I Was Asked to Be a Guest on the Podcast P.S. I Love Rom Coms + My Review of their Bridget Jones’ Diary Episode

So first of all, sorry for the long title. I usually try to make them shorter than that but decided to not only share my experience on being on the podcast, but to review an episode as well.

So a few weeks ago I was sent a message by Allie Jennings asking if I wanted to be a part of their podcast, being a guest for their Northanger Abbey (2007) episode. At first I wasn’t sure it was real, as I have recently been receiving a lot of scammy messages from sites asking me to be a rep or to collaborate with them, but of course nothing comes to fruition or they want me to pay for things.

But then I took a look over their profile and decided to message them back. We set up a time and I was extremely excited to be a guest on their podcast.

—Being a Guest on the Podcast—

We set up a time so that we could record and I was looking forward to being a part, but I was also a bit nervous. What if I freeze up, lose my train of thought, or repeat myself? All I could think of was game shows when they have people on and they are forever known as the person who gave the world’s dumbest answer.

But all my fears disappeared once we started talking. Allie and Mia immediately made me feel comfortable and I even forgot we were being recorded. I had such a great time discussing Jane Austen, rom-coms, JJ Feild, and Northanger Abbey with them. Mia and Allie are not only fun, charming, and easy to talk to; but extremely talented and very professional. The whole experience felt like being with friends and discussing your favorite things.

Their format is very fun and inviting as well. First they pick a rom-com character they are channeling, share a synopsis of the film they are reviewing, give background trivia on the film, discuss the film and the characters, and end it with a reality check and a trope countdown. It’s a lot of fun and well structured, but also leaves room to let the conversation flow naturally.

We had a few technical difficulties, I blame myself (electronics always go wrong around me.) But whoever did the editing did an amazing job, you couldn’t even tell we had any issues.

I listened to the podcast and was happy that only a couple of times I ran on a bit (when I was losing my train of thought), and I did repeat myself a few times, but on the whole I did a lot better than I thought I would. All together it was a wonderful experience and I loved every moment of it.

If you are interested in listening you can look them up on their podcast or you can click on the link here.

—Review of Podcast Episode, Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001) featuring Nick Casalini and Muriel Montgomery—

I had listened to their Pride and Prejudice (2005) and Persuasion (1996), both of which I enjoyed, and I encourage you to check out. But instead of reviewing those I decided to go down a different path. During the podcast we were talking about Northanger Abbey and the subject came up that I’ve slowly been introducing my niece to Jane Austen through films. We started with Sense and Sensibility (1995) and then this year watched Northanger Abbey (2007). I’m trying to decide what to do for next year when the ladies suggested that we watch Bridget Jones’ Diary.

Ooof, I don’t like that film or the book. I don’t hate it, it is more like I just don’t get it. I feel like Tom Hanks’ character in Big when he’s at the toy demo.

My friend loved it and we had watched it together, but I was not into it and I still don’t understand why people are. But after hearing Mia and Allie share how much they like it, I decided to give their episode a listen. This podcast feature guest stars Nick Casalini and Muriel Montgomery from Hella in Your Thirties.

So first of all I was laughing so much listening to this. Nick Casalini was so funny as a lot of things he said, went with my thoughts on why I don’t like the film. The only thing I do not agree with is his opinion that Colin Firth is not attractive.

All I wanted to do was forcefully take Nick in a barouche and explain to him why he is an amazing actor and a truly handsome man. Just kidding! (Or am I? LOL of course I am I don’t have a barouche.)

One of the best things I like about this podcast is that unlike some other film reviews where you feel they have a certain view or thought about the film that the review is headed toward, in this it is very free flowing and allows for a difference of opinion and for all views to be considered. I really enjoy that as it feels so often that people want your thoughts to follow theirs, I like when there is that allowance of all views.

Both Allie and Mia agreed that Bridget Jones, while a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, is not a good version of it, and that it would be better to separate it from being a Jane Austen adaption. This did improve my thoughts on the film, as while I still am not a fan of the film, after listening to their thoughts on the movie I better understand why people like it.

Bridget Jones is a regular person trying to do better, but as hard as she tries, she usually ends up in more of a mess. I have to say I do like that Bridget is an ordinary woman. She typically is dressed in clothes that one would buy off the rack and she isn’t always picture perfect. I really like the scene when she tried to be like Grace Kelly in the convertible but ends up with her hair in a mess, because that is sooo relatable. One trope I find super annoying is when you have this gorgeous woman who is always dressed perfectly with clothing and hair but she’s “unattractive.” I liked in this that Renee is her usual pretty self but she also has an attainable style, she doesn’t always look perfect and stylish and she doesn’t look as if she spent hours on her hair and makeup when the film stated she didn’t.

It was also nice to hear how this film impacted Mia and Allie; along with listening to their love of something they enjoyed from their childhood. And I loved Nick’s comments at the more absurd scenes, it was hilarious.

One thing I was sad about was that they didn’t talk about the only scene I love from the film, the cooking of the blue soup for the dinner party. That is the only scene I would be willing to watch over and over.

