Things that make me happy

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Things that make me Happy… Downton Abbey from the BBC

What makes this British Drama about the lives of English nobility and servants that work for them a crowd pleaser starts with the outfits and finishes with romance, suspense, strong plot lines, and a glimpse early twentieth century history. The show has grown rapidly in popularity over the past three years both in the UK and now in the US. Now season 4 has started and for those that have been hearing about this show can discover it for themselves via streaming services like Netflix, or Amazon.

Season 4 Trailer

The show was created by Julian Fellows (Godsford Park), and stars Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, and the legendary Maggie Smith (as Violet Crawley). The family owns and runs an estate in early twentieth century England. It follows the family and the staff that serves them through as the world changes around them forcing them to adapt to change expectations and culture in the UK.

For long time fans of the show here is a Q&A Panel before the beginning of season 4.

Pros:
1. Great ensemble cast. Great writing. Interesting plot lines.
2. Good historical drama for those that enjoy learning about cultures throughout the years.
3. Maggie Smith… Best one liners!!

Cons
1. A bit of a soap opera feel. More like Dallas.. than One life to live type though.
2. Three seasons available via streaming, but Season 4 has limited run on PBS which could be a bit hard to find.
3. First episode is a bit slow so tough to pull you in… but after about 3 episode it hooks you.

Spend a cold snowy weekend catching up on the first few seasons.
S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy… Her the Film

Theodore Twombly, a lonely introverted writer, falls for his computer Operating System in this funny science fiction comedy released in December of 2013. The film "Her" directed by Spike Jonze (Being John Malcovich, Adaptation, and Where the Wild things are) stars Joaquin Phoenix (as lead Twombly), Amy Adams, and Scarlett Johansson.

The film explores the boundaries of love in a modern way. In a world where technology has brought people closer together, this movie explores how the same technologies may make people more isolated at the same time. So much so people search for love in new ways. This movie is funny, ironic, touching, and sweet. Phoenix performance gets him a nomination for all the top awards for actors this season, while Johansson performance is no less spectacular although only her voice appears in the film.

Pros
1. Great writing and idea for a movie. Will definitely generate conversation with friends after the movie.
2. Top performances by Phoenix, and the rest of the cast.
3. If you are fan of Spike Jonze films you like this one. A little bit off beat but still makes you think.

Cons
1. It's movie could be a bit disturbing to some but still touching.
2. Ouch on the mustache and the outfits in this movie… just saying.

S.F. Guru

Friday, October 18, 2013

Things that make me happy... Then She Fell

Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, 'and what is the use of a book,' thought Alice, 'without pictures or conversations?'

I went down the rabbit hole... and enjoyed every minute of it! Then She Fell is an interactive play that immerse you in the world (and mind) of Lewis Carrol's famous character Alice.

This play is currently running in a old hospital on a ordinary street in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Tickets are available but very limited since only a few audience members are allowed in each show. I don't want to give away any more but this is not an ordinary theater show. You will explore things that in your own way at your own time, but the performances will be memorable. I never enjoyed a tea party so much!

Then She Fell is created by Zach Morris, Tom Pearson, Jennine Willett of Third Rail Projects. And runs shows throughout the week.

I really can't describe what this performance is about specifically but know that you will experience gripping performance set to music... you are a voyeur in someone else's world. So many characters, so many scenes and no two audience members will see exactly the same show.

Pros
1. A fun evening in another world.
2. Perfect for Halloween, but much sexier.
3. Worth a trip to BK... and beware what you drink... but then again its included in the price.

Cons
1. Tickets are tough to get so book early while it still is showing near by.
2. You have to arrive on time... You don't want to miss a moment.

S.F. Guru