Wonder Women: Sasha Williams

Guts and blood? Check. Zombies? Check. Andrew Lincoln looking amazing? Check. Oh yeah, what does The Walking Dead also have: kick-ass women. BOOYAH.

For a while now, we've been celebrating women of The Walking Dead like Lori Grimes and Andrea, and then Maggie and Beth. Lucky for us there are plenty of strong and complex survivors who are worthy of being under the spotlight.

For this edition, we're moving onto the calculating straight-shooter, Sasha Williams. From her skills as a warrior to her devastating losses and post-traumatic stress, she's been an invaluable and complex survivor.

We're going to take a look at how awesome this woman is, and how the flaws or achievements of the writing shape her. What do you love about Sasha? Feel free to share in the comments! Hope you enjoy!

Beauty and the Beast (2017) splendidly reimagines a tale as old as time

Photo Credit: Beauty and the Beast / Walt Disney Studios

A remake rarely fills a gap of something that simply wasn’t there before in the original. As Disney re-imagines a string of their own animated classics into live-action flicks, it’s difficult to imagine why they’d want to toy with perfection. Their transformation of the timeless Beauty and the Beast is truly spellbinding, if a little imperfect.

In a tale as old as time, Emma Watson stars as Belle, an independent bookworm who dreams of a bigger life than the one her small, provincial town expects. As a self-absorbed veteran Gaston (Luke Evans) sets out to own her affection, she is compelled to break a powerful spell held over another self-absorbed beast (Dan Stevens), who is actually a prince in disguise. Only one is truly worthy of her kindness to discover more than what meets the eye.

Enchanting Beauty and the Beast Live-Action Artwork

Disney's new live-action remake Beauty and the Beast starring Emma Watson is right around the corner. I can't wait to see what Disney has in store re-imagining one of its most popular animated classics (and my favorite princess).

The new take on the heroine's adventure to break a powerful spell promises to be a grand fairytale and is inspiring artists all over the world. Below is a collection of artwork inspired of the re-imagining with credit given to their creators. Be sure to click on the link below the images to see more amazing work. Are you excited for Beauty and the Beast? Feel free to share below. Hope you enjoy!

Wonder Woman (2017) Trailer Reaction

I’d love to know what galaxy you’ve been living on, if you didn’t know Wonder Woman is getting her own movie. WONDER WOMAN HAS HER OWN MOVIE.

This summer, director Patty Jenkins will bring Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) to the big screen. The long-awaited adventure centers on the Amazon princess' origins while growing up and training on the island of Themyscira. When she learns about the events of World War I from an American military pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) who's washed ashore, she leaves home to stop the war.

Previously released trailers over the past year have been nothing short of exciting as they’ve hinted at Wonder Woman flying solo. This latest one finally deserves a proper trailer reaction ‘cause I can’t contain my thoughts. Can you? Let’s check it out! What do you think – feel free to share in the comments!

Fifty Shades Darker (2017) Remains Impotent

Photo Credit: Fifty Shades Darker / Universal Pictures

As the sequel to the controversial erotically-charged series, Fifty Shades Darker was touted to be more suspenseful, sexy, and alluring than its dry prequel Fifty Shades of Grey. With major changes made from the first movie like finding a new director with James Foley, and writer (also the author's husband) Niall Leonard, this installment had expectations to be exponentially thrilling. Though its previous flick created a nice foundation for the rest of the installments to build upon, this sequel struggles even more to find a plot, maybe even a pulse.

Fifty Shades of Grey concluded with the literal door closing in Christian's (Jamie Dornan) face along with his aspirations of making Anastasia (Dakota Johnson) his full-time submissive. She leaves of her own free will (yay!!) to bigger and better things ahead until Darker brings them back together after the tiniest of separations. But a dosage of obstacles start challenging their relationship as Ana tries to establish new demands from 'the boyfriend' and her boss Jack Hyde (Eric Johnson) becomes creepy and possessive over her as his assistant. Meanwhile ghosts from Christian's past like an ex-sub Leila (Bella Heathcote) and ex-dominant (Kim Basinger) simply can't let him go.

