A couple of weeks ago, Fran was looking for something to watch on Netflix and
came upon this Netflix limited series, "All the Light We Cannot See"
If you love historical fiction, like I do, you will love this limited
series. We were hooked from the very first episode and binged the whole
series in one night.
All the Light We Cannot See is based on the critically acclaimed novel by
Anthony Doerr.
The book was published in 2014 and was a New York Times Best Seller, and
also won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
Netflix released the limited series on November 2, 2023. This series will
have you on the edge of your seat through every episode.
Set during World War II the story follows two young individuals whose lives
intersect amid the chaos of the war.
Newcomer Aria Mia Loberti as Marie-Laure LeBlanc, a blind French
teenage girl and the daughter of
Daniel LeBlanc played by Mark Ruffalo.
Aria Mia Loberti is really blind and this was her first acting
experience.
Louis Hoffmann as Werner Pfennig, a young German orphan who
eventually becomes a soldier specializing in detecting and tracking radio
frequencies.
Lars Eidinger as Reinhold von Rumple, an officer of the SS who
certifies and evaluates art, and jewelry.
Hugh Laurie as Etienne LeBlanc, a reclusive World War I veteran
suffering from PTSD and the great uncle of Marie-Laure.
The series spans from the years 1934 to 1944. When Nazi Germany invades
France, Marie, and Daniel flee to Saint-Malo to take refuge in her
great-uncle's house.
All the Light You Cannot See is a rollercoaster of emotions as the series
balances moments of intense drama, heart-melting romance, and the harsh
realities of war.
I was emotionally invested in the journey of each character. I found
myself rooting for their triumphs and feeling their heartaches as their
lives intertwined. You find out early on in this series what bonds Marie and
Werner, and you are eager to find out how it ends.
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In the past thirty days, I've watched more movies than I have in one year.
After scrolling past "Where'd You Go, Bernadette" for several weeks, I decided to give it a try.
I prefer movies with skilled, famous actors or actresses. Where'd You Go, Bernadette stars Cate Blanchett, Billy Crudup, Emma Nelson, and Kristen Wiig, so it passed my initial talent hurdle. There are additional small acting appearances by other well-known artists.
Based on the 2012 Hit Novel, Where'd You Go Bernadette, by Maria Semple
As usual, according to multiple online reviews, the general consensus is that the novel was better, and the movie missed the mark.
However, I haven't read the novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed the movie.
The Movie - Released August 2019 as a Comedy-Drama
Bernadette Fox, played by Cate Blanchett, is a renowned Architect, who after experiencing a professional embarrassment on a very public project, decides to retreat into her family. Leaving her profession 'hanging' is one of the main reasons she begins to lose her grip on life. She settles into a reclusive existence with little to no patience for anyone other than her daughter and husband.
When the movie starts, you don't get the feeling Bernadette isn't "all there." That part of the movie builds in stages through a series of dramatic incidents. At first, you're thinking, "ok, she's normal; she simply lacks tolerance." However, as the movie progresses, you learn, "nope, there's more to this story than meets the eye,"
The Comedic Aspect of the Film
Although the movie highlights the seriousness of mental illness, it manages to do it with some humor. Personally speaking, I appreciated that approach. I wasn't looking for a movie about the absolute seriousness of the human condition. I was able to get more out of this film by the way they approached this topic. After all, the movie is billed as a comedy-drama, so that's what I was expecting, and that's what it delivered.
My Favorite Line - It Essentially Sums Up the Movie
Laurence Fishburne has a small but substantial role in the movie. As soon as he delivered this line to Bernadette, I immediately understood why Bernadette lost herself:
"...People like you must create. That's what you were brought into this world to do, Bernadette. If you don't, you become a menace to society."
That line made me want to go out and fix people! Lol. I know a few people this applies to! I personally understand it as well; when I'm not creating, I'm lost. I hadn't really thought of it that way, but yes, there's some truth to the menace aspect.
There's much more to this story. If you're looking for a fun, where-the-heck-is-this-movie-heading plot, you'll enjoy this one.
