Film making is a powerful tool to send a message. Netflix has a vast selection of documentaries to choose from. I had a couple hours of down time while I was sitting on campus when I scrolled to Miss Representation. As I watched, I interpreted how there is so much sexism in the way in which women are portrayed in the media. I wanted to discuss what I learned and why this is so important to me.

Most importantly, Miss Representation highlights the sexuality of women in the media. As I’m bombarded by advertisements, I see women are dressed scantily and are wearing a crap ton of makeup. Victoria’s Secret is a prime example of highlighting women’s sexuality. What bothers me about this is that it demonstrates to women that we are successful if we are “beautiful” (according to the media). I can be successful by being intelligent, or working hard in my classes. My success is not determined by beauty. Another toxic idea is that women can’t be sexual unless it’s for advertising. Kim Kardashian posts semi-nude selfies all the time. She takes ownership of her body, and she’s slammed for it. It’s okay to sexualize a woman’s body by selling a product, but no way in hell can a woman take control of her body. How aggravating.

This documentary reaffirms sexism in the media and the way women are treated. It’s important to me that I find awesome role models who defy these standards or who stand up against them. It’s also why when I read comic books, I like reading books that don’t sexualize female characters. Anyway, if you’re a feminist, I highly recommend this. It will anger you, but make you reaffirm why you’re a feminist in the first place. I’m a feminist and I want to see a change in how the media portrays women.

Last weekend, the boyfriend drove to the cities to hang out with me which is sweet since we are doing a little bit of long distance this summer. He asked what I wanted to do while he was here and I immediately answered with “See Civil War” The boyfriend had already seen this movie, but he gladly decided to go again with me and not spoil anything before the movie. Civil War was so good for a variety of reasons, but I love the addition of two new characters: Black Panther and Spiderman.

Representation in TV & Movies is so important. It’s great to see some diversity onscreen and I’m glad Marvel is trying to add that to their movies. I also think Black Panther was really significant to the plot of the film. I could really identify with his need for revenge and why he chose to fight with Iron Man.

I was also stunned when I found out that the Winter Soldier killed Tony Stark’s family. Is that comic book canon? I have no idea, but I didn’t see that coming at all. I just assumed we would never truly know what happened to Stark’s family. Steve Rodgers knew about this too which is hypocritical. Steve Rodgers is all about not keeping secrets and not being left out of the loop, but he’s glad to keep secrets about other people.

Civil War is fascinating because there really isn’t a “villain” in this movie. I mean Zemo and Crossbones are villains sure, but both Tony Stark and Steve Rodgers feel they are doing the right thing. On the one hand, I truly feel bad for Bucky. He was taken, experimented on, and forced to do atrocious things. Though I do respect Tony Stark and I think he wants to keep everyone safe because he feels guilty about what’s happened in the past.

In general, this was a really well-made, humorous, and action-packed movie. My all-time favorite Marvel movie is still Captain America the Winter Soldier but this movie was still fun to watch. Now I just can’t wait for Black Panther to finally get the solo movie he deserves.

Me and my boyfriend are huge DC fans. We were both eagerly awaiting the release of Batman V. Superman to see how it would set up the movie verse of the Justice League. I would say I do tend to lean more toward DC than Marvel, but I like both companies and characters within that universe. I saw this movie on Saturday and I was expecting to hate it. The reviews about this movie have really been awful. I have seen geeks complain about how no one should pay to see this movie. That’s definitely over-exaggerated. This movie has a lot of flaws, but there were parts I liked. I would rate it a 7/10.

What I Liked:

Ben Affleck is actually a really decent Batman. This is why I never hate on a casting choice. Everyone was all angry because Heath Ledger was cast as Joker and now we know how great his portrayal of the character was. When I think of Batman as a character, I think of how truly terrifying he is. Ben Affleck really gave off that vibe. There were several times when he would just appear, and you would get startled. This feels more like an accurate portrayal of the character.

Wonder Woman is another strong aspect of this movie. Gal Gadot does a fantastic job. I wish that it would have been kept under wraps instead of shown in the trailer. It would have been more exciting to see her on-screen without knowing she was going to be there. I’m definitely looking forward to her solo film when it comes out next year.

What I didn’t like:

Jesse Eisenberg is an example of a complete miscast. Lex Luthor seems regal, professional, and serious. Jesse Eisenberg was a mess throughout this entire movie. He felt more like the Joker in his personality than Lex. Zach Synder could have wanted Jesse to act this way, so maybe the fault is on Zach, but this was just a little too much. This is definitely a weak point in the movie.

This movie had too much stuff going on in it. It’s trying to build up this hatred between Batman and Superman, trying to fit in a major villain for a team-up between the two heroes. Doomsday, adding in members of the Justice League, Lex trying to bring the two heroes to fight, and more. I mean I felt overloaded trying to comprehend every single aspect of this movie. Synder tries to throw everything in this movie so that a Justice League movie can happen. I understand why, but I think it harms the movie more than helps.

