Ultimately, I would like to recommend and review some shows and films that I think are worth trying in your summer break. Apart from my current obsession, with TEEN WOLF!!!! (the television show), there are several shows and films I think are worth watching (at least once) to see if they are something that can capture your imagination and allow you to relax.
TELEVISION:
True Blood
First of all, this HBO show is in its last season now, and though admittedly the earlier seasons were more interesting (in my opinion), I think the show as a whole, is worth a watch....one long binge watch and marathon on any lacklustre weekend. Arriving in the midst of the 'vampiric craze' that swept across all the media (seems like a lifetime ago now), the show follows the telepathic character Sookie Stackhouse (yes...the name is slightly...different) as she gets swept up in a supernatural world. Anna Paquin portrays the character Sookie which is awesome because come on....she is Rogue from Xmen...and Xmen is something that will always be awesome!!! A stereotypical love triangle is introduced in later series of the show, between Sookie and two traditional vampires called Eric Northman (Alexander
Skarsgård) and Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer). Overall, this show uses an amalgamation of both horror and romantic codes and conventions. I like the show because the creators seem to have had the ability to reinvent the show in each series. The show has evolved from the very first episode and come a long way from just being a simple show based on the books 'The Southern Vampire Mysteries', written by Charlaine Harris.
I give the show a 3.5/5 or 4/5 (I am undecided)...it has plenty of good qualities..even the title sequence alone is 'Emmy-nominated' with an interesting take and portrayal of the Deep South (where the show is set). This southern gothic show is shot with a perfect mise-en-scene to fit both the horror and romance atmospheres and if you have not tried it as of yet (which is unlikely considering this recommendation comes to you six years late...it premiered in 2008) I seriously urge you to.
Witches of East End
This second show has seriously grown on me. I love watching supernatural shows with an element of witchcraft (because I am cool like that) and as the title suggests, this show is all about witches. At first I was worried I would lose interest with this show. The first couple of episodes, to me, seemed 'cheesy' and lacked anything unique. However, as more episodes went by, this show almost 'grew up' and is now going into a second season that seems slightly darker and even more interesting. The show centres on a family of witches (mother, aunt and two grown daughters). The witches are not just stereotypical 'double double toil and trouble' witches seen in media though, they are immortal and cursed beings whom have escaped from Asgard....on the run from Joanna Beauchamp's (Julia Ormand) father...it is complicated. Give the show a go...that is all I can say! It may not be the most inventive or artistic show in the way it has been constructed or shot but the storyline is unique and different (once again it is based on a book). I think the show is a strong 4/5!!!
Under the Dome
Based on the novel with the same name, written by Stephen King, this sci-fi show is also on the second season now. You have probably realised now from this post, and previous posts as well, that I really like and prefer the horror and fantasy genres but this science-fiction show is surprisingly captivating. When a town gets cut-off from the rest of the world by a mysterious dome, hence the name, a whole range of problems and chaos erupts amongst the inhabitants. I will not say much more, because it is the 'unexpectedness' of events that makes this show an interesting 3.5/5. Though some episodes are slower than others in narrative, the effects are well executed and the mysteries build up constantly to keep any eyes in the audience, glued to the television screen. Mike Vogel, Rachelle Lefevre and Britt Robertson are particularly great in the show! Once again, spend an afternoon watching this show and lose yourself in Stephen King's imagination....is the dome a threat or is this mysterious phenomenon more friend than foe?
FILMS:
The Fault in Our Stars
I find it very annoying, and I know it is my own 'fault', that I always get around to a review or recommendation of a film or television show, just as the hype amongst the audience is fading. However, this is one film everyone should watch. The stark and blunt portrayal on the effects of cancer on these young characters, is sad and poignant. Based on the novel by John Green, this film is excellent if not emotional (you have to be in the right frame of mind to watch this film...you will not be left in the happiest of moods). The issues are not avoided in this adaptation and right from the start, the inevitability of the cancer ultimately winning and 'oblivion' setting in, is alluded to. Actress Shailene Woodley portrays character Hazel Grace excellently with a sarcastic sense of humour but also as someone consumed by young love. Her dedication to Gus (Ansel Elgort) is constructed in a series of soft sad scenes, light-hearted fun, and a brilliantly composed non-diegetic soundtrack. All I can say is I did not expect much from this film but was pleasantly surprised considering it is not a genre I like to watch avidly. I hereby state this movie a 4/5..."Okay?"....."Okay".
Vampire Academy
Finally, this movie was strongly slated by critics....and I can see why! This film suffered from poor CGI effects and action sequences clearly lacked something. However saying this, I still strongly believe the movie is worth at least a one time watch. I bought this movie for £8 even though it is newly released (which probably says a lot about the quality), solely because I am really interested in different portrayals of the vampire in modern media and how they have evolved since the traditional and original representations. Ultimately, if you are interested in vampires, even to a little extent, and have a spare hour or so, I would try this film. It admittedly has many flaws, but I think Zoey Deutch is entertaining throughout as a Dhampir (half-human and half-vampire). I think, had it been given the opportunity, maybe a different script, the film would have been successful enough for a sequel and grown with an interesting concept and supernatural world to back it further. This film is 2.5/5 and far from the worst film I have ever watched.
And that is all folks......I will never say that again..do not worry. The theme for these suggestions, which I have just discovered for myself, are television shows and films that have been adapted or based on existing novels. I really like when films and shows are adapted from literature and if accomplished successfully, the show or film can become an excellent companion for the book. Both types of media text can contemplate each other. I deeply hope you try at least one of these recommendations but either way, until the next post, keep on enjoying film and TV, find something that you can escape into. Enjoy your Summer...
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the images used in this post....sorry :)
