The Entertainment of Life

Produced by Guillermo Del Toro and directed by Jorge Gutierrez, The Book of Life is a visually stunning Animation picture that is set in the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead. Where spirits/souls return and roam the earth. Its main story centers around a battle of love. 2 men are vying for the heart of the lovely Maria (played by Zoe Saldana): Manolo (Diego Luna) and Joaquin (Channing Tatum). In the midst of this battle, two powerful entities La Muerte (Kate del Castillo) and Xibalba (Ron Perlman) place bets on who will win young Maria's heart. Not one to play fair Xibalba cheats and Manolo ends up having to embark on an adventure through three worlds facing some of his greatest fears. All to make the ultimate choice be with the woman who has stolen his heart or fulfill the expectations of his family.

This movie is just a stunning representation of Mexican culture and its celebration of life. Its not too cliche' and it just looks so beautiful. Never mind the fact that it stars Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, Cheech Marin, Diego Luna, Gabriel Iglesias, Anjelah Nicole Johnson, Danny Trejo, Ice Cube, and More! It's a definite must see!!!!

Teyana Taylor has a new song out called Maybe. Above is a snippet from the Breakfast Club's debut of the song. This song was released on May 12. At this point its not available on iTunes. But its a good song none the less. I have to admit I was skeptical on Teyana Taylor as a musical artist. Don't get me wrong the girl can sing. But it was something about the way she sang that I just didn't like. She used to sing from her throat and not her diaphragm. It just sounded like she couldn't get enough air to sing the song. It would come across whiny and choppy at times, not good. I wasn't a fan of any of the covers she did or the songs she sang with GOOD music. I just couldn't get into it. But after hearing this song I have to say I'm surprised and glad she's improved. Her vocals were consistently smooth and they sounded crisp, clear and strong. Something I've been waiting to hear from her for a long time. She had the chops she just needed to perfect them and she did and I'm so so so happy.

The song Maybe is sultry and sexy I LOVE IT!!!!!! Not a fan of Yo Gotti although he did well on the track and as usual one of my fave artists Pusha T did great as well. I mean the song is well put together. Teyana did her thang on the track. Pusha T did what he always does and Yo Gotti came correct. So its a good semi-slow groove club banger. Something you would dance on ya man with or do a little teasing dance to for your man.


All in all I would give the song an 8 out of 10. Good Job Teyana you killed it!


Source: Urbanleakz

A blooming musician named Mia is pursuing her dreams of attending one of (if not) the most prestigious music schools in the world: Juilliard. But when a handsome and loving young man comes along she finds herself stuck between choosing her lifelong dream or the love of her life. While Mia is mulling over this difficult decision she gets into a life altering car crash killing everyone in her family. Mia is now stuck in limbo and has an even bigger decision to make regarding her future. Should she let go and be with her family in the great beyond? Or return to her life with the man that she loves and leave her family behind? Adapted from the best selling novel of the same title If I Stay written by Gayle Forman.

This movie is so moving and tragic. I couldn't imagine being in Mia's shoes. I enjoyed the trailer and can't wait until the film comes out!

If I Stay Hits Theaters August 22nd!

Pills N Potions fluctuates between hip hop and pop. Between her strong emotionally connected lyrics and her surprisingly sultry singing she has created the perfect mix to please her millions of barbie fans.

I can admit I was a little scared when I read the reviews at first for the song. A lot of people are saying it wasn't what they were expecting after songs like Yass Bish and Looking A** N**** have leaked or dropped. But when I listened to the song I was surprised at how great it really is. Nicki Minaj is a problem (and I mean that in a good way) because she is versatile artist. She can be a hip hop head, a pop star, and maybe an r&b artist (given a little bit more vocal training which I see she has been utilizing). She appeals to so many different type of fans it creates a broad spectrum of people that will continually support her music and movement.

Pills N Potions is a strong song. Nicki Minaj has really improved her vocal skills. Before she was a little weak in that department. Nicki has on occasion been off key on some of her songs. But in this song I can tell she has been working hard on her voice and it shows. I really enjoyed her song and I'm glad that she officially debuted this Pills N Potions.

