Monday, March 31, 2014

Resurrection S.1 Ep. 4 “Up Against the World” Recap


Recap: Caleb and Elaine share some father daughter time reminiscing. At Dale Getheard’s house Agent Bellamy and Maggie share their theory of Caleb and Getheard being bank robbers with Langston. Sheriff Langston and Agent Bellamy decide to talk to Caleb. At the church, Pastor Tom Hale and Rachel are trying to figure out how she is back from the dead after 12 years. Rachel does not want him to tell anyone she is there, but he tells her that he must confide in his wife. Rachel asks if the others that have come back had also committed suicide. He tells her no.

That night, some neighborhood kids lurk around the Langston home with flashlights trying to get a look at Jacob, “the ghost boy.” Henry Langston scares them off and Lucille tries to comfort Jacob as he has a seizure. The next day, Maggie checks Jacob out and he seems to be fine. Lucille tells Maggie that Jacob has been eating non-stop.


Pastor Tom Hale tells his wife about his life with Rachel in the past before he became a pastor. He shares that she drove her car off of a bridge and killed herself. He explains that the reason he has finally decided to reveal this part of his past is because she is back. His wife, Janine, feels hurt that he never told her about Rachel before and suspects that he still has feelings for her. Agent Bellamy and Sheriff Langston visit Caleb’s house and tell Elaine that they need to speak to him about Dale Getheard’s murder. They start searching the house and find Caleb’s hammer, the suspected murder weapon. Back at the Langston home, Henry apologizes for how he came across when he said Lucille was betraying the real Jacob. He wonders about the new Jacob not being the same.

Agent Bellamy and Sheriff Langston go over the evidence from the back robbery that Caleb and Dale Getheard may have been a part of. Coincidentally, there is an armored truck robbery happening during present time. It happens to be at the bank where Elaine works. Agent Bellamy and Sheriff Langston arrive on the scene and suspect that Caleb is responsible for the robbery. Elaine talks to Caleb on the phone and he is at home. He tells her that he has a job to get to. Agent Bellamy, Sheriff Langston, and the police arrive at Caleb’s house, but Caleb is gone. Agent Bellamy and Sheriff Langston suspect Elaine may be helping Caleb elude the police so they decide to question her.


Pastor Tom Hale goes out looking for Rachel because she seems to have vanished from the church. He starts thinking about how in love they were. Maggie decides to take Jacob out for ice cream in hopes of getting him to open up. While riding in her car, he tells her how people think that he is weird. Maggie encourages him to confide in her and his mother. He tells her that they just drove by Caleb and she asks him how he knows that. He tells her that he can feel Caleb. Agent Bellamy and Sheriff Langston question Elaine about the access Caleb may have had to bank information. She lies and tells them that he couldn’t have had access to anything. Maggie comes to the sheriff’s office to tell her father that Jacob told her where Caleb is.

Pastor Tom Hale finds Rachel and tells her that her suicide hurt her family and him. Rachel explains that she didn’t plan to commit suicide, but she couldn’t handle the pressure of their lives in the past. She tells him that she wants a life with him now. Pastor Tom Hale explains that he is torn about how he feels about her now. The police close in on Caleb where he is burning something in an abandoned building. He comes out and surrenders as they arrest him. Sheriff Langston tells Caleb that it’s over. Caleb tells him that it’s just beginning as thunder begins to strike.


Review: This week’s episode was better than last’s week’s episode. Elaine is lying about how much access Caleb may have had to bank information. She found him on her office computer when he brought lunch to her. She is trying to protect him, but it doesn’t seem like she knows what to believe. She is so blinded by having her father back that she refuses to face that he may be a thief and a murderer. I really want to know why the resurrected people seem to eat all the time. Not sure what that has to do with them coming back from the dead, but hopefully this will soon be revealed.

Although this episode was better than last week’s, the series is already moving noticeable slower. Pastor Tom Hale is going to have a problem with his wife if she confirms how he feels about Rachel. The connection that Jacob has to Caleb adds to Caleb’s creepiness. We still don’t know who Maggie’s mother’s ex-lover has at his house they may be a resurrected person. What will Caleb say when he is questioned at the sheriff’s office? Still so many questions, but no answers.

Please let me know what your comments or thoughts are.

Post by Veronica Fitzpatrick
Twitter: RonnieLauren 

Movie Mondays: Indie Game: The Movie

This week's Random Movie Monday is Indie Game: The Movie. The movie was directed by Lisanne Pajot and James Swirksy and released in September 2012. 


