Footnotes

I'm moving!

2008-10-10T04:19:00.004Z

Not to a new house or anything, this is far less dramatic.

I've decided to migrate my blog to a new host. So please check out the new location, and update your Bloglines and blog rolls, folks!

http://dancerindc.wordpress.com/

Hope to see you real soon at the new location, and I look forward to feedback on what you think.

Blast From Your Past

2008-10-09T01:08:00.008Z

Here's another musical challenge for you folks:

What is the last song or album you purchased that's an "oldie" - one that you remember from your youth and just had to have?

photo courtesy of TheAssociationWebsite.com

Yesterday I had to download "Cherish" by The Association. (You might also have heard of the band from their other big hits, "Never My Love," "Along Comes Mary," and "Windy.") It was mentioned in the book I'm currently reading (Flesh and Blood by Michael Cunningham), and my mind whipped back to the days I was a young kid, listening to tunes from the 60's and 70's in my parents' Chevrolet. That was the age of The Carpenters, The 5th Dimension, and of course The Temptations.

I've already mentioned in this space that my all-time favorite oldies song is "Then He Kissed Me" by The Crystals. Although the opening scene from Adventures in Babysitting was a big factor in my love for that song, it was the record in my friend's vintage jukebox that solidified it in my memory for all time. So simple, so perfect.

Now it's your turn - tell me what old song you just have to have on your playlist!

Back to Basics

2008-10-08T01:54:00.009Z

Oy! What a stressful couple of weeks. No need to go into detail, let's just say it's a whole lot of, "Thank goodness THAT'S over."

It's been so busy I haven't been able to keep up with my entertainment either! No movies, no plays, not even an art show. All I've been able to do is catch a bit of basic TV via the wonders of TiVo.

Well, not always a "wonder." I discovered that conscious human input helps make TiVo work better. Case in point - the machine isn't able to anticipate I want a season pass to The Amazing Race if I don't tell it so. And it won't know that CBS + football = consistently late airings. Translation: I have only seen 30 minutes of TAR so far! Sucktitude. So I can't catch you up. Suffice it to say, some couple is awful to each other, and old people don't last long.

Also in reality news, I did try the premiere of Survivor. (What? I told you to tell me not to, and you didn't.) It was totally the same old thing, nothing has changed. Even the sight of a gay crush and men doing yoga in their underwear wasn't enough to keep me watching.

But there is a beacon of hope in the darkness - How I Met Your Mother, which is still very, very funny! Thankfully Ted came to his senses and came around to the idea that New Jersey is a lovely place. In fact, I am proud to say that whenever we go up to the Big Apple, we always stay in the uncrowded pleasant shores of Jersey. Robin going overseas? Unacceptable!

Top Model recap - Isis is gone! Sad. Clark is gone and no one cares. Lauren Brie? Guaranteed that she peaked too early. My pick to win is Sheena. And can I say that this past week's photo shoot was a bizarre concept? At least a couple photos were stunning.

Project Runway - Kenley is a self-absorbed whiny bitch. And now everyone knows it! I still am going with my original prediction, that Korto wins.

That's enough for now - I'll try to get out of the house more and do something interesting!

Catching up on the library

2008-09-26T00:51:00.011Z

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

2008-09-24T00:18:00.005Z

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

2008-09-19T03:12:00.008Z

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

2008-09-18T02:29:00.005Z

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

2008-09-17T03:21:00.003Z

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

2008-09-16T01:27:00.005Z

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

2008-09-10T17:39:00.003Z

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

2008-09-08T15:56:00.006Z

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!

2008-09-05T01:20:00.006Z

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

2008-09-01T14:54:00.008Z

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

2008-09-01T14:14:00.005Z

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.

Olympics Week 2 in review

2008-08-27T01:03:00.010Z

Sad but true - the Olympics in Beijing have come to an end. I'm so confused - what to do with my time? Is the fall TV season here yet? (Answer - no.) Guess it's time to catch up on my blogging.

My apologies to those of you who might have been hoping I'd continue a day-by-day review of the Olympics, but it became rather daunting! And the sad tragedy that was the U.S. Track team for a couple of days (my word, those relays) got depressing.

That being said, here's a few of my favorite highlights from the second week of competition:

In Track, Jamaica became the fastest country in short sprints, which means that we should perhaps rename it "Cheetahland." Just think of the Cheetos endorsement deals!

The American team competed in a very exciting round of team jumping in Equestrian, which ended in a tie. Complex rules gave us the silver, but it was really fun. Also, I like any horse named "Sapphire."

It may not be as exciting broken up in little broadcast pieces, but the winner of the Decathlon is always a fine specimen of an athlete, and we can be most proud that Bryan Clay took home the gold!

In a shocking upset while looking as cute as a button, Australian Matthew Mitcham took home the gold in the 10m Platform Diving final. He was really spectacular, so very happy to win, and he's one of the few openly gay athletes out there. I'm a total fan!

Snicker if you will, but I always enjoy watching Rhythmic Gymnastics and Synchronized Swimming, even if it means watching the Russians dominate year after year. It's the closest things we get to dance as sport - how can I resist?

The Field events don't get as much attention, but I actually prefer them to Track. So it was a real treat to see American Stephanie Brown Trafton take home gold in the Discus. You go, girl! (Whoops - duck and cover, everyone!)

And in a final note to divine male hotness, the U.S. men's Water Polo team had an amazing tournament as the underdog, and should be most proud to win the silver medal in a close game against world superpower Hungary. Can we request more shots of the bench and underwater, please?

The whole shindig ended with a closing ceremony that was pretty lackluster in comparison to the opening, although it had it's moments.

All in all it was an exciting games, and I'm glad that the Chinese were able to put their best collective foot forward. We can only hope that they'll be able to overcome the many other challenges they face when the excitement dies down. In the meantime, perhaps I'll catch up on some NBC video of events I missed, like Handball and Judo.

So that's it for this year! Next up is the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. Strap on your skis - I'm ready for the Biathlon!

Olympics Days 5 through 7 in review

2008-08-17T16:16:00.010Z

As we entered the weekend in Beijing, the Olympics have really been heating up! Here are some of my favorite highlights:

- In Gymnastics, it was time for the all-around competitions. Amongst the men there was a lot of hopping and falling going on, which allowed Yang Wei of China to sail to a win. But it was the tear-stained joy of Frenchman Benoit Caranobe winning the bronze that made it a fun watch. More fun was to be had watching the women, where it was a clear competition between the two Americans. In the end, the long lines and pleasant artistry of Nastia Liukin clinched the gold, but big ups to Shawn Johnson for being one of the sweetest silver medalists ever.

- I did get to watch some Archery online, and as expected, the Koreans dominated the individual competitions. Note to self: Do not wear a Target shirt when visiting Seoul.

- Finally, NBC broadcast some Badminton on TV! We got to watch the gold medal match in the women's indvidual competition, which was between two Chinese women - Xingfang Xie and Lan Lu. I know you won't believe me, but it was so exciting to watch! Xie was so powerful, defending her title to take the gold. It almost makes me want to pick up a racket and play!

- There were a lot of qualifying rounds in various track & field sports. The first medal handed out was in the men's Shot Put, which unfortunately I didn't see, and I don't see it online. But I can tell you that bearish American Christian Cantwell won the silver, and you can see photos of the competition, or you can read a recap.

- Last night while at a party at Sterfanie's new place, we actually sat and watched the entire women's Marathon, and none of us really know why we did! And with so many women in a pack, we couldn't make out countries or names for a long time, so we gave them our own names. Sadly, party favorite "Pigtails and Knee Socks" did not place. It was Romanian Constantina Tomescu who was running ahead all by herself for the gold, while "Big Sunglasses" edged out "Rat Tail" for the silver.

- The fastest man alive is from Jamaica, as Usain Bolt cruised to the gold medal in the 100m Dash, followed by Richard Thompson of Trinidad & Tobago and American Walter Dix. Yeah, mon!

- But of course the biggest excitement was all happening in Swimming. First up was the men's 100m Free, where Alain Bernard got his revenge on my boyfriend Jason Lezak (who settled for bronze). In the women's 200m Breaststroke, it was 19 year-old American Rebecca Soni who surprised us all for the gold! The American men went 1-2 in the 200m Back with Ryan Lochte edging out Aaron Peirsol. Then Michael Phelps picked up another gold with an easy win in the 200m IM. But it was his unbelievable "by a fingernail" touch at the wall to win the 100m Fly that really had the world in disbelief - gold again! Next up was the "splash and dash" 50m Free for the men, where no one expected Brazilian Cesar Cielo Filho to take it. For the women, it was German Britta Steffen who just edged out Dara Torres; but we love her anyway! The marathon event of the 1500m Free might not be a big ticket event, but it was a real joy to watch Oussama Mellouli win the first ever swimming medal for Tunisia! And then it came down to the closing events which are always exciting - the 4x100 Medley Relays. For the women, the Americans were really strong and should be proud of their silver medals, because those Australians were crazy fast. And in an incredibly exciting event, the American men won as once again it was my wonderful boyfriend JASON LEZAK who came from behind to take it all! And Michael Phelps enters history as the man to win the most gold medals ever in a single Olympics, with the blessing of Mark Spitz to go with it, but he can scarcely believe it.

