Sunday, December 23, 2012

The Fairytale Reboot: Tales Come Alive

"Give me the same thing... only different" that is what storytelling has always been about. But it's the way we put new twists on old tales, bring them up to date, and give them a spin that's meaningful for our contemporaries. It's a skill we must master and apply to all aspects of the craft. - Blake Snyder (Save The Cat! p. 44)
With the recent trend of show reboots/remakes like Man Of Steel, Star Trek and The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Total Recall, I was inspired to take a look at some classic fairytales that have been given some sort of reboot as well.

My idea of a fairytale has always been connected to Disney. This probably stems from the fact that my fondest childhood memories all involve hand drawn 2D Disney animation - my personal favourite is The Little Mermaid.


The Little Mermaid has been given a live reboot a number of times. Although not quite like the actual tale, it definitely went through a modern overhaul like in the movie Splash and Aquamarine. There's even a Hong Kong movie based on The Little Mermaid tale called 人魚傳說 aka Mermaid Got Married. The television series Charmed also had an episode about a mermaid looking for love and even resulted in one of the lead characters, Phoebe, turning into a mermaid herself


However, reboots can always have reboots and the mermaid tale’s most recent reboot is the teen movie titled Aquamarine starring Sara Paxton, Emma Roberts and Joanna Levesque better known as singer JoJo.

Although it is loosely based on a children’s book of the same name by Alice Hoffman, the mermaid played by Sara Paxton does talk of wanting to find true love so that she doesn’t have to marry a mermaid her father chooses for her.

The latest fairytale reboot that inspired this article is the tale of the Beauty and the Beast. We all know the classic tale of the handsome man who was transformed to look the way he acted towards people - ugly, who had a set time frame to become normal again by truly loving a girl and getting her to love him in return, proving the love with a kiss. The most well known telling of the fairytale is Disney’s animation Beauty and the Beast.

The modern spin on this fairytale comes in the form of the film Beastly starring Vanessa Hudgens and Alex Pettyfer. The movie is actually based on a book also titled Beastly by Alex Flinn, an updated version of the original tale. And of course, this year, there is a remake of the Beauty and the Beast television series which I absolutely adore.

Now there are also many other tales that have been updated or retold. After all, if the story works, why not use it again right? Anyway, adaptation is about the director's or screenwriter's vision or interpretation of the original text. Isn't it limiting to say that a good film has to be of an original idea? Sometimes even the oldest of tales when retold in a fresh way can be pretty groundbreaking or interesting. 


For example, the story of Pocahontas, when Avatar was released, many drew comparisons of its tale to that of Pocahontas. But is that a bad thing? The only thing negative I can see from the connection is that we may not have learnt much from past history.  In 2005, I also watched The New World which is based on the historical figures Captain John Smith and Pocahontas.


Little Red Riding Hood has also been presented in film and animation many times. As a horror film in 2011's Red Riding Hood and the character of Red Riding Hood was the lead in the animation Hoodwinked!. Now I really love this animation because it not only follows the structure of Rashomon in which we hear the point of view of various lead characters in the film, but also because it tries to "solve" a crime that has been committed. It was an animation I throughly enjoyed.


Cinderella has been given so many makeovers it really makes it hard to surprise people or interest people in another version of the tale. I guess it's because the tale of the rags to riches is a popular and common plotline so anything with that kind of plot could be categorized as a Cinderella-telling. Disney's recent update on the Cinderella tale would be Another Cinderella Story starring one of Disney’s It Girl Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley. 


This movie was trying to repeat the success of A Cinderella Story with performances by Hilary Duff, Chad Michael Murray, Jennifer Coolidge, Regina King, and Dan Byrd (I first noticed him through this movie and I always mix him up with Hannah Montana’s brother Jackson Stewart played by Jason Earles). But I liked A Cinderella Story much more than the sequel. 

There are of course other movies that feature the rags to riches, nobody to somebody type theme that doesn’t quite scream Cinderella but is very similar. Everyone wants the underdog to win, that’s one of the reasons why this theme is so popular with the masses - think of movies like The Princess Diaries; the film that launched Anne Hathaway’s career, Maid in Manhattan; which didn't do much for Jennifer Lopez's film career, and What A Girl Wants; starring Amanda Bynes, a film that put her on my radar.

My favourite Cinderella retelling so far is Ever After. Not exactly modern day California like in A Cinderella Story, but this is a somewhat modern twist because Cinderella didn’t need saving (Prince Henry was a little late) and Cinderella had to save the Prince when encountering a band of Gypsies (She carried Prince Henry on her back when told she was free to go with whatever she could carry - She chose to carry Prince Henry).

Ever After's Cinderella was a girl with gusto and held her own ground. With excellent performances by Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, and Dougray Scott. Even the horrible step sister played by Megan Dodds acted so well I wanted to punch her myself (thankfully Drew Barrymore’s Cinderella named Danielle did it for me).

