Author Archives: Katie

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About Katie

I'm a writer and editor; a dancer and choreographer; and a passionate fan of more things than is probably healthy. I love film, literature, television, sports, fashion, and music. I'm proud to be a Nerdy Girl.

What Are You Watching?: Fall 2012 Edition

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September is right around the corner. For some people, that means the taste of apples, the sight of fall leaves, and going back to school. For me, September means the taste of pumpkin spice lattes, the sight of fashionable fall coats, and going back to my regular schedule of television shows.

With promos for new and returning shows all over the networks and the latest seasons of my favorite TV shows finally coming to DVD, my excitement for all of the upcoming series and season premieres is starting to rise exponentially.

In order to channel this excitement in a productive way (aka instead of watching the newest Castle promo for the 50th time), I’m sharing with you my TV viewing schedule for the start of the Fall 2012 season. Any new shows on my list are noted with pink text.

MONDAYS:
Dancing with the Stars (8 p.m., ABC): While I don’t agree with some of the “All Stars” that were cast for this season (Bristol Palin and Pamela Anderson? Really?), I am excited to see some of my favorites return to the dance floor. I’ve been watching this show since the end of its first season, so I’m eager to see the high quality of dancing that I know the majority of these celebrities are capable of achieving.  – Season Premiere 9/24

Castle (10 p.m., ABC): My favorite television show is known for its witty banter, deft mixing of comedy and drama, and blinding chemistry between its leads. Now, it’s looking to build on a strong, game-changing season finale, in which Castle and Beckett finally answered the “Will they or won’t they?” question. The next step for this show is to prove that getting the characters together was just another way to keep its trademark spark alive. If any cast and writing team can pull it off, it’s the ones behind the most entertaining procedural on television.  – Season Premiere 9/24

Revolution (10 p.m., NBC): J.J. Abrams and a dystopian American setting? Count me in!  As a longtime fan of Abrams from his work on Alias, I will always try a show that has his name attached, especially a show with a premise this original and interesting. However, the fact that it’s on at the same time as Castle means that it’s most definitely a DVR show for me. – Series Premiere 9/17

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Why We Need Katniss

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Before I started this blog, I made a list of possible topics that I wanted to write about. Near the top of the list was “Why We Need Katniss.” As I sat down to watch my new copy of The Hunger Games on DVD Saturday night, I realized that the reason I hadn’t written this post yet was because the question it poses is one I had yet to answer.

Why do we need Katniss Everdeen?

As a writer, I see the world in terms of the stories we all have to tell. And it worries me to see the many ways that we – especially we as women – hand over our stories to other people, other forces. Our sense of personal authorship becomes diminished whenever we let other people tell us how to feel about ourselves; whenever we judge our actions, our appearance, our worth, and our value as human beings by society’s ever-changing and arbitrary standards.

So what does this have to do with Katniss?

Even when it seems like the Capitol has total control over her, Katniss fights for her right to live her own life on her terms. To make her own decisions. To tell her own story.

And what is Katniss’s story? Her story is the journey from isolation to community, from suspicion to trust, from detachment to love.

Katniss’s story is the story of how one young woman can inspire change simply by striving to be, as Peeta says, “more than just a piece in their games.”

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Beach Reading Cheat Sheet

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August is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to enjoy these last few weeks of summer with some sunshine and a good book. Summer reading has been an essential part of my life since I was a kid, and the urge to pick up a good book by the pool, on the beach, or on a road trip didn’t go away after the high school reading assignments ended.

There’s a great summer book out there for everyone—from those who love romance to sci-fi and fantasy fans. And I’m happy to take some of the guesswork out of it for you. So before you drive to the library or visit the bookstore, take a look at this list. These selections are all Nerdy Girl-approved for an enjoyable end-of-summer reading binge.

For the Nonfiction Fan: Summer can be a great time to learn about different people, places, and historical events. It’s also a fantastic time to sit in the sun with a fascinating memoir or a collection of comedic essays.

