American Horror Story: Coven - Title Sequence and Preview

WARNING: THIS VIDEO MAY BE A BIT DISTURBING TO SOME

Well season 3 of my all time favorite TV show is about to premiere. That's right, American Horror Story: Coven has reached a 10-day countdown as of today. The show will premiere on October 9th at 9 P.M. for all us Midwest people! The reason I'm posting today is because a few days ago the main title sequence (or theme song) has been released. The unique thing about this show is that every season they get a completely different title sequence because the stories are always different each season. It's one of the most exciting things about the show actually; getting a different story, a different American tale.

Coven will be centered around the feud between witches and voodoo, all taking place in modern-day New Orleans. The witches date back all the way to Salem, and they were the lucky ones who escaped the Witch Trials and eventually landed in New Orleans. However, that's also where the voodoo queen is located, and the war between the two different groups continue for hundreds of years. Now, in the present day witches are being kidnapped and murdered, and it's up to Fiona, the Supreme (or the witch who has mastered all the powers) to begin a school to train witches to fight back.

Of course, that's all we really know about the plot. Ryan Murphy, the show's creator, is very good at keeping everything secretive. The fans never know what to expect when a new season rolls around, but I personally believe that's a commendable aspect. Judging from this new title sequence, I think we're in for one hell of a season.

The Bling Ring - Movie Review

Your first impression right now is definitely "This looks like the girliest movie on the face of this planet." But I'm here to inform you that it is definitely not a movie specifically for females, because instead of focusing on clothes and fashion, it's rather a reflection on society and what teenagers typically do nowadays to fit in. It's a really huge social statement on today's society, and it asks if us teenagers really care about friends or if we just care about the fame and material things.

Let me just say this does not play out like an exciting movie. There are many scenes that just seem to stretch on without dialogue for minutes. It may seem like bad writing or directing, but I think it was just what the director was trying to do, and that's simply to show what some teenagers do in their spare time. That being said, some people could take it differently and I can definitely see how people will view this as a boring movie. I can respect that opinion; this movie certainly isn't for everyone. If you're looking for a huge teen party movie then this is not the film you've been searching for.

Moving on to the performances. Though she isn't the main character, Emma Watson steals each scene she has. The other actors are good, but Watson knows how to completely take on a character and is always the most fun to watch. Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, and Taissa Farmiga are also all good but don't quite stand out like Emma Watson.

The plot isn't this huge or new idea. It's based on the true story of a group of teenagers who went around robbing celebrity homes for their clothes, items, and money. It doesn't end in some big twist or unexpected finale. It ends just how you think it would end. But I don't think The Bling Ring is trying to do something really different. It ends up being a movie of showing this group of teenagers and how they act on the outside. It never really goes in depth otherwise.

I think what people will take away from this movie is the idea that our generation has definitely changed, and some could argue for the worse. We begin to focus on unimportant things and never really develop special friendships or bonds anymore. Though this movie never states it outright, I believe it's saying we need to take some time and start organizing our priorities for what really matters. It's not the best movie in the world, and it's certainly not the most entertaining or well-written, but the message it gets across is a powerful one, and that in itself is an accomplishment in film. B

Prisoners - Movie Review

As I sat down for Prisoners, my expectations were for it to play out as an exceptional and simple child abduction thriller. What I got however, is an incredible blend of suspense and a complex mystery that unfolded unpredictably. A good mystery is one that keeps you guessing until the last frame of the film, and that's exactly what Prisoners does. There's not one moment where your mind isn't rushing to solve the mystery, and just when you think you're close and know the conclusion, another curve ball is thrown and you're left guessing once more.

A film that pops into my head that's similar to this in a few aspects is The Lovely Bones. Don't get me wrong, these movies have large differences, but both do a great job in showing how the families react to their children being taken. You can see the hardships they face and how some family members flat out go insane with rage because they aren't getting answers. Another movie I feel this is similar to is the lesser-known Winter's Bone, which stars Jennifer Lawrence if that helps jog your memory, but again it isn't too popular (though it should be.) Anyways, I want to compare it to that because of the small town setting it gives off and how gritty both films are. They both do not shy away from the hard to watch subjects, and that makes it all the more powerful.

Hugh Jackman deserves an Oscar nomination hands down for this role. He starts out as a simple caring father that slowly makes choices that question our own moral decisions. There is torture in this movie, and it's very brutal and hard to watch. But you're left thinking, "Is it acceptable or just flat out wrong?" This movie makes you think a lot, and it doesn't treat the audience like it's incapable of understanding things. In fact, it leaves a lot for the audience to discuss once the credits start rolling, which is an exceptional film quality.

One last thing I'd like to mention is the camerawork that is done in the movie. You don't realize it right away, but it really puts you directly in the middle of all the action and it makes you feel as though you're right there in that small town with them, and you can literally feel the tension and dread surround you simply with the way the camera angles are set up. It's a fascinating quality of the movie that pushes it into being a likely choice to be in the Oscar-nominee pool.