Now if Cinderella has a modern updated version, how can Snow White not have one too? Amanda Bynes acted in a teen comedy film called Sydney White, in fact, Aquamarine's Sara Paxton also acts in the film as well. And the actress currently playing Beauty from CW's Beauty And The Beast televisions series Kristin Kreuk, also played Snow White in 2001 in a film also known in the US as Snow White: Fairest Of Them All alongside Miranda Richardson and Warwick Davis.

Now the Snow White and the Seven Dwarves fairytale has been done to death. But the most recent film is Mirror MirrorSnow White And The Huntsman and one of my favourite television series right now Once Upon A Time. Although the series covers many fairytales and storybook characters from various genres, I think because it first follows the tale of Snow White and her Prince Charming together with the Evil Queen, I'd classify it under the Snow White and the Seven Dwarves tale. However, the mixing of fairytales is very popular these days. There's also the series called Grimm, which is darker and more like a supernatural police procedural. And even in movies like the Shrek series and Enchanted, where multiple fairytales or story book characters come together to share the "screen" so to speak.


Talking about Enchanted, this is a film that I absolutely love. Although I don’t exactly know which fairytale to classify it under because I feel that it doesn’t just encompass one fairytale theme. It can be considered a type of fish out of the water Little Mermaid theme (without the tail). It can also be seen as a Sleeping Beauty theme where she doesn’t literally wake up from her slumber but she wakes up to the real world and sees New York City in all its glamour and “horror”. I’d say there is also a little Cinderella in there too because she’s just an ordinary girl who’s hoping that her prince will come and give her True Love’s Kiss, and she does become a princess if she marries the prince, but instead she found her modern day hero in Patrick Dempsey’s Robert. Of course the film also pays homage to Disney’s finest with countless references to the “original” animations from Disney.


These days making the original look good again or better is in, if it isn’t a book adaptation, its a retelling, or a reboot, or a remake of an old film, a musical, a comic book, or another fairytale story.


Sunday, December 16, 2012

Beauty And The Beast: Episode 1x09 - Bridesmaid Up! (2012)



Created by: Sherri Cooper and Jenifer Levin

Network: The CW

Cast: Kristin Kreuk (1), Jay Ryan (2), Max Brown (3), Austin Basis, Nina Lisandrello, Brian White (4), Sendhil Ramamurthy (5), Nicole Anderson (6), and Rachel Skarsten (7)

Read about 'Trapped' the eighth episode of Beauty And The Beast.



Episode 9 - Bridesmaid Up!


Like Catherine Chandler, I am 30 and single. While I don't have a beast waiting in the wings for me like she does, I can totally understand her feelings when being cornered like that about bringing a date to the wedding. (Reminds me of the film The Wedding Date) And hey! What's wrong with using a match maker. (No I don't use a match maker, but if and when I'm serious about dating again, I might go see one, or two, or three.) 

Now I'm glad that for most of episode 9, the audience was given a chance to enjoy Vincent and Catherine's growing attraction and budding romance before they burst that bubble with a beastly problem and Catherine being hit by a car then shot by a crazy match maker. Can't these two catch a break? And looking at the promo trailers for episode 10 it looks like another problem in the form of Vincent's ex-fiancee. But let's leave that problem for when it returns January 24th. 

Episode 9 is mostly about love, commitment, and marriage. And it shows when Catherine stands firm in regards to who Vincent is to her and where they stand in the relationship department. I love watching them have fun and joking about the huge elephant in the room. 

JT has less involvement in this episode but when he's in the scene he nails it every time. I love the exchanges he has with both Vincent about his prom date and possible girlfriend as well as when he sticks his nose into Vincent and Catherine's investigation process although he claims to disapprove of it. And once again, JT references a pop culture when he says "Looking for Watson?". You know, I'm starting to think he stays home to watch television and DVDs way too much. Sounds like me. Hey maybe JT can be my fake boyfriend too! =) 

Okay, January 24th please come quickly. And will you please give the audience a bigger bone to chew on with regards to their romance. We're all salivating to bread crumbs here. We need more meat! Actually, we want both steak and chicken. We want them to get together, but we don't want them FINALLY getting together to mean the end of the series too, cos right now it feels like it has to be a choice between the two. What a dilemma! 


