Man Crush Monday: George Clooney

Why We Love Him: He may not have been the best Batman, but he has had many roles that were wonderful. He was my favorite in ER way back when, I was pretty sad when he left. I have seen quite a few of his movies and he is just a fantastic actor. A few of my favorites were, Perfect Storm, The Descendants and Monuments Men. This summer he will be in the Disney movie, Tomorrowland. I'm still not 100% sure what the plot of this movie it but the trailers have been interesting and exciting. I'm excited to see what that movie is all about.

Upcoming Role(s):

• Money Monster
• Hail, Caeser!

Age of Ultron Review

*** Spoilers Ahead ***

   Well now that it has been about a week since the movie came out, lets do a review!

    I really did love this movie, however I think Winter Soldier is still my favorite at this point. 

The movie started off with all of the Avengers together and working as a team. As a huge Hawkeye fan, I was super happy that he got a bigger role and was able to take his rightful place on the team. The new characters, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver were introduced pretty early on in the beginning scene. Nothing will beat X-Men: DOFP's scene with their version of Quicksilver. In this interpretation of him we get to know more of his personality which is something we did not get in X-Men. Scarlet Witch has a very interesting set of skills that will prove to be very harmful to the team in the future. 

    The appearance of Ultron happened pretty much the exact way that it did in all of the trailers that have been shown. The voice does not sound as robot like as I had imagined. It wasn't bad, ,just a little bit unexpected. I have to admit that having Ultron as the villain was a little over used. The plot was pretty much, bad guys wants to change the world but in reality he wants to destroy it. It's something that has been done before. The addition of Andy Serkis's character in the middle of the movie was a little strange. If he plays a bigger role in the MCU, you wouldn't know it by his scene in this movie. 

    A big surprise for me was that fact that Hawkeye is married with 3 children. I don't really keep up with the comics as much as I would like to, so this came as sort of a shock to me. It didn't really add anything to the story line of the movie but it was nice to get more back story on Hawkeye. They really gave him a lot of attention in this movie and I feel that the character really deserved that. Another thing that was a little bit of a shock was the Bruce/Natasha love story. This was kind of annoying and really not needed in the movie at all. The MCU has done a really good job of not focusing on a love story in their movies. I felt that AOU, wasted a little to much time on this story. It really kind of annoyed me whenever the two were on the screen together.

    The last major shock in the movie was towards the very end. Quicksilver dies while saving Hawkeye and a young boy. I kind of already knew that someone was going to die in this movie. I also figured that it would be one of the newer characters. However, as with most deaths in the MCU I do not really think that Quicksilver is dead. He was resurrected by his sister in the comics so there really is no reason to think it can't happen in the movies. 

   Another new character that I forgot to mention was The Vision. He turned out to be quite complex and interesting. There was not enough movie to really give him much screen time. What he did have was very important to this movie and future movies. 

 

  The end of credits scene, which wasn't at the very end, was not as great as one would come to expect. It had Thanos and the empty Infinity Gauntlet. Which, if you know anything about the infinity stones or the future movies, did not tell you anything new. We have know since Avenegers that Thanos wants the stones. All this clip really showed was that he will make a bigger appearance in future movies. We still have not seen 2 of the 6 stones after all so more is to come from Thanos. 

   I know that I had a few negatives about this movie but overall I really did love it. It was much funnier than the one before it and really any of the other movies. Seeing all of the Avengers together again was really quite exciting. This time around Hawkeye's role in the Avengers makes much more sense and he is seen as a very important part of the group. 

   

Man Crush Monday: Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Sorry that this is a little late. I've been pretty sick for the past week or so, ,but now I'm slowly getting better.

Why We Love Him: If any of you watched Avengers: Age of Ultron this weekend then I think you know why I choose him for today's MCM. Having only seen him in Godzilla before this, I felt that he was a pretty decent choice for Quicksilver. His acting skills were pretty good in Ultron, though a little bit more back story would have worked for me. Hopefully more exciting roles are on the horizon for him. 

Man Crush Monday: Charlie Cox

Why We Love Him: Charlie Cox plays Matt Murdock(Daredevil) in the new Netflix show, Daredevil. The show is completely brilliant and unlike anything that Marvel has put out before. It is extremely dark and much more violent and gory than most things on TV. It is a very well written show and Charlie Cox plays the character wonderfully. 

