Hey guys!

Loooong time no see. I have to say that the whole pandemic and lockdown combo have killed my creativity for a while, but as a big BIG fan of the 90’s, I feel like now is a good time to come back since And Just Like That premiered on the 9th of December.

And Just Like That sees the return of Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte, 3 of the 4 besties from the iconic Sex And The City series. Kim Cattrall is not part of the reunion: she moved on, and the fans know that Sarah Jessica Parker, aka Carrie Bradshaw is actually not her best friend in life.

I wasn’t even sure I wanted to watch this new series, because Samantha was the most interesting character and the signature of the show to me. Also, I found the films terrible. It didn’t bring anything to the original series and the storylines were so predictable. It ruined the spirit of the show for me.

And finally, I was afraid that the tone would change. Sex And The City was so bold and unique (I mean, women in their 30’s talking so openly about sex, I don’t remember any other series like that in the 90’s) that I didn’t think it was possible to get the same tone with different writers and of course, in a different era.

Before I really get into it, just know that there will be some major spoilers here for the first 2 episodes, so if you haven’t watched it yet… stop reading now.

First, let me say… it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.

I guess the main problem in my opinion is that some things feel so unatural that it made me cringe a few times. And unfortunately, it’s mostly related to my favourite character, Miranda: Miranda’s political rant, Miranda’s son and his sex life, Miranda’s drinking problem, Miranda’s aggressiveness…

Let’s start from the beginning. The opening theme is a remix of the original one, and we find the 3 friends having lunch like good old times.

They are all still married to the men they ended up with in the original series and Carrie is now an influencer and co-hosts a podcast, Miranda quit her law firm to go back to studies and Charlotte seems to be a stay at home mum, with pretty strong ideas on how her daughters should look like and what they should be.

As they run into someone they know, we’re quickly getting the beginning of an explanation as to why Samantha isn’t hanging out with them anymore. She moved to London for work. Ok, fair enough.

But as Carrie and Miranda walk away, we finally get the full story: Carrie and Samantha fell out when Carrie told her she didn’t need a publicist anymore… What?? I completely agree with the other bloggers. This is definitely not what Samantha would do. She’s always been the less judgemental character of all, and probably the more independent too. It doesn’t make any sense.

Let’s address the Big storyline now. I’m not so shocked about the fact Carrie didn’t call 911, I guess when you’re facing this situation, your brain can completely freeze. At first I thought getting them a divorce would have sufficed, but then I thought about this again, and I understood why the writers killed him off.

If the couple had gotten a divorce, Big could have come back and messed with Carrie’s head every time she was in a healthy relationship, like he used to in the original series. To me, the idea was to give the show another dimension and I have to say, I’m on board. But I also have to admit that I’ve never been a fan of either Carrie or Big, and I’ve never understood why they are seen as the ultimate couple goal when they are the most toxic couple in all series of all time. I’m hoping though that the series won’t be all about grief, and that we’ll jump forward in time at some point to see Carrie dating as a widow.

I was talking about things that don’t flow naturally, such as Samantha’s reason to leave the gang . I’m of course all for diversity and I’m very happy the show is more inclusive thanks to the addition of the new characters. However, I felt like there was sooooo many social issues addressed in only 2 episodes that it seems like the show runners did a checklist. I wish they had introduced the new characters in the long run instead. I remember the quote from Anthony, when they all are at Lily’s piano recital “Give black Charlotte a glass”. This is exactly how I felt: every white character has their black alter-ego. This is great in theory, but in terms of how it’s introduced, it almost seems like a parody. The writing could have been better here.

Finally, I think that there are some obvious storylines already, particularly on the Miranda angle. As I mentioned above, we can already tell she’s going to have a problem with alcohol, and after watching the (very) awkward first scene between her and Che, Carrie’s boss, I have the feeling the writers are going to make Miranda question her sexuality. I think they were trying to create a chemistry between the 2 characters.