Amazon Story line: 'Indie Game: The Movie' is the Sundance Award Winning Feature documentary about Video Game Designers. Indie Game: The Movie is the first feature documentary film about making video games. It looks specifically at the underdogs of the video game industry, indie game developers, who sacrifice money, health and sanity to realize their lifelong dreams of sharing their visions with the world. After two years of painstaking work, designer Edmund McMillen and programmer Tommy Refenes await the release of their first major game for Xbox, Super Meat Boy-the adventures of a skinless boy in search of his girlfriend, who is made of bandages. At PAX, a major video-game expo, developer Phil Fish unveils his highly anticipated, four-years-in-the-making FEZ. Jonathan Blow considers beginning a new game after creating Braid, one of the highest-rated games of all time. Four developers, three games, and one ultimate goal- to express oneself through a video game. Indie Game: The Movie is about the creative process and putting yourself out there through your work. It's a journey many filmmakers, creators, artists, entrepreneurs - many people, can relate to in the digital era.


My Thoughts: Since I enjoy quirky indie games I figured I would check out this movie. I did not realize that it was a documententary but I was immediately pulled in by the characters. The creator behind the game Braid, Jonathan Blow, talks about the success of his game and how he personally was viewed as a jerk just by commenting on others thoughts about his game. At first I was going to agree with everyone but once I noticed the mental anguish of Edmund and Tommy, creators behind Super Meat Boy, I realized that I had no right to judge any of these developers. 


You notice Phil Fish, the creator behind FEZ, basically have a breakdown at Pax East when the game keeps having glitches. I actually feel bad for him. He worked for 4 years on this game and the possibility of it not being released due to legal problems with his past partner made you hope for him to win. 


The dynamic between Edmund and Tommy was great. Those two needed each other as Tommy was often at the end of this rope with the process of making Super Meat Boy. There are times that you are concerned for Tommy's mental health as he talks about wanting to give up. You cheer for them as their game is finally released and its success. I am happy to have watched this movie and recommend it to anyone, gamer and non-gamer alike. This movie gives you insights into the development of indie games and is great to understand the drama behind the games you play. Check it out and share your thoughts in the comments.

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite

Sunday, March 30, 2014

The Walking Dead S4, Ep. 16 "A" Season Finale Review


Important Moments: Show starts with a flashback to the time at the prison when everyone was still happy. Fast forward to Rick covered in blood and looking a little freaked out by a truck. Present day Michonne, Rick, and Carl have set up camp. While looking at how to set up a trap they hear someone calling for help. Rick pulls Carl back and they watch as the guy is attacked by a lot of walkers. The Walkers begin to follow them. Prison Flashback - Hershel is asking Rick for help. Present day Rick, Michonne, and Carl find a truck on the road and set up camp by it. Rick finds himself being held at gunpoint by Joe and his group.


Daryl steps up and tells Joe to stop and let them go. Daryl offers himself up in Rick's place. Daryl is being beat up. Joe says his plans of taking out Daryl, Carl, Michonne and saves Rick for last. Rick headbutts Joe. On of the men is attacking Carl. Rick watches as those around him are attacked. Rick literally bites the throat out of Joe. Rick stabs the man that was about to rape his son. Prison Flashback - Hershel talks about growing food and domesticating pigs. Hershel tells Rick the war is over and Carl needs his father.


Rick is sitting at the truck while Michonne and Carl are inside the truck. Now we understand why we get that flash at the beginning of the show. Daryl lets Rick know that he was with Beth but that she is gone now and then he fell into that group. Rick calls Daryl his brother - awe! They are back on the train track going to Terminus. The group heads through the woods to the back of Terminus to get a feel of the place. Michonne shares the story of how her son died with Carl. She was coming back from a run and her boyfriend and friend were high at the time and ended up being bit. That is who she turned into the armless zombies that she had with her. She tells Carl not to be afraid of his Dad. 


They enter Terminus by hopping a gate. They enter and find people prepping signs for Terminus. They are asked to lay down their weapons and are patted down and handed back their weapons. They meet Mary who is on the grill yet again. Rick sees a watch on the welcome guy and holds him at knife point asking where he got that watch. Flashback to the Prison. Rick brought back legos for Carl but he is instead cleaning a gun. He asks Carl for his help and to leave the gun  behind. Present Day - Rick demands where he got the watch, riot gear, and poncho. He as Gareth where are his people. The shooting begins and they try to make a run for it. They run by remains and hear someone cry for help. They keep running but realize they are surrounded. In the background you notice a train with the letter "A". I am guessing that is where they name of the episode comes from. 


They are instructed to go to the train car. Nice names for everyone - leader, archer, samurai. Carl is the last to head towards the car. They are all inside the train car. They find Glenn, Maggie, and the others inside. Prison Flashback - Rick, Carl, and Hershel are working the land for the farm. Present Day - Rick says they will feel pretty stupid when they find out they are screwing with the wrong people. End.


