Florence Foster Jenkins Review

Is there any role Meryl Street hasn't given 200%?!

Florence Foster Jenkins as funny as it is sad. Not like Fault in Our Stars sad...but it just makes you want to appreciate music and be kind to others. Only again, casting has nailed it.

Florence Foster Jenkins (1868-1944) was a real life pianist, singer, and music enthusiast. She loved to sing although was mocked and criticized for her less-than-perfect voice.

This film captures the absolute passion Florence had for music. Meryl Streep emulated that passion through her impeccable performance (as she always seems to do...). Hugh Grant also captures the audience by showing that his love for Florence is not your usual husband-wife relationship but that there is a deep appreciation that would surpass any friendship. He was the ultimate caregiver and supported her through her hardships. After contracting syphilis from her first husband, Florence was faced with the decision of divorcing him and starting over a new woman. St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant) was a mediocre actor that was her biggest supporter if nothing else. He stood by her as they began their cohabitation and unusual marriage while protecting her from the negative critics. The strength of their partnership throughout the film is pretty inspiring!

I was not sure how much I would enjoy Florence Foster Jenkins and feared it would be another film that shows all of its comedy snippets in the trailer, but this one kept me interested and entertained consistently. If I had to compare (only on the level of enjoyment and genre), I would say it reminded me of Saving Mr. Banks (but a little less sad). It is a sweet film and worth a watch. Sure, you don't need to watch it over and over, but you should at least see it once.

4/5 movie reels

Stranger Things E6 Review

Finally we see its face!! Well, okay, it's "face".

Spoilers start here.


I would first like to say that Eleven is the bravest child on current television. It's nice to finally get some answers. Since Nancy was able to successfully enter the gate AND return alive, we now know that its possible. However, it was revealed that the gates close and reopen at different locations. Flashing back to when Mrs. Byers (Winona Ryder) saw Will on the other side of the wall in her home.

Nancy and Jonathan are piecing together what attracts the monster, where it comes from, and when it hunts. They are now more determined to find Barb and Will, given they have purchased bear traps and other tools...not sure if those are the necessary items to trap and kill a monster, but I really hope that works out for them. 

Officer Hopper and Mrs. Byers uncover a HUGE clue about Eleven and that the child who was seen stealing food in the kitchen in episode 1 was not Will. They visit the home of what we know to be Eleven's mom, who was led to believe she had a miscarriage in her third trimester. Pretty psycho that the doctors from the research facility took the baby to study her. This is why Eleven refers to Dr. Brenner as "Papa".

Probably my favorite part of the episode is when Eleven steals several boxes of Eggo's and eats them (frozen) in the woods. Way to go El, way to go.

Eleven was able to make contact with the monster during a flashback of when she was at the research facility. She is told that it won't hurt her and to confront it (hence being the bravest child at the moment). When she finds the monster, she literally walks up behind it and taps it on the back. This of course causes it to growl, scream, freak out (whatever it is that monsters do) causing El to scream thus causing major damage within the lab. Of course, this doesn't phase Dr. Brenner, who is so freaking eager to push this girl to her limit. It's actually kind of interesting that he doesn't fear her like the others do. Considering she can break a guy's neck with her mind, I wouldn't be the one to piss her off.

Thankfully, Eleven saves Mike's life after he jumps off a cliff (based on a threat from the bullies at school). They run back home to safety, only to find out that the doctors from the research facility now know where she is. They are on a desperate hunt to avoid the doctors and find a safe haven for El. Let's hope they can at least keep her hidden to relocate Will and the next gate.

4/5 movie reel rating

Stranger Things Series Review

Okay, so I'm not going to pick apart episodes 1-5, but I just want to talk about the series for a second. No spoilers in this one.