Gotham is a prequel that explains what life was like in Gotham city before the uprising of costumed heroes and villains. It follows the story of the Detective James (Jim) Gordon (later to become Commissioner Gordon) and his mission to solve the untimely murder of Martha and Thomas Wayne mother and father to little Bruce Wayne. During his tenure Gordon will encounter some of Gotham's most prolific future villains Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin, Selena Kyle aka Catwoman, Edward Nashton aka The Riddler and even The Joker. Including a woman named Fish Mooney a ruthless, menacing, hotheaded, sadistic gang boss whose clairvoyant like ability to read people makes her very dangerous and unpredictable. Fish Mooney is the boss of Oswald Cobblepot her influence and ruthlessness plays a huge part in Cobblepots development into the Penguin. Amidst the chaos Jim forms a bond with Bruce Wayne, a bond that ultimately shapes the beginning of his transformation into Batman the worlds greatest vigilante/detective.


Just on the premise of the shows teaser trailer I have to say it seems to be really interesting. With ABC having Marvel's Agents of Shield and Marvel's Agent Carter, the CW picking up the series The Flash and renewing The Arrow, and AMC bringing The Preacher to the small tv screen FOX had to find a way to compete. Its a sure fire ratings bonanza if the show is executed properly.

I assume the rest of networks are just looking for the right way to get on the "comic book" money train. Everything from movies to merchandise spells gold mine with comic books being adapted to television or the big screen. It all about your execution and how you portray the story.

Constantine is based off a character from the comic Hellblazer. A NBC's contribution to the comic book craze.


John Constantine specializes in the occult and dark arts. He can see demons, souls and spirits. He used to fight against them and save others who are plagued by the dark evil but because of a mistake he made John's soul has been condemned to hell. And because of that he has washed his hands of all things demonic and hellacious. Or so he thought. When a friends daughter Liv finally comes into her powers she threatens the underworlds plans to plague the world. So John vows to protect her at all cost. But when a new evil threatens to take over John and Liv must use his knowledge and her power to protect the entire world from being consumed with evil.

So over the weekend the news is hard and its difficult to hear but TV shows are getting the AXE! ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX have announced cancellations left and right! Cancellation Season is in Full Effect. So let's just get into the shows that will not be returning this coming season:

ABC



Just about every comedy that has been running on ABC has been cut: Suburgatory, Super Fun Night, Trophy Wife, Mixology, and The Neighbors.


Suburgatory



If you've never seen Suburgatory it was the story of a teenage girl named Tessa and her father George moving to a suburban community outside of New York city. The suburb comes across as a barbie/stepford wife world, where everyone is blonde, looks perfect and attempts a picture perfect life.

Suburgatory was a favorite of the ABC president but with the order of 2 new shows it just didn't make the cut with its ratings and minor cult following. I actually watched Suburgatory a few times and I thought it was a cleverly funny show. I'm sad to see it go. Update: I hear Suburgatory may be getting a new home in the near future. Hopefully the show will get picked up and pick up steam! Good Luck Suburgatory!

Super Fun Night



Super Fun Night was about a plus size fun loving girl, her friends, and co-workers. It centered around a character named Kimmy who made a vow with her friends to break out of her shell and become more social and have fun.

The story was really cute and I thought it should've stayed on tv. I really liked the concept and how it showed girls and women that being comfortable in your own skin and loving yourself was the most important thing. I LOVED this show because it spoke to me and my personal struggle with being shy and over weight. I'm really really really sad to see the show go. I was hoping for a season 2 but its a no go. Netflix, please hear my cry! LOL

Trophy Wife

I saw the pilot to this show and I have to be honest I wasn't sold on this show. I'm the type of person if I don't get interested right off the bat then I become bored and change the channel. I tried with Trophy Wife for several weeks and I was highly disappointed. It just didn't keep me interested. I thought that it would get better as the show progressed but it didn't and I had such high hopes for Trophy Wife I really did.

Mixology just seemed too complicated by the description. The trailers for the show were misleading. It gave the impression that it was like a organized date place (similar to how match.com has specific dates planned that customers can sign up for) and Internet hopefuls as well as bar patrons meet up and get to know each other or like a speed dating club. That sounds like a much better concept than this. And from what I read I didn't really miss much in not watching the show. The jokes and the show itself were just too raunchy for its audience. It was just a major fail! However I think it would be a good fit for cable television or streaming. Hulu, Netflix, or maybe FX should give it the wind it needs to pick up and become a good television show. It had promise it was just poorly executed. 