My thoughts: I completely understand why Rick goes medieval on Joe and then the man that was about to rape his son. Take a moment and think what you would do if you were in that position. Teeth are great weapons and we learn as little kids to bite. I tip my hat to Rick for doing what was necessary to save his son, Michonne, and Daryl. Although those deaths happened way too fast. The group was wiped out in one go and we were subjected to countless episodes of just a coupe of characters though out this part of the season. This part could have been stretched out. It felt rushed since this is the season finale. Overall the whole episode feels rushed and could have been a better season finale.

Bad move on Rick's part to jump the gun. He should have waited and made a plan before jumping the guy over the watch. Great job on the flashbacks to the Prison showing how Rick wanted to be a better father for his son but realizes that he understands that there are times that he needs to be vicious to do what needs to be done for his son. 

What did you think about this episode?

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite



Friday, March 28, 2014

Titanfall: First Impressions



So the first big name title for Xbox One is out, Titanfall. For those who don’t know Titanfall is a first person shooter where the players alternate between playing as Pilots, highly maneuverable soldiers, and Titans, huge robots. The game is interesting because the whole game is online multiplayer, yup even the campaign mode antagonists are just the other team in a multiplayer match. This is a pretty interesting design choice since most people who play first person shooters flat out ignore the campaign mode. I found the campaign mode pretty interesting but hard to keep up with, the story is driven during the load screens between matches, which can be hard to pay attention to when you’re customizing your character and their Titan loadouts.


The game itself is very good in my opinion. The maneuvering is pretty intuitive for the pilots and their wall running and double jumping as well as for the large Titans. I feel that both are pretty balanced and have their advantages and disadvantages. I also found that all of the weapons were pretty balanced and I never felt that I was “outgunned” by people in higher levels. I also liked that damaging opponents decreases the time until your Titan is available. I think this is better than the kill streak options seen in other games, to me that can sometimes feel unbalanced and the better players eating up the weaker players. I’m also a fan of the maneuverability as it all but eliminates the hated act of camping. Its impossible to stay in one area and collect kills when someone can sneak up from either above, below, or behind you.


Overall I’m very pleased with Titanfall and I think that it is a great opening into the next generation of gaming. The balancing and freedom of movement in this game is a refreshing take on the First Person Shooter. The use of dedicated severs has cut down on any lagging or network problems. I would recommend this game to any owner of an Xbox One. 

Post by Sam
Twitter: BigSam425

The Flash Volume 3: Gorilla Warfare Review


It’s been very interesting to see how DC has approached different series in its new 52 relaunch way back in September of 2011. Some titles had their whole history scrapped and reimagined, some titles basically came in “already in progress” and a few titles just kept on going and ignored the relaunch since they were in the middle of awesome stories. The Flash is one of those titles that we came in with it “already in progress”. In volume one Flash already has his powers but he’s still in the process of getting a handle on them. Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato have been doing a great job of making this book look and feel unlike anything else on the stands week after week and this volume continues to deliver on that.


Gorilla Warfare is a story about the classic villain King Grodd and the army from Gorilla City invading Central City and hunting Flash in order to claim his connection to the Speed Force. So if you’re paying attention this volume is about Super Intelligent Super Powered Gorillas fighting the Flash and the Villains from the Rogue Gallery, small time Central City criminals who commit crime adhering to a code. Allow me to repeat myself; this volume is about Super Intelligent Super Powered Gorillas fighting the Flash and the Villains from the Rogue Gallery. I feel that I could end the review right here and it would sell itself. But the art of Manapul and Buccellato accentuates the story and their approach to the Flashes powers, focusing on his ability to think at super speed and not only move at super speed is an interesting twist to the story. 


This volume also did a lot of foreshadowing into coming events and introduced a pretty powerful villain from the The Flash mythos.  I feel that this is one of the best looking and freshest books that DC is putting out and Gorilla Warfare keeps this up. If you’re a fan of comics and great art I suggest picking this up. 

Post by Sam
Twitter: BigSam425

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Gamer Corner: Master Rain

Welcome to this week's installment of Gamer Corner, where Fangirl Review interviews a gamer and gets his thoughts on the gaming world and learning what he is enjoying at the moment.


Tell me a little bit about yourself? What rig do you currently game on? What kind of gamer do you classify yourself to be? ie. PC, Console, Tabletop, LARP as well as Hardcore, RPG, etc.

Currently, and not for long, I’m on an old Dell Laptop. Not good for recent games but they do the job for indie titles and the like. I classify myself to be more towards PC gaming and pretty hardcore as well. My favorite genres are Action, Adventure, Simulation, Strategy and Stealth.

What is your first memory of gaming?
Being about 4 or 5 years old playing Super Mario on the SNES.