But whether you enjoy the film they talk about or not, you are going to enjoy their podcast. These ladies are so much fun!

For more on Northanger Abbey, go to I Watched Northanger Abbey (2007) with my 13 Year Old Niece

For more on Bridget Jones’ Diary, go to Why Do People Love Bridget Jones’ Diary?

For more Jane Austen adaptions, go to Recipe for Persuasion

Did the Bride Run Off Or Was She Kidnapped?: Veil of Secrets (2018)

What Happened to Kate?

So remember how I started playing that game Desire & Decorum from the app Choices?

I know it has been a while since I reviewed an episode.

Well Choices creates games that are similar to the game design in the film Big. A computer game/book that you read but get to make choices as to what will happen next.

Wow!

You have a mix of film and book storytelling in combo of a video game.

Wow

So last year I playing this one and wanted to renew it for Horrorfest, but I hadn’t finished playing it yet. I ended up doing It Lives in the Woods and decided to save this for this year.

So the story starts off with you, New York reporter, going to visit your best friend/college roommate Katherine O’Malley in Bridgeport as she is getting married!

Time for a wedding!

You haven’t had a chance to spend as much time together recently, so you haven’t even met the fiancé or the other members of the wedding part. But it quickly looks like this wedding will not be a happy affair.

When you get there you discover that she is marrying the supper wealthy Tanner Sterling-he’s seems like a Prince Charming-but his family is awful-looking down and treating Kate bad.

Then there are her “friends” who are horrible! The maid of honor Scarlett Emerson puts down Kate and treats her like dirt as well. Something is not right here.

You also meet lawyer and Scarlett’s brother, Grant Emerson, he’s okay; along with Kate’s brother Flynn-ex-con and dockworker.

Depending on your choice, you either you go out to an impromptu Bachelorette party, but either way you encounter a drunk Kate after at your hotel room later. She is worried about something, but drunk, and before you can get her to say what it is-angry Tanner comes storming in and pulls her away-all she manages to do is pass a note with the word “Ulysseus” on it.

Hmm, I don’t know about this…

The next day you go to the wedding, but when “Here Comes the Bride” plays, no bride walks down the aisle. The bride is missing!!!!

Gone Girl

Has Kate has run off…or has she been kidnapped?

It’s up to you to solve the case! You team up with Flynn and Deputy Naomi Silverhawk. You investigate the clues and have your choice of which romantic interest you desire.

Which way should I choose?

As is ever other choice in the game. Now you will reach the final conclusion either way, but you do have points where you will have to pay with your “diamonds” to investigate to get more information.

Mystery, you say?

So as you start investigating you discover the beautiful town of Bridgeport is straight  out of David Lynch-beautiful on the outside but something rotten under the surface.

Blue Velvet was an interesting movie. One day, I’ll review it, but not today.

Anyways, so time progresses and even though the Tanners are insisting that Kate ran off it is clear that something bad has happened to Kate. As you investigate you discover that the police force is corrupt (except Naomi) and don’t want you investigating:

Tanner was cheating on Kate:

You jerk!

Scarlet hated her guts and has some serious emotional issues:

Tanner’s brother is a total creepazoid:

And his parents do not want them to get married:

Did one of them do something to her? Could it have been more than one person?

Time to get on the case!

But as you continue with the case, you discover a secret so big-it could burn Bridgeport to the ground.

I thought this was an amazing mystery and extremely well done! I enjoyed it so much I have played it multiple times so that I can get every single clue.

If this is your kind of thing, you should play today!

To start Horrorfest VIII from the beginning, go to Count Dracula the Propagator of This Unspeakable Evil Has Disappeared. He Must Be Found and Destroyed!: Horror of Dracula (1958)

For more on Veil of Secrets, go to Kissing the Blarney Stone: 7 More Irish Heroes

For more on Choices, go to Happiness is Having a Library Card: Another 13 of the Best Fictional Libraries

For more on kidnapping, go to Those Men Are Not Going to Stand for Nancy Drew Poking Her Little Nose Into Their Affairs: Nancy Drew, Detective (1938)

For more weddings, go to The Conscripted Seamstress

Why Do People Love Bridget Jones’ Diary?

Bridget Jones’ Diary (Bridget Jones’ Diary #1) by Helen Fielding

So I watched the movie before reading the book. How did I feel about it?

There was a few things that were good, like the cooking scene, but on a whole I thought it wasn’t that good. I don’t see at all what it has to do with Jane Austen. To read my full review, go here.

So the book?

I didn’t like it either. I gave it zero stars on Goodreads.

Now I know you might think this review is a copout, as there is hardly anything written, but you do not know how many times I have tried to review this book.

I have read this book three times and I just don’t get it. I don’t find the characters interesting or as amazing as everyone else seems to. I especially can’t stand Bridget!

I just do not get it.

Could someone please explain it to me?

For more Bridget Jones, go to You Are a Horrible Cook, But I Will Eat What You Prepare Anyway: Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001)

For more on Pride and Prejudice, go to Dangerous to Know, Jane Austen’s Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues: MATURE

For more Pride and Prejudice variations, go to Dangerous to Know, Jane Austen’s Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues: MILD

For more books based on Jane Austen, go to Victoria and the Rogue

In other news, I typically do 14 posts on romantic moments in film and TV, but I will not be doing that this year. It’s canceled.

