The Image Issue

If there is one thing you should know about these blog posts that I mange to get scribbled onto paper, forming them into some semblance of sense, it is that a lot of them are stirred by lyrical words. I’ll be making a batch of muffins with my bright orange ear buds in and whatever my new favorite song is will be blaring into my ears, and this is when I am often struck by what I think has potential as a blog post. That is the case with this one.

What does “self respect” mean to you?

Categories: Culture, Jane by Design, Life, Teen

Review: Fairly Legal - Season One (2011)

Though I watch an alarming, copious number of cop dramas, this legal drama didn’t really sound like my sort of show – surprising given it aired on one of my most favorite networks, but eventually, I did my usual reading up on it plus heard good reviews from a friend, and found it actually did sound promising. Good thing I stuck with it because that reading sure paid off.

Categories: Comedy, Drama, Review, Season One, TV, TV Show, USA Network

Review: Reel Love (2011)

Televised movies tend more towards the silly side. That is just a fact. This one is no different but where others usually hold up with by their cast or script, this one is messier than even the normal.

Chicago is where Holly Whitman (LeAnn Rimes) ran away following her high school graduation. It wasn’t that she didn’t love her family so much as she needed to get away from Alabama where her widowed father couldn’t handle the pressures of two children – instead Holly kept things going. What she ran from was her stifling small hometown. On the brink of one of the biggest cases in her young career as a lawyer, Holly gets a call from her brother that their father has had a heart attack. Not taking the time to do anything but commandeer her boyfriend’s sports car, Holly drives ten plus hours down to the small fishing town only to find that her father has checked himself out of the hospital. Stubborn to a fault and a man who refuses to remember names, Wade Whitman (Burt Reynolds) is not about to let his daughter stick around to care for and fuss over him – he wants her to go back to her successful life in Chicago so that he can get back to his. Despite his annoying hints and bully tactics, Holly is staying put – and the fact that she reconnects with old friends, and a handsome drifter (Shawn Roberts) may change her mind about her past altogether.

Categories: Comedy, Movie, Review, TV

Book: The Director's Cut

About the Book:

Author: Janice Thompson

Publisher: Revell

Publication Date: 2012

Series: “Backstage Pass” (book 3 of 3)

Genre: Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Rating: 4 ½ out of 5

Tagline: The one thing she cannot direct is her heart

The Story (from the publisher): Tia Morales is used to calling the shots. She’s the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide, and her life on set is calculated and orderly. Well, most of the time. But her life outside the studio is another matter. If only she could get her family to behave as well as her stars do! When she starts butting heads with handsome camera operator Jason Harris, it’s enough to send a girl over the edge. Will she ever learn to let go and take life–and love–as it comes?

My Thoughts: Tia’s story rounds out what has been a “fun” series. Set in the glamorous and glittering, fast-paced world of Hollywood, the books take a unique approach in each storyline – all three angles of filmmaking, acting and writing, are covered. Book one looks at show business from the perspective of actors, followed by the screenplay writer viewpoint, and then directing. Of the three, I think hers was the story I was (subconsciously) most anticipating. Even from the first, meeting Tia and before I knew who the final book was about, I hoped Tia would get a chance to have her story told and indeed Thompson did not disappoint. (Plus it didn’t hamper my enthusiasm that I also hoped a certain cameraman who was a source of irritation to Tia would be leading man potential. *wink*) I loved this little book despite the fact that it was the least wholesome of them all.

Categories: Book, Christian, Comedy, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Janice Thompson, Revell, Review, Romance, Series

Review: Ramona and Beezus (2010)

Though most if not all of you have seen this one (if not, you must check it out!), I haven't been organized enough to get my reviews written up this week  - yet! As a result, I decided to post this "oldie but goodie" but I will have new reviews up later this week!

One of the best, most sweetest films to come along in a l-o-n-g time, those of you who are or were fans (or who have young children in your family) of the books (books that have a reversed title) may be upset at some of the changes implemented but those who are non-readers cannot help but discover this as a wonderful alternative to today’s Hollywood.