What game are you currently playing right now?
Game Dev Tycoon is what I’m currently playing.

How’s the overall game play and graphics?

The gameplay is sufficient for what the game is, but I would have liked to see more interactions with the world than just making games and getting an occasional interview. The graphics are cartoony but for a game like this, there’s not a whole lot that needs to be done graphics-wise.

Do you enjoy that game, why?

I enjoy the game a lot because it kind of gives you that feeling of what game developers go through when they make their games. It’s not as detailed where you’re literally making a game but it gives you a few decisions that are crucial to development. I also enjoy it because the game relies on its concept and gameplay more than it relies on its graphics.

Would you recommend it, why?

I would recommend this game because it’s challenging and fast-paced. Also, there are a ton of mods available for the game to add a new spin on things.

Are there any games coming out that you are looking forward to?

My top of the list right now is Watch Dogs. Being able to take hacking to the streets and manipulate an entire city just sounds so crazy and fun. I am sad and glad that the release was delayed but I do hope that they do finish polishing the game and actually meet the release date of May 27, 2014.


If you could design your own game what would it be like?

If I were to design my own game, it would probably be similar to Max Payne. It would have a different story, world and set of characters but the gameplay would be reminiscent to Max Payne with slow motion gun fights, and cinematic shots.

Thoughts on this new generation of consoles – Wii U, PS4, and Xbox One?

I believe that the PS4 and X1 are being judged a little too much in regards to their resolution. I do like the idea of the X1 where everything is in 1 box but the issue with that is games will continue to become bigger and bigger and I don’t think the X1 will be able to make smooth transitions from game to tv or split screening to have Skype calls with video when playing something that requires a ton of resources.
The Wii U is a neat concept of having a tablet and tv but I never really liked touch screen based games. It’s been a long while since Nintendo has put out a console or device that interested me.

What are your thoughts on the gaming industry?

I think there should be more focus on the Indie games because the developers we have today won’t be here tomorrow. There are some Indie titles that are great and made a lot of noise such as Octodad and I believe that more can come from new and fresh talent.

10 years from now, where do you see the industry? Are you happy with that direction? If you had the power, what direction would you have the gaming industry go?

10 years from now, I think that all games will be digital, internet providers such as Comcast and Turner will no longer be able to data cap and games will also be more interactive than what they are now by means of head and arm gear.

I also think that given this time, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo along with any other console team will be more focused on making mobile platforms with high powered hardware than with the consoles themselves.

If I had the power to change the direction of the gaming industry, I think I would keep this the same but I would definitely overhaul Nintendo. I would have Nintendo build a machine with great specs and come up with more original characters than constantly regurgitating the same ones over and over with no real new plot.
Favorite Game (can include tabletop) of all time and why?

My favorite game would be Max Payne. It’s a laid back game that has its challenging moments. It was very innovative at the time with the “bullet time” feature as well as the cinematic kill which would be triggered by 1 certain thug and only if he was the last one alive. It was a little sketchy since it couldn’t be activated 100% all the time but it was still very satisfying seeing the slow motion kills with a shotgun and see the thug launch 10 feet in the air.


Would you like to share your gamer tag and the system so others may add you? 

Steam: Mr. Rain

Thank you to Master Rain for a fantastic interview. If you would like to be interviewed for Gamer Corner please contact me at fangirlcontact@gmail.com.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Fanboys: A Virus That Keeps Spreading




You know the old saying “Drugs are destroying our youth”? Well I put Fanboys up there with drugs. Let’s talk about how old I am for a minute. Remember when having a Nintendo, and Sega Genesis meant you were the coolest kid on the block? Pepperidge Farms Remembers. I was fortunate enough to have both NES, and Sega Genesis. Everyday friends would ask if it was okay to come over after school and play, and this would go on through my Super Nintendo/Sega Saturn/Sega CD/Gameboy era. Owning a PlayStation/N64 was great as well (I skipped the Dreamcast we all know why), but then something happened, Microsoft threw its hat into the proverbial “gaming ring”, and Fanboys were born. Now granted there was Console Wars between Sega and Nintendo, but we were too young to believe into the hype (and there was no Social Media), but somewhere along the way it became PS2 vs. X-Box vs. GameCube.


Then you had to pick who was your favorite. Why? All these years of playing every console, now I get scrutinized if I have one system, and not the other? It’s to the point where you start to think “Were they apart of creating this console?”  When did it stop being about gaming? Fanboys take the fun out of gaming, and now it’s more “Well this runs Native 1080p”, “We have better exclusive” “We have a more powerful console”. Really!? We!? Last time I checked having really good graphics didn’t make a game good. Each console brings their own thing to the table, but you can’t call yourself a “Gamer” while bashing other consoles. We as gamers should be excited about gaming period. Now I’m not saying go out there and buy every console because we’re not made of money, I’m simply saying respect each other, we shouldn’t be enemies there’s plenty of those in the game.