Phew! So much excitement! Next up we'll have some event finals in Gymnastics, more Fencing, and we'll see who's the fastest woman alive.

Olympics Days 3 & 4 in review

2008-08-14T00:06:00.004Z

First off, I've said my piece about the fact that NBC is only showing so much on their broadcasts. (Check out bottom of page 32.) So I promise to stop griping about that. And ScottE helpfully pointed out that you can get tidbits of other sports online - everything from Handball to Archery. So in my very limited free time, I'll be watching!

In the meantime, here are some big highlights the last couple of days:

Over in the world of Kayaking, we saw the kind of moment that makes me watch the Olympics so religiously. Winning the first Olympic medal EVER for his country, Benjamin Boukpeti of the small West African nation of Togo took the bronze in the men's K1 final. He was so powerful and so frickin' happy - I was beaming ear to ear. He gave an interview and I understood about half of it, but it's clear that he was so proud and couldn't believe the crowd was chanting - "Togo, Togo, Togo!"

Meanwhile the Chinese continued to dominate both Gymnastics and Synchronized Diving by winning the women's event in both sports. Memo to Alicia Sacramone: SHAKE IT OFF! Good grief, it's not like someone shot your dog.

All the rest of the excitement was in Swimming. Most notable of course was that Michael Phelps made history by winning more gold medals than any other Olympic athlete. His dominance continues - can he beat Mark Spitz's record? We shall see! (Oh, and he has been breaking world records like...all the time.)

Up tonight (or rather, tomorrow morning in Beijing) - my new boyfriend Jason Lezak goes for his individual gold. You can do it, baby!!!

Work it Miss Isis!

2008-08-13T23:57:00.004Z

It's that time again! The new season of Top Model is almost upon us, and there is some exciting news. Normally I'm not into hearing the cast before the first episode, but this is exceptional.

This season will feature the first ever transgender contestant! Her name is Isis, and to really make me root for her, it turns out she hails from right here in PG County.

Her first profile shot is impressive - I think we have a contendah!

The Mole - revealed!

2008-08-12T03:38:00.002Z

*SPOILER* if you missed tonight's show!

Craig is the Mole. Told you so! Almost 2 months ago, actually. Yay for me!

Of course, the one clue I was so sure I found it's one they mentioned on the show. I still think a crew member planted it.

Olympics Day 2 in review

2008-08-12T00:36:00.007Z

Did anything happen in Beijing yesterday? Well, let's review what NBC showed us:

- The women's road race happened on the wet streets in Cycling. It was 1% more interesting than the men's race merely because there was quite a pack at the end.

- A newer event to the Olympics - Synchronized Diving took place on the springboard for the women. It was no surprise the Chinese won - they own this.

- There were more qualifying heats in Rowing. Seriously, it is almost as boring as golf! Also there was more Beach Volleyball, which I just can't get into.

- But whatever, let's get down to the real news, which took place in Swimming. It was a bit exciting to watch the men's 100m Breaststroke (poor Brendan Hansen lost again to Japan's Kosuke Kitajima). And then the place went electric for the men's 4x100m Freestyle Relay. The French were talking trash, but it was the Americans who pulled out a shocking upset. And that pool was FAST. Don't believe me? Consider this - the fifth place team beat the world record! And the Americans smashed that record by 4 seconds. And how did they do that? Was it the wonder of Michael Phelps? Well, he did his part for sure, but...

I'd like to introduce you to my new sports boyfriend, Jason Lezak. This amazing specimen of athleticism pulled out the fastest relay split EVER and came from way behind to out-touch for the win at the wall. He is absolutely remarkable! I'm not ashamed to say I sent him a little fan mail on his website.

Aw, isn't he cute?

Jason Lezak - you have made America so very proud!

Olympics Day 1 in review

2008-08-10T14:24:00.005Z

In case you missed it, here are the highlights:

- The American women were off to a good start in Beach Volleyball. But the men were defeated in their very first match, against the 23rd seed - Latvia. I blame it on the fact that they weren't wearing Speedos. And Todd Rogers agrees - at least with the shirtless part.

- There was a Cycling Road Race. Which bores me to tears for the first 50 hours or so - it's only exciting in the last 5 minutes.

- The men did their short qualifying routines in Gymnastics. Considering they are extra short and not exciting, it was obvious NBC was adding them to the schedule this year so they could stretch out gymnastics to every day. Why couldn't we have seen a little Judo or Equestrian events instead?

- Meanwhile, the American women swept the medals in the Individual Sabre event for Fencing. Way to go Mariel Zagunis (2-time champ), Sada Jacobson, and Becca Ward!

- There were qualifying heats in Rowing. *snore*

- Swimming was where the other exciting action was last night. Michael Phelps easily scored his first gold in the 400 IM, while the American women fell short in the 4x100 Freestyle Relay, as the Dutch took the gold. Most impressive of the night was Australian Stephanie Rice who killed it in the 400 IM for the women. She's adorable! Sadly, Oussama Mellouli fell short of winning the first ever swimming medal for Tunisia (that would just be neat), but it was no less impressive that Park Tae-hwan brought home the first ever gold for South Korea (400 Free).

- Early games were played in Volleyball, and the US women are looking very strong, with a team that includes several players that have been to the Games often. They held off a strong Japanese team to win their first game. Meanwhile the men held off Venezuela to advance. The cutie team captain's name is...Lloyd Ball. No comment.

Up for today - more Swimming, the start of Diving with the Synchronized Women's event, and I'm hoping for at least 5 minutes of coverage on Archery!

Olympic Fever!

2008-08-09T14:54:00.003Z

It's that time again! Time for me to obsessively watch the Olympic games in Bejing. In case you hadn't heard about it previously, I am a 100% certified addict of the 'lympics. It's really the only time you'll ever see me voluntarily watching sports.

Last night the games opened with a really spectacular opening ceremony put on by the Chinese. Although the huge spectacle was fantastic, what really impressed me was that so much was done by massive coordination of people, not machines. Hopefully it reminded everyone what is good and strong about China, setting aside the obvious issues the country faces in this century. Oh, and we kicked off the night by having Chinese take-out - of course!

On a side note - will someone please put Sarah Brightman into a home? It's unfair to continue unleashing her on an unsuspecting world.

The parade of nations continues to be fun. I think my favorite outfits were those worn by the Marshall Islands - tropical splendor! But what were the Hungarian women thinking with those crazy red flowered get-ups?

And yes, I got all misty when the torch was lit. I always do. Such a sap.

Let the Games begin! Today it's all about volleyball (I love watching women's indoor) and swimming (I don't care about the hype - Michael Phelps rocks). What will you be watching?

photo courtesy of New York Times

I'm sad, America!

2008-08-09T13:31:00.004Z

I can't believe it! Bernie Mac, who had a TV show that was enjoyable, and also appeared in the Ocean's 11 film series is dead at age 50 from pneumonia.

Read more about it here.

Bernie could be very funny at times, and I will miss having him around. Let's have a moment of silence, America.

The iPod shuffle challenge - part deux

2008-08-01T01:03:00.003Z

Well that was a fun (and popular) post. So I thought I'd continue pricklygirl's lead and post another 20, as things are a bit slow in my entertainment life this week.

21. "Everyday People" - Sly & The Family Stone

This isn't just a car commercial jingle - it's also a cool "diversity is good" song.

22. "Send Me On My Way" - Rusted Root

For my inner hippie. And no, I have no idea what the lyrics actually are.

23. "Avenue P" - Carole King

This is from King's kiddie musical, Really Rosie, which was I think the first school musical I did in elementary school. Those songs really stuck with me.

24. "Walkin' After Midnight" - Patsy Cline

When I go to eat at Hard Times Cafe, I fully expect to find this on the jukebox, or I'm sad.

25. "Band of Gold" - Kimberley Locke

She's still my all-time fave contestant formerly of American Idol. I loved when she covered this song on the show.

26. "What Have You Done For Me Lately" - Janet Jackson

Remember the video? And that Paula Abdul was in it before she had her own career? Good times.

27. "I Believe" - original Off-Broadway cast of Altar Boyz

What is awesome about this musical is that it both skewers and lauds modern religion. Hilarious! The Jewish guy was totally the hot one.

28. "You Go To My Head" - Sarah Vaughan

I do like Ella, Dinah, and Billie, but the singer of the age for me was totally Sarah. Her music goes down like a smooth glass of Frangelico.

29. "On The Willows" - original Broadway cast of Godspell

Wow, what's with all the religion-themed musicals? This song makes me cry when I see it performed live. Every time.

30. "Brokedown Palace" - Joan Osborne

I simply adore Joan Osborne, and even really get into this album which is all country and bluegrass-tinged soul. That raspy voice just rocks.

