Rick and Morty - The The Rickchurian Mortydate: TV Show Review

Well, Rick and Morty fans, season 3 has come to an end with the fantastic episode: The Rickchurian Mortydate (a play on words for the Manchurian Candidate). This season was bubbling with crude humour, interesting plot lines, and great characters. Luckily, the finale didn’t disappoint and it was one of the best episodes yet.

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The Martian: Movie Review & Summary

Now Playing||Directed by Scott Ridley

When I first bought the ticket to see the Martian, I had very high hopes for the film. The movie sports a famous cast list including Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain and Kristen Wiig. It earned 448.3 million at the box office and is still playing in theatres, making a name for itself in the top box office list of 2015.

It's also received many positive reviews as a film adaptation. According to a review on Rotten Tomatoes, critics found: "The result is an awe-inspiring adventure that explores vast ideas while staying grounded in very human emotional territory." Like many others, the critics judged and approved of the visual effects, the overall likability (due to Matt Damon's performance), and the scientific accuracy of the film.

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16 Movie Releases This Month

It's the start to a new month, and there's already a lineup at the Cineplex box office...

So just in case you're finding yourself stuck on what to watch next, the following is a complete list of new movies this month that you can watch with your friends or family!

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American Horror Story: Hotel Review

Since the first season aired on October fifth, 2011, American Horror story has become one of the most popular shows on FX. Being an anthology series, each season showcases a different theme, setting and story. It’s a great show for viewers who tend to lose interest quickly or get tired of a long plot line.

For months now, fans have been anxiously anticipating the new season 5, called Hotel, which finally premiered on October seventh. 

And in celebration of the premiere, I decided to report and give a short review on some of the things that stood out in the first episode.

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What the Big Bang Theory Has To Do To Improve

The Big Bang Theory is one of the most successful TV shows of all time. This beloved sitcom revolving around 4 nerds and their female friends scores the highest ratings each week and that's not without good reason. The show's unique premise, excellent cast, and hilarious writing appeal to many. However, lately, the show's not been holding up to its usual standards and as season 8 is coming to a close, more and more people are being disappointed by it's latest offerings. With at least 2 more seasons to go, the Big Bang Theory needs to get it's act together if it wants to continue to enjoy it's success and remind fans why they loved it in the first place.

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Why Can't I Write Anything?

      As you can tell I can't think of anything to write. The date is 2/14/2015 as of today. You know, I feel like I can't really talk to you (reader), this is just a way for me to record my thoughts. I'm gonna come up with a topic soon, hopefully by the end of this sentence. I can't stall forever.

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Artificial Actors: How Technology Can Now Resurrect Actors

Man has reached the point where death can be cheated. At least for entertainment purposes.

Actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman, has recently passed away, but at a most unfortunate time. Hoffman played Plutarch Heavenbee, an important character in the Hunger Games film series. However, he has left the role dangling as the final installment of the Hunger Games has yet to be filmed. Rather than replace him with another actor, the filmmakers of the Hunger Games are trying a new route- recreating him digitally.

Computer animation has reached the point where it can create a computer avatar that will look, move, and talk like a real person. It will look as if there is a real actor, not a digitally created character. This technology is planned to be used to recreate Hoffman and insert his computer double into the film. This technology is truly remarkable. Question is: is it ethical?

To take a person and use their face for your movie without their consent would breach a person's rights- even if they are dead. However, a legal argument  could be made stating that Hoffman signed a contract to star in the upcoming pictures of the Hunger Games franchise. Hoffman technically has to continue on with the movies as death is no longer a barrier to the filmmakers. He technically agreed to his continued appearance in the series, even if he was unaware of the measures to do it. And if this new technology of recreating actors continues, it will not have the same questionable ethic in it. The usage of computer doubles will probably be in contracts of now on, so actors will now know what they are going through.

The technology is very extraordinary and has questionable ethics, that are ultimately valid, due to contracts. This development may chronicle an exciting new direction in film-making, or fall out of favor due to attacks from critics. Only time will tell. But for fans of the Hunger Games, rejoice that Hoffman will return from the dead to save the series you love. 