Post by Rich
Twitter: HailkingRich

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Teen Wolf S.3, Ep. 24 "The Divine Move" Season Finale Recap


The show starts with Lydia, Scott, and Isaac sitting in the police station. Scott replays what happened after Alison dies. Mr. Argent coached him on what his story is to the cops. Stiles is drinking tea with Kira's mother to calm down. They talk about a divine move. They need to think outside the box to turn the game around. Mr. Argent returns home with Isaac. It is hard for him to even step foot into the house. The Oni show up to the police station and start fighting. Derek talks to the twins. He tells them to fight for Scott's cause if they want to join Scott's pack. The cause is for Scott to save his friends no matter what. 


Nogitsune shows up to the hospital looking for Mrs. McCall. The Oni begin chopping people down in the hospital. Mrs. McCall and Mr. McCall are at the hospital together. Mrs. McCall ends up with her leg sliced. Isaac is in Alison room with Mr. Argent. Isaac realizes that the silver arrow head that Alison made was used on the Oni. Mr. Stilinski pulls out the shot gun and blows back one of the Oni. Lydia feels weak and thinks that they are running out of time. The police station fight is finally done and Mr. Stiliniski and the deputy are both cut. 


Kira, Scott, Lydia, and Stiles walk into the high school and find themselves in the garden where the Nogitsune died. Mrs. McCall is weak from blood loss. She tells Mr. McCall to do better in terms of Scott. Derek shows up with the Nemeton tree box that they think can trap the Nogitsune. The twins show up to fight with him against the Nogistune. The burned victim Nogitsune shows up with the Oni to face Scott and gang. Deaton is confronted by the Oni at the Animal Clinic and is cut. The Oni are cutting all those close to Stiles. The nogitsune set Scott up to kill Stiles as the only way to stop everyone from dying who have been cut by the blade. Mrs. McCall is starting to get worse and is regurgitating blood. Stiles tells them to stop fighting as it is just an illusion. They are able to get out of the illusion. Kira and Scott and knocked out leaving Lydia and Stiles against the Nogitsune. Aiden ends up being stabbed by the blade. Lydia reminds the nogitsune that the scroll says that to defeat him is to change him. Scott bites the Nogitsune and Kira stabs him. Isaac captures the fly that comes out. The nogitsune cracks and becomes smoke. 


Mrs. McCall begins to heal and get better as does everyone who has been cut. Stiles passes out but is okay. Lydia realizes that something is wrong. Ethan sits down with Aiden who is coughing up black. He dies in his brother's arms. Lydia runs outside and realize that happened. Music sequence seeing everyone trying to deal with their loss. They are at the school and Mahlia is there. You see Scott trying to teach Mahlia how to pull out her claws while Stiles watches. Ethan is talking to Danny that he does not think he can stay. Danny says he does not think he can date a werewolf. Ha! Danny is fully aware and says that it is Beacon Hills. I love it!!!! Stiles is taking down all his papers from the wall. Scott is at work. Deaton tells Scott that things will always even out. 



Derek is talking to Stiles about having a nightmare. He talks about how he was kidnapped by a family and then they showed up to his warehouse later. They were looking for a she-wolf. He thinks they are looking for Kora but they are not. A smoke bomb comes in and they are taking out by the she-wolf. Derek talks about the ways one can be turned by a scratch. Derek thinks he is in a dream and turns out that he is when talking to Stiles but not at his warehouse. Derek realizes that the warehouse is real and that Kate Argent is back and is a werewolf. She was turned when Peter slashed her throat.

My Thoughts: A lot of death and action going on in the first 20 minutes of the show. It was heart breaking to watch Isaac and Mr. Argent. Mr. Argent keeps saying that this is his duty but you can tell that he is barely holding it together. I like seeing everyone working together and Mr. Argent having a chance to kill those that killed his daughter.

While I both like and dislike the twins it is sad to see one of them die. The Danny and Ethan moment was well done!

Kate Argent is back and a werewolf!!! OMG! What has she been up to that people are out looking for her. She has been causing havoc! I cannot June where will get season 4. Overall this has been a great season. I at first did not care for all the ninja stuff but in the end it worked.

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite

Michonne vs Afro Samurai: Who would win?

Hello Everyone,
I realized when the question was asked who would you choose Michonne or Afro Samurai, I wanted to know who would win in a battle between those two. I decided to pull together information and see if I can make an educated guess based on information.

