Tag Archives: opinions

Oct16

I’ll Tell You What I Thought, What I Really Really Thought (AHS Episode 2)

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I’ll Tell You What I Thought, What I Really Really Thought (AHS Episode 2)

Helloooo everyone and TGIF! With the newest episode of American Horror Story: Hotel “Chutes and Ladders” airing on Wednesday, we have a lot to talk about! Thursday was a day of reviewing and Friday is a day for the opinions on the episode compliments of yours truly. Episode two was a definite step up from the season premiere but it was just not quite there yet for me. Despite some things that I despised, “Chutes and Ladders” was a vast improvement so let’s discuss, starting with what I loved:

Holden, Holden, Holden: Oh. My. God. That little boy is seriously the most darling thing on the planet. Hearing him actually talk in this episode with his adorable tiny voice made my heart melt. He’s too cute for words and I swoon so hard every time he’s on screen!

babies

The Cortez backstory: I was so happy that this episode gave us the history of the hotel and introduced us to Evan Peters’ character, James Patrick March. Knowing all of the horrors that went on as the hotel was built made the atmosphere of the Cortez genuinely spooky as opposed to when it was just kind of there in episode one and the first half of episode two. It was also nice to learn more intel on the faithful maid, Miss Evers, as well as finally unveiling the significance of Room 64 as March’s office.

The character development of John Lowe: I really really like Wes Bentley. I think he’s fantastic and I’m very pleased with how he’s playing John. What I’m getting the most from his character is this sense of unraveling and I’m looking forward to seeing just how far he’ll take it throughout the season. Learning more of John’s backstory as a recovering alcoholic was something that I wasn’t shocked by because it just seemed to fit perfectly and the theme of Hotel is addiction. What I’m really hoping for as we go further into the story line of the Ten Commandments Killer is a good cat and mouse detective chase because I know Bentley will really bring it!

Now that you know what I loved, let’s talk about some of the things that rubbed me the wrong way:

Even Peters’ accent: Jesus Christ, it was SO bad. During Freak Show I remember complaining about Jessica Lange’s German accent because I thought it was awful. This led me to recall writing that I would prefer for an actor to use their natural voice if they can’t do a good accent and I hold true to this statement. I thought that Peters was trying so hard to sound like this roaring 20’s tycoon and it was evident, therefore, unbelievable. It sounded like I was hearing a mockery of a 1920’s big wig as opposed to the real thing.

The overall sense of trying too hard: A lot of my fellow fans that I interact with on social media brought this up, which I was thrilled about because it was something that I was thinking the entire episode. Throughout “Chutes and Ladders” I couldn’t help but think multiple times that I could tell how hard the actors were trying to act. This honestly goes for a majority of the cast but specifically for Sarah Paulson and Finn Wittrock, which I was really disappointed by. I felt like I was watching a cast of extreme caricatures during episode two and a lot of the acting looked very forced and unnatural to me.

Missing Jessica Lange: Yeah, I said it, I miss Jessica Lange like no other. It’s funny because when I learned that Lange wasn’t going to be the leading lady of Hotel, I thought it might be a nice change to have someone younger to give a fresh spin on the show. But now, as I watch Lady Gaga as The Countess all I can think about is how perfectly Lange would have played that part. I’m not a fan of Gaga. I spent the entirety of episodes one and two wanting and trying to like her but I just couldn’t do it. I feel like all her character is offering is a heaping dose of sexuality that’s getting really old really freaking quick. Once I see some genuine acting from her, this opinion might change but for the time being give me Lange or give me death!!!

boohoo

^^^ LOVE HER!

All in all, I quite enjoyed this episode. Anything was an improvement from the season premiere and “Chutes and Ladders” was just what I needed to restore my faith in the show. I rate episode two with: three stars.

So I Told You What I Thought, What I Really Really Thought about episode two of American Horror Story: Hotel “Chutes and Ladders” and now it’s your turn. How did everyone feel about the newest episode? Who is your favorite character in the Hotel so far? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct9

I’ll Tell You What I Thought, What I Really Really Thought (AHS Episode 1)

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I’ll Tell You What I Thought, What I Really Really Thought (AHS Episode 1)

Hi hi hi everyone and happy Friday! So as you guys know by now, I’m an avid American Horror Story fan but unfortunately, I was very underwhelmed with the season premiere of Hotel which occurred this past Wednesday. There were a few things that really rubbed me the wrong way so let’s discuss:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHluAYPd9sE

It was SO jumpy: The season premiere, “Checking In” jumped around so much to the point that it was dare I say, unenjoyable. We were moving from different years, characters, and locations quicker than you could even get used to the people being introduced. I think what I loved so much about season one, Murder House, was how well it flowed. Each episode and story line developed so nicely into one another and I wish that AHS would fall into a more simple but effective story line. I’m not saying tone it down by any means – I’m saying that they shouldn’t bite off more than they can chew for each episode. Am I still thrilled for the future episodes of this season? Hell yes, but the premiere just missed the mark for me. It was hard to establish the tone of each character and at least some semblance of a cohesive plot…Whomp whomp.