This series is genius because it brings back all the goodness we've experienced before in several films. If I could sum it up, its a combination of the childhood curiosity from Super 8 and the two dimensions of Poltergeist. Sure, there's some science fiction (maybe a little Alien too), but this story follows three boys determined to find their missing fourth wheel, Will. The story intertwines with a psych clinic/state research facility that is desperately trying to figure out this second dimension and the alien encounters within using their key subject, Eleven (played by the fantastic Millie Bobby Brown).

Episodes 1-5 each focus on a particular part of the story. Labeled as follows:

1. The Vanishing of Will Byers
2. The Weirdo on Maple Street
3. Holly, Jolly
4. The Body
5. The Flea and the Acrobat

As Will Byers's family search for answers on his disappearance, a mystery girl appears to 3 of Will's friends. The boys find out that this girl, Eleven, just escaped from the state research facility who has been testing her ability to use her mind for an assortment of powers. Its pretty awesome to see these 12 yr old boys try to wrap their minds around a girl who can close doors with her mind (Matilda, anyone?). Another teenager in the town goes missing and that's where the stories start to intertwine. Eventually, many of the main characters begin to realize they aren't going crazy and that there is a connection with everything weird going on. Luckily, as suspenseful (and a little stressful) as these first few episodes are, there is some light humor involved (listening to Will's mom explain to the sheriff that she is talking to her son through the Christmas lights).

All in all, this series is entertaining to say the least. Taking us back to the innocent days of pre-teen and teenage years while set in the 80s. This series is worth a watch!

4.5/5 stars

PS. In future episode reviews, there will definitely be spoilers. We need to talk about the good stuff!!!!

Movie/Television Reviews

Hello Friends!

Let's be honest, I really enjoy watching T.V. and movies as much as the next guy. But I have a passion for the discussion afterwards and really diving deep into hidden meanings, what's to come, emotion responses, etc. I read a lot of reviews on shows and movies I have already watched and of course, given my two cents as well.

We all think our opinion is right, right?!

Well, lucky for all of you, mine is legitimate! Ha, so I am starting to write reviews/recaps of episodes and movies that I watch to share with you, not only thoughts and feelings, but also warnings in case it is a total waste of time and wouldn't wish that misery upon anyone.

So stay tuned if you're interested!
(So far, I give this blog a 5/5---am i right?!?!)

Oh the places I will go...

As I write to you from my hostel in Melbourne, I can say I finally feel like a real backpacker. Meeting new people (like my roommate from Holland) and taking trains, buses and ferries to get from place to place really reassures me that I'm living the dream. Sure, I'm still living off mom and dad but I'm pleased to say they at least trust me to go off on my own and not get abducted, locked up or disappear. I realized today that I can seriously travel the world. Sounds a little cliché but its true. In fact, I've already made my list of places I plan to visit within the next...15 years? I would like to make it 5 years but I'm being realistic. Here's the start to my list:

• Scandinavia (I'm going to try to just knock out Sweden, Denmark, and Norway all in one trip)
• the UK area (same deal-Ireland, N Ireland, Scotland and England)
• Greece
• Morocco
• Japan
• Vietnam & Thailand
• Brazil
• South Africa

I feel like this list will keep me preoccupied for a little while. Oh, and if anyone wants to join me for a once in a lifetime cruise from Argentina to Antarctica, I'll be glad to put you on my guest list of travel buddies. Anyway, as I drink my Rekorderlig Premium strawberry-lime swedish cider in my little guest room, know that I am happy and safe and looking forward to my return to the States in less than two months. I'll leave you with a nice quote as you sit in bed and drink your red wine, reading my blog:

“As the traveler who has once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his own doorstep, so a knowledge of one other culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily, to appreciate more lovingly, our own.” Margaret Mead

^seriously, thats precious

Sunnies, Footies, and all Other things Great

"Australia is number one, America is number 2!"
-Me, after a few Bulmer's at the Ivanhoe bar