Come on... admit it. These four combined are pretty scary!
You'd lie about having a boyfriend too when faced with them.
Paige: Are you using Sabrina Meyer?
Heather: Who's Sabrina Meyer?
Paige: She's the famous match maker!
Heather: You're using a match maker?
Catherine: No I don't need a match maker.
Brooke's Friend: But if you don't have somebody to take to this wedding...
Paige: Brooke knows all the cutest guys...
Brooke: At least let me sit you with the singles' table.
Catherine: I am happy to sit with Heather...
Brooke: Heather is going with her boyfriend.
Brooke's Friend: So you're going to be sitting alone, directing the cater waiter on who's having chicken or steak...
Paige: And weddings can be torture by yourself...
Brooke: That's it! I'm changing your table.
Catherine: No! I have someone in my life.
Heather: You do?
Brooke: Who is he?
Paige: What does he do?
Catherine: He is a doctor.
Heather: Whoa wait! You're dating a doctor?
Brooke: And why aren't you bringing him to the wedding?
Catherine: It is too early in the relationship for me to bring him to a wedding...
Brooke: Oh please... It's just a big party...
Paige: Yeah...
Heather: It's not like I'm in love with Josh...
Brooke: I am getting him a place setting. What is his name?
Catherine: No Brooke, really... You don't have to...
Brooke: Look your dad's been really nervous about how you're handling this whole wedding thing it could be really nice for him to see you there with someone. 
Paige: Tell us his name...
Heather: Yeah come on Cat, bride's maid up.
Catherine: His name's Vincent Zalanski.

Vincent: Hit me. Here, take the stun gun just in case. You hit me, nothing happens then maybe I can go out and…
JT: Oh my God! You think you’re cured? Because your DNA is what it is.
Vincent: I know, I know, but maybe, maybe I have more control now. Catherine’s dad’s wedding is this weekend… she wants me to go.
JT: Clearly your new lease on life has landed you in lala land.
Vincent: Maybe, but we won’t know until you try. I’m the reason you don’t have a girlfriend…
JT: I have a girlfriend, or at least I’m on my way to having one.
Vincent: Yeah, actually I saw her picture online she is hot. You know maybe I’ll sleep with her too.
JT: Too?
Vincent: Your prom date, Jill Macmanahan… she was spectacular.
JT: Nice try.
Vincent: Come on man. JT! Come on, okay, you know what, thanks, because now I’m more pissed than if you actually hit me and look… nothing… I’m fine. I’m okay. I know it’s a dumb test but I passed. I passed!

Sabrina: Are you promiscuous?
Catherine: I don’t have time to be promiscuous.
Sabrina: Hahaha you’re funny. Don’t be too funny. Men don’t like that. The reason that I ask is… there’s no sex on the first 3 dates. You break the rules; you’re out, no refunds. Men don’t like whores. And I need you to fill out a profile, no padding your resume or your bra size.
Catherine: And then I can get a guy as great as your husband?
(Sabrina smiles)

"So I'm your boyfriend now?"
Catherine: (Her cellphone rings and Catherine picks it up) Hi.
Vincent: So I’m your boyfriend now?
Catherine: I did not say boyfriend, she misinterpreted. And this is starting to become a habit.
Vincent: So sounds like I’m going to a wedding.
Catherine: Uh… that was just a dumb reflex.
Vincent: It’s okay you don’t have to explain.
Catherine: No, I’m going to get out of it. I’m going to tell them at rehearsal dinner tonight, which I have to get ready for.
Vincent: Oh okay. Yeah.
Catherine: Oh oh… we found a body. Yeah there was a guy in a steam room.
Vincent: You know, maybe you don’t have to get out of it.
Catherine: The wedding? You know what, you might be right. Mr Blood On His Hands is married to a matchmaker; she said she’d find me someone for the wedding. She doesn’t realise that I am trying to arrest her husband for murder.
Vincent: Er… Okay maybe I could go with you. Everyone thinks I’m coming anyway.
Catherine: Vincent, I was kidding before.
Vincent: But I’m not. Er… look, I did a test today. It wasn’t a scientific test, but in Med School, you learn that if a patient says that they feel better, then they’re usually right, doesn’t matter what the test shows. And I feel better. Much better.
Catherine: But are you going to risk all of that because I don’t want to go to a wedding alone?
Vincent: It doesn’t feel like a risk.
Catherine: Vincent, there are going to be 150 people there, drunk people.
Vincent: Yeah, I’m not going to hurt anyone.
Catherine: No, no. I’m… I’m just concerned about you. What if you’re exposed? I mean, let’s say you are better, what about your identity? You have been working for years to fly under the radar and then you’re going to introduce yourself to a bunch of people from all over the place. And what about my dad? You’re gonna talk to him about your fake life in Denver? And then what? Then you’re Vincent Zalanski to him forever. It’s not fair to you.
Vincent: I can handle being Vincent Zalanski, forever.
Catherine: But if anything bad ever happened to you because I didn’t want to go to a wedding alone, I will never be able to forgive myself. Thank you. But I cannot let you do this for me.
Vincent: Okay.

Catherine’s dad: No no, you’re taking him.
Catherine: But…
Catherine’s dad: What’s the problem? You think it’s too fast? He’ll be in the pictures and what if it doesn’t work out.
Catherine: That’s just it.
Catherine’s dad: Honey you’re thinking too much. Ever since your mum died. The same thing happened to me. When I first met Brooke. I kept thinking of all the reasons that it couldn’t work. I’m too old. She’s too young. Your mother. Then I just realised, what am I waiting for?
Catherine: And here you are.
Catherine’s dad: Right. Proof there’s no reward without the risk. So you’re taking him. Besides, now I can enjoy my wedding not worrying about you. 


