Goosebumps: The Movie

Good evening  everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

I apologize for the rather late entry, something unexpected arose yesterday and by the time I was finished with it, it was too late and I didn't write anything for the blog. Anyway, without further ado, here is the belated entry.

Remember how Hollywood is remaking all of your favorite childhood classics or turning things you loved so dearly into movies? “Ghostbusters”, ”Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark”, and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” are just to name a few, but now we can add “Goosebumps” to the list.

“Goosebumps” was a seemingly endless book series written by R.L.Stine. Having read “Goosebumps” from time to time, the book was written in the horror genre to promote fears of the unusual and otherworldly type. My favorite books of the series in particular were ‘Choose Your Death’ stories where you followed a main plot that offered you different options. For example, the book I read sent the reader into the Medieval Era and every so often a page would instruct you to turn to various pages to receive different outcomes. I think I wore those books out because you would never obtain the same outcome.

Eventually the book series turned into a television series. It was a pretty decent series, but it didn’t last for long and afterward, only popped up in October on select stations. We now have a movie debuting this October that seems to go off on its own, avoiding the eerie mood that the books had initially sparked.

From what we can tell about this new “Goosebumps” trailer, a new boy moves into town and him and his friend help their neighbor who is in trouble. When they go to help her, they discover that someone has a raging obsession for “Goosebumps” because there’s a ton of manuscripts in the basement pertaining to iconic monsters from the book series. One of the kids accidentally opens a manuscript and a monster pops out. Many more creatures emerge from the manuscripts once they are opened and soon, the entire town is surrounded by these nefarious beings. The characters set out to capture the monsters and return them to their manuscripts.

To be frank, this isn’t the “Goosebumps” I grew up with and rather, it appears to be more of a comedy/supernatural movie as opposed to the horror based genre it was initially set in. Yes, it did have its supernatural themes at times, but it was more so a collection of horror stories intended to instill some fear into its readers.  The idea of monsters emerging from a book is something bizarre and magical, but despite using all of the “Goosebumps” creatures, it really doesn’t feel or look like a “Goosebumps” movie to me.

It honestly makes me wonder why exactly Hollywood is remaking our childhood past times and why they aren’t doing the best that they can with them. It’s Hollywood, it’s cranked out incredible movies such as “Gone With the Wind”, “The Blues Brothers”, and so many others. Why is it when it comes to things we mostly love and adore, Hollywood just seems to be treating them terribly?

Thanks for reading tonight’s entry. If you liked it, feel free to share, comment, critique, and subscribe.

So tell me, what do you think of the “Goosebumps” trailer?

Marvel's Shining New Year

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.


Marvel has spent no expense in starting off 2015 on the right, righteous foot. Marvel has begun this heroic year with “Agent Carter,” a television miniseries about Peggy Carter, who picks up where Captain America left off during WW2 believing him to be dead.  Ms. Carter becomes an agent for S.H.I.E.L.D., working for Howard Stark (Tony Stark’s father) carrying out any mission he needs for her to perform. While this is only a miniseries, audiences were stunned by the mere strength, cleverness, and no-nonsense personality of Ms. Carter.

Image from http://www.blastr.com/sites/blastr/files/styles/blog_post_media/public/PeggyCarterRedHat1.jpg?itok=6dQrjhik

During the two hour premiere of this program, we managed to obtain a clip of the new Marvel movie, “Ant Man.” “Ant Man” features Paul Rudd as the famous superhero who is able to shrink to the size of an ant and command ants to do his bidding.  This movie will spearhead Marvel’s Superheroes Phase 3, introducing a new line of movies following “Avengers 2: Age of Ultron”. Apparently, in the comics Ant Man and the Wasp were the original founders of the Avengers. At one point they even fought alongside Iron Man, Thor, and the Hulk. However, I’m not sure what direction Marvel is currently taking for their films. “Ant Man” crawls into theaters on July 17, 2015 a few months after “Avengers 2: Age of Ultron” which premieres on May 1^st, 2015.

Image from http://www.blastr.com/sites/blastr/files/styles/content_panes_media/public/images/ant-man_01.jpg?itok=9oCGtkGn

To top it all off, Marvel has also announced a new Daredevil series coming to Netflix on April 10th, 2015. This program will feature Daredevil, a blind superhero fighting crime at night and doling out justice as a lawyer by day. Following the Daredevil series will be another Marvel-Netflix program entitled “A.K.A. Jessica Jones” which focuses on the superheroine, Jessica Jones.  Jessica Jones has powerful strength, the ability to fly, and resist physical injury. Luke Cage, a super hero with nearly indestructible skin and super strength, will have his own series on Netflix as well in 2016. Luke Cage and Jessica Jones will hopefully be teaming up together due to their relationship as featured in previous comics. Luke Cake, Jessica Jones, and Daredevil will make up three of the four counterparts known as The Defenders, a team of crime fighters.  Iron Fist, a hero who masters chi, will be the last remaining piece of The Defenders and receive a Netflix series as well. Each program will be released a year apart and will come together creating a Defenders series.

Image from http://fanboysinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/The-Defenders.jpeg

Needless to say, Marvel has its head in the game and is going forward to please audiences everywhere through multiple forms of media.  Not only is Marvel tackling the theaters with “Ant Man” and “Avengers 2: Age of Ultron”, but they are now working their way through television and Netflix to bring us closer to their universe.

If you enjoyed this entry feel free to like and reblog it. If you have any feedback or comments, send me a PM.

