Minority Report

I thought I would take a break from films and try watching a new TV series. Sunday night I began watching FOX new show "Minority Report" starring Megan Good. Initially I mistaken the show for the 2002 film "Minority Report" starring Tom Cruise, the films storyline handles themes of guilt, freewill, and advancements in technology; overall the film was visually appealing and intriguing to the audience.

"Minority Report" the show is almost exactly the same as the film with the themes of guilt, and technology but lacks some of the surprising elements the film had. I wondered if the show could have been created purposely to reenact the film?

Anyhow, the show opens ten years after canceling of the PreCrime Division; a group of individuals specifically created to see crime before it happened. Lara Vega (Megan Good) is a cop that meets a man named Dash (played by Stark Sands) who is connected to the old program. Dash has the ability to see glimpses of a crime before it occurs and sketch it out, but without his other companions he cannot solve the crimes. The pilot was very action filled and extremely fast paced, I quickly lost my interest once I couldn't understand the characters actions. I also noticed that because the show was so fast pasted, the characters lacked development. I have a five episode rule, so far I'm three episodes and my verdict is that it's just another cop show.

My Personal Top Five Favorite TV Series

Top Five TV Series: Krystal’s Edition

• Sex and The City (1998-2004)
• This TV Series is will always and forever be a lifeline for me. I really started watching the series in middle school and then the underlying lessons like female self-assurance, confidence, and sexuality I relate and understand as an adult. This show illustrates different kinds of women and situations that women face.

• CSI: Miami (2002-2012)
• Investigation crime shows are definitely my kryptonite, and annual summer binges. This show is not just great because it’s based in my hometown but because of the great storylines that keep the show going. There’s not just one main bad guy there's many, I feel like the series (even though it is dramatized) taught me how to handle myself in certain situations. It’s shot great, the golden color corrections do remind me of home, and the series does take after the most badass investigative crime unit.

• Charmed (1998-2006)
• This was the one show that literally played from 3- 5pm Monday- Friday religiously. I remember coming home from school and instantly sitting down and watching charmed till either dinner was ready or it was time to do my homework. The idea of three sisters discovering that they are the charmed ones, and have to fight evil to protect their loved ones, and the world is pretty much spot on when it comes to grasping the audience's attention. But it was really the empathy that you can feel for each sister, coming to terms with their lives and their struggle to overcome obstacles

• Power (2014- )
• The double life is attractive and interesting to watch. The leading character is one of the wealthiest men but also a drug kingpin. When his business partner gets too hungry, an old enemy is released, and the temptation of an old flame arises James St. Patrick struggles to keep everything under control. This TV Series is very new but took the audience by storm, and enjoys leaving everyone at the end of their seat every episode. PS: This season finale literally left me overjoyed but anxious for the next season! Too much ahead.

• How to Get Away with Murder (2014- )
• Viola Davis is nothing short of exceptional and a legendary actress in my book. So naturally as her being the lead character in this TV series is enough to sell me on a great show! I have a love and attachment to each character even through their annoying stages. (If each character can appeal to you- it’s a great show) The thought of law students and a defense professor for crimes becoming tangled in a murder plot is a strong enough storyline to carry over for not just one but several seasons.

Double Indemnity

"How could I have known that murder can sometimes smell like honeysuckle?"

Keeping with the theme of Noirvember, last week I watched one of the best old school film noirs out there: Double Indemnity. The film was released in 1944, and was directed by Billy Wilder and co-written by crime novelist extraordinaire, Raymond Chandler.

The film stars Frank MacMurray as Walter Neff, an insurance salesman, and Barbara Stanwyck as Phyllis Dietrichson, a housewife who seduces Walter and convinces him to help her kill her rich husband after they've tricked him into buying insurance with a double indemnity clause. "Double indemnity" an actual insurance term that states that the company will pay double the amount in the contract if the person dies by accidental means. Phyllis' plot is to kill off her husband, collect twice the money, and run away with Walter. Or so we think. As the story unfolds we learn that Phyllis is not the oppressed, victimized housewife she claims to be. Instead she the picture of the classic "femme fatale"; beautiful, but a cold manipulator with what seems like sociopathic tendencies. After the deed is done, Walter uncovers Phyllis' secrets and is left to deal with the repercussions of committing murder and getting involved with a dangerous woman.

Not only is the story engaging and the acting spot-on, but the cinematography is another amazing aspect of this film. Every shot is so meaningful and carefully composed, and the lighting is fantastic. Los Angeles serves as the perfect setting as well; picturesque and slightly sinister at the same time, like the classic myth of the "Hollywood dream." I really enjoyed this film, and I understand how it is still regarded as the quintessential film noir.

The Town and Ben Affleck Directing

It seem like Ben Affleck is in a groove directing, going three for three on his first three films.  Those films he directed in order are- Gone Baby Gone, The Town, and the newly released Argo.  One of these films is special to me because it is filmed very close to where I live.  That is The Town.  I remember first seeing the trailer to this film and being so excited to see it.  And then when I saw it, it did not disappoint.

This movie is a crime-drama and it tells the story of a bankrobber who is trying to leave the crew and get rid of his bad ways and move on with his life.  There is a great balance of action and meaningful dialogue which is something I love.  The movie is intense but it touches on emotions you don't usually feel in movies in this genre.  Affleck makes the audience feel for Dougie (main character) and shows that people like him can be good.  There is very high quality acting by everyone in the film.  I think Ben Affleck is showing that not only can he be a successful actor but he is one of the best directors out there right now.