Author E.L. James and passionate readers would say the star-crossed lovers are focused on building a future together so nothing deters their love. Others will recognize that every conflict threatening to drive them apart are solved through limitless wealth and sterile sex. If a young woman establishing her wants both in and out of the bedroom could be argued as the overall arc, it increasingly exists out of mere convenience. Every time Ana doesn't want to be bought, Christian counters with sex, money, a charity ball, moving in, marriage, to steal her attention away. Even if Mr. Red Flags changes his nature over time, i.e. the dominant becomes the submissive, Ana's non-sexual wants (a job, independence, transparency) are often muted by Christian's privilege. What may be a tantalizing fantasy for readers on the page becomes an absolute hindrance on-screen as any issue the lovebirds encounter are frustratingly handled off-screen via Grey's limitless power.

So the sequel ends up relying on what it's most known for (sex) to make up for a dubious romance.

However, it merely follows in the same footsteps of the first movie of inserting sex to divert interesting conflicts between the leads and becomes even more sterile in its intimacy. Especially since Johnson still displays more than she should in an even stronger male-gaze aesthetic. Where the first movie could make the hook-ups at least tolerable, Foley lacks the judgment to properly set any tangible mood for the sex scenes, even the most vanilla kind.

If there is something to be had for Darker, it's all the best elements of the first movie - the cast and high expectations of production design, costume, and soundtrack, carry over well. As far as performances go, Johnson carries the film by still making us believe that Ana is genuinely invested in giving Christian more chances to change and open up to her. Her maturity on the type of woman she wants to be evolves, even if the script holds her hostage to Christian's whims. And because of that, unfortunately, the alluring nature of her co-star wears a crucial element of her story thin. Though Dornan is quite personable and charming when he doesn't have to deal with Grey's dark, twisted history, any commanding presence the character could have falls flat when Dornan's afforded scenes to dig deeper. As much as the story could intend exploring Ana's wants and needs in life, Christian the dominant becoming the submissive to her must be thoroughly read between the lines.

Established from the get-go by director Sam-Taylor Johnson, Fifty Shades's world remains visually elegant and sleek. Even with writing, production, and costume team alterations, her influence continues with the sequel's opulent, minimalist sets and luxurious wardrobes. Even the soundtrack, which initially kicked off with Beyonce, The Weekend and Ellie Goulding, is matched this time around with 'not being in love equates dying a thousand deaths' ballads by Sia, Taylor Swift with Zayn Malik, John Legend and Halsey. With the exception of a new avenue for the story to wander, Foley serving as the new director imprint is nearly impotent.

Unlike most adaptations where the book rarely lives up to the movie or transforms non-readers into fans, Fifty Shades Darker falls right in line for whom the film is made: E.L. James, her devoted readers, and perhaps curious hound-dogs. For all intents purposes, the sequel is posh enough to gawk at. But if you're looking for anything more than sex, which critics clamoured for and still didn't get, the story leaves everyone and everything pretty much impotent.

for readers: ★★★

for me:★☆☆

for everyone else:☆☆☆

I liked this though.

The Walking Dead S7x12 Say Yes

Photo Credit: The Walking Dead / Gene Page

Rick’s crew is on a deadline to gather supplies and secure their weapons deal with the Scavengers. With Michonne by his side on a solo run, the couple encounters exactly what they need, but is it all just a sign of something worse to come down the road? This recap includes spoilers for the latest episode - you've been warned! Hope you enjoy!

Who knew scavenging for supplies and weapons could turn into a fans' dream date night in the apocalypse? Well, AMC delivered with Say Yes. They were truly doing the Lord's work if you believe in that sort of thing. The episode was slow and filled with character development, typical filler during this time of year, but it was packed with plenty of walker killers, a death scare, and let's just say, Richonne hotness.

6 Feels You Get After Seeing A Good Movie

There's nothing quite like seeing a really good movie. An okay movie can make me feel life is okey-dokey, a little bit better than average, maybe brought out some laughs or cries and then it's over. BUT an awesome, really good, fantastic, wonderful movie can change our whole life. Ever walk out of the theater and feel excited to the point of invincible? transformed? happy? stunned? YEP. A stupendous, amazing movie gives us something new to fall in love with, brings comfort on the worst days, and a reason to forever geek out.

