Movie Review: Jem and the Holograms [Emz]

So I recently watched this film on Netflix. I was aware of the bad reviews and the Box Office flop, but I thought I would give it a go.

The film was released on 23rd October 2015.

This film is based around the animated TV Series Jem that aired between 1985 and 1988.

The film stars: Aubrey Peeples (Nashville) as Jerrica Benton/ Jem, Stephanie Scott (ANT Farm) as Kimber, Hayley Kiyoko (Lemondae Mouth) as Aja, Aurora Perrineau  as Shana and Juliette Lewis as Erica Raymond.

Here is the Synopsis:

As a small-town girl catapults from underground video sensation to global superstar, she and her three sisters begin a one-in-a-million journey of discovering that some talents are too special to keep hidden. In Universal Pictures’ Jem and the Holograms, four aspiring musicians will take the world by storm when they see that the key to creating your own destiny lies in finding your own voice.

Review:

I surprisingly enjoyed this film. The film is set in present day where Social Media is a big thing. This is different to the TV Series that was set in the 80's.

The songs in this film were very catchy. I liked Hit Me Up and Youngblood. 

The theme of Jem being a mystery in an age where Social Media is huge and there is no place to hide, was a great idea, but could have been worked on a bit more I think.. not quite sure how.

We learn that Jerrica (Jem) and Kmber are sisters who lost their father at a young age. They were raised by their Aunt along with her two foster daughters , Aja and Shana.

Jerrica records herself singing and thinks she has deleted the footage afterwards as she is too shy to even think about uploading it, she even refers to herself as Jem in the Video. 

Her sister Kimber finds that the video had not been deleted and uploads it to YouTube.

The video goes Viral overnight at Jerrica under the name of Jem becomes huge on Social Media.

Jerrica is contacted by Erica Raymond from Starlight Productions and offers Jerrica a record deal. After originally only wanted to sign Jerrica, with alot of pushing from Jerrica she agrees that all the girls can go.

Before Jerrica's debut performance as Jem, the Robot that Jerrica and Kimber's dad supposedly made but didn't finish, activates during their first night in LA since they were children. it leads them around LA finding the missing pieces to put in the Robot known as 51N3RG.Y (Synergy.)

During her time in L.A. Jerrica learns that her aunts house is going to be taken from her and determined to help she asks Erica for her first payment in advance so she can help her Aunt. The only trouble is that Erica persuades her to continue with her Sisters.

This is a scene that has been replicated thousands of times in movies, not exactly the same but a similar idea.

Eventually things do come together and they reunite for their last performance. Jerrica finds that the earrings she was given by her father  were the last piece to getting Syngery to work. inside was a hidden message from her father telling her that she was his best invention and tells her how much he loves her.

 The film ends with Erica being fired and her Son taking control of the company. Followed by their next performance where get named Jem and The Holograms.

The mid credits scene introduces a rival band that Erica dropped years ago called The Misfits. As, she is out to get revenge she teams up with them. The leader of the band is called Pizzazz and is portrayed by Kesha.

There were Cameo scene from a few Orignal Cast members but it would have been nice for that to have been expanded a little more.

I enjoyed the song and parts of the storyline but there was alot I wasn't so keen on. There was alot of 'fans' shown during songs and after songs and some bits made it very corny. I feel that things were solved too quickly and there was much more that could have been shown. That being said I would listen to the songs over and over again.

The 80's theme from the cartoon was very present in the girls choice of wardrobe but only at the beginning, I felt they were modernized when they were styled in LA, It would be been nice to see a little more 80's glam.

At the end of  the day This was teenage film and although fans of the original Jem cartoon were disappointed (from what I read), it still works even if you have never heard of it before.

Thats all for now, till next time

Emz x

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TV Review: Black Lightning Series 1 Episode 2 "Lawanda: The Book of Hope" [Emz]

So here we are with episode 2. This episode is called "Lawanda: Book Of Hope."

This episode picks up not too long after the first episode.

Here is the synopsis:

IS HE BACK? — As the community struggles with the violence surrounding them, a glimmer of hope appears: Is Black Lightning back? Lynn Stewart, noticing the changes in the community, is also left wondering. While Jefferson Pierce struggles with his decision, Gambi urges him to take up the mantle once more and return to life as Black Lightning. Anissa and Jennifer try to deal with the aftermath of their jolting experience.

Review:

This episode keeps the recurring themes of Gang Violence, drugs and alcohol. There is also the theme of sexuality as we delve a little deeper into Jefferson's daughters love lives.