I also know that Aidan, Carrie’s ex boyfriend will make a come back in the show, but I’m really hoping they are not going to put them back together. First, it would be so predictable, and also I’m still not over the way Carrie treated him in the original series. He deserves better! #teamAidan .

To sum it up: I thought the 2 first episodes were quite heavy and dark for a reboot, but thank God for the few funny lines that made me catch a glimpse of the spirit of the 90’s show such as at Big funerals “Am I the only who remembers how much of a prick he was to her?” or after Carrie loses it in the hallway of her flat “Great, am I going to be that neighbour now?“.

I think there was too much going on even if I understand they wanted to come back with a bang. I will still watch the whole season, because as I said earlier, it’s definitely not as bad as I thought it would be but I really hope I’m going to be surprised with the evolution of the characters and storylines.

I think it’s also interesting to mention that Big and Samantha’s ghosts linger in the 2 episodes. They are the most present absent of the episodes! I feel like the show runners are desperate to leave an open door for Samantha to come back, even if I really don’t think Kim Cattrall will have a change of heart.

I know a new episode came out yesterday, so I need to catch up now.

Feel free to discuss in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the reboot too! I might write about the show again after watching the full season.

You can watch the new series on Now TV in the UK, or Salto in France.

Have a lovely Xmas guys and thanks for reading my blog! I’ll try to be more consistent in 2022. x

First, I have a confession to make: I’ve never been a true fan of Beverly Hills 90210. I was about 10 years old when the show became huge in France so I couldn’t identify to the main characters. My biggest problem at that time was to pick up some clothes for my Barbie doll. So rich girls’ problems with boys… I didn’t get it and I wasn’t interested.

When I was older, I decided to watch the whole show again from the beginning… I liked it overall but it never became my favourite serie.

When I heard they were preparing a 2^nd reboot with the original cast (the 1st reboot happened in 2008 and only featured Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling and Shannen Doherty in season 1 and 2) I wasn’t sure how I felt about it, especially when Luke Perry (Dylan) died the same year this reboot was announced.

Fox ordered 6 episodes, aired the first one last Wednesday and I managed to see it on friday. Click here to see the new opening intro.

So let me tell you straight away: this isn’t an actual reboot, it’s the story on how the reboot is going to be made. Are you confused? Great, me too.

The dream team play a satirical version of themselves inspired by their real lives.

In this pilot, the gang finally reunites at a fan convention in Las Vegas. So Tori Spelling plays Tori, a married mother of 6 whose TV reality show is about to be cancelled, and she has to find a way to pay the bills. Brian is slightly jealous of his much more famous wife and Shannen is away, taking care of the planet. Jennie is going through a divorce, Gabrielle is a new grandmother, Jason tries to make it as a director and Ian is a successful businessman, taking every chance he gets to promote his project.

It reminds me a little of “Episodes”, the serie where Matt LeBlanc plays Matt LeBlanc, who is desperately trying to get back into the spotlight.

Anyway, halfway through the episode, I still wasn’t sure I understood what I was watching.

I can’t deny that it is a very creative idea as they don’t have to come up with an explanation about Dylan’s death for instance, but I don’t know how I feel about it after watching it.

BH 20910 is clever for sure as there are a lot of references to the original show.

Shannen Doherty doesn’t come to the BH90210 reunion with the journalists but still manages to steal the whole cast’s thunder with an Instagram live appearance on a huge screen. We all remember that Shannen and the rest of the team had their share of drama back in the 90’s to the point she got fired, to the great disappointment of the fans.

Speaking about them, they always thought Andrea, played by Gabrielle Carteris, was gay. So Gabrielle explores her sexuality in this reboot and kisses a woman in a bar.

Donna and David have always cared for each other throughout the original series, whether they were dating or not. Tori and Brian still have this close bond in the reboot, even if they haven’t seen each other for years.

So to sum it up, this new reboot is inspired by the actual lives of the actors, the lives of their character in the show and sometimes also by what happened backstage in the 90’s. Yeah I know, I told you this is very confusing.