Afro Samurai:
Family Background:  Afro Samurai is a talented swordsman who watched his father being decapitated right in front of him. Due to this trauma, Afro developed a mindset of revenge and became a cold-blooded killer.
Appearance:  Afro's outfit consists of a white Japanese folding shirt and dark brown baggy pants. He also wears a pair of wooden sandals. Afro wears a number two headband.
Weapon of Choice: Afro has the sword that was passed on to him after his father died.
Kill Count: Unknown 

Michonne:
Family Background: Michonne was a lawyer in her life prior to the whole zombie outbreak. She had two daughters that were home with a nanny when the outbreak occurred and she does not know if they are alive but they are assumed dead. Her two sisters, brother,  ex-husband, and boyfriend are dead as well.
Appearance: Michonne was featured on the cover of #19 wearing a mini skirt, tights, combat boots, tank top, scarf, and a green army coat. She switched over to a short sleeve or sleeveless shirt, headband, and jeans.

Weapon of Choice: Michonne picked up a katana from a house while on a supply run. She has a background in fencing from her childhood and college. 
Kill Count: Unknown 


VS


These two characters move smoothly in their kills. It is almost like a dance when their blades start swinging. I am going to go with Michonne. I might be sexist but oh well. I think her training, resilience, and intelligence would make her the ultimate winner.  I do not think it will be an easy fight but she will come out on top in the end. 
Now that you have background information of the two who do you think will win?

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite

Monday, March 24, 2014

Resurrection S1, Ep.3 “Two Rivers” Recap


Recap: So Jacob’s remains were in the coffin. He is wearing the same shirt he had on when he was found in China during the first episode. Agent Bellamy and Maggie are even more confused. Jacob tells Agent Bellamy about the dream he had about Caleb disintegrating into dust. Agent Bellamy tells Jacob to stay away from Caleb. Agent Bellamy goes to question Caleb. He brings up Caleb’s less than stellar past from 13 years ago. Agent Bellamy vows to uncover what he is hiding. Caleb describes what it felt like to die. Agent Bellamy warns Caleb to stay away from Jacob.

Henry Langston goes to the hospital to have Maggie check out his hand. He asks if Jacob’s body was in the coffin. She admits his remains were there. Agent Bellamy and Maggie talk at the hospital and agree that Caleb is hiding something. Elaine shares information about their financial problems with Caleb. Caleb agrees to go grocery shopping with Ray, but Ray tells him he doesn’t belong there. A woman shares her concerns with Pastor Tom Hale about Lucille Langston calling the boy “Jacob” and believing he is her dead son. She questions if Lucille needs psychological help and if this is really God’s doing or something else. 


Maggie shows Agent Bellamy where her mother and Jacob drowned. They discuss the theory that the river may have something to do with the dead people returning. Some of Caleb’s ashes were also scattered in the river after he died. Sheriff Langston asks Jacob if the man that was by the river when he drowned pushed his wife in. Jacob tells him that he was actually trying to save her. Caleb brings Elaine a brown bag lunch at work and tells her to focus on her life. He will worry about Ray and making everything better. Sheriff Langston goes to a bar and shares his story of finding out his wife cheated. He basically threatens to hurt the man she cheated with if he ever shows his face. After he leaves the bar, we realize the man was actually in the same bar and overheard the sheriff’s threat.

Henry explains that he isn’t sure how to handle the fact that there are two Jacobs: one in the coffin and one walking around. At the church, members tell Pastor Tom Hale that Lucille Langston and Jacob should be banned from church. They also share that Caleb has returned. The pastor disagrees with banning anyone from church. Back in the woods, Agent Bellamy and Maggie find all the holes Caleb has been digging. They find what looked like a cloth before, but now we see that it is a mask. They realized Ray has been watching them. Ray tells them “that man” dug the holes, he’s been watching him and he knows who he is. Ray says that he never sleeps and he eats all the time. He believes he is an alien. He shows them newspaper clippings that could help prove his theory.


Henry and Jacob start building a boat together, like they did in the past. Henry starts reminiscing about Jacob from before, then he has a muscle spasm in his arm and cuts it on a saw. He yells at Jacob to get out. Maggie and Agent Bellamy are discussing the possibility of Caleb being a bank robber when she gets a text to head to the hospital to check on Henry’s arm wound. Henry confesses to Maggie that he blames himself for Jacob’s death. Maggie tells him that his emotional stress is affecting his health. He had the same physical issues when Jacob died. When he returns home, he confesses to Lucille that he feels like he is betraying the old Jacob if he accepts the new Jacob. He feels that Lucille is betraying the old Jacob. She storms away upset with him.

