Catching up on the library

It's been awhile since I reviewed for you the books I've been reading. This is in part because I'm now in a book club with friends! It's something I was hesitant about at first, but I find that I'm not only reading more, but so far the club books have all been pretty good. So here's a little catch up on what I've been reading in and out of the club.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman - This engrossing novel takes a personal approach to an epic tale. The gods of various religions and mythologies are living amongst us, but are in a bitter battle against the new gods of man - television, radio and celebrity. This is one that really had us talking in book club, which is the sign of a great novel. Gaiman's book Stardust was also recently made into a (pretty decent) movie.


The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perrotta - Although I didn't love this one, which pits a liberal sex ed teacher against a born again soccer coach, we did talk about it in club for a long time. I think it can really open the door for people to talk about religion and the roots of fundamentalism. Movie fans may recognize Perrotta as the screenwriter and author of Little Children.



Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris - I just finished this one, so we haven't talked about it in book club yet. It's certainly not what I was expecting - I thought it would be a light-hearted tale of office politics and shenanigans, but it is in reality far more serious. I feel ambivalent about it right now.





World Without End by Ken Follett - You might remember my earlier post saying I was going to tackle this tome, and I did finally complete it. Although it's not as fully satisfying as The Pillars of the Earth, it still reads with the same driving excitement that makes you want to see how it all plays out. Follett is still one of my favorite authors (when he writes historical epics).



Luna by Julie Anne Peters - An emotionally charged story about a transgender teen, I kept wanting it to be more than it was. It will certainly prove to be a great way to gently educate readers on the inner turmoil of a transgender person, but as a novel, it falls short.

Unheroic

If you recall in my earlier post, I decided I would give Heroes one last chance to redeem itself. After the vastly disappointing second season, the writers had a lot of making up to do. So last night the show returned with a 2-hour premiere. And just how was it?

Meh.

I did see some sparks of life that reminded me of the show that once was. Claire vs. Sylar in her own home. The potential twist that Ando becomes a supervillain in the future. And Mama Petrelli's startling cliffhanger statement:

Sylar: You're not my mother!
Mama P: Oh but darling...I am.

I swear, if the show was just about her, I'd still be watching. Cristine Rose - fabulous actress.

But that really just wasn't enough to keep me looped in. There was still so much season 2 mess to clean up that I got bored quickly. Future Peter? Go back, please. Mohinder is with Maya - wait, why is she still on this show? Oh, and he suddenly loses all of his rationale and injects himself with an experimental substance. Sylar kills everyone, and Kristen Bell's character is still lame. That little revelation about Ando? Hiro casually mentions it to him, using up any potential plot tension.

I give up. I've got better things to do with my Monday nights, anyway. Barney and Robin on How I Met Your Mother - will they or won't they? THAT is an interesting plot point.

The Universal Truths of Reality Shows

First here's an extremely brief recap so you're all caught up on America's Next Top Model and Project Runway.

On Top Model, there was a question if Hannah might be a racist. Maybe she is, but the girls handled it poorly. Eventually Nikeysha's yammering butt was sent home, and Lauren Brie suddenly leaped to the front of the class with a stunning photo.

Then this week the girls had makeovers which were nice, but Elina cried over her big puffy red weave curls. But she rocked the photo shoot, so she's over it. Brittany was nothing more than pretty (according to the judges, to me she was mannish) and was sent home.

Meanwhile at Parson's, two designers were eliminated last week, one of whom was Terri which really threw off my predictions. She also was suddenly a mean, bitter person, so I guess I didn't see that coming. Tanerexia also went home FINALLY. And then this week the designers made over college graduates, and Joe was finally sent home as I predicted.

Anywho, while watching these episodes, I verbalized to ScottE that there are some things that are very predictable on these shows. And he was (I think) impressed when I was proven right. It's like when he predicts how a movie is going to end, and I'm all, "Did you write the script?" So I thought it was time I shared this knowledge with you, gentle readers. Memorize these rules and astound your friends! You'll be a hit at your next TV-watching party.

I am going to focus mainly on competitive reality shows, as they are what interests me. But if you've found some similar rules for other types, please feel free to share them!

The Universal Truths of Reality Shows

1. The first person to be interviewed in a given episode is going to be either the winner that week or the one to go home.

Some shows are better about this than others. On Runway, for example, they will sometimes throw in other contestants commenting on their fortunes the prior week. But Top Model is the most egregious, and quite predictable with this.