Though it's a bit lengthy, there probably won't be a minute where you'll want to get up and use that bathroom. You won't grab any refills because you'll be glued to the screen. And even though there's no jump scares or over the top horror scenes, this is one of the scariest movies of 2013. A

Kick-Ass 2 - Movie Review

The first Kick-Ass was widely known for being insanely over-the-top, bloody, and the little 9-year old girl dropping every single swear word you'd hear in a high school hallway. But honestly, that's what made the first one work so well. It was a refreshing comic book movie that focused on the life of actual human beings without any special super powers. It was just normal people willing to fight to protect their city.

Now the sequel is here and let me tell you I had as much fun watching this as I did the first. No, I don't necessarily think it's better than the first, but this one still has its positives. First of all, the acting has really evolved, especially from the incredible Chloe Grace Moretz. Don't get me wrong, she was great in the first, but I could definitely see that she took on more of the emotional side of the role. All other acting was great as well, and I enjoyed seeing all their characters come to life.

The second notable thing about this movie is that it never lets your attention go. From explosive diarrhea in crowded cafeterias to huge Russian female bodybuilders throwing lawnmowers into cars, this movie has one-upped itself in its outrageousness. But with the general feel of the movie none of it seems out of place and it all clicks in well with the plot.

I think one downside this movie had was that I felt like it didn't really have anywhere new to explore with the plot. The movie kind of plays out like its predecessor and it's generally predictable in what's to come next. I think some plotlines were killed off when they could have been great (Jim Carrey, for instance, could've been used a lot more) and that threw me off sometimes. Also, the original humor the first one had is lost in this one. If you watched the two films back to back you would notice the tone changes greatly into the second one.

Kick-Ass 2 is a solid and fun entry into this franchise. I enjoyed it a lot and would definitely watch it again. It's nice to have other comic/superhero film options that aren't centered on being able to fly and have super strength. But it also doesn't have the spirit the first one had. If you're looking for more crazy violence and vulgarity, you'll get that. But don't be looking for it to continue everything you loved about the first. B-

Mockingjay Casting Update

There is incredibly exciting news for fans of Mockingjay and fans of American Horror Story. I am HUGE fans of both of these series, so this news will likely be the highlight of this entire month. Earlier today we just found out the incredible Lily Rabe will be joining the cast of Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2 as Commander Lyme, a rebellion leader in District 2, who is described as caring for the well being of others but cold when she needs to be. Personally I think Rabe is the absolute perfect fit for this role. Most recently in American Horror Story: Asylum, she portrayed a nun who was possessed by Satan, and she took that role and, in my opinion, gave the most chilling and incredible performance I've seen on TV in recent memory. I'm so excited for this casting announcement and know Mockingjay has just secured itself yet another brilliant actress.

Insidious: Chapter 2 - Movie Review

Insidious (2011) has been one of my all time favorite horror movies since it released two years ago. It did everything right. It had a great and eerie setting, some fantastic characters, the creepiest use of violins ever, and a story of an old fashioned ghost tale with a modern edge. So I'll admit I had my doubts when Insidious: Chapter 2 was announced. Sequels in the business nowadays usually succumb into being cash grabs and could care less if critics and audiences like it or not. But director James Wan (The Conjuring, Saw) knows how to make an effective and chilling horror film.

Let me start out by saying this movie was written incredibly well. It tied right in with the first one and explored deep into the mysterious entities haunting the family. Everything seemed to flow so naturally and nothing seemed like they produced this sequel simply for the money. The first and second installments click together flawlessly, and that in itself is a feat for any franchise. And the script is written so well it keeps the audience guessing until the very end. I also sensed it took some notes from Stephen King's 'The Shining', which worked very well.

The acting, for the most part, was good except for a few ridiculous and cheesy parts. There were some intentional comical moments that were great, but there were also some unintentional moments that just made the audience cringe and quickly try and move on. Some parts were also a bit over the top and just ended up looking a bit off, but then again this whole story is a bit over the top yet still works just fine.

Overall I enjoyed Insidious: Chapter 2 a lot and would recommend it to any horror fan who wants a good time at the movies. I saw it with a near full crowd and it was such a fun setting to watch it in. People were jumping and screaming and then after the scare happened, people would laugh and wait in anticipation for the next jump. And if you can make a horror movie that appeals to audiences like that, I say you've made a highly successful horror film. B

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones - Movie Review



The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, on the surface, seems like it'll be just another average teenage movie filled with awkward love triangles and cheesy acting. Well I suppose some of that remains true in the film, but for the most part I was incredibly surprised by how everything turned out. A fair disclaimer: I have not read the books so my opinion is purely from a film standpoint.

