The Moral Confusion of ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ (SPOILERS)

To be clear, I did like the show and I’m not gearing up for a rant. Most of the time, I loved it. Honestly, only a couple of weaknesses kept it from a home run. For me though, the weaknesses were significant. When I finished the series, the finale left me comatose. I forced my husband to listen to my thoughts (on a show he never watched) for almost two hours. I just wasn’t sure what I was supposed to take from it. I gleaned the internet to see if anyone else felt bewildered. Others did. But it’s taken me weeks to articulate my questions and hypothesize why the show made me feel … numb. Aimless. It was unlike any other fictional drama I’ve seen.

This popular Hulu series, inspired by Celeste Ng’s book of the same name, intertwines the lives of two families. The Richardsons and the Warrens. The Richardsons are wealthy and privileged. They live in a stunning home. The attractive and talented parents have four attractive and talented children. And unfortunately, their essence is skin deep. On the other end of the spectrum, the Warrens only consist of a single mother and her child. They live like gypsies. The two families meet when the Warrens move to the Richardsons’ town of Shaker Heights, OH. Mia Warren rents an apartment from Elena Richardson and eventually becomes her part-time housekeeper. Meanwhile, Mia’s teenage daughter, Pearl, becomes increasingly friendly and enamored with the picture-perfect Richardsons. The uneasy relationship between the two families explodes when Mia realizes that Elena’s friends are in the process of adopting her new co-worker’s lost baby. (To be transparent, the baby was allegedly abandoned.) From there, the show is emotional chaos.

While there are many characters and plotlines at play, the show beats on the concept of motherhood and mother/daughter relationships. Elena struggles to connect with her youngest child Isabelle (Izzy) for a variety of reasons. Unlike her siblings, Izzy resents her surface-level parents and is the definition of a non-conformist. She dresses in 90s grunge, gets regularly bullied at school, and can’t bring herself to come out to society. Izzy’s life isn’t easy. Unfortunately, Elena’s attempts to reach her are futile and damaging. The two have nothing in common. Additionally, Elena wrestles with the ugly truth that Izzy was an unwanted pregnancy. A pregnancy that solidified her role as a full-time housewife.

Regarding the Warrens, Mia and Pearl share a close bond that is fractured and tested throughout the show. Mia harbors the shameful truth that Pearl isn’t completely her daughter. As a teenager, Mia was a surrogate for an infertile couple. When Mia’s world collapsed after the death of her brother, she clung to her newborn baby, told the couple the baby had died and drove off into the night. Mia lives in terror that Pearl’s identity will be discovered. Therefore, they never put down any kind of roots. This causes a lot of confusion for Pearl who, despite her adaptive nature, longs for a permanent home.

This roller-coaster of a show finally concludes with Elena’s friends winning the baby’s custody battle in court, only to have her stolen by her birth mother. Mia and Pearl once again drive into the sunset. Izzy runs away from home. And in an anti-book twist, Izzy’s siblings (not Izzy) burn down their home in defiance of their hypocritical lives.

I know (or at least I think I know) what the show was trying to teach me. There are no heroes and villains. Every situation has gray areas. Appearances are deceiving. Loving motherhood isn’t defined by biology or financial stability alone. That’s obvious. But when the final credits rolled, all I could think was, “Wow. All human beings are just terrible.” (This doesn’t include Pearl. She is the only shining light of goodness in the show.)

So, here’s my personal beef. Mia and Izzy are un-likeable characters. And if I had to guess, the show wanted to give them more sympathy points. Given their circumstances, this should’ve been easy. However, both Mia and Izzy were volatile, hostile, and suspicious from the start. My heart opened to them during flashbacks, but always shut itself closed when their snarling, current selves appeared. I couldn’t get over my resistance to them. And, it’s not as if I loved the other characters! The shortcomings of everyone were apparent, but Mia and Izzy were just … vicious? Based on conversations I’ve had with people who have read the book, Mia and Izzy’s personalities were directorial choices. Their book counterparts are far more sympathetic and less aggressive. But as someone who’s only seen the show, ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ made me feel like I was taking crazy pills. I questioned my sense of ethics. I wondered if I had a heart. But honestly, I feel like this show wasted an opportunity to preach a valuable message. It strengthens walls the book tried to tear down. At least, I hope that’s what the book does…

Regardless, I’m glad I watched it. In a time where new movies and live theater are practically non-existent, I’m very grateful for high-quality television shows and mini-series. Even if this show made me uncomfortable and made it difficult to root for the characters, it certainly made me think. And isn’t that the point anyway?

