Friday 30 August 2013

"And like all lovers, I am a poet."

Helloo people! After being buried in my books for about a month, I have resurfaced albeit momentarily, although the days of freedom are not far behind. The only reason I am writing this post is because I cannot stop watching the Kill Your Darlings trailer and I'm wasting time on it anyways so it kind of makes sense.

I am really excited for this movie. Earlier it was mostly because of my undying love for Daniel Radcliffe, then for the cool and talented cast of up-and-coming actors, but after watching the trailer, my interest has properly been piqued because the film looks fun and interesting and dark. I think it is a really good trailer that does not give much away and gives a proper little taste of the kind of film Kill Your Darlings may be. Of course I am a little apprehensive after last year's On the Road (which wasn't bad but just disappointing), but I am going to hope for the best.


Things I loved in the trailer-

DanRad and his curly hair.
I don't think I've ever been more attracted to him which is weird because I've wanted to marry the guy since I was 9. Also, I think he's going to kill it as Ginsberg so yaay!


The rest of the cast.
Doesn't Dane DeHaan look particularly shiny? I love this cast.


Dan and Dane.
I'm like puking rainbows looking at them. So cute.


This shot.
I see a future banner.


And all of these.
I think the settings and costumes look gorgeous.



Watch the trailer here.

Thursday 29 August 2013

Across the Universe Podcast: Episode 8

Episode 8: Nik's Birthday Episode

Was I not just the cutest little thing ever? Then everything went to shit. Anyways, hey it's my birthday episode! This time 'round, MetteSofia and yours truly list the movies that have influenced us movie-wise and/or life-wise from the last 21 years.

This episode was recorded quite a while back because of various scheduling conflicts but I hope you guys still like it. Also I had a cold then and you can hear me sneezing and I don't have a dainty girly sneeze but like a scary demonic sneeze so I apologise for that.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sofia for all the amazing banners that she makes for the podcast, this one included. I mean, I was annoying as hell about this one because I am vain like that and she just makes magic happen with these banners. It's awesome.

Content:
00:31- Chick-chatter
03:03- Trailer
03:43- Interesting Movie of the Fortnight
28:05- Top 3 "Influential" Movies of the Last 21 Years
1:16:39- Plugs and Goodbyes


Music:
The Vaccines "No Hope"
Music from the three Top 3 lists
Cilla Black "Across The Universe"



Follow us at: facebook.com/acrosstheuniversepodcast
Write to us at: acrosstheuniversepodcast@gmail.com
Find us on iTunes: search for Across the Universe Podcast

Sunday 25 August 2013

TWENTY ONE!!!

Hi guys! How are you? It's my birthday! I'm 21! Woo hoo!

Obviously, since I am me, I don't feel my age. I feel like doing something very drastic but instead I have exams to worry about. Somethings never change. I got some pretty rad gifts though (yes, I still do consider Harry Potter rad. And yes, I use the word "rad").

Also, this is the year I have decided to finally become awesome.

So everyone please, have a beer on my behalf (provided you are of the legal drinking age of wherever you live).

HERE'S TO BEING AWESOME!


Wednesday 14 August 2013

Across the Universe Podcast: Episode 7

Episode 7: The Before Trilogy

After having watched Before Midnight, I begged my fellow chicks with accents, Mette and Sofia, to do an episode on it and the first two "Before" movies, Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, as soon as possible. And voila! They have it and all of us have a lot to say. Listen to our nearly unedited conversation about Celine and Jesse and the time we spent with them.

Also, *in a River Song voice* "SPOILERS!"

Contents:
00:35- Chick Chatter
02:46- Trailer
03:09- Interesting Movie of the Fortnight
18:46- The chicks discuss the Before Trilogy
1:06:25- Plugs and Goodbyes


Songs:
Nina Simone "Just In Time"
Julie Delpy "A Waltz For A Night"
Cilla Black "Across the Universe"



Follow us at: facebook.com/acrosstheuniversepodcast
Write to us at: acrosstheuniversepodcast@gmail.com
Find us on iTunes: search for Across the Universe Podcast

Tuesday 6 August 2013

My thoughts on Series 7 of Doctor Who

So now that we know that Peter Capaldi is the new Doctor, it's finally time to take a look back. Yes, it has been almost three months since the series 7 of new Doctor Who ended and I am going to post my thoughts on it *now*. What can I say? I'm a lazy ass.

