Steampunk Granny's Review of Ghostbusters 2016

                                                               

If anyone is going to enjoy a good ghost movie, it’s a person who actually goes ghost hunting and since I'm that person, I was excited to see this new and improved version of an old favorite of mine. I was especially stoked to see the film because Melissa McCarthy was in it. Did Ghostbusters 2016 meet my expectations?
 

                                                          

Ghostbusters 2016

Based on the remake of the 1984 Ghostbusters film which starred Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Sigourney Weaver and Ernie Hudson, this newer version was directed by Paul Feig and featured Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth. Chris plays the part of Kevin Beckman, an incompetent receptionist who reminded me of a male version of Mrs. Wiggins, which fans of Carol Burnett will know what I’m talking about.

                                                                  

If people were worried that a female ghostbusting team would tarnish the original version, they were soon proven wrong. The script was well written and the acting superb. I have over the years become a loyal fan of Melissa McCarthy, although I did not like her earlier film work. It wasn’t until I saw Heat and later Spy that I knew that I would watch any film Melissa McCarthy starred in.
                                                                 

Plot

Kristen Wiig plays the part of Dr. Erin Gilbert who is forced to track down an old friend when she learns that Dr. Abby Yates (Melissa McBride) has republished a book on Ghosts that both co-wrote together. It isn’t long after that reunion when Abby, Erin and Abby’s assistant, Kate McKinnon are called out on a case. There are ghosts to deal with and because of a frightening incident in the subway tunnels of New York, a new member joins the team. Patty (Leslie Jones), who has encountered a rather strange man and the nasty spirit he was able to call forth, now wants to help catch ghosts. One of the biggest surprises of the film was Chris Hemsworth playing a ditzy receptionist. This casting was pure genius.

                                                                   

The other surprise was Kate McKinnon’s character. Kate is a blast to watch and I don’t want to ruin the show by telling you too much, but if you watch Orphan Black and love the clone, Helena, played fabulously by Tatiana Maslany then you’ll see why I freaking loved Kate McKinnon’s character.
                                                           

Conclusion

I truly enjoyed the movie from beginning to end and I want to see it again. Go see the movie. You’ll thank me for it.

I could use a Clone or two, or three: Orphan Black

Orphan Black on BBC America is returning on April 18th. I can't wait. This is smartly written science fiction show about cloning. We follow Sarah, Cosima, Alison and Helena as they try to find out who was behind their cloning and, who now wants them all dead. The very talented Tatiana Maslany plays all the clones, including Pro-Clone, Rachel Duncan.

                                                     

The show relies on the latest theories and scientific principles known about cloning and this is one of the reasons that Orphan Black is so popular. The storyline is believable and asks ethical question of the legality and social problems that real clones would have to deal with. Do clones have the same rights as the people they're cloned from?

Luckily, Sarah has her sister clones looking out for her and her daughter, Kira (Skyler Wexler). Kira's blood might be able to keep our clones from getting sick.

My favorite character is Felix Dawkins (Jordan Garvis). He plays Sarah's adopted brother and when he and Soccer Mom, Alison get together, all kinds of crazy stuff happens.

                                                                

This will be the third season for Orphan Black, but if you missed the first two seasons, you can read my review of Season one and two on Biff Bam Pop and catch the reruns on Demand. I'll be posting a weekly review of this show and I can't wait.

                                                                 

Orphan Black on Biff Bam Pop

Come Back!!!

                                                             

I write reviews for Biff Bam Pop! on movies and books, but mostly, I review T.V. shows like “The Walking Dead”  Orphan Black, Bates Motel, and of course, True Blood. I love True Blood and have read most of the books, and although Alan Ball presented the series much differently than the books, I loved what he did for the show.

                                                                         

                                                                      

Then right before season six began, True Blood fans learned that Alan Ball would not be the show runner, and that someone else would take over. I’m the type of person who gives the new guy a chance to prove themselves; someone with a new perspective. I was wrong.

                                                                      

Every Monday, after the review of the show was posted, I would receive calls from tons of friends and relatives who’ve been following True Blood since its premier on HBO. We would chat or squabble about the events of the night before: what’s with Bill; who the hell is Warlow; what’s with Andy’s faerie daughters; and what a bitch Sarah Newlin is; but I'm partial to bad girls.

                                                                        

We liked the show, but there was something off. We couldn’t put our finger on it, but there was a change. Still, troopers that we are, we remained faithful to the show. That is until the Season six Finale.

                                                                    

WTF! Did the writers all get writer’s block at the same moment? Why did they have Sookie’s grandfather save the day? Why didn’t he save her while she was still in faerie land? What was Eric doing sunbathing in Sweden, instead of warning the vampires around the world of the tainted blood? When he flew away, that’s where we all assumed he was doing. Eric is thousands of years old and I’m pretty sure he would have brought a cloak with him; just in case. But, no! The writers did away with him or at least that’s what it looks like.
                                                                               

 And as far as Alcide and Sookie together; I don’t think so. How did Sam become Mayor? Where is the former Mayor? Protection for blood: yeah right! I don’t think the townsfolk of Bon Temps are that naïve. Zombie vampires heading towards the town was laughable. Leave the zombies to people who really know how to use them. I’m talking “The Walking Dead.”

                                                                  

Okay, I’m done my ranting, but I intend to write a letter to Alan Ball. We need you back at the helm, Alan! Now, Alan, before they start shooting scenes for season seven, and while you’re at it, bring Eric back with you!