2. Any contestant who laments that he misses his family will be going home to see them the same week.

There are a few sub-truths here. If said contestant calls a member of her family in the same episode, she is toast for sure. Examples for Runway this season - Stella and Joe. If, however, you see multiple contestants missing home, then you can expect a challenge or reward that involves loved ones from home. Survivor is famous for this. You'll also see it happen if The Amazing Race does the "phone your family" thing.

3. If a contestant says something hypocritical, expect the editors to show the evidence in the same episode.

This week's Runway was a good example. Kenley? I'd like you to meet Kettle. Neither of you can translate your style to different looks!

4. The biggest bitch or asshole will do several interviews in which she/he claims that, "I'm not here to make friends."

You can actually see a hilarious compilation clip of this on YouTube.



5. If a contestant has some disease or other sad story, he/she will mention it in an interview at least every other week, even when it's not relevant.

Top Model is famous for that. Like did you know that Heather had Asperger's? Or that Isis was born in the wrong body?

6. Mentioning that you think another player is "hot" or "cute" in an interview guarantees that you will at least make out. And alcohol will probably be involved.

Elina and Clark. 'Nuff said.

7. Karmic payback is guaranteed.

If you screw someone over, it will come to light, and you will get your comeuppance. Example - any team that used the Yield on any recent season of The Amazing Race.

8. Early success means a premature exit.

If a girl is "a natural" the first few weeks of Top Model, her chance of making it to the end is slim at best (watch out, Lauren Brie). Similarly, the winner of the first challenge in Runway is only going to see Bryant Park from across the street. Kelli? Gone. Even Daniel of the nice blue cup dress - gone.

9. There is a yin cast for every yang.

Let's use Big Brother as an example. If there's a gay man in the house, then there will also be a homophobe who may not immediately appear to be thus. Or look at Top Model last week - by having possibly insensitive Hannah, that means we have to have some equally insensitive sistahs. Brittany loves her mom, but Elina hates hers.

10. Forcing people to team up is designed to maximize drama.

Typical of this rule are the Runway team challenges - for every team that has good mojo, another will fight like cats and dogs. The Race has caught onto this trend with their odd Intersection challenges. Even on Top Model last season the girls teamed up to do go-sees with the most dysfunctional girls all together.


So those are the truths - what do you think? Tune in next Wednesday to Top Model and Project Runway, and see if I'm right!

Short DVD Reviews - Part 8

My word, it's been a long time since I've posted these, so let's get to it. As always, I promise you reviews of our latest Netflix rentals in 25 words or less!

Into the Wild - A startling portrait of a man trying to be one with nature. Heartbreaking and stunning.

Scoop - Hugh Jackman is hot. Woody Allen is not. A positive plus a negative equals a zero.

Gigi - This was a fun and frothy classic musical. The plot is trite, but the music is memorable.

Where the Truth Lies - An odd Hollywood mystery which involves Kevin Bacon, Colin Firth and sex. The intrigue chugs along, but the ending doesn't satisfy.

Easter Parade - Another classic musical, this time with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. The plot and songs were just OK, but it's always fun to watch Judy.

Orlando - Strange gender-bending tale in two time periods starring Tilda Swinton. It's so out there, it ends up going nowhere.

Oscar and Lucinda - Ralph Fiennes and Cate Blanchett in a quirky Australian love story. Once again, it pulled me along but the ending fell flat.

Munich - Oscar-nominated? I didn't get the appeal. Eric Bana saves it from being completely dull.

The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green - Yet another gay male film that is just trite and barely satisfactory.

Pride and Prejudice - This version with Keira Knightley was so heavily edited I was struck dumb at the abrupt ending. Please see the BBC miniseries instead!

In the Valley of Elah - Tommy Lee Jones unravels the mystery of his military son's death. His performance is strong, but the "mystery" was poorly crafted.

A Little Night Music - An early Sondheim musical that's fun to see simply for Diana Rigg. But the plot itself meanders and can't match the good music.

Infamous - Another amazing biography of Truman Capote and his work on In Cold Blood. Don't compare this to Capote; completely different in its own beautiful way.

Blade Runner - Although I'm sure it was ground-breaking for its time, I wasn't blown away and hated those Harrison Ford voice-overs.

The Interpreter - Nicole Kidman and the views of the United Nations are striking. The complex mystery drives the plot well, but I wanted it to go further.

