Dream Vacation Blogathon (Allie's Version)

Summer is here and I can’t help feeling a little glum. I’m not going on a vacation this year, although to be fair it’s because I’m saving for my wedding next year which is much more exciting. However, Katy at Girl Meets Cinema has saved the day with her Dream Vacation Blogathon!

The idea is simple enough, we get to pick 3 characters to bring with us on our vacation, and we can go wherever we want. I’d say the sky is our limit, but it really isn’t. Please check out Katy’s original post here, she explains it much better than I ever could.

I’m not one for a ‘relax and do nothing’ holiday. I don’t do sitting quietly by the pool with a book, I’m much happier exploring local towns and beaches, so this holiday is going to be one big adventure. What use is an adventure like this without a seasoned adventurer such as Mr. Bilbo Baggins? We’ll be travelling to some weird and wonderful places on this vacation, and so I’m bringing Katniss along for protection. Plus, I’m hoping she can give me some fashion advice and teach me to braid my hair. For some fun during this trip, who better to bring than the God of Mischief himself, Loki! He’ll probably cause the trouble that Katniss will have to help us get out of.

To start us off, we’ll don our warmest gear and set sail for Arendelle, the home of Queen Elsa and Princess Anna from Disney’s Frozen. I’ll sing cheesy songs with Anna, and yes, I most certainly want to build a snowman! Katniss and Elsa with have some sort of braid-off, I’m sure. Bilbo heard that Arendelle throws a fantastic feast, so he’ll be happy, and Loki and Olaf will no doubt be creating some kind of snow-related disaster. That’ll be the signal that it’s time to leave.

After purchasing some souvenirs from Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, Loki will show us the way to Asgard. I’ve been fascinated with Asgard ever since I watched the Thor movie for the first time, and would love nothing more than to take a stroll down the rainbow bridge, accompanied by Thor himself, for safety of course, you know, in case I swoon and fall. In the evening, Katniss and I will swap our furs for fine silk, and get ready to party into the wee hours of the morning.

Putting these fantasy worlds behind us, Heimdall will provide us with safe passage to Manhattan, New York. There are too many movies to name filmed in this action packed city, but I had Begin Again in my mind when planning this vacation. Who doesn't want to bump into Adam Levine whilst on vacation? I’ve been to Manhattan once before and will hopefully go back again next year. I’d love to spend a whole day just walking through Central Park in the summer. That is, if Loki doesn’t try to take over the world while we’re there. There’s always one, eh?

Using the powers of Twitter, we’ll track down which city in the US Carl Casper’s food truck from Chef is at the moment, and take a road trip for some tasty food. Have you noticed that food seems to be a prominent feature in this vacation? Oops. It’s for Bilbo I swear, not me! If you’ve never watched Chef before by the way you really should, unless you hate food, and well then I’m afraid we really can’t be friends.

For the final leg of our journey, and with Loki’s rebellious streak rubbing off on me, we’re going to break the blogathon rules and head to the beaches of Miami, home of Dexter Morgan, the star of the TV Show, Dexter. Living in the UK, we get to see very little sun, and living right in the Midlands as I do means I hardly ever get to visit a beach. After the journey we’ve had, I’m sure we would all appreciate some sunbathing and cocktails.

Finally, I want to thank Katy for hosting this blogathon and giving me the chance to create my dream vacation! I can’t wait to read everyone else’s posts, too.

The Solution For TV Binge-Watching

With my wedding coming up next year, I'm slowly trying to make an effort to be a little healthier, lose a few pounds, get in shape, etc. Running a film blog makes that difficult, especially with the amount of amazing TV Shows I'm trying to keep up with and catch up on. There just isn't enough time in the day!

Funnily enough, I came across this really funny post on BuzzFeed in my lunch break at work. They're basically just like the drinking games you can find, but workouts instead! Here's the link to the original page.

Now, I'm not saying I'm going to be holding the plank whilst watching Supernatural tonight, but it's certainly tempting to give some of these a go, and if not, they're fun to read through! Here are some of my favourites.

Phew, I'm feeling tired just reading these as I put them into this post!

Thursday's Thought: Dexter Finale

 

Okay so I might be cheating a little here, as my last Thursday's Thought was about TV Show finale's in general. However, I recently finished all 8 Seasons of Dexter and I feel the need to vent a little. There are spoilers ahead so if you haven't finished Season 8, please stay away!

 



 

Before I spiral away from any points I actually want to make, I want to say that I have truly loved watching Dexter. Me and my other half started watching it in March earlier this year and it's always been something to look forward to, coming home from work and eating dinner with an episode of Dexter. We don't know how to fill this serial killer-shaped hole in our lives now!