No, Your Wedding (or Lack of Wedding) Isn’t Selfish

If there’s anything 2020 has inspired me to do – it’s to start over completely off the grid. With a global pandemic, social injustice, and upheaval altering every aspect of our lives, it’s hard to not be frustrated. This is a bad year for humanity. While everyday life has been uprooted, one significant aspect has taken a beating. Milestone events. Graduations. Funerals. Senior proms. Many of these irreplaceable moments were sacrificed for the greater good. But now (as impossible as it may seem), semi-normalcy is returning in the form of a re-opening economy and rescheduled (you guessed it!) weddings.

This is a tender spot for me. As someone who is moving forward with their third date, I don’t need to reiterate that a traditional wedding was important to me. After months of anxiety, I can finally (almost) count on a wedding that will strike a compromise between my dreams and guest needs. It’s quite the relief. And yet despite this good news, I’m disgusted by the latest social media trend. Bride shaming. While brides who eloped or opted to get married with ten or fewer people (which is fine!) have received outpourings of approval, others are victim to verbal stoning. After seeing people accusing postponing brides that they “just wanted a party” and a particularly hateful Today.com article that urged guests to “take a stand for what’s right” and not attend their friends’ uncancelled weddings, I want to voice my support. This is for all brides, no matter what decision you made. And that’s the point. It’s still your right to decide.

You Are Allowed to Be Upset
You spent months pouring over the smallest details. You spent hours packaging together multi-piece invites. You’ve catered to the needs of many and somehow didn’t have a nervous breakdown. Now this complicated event is canceled or at least, postponed. You are allowed to be angry. You are allowed to cry and need space from all things wedding-related. You are allowed to ignore texts until you’re ready to explain what’s next. The grief and disappointment are no less valid because of the cause. If anyone has raised their eyebrows at you for a less-than-gracious reaction, I’m giving you full permission to ignore that. You are allowed to grieve something that broke your heart, even if it’s only temporary.

You Are Allowed to Wait
While I’ve been stubborn, pushing my date in month-ish increments, there is nothing wrong with saying “Forget this! See you in 2021!” Simply, there are so many reasons why a postponement makes sense. Your venue may be booked for the rest of the year. You may be financially strapped. Your dress may be stuck in another state. Several factors could make next year more do-able. And that’s totally fine. Have a good cry and take a break from planning. Whatever you do, don’t give anyone the time of day that judges you for wanting a “party”. For many brides, this is more than a soiree. This is a public declaration of love, a blending of two families, and a chance to rejoice with your community. Do you still want to experience a day you’ve dreamed of since childhood? Wait with confidence for it.

You Are Allowed to Not Wait
If it looks like things may open up in the next couple of months, keep pushing your date if possible. If you’re living in a state that is allowing gatherings despite social distancing, then ,by all means, have your wedding! You’re allowed to keep your date and not radically cut your guest list if it isn’t required. Just like the postponing brides, there are plenty of reasons to proceed. Your age, the health of your family members, and a slew of nonrefundable deposits could all be prompting you forward. Contact your venue to understand any restrictions and proceed from there. But keep this in mind, if someone isn’t comfortable they don’t have to come. It’s not your responsibility to wait until there isn’t a drop of doubt among your guests. (Remember, you’ll never please everyone!) At this point, personal responsibility factors in and people can and will make the decision that is right for them. Encourage people to decide for themselves, but don’t hold up your wedding unnecessarily.

You’re Allowed to Feel Disappointed
Circling back to the right to feel, yes, you can still feel disappointed regardless of your choice. In a situation as uncomfortable and unprecedented as this one, nothing feels great. Brides who are waiting have to deal with the grief of postponement. Brides who are proceeding have to accept that people they love won’t feel safe attending. There is no perfect alternative to the world being turned on its head, but everyone is trying their personal best. All I’m asking for is that we can respect each other’s approach. (And let’s not beat ourselves up for the tears along the way.)
At the end of the day, all that matters is that every bride marries the right person and embarks on a healthy, fulfilling partnership. But in the meantime, the bride shaming can go by the wayside. If there was ever a time that we all needed to step back and give a little extra grace, that time is now folks.