He's curious about the cases they work on...
Come on JT, admit it you enjoy all this detective stuff. =P
JT: Looking for Watson?
Catherine: Hey JT!
JT: What I want to know is when is he getting on the payroll? Cos he's living on my salary even though he's doing your job.
Catherine: Okay what is he talking about?
Vincent: I figured if I can't be your fake boyfriend, then maybe I can be your fake er... detective.
Catherine: You went to my crime scene?
Vincent: It's bogus.
Catherine: A resort in Kuwait. This must be what Neal was talking to his lawyer about. Here's the thing he, alibied out. That was what I came to tell you.
JT: Maybe it wasn't blood on him, it was that paint you were looking at.
Vincent: JT it was blood!
Catherine: Okay wait, what paint?
Vincent: I found some red particles on the floor, it was paint... It just...
Paige: Look you just seal them with nail polish. I do it with all of my shoes.
Catherine: Unless it was red polish on the sole of somebody's designer shoe.
Vincent: I'm lost.
Catherine: Okay, so let's say that Drake found out that Neal was going to expose him, he told his wife whose livelihood depends on his reputation, she takes matters into her own hands, she kills Neal, panics, so her husband comes over and cleans up the evidence.
Vincent: Which is why the blood was on him. (Catherine looks intently at Vincent) What?
Catherine: You're not fake. You're the real thing. (Phone rings) Chandler. Sabrina! Hi no, I just answer my phone like that sometimes. (to Vincent) It's her. (to Sabrina) Er... No I didn't get a chance to fill out the entire thing. Oh you did? (to Vincent) She found a date for me for the wedding. (to Sabrina) No he sounds great, but I'm gonna go alone. Yes I will be in touch, very soon, I promise. Kind of bummed she's our killer. Now my dad's going to have to worry about me the entire wedding because I cannot find someone to go with me.
Vincent: Okay, JT do you still have your tux? 
Catherine: Vincent...
JT: No, you're not going.
Vincent: No, it's not for me. You are going to take Catherine to her father's wedding.
Catherine: What?
JT: What?
Vincent: Your dad wants to see you with someone, JT has a PhD, he cleans up pretty nice, so he can be your fake boyfriend. No strings, no risk.
Catherine: Food will be good.
JT: Alright I'm in.


"What!?" This part made me laugh so hard.
Love the expressions on their faces! It's hilarious.
JT's rolling his eyes, while Catherine's not too thrilled or sure about the idea. 
"This is about me." While I don't condone him reading Catherine's profile,
Vincent look so silly happy here realising that she's describing him.


There so many bits of this scene that I love, but I pick this shot. =P
It was a close fight between this and...
... this. I just couldn't resist posting this shot. 

Catherine: Okay come on.
Vincent: Hey, what are you doing? Hey, hey, hey, hey, I didn't come here to hide. I'm here because I want to be. Beside I did my Denver research, got my story down.
Catherine: Yeah...
Vincent: What?
Catherine: I confessed. I told them that there is no Vincent Zalanski.
Vincent: Oh...
Catherine: It doesn't matter. My dad he is so happy, who cares if people think that I don't have a plus one.
Vincent: Hey I am standing right here. At least introduce me to people you didn't confess to.
Catherine: I don't think I need to. I think that I lied because I feel like I do have someone in my life. And it wasn't that I want to show him off it's just that I wanted him to be here. But there are things about you that neither of us can change so...
Vincent: So it wasn't really a lie then? You just got his last name wrong.
Catherine: And his hometown.
Vincent: Well... You know, he is hungry.
Catherine: Oh, steak or chicken.
Vincent: Surprise me.
Catherine: Ok.


"Steak or chicken?" Catherine looks so adorable here. 

My favourite quotes: "Hi, for those who don't know me I'm Catherine Chandler, urm, I'm my dad's daughter, his oldest daughter... Urm... Okay I wrote this speech like a week ago and seeing the way that my dad and Brooke look at each other sums up more than these four pages can. Urm... You know the funny thing is that, Brooke and my dad shouldn't even be together. No, it's true, you know. For starters they are complete opposites, and not to mention she is a Mets fan, so I don't how they're gonna deal with that. And there's the age difference. And for a lot of people that would have held them back, especially given everything we've been through. Not that being with Brooke is a risk, it's not. She's... she is amazing. But it's just, being in any relationship it's that, it's a, it's a risk. It's accepting that there are no guarantees. I mean who knows what the future brings and going for it anyway. Even if she is a vegan and he eats cheese burgers, so to my dad and Brooke, for jumping in. You guys are an inspiration, especially to me."

Read about 'Seeing Red' the tenth episode of Beauty And The Beast.


(1) Kristen Kreuk has acted in the television movie Snow White (2001) and films like Eurotrip (2004), and Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun-Li (2009). She has also acted in television series Edgemont (2001-2005), and played Lana Lang in Smallville (2001-2009).

