I don't wanna be alone on New Years Eve

Title Lyrics: New Years Eve by Pale Waves

In case you weren't aware, we've entered a New Year. Something that most people around the world celebrate, sending the old year off and bringing in the new year with a bang. Unlike me, who was fast asleep until the fireworks started.

Having plans for New Years was something that I always wanted to have, because everyone else was doing something and it's a reason to celebrate, I didn't want to be left out. As I've gotten older though, I've realised that it isn't the worst thing in the world to have a nice night in with those close to you to celebrate the New Year. Even if you just want to sleep through it, that's totally fine as well. Who wants to start the New Year feeling rough anyway?

I've also realised that the New Year isn't an excuse to start doing something you want to do, even though I have been terrible for thinking the New Year is the chance to do something I've been putting off, that it's going to be my year, etc. If you want something enough then you should go for it and make it happen regardless of what time of the year it is. Every year is your year if you make it so.

So, with those things in mind, I'm going to make sure that I celebrate the future New Years the way that appeals to me the most. Whether that's drinking with friends or snuggling up with a good movie and most importantly, I'm going to remember I don't need to want for anytime of year to go after what I want - something that I'm really trying to drill into my head because it's the number one thing holding me back.. hopefully it won't be for much longer.

See you next time! 

      

#12: The Carmilla Movie // Grape Movie Marathon

It has been five years since Laura and Carmilla vanquished the apocalypse and Carmilla became a mortal human. Their domestic bliss is suddenly ruptured when Carmilla begins to show signs of "re-vamping" - from a fondness for bloody treats to accidental biting - while Laura has started having bizarre, ghostly dreams. The couple must now enlist their old friends from Silas University to uncover the unknown supernatural threat and save humanity - including Carmilla's.

If you didn't know already, Carmilla is a LGBT web series on youtube (series one, two and three to make it easier for you..) and I highly recommend you go and binge watch all three series of it now before going and buying the movie, which is available on Fullscreen. 

Now, onto the review! I am absolutely in love with both the series and movie, which I have seen twice since it's released which is a rarity, usually I'll watch a movie once and be done with it for a while. As a lesbian, finding a good, watchable LGBT movie isn't the easiest of tasks and yet this movie is perfect. Yes, it maybe about a vampire and her girlfriend who is having weird dreams linked to their past but still, it's perfect.

It has a little bit of everything, comedic moments mixed in with action and suspense and romance - something that I feel some lesbian movies struggle with yet this movie has pulled it off and put together a sex scene that I can enjoy knowing it's actually realistic compared to other films that seem to be filmed by someone simply guessing how it all goes down.

If you're into supernatural LGBT themed movies then this is for you, but I do recommend watching the Carmilla series prior as you might be left a little confused about what's going down in the movie. The movie is available via Fullscreen, as previously stated and this is currently the only way you'll be able to watch it but it is so worth it, trust me!

I rate it 5 out of 5 grapes.

#11: Gerald's Game // Grape Movie Marathon.

While trying to spice up their marriage in their remote lake house, Jessie must fight to survive when her husband dies unexpectedly, leaving her handcuffed to their bed frame. 

Yet another Netflix Original, this one is an adaption of a Stephen King novel by the same name. I knew of the novel and was recommended it by my dad but never actually got around to reading it, so I was glad to see that Netflix had decided to make a film out of it.

Maybe I'm slightly bias, without having read the novel to compare the two, but I think it's a great film although I can imagine the book can delve more into the main characters fight for survival and hold on her sanity better than this film can. There was one scene in particular that was hard for me to watch and it also stayed with me a little after the film was over but my weak stomach and inability to handle anything too bloody and gory might be to blame for that. Despite that, I still think it makes a great movie that even after it's ending, it's staying on my mind.

Overall, I'd recommend this movie as something that is definitely worth the watch, especially for horror/thriller fans looking for something slightly different to what's already out there. 

Netflix have also released another adaption of a Stephen King story, 1922, so keep an eye out for my review of that!

I rate it 4 out of 5 grapes.

#10: The Babysitter // Grape Movie Marathon

The events of one evening take an unexpected turn for the worst for a young boy trying to spy on his babysitter.

A brand new Netflix Original film that was released on Friday the 13th for our viewing pleasure. I saw the trailer, thought it looked good and was looking forward to it being released and..

It was okay. It's your typical, teenage horror movie with some comedy thrown into it. You've got a group of teenagers, you've got them doing something they shouldn't be and then you've got a whole bunch of murders but it turns out that the killer is the young boy after he spots the teenagers sacrificing a human.

