Saving Mr. Banks

During my most recent flight, I had the opportunity to watch the movie "Saving Mr. Banks". I was hesitant, I'm not the biggest fan of Tom Hanks, and the idea of him acting as Walt Disney made me cringe. Regardless, I gave the movie a chance and I am glad I did. If you don't know, the movie is about the author of Mary Poppins and all she was against in the creating of the movie. In fact, she held on to the rights for quite some time.

As the movie progresses, you are let into the past life of Pamela, the author. You meet her father and mother and slowly begin to learn about their lives. You also begin to realize the Banks family is loosely based off of her own. Which explains a lot of the characters and storyline she was trying to create.

The author is sassy and full of it and I absolutely loved her from the start. In fact, I hope the movie is based a lot on her character in real life because I appreciated her. As a writer myself, this movie really spoke to me. I've been told my small stories could be movies and I'm not afraid to say I've dreamed of writing a book or script. I imagine everything so specifically in my mind, however, I'd probably end up like the writer in this movie. The characters a writer creates become a part of them. They are their muses, their family. So to be able to bring that vision to life...I would not so easily sell out either.

Regardless of whether or no you are a writer, I believe this movie is well worth the watch. The characters are full and fun. Tom does a great job as Disney, and the ending is very heartwarming.

9/10, would recommend,

Love, Marilyn

Marilyn Monroe truly was someone who brought herself out of the dirt and made a name for herself. The way she climbed the ladder wasn't the most stunning or ethical, but she did it. She is proof that when you put your mind something and you're willing to do absolutely anything to achieve your dreams you will. However, and perhaps it was her birth parents or her lack of parents at all, her mental illness walked with her throughout her entire life.

As someone who struggles with mental illness, it was fascinating to hear her collection of thoughts, straight from her own writings. It is something that maybe she wouldn't have wanted the world to see, but it does paint a deeper picture of the actress. She wanted more for herself, more than the pretty face and body. She wanted to really and truly act, and perhaps acting was an escape for her.

Her letters are read from different actresses in our time and it really helps tell the tale. They all put themselves in their own specific mental states, and perhaps some of them related to her words more than they'd ever care to share.

Marilyn had a beautiful soul, and those who tried to help her just didn't know how. Had she lived years later, where the medicine and science of the brain was much more developed who knows where she'd be. But unfortunately she didn't.

I don't believe Marilyn purposefully killed herself. I think she wanted the escape the sleeping pills gave her, but one was never enough. They stopped working, she got used to them, and maybe lost track of what was going on. So much happens to your brain when you stop being able to sleep, and it puts you in a terrible mental state.

This documentary leaves you in a rather dark mood, not in a bad way, but in a way that leaves you reflecting on a lot in your own life. You feel sad for the woman who was Marilyn. You wish you could have helped her in some way, or that someone could have helped her. It's an unfortunate ending to someone who had so much drive and ambition in the beginning. I hope wherever she is now, she is finally at peace.

Overall rating; 9/10.

Sinatra: All or Nothing

I absolutely love Frank Sinatra, so watching a documentary about his life is the lame kind of stuff I enjoy doing. I knew he had gotten into some rough points, but hearing about his childhood early on and learning who he was as a person, how he came to be a singer, it's all very fascinating.

I truly believe Frank started out in the right place, the right love for his first wife, the right drive in the music industry. However, as most celebrity tales go, the fame really got to him. It's obvious as he got older how the industry began to change, that he really began to struggle in the different genres and where the music was headed.

But to the end, to the very end that man was full of talent. He could sing so absolutely well and he worked so hard to train his voice and learn music to get to that point in his life. Although the fame may have taken away some better aspects of his personality, he was still a good person deep down. He loved his kids, he loved his music, and he enjoyed his fans.

Overall, I would rate this documentary 8/10. There was some language in there, but mostly from quoting the celebrities they spoke of, including Frank. I would probably watch it again, it's a long one but it's worth it.

What are K-Dramas?

I haven't been reviewing many Netflix movies lately and some people may be wondering why that is? Well there are two reasons for my absence of reviewing awesome Netflix finds.

First, I have watched every season of every Investigate Discovery show that is on Netflix. Worth it.

Second, I have started watching K-Dramas. A world of it's own and it's beautiful. What are K-dramas, Sam? Well, I am sure glad you have asked!

Korean. Dramas.

These little mini series are 15-25 episodes long and they are heart wrenching and beautiful. They have gorgeous actors that make you feel bad about yourself and they make you wish that men really did love that hard!

K-dramas are not for everyone. They suck you in without you realizing it and I have noticed that not all of the endings can be as satisfactory as you would like them to be. However, I LOVE THEM!!! I like these series because they are very simple while still taking all of your feels and crushing them gently. There isn't all of the sex, drugs, and pregnancy that makes american dramas go overboard and losing viewers (like me) because they have gotten so ridiculous. I think that's why I love these dramas so much. They are simple, but just when you think you are safe they throw in a little drama to keep you hooked.

I will probably post a list of some of my favorites soon. I am re-watching some of them right now and it's the best decision I have ever made.

If you are interested in me posting a list please let me know! I use Drama Fever, Viki, and Netflix to watch the dramas.

Wicked Attraction: Investigate Discovery Series

Lately I have been 100% hooked on Investigate Discover Series. So much to the point that I only have 1 or 2 series left to watch on Netflix before I run out! I'm so sad because I am HOOKED! One series that I watched and enjoyed was Wicked Attraction. I enjoyed the development they created for the people they explored, and the crimes the two people committed. There was only 2 or 3 episodes that I skipped because they weren't as interesting. It really gives you a look into how someone can manipulate another person so deeply that they commit a very serious crime for that person. It also explores whether or not these people would have committed the crimes had they not met one another. I've always loved crime television, so having it based on true stories is even more interesting for me because it actually happened. I give Wicked Attraction 4 out of 5 stars. If you like reality television, and enjoy true crimes I highly suggested seeing the series on Netflix from Investigate Discovery!

Call the Midwife

Based off of a series of books, this BBC drama is about a young girl who becomes a midwife in a slummy town of London during the 1950s.

What attracted me to this series was the different story line it possessed. I am a huge fan of the 1950s era and I was immediately intrigued. As I began watching the show I fell in love with all of the characters.

This show is light hearted and not something that needs your full commitment. It's kind of like Law and Order and CSI; there's a different story line of mothers in each episode.

This show is hilarious and endearing. I highly recommend it and gave it a 5 out of 5 stars.

Nobody Walks

What drew me to this movie was John Krasinski. I adore him in most films, plus I just adore him! I usually love these kinds of lame indie type films; but this one just tried too hard. These are all incredible actors in the film and I just felt like the entire thing was completely forced and overrated. You can't force these kinds of movies in my opinion. I feel like they should be naturally awkward if that makes any sense. These are all high class actors they all deserve to be in something much more than this weird script that lacks way too much character development. And the movie is incredibly predictable. Classic young girl coming in and sweeping man off his feet causing major rifts in the entire family. It's just awkward and I really would not recommend it to watch. Or expect all I have said as you watch it. I rate the movie 2 out of 5 stars only because John Krasinski is super cute. For more movie reviews please leave a comment or suggestion. For a free 30-day trial of Netflix Watch Instantly see my "About Me".