If I’m being honest, I didn’t laugh a lot, even if it’s supposed to be satirical. I think something is missing and the first part of the episode is kind of awkward. I didn’t feel any chemistry between the actors when they met up at the airport. It seemed pretty hypocritical and I felt like the magic was lost. The second half gets a little better and the tribute to Luke Perry in the end in truly moving.

So for now, let’s just say I’m not entirely convinced this reboot is necessary. Yes, there are some good ideas and it’s weirdly funny sometimes but it’s also very messy.

It’s only going to be 6 episodes (that’s what we know so far), but will they be able to build a good storyline? I will watch the next episodes anyway and see what it brings!

Have you seen this new reboot? What did you think? Tell me in the comments!

It took me some time to go and see the new Lion King, and yet I was very enthusiastic when I saw the trailer for the first time.

But I heard some people were disappointed in the film, so I wasn’t sure I wanted to go and take the risk of ruining the memory I had of one of the best Disney films I’ve ever seen.

Then I thought the director Jon Favreau did a very good job directing the latest version of The Jungle Book (2016) so I finally decided to trust my first instinct and go and see his adaptation of The Lion King. Without wearing waterproof mascara. I should have known better, what a mistake! =)

I have to say that I really don’t understand how people can be disappointed… the film is so incredibly beautiful that it is actually hard to believe that the animals and the sceneries have all been created in a studio and are therefore computer-generated. The remake makes you wonder if animation can get better than this.

The opening scene with the “Circle of Life” song in the background is truly outstanding and echoes the original film almost shot for shot: We’ll get this feeling again a lot during the film. From this moment on, you can already tell that it was important to the team to maintain the spirit of the Disney classic.

I know that a lot of people didn’t like the film because it looks too realistic and to them, it ruined the emotional dimension of the first version. I strongly disagree with that. In fact, I felt more connected to these animals BECAUSE they seem so real. This only enhances the sensibility and the emotions in the scenes in my opinion.

Let’s talk about the voice cast now.

First, what a delight that James Earl Jones came back for the voice of Mufasa. He was such a perfect king in the original version. His strong and deep voice is the best one to teach young Simba about the circle of life, how to be a good king and how he will someday watch over him through the stars.

Both young Nala (Shahadi Wright Joseph) and Simba (JD McCrary) are carefree and full of energy and their voices blend so well on “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King”.

I wish Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar) sounded just as vicious as Jeremy Irons, the original one. Though Ejiofor does a really good job, Jeremy Irons will forever remain the voice of the most vicious and despicable villain Disney has ever known.

Donald Glover is a great choice for adult Simba, as the voice of a charming and powerful leader.

As for Beyoncé, she’s a perfect fiery and passionate adult Nala and her rendition of “Can you feel the love tonight” is beautiful, even if slightly unsubtle. It can be a little distracting for the audience when she sings, as she really sounds like Beyoncé and not Nala anymore.

Billy Eichner (Timon) captured the witty sense of humour of the original Timon and gets most of the funniest lines that he delivers in a very sarcastic way. Seth Rogen as Pumbaa is hilarious. The duo light up every scene they’re in.

I would like to mention a reference to the classic during “Hakuna Matata”. In the original, Pumbaa explains why he’s been rejected by the other animals and Timon stops him in the middle of his speech: “Pumbaa, not in front of the kid!”. He doesn’t in this version, and Pumbaa asks him “Are you gonna stop me?”. I thought this was a clever and funny reference that only people who saw the film several times would get!

Finally, the arrangements of the new versions of the songs are a little different and more modern but still in the spirit of the original ones. I only regret that Scar’s one “Be prepared” is a lot shorter here as it has an interesting dramatic dimension in the first version that could have been exploited more in the remake.

And thank God, they kept the wonderful and irreplaceable orchestral music by Hans Zimmer, which is just as moving now as the first time I heard it. His work on the film is his masterpiece to me.

