
Airs: Monday-Friday 4:00pm EST

Most Gripping TV Moment of the Week

Michelle Knight’s interview on ‘Dr. Phil’
November 5, 2013 (CBS)

I was very surprised to find out that Knight (1/3 of Ariel Castro’s kidnapped victims) chose ‘Dr. Phil’ to confide in and finally break her silence. The entire interview went well; at times I found myself in tears because despite the initial claims that she was “abnormal” she alleged that she was actually just deprived of education by her overbearing mother who collected her SSI checks and allowed her to endure unspeakable horrors. When I first heard Knight speak, I had my doubts– but she is actually a very intellectual woman.

She also gave detailed accounts of the way in which Castro kidnapped her and her interactions with the other kidnapped females (Gina DeJesus and Amanda Berry). This was one of the most heartbreaking interviews I have ever seen and I hope someday the other victims come forward to speak on what exactly happened. The entire ordeal is insane– because all the victims went to school together and were held captive in their own neighborhoods. I praise Knight for her strength to come forward and I believe she will go on to become a successful individual. Dr. Phil is incredibly fortunate to be able to have conducted that interview and Knight also acknowledged that she had read his book prior to the interview.
Click Here to view the entire interview

SURPRISINGLY SCARY: V/H/S & V/H/S 2

Netflix is one of my guiltiest pleasures but sometimes I have difficulty choosing the right horror film because most of them are cheesier than cheddar. I recently stumbled upon ‘V/H/S’ and it’s sequel ‘V/H/S 2’. I did not expect these films to be as scary as they were! I honestly could not remember the last time I actually jumped from fright while watching a film but these have kept me on my toes for the past few days. Sleeping in complete darkness is already hard enough for me to do; now it is virtually impossible after seeing the horrific anthology of short films compiled in fictional lost footage. ‘V/H/S 2’ does have some similarities to the original film but it does not matter what sequence you view them in– they only get scarier.

You can view V/H/S and V/H/S 2 on Netflix or purchase it on DVD, Blu-ray, digital download and (of course) the titular format, VHS.

Top 5 Upcoming November 2013 Films

1. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Release Date: November 22, 2013
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth

I am usually very hesitant to watch any film in which children die. Being aware that it is a central plot line in the first installment of the series– I normally would have never watched! However, I gave it a chance by reading the novel first (a very simple read) and then tip-toeing to the theater. I squirmed while I had to watch the first couple of children die horrific and barbaric deaths; but then I was able to look past it and focus on the central themes. Lawrence (my current Hollywood girl-crush and fellow Leo) also kept me mesmerized in her role as protagonist and Hunger Games survivor, Katniss Everdeen. ‘Catching Fire’ is also receiving rave reviews and while it may be difficult for sequels to live up to the original, I have complete faith in this trilogy and I am already looking forward to the final installment!

2. Dallas Buyers Club

Release Date: November 1, 2013
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner and Jared Leto

Any film starring McConaughey or Leto is guaranteed to have me glued to my seat in the audience of the theater. I am most excited about ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ because it explores the former taboo of the AIDS epidemic reaching the heterosexual community in the early 1990’s and the fight to find alternative medications. Having a heterosexual uncle who passed away in the early 90’s– the subject of HIV/AIDS in the early stages of awareness really sparks my interest. I believe this film is already a front-runner for awards in the near future as it has already garnered awards for heartthrobs McConaughey and Leto at the Hollywood Film Awards.

3. Oldboy

Release Date: November 29, 2013
Starring: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen and Samuel L. Jackson

I am a huge fan of horror films– but even the original ‘Oldboy’ film made me feel absolutely sick to my stomach. It encompassed something different– a vibe we just do not see in American horror films. But, considering the impressive cast and crew that signed on to take part of this remake, I believe this one will be quite memorable. I will leave out any spoilers, especially since it is unclear how closely this film will resemble the original. I believe it is safe to assume that director Spike Lee will not disappoint and perhaps Elizabeth Olsen will finally have her breakthrough moment, as I feel she has been trying to make a name for herself as Hollywood’s resident scream queen.

4. The Motel Life

Release Date: November 8, 2013
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Stephen Dorff and Dakota Fanning

I have not been excited about any films starring Fanning in quite a while. It has been particularly strange for myself to watch this sweet, innocent girl blossom into an adult as she literally grew up before the audience’s eyes– but I have hope that she will carry her infamous reputation even beyond her golden years. While I try to stray as far from drama films as possible, this particular one has caught my attention because it also seems to be action-packed. Dakota Fanning in any action role? Take my money, please!

5. Mr. Nobody

Release Date: November 1, 2013
Starring: Jared Leto, Sarah Polley and Diane Kruger

Leto is a major factor in my reasoning to see this film, but this film has been buzzing around since 2009! With difficulties surrounding the release, it has finally made it’s way into theaters and is sure to gain a cult following at best. I’ll gladly take it, however, because the cast and crew just seems worth it. The trailer is quite intriguing, although a bit ambiguous, which just feeds into the idea that this is surely to be a flop budget-wise. I am sure Leto isn’t complaining though, considering this will be his second November 2013 release and will help place him as a front-runner for nominations (at least in a supporting role for ‘Dallas Buyers Club’) once award season rolls around.