Reign - Season 4 (2017)

Title: Reign - Season 4
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 42 minutes
Release Date: February 10, 2017
Genre(s): Drama, Romance, Historical
Production Co.:  CBS Television Studios
Starring: Adelaide Kane, Megan Follows, Torrance Coombs


Who would I recommend this to?
People who like their historical dramas to be historically inaccurate but very dramatic. Gossip Girl fans.

What is this about?
Mary Queen of Scots versus Queen Elizabeth of England, and random other plots.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now, if you haven't seen it before. Lockdown would have been a good time too.

Where does it take place?
France and England and finally Scotland.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I watched it when it originally aired because the dresses. And it looked like historical Gossip Girl.

How did I like this?
It started out much better than Season 3, but it did feel like they ran out of new conflicts since they keep bringing in new characters to fill in the holes. Characters that I have no reason to care about because it's already the end. Like, am I suppose to want Darnley to be with Mary? Or do I want him to have his true love? Do I care? No, because who is he?! By the end I was just irritated with the back and forth. Off with his head! Problem solved.

Narcisse continues to be the most interesting character, and I'm surprised he lasted this long. That man can get out of anything. And with Catherine at his side, he's unstoppable. I was still hoping for them to kill off everyone and rule all three countries themselves. Maybe thrown in Spain for fun as well.

The final two episodes did ramp up the drama and the tension again, but....meh.

Have you seen Reign? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Reign - Season 3 (2015-16)

Title: Reign - Season 3
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 42 minutes
Release Date: October 9, 2015
Genre(s): Drama, Romance, Historical
Production Co.:  CBS Television Studios
Starring: Adelaide Kane, Megan Follows, Torrance Coombs


Who would I recommend this to?
People who like their historical dramas to be historically inaccurate but very dramatic. Gossip Girl fans.

What is this about?
Mary Queen of Scots versus Queen Elizabeth of England, and random other plots.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now, if you haven't seen it before. Lockdown would have been a good time too.

Where does it take place?
France and England.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I watched it when it originally aired because the dresses. And it looked like historical Gossip Girl.

How did I like this?
I had originally stopped watching at some point during this season. It wasn't the show necessarily; I just lost interest in watching TV, period. But...this season had the weakest start. Just put Catherine and Narcisse on the throne! That is a power couple right there! And the only characters I actually care about. Villains, of course.

The highlight of this season was the sex horse gone wrong. Those episodes were so ridiculous and reminded me why I loved the show so much at the beginning. Unfortunately, it all goes downhill from there. I literally do not care about Bash. I literally do not care about Elizabeth. I barely care about Mary. Just give me more Catherine, Narcisse, Claude, and bring back Kenna!

Have you seen Reign? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Reign - Season 2 (2014-15)

Title: Reign - Season 2
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 42 minutes
Release Date: October 2, 2014
Genre(s): Drama, Romance, Historical
Production Co.:  CBS Television Studios
Starring: Adelaide Kane, Megan Follows, Torrance Coombs


Who would I recommend this to?
People who like their historical dramas to be historically inaccurate but very dramatic. Gossip Girl fans.

What is this about?
Mary Queen of Scots' new marriage to King Francis and other political intrigue.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now, if you haven't seen it before. Lockdown would have been a good time too.

Where does it take place?
France.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I watched it when it originally aired because the dresses. And it looked like historical Gossip Girl.

How did I like this?
I remembered exactly nothing from this season at all. It's a lot of politics, procreation, and the return of the paranormal. I do wish the paranormal had been stronger. It's a fun twist for this already dramatized account of events.

I do miss King Henry though. Bash has made Kenna boringly domestic and I was so sick of him.

The focus has moved away from Mary and Francis a bit, but not all of the characters are that compelling. I do love Narcise and Claude though.

Have you seen Reign? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Reign - Season 1 (2013-14)

Title: Reign - Season 1
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 42 minutes
Release Date: October 17, 2013
Genre(s): Drama, Romance, Historical
Production Co.:  CBS Television Studios
Starring: Adelaide Kane, Megan Follows, Torrance Coombs


Who would I recommend this to?
People who like their historical dramas to be historically inaccurate but very dramatic. Gossip Girl fans.

What is this about?
Mary Queen of Scots' up and down engagement and recent marriage with Prince Francis.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now, if you haven't seen it before. Lockdown would have been a good time too.