(2) Jay Ryan has guest starred in television series like Young Hercules, Xena: Warrior Princess, Legend Of The Seeker, and Terra Nova. He played Jack Scully in the Australian television soap Neighbours (2002-2005) and in the New Zealand dramedy Go Girls (2009-2012).

(3) Max Brown was a series regular on the television series The Tudors (2008-2010), and Spooks (2010-2011).

(4) Brian White has acted in films like The Family Stone (2005), Stomp The Yard (2007), The Game Plan (2007), Fighting (2009), and The Cabin In The Woods (2012). He has also guest starred in television shows like The Shield, Football Wives, Moonlight, CSI: Miami, and Body Of Proof. 

(5) Sendhil Ramamurthy is known for playing the role of Mohinder Suresh in the television series Heroes (2006-2010) and has guest starred in shows like Psych, Covert Affairs, CSI: Miami, and The Office. 

(6) Nicole Anderson is known for playing the role of Macy Misa in the television series Jonas L.A. and as Kelly Parker in the series Make It Or Break It. She also guest starred in television shows like Zoey 101, Hannah Montana, Happy Endings, and Ringer. She also acted in the film Mean Girls 2 (2011).

(7) Rachel Skarsten plays the reoccurring role of Natalie Braddock in the fourth season of Flashpoint (2011).


Poster from the website Disney Dreaming & screen grabs from the show

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Sunday, December 9, 2012

Beauty And The Beast: Episode 1x08 - Trapped (2012)


Created by: Sherri Cooper and Jenifer Levin

Network: The CW

Cast: Kristin Kreuk (1), Jay Ryan (2), Max Brown (3), Austin Basis, Nina Lisandrello, Brian White (4), Sendhil Ramamurthy (5), and Nicole Anderson (6)

Read about 'Out Of Control' the seventh episode of Beauty And The Beast.



Episode 8 - Trapped 

Okay, some people might argue that the story is crap. But I think that if they ever say that the dialogue is crap I would strongly disagree with them. I love JT's lines! And I love the references to pop culture in the show like the mention of Sarah Connor, Pinocchio, and Backstreet Boys in this episode. 

 I also like the little bits of wisdom littered in each episode. I feel that as long as there is a message in the series, it's not all in vain. Plus, their dialogue keeps me coming back for more. 


I love the aerial shot of New York City...  

JT: This girl is officially obsessed with you. And I can't believe I'm going to say this but maybe if we get her over here...
Vincent: Are you crazy? I barely have enough warning as it is for these fugues or these blackouts or whatever the hell they are okay.
JT: But if being around Catherine really is the cause of these blackouts. Forget synthesized endorphins, use the real thing. Have her come over here. She's seen you Vincent and she hasn't run.
Vincent: I don't how much longer I can expect her to put up with all this if we can't find a cure to these blackouts. 
JT: Fine. A cocktail of endorphins, and my good friend lorazepam to keep you chill while I evaluate your Catherine-allergic ass. Otherwise my phone bill's gonna hit the roof. 


Once again, JT with the best lines! =P
JT: Ooo... Mummy Chandler was a looker.
Catherine: Not helping JT.
JT: So Vincent saw your mum taking notes in an Olive notebook, both times. It had to be where she kept her observation and research notes. 
Catherine: Okay, hold on.
JT: Check the big box.
Catherine: You know, I really don't need backseat detective-ing.
JT: Just trying to help, it's not like its gonna be labelled 'Cure for Vincent'. 
Catherine: Got it.
Jt: Look for something that could be a formula, equations. 
Catherine: Okay, I have no idea what I'm looking at here.
JT: Wait! Turn the page back.
Catherine: Did you see something? 
JT: To see something you'll have to turn the page back so I can know if I see something.
Catherine: It's a miracle that you have so many friends. 
JT: Hilarious, keep turning. 

JT: That is a lot of cops.

Catherine: Okay, you ready?
JT: How did you get 'You ready' off 'That is a lot of cops'.
Catherine: I'm trying to move things along.
JT: I know you're Sarah Connor with the kung fu grip and all, but I'm pee-in-your-pants terrified. 

Vincent: Your mum was a brave woman, you know she, she really cared about us. It's just she got backed into a very dark corner.

Catherine: She kept it all from me. She lied, and that's what I'm doing to my friends.
Vincent: That is my fault. I'm the reason you're doing all this.
Catherine: No, you didn't have a choice. She did. 
Vincent: Yeah, but if I had, I would make that same choice again if it meant that I could be in your life. Now I think we've lived with enough guilt. Maybe now it's time to ease up on the past.
Catherine: What if I can't do that?
Vincent: You can. Cos I'll do it with you. 

My favourite quotes: "Try not to kill me while I study you.", "We are nothing more than our memories, or stories that people we love, how other people remember us.", "Just think of him like he's Pinocchio, you know, he just wants to be a real boy.", "It's part of growing up, things get more complicated. You know my mum she used to say, forgive, but never forget.", & "When we stay stuck in the past, we stay hurt, we stay victims. I don't want to be that anymore."