31. "Then He Kissed Me" - The Crystals

My all-time favorite "oldies" song! I can't help but bounce around and sing, just like in the start of Adventures in Babysitting.

32. "La La" - The Verve Pipe

This was my college band, by which I mean they got their start in my college town when I was there. I saw them oodles of times live (for free!) at the bars & clubs in Kalamazoo. They were so very cool. I'm sad that mainstream success ultimately spelled their demise.

33. "When Doves Cry" - Prince

No one does it better than purple royalty.

34. "Good Morning Baltimore" - original Broadway cast of Hairspray

Who knew John Waters' screwball movie would make such an infectious musical? This song makes me want to wake up for sure.

35. "Padam Padam" - Edith Piaf

We got way into Edith after seeing La Vie En Rose, and this is totally her best song, in my opinion. It makes me want to go back and take more French classes.

36. "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" - Paula Abdul

Oh hello, embarrassment. OK, I admit it - I heard Paula put out a new single, and I totally bought it immediately. And I tap my foot when I listen to it. So sue me!

37. "Land of a Thousand Words" - Scissor Sisters

Funny, this was on Joyous' list also! We are big, big fans of the Sisters - we've seen them in concert several times. And they put on a good show.

38. "Over The Moon" - original Broadway cast of Rent

I'm sad the show closed, but it will live for ages. A modern classic! And this song is great fun - it's always interesting to see how different actresses will interpret it.

39. "Beyond The Invisible" - Enigma

I have all of Enigma's albums. It's good mood music for the background, but also good for choreography.

40. "It's De-Lovely" - Rosemary Clooney

Finally! I thought Rosemary would never make it into the shuffle. And I have a lot of her music on my iPod. This track is from a live performance she did at the London Palladium, where she performed a Cole Porter classic.

So anyone want to share 20 more? Or how about this other challenge - what's the most recent song you bought, no matter how trite or trendy?

I just bought "American Boy" by Estelle. It really gets in my head. But warning if you download it from iTunes - it is not clean.

The iPod shuffle challenge

2008-07-29T03:14:00.008Z

OK, I'm game. ScottE sent me this little challenge from pricklygirl. I'm sure it will be embarrassing, but here we go!

If you are in shuffle mode, what are the first twenty songs that come up on your iPod? And no skipping past the embarrassing stuff. I usually run mine in shuffle mode on some general song list (i.e. show tunes, not show tunes, pop/rock/soul, 80's). But this is the whole enchilada! Ready?

1. "Being Alive" - original Broadway cast of Company

We've greatly enjoyed the soundtrack with the 2006/2007 Broadway cast starring Raul Esparza. But I wanted more, so I got the original cast as well. This is the show closer, and it's a doozy!

2. "Dangerous Game" - Gloria Estefan

I know she's not everyone's cup of tea, but I've been a big Gloria fan for ages. This is off her most recent album, and it's got a mellow sound I enjoy.

3. "Icicle" - Tori Amos

Tori is brilliant on the piano, and this is one of her best off my favorite album - Under The Pink.

4. "Blue Wind" - original Broadway cast of Spring Awakening

If you haven't seen this show, you're missing out. This soulful song is what made me fall in love with Lauren Pritchard.

5. "Little Perennials" - Indigo Girls

My favorite band ever, this is the first single off their latest album. And it's catchy.

6. "The Same Love That Made Me Laugh" - Queen Latifah

She was a rapper first, but it's become accepted that Queen is also a smooth jazz singer. I've enjoyed her last couple albums that showcase this talent.

7. "Rhode Island Is Famous For You" - Blossom Dearie

Don't recognize the singer? You might know her better from her work on Schoolhouse Rock! - remember "Figure 8"? Or "Unpack Your Adjectives"? That childlike voice of wonder is hers, and this cute song makes me smile.

8. "The Ballad of Czolgosz" - 2004 Broadway cast of Assassins

At this point if you're shocked I have so many show tunes, you don't know me very well. Loved the show (saw it at Studio 54), especially Neil Patrick Harris, who sings this one. And he says "Michigan" in a song, so I've got hometown love.

9. "Locklat Africa" - Zap Mama

Zap Mama is a unique Belgian group of women who fuse European and African styles. I bought this album (Sabsylma) for the choreographic possibilities, but still listen to it for fun as well.

10. "The Dock of the Bay" - Otis Redding

The classic summer song of chillaxin'.

11. "Shattered Dreams" - Johnny Hates Jazz

Ah, the carefree and bizarre 80's. It was such a simple and...odd time. This particular song was great while driving with friends at night.

12. "You Can't Hurry Love" - The Supremes

Classic Motown never goes out of style. And no I do NOT have the Phil Collins cover on my iPod!

13. "Lorrell Loves Jimmy" - movie soundtrack for Dreamgirls

I love this movie musical even more than Lorrell loves Jimmy. Also, Anika Noni Rose is totally my BFF, in case you hadn't heard. (In my head, that is.)

14. "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive" - Kathy Mattea

Somber bluegrass-tinged folk music isn't my usual thing, but I heard Kathy perform songs from her new album (Coal) live, and it was entrancing. It's sad, but it's beautiful.

15. "I Feel The Earth Move" - Carole King

Carole King is an amazing songwriter. My first memory of this song was some random singer (maybe Helen Reddy?) performing it on The Muppet Show. Actually I have far too many memories of classic songs being sung on that show...

16. "Midnight Radio" - movie soundtrack for Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Hard to explain the plot of this movie musical, but let's just say it involves hard rock and a botched sex change operation. Anywho, this is my favorite song. Lift up your hands.

17. "Hey Genius" - Rebekah

I first heard for Rebekah when I got a sampler cassette at my first Lilith Fair. I bought the album, and this song is my favorite - strong singing/songwriting.

18. "Liza with a 'Z'" - Liza Minelli

This makes me really super-duper gay, I know. But it's an adorable song, regardless.

19. "Members Only" - Los Angeles cast of Naked Boys Singing!

No comment.

20. "Turn! Turn! Turn!" - The Byrds

For everything a season and a reason. What an appropriate way to end my list.

All right, I've laid my iPod bare - how about you?

A Dark Night with The Dark Knight

2008-07-28T23:43:00.002Z

The Dark Knight

Believe the hype - it really is that good. No, really. This is not some frothy superhero movie that's all action and no substance (I'm looking at you, Daredevil). This film transcends the genre to become a substantial drama and thriller.

Emphasis on the thriller aspect, by the way. I was downright SCARED several times! Not like horror-movie scared, but in the nervy-suspense sense - like in The Silence of the Lambs.

And the reason for that is three-fold:

1. A killer script by Jonathan & Christopher Nolan is full of twists, turns and seemingly impossible schemes. Guaranteed to keep you guessing!

2. The direction by Nolan (the latter one) is also very strong, keeping a frantic pace, but still throwing in solid substance to make you care about the characters and what happens next. My only quibble with the movie is that I think it was a tad long, but I admit I don't know what to cut out.

3. But the real reason to see the movie, actually the whole POINT of the movie is the unsettling performance by Heath Ledger as The Joker. He's creepy, perverse, frightening and just a bit funny. Do I believe a posthumous Oscar is appropriate? Um...kinda. I certainly haven't seen an acting performance this year to surpass Ledger's.

Now, all that being said, let me put it out there - the film is disturbing. The Joker's madness is not purely sadistic - he's also an anarchist. And that's a potent and downright scary combination. That sense of "It could happen to anyone at anytime" is pervasive and gets inside your head! Let's just say I didn't get much sleep last night. And what happens to Aaron Eckhart's character (Harvey Dent) is not for the faint of stomach. But for us former comic book geeks, it was really frakkin' cool!

So, other than my obvious A grade for the movie, I'll advise you to see it and see it soon, but perhaps go to a matinee, and take your teddy bear with you!

Oh, and you can debate with your friends - which is more annoying - Christian Bale's weird gravelly voice as Batman, or Pierce Brosnan's singing?

Mamma Mia indeed!

2008-07-23T15:55:00.004Z

Mamma Mia!

I've already mentioned that I felt this was one of my most-anticipated films of the summer. And I certainly wasn't disappointed. But like another great movie recently, I think a little viewing guide would be helpful:

1. Remember that the plot is thin.
Really thin. Like 1-ply toilet paper thin. As long as you don't go into it expecting deep existential messages, you're good to go.

2. It's silly and wild, which is part of the fun.

Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Laugh! Sing! (OK, maybe not sing. Perhaps humming is more appropriate until you buy the DVD for home viewing.)

3. Girl power!

The strength of the movie comes from the fun and crazy antics of the female characters, and the delightful actresses playing them. Meryl Streep shines as the lead, proving that not only can she master accents, but she can sing, too! She's very believable as a mother feeling pulled between parental responsibility and her youthful freedom. She's joined by her wild & crazy pals, played to the hilt by Christine Baranski and Julie Walters. Also delightful is the daughter, played by Amanda Seyfried who shines when she smiles and can cry on cue. Coupled with a strong voice, she's a winner.