Where does it take place?
France.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I watched it when it originally aired because the dresses. And it looked like historical Gossip Girl.

How did I like this?
I was so addicted to this when it was first on. It was so dramatic and over-the-top and OMG the costuming! The outfits are soooo inaccurate, but I loved how they dressed up stuff from the mall.

Watching it now, I had forgotten nearly everything so I was immediately hooked back in! I'm still 100% here for Kenna and King Henry. At least until...ya know.

Have you seen Reign? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Reluctant Dragon (1941)

Title: The Reluctant Dragon
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
Release Date: June 20, 1941
Genre(s): Animation, Biography
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Alfred L. Werker, Hamilton Luske
Starring: Robert Benchley, Frances Gifford, Buddy Pepper


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone deeply interested in Disney history and behind the scenes.

What is this about?
A writers want to pitch his story to Walt Disney and winds up getting a tour of the animation studio.

When would be a good time to watch this?
If you must...

Where does it take place?
Walt Disney Animation Studio.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I needed an R for the A to Z Challenge and it's Disney.

How did I like this?
This is one of those "movies" that doesn't translate well into today's audience. I enjoyed seeing Goofy as he's meant to be (not this scary swamp monster of new) and it was a creative way to show how the cartoons come to life

Thankfully there is a dragon.

Have you seen The Reluctant Dragon? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Pocahontas 2: Journey to a New World (1998)

Title: Pocahontas 2: Journey to a New World
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Release Date: August 25, 1998
Genre(s): Animation, Biography, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Tom Ellery, Bradley Raymond
Starring: Irene Bedard, Donal Gibson, Jim Cummings


Who would I recommend this to?
No one, really. Unless you're doing research for something...

What is this about?
Pocahontas travels to England to negotiate peace for her people.

When would be a good time to watch this?
During research for poor representation in film.

Where does it take place?
England.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I've been putting it off for 20+ years.

How did I like this?
I think I liked this as much as I did because I had such low expectations. Don't get me wrong, it's not a good movie, but I found that I enjoyed it. Mostly because I liked how Pocahontas wasn't going to let the white man make a fool of her and kill her people.

The songs are bad with the exception of the first one and the one during the credits. This could have done without the musical element. We all know it was never going to compare with the original.

I can't speak to the historical accuracy or how Disney was trying to make up for the first movie, but we all know the answer to that.

Have you seen Pocahontas 2? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)

Title: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 36 minutes
Release Date: December 18, 2020
Genre(s): Biography, Drama, Musical
Production Co.: Netflix
Director: George C. Wolfe
Starring: Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone interested in the blues or Black history.

What is this about?
The mother of blues!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have an hour and a half for entertainment.

Where does it take place?
1927 Chicago.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked interesting after listening to some podcasts about Ma Rainey.

How did I like this?
This was more focused on Levee than I expected. I didn't know much about him, so at least I learned something new. I did want to watch this for Ma and really enjoyed her scenes. She was a feisty lady! But I did not see Levee's meltdown coming at all...holy crap.

I loved how this whole movie was one wild day. I'm a sucker for one day movies and books.

Have you seen Ma Rainey's Black Bottom? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Anastasia (1997)

Title: Anastasia
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 36 minutes
Release Date: November 21, 1997
Genre(s): Animation, Musical, Biography
Production Co.: 20th Century Fox
Director: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman
Starring: Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Christopher Lloyd

Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who has somehow not seen it.

What is this about?
The lost princess Anastasia is found as an orphan named Anya by a con-man.

When would be a good time to watch this?
November seems like a good time. There's snow in the movie...

Where does it take place?
Imperial Russia.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I don't remember the first time, but I likely thought it was another awesome Disney Princess movie. Now, I just love it.

How did I like this?
I effing love this movie. The soundtrack is epic. Bartok is adorably hilarious. Rasputin is a great villain. Did I mention the soundtrack?

Have you seen Anastasia? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Greatest Showman (2017)

Title: The Greatest Showman
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Release Date: December 20, 2017
Genre(s): Biography, Musical, Drama
Production Co.: Twentieth Century Fox
Director: Michael Gracey
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron


Who would I recommend this to?
The world.

What is this about?
PT Barnum. Yes, that PT Barnum.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Immediately. Then head to YouTube to repeat your favorite songs.

Where does it take place?
New York.

Why did I decide to watch this?
My mom has been obsessed with this movie since it came out and I like musicals. And Zac Efron.