(1) Kristen Kreuk has acted in the television movie Snow White (2001) and films like Eurotrip (2004), and Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun-Li (2009). She has also acted in television series Edgemont (2001-2005), and played Lana Lang in Smallville (2001-2009).

(2) Jay Ryan has guest starred in television series like Young Hercules, Xena: Warrior Princess, Legend Of The Seeker, and Terra Nova. He played Jack Scully in the Australian television soap Neighbours (2002-2005) and in the New Zealand dramedy Go Girls (2009-2012).

(3) Max Brown was a series regular on the television series The Tudors (2008-2010), and Spooks (2010-2011).

(4) Brian White has acted in films like The Family Stone (2005), Stomp The Yard (2007), The Game Plan (2007), Fighting (2009), and The Cabin In The Woods (2012). He has also guest starred in television shows like The Shield, Football Wives, Moonlight, CSI: Miami, and Body Of Proof. 

(5) Sendhil Ramamurthy is known for playing the role of Mohinder Suresh in the television series Heroes (2006-2010) and has guest starred in shows like Psych, Covert Affairs, CSI: Miami, and The Office. 

(6) Nicole Anderson is known for playing the role of Macy Misa in the television series Jonas L.A. and as Kelly Parker in the series Make It Or Break It. She also guest starred in television shows like Zoey 101, Hannah Montana, Happy Endings, and Ringer. She also acted in the film Mean Girls 2 (2011).


Poster from the website Disney Dreaming & screen grabs from the show

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Sunday, December 2, 2012

Beauty And The Beast: Episode 1x07 - Out Of Control (2012)


Created by: Sherri Cooper and Jenifer Levin

Network: The CW

Cast: Kristin Kreuk (1), Jay Ryan (2), Max Brown (3), Austin Basis, Nina Lisandrello, Brian White (4), Sendhil Ramamurthy (5), and Nicole Anderson (6)

Read about 'Worth' the sixth episode of Beauty And The Beast.



Episode 7 - Out Of Control

Another one of those episodes in which JT has the nicest lines. And it was cool to see JT handle a gun! I am very protective of my friends, so watching the scene when JT stands up for Vincent when Catherine asks him to help her save Evan was my favourite part of episode 7. 

So far, this is my least favourite episode of the season. And this might stem from the fact that it really seems impossible for Catherine and Vincent to be together. And just when they both admitted how they feel about each other. Dang it! Their relationship has a lot of problems, these two have a serious case of the Romeo and Juliet star-crossed-lovers syndrome that I don't appreciate. But then I remember, that's what makes it worth it isn't it? When they FINALLY get together, it will be the biggest 'Aww' moment ever, like when Lois Lane finally finds out about Clark Kent being Superman and them getting married etc. 

However, I am concerned for the series. How long is the audience going to accept this on again, off again romance before they get fed up and give up totally? Every time these two seem to have fixed a problem, another one comes up! Even if they're not tired, the audience might get tired. But this is a series about their love story, how can you not have this on and off thing with them when the story IS based on their romance and how they overcome the odds. Sigh, what a conundrum. 


I love that JT can be so bad ass if he needs to be.

Vincent: You don't need it.

JT: Tell that to my vertebrae and the concrete wall that realigned them.
Vincent: I didn't.
JT: You did. You didn't know what you were doing, so no guilt, but I mean, toss me across the room like a sack of flour once shame on you... 
Vincent: I'm so sorry, are you okay?
JT: I'll live, but these terminator episodes take things to a whole new level
Loved how JT stood up for Vincent,
his expression in this scene was awesome!
JT: You forgot to turn on the security? What's the point?
Catherine: Vincent I need you. Someone took Evan.
JT: The guy from her birthday?
Catherine: Yes.
JT: The one you kissed?
Vincent: JT...
JT: Just clarifying. 
Catherine: He's gone. I need you to come with me.
JT: I don't think that's a good idea. 
Catherine: He may have been taken to the tunnels under campus. 
Vincent: The abandoned rail line. Why there?
Catherine: He's recreating old killings. Vincent, he's recreating yours, from the night you saved me at the subway. You know the underbelly of this city better than anyone. You might be my only hope of finding Evan before its too late. 
JT: Why am I always outnumbered? Fine, if you're gonna go into dark tunnels with this guy alone, you're gonna need this. 
Not happy. Not happy at all with Catherine. Tsk tsp!
Catherine: How is he?
JT: Been better. So, just out of curiosity, when you were armed with a loaded tranq gun that would have prevented exactly what happened in the tunnel, why not use it?
Catherine: Look, Vincent was my only hope of saving Evan, I took a chance.
JT: You may have saved Evan, but you didn't think about the price Vincent would pay. He put himself in there. Got it ready years ago, in case he ever needed containment.
Catherine: No you can't keep him in that. 
JT: He's dangerous, if he's not in control of himself, somebody needs to be.
Vincent: You shouldn't be here.
Catherine: We are going to figure out a way to fix this. I'm getting you out of here. Give me the key.
JT: That might be a little harder than it seems. We retraced Vincent's steps and looked at what's triggering his blackouts, the night he was going to dinner, where he was headed near that campus, who he heard coming up the stairs when he blacked out in here yesterday. 
Vincent: It's you. 