My Recommendations:

  • Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (Mindy Kaling) – No book has made me laugh harder than this one.
  • The Game (Ken Dryden) – If you’re a sports fan (especially a hockey fan), this is a must-read.
  • Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. (Sam Wasson) – This behind-the-scenes look at the making of Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a compelling book for anyone interested in feminism, 1960s culture, or film history.

For the Series Addict: There’s no time like the summer to start (and probably finish) a great book series. From mystery to fantasy, there are plenty of captivating series to get hooked on before the summer is done.

My Recommendations:

  • A Song of Ice and Fire (George R. R. Martin) – The books may be long, but the detail and depth behind each of the characters and their interactions makes this a series that transcends the fantasy genre to appeal to a broad range of readers.
  • The Nikki Heat series (Richard Castle) – I’ll admit it; the first two books in this three (soon to be four) book series were not exactly great pieces of literature, but they’re fun and fast reads (which is exactly what most people look for in a beach book). And for fans of the TV show Castle, these books (meant to be the ones written by the show’s titular character) are not to be missed.
  • The Hunger Games series (Suzanne Collins) and the Harry Potter series (J.K. Rowling) – If you haven’t read either one of these series, you’re missing out on two massive cultural phenomena and some great literature as well. If you’ve already read them, I highly recommend a summer reread; it’ll open your eyes to new things to love and appreciate in these books.

For the Classics Lover: Summertime is a great time to visit the “Reading List” section of your local library or bookstore and pick up one of the classics that you always meant to read but never did in high school or college.

My Recommendations:

  • The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald) – What it lacks in length (which makes it a great plane or road-trip book) it more than makes up for in depth. This is the ultimate American classic that truly stands the test of time. Read it before the movie comes out this winter.
  • Leaves of Grass (Walt Whitman) – Summer is the perfect time to find a shady spot under a tree and truly understand the beauty and freedom that Whitman’s poems are about.
  • To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee) – This novel should be required reading for all members of the human race, and I don’t say that lightly.

For the Literature Snob: For some people, the summer affords enough time to explore depths one can only find in great literature. The long days of summer are the perfect backdrop for hours spent analyzing the language and meaning behind contemporary masterpieces by world-renowned writers.

My Recommendations:

  • Atonement (Ian McEwan) – With its sweeping love story, lush language, and intricate plotting, this gorgeous novel is one to dive headfirst into and get lost in for hours.
  • The Road (Cormac McCarthy) – A post-apocalyptic novel that is more drama than action, this novel touches on topics as deep as parent-child relationships, innocence in the face of pure evil, and the value of hope in situations that define hopelessness. In other words, it’s not your average beach read.
  • Brokeback Mountain (E. Annie Proulx) – A novella that can be read in the span of one lazy summer afternoon, this is a truly breathtaking piece of writing. Its style, its themes, and its content manage to be both timeless and groundbreaking, grandiose and intimate.

For the Hopeless Romantic: For many (including myself on many occasions), a summer book is only as good as its love story. But before you pick up Fifty Shades of Grey, give these a try.

My Recommendations:

  • The Fault in Our Stars (John Green) – This love story features some of the most exquisite prose I’ve ever read. Have your tissues ready because there will be tears, caused by the novel’s beauty as well as its heartbreaking subject matter.
  • Dedication (Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus) – This novel about first love and the struggle to move beyond it is creative in its plot and captivating in its execution. It’s sweet, it’s surprisingly sexy, and it’s ultimately a very empowering story.
  • Bridget Jones’s Diary (Helen Fielding) – One of the original “chick lit” classics, this novel is one that most single girls can relate to…whether we want to admit to it or not. Its quick pacing and sharp sense of humor make it a great beach read.

Summertime is the perfect time to give literature a chance, even if you’re not usually a voracious reader. Take some time to peruse the aisles of a bookstore or the pages of Amazon.com and see what stands out to you.

What will I be reading for the rest of this summer? In my beach bag, I’ve packed The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Stephen Chbosky), Fight Club (Chuck Palahniuk), and Beautiful Ruins (Jess Walter). I’ve also got the last two-thirds of Anna Karenina (Leo Tolstoy) waiting in the wings.

What’s on your ultimate summer reading list?