 

Everyone has their favourite Season of course, and mine was Season 4 with Trinity. Plus if I remember rightly, it's also got the episode with the alternative opening scene, which was brilliant. I also enjoyed Season 6 with Doomsday, and the cliff hanger at the end was possibly the best in the entire Season.

 

However, for me, Season 7 is where it all went downhill. The story arc with Debra knowing who Dexter really is, and having LaGuerta looking into Dexter could have made this Season the best of all, but everything was just dragged out too far. In the end, we found ourselves watching each episode more out of habit than anything.

 



Let's talk about Hannah McKay. I couldn't stand her to begin with, but there were pretty obvious signs that she and Dexter were going to hook up. I warmed to her pretty quickly though, as a 'bad guy you love to hate' to begin with. I never thought I would get over Lumen, but Hannah and Dexter are pretty darn cute together. Plus, that winter wonderland scene was hot!

 

In the end, it was their romance story that kept me going through the final season. I was keeping everything crossed that they would make it to Argentina together, although in my mind I knew it wouldn't end well.

 

 

I'm sorry if this is controversial, but I didn't care for the Evelyn Vogel story line. I know Dexter saw her as a motherly figure but I didn't warm to her at all. It annoyed me how she kept telling Dexter that his feelings of love weren't real, and I couldn't understand why she was doing that in the first place. I'm glad she managed to help Debra though, although that didn't end well either. I think Deb's story is what saddened me the most.

 

When we were on about Season 2, I was happily reading some Dexter trivia on IMDB and accidently read something along the lines of 'Originally the producers were going to kill Dexter off at the end, but then they changed their minds'. Oh great. I'm so bad at accidently seeing spoilers!

 



 

With that in mind, I thought right, well this can only end one of two ways then. Dexter is either going to escape with Harrison and Hannah, or he's going to get caught. I found my peace with either of those endings. Then, 5 minutes before the end of the episode, there Dexter is on his boat in the middle of a storm, waiting for death! But I thought I read - oh wait, here's a closing scene. This will explain everything. Wait, what! No. No, no, no, no, no. I will never accept that lousy ending!

 

Is there anyone out there who did?

Top 10 TV Characters (Jenna)

So following on from Allie's Top 10 TV Characters I decided to post my own.  However, I haven't put mine in any kind of order (how can I choose who comes first between Captain Hook and Spike!!) - So here are my Top 10.  Do you agree?  Do you think I'm crazy? (Always!) Well Spike got cut in the end so apparently it was easy to choose :-/

Captain Hook
Colin O'Donoghue - Once upon a time (2011-)

I think the eyeliner helps, its the same thing that makes me love Jack Sparrow and Billy Idol (see shouldn't but would post due soon) but it's also his bad boy character reformed by unrequited love for a good woman (every young girls dream!).  He is the classic character of Captain Hook updated for this modern take on the fairy tale classics.  A much deeper character than Dustin Hoffman's version in Hook and easier on the eye!  He's tough and angry but a sucker for helping Emma Swann, the saviour of the characters in Storybrooke.  I've never seen Colin O'Donoghue in anything else, so I couldn't tell you if this is my infatuation with his good looks or his acting skills.  I will happily watch the next series he is in to test the theory.



Khaleesi (Daenerys Targaryen)
Emilia Clarke - Game of Thrones (2011-)

I was told from the very beginning not to pick a favourite character in Game of Thrones because you will soon be disappointed when their heads are rolling around Kings Landing.  However, I have done this three times *SPOILER ALERT* and got my heart broken with both Ned Stark and Robb Stark.  Throughout, however, I have loved Khaleesi, I wouldn't admit to it for risk of her sudden death in the show but she is doing well so far.  She is such a strong character and the Mother of Dragons and has built up an army from pretty much nothing, now that is a determined woman!!  I love her attitude towards encouraging people to join her army, stating they will no longer be slaves but have the right to choose to follow her if they wish.  This has lead her army to be fully committed to her and her cause and are willing to die for her.  Amazing!


Abed Nadir (and Troy Barnes)
Danny Pudi - Community (2009 -)

One of seven in a study group in Community college that never study and always end up in hilarious and ridiculous situations.  A photo is not enough for this guy well these guys, this needs a video:

Need I say more?

Damon Salvatore
Ian Somerhalder - The Vampire Diaries (2009-)

Another bad boy turned good for the love of a good woman, are we starting to see a pattern here!!  Damon Salvatore is a 140 year old vampire who along with his younger brother Stefan returned to Mystic Falls and fall for the same girl, Elena Gilbert.  I loved him even when he was/is evil, I was always vouching for him and Elena (I find Stefan dull and boring most of the time), and that face!!  He can fix every problem, because he's not afraid to snap a few necks and drinks scotch like its gone out of fashion, all adding to his charm.  Although his loyalty can be put into question in most episodes, he always comes through for the people he considers important (Elena, Stefan, Little Gilbert).