  

Upcoming Role(s):

• The Defenders (Featuring Daredevil, Luke Cage and Jessica Jones)

Weekly Etsy Find #19

Hello lovely readers! Welcome once again to Wednesday Weekly Etsy Find.  It seems more and more I am finding stuff that I love on Etsy.  It is my obsession.  One that I love sharing with you all.  Let's get to this weeks find.

This week I found these sweet shot glasses.  Of course they are not just normal shot glasses.  They feature the Hogwarts Houses.

I think the reason I really like them is that they are just so simple.  Yet they combine shot glasses with one of my favorite book series.  You can check out the glasses along with the rest of the shop at Puppy Bao Creations.   Check them out!

That is all until next time.  Until next week. 

Man Crush Monday: Jared Leto

Why We Love Him: Add him to my long list of sexy men with long hair! Jared Leto was never on my radar until 2013  Oscar season when he was nominated for Dallas Buyers Club. I still have not see that movie but it is one that I am interested in. His band, 30 Seconds to Mars is really good. While I am not a huge follower, I do like his music. I am pretty excited that he is going to play The Joker in the Suicide Squad. He has some big shoes to fill but I think he will be great. 

(We don't have a picture of him as the Joker yet, but he did dye his hair for the role)

Upcoming Role(s):

• Suicide Squad

Weekly Etsy Find #18

Another Wednesday, another Weekly Etsy Find.  This week I am not just featuring a single item, but a whole shop.
The shop is called Trending Shirts.  Click the link to visit the site.  There is a lot to explore and purchase.  I couldn't pick just one item to feature for the week.  My personal favorites are the following:

This sweet Gotham inspired t-shirt

Game of Thrones!

You can't go wrong with a Walking Dead reference.

This one just makes me laugh.

Like I said earlier, there is a lot to look at in this shop.  It seems to mostly be t-shirts and coffee mugs that are mostly Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead.  Both are awesome shows so I am sold.  There are some other hidden gems in there as well so go ahead click the link listed above and check them out.

My Favorite Musicals

This is a list of my favorite movie/musicals (in order). I bought Disney's Into the Woods last week and pretty much haven't stopped listening to it. That made me think of all of the other musicals that I love. Plus, I was in theater in High School so it brings up a lot of memories.

1. Phantom of the Opera(2004):

This has to be my favorite musical ever! I have always loved this movie and really wish that I could see it in person. I have watched the Broadway version on Netflix, I think it's still there if you want to check it out. I love the music the most out of any of the musicals on this list which is why it is number 1. I can't get over how beautiful and haunting some of them are. 

2. Into the Woods(1991 & 2015):


Into the Woods comes in at a very close second on this list for two reasons. This was one of the musicals that we put on in High School and it was by far everyone's favorite. We based our production off of the original Broadway version. This used to be on Netflix but sadly they took it off. When Disney announced that they were doing a movie, I was super excited. They changed some parts and deleted a song, but overall it followed the story pretty closely. I love the Grimm Fairy tales just as much as the Disney versions, but the dark undertones are much more interesting.

3. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street(2007):


This musical I love more for the acting and the story than the actual songs. Johnny Depp and Helena Botham Carter are perfect together, as usual. Anything Tim Burton automatically intrigues me. There were so many famous people in this movie that you wouldn't really expect. The blood is a little much and pretty fake looking but it kind of gives it a sort of demonic charm. You know it's fake and kind of gross, but you can't look away.

4. Rent(2005):


RENT is one of the musicals where I haven't watched it in years yet I remember all of the songs. My friends and I watched this one all the time back in high school. We just couldn't get enough of it. I actually did see this one live. The original Broadway performance is much different, it's raunchier and a little dirty.


5. Chicago(2002):


This one is pretty awesome in a few different ways. The songs are great, some of the more memorable for me. I also live near Chicago, so to have something set where I live was pretty cool. I have also seen the books about the real women on death row. I have yet to read it but the fact that there is some truth to this musical makes it a little bit cooler.

6. Wicked(2003):


This is another musical that  I actually saw in person. I was blown away by the set design and the music. I don't think I saw the version with Idina Menzel or Kristin Chenowith though, I would have to dig out my play bill from somewhere in my room. I went and saw this in High School with my theater class and it was great. I think it was our first year with the new teacher so it was great to see a real production before we got started with our own.