These are six feels you might get after seeing a really good movie. Am I missing a feeling you feel? I'd love to know! Feel free to share in the comments!

The Walking Dead S7X11 Hostiles and Calamities

Photo Credit: The Walking Dead / Gene Page

Rick might be on a roll with getting new allies on board to take on Negan, but one innocent bystander still has to contend with being Negan's captive: Eugene. After Rosita failed to assassinate their new leader, the prized bullet maker was taken hostage and back to the Savior's compound. Hostiles and Calamities answered if or how quickly Eugene may join the enemies ranks.

The Walking Dead has always challenged fans to think about what they would have done in a character's position or a part of the zombie apocalypse. Each has their own way of surviving one more day either by scavenging, hunting, being a medical asset, conquering others or building a family. If there's one way that never thinks about getting ahead, it might be lying or concealing your butt off.

Dwight and Eugene were the stars of the latest episode, where we saw the inner-workings of the compound in very different ways.

Considering he tortured Daryl when he was previously hijacked in the compound, Dwight probably shouldn't be a character to care about, but he really is.

There's a certain amount of privilege that comes with being a Savior, especially one in his position - his own apartment, the ability to take what he wants from the community pool of supplies and food, and overall treatment of prisoners. But with every win for him i.e. force prisoners to submit their independence and perks, there seems to be a loss, like losing his wife and every piece of his morality.

Once Negan found out that Daryl escaped, Dwight was pushed to find out who it was and prove his own innocence. Left with a mysterious note, and the simultaneous disappearance of his and Negan's wife Sherry, Dwight returned to their former home where he found a goodbye note from her, admitting that when she signed up to Negan's wife and keep them alive, they both died a little inside. And that living a life like the one Negan has them forced into is just as worse as dying. She admitted to letting Daryl go because he reminded her of who Dwight once was.

Dwight has always had a certain ambivalence when it comes to being Negan. Certainly, there's a sadistic side to him that loves to be in control and have power, to yield orders down to other Saviors and enjoys sitting on his high-horse. But his morality is always in a contest with itself and the lengths he'll go to stay ahead of Negan.

With Sherry gone, he has nobody to bring to Negan. Given a run-in with the Saviors' doctor, Dwight takes the opportunity to muster up a story or two about Sherry having an affair with him and letting her and Daryl escape. The move saves Dwight to stay in good graces with the boss, but it obviously comes with a price - the doctor has thrown into the fiery pit to be killed.

There's also another side to his treachery and throwing the doctor under the bus, Dwight lies to Negan about Sherry's whereabouts. We know that she is gone, simply taken off  and we don't know where. But her husband tells Negan that she was killed by a walker as he was trying to get them home so she could be held accontable. And the affair with the doctor were merely more exaggerated details. Surely, Dwight got the doctor killed but in a twisted way, it's also an attempt to prevent Negan from leading a search for her, while simultaneously, saving himself.

Without anyone to pin Daryl's disappearance on, Dwight had to get creative. Same thing with Eugene.

Besides the hair game, Eugene doesn't have a lot of cool points, so he let his verbal skills save his skin throughout most of the apocalypse. The last time we really saw Eugene's deception was back in season five when he finally revealed to the group that he was not a scientist; that his lack of weaponry skills and ability to kill walkers would speed up his expiration date.  He's increasingly leveled up and built his stamina, but Eugene being taken hostage was surprisingly all about him playing the game and moving Saviors around like chess pieces.

Of all the attempts we've seen characters make quick, even miraculous getaways, there may be no other episode where Eugene was playing the game.

No doubt he's is an asset to the Saviors, and they knew it by charming him up with a bachelor pad of his own, access to electricity and pickles, even some of Negan's wives for a night or two. It's practically like he's back at home before the apocalypse playing video games and living a comfy life.

But he's also walking a tightrope of going back to what was comfortable for him and having to evolve into a better survivor. Not just to lie so other people do the dirty work, but pulling wool over people's eyes and camouflaging into the environment. Does he lie to lock himself in his room, or it is all part of a bigger plan?