Meet the Spartans - Stupid and sophomoric parody of 300? Yes. But is it funny? Yes.

I Could Never Be Your Woman - An absolutely satisfying tale of Michelle Pfeiffer's mid-life crisis. Adorable film, and adorable Paul Rudd. Best part is Saiorse Ronan as the singing daughter!

The Advocate - Truly bizarre French period drama about putting animals on trial for witchcraft. Seriously. Colin Firth? Not naked.

The Savages - Siblings who hate themselves and kind of hate each other deal with dad's Alzheimer's. Depressing, and that's about it. A disappointment.

21 - This probably makes a better book. Finding out how 5 collegiates broke the Vegas bank is fun, but the plot beyond that is pure formula.

In Bruges - A strangely engrossing tale of lowlifes in picturesque Belgium. May be too violent for some.

Persepolis - This animated tale of a youngster's life growing up in Iran has a lot to teach those of us who grew up in the West.

Baby Mama - The plot is formulaic, but you can't deny that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are darn funny.

The Bank Job - A clever heist film that is really about a web of lies and dirty dealing in 1970's London. Great fun and Jason Statham is hot.

It's Funny Cuz It's True

Hilarious - thank you Tina and Amy!



Too bad the rest of the show was so truly, awfully BAD. The writers had all summer to come up with new ideas, and they give us Adam Samberg as Cathy? Lame!

Surrounded By Idiots

Burn After Reading

The title of this post refers to the characters in the film, most of whom are idiots of various varieties. George Clooney's character makes about the worst security guard there ever was. Brad Pitt is obsessed with groovy tunes. Frances McDormand has a very poor idea of when the Cold War ended. And John Malkovich...cusses too much.

I did enjoy the movie sometimes. There are some good laughs, and I marvelled at Tilda Swinton's chance to once again play an icy bitch. But on the whole I felt the film was lacking something - the glue to hold it together. Too much quirky humor, not enough actual substance. I think it would have been better suited as an extended SNL sketch.

The title of this post does not refer to the audience in the theater when we saw the movie. Still, it was an odd experience - like being in a meeting of the Malkovich Fan Club. I swear every time he came on the screen they just laughed and laughed - even when he wasn't doing anything! Bizarre.

My grade - C+.

Special bonus for DC folks - all sorts of shots and references to local geography. But you have to wonder - what time of night would George Clooney have been driving around Wisconsin Avenue and M Street in Georgetown where there would be NO TRAFFIC?

Half-Baked

Pineapple Express

Yesterday I went with CB to go check out this movie for a matinee - really because it's the only thing I found in the listings that I had any interest in seeing.

The verdict? Wait for a rental.

I won't deny that there are some good laughs in the movie, but overall the plot feels pulled in two directions. On the one hand it's a buddy comedy in the Judd Apatow "nothing is sacred" genre. But on the other hand it's fiercely skewering stereotypical Hollywood action films to the point of absurdity. CB said that if you want to see humor like that - go see Tropic Thunder, which he reports is much, much better.

My grade - C-.

Fall TV Preview

Although the CW got a bit of a jump on the other networks, the fall TV season starts in earnest around the end of the month through early October. So that means it's the time of year for me to look at my weekly viewing plan for new and returning shows. Here's how things look to be shaping up for me after checking out Entertainment Weekly's preview issue.


SUNDAY

This is an easy day to figure out - keep watching animation on Fox. That means The Simpsons, American Dad, Family Guy, and King of the Hill. That means watching The Amazing Race on tape delay at 10, or maybe the other way around depending on how good a season it is (MORE hippies? Not promising.). I also may try a taped viewing of CW's Valentine, where a family of Greek gods live in Los Angeles. I'm a sucker for anything with mythological characters, so it deserves at least one look.


MONDAY

As much as I tried to resist it, The Big Bang Theory really picked up steam with Penny facing off against Sheldon, so I'll keep watching. How I Met Your Mother should really start off strong - imagine all the laughs to be milked from Robin and Barney doing it! HIMYM is definitely the show I'm most looking forward to having back in my life. Although it really tanked last season, I have heard so much talk about a Heroes revitalization that I'm going to give it at least a temporary reprieve. As for CBS's new comedy Worst Week, I think I'll let the jury (i.e. critics and viewers) give it a try first and let me know.