Overall, I will say that series 7 was one of the most ambitious series of new Who so far. We now know that it is Matt Smith's last series as the Doctor *sniff* as it was both Karen Gillan's and Arthur Darvill's as Amy and Rory *sniff sniff* when they left us in the mid-series finale last year.


Series 7 saw for the first time in new Who, no two-parter episodes. Steven Moffat, the head-writer, wanted to make mini-blockbusters every episode and while I do think that was aiming a little too high for the limited running time of the show, I also believe that there were cinematic genres and tropes at work in every episode. The series was a bit roller-coaster-like in the quality of its episodes- part 1 was better than part 2 but both had high points and low points.


This was also the first time I actually said goodbye to companions and welcomed a new one in the form of Jenna Coleman's Clara. I love Clara, but she's still not of the level of other companions yet, since most of her run so far was spent in trying to figure out who she is and not what sort of a person she is.


While I had hoped that Matt Smith would have had a series 4-like send-off (still the best series of new Who), only a blind idiot will disagree when I say that he has done some of his best stuff in series 7. That man can act and the Eleventh Doctor is just so wonderful and multi-faceted. I am so happy that Smith is leaving at such a high point for himself, though I still think he could have stayed longer.


Without further adieu, this is how I would rank all the episodes of series 7 of Doctor Who.


14.
Written by Neil Gaiman, Directed by Stephen Woolfenden


This may surprise people. After all, Gaiman's previous outing into the world of Who-writing gave us one of the most beloved modern Who episodes "The Doctor's Wife". Even if I was to not take into account the expectations this put on the episode, what annoyed me about it was the wasted potential. The entire setting was a goldmine that just wasn't exploited. However, I must also admit that this episode showcased Matt Smith's acting skills better than almost any other in his run as the Doctor. Also, loved Clara's bossiness and Warwick Davis's naturalness. On the flipside though, those children deserved to be "upgraded".

Favourite scene- Clara meets Mr. Clever for the first time.

Favourite quotes-
Mr. Clever: "That's cheating!"
The Doctor: "Just taking advantage of the local resources."

The Doctor: "Impossible girl. A mystery wrapped in an enigma squeezed into a skirt that's just a little bit too tight."


13.
Written by Neil Cross, Directed by Farren Blackburn


So the singing. That was random, eh? As amazing as Murray Gold is, having a musical-esque Doctor Who episode was a bit out there for me. Again, this episode gave very high hopes and didn't deliver on them. All the talk about ALL OF THE ALIENS, and we barely meet any of them. And again, Matt Smith's speech at the end is nothing short of spectacular, easily one of his greatest moments in the show. This episode also had some great visuals but was a bit of a mess if you think about it.

Favourite scene- The Doctor faces the Old God and asks it to take his memories.

Favourite quotes-
Dave Oswald: "...this exact leaf had to grow in that exact way, in that exact place, so that precise wind could tear it from that precise branch, and make it fly into this exact face. At that exact moment. And if just one of those tiny little things never happened, I'd never have met you. Which makes this the most important leaf in human history."

Clara: "So we're moving through actual time? So what's it made of, time? I mean if you can just roll right through it, it's got to be made of stuff. Like jam's made of strawberries. So what's it made of?"
The Doctor: "Well not strawberries, no. No no no. That would be unacceptable."

The Doctor: "Hey. Do you mind if I tell you a story? One you might not have heard. All the elements in your body were forged many many millions of years ago in the heart of a faraway star that exploded and died. That explosion scattered those elements across the desolations of deep space. After so, so many millions of years, these elements came together to form new stars and new planets. And on and on it went. The elements came together and burst apart, forming shoes and ships and sealing wax and cabbages and kings. Until, eventually, they came together to make you. You are unique in the universe. There is only one Merry Galel. And there will never be another."