The Neighbors was just a funny, cute, strange show. I watched a snippet of it and it was unique to say the least. I thought it had created its own little niche in the ABC lineup but I guess I was wrong. Sad to see it go.

With that being said ABC has one comedy show that has outlasted the AXE and that is Last Man Standing with Tim Allen. It has been renewed for a 4th Season.

Hopefully the new shows ABC has coming down the pipe will revive their comedy scene and give the network some depth beyond just dramas and reality shows.

NBC

Revolution was my absolute favorite of all the shows mentioned here. I LOVED THIS SHOW and I'm so mad that its leaving! I was so intrigued when I first saw the preview on Facebook. It came on during some of my other shows and it just wasn't feasible to record the show and watch the other shows I watched too. So I was elated to see it on Netflix. I couldn't believe it. Then I could watch it whenever I wanted! I was so happy. But now the wind has been let out of my sails because my show has been cut! I wish they'd given it time to boost itself. According to Deadline, the show kept losing steam because of its long mid-season hiatus. If that's the case then why not bring it back! It was a good show and I think it would've been great given the right time slot. Monday night was a great time slot for it and it should've stayed there! Netflix again I'm calling to you! Hulu your next can you hear me?! Amazon Prime, I have a show you might like.... (Seriously if you've never seen it check it out on Netflix. Its a good show that deserved better than getting the axe for something new that may not even last pilot season.)

I never watched Believe so I really have nothing to say on it. I know this, the plot line for the show was interesting but I can't say it was enough to make me watch it. 

I saw the trailers for Crisis and I watched the show. It was really good. I'm not understanding why the show was cancelled but I'm guessing if the show wasn't holding ratings enough then it had to go. Sad it had real potential. I really don't think the network gave this one a shot to flourish.

Dracula



It is the re-imagining of Bram Stokers classic tale. In this version Dracula arrives in London posing as an American businessman whose goal is to bring modern science to the Victorian society. Under this ruse Dracula can put his REAL plan into action: Destroying the lives of those who ruined his centuries earlier. The only flaw in his plan is his love for a woman who strangely resembles his deceased wife (Isn't it always a woman messing up the plan?).

I watched the beginning of this show too. I was very intrigued and hoped it would have done well. The premise for this season and mid-season dramas seems to be horror or horror like shows. With that being said I thought Dracula would be a standout hit! They had the lead role cast Jonathan Rhys Meyers of the highly successful Tudors. But unfortunately it didn't make the cut. I know this is a recurring trend on this blog but Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime....WE NEED YOU! 

Community


Community revolves around Jeff Winger a lawyer who is suspended from his law firm because he lied about having his bachelors degree. To get his job back Jeff enrolls in community college where he meets: Abed Nadir, Shirley Bennett, Annie Edison, Troy Barnes, and Pierce Hawthorne in a study group (one he pretends to have put together in order to impress a young woman named Britta). While often butting heads with the group, he quickly becomes friends with them all.

I actually never watched Community until I came across it one day on the CW (its been syndicated). I thought it was a silly show and initially didn't have the patience or time to watch it. But one day I was watching Bill Cunningham and couldn't find the remote so I was stuck watching Community, that's how I felt about it until I watched the show. But once I started watching it I noticed that it was actually pretty funny. It had the premise of the Office but so much funnier. The episode I watched was the Law and Order mock episode. It was hilarious and I became an instant fan. Even after I got wind that Donald Glover (Troy) was leaving I still prepped myself to watch the show. It seemed like a good fit for me. But now that I hear its being cancelled I will just have to be alright with the syndicated reruns and that's okay with me. At least the show will still be seen. Although I can't figure out why Parks and Recreation was able to survive over Community but I guess everybody has their favorites. Anyway sayonara Community, I'll see you on the reruns!

Growing Up Fisher



Growing Up Fisher was about a little boy named Henry and his seriously awkward family. His father is blind and used Henry as a seeing eye "confidant". No one knew his dad was blind until Henry's mother and father decided to get a divorce. That's when everything in little Henry's life changed. Henry began to get distanced from his father and his mother is constantly trying to salvage her long lost youth. Henry and his family are a typical divorced American family dealing with everyday problems in a comical and pitiful way.

I thought Growing Up Fisher was a good show. I definitely didn't think the show would end this soon. It just premiered a few weeks ago. I thought it was somewhat funny and unique. But its not something that compelled me to watch every week. I just wasn't that into it.