Onward – A Much Needed Uplift

So, the internet is even more depressing these days, right? As a breeding ground for the opinionated, I could bore everyone with my reactions to current events. My fears, feelings on how things were handled, and reaction to isolation could be sent to the cyber world for criticism. But let me be real. I don’t have the stamina. Instead, I’d rather focus on a bright spot. The early release of Onward via Disney+ streaming. If I’m being honest, recent attempts for virtual entertainment have elicited eye rolls from me. But this is different. This is a great film that doesn’t deserve to fall into obscurity. This is a film I’ll be watching the minute it’s available on April 3rd.

In true Pixar fashion, the film’s premise gives new life to its subject matter. The two main characters, Barley and Ian, are Elvin teenagers who live in a world of magical creatures … who have no interest in actual magic. Straying from the “spellcasting disappeared because humans feared it blah blah blah” setup, this world lacks magic for the simplest reason: technology. Once electricity was discovered, the creatures lost interest in mastering their special abilities and instead started driving cars, running vacuum cleaners, and using smartphones. On the night of the younger son’s (Ian’s) sixteenth birthday, both him and his brother are given a special gift from their late father. The gift includes a staff and a spell that will resurrect their father for twenty-four hours. Naturally the spell doesn’t go as planned. The spell only brings back half of their father, and Ian and Barley must find a way to complete it before the timer runs out.

For a plot that sounds like kid-friendly Weekend at Bernie’s, the film was better than it had a right to be. And that’s for many reasons. First of all, the voices are expertly cast – with the anxious, timid Ian being played by Tom Holland and the boisterous, jovial Barley being voiced by Chris Pratt. Other vocal talent includes Julia Louis-Dreyfus as their warm-hearted mother and Octavia Spencer as a winged lion bear scorpion creature… (See the irrefutable definition of manticores.) The film is rounded out by high-quality animation, a whimsical score, and an adventure that doesn’t have excessive build-up.

As far as how the adventure unfolds, Onward doesn’t punch you in the gut like Up, but it doesn’t let its characters off easily either. The fast-paced jokes and chase sequences give way to the heart of the film, which in true Pixar fashion, is to appreciate irreplaceable things. You will cheer on Barley and Ian as they grow into more confident young men and your heart will ache when they grieve what is lost. You will see pieces of yourself on screen.

During Onward’s short theatrical run, there was initial criticism for the environment. While films like Zootopia featured lavish and inventive worlds, Onward looks like suburbia. And I think that’s the point. This lack of creativity in their town reflects our bland strip-mall society. I’d even argue that this blasé setting grounds the characters. Even when magic is reintroduced, the characters still have to deal with all too familiar problems. Sometimes things just don’t work out and tragedy can derail us at any moment. Ian and Barley’s journey to find joy in unexpected places will give viewers solace. Look past the ridiculous plot because this is one relatable film.

So, for anyone who didn’t catch Onward at the beginning of March, this is a much-needed opportunity. Treat yourself to a film that, despite its underwhelming trailer, will feel like a much-needed hug. Couldn’t we all use one?

The Vague Disappointments of Frozen 2 – Spoilers

Well, this movie didn’t do it for me. And I’ve avoided writing about it. The fear of backlash has been on my mind as I see nothing but rave reviews and google articles about this highly grossing animated film. Frankly, aside from a handful of YouTube critics I deeply respect, most people in my circle like the film. But why? I’m not saying Frozen 2 is a disaster. It was entertaining and beautifully animated. It featured the same knock-out voice cast. It had award-winning Lopez songs. So, am I glad I saw it on the big screen? Of course. But will I re-watch it before bringing children into the world? Unlikely. Let me explain.

For all of its strengths, this move left an underwhelming impression. From the inferior music to the dismal color scheme, I just … wasn’t enchanted. Most flaws lie with the storyline, which plays out like a new Star Wars film. The tone is all over the place and the timeline feels like several drafts sewn together. (According to YouTube’s Nostalgia Critic – how will this messy plot fit into a Golden Book?) As a film enthusiast, I shouldn’t be googling a children’s film to better understand its plot. This is a direct-to-VHS quality script and that’s embarrassing.

Furthermore, the point of Frozen 2 negates the purpose of the first film entirely. Elsa’s journey of finding familial and self-love has turned into an artificial quest for the next best thing. I didn’t buy it.