7. The Producers(2005):


I just recently saw this movie within the past year or so, thanks Netflix! This may be the funniest musical that I have ever seen. The actors are fantastic, Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick are perfect together. They really play off of each others' acting abilities so well. The songs are hilarious and the other actors are wonderful. The story is pretty controversial being about Hitler and all but it's Mel Brooks so he knows how to play that line of being offensive or not.

8. The Lion King(1997):


This was the first musical that I ever saw live. Disney has a way of making everything they do spectacular and engaging. You feel a part of the world going on around you and you don't even feel like you are in the theater anymore. The set pieces and costumes where like nothing I had ever seen before. The soundtrack has always been amazing, but to hear it live was just special.

9. Cry-Baby(1990):


This really isn't the greatest music ever but I still love it. Johnny Depp is one of my favorite actors, so I try to watch a lot of his stuff. That's why he is a major player in three movies on this list! His singing voice isn't actually that bad in this movie. It does get better once he's in Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods though. This is just one of those obscure movies that not a lot of people have seen but I really love.

10. The Music Man(1962):


This was the first music that I ever was a part of in High School. It was the first with our new teacher and it was much better than anything that we had done before. None of us had ever heard of the musical before so we all watched the movie. I don't remember the movie all that well but a lot of the songs were pretty catchy.After this performance our high school got a lot more respect in the theater department, with the public and the school.

So there you go, a list of my favorite movie/musicals. I have included pretty much all of the performances that I have seen live. I think the only one I missed was Monty Python's Spamalot, which I remember liking at the time but can't recall any of it now. I wish that I had more time to see musicals and plays in Chicago. There are always things that I want to see. In Chicago alone there are at least 3 that I would love to see. My goal is to see Phantom of the Opera some day. I will always love the theater and that whole world, hopefully I'm able to go back soon!

Man Crush Monday: Logan Lerman

Why We Love Him: He plays one of my favorite characters in my favorite young adult series, Percy Jackson. The books are fantastic and deserve so much more press than what they get. Logan Lerman fit the Percy Jackson mold fairly well. He was one of the characters that I thought they got right. The movies were OK but the books so much better. I didn't see him in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, but I heard great things. I really hope that we start to see more of him in the future. 

Upcoming Role(s):

• The Wife

Weekly Etsy Find #17

This weeks Etsy Find is perfect since it is the finale of the Walking Dead.  My favorite character of the show is and  has always been Daryl.  Therefore I was very excited to stumble upon this gem. 

This bracelet comes from a shop called 1Nerd Creations.  You can take a closer look by clicking the link.  Each charm is related to Daryl Dixon.  My favorites are the crossbow and motorcycle.  I wish I would have found this sooner, I would have worn it faithfully every Sunday.

Man Crush Monday: Jason Momoa

Why We Love Him: I have to admit that I know pretty much nothing about this man but boy is he sexy! I know that he plays or played a pretty important character in Game of Thrones. I say played because I have never watched that show but I do know that people die all the time. I also know that he is set to play Aquaman in the new Superman/Batman movie. I like Batman but other than that, I'm not excited about anything DC. 

Upcoming Role(s):

• Sugar Mountain
• Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice
• The Bad Batch
• Justice League Part 1
• Aquaman

Mission Impossible 5

Today, the new MI5 trailer was debuted. Along with the title: Rouge Nation. I love these movies so much! The first 3 were great but the 4th was better due to additional characters and better technology. I really love Tom Cruise and how he does all of his own stunts. He may be a little crazy in his personal life but he is a fantastic actor.

Check out the awesome trailer above! I can not wait to see this movie in theatres, it's going to be great!

Man Crush Monday: Richard Madden

Why We Love Him: I recently saw the new Cinderella. It was fantastic! Richard Madden played the prince and he had some really great character development. It wasn't like the cartoon version where he barely spoke. This role gave him an actual voice in the film. Other than this, I haven't seen Richard Madden in any of his other work. I guess he was pretty big in Game of Thrones. but I never got into that. If it ever goes on Netflix I will watch it! 

 

Upcoming Role(s):

• Bastille Day 
• Lady Chatterley's Lover 

Weekly Etsy Find #16

I am breaking away from my Harry Potter roots today.  This weeks Etsy Find is based off of the severely underrated show Firefly.

This week I am featuring this t-shirt:

I think I like it because the concept is so simple yet looks great.  You can just make out Serenity as its coasting across the universe.  The shirt is from a shop called DMoSan. Not only do they have this shirt but there are ones for Star Trek Fans as well.  You guys should check it out when you have a chance.  They look like pretty awesome shirts.  