Gang violence is shown in quite a but of this episode.

Following the last episode, Jennifer stays at home and gets threatened by a young child that has been sent by Lala. This scares not only Jennifer but also Jefferson and sparks him into going to see Lala, but as himself, not Black Lightning.

We meet Lawanda who is the mother of a missing person who was a former student at the High School. She is asking the question that is on many peoples lips, why did Black Lightning save his children only? She ends up becoming a bit of a Vigilante in order to save her daughter. This results in Lala killing her.

The themes of alcohol are recurring as the pressure of having to act 'perfect' being the Principal's daughter constantly leads Jennifer to act out and drink.

The theme of Sexuality is explored through the love lives of Jefferson's daughters. I mean Jefferson's love life is clearly complicated with his ex-wife but we don't really know much about his daughters. We discover that Anissa has a long term girlfriend and that her parents are aware of her sexuality. Also Jennifer starts a relationship with her friend Khalil.

The death of Lawanda eventually leads Jefferson to become Black Lightning again after feeling guilty for her death as he feels he could have helped.

I think this series grows with each episode and there is more to uncover.

Till next time

Emz x

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TV Review: Salvation Series 1 Episode 2 "Another Trip Around the Sun" [Emz]

Hey guys here we are with episode 2! This one is called Another Trip Around The Sun.

This episode continues on more or less where the first episode left off. 

Here is the synopsis:

Darius and Liam work on a theoretically impossible solution to divert the asteroid; Grace risks everything to help Darius; Liam tracks down critical research.

Review:

So Darius and Liam get to work on a solution to stopping or slowing down the asteroid, even though the Government are not sure about it.

Grace is having nightmares of the Asteroid hitting early as she sending her daughter off to Africa. which seems to prompt her into helping Darius more.

There is of course a reporter sniffing around called Amanda (Shazi Raja) who is determined to uncover the truth around the death of Carnahan and she is not backing down.

Harris gives Grace flowers and an all access pass to the investigation into the Asteroid for her birthday (bit of a strange gift if you ask me.)

Darius send Liam to find Dr Croft who has been missing since the previous episode as he needs help with the EM drive.

Grace uses Harris's case to get a code to get access to Uranium for Darius, but when she goes back to bed she doesn't realise that Harris is not actually asleep.

This was an intersting episode from Darius asking the Government for $2 million to help with the asteroid to Liam using the money he was given to help find Dr Croft to get more customers to listen to a reading of Jillians book.

And of course Harris' secrets... this keeps getting more and more interesting.

I will revew episode 3 soon

Till then

Emz x

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TV Review: Doctor Who Series 2 Episode 2: Tooth and Claw [Emz]

Hey guys! So i'm back reviewing episode 2 of Series 2. This one is called Tooth and Claw. In this episode we meet Queen Victoria.

The recurring Theme from this series begins here. The house that Rose and the Doctor arrive at is "Torchwood House."

This episode first aired on BBC One on the 22nd April 2006.

Here is the synopsis:

The Doctor and Rose travel back to 1879, but an encounter in the Scottish Highlands with Queen Victoria and a band of warrior monks reveals a deadly trap.

Review:

This episode was really enjoyable. We had the continuing theme going of messing up where they are supposed to be going. On this occasion they end up on 1879, Scotland instead of 1979, Sheffield.

After stepping out of the TARDIS it doesn't take long for them to realize that they are not where they are supposed to be. Then of course they bump into Queen Victoria.

The villains in this episode are Monks, which seems very strange to say and a Werewolf. 

David Tennant gets to use his natural Scottish accent a bit in this episode after posing as Dr. James McCrimmon. There are alot of references to the classic series also. 

Of course a big part of this episode has everyone running from the werewolf and a little chunk of the Doctor licking walls.

They finally traps the werewolf in the library after it breaks through the ceiling and they use the telescope and the Koor-I Noor diamond to revert the Werewolf back to human form and destroy the alien life-form.

The Doctor and Rose are then knighted and then banished. 

This episode was really funny, I enjoyed the references to Jamie McCrimmon the Second Doctor's companion. I laughed at Rose's attempt at a Scottish accent and the £10 bet that Rose could get Queen Victoria to say she was not amused. Finally the first sign of the link to Torchwood.

I will be reviewing School Reunion soon.