So tell me,what are you most excited to see from Marvel in the man years to come? 

The Doctor and The Detective Return

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

Folks, I’m sure you’re all aware of the popular show, Sherlock. Sherlock is about a modern day Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and John Watson (Martin Freeman) solving crimes like those Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote about.  

Well, not too long ago something miraculous popped up in newsfeeds everywhere.  Sherlock will start filming a special and three new episodes in 2015. Everything will be finished and broadcasted in 2016. Moffat has given us a bit of insight into the filming, in which he claims that something will happen with Sherlock, and it is the last thing we’d expect. The dynamic duo are also set to enter deeper, darker waters in their upcoming adventures.

Most of us Sherlockians are hoping for a variety of things including Wholock (Sherlock crossing over with Doctor Who), Johnlock (John and Sherlock getting together), and many other concepts.

Tying in with news of British television, not too long ago we have received our first glimpse into the new Doctor Who which will be airing on August 23^rd, 2014. Along with this premiere date, we have been given the plot of the first full episode with Capaldi as the Doctor. In the adventures of this new Doctor, the Doctor seems to have forgotten who he is. He lands in Victorian London with Clara, encounters the famous Paternoster gang, as well as Jack the Ripper, and the clockwork droids.

There are other rumors of what may happen this season such as a Robin Hood episode, a shrinking Tardis, the return of Danny Pink, the Daleks exterminating once more, the revealed mystery of Mrs. Delphox, and the Cybermen marching onto our screens yet again. There’s also rumor that this Doctor will be much darker and grittier than Matt or Christopher’s.

As a Whovian and Sherlockian, I’m entertaining the idea that there may be a Wholock. This is the season where the Doctor will be remembering himself, discovering himself, and who better to help him than Sherlock? After all, Moffat did say anything was possible, and that it would be something we’d least expect with Sherlock.

What do you think Moffat has in store? 

What Does the Future Hold for Sherlock?

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

Sherlock has come and gone and in its wake, it has left some of the best episodes ever to emerge from the series. With Mary pregnant, Moriarty’s abrupt return, and Sherlock reunited with John, the game will be afoot in the future. However, we might not have to wait long until another episode surfaces. A few days ago Martin Freeman (the famous John Watson and Bilbo Baggins) claimed that there might be a one-off special episode of the popular series.

Freeman has claimed that the idea is mouth watering, but they’re unsure of when they would film it due to Freeman and Cumberbatch’s other commitments. This special may or may not see the light of the television screen, but let’s hope it does. In other news regarding this fantastic series, Sherlock has started filming and will possibly debut in Fall 2016. Along with this season, another season has been confirmed for future production.

Prepare to keep your eyes peeled for any clue regarding this one-off special of Sherlock. Until then, let’s make deductions of what this possible tantalizing idea could be, and how it will fit in with the Sherlockian universe. As for myself I’m hoping one of two things: one, a Wholock crossover and two, an episode with a few answers regarding Moriarty’s return – for now, I guess that he is an android or the Moriarty at Reichenbach was a clone/stunt double.

What are your thoughts, fellow readers?

Let's Do the Christmas Time Warp Again!

Greetings everyone and welcome to The magical Mystery Blog.

Just yesterday was the start of December and with it came the onslaught of holiday movies. Like a cluster of corniness and cheer, the Christmas flicks appeared on various television stations. One channel in particular, ABC Family, started its 25 Days of Christmas yesterday.  Tonight, that same channel has aired two Christmas specials that sent my back to my childhood within sixty minutes.  Some of you are probably familiar with these shorts entitled Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too and Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Followed by these two specials, ABC pushed me even farther into the past with its traditional screening of A Charlie Brown Christmas.

While these three specials are produced with different plots, they share a few things in common. These concepts are tied in with the holidays and reveal the ideals of Christmas to audiences everywhere.

Christmas Doesn't Have One Meaning

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Ooooooooooooh....shiny....

Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too tells the story of Pooh bear believing he failed to deliver his friends’ letters to Santa. To make up for his actions, he dresses up as Santa, and travels throughout the Hundred Acre Wood delivering presents to his friends. In the end, he receives a present from Santa but realizes that he doesn't need gifts for Christmas. Rather, he wants his friends and nothing else because presents are worth nothing when compared to his many friendships.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol retells the Charles Dickens classic. In doing so, it shows what happens if you do not seize the day and be kind towards others, regardless of how much heartbreak and loneliness you’ve encountered in the past. Life has its challenges, some more terrible than others, and yes, they do shape a person. While Scrooge was molded for the worse, he should have attempted to see things in a different light, and Christmas is just the joyous season to bring out the best in a person. This special shows that Christmas is a wondrous time of the year to embrace the positive spirit and share the goodness with others, just as Scrooge does when he awakens.

A Charlie Brown Christmas shows a more religious meaning of Christmas. This is shown by the iconic scene of Linus explaining the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and how joy is brought unto the world. This trumps Charlie’s idea of how Christmas is wrapped up in commercialism and presents to him a new meaning: that Christmas is a time of joy and celebration.

Gifts Aren't Everything

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In the three specials, we see the characters interact with their friends, and sometimes bestow gifts to each other. In the Winnie the Pooh special, we see Pooh bear go out of his way to be “Santa” to fulfill his friends’ Christmas lists. The following day, Christopher Robin comes to them, giving them gifts from Santa himself. While the gang enjoys the presents, it is Christopher Robin and Pooh who show us in one mere moment that gifts don’t make up everything. Rather, it is the people who you spend it with that make the holiday magical.