4. Colin Firth. Shirtless. Singing sweetly. With a secret.

'nuff said. *drool*

5. Turn on your Pierce Brosnan filter.

You'll figure this out real fast - Brosnan can't sing. Like, at all. He's AWFUL. So the grand debate is, can you cover that up if you're suave and sexy at a certain age? I say no - the film features him too prominently when he does decide to torture us with those vocal cords. His singing mars an otherwise wonderful film.

6. Stay for the credits!

You won't be disappointed. Trust me.

So that's it folks, a definite A- for the film. I'd give it a full A score, but...shut up, Pierce, seriously.

Now if you'll pardon me, I need to go see the movie again, so I'm off to strap on my platform boots and sequins while I belt out "Super Trouper!"

Catching up with The Mole

2008-07-16T00:16:00.005Z

All right folks, let's cut to the chase about this week's episode of The Mole. No need for a recap. OK, if you insist:

- Nicole continues to act like a princess and play dumb.
- Paul continues to be evil to just about everyone.
- Alex continued to fade into the background.
- Mark continues to be paranoid.
- Kristen was executed last week, which shot my theory about the winner all to heck.

Got it? Now for my predictions, of which I'm feeling quite solid.

Least likely - Mark

Nicole and Paul continue to bicker like idiots, but no one is working harder lately to get the money in the pot like Mark. His running on that treadmill was most un-Mole like behavior. Plus no one has been this paranoid since Corbin Bernsen.

Most likely - Craig

I'm now firmly convinced that Craig is the Mole. First of all you'll notice that although Nicole was terrible at this week's brainteasers and made a big show of it, Craig wasn't really much help, either. But what really tipped me off was a potential clue they threw in for the viewers. As the execution scene began, the camera pointedly froze on a barrel with "N20" stamped on it. What was Craig's guess in the bungee challenge? $20 thousand. And as has been pointed out on the TWOP forums, what did Craig say his birthday was? November 20th. Booyah!

The winner? - Clay

At this point I think it's time to stop with a second-choice Mole candidate and talk about the winner. I'm pretty sure that we now have at least one contestant that knows Craig is the Mole, possibly more. And I think he/she/they may be covering up for him. Nicole and Paul's mutual incompetence could be evidence of that. But I think it's Clay's apparent cluelessness coupled with his ability to contribute to the team just a little bit which makes me think he's on the trail and poised for a win.

You heard it here first, people!

Icons for Gay Men

2008-07-15T00:51:00.009Z

Recently I was re-watching the film Hello Dolly! after hearing those great old Jerry Herman tunes in the film Wall-E. For those unfamiliar, there was quite a hulabaloo when the young Barbra Streisand was cast in the role, whereas the stage version had been pretty much synonymous with Carol Channing. Despite that, we gays still love her, even if we recognize this was perhaps not her best (or most appropriate) role. But how to explain that? Why is it that the majority of gay men love Babs the way we do, and so many others?

Thus I think it's time to offer you, gentle reader, a primer for the pantheon of female icons that we gay folk adore so much. And because I love lists, I'm going to offer my top 10 icons, followed by a laundry list of honorable mentions. Also we'll look at a few potential icons of the future - who will be talking about 25 years now with a great sigh saying, "Oh, I remember when I first saw Elizabeth in the theater. Now THAT was a great time in movies!"

First up, my top 10 list. These are in no particular order, because no matter how I rank them, I will hear cries of sacrilege (probably even from myself).

1. Judy Garland

How does one explain the pull of Judy? I admit that I wasn't even that impressed with Judy in my nascent years as a gay collegiate. But there are several reasons to explain her appeal. First is that quintessential role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Her experience reminds us of our own - lost in a world that is new and scary, wishing for the comforts of a home where you truly belong - if only you had some kind friends to lean on and show you the way. Also Judy has that cache of being a young child star at the time when movie musicals were becoming quite popular. When she exhorted us all to "Get Happy," we gladly obliged.

2. Liza Minelli

One can hardly mention Judy without bringing up her daughter in the same breath. We admire the way she fought to step outside her mother's shadow, taking the musical stage by storm all on her own. She pushed buttons and sang of hot jazz in Cabaret (making us forget that the role of Sally Bowles is supposed to be played by an Englishwoman). And of course she kept marrying men of our number, so she's practically a gay man already. Liza with a Z - that's her!

3. Barbra Streisand

*sigh* Oh, Babs. It's the voice. It's the nails. It's the Jewish girl from Flatbush who makes it on the Great White Way and wins an Oscar in her very first movie role. It's her unconventional choices in leading men that makes us realize all of us stand a chance. (Ryan O'Neal as sex symbol? Believe it.) And of course she's just so easy to impersonate - a godsend for the drag queens out there.

4. Cher

First she declares herself a "Half-Breed," and we identify with the outsider who isn't loved. Then she wears ostentatious-yet-fabulous gowns by Bob Mackie. And then she proves that she can really act, too - "Snap out of it!" Once she went disco, all the gays were ready to dance along and toss our non-existent long hair. Whoooaaaa!!!

5. Madonna

Although she's the youngest on this list, Madonna has done more in her half-century to win the hearts of the gays than most singers do in a lifetime. She has continually skewered social norms regarding sex and religion, and we appreciate it. She also knows how to construct a lot of amazing dance tunes!

6. Bette Davis

We love Bette for one simple reason - she was the first big-mouthed broad who brought the bitch every time she walked in a room. Only she could turn, "Poor Eve!" into a classic line.

7. Joan Crawford

Joan was in some ways Bette's twin for bitchery, but she also brought the glamour and the drama. And of course we know that she was (mostly) Mommie Dearest in real life, which makes her both cool and creepy.

8. Audrey Hepburn

Audrey defined glamour of the era - she looked good in everything, and always had those big fabulous sunglasses! No one else before or sense has made a string of pearls and a long cigarette holder look so very elegant. Then she became a big-time humanitarian, and no one appreciates selfless acts to help the world's forgotten more than the gays.

9. Donna Summer

Donna was the queen of the disco, and we sure loved our disco. Why, exactly? Disco was the chance to show of your hottest threads while shaking your booty on a lighted dance floor. Gay, gay, gay!!!

10. Bette Midler

Her history starting in the gay baths made Bette an instant gay icon for life - she entertained us first, and we've been loyal ever since. Yet we also would have adored her anyway for being loud and brassy with big bazooms. Once she made us weep with Beaches, we have never been the same.

And that's the list! Now for a few honorable mentions, who are certainly gay icons for some, but have not perhaps reached the pinnacle of gay icon stature:

- Dolly Parton - "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap."
- Julie Andrews - Sound of Music - love! Victor/Victoria - gay friendly!
- Patti Labelle - Soul sistah had the craziest hair of the 80's. And she likes to eat.
- Marlene Dietrich - She's the woman who made androgyny edgy and fabulous. Madonna owes her a debt.
- Elaine Stritch - Elaine made it OK to drink vodka and sing at the top of your lungs. Not that I ever do that.
- Gloria Gaynor - "I Will Survive" has been our anthem for years - if only she had more hits...
- Carol Channing - She's the smile that ate Broadway - Hello, Dolly, indeed!
- Carol Burnett - That Gone With the Wind sketch was worth a lifetime of laughs.
- Lucille Ball - The original (and perhaps greatest ever) comedienne. And who wouldn't want to marry a hot Cuban?
- Mary Tyler Moore - When she threw her hat up into the Minneapolis sky, she signaled freedom - for all! (Or that's how I saw it.) Plus having a sassy Jewish neighbor was totally our life.
- Whitney Houston - She...eee...eee....will always love uuuuuuuuus...or maybe crack. It's whack!
- Reba McEntire - Short, spunky, redheads are always our best girlfriends. Plus, girl loves her costumes!
- Diana Ross - She was so fabulous and controversial that they made a really, really good musical about her! (Even if she denies it.)
- Katherine Hepburn - She really qualifies as more of a lesbian icon (the jaw, the pants, that red sweater), but we still think she was a strong woman, and we love that.
- Judi Dench & Helen Mirren - Tough British babes for the ages!

Finally, without further adieu, I propose the women with the greatest potential to become our great icons of the new century. Which of them will stand the test of time?

- Jennifer Hudson - She's our new Diana Ross. But girl's got curves!
- Kathy Griffin - She adores us, so how could we not return the love?
- Margaret Cho - Ditto!
- Kelly Clarkson - American Idol no more - she is hot, hot, hot.
- Beyonce' - We're crazy in love with her.
- Cate Blanchett - One minute she's a British queen, the next she's clawing out the eyes of Judi Dench. Bold!
- Tilda Swinton - Androgyny is hot again, and Tilda's at the forefront. A new Marlene in the making?
- Meryl Streep - When she gets Oscar nomination #20, you know we're throwing a party.
- Glenn Close - She was in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway. She may actually BE a gay man!