Agent Bellamy goes by Mr. Getheard’s house and notices the door is open. He walks in with his gun drawn. He finds a bloody trail with a dead man at the end of it. It appears to be the man that Caleb beat to death. Pastor Tom Hale notices that the church has been broken into. There is a woman in the front pew sitting in the dark. She tells him she didn’t have anywhere to go. He realizes it is someone named Rachel. She asks if she really died.

Review: In short, this episode was boring, boring, boring. Still not sure what Agent Bellamy’s secret from five years ago is. Caleb’s behavior is unexplained. I wonder how long it will take to connect him to Mr. Getheard’s murder. Based on the preview for next week, Rachel is Pastor Tom Hale’s old girlfriend. That should be interesting information for his wife.

I had such high hopes for this week, but I honestly couldn’t wait for this episode to be over. I don’t feel like the storyline moved forward much at all. We didn’t get much insight into the characters on a deeper level. Except for some extra information like Henry’s health issues when he is stressed, Sheriff Langston’s feelings about his wife’s lover, and the discovery of Caleb’s holes in the woods, we didn’t learn much. I hope next week is better. I am trying to be optimistic, but I can see this series turning into a snooze.

Please let me know what your comments or thoughts are.

Veronica Fitzpatrick
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RonnieLauren

Movie Review: Divergent

Hello Everyone,

I know I usually do a random movie but I am being lazy this week and will just combine my Random Movie Monday with my movie review. This week will be Divergent. Directed by Neil Burger. 


AMC Story Line: DIVERGENT is a thrilling action-adventure film set in a world where people are divided into five distinct factions based on human virtues. Abnegation, meant for the selfless; Amity, meant for the peaceful; Candor, meant for the honest; Dauntless, meant for the brave; and Erudite, meant for the Intelligent. Beatrice "Tris" Prior (Shailene Woodley) born into Abnegation is warned she is Divergent and will never fit into any one group. When she discovers a conspiracy by a faction leader, Jeanine (Kate Winslet), to destroy all Divergents, Tris must learn to trust in the mysterious Four (Theo James) and together they must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous before it's too late. Based on the best-selling book series by Veronica Roth.


I truly enjoyed the book so keep in mind that I did read the book first. The movie surprisingly stayed overall close to the book with is a plus. There were some changes but not any that ruined the story. So if you read the book you will not be too disappointed. I felt like I was in the book and saw the characters brought to life. 


Shailene Woodley as Tris was a great choice. She appeared weak when she started out and then strong as the movie progressed. The dynamics between her and Four (Theo James) was believable and Miles Teller did an awesome job as Peter. He quickly became the guy that you did not like. Zoe Kravitz played Christina quite well. Overall I think the cast was done well. 



The action sequences were well done. You felt yourself jump onto the train for the first time and jump off the train. You enjoyed jumping into the hole into Dauntless. You felt yourself flying through the sky on the zipline. You felt Tris's urgency to save those that matter to her and you felt the fear in the feasrscapes. I overall say I enjoyed the movie and would recommend it if you enjoy the young adult genre. Check it out. It is not just another Hunger Games.

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite

Sunday, March 23, 2014

The Walking Dead S4, Ep. 15 "Us" Recap

Glenn, Tara, and group are walking down the tracks to Terminus. Abraham questions Tara's motives. Eugene continues to talk Tara's ear off. Glenn finds a sign from Maggie saying to go to Terminus. He starts to jog down the path. Daryl is with his new group. Rick, Carl, and Michonne are walking the tracks. Great bonding moment. 
Daryl finds himself facing off with a jerk. Daryl has new rules to live by in the new group. Abraham tells Glenn, they have to rest. Glenn refuses and they notice a tunnel. The group parts ways as Abraham does not believe he can keep Eugene alive in the tunnel. Daryl is talking to the leader of the group. He says that he isn't staying with them long. Glenn and Tara make their way through the tunnel and realizes it has been caved in. They find a lot of zombies. Glenn scans the zombies to check that Maggie was not one of them. 


Abraham and his group are scouting for a car. Rosalita takes control of the navigation as apparently Eugene messed up in the past. Glen and Tara try to go around the zombies but Tara ends up trapped under a rock. Eugene navigated Rosalita until where he thinks Tara and Glenn would come out of the tunnel. Daryl finds himself being accused of stealing and the other guy gets the crap beat out of him because he set Daryl up. Tara tries to tell Glenn to leave her but he refuses and starts to shoot the Zombies. They end up being saved by Maggie and her group. 


Glenn introduces Maggie to Tara and changes the story saying that he met Tara on the road. Glenn, Maggie, and Abraham talk about them going to Washington. Eugene says they go to Terminus for supplies. Everyone agrees to go to Terminus. Daryl finds the body of the guy that set him up. Daryl sees the Terminus sign but the group does not believe in it. The group are the guys that showed up to the house where Rick was staying. They are determined to find Rick and make him pay. Glenn, Maggie, and group arrive to Terminus. They are greeted by Mary who welcomes them to Terminus. 