Categories: Comedy, Drama, Family, Ginnifer Goodwin, Josh Duhamel, Movie, Review, Selena Gomez

Review: Rizzoli & Isles - Season Two (2011)

Like many television shows, the debut season of this TNT summertime hit ended on a terrible cliff-hanger, one of the worst kind – one in which its leads was in danger of losing their life. For those of us who watch the shows on DVD, it was a year before we’d see how that jaw-dropping story resolved itself.

Categories: Angie Harmon, Crime Drama, Friends, Review, Sasha Alexander, Season Two, TNT, TV, TV Show

Book: Glamorous Illusions

About the book:

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Publisher: David C. Cook

Publication Date: 2012

Series: “The Grand Tour” (book 1 of 3)

Genre: Fiction, Christian Historical

Rating: 5 out of 5

The Story (from the publisher): It was the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington's life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, so is her father's health. Cora is carrying on, helping her mother run their Montana farm until a stranger comes to call, and everything changes. Cora then learns a secret that will radically change her future: she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king who has come to claim her.

Cora is invited to take the "Grand Tour" of Europe, a journey intended to finish a person's education, to solidify an understanding of ancient culture and contemporary refinement. As she travels from England to France with half-siblings she's never known, Cora encounters the blessings of the Kensington family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes the journey is only beginning.

Faced with the challenge of accepting her father, new family, and the identity that comes with it, Cora also struggles to accept that she is also the daughter of the one true King-a Father who is the only One who can truly heal.

Categories: Book, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Lisa T. Bergren, Litfuse, Teen, Young Adult

Review: At Risk (2010)

As crime mysteries go, this one isn’t horrible. It boasts an intriguing story and some sharp twists but unfortunately, not even all its big-name stars can recue it; for this little known thriller, that is about all it has going for it.

Categories: Crime, Crime Drama, Lifetime TV, Movie, Mystery, Review, Thriller, TV

Review: Iron Man (2008)

With the release of The Avengers I wanted to see one more superhero flick to complete my mirage of the fearless heroes who were almost too “big” to be in the same frame let alone in the same film. He was Tony Stark or Iron Man as his alter ego is tagged. What I came away with was this: I liked the cocky billionaire a great deal more than reviews would have me think of him.

Categories: Action, Action/Adventure, Blockbuster, Comedy, Comic Book, Drama, Marvel, Movie, Review, Robert Downey Jr., Sci-Fi

Review: From Time to Time (2009)

One of the sweeter productions from the Brits, I cannot help but think this little gem never did reach its full potential.

Categories: BBC, British, Costume Drama, Downton Abbey, Drama, Family, Julian Fellowes, Maggie Smith, Movie, Mystery, Review

Review: Royal Pains - Season Three, Volume 1 (2011)

Some medical shows use a hard-to-fathom draw. Most of them are soapy dramas that fill an hour-long time slot with immoral escapades and cover-ups. The exact opposite is true of Royal Pains. True, it is not perfect but this breezy summer crowd-pleaser is sure a lot of fun.

Categories: Comedy, Drama, Review, Season Three, TV, TV Show, USA Network

Review: Royal Pains - Season Three, Volume 2 (2011)

Summer’s favorite doctor is back.

Secrets have no place in HankMed’s concierge organization. Or they don’t where its doctor, Hank Lawson (Mark Feuerstein) is concerned. Following the near death of one of his wealthy Hampton clients, Hank is furious to find out he was prescribed the wrong medication by someone at Hampton’s hospital. And he knows who it was: Hampton’s cocky Dr. Van Dyke (Kyle Howard). Fortunately, Hank finds the patient in time to rush him to the hospital but for one of his staff members, the trouble has just begun. Physicians’ Assistant Divya (Reshma Shetty) has had to earn money wherever she can. After a botched arranged marriage by her wealthy and traditional British parents, Divya took a job at Hampton’s Heritage in order to pay back the money her fiancé’s family demands and threatened to sue her for. Her father has cut her off completely which means Divya has not only had to earn her own living but also rent her own place – for the first time in her life, she has to earn a paycheck instead of working because she wants to. Learning that her fatigue caused this horrible accident, Divya takes responsibility but how will her double life – and dishonesty affect her relationship with Hank?  And will she still have a place working for HankMed?