OK, now's your time to let me have it - where did I go wrong? Whom did I forget? Whom I have shown too much love? (Yeah, right.) And who else will define the future of gay men's DVD and CD collections?

For those of you watching So You Think You Can Dance

2008-07-14T23:32:00.004Z

[Click the link above, or click here.]

Ooo - the drama!

I admit I thought Jessica's days were numbered, anyway. But now Comfort has to work doubly hard to stay in it.

WALL·E gets an A

2008-06-30T23:18:00.004Z

Pixar triumphs once again with their latest offering, WALL·E. It's touching, visually stunning, and even carries a message. But above all, this film works so well, because...well, let me count the ways:

1. The story is nothing new - boy meets girl and it's love at first sight. Granted this time around they're robots, but you get the picture. It's this simplicity that makes the film universal, and an excellent choice for kids, too. (Also there is a cute cockroach. Yes, I'm serious.)

2. By creating a world beyond our experience, the creators draw us in completely, so that you want to move around and explore with the characters. It's like an animated Life After People.

3. The dialogue is sparse in WALL·E, so we really get to focus on the story and the emotions. In fact, you become so engrossed that you immediately forget the fact that robots expressing emotions isn't really logical.

4. Beneath the enchantment of the story, there's a clear pro-green message going on. But it's subtle enough that you don't feel like you're being preached to at all. Again, a gentle message that will go over well with the little ones.

Get ready to hand this one the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, because it's practically a lock already!

The bigger question - how would I rank it amongst the other Pixar films? Tough call. I'd definitely put it near the top. Maybe somewhere around 3rd, after Finding Nemo and The Incredibles.

Oh, and as always you get the bonus of an animated short by Pixar at the beginning. This time around it's the very clever slapstick of a magician and his rabbit in Presto. I'd say an Oscar nod is a sure thing!

The top 100 films of the last 25 years - modern classics?

2008-06-26T23:46:00.003Z

Continuing a chain from blog-to-blog, I’m borrowing this idea from Voenix Rising.

Using the Entertainment Weekly list of the top 100 movies from the last 25 years [editor’s note – debatable, at best]:

Bold the movie if you’ve seen it
Put asterisks next to the movies you’ve seen and really liked. If you saw a film and hated it, cross it out.

I’ve seen a whopping 66 of the Top 100 films, but outright hated only four of them. That’s probably because I’m a bit choosy about what I will and won’t see in the theater. Although the age of Netflix has helped me delve into a lot more so-so movies, I admit.

If I had to pick a single favorite on this list, it would undoubtedly be the LOTR trilogy. But since that might be considered an unfair advantage, I’ll give honorable mention to…The Breakfast Club. A true modern classic!

As for the worst, I think I'd have to say Breaking the Waves. My other crossed-out titles I just thought were overhyped. But Waves was just...bizarre.

Pulp Fiction 1994**
The Lord of the Rings trilogy 2001-03**
Titanic 1997
Blue Velvet 1986
Toy Story 1995
Saving Private Ryan 1998
Hannah and Her Sisters 1986
The Silence of the Lambs 1991
Die Hard 1988
Moulin Rouge 2001
This Is Spinal Tap 1984
The Matrix 1999
GoodFellas 1990
Crumb 1995
Edward Scissorhands 1990
Boogie Nights 1997**
Jerry Maguire 1996
Do the Right Thing 1989
Casino Royale 2006**
The Lion King 1994
Schindler’s List 1993
~~Rushmore~~ 1998
Memento 2001**
A Room With a View 1986
Shrek 2001
Hoop Dreams 1994
Aliens 1986
Wings of Desire 1988
The Bourne Supremacy 2004**
When Harry Met Sally… 1989
Brokeback Mountain 2005**
Fight Club 1999
The Breakfast Club 1985**
Fargo 1996
The Incredibles 2004**
Spiderman 2 2004
Pretty Woman 1990
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 2004
The Sixth Sense 1999
Speed 1994
Dazed and Confused 1993
Clueless 1995**
Gladiator 2000
The Player 1992
Rain Man 1988
Children of Men 2006**
Men in Black 1997
Scarface 1983
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2000
The Piano 1993
There Will Be Blood 2007
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad 1988
The Truman Show 1998
Fatal Attraction 1987
Risky Business 1983
The Lives of Others 2006**
There’s Something About Mary 1998
Ghostbusters 1984
L.A. Confidential 1997
Scream 1996
Beverly Hills Cop 1984
sex, lies and videotape 1989
Big 1988**
No Country For Old Men 2007
Dirty Dancing 1987
Natural Born Killers 1994
Donnie Brasco 1997
Witness 1985
All About My Mother 1999
Broadcast News 1987
Unforgiven 1992
Thelma & Louise 1991
Office Space 1999
Drugstore Cowboy 1989
Out of Africa 1985
~~The Departed~~ 2006
Sid and Nancy 1986
Terminator 2: Judgment Day 1991
Waiting for Guffman 1996
Michael Clayton 2007
Moonstruck 1987
~~Lost in Translation~~ 2003
Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn 1987
Sideways 2004
The 40 Year-Old Virgin 2005**
Y Tu Mamá También 2002**
Swingers 1996
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery 1997
~~Breaking the Waves~~ 1996
Napoleon Dynamite 2004
Back to the Future 1985
Menace II Society 1993
Ed Wood 1994
Full Metal Jacket 1987
In the Mood for Love 2001
Far From Heaven 2002
Glory 1989
The Talented Mr. Ripley 1999
The Blair Witch Project 1999
South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut 1999

So how about you - how many have you seen, and what do you think is the best and the worst?

New iPod Singles

2008-06-24T00:08:00.013Z

One of the joys of the iTunes revolution is that one gets to sample music like a smorgasbord. Not sure if you want to buy a whole album yet? Just buy a song or two and take it for a test drive! It also opens you up to a world of new artists you might never have heard of or tried, but with the store's inventory you have a lot of choices. Here are 3 new artists for me and the songs I downloaded and have been enjoying.

Spotlight - Jennifer Hudson

Yeah, I know - I totally already had J-Hud on my iPod. But this is the first song of her own material, the first single off her new album. I'm not sure I'd pick this as the premiere song if I was her record label, but it hints at the power behind that voice. I consider this a decent appetizer to what should be a hearty main course.

Mercy - Duffy

Several of my co-workers have been talking about Duffy lately, and after sampling a few songs, I downloaded this ditty. It's a really catchy tune in the vein of Amy Winehouse - a movement I'd call retro-soul. Duffy by contrast is far more upbeat than Amy, and thus far doesn't seem to have the deep personal issues.

My Heart - Lizz Wright

I try to catch CBS Sunday Morning whenever I can - it's been a tradition in my family for years. One thing I've enjoyed recently are the music suggestions offered by Bill Flanagan. His tastes touch all musical genres, and he has a particular reverence for the classics. This past week he offered what he thought were the best CDs for this summer, and I immediately latched onto Lizz Wright. She's got a cool pop sound tinged with jazz - think India.Arie after she's had a mojito. This particular track is hard to get out of your head - check it out!

So those are my latest finds - what have you discovered lately? What am I not listening to that I should rush out and get ASAP?

Iron Man Rules

2008-06-22T02:08:00.003Z

I'm a little late to the party on this, but after protestations from ScottE and my family, I finally caved and agreed to go see Iron Man. My primary hesitation was that the trailer, which I'd seen numerous times in the theater, was about as exciting as a Yanni concert. Also the comic book was never one I was into as a kid. And let's face it - superhero movies in the past few years have varied widely in quality. While some were truly super (X-Men 2, Spider-Man 2, Superman Returns), others have been so bad we'd like to forget they even happened (Daredevil, anyone?).

[On a side note, I finally saw the first half of The Hulk. WOW was that bad.]

Anywho, I went with my brother and sister-in-law to go see it last weekend (second time for them). And it was in fact a really great movie. This is the rare case where a trailer undersold a movie!

I believe that the primary reason it is so successful is that the origin story is carefully crafted, and the entire film is very character-driven. There are actually only a handful of action sequences, so when they do come, you can settle in and enjoy. It's not constant explosions and guns, etc. (Yeah, I'm looking at you, Transformers!)

But I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Robert Downey Jr. makes the movie. He's a lovable lothario (with a hot body) that draws you into every scene. Surprisingly, Gwyneth Paltrow makes a good foil for him. She's a nice mix of smart and sexy.

And for you die-hard comic fans out there, there are a couple nice winks thrown in for good measure. Terrence Howard sees Tony's other iron suit sitting there and says, "Next time, baby." And indeed, his character later becomes Iron Man - perhaps in the third film? If you sit through those long ending credits, you get a hint of where the Marvel Studios are headed - an Avengers movie! The real question - will they do the other indvidiual character films first? (Thor and Captain America, if you're keeping track. Although I'm holding out for The Scarlet Witch!)

Cute commerical!