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Jimmy Fallon's Take on the Tonight Show

The Tonight Show had recently hit a big milestone as host Jay Leno stepped down and handed the reins to a new host Jimmy Fallon (we recently wrote an article on Leno's last episode. Here's the link-http://ridgewordonthestreet.blogspot.ca/2014/02/a-new-era-for-tonight-show.html) The Tonight Show with Jay Leno ended, only to make way for the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Last Monday, February 17, Jimmy Fallon launched his new series from New York. Did Jimmy Fallon manage to make a strong debut and live up to Jay Leno's tenure, or did he leave Tonight Show fans disappointed?

The new Tonight Show is a very large change of pace from Leno's previous episodes. Jimmy Fallon really shook things up most prominently with a change of setting. He abandoned Jay Leno's old studio in LA and now set up shop in New York. The new studio is very different, with a smaller room and different background, making it feel as if Jimmy Fallon's show truly is different from Leno's. Fans of Jay won't find any nostalgia in Jimmy's run and will find, for better or worse, that this really is something new. While the change in studio is a smart move in underlying the differences between the current and previous show, it also makes the setting feel alien and not as comfortable. Another notable difference between the past and the present is of course, the new host. Jimmy Fallon sets himself up as a guy with wit and fun bouncing inside him, but doesn't let it all out. He first starts off with tributes paid to the previous hosts of the 60 year old show, which while respectful, was maybe a little too polite. It detracts from the entertainment value, and while is not terribly  boring, it is not too engaging. either. He continues the episode with some gratitude on being where he is, recounting how he used to be a fan of Johnny Carson's run on the show, and what an honor it is to be in that same position. While not a bad introduction, it does not provide the amusement so many tune in for to relax themselves. Fallon also is intent on gaining the audience's approval, explaining how the show will run now and speaking too directly on what he is trying to accomplish. Later, however, Fallon does bring out the laughs so many watch the show for, especially with guest star, Will Smith, most notably, an instantly iconic break dance, where Fallon and Smith together bust out many different variations of the dance. Not a bad way to start the show.

Jimmy Fallon has taken the reins from Jay Leno without dropping them , but not very smoothly, as the setting of the show changes a lot. He also shows himself as a capable host, showing he can have the charisma to create an entertaining late night program, but it is too cautious to be truly hysterical. Fallon is instantly recognizable as a genuinely happy and witty man, but we are all waiting for him to match the standard set by Leno's last episode, which he has the potential to do. The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon has brought a solid debut, but not a special one. Maybe with time, Jimmy will build his own fan base, but as it seems right now, time is needed. 

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A New Era for the Tonight Show

The Tonight Show is one of the most popular late night talk shows in North America, ever since its début in 1954. As it is around 60 years old, it has been hosted by a number of people. Last Thursday, February 6, the most recent host, Jay Leno, aired his last episode and is retiring after 22 years of hosting the Tonight Show. As Leno has been host for such a long time, his absence in the coming episodes will be a change in pace.

Jay Leno has been a long time host for the Tonight Show. While he was not the first or longest running host, what makes him special is his role in the present. As he has been there since 1992, most modern day followers have followed the Tonight Show with him in charge. Having someone else hosting is a strange concept for fans of the show. The strongest example of his popularity on the show is when he left the show the first time. In 2009, Jay Leno left the Tonight Show and was replaced by Conan O'Brien. For a year, O'Brien reigned the show, but his tenure was not very successful. His ratings sagged, and by the time the year was up, he handed the reins back to Jay Leno. Jay Leno had meanwhile gone on to host the Jay Leno Show, which did better than the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. Jay Leno has hosted the Tonight Show since, but now has decided to retire for good. This time, it seems Leno is leaving for good, as he has no plans to continue in any form of the late night show career and a third tenure would just be ridiculous. While Leno was a very good host and will be lamented, his successor Jimmy Fallon is the opportunity for the show to take a breath of fresh air and undergo an exciting new change.