TUESDAY

With nothing at all on my plate for this day, I am going to try the premiere of Fringe. It's the newest drama from J.J. Abrams, which means my chances of liking it are automatically better than even. It may be too creepy/scary for my tastes, but we'll see. Beyond that, I'm holding out for the return of Reaper mid-season.


WEDNESDAY

Project Runway is drawing to a close, and America's Next Top Model is just starting up. On top of those, we'll be taping Pushing Daisies, which is a show I'm sad dropped off our schedule last year. ScottE may yet convince me to start watching Dirty Sexy Money. And perhaps in reruns I'll watch some of The New Adventures of Old Christine, which is usually fun, and has a "marriage of convenience" subplot happening this year.


THURSDAY

NBC's comedies are generally something I'll watch, but catch in reruns if I miss them - The Office especially. Kath & Kim is one that I'll be trying out, because I love Molly Shannon. I also love Niecy Nash, so at least one episode of Do Not Disturb will be on my schedule. I really, really don't want to get back on the Survivor bandwagon (I stopped watching after the first All-Star season), but they are trying to lure me back with the siren song of another season in Africa! Convince me to stay away, people!


FRIDAY

This is never a good night for TV, so I applaud ABC's decision to move Supernanny here. It's just the right show for that slot, because I don't care if I watch it several days late. Fridays are also a good day to catch up on other shows that we've taped (like those from my super-packed Wednesdays).


SATURDAY

If we're home? It's Netflix night.

So that's the plan for me. What will you be watching? What are you most looking forward to? And where on this schedule do you think I've missed the boat?

On a side note, I know I haven't mentioned Lost, which we know won't be back until mid-season at the earliest, as will Battlestar Galactica. They're going to be my "clear everything from my schedule" shows when they do return!

Top Model Cycle 11 Premieres!

It seems like we just ended cycle 10 with Whitney's win, and already we're back with the new cycle of America's Next Top Model! Here's everything you need to know about last night's premiere.

First off, the model selection "theme" this year was not as clever as cycle 9 (boot camp) or appropriate as cycle 10 (school). Instead they have this really cheezy "futuristic" theme that really looks more like a bad kid's show from the 80s. Pretty much the entire first hour was full of such grimace-inducing moments as the "special effects" of Tyra and the J's "beaming up," as well as the horrid names they gave each other (Alpha Jay, Beta Jay, and Tyrabot. I'm not kidding.). Also there is much fuss made about being "back in Los Angeles" which is rather silly considering they only took off one season to go to New York. My guess is Tyra found the people there to be too sharp and judgmental.

Suffice it to say, the trio whittle the dozens of contenders down to 20 semifinalists, and then the final 14 finalists. Those not making the cut included Kacey (whose attitude was fiercely stank) and Veronique (the Mormon with the pretentious name). But enough about those has-beens - here's your key rundown for the finalists:

Analeigh used to be a competitive figure skater, and also narrowly escaped being sold as a bride to a rich Saudi. What must have gotten her through is her fabulous long hair (one worries how long it will be around).

Brittany - there were actually 3 Brittanys, but Tyra wisely asked 2 of them to come up with new names. This one is from Vegas, and has the "interesting ethnic background" thing going on - her parents are African-American and Native American. Personally I think she looks a bit mannish.

Clark - is that really a name? Anywho, she's your resident blond bitch for the season. She's the new Renee.

Elina's sexuality is ambiguous but her politics are not - she's a militant vegan. Her look is strong and should photograph well.

Hannah is from Alaska and grew up with no running water or electricity. Or so she says. Regardless, she's going to remind you of it at every opportunity, so get used to it. In fact, I'm just going to call her Alaska.

Isis you have already heard me talk about - she's an out and proud pre-op transgender woman. She handles all of her interviews with aplomb, and photographs like a dream - we just need to work on that runway walk.

Joslyn says that she's been to something like 30 tryouts for this show! Perseverance is obviously key. She's a bit older and looks like it until the camera is on, then she looks fierce. I love her attitude.

Lauren Brie is a weird double name. What you need to know is that she looks like stupid Mila but she's not that dumb. She's just named for cheese.

Marjorie is a total spaz, but she has this shockingly white-blond hair and a nice European look. I predict she'll be top of the heap for awhile, but will eventually get the boot for a bad commercial.

McKey is Brittany #2, with striking red hair and deep blue eyes, topped off with perfect pouty lips. Her husband is a cage fighter, and McKey helps him train, so she's sort of a boxer.