2008-06-19T00:08:00.003Z

I've complained about awful commercials in the past on this blog, but it's nice to celebrate a good one on occasion.

Let's give it up to Heinz for this adorable take on the non-nuclear family!

So adorable, it makes me smile every time.

Thanks to Joe for the heads-up on this one.

Oh, that tricky Mole!

2008-06-18T01:52:00.007Z

Well, The Mole has been up to his (or her) dirty tricks the last couple of weeks. It's debatable whether the players keep doing poorly due to incompetence, constant infighting, or devious subterfuge. Right now I'm chalking most of it up to the bickering. I remember back in the day that Kathryn was good at just letting the group implode on their own.

This week's double-elimination was quite a shocker for our players. Personally I think that when the host offers a bribe, you should smell a rat. Anywho, it was a shame to see even-tempered Ali go, as she was becoming quite likable. Of course she totally got the last laugh walking away with the cash and then watching an execution from the sidelines.

But I'm more than happy to see that pathetic loser (Bobby), go home. I hate to agree with Paul, but come on - that kid was pathetic! He gives us skinny guys a bad name. Even I can manage to WALK through a town. Yeesh.

Looking ahead, here's my latest round of predictions:

Least likely - Nicole

Paul is a close second, but I think at this point Nicole's "strategy" and attitude are completely transparent. I won't count her out to be smart enough to make it to the finals, though. (Paul, not so much.)

Most likely - Craig

Craig probably comes off as an unlikely candidate for The Mole, which is exactly why he could be the one. What I was really watching for this week was subtle sabotage or inside information. I think that he led Victoria into talking after the finish line, resulting in a disqualification that appeared to be her fault. Also his stumbling across the team's laundry was just a bit too convenient.

The dark horse - Kristen

I still think that Kristen is so good she's dangerous, but I was stymied trying to find any situation where she could have caused sabotage this week. Unless she was taking a break from her job... Still, I'm keeping my eye on her. She could be The Mole, but I think it's increasingly likely she could be our winner.

Marriage, Sex and Cosmopolitains

2008-06-07T15:00:00.003Z

Sex and the City: The Movie

I'll put it right out there - I really liked the movie. Is it perfect? No. But for fans of the show it's great fun and brings back happy memories. You'll leave the theater anxious to go sip some Cosmos with your best girlfriends (and gay friends) while watching back episodes on DVD, deciding who amongst your group is a total Samantha.

The critics have been a bit hard on the movie - it's too long, it's too Carrie-focused, it celebrates materialism, too much time out of Manhattan. But I maintain that it's a good time and you'll have a ball. Thus I offer...

The Top 10 Reasons to See the SATC Movie!
10. It's a good time to giggle and frequently say, "Oh, CHARLOTTE..."

9. Have a debate with your friends as to who has aged more gracefully since the series first aired - the men or the women?

8. Outrageous fashion is always a good time to see even if you know you could never afford it.

7. You always want to know what Samantha's next sexual escapade is going to be.

6. Those eyebrows of Big's - you know you've been waiting to watch them arch.

5. Even though her character really could have been fleshed out more, Jennifer Hudson is still lovely. And the only Oscar winner in the film.

4. Hear Carrie intone just one more time, "I couldn't help but wonder..."

3. Miranda and Steve having sex. HOTT! (The second time.)

2. Tear up at Charlotte's unexpected (pun intended) news.

1. Brunch at the girls' favorite place - what could be better?

Enjoy, and if you're in the neighborhood, let's whip up some cocktails, and I can confess why I am sometimes too much of a Miranda!

Who is THE MOLE?

2008-06-04T00:06:00.008Z

In my world, I've seen a lot of reality TV. Much of it completely awful. Some of it a guilty pleasure. And then there are a few "cream of the crop" shows that took things to a whole other level. Project Runway is certainly one of them, and despite a few missteps so is The Amazing Race. And now we have the return of another - The Mole.

Now don't get me wrong - this is a show that has also had some hits and misses depending on the whims of network executives. The first season is a true classic, featuring a mole that few could have predicted, clever challenges, and that devilishly handsome host with the most, Anderson Cooper. The second season was also good and brought us a popular hero in Dorothy, but overall paled in comparison; the general opinion is the producers just picked a bad choice for the mole (Bill was totally predictable).

From there we had the celebrity mini-seasons. The first in Hawai'i was surprisingly good, with a clever mole and an even more clever winner in Kathy Griffin. But from there we descended into the constant antics of Corbin Bernsen and Steven Baldwin, which was boring for everyone (except maybe those two).

At long last the show has returned to it's "regular" format, featuring a dozen people trying to complete challenges and put money in the group pot, all the while trying to ferret out the identity of the saboteur in their midst. The new host is Jon Kelley whom I think is doing a fine job at explaining everything in a slightly ominous but tongue-in-cheek manner, without drawing too much attention to himself. Subtlety is a good thing in a reality show host.

Last night's premiere was pretty good. I liked starting with a slightly daredevil challenge and immediately identifying peoples' suspicions. We've also established a villain really quick, so you know you'll be seeing plenty of Nicole. So where do my own suspicions lie? I'll break it down thusly:

Least likely - Paul

I think his slightly arrogant guido attitude seems very genuine. I also don't see him having a chance at winning. Making a coalition with the first person to be eliminated is not a good indicator of intelligence.

Most likely - Kristen

I think Kristen has the right mix of intelligence, athleticism and cunning. She's nice without being too nice. Exactly what makes a good mole. (Ask Kathryn.)

The dark horse - Ali

On any other show, you can discount anyone that lists his/her profession as "model" or "bartender." But on this one, assumptions are dangerous. Keep an eye on this girl. She could be the mole, or she could be your winner.

So stay tuned each Monday evening - I know I will be watching! And stop by here for updates. You might also want to try the Fafarazzi game to see how well your "team" does each week. Here's my team!

Six is an Animal Lover!

2008-06-02T14:48:00.003Z

Tricia Helfer of Battlestar Galactica is pretty awesome. First of all she's got a great role as our favorite Cylon neck-breaker, Six. And then she hosts Canada's Next Top Model, which makes her fabulous.

Now it looks like she even loves kittens. Isn't she sweet?

A Miracle Book

2008-05-23T17:15:00.008Z

It's always a pleasure to come across a book that is utterly satisfying, but also has the potential to change your life. The last time I had that happen was Yes Man. This time around it's Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.

The book was actually a gift from Em to ScottE this past October. He has in turn shared it with a number of friends, and I finally got around to reading it myself. If the greatest gift in a book I have given to Scott and our friends was The Pillars of the Earth, then this has been my reward - a true gift in return.

The thrust of the book is that Barbara and her family decided to pick up and move their lives to a farm in southwestern Virginia. For one year they would try to (with but a few minor exceptions) eat only food that was grown within about 100 miles of their home, and only from reputable farmers that could be relied upon for organic and sustainable methods. This meant really embracing the annual cycle of food growth in the area - leafy greens and asparagus in spring, endless apples and pumpkins in the fall. And it wasn't just the fruits and vegetables - that meant meat, dairy and bread as well. Could they do it? Could they survive? And would they hate it?

It turns out they did do it, and it became a way of life. The family developed a deep connection to their food because they made it. And along the way they learned a lot about how the government of this country is stacked against the small local farmer, and how changes can be made.

For me, it was an eye-opening, potentially life-altering book. Having grown up my whole life as a city boy, my only real experience with locally-grown food were the berries and tomatoes my parents grew in the back yard, or stopping by a roadside stand on the way to my grandmother's cottage in summer. Now I really get it - I understand why an apple on the east coast is rather absurd in April, and why there are so many varieties of gourds (they're to get you through the cold winter). But mostly I have this craving, this need to seek out opportunities to buy from small local farms (which I'll be doing tomorrow at the Cheverly Community Market), and to think more about eating what's in season.

I really encourage everyone to read this book, but to realize it's not there as a condemnation of how we eat, or how so many farmers are trapped into large industrial systems for corn and soybeans. I truly believe that Kingsolver wrote this to make us open our eyes, be aware and think. The simple awareness of your food choices can slowly shift simply by having all this in your subconscious. The tides of change in this country have almost always been slow and subtle.

Today I was walking through our back yard, checking on the progress of all our little growing things and stopping to smell the gentle sweetness of a yellow iris. I looked on admiringly as birds from cardinals to blue jays stopped by for a visit (a purple finch is our latest find). I was reminded looking around that this was what makes that hour-long commute every day worth it. And as I hunched over the "Early Girl" tomato plant that Scott had planted in our modest little plot, I cooed over six little budding fruits that will provide us with a delicious bounty by mid-summer. We did that. We grew that. And it didn't ride on a truck cross-country to get here.

Read. Eat. Start a revolution.

Battlestar Galactica - Jump!

2008-05-20T12:10:00.001Z

It's been awhile since I've done a post on BSG's new season, but last night's episode most definitely deserves a mention! And for those of you that are like, "Ugh, not another Battlestar post. What is it with that show?" Consider this another friendly reminder that you are MISSING AN INCREDIBLE SHOW.