The Doctor: "Can you hear them singing? Oh you like to think you're a god. But you're not a god. You're just a parasite. Eat now with jealousy and envy and longing for the lives of others. You feed on them. On the memory of love and loss and birth and death and joy and sorrow, so... so come on then. Take mine. Take my memories. But I hope you're got a big a big appetite. Because I've lived a long life. And I've seen a few things. I walked away from the last great Time War. I marked the passing of the Time Lords. I saw the birth of the universe and watched as time ran out, moment by moment, until nothing remained. No time, no space. Just me! I walked in universes where the laws of physics were devised by the mind of a madman! And I watched universes freeze and creation burn! I have seen things you wouldn't believe! I have lost things you will never understand! And I know things, secrets that must never be told, knowledge that must never be spoken! Knowledge that will make parasite gods blaze! So come on then! Take it! Take it all, baby! Have it! You have it all!"


12.
Written by Steven Moffat, Directed by Saul Metzstein

I actually really like this episode (then again, I really like/love all of them). After the heartbreaking farewell to Ponds, we see that the Doctor is as devastated as us and who better to bring him back into the world of the living than the Impossible Girl aka Clara? Jenna Coleman is an absolute doll in this, going from barmaid to governess in seconds. Her chemistry with Smith is magnetic. The supporting players in the form of Madame Vastra, Jenny, Strax, and the villain Dr. Gideon, played by the eeriely brilliant Richard E. Grant, are all excellent too. This episode also had one of my most favourite visuals in Doctor Who- the winding staircase to the TARDIS in the clouds. Just magical.

Favourite scene- The Doctor pretends to be Sherlock Holmes (fangirl fantasy come true).

Favourite quotes-
The Doctor: "Over a thousand years of saving the universe, Strax, you know the one thing I learned? The universe doesn't care."

The Doctor: "I'm the clever one. You're the potato one."

The Doctor: "No, I do the hand grabbing! That's my job, that's always me!"

Clara: "It's smaller on the outside!"


11.
Written by Chris Chibnall, Directed by Saul Metzstein


I recently read an article in which the writer claims that "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship" is an unsung classic. I am beginning to see what he/she meant. Yes, it is a bit crazy and childish, but we have some great moments in this episode. And I'm not only talking about the Doctor-Rory kiss. We meet Rory's amazing dad, Brian. We see Amy play Doctor. We get to witness a very dark side of the Doctor when just moments ago he was acting like a kid discovering dinosaurs on a spaceship. We have David Mitchell and Robert Webb playing robots. We also encounter one of the most sinister villains in recent Who history, Solomon played by Walder Frey David Bradley. Pretty awesome episode.

Favourite scene- Rory, Brian and The Doctor on the beach.

Favourite quotes-
Brian: "What sort of a man doesn't carry a trowel? Put it on your Christmas list."
Rory: "Dad, I'm thirty-one. I don't have a Christmas list anymore."
The Doctor: "I do!"

The Doctor: "Go Tricey! Run like the wind! How do you start a triceratops?"

Riddell: "Dinosaurs ahead. A lady at my side. About to be blown up. I'm not sure I've ever been happier."


10.
Written by Stephen Thompson, Directed by Mat King


Again, I loved this episode but seeing how the TARDIS is infinite, there was just *so* much more we could have seen. Having said that, it was another gorgeous-looking episode. Both Coleman and Smith were on top form and had amazing chemistry together. In all the topsy-turviness of the TARDIS, we even got a nice little emotional story with the salvage brothers. And of course, the Doctor's precious relationship with his one true love, the TARDIS.

Favourit scene- The Doctor and Clara in the heart of the TARDIS.

Favourite quotes-
The Doctor: "Don't get into a spaceship with a madman. Didn't anyone ever teach you that?"

The Doctor: "Smart bunch, Time Lords. No dress sense. Dreadful hats. But smart."

Clara: "What do you keep in here? Why have you got zombie creatures? Good guys do not have zombie creatures. Rule one, basic story telling.

The Doctor: "There's no way I can save her now. She's just always been there for me and taken care of me and now it's my turn and I don't know what to do."

The Doctor: "Running away with a space man in a box. Anything can happen to you.
Clara: "That's what I'm counting on."


9.

