Video Editing..

Even though Sony Vegas crashed eleven times, I managed to get the preview up on youtube. Vegas is an amazing program though; the flash effects and the sepia tone are still in the works:

Merlin Season 4 Review

Having finished the season finale, I am just.....WOW!

Since I'm speechless right now, I'm going to try outlining the good and the ugly about this season.

Good:

• The cohesive structure of the series: Unlike the previous series with filler episodes, everything in this season culminates. Even 'Lamia' and 'The Secret Sharer' have their roles in character development.
• The performances: Every single member of the cast gave it their best--and the effect of that was incredible. Even the cheesiest lines sounded so realistic. Colin Morgan didn't even need to speak to show Merlin's inner agony and unhappiness (especially when he murdered Agravaine). Bradley James and Angel Coulby stole the show multiple times, especially in Lancelot Du Lac. Katie McGrath, despite the screenwriters' insistence on portraying her as a single-minded villain with less than a minute of screen time, shows her greatly improved acting, particularly in the season finale. The guest stars this season were also more memorable: Gemma Jones, Janet Montgomery, Miranda Raison, Ben Daniels, and everyone else (too many more to list!) are so talented; it's a shame guest stars don't reappear that often.
• The darkness: Katie McGrath wasn't kidding when she said this season was darker. As the plot evolved, this factor was inevitable, and I thought it was pulled off rather well.
• Arwen: Remember those days I hid behind a pillow during Season 2? The chemistry between Bradley and Angel was at its top this season...I think I'm an Arwen shipper now! 
• The Music: So dark, haunting, and tragic. I'm buying the score when it's released!
• The plot: Just my favorite scenes of the season.
• Morgana confronting the Cailleach
• Lancelot meeting the Great Dragon!
• Uther's duel...and death.
• Aithusa hatching
• Amis telling Morgana she's more like Uther than she thinks.
• Morgana telling Merlin about loyalty.
• Emrys/Morgana duel
• Gwen/Arthur scenes, particularly in 4x01, 4x05, and 4x13
• Gwen/Morgana confrontations in 4x11 and 4x13.
• Lancelot/Arthur duel and the subsequent fight. Angel's acting was AMAZING in this scene!
• Hunith and Merlin reunion...so sweet. Not to mention the Arthur/Gwen one.
• Gwaine singing for his supper...and Elyan's "I've been locked up with Gwaine for a week"
• Tristan telling Arthur he still has Isolde.
• Isolde's death scene...so tragic this is.
• Gwen's coronation.
• Every Morgana scene in 4x13...Katie impressed me. 
• The Arthur/Morgana confrontation. This is hands down my favorite scene in the whole series.

Meh..

• Agravaine: Nathaniel Parker is brilliant...but why is Arthur so gullible all the time? I felt the directors could have explored his loyalties a bit more...explain why he was so loyal to Morgana and why he hated Uther and Arthur so much.
• Cliffhanger: They better explain it well.
• Morgana: Katie was amazing, but the writers could have portrayed her as a multi-dimensional villan...though in this series she does have a goal in mind. The confrontation in the finale was leaning towards that though, so hopefully that wil happen.
• Tristan and Isolde: Such an important part in the legend....and they last for only two episodes. Not to mention, their only purpose is to get Gwen and Arthur back together again.
• No Mordred or Vivienne: Morgana's mother is so unknown...and there seems to be more to her than just "She's the wife of Goloris." Not to mention, NO MORDRED?!!!!

Nevertheless, this was hands down the best season of Merlin yet. Season 5...COME QUICKER!!!

TO DIE FOR Book Review

Of all the perceptions regarding historical figures, the views on Anne Boleyn are arguably the most polarized. Thoughts on her range from a feminist model of the time to a harlot. Unfortunately, most authors take the simple route and describe her as a seductress enchanting the king, taking no notice of her acts of charity and other more positive characteristics.

So after a while, weary from the inaccurate portrayals of Anne Boleyn, I stopped reading Tudor novels altogether. When I first heard of TO DIE FOR, I thought to myself, "It's just another Tudor novel." However, after learning that the author had consulted a historian during the writing process, I requested and received a copy for review.

And having read it, I can say that I was so glad I did.

The story centers around Meg Wyatt, a childhood friend of Anne Boleyn. Meg, despite going through turmoils of her own, stays loyal to her friend. When Anne rises to power so does Meg. But when Anne fails to produce a male heir, the king's passionate love turns to hate, and Meg is forced to choose between her safety and her friend.

One aspect of the novel which just blew me away was the historical accuracy. The few changes from history to fiction were for the reader's benefit, rather than the author's own portrayal of the characters. The depictions of the historical figures were spot on: Henry is as fickle as history describes him and Anne is the woman who happens to fall in love with such a man.

