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This past weekend, I was finally able to catch up with the previous week's new premieres. One of the shows that I sat down to watch was "Tyrant". I had my own concerns going into this viewing; I'm not big on political dramas no matter how juicy the drama, my attention span is not meant for politics. Also, American views on international issues can sometimes be quite skewed. I was basically ready for anything.
The premise of the show is an American doctor who has family ties to a dictatorship back in some Middle Eastern country goes home for a visit after 20 years only to be catapulted back in the family business. His wife and children aren't too happy about his family connections- his father is the reigning dictator and has a very bloody past. His wife mentions the stress that his overseas family has caused him throughout the years, his daughter wants no part in this family reunion, and his son is acting like your average Cali-driven teenager.
Now introducing the crazies. Barry (the main character) has an insane older brother. The type of brother who throws a wedding party for his son only to "test" out the new bride by making sure she is still a virgin, although his test sorta defeats that. The type of brother who is also having an affair with a lower class servant and insists on having sex with her while her husband and children wait outside the room where they hear every moan and scream emitting from the room. Yes, that type of insane. His father, the dictator, insists that he has changed his ways and cannot for the life of him understand why his country wants out and demands complete democratic freedom. His mother is a sweet caregiver to a crazy man, knowing her place is outside of the public eye and how to stay politically silent. It's no wonder he escaped when he was 16 and never looked back.
So the episode opens up to a promising wedding and ends with some crazy family events that determine the course of the season ahead. I will say, I'm super excited to see where this goes. "Tyrant" takes you beyond the political realm where the series could have stayed and instead leads you into the private lives of the most chaotic leaders. Watch it every week on FX, Tuesdays at 10pm.
Ahhh!!! It's been a loooong time since I've posted anything on here. Phew, I think my last post was in 2011 and it's now 2013. That's saying more than a lot. Although for you faithful followers on my personal blog, it's only been a few days. So, instead of focusing on sad reunions, let's dive straight in.
Last week, I gathered up the courage and went to go see Guillermo del Toro's supernatural film, Mama. Now, I understand that this movie is a combined effort of Del Toro, J. Miles Dale and Barbara Muschietti, so no harsh criticism here. I will say this, the teamwork of these three super director/producers created a work of fantastic proportions. I've never been a huge fan of gory horror. I believe that the best scare is a dry scare- a bone chilling ghost story or urban legend spun to its finest quality. The one thing I love about this movie is that it does just that. Minimal gore and blood but enough jumps, screams and suspense to keep you attentive and on the edge of your seat. I don't want to give away too many spoilers, but the movie's strong point is its plot line. I noticed that several critics called the story line sketchy and jumpy. However, I believe that if you paid attention, which you should be doing anyway, it was easy to keep on track. It was a beautifully sad story behind all the screams and thrills, one that tried to touch you at heart's core. I think it may have missed mine since my heart is a bit off center but nonetheless I got the point.
Another crowning point were the two sisters, played in their older character forms by Megan Charpentier and Isabelle Nelisse. Can I just say WOW!! These two knew how to capture an audience's attention and their chemistry played out so well together. I loved how Victoria (played by Charpentier) was more soft around the edges, even as the oldest child. Willing to make changes and allow pure love in her life, she was more open to the thought of rebuilding her life. However, her younger and creepier sister Lily, seemed to glow on the edge of evil. So attached to Mama, she refused to let anything new in and couldn't understand why her sister had turned away from the warming love of this creature known as Mama. What made her character even more enticing were her body movements. Staggered and animalistic, even after being found she held onto the behaviors learned while growing up in isolation. She preferred to crawl instead of walking straight and slept under the protective bed of her sister, refusing to venture off into her own space. It was saddening and fearful but yet oh so frightening all at once. I LOVED IT! I couldn't take my eyes off her. She played the role so well yet didn't steal the show which I thought was a hard thing not to do.
The ending of Mama was different and not what I expected. Definitely a twist at the end and I won't ruin it for all but whatever you expect to happen won't. Overall, the graphics and cinematography of the film were amazing and kept your visuals in a gaze while the story line kept your ears hounding for more. I will say, Mama is yet another Del Toro accomplishment.
Graphics: 5
Cohesiveness: 4
Story Line: 5
ADD Meter: 4
Overall Epicness: 5