Written by Neil Cross, Directed by Jamie Payne


I loved all the different genres that this series of Doctor Who explored. "Hide" was an old-timey horror story, which was actually, as we find out in the end, a love story. The supporting actors, Douglas Scott and Jessica Raine, were some of the best of this series. The contrast between their relationship and that of Doctor and Clara was one of the many highlights of this episode. This episode also had some of the most incredible quotes from this series. The entire concept was just lovely and so meaningful, especially seeing the kind of life the Doctor has lived.

Favourite scene- The Doctor and Alec discussing the ghosts of their past.

Favourite quotes-
The Doctor: "You know I do love a toggle switch. Actually I like the word. "Toggle." Nice noun. Excellent verb."

Alec: "He's certainly got the right demeanor. Capricious. Brilliant."
Emma: "Deceitful."
Alec: "Yes. He's a liar. But you know, that's often the way that it is when someone's seen a thing or two. Experience makes liars of us all. We lie about who we are, about what we've done."
Emma: "And how we feel?"
Alec: "Yes. Always. Always that."

The Doctor: "How does that man, that war hero, end up here? In a lonely old house looking for ghosts."
Alec: "Because I killed. And I caused to have killed. I sent young men and women to their deaths. And yet here I am, still alive. It does tend to haunt you. Living after so much of... the other thing."

The Doctor: "The TARDIS is like a cat. A bit slow to trust, but it'll get there in the end."

Clara: "To you I haven't been born yet. And to you I've been dead a hundred billion years. Is my body out there somewhere? In the ground?"
The Doctor: "Yes, I suppose it is.
Clara: "But here we are talking. So I am a ghost. To you, I'm a ghost. We're all ghosts to you. We must be nothing."
The Doctor: "No. No. You're not that."
Clara: "Then what are we? What can we possibly be?"
The Doctor: "You are the only mystery worth solving."

Emma: "What did you see?"
Clara: "That everything ends."
Emma: "No, not everything. Not love. Not always."

The Doctor: "Every lonely monster needs a companion." 

The Doctor: "It's the oldest story in the universe. This one or any other. Boy and girl fall in love, get separated by events--war, politics, accidents in time. She's thrown out of the hex or he's thrown into it. Since then they've been yearning for each other across time and space. Across dimensions. This isn't a ghost story, it's a love story."


8.
Written by Steven Moffat, Directed by Colm McCarthy


Series 7 part 2 started off with a bang with this episode. It was both slick and fun. We meet both- the real Clara and Eleven's new costume. There were a slightly satirical tinge to the story, and a number of  salutes to Skyfall in the look and concept. Miss Kizlet was a creepy and sexy villainess who made it all so much better. Plus, I do love the Doctor on vehicles other than the TARDIS, in this case the plane and that awesome motorcycle.

Favourite scenes- Every exchange between the Doctor and Clara, from the phone call to the window to the "snog box".

Favourite quotes-
Clara: "It's gone. The internet. Can't find it anywhere. Where is it?"
The Doctor: "The internet?"

The Doctor: "Do you remember me?"
Clara: "No. Should I? Who are you?"
The Doctor: "The Doctor! No? The Doctor?"
Clara: "Doctor who?"
The Doctor: "No, just The Doctor. Actually. Sorry. Could you just ask me that again?"
Clara: "Could I what?"
The Doctor: "Could you just ask me that question again."
Clara: "Doctor who?"
The Doctor: "Okay, just once more."
Clara: "Doctor who?"
The Doctor: "Do you know, I never realize how much I enjoy hearing that said out loud. Thank you."

The Doctor: "Imagine that. Human souls trapped like flies in the World Wide Web. Stuck forever. Crying out for help."
Clara: "Isn't that basically Twitter?"

The Doctor: "I'm The Doctor. I'm an alien from outer space. I'm one thousand years old, I've got two hearts and I can't fly a plane!"

The Doctor: "It's a time machine. You never have to wait for breakfast."


7.
Written by Mark Gatiss, Directed by Saul Metzstein


Funnest episode of this series by a mile, which was great because we'd almost forgotten about it. Steampunk, fanatical villains, incredible female characters, old-school filming techniques, Matt Smith's northern accent, and of course, Strax- all of these helped in making this a super enjoyable ride. My favourite feature of this episode was the character of Ada, played superbly by Rachael Stirling, who reminded us of the great supporting characters that Doctor Who shows us every now and then who almost steal the entire spotlight, like a Joan Redfern or a Wilf Mott.