In Mickey’s Christmas Carol we witness Scrooge turning over a new leaf and visiting the Cratchit’s house.  The only gift in this scene is where he tells a boy to buy the fattest goose and deliver it to the Cratchit’s house. Once he arrives at the house, we see him present his transformed self to his coworker’s family, and engage in Christmas dinner with them. It is implied that the goose is delivered but the meaning of spending time with friends and family dominates the scene.

Lastly, in A Charlie Brown Christmas we see no gift distribution whatsoever. Rather, we see Charlie Brown faced with the ideals of consumerism that’s often featured during the holidays. By the end of the special, we see that he has overcome the commercialism and embraced a new meaning of Christmas, where gifts are nothing when compared to the joy Christmas gives us all.

It Really is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

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Oooooooooh.....more shiny....

These three specials show events and items associated with Christmas: the decorating of the Christmas tree, falling snow, lavish holiday parties, and other scenes of merriment. These wonderful experiences cannot be replicated any other time throughout the year because they do not embody the wonderment of Christmas. Christmas emits a certain type of warmth that cannot be felt by the summer sun or experienced by a kiss. Christmas radiates a special type of feeling when the lights are illuminated, like the Christmas tree in A Charlie Brown Christmas. This particular holiday also tends to bring out the best in people, even if it’s something small like donating to Toys for Tots, or sharing a meal like Scrooge in Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Lastly, this time of the year also shows us that sometimes we don’t need material items to make each other smile. Rather the company of good friends and family makes our holiday magical, just like Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too.

These elements culminate a feeling and experiences that no other holiday can share.  Christmas is a wonderful day of the year where all the winter warmth comes together and embraces you in a tight, comforting hug. The moments shared especially during this time of the year are treasured away in your mind for many years to come.

What Christmas special taught you something about the holidays? Feel free to leave your thoughts below and as always, feedback and followers are welcomed.

The Day of the Doctor

Hello everyone and welcome to a wibbly wobbly timey wimey version of The Magical Mystery Blog.

This past weekend we have received new looks into the upcoming Doctor Who 50^th Anniversary Special. We were given two new trailers that show us more footage than we could have ever imagined. On the screen Daleks exterminated before our eyes, 10 and 11 complimented each others’ glasses, Gallifrey was being destroyed, and Rose and Clara were reunited with the Doctor once more.

So what does all of this excellence mean?  We won’t know until November 23^rd in theaters and on television screens. Until then, here are some homemade theories regarding the 50^th Anniversary.

WARNING, THE FOLLOWING FAN THEORIES BELOW CONSIST OF SPOILERS, SWEETIES. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK OR RETURN FROM THE DIMENSION FROM WHENCE YOU CAME.

John Hurt’s Doctor

Let’s examine this new Doctor. He appears to be much older than 10 and 11, but I wouldn't say older than the future 12^th Doctor. If anything, he seems younger than the 12th Doctor and even the very first Doctor. We see him somehow involved in the Time War, where Gallifrey was exterminated by the Daleks. Gallifrey is sealed away in a time lock so that the Doctor can never return to it again which leads us to the following question: if Gallifrey is inaccessible, how is the new John Hurt Doctor there?

We only see him there and not 10/10.5 or 11. If anything, we see 10/10.5 and 11 roaming about a forest, sitting in a control room, and in variations of the Tardis. This brings me to a rather, crazy idea of: what if John Hurt was the first Doctor and not William Hartnell’s character? As far as I’m concerned, John Hurt’s Doctor is the only one able to get to Gallifrey. However, if he was there to begin with he could well be the first Doctor, especially since we see him involved with the Time War. The images of Gallifrey being destroyed are what he could be seeing during his time there. Furthermore, we see him at the heart of his planet staring a ruby like button with fire locked inside. 

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Don't push the button, don't push the extremely tempting button.....

Throughout the trailer he also claims that great men are forged in fire – this could mean the fires of war. We also hear the 11^th Doctor claiming that there is a life he wishes to forget, which we are then presented with an image of the John Hurt Doctor. He wants to forget that life because it is when he was a part of the Time War. In the last seen episode of Doctor Who, he claims what he did was in the name of peace and sanity. Since we saw him on Gallifrey, standing before an ominous button, he could have brought an end to the Time War to spare the lives of his fellow species.  

However, if this theory is true and John Hurt was the very first Doctor, then wouldn't Clara remember him? Clara has secretly been there for the Doctor throughout his regenerations.  When we last saw her, she was in the Time Vortex and asked the 11^th Doctor who the shadowy figure was before them. That mysterious person was the John Hurt Doctor – someone she never met before. This also brings a halt to everyone’s speculated idea that John Hurt is the 9.5 or 8.5 Doctor. Clearly Clara would have remembered him as she did the others.

Crossing the Streams

There are different scenes in the trailers: the forest, Gallifrey, and variations of the Tardis (10/10.5’s, John’s, and 11’s). In other clips promoting the special, we are also shown modern day London (burning and unscathed by fire), a mountainous terrain, and a private chamber. The overall plot of the special is something terrible arising in London’s National Gallery, in 2013. Meanwhile, a murderous plot is unraveling in Elizabethan England, and somewhere in the galaxy an ancient battle is coming to a close.