A Special Kind of Bucket List

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This weekend is one of the biggest weekends of the year for nerds of all kinds. It’s time once again for Comic-Con, and once again I’m sitting on my couch in New York wishing I was in San Diego, getting the inside scoop on my favorite movies and TV shows while seeing some of my favorite celebrities.

As I was scrolling through my Twitter feed, longing to be at Comic-Con, I started thinking of what other fandom-related things I would like to do at some point in my life. Some of these are realistic; others are slightly less likely to actually happen. I’m sure I’ll be adding more to this list as time goes on. That’s the beauty of being a nerd; there’s always something new to be passionate about.

Nerdy Girl Bucket List:

1.) Go to Comic-Con.

2.) Drink butterbeer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

3.) Hug Zachary Levi and/or Nathan Fillion.

4.) See a midnight screening of a superhero movie. (I can’t believe I haven’t done this yet.)

5.) Have a marathon where I watch all six Star Wars films in order on the same day.

6.) Finish Anna Karenina.

7.) Visit Ernest Hemingway’s house.

8.) Have an essay published in a Smart Pop book.

9.) Go to one of those events at a movie theater where they show previous films in a series before the new one’s midnight screening. (I’d love to do this before Catching Fire, Captain America 2, or the next Spider-Man film.)

10.) Meet John Green.

11.) See one of Team Starkid’s productions live.

12.) Stay at the Magic Kingdom until it closes at 3 a.m. during Extra Magic Hours.

13.) Get my sister to watch Firefly.

14.) Own the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One – Avengers Assembled box set, and watch all of those movies over the course of a weekend.

15.) Build my own lightsaber at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

16.) Go to the Toronto International Film Festival.

17.) See any of my favorite musicals on Broadway.

18.) Have breakfast at Tiffany’s.

19.) Own hardcover copies of all of the Harry Potter books.

20.) Attend a midnight release party for a book.

Now that I’ve shown you my Nerdy Bucket List, I want to see yours. What gloriously geeky things do you want to do in your lifetime?

Nerdy Girl Goes to the Movies: The Amazing Spider-Man

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Title: The Amazing Spider-Man

Rating: PG-13

Cast: Andrew Garfield (Peter Parker), Emma Stone (Gwen Stacy), Rhys Ifans (Dr. Curt Connors), Sally Field (Aunt May), Martin Sheen (Uncle Ben), Denis Leary (Captain Stacy)

Director: Marc Webb

The Basics: Some parts of the Spider-Man story we’ve seen on the big screen before: the life-changing spider bite, the loss of Peter Parker’s father figures, the journey from masked vigilante to superhero…But some parts are new to moviegoers: Peter’s struggles with being abandoned by his parents, his first love with fellow science prodigy Gwen Stacy, and his battles with Dr. Curt Connors’s alter ego The Lizard. The Amazing Spider-Man takes a story we’re all familiar with (thanks to 50 years of comics and Sam Raimi’s recent trilogy of films) and makes it profoundly personal.This is a superhero movie that at times feels like a small character study, with moments of real warmth and surprising depth amid the action and special effects.

M.V.P. (Most Valuable Performer): Spider-Man is literally Andrew Garfield’s dream role (just watch his speech at last year’s Comic-Con if you want proof), and you could feel it in every moment he was onscreen in this film. His total dedication to making both Peter Parker and Spider-Man human and relatable is a beautiful thing to watch. Physically, he deftly balances the mannerisms of Peter the gangly teenage boy and the surprising grace of Spider-Man the superhero. That dichotomy carries over into every aspect of his performance. He gives Peter the perfect combination of sadness, sweetness, and anger. His Peter is a loner by choice, living with the weight of being abandoned and then orphaned. It’s only when he’s with Gwen that we see that weight lifted, and Garfield shines in his moments with Emma Stone. This is a different kind of humanity that Garfield gives to Peter – not the crushing sadness of being an orphan but the incredible joy of being in love for the first time. He’s by turns awkward, playful, and warm – adding a lightness to the film that is very much appreciated.