While I think the movie is full of structural and development problems, I realize that Frozen 2 also triggered me on a personal level. Currently, I’m going through a significant transition in my life. And while these are good changes, like falling in love with a man who has shown me that romance and responsibility can go hand-in-hand, there are still a lot of changes. By the end of May, I will have gotten married, moved, and taken my first non-Canadian abroad trip. And for a dedicated creature of habit, this is a little jarring. To embrace the next chapter, I am saying goodbye to the only life I’ve known. And I’m getting sick of every animated film reminding me of the inevitability of change.

 
Starting with Wreck-it-Ralph: Ralph Breaks the Internet (which was okay at best), there has been an unnecessary trend of ‘goodbyes’ in animated movies. For some (e.g. How to Train Your Dragon), this story arch made sense and was plotted from the beginning. For others, it seemed like a bandwagon-jumping move to prove their franchise isn’t afraid to be edgy and serious. Again, I ask, why? Studios like Pixar and Studio Ghibli have proven that you can package mature themes in friendly settings. Why can’t anything new be preserved in a happily ever after jar? Art imitates life, I know. But sometimes I don’t want a bittersweet reminder. Sometimes I just want an escape to a haven of pleasant conclusions. And I think this should be Disney’s role in the entertainment industry. Why manufacture problems for Arendelle?

So, did Elsa really need to run away with the circus? No. She really didn’t. I wish she hadn’t.

In Defense of Tom Hansen

In an age of rampant romantic-comedies, it’s fun to both hate and binge these cinematic pastries. Light on the brain and warming to the soul, the chick flick genre fills a junk food-like need. Well, before the days of Hallmark releasing a dozen+ Christmas movies every winter, there was one ‘rom-com’ that dared to stray from the formula. (500) Days of Summer. This indie-style flick features the rise and fall of a relationship between two twenty-somethings (Tom and Summer). The film is cleverly shot out of sequence, bouncing viewers from day 300 to day 30 of the romance. (And yet, the continuity of the story and the revelations feel perfectly sequential.) In this tale, hopeless romantic Tom projects his desire for a soulmate onto the commitment-phobic Summer. And thus, his endeavor is doomed from the start.

I’m 99% sure I haven’t spoiled anything. This quirky 2009 movie was a rousing hit. The A-list leads, several awards/nominations, and devoted fanbase attest to its success. Looking back on this film though, I am surprised to see that these same fans have developed not just a dislike, but almost a hatred for Tom.

……………………

Why?

While the movie is touted as only being told from Tom’s filter, I never saw this story as a traditional protagonist vs. antagonist epic. To me, the pros and cons of both leads were well, pretty glaring. Neither character is saintly and both fumble in the dark as they look for a balance between what they want and what they know to be true. So why is Tom the convicted one? (He’s even been formally convicted by the actor who portrayed him.) Well since we’re denied Summer’s first-hand perspective, it’s easier to give her grace. But I don’t understand why this absolves her of any responsibility.

Let’s look at the facts. Summer’s character is praised for her brutal honesty. She repeatedly tells Tom that she doesn’t want a serious relationship. And Tom is dragged through the proverbial mud for forcing himself on an uninterested woman. And if Summer had friend-zoned him, then yes, I could get behind loathing Tom. But that wasn’t the case. Summer verbally expressed her independence while kissing him (first!), holding his hand in public, and initiating sloppy shower sex. And all of this happened after she knew his stance on love and relationships. Tom clearly didn’t read between the lines, but wasn’t Summer equally dense?

Now, this is not an attempt to launch a #TeamTom campaign. And I don’t think Summer is a villain for trying something that didn’t work out. That’s life. But she still participated. On some level, she was exploring the possibility of a future. And if she truly just wanted a friend with benefits, there were plenty of other available guys not defending the validity of love.

I just think that it’s time we viewed the story for what it is. A realistic portrayal of two humans realizing that they both have some room to grow before they can be in a healthy romantic relationship with anyone, let alone each other.

Let’s not forget about the gray filter on our own lenses.