Categories: Comedy, Drama, Review, Season Three, TV, TV Show, USA Network

Review: G.I. Joe - the Rise of Cobra (2009)

A summer blockbuster hit, G.I Joe was more than likely released during the height of summer blockbuster season to compete with the likes of Transformers and X-Men. Not as brilliant compared to some, it somehow managed to keep me thoroughly enthralled while on the edge of my seat.

Categories: Action, Action/Adventure, Blockbuster, Channing Tatum, Comedy, Drama, Movie, Review

Review: Gone (2012)

Amanda Seyfried is a stereotyped actress. She has a reputation for playing the sweet fiancée or more of the girl-next-door than she does that of an action star – and she does well in those roles. The pretty blue-eyed blonde doesn’t seem to have the right stature it takes to make a good kick-butt kind of star as this role would requite but to her credit, she pulls it off.

Categories: Amanda Seyfried, Drama, Movie, Mystery, Review, Thriller

Review: Taken (2008)

In recent years, I have begun to enjoy the thrills that action-packed films provide. On occasion they even showcase some tender moments (yes, you read that right, I said, tender). Such is the case for Taken. In a way it’s sweet to think of the love a father held for his daughter (never stopping until she was safe), while at the same time making you cringe at the picture of lifeless bodies strewn everywhere, killed by a merciless man bent on finding his daughter.

Categories: Action, Crime, Crime Drama, Drama, Liam Neeson, Movie, Mystery, Review, Thriller

Book: Stars Collide

About the Book:

Author: Janice Thompson

Publisher: Revell

Publication Date: 2011

Series: “Backstage Pass” (book 1 of 3)

Genre: Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Rating: 4 out of 5

Tagline: Her future is so bright, she’s gotta wear shades

The Story (from the publisher): Kat Jennings and Scott Murphy don’t just play two people who are secretly in love on a television sitcom–they are actually head over heels for each other in real life. When the lines between reality and TV land blur, they hope they can keep their relationship under wraps. But when Kat’s grandmother, an eccentric star from Hollywood’s golden age, mistakes their on-screen wedding proposal for the real deal, things begin to spiral out of control. Will their secret be front-page news in the tabloids? And can their budding romance survive the onslaught of paparazzi, wedding preparations, and misinformed family members?

Categories: Book, Christian, Comedy, Fiction, Janice Thompson, Revell, Review, Romance

Review: Sherlock - Series Two (2011)

Purists of Conan’s works were once all up in a tizzy about this BBC produced show that took the iconic character of Sherlock and plopped him on the streets of 21^st century London. Little did anyone know – purist or not just what a grand success this Masterpiece Theatre series was going to be.

Categories: Adaptation, BBC, Crime Drama, Masterpiece Mystery, Mystery, Sherlock

Review: Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

Whether it is as close as our television screen or at the box office, fairy-tales are making a triumphant return in a big way – and I love that. Earlier this year, the Snow White legend already was given a fresh spin with this blockbuster being the second take on the Grimm legend. Brought to the big-screen by universal with ambitions to become a trilogy, it may have the big-name stars, beautiful special effects and costumes backing it but I am not sure its blockbuster status is enough to win over the masses.