From how it appears, the 10/10.5^th Doctor is dealing with a young queen Elizabeth in a forest while the 11^th Doctor is conflicted with the John Hurt Doctor. I can imagine 11’s plot picks up right where we left off – in his Time Vortex, rescuing Clara, and encountering the John Hurt Doctor. That event happens in one universe but in the Time Vortex, the Doctor is presented with his multiple selves, and their eras. Since it is his own vortex, would he be allowed to go into his other lives?

If he is able to do so, he could enter the life of his past reincarnation, the 10/10.5^th Doctor. Or he could enter the time stream of his John Hurt Doctor and confront his darkest hour. But that leaves us wondering where the 10/10.5^th Doctor could possibly enter. If he does enter another life, he might not be able to do much as seeing everything that happened in those lives are fixed events – the Time War included. It’s obvious that at some point, him and 11 meet up, and they encounter the John Hurt Doctor. In order to do meet up, they would have to cross dimensions to see each other.

Return of Rose/Bad Wolf

Nearly everyone is elated that Rose is returning, but many wonder how she is coming back. We see her mostly with the John Hurt Doctor, even though the last Doctor she was with was the 10.5 Doctor. He would grow old with her and be just like her beloved 10/10.5^th Doctor but without the time lord qualities. Even her outfit implies that she was with the 10.5 Doctor. In this picture, notice the garment under her jacket – it’s lacy, long, and very feminine, similar to a wedding dress. She loved the 10.5 Doctor and quite possibly, married him. However, it appears that something has interrupted their nuptials because of how the dress appears. It's dusty and even tied up, leaving her feet free for some possible running - but from what?

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The 10.5 Doctor cannot be the John Hurt Doctor. We’ve seen an older 10^th Doctor when he went under the alias of John Smith during his days with Martha Jones. His 10.5 clone would bear the same, aged look.

Rose was sent to an alternative universe but still had tracings of the Doctor. She followed him to Bad Wolf Bay where he gave her the 10.5 clone and a part of the Tardis so that she may grow her own. She would be able to look into 10.5’s Tardis and summon the Bad Wolf. She would also be able to time travel with 10.5 and enter other dimensions where she could possibly meet the 10^th Doctor, the John Hurt Doctor, and/or the 11^th Doctor. Crossing dimensions would be the only way for her to meet up with the other Doctors.

We will receive more hints as to what the 50^th anniversary as in store for us on November 15^th, during BBC’s Children in Need program. Until then, what are your thoughts and theories on the special? Feel free to leave your comments below and as always, feedback and followers are welcomed.

Toy Story...of Terror!

Hello everyone and welcome to another Halloween themed entry of The Magical Mystery Blog.

This past Wednesday, viewers turned in to Pixar’s first holiday special entitled Toy Story of Terror. It was on ABC at eight o clock and paid tribute to the classic scary movies and horror movie character stereotypes (Ex.: The damsel in distress, the skeptic, the know-it-all, the mentor, and the mysterious thing in the shadows). The narrator was none other than Mr.Pricklepants who predicted the next action of the special. By foreseeing the upcoming scene, he was breaking the fourth wall – a feature I enjoy, if done properly. 

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If my deductions are correct, you are probably reading this blog and anticipating the splendors of Halloween.     

The story begins on a car ride with Bonnie and her mother, while the toys (Woody, Buzz, Jesse, Trixie, Rex, Mr.Pricklepants, and Mr.Potato Head) watch old black and white vampire film in the trunk. During the drive, one of their tires blows out, causing the toys, Bonnie, and her mother to take shelter at a Sleep Well hotel.  As Bonnie and her mother rest, the toys decide to explore the hotel where they encounter the mysterious thing in the shadows. The horrible shady being follows them, stealing them one by one, to a place they are completely unfamiliar with.

At last, the damsel in distress is the only one left who hasn't been taken by the monster. From there on, the story progresses quite swiftly, like a serial killer moving from house to house. The damsel is reunited with her friends and only then, does she discover the true evil of the Sleep Well hotel.

For their very first television special, Pixar did an excellent job encompassing the spirit of Halloween, and the ambiance of horror movies. Using these influences, they created quite a treat for families and children.  I hope this is a special they will continue to air for many Octobers to come because this is just as great as It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Toy Story of Terror special gets a ten out of ten in my book for great characters, tribute to Halloween, and capturing the essence of horror movies.

What do you think? Did Pixar make a spooktacular television special? Leave your thoughts below and as always, followers and feedback are welcome. 

It's Time to Face Off

Greetings everyone and welcome to another entry of The Magical Mystery Blog.

This year, Face Off started its new season on the Syfy Channel. Face Off is a prosthetic competition show which started back in 2011 and is currently on its fifth season. In this season, contestants who have been on the show before (veterans) compete against newcomers.

Throughout the years, the audience has been treated to concepts based on various themes from Alice in Wonderland to zombie apocalypse. As an avid watcher of the show, I've fallen in love and been disgusted with what competitors have created. Below are my top twelve favorite Face Off creations, three from each season so far of Face Off. I will have the season, episode number, theme, and artist (or artists) for each concept.

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12) Season 4, Ep. 9 – Mummy Mayhem – Kris -  this mummy is enough to lead an army of the undead.  With multiple horns protruding from its head, the detail work on this is horrifying but beautiful.  Crawling through Egypt’s mysterious pyramids, this creature rose to the challenge to fit the mummy theme.