As for the episode itself, it is a proper farewell to Leno. It addresses his leave plenty of times, but doesn't exclude the comedy. Leno cleverly incorporates it into a very climatic episode, managing to squeeze a fair amount of final laughs from the audience. The situation isn't ignored either, with an actual scene where Leno shed some tears. Also enhancing this landmark episode is the guest star, Billy Crystal, who happens to be Leno's first guest star, making it fitting that he was the last. Crystal was also joined by a few more, surprise guest stars including Jim Parsons, Oprah Winfrey, and many more. All in all, this was the best send off Jay Leno could get.

Jay Leno was a great host of the Tonight Show and has defined it for the modern audience, but it is time to see the show with a new host to provide his take on the series. Jimmy Fallon is the opportunity to reinvent the saga. There was a time the show existed without Leno and that time has come back. For better or worse, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno has ended to pave the way for the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.       

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Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D Episode 5-11 Review

Marvel has a acquired a taste for success that can't be satisfied with its movies. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is the company's attempt to translate their cinematic success to the small screen, which wasn't the smoothest transition. It has garnered fair reception, not because of its excellence, but because of the movies and its potential. The first four episodes managed to pass with a good grade, but has the next seven episodes truly shown something for the fans who were disappointed and hoping for more at the initial episodes.

The first four episodes chronicled the multiple adventures of a S.H.I.E.L.D team that were loosely connected. This lack of continuity was a weakness and its overall dependence on the movies for success was also a flaw. The continuity issue does seem to have improved, with characters from old episodes reappearing and long term antagonists carving a bigger spot for themselves in the show. Also notable is the cliffhanger ending in episode ten and the show now using a "previously in Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D" introduction, which helps break the monotonous format of each episode being the next, completely unrelated, brand new adventure. The show has a few overarching story lines, which may help it build up to something bigger. However, there is not much faith to be had in the hope that something epic will end off the long term stories. One burning question from the pilot itself was finally resolved in episode 11, but with a very lame, obvious, and uncreative ending. It shows the series does not contain strong storytelling, creativity, and execution. It also doesn't seem to be stronger on the movie relation front. The show had an official tie-in episode with Thor: The Dark World, and while the episode can be commended for not using the movie for its overall plot, it is also weak in the fact it offered nothing new to the movie universe itself. That is common to the show itself, as it does not have much importance or gravitas. Most of the characters are not easy to relate to and do not gain affection form the audience.

Agents of S.H.I..E.L.D has still yet to prove that is is a show to be reckoned with on television, as it fails to create a strong, well told overarching storyline that can hit the notes the movies did so wonderfully. It is not mediocre series, but not the show Marvel fans were expecting. It is the hype that is its downfall. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is a time passer that can entertain, but not one that can rise up to the expectations set on it. 

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Fans Marvel at Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D: Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D Episodes 1-4 Review

Marvel has been enjoying much success due to its movie franchise. the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's efforts at the large screen have made Marvel more popular and famous then it ever was. Now, to capitalize and possibly expand on its movies' success, the studio has created a spinoff TV show, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Is this show a well made expansion of the cinematic universe, or should Marvel just stick to the movies?

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D takes place after the Avengers, presumably running alongside the current events of Phase 2, though it is suggested it takes place after Iron Man 3, when extremis is used in the pilot. The show revolves around a returned Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg), who organizes a specialist team from the fictional spy network, S.H.I.E.L.D (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division). The team is designed to deal with supernatural threats and consists of Agent Grant Ward, a seasoned agent recruited into the specialist team; Agent Melinda May, a retired agent who is convinced into leaving retirement by Coulson; Agent Leo Fitz, an engineer who designs weapons for S.H.I.E.L.D; Jemma Simmons, who works for S.H.I.E.L.D as a life scientist: and Skye, the only civilian recruit, who was chosen by Coulson for her skill with computers and hacking. Each character has their respective personality and story keeping  the show nice and fresh.Due to its setting in a larger universe, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is treated to cameos from characters in the films, such as Nick Fury and Maria Hill. All this gives the fans a closer look at the organization responsible for the assembly of the Avengers, which makes it a welcome addition to the universe, but not a very important or necessary one. While the MCU can stand alone without Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, the latter cannot stand alone from the former. That can be accepted, due to it being meant to be a spinoff, but it doesn't make it feel very large, important, or having much gravitas. Also where the show is weak is its continuity. The first episode is the kickoff of the team, and then it is just the team facing the next, new threat in each episode. Hopefully (and probably), this will be improved, as it has a lot of potential and dangling story-lines.

While Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D does have some continuity issues and dependence on the films, it does have its own charms. The new adventures offered each week do have thrills and entertainment value, also keeping a humorous side that makes Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D far from boring. This new series is a well made one, exceeding mediocrity, but not hitting the magic and feel of the movies. No Marvel should not have stuck to the films, as the show is quite an entertainer, but not a must see. Fans will enjoy the show and it is worth a see, but it isn't a powerhouse on television.

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is 7.5/10

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Hawaii Five-0 Review (By: Erika Ty)

10:00 on CBS

Only in it’s second season, Hawaii Five-0 is already packed with action and a lot of drama. With 11.2 million viewers every Monday night, the rankings are always high and receive a lot of great reviews from the critics. Hawaii Five-0 originally aired in 1968 and ran for 12 seasons. In May of 2010, CBS announced they would remake the series with Australian hunk Alex O’Laughlin as the Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett, Scott Caan as Detective Danny “Danno” Williams, Daniel Dae Kim as Chin Ho Kelly and a native of Vancouver, Grace Park as Kono Kalakaua. Five-0 is a special task force team assembled by the Governor of Hawaii thatfollow no law and no rules, they make their own.

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Life After Oprah (By: Jordan Stothers)

A quarter of a century: that’s how long the legendary Oprah has had her hit talk show, Oprah. That’s longer than any of us students at the Ridge have even been alive. Twenty-five long, prosperous years full of Dr. Oz health facts, celebrity guests, Christmas giveaways and infamous couch jumpings on the popular Oprah show. Who cares about May 21st? It’s the 25th that’s the real doomsday date, when the final show of Oprah will be aired. For many, Oprah has been a source of inspiration. For us students and our younger siblings, she’s always been there. We’ve grown up in a world where Oprah has been the most powerful celebrity, thanks to her show. You want to win a presidential election? Just get Oprah to back you up, like Barack Obama did. Oprah can do anything. She’s like a superhero in heels and with a camera crew. You’re looking to redo your living room, and just don’t know where to start? Aunt Oprah will give her favourite interior decorator, Nate, and have him swing by with a whole new design. I can’t even remember a time when Oprah wasn’t around, picking books for her influential book club or dominating the list of most influential celebrity, for several years. She has shaped the television world and the real world alike. Everyone wants to be her, or find out that they’re her long lost sister or brother. Whoever says otherwise is a liar. Of course, this doesn’t mean the world has seen the last of Oprah Winfrey. She plans on devoting 100% of her time to her own network, fittingly titled OWN. However, this network doesn’t come free, and if anyone wants to get some quality time with Oprah, they’ll have to make a call to their network provider and chalk up some hard earned cash. Until then, there will be a gapping hole in her time slot, and in many hearts. When the ancient Egypt Pharaoh Ramses died, he had reigned for over ninety years. Egyptians didn’t know what to do with themselves. They thought it was the end of the world. Now it’s history all over again. The public won’t know what to do with themselves from 3-4, every weekday afternoon.

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Have the Academy Awards Maintained their Purpose? (By Amira Zubairi)

Hollywood celebrities gathered at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles as the 83rd Academy Awards took place on Sunday, February 27, 2010. Many actors, actresses, and filmmakers were honored in up to 25 categories including best picture, actor/actress in a leading role, costume design, and music. It took viewers a second to realize the show had begun when it opened with a montage of movies nominated for best picture. Hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway appeared in an opening sketch that located them inside Alec Baldwin's dream, shifting into an elevator scene with Morgan Freeman, which then included them into their own versions of scenes of other Oscar-nominated films.