He entertained Negan's wives by making home-explosives and playing video games. In his meetings to Negan, he proved to be a Doctor Smartypants by giving directions of melding the walkers to the fences, but also slyly seeming to be holding something back. While walking the compounds he witnessed Saviors on the lower end of the totem pole stealing supplies and used some of his privileges to his own benefit. When Negan's harems propositioned him to make a cocktail to help Amber commit suicide, Eugene mustered all of the random items he could get his paws on - a toilet bowl, a stuffed monkey, capsules for the drugs. He also figured out that the sex slaves were planning on drugging Negan instead of Amber, and for that he could get in big trouble and didn't help them out. Even though he was living like a king, Eugene was taking notes on what he can use later.

By the end of the episode, it was difficult to determine who team Eugene was on. When interrogated by Negan, he had no problem claiming he was Negan. But it's really the final moments of Hostiles and Calamities that was the most telling. Eugene and Dwight standing on their perch overlooking the walker backyard:

Eugene: Eugene. You’re Dwight. We are Negan.
Dwight: Yeah....

An episode dividing up the group again might not have worked like it did in the first half of the season. It's certainly a gamble. But the writing, directing, and acting made it intriguing enough to watch. Austin Amelio and Josh McDermitt might be supporting characters, especially McDermitt who used to have Michael Cudlitz or Christian Serratos to play off of, but they're really coming into their own.

The combination of Eugene and Dwight dodging suspicion and using their cleverness to their own gain might end up being one of the better aspects of the second half of season seven. In Twice as Far Eugene clamped down on Dwight's crotch, which isn't the greatest beginning of a beautiful friendship. Are they completely obedient or just walking on a leash until they can sneak away? Dwight is a mere Savior, while Eugene knows how to make bullets, so how long will it be before Dr. Smartypants ends up the furnace too? Will Negan catch on, and will they possibly team up to escape or take down the regime, or use each other to their own means?

Velcro: The Ninja Kat series by Chris Widdop

With a harrowing protagonist and imaginative setting, Velcro: The Ninja Kat by Chris Widdop brings a fun twist to the vengeance-driven hero.

This spirited adventure centers on The Ninja Kat, a feline who's vowed for vengeance and justice against the Devil Corps, a military organized that's waged war against its own people. For what reason, only the Ninja Kat knows. In a bid to stop the carnage before it's too late, the masked vigilante thwarts their evil schemes and infiltrates nearby regions to make alliances with survivors and give aid to prisoners. The tale's sequels The Green Lion and The Masquerade ventures further along Velcro's journey as the world becomes more aware of the Devil Corps. In this strange, new world, a hero and fellow inhabitants are pushed to join in the fight or succumb to evil.

Even though I'm not a seasoned reader of action/adventure, and couldn't remember the last time I've read a series with anthropomorphic animals, Widdop's trilogy was so engaging, it was easy to leave my bookish genre preferences behind. His cast of characters, who exhibit human intelligence and emotions as well as animal traits, are distinct from each other as they uncover dark, magical secrets.

That is most obvious with Velcro. The crusade to bring peace throughout the Country of Widows clashes with morals on how to do it. Obstacles along the way aren't just physical like combat, they're emotional. Every book guides Velcro to keep to the course and also look within. Being a warrior isn't just about combat, but coming to terms with a deeper meaning of revenge and justice, when to refrain or use the skills that have been learned, and the importance of family and sacrifice. From discoveries of magic, infiltrating the government, and providing help to flailing survivors, a moral compass lends itself to explore compassion, regret, frustration, impatience, and most of all, ambition and determination.

War affects everyone, and each supporting character has their own personal battle too. Velcro leads the revolution in an animated world populated by hamsters, bees, spiders, dogs, and rabbits - to name a few. A variety of personable and fun supporting characters are delightful, creepy and whimsical like Honey, a sassy and determined friend of Velcro's, to an evil scientist Spider. The Devil Corps may be attacking their own people, and the damage they cause may be their downfall. The victims they manage to leave behind turns many into fighters or allies, each one having their own distinct personality and motives.

The enemies Velcro duels against are clever and fascinating. In terms of world-building, if there is something that could be improved, it might be geographic details, but that's honestly just nitpicking. Every place Velcro treads are notably different by its culture and how Velcro is treated by enemies or allies, but it was a bit difficult to grasp where Velcro was at times without backtracking the story a little. Widdop's use of world-building gives villages and characters enough contrasting personalities where all of his threads tie together nicely.