Personally Speaking - Here are the Words I'd Use to Describe this Film
Quirky
Funny
Family
Artists
Love
Neglect
Mother Daughter
Distance
Absurd
Hopeful
Healing
Bizarre
Serious but Light
Movie Preview - If you're viewing via mobile, you can see the trailer directly on YouTube here.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Dead To Me is a popular Netflix series. Have you watched it yet?
My niece mentioned it to my mom and several online friends mentioned they enjoyed it.
So, yep, I took the plunge and watched the series.
I Didn't Take My Own Advice About Binge-Watching AGAIN!
Several months ago, feeling all high-and-mighty, I thought it prudent to give out 'how to binge-watch tv' advice. Don't listen to me, because I clearly cannot practice what I preach.
I did all the don'ts again: I started the series near midnight and stayed up till 4am to finish an entire season. On the plus side, it's good!
What is Dead To Me About?
Christina Applegate plays Jen Harding, a realtor whose husband was killed by a hit and run driver. Linda Cardellini plays Judy Hale, a woman Jen meets at a grief support group. They become friends, however, the relationship is plagued with a shocking secret. I won't go any further so as not to reveal the plot. Here's the trailer for Season 1:
Enjoy Two Seasons of Dead to Me
In May 2019, the first season of Dead to Me was released. The second season was just released on May 8th, 2020. If you've never watched this show, lucky you; you get to binge-watch two seasons!
The actors and quality acting make the series.
My eldest son and I recently discussed how an excellently written show with bad actors just doesn't cut it. However, a bad show with good actors is tolerable.
This show hits both marks: it's well written and features quality actors and quality acting. It's more like watching a well-acted movie.
Here's the trailer for the second season:
Lots of 'Language' in This Series
If you can't handle the 'F-bomb', this show is not for you. Although I usually don't enjoy movies with constant swearing, Christina Applegate's character made me laugh every time she swore - which is almost constantly! Her character has anger issues, so the writer's use of swearing works with this plot-line.
I'm not usually into crime-related shows, however, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It's far-fetched enough to feel like entertainment and not something that could actually happen. Although these days who knows? I prefer getting lost in a true fiction, and Dead To Me offered enough fiction to make it unbelievable - in a good way.
If you're looking for another series, I recently reviewed 'Upload' - You'll escape the world's problems, yep, it's out of this world, total fiction.
Happy Sunday, P.S. It's National Chocolate Ice Cream Day - Enjoy a bowl of ice-cream while you binge-watch TV
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Tongue in cheek. Well, sort of. I kind-of mean every single word.
In the scope of life problems, this doesn't even rate. But that's why I'm writing about it. Since there's too much going on in the world, mindless drivel is temporarily appealing, almost necessary.
So, you probably guessed by now that I'm the recent victim of binge-watching a series. I can feel the professional binge-watchers rolling their eyes. Still, the pros need to remember, they were newbie-bingers once.
Let's Review the Three Rules:
1. Don't Pick a Series With Only One Season
For gawd-sakes, before you even scroll through Amazon Prime or Netflix, decide that any series with only one season is off-limits.
Want to know why?
Because when you're finished watching Season 1, you'll be googling to find out when Season 2 is coming out.
Then you'll toss your perrier in the fireplace when you find out it hasn't been renewed for a second season. Or if it has been renewed, that filming doesn't start until March of 2020, which means the fall of 2020 before you get to watch it again - one darn episode at a time!
Yes, I binge-watched 'Another Life' on Netflix last night and yep, one season only, and season two doesn't start filming until March 2020. I have this uncontrollable urge to see if they'll hire me on the crew so I can get a heads-up on the story. I need help.
Since I mentioned the series 'Another Life,' are you wondering if I recommend it? Well, if you like Sci-Fi with a connection to Earth as we currently know it, then I hate to say this, but you're going to love it.
Warning, resist it because you'll only want more. Or go ahead and keep me company for a year until season two starts. I'm already looking forward to Fall 2020, how sick is that?
2. Don't Start Binge-Watching at Midnight
Yah. I did that too.
So there I was, scrolling Netflix for a movie. You know, one that's maybe ... like ... 2 hours at the most. I had noticed 'Another Life' before, and that it was a 'series,' and avoided it for that reason.