My favourite quote: "I know how easy it is to see the beast when there is none."


(1) Kristen Kreuk has acted in the television movie Snow White (2001) and films like Eurotrip (2004), and Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun-Li (2009). She has also acted in television series Edgemont (2001-2005), and played Lana Lang in Smallville (2001-2009).

(2) Jay Ryan has guest starred in television series like Young Hercules, Xena: Warrior Princess, Legend Of The Seeker, and Terra Nova. He played Jack Scully in the Australian television soap Neighbours (2002-2005) and in the New Zealand dramedy Go Girls (2009-2012).

(3) Max Brown was a series regular on the television series The Tudors (2008-2010), and Spooks (2010-2011).

(4) Brian White has acted in films like The Family Stone (2005), Stomp The Yard (2007), The Game Plan (2007), Fighting (2009), and The Cabin In The Woods (2012). He has also guest starred in television shows like The Shield, Football Wives, Moonlight, CSI: Miami, and Body Of Proof. 

(5) Sendhil Ramamurthy is known for playing the role of Mohinder Suresh in the television series Heroes (2006-2010) and has guest starred in shows like Psych, Covert Affairs, CSI: Miami, and The Office. 

(6) Nicole Anderson is known for playing the role of Macy Misa in the television series Jonas L.A. and as Kelly Parker in the series Make It Or Break It. She also guest starred in television shows like Zoey 101, Hannah Montana, Happy Endings, and Ringer. She also acted in the film Mean Girls 2 (2011).


Poster from the website Disney Dreaming & screen grabs from the show

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Sunday, November 18, 2012

Beauty And The Beast: Episode 1x06 - Worth (2012)


Created by: Sherri Cooper and Jenifer Levin

Network: The CW

Cast: Kristin Kreuk (1), Jay Ryan (2), Max Brown (3), Austin Basis, Nina Lisandrello, Brian White (4), Sendhil Ramamurthy (5), Nicole Anderson (6), and Rachel Skarsten (7)

Read about 'Saturn Returns' the fifth episode of Beauty And The Beast.



Episode 6 - Worth

Just be honest. I always feel that in any relationship, especially a romantic one, honesty is the best policy. And communication is key. Unfortunately we are all not mind readers. But because we are not mind readers, it is even more important that you tell your loved ones how much you love them. Misunderstanding arise from the lack of proper communication. And that is what this episode's all about. I hate playing guessing games. I dislike not knowing. That is why if I have feelings for someone, and I don't know if that person reciprocates the feelings, I will put myself out there and ask. Although I would very much like the guy to make the first move. 

Anyway, I really dislike Evan. There's something about him I really don't like. It's more than just because he's a possible threat to Vincent and Catherine getting together, but I haven't figured out why yet. Oh and I like the loved-up JT. Plus the fact that he's such a good friend I really would love to see him find love too. 

Also, I was really thrilled to see that it was Rachel Skarsten who plays Brooke (Catherine's dad's fiancée). You see, besides Beauty And The Beast, I was also hooked onto another series called Flashpoint this year. And Rachel Skarsten plays one of the leads' sister in Flashpoint. And I always love it when I recognise actors from various other movies or television series.

Vincent: You don't have to give me an explanation.
Catherine: So you did see it... Because Vincent it was just a stupid drunken
Vincent: You can kiss whoever you want.
Catherine: No. Yeah. I know that... It's not like we're...
Vincent: No... No it's not. I'm really sorry about dinner...

JT: Is this about her kissing that guy the other night? You were thinking about Catherine and some jerk in a lip lock, adrenaline kicks in, your heart rate increases, long story short, you fugued out because you're jealous.

Vincent: Fugued out?
JT: Fugue. You're up and walking around but its like you got amnesia. 
Vincent: Okay wait. Jealousy cannot cause memory loss, besides I don't have a right to be jealous anyway. 
JT: For your advice, take a chance and tell her how you feel.
Vincent: Okay wait... wait, wait, wait, wait, who are you right now?
JT: Look I know I've been the president of the 'Stay away from Catherine club' but she's only going to wait for you for so long before she moves on.