Jon Favreau said in a documentary about the film that they wanted to capture what people’s memory was of the original Lion King with both the music and the imagery. He also wanted to maintain the spirit while showing something new and surprising.

Well I guess it sums up pretty well my feelings about this beautiful remake.

Toy Story 4 is probably the film that most people were looking forward to seeing while being worried that it would ruin a perfect trilogy.

Toy Story 3 ends with Andy donating his toys to little girl Bonnie, including his long-time best friend Woody the sheriff. They play together before he leaves, and the toys can finally start their new lives with Bonnie. We all thought that was it!

None us was expecting a new chapter after this bittersweet and yet lovely ending, but here we are, following the new adventures of our favourite heroes 9 years later. I’m always a bit scared of being disappointed when a new installment is made so much time after the last one. Have we lost the magic? Fortunately, the magic is still here for me! First, because the animation is incredibly beautiful and also, because it takes our beloved Woody to another lever.

Funny thing to mention: there were no kids at all in the room when I was at the cinema!

-Spoilers alert! –

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The plot

Woody has always been very dedicated to his kids. When little Bonnie burst into tears before going to kindergarten orientation, Woody sneaks into her backpack to help her get through the day. She creates a new friend at school named Forky, made of lollipop sticks and a spork, who comforts her more than any of the other toys. From this moment on, Woody’s mission is to keep Bonnie’s new favourite toy around, as Forky isn’t willing to embrace his new life as a toy and would rather throw himself away every chance he gets.

When the little girl takes the whole gang to a family trip, Forky jumps out of the window and Woody goes after him to try and make him understand how important he is to Bonnie. They will meet old and new friends along the way that leads them back to Bonnie.

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The first thing to say about this film is that all the Toy Story’s classic themes are front and centre again: an existential crisis and insecurities, the importance of moving on, the rescue of a lost toy… though Forky (Tony Hale) is supposed to be the main character here, we can tell that it is really about Woody (Tom Hanks) trying to figure out his place in the world, as the film goes.

In my opinion, Toy Story 4 is possibly the weirdest film Pixar has ever made, as this film is like a horror film for kids. Most of the scenes in the antique store are pretty creepy, and there are a lot of references to iconic horror films such as The Shining or Chucky. I actually got lost in the film during these scenes, and I was expecting to scream and jump , forgetting that it was a Pixar film =)

But I can’t tell you how many times I laughed to tears as well! The dialogues are brilliant and smart, with a sharp sense of humour and the film is full of running gags involving Forky’s desperate attempts to throw himself away, Buzz (Tim Allen) and his inner voice and Ducky (Keegan-Michael Key) and Bunny’s (Jordan Peele) fantasies.

Ducky and Bunny would totally deserve their own spin off by the way, as they are the most entertaining characters in the entire series to me.

And obviously, like all Pixar movies, this one also pulls at our heart strings more than once, and I found myself fighting back some tears in the final moments.

Woody is like a father figure to the new characters, he takes care of Fork and teaches him the meaning of being a toy, he calms Duke Caboom’s (Keanu Reeves) insecurities and helps him build his confidence and he gives his voice box away to the most endearing villain ever Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks) so she can be chosen by a kid. The wisdom, the sacrifices, the positive behaviour towards somebody who lack of confidence are qualities that we can get while growing up.

And when we thought Woody was finally where he was supposed to be, the return of Bo Peep (Annie Potts), who has been a lost toy for years, shakes his belief. She finds independence fulfilling and loves being free whereas it is Woody’s biggest fear. When he meets Bo Peep again, it is his turn to become a proper adult and to make some tough decisions, as Bo Peep shows him that independence is the first step of growing up.

That’s why in the end, I have the feeling that Woody’s character is the embodiment of our own growth. He went from a friendly but slightly arrogant and insecure character in Toy Story 1 to a responsible adult, finding peace of mind eventually in number 4. He’s not just saying goodbye to his friends, he’s embracing his new adult life and letting go of his childhood as well.

What if it was the perfect ending we were all waiting for unconsciously?