Categories: Action/Adventure, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Drama, Fairy-Tale, Fantasy, Movie, Teen

Review: Covert Affairs - Season Two (2011)

This USA Network show (have I mentioned how well I love this network? No? Well, I do) is a “soft” version of the now gone ABC show Alias. Having now seen the latter, I can honestly make that leap and not just make educated assumptions; the similarities are not far-fetched. This network has standards and those consist of always producing shows that are whimsical and overall, cheerful. There can be realistic conflict but there does have to be a happy medium. With that being the case, we get to say: Hello, happy. Goodbye, suspense.

Categories: Action/Adventure, Drama, Espionage, Season Two, USA Network

Review: Man on a Ledge (2012)

If you’ve seen the trailer for this, then you have all but been given the high points and low points of this crime drama. Still… although this isn’t Academy-Award winning material, there is a decent, capable writer keeping the story-telling tightly woven into a satisfying premise and in that, it manages a plot that is entertaining if not brilliant.

Categories: Crime Drama, Drama, Movie, Review

Book: Winning Balance

About the Book:

Author: Shawn Johnson

Publisher: Tyndale

Publication Date: 2012

Genre: Autobiography, General

My Thoughts: There probably are not many of us who have not heard of the pint-sized, gold-medal-winning gymnast who won over the heart of America at the 2008 Olympic Games. If her name is not familiar from the sport that she excels at, then you probably “met” her on the eighth season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (which she also won). This book is a journal of sorts that she has written for her fans about her life so far – her growth in maturity and her faith; the lessons life has taught her and getting back to the place where she is more happy – and healthy. It is rare that I read books in which the celebrity name emblazoned on the front shares their life’s story. My tastes seem more suited to fiction but I do not regret having read this book in the least. Not knowing much about Shawn’s private life so much as her professional one (even that is limited), I enjoyed getting to “know” her as a person and not a mere celebrated figure who’s spotlight was made bright by her appearance at the Olympics – and subsequently her gold-medal win. If you’ve followed this athlete, I’d wager that in reading this, you will learn a lot of things about Shawn you didn’t know. Some that may even surprise you.

Categories: Book, Christianity, Life, Review, Shawn Johnson, Tyndale

Review: Suits - Season One (2011)

USA Network shows are not only well produced but they have that “something” that is missing from the majority of primetime television. The scripts are not “just” funny; the seasons are actually collectively intelligent shows that wage battles of wills and as a bonus, some truly fantastic wit.

Categories: Comedy, Drama, Season One, TV Show, USA Network

Review: Bunheads Pilot - 1.01 (2012)

Dance is the subject of the latest ABC Family series. Much to my own surprise I have found numerous of their shows some of the most fun that I’ve ever watched – they are what I like to call my “mindless” pieces of television fluff. Most engage the viewer but are rarely all that “deep.” Each of them seem to allow for a rare type of happiness captured on film and most the time there is usually something to think about - whether it is all that "deep" or not. This one seems the less intelligent of the two I’ve watched in their entirety. This pilot episode has promise and I am cautiously optimistic it has enough sparkle to enjoy long-term success.

Categories: ABC Family, Comedy, Dance, Drama, Teen, TV, TV Show

Femnista: Literary Ladies

The wait is over! The May/June issue of Femnista is here. Remember the "Literary Men" issue? This time around, we cover memorable leading ladies from the works of Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell,  plus some newer faces from our contemporary world of fiction - some of whom you may find delight in discovering. I hope you all enjoy paging through this issue as much as I did - and as much as you did the edition filled with dashing leading men. Click on the link below to download this issue to print out  and read at you leisure or page through it by clicking on the tab "read Femnista" on the right-hand sidebar.

Next comes the Fantasy/Sci-Fi issue. That one, you can be sure will be packed full of all sorts of great adventures, princesses... and some cool superheros. To finish out the year, there will be a "true story" issue and one dedicated to Tolkien. Now, readers, we'd love to have your input - what topic would you like to see spotlighted in 2013? Is there one Femnista hasn't covered that you've been awaiting? If so, let us know - and let us know how this issue turned out!

Enjoy!

Femnista: Literary Women - May/June 2012

Categories: Femnista, Fun, Webzine