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11) Season 1, Ep. 3 – Out of this World – Conor & Jo – as opposed to going with the stereotypical green alien with big black eyes look, these two artists created something unique. The result was a creature with a sense of royalty and beauty. She is definitely a part of the cosmos in her own way with her head held high and an all knowing smile.

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10) Season 1, Ep. 6 – The Dancing Dead – Tate – this creation has received quite the mouthful with a gaping, gory jaw and a tongue spewing out of it. With a stretched face dotted with blood and exposed intestines, this was one creature you would not want to meet down a dark road.

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9) Season 2, Ep. 4 – Night Terror - Teisha –  Imagine walking down a street late at night and you stumble upon this thing scoping you out from the alley way. A few things pop into your head, mainly ‘good Lord what is that’ and ‘RUN’. This creation definitely lives up to being a ‘night terror’; it’s horrific, it’s beautifully detailed, and it will keep you up for hours to come.

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8) Season 4, Ep 4 – Eye Candy - Anthony– this piece definitely catches the eye. Decked out to be the sergeant of sweets, this morph is neat, colorful, and beautiful.  It captures the sugary sweetness of candy and the overall clean look of a professional make up work.

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7)  Season 2, Ep. 7 – Alien Interpreters – Rayce – while the other aliens kept their eyes, Rayce decided to be a little different. Showing off excellent detail and work, the result was a crimson creature from beyond the stars. 

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6) Season 1, Ep. 2  - Naked Ambition – Tom – there is a ton of detail to be admired and examined on this particular piece. Tom even sculpted hair for this creation and added traces of moss in between the rocky curves. The final design blended in with the theme.

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5) Season 3, Ep. 9 – Junkyard Cyborg – Nicole – The concept is beautiful and not only does it meet the idea of a junkyard cyborg, but it can also be seen as a futuristic super heroine. This character is daunting but sexy, different but daring, and gorgeous. The eye piece especially is beautifully done.

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4) Season 4, Ep. 5 – Two Heads Are Better than One – Kris and Eric F – this giant loomed over the other contestants with its two bulky heads and massive fingers, holding the model hostage. These two artists did something different than the other contestants who molded a head onto their models' bodies. Instead of doing just that, they went over the heads to do something unique.

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3) Season 3, Ep. 2 – Pirate Treasure – Laura – this creation appeared as though it walked off the ship of Davey Jones and straight into the room. Its intricate detail combined the traditional scallywag of a pirate with the beauty of ocean life.  This concept fulfilled the challenge of the Pirates of the Caribbean theme given to the contestants.

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2) Season 2, Ep. 8 – Burtonesque – RJ –The concept is beautiful but what makes it for me is that the actor got into character. Not only did he make the finished product come to life but he made it believable. This character feels and acts like he stepped right out of a Tim Burton movie; maybe a Burtonized version of The Tower of Terror?

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1)  Season 3, Ep. 1 Star Wars Cantina – Roy – This was a gargantuan makeup job to do, especially on the first task. For it to be successfully executed was not only a victory for the artist but a treat for the audience and judges.  This creation was unlike the others in which the main focus was the person surrounded by immense details.

So what do you think? What creations from Face Off are your favorites? Leave your comments below and as always feedback and followers are welcome.

A Crown and Controversies: Our New Miss America

Welcome everyone to another glorious end of the week. It’s time to kick off your shoes, forget about your work, and pop open a beer. This is the weekend, a time for relaxing, partying, and hopefully reading this blog.

Not too long ago, we’ve given a title to someone who rocked our nation. She’s a gorgeous woman crowned to represent America in all its star spangled glory. Her name is Nina Davuluri and she is our new Miss America. Born in Syracuse, New York, she represented her state by flaunting her Bollywood fusion dancing skills during the talent portion, and dazzling the audience in the swimsuit competition. For one night, she showed people something exotic, different, and glorious.

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In the past week, our new Miss America has caused quite a ruckus. The first spark of controversy was a shred of gossip that blamed her for calling Mallory Hagan, Miss America 2013, “fat as (explicit).” However, this rumor was quickly denied by her and she immediately apologized to Hagan.

The second flame of controversy exploded when she was crowned Miss America. What makes Nina so special (other than the title she owns) is the fact that she is not your typical Miss America. Nina Davuluri is the first Miss America of Indian descent. No sooner the crown was placed upon Nina’s head, racial comments swarmed on Twitter like a crowd of bees tackling a fruitful blossom.

Most, if not all of the comments, labeled her race wrongly, and claimed she should not have won because of her race.  She was also referred to as a terrorist, had a connection with Al Qaeda as well as 9/11, and should have been crowned as a queen of 7-11s everywhere. However, the main subject of the remarks is obviously race. For a good while now, race has been a hot button issue in these United States.  In a nation where are we supposed to be united regardless of skin tone we still have hate crimes, racist comments, and stigmatic stereotypes littering our society.

While I am more than happy that Nina Davuluri is our new Miss America, I can understand why people aren't. People claim she should not represent this country because she breaks the mold of the previous winners of Miss America. Some say she is not the face of America based on her appearance.

Growing up, people have adjusted themselves to how Miss America should look. Miss America “should” be a curvy Caucasian girl with a flirty little smile and a die hard dedication to the United States. Yet over the years, we've had this image shattered by those who bore a different skin color, such as Vanessa Williams, who won Miss America in 1984. However, this title for her was short lived when salacious photographs of her were discovered, and she relinquished her crown. 

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Also known as the thing every woman wants to wear. 

