What I'm Watching #2 | March 2015

Welcome back to my 'What I'm Watching' series! I've decided to do this as a monthly kind of thing as I'm always watching something different. That, and I binge watch so much stuff that it seems perfectly reasonable to do this each month ;)

Reign (2013-)

Starring: Adelaide Kane, Torrance Coombs, Toby Regbo, Megan Follows.

Reign chronicles the rise to power of Mary Queen of Scots as she arrives in France, betrothed to Prince Francis, with her ladies-in-waiting. It details the secret history of survival at French Court amid fierce foes, dark forces and a world of sexual intrigue.

Ever since I was young, I've been a complete history nerd. So much so that before completing a Law degree at university, I first did a year of history. Therefore, a TV show similar to the Tudors was immediately appealing to me when I saw the first season on Netflix.

Reign follows the young Mary Queen of Scots as she arrives in France at a young age, betrothed to the young Prince Francis. As was quite common at the time, the union was more to unite two countries and provide a formidable force. However all is not as it seems at the French court, and Mary is followed on her journey by her best friends and ladies-in-waiting, all who have their own stories and uses to move the plot along. I love all the drama, mystery and love that comes with this TV show - especially Bash, the Prince's illegitimate brother who is a downright heartthrob! It may not be entirely factually accurate, but it works well. However, I can't help but remember what happens to Mary in the end - so I can guess how the TV show will finish!

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Chris Tucker.

After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.

I can remember when this film was first coming out, I was so excited to see it. Fast forward three years and I finally managed to see it, yayy! Silver Linings Playbook is smart in that it brings to attention issues with mental health - yes the film has some comic value, but for the most part it shows how all different types of people are affected by it. And that is just one of the reasons I enjoyed the film.

Secondly, I loved the dynamic between Pat and Tiffany. It's clear that the two characters were meant to meet, and they begin to bring out the best in each other. Pat helps Tiffany realise her self worth after the sudden death of her other half, whilst Tiffany helps Pat eventually get over his wife. Plus the ending is just heartbreakingly sweet, and shows love can just come from anywhere.

Pretty Little Liars (2010-)

Starring: Ashley Benson, Lucy Hale, Troian Bellisario, Shay Mitchell.

Four friends band together against an annonymous foe who threatens to reveal their darkest secrets, whilst unravelling the mystery of the murder of their best friend.

Originally, I started watching this a while back but I just couldn't get past the first few episodes - it just didn't appeal to me as much. However more recently a few people have been telling me I should give it another go and I wouldn't be disappointed. Now I'm a few episodes away from the end of the first season and I still don't know what to think...

The premise of the show is good - four best friends struggle to cope with the disappearance of one of their friends, all the while being harassed and threatened by a unknown person calling themselves 'A'. I love how the show focuses on each of the girls individually, showing that whilst they're friends there is still quite a bit the girls don't know about each other. Another thing that appeals to me is the way the show highlights all sorts of dramas for each girl; from Hanna's eating disorder, to Emily's coming out to her parents. The writers sure aren't hesitating to pull the punches here.

The thing I struggle with sometimes is the believability - yes I know it's just a TV show, but some of the drama sometimes feels laughably ridiculous. The show is entertaining yes, but I can't seem to understand the craze surrounding it. Hopefully the more I watch, the more I'll get into it? For now I enjoy watching this every now and then - I'm hoping that'll change and I'll soon get sucked in and really invested in it!

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Skylar Astin.

Becca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her schools all-girl singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition.

Ever since this film came out I've loved it, and I'm so excited now for the sequel that's coming out soon! I rewatched this recently as I made Liam finally watch it (he refused to initially, which made me all the more determined).

The film follows Becca, your typical film outsider who eventually finds her place within an Acapella group. There's some romance, but it doesn't seem as necessary to the plot as the friendships between the girls within the group. Overall, I loved the music and the mashups of songs - the girls' cover of Bruno Mar's 'Just The Way You Are' has to be my favourite!

Chalet Girl (2011)

Starring: Felicity Jones, Ed Westwick, Bill Nighy, Bill Bailey.

Former skateboarding champion Kim wants to make more money for her family after her mothers tragic death. She joins an elite company catering for a family in the Alps where she discovers a passion for skiing and begins to fall for Johnny, her handsome and spoken-for boss.

Chalet Girl is one of those easy going films that is perfect for a quick pick me up. Kim used to love skateboarding, but ever since her mum died in a tragic accident she's associated the sport with it. With a depressed stay at home dad, it's left to Kim and a dead end job to support them both - until she gets an offer she can't refuse. Set among the alps, this film is perfect if you're in the mood for something lighthearted and comical. I loved Ed Westwick in Gossip Girl, and it's refreshing to see him in another role.

American Horror Story: Asylum (2012-2013)

Starring: Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Jessica Lange, Zachary Quinto.

In a New England sanitarium, presided by ministers of faith and science, the innocent and the mad run from greater dangers and their own pasts. Bookended by modern day explorations of the ruins, a darker mystery lies in wait for its victims.

I can remember watching the first season of AHS and being both freaked out and intrigued - after all, it was something completely different and new! But season two is my favourite yet I think, it's just so twisted and dark.

Set in an asylum, Season Two is literally the thing of nightmares. Because once you're admitted to Briarcliff, you never leave. And quite a few of the patients seem rather sane - like Lana and Kit, who were both imprisoned wrongly and submitted to horrifying experiments. Other characters - such as Sister Jude, who becomes oddly likeable, and Grace, another inmate who bonds with Kit, add to the main cast. As the season goes on it goes down a dark, dark path which, after some episodes, gave me the complete creeps. But somehow I can't stop watching...

Clueless (1995)

Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy, Stacey Dash.

Cher, a high school student in Beverly Hills, must survive the ups and downs of adolescent life. Her external demeanour at first seems superficial, but rather hides it with her wit, charm and intelligence which helps her to deal with relationships, friends, family, school and the all-important teenage social life.

For as long as I can remember 'Clueless' has been one of my feel good films. It's nothing too complicated which is perfect for me as I can just stick it on in the background and get on with things. The film follows Alicia Silverstone in the lead role as Cher, a girl who looks the typical valley girl but is actually a sweet, if a little ditzy girl as she navigates her way through school. It's easy going and will definitely raise a few smiles with other bloggers in my opinion - afterall, we can all relate to shopping so much!

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson.

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

I'm sure this one needs no introduction?! The Hunger Games series is the only film series in which I can honestly say I can't pick my favourite. I'll watch one and be like, yeah okay this is my favourite. Then another one comes along and changes my mind! Anyway...

I saw this one on Netflix one day when surfing for something to watch and figured 'why not?!' I love the progression of Katniss' character, and showing how she was struggling with what she did in the first film was great. However the relationship between her and Gale just really winds me up...and I have no idea why. Anyway, I can't wait for the final film to come out this year. Although truth be told after reading the book, I'm not sure I can handle the film!!

What films/TV shows have you been loving this month? Any recommendations for me? Let me know in the comments below! :)

❤