So, maybe it isn't completely your typical teenager horror movie as the roles are reversed, the deaths are some what creative and it's gore galore if that's your cup of tea, or in this case cup of blood as there is plenty to go around in this flick. The cast isn't all that bad either, although it's pretty clear they've picked an attractive bunch to play the popular high school kids, they each deliver their roles well. 

Overall, if you're after a basic teenage horror movie then this is it, it's worth a watch if you've got the time to spare but it's not something I'd highly recommend to anyone.

I rate it 3 out of 5 grapes.

#9: King Cobra // Grape Movie Marathon

Veteran gay pornography producer Stephen battles two rival producers over the rights to his underage porn star creation, Brent Corrigan, with deadly results.

Based on a true story, of which a book has also been written, it follows Sean aka Brent Corrigan who becomes a popular gay pornstar with Cobra Videos. Upon realising he is being unpaid for the movies he makes, he decides to pursue other options which takes a deadly turn.

While an enjoyable watch, I don't feel like this movie gripped my attention as much as I'd have liked. I didn't feel the need to devote my complete attention to it which I always find disappointing but fortunately, this movie doesn't require your full attention anyway. It's an easy watch so you don't have to worry about losing track of what's going on.

With it being 92 minutes long, I just don't feel that was enough time to properly tell this story. It focused more on telling Brent's story then it did giving us details about the tragic event that happened or those involved and while Brent may be the reason for why it happened, I'd have liked more information about the others involved but instead it's crammed into the last half an hour.

Overall, I'd recommend it if you're looking for something easy to watch and the story behind it appeals to you
but I wouldn't expect too much from it.

I rate it 3 out of 5 grapes.

#8: The Good Place // Grape Movie Marathon

The Good Place is a town where those who have been good throughout their lives go once they have passed away. Eleanor arrives at the Good Place and realises she doesn't deserve to be there. With the help of Chidi, Eleanor tries to right her wrongs seeking to finally earn her spot in the Good Place. 

The Good Place is the newest Netflix Original to be added and after Buzzfeed recommending it as a show to watch, I thought I'd give it ago and you should to! 

It centres round Eleanor, a terrible person, who arrives at The Good Place and soon realises that they've got her mixed up with another Eleanor. She is assigned with a soulmate who she trusts with her secret, in hopes that they'll teach her how to be good so she can continue to remain in The Good Bad and avoid going to The Bad Place, where she belongs.

While I feel the show started off good, towards the end I felt my interest starting to slip as I felt that despite the characters contain efforts, nothing was going to change. I didn't want to be watching a tv show that centred about the main character constantly failing every episode in someway. That is until, the show took an unexpected turn that completely pulled me back in. Without giving too much away, it's a clever show that surprises you in a way that you might not expect. 

As well as showing Eleanor's attempts to be a Good person, you also see flashbacks of the person she was back on earth which all centre around the times she was a bad and most likely the reason she doesn't deserve to be in the bad place. 

With Kristen Bell playing the role of Eleanor, she does a great job and so do the rest of the cast, each playing their role in the show perfectly and in some ways, portraying them the way Eleanor sees them making it easier to see why she might feel that way about said character.

Overall, it's a great show to watch if you're searching for something new and funny to watch, that also might not require your full attention - something I sometimes admire in tv shows. It's currently in it's 2nd season with Netflix updating it weekly so you can stay up to date with the latest episode.

I rate it 4 out of 5 grapes.

#7: Away We Go // Grape Movie Marathon.

A couple who is expecting their first child travel around the U.S. in order to find a perfect place to start their family. Along the way, they have misadventures and find fresh connections with an assortment of relatives and old friends who just might help them discover "home" on their own terms for the first time. 

It's a great comedy-drama, for a quiet night in. With a great story line that's easy to follow along and just as easy to absolutely love. You follow a couple, who have recently found out their pregnant and are searching for somewhere to live and raise their child. Trusting that their friends who have child and are situated around the country, they visit them to get an idea of what the area is like, and catch up with old friends.

What follows is a mixture of funny moments, as well as a few sad moments as they seemingly come to realise that maybe their friends aren't the greatest people to go to when it comes to their future home for them and their unborn child. 

The characters are also well played, with a great selection of actors chosen for the parts. With the main two characters being John Krasinki, most likely known for playing Jim in The Office and Maya Rudolph, who I know from Bridemaids, it's hard not to love them and want to support them on their adventure.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this movie and it falls into the category of movies I could easily rewatch. 