Yet here we are, living in the present; a time where anything goes. Some people are all right with it, others are not. Homosexuals are being married left and right, we have an African American for a president, and now we have an American-Indian (she views herself first and foremost as American despite how proud she is of her heritage) as Miss America.

These people and our constantly changing society construct our melting pot of a nation. This is America, the land where everyone from all over the globe, regardless of race and color, comes to for vacation, a new life, business, and many other reasons. Lady Liberty welcomes everyone to this nation and promises a land of opportunity and prosperity. What we receive are more people to fill the crevices of this nation, who blend in with society, and become their own person.

The times and society are never going to stop shifting. Nothing will ever be the same as it was twenty years ago. This is a sign of progress or failure in our nation, depending on how people view it. Some may agree change is good, while others think change is bad, and then there are some who believe change is a combination of both.

As for me, I believe change relies on the situation at hand. For example, our new Miss America is a good change. It shows that the pageant is being more diverse and open to the American people. The Miss America pageant has never judged women based on their race or skin. Rather, it has always judged them on personality, background, talent, and swimsuits. Maybe in the future we will have an American-Cantonese or American-Egyptian win which will promote even more equality throughout our nation.

So what are your thoughts on the new Miss America? Is she as cute as a cheery little chipmunk? Did she win your heart? Leave your comments below and as always, followers are welcomed.

Come What May

If anyone has seen the musical movie, Moulin Rouge, you are probably aware of the main villain, the Duke. The Duke is the villain of the movie musical who wants Satine like a cat wants cat nip.

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Mreow.

For those of you who don’t know what Moulin Rouge is, it’s a musical with the overall theme of freedom, beauty, truth, and love. It’s set in the Bohemian artistic period of France and is centered on Christian, a young penniless writer just starting out in the world. He stumbles into a case of mistaken identity at the Moulin Rouge burlesque bar, where he is thought to be the Duke. Satine, the wannabe actress confuses Christian for the Duke, and the two begin a love affair. Their relationship is met with the challenges of the relentless Duke and the obstacles of life.

However, from the many times that I have viewed this film I have reason to believe that the Duke is a sufferer of molestation. He may have been a child when this occurred and is just experiencing the results as an adult. I say this because he doesn’t appear to be showing the symptoms as though it recently happened. Rather, it appears he’s suffering the effects as though it took place during his childhood. Below are my three reasons why I believe this claim.

          1)      He Has Possible Trauma– when he makes the deal with Ziddler about turning the Moulin Rouge into a theater, you notice he has his bowler hat is in his lap. This is a typical custom to remove a hat during an important event and place it in the lap or on the coat rack. At one point, we see him furiously fumbling with his hat claiming that he doesn't like “people touching his things.”  The camera focuses on his lap while he does this. The scene is below here from Nostalgia Critic's review of Moulin Rouge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLqXH95rye4 - Youtube

I feel like this scene could be a personal, traumatic flashback he’s experiencing that the audience does not witness. How he delivers the line is in pure anger as well as his actions. However, we are constantly focused on his lap with the hat covering his groin. His things could refer to his genitalia if he was ever sexually molested. Even Ziddler has a reaction of pure horror at the Duke’s outburst.

           2)      He Confuses Emotional Needs With Sex – in Moulin Rouge ‘love’ is something understood by artists and not greedy businessmen, like the Duke. However, the Duke wants Satine for the reason of lust. He is immediately aroused by her dance moves and skimpy outfits. As a possible victim of molestation, the Duke would have a specific need for sex as a way of nurturing his pain. Sex is the only way that it can be cured for.

The things he was relating to in the previous number also relates to Satine because it’s who he wants in the Moulin Rouge. She is a prostitute, a woman whose job is to give physical pleasure to clients. He considers her as nothing more than a sexual object.  His lust comes to a peak when he attempts to rape her in the Gothic Tower. He no longer treats his relationship with Satine as something civil but as a horse that needs to be broken. The Duke performs threatening sexual acts towards her like ripping off her corset and throwing her onto the bed like a piece of luggage.

          3)      He Has Trust Issues  – in order to ensure that his deal goes the way he wants to, he holds onto the deed of the Moulin Rouge. When he discovers Satine is with Christian, he attempts to rape her. When he doesn't get his ending he tries to kill Christian and even orders Christian to be murdered by Warner, his body guard. These specific situations show the extremity of how far the Duke will go when not trusting others. Yet when we see him rehearsing the plays and popping in on Satine and Christian (who are constantly making out), he immediately trusts them without a thought.

Molestation often leads to an extreme range of trust from no trust at all to complete and total trust.

If you want to see me write about anything in particular, leave a comment. Feel free to follow me as well and have a great day. 

We All Have Scissorhands

Thank God it’s Friday because here’s a new entry of The Magical Mystery Blog.

I’m sure most of you are familiar with the famous movie director, Tim Burton. Mr. Burton has created classic hits like Mars Attacks, Vincent, and Corpse Bride. He has even aided in the production of other movies like James and the Giant Peach and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Growing up, I wasn’t too fond of the strange director and producer until I hit my teenage years Or as everyone remembers these years as, the time when puberty struck and life was a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world.

Needless to say, I was in that same boat of confusion. At the age of thirteen I finally watched The Nightmare Before Christmas and was completely fascinated by this director’s work. I loved his work so much I started to watch other movies created by him, including Edward Scissorhands.