Stars played it safe for this year’s Oscars with classic, pleasing gowns but not overdone hair. Reds, purples, pale blush, and metallic tones dominated the red carpet as Hollywood stars including Jennifer Lawrence, Sandra Bullock, and Jennifer Hudson took their places. The major jewels on flaunt in previous years were also toned down going for a classic and safe impression.

Some of the top winners included “The King’s Speech,” which took home four awards including picture, direction, best original screen play, and actor in a leading role. “Inception” was also one of the top films of the year winning five awards, which included best cinematography, sound editing, sound mixing, adopted screenplay, and visual effects. “Alice in Wonderland” received two awards for costume design and best art direction, while “Toy Story” was given the award for best-animated feature film and original music.

Although James Franco is a well-known actor with a stunning smile, hysterical roles, and an impressive personality in featured films and television shows, his performance as a co-host with Anne Hathaway was not as extraordinary as thought to be. Franco seemed completely uninterested in the event, while Hathaway was remarkably enthusiastic and outstandingly humorous. Audience members stood to former host Billy Crystal as the current hosts simply could not live up to his performance.

This year’s Oscars were a triumphant evening for many actors, actresses, and filmmakers. Many look forward to compelling and attention-grabbing films in the following year.

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Review for Hit TV Show Pretty Little Liars (By: Kamaldeep Gill and Pavneet Boparai)

Is this show really headed somewhere or is it a dead end?

ABC’s new hit show ‘Pretty Little Liars’ based from Sara Shepard’s young-adult novels brings mystery and suspense every week. This show is about a group of popular girls —Hanna, Aria, Emily and Spencer — whose best friend and group leader Ali, is murdered. The girls receive text messages from someone called A who knows everything the girls do. Who is A? Is it Ali? And most importantly what does A want?

After 16 episodes with so many twists, turns, inaccurate conclusions-and a two month break! - the murder and A are still not revealed. The question comes to be is if fans will still continue to watch the show or will it get more interesting. Some fans are saying that they’re getting bored of the show because the show is not progressing. The story line is just getting longer and longer with a new idea being added almost every week. However, the show is not coming to any conclusions as each episode is left at a cliff-hanger. Some fans are getting tired of this and want the show to reveal who “A” is, while other fans enjoy the suspense and mystery each episode brings along with it. So the question remains, will fans get bored of this hit show or will they continue to watch in hopes of finding out who “A” is.

Pretty Little Liars appeals to teenagers because it covers topics that are experienced most by those in their teenage years. Some of the topics covered are homophobia, theft, teacher-student relationship, divorce, cheating, hit and runs and so much more. Many teenagers can relate to at least one of these above topics and this attracts viewers for the hit show.

Are you interested in watching this show? Tune in every Monday at 8 p.m. on Much Music to experience the suspense yourself!

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One of the World's Largest Award Shows Bashed (By: Erika Ty)

After hosting the 68^th Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night, Ricky Gervais didn’t get the reviews he was hoping for. Many claimed he “crossed the line” but when asked about it he simply denied it.

The comedian predictably made fun of Hollywood’s famous actors and members of the HFPA, which added an insignificant awkwardness to the room.

During Ricky’s opening monologue, he cracked a joke about Charlie Sheen saying, “It’s going to be a night of partying and heavy drinking. Or as Charlie Sheen calls it, breakfast”.

He was simply being himself; witty, edgy and disrespectful.

Many celebrities that were bashed during the celebration called the HFPA and complained. Although the association did receive a lot of mixed reviews, they loved the show. The 2011 Golden Globe Awards had 17 million viewers worldwide; the biggest audience the show has ever had.

For Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Hugh Hefner, Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr., from the looks of those numbers, Ricky Gervais will probably be asked to host again – snarky comments and all.

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