I rate it 4 out of 5 grapes.

#6: Gypsy // Grape Movie Marathon.

Jean Holloway, a psychotherapist secretly infiltrates the private lives of her patients.

I'm sure we've all noticed the badly chosen name for this show with their use of a word considered to be an ethnic slur. Something that first put me off watching this show because it doesn't seem like the best choice. At all. 

Name aside, this show is great (which seems bad to say considering again, their poor choice of name for it). It took a couple of episodes to grow on me, especially as the plot seems like a recipe for disaster but I'll be honest, I'm a sucker for anything that involves girl/girl relationships because I feel like there isn't enough on our screens today so I like to give everything that has that a chance.

Jean, who also goes by Diane, isn't the most likeable character. As mentioned in the plot, she delves a little too deeply into her patients lives by meeting up and becoming friends with the people her patients talk about, then using that information in her sessions. This leads her to meet Sidney, who appears to be everything her ex-boyfriend said she was. As she becomes more and more involved, she begins to lie more to both her and her husband and eventually taking it to the point of cheating. 

It leaves me feeling sorry for those she drags into, what I imagine is her life crisis about where her life is and what she wishes it would be, as it's not only her romantic interest, Sidney and her husband that are affected, as those close to her start to notice the change and not in a good way. It still makes for a great show, with tension over whether the lies will catch up to her and it's a shame that we will only be left with one season of the show as the 2nd season was unfortunately cancelled due to negative response - you can't please everyone.

Overall, I'd say it's a great watch if you're into steamy dramas with romance and tension. 

I'd rate it 4 out of 5 grapes.

#5: Disjointed // Grape Movie Marathon.

Cannabis legend Ruth Whitefeather Feldman employs her newly graduated son and a team of young "budtenders" to help run her Los Angeles marijuana dispensary.

I watched the trailer and was slightly put off by the laughter in the background and the fact it was by the same creator as Two and a Half Men and Big Bang Theory - both shows I used to love but grew bored of. I didn't let it put me off though and I'm glad I didn't because this show is great.

The story lines seem short and sweet but they're still great. The characters are all lovable in their own way even when they're meant to be annoying. The visuals that feature, specifically for one character, are also so amazing.

It's a good, easy show to watch which I really enjoy when I don't have the time to put into a tv show that requires you to pay full attention. As a non smoker myself, I still found it to be enjoyable and didn't feel like they were trying to shove the whole marijuana is awesome in my face, which is something I feel some users tend to do. 

Overall, my only complaint would be that I finished it way too fast and now I've got to wait around for the next season I'm hoping will come. 

I rate it 5 out of 5 grapes. 

#4: Death Note // Grape Move Marathon.

#3: Atypical // Grape Movie Marathon.

Sam, an 18-year-old on the autism spectrum, decides it's time to find a girlfriend, a journey that sets Sam's mom on her own life-changing path as her son seeks more independence.

Atypical is a new Netflix Original show, with a total of eight episodes. I managed to watch this over two days and it left me with mixed feelings. From what I've been told, Autism Speaks, an autism charity that possibly isn't the best charity to involve, had in someway helped with the creation of the show which is something you can definitely tell.

Although the show is about Sam, you also get story lines from the other family members that are both related and separate to Sam and out of them all, the mum is the worst. Whenever the mum speaks about Sam and his autism, it is treated as if it's a burden to her life and a struggle that she deals with which I feel isn't something you want to put across in a show about that topic and something that relates to the charity that helped. 

In one scene, when Sam wants to go to the mall to shop for himself, his mum mentions the last time they went and how the environment wasn't good for him. During the trip, although Sam is handling it really well, the mum feels the need to mention the things that upset Sam in the previous visit and start an argument with a sales assistant for not accommodating him even though he was fine. Maybe this scene tied in with the fact that the mum wanted to go alone to do something else and Sam coming along threw that off, it still didn't feel right that she was almost trying to push Sam to have a meltdown rather than acknowledging how he was handling the trip. Maybe this scene was also to show how the mum was struggling with how independent he was becoming. Either way, it's one of the scenes that didn't sit right with me.

The other characters, their story lines and interaction with Sam aren't as bad and seem almost normal and acceptable. His sister treats him like you'd treat your brother. His friend treats him like any other friend. His dad, despite a slightly strained relationship, builds it back up by helping him as if you would any other child and that's how it should be. It's only the mum in that situation that doesn't seem to grasp how to do it, but maybe that's the point and the plot.