Ralph Breaks the Internet: Solid B –

As a lover of the 2012 hit, Wreck-it Ralph, I was doubly concerned and excited to see its sequel. (Perhaps I was more concerned…) The only teaser that amused me was the scene where Vanellope offers to call protective services for the oblivious Disney Princesses. Other than that, every preview showed the same shameless, vibrant, product-placement environment that animation studios have been exploiting for years. I wanted Disney to do better. Despite that, director Rich Moore and Phil Johnston still delivered an enjoyable flick … even if it pales to the original. Let me explain its “good”, but not “exceptional” qualities.

Following the events of the first movie, Wreck-it Ralph and Vanellope are enjoying their careers and friendship. After logging in their 9 to 5 hours, the duo spends each evening talking, snacking, and creating harmless mischief. But because this is a sequel, the writers have to throw in unrest. Vanellope is bored. After achieving her racing dreams and discovering her identity as Sugar Rush Princess, there is nothing left to strive for. Her game’s racetracks have become repetitive and dull. To help, Ralph builds or “wrecks” a new track for Vanellope. Unfortunately, a child thinks the game is malfunctioning and they accidentally break off the steering wheel/game controller. While the other children quickly find a replacement part on eBay, it’s too expensive for the owner to buy. Feeling responsible, Ralph decides to travel to the internet to bring back the missing part. Accompanied by Vanellope, Ralph discovers more on his journey than how to fix something broken. But again, this isn’t a masterpiece.

Here’s where Ralph Breaks the Internet hits the nail on the head.

 
Similar to the first film, Ralph Breaks the Internet is visually stunning and showcases typical, high-quality animation. The script (while not as funny as the first) is still clever enough to garner real belly-laughs. The returning voice cast gives another great performance. Most notably of all, Disney somehow brings charm to this sell-out environment by remaining very self-aware. Instead of treating the internet like a serious universe – the writers take great liberties in poking fun at click bait, the mindless herd effect of viral videos, and Disney itself. New side characters (Spamley and Yes) embody the satire with charm. With just enough entertainment value and social commentary, Ralph Breaks the Internet fixes the mistakes of similar films (e.g. The Emoji Movie) … but it’s still not quite a 5-star flick.

 
Upon first viewing, it seemed like the plot ran all over the place. The bottom-line message of the film caught me off guard as if someone changed the channel halfway through. Ironically enough, when I saw the film a second time, I felt like I was being beaten over the head with the “hidden” message. Perhaps I’m a child that gets distracted by jingly keys, but once I had seen the movie, the underlying message was clear within the first ten minutes. I understand that Disney movies are predictable, but the great ones aren’t so … placating in their delivery. Additionally, the conclusion lacks the emotional satisfaction of the first. This sloppiness puts this film in the category of decent Pixar sequels. Not amazing. But worth seeing.

All in all, it was nice to visit Ralph, Vanellope, and their digital world once again. As for their story though? I may focus on the 2012 happily ever after.

A Sequel Worth Waiting For – Incredibles 2

Fourteen years ago (that’s right fourteen), the gifted family of The Incredibles used their abilities to capture a worldwide audience. Director Brad Bird’s creation not only captivated viewers because of the flawless animation, fight choreography, and voice acting, but it also captured an extremely familiar family dynamic. The success of The Incredibles was widespread among critics and audiences alike. The success was so prevalent, many wondered when a sequel was going to arrive. (Pixar had already capitalized on so many of their franchises.) Today, I wanted to give my belated thoughts on this long-awaited sequel and its impact on future Pixar installments.

Personally, I was not initially a die-hard fan of The Incredibles. As someone who wasn’t passionate about superhero flicks at the time, I also wasn’t old enough to appreciate Mr. Incredible’s midlife crisis or martial struggles. My reaction was lukewarm. However; when I saw the movie again as a young adult, I was blown away. The script was genius. The trials were real and nail-biting. The action sequences were on par with features produced by Marvel and DC. I was on the bandwagon and happy to be there. Along with everyone else, I waited in anticipation for Brad Bird and Pixar Animation Studios to revisit this intriguing and (surprisingly realistic) family. Yet, I respected the fact that Bird didn’t want to rush into making another chapter until there was a story worth sharing. That day has finally come.