Favorite scene- The entire flashback made to look like an old cinematograph film.

Favourite quotes-
Strax: "I'm gonna go and play with my grenades."

The Doctor: "Hang on! Hang on! I've got a sonic screwdriver."
Clara: "Yeah? I've got a chair."


6.
Written by Mark Gatiss, Directed by Douglas Mackinnon


Not only did Gatiss write the most fun episode of this series, he also wrote the scariest one. Hell, this is one of the scariest episodes ever in new Who. The stakes are super high, the villain is an old one but with a new danger about him, the tension is just palpable all the way through, though not without some seriously funny bits thanks to Smith's fantastic timing. Again, it was a spectacular-looking episode, the kind that wouldn't have been possible a couple of years back. Really love this one.

Favourite scene- Clara goes to talk to Skaldak.

Favourite quotes-
Professor Grisenko: "Have I interrupted something?"
Captain Zhukov: "We were about to blow up the world, Professor."
Professor Grisenko: "Again?"

Captain Zhukov: "If The Doctor is right, then we are all that stands between this creature and the destruction of the world. Control of one missile is all he needs. We are expendable, comrades. Our world is not."

Professor Grisenko: "Ultravox! Do they split up?"

Skaldak: "You would sacrifice yourself?"
The Doctor: "In a heartbeat."



5.
Written by Chris Chibnall, Directed by Douglas Mackinnon


This episode has been growing on me ever since I saw it. I was not all that impressed when I first saw it, but after the Ponds' departure, their last happy moments with the Doctor became all the more precious. It is a small, simple episode that focuses on the longest relationship the Doctor has had in the new series. The Ponds are his family and he actually lives with them in this episode- becomes a part of their lives as much as they have a been a part of his. Funny, touching and memorable, "The Power of Three" is one little star of an episode.

Favourite scene- The raggedy man and the girl who waited sit by the Thames and discuss their future.

Favourite quotes-
Rory: "What do you think we do when we're not with you?"
The Doctor: "I’d imagine mostly kissing."

Rory: "There are soldiers all over my house and I'm in my pants."
Amy: "My whole life I've dreamed of saying that, and I miss it by being someone else."

The Doctor: "I'm not running away. But this is one corner of one country on one continent on one planet that's a corner of a galaxy that's a corner of a universe that is forever growing and shrinking and creating and growing and never remaining the same for a single millisecond, and there is so much—so much to see, Amy. Because it goes so fast. I'm not running away from things, I am running to them. Before they flare and fade forever. One day—soon maybe—you'll stop. I've known for a while."
Amy: "Then why do you keep coming back for us?"
The Doctor: "Because you were the first. The first face this face saw. And you were seared onto my hearts, Amelia Pond. You always will be. I'm running to you, and Rory, before you fade from me.

The Doctor: "I better get going. Things to do. Worlds to save. Swings to... swing on. Look. I know. You both have lives here. Beautiful, messy lives. That is what makes you so fabulously... human."

Brian: "Go with him. Go save every world you can find. Who else has that chance? Life will still be here."
The Doctor: "You could come, Brian."
Brian: "Somebody's got to water the plants. Just bring them back safe."
(*shakes fist* MOFFAT!)


4.

Written by Steven Moffat, Directed by Nick Hurran


So this was a killer opening episode. The look, the scale, the story- everything was as amazing as a Moffat story can get. I mean, talk about the surprises- the Ponds breaking up, the new companion showing up out of nowhere and then turning into a Dalek and then DYING! Also, that awesome opening when the Daleks ask the Doctor to save them. One of the best theories I have read about this show is how all the Daleks in the asylum were put there because they showed human feelings, like Oswin and like how tripped up Amy sees them (that ballerina Dalek, come on!). Also, as much as I love Clara, Oswin was really the best! Excellent, excellent episode.

Favourite scenes- The first time and the last time the Doctor talks to Oswin- the first is fun and the latter is scary and superb.

Favourite quotes-
Rory: "So how much trouble are we in?"
The Doctor: "How much trouble, Mr. Pond? Out of ten? Eleven."

Oswin: "Happy Birthday, mum. I did make you a soufflé but it was too beautiful to live."

