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The Princess Nerd •

Fresh thoughts: Amazon Prime’s The Girlfriend (TV Review)

Mini-series, six episodesThe Rashomon effect is a principle first derived from Akira Kurosawa's 1950 Japanese film Rashomon. It’s a storytelling technique that helps to reveal the unreliability of eyewitnesses. Different people perceive events from their perspectives, sometimes even with their own agendas. The new Amazon Prime mini-series The Girlfriend successfully uses that same storytelling technique from the middle of the 20th century to tell a sort of romantic story that is as old as it cou...
The Princess Nerd •

Weapons (2025): How Letterboxd Let Me Down

About two weeks ago, I finally went to the movies. It was a big day for me, as my previous attempts to summon the courage for an actual cinema experience had been futile at best. After convincing my boyfriend to come with me, I started looking for showtimes. I already had a movie in mind, as I wanted to catch up on the latest releases. Since the beginning of the year, I had been eager to see Together, the new horror movie featuring Dave Franco and Alison Brie.However, just as I was about to buy...
GoldDerby •

Rashida Jones raises the bar in ‘Black Mirror’ — and deserves an Emmy nomination for it

Rashida Jones is known as a powerhouse creator in the Hollywood industry. She has acted in several iconic, Emmy-nominated series and projects, including The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Silo. This Emmy season, she wowed audiences with one of the best performances of her career in the science-fiction anthology series Black Mirror. Jones played a lead in the episode “Common People”; however, her acting in this role is anything but ordinary.
Despite this impressive body of work, Jones has neve...
GoldDerby •

Pleading the case: ‘Presumed Innocent’ is not out of the picture in the Emmy race

In June 2024, Presumed Innocent was poised to become a hit on Apple TV+. The excitement surrounding the show was fueled by the love for the 1990 feature film of the same title, which starred Harrison Ford. Created by David E. Kelley and produced by J.J. Abrams, the series aimed to offer a more detailed and intimate adaptation of Scott Turow's 1987 novel, with Jake Gyllenhaal making his big television debut as the leading man.
As it aired over the summer, Presumed Innocent became Apple TV+'s most...
The Princess Nerd •

Detour (1945) Review

If you’ve never seen a film noir, Detour may be a very dark but impactful introduction to the genre. It's a fascinating motion picture, directed by the Austrian filmmaker Edgar G. Ulmer. Approximately 10 years before Detour, he directed a stylish, dark psychological horror film, The Black Cat (1934), with Boris Karloff (aka Frankenstein) and Béla Lugosi (aka Dracula). Detour was an independent picture; however, the low budget benefits the story. The film captures a deliberately messy and grimy a...
The Princess Nerd •

Squid Game Season 3 - Review, but More Of a Rant

I don’t have much to say about Season 1 of Squid Game. You know all about it. It was a great ride, a phenomenon, and a vision realized. However, I was pretty skeptical about the series at the time. I was very judgmental over the fact that everyone is going crazy about this TV show, when there’s so much more quality content that doesn’t get the same hype. In retrospect, I realize that such phenomena are necessary in any art form.After a very universally acclaimed debut, season 2 came. It was mess...
The Princess Nerd •

Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner (1967) Review

It’s easy to get used to life as we know it, but every once in a while, it’s essential to reflect on the enormous effort it took to get here. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is a remarkable commemoration of social change on screen, particularly regarding interracial relationships. Throughout film history, occasional movies have addressed this topic, but Stanley Kramer’s romantic comedy stands out as one of the first to make a significant impact. The brilliance of the film lies in its relatability....
DesignSpec •

Shower First: Conversation With David Corle and Leigh Berberian of HMI Glass - DesignSpec

DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli recently sat down with David Corle, the Director of Hospitality, and Leigh Berberian, the Creative Marketing Director of HMI Glass. HMI Glass believes that quality glass showers are the centerpiece of a modern space. The company is dedicated to demonstrating the boundless potential that glass offers for interior design. During the conversation, the team looked back on the company’s extensive history, highlighted the numerous advantages of digital printing, a...
DesignSpec •