Ahem.

Anywho, this week we were faced with all sorts of intriguing dilemmas:

1. Tigh knows not to fire on the basestar, but how can he explain this gut (i.e. CYLON) instinct?

2. Roslin must decide whom to trust - her conflicted military advisers? Her whore of a chief of staff? Her former friend and confidant, Lee? Or a group of rebel Cylons?

3. Kara can't get the fateful words of the Hybrid out of her head - for whom is she the harbinger of death?

4. Athena is having those dreams again, and now it's coming all to real. Why is Hera having her own visions of Six? And is blowing Natalie to shreds really the best way to solve the problem?

Best line of the episode was totally from Roslin - "I don't really care if you have to spend the night on your knees praying or just on your knees...I WANT A NAME." Awesome. When she talks like that I would soooooo vote for her.

In other news, Gaeta must be gay, because only gay men would sing sad ballads (probably from female singer/songwriters) to overcome the loss of a limb.

At the end, it was both thrilling and terrifying to hear the Hybrid utter that one fateful word...

JUMP!!!

Prince Caspian Rules

2008-05-20T01:40:00.005Z

Prince Caspian

It's already been well-established in this blog that I'm a big fan of C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. The books are a joy to read at any age, allowing one to escape into a world where badgers speak and centaurs are more than fantasy.

The first film was good, and gave a sense of nostalgia for fans who read The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. But it never quite reached a point of sheer exhiliration. It instead inspired a gentle sense of wonder, which is beautiful nonetheless.

Thus it is with great pleasure that I report to you that Prince Caspian is truly thrilling. If you can sit through extended periods of chatter and plot exposition, you will be richly rewarded with tales of heroism, exciting battle sequences, and CGI graphics that are (mostly) believable.

In this second film, the actors portraying the Pevensie children have grown up a bit and it shows. Anna Popplewell in particular shows sharp focus as Susan, and Georgie Henley is comfortably settling into the role of Lucy as she matures.

One thing I really liked this time around was how the screenwriters injected a little dry humor here and there to lighten the mood. You'll especially enjoy Peter Dinklage as Trumpkin, doing what he does best (the gruff dwarf with the soft heart that he doesn't want you to know about). And who can't love Eddie Izzard's vocals for the noble mouse knight, Reepicheep?

And again, I can't say enough for the thrilling visions put forth by the artists and animators in this film. Swirling flower petals, warring trees, and especially a powerful river creature are Lewis' creations come alive.

For Narnia!!!

(Now my hope is that a third film is on its way. The logical next step is The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, featuring the final appearances of Edmund and Lucy.)

Top Model Has A Winner!

2008-05-15T02:11:00.008Z

OK, if you haven't seen the finale of America's Next Top Model Cycle 10 and don't want to be spoiled, stop reading.

You have? Well good for you. So let's say it out loud.

We have a winner, and the winner is Whitney! Big girls don't cry, they rule the runway!!!

I admit I predicted that Anya would go first, but was surprised to see her get the edge. She botched her commercial as I expected, but I think Fatima's lack of a compelling personality spelled her doom. Her glamour shot showed promise, but she has nothing to fear. She's certain to be either adopted by Iman or hired as Iman's minature stunt double.

As we approached the runway show, I was quite surprised to hear that Tyra scored some Versace. I'm not sure if Donatella was just offering a preview for a select audience or what, but it certainly is a coup for the show.

Anywho, the runway show wasn't that thrilling, but damn if Whitney didn't stomp it out! Girl was FIERCE and I was so proud. She looked very mature - I had thoughts of Heidi Klum going through my head. It helps that Versace is a style that works quite nicely on a curvaceous body.

Anya? She has nothing to worry about. As Tyra said, she has a high-fashion European look that someone will certainly scoop up for some print work. Which leaves Whitney to (hopefully) pave the way for real women in fashion everywhere!

So what about the future of the show? Rumors abound that Tyra is on her way out, and I have to say I can see it coming. She seems so disconnected with the show now and doesn't really do much above and beyond being a judge. Remember back when she did one-on-one chats with the girls? Or visited them at the house to talk about some big modeling issue? The next question becomes - who would replace her? It takes a force of personality, and I'm not sure Paulina quite has it yet.

Wouldn't it be lovely if Tricia Helfer defected from Canada's Next Top Model to host here? Talk about kickin' ass on the runway...

Also you may have wondered why I stopped recapping the show this season. Quite frankly, it got pretty dull. I was able to predict the series of events for several weeks in a row (Kat will be eliminated for not showing enough personality...check). Some of the photo shoots got dull, and that first Cover Girl commercial was L-A-M-E.

Here's hoping the next time around the casting is strong, the shoots are interesting, and the hostess gets into it as well!

UPDATE:

Check out these great photo shoot pictures of Whitney and Tyra. Hott!

Top 10 Madonna Singles - Ever

2008-05-11T22:22:00.009Z

I can never resist a challenge, and of course after ranking all of Madge's albums, Stef was quick to ask - but what are the best songs? It took some real difficult decision-making, but I've made my list. In honor of our favorite pop mom, it seems appropriate to unveil this list on Mother's Day.

First, my methodology. I began by eliminating any song that was not actually released as a single at some point. Although several albums have some hidden gems that never made it to the radio, I thought it best to stick to the true pop hits. From there I compiled a list of a quick top 20. And then from there I slowly whittled the list down to 10. It was hard, believe me! After the list, I'll give you a few honorable mentions that just missed the cut. (Who knows, maybe they can make a list in the future. If Jaslene can make a comeback...)

And now, without further adieu, the list, in reverse order.

10. Human Nature

Madonna's mid-career was very focused on being one hot n' sexy woman. Of all those sex-positive hits, I think this is the best. It's got a good beat, and is just tongue-in-cheek enough to prove she's not taking it all too seriously.

9. Papa Don't Preach

There have been a few Madonna songs dealing with her tumultuous relationship with her father, and I think this song balances her desire to be loyal to her father but also be her own woman. She's keepin' her baby, and don't you forget it.

8. Like A Virgin

This song arguably is what made Madonna a star. It's known around the world and is a part of our cultural lexicon, even showing up in films like Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. Each time I listen, I feel touched (for the very first time).

7. La Isla Bonita

Now begins the real dance masterpieces. Madonna's affection for all things Latin is best showcased in this song, which transports me to a tropical locale. If you want to hear the best version, check out her live concert in Australia for The Girlie Show tour. "La Isla!"

6. Like A Prayer

Madonna's most controversial video ever (and for her, that's saying a lot) seems tame by today's standards. But behind the controversy was a gospel pop anthem that really makes you want to get up on your feet.

5. Holiday

If you're having a party and things are getting dull, just pop in this song, and things will turn out fine. It was one of Madonna's first hits, and has stood the test of time.

4. Ray Of Light

This is the newest song on my list. It represents a whole new sound for our pop earth mother. Perfect for getting up in the morning, driving on the freeway, or working out at the gym.

3. Open Your Heart

I know this song wouldn't rank high on most critics' lists, but there's just something about the beat that gets a hold of my heart. Put thoughts of the video out of your mind, as I know it's a bit weird.

2. Vogue

As I looked back on my life and thought of hours spent dancing in clubs, I realized that even when this song wasn't playing, I sure spent a lot of timing vogueing. Madonna took a style of dance unique to a gay subculture and started a dance revolution. I think even Bette Davis would agree.

1. Express Yourself

Looking at the Madonna oeuvre for this list, I quickly came the realization that for the top of the list there was really only one choice. This song rocks, it's got self-affirming lyrics, the beat is infectious and it's easy to sing along. "C'mon girls! Do you believe in love?"

So there it is. Let me know what you think, and feel free to disagree.

As for the also-rans, there were quite a few ballads. I think that speaks to Madonna's style - she's a pop star first, songstress second. Live To Tell, Love Don't Live Here Anymore...very good stuff, but not the absolute best. Also some of her more recent hits are definitely good, but I think I still need a few years to see if they stand the test of time - Music and Hung Up are up there for sure.

Let's hear it - what do you think?

Over 10,000 Served!

2008-05-10T00:32:00.003Z

Not only is my beloved husband celebrating a blog milestone of his own, I've just hit one too.

Since I added that lovely little SiteMeter widget almost 2 years ago today (May 11, 2006), over 10,000 people have visited my little blog.

I know that many were hunting for footnotes to their favorite book, or were doing the same odd image searches (Who knew I ranked so high for "girls on hands and knees?"). But there are some great friends that have laughed and bickered over my posts all this time.

When I started this blog, I certainly didn't anticipate that people from six beautiful continents ("Antarctica, oh please") would pop by to read what I had to say. I just love entertainment and the arts, and I love to talk about it all.

So thank you all for tuning in, and keep on reading!

(On a side note, is this the most boring season of Top Model ever? Discuss.)