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Edward Scissorhands is the story of an Avon saleswoman (Peg Boggs) discovering a leftover, unfinished invention in a deceased inventor’s palace. The invention is none other than Johnny Depp with scissors for hands. Intrigued and concerned by this man made man, Mrs. Boggs invites Edward to stay with her in her cheery little neighborhood.

The rest is a cause and effect story of what happens when you try to introduce something different and new to a town that likes an unchanging routine. How it not only effects the people in that specific location but the lengths they go to, to use this new person to their means. Only then do they reject him for the “wrongs” he has committed, when it was their doing from the start. In the end, they just shrug it off as if nothing ever happened, and return to their daily ritual.

This movie is a treat for anyone who wants to step inside the world of Tim Burton’s early years. As for myself, I've watched this film at every chance I could get because it’s my favorite Burton flick. However, as the years rolled on I began to realize a few things about it.

              1)      It’s easily relate-able to everyone - when I originally viewed this movie, I could easily understand it because I was an outcast much like Edward Scissorhands. I had just transferred from Catholic to public school at that time and despite trying to put my best foot forward, it failed in the end.

At first I didn't realize it, but as I grew older I began to see that everyone could relate to this movie. You may find that notion insane because when people think ‘Tim Burton movies’ they immediately imagine the gothic and/or emo kids who blast Slayer and wear spikes on every single article of clothing they own.

With Edward Scissorhands I find that people can relate to this film because at some point in our lives, everyone is Edward Scissorhands. You’re the new kid changing (or starting) school and know no one, you’re the new person in the office and don’t know how things are. You're strange to the new town, school, or workplace because you're new and different. Some kindhearted people will take you in, show you around, and make sure you're all right. However, there are those out there who will use you to their benefit. It happens to everyone in life, just as it did in Edward Scissorhands.

Even Burton himself has said that he was Edward Scissorhands. In fact, he had created Edward long before the movie was even made.

             2)      The inspiration – in the time that Mr.Burton made this film, he was an unknown producer and director who was still making a mark in the world. He wanted to show Hollywood a new lease on life through his style, stories, and ideas. As a teenager he often drew various things and Edward was one of them. Edward was drawn as a representation of himself growing up and even the film was a symbolization of Burton's time growing up. This movie was an outward expression of Burton’s means of finding himself in the world as the outcast he was.

              3)      The meaning of the end – SPOILER ALERT.

THE FOLLOWING IS A MASSIVE

SPOILER TO EDWARD

SCISSORHANDS. IF YOU HAVE NOT

SEEN IT YET, PLEASE DO NOT READ

ON.


When I viewed this movie, I honestly did not expect to bawl at the end. But I understood why I cried and called Kim Boggs (Winona Ryder’s character) a bitch.

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Get your hands off my man, woman!

It was because she tarnished my hopes for a happy ending for this movie by leaving Edward  alone in the inventor's palace. I was rooting for the underdog in this film so that their romance could blossom and face the challenges of having a partner with scissorhands. It would be something different as opposed to your standard boyfriend/girlfriend relationships.

I was hoping for them to be together forever because it would bridge the gap between the strange and the normal. I believed that if that chasm could never be filled in life, then at least let me have it from a movie I enjoy. This was not the case but then again, I’m rather glad Burton did not give his audience a joyful reprise.


What he gave the audience was life. There will always be the outcasts in life that no one wants to bond with because they interrupt the daily routine. But in the world there are those like Kim, Peg, and the rest of their family who embrace those who are different from them. When Kim sacrificed her future with Edward, she broke the possible idea of bridging the gap between the different and the routine. She could have stayed with Edward and explained what had happened to the crowd but they would have assumed that Edward started it and would have still considered him a villain. Kim knew he was never an enemy to the neighborhood although they believed otherwise. 

Well that about wraps up this week's blog entry. For my readers, I ask you a question: what did you think about the ending to Edward Scissorhands? Would you have preferred a happy ending, why? Or did you like it the way it was and why?

Just a Mad Man With a Box

Greetings everyone and welcome to this week’s entry of The Magical Mystery Blog.

This weekend is a weekend that has geeks, nerds, sci fi lovers, and many others buzzing like wasps.  On Sunday August 4^th, 2013 we will find out who will play the twelfth Doctor in the Doctor Who series. For those of you who are unaware to this fantastic series – what is wrong with you? Seriously, go watch it you will not regret it.

It’s basically about an alien traveling in a time machine to various eras, worlds, and even alternate dimensions. This series originated in the United Kingdom but eventually gained more popularity with every episode. It was also aired in the Americas along with other nations. It is considered one of the longest running science fiction series and originally started in the 60s with William Hartnell as the first Doctor.

So far in the series there have been eleven Doctors with the new one regenerating onto our television screens on Christmas Day 2013. Below are the top twelve reasons why everyone should be excited for this new Doctor.

           1)      New Doctor – we have a new Doctor! New Doctors are always fun because it’s like meeting a new friend. They have their quirks, their easily identifiable appearance, and special qualities that make them who they are. Every Doctor has their unique look based on their clothes and overall facial and body features. For example, the tenth Doctor has a pompadour haircut while the fifth Doctor wears a celery stick on his jacket lapel. Sometimes a piece of clothing will become a constant joke or trademark of the character throughout the series. The tenth Doctor insisted his jacket was given to him by Janis Joplin while the eleventh Doctor has claimed that bow ties are cool.

The new Doctor will have a specific outfit he wears along with a distinctive look.