Till next time

Emz x

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TV Review: Black Lightning Series 1 Episode 1 "The Resurrection" - Series Premiere [Emz]

So this is the latest TV show to come from the DC TV universe, following after Arrow, The Flash, Legends Of Tomorrow and Supergirl.

The show is currently airing on The CW in america and unlike the other DC shows which air on Sky One in the UK, it is currently airing weekly on Netflix.

The first episode was released on the 23rd January on Nexflix.

The show stars Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce/ Black Lighting, China Anne McClain as Jennifer Pierce, Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce, Christine Adams as Lynn Stewart, Marvin "Krondon" Jones III as Tobias Whale, Damon Gupton as Billy Henderson and James Remar as Peter Gambi.

Here is the Synopsis

A former superhero with the power to control and harness lightning, Jefferson Pierce, otherwise known as Black Lightning, unrolls the secrets of his past to protect his city and his family.

Review:

So there are a couple of familiar faces in this show. Cress Williams has previously starred in Hart Of Dixie, China Anne McClain has starred in ANT Farm on Disney Channel and most recently portrayed Uma in Disney's Descendants 2. Finally I recognized the actress who plays Jefferson's ex-wife Lynn Stewart, She is portrayed by Christine Adams, I remember her from an episode of Doctor Who in 2005 called The Long Game, her characters name was Cathica.

Anyway, I have currently watched 3 out of 4 episodes that have been released on Netflix ( I will watch the latest one tonight.)

So I find the themes of this show interesting, Gang Violence, Racism, drugs and alcohol to name but a few. 

Racism is shown when Jefferson gets pulled over by Police and is handcuffed before he is identified as not being the culprit behind a robbery. Drugs and Alcohol are shown when Jefferson's youngest daughter Jennifer, goes to a club and uses drugs and drinks alcohol, Gang Violence is shown when Jefferson's daughters are kidnapped by a member of the 100 gang and are to be used as prostitutes.

So When the show first airs we are treated to flashbacks of Jefferson as Black Lightning almost dying after trying to kill Tobias Whale and he tell Lynn (his then wife) that he is going to give it all up. (Jefferson has the ability to harness and control lightning). So when we return to present day, he hasn't masqueraded as Black Lightning in quite some time. In his retirement he has become the Principal of Garfield High School.

Jefferson bring Black Lightning out of retirement to save his daughters lives, his tailor, Peter Gambi is behind the Black Lightning outfit and has given him an upgrade.

Following Jefferson reusing his powers to save his daughters, we are treated to a clip of Anissa having a panic attack and breaking the bathroom sink, this could be a sign of things to come as in the comics both Jefferson's daughters are superhero's also.

I will be posting about the following episodes soon.

Till then

Emz x

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The Greatest Showman (Zee Tay)

Title; The greatest showman
Released date: 26 December 2017
Directed By: Michael Gracey
Stars: Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Zendya and Michelle Williams

Plot

P.T Burnham and his father was tailor, and due this he never had much, but he dreams to have a better life. He fall in love with a girl called Charit and he promised her a life like her father.

When he father died he started working and got enough money to marry his childhood love. The got a simple place and now got two girls.

When he was made redundant he got a loan to build a museum, but despite it not getting any people, so he started a circus. But with any Circus there going to be people there to tear it down.

Review:
Three words It is beautiful. The greatest showman shows what the power of words have on people, and dispet what people say the scars make me, me and that you should be happy with how you look like. As the most important thing to remember is what in the inside.

The music will put a smile a smile on your face, or make you cry you eyes out. For example 'This is me" for me is about not just telling the world that this is me. It more about how this is me and that I should be who I am, and that people will shot bullets toward you, and just as long as we happy in our skin. Then the bullets will not hurt us.

The cast was brilliant and I can not say anything bad about the cast. Hugh Jackman as Burnham was breathtaking. Every time he started singing, I was in awe, heart racing, just memorised by his Voice.

Also Zendya, is there anything that girl can't do? I knew she can dance, and sing, but come on she was singing and basically dancing in the air. Like it not hard enough on the floor.



Rating: 5/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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TV Review: Doctor Who Series 2 Episode 1 "New Earth" [Emz]

So I have now reached Series 2. We have a new Doctor (David Tennant) and new adventures.

So we start with the first episode "New Earth."

This episode only has Rose (Billie Piper) and The Doctor (David Tennant) as main cast members. This episode Originally aired on BBC One on the 15th April 2006.

We do have a returning foe though. It isn't a Dalek but it is Cassandra. She was last seen in the Series 1 episode "The End Of The World."