Velcro: The Ninja Kat series offers thrills, humor, and heart. Widdop's adventure is perfect for readers looking for an enjoyable, short set of books to dive into. He's an engaging writer who comes into his own and improves every book. He has a true keen sense of describing what his characters are doing in bite-sized details.  Each installment picks up where the last one ended and takes you on an action-packed, offbeat journey with unique characters.  (And has inspired me to get a cat to call Velcro too!).

Rating: ★★½☆

Working Girl (1983) spins the Cinderella fairytale in the workplace

Photo Credit: Working Girl / 20th Century Fox

Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith) may not have an ivy league education, but she knows her value - a hard worker, creative, determined and a team player. Unfortunately, as a Wall Street temp, these qualities are taken advantage of by chauvinistic co-workers to treat her as a prostitute and to get overlooked by her bosses. Finally, when she's had enough, she risks everything to strike out on her own by posing as a high-end executive Katharine Parker (Sigourney Weaver) to make a business deal with a handsome investment broker Jack Trainer (Harrison Ford).

Though cliche and a little imperfect, Working Girl is a Cinderella story sprinkled with workplace sexism. McGill wants more than anything to prove her worth, share her ideas without a co-worker taking the credit and simply move on up the latter. Her age, gender and lack of former education hold her ambition hostage. In the most drastic ways like dressing up in her boss's clothing and setting up meetings with executives out of her professional league, she becomes her own fairy godmother. Women can be successful in a few different ways: stepping on people to stay atop the ladder, playing the game, or accepting their lot in life; using fashion, contacts, and an open ear as an opportunity to make their stamp.

The script isn't perfect, but it's a fun little romp to see who or when someone will catch onto Tess' extreme scheme. While posing as her boss, she has insatiable chemistry with the ever-charismatic Jack and tries to dodge other increasingly suspicious employees. Time isn't on her side as she cleverly pushes her ideas to the finishing line but risks people finding out she's just a secretary.

I’m not going to spend the rest of my life working my ass off and getting nowhere just because I followed rules that I had nothing to do with setting up.

Right away, Tess feels relatable, someone (a woman) who wants to work without involving sexual politics. This is primarily accomplished by Griffith as Tess; she's very subtle as a comedienne, quirky, and a fresh face that even now one would be interested in watching out for. You can see where she gets it as the daughter to Tippi Hedren, and Griffith's daughter Dakota Johnson carries the mantle now. As a second generation movie star, Griffith shares great chemistry with Harrison Ford whose dapper charm still holds up in the charisma department like hunks Clark Gable and Cary Grant.

Alongside Griffith for the ride is Sigourney Weaver, kinda unlike audiences have seen or are familiar with her before i.e. kicking ass and taking names in Aliens. Here, as Tess' boss and frenemy, she doesn't have a problem with stepping on people to get to the top, but she isn't entirely villainous. It's fun to question whether she is a true mentor or looking out for herself. Weaver is funny and sharp, and as usual, her character is not one to cross.

While the cast and story may be a little timeless, the movie is also a shocking refresher of the eighties era it's trapped in. The production design, and in particular, the costumes, are an astounding walk down memory lane, even if you didn't live through the era personally. The ginormous desktop computers, shoulder-padded suits, overwhelming perms, and gaudy make-up all come back to delight or horror.

Thirty years after this movie was released, equality in the workplace hasn't been fully achieved. The movie rightfully earned Academy Award nominations for its ladies: Griffith, Weaver, and Joan Cusack, as well as Best Picture and Director, and won for Best Original Song. Though elements of Working Girl might be outdated, but its scrappy heroine is funny, relatable, and elicits a serious case of go-getting.

Rating: ★★☆

Have you seen Working Girl? What did you think?

Beauty and the Beast Live Action Sneak Peak

Release of Disney's live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast is right around the corner. And the studio is pulling out all the stops. While the cast is on a world press tour, an eight-minute exclusive sneak-peek with costumes on display are open to park guests at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios in Florida and Disneyland in California. At Disney's Hollywood Studios, costumes from the new movie are on display and I was able to catch a sneak peak of the first five minutes!