How did I like this?
I am concerned about the fact that I never knew this movie existed until my mom started raving about it. Like, seriously? Why isn't everyone talking about this?! This is a FAR superior musical to Hamilton. There's actually an interesting story and likeable characters!

A+++ songs! Zac Efron is hella hot. I want that lime green dress Zandaya wears. I also want that pink floral dress Michelle Williams wore.

Wow.

Have you seen The Greatest Showman? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The One and Only Ivan (2020)

Title: The One and Only Ivan
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Release Date: August 21, 2020
Genre(s): Fantasy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Thea Sharrock
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Phillipa Soo


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes talking animal movies.

What is this about?
A very talented gorilla wants to escape from his circus after the show goes downhill and he promises that baby Ruby won't spend her life in a cage. Based on a true story.

When would be a good time to watch this?
You're not doing anything right now.

Where does it take place?
Washington.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I recognized the title from the book (I haven't read it), it's on Disney+, and I love animals.

How did I like this?
"Not-Tag" is the saddest thing Disney has ever done to me. Humans are the worst. Other than that, this is a super cute movie.

Have you seen The One and Only Ivan? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Hamilton (2020)

Title: Hamilton
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Release Date: July 3, 2020
Genre(s): Biography, Drama
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Thomas Kail
Starring: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Phillipa Soo, Leslie Odom Jr.


Who would I recommend this to?
Musical enthusiasts.

What is this about?
Alexander Hamilton.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you have nearly 3 hours to dedicate to something, but don't want to watch another Marvel trash.

Where does it take place?
New York.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because everyone's been talking about and I wanted to know what the big deal was.

How did I like this?
It reminded me of Romeo + Juliet, and coming from me, that is a compliment, because I love that movie and how it merged the modern with the historical. However, it doesn't have the same rewatchability. The soundtrack is A+, but I couldn't tell you anything about the storyline which just seemed to be the events leading up to Alexander Hamilton's death?

Have you seen Hamilton? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Viking Warrior Women (2019)

Title: Viking Warrior Women
Rating: PG
Run Time: 44 minutes
Release Date: 2019
Genre(s): Documentary, Biography
Production Co.: National Geographic
Director: -
Starring: Ella Al-Shamahi, Leszek Gardela, Charlotte Hedenstierna Jonson


Who would I recommend this to?
History buffs.

What is this about?
Archaeologists find a female skeleton in a viking warrior grave.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have an hour to learn something.

Where does it take place?
Northern Europe.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I needed a V for Blogging From A to Z and this seemed interesting.

How did I like this?
I'm super glad and impressed that they didn't just immediately assume that this skeleton meant women fought alongside the men. They actually said maybe this skeleton belonged to someone who identified as a man, especially since the grave contents suggested this was a commander. Either possibility is interesting.

Have you seen Viking Warrior Women? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Queen of Katwe (2016)

Title: Queen of Katwe
Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 hours 4 minutes
Release Date: September 30, 2016
Genre(s): Biography
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Mira Nair
Starring: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of true stories, sports films, movies about overcoming adversity.

What is this about?
Phiona, a girl from the slums, becomes a chess champion!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have 2 hours to spare.

Where does it take place?
Uganda.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I needed a Q for A to Z Blogging Challenge.

How did I like this?
I liked it better than I thought I would. I don't know anything about chess, but I do sometimes I enjoy underdog stories. I definitely found myself cheering for Phiona and the other kids from Katwe, even if I wasn't always interested in the story.

Have you seen Queen of Katwe? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Hidden Figures (2017)

Title: Hidden Figures
Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 hours 7 minutes
Release Date: January 6, 2017
Genre(s): Biography
Production Co.: Fox 2000 Pictures
Director: Theodore Melfi
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae


Who would I recommend this to?
History buffs. STEM girls.

What is this about?
The super amazing black women who did the math for NASA's first manned shuttle launch into orbit!

When would be a good time to watch this?
I really don't know. I think this is one of those movies you need to be in the mood for.

Where does it take place?
1960s Virginia. Mostly in the NASA offices.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I found the book really interesting, but kind of slow to get through. So I figured the movie would be a more engaging format for the story of these amazing women.

How did I like this?
"Here at NASA, we all pee the same color."

I liked it a lot. It took the book, and condensed it down to the highlights and most interesting parts. Of course, it added some bits to make it entertaining.

Have you seen (or read) Hidden Figures? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?