Our Entertainment Reviews
The purpose of this section is to get people to try new things. Because of this goal we are attempting to write reviews on things you probably haven't heard of. Good luck! Oh, and any new reviews will now be posted at the TOP, thanks!
Modern Family
Lucy Modern Family is a comedy, taking place in present day, that follows the lives of three related families. The Dunphys consist of Phil, Claire, Alex, Haley, and Luke. Phil and Claire are the crazy parents of their very different children. The Pritchetts, with Jay, Gloria, and Manny, are very entertaining to watch. Gloria is Jay's second wife, and the fact that she is half his age makes the show even funnier. Manny is their son, and he is not a normal kid because his usual day ends with reading poetry to girls while wearing a tuxedo. Then there is Cam, Mitchell, and Lily. Cam and Mitchell are a gay couple that decided to adopt an Asian child. All three families are very funny, as well as related. Jay is the father of both Claire and Mitchell, making the family relations kind of wacky. This is a great show for anyone who wants a good laugh! |
Chuck
Lucy
Chuck, starring Zachary Levi, is a drama/comedy about an average computer geek that, through an encoded email from a past college friend, suddenly becomes a government asset. In a race to get to him first, CIA agent Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski) and NSA agent John Casey (Adam Baldwin) are both assigned to protect him, and the super-computer he downloaded to his brain. As it turns out, the computer, known as the intersect, is a very useful tool on missions, and much to his dismay, he is sent out on missions with the experts. Both his cover job, and his real job are being a 'Nerd Herder" at the Burbank Buy More. However, his best friend Morgan Grimes (Joshua Gomez), Lester Patel (Vik Shahay), and Jeffrey Barnes (Scott Krinsky) all work at the Buy More as well, so Chuck must work very hard to keep these very comedic characters in the dark about his secret. A similar issue arises at home, with his sister Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) and her boyfriend Devon "Awesome" Woodcomb (Ryan McPartlin). How long can he keep his spy life and the supercomputer in his brain a secret, and what kind of missions will he go on? Enjoy discovering the answers while watching 5 seasons of Chuck, all available on Netflix.
Lucy
Chuck, starring Zachary Levi, is a drama/comedy about an average computer geek that, through an encoded email from a past college friend, suddenly becomes a government asset. In a race to get to him first, CIA agent Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski) and NSA agent John Casey (Adam Baldwin) are both assigned to protect him, and the super-computer he downloaded to his brain. As it turns out, the computer, known as the intersect, is a very useful tool on missions, and much to his dismay, he is sent out on missions with the experts. Both his cover job, and his real job are being a 'Nerd Herder" at the Burbank Buy More. However, his best friend Morgan Grimes (Joshua Gomez), Lester Patel (Vik Shahay), and Jeffrey Barnes (Scott Krinsky) all work at the Buy More as well, so Chuck must work very hard to keep these very comedic characters in the dark about his secret. A similar issue arises at home, with his sister Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) and her boyfriend Devon "Awesome" Woodcomb (Ryan McPartlin). How long can he keep his spy life and the supercomputer in his brain a secret, and what kind of missions will he go on? Enjoy discovering the answers while watching 5 seasons of Chuck, all available on Netflix.
Psych
Sarah Grace, a guest at The Extraordinary Notebook and one of Lucy's best friends.
"Psych" is a comedy/drama starring James Roday as young police consultant Shawn Spencer who solves crimes with powers of observation, but Santa Barbara PD detectives think he's psychic. Psych also stars Dule Hill as Shawn's best friend and sidekick, Gus, and Corbin Bernsen as his disapproving father, Henry, who unusually was the one who helped improve his son's "observation" skills as a child. Also featured are Timothy Omundson, Maggie Lawson and Kirsten Nelson. Shawn's father, Henry, drilled young Shawn to note even the smallest of details from his surroundings as a way of improving him for his amazing career in the family business. Unfortunately, when a rift develops between father and son, Shawn finds himself taking a series of random jobs instead of becoming the detective he was supposed to be. Using his charm and well-tuned talent, Shawn convinces the cops that he's actually a psychic, they hire him to help solve tough cases. With the reluctant assistance of his best friend Gus, Shawn uses his skills of observation to become the detective he was trained to be, by his father, even though his father is not proud of Shawn's accomplishments at all. Opening his own agency - Psych - and solving cases for an suspicious, but impressed, police force, this comedy is a great source of entertainment.