Garfield also brings new life to Peter’s persona as Spider-Man. This is the Spider-Man of the comics: sarcastic and full of quips. Spider-Man is who Peter is without inhibition, under the protective mask of anonymity. The balance between Spider-Man’s inherent heroic streak and his sense of humor is deftly handled, and I don’t think that would have been the case without an actor of Garfield’s caliber in both Peter’s glasses and Spider-Man’s suit.

Scene Stealer: Gwen Stacy is no ordinary “superhero girlfriend,” and no ordinary actress could bring to life her beguiling mixture of beauty, bravery, depth, and intelligence like Emma Stone did in this film. She brings her own spark to one of the most iconic significant others in the Marvel universe, and it’s a spark that ignites some of the most charming and memorable moments in the film. Whether she’s bantering with Peter, using her scientific skills to save New York City, or showing a rare glimpse at the vulnerability behind her perfectionist exterior, Stone’s Gwen is a fully-realized character, and so much of that comes from the vitality Stone brings to the role. We know she can do comedy – and she’s excellent in her comedic scenes in this film – but she also has a talent for showing real emotion in dramatic scenes. She and Garfield bring out the best in each other as actors just as Gwen and Peter bring out the best in each other in the film.

Bring the Tissues? Yes. There are some truly moving moments in this film: the farewell between young Peter and his mother; Uncle Ben’s murder and Peter’s reaction to it; two poignant scenes of vulnerability between Peter and Gwen – one in her bedroom and one at his doorstep; and a scene featuring tower cranes that some might call cheesy but I call a moment to celebrate the heroism of the common man. Also, there’s a scene between Peter and Aunt May that will have me getting misty-eyed every time I see a carton of organic eggs (which, thankfully, doesn’t happen too often).

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Stay until about halfway through the credits for a mysterious confrontation about Peter’s fate. Who’s the man with the hat? It’s a question to keep us guessing until the next installment arrives in theaters.

Most Memorable Scene: In terms of cinematic spectacle, the centerpiece of the film (and one of its most stirring moments) is the aforementioned scene in which crane workers help an injured Spider-Man across the skyline of Manhattan to his final confrontation with the Lizard. However, the most memorable thing about the film as a whole is the blinding chemistry between Garfield and Stone. That chemistry shines throughout the film, but it’s at its strongest in two scenes that transcend the “superhero” genre and could stand on their own in any romantic film: Peter asking Gwen on a date (and Gwen accepting) in the most awkwardly endearing way imaginable and Gwen tending to Peter’s wounds while confessing her fears of the men she loves going off to save the world and never coming back.

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The Legend of Korra: Anti-Feminism or Bad Writing?

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Nerdy Girl Contributor Jo takes a close look at the writing of female characters (especially the titular one) on The Legend of Korra: 

Earlier this year, I absolutely devoured the series Avatar: The Last Airbender. I watched all three seasons in about a week in anticipation of its sequel, The Legend of Korra. As a feminist, I was incredibly psyched about a series about a female Avatar. She would undoubtedly be awesome and kick-ass and “I am woman hear me roar.” Right?

After the first few episodes, I was disappointed. We are introduced to Korra when she already has three out of four bending abilities already under her belt – just handed to her by the writers. This is justifiable, I suppose. The writers didn’t want to just rehash Ang’s learning in ATLA again with Korra. However, despite being a powerful bender, she was not as strong as I had hoped, and she definitely didn’t have it all together. But Ang needed time to get it together too, so I gave her a few more episodes to get really in the swing of this whole ‘Avatar-thing.’

What unfolded in the remaining episodes seemed to be a story that happened around her rather than being her story. Supporting characters stole the show from the its supposed lead. Those most notable ones for me were:

Lin Bei Fong – inventor of metal bending*, daughter of Toph Bei Fong (from ATLA), and all-around kick-ass woman.

Bolin – sweet, silly, loyal Bolin. Powerful fire bender*. Dork extraordinaire.

Yes, Korra did things. Yes, her bending was good and she kicked butt in some fight scenes. Yes, she saved the day most days, but she never did it alone (until the finale – and even that is questionable). Ultimately, her struggles never really felt like struggles to me: Gee gosh, I can’t air bend. Darn.