Walking Dead Spinoff

I am a huge fan of the Walking Dead.  It is a terrific show.  If you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for?  The comic is also pretty great too.  I am still working on compendium #2.
This isn't the first time I have heard news about a Walking Dead spinoff.  It was confirmed a while ago.  Here is what we know so far:
- It will take place in LA
-Will debut at the end of the summer.
-Cliff Curtis who has previously been on tv shows Trauma, and Gang Related will play a character named Sean Cabrera
-So will Frank Dillane who is famous for playing young Tom Riddle in Harry Potter and Half Blood Prince. His characters name is Nick
-Alycia Debnam-Carey from The 100 is also tapped to star in the upcoming series as Ashley
-Kim Dickens who was previously in Sons of Anarchy and Friday Night Lights as well as in the film adaptation of Gone Girl will also star. Her characters name is supposedly Miranda.

Not much other info is available as to plot, timeline (before or during or even after the original), or other characters.
We do know however that AMC has high hopes for this sequel.  It was announced that the show has already been picked up for not one season but TWO seasons.  All before its debut later this year.  I hope its good to  AMC

Man Crush Monday: Dylan O'Brien

Why We Love Him: I chose Dylan O'Brien as this weeks MCM because he is rumored to be the new Spider-man. Of course, that hasn't been confirmed yet but he could be a good fit depending on the plot of the movie. Previously, he has been in one major franchise, The Maze Runner. These are fantastic books and the first movie was pretty great. I am about half way through the series and it keeps getting better.

Upcoming Role(s):

• The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials 

10 Movies I Am Excited to See in 2015

Furious 7-April 3

I have been waiting for this movie to come out for what feels like forever.   This is one of my favorite movie franchises despite the cheesy lines.  It is all about the cars...and Paul Walker and Vin Diesel.  I know I am probably going to cry half of the movie (RIP Paul Walker).  The action scenes look ridiculously amazing.  

Avengers: Age of Ultron - May 1

I have been waiting for Avengers sequel to come out ever since Cecelia and I saw the original in theaters.  I do not know what else to say about this film other than it looks AMAZING.  

Pitch Perfect 2 - May 15

I am realizing now as I am typing this that most of these films are sequels.  Pitch Perfect is one of my favorite new comedies.  It is great to watch with my best friends after a night drinking...or perhaps while drinking.  Either way this film looks just a funny as the original and it brings back the original actors.  

Entourage - June 5

I was a fan of the show when it was on TV.  I was surprised to hear they were making a film and a little confused but I am okay with it.  I saw the previews not very long ago and I was convinced this would be a good film.  It seems like the same show that captivated fans on TV. 

Jurassic World - June 12

I will admit, I never saw Jurassic Park until college.  I was not a huge fan of the third film so when I heard they were making another one without writer Michael Crichton I as a little concerned.  Now that I have seen previews and am officially a Chris Pratt fan I have to say I am very excited about this movie.  

Inside Out - June 19

This is the only film on my list that is animated.  Being a psychology nerd I have always been interested in this film since first hearing about it a while ago.  Now that I have seen previews I am still highly interesting.  It looks adorable and well done like any Pixar film. 

Ant-Man - July 17

Do I have any idea whom Ant-Man is?  I'll admit it, Nope!  Do I love Paul Rudd?  Totally!  This movie is from Marvel so it has to be good.  I just hope there is more comedy in it.  The preview did not make it look comical but it stars Paul Rudd so it has to be right?  Fingers crossed. 

Mission Impossible 5 - July 31

The only MI film I have seen is Ghost Protocol.  Man, was it fantastic.  I am excited to go see this film in July.  Jeremy Renner and Tom Cruise, add in some action.  I am excited and cannot wait to see the trailer. 

Vacation - October 9

National Lampoons Vacation is one of my all time favorite movies.  Now they are rebooting it with none other that Ed Helms as Rusty Griswold.  I am sold.  I love Ed Helms and the orginal so I am willing to give this film a shot.  Chevy Chase and Beverley D'Angelo will be reprising their roles as Clark and Ellen Griswold.  To make things even better Chris Hemsworth, Charlie Day, and Leslie Mann are set to star.   I am excited for a trailer for this film as well. 

Crimson Peak - October 16

Not going to lie, I am confused as to what exactly this movie is about.  All I know is that it stars Tom Hiddleston and is supposed to be suspenseful.  The trailer although confusing looked great.  I am anxious to see more.