           2)      New sonic screwdriver – with almost every new Doctor there is a new sonic screwdriver. The sonic screwdriver is the Doctor’s tool he uses to analyze life forms, examine materials, repair things, and many other actions. However, it cannot interact with wood. Each sonic screwdriver is unique in appearance, just like the Doctor. The tenth Doctor’s sonic screwdriver is silver, sleek, and has a blue tip. The eleventh Doctor’s sonic screwdriver is a copper shade with a green glow and is a bit bulky.  The new Doctor’s sonic screwdriver could be something we have not seen yet.

           3)      New food –as mentioned each Doctor is unique. This includes their appearance, voice, personality, and even food. Each Doctor has a certain food that they enjoy devouring. The fourth Doctor’s favorite food was Jelly Babies (think gummy bears), the tenth Doctor’s favorite food was cookies, and the eleventh Doctor’s favorite food is fish fingers and custard. Obviously the food can be something ordinary like cookies or something strange like fish fingers and custard. This new Doctor’s favorite food could be a common snack or a meal we’d never think of like bacon wrapped Twinkies. ….what? It could happen.

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Behold the artery clogging goodness....

The food also becomes a part of a running joke throughout the Doctor’s time in which, if the moment is right, they will bring up the food, or even be seen eating it at one time or another.

          4)      Possible gender change – the Doctor has many regenerations, all of which have been male thus far. However, it is possible for him to transform into a woman, but it has never happened. The closest thing we have seen to a female Doctor is the Doctor Donna from the tenth Doctor’s special End of the Universe. With every regeneration, the Doctor takes on new strands of DNA shaping the gender, hair, body, and even skin color. While we’re on skin color….

         5)      Possible skin color change – a while ago various web sites posted lists of actors they would like to see become the next Doctor. Among the selected performers were a few with different skin tones. Up until now all of the Doctors have been Caucasian males. It is extremely possible for the next Doctor to be tan, dark skinned, or another shade due to the regeneration process.

         6)      He could finally be ginger – there is an ongoing joke throughout the Doctor Who universe in which the Doctor has always wanted to be ginger. Ginger is another term for red head but so far, the Doctor has not achieved those glorious locks of crimson hair.  Maybe this new Doctor will finally be a red head. Again, the closest thing we have had to a ginger haired Doctor is Doctor Donna from the episode, End of the Universe.

         7)      New companion – every Doctor has one or more companions. At times throughout the series, the Doctor will even go on adventures by himself or be separated from his companion. The eleventh Doctor had Amy and Rory, a young couple before they met their tragic end. This Doctor also had River Song, a sexy professor who loved the Doctor dearly. Sometimes the companions turn into love interests, like Rose Tyler with the 10.5 Doctor (a clone of the original tenth Doctor who was part human/part alien). With the new Doctor, he (or she) could receive a new companion or stick with the current companion, Clara Oswald until her time runs up.

          8)      New villains – each episode of Doctor Who involves the Doctor running into some sort of villain. Some of the enemies are always returning like the Cybermen, Daleks, and Weeping Angels. Others are new to each Doctor like the Silence to the eleventh Doctor and the Vashta Nerada to the tenth Doctor. The ideas for foes are endless, especially when it comes to Doctor Who. It’s amazing to see what the creators invent for the Doctor to fight. Who knows what evil doers the new Doctor will encounter?

          9)      New Tardis interior – sometimes when a Doctor regenerates they also receive a new Tardis theme. The Tardis (Time And Relative Dimensions In Space (also known as Sexy)) is the time travelling machine that the Doctor roams around in. Over the years, it has been given tons of makeovers. The current look is lonely and cold with the Doctor's companions' names written in his native alien writing.

With the new Doctor inhabiting the Tardis, he (or she) may receive a new Tardis interior changing the somber tones of silver and grey into something brighter or darker.

          10)   The return of old friends – overtime the Doctor has made many friends like Captain Jack Harkness, the Brigadier, the Face of Boe, and many others. These friends would pop in for an episode or two, solve a problem with the Doctor (or were a victim of a crisis that only the Doctor could rescue them from), and leave just as they came.  Since the tenth Doctor, we have not seen Captain Jack Harkness or the Face of Boe appear in any of the episodes. Maybe with the new Doctor we would see some old friends come back for a few episodes with the Doctor.

           11)   New introduction – as a way of regenerating, the producers give the Doctor a new television introduction. The classic theme music is kept but the title sequence is different. The ninth and tenth Doctors' openings were kept the same but the eleventh Doctor’s sequence was changed at least once or twice throughout his time. When the new Doctor comes to life, he (or she) may receive a different opening.

           12)   The End of Doctor Who – the Doctor is only allowed twelve regenerations in which he starts off appearing elderly and slowly descends into youth. While he looks young, he is actually quite old; over 1000 years plus to be exact. However, I remember hearing that twelve is the base number of regenerations for the Doctor but he can keep regenerating many more times afterwards. However, it is a matter of what the writers will do. If they choose to stick to the original limit of twelve regenerations then the entire series will end. But if they decide to go beyond the twelve regenerations, they can continue the series, and the stories of the Doctor.  

      

       As mentioned before, on August 4th on BBC America at 2 pm (Eastern Time) fans across the nation will see the new actor who will play the twelfth Doctor. It will be a half hour to hour program featuring the performer along with some other surprises. For Britain, the reveal will be featured on BBC One at 7 pm (GMT). Until then, Geronimo.