Prime Minister: "It is offensive to us to extinguish such divine hatred."
The Doctor: "Offensive?"
Prime Minister: "Does it surprise you to know that Daleks have a concept of beauty?"
The Doctor: "I thought you'd run out of ways to make me sick. But hello again. You think hatred is beautiful?"
Prime Minister: "Perhaps that is why we have never been able to kill you."

The Doctor: "What have you been doing on your own against the Daleks for a year?"
Oswin: "Making soufflés?"
The Doctor: "Soufflés. Against the Daleks. Where'd you get the milk?"

The Doctor: "How can you hack into everything? It should be impossible. You're in a crashed ship!"
Oswin: "Long story. Is there a word for total screaming genius that sounds modest and a tiny bit sexy?"
The Doctor: "Doctor. You call me the Doctor."
Oswin: "I see what you did there."

Oswin: "Loving this. The nose and the chin. You two could fence."

Amy: "Don't you dare talk to me about waiting outside a box because that is nothing, Rory, nothing! Compared to giving you up."

Oswin: "Run, you clever boy. And remember."

Dalek: "Doctor who?! Doctor who?!"
The Doctor: "Fellas, you're never gonna stop asking."


3.
Written by Toby Whithouse, Directed by Saul Metzstein


Oh this episode just blew me away with its landscapes, its symbolism and its exploration of the Doctor's light and dark sides. I love it when we question the Doctor's morality. It just shows how complex this madman with a box really is. And Matt Smith just brings his A-game. His anger is absolutely terrifying. And Adrian Scarborough as Kahler Jex is the perfect yin to his yang here. Plus, that is one stunning episode. Saul Metzstein's direction in this entire series has been remarkable. An all-round incredible episode, one of the best in new Who.

Favourite scene- The Doctor talks to an imprisoned Kahler Jex.

Favourite quotes-
The Doctor: "Anachronistic electricity. Keep Out signs. Aggressive stares. Has someone been peeking at my Christmas list?"

The Doctor: "Tea. But the strong stuff. Leave the bag in."

The Doctor: "I speak horse. He's called Susan. And he wants you to respect his life choices."

Kahler-Jex: "Looking at you, Doctor, is like looking into a mirror almost. There's rage there, like me. Guilt there, like me. Solitude. Everything but the nerve to do what needs to be done. Thank the gods my people weren't relying on you to save them!"

The Doctor: "Every time I negotiate, I try to understand. Well not today. No, today I honor the victims first. His, The Master's, the Daleks'. All the people that died because of my mercy!"

The Doctor: "Frightened people. Give me a Dalek any day."

Kahler-Jex: "It would be so much simpler if I was just one thing, wouldn't it? The mad scientist who made that killing machine. Or the physician who's dedicated his life to serving this town. The fact that I'm both bewilders you."


2.
Written by Steven Moffat, Directed by Nick Hurran

Now this took a lot of thinking. The top two episodes are neck-in-neck in terms of storytelling, emotions, acting, stakes, pay-offs- just everything really. The heart-rendering "Angels Take Manhattan" only comes second by a tiny margin because it *is* a GREAT episode. I did not write a recap for it because I was that devastated by the Ponds' farewell. This show continued the series's trend of genre episodes, this one being a noir-esque tale. I love the way it opens and how naturally it moves from one act to another. The Weeping Angels are as terrifying as ever and Moffat really brings the danger back in this episode. Also, the tearworks this episode lead to were ridiculous. I have never cried in a television show like this. Of course, there was Amy's farewell and the breaking down of Eleven. But there was also Rory- amazing, wonderful Rory, willing to give his life again for the woman he loves. I mean that rooftop scene just kills me. And oh, the ending. Amy's letter. Eleven running to it. I can't even. Such a beautiful episode.

Favourite scenes- The rooftop scene and the farewell at the graveyard.

Favourite quotes-
The Doctor: "Oh I always rip out the last page of a book. Then it doesn't have to end. I hate endings!"

Amy: "Beware the Yowzah! Do not, at this point, yowz."

River: "Didn't you used to be somebody?"
The Doctor: "Weren't you the woman who killed the Doctor?"
River: "Doctor Who?"