 
The Incredibles 2 picks up directly where the first film left off. Immediately. (We see the family fighting the villain that appeared before the end credits.) After a lengthy and destructive battle, the superheroes find that despite rescuing the world from Syndrome, their abilities still aren’t welcome in mainstream society. Defeated, the family prepares to go underground again and attempt living “ordinary” lives. Shortly after, Frozone, Mr. Incredible, and Elastigirl are all contacted by a pair of tycoon siblings who want to improve the public perception of superheros. Holly Hunter’s character (Elastigirl) takes center stage as the siblings decide she is most likely to win over the public with some contrived good deeds. In a case of role reversal, Elastigirl finds herself commuting to “work” while her husband is home with the kids.  Similar to the first film, the audience is treated to thrilling battle segments and emotional battles waged on the human spirit. I don’t want to spoil the ending or plot twists, but I can give my ringing endorsement.

This film just works on multiple levels for multiple reasons. First of all, picking up where the first film ended was completely genius. Maybe this is just me, but after years of waiting, I didn’t really want to see Violet get married or Dash fill out college applications. Keeping the kids in this vulnerable, growing state made for much more effective humor and engaging family interactions. Additionally, it didn’t make sense to skip ahead in the timeline, because the first movie left far too many unanswered questions. Sure, the family decided to accept themselves and embrace their powers, but what about the rest of society? Did Jack-Jack continue developing his abilities? How did Violet’s date go? Oh, the humanity! In all seriousness though, I was relieved to be returned to (mostly) the same endearing cast we left behind in 2004. In addition to the characters remaining genuine, the tone of the film captured the original charm with a higher level of sophistication. Some of the quirky dialogue and action sequences gave me chills that I’ve only experienced watching DC blockbusters. Frankly, this movie will hit audiences hard.

 
Despite the highlights of course, no movie is flawless. Without giving away spoilers, the plot does mimic the storyline of the original a little too closely. The shocking twists aren’t that shocking. And lastly, while I appreciated the fast-paced dialogue, this was probably confusing for the film’s younger target audience. Also, the film could’ve used at least 60% of its best character. Edna Mode.

In conclusion, Incredibles 2 is the first Pixar sequel to be in the same league of the Toy Story trilogy. While this film took years to make, it crossed the threshold of “amusing” and should be regarded as a success. I’m sure no one wants to wait that long for a great sequel again, but we must all remember this one truth. Nothing great can be rushed. I can only hope that future Pixar installments will be treated with the same level of precision, artistic integrity, and passion.

5 Reasons to Adore “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”

Art imitates life. And sometimes, art imitates life so closely it’s frightening. Since the dawn of the entertainment industry, storytellers have drawn from their own life experiences to create their masterpieces. For many, humor is a safe and palpable way to discuss subjects that would otherwise be uncomfortable. Such is the case with the hit CW show, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

For those who are unfamiliar, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend follows the narrative of Rebecca Bunch. Once a high-powered attorney in NYC, she leaves her career behind to follow an old flame to West Covina, CA. Initially unwilling to admit that she “moved there for Josh”, she eventually builds a new life. This new life includes a relatable cast of friends, lovers, and trouble that Rebecca wasn’t able to leave on the east coast. Each episode features a slew of original songs. And 98% of these songs are hopelessly catchy and spot-on with their wit.

Rachel Bloom’s genius musical show brought comfort to me during my darkest hours. When I needed the healing power of humor more than anything, Rebecca’s adventures reminded me that I wasn’t the only one to deviate from my path. Ever since the last and final season was announced, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about why I fell in love with this show and why it has had such an impact. Today, I want to discuss in detail why I will never stop raving about this show.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend — “I Hope Josh Comes to My Party!” — Image Number: CEG103b_198.jpg — Pictured (L-R): Rachel Bloom as Rebecca and Vincent Rodriguez III as Josh — Photo: Lisa Rose/The CW — © 2015 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

1. The Hero

Bloom’s leading lady is the driving force of the show’s success as she is achingly realistic and vulnerable. From her complicated childhood to her curvy bod, she encompasses the spirit of many 20-30 somethings. As of late, most musical shows seem to center on a lead who is extraordinarily blessed. Rebecca is anything but. She has mommy and daddy issues. She has been pushed into a career that she excels at, but loathes. She is constantly looking for acceptance and affirmation in the wrong places. I think 99% of woman have felt like a Rebecca Bunch at some point. To further add to her realism, Rebecca definitely isn’t a saint. She screws up… like a lot. As likable as she is, she is also capable of manipulation and utter selfishness. In other words, Rebecca is human. Yet no matter how much she fumbles, you can’t help but cheer her on.