Design, Art & Function: Conversation with Loic Kessl of FOROM - DesignSpec

The age of mass production and consumerism has made it increasingly difficult to maintain originality and quality in the field of interior design. However, companies like FOROM are intentionally bringing back the importance of authentic, thoughtful, and practical furniture design. Recently, DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli sat down with the FOROM founder, Loic Kessl, to delve into the behind-the-scenes creation process of their furniture collection.Role and BackgroundPlease tell us a little...
DesignSpec •

Customization is Key: Conversation With “C to C Tile” Owner Steve Stringfellow - DesignSpec

DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli recently sat down with Steve Stringfellow, owner of C to C Tile and one of the founding partner-vendors for our upcoming DS Сollection. C to C Tile supplies tile for classic and contemporary projects. The company  offers excellent customer service and superior products that will stand the test of time. During the conversation, Steve shared insights into his journey as a company owner, discussed his unique approach to the craft, and offered valuable advice to...
DesignSpec •

The Most Glamorous Cafe in West Hollywood: Conversation with Alexa Nafisi-Movaghar of Adean Studios - DesignSpec

Interior design is not just about constructing an aesthetically pleasing environment. For companies like Adean Studios, it’s all about creating an immersive experience within a space that the world has yet to discover. Recently, DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli sat down with Alexa Nafisi-Movaghar, the founder and creative director of Adean Studios. They discussed Adean’s recent exciting project, Cafe Goldie, their brand philosophy, and how DesignSpec is helping streamline the company’s work...
The Princess Nerd •

The Bear Season 4 - Review (Part 1)

Despite the mixed reviews I’ve heard regarding the latest season of The Bear, I loved it more than any of the previous parts of the story. I must say, I think there is more subjectivity in my feelings toward season 4. Still, it’s a beautiful reminder that art can be very, very personal if at any point in time it resonates with your experience.Like many The Bear fans, I always favored season 2. And if we’re getting into the technicalities of things, it is indeed the strongest of the four. It was...
The Princess Nerd •

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962): The Ever-Present Story

Let me tell you…What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a movie that is bound to bring out a reaction from the audience. It is almost impossible to watch this film without squinting, laughing, gasping, or even cringing. This story about the toxic co-existence of two sisters explores the topics of fame, jealousy, and aging. Even if you can’t relate to the burning desire of being known and loved for your talents, everybody can relate to the ever-so-present crippling fear of getting older and not being...
The Princess Nerd •

28 Years Later (2025) Review

There hasn’t been a post-apocalyptic zombie horror coming-of-age movie quite like 28 Years Later, maybe ever. (Contains spoilers)There’s so much to be said about the brilliance of what 28 Years Later achieves. The movie never truly settles on one specific genre or scene. From the opening sequence, it begins a chain of themes and tones that the writer and director play with masterfully. What’s remarkable is that it doesn’t just introduce throwaway plotlines or themes; the story allows them to bre...
The Princess Nerd •

Adam’s Rib (1949) Review

Adam’s Rib is a delightfully cheerful and thought-provoking comedy from 1949, directed by George Cukor. It stars the iconic romantic duo of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, with Judy Holliday delivering a standout supporting performance.This was my first Tracy/Hepburn film, and I must say, these two immediately drew me in with their tender and fiery chemistry. Before this, I had primarily seen Hepburn with Cary Grant or James Stewart and was apprehensive about the much-discussed pairing of T...
The Princess Nerd •

Charade (1963) Review

Charade is a 1963 American screwball comedy directed by Stanley Donen. You best know this man for directing movies like Singin' in the Rain (1952) and Funny Face (1957). Donen is beloved for his musical, and music is a huge character in Charade, too—no wonder the title song of the same name was nominated for an Oscar.What can I say about Charade? It’s a definition of delight in a movie form. My favorite thing about this film is that I can watch it numerous times and still not remember every sing...
GoldDerby •

That’s showbiz, baby! Why Hollywood-centric comedies like ‘Hacks,’ ‘Only Murders,’ ‘The Studio’ will lead the 2025 Emmy race

