Throwback Thursday: Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Perception is not always everything. How we see ourselves is not how others see us. This can apply, in writing terms, to how we see antagonists. We, as the audience, know that they are up to no good. But this character believes that they are doing the right thing.

The 2012 Disney movie, Wreck-It Ralph, is the story of an old-school video game villain who wants to be seen as a hero. Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly) wishes that he was seen in a good light by the residents of the game he inhabits. The problem is there can only be one protagonist, Felix (Jack McBrayer).

He sees his opportunity to change his reputation via Seargent Calhoun (Jane Lynch) in a first-person shooter game. In doing so, he lets loose a virus that may shut down the entire arcade. The only way he can save himself and his world is through an unexpected ally: Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman).

Can Ralph change his self-image and his entire world before it is too late?

I love this movie. It is funny, it is supremely entertaining, and it has heart. It also has a message about self-esteem and trying to prove that you are more than what others think you are.

I also love that the female characters are equal in terms of narrative and image to the male characters. They are not confined to “traditional” female roles.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

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Best New TV Shows of 2020

1. Bridgerton (Netflix): This Jane Austen inspired series is based on books by Julia Quinn. Sexy and romantic with a feminist twist, it is the perfect BPD (British Period Drama) to lose one’s self in.
2. Saved by the Bell (Peacock): The re-imagining of this much loved 1990’s teen comedy program will thrill both new fans and old.
3. Cursed (Netflix): Based on the comic book by Frank Miller, it revisits the Arthurian myth via Nimue (Katherine Langford).
4. World on Fire (PBS): This PBS/Masterpiece follows a group of individuals as World War II is on the horizon.
5. Mrs. America (F/X/Hulu): In the 1970’s, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was close to becoming the law of the land. A tug of war begins between one group of women that is for it and another that is against it.
6. Sanditon (PBS): Based off the unfinished book of the same name by Jane Austen, we follow Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams), a young woman who leaves her family for the seaside resort town of Sanditon.
7. The Baby-Sitters Club (Netflix): This Netflix series is based on the books by Ann M. Martin.
8. Flesh and Blood (PBS): Natalie (Lydia Leonard), Jake (Russell Tovey), and Helen (Claudie Blakely) are unsure about their widow mother’s new boyfriend.
9. The Weakest Link (NBC): A delightful reboot of the early 2000’s game show of the same name. Hosted by Jane Lynch.
10. The Windemere Children (PBS): World War II has just ended. 300 child survivors of The Holocaust are taken to England to heal. The adults have their work cut out for them.

Throwback Thursday: The Weakest Link (2001-2003)

If you watch enough television, you know what to expect when watching a game show.

Between 2001 and 2003, The Weakest Link changed all that. Imported from Britain and hosted by Anne Robinson, the format of the program is as follows: a group of contestants answer a series of random trivia questions. Along the way, they earn money that will eventually become a cash prize. After each round, each contestant is eliminated until one is announced as the winner.

Though it only ran in the States for two years, it was a great two years. From my perspective, there are two reasons why it was successful. The first was adding a Survivor like competition to what we think of the traditional television game show. The other is Anne Robinson. When we think of a game show host, we usually think of a man who is charming and amiable. Robinson, on the other hand, was a woman who was not above cutting down one of the players with a snarky insult.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

P.S. The current reboot with Jane Lynch as host is worth watching.

The Weakest Link Review

Game shows, especially trivia game shows, are a dime a dozen on television. It takes a unique program to stand out and last.

The reboot of the early aughts’ game show, The Weakest Link, premiered tonight on NBC. Hosted by Jane Lynch (taking over from the original host, Anne Robinson), the format of the program is the same as its predecessor. Eight contestants are quizzed on a variety of subjects, their goal is to be the winner and walk away with a financial prize. One by one, each one is eliminated (aka labelled The Weakest Link), until the final contestant is announced as the winner.

I loved it. The problem with some reboots and re-makes is that it is easy to copy, but the new edition is empty compared to its forerunner. That is not the case with this show. Jane Lynch is the perfect host, with just enough biting wit and smarminess to elicit a chuckle from both the audience and those in the studio.

I absolutely recommend it.

The Weakest Link airs on Tuesday night at 8:00PM on NBC.

Throwback Thursday-Glee (2009-2015)

For many, high school is difficult, to say the least. But, if you can find a group of friends, the experience is just a tiny bit easier.

Glee aired from 2009-2015. The show followed a glee club as they perform while balancing everything that is high school. Led by teacher Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) and egged on Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch), this musical take on high school was and still is unique within the genre of teen based television shows.

I was not a huge fan of Glee. I may have watched an episode or two, but it was not one of the programs that I regularly tuned in for. That being said, I can understand the appeal of this show and I appreciated the diversity of the characters.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.