Stewie Griffin
Voiced by Seth MacFarlane - Family Guy (1999-)

Who doesn't love a psychotic baby who is intent on killing his mother and talks but only the dog and random characters (when required) can understand?!  He is by far the highlight of family Guy, his sarcasm and (not) homosexual comments literally have my in hysterics.  Here are a few of my favourite quotes, comedy genius:


Stewie: 'Hello, mother. I come bearing a gift. I'll give you a hint. It's in my diaper and it's not a toaster.'

Bill Cosby: 'Stewie, what do you think candy is made out of?'
Stewie: 'Sunshine and farts! What the hell kind of question is that?!'


Dexter Morgan
Michael C. Hall - Dexter (2006-2013)

The principle character in this series, Dexter Morgan, a blood splatter analyst with Miami Dade Police Department who also happens to be a serial killer.  Thanks to the teachings of his deceased father, Harry, he only murders bad guys to fulfil his need to kill and live a normal life.  You can't help but love him, he loves his family the best he can but he is forever lying to them to cover his tracks and yet you can't seem to be mad at him.  Allie chose Debra Morgan in her list, I personally find her annoying and over powering in her scenes.  She is required to show Dexter's calm exterior even when his life is falling apart, the contrast between them highlights his lack of guilt and feeling towards what it is he is doing.  This series is so original and well written, it's hard not to love at least one character from it.

Pacey Witter
Joshua Jackson - Dawson's Creek (1998-2003)

I never understood why everyone loved Dawson when Pacey was around.  Dawson's Creek was a series surrounding three friends in the fictional town of Capeside and the trials and tribulations of teen life.  It took the main female lead, Joey played by Katie Holmes, years to notice Pacey after years of pining over Dawson.  Pacey was amazing, he brought Joey a wall to paint, which is the key thing I will always remember from this series.  It always helped that Pacey's monologues (monologues were a regular occurrence in Dawson's creek) we're using nice short words that made sense to me, unlike Dawson's that sounds like a they were pre-written by an editor for the New Yorker!

'But I want you to be with someone who can be a part of the life that you want for yourself. I want you to be with someone who makes you feel like I feel when I'm with you. So, I guess the point to this long run-on sentence that's been the last 10 years of our lives is just that the simple act of being in love with you is enough for me.'

Chandler Bing
Matthew Perry - Friends (1994-2004)

How could he not be in this list - here's why:

Barbara June 'Maw-Maw' Thompson
Cloris Leachman - Raising Hope (2010-2014)

This woman is a legend.  She plays Maw Maw in Raising Hope, Virginia's Grandmother, whose house they are living in.  She has pretty severe dementia (although becomes lucid at the most comical of times) and much of time thinks her Great-Grandson Jimmy is her dead husband.  Leachman's character steals every scene she's in, whether it's with what she says or what she's wearing (see image).  She is by far the highlight of the show, particularly her Jenga skills to the song Istanbul (not Constantinople).

And finally....but the BEST one by far.....

Zack Morris
Mark-Paul Gosselaar - Saved by the Bell (1989-1993)

 

 

I bloody LOVED Zack Morris when I was younger, he was a legend.  I had posters of him all over my room and loved his relationship with Kelly Kapowski and watching them break up and get back together over and over again.  Most of all, I loved how he could charm his way out of any situation, usually by making a call on that awesome phone of his! 

 

 

 

As a kid, I always wondered what happened to Zack Morris, did he stay with Kelly.  The answer is no, he moved changed his name to Peter Bash and got a job as a lawyer at Infield Daniels.  His character in Franklin and Bash is so similar to what I expected Zack Morris to be like when he grew up so that's what I'm going to believe.



Top 10 TV Characters (Allie)

We started off our Top 10 series with Film Quotes, and next we've done TV Characters! I know we're the Flick Chicks but hey, we watch a lot of TV too, and just try and think for a moment how hard a Top 10 Film Characters list is going to be. I could fill a top 10 with Ryan Reynolds and Benedict Cumberbatch characters, so just be grateful that I'm taking time to think about it properly! So, in order, here are my Top 10 TV Characters...

10. Crixus, Spartacus (Manu Bennett)

This guy is a total badass. I could actually just leave it that and you couldn't be mad, because he just is! Seriously though, in Season 1 I just couldn't stand him, because I loved Sparty so much probably, but over the course of the show he really develops, and by the end, he was my favourite out of them all. Manu gets a bonus point too for Deathstroke in Arrow!

9. Jorah Mormont, Game of Thrones (Iain Glen)

This may be cheating a little, because Jorah is my favourite character in the book series too. I know he sounds like an unusual choice, but he's a really interesting character and his relationship with Daenerys is beautiful. I can't tell you anymore without giving you spoilers but he's one to watch!