Nikeysha looks ugly to me, and she wears fake breast enhancers. And she talks to much. I'm already sick of her.

Samantha is just a typical blond, but unlike most of these girls, she looks like she actually eats and gets exercise. She's the "healthy look" poster girl for this season.

Sharaun is Brittany #3. She's got a mouth that's too wide, an ego that's too big, and a worldview that's too narrow. HATE.

Sheena looks like Kimora Lee Simmons mixed with the softer features of Margaret Cho, with a voice and attitude like Lil' Kim. She's positive, pretty and looks like a winner to me.

So anywho, the girls settle into their new house in Hollywood. The girls settle in amicably, and several of them ask gentle probing questions of Isis to get to understand her better. Clark and Alaska sit off on the sidelines and say that where they are from (apparently South Carolina and Alaska are comparable? I dunno - ask Sarah Palin.) a person like Isis would "get beat up on the street." Clark says it's not that she's close-minded - she's just traditional. I have to disagree. Having a traditional viewpoint is fine and all. But if you don't make any attempt to learn about things that are outside your experience, then you are closing off your mind to the greater world. Thus - close-minded. Although neither of them are as bad as Sharaun, who maintains that she will NOT lose to a man.

Then the girls get a rare opportunity to have one-on-one interviews with Nigel, Ms. Jay and Paulina. Nigel thinks there is something unique about Isis and that she's smart, but he is not impressed by Sharaun.

At the photo shoot, Tyra gets very serious about voting, which is pretty cool. (She even has the unregistered girls sign up to vote that day.) The girls all pose at a voting booth, representing various issues that Americans may be concerned about this year. Sharaun shows that she's even more stank than we thought as she catcalls Isis during the latter's shoot about privacy rights - "You need to shave that face, Isis." Bitch!

The good news is that Sharaun is sent packing, while Isis gets called second. HA! And under-confident Marjorie takes first place, although I thought she was just OK. I really preferred Elina (her issue was foreign relations) and Joslyn (unemployment) on this one.

Next week - Benny Ninja is back, much to my lament. Also there are lesbian antics, and the girls question if Alaska is a racist.

Measuring up this season of Project Runway

With all of the Olympic excitement that's dominated my late summer, I've neglected to do any blogging for Project Runway! And although it may lack some of the big personality of last season, it's nonetheless exciting. Here's a quick rundown of some of my thoughts on the first seven episodes.

Episode 1

It's all about Austin Scarlett! OK, not really, but he's still fabulous. Anywho, this was a rehash of the very first challenge ever on the show. This time my favorite was Daniel's innovative blue plastic cup dress, but kudos to Korto for actually using food.

Episode 2

Having the models do the shopping for this one was a stroke of brilliance. Although I can't stand his (inconsistent) use of the 3rd person singular, Suede definitely impressed with his complex woven gown.

Episode 3

Repeating the photo inspiration challenge is fine by me. The judges were right on to get rid of Emily for her crazy frilly hot mess of a dress. As for a winner, there were a lot of garments that could be in the "love it or hate it" category. Like Kelli's, Stella's, or Terri's designs. I would have gone for one of those, but not Kenley. On a side note - I frakkin' love Stella! She is the leather fashion version of Penny Marshall, and I want her around just for the laughter she brings.


Episode 4

What a great lead-in to the Olympics! The clear winner for me here was Korto. Her outfit was hot, great sportswear, and was believable as something to see in the opening ceremony.

Episode 5

Team challenges are always a bit dicey, because I hate the whole "pit partner against partner" vibe at judging time. That being said, it should have been the perfect time to eliminate Daniel, who had outlived his usefulness. And I also disagree with the judges on a winner - I really thought Jerell and Stella knocked it out of the park.

Episode 6

I love, love, loved this episode! It was the most fun we've seen on the show in a very long time. This reminded me of the coutoure challenge from season 4, where the designers were really asked to do something huge and over the top. And it was a lot of fun because most of the designers were having so much fun with it as well! Although I applaud Joe for his well-chosen outfit, I do think that Terri was robbed on this one. Side note - can we please have RuPaul as a judge every week?