Last night, I was powerless. I gave in to my 'no series' rule and couldn't fight the urge to not click 'watch next episode' all.night.long.
I figure if you start watching around 7pm and decide to binge, then there's a good chance you'll be heading to bed before 4am. Plus, there's also the chance that life intrusions will prevent you from watching every episode at once! At midnight, there's no one awake to rag on you.
Ok. I did have some discipline, I only watched eight episodes and viewed the final two this afternoon. I can't get this show out of my head, can you tell? I'm so curious about the next season. Grrrr.
3. Don't Be Afraid to Use the Pause Button
It seems logical, right? When you need to take a break, hit the Pause button, and go do your thing. I mean, we're not Gremlins that can't be fed after midnight, are we? But come to think of it, I was more like Stripe last night.
Apparently, that's too much common sense for me, and I held it way too long. Sheesh, I wasn't even stuck in a vehicle.
So, pause your series for snack and pee breaks. When you're really into your show, you'll resist stepping away, and all I can say is resist the resistance - 'taint good for the bladder.
Here's the trailer for Another Life, to lead you into temptation :)
Is There a Series with More Than One Season that I Recommend?
Omg, that's a screaming YES!!
My all-time favorite program in the history of programs is the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon! I know I'm screaming again. It's based on the books, and it.is.absolutely.fantastic. The fans, me included, are chomping at the bit to watch Season 5, which starts in February of 2020!
So guess what, if you binge-watch all 4 seasons of Outlander, you'll be able to start watching Season 5 right away with the rest of us crazies.
I'm so obsessed with this show that I follow it on Twitter and Instagram? I need an intervention.
Oh, here's a heads-up warning:
When you get to the episode called 'The Wedding,' umm, watch it without kids in the room. The wedding night is very, very very and very physical with a lot of nudity. If that's not your thing you can skip it, but I must say, it's pertinent to fully appreciate Jamie and Claire's connection.
I'm leading you into temptation one more time with the Trailer for Outlander Season 1, but this show has 4 seasons to consume your life - a much better way to get lost in space.
I'll close by saying that I don't watch a lot of TV. Don't laugh, it's true. However, when I do watch, I apparently go all in?
So let's summarize the three rules:
1. A show with more than one season
2. Don't start binge-watching at midnight
3. Take breaks
Or ignore them, and watch what you want, when you want :)
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Sling Television Brings Live Major Network TV Back to Cable Cutters!
Several months ago, I had finally had enough! Cable TV just kept getting more expensive while quality continued to decline and customer service was basically nonexistent, so we pulled the cable plug. However, we still have TV.
My husband reconnected an old fashioned antenna. Remember the rabbit ears? Yes, we have those again, but they are hidden behind a plant on top of our TV cabinet. This allows us to watch local TV stations, local news and local weather.
We also purchased a Roku from Amazon.com and hooked it up. Through the Roku, we are able to view hundreds of movies and TV programs that are streamed programming, but not live TV. It is good, but not exactly perfect. However, just this week I received an email introducing Sling Television and our major network TV viewing is live again!
Sling.com
With Sling Television we can now have live major network TV again! The basic Sling service cost only $20/month and we could not be happier. I now have CNN, A&E, AMC, TNT, TBS and Cartoon Network on live TV. The basic service also includes ESPN, ESPN2, Disney Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, and more. There are additional packages available as well for only $5/month. We won't need those, but it is definitely worth mentioning that Sling has upgrades to their basic service available.
Here is a line up of the services we now have on TV. You can see for yourself how we have substantially cut our monthly costs.
Sling.com ~ Live TV Basic Service includes ESPN, ESPN2, AMC, A&E, TNT, TBS, CNN, Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, History Channel (Device Required: Amazon Fire, Roku, iOS, Android, Mac, or PC) ~ Cost: $20.00/month
Amazon Prime ~ Prime Instant Video (thousands of movies & TV shows), Prime Music, Prime Photos, Kindle Library, plus Free 2 day shipping on Amazon orders all included with Amazon Prime. ~ Cost: $99.00/year
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