 

 

8. Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory (Jim Parsons)

I don't watch this show as religiously as I used to but it's still one of my go-to choices when I put something on in the background. I'll eventually catch up with it all! I really struggled to pick a favourite but Sheldon probably gets the most laughs out of me. He's the perfect combination of awkward and funny.

7. Chandler Bing, Friends (Matthew Perry)

Could Chandler be any funnier? Friends might just be my favourite TV Show of all time, and I love that you can put Comedy Central on at any time in the day and there will always be an episode on. Is there anyone who doesn't own the full boxset? Chandler has that sarcastic wit that I just find hilarious, he is without a doubt my favourite from Friends!

6. Felicity Smoak, Arrow (Emily Bett Rickards)

Ugh, how amazing is Season 2 of Arrow? I have to admit, I nearly gave up halfway through Season 1 but it ended amazingly and each episode in Season 2 has been great so far. Ollie might be the obvious choice but I absolutely love Felicity. Can her and Ollie just get together already? Her sheer awkwardness is enough on it's own to make me love her.

5. Jenny Humphrey/Chuck Bass, Gossip Girl (Taylor Momsen/Ed Westwick)

Okay, I know this is cheating a little. But Jenny was my favourite character since I saw her in this show, but right now I'm in the last few episodes of Season 3, and I just can't stand her at all! I hope she goes back to her usual self. So half replacing her is Chuck, who has been his usual smarmy and cocky self, but with a whole heap of adorable added on top.

4. Jess Day, New Girl (Zooey Deschanel)

Who doesn't have a bit of Jess in them?! I love this girl with a passion and if I could steal her wardrobe I would. Another show that I'm not up to date with, but that's the joy of living in the UK. I love Jess's attitude to life in general and how she deals with day to day situations. If I could become anyone else for a day, I would be Jess!

3. Neal Caffrey, White Collar (Matt Bomer)

Oh my, this man! I'm so sad that the next Season of White Collar will be the last. I binge watched this show on the train to work for a few months and nearly missed my stop more than once. Neal is smart, witty and charismatic and he's so much fun to watch. If you've never seen this show give it a try, it's worth it for Neal Caffrey alone.

2. Debra Morgan, Dexter (Jennifer Carpenter)

You might have thought I would go with Dexter himself (In fact, I think Jenna has) but I freaking love Debra Morgan! If Jess Day is who I would like to be, Debra Morgan is who I actually am. She's kind and passionate, but she also doesn't put up with any kind of crap, and has to swear at least once every 5 minutes. Me all over.

1. Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch)

Come on, don't even pretend you didn't see this one coming. The latest Sherlock TV Show is just fantastic, and Sherlock himself is such an interesting character. I think his social awkwardness is my favourite characteristic in him though. Just when you think he can't say anything worse, he just digs a bigger hole for himself. I'm going to painfully wait through this hiatus until he's back on my TV screen.

 

Phew, what a mega post! I had great fun putting this together, and I can't wait to see Jenna's list! Do you agree with any of mine? Who would be in your Top 10?

Currently Watching...Dexter (Allie)

Somewhere in between work, kittens and film watching, I also have several TV shows on the go! There are a few that I'm totally up to date with like Arrow and White Collar, but others that I'm playing catch up on and binge watching whenever I get the chance. Right now, me and my other half are working our way through Dexter.

My parents got us a year's subscription to Netflix for Christmas last year, so we've been trying to make the most of it, and Dexter was a show recommended to us by friends. We just watched the Season 4 finale, and I'm not going to be spoiler free here, so if you're behind me then I would suggest closing your browser now!

This show is seriously amazing. I haven't been hooked on anything this badly since Sherlock, honestly! It's just the perfect combination of thriller, mystery, and humour. Dexter is a serial killer, you should hate him, but he's just so loveable and you sympathise with him over everything! 

For me, Season 3 was quite slow to begin with, still enjoyable but not as gripping. Although, it did contain my all time favourite moment, and I'm going to try and find you a clip of it without seeing spoilers myself...

Huzzah! The comments said this was Season 4 but I could have sworn it was Season 3...

One of my favourite characters in this show is Debra Morgan. She steals every scene that she's in and I can relate to her in so many ways! I read somewhere that she swears just under 1,000 times across all 8 Seasons, that's crazy! Here's just an example...

Love her! Love this show! Spoiler warning ahead...we just finished the finale of Season 4. Holy freaking moly. I really didn't see that coming. I'm seriously so gutted that Rita got killed off. What is Dexter going to do with the kids? I want to start on Season 5 right now!

Does anyone have any other TV Show suggestions for me once I've finished with Dexter? It's not going to take me long at this rate...