Episode 7

Product placement aside, the Saturn challenge was a real chance to see some innovation from the designers. The top 3 were definitely the best - so my hat is tipped to Jerell's futuristic dress and Korto's fabulous coat. That being said, the deserved winner was Leanne for her giving us an intriguing silhouette in a dress that certainly doesn't appear to be recycled materials. Side note - can we please get rid of Tanerexia (a.k.a. Blayne)? He is, as Leanne so eloquently put it, "barflicious."

And now you're all caught up! As we enter the latter half of the competition, here is how I think things should go to end the series on a high note.

Episode 8

We already know that the challenge is going to involve the uber-fabulous Diane von Furstenburg. I'm thinking this will give a slight edge to the designers that don't shy away from patterns - Kenley and Korto. Blayne should be the next to go. He's been wildly inconsistent, and has yet to deliver a top-notch outfit. Let him go home with his bug eyes and tan himself until he becomes the poster child for melanoma.

Episode 9

At this point we will probably have another team challenge. I'm picturing a disastrous pairing of Kenley and Suede, in which they both cry on the runway (him from some other dead relative, her because she just cries a lot). He will stand by his position as team leader and be eliminated for it.

Episode 10

Kenley will finally get on everyone's nerves enough that they sew her into a straitjacket. Unable to complete her garment, she is out. Tim pretends to care.

Episode 11

A high-fashion challenge with guest judge Donatella Versace really forces the designers to go for broke, but Joe plays it safe with some lame sportswear and is sent packing. He will think it's simply because he's a straight guy. No one really misses him when he's gone, because they realize he's really never designed anything exceptional for a biological woman.

Episode 12

After hoping for the first all-leather challenge in Project Runway history, Stella is dismayed to find that they are instead designing tutus for the New York City Ballet's newest production of Giselle. Stella tries to make a slyph-like design in studded leather, but it causes her model to collapse from heat exhaustion, and Stella shrugs as she's eliminated.


Episode 13

It's really stressful leading up to the final 3, and the designers are challenged to take their inspiration after a guided tour of the Bronx Botanical Garden. Jerell repeats his wide collar from the drag queen challenge in red, taking his cue from an amaryllis. The judges hate to see the same thing again, and after a marathon deliberation, decide to give us the first ever all-female finale!

Episodes 14 & 15

Tim goes to visit our finalists in their hometowns of Little Rock, Portland and Chicago. Terri is already done with all but 2 of her outfits, while Korto has a lot to do and should "make it work." Leanne's family decides to adopt Tim as the family pet.

Back in NYC, the designers are thrown for a loop as they are told that they have to create a final look...for their mothers! They are very stressed, but receive assists from Jerell, Joe and Stella, who help Leanne, Terri and Korto respectively. The guest judge is revealed to be contemporary fashion icon Cate Blanchett. I self-combust.

In the final runway shows, Leanne goes first and presents some unusual shapes and silhouettes that are the mark of a high-fashion show, but her overall collection is disjointed and confuses the judges. After dealing with the drama of a model showing up 5 pounds overwieght, Terri's collection goes off without a hitch. Her designs push the envelope of design for the modern urban woman, and is judged to be both marketable and wearable. Korto presents last, and her collection is full of volume and African influences.

At the final judging, Leanne is told that she did well, but is out. She is, however, elated to hear that Cate will be talking to her about a red carpet dress in the future. And in a 3-1 decision, Korto is crowned the winner of Project Runway. She is happy, but takes it in stride as usual, barely showing enough enthusiasm to be believable. Terri is pissed and makes a bitchface.

So there you go - the whole season wrapped up in a neat package! Any questions?

The eyes are the nipples of the face

The House Bunny

This new movie is a real dichotomy.

On the one hand, it's a formulaic comedy that you've seen several times before. It's Troop Beverly Hills mixed with dashes of She's All That and Clueless. About 15 minutes in you know exactly how it's going to turn out and could probably write the plot outline yourself.

But on the flip side, it's full of such hilarious lines and antics by Anna Faris that you lose yourself in the fun! She's proving to be one of the funniest women in Hollywood and deserves a great big career built around her. All those great zingers wouldn't be half as funny if someone else was in this movie. Viva la Faris!

Emma Stone is also very funny in this, giving even more than she had to work with in Superbad. She's assisted by the second generation of Hollywood - Bruce Willis' daughter (the lovely Rumer Willis) and Tom Hank's son (the nerdy cute Colin Hanks).

So go out and have a good time with this one! You won't be disappointed if you throw caution to the wind. I give this movie a solid B.