The prop on display at Hollywood Studios is the red rose under its glass dome. And the costume is Belle's golden dress, which she famously wears during her and Beasts' iconic ballroom dance in the 1991 original film.

At Disneyland Resort in California, the costumes on display includes Belle's village blue dress, a map, an enchanted mirror, and a rose under the bell jar. I would've loved to see these in person too!

AMC Best Picture Showcase Weekend 2017

Just in time for the Oscars, AMC Theaters holds a back-to-back marathon of the movies nominated for Best Picture. Given the option, movie buffs can see the nominees in a 24-hour marathon or over two weekends. This is a special event my sister and I have loved participating for the past seven years!

We typically attend both weekends, but having previously seen three of the four nominees - Manchester by the Sea, Fences, Hell or High Water, La La Land - we opted to attend this past weekend's event which included Moonlight, Lion, Arrival, Hidden Figures, and Hacksaw Ridge. These are my quick thoughts on what I saw with perhaps fuller reviews to come in the future. Check out my faves at the bottom and feel free to share yours in the comments below!

2017 Artwork Celebrating Oscar Best Picture Nominees

The Oscars are right around the corner. Arrival, Fences, Hacksaw Ridge, Hell or High Water, Hidden Figures, La La Land, Lion, Manchester by the Sea, and Moonlight are the latest cycle of films to be nominated for Best Picture. Only one nominee will go home with gold, but they've all generated inspiration for movie goers and artists. In celebration of coveting the big prize, here's another collection of artwork from around the web by very talented artists. Hope you enjoy!

The Walking Dead S7X10 New Best Friends

Photo Credit: The Walking Dead / Gene Page

Rick's campaign trail to The Hilltop Colony and the Kingdom was a total bust to gain allies against Negan. The leader and his faithful followers have inadvertently encountered the back-up they need: a massive new group of survivors armed with countless weapons on protected grounds. Will Grimes have a chance to propose their ideas or face the consequences for trespassing? This recap includes spoilers for the latest episode - you've been warned! Hope you enjoy!

Favorite Oscar Acceptance Speeches

Award show season is one of my favorite times of the year. Ever since I was a little girl, I've dragged my family into the living room to celebrate one of Hollywood's biggest events of the calendar: the Academy Awards. It's the one night where I rave about my favorite celebrities, gab about the fashion, and get inspired with the humbling Thank Yous.

With one acceptance speech, I'm reminded that all the greatest stars of the silver screen are still are people who had a dream and their hard work paid off. In celebration of film, here are some of my favorite acceptance speeches - What are your favorite acceptance speeches? Feel free to share below!
>

Cuba Gooding Jr for Best Supporting Actor in Jerry Maguire

Not only one of my favorite movies of all time but one of my favorite performances too. A partner to Tom Cruise's Jerry Maguire, Gooding kills it at his only client; eccentric, family-oriented, bursting with frustration Rod Tidwell. A deserved award for a deserving performance in a cut-too-early standing ovation worthy speech.

Christian Bale for Best Supporting Actor in The Fighter

An actor with a stable amount of performances that were so worthy of nominations. A longtime fan since seeing him in Little Women when I was nine, I was so happy to witness the night he finally knicked one.

Marion Cotillard for Best Actress in La Vi En Rose

She could win an Oscar for a Crest toothpaste commercial. A bundle of stunning nerves and grace, Cotillard expresses what everyone must think of when they run out of peers and family to thank.

Tom Hanks for Best Actor in Philadelphia

Words so beautiful and spoken so sincerely, there might not be a truer heavenly speech that tops this one. An equally wonderful speech is worth a look as well for his award-winning work in Forrest Gump.

Matthew McConaughey for Best Actor in The Dallas Buyers Club

McConaughey accepts an award in the only way most would expect, giving some life lessons to just keep livin' as the underrated storyteller he really is.

Hattie McDaniel for Best Supporting Actress in Gone with the Wind

For a heartbreaking performance and an award that broke down barriers, Hattie McDaniels gives a beautiful thank-you speech so full of heart and class.

Audrey Hepburn for Best Actress in Roman Holiday

Roman Holiday is not a movie I've seen yet, but I trust by the love of her work that it is well deserved. Her speech is the gentlest one ever uttered. Who couldn't listen to her soft voice all the live long day?