It's worth a watch and I'm looking forward to the next season, if there is one but make sure you enter it with the knowledge that this isn't the most accurate representation. 

I rate it 3.5 grapes out of 5. 

#2. You Get Me // Grape Movie Marathon.

Tyler's crazy in love with his perfect girlfriend Ali but when a big fight makes him and Ali break up, he lands in the arms of Holly who shows him a night he's gonna remember. The next morning he finds that not only is Ali taking him back, but Holly is a new student at their school and is dead set on her new man.

I found this movie while browsing through Netflix and it sat in my list for a while before I finally got around to watching it - how I wish I hadn't. 

I feel like this is a plot we've all seen before, a one night stand turns deadly when the girl gets obsessed and the boy, who already has a girlfriend, isn't interested. Now as we've seen this plot before, if someone else is going to have their go at it then they need to at least bring something new to it but this movie didn't get that memo. Instead, it just copied and pasted the plot then slapped a new name onto it. Did they think we wouldn't notice?

You've got all the typical cliches and nothing new. Nothing about this movie surprises you, you most likely know what is about to happen and maybe you'll even question some of the actors choices. Such as, why don't you call the police when you see your crazy lover has your girlfriend? Why not even get them involved when you find out something like this has happened before?

Even the soundtrack tried to warn you.

Unfortunately, the acting didn't bring anything that could salvage this movie either. Bella Thorne, most likely being the most known name within this movie, fit her role of crazy lover well but not enough to stand out. Everyone else, even the main characters, failed to make me feel anything other than boredom. 

Overall, I was left feeling disappointed with something I felt would at least be an average teen flick to waste an hour or two watching.

I rate it 2 out of 5 grapes.

#1. Before I Fall // Grape Movie Marathon

I love movies, I love writing so I've decided to combine the two and create the Grape Movie Marathon. I have bookshelves full of movies I've watched and love, I've got a list of movies both new and old that I'm dying to see so it's about time I got around to watching all these movies and sharing my wonderful, and maybe not so wonderful, opinion on them. Let's get started!

February 12 is just another day in Sam's charmed life, until it turns out to be her last. Stuck reliving her last day over one inexplicable week, Sam untangles the mystery around her death and discovers everything she's losing.

When I first saw the trailer for this movie which is based on a book, it came across as a teenage Groundhog Day (I imagine, I haven't actually seen that movie..) mixed with The Butterfly Effect. I wasn't wrong but it's also your typical bitchy teenager movie. 

You have all your usual parts. The group of friends who are all popular with the leader of the pack and then the main character being the friend who seems to be just following along. You have the guy who has an interest in the main character, with some sort of back story, but she ignores for her popular boyfriend who is most likely a massive douche. Then you've got that one student who the popular groups pick on for whatever reason, with the added bonus of a lesbian character (yay for LGBTQ+ representation) who is also picked on briefly (..or, maybe not so yay?).

So very, very true.

I wanted to like this movie, the trailer had me looking forward to watching it but after 20 minutes of popular girls asserting dominance over those who don't fit their standards, I was done. I wish I could stay that by sticking the movie out, it surprised me but it didn't. As the main character, Sam, continued to relive the same day over and over, slowly coming to the realisation that she must put things right to get out of the cycle, I feel like no real lesson was learnt. 

I can only assume the message behind this movie is "be nice to people because you could die tomorrow" and while it's a good message to have, although alternatively you could just say be nice to people and don't be a dick, it's a shame that she had to repeatedly live the same day to both realise and fix this. While also managing to fit in a day of being a dick herself because well, if you're gonna live the same day repeatedly you might as well just do whatever you want with it. 

Maybe my dislike for this movie doesn't have a real purpose other than me thinking everyone should just be nice anyway without having something happening that makes you realise you need to, but I do feel it could have been done in a better way. Did the group of friends really have to be mean to everyone, even to each other? Did the girl that they singled out really need to fit this stereotype of outcast that movies have? I'm now nearing the age of 27, so maybe teen dramas just aren't my cup of tea anymore, especially when you've seen as many as I have but it would be refreshing to see a movie that doesn't feel the need to have all the parts you'd find in every other teen drama. 

While it was the same old, it wasn't the worst movie in the world and even if I did find it stupid at times, the story line did have me interested in how it'd play out.

I give it 3 out of 5 grapes.

(cause who needs stars?)