The beginning follows the usual 'one day her life was normal, and the next her whole world is flipped around' kind of thing, which isn't bad but it isn't necessarily interesting. But once we dive into the world the author and director have created for us, it's gripping and is always entertaining. Some things are a bit too complex and aren't explained as well as they could have been, but since it is a book series I'm sure they couldn't fit everything they'd like in the film adaption. Nevertheless, you may walk out still confused about a few aspects of the film. Some scenes just felt unnecessary and shouldn't have made the final cut.

The acting, I can admit, was cheesy but for some reason it didn't bother me while I was watching it. It fit in really well and never reached the point of being bad acting. The actors all brought a different character to life, though the character development wasn't all too good.

The most impressive thing for me had to be the visual effects, the world they created, and the action sequences. At least every 10 minutes something completely unexpected happens and throws the movie into a completely different direction. As an audience member, those are the types of movies that I just always enjoy because it captures attention and really invests us in the story. Having said that, however, the finale lasted way too long. The scene could've been an incredible finale, but the pacing was just off and the intensity died down just as it should have been picking up, making the audience get dragged through the uninspired and weak conclusion.

The Mortal Instruments leaves the ending open and allows for another installment, which I can say I would be excited to see. Though it has its flaws with character development and pacing, I can honestly say I liked it and would probably watch it again. Now if only they could trim about 20 minutes off the ending, that'd be great. But for now it's something fun to watch with a group of friends, and (here's the comparison you've all been waiting for) it's leagues better than Twilight. B-

You're Next - Movie Review

Horror movies are usually really bad. Sometimes they're so bad they're good, but in conclusion they just never seem any good anymore. The scares seem cheep and usually always rely on gore, and the acting usually consists of models in their 20's looking for their big break. 

But good news to horror fans! You're Next is a refreshing new horror movie that takes all the horror movie cliches you've grown so sick of and makes fun of the genre while still remaining scary and entertaining! If any of you have seen Scream, it's similar to that. It doesn't take itself seriously at all but I think that's what makes it work so well. When horror movies try so hard to be scary, it comes off as forced and awful. But when you can tell the directors, writers, and actors are all having fun with the material, the audience feels the shift too. 

The acting is decent, the story is similar to other films you may have seen, and the scares are fairly good. However, the thing that makes this movie stand above the rest is its incredible camerawork, music, and a huge twist where the people don't all make stupid decisions! I've gotten so sick of scary movies where the characters does the one thing that is guaranteed to get them killed. I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say there is one relentless heroine that fights back, and she fights back hard. 

I've seen You're Next twice now because I believe it'll be one of those movies that you can watch anytime and just never get bored of it. Don't go into this movie expecting some new and groundbreaking horror film; it's more of a dark dark comedy. If you're searching for some good end-of-summer horror movies, this is a relentless (and hilarious) thrill ride. A-

A quick side note! I'd like to add that I'm highly impressed by all the horror movies released this year. Evil Dead and The Conjuring were both fantastic and scary. With this film, I have really high expectations for horror in the future. Directors should take note and stop giving us crappy movies.

The Introdu¢tion

Hello internet, my name is Jason Grobstich, and I'm glad that you've stumbled across my blog, whether intentionally or by an unfortunate mistake. In order for you to understand what this blog is going to be, you're going to need to understand a little bit about me first.

The first thing you need to know is that I am absolutely obsessed with everything about movies and television. I'm not interested in celebrity gossip (I'm sorry, but I just don't care which celebrity was recently spotted buying a grapefruit at the local supermarket) but I do love to dig for which actor or actress is joining an upcoming movie or television show. Expect many reviews for a lot of movies and many recaps for some fantastic TV shows. Now it's basically impossible for me to pick a favorite movie, but my all time favorite TV show, one you will be seeing a lot about on here, is American Horror Story. I also love Parks and Recreation. And I enjoy Jennifer Lawrence. Alright, enough of my spontaneous thoughts.

I'm a very sarcastic person, so if at any point you sense that a comment was too full of life or I sound full of myself just know that it's the sarcastic beast inside me. And I think that's all I have to say about that.

Now, lets take a brief moment for me to say something somewhat intelligent, please bear with me. Movies are my favorite thing currently in existence because they're all fresh and new, and bring different stories to life with a variety of characters. We also get new ones every weekend, and it's so fun waiting for trailers and following all the hype for the movie. Though I'll be reviewing a lot on here, I want people to understand reviews are just opinions and you have the right to disagree with me. I don't think critics should ever dissuade you from seeing something you really want to see, because some of the worst reviewed movies could end up being your all-time favorites. Another thing with movies: there's something for everyone. Whether you love a gore fest packed with jump scares or political dramas, there's always a movie for you.

This is where I conclude with a clichéd remark so I'm going to go with sit back, relax, and welcome to my mind.

And while it may be hard to believe, my name is actually NOT spelled with a dollar sign. It's just Jason!