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Midnight Madness

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With the summer blockbuster season already in full swing, it’s time to get down to business here at Nerdy Girl Notes and talk about one of the most entertaining ways to experience a film: a midnight screening.

There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere at a midnight screening. If you want to be surrounded by people who are incredibly passionate about the movie they are about to see, there’s no better place to be. From the costumes to the discussions while waiting in line to the reactions during the film itself, a midnight screening is a reminder that going to the movies is a communal activity. There’s a sense of unity among the people you meet in line and in the theater while you’re waiting for the clock to strike 12:01. It gives you a feeling of belonging in a way that going to see the same movie at 7:30 on a random Saturday night can’t provide.

I’ve seen six popular movies at midnight screenings: The Hunger Games, three Harry Potter films (Half-Blood Prince and both Deathly Hallows installments), and even two parts of the Twilight Saga (the first film and Eclipse). This week will mark my seventh, as I line up for the 12:01 a.m. showing of Brave. If my schedule allowed it, I would see every movie that stirs some level of excitement in me at its midnight screening. I have more fond memories of these kinds of screenings than I can list with any sort of brevity, so I won’t even attempt.

Instead, I will present you with a different kind of list. If you’re planning on attending any midnight movie screenings this summer, here’s some advice for you:

Buy your tickets as soon as they become available. There’s no greater disappointment for a film nerd than finding out that the midnight screening for the movie you’ve been following from pre-production through its release is sold out. Oftentimes, Fandango will send email alerts for the day tickets for 12:01 a.m. showings of popular movies go on sale. I highly recommend making use of this alert system (or at least frequently checking their website or other entertainment news sources) and purchasing your tickets as soon as possible after they become available. Also, make sure that the day you purchase the tickets you know exactly how many people will be going with you. There are usually multiple theaters open for midnight screenings, and you don’t want anyone from your group exiled to a different theater just because they had to get their tickets at a different time.

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Fandom: From Pathological to Personal

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Nerdy Girl Contributor Heather gives us an inside look at what it really means to be part of a fandom: 

Historically, academic perspectives on fandom have been limited. Fandom was often portrayed as pathological and dangerous. It was the result of people being brainwashed by the media. Popular culture was eroding our ability to think. Media consumption, particularly television, was a passive activity with little value. These thoughts were not limited to academics, however. Stereotypical images portrayed fans as crazy, costume-wearing, socially-inept individuals who would never be successful in life.

Conceptions of fans have shifted away from notions of us as dangerous individuals, but there is still a stigma against those of us who heavily invest in any form of pop culture. It’s fine to critique a book, movie, or television show on its artistic merits and technical aspects, but once we start talking about how certain characters or stories have impacted us on a personal level, we still become the people dressed in Star Trek costumes at a convention in the minds of many. We become the teenage girls who want to date Edward Cullen. We are still seen as people who care too much about something trivial.

Things are slowly changing again. Fan experiences and fan terminology have become slightly more recognized, with references to fan fiction and ship names found in television shows such as Castle, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Glee. However, even the increased knowledge and acceptance of these references don’t get to the heart of what fandom is for many of those involved in it.

Fandom is about passion. It’s about critically engaging with the media we watch and interacting with it on a deeper level.

Fandom is about understanding the influence popular culture can have on our lives. It’s about allowing popular culture to transport you to another world. It’s about an understanding of characters and recognition of themes that can’t be found through superficial reading and viewing. It’s about wanting a fictional universe to continue and be explored more than it can be though a book series, television show, or movie.

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I’ll Be My Own Savior: The Extraordinary Kate Beckett

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Kate Beckett, the main female character in the ABC crime drama Castle is many things: detective, daughter, partner, lover, friend, coffee drinker, nerdy girl, trauma survivor…

She’s also a hero, but her heroism goes even deeper than saving her father from his descent into alcoholism; saving her partner Richard Castle from numerous life-threatening situations; and saving countless others through her work as one of New York City’s best and brightest homicide detectives.