While the entertainment industry is a dreamland for many, there's a harsh reality behind the scenes, as once again proven by the 2023 Hollywood strikes. Hacks, Only Murders in the Building, and Apple TV+'s new series The Studio explore the complexities of the seemingly glamorous world of modern Hollywood, and as of now, all three are expected to score Best Comedy Series Emmy nominations.
In September, Hacks upset defending champ The Bear to become the first show focused on the entertainment indu...
The Princess Nerd •

What I Watched In A Week: The Pitt Hype & The White Lotus So Far (TV Edition)

What I Eat in a Day/Week videos have become a common phenomenon in today’s social media-driven society. Whenever I think of these types of videos, I remember Don Draper’s quote from Mad Men: "People want to be told what to do so badly that they'll listen to anyone." I believe this sentiment is entirely accurate. Since my diet isn't exactly worth recommending, I thought I could provide some valuable insights on what to effectively spend time on in front of our screens.Not all the content I watch...
The Princess Nerd •

What's the Point of The Substance + 2025 Oscars Predictions

With the Oscars ceremony fast approaching this Sunday, I wanted to write a short article about one of its nominees, The Substance. Written and directed by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, the movie gained considerable recognition over the past year and became the first body horror film to be nominated for Best Picture. Normally, I hate to be a critic, but I have several issues with this movie. While I recognize that many viewers were turned off by its excessive sexual content, nudity, and stale...
The Princess Nerd •

Anora is For Light: The Most Sincere Oscars Contender

There are many compelling aspects to this year’s Oscar nominee for Best Picture, "Anora." It’s not a crowd-pleasing film; its themes are uncomfortable and controversial. However, director Sean Baker presents the story in an incredibly raw and honest way. I’m thrilled that the movie is gaining momentum in the Oscars race after its win at the Critics’ Choice Awards. It’s wonderful to see such outstanding films being celebrated and appreciated, especially this year."Anora" opens with an extended se...
DesignSpec •

Beautiful, Functional Art: Conversation with Kyle Rottet and Sandra Sharma of Rottet Studio - DesignSpec

Every designer aspires to create work of lasting value and quality. Rottet Studio‘s core principles are centered around achieving precisely that. Recently, DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli had the pleasure of engaging in insightful conversation with Rottet’s Global Director Sandra Sharma, and Director of Marketing Kyle Rottet. They discussed the inspiration behind the studio’s design aesthetic, delved deeply into the process of creating their furniture collection, shared their vision for fu...
The Princess Nerd •

Random Oscars Rant and February 2025 Content Plans

Some people (including myself) might argue that the awards season is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the time to reflect on the past year’s best films and television shows, cheer on the favorites that received recognition, and passionately defend the ones that got overlooked.March is fast approaching, and with it comes the biggest, most prestigious film award show of all, the Oscars. The highly anticipated event will take place on March 2. Over the last decade, the perception of this s...
GoldDerby •

Can Netflix’s ‘Baby Reindeer’ match the Emmy success of ‘Beef’?

Amidst fierce competition in the TV landscape, Netflix continues to strike a cord with Emmy voters. The streaming giant consistently captivates its audience with stand-out shows that ignite widespread conversations and become essential viewing. This year, the wildly popular limited series “Baby Reindeer” is poised to match or surpass the success “Beef” had at the 2023 Emmys.
The Netflix premiere of “Beef” in April 2023 was met with instant acclaim. Starring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, the Korean-A...
GoldDerby •

Emmy spotlight: Paul W. Downs and Meg Stalter (‘Hacks’) are a ‘dynamite’ duo worthy of recognition

The ensemble cast of “Hacks” has once again demonstrated stellar acting work in its third season. The television academy has shown love for the Max comedy actors before, with Jean Smart taking home two Best Comedy Actress Emmys in 2021 and 2022. Supporting players Hannah Einbinder and Carl Clemons-Hopkins have each been nominated. This year, it would be nice to see Paul W. Downs and Meg Stalter get their due as a standout dynamic duo, bringing the laughs each time they share the screen.
The Seas...
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