 Honorable Mention:


Parenthood may or may not return. Their status is up in the air at this point! Stay Tuned I will keep you updated.

With most of the mid-season and cult strong shows being cancelled I feel bad for NBC. They can't seem to find a show that fits their network in terms of crime/drama beyond Law and Order, the Blacklist, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire. I hope that they find something to fill the voids. And try not to kill shows like Revolution with their 2 to 3 month long hiatus. Hiatus leads to forgetfulness. Just keep that in mind NBC. Anyway good luck to the remaining shows (that I can think of) Hannibal one of my FAVORITES has a season 3 coming down the pike, Grimm is still moving and shaking along with Parks and Recreation, About a Boy, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Law and Order: SVU, etc. I hear there are some more dramas and comedies coming  soon so Good Luck during Pilot Season NBC, you're going to need it!

CBS




On CBS there are shows here that I NEVER thought would be here and there are others that I KNEW would be here. Here are the shows that are being cancelled by CBS: Intelligence, Crazy Ones, Friends with Better Lives, Bad Teacher, and Hostages. Let's start with the ones I knew wouldn't last and end with the ones I was surprised to see go.

Bad Teacher




Bad Teacher was loosely based off of the film Bad Teacher with Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake and Jason Siegel. The premise was basically the same a woman dumped by her rich husband is seeking her next meal ticket so she takes a job as a middle school teacher to meet her mr. moneybucks. Well in this version of Bad Teacher instead of trying to bag the rich teacher she's looking for a rich divorced dad. So she steals a resume off of the internet and tricks her way into a teaching position at her friends daughters school.

To put it plainly Bad Teacher sucked. It was poorly executed, the jokes fell flat, and the characters were very transparent. I mean there was nothing to the show. I just wasn't a fan. Honestly I really wanted to like the show. It seemed like it would be funny. I assumed the show would be similar to the movie and I loved the movie. But I was DEAD wrong, which is why the show is dead in the water. I feel bad for David Allen Grier and the other great cast members. They had a great potential but it just didn't make the cut. 

Friends with Better Lives




Deals with 6 friends on the end of the 20s, beginning of their 30s in different stages of romantic relationships. 1 couple is married, 1 is engaged, and 2 of the friends are single. It explores the lives of these friends and how they interact with each other.

Basically they were trying to recreate Friends and How I Met Your Mother and they failed miserably. Don't get me wrong the show seemed funny by the previews. But you would have to be a fool to think that this was actually going to work out in your favor CBS. One of the biggest shows on your network was ending and instead of waiting to release this show during the Pilot season when it would've had a better chance of survival you put the sitcom right after the show thinking people would watch just because its on after HMYM. SMDH you should have known better, simple as that. This format has been done so many different ways try something else. Seriously! But on the upside I hear its being shopped around to other networks (cable networks like TBS, FX, etc) and may be picked up soon. So if you like Friend with Better Lives than keep your fingers crossed that your show will be picked up by a different network.

Intelligence




A CIA operative with a computer chip implanted in his head is charged to carry out dangerous missions to help protect the United States from its enemies.

Intelligence was a good series. It just wasn't able to hold up in the end. With a new CSI ordered and the ever popular series Person of Interest and Elementary holding down the fort its not hard to see why Intelligence wasn't going to be around for long. CBS is overloaded with Crime/Drama: Criminal Minds, CSI, Person of Interest, Elementary, Blue Bloods, The Mentalist, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Hawaii Five-O. To be honest there was no need for Intelligence. The fans of CBS are very particular about their crime dramas and if its not hitting they will shut it out!

Hostages



Hostages centered around a family (with an abundance of secrets) who are held against their will by an FBI agent and his crew. The true focus of the hostage situation is the mother/wife of the family who is a world renowned doctor. She has been chosen to operate on the president and also forced to kill him on the operating table. As she struggles with the task at hand she has to decide between keeping her family safe and killing the leader of the free world.

Hostages was an EXCELLENT show. It deserved a second season. I didn't know how it would play out or anything but I thought it was great. I was on the edge of my seat with every episode and I couldn't believe how it played it out in the end! I loved every minute of it. Toni Collette was the lead on this show and she was spectacular she is one of my favorite actresses and I loved that they had her in the leading role of this show. I'm sad to see it go. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime....I'm calling on you AGAIN! 