Sarah Grace, a guest at The Extraordinary Notebook and one of Lucy's best friends.
"Psych" is a comedy/drama starring James Roday as young police consultant Shawn Spencer who solves crimes with powers of observation, but Santa Barbara PD detectives think he's psychic. Psych also stars Dule Hill as Shawn's best friend and sidekick, Gus, and Corbin Bernsen as his disapproving father, Henry, who unusually was the one who helped improve his son's "observation" skills as a child. Also featured are Timothy Omundson, Maggie Lawson and Kirsten Nelson. Shawn's father, Henry, drilled young Shawn to note even the smallest of details from his surroundings as a way of improving him for his amazing career in the family business. Unfortunately, when a rift develops between father and son, Shawn finds himself taking a series of random jobs instead of becoming the detective he was supposed to be. Using his charm and well-tuned talent, Shawn convinces the cops that he's actually a psychic, they hire him to help solve tough cases. With the reluctant assistance of his best friend Gus, Shawn uses his skills of observation to become the detective he was trained to be, by his father, even though his father is not proud of Shawn's accomplishments at all. Opening his own agency - Psych - and solving cases for an suspicious, but impressed, police force, this comedy is a great source of entertainment.
The Princess Bride
Lucy
Whether reading the 1973 novel by William Goldman, or watching the 1987 film, you won't be able to cease your laughter. Filled with comedy, romance, danger, sword fights, pirates, kings, torture, true love, war, poison, ROUS (Rodents of Unusual Size), and revenge, this story will keep you entertained. Following the young woman Buttercup, you will embark on a endless journey. When her true love, Westley, is supposedly murdered by the Dread Pirate Roberts, Buttercup is forced to accept the marriage proposal from Prince Humperdinck. While enjoying her only freedom in her daily horseback ride, she is kidnapped. When it seems as though all hope is lost, a stranger comes to her rescue. How far will this unknown savior go to help the soon-to-be-princess? What will be the consequences for his actions? And what is the true identity of the Man in Black? Numbering 50 on Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies", number 88 on The American Film Institute's "100 Years...100 Passions" list of the 100 greatest film love stories, and 46 in Channel 4's 50 Greatest Comedy Films list, this tale will appeal to anyone who takes the time to read or watch it. Being one of my personal all time favorites, I highly recommend this story.
Lucy
Whether reading the 1973 novel by William Goldman, or watching the 1987 film, you won't be able to cease your laughter. Filled with comedy, romance, danger, sword fights, pirates, kings, torture, true love, war, poison, ROUS (Rodents of Unusual Size), and revenge, this story will keep you entertained. Following the young woman Buttercup, you will embark on a endless journey. When her true love, Westley, is supposedly murdered by the Dread Pirate Roberts, Buttercup is forced to accept the marriage proposal from Prince Humperdinck. While enjoying her only freedom in her daily horseback ride, she is kidnapped. When it seems as though all hope is lost, a stranger comes to her rescue. How far will this unknown savior go to help the soon-to-be-princess? What will be the consequences for his actions? And what is the true identity of the Man in Black? Numbering 50 on Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies", number 88 on The American Film Institute's "100 Years...100 Passions" list of the 100 greatest film love stories, and 46 in Channel 4's 50 Greatest Comedy Films list, this tale will appeal to anyone who takes the time to read or watch it. Being one of my personal all time favorites, I highly recommend this story.