I know, I know. I hate breaking with tradition, but I’m just not in the most romantic mood. Sorry all…

I hope you all have a great Valentine’s Day, if you are one to celebrate.

Desire & Decorum: Chapter 1, The Journey Ahead

So do you all remember the film Big? Tom Hanks is a preteen that wishes to be “big” and becomes a 30-year old man?

He tries to find a Zoltar machine to change him back, but meanwhile works for a toy company to make money. Because of his childlike understanding, he moves straight to the top of the company.

Now his idea for a new toy is a computer game/book that you read but get to make choices as to what will happen next. Well Choices is that.

What?

So a while back they had a preview for an Austenlike game Desire & Decorum

You know me and anything Austenlike or Austen related:

So as soon as it was avliable I decided to play:

You have the choice of being male or female and name. You can also customize your avatar and purchase extras if you want.

So the story is set in 1816 in the country village of Grovershire, England. You have enjoyed your life there but your mother is very ill, and on her deathbed reveals a secret. You have never known your father, but your mother reveals that he is the Earl of Edgewater, a very wealthy and powerful man. The two were in love, but his family drove them apart-and she went to Grovershire. How do you feel? You make the choice.

With the death of your mother you head to Edgewater and to meet your father and his family. Now this is an interesting concept to go with, being born out of wedlock in 1816-not the best way to be treated.

It was very hard when you were considered an “illegetimate” child. You had no legal right to any inheritance unless “an explicit, specific, uncontested written bequest, and inheriting a title from a parent was rare indeed, though not, as we’ve seen, quite impossible.”

Ouch

So you are taken to Edgewater and meet your paternal grandmother the Dowager Countess who is quite spunky. Is she an ally? Or will she try and remove you like your mother was removed?

Hmm…

You also meet Mr. Ernest Sinclaire, master of the nearby Ledford Park. He’s handsome, rich, and also the rude man that almost ran you down on his horse a couple days ago. Yes, you have met him before.

I wonder which Austen hero he will be like? Romantic and wise like Colonel Brandon? Idealistic and does the right thing like Edward Ferrars? Broody and serious Darcy? Playful and stern like Mr. Knightley? Serious like Edmund Bertram? Playful like Mr. Tilney? Passionate like Captain Wentworth?

Hmm…

Or will he be a rogue? Sacrifices love for money like Mr. Willoughby? Selfish and narcissistic like Mr. Wickham? An annoying brown-noser like Mr. Collins? A  cruel social climber like Mr. Elton? Only thinks of himself like Frank Churchill? Manipulative like John Thorpe or Captain Tilney? Plotting and cunning like Mr. Elliot?

Hmm…

But more importantly, what about your father. Will he accept you or reject you?

For more Jane Austen games, go to Jane Austen Manors

For more based on Jane Austen, go to Jane Austen’s Guide to Dating

For more Jane Austen stuff, go to Read Jane Austen, Wear Jane Austen

Turn Your Wounds Into Wisdom, And Your Wisdom Teeth into Wounds

Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Out

One of the most painful things I have ever been through.

So Friday morning I had to wake up early so I could take the valium and the other drug an hour before the procedure. Now I have heard all kinds of stories from my friends about weird things they say or did while on the drugs, but I was pretty normal. The only issues I had was when I walked. I kept bending my knees lower than I needed to, like a monkey. Or Tarzan.

When we got in the office and I paid and answered some questions, they could tell I was walking funny. and they made me sit down. Not too long after they made me move from the waiting room to another room,until it was time for surgery. I guess I was too loud on my comments of the Frankenfish, they were showing on TV. All I said was that I wouldn’t call it after Frankenstein as that story didn’t end well.

Afterwards they went over the rules I’d have to follow following the surgery was  and took me into the room where they were going to operate on my mouth. Now as I was to have all four removed I had opted for anesthesia. So they hooked me up to all these machines, monitoring my heart and blood pressure. Now another side effect for me with the drugs was that I started acting like a little kid. I was like Josh Baskin from Big.

I was all what’s that for? Why are you doing that? And on and on. I really annoyed the technician.

Then they got ready to put the IV in. Now I HATE needles, so I was freaking out the whole time screaming (internally).

I tried taking some deep breaths and then knocked out.

I then woke up in another room in a gurney the operation over

They took me home in which I immediately knocked out.

Now when I became fully awake, boy did my mouth hurt. In fact a lot of ways its like having your period in your mouth. You are intensely sore, you are bleeding a lot and have to change out these pads. And you are in sooo much pain all you want is medication.

The only good thing was that my cat stayed by my side. Thank you Ginger.

Now a lot of people say they get chipmunk size swelling, but mine wasn’t too bad. I pretty much looked like Michael Corleone after he got punched in the face.

The worst thing about getting my wisdom teeth out now is that I’ll be missing out on Thanksgiving. Oh, well. At least I’ll still be able to have pie!