The blood orgy: Yeah, yeah maybe I’m a prude BUT the graphicness of the sex filled blood bath between The Countess, Donovan, and their victims just seemed so unnecessary. And here’s the thing, AHS has gone graphic before but it wasn’t something that they just threw a character into willy nilly. I get that they wanted an edgy “here I am” scene to debut Lady Gaga’s arrival as the Hotel leading lady but it could have been done differently. I feel like the “here’s my butt and boobs, let’s have a romp” scene cheapened Gaga’s character and she didn’t even have any lines. Just my opinion!

Scarlett Lowe entering a crime scene house: Seriously, AHS? SERIOUSLY?!!! A child following after his or her daddy detective into a crime scene is SO overdone that I was kind of shocked that they went for it. I actually feel like a lot of the images and narratives of the episode were things that I’ve seen before. Like the Ten Commandments Killer who John Lowe was probably speaking to on the phone after he read to his daughter…Hello! That’s fresh out of Zodiac. And yes, I have to bring up The Shining even though I’m sure everyone has already. As the saying goes, “steal from the best and make it your own” and AHS really did nothing to make The Shining-esque scenes that they copy-catted unique. When I think of American Horror Story, I think of a show that creatively pushes the envelope and there didn’t really seem to be any “wow that was crazy” moments in the premiere…Just a lot of moments that were worthy of an eye roll.

Was the episode “Checking In” completely awful? No, it was still quite good. Was it totally awesome? No, not even close. So all in all, I would give the season premiere two and a half stars. I think that everyone got a little too over zealous with episode one. I’m really hoping that in the future episodes the plot will be more cohesive and the extreme Shining vibe will disappear.

I Told You What I Thought, What I Really Really Thought and now it’s your turn! How did everyone feel about the season premiere of American Horror Story: Hotel? Did anyone have opinions similar to the ones I mentioned? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep22

American Horror Story: Hotel

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American Horror Story: Hotel

Helloooo everyone and happy Tuesday! So as all of you know, I’m an avid American Horror Story fan. I’ve loved it since the beginning at the Murder House to the previous season at the Freak Show. So how do I feel about the upcoming premiere of the new season subtitled “Hotel”? Shockingly, very ambivalent. Check out one of the trailers and allow me to explain:

Okay, yes, Lady Gaga is the new face of AHS and quite frankly, I couldn’t care less. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Gaga – but I just don’t know how I feel about her taking over one of my most beloved shows. In my humble opinion, Jessica Lange IS American Horror Story. Point blank. Period. It will be exciting to have someone dare I say, younger than the previous leading lady but Gaga is the wrong lady for me. She’s almost too famous for my liking when it comes to the show, if that makes sense? I like how some of the actors on AHS are pretty low key and now that anonymity (for lack of better words) is jeopardized by the arrival of a super star.

I’ve been saying to literally everyone in my social circle who’s an AHS fan that I would have much preferred an unknown actress to take over rather than a mega celebrity ever since it was announced that Gaga would be the main character on the show. And now with the season premiere of Hotel just weeks away, I still stand by that statement. And here’s the thing, I know for a fact that once I see the premiere of season five that I’ll be hooked and more than likely gaga over Gaga…But for now? I’m feeling pretty meh – I just can’t put my finger on it.

Despite my mixed feelings for Miss Meat Dress herself replacing Queen Lange, I must say, the story line for Hotel sounds great. I’ve been really pleased with all of the teaser articles and trailers that I’ve seen as well as the impeccable casting choices with some treasured AHS alumni like Sarah Paulson, Lily Rabe, and Evan Peters. I’m also very happy that my Freak Show faves, Finn Wittrock and Wes Bentley, will be returning for a stay at the Hotel. However, I am SO pissed that Emma Roberts is returning in this season. I seriously can’t stand her and I don’t think that she’s AHS material in the slightest…and that’s really all I have to say about her -__-

Although my feelings for the new queen bee of American Horror Story: Hotel is lukewarm, I’m still really looking forward to seeing what season five has to offer! How does everyone feel about Lady Gaga joining the cast? Who’s excited for the October 7th premiere? I wanna hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

PS: I’m so aware that my blah opinions on Lady Gaga joining the cast is not the popular one, so don’t judge me too hard! 😉