For once, Anne Boleyn has her justice. She is not a "witch", rather a woman determined to protect her maidenhood. Anne, unfortunately, falls in love with a narcissistic man who cares for few other than himself. Her ideas for the Reformation, along with her crucial role in it, are brought to light---FINALLY!

Meg also shines and has her moments. She embodies traits that so few main female characters display today, most notably her unwavering loyalty for her friend. Just as Anne, she is a victim of the culture at the time. However, her allegiance and headstrong character won my admiration from the start.

I don't want to give away spoilers, so I'll just put it this way: the ending had me bawling, even though I knew what was coming. Anyone with the slightest interest in Tudor History should give this book a shot; it had me on the edge of my chair until the end.

Rating: 9/10


By the way, here are some TO DIE FOR buttons I made. Show your Anne Boleyn love! :)

<img src="http://i53.tinypic.com/13ydkx2.jpg"> <img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/10f7tib.jpg"> <img src="http://i55.tinypic.com/2d15p48.jpg"> <img src="http://i54.tinypic.com/2hdmxid.jpg">

Also, I'm actually trying to make a book trailer for this. I do this with every book which inspires me: THE HUNGER GAMES, WUTHERING HEIGHTS, etc. I'm trying to salvage some clips, but so far THE TUDORS seems to be one of the few options I have. Don't get me wrong, I love the show. Sometimes the costumes are...a bit outdated -_-. As of now I have Natalie Dormer as Anne and Rachel Hurd Wood as Meg. Trying to find some clips for Will though:

"_______" is better than Twilight....YES, WE KNOW!

After encountering this little article, I did what I do when I get frustrated....rant write. Basically, the article explains how THE HUNGER GAMES is so much better than TWILIGHT, Bella's a Mary Sue, etc.

Before I get into is, I'll admit to being a HUGE Hunger Games fan...but I also used to be a Twilight fan and I'm not going to deny it. Yes, I loved the books. I didn't have a crush on Edward, but I loved the writing, the story, everything about it. After a while my interests changed, but I didn't actually hate the books.

That being said, throughout the past year, the Twilight-basing has risen to the point of annoyance. @Lord_Voldemort7 and twilightsucks.com are only a few of the outlets which result in fans leading pointless arguments. The articles "X is better than Twilight" or "Hermione vs. Bella Swan" have become so common, but hate brings attention...and hits....and advertising revenue.

In Defense of Morgana Pendragon

After seeing a LOT of Morgana hate online, I've decided to finally deal with it once and for all. For those of you who don't know, Morgana is a supporting character in BBC's hit show Merlin. She starts off as a spoiled princess, realizes she has magic, and ultimately embraces her dark side.

Before anyone goes into the "Merlin tried to help Morgana" stance and the "Morgana always smirks" comments, let's put it in Morgana's words:

I have a magic Merlin,Uther hates me and everyone like me. Why should I feel any differently about him?

Wait, this reminds me of something....maybe another witch. Maybe Lily Potter.....

But you call everyone of my birth Mudblood, Severus. Why should I be any different?

The words Morgana and Lily speak are almost identical in nature. Both of them were betrayed, and both of them decide to choose who they truly are as opposed to what people want them to be.

Back to Morgana. For those who are still saying "Morgana has friends!!!!! She decided this path" let's look at everyone one by one.

• Uther: Love-hate relationship there. But nevertheless, Morgana is 100% justified in hating this guy. He executed anyone at the suspicion of magic. Considering that he was ready to execute Gaius solely on someone else's word, Morgana had every reason to fear him. Most of this is self-explanatory for people who watched the show, but no amount of good Uther shows overcomes his hatred for magic---and Morgana knows that. Not to mention he wasn't ready to admit Morgana was his flesh and blood solely because of the shame factor...not cool Uther, not cool.
• Arthur: This guy's been mostly understanding and compassionate toward Morgana. However, in almost every single episode, he's made it clear that his loyalty is toward his father. So in the end between friend and enemy, he's pretty much enemy in Morgana's eyes.
• Merlin: Merlin knew about Morgana's magic. He could have helped her. He could have chosen her over Camelot. He could have told her about Morgause's magic. He didn't. Enough said.
• Gaius: This guy knew Morgana had magic...and didn't tell her. He knew Morgana was smart enough, but in the end he chose Camelot over her. To top it off, he didn't even take her seriously when she told him about her nightmares. Come on Gaius, you could have done better than that.
• Gwen: Between her boyfriend and best friend who did she choose? Her boyfriend.

If you disagree with me, leave me a comment! :)