Crazy Ones


Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar lead this crazy band of misfits on this highly hilarious show called the Crazy Ones. It centers on a father and daughter running an Ad Agency together. Its just a bunch of crazy antics lead by the crazy eccentric father while the daughter tries to clean up after him and make their ad agency a reputable business.

After it received rave reviews and constantly being called the number one comedy in america, I was shocked to see the crazy ones on the chopping block. But apparently after its major debut the series kept dropping in numbers with every show. According to CBS it didn't quite fit into the comedy block on thursdays. Well I'm sad to see you go Robin Williams, you are a great comedian and will always be one of my favorites!

CBS has ordered 5 new pilots in the drama genre that will be seen in during the Pilot season. Hopefully things will be on the up and up soon! On a lighter note newcomers Mom and The Millers have survived and new seasons have been ordered! YAY! I love Mom it absolutely hilarious and The Millers is also a side splitter so I'm very happy for their renewal. Again for the new series that are coming down the pike good luck during pilot season!

Fox

I was never a fan of this show and therefore I'm not sad to see it go. Honestly I think they are stretching Seth McFarlane way to thin. They lean on him for everything. The kind of comedy he has works in his flagship shows. But it didn't fit well in his Dads show. The reason why is because they were trying too hard. Constantly making racist jokes, jokes that were way out of line and damn near offensive. The only reason it worked on his animation shows is because the shows were animation. You can get away with a lot of things in a cartoon! Come on. Fox you're going to have to do better than this with your comedy sitcoms. 

Almost Human

Almost Human was a great show. I don't think FOX handles crime drama well. Although I thought this one would definitely last. I loved the show. I watched it faithfully and I really wanted this show to continue. I wanted to see how the show would ultimately play out. It was a good show that just didn't get the following it needed. So sad to see it go!

Enlisted

I was on the fence with Enlisted. I watched one episode and I thought their comedy and playful banter with each other was funny and cool. I didn't think it would last because of the time slot it was given. I don't think FOX really considers where they put these shows when thinking about the competition. Maybe TBS can pick up Enlisted or someone. Its a good show. 

The X Factor



Simon Cowell's version of American Idol with a twist. Instead of focusing on solo artists, the X Factor allows all types of singers to apply. Bands, solo artists, groups, young adults, etc. Then they compete and the audience votes on who stays and who goes on to be the X factor.

The time for these types of reality shows are phasing out. The Voice is ousting both the X Factor and American Idol. X Factor was a cool concept but because it was executed the same way American Idol is it was nothing new to look at or even listen to. I just can't and won't watch these shows. There was no reason for X Factor to cross the bond over into the US. It does well in the UK because they have a market for it. Its time to try something new or take off these kinds of reality shows completely.

Rake


A troubled criminal defense attorney is juggling his poor decisions in life and his clients.

I really have nothing to say about Rake other than it was a mistake to think this show would work. I looked at it and I have to say it was lackluster at best. It was too much going at one time. So..with that being said: Farewell Rake.

Surviving Jack

Christopher Meloni is by far one of my favorite actors. He is absolutely hilarious. I was excited about this show and I watched a couple episodes and I gotta say it was funny. But apparently I was the one who thought it was funny. Again sad to see it go.

The Cleveland Show

I liked the Cleveland Show. I'll admit it really fell under the radar after its 1st Season but I was looking forward to the next season but then I learned of it being cancelled. I didn't even know it was cancelled I had to google it to find out. I watched all the shows that Seth McFarlane ran on FOX during the Animation Domination, only to find out from google that the Cleveland Show was cancelled. I think what made The Cleveland Show lose steam was that Seth McFarlane was doing too much. He wrote, directed, and starred on just about every episode of all the shows he created (except Dads). It fell flat with the jokes and the show began to lose its charm. But on the upside the show has been syndicated on Cartoon Network so reruns it is!

American Dad


Animated series centers around an American CIA agent, his lovable family and their live-in alien pal.

American Dad is absolutely hilarious. I love this show and I'm sad to see it go on FOX. But I'm happy to report that its moving to TBS! And its already syndicated to Cartoon Network and TBS so I can't wait!

The CW network has brought the hammer down on several of its shows. Star-Crossed, Tomorrow People and The Carrie Diaries will not be returning for another season. Also another show that has been shelved the Supernatural spin off Bloodlines its status is up in there.