My thoughts: I am happy to see all the different groups. I might have screamed if we had one more episode of just one group. I think it is in Daryl's best interest to leave that group as soon as possible. The group finally gets to Terminus which is great. I wonder what hidden horrors are there. Poor Rick always has someone after him. Luckily he has Michonne.

Happy Moment: Maggie and Glenn are reunited.

What are you hoping to happen in the next episode? Leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite

Once Upon a Time S3, Ep. 14 "The Tower" Review


Show starts with Charming hearing a baby cry. He finds the nursery for Emma. He sees Emma as a princess. He has a dance with his daughter and is sad that he never got that chance. The room becomes dark and Emma is snatched into a portal in the tree. Charming wakes up from a dream. Snow tells Charming that she is pregnant. Present day the team works together to find The Wicked Witch of Oz. The Wicked Witch has Rumplestilskin in the cellar. She has the blade that can kill him. She begins to shave him and talks about how her father was a drunk.

Zelena is in Mr. Gold's shop and meets Belle. She says she wants to buy a gift. She freezes Belle and takes a root out of a jar in the safe. Hook, Charming, and Emma find a holly berry. Charming has to go meet with the midwife. Enchanted Forest - Charming is taking a drink and sees Robin Hood. Charming admits to having fear for his unborn child. Robin mentions a root to over come fears. Robin tells him that the forest is haunted. Present Day - Charming and Snow meet Zelena. She makes tea and puts part of the item she got from Gold in Charming's tea.

Enchanted Forest - Charming is looking for the root and hears a woman crying for help. He climbs a rope into a tower and realizes it is hair and it is Repunzel in the tower. She was looking for the night root as well. They both talk about their fear and how it did not work. Repunzel says there is a witch that will not let her leave. Present day - Zelena tells Charming to get the fears out into the open. David goes to join Emma and Hook and is being haunted by the Witch he met with Repunzel.


Regina is with Henry. They are talking and Regina lets him know that one day he will have more family. Enchanted forest - Charming tries to cut the hair to stop the witch but he is too late as the witch is already on the roof. Present Day - Emma and Hook find an empty house. They find a storm cellar. David faces the witch and finds himself being strangled. It turns out the hooded figure is him. Enchanted Forest - He tells Repunzel to defeat her fears. Repunzel cuts the hair and faces her fears. Present Day - Charming fights himself and wins that he is afraid of being a bad father. Repunzel is able to return home. Zelena has stolen a part of Charming's courage. They return to the cellar and find that the lock has been broken and Rumplestilskin is now out. 
My Thoughts: 
Great show as always. The witch has taken Charming's courage. I wonder if she will take someone's heart and brain as well. Do we have to wait for Dorthy to show up as well as the Wizard of Oz. I wonder how this is all going to work out with Rumple out and about as his evil self? What are your thoughts. 

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite

Friday, March 21, 2014

Locke and Key Volume 6: Alpha and Omega Review



All good things must come to an end, and Alpha and Omega brings the story of Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode to an end. This has been one of my favorite series and has made me a big fan of Joe Hill’s writing and Gabriel Rodriguez’s art. So if you haven’t been reading this series let me fill you in, after the tragic death of their father the Locke family moves across the country to live in the deceased father’s childhood home.  But the Lovecraft house is more than meets the eye as magical keys begin revealing themselves to the Locke children. Eventually we learn that the Father’s death was not as random as they had once believed and an old villain who had been cast away decades earlier makes his appearance. 


The series then follows the Locke children as they defend the Omega key from this villain using the magic of the keys all the while dealing with the fallout of the loss of their father and being the new kids in a new school and town. It was very entertaining to see the children learn the lessons of dealing with the responsibilities of the keys powers, learning that the powers can’t fix everything in their personal lives.




This volume has the children dealing with the climax of the villain’s plans as he finally gets his hands on the Omega key and plans to unleash evil onto the world. It’s quite poetic that the series climax happens at a prom after party as prom is the climax of every school year. There were plenty of moments in this book that choked me up, especially a part with Rufus in the second chapter. It was crazy to see a battle that had been confined to the Locke kids and the villain at the Lovecraft house expand to numerous innocent bystanders, the amount of collateral damage this final struggle between good and evil was shocking. 


Joe Hill’s writing was superb throughout the series and Gabriel Rodriguez’s art matched it at every step, it’s great to see a writer and artist so in sync. I can’t wait until this story is collected in an omnibus and I can have the whole story in one place. This is a story I would offer to anyone, whether they are a fan of comics or not. 

Post by Sam
Twitter: BigSam425