Rachel Skarsten in Beauty And The Beast.
Catherine: So what do you think?
Tess: It's nice. 
Brooke: It's a lovely shape and it will match the flowers perfectly. It looks like a leprechaun ate too many marshmallows.
Catherine: Yes it does.
Tess: Okay, all of the men coming to your wedding should thank you.
Brooke: Speaking of, your dad said you're bringing a date to dinner tonight.
Catherine: Oh Evan? Oh, he's just that friend I brought to your engagement party.
Tess: Oh ya, that friend that you just kiss sometimes. 
Catherine: He kisses a lot of people.
Brooke: So did your dad.
Catherine: Wow! I really don't need to hear the rest of that paragraph. 
Brooke: Well I'm just saying when the right person comes into your life, people can change.
Catherine: Let's just say that serial dating isn't my only issue.
Brooke: Look, I'm half your dad's age, my parents think I'm crazy, his friends think I'm a gold digger, he has two very opinionated daughters, one of whom is warming up to me like it's the ice age. On the surface there are all these obstacles, but for the right guy, it's worth ignoring them. 

Catherine's Dad: Catherine, have you ever stopped to ask yourself why I didn't tell you about her divorce myself?
Catherine: I am worried about you.
Catherine's Dad: Because no one's worthy in your eyes. Now this judgmental attitude may make you a good cop, but it also makes it very difficult to have a relationship with you.

Catherine: I'm still holding out for Prince Charming.

Daphne: If you're looking for love, take it from me, it never works out. Prince Charming is a liar. 
Catherine: Can't believe the artist died in here. Did you know him? I heard that he was in love with one of the girls.
Daphne: I met him, once or twice. Acted like he was a sensitive artist, but he was in love with a lot of girls. 
Catherine: Really? I heard over at the bar that he applied for an apartment two days ago, wanted to move in with his girlfriend.
Daphne: I hadn't heard that. Excuse me, you know they don't like it when we stay in one place for too long.


"This man, he loved this woman." Yes he did indeed...
Catherine: Nicholas' mum said that his girlfriend broke up with him. Maybe Daphne's just his model.
Vincent: It may have started that way but it became more. Look at the way he captured her, the curve of her back, the softness of her skin. He spent every waking moment painting her. She was in every brush stroke. I know I'm not the detective here, but this man, he loved this woman. Maybe there was someone else, someone who didn't want them to be together.
Catherine: But they weren't together. She said he loved a lot of girls.
Vincent: I find that hard to believe. Maybe she doubted him, the way he felt about her.
Catherine: But if he loved her so much, why did she push him away?
Vincent: She didn't feel worthy.
Catherine: How can you be so sure?
Vincent: Because I know what it feels like.


"Who you are, it makes everything worth it."
Catherine: I waited all night for you.
Vincent: When I left?
Catherine: No, not tonight. When you didn't show up for dinner. But seems like that's what I do the most with my time these days. Wait for the next moment I get to see you. Vincent it never even occurred to me that you didn't know that you are the best thing in my life right now. I guess seeing me kiss another guy doesn't really help my chances. 
Vincent: I don't know how to do this. You know that artist's studio was like six blocks from where I grew up. Being back there, it kinda got me thinking about who I used to be. You know if that Vincent Keller had seen you with another guy he probably would have smacked him square in the mouth.
Catherine: Does it make me a terrible person to admit that I'm glad the thought crossed your mind?
Vincent: Nope. Who I am makes everything seem impossible.
Catherine: No. Who you are, it makes everything worth it. 

My favourite quotes: "Who you are, it makes everything worth it.", "On the surface there are all these obstacles, but for the right guy, it's worth ignoring them.", & "I'm still holding out for Prince Charming."


(1) Kristen Kreuk has acted in the television movie Snow White (2001) and films like Eurotrip (2004), and Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun-Li (2009). She has also acted in television series Edgemont (2001-2005), and played Lana Lang in Smallville (2001-2009).

(2) Jay Ryan has guest starred in television series like Young Hercules, Xena: Warrior Princess, Legend Of The Seeker, and Terra Nova. He played Jack Scully in the Australian television soap Neighbours (2002-2005) and in the New Zealand dramedy Go Girls (2009-2012).

(3) Max Brown was a series regular on the television series The Tudors (2008-2010), and Spooks (2010-2011).

(4) Brian White has acted in films like The Family Stone (2005), Stomp The Yard (2007), The Game Plan (2007), Fighting (2009), and The Cabin In The Woods (2012). He has also guest starred in television shows like The Shield, Football Wives, Moonlight, CSI: Miami, and Body Of Proof. 

(5) Sendhil Ramamurthy is known for playing the role of Mohinder Suresh in the television series Heroes (2006-2010) and has guest starred in shows like Psych, Covert Affairs, CSI: Miami, and The Office. 

(6) Nicole Anderson is known for playing the role of Macy Misa in the television series Jonas L.A. and as Kelly Parker in the series Make It Or Break It. She also guest starred in television shows like Zoey 101, Hannah Montana, Happy Endings, and Ringer. She also acted in the film Mean Girls 2 (2011).

(7) Rachel Skarsten plays the reoccurring role of Natalie Braddock in the fourth season of Flashpoint (2011).


Poster from the website Disney Dreaming & screen grabs from the show

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