Kate Beckett is her own hero; she’s her own savior. And in a society where so many “romances” still feature men saving women from forces both outside and inside of themselves, Beckett’s desire and ability to save herself matter immensely.

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Grading the Season Finales: Glee

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Title Goodbye (3.22)

Written By Brad Falchuk

Major Characters Rachel Berry (Lea Michele), Finn Hudson (Cory Monteith), Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison), Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer), Santana Lopez (Naya River), Quinn Fabray (Dianna Agron), Noah “Puck” Puckerman (Mark Salling), Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley), Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch), Brittany S. Piece (Heather Morris), Blaine Anderson (Darren Criss), Mike Chang (Harry Shum, Jr.), Tina Cohen-Chang (Jenna Ushkowitz), Sam Evans (Chord Overstreet), Artie Abrams (Kevin McHale), Burt Hummel (Mike O’Malley)

What Happens As graduation day draws closer for the seniors at William McKinley High School, the Glee club finds itself back where it began – with Mr. Schue watching Kurt, Rachel, Tina, Mercedes, and Artie performing “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat,” just like they did in the pilot episode. Mr. Schue’s trip down memory lane concludes with a performance of Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young” for the group of students that he’s watched grow from underdogs to national champions. The nostalgia continues with Burt’s graduation gift to his son: his own rendition of the “Single Ladies” dance he saw Kurt perform when he was a sophomore, which he notes as the moment he and Kurt started to come back together as a father/son team.

Back in the choir room, Kurt serenades the boys of New Directions with Madonna’s “I’ll Remember,” and all of the seniors pass the torch to the underclassmen with the New Radicals’ “You Get What You Give.” As the episode reaches its midway point, we learn the fates of various New Directions seniors: Mercedes was signed as a backup singer and will be taking classes at UCLA; Mike is joining the Joffrey Ballet; and Quinn will be heading to Yale but keeping in touch with Rachel, her graduation gift to Rachel is a Metro pass to travel between New York and New Haven (Quinn has one for herself, too).

After a discussion in which Rachel reveals that she always thought Quinn would end up with Puck, Quinn realizes that she has to help Puck pass the one exam he needs to retake in order to graduate because she’ll always love him and they shared the experience of having a daughter together. After a kiss from Quinn restores his confidence, Puck passes his exam and is able to graduate (leading the “Glory Days” performance at graduation).

And what about Santana and Brittany? Brittany, it turns out, has a 0.0 GPA, so she’ll be sticking around WMHS for another year as a Super Senior. Santana was unaware of this but is aware that she doesn’t want to go to Louisville on a cheerleading scholarship anymore. She wants to go to New York and be a star, but is she ready to leave Brittany behind to do so?

Finn is still struggling with his discovery that his father did not die a war hero but rather a dishonorably discharged, broken man who left his family. He wants to pursue his acting dreams, but he still feels as if he’s letting his father down by not doing something to change his legacy. As Finn worries about his future and his impending marriage to Rachel, his support for his fellow Glee club members is praised with a rendition of The Beatles’ “All My Life,” by the New Directions underclassmen.

After graduation, Finn, Rachel, and Kurt all get letters from the colleges they hope to attend. We learn that Finn didn’t get into The Actors Studio at Pace University, and Kurt failed to get into NYADA despite a solid audition. But Rachel’s performance at Nationals was enough to make up for her botched NYADA  audition; she is the lone member of this trio to hold an acceptance letter. However, Rachel decides to turn down her dream school to stay in Lima with Kurt and Finn as they perfect their auditions for the next year.

On the way to what she thinks is her wedding to Finn, Rachel realizes that her fiancé is driving to an unfamiliar destination: the train station. Finn knows she should be in New York, so he bought her a train ticket to go with her dads to look at NYADA’s dorms. Despite Rachel’s tearful protests, Finn tells her that he’s setting her free to chase after the dreams she wants to put aside for him. Finn also discovered his own dream, and it’s in a place without Rachel: the army. Heartbroken and shocked, Rachel still boards the train bound for New York after saying goodbye to all of her friends, singing Room for Two’s “Roots Before Branches” as she walks, alone but finally smiling, through New York City – her new home.

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