Downton Abbey Seasons 1-3

Downton Abbey Seasons 1-3 (Julian Fellowes, 2011-2013)

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Season 1 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Season 2 Rating: DSQ=12, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Season 3 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=4 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=3, Scale D=2, Scale E=2
 

Early 20th Century, Drama, Upstairs/Downstairs, Aristocracy, Class
 

This is a truly fantastic series that seduces viewers subtly, just like the characters do each other. I found the first season amazing in the quality of cinematography, costume, set decoration, story, and characters. The acting didn't thoroughly amaze me (except for the amazing Maggie Smith) but I was drawn in by every nuance of the world. I liked to watch the interactions, the gossip, the upholding and then bending and sometimes breaking of rules. I especially found the Crawley sister relationships interesting (I had a fondness for Sybil).

The second season got even more interesting, twists and turns of the plot got more risky and the characters bloomed. Anna and Bates' relationship was definitely the highlight, Sybil running off with the chauffeur was exciting. Ultimately, the changes brought about by World War I added a new dynamic to the world of Downton and its inhabitants.

I just recently finished watching the third season and, interestingly, I was slightly disappointed. While many of the stories were surprising, most were predictable or too melodramatic. The characters didn't really grow --with the exceptions of Tom Branson and maybe Edith-- and way too much death happened (I was willing to believe in a little, but not a lot). I was hoping for the writers to do more with the dramatic changes in Britain at that time, though the introduction of Rose does start this. I was also hoping to see a little "behind the scenes" stability in the family but instead those years are skipped over. Oh well. Still a marvelous show and I am excited for the fourth season.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Her

Her (Spike Jonze, 2013)

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Rating: Q=8, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Future, Technology, Social Commentary, Philosophical, Romance

 

Spike Jonze has created a subtle and visually-intriguing film about love and life--Her is equally about the intimate relationship humans have with technology, the relationships we have (or don't have) with each other, and--importantly--the relationship we have with the self. Joaquin Phoenix is marvelous in the many scenes he acts alone but, of course, completely with a voice. I left feeling very philosophical, indeed, about the future of our civilizations. As exciting as it seems to have such advanced technology right at our fingertips and in our heads, what will it do to our sense of self? And if the technology learns from us, evolves thanks to us...anyway, a very thought-provoking film. The film is arguably one of the most interesting romantic films ever made.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Oscar Dash 2014--The Nominees

Oscar Dash 2014! It is here!

I've only just started watching these (seen two) and I'm totally excited to watch the rest, hopefully most of them before the big celebration on March 2. Here are the nominees for best picture:

American Hustle


Captain Phillips


Dallas Buyers Club


Gravity


Her


Nebraska


Philomena


12 Years A Slave


The Wolf of Wall Street


For all the categories, click here.

Happy Watching!

The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street (Martin Scorsese, 2013)

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Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

Dark Comedy, Power, Business, White Collar Crime
 

What can I say, Martin Scorsese. You are a brilliant man. Thank you for this film.

Some people told me to watch out because this film is too obscene OR it depicts awfulness on top of awfulness OR it is just too much. Wait a minute, I thought. Isn't that exactly what it should be? On the surface, this story is about getting too much money, having too much money, and then getting caught. A typical crime story, right? But it isn't. Usually we see the victims of the crimes and attach ourselves to a "good guy" who will make everything right. Not in Wolf of Wall Street. Was there a character in this film that I would have actually liked in real life? I don't think so. Sure, there is definite charm to Jordan because he believes he is good and he is suave, savvy, and motivating. But this is performance. Everything is performance, from his suits and speeches to designer yacht parties and drug-induced shenanigans. Because image is the most important thing, to Jordan, and image is the way he gains power. Even if he is still a shell protecting very little. And that is fascinating. Scorsese focuses on him and his world exclusively with brilliant psychological and philosophical results. I would add the phrase, "if you look deeper than the surface," but that doesn't quite work this time... you know what I mean...

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I'm So Excited

I'm So Excited (Pedro Almodovar, 2013)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Comedy, Light-hearted, Witty, Character Film
 

I love that Almodovar decided to make a purely funny, ridiculous film without serious themes or complicated relationships. His last film, The Skin I Live In, was almost traumatic for me to watch (I still loved it, though). This one is far less challenging for viewers. Flirty, silly, melodramatic in all the corny and good ways. If you want something light that makes you smile, but still serves up all the Almodovar craziness, this is it.
 

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Treme Season III

Treme, Season 3 (Created by Eric Overmyer & David Simon, 2013)

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Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina aftermath, Music, Race Issues, Socio-Cultural, Mardi-Gras

The third season was filled with surprises--from guest appearances (Fats Domino AND the Neville Brothers!!) to strange twists in the storylines. My favorite character and story used to be Davis but by the end of this season I was completely drawn into the chef world of Jeanette. Again, great music and captivating stories/visuals. Waiting patiently for the last, shortened fourth season.

 

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Happy 2014!

Happy 2014! I'm getting excited to watch more recent releases this month --The Wolf of Wall Street and 12 Years a Slave are at the top of my list-- and can't wait until the annual Oscar Dash gets under way. Nominations will be announced on January 16!

I've been watching lots of TV mysteries and other shows this winter. Hopefully look for posts on Treme Season III and Downtown Abbey Season III soon.