Finally, this movie felt very boring at times. There are a lot of build-ups, which is great, but it made the movie feel a lot longer. It’s 2 1/2 hours long and you can definitely tell because the movie just felt boring at parts.

Overall, if you’re a fan of DC comics, I suggest seeing this movie. However, it has a lot of flaws and it still feels pretty average. It’s nowhere near some of my favorite superhero movies because it just didn’t excite me like I wish it would have. On the bright side, I can’t wait for the Wonder Woman movie. Hopefully, November 2017 will come rather quickly.

Legends of Tomorrow is a show that I have a love/hate relationship with. I blogged some time ago about this show and how I was very excited to start watching it. Being that I’m indeed a Doctor Who fan, this felt like Doctor Who with superhero companions. Plus any reason to see Arthur Darvill back on TV is good enough for me. Also, I absolutely adore Caity Loitz. She’s my favorite version of Black Canary as I have never been a fan of Laurel’s portrayal of the character.

So I start watching and I thought this show had a lot of potential. The episodes were creative and still action-packed. Plus the amount of crossovers with Arrow is fantastic. However, I’m not sure if I love the direction in which Legends of Tomorrow is going. I contemplated dropping this show out of my TV schedule.

Let’s talk about the Kendra/Chay-Ara and Ray Palmer romance. I’m not a fan. Kendra just realized she’s this ancient Egyptian goddess from another life. Let’s explore her feelings behind that. Obviously, the TV creators were more focused on giving her a lover especially since her main squeeze was killed off in the second or third episode.

This is the problem with putting women on TV. I want strong, independent women who don’t need a man to be happy. In the first couple of episodes, they focused on a friendship between Kendra and Sara Lance. That would have been really cool to develop that friendship so they both can kick ass together. Instead, they start this love triangle between Firestorm and Ray Palmer. I could not be more disappointed. Love triangles need to be trashed and I’m tired of seeing them in every form of media. UGH. Kendra has the potential to be a really cool female character, but the writing is really ruining it for me.

I think Legends of Tomorrow can end on a high note if they dump the love triangle. We shall see if I continue watching the series.

I tackled my first week of classes pretty well if I do say so myself. Out of three quizzes, I got an A in two of them. As I slowly come back to terms with being back at school, winter TV is coming off of hiatus. This includes Legends of Tomorrow premiering a week from now.

I’m so pumped for this television show. I love watching the CW Superhero shows. You fall in love with a character and then boom that character has its own TV show that next year. This happened with the premiere of The Flash. Legends of Tomorrow is another show that is a spin-off of Arrow. 

Part of the reason I’m excited is for a couple characters. White Canary is back. I absolutely loved the Black Canary when Sara played the role. She’s talented, brutal, and holds her own. When she died on Arrow, I was crushed. Also the return of Arthur Darvill??! I loved Rory and Amy on Doctor Who so it’s good to see him return to TV. Finally, Ray Palmer will also be making an appearance on this show. I like his costume a lot and it’s certainly less cheesy than his comic book suit.

There are so many superhero TV shows to watch and I love them! That’s not even including the slew of superhero movies getting released this year. Personally, I’m excited for Suicide Squad, Deadpool, and Batman V. Superman. I will have to wait on those later in the year, but thank goodness Legends of Tomorrow premieres in less than a week.

Escaping stress while attending college is important to be able to stay calm and collected. Reading before bed, gaming in between classes, and watching TV are great ways I use to escape from stress. Fall television is always exciting because your favorite shows are coming back, but also great new TV shows are premiering. It makes it hard to balance all the TV you want to watch. Nevertheless, I have found so many exciting TV shows that are worth taking my time out and watching

Scream Queens

I just started watching this a couple weeks ago. It’s so over the top when it comes to the stereotypes of sororities. I find it hilarious, but a few girls I work with hate it for how sororities are depicted. Also, Jamie Lee Curtis can do no wrong in my book so it’s great that she was picked for this series. Plus since it’s premiering around Halloween, it makes me more likely to really enjoy it.

Arrow, The Flash, and Agents of Shield; all the superhero shows

For those who don’t know, I love anything with superheroes in it. I will watch any superhero show that will air. The Flash is on its second season and I love all the characters. The chemistry between them is great to watch. Arrow provides me with mixed feelings. Arrow season #2 will forever be my favorite because Deathstroke is one of my favorite comic book villains. Arrow’s seasons haven’t been as good as season 2 in my opinion so hopefully, this season will surprise me. Agents of Shield I’m still on season #2 on Netflix, but I hope to watch season 3 as soon as possible. Also, I cannot wait for the premiere of Supergirl and Legends of Tomorrow

Scandal

Usually, political dramas aren’t really up my alley but Scandal always keeps me on the edge of my seat. Olivia Pope is a badass feminist in politics and she is smart and an intriguing character. I love watching the new episodes and each one ends on a cliffhanger. It’s gotten to the point where if I have even an hour of free time, I put on Scandal just so I can find out what happens.

What are you watching in this beautiful fall season? Let me know in the comments!