Here is the Synopsis:

In the distant future, an order of cat-nuns cure all illnesses, but the Tenth Doctor is suspicious of their methods. He must uncover the truth and save Rose from the vengeance of his old enemy, the Lady Cassandra.

Review:

So this episode is set after The Christmas Invasion. It was definitely an interesting episode. From Rose being possessed by Lady Cassandra who we previously met in The End Of The World (Series 1 episode 2), The doctor rambling on about the hospital doesn't have a shop. 

We had a Cassandra-Possessed Rose snogging the doctor, I have to admit I found the Doctor's reaction was quite funny - "Still got it."

We find out that the Cat Nuns who run the place are using people as lab rats to test if the cures work before using them on the patients.

The Doctor finds out that Cassandra has possessed Rose and then we have the constant body switch between Rose and The Doctor - "Oh Baby I'm beating out a Samba!" 

The doctor meets and old friend with happens to be The Face Of Boe.

The episode ends with The Doctor curing all the sick people and Cassandra transfers herself into her assistant Chips body, they take her to a time when she was fully human and she dies in front of herself.

I enjoyed this episode and I have watched it many time over. With this being David Tennant's Series debut (1 episode of the series but 2nd episodes overall) i always enjoy it.

It's a full episode debut for his suit though as he spent the majority of The Christmas Special in Pajamas.

Next up is the episode Tooth and Claw. Another favorite of mine.

Till next time

Emz x

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TV Review: Salvation Season 1 Episode 1 "Pilot" - Series Premiere [Emz]

Finally a new post! So I have been taking a break from here but that doesn't mean I've stopped watching shows.

I have completed watching all episodes of  The Librarians so there will be no more posts on that but I have started watched a new series called Salvation. It aired of CBS in America and all episodes are currently on Netflix UK

I spotted this series on Netflix earlier this month. It stars Santiago Cabrera as Darius Tanz. Santiago is best known for portraying Isaac Mendez in Heroes and Lancelot in Merlin.

Here is the Synopsis from IMDB:

When MIT grad student Liam Cole (Charlie Rowe) discovers an asteroid is set to collide with Earth in 186 days, he joins forces with tech billionaire Darius Tanz (Santiago Cabrera) and the U.S. government to try and stop it - and together they stumble onto the greatest conspiracy never told.

Review:

I enjoyed this episode. So we start with MIT student Liam oversleeping due to him working on his algorithms all night. He is due to attend Darius Tanz's lecture and when he shows up he is barefoot - his shoes are in his backpack (which makes an impression on Darius and other students), this part really made me laugh as it happens again later in the series and it is seemingly memorable. Following this he spots a girl at a bar whilst he is with friends, that he recognizes from Darius lecture, her name is Jillian and it turns out she is not a student but a big fan of Darius.

After spending the night with Jillian,  Liam finds that one of his algorithms has works and learns there is an asteroid on a collision with earth in 186 days. Liam informs his Professor in the early hours of the morning, only to be dismissed as it is so early, he mentions he will talk about it the next day after class. The Professor is seen to be calling someone after he leaves. 

After class the next day Liam goes to find his Professor as he doesn't show up for class, ok... so little unusual, He find his professors house ransacked and notices that he had left his glasses behind, which to Liam screamed trouble. He is then chased by someone and Lima manages to avoid them but ends up in an Elevator with Darius Tanz. 

This is where it gets interesting, Liam informs Daruis of everything from discovering the algorithm to being chased after his professor disappears. Of course Darius recognizes him as the "shoe-less guy" 

The story gets interesting from here and after going to the Pentagon and after they originally play dumb and act like they had no idea about the Asteroid, they cave in and inform Darius that they already knew about the said Asteroid. They have modified one of Darius older rockets and are soon to be testing.

Darius later shares with Liam about his Ark to save the human race if all else fails. It currently will only take 160 people (this gave me a The 100 kind of vibe, only I know it's a bit different) and eventually take them to live on Mars. 

Grace Burrows (Jennifer Finnigan) the PA to the Deputy Secretary of Defense Harris Edwards becomes Darius' "inside man" after a little persuading and an emotional Valedictorian speech from her daughter.

Harris tests the modified rocket, which he informs Grace of it being a huge success, turns out to be a big failure after she asks one of the tech guys to show her the footage, he later ends up dead..

So it's all kicking off! whatever happens next it's bound to get more interesting by the minute.

Thats all for now 

Till next time

Emz 

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