2. The Music

If Rebecca is the show’s driving force, then the music is its lifeblood. Each comedic (or surprisingly touching) song comes from the combined forces of Bloom, music producer Adam Schlesinger, and music consultant Jack Dolgen. These creative minds routinely put their heads together to compose songs featuring varying genres. Sometimes they play to hard-core musical fans by parodying smash-hits like Les Miserables. Other times, the pieces simply poke fun at a type of music and its fans. For example, season one’s punk tune, “Ping-Pong Girl” openly mocks the fact that teenagers think that the lead singer of All Time Low secretly craves domestic life and commitment. The truths revealed are quite staggering. And hilarious.

3. The Concept

Unlike shows like Smash that focused on characters chasing their Broadway dreams, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is free of audition and call-back drama. While Rebecca’s adventures are extreme, the heart of the story still lies with a young person just struggling to find her place in the world. Like so many of us. Therefore, every musical number only exists in her head. This allows for a lot of visual creativity on the part of the choreographers, costumers, etc. Personally, I can’t imagine how stunted these numbers would be if they were confined to realistic settings. (And I can only hope that Bloom’s real imagination is this theatrical.)

4. The Storylines

While the story obviously centers on Rebecca’s obsession with a summer camp boyfriend, the show addresses many other important issues in thoughtful and respectful ways. These trials include legitimate marital struggles, anxiety and bipolar disorders, cultivating healthy parent-child relationships, and more. Even though I didn’t agree with the way each subject was presented, I still appreciated that the show gave me something to chew on. Truly, this show is so much more than Glee for grown-ups.

5. The Cast

Last but not least, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend wouldn’t be half as lovable if Ms. Bunch wasn’t surrounded by an endearing ensemble. Everyone from Rebecca’s eager-to-please boss to her apathetic roommate fits in perfectly with the cast of realistic supporting characters. The excellent writing (coupled with Bloom’s insistence that actors of all shapes and sizes be hired) makes for a group that isn’t just entertaining. They’re utterly believable. Again, Bloom’s vision of what she wanted the show to be, did not steer anyone wrong.

As I embark on the last season of a show that has meant so much, I can only cling to the saying that “All good things come to an end”. And frankly, I love Crazy Ex-Girlfriend too much to see it become anything less than amazing.

Thanks for this bright spot Rachel. Seriously, I salute you.

5 Things No One Tells You About Becoming a Singleton

Cashing in on a label lovingly used by the chick lit community, I am currently a singleton. An unmarried woman who is enjoying her career and plans trips with friends and takes yoga on Saturdays and has more pictures of her dog on her phone than she would care to admit. (Not that there is anything wrong with that…) Anyways, since my singleton status is new-ish, I’ve found that I’m not just becoming reacquainted with dating. I’m becoming reacquainted with what is truly means to be a single twenty-something and how this affects my entire world. Sure, I was aware that things would change when I ended my relationship. I wouldn’t have a guaranteed plus one to weddings. Mementos I once treasured would be donated or thrown out. I would now have the freedom to flirt with and smile at other single men. However, there were other changes that surprised me … somewhat. Here is my attempt at summarizing the things I have found to be true.

1. You Will Be Teased

Remember what I said about having the freedom to flirt again? Well, if you find yourself single after a long-term relationship, your loved ones will assume that you are always flirting when interacting with other singles. This is definitely not the case. (Especially if you’re just friendly by nature.) Sure, sometimes you are flirting, but it’s annoying to constantly explain who is in your “friend zone”. Take comfort in the fact that your family and friends just want to see you happy and probably don’t realize how intrusive their questions are. You will have to laugh off some light-hearted jabs. Being teased by these loved ones isn’t the worst thing in the world though. On a positive note, this definitely means that you’re done with the “My life is over” phase of the grieving process. Can it still be an irritating? Yes.

2. You Will Set Stronger Boundaries

Speaking of loved ones, while you may endure some jokes at your expense, you will still have to draw some firmer boundaries in your life. For the sake of your emotional health, you will have some tough conversations where you ask others for space or sensitivity towards your situation. And the boundaries don’t just apply to others. They also apply to you. Whether this is blocking your ex on every possible form of social media or unsubscribing from wedding vendor email spam, you will need to practice diligent self-care when guarding your heart and mind.