The Prestige
Lucy & Grace
"Every great magic trick consists of three parts." That is the quote that starts this intriguing drama. After watching this movie, you will never forget the power of magicians. Starring Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, this movie explores the lives of two rival magicians and how their lives are intertwined. The movie begins introducing that a magic trick has three parts; The Pledge, where the audience is presented with an ordinary object; The Turn, where the object is turned into something extraordinary; and The Prestige, where the object is brought back. Throughout the movie you experience the thrilling story through three separate timelines, or flashbacks. To fully enjoy the plot line you must wait until the last two minutes of the movie, when the mysteries throughout the movie are revealed. This film is Lucy's #1 favorite movie because it combines suspense, mystery, romance, and magic in a way that shocks even someone who thinks they have the mystery solved. Trust me, you don't. This movie will leave you in a state of shock like no other.
Lucy & Grace
"Every great magic trick consists of three parts." That is the quote that starts this intriguing drama. After watching this movie, you will never forget the power of magicians. Starring Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, this movie explores the lives of two rival magicians and how their lives are intertwined. The movie begins introducing that a magic trick has three parts; The Pledge, where the audience is presented with an ordinary object; The Turn, where the object is turned into something extraordinary; and The Prestige, where the object is brought back. Throughout the movie you experience the thrilling story through three separate timelines, or flashbacks. To fully enjoy the plot line you must wait until the last two minutes of the movie, when the mysteries throughout the movie are revealed. This film is Lucy's #1 favorite movie because it combines suspense, mystery, romance, and magic in a way that shocks even someone who thinks they have the mystery solved. Trust me, you don't. This movie will leave you in a state of shock like no other.
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy
Lucy H.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is the first in a Trilogy (which oddly enough consists of 5 books) written by the spectacular Douglas Adams. In this story we follow Arthur Dent, a normal Englishman, Ford Prefect an alien from the galaxy of Betelgeuse, Trillian, a girl Arthur met at a bar the night before she left the planet with her two mice, and last but not least Zaphod Beeblebrox the ex-president of the galaxy who stole the Heart of Gold wich is the only ship in the galaxy with an improbability drive. This hilarious tale follows the even more funny characters as their adventures carries them across the universe. I would NOT recommend this book for anyone who hates laughing, is not fond of jokes, or lacks a sense of humor. If these do not apply to you, I would highly recommend this trilogy.
Lucy H.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is the first in a Trilogy (which oddly enough consists of 5 books) written by the spectacular Douglas Adams. In this story we follow Arthur Dent, a normal Englishman, Ford Prefect an alien from the galaxy of Betelgeuse, Trillian, a girl Arthur met at a bar the night before she left the planet with her two mice, and last but not least Zaphod Beeblebrox the ex-president of the galaxy who stole the Heart of Gold wich is the only ship in the galaxy with an improbability drive. This hilarious tale follows the even more funny characters as their adventures carries them across the universe. I would NOT recommend this book for anyone who hates laughing, is not fond of jokes, or lacks a sense of humor. If these do not apply to you, I would highly recommend this trilogy.
Brain Games
Lucy H.
Brain Games is a television show that airs on National Geographic. Hosted by Jason Silva, this show explores the different components of the human brain. It branches out to how we measure time, how we see color, or even how to tell if someone is lying. Unlike many shows, it incorporates the viewer into the episodes. It allows you play along with the real people they test, like solving a puzzle, or watching a still picture move. During this show you will learn a lot about how your brain perceives life while having a blast trying to beat the tests. Good luck trying some of those puzzles!
Lucy H.
Brain Games is a television show that airs on National Geographic. Hosted by Jason Silva, this show explores the different components of the human brain. It branches out to how we measure time, how we see color, or even how to tell if someone is lying. Unlike many shows, it incorporates the viewer into the episodes. It allows you play along with the real people they test, like solving a puzzle, or watching a still picture move. During this show you will learn a lot about how your brain perceives life while having a blast trying to beat the tests. Good luck trying some of those puzzles!
Face Off
Lucy H.