Don't get me wrong, I didn't come here to drink nor have I even been drunk since I have arrived in Australia, but the freedom is new and I immediately realized drinking is just part of the culture. It's also amazing to see how proud Australians are of their sports teams (more specific, rugby). The rugby world cup is well in progress and the union league is also of popular demand. On Sunday, the local Manly Sea Eagles played the New Zealand Warriors and I can honestly say I've never seen so many people excited for one game. Everyone in this city wearing Manly maroon and white, flags on cars and banners waving downtown, store employees wearing Sea Eagle shirts....it was all pretty exciting, even for someone who knows very little about rugby. The night of the game, ever bar/restaurant was packed, an enormous screen was set up in a town square, and even the church was crowded where people could see the game. Basically any public gathering place became a place of worship for the Manly Sea Eagles. All in all, it was really fun to see the people of Manly be so supportive of their team and the energy level high. I'm pleased to say the Sea Eagles won and I have a new found respect for the game of rugby.


I speak the English language but here, it is somewhat difficult to understand what the Australians are talking about with their constant abbreviated words. Today in class, my professor talked about "pokie laws," which took me a good ten minutes to realize it meant poker/gambling. In fact, I will share with you a few terms of the Aussie language...


Sunnies-sunglasses
Footies-soccer/rugby game
Meusli=granola
Rice Bubbles=rice krispies
Hungry Jacks=Burger King
ankle biters-mosquitoes 
etc


I would also like to share the fact that one of the more rewarding things about traveling is talking to the random people I encounter on the street, in restaurants/bars and along the beach. Whether they are local or from a foreign country, I seem to learn just within 5 minutes that we have something in common. It's obvious that there is a bit of curiosity inside of everyone because of the questions asked between two strangers. Even just a small encounter with someone new after a hard day can remind me why I chose to live 12,000 miles away.

View from the Other Side of the Road

Welcome to Cairns. (pronounced Cans for those who haven't adapted to the Aussie accent)


First I'd like to point out that this city is windy. Its a beautiful, tropical place that kind of resembles Key West. I am impressed by the wide selection of Asian cuisine here in Australia (sometimes I forget how close I actually am to Asia..). A few of us ate at the Banana Leaf and enjoyed some delicious (and expensive) Thai food. In this first week, I also came to notice what a big part bars play in Aussie culture. Contrary to the common belief, Fosters is not widely consumed in this country. I have yet to see it in bars, clubs, ferries, and anywhere else alcohol is served.


Note to those who enjoy beer: Carlton Draught and Bulmer's Cider beer are both delish.


In addition to going out to restaurants, AustraLearn took us to Rainforestation Nature Park up in the Kuranda Rainforest. These pictures are featured on my wonderful Facebook fan page. Activities within the nature park included holding a koala, petting/feeding kangaroos, meeting dingos, and learning about Aboriginal culture (boomerang throwing included).


Later in the week, we went back to the rainforest to help with the Conservation Volunteers of Australia to help plant over 1,000 trees and take a look at the interesting wildlife in the area. One of the few plants/berries that humans are able to eat in the rainforest without dying is the Quandong. Disgusting if eaten raw...later had a cooked version and, with added sugar of course, tasted a lot better. That night we got to experience Ochre, a popular restaurant focused primarily on regional Australian cuisine. We tried kangaroo, wallaby, trout, emu, and various bush foods (berries, seeds, etc.). If ever in Cairns, I highly suggest this restaurant for a night out.


Lastly, I ended my week with a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef. I was unaware the in order to get there, one must take a two hour boat ride out to snorkel and scuba dive. It was well worth the trip, however, and I decided to try scuba diving for my first time. This was one of the coolest things I have ever tried and I got to see ten times more than what snorkelers can see. I saw Nemo and Dori and got about a foot away from a turtle. The most colorful fish and coral I've ever seen and pictures certainly do not do justice. I am so thankful I got to see the Reef and I recommend travelers make the trip.


Note: for non-bird lovers, do not go to the island out by the reef. Some 8,000 birds cover the island which is the size of...a normal neighborhood park. Its loud, disgusting and you will without a doubt get pooped on. Have fun! 


PS. on this picture, the black areas = birds.