 

3. You Will Somehow Have More And Less Patience

Ok, so how can this be? First of all, you will probably have more patience for the silly annoyances in life. Having one’s world rocked is a pretty humbling experience, so don’t be surprised if you find your road rage cooling down. On the other hand, you will have noticeably less patience for other things. Like completely self-absorbed people. When you need to lean on others, it won’t take you long to figure out who actually cares and who only loved you for being a good listener. Personally, none of these realizations were mind-blowing, but they did help me drop off some baggage. And when you’re taking care of your emotional health, you just won’t have the extra energy to spare.

 

4. You Will Re-Invest In Yourself

If you’ve been accustomed to planning your life around someone else, you will (hopefully!) start making good use of the time to embark on new endeavors or self-improvement plans. This could be the perfect motivation to lead a healthier lifestyle or finally enroll in that painting class you’ve always wanted to try. For example – I stopped biting my nails, started drinking more water, finally learned to cook, and refocused my attention on spiritual growth. There is no checklist that a new singleton has to follow. It’s just a good idea to set some healthy goals. At the very least, it will keep you in a positive, forward-thinking state of mind.

5. You Will Learn To Like Yourself Again

Regardless of who was more at fault, no one is at their best in a spiraling relationship. Even though I had little hesitation to end things, I was shocked when I had to admit that I had been talking to myself in a very negative voice. For quite some time. Like many, I had gradually stopped liking who I was in that relationship. It has been a relief to reclaim who I am. I obviously still have flaws to contend with, but I’ve also been blessed with the opportunity to remember that I am still a friendly, silly, and empathetic human being. You don’t realize how important an encouraging inner voice is, until it’s nearly extinguished.

With all of this in mind, I know that I have many more realizations in my journey ahead. As with the others, I hope to take them in stride and with an increased appreciation for peace.

Spoiler Free Review – Coco

The day before Thanksgiving, Pixar released its 19^th feature film, Coco. Since its highly-anticipated debut, critics and fans alike have been singing its praises more than the characters sing in the actual movie. Does this addition hold up to other Pixar smash-hits? Here are my rambling thoughts on the matter!

Ok, maybe I’ll reveal one spoiler. I adored Coco. While the film utilizes many popular troupes, it is still an extremely delightful and genuine flick. Personally, I’d say that Coco is on par with other masterpieces, like Inside Out and the entire Toy Story trilogy. The director, Lee Unkrich, (who directed Toy Story 3) has brought us a movie that is far richer and more satisfying than I anticipated. Honestly, I’ll admit that after seeing the trailer, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The glowing, eternal-fiesta-at-twilight universe the animators had created was breathtaking, but I wasn’t completely drawn into the premise.

Speaking of the plot, Coco centers on the coming-of-age journey of an adolescent boy. Miguel Rivera (voiced by the enthusiastic Anthony Gonzalez) has a deep-rooted passion for music. Unfortunately, his family has sordid past with the arts. His great-great-grandfather abandoned his family to pursue a musical career and since then, music has been banned in the Rivera home. Disgusted by his family’s close-minded views, Miguel runs away on the holiday, Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). After getting his hands on the guitar of a legendary (and now deceased) musician, Miguel finds himself trapped in the spirit world. In order to return, the young hero must seek the help of his ancestors while still (somehow) holding onto his lifelong dream. Despite my initial hesitation, I can now say that this film is a wonderful mix of happiness, excitement, and emotional vulnerability.

So, what makes this somewhat-cliché adventure so fulfilling? First of all, the atmosphere the animators have created is glorious. (We can only hope that the real after-life is this colorful. Bravo to the lighting team!) Also, we get to enjoy the bouncy and lively movement of the skeletons. The choreography that went into animating these characters (who were constantly rearranging themselves), could not have been easy. Secondly, the film is scored by the talented Michael Giacchino. His spirited instrumentals, with Latin overtones, complement the vocal numbers. The cheery musical numbers are also a delight, but nothing is lovelier than Coco’s theme song, “Remember Me”. This heart-breaking piece (from the song writers of Frozen) affirms that this film is so much more than a tale of rebellion.

And this is what will propel Coco to greatness. There is so much heart poured into this story. This is a tale of wonder and the sacrifices of pursuing your ambition and the everlasting power of love. Arguably, it’s the greatest family movie Pixar has ever created. Coco deserves many, many future viewings.

As with all Pixar films, just bring a box of tissues. You’ll need them.