Face Off is a Reality TV Show about make up artists that have a certain amount of time to complete a challenge. It is set up in a similar format to that of coking shows such as Top Chef. The show's judges are Ve Neill, Glen Hetrick, and Neville Page. The show airs on the Syfy channel, and has been running 6 seasons. My favorite part about the show is watching the models transform, and whether it is into a bird or a dragon, you will never lose interest. The judges have a chance to see the makeup from far away and up close. They decide a winner who may be given immunity or a cash prize, and a loser who is eliminated from the show. This show may interest you if you enjoy makeup, special effects, or monsters that aren't computer generated. And may I say, Good Luck to the contestants on Face Off!
Lucy H.
Face Off is a Reality TV Show about make up artists that have a certain amount of time to complete a challenge. It is set up in a similar format to that of coking shows such as Top Chef. The show's judges are Ve Neill, Glen Hetrick, and Neville Page. The show airs on the Syfy channel, and has been running 6 seasons. My favorite part about the show is watching the models transform, and whether it is into a bird or a dragon, you will never lose interest. The judges have a chance to see the makeup from far away and up close. They decide a winner who may be given immunity or a cash prize, and a loser who is eliminated from the show. This show may interest you if you enjoy makeup, special effects, or monsters that aren't computer generated. And may I say, Good Luck to the contestants on Face Off!
Doctor Who
Lucy H.
Doctor Who is a British Science Fiction show. I know that may sound a little odd, but tell that to the BBC who has kept the show running for over 50 years. The first episode, An Unearthly Child, aired in November of 1963. The show follows an alien known as the Doctor. He travels through time and space with different companions in a machine known as the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space) that is disguised as a Police Box. You may ask: "How has he been on the show for 50 years? The actor has to be ancient by now!". I have the answer. An attribute of the Time Lords (his race of people from the planet Gallifrey) is their ability to regenerate, or change appearance, when they are near death. This allows different actors to play the same character. There have been eleven different actors that have played the Doctor, and Christmas of 2013 we saw the first appearance of the twelfth Doctor (the 12th actor). He is now played by Peter Capaldi, who's debut will air Fall of 2014. The show can be hilarious, fun, and goofy, but can also bring the waterworks. The complete New Series (2005-now) along with some episodes of the classic series (1963-1989) can be found on Netflix. I would highly recommend you to give it a try as it is my favorite television show, and will almost certainly become yours.
*If just starting Doctor Who, I highly recommend beginning with the new series (2005-now including the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th doctors) and later branch out to the classics (1963-1989 including 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th).
Lucy H.
Doctor Who is a British Science Fiction show. I know that may sound a little odd, but tell that to the BBC who has kept the show running for over 50 years. The first episode, An Unearthly Child, aired in November of 1963. The show follows an alien known as the Doctor. He travels through time and space with different companions in a machine known as the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space) that is disguised as a Police Box. You may ask: "How has he been on the show for 50 years? The actor has to be ancient by now!". I have the answer. An attribute of the Time Lords (his race of people from the planet Gallifrey) is their ability to regenerate, or change appearance, when they are near death. This allows different actors to play the same character. There have been eleven different actors that have played the Doctor, and Christmas of 2013 we saw the first appearance of the twelfth Doctor (the 12th actor). He is now played by Peter Capaldi, who's debut will air Fall of 2014. The show can be hilarious, fun, and goofy, but can also bring the waterworks. The complete New Series (2005-now) along with some episodes of the classic series (1963-1989) can be found on Netflix. I would highly recommend you to give it a try as it is my favorite television show, and will almost certainly become yours.
*If just starting Doctor Who, I highly recommend beginning with the new series (2005-now including the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th doctors) and later branch out to the classics (1963-1989 including 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th).
We are not endorsed by any of the channels or publishing companies mentioned here; all reports are by the team at The Extraordinary Notebook 2014.
The Extraordinary Notebook 2014. Last Updated September 2014. Contact Information found in About Us.