River: "When one's in love with an ageless god who insists on the face of a twelve-year-old, one does one's best to hide the damage."

Rory: "I always wanted to visit the Statue of Liberty. I guess she got impatient."

Rory: "To save you, I could do anything."

Amy: "It'll be fine. I know it will. I'll be with him like I should be. Me and Rory together."

Amy: "Raggedy Man, goodbye."

Amy: "There's a little girl waiting in a garden. She's going to wait a long while, so she's going to need a lot of hope. Go to her. Tell her a story. Tell her that if she's patient, the days are coming that she'll never forget. Tell her she'll go to see and fight pirates. She'll fall in love with a man who'll wait two thousand years to keep her safe. Tell her she'll give hope to the greatest painter who ever lived. And save a whale in outer space. Tell her, this is the story of Amelia Pond. And this is how it ends."


1.
Written by Steven Moffat, Directed by Saul Metzstein


I was almost certain that "Angels Take Manhattan" was going to top this list. Reason- heart over brains. However, on a rewatch, I came to the realisation that "The Name of the Doctor" is as poignant as it is brilliant. I was and still am completely blown away by this episode. The ambition, the various threads that tied together so spectacularly, the acting, River, John Hurt, THAT AMAZEBALLS KISS- it was an episode that really shows the greatness Doctor Who is capable of. As much as one wants to hate on Moffat, the man is a friggin' genius. And he knows how to write a cliffhanger. That last shot is still fantastic. There couldn't have been a better episode to lead to the milestone 50th episode.

Favourite scenes- Clara meeting the various Doctors, River and Eleven, the revelation of the secret.

Favourite quotes-
Clara: "I blew into this world on a leaf. I'm still blowing. I don't think I'll ever land. I'm Clara Oswald. I'm the impossible girl. I was born to save the Doctor."

Vastra: "Time travel has always been possible in dreams."

The Doctor: "The little Daleks!"

Strax: "Surrender your women and your intellectuals!"

Strax: "The heart is a relatively simple thing."
Vastra: "I have not found it to be so."

GI: "Welcome to the final resting of the cruel tyrant. Of the slaughterer of the ten billion. And the vessel of the final darkness. Welcome to the tomb of the Doctor!"

GI: "The key is a word lost to time. A secret hidden in the deepest shadow, and known to you alone. The answer to a question."
The Doctor: "I will not open my tomb."
GI: "Doctor. What is your name?"

Vastra: "The universe without the Doctor. There will be consequences."

River: "How are you even doing that? I'm not really here.
The Doctor: "You're always here to me. And I always listen. And I can always see you."

The Doctor: "There is a time to live and a time to sleep. You are an echo, River. Like Clara, like all of this. In the end, my fault, I know. But you should have faded by now."
River: "It's hard to leave when you haven't said goodbye."
The Doctor: "Then tell me, because I don't know. How do I say it?"
River: "There's only one way I would accept. If you ever loved me, say it like you're going to come back."
The Doctor: "Well then. See you around, Professor River Song."
River: "'Til the next time, Doctor."
The Doctor: "Don't wait up."
River: "Oh there's one more thing."
The Doctor: "Isn't there always?"

River: "Goodbye. Sweetie."

The Doctor: "My name, my real name, that is not the point. The name I chose is the Doctor. The name you choose, it's like, it's like a promise you make. He's the one who broke the promise. He is my secret."
The Old Man: "What I did, I did without choice."
The Doctor: "I know."
The Old Man: "In the name of peace and sanity."
The Doctor: "But not in the name of the Doctor."



         So that's it. Very late post but I hope it was worth it. Now we just wait for November 23rd.

Monday 5 August 2013

New Doctor Time

If the various incarnations of the Doctor were like lovers from one's past, Matt Smith's Eleven will always be my one and only. Having said that, I'm totally on board with his successor because HELLO! sexy older man time. So with that super weird intro, here's the brand spankin' new Doctor-




Now, as my gloating best friend is happily reminding me, I am not very familiar with his work. I've only seen him in Skins, "Fires of Pompeii" and gifs of The Thick of It. But having said that, I am very happy with this choice because I really wanted someone older playing the Doctor. Also the fact that I am quite sure the Twelfth Doctor will be very different from my darling Eleven, which is good thing in this case because I will compare less.

And he's pretty awesome already.


So yaay! New Doctor!! And I love that he's a fan.


Friday 2 August 2013

The Month that was- July

         Hi guys! Remember me? Where the hell did July go?
         I'm back in India right now and in full-on panic nerd mode. Gahhh examssssssss! I hate them so much. I watched an okay number of movies (18) considering how crazy this month has been. August is only going to be so much worse, which SUCKS because I'm turning 21. I have been planning my 21st birthday for ages and, obviously, it is now going to be the worst birthday of my life. The universe is a bitch. 
         Here's what I saw and read last month.


Firsts:

1) Trance- Wow, that was bad. The only good thing about the movie was James McAvoy's baby blues.
2) Sympathy for Lady Vengeance- I loved it. The only word I can use to describe it is poetic.
3) Fanny and Alexander (Extended version)- It was v.v.v. good it but I actually think I would have liked the theatrical cut more. That priest was absolutely terrifying.
4) The Craft- So 90s.
5) Bhaag Milkha Bhaag- It was good-ish but Farhaan Akhtar was fantastic.
6) Shadow of a Doubt- Pretty fantastic and eerie.
7) Before MidnightThis.
8) The End of the World- One of the oldest movies I have ever seen, thanks to the latest ATUP episode.
9) Pacific Rim- FUCKING AWESOME! My biggest regret of summer is going to be not rewatching this.
10) Only God Forgives- The more I think about it, the lesser I like it. This is not a good Gos year :/
11) The Wolverine- Pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. Smaller and focused in all the right ways.


Rewatched: 

1) The Avengers- Before leaving UAE, I realised that I had never watched this with my bff. Obviously had to correct that.
2) Before Sunrise- That poet.
3) Before Sunset- That car ride.
4) Melancholia- Wayyy less depressing this time. Also for the podcast.
5) Risky Business- Check out my response to it at The Matinee.
6) The Karate Kid- It was coming on TV. So enjoyable.
7) The Raid: Redemption- My super early birthday gift to my brother. We had to check it out. This film is damn near flawless.


TV shows:
1) Hannibal, season 1- Technically this ended in June, but I completely forgot to talk about it. It has been a helluva crazy ride. Absolutely stunning show that does tend to get too intense but man, that ending. a) Favourite episode- "Buffet Froid". I thought this episode was fucking terrifying, from the murder to the murderer and her illness. Then there was Crazy Will and Hannibal's mind games. Their friendship is really something. b) MVP- Even though everyone is doing fantastically, Mads Mikkelsen's portrayal of the most famous serial killer in film history is a wonder of its own. So calm, sexy and dangerous. c) Favourite quote-

Hannibal: "Because I was going to kill you. I didn't poison your dinner. I wouldn't do that to food."
I just find that ironic :')
Special category: Favourite murder- The human cello in "Fromage". I just had to include this, especially for this show. The killings are like showpieces and this  was the one that I loved the most because it was so beyond anything I could have dreamed of, or have nightmares over.

2) Orange is the New Black, season 1- This show is awesomosity itself. I will endure a hundred Hemlock Groves for something like this. Go Netflix! The characters, the humour, the acting, the drama- AHMAZING! a) Favourite episodes- "Lesbian Request Denied" and "Fool Me Once". The former because of Crazy Eyes and the latter because of all the drama and confrontations. b) MVP- Impossible to decide. The women are just that good. c) Favourite quotes- Again, I'm incapable of choosing just one.

Taystee: "This ain't the fucking Help bitch, but you will eat my shit."
Crazy Eyes/Susanne: "Chocolate and vanilla. Swir-irl. Swir-irl."
Piper: "Why do you always seem so inevitable to me?"


Books:
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut- I read a book! And I really liked it. I never knew that the quote "Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt" was from this book. Brilliant.


Final tally:
                           Firsts- 107                       Rewatched- 47                           Shorts- 2
                                                                       Total- 156

          August has begun. I have the new Doctor, exams, the guys and girls America's Next Top Model cycle and my birthday to look forward to. Sort of. The blogging will be shit again, but if you all would only bear with me for another month, I will be very grateful :)