Ranking Madonna's Albums

2008-05-06T02:25:00.007Z

In a previous post, I had been asked how I would rate one of Madonna's albums versus another. This gave me the thought that perhaps it was time for a...list. Yes, I know. Lists have become so common on the internet, you'd think they were the start of Wikipedia. But for you, my dear readers, I feel it is my duty.

Thus I present to you my list of all of Madonna's 13 major albums in order. I have decided for the purpose of this list to exclude any greatest hits collections, as it's just patently unfair. Let's be honest - no album would stand a chance against The Immaculate Collection. Granted those collection albums usually had a little new material. Maybe some other day I'll rank all the top 10 hits. Also I'm excluding albums of remixes, and any album so obscure that you won't recognize it when I mention it. (Yes, there are a few - check out this discography.) And while I'm throwing out caveats, I'll mention that although it's awesome, I have to leave out Evita, as that wasn't exactly new material.

So here they are, folks! Release the hounds, and begin the debate.

1. Ray of Light

For me, this is it - the pinnacle of a career. Madonna blew the music industry out of the water with something very fresh, new and innovative. I defy you to listen to the title track in your car without accelerating. Frozen gives me chills, Shanti/Ashtangi centers me, and Nothing Really Matters is so very danceable! I came close to demoting this to the #2 spot because of the hopelessly annoying Little Star, but I'm sure even the Mona Lisa has a smudge in there somewhere.

2. True Blue

If I was stranded on a desert island and could only have 1 album on this list on my cleverly hidden iPod, I'd go with this one. I think Ray of Light is great as an overall album, but it's True Blue that has the songs I can't live without. A lot of people probably wouldn't be able to name this album off the tops of their heads, but there's no way they wouldn't know the songs on it. The title track is fun, and four of the greatest Madonna songs of all time are here - Papa Don't Preach, Live To Tell, La Isla Bonita, and my all-time favorite - Open Your Heart!!! LOVE!

3. Madonna

A long time ago in a galaxy very nearby, Madonna launched a career with bubblegum pop that you could really dance to. Although this album is 25 years old, it still is the source of some of her most hummable tunes - Lucky Star, Borderline, Burning Up, and one of the best party songs of all time - Holiday!

4. Confessions On A Dance Floor

After a few missteps, Madonna came screaming back onto the scene with a very, very good album. Hung Up is a dance anthem wrapped in a pink leotard. And there are a lot of other great offerings - Sorry, Let It Will Be, How High. Personally I can't get enough of Jump and Like It Or Not.

5. Bedtime Stories

Go ahead and argue with me, but I think this is the most underappreciated Madonna album of all time. It was laying the groundwork for the electronica dance style she would pioneer in the coming years. Bedtime Story is an amazing song and a delightfully trippy video (love those whirling dervishes!). And what's more, it features some of Madonna's strongest ballads - Secret and Take A Bow. In other news, Human Nature is way sexy, baby!

6. Erotica

Not every song on this album is amazing, but it marks a huge change for Madonna. This is when she became very, very grown up (read: overtly sexual) and at times very serious. There are some good songs here, but it's really all about Rain!

7. Like A Prayer

This is an odd album - it features a couple of the greatest Madonna songs ever (the title track and Express Yourself) and a couple solid hits (Cherish and Oh Father) mixed in with a lot of forgettable work (Dear Jessie, anyone?). I think this is the main reason we needed The Immaculate Collection.

8. I'm Breathless

What I like about this album is that it's got a great theme going. As the companion soundtrack to the movie Dick Tracy, Madonna presented a collection of songs in a swinging 40s style. Even if every track isn't successful, it's still a pleasure to listen to, in my opinion. And considering it's topped off with Vogue (a signature gay dance anthem), how can you go wrong?

9. Like A Virgin

Madonna was really hitting the big-time with this album (i.e. she ruled MTV), but when you look at the album itself, it doesn't have that much to offer. Sure, there are a few vital hits - Material Girl, the title track, and Dress You Up. But I think overall it's not very strong.

10. Hard Candy

As you may have read by now, I like parts of this album - the beginning (Candy Shop, 4 Minutes) and the end (Devil Wouldn't Recognize You and Voices) with one good song in the middle (Miles Away). Just stay away from some of that annoying pop with trite lyrics in the middle (I'm taking Incredible off my iPod)!

11. Music

Maybe someone can argue in favor of this album, but I found it to be very disappointing. The title track and Don't Tell Me are definitely keepers, but can you name another song off the top of your head?

12. American Life

Yeah, yeah, I know it's pretty bad. I still own it. I kind of like the title track, and even the James Bond theme, Die Another Day. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

13. Who's That Girl

Putting this album on the list is debatable, as only half the songs are even from Madonna. Sadly, even those few aren't very good. The title track is about all that's worth listening to.

That's it - what do you think? I'm dying to hear some opinions from you other folks that remember when Madonna writhing around in a wedding dress was a real scandal!

Lost and Jack and OMG!

2008-05-02T02:37:00.007Z

OK, I admit it. I normally don't like the Jack-centric episodes on Lost. He comes across as whiny, he grates, and just...ugh.

But this week - it just seemed different. I believed his love for Kate. I believed that he was conflicted in his feelings for Juliet. And I believed that his one desire on the island was to get everyone to safety.

I mean, how wonderful was it to see him reference the premiere episode where Kate was his "nurse?" But Juliet - damn, that woman is hardcore.

This is just further proof that Lost is having an amazing fourth season. Just when I think that BSG is the better show, the writers on Lost answer in-kind.

In other news, Jin...no slouch! And I continue to love Bernard and Rose more than I can say.

Also..Claire? Dad? OMG!!! WTF happened to her?!?!?

This episode was so well done. Nice!

Hard Candy at the Funplex

2008-04-30T00:26:00.004Z

A couple new CD reviews:

Hard Candy by Madonna

Madonna's latest musical offering looks to be similar to other recent albums - she picks a genre and puts her own spin on it. In this case it's R&B, with appearances by Justin Timberlake and Kanye West, with producing credits from the likes of Timbaland.

The result is a bit mixed. It starts off with some reliable singles that are sure to be hits in the clubs, like the Timberlake duet "4 Minutes." The middle of the record is full of more predictable pop with vapid lyrics - I kind of picture that it's what Paula Abdul would sound like if she'd kept it up all these years.

That being said, there are still some real gems that aren't to be missed. The wistful sounds of "Miles Away" are very hummable. And I like the darker mood and sound of "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" and "Voices."

In the canon of Madonna, I'd put this album somewhere above Music, but below Erotica. You have to give her credit - for a woman who's close to 50 and has a career that spans decades, she never fails to try something new. Because she knows we're just dying to find out what she'll do next!

Funplex by The B-52's

By contrast, The B-52's haven't been coming up with new materials every year (the last album with new songs was 10 years ago). They have instead focused on touring, which we the fans are certainly grateful for (they put on a great show - I saw them a couple years back).

This album of all new material is a heck of a return to the studio. It fits the familiar mold for one of their albums - several party songs where the girls bop along while Fred Schneider yells various things at us, a couple smoother duets for Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, and plenty of keyboard-and-guitar arrangements by Keith Strickland.

You'll find plenty to sing along to here, especially the title track, "Hot Corner" and "Deviant Ingredient." But the shining star that I can't get enough of is "Juliet of the Spirits," a soaring duet by the ladies.

Here's hoping The B-52's keep rocking from Idaho all the way to Planet Claire!

OMG - Martha!!!

2008-04-30T00:17:00.002Z

If you haven't seen Martha Stewart's newest daytime show, it can be quite fun.

But what's REALLY fun, is that today she featured ScottE's cookie photo on her show! For reals!!!

Check. It. Out.

OMG!

Stalking Sarah Marshall?

2008-04-22T23:52:00.005Z

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Although clearly a child of the Judd Apatow school, this film is closest to Knocked Up in style. That's because it's a blend of very adult humor that isn't afraid to hit below the belt ("I just went from 6 p.m. to Midnight."), and also a good old-fashioned romantic comedy.

Jason Segel stars in and is the screenwriter for this very funny movie. He's always been a real charmer on How I Met Your Mother, but easily steps into the lead role here. And yes, he's naked. Several times. And you see it all. Not bad, that Mr. Segel!

And while the supporting cast is also amusing (Kristen Bell as an annoying diva, Paul Rudd as an incredibly hot surfing instructor), the shining star is Mila Kunis. Sure, her tan is super-fake. But she is beautiful, funny, and helps you forget that shrew she played on That 70's Show.

On a side note, if this movie doesn't make you want to visit Hawai'i, then what's wrong with you???

Grade: A-

Summer Is Here

2008-04-19T00:14:00.007Z

Ah, contentment. It's a gorgeous day in the DC area, and I'm at peace. In case you missed the memo, my lovely husband with the adorable smile and rakish charm and I bought a new house recently. (Like Stef, we had to do something to help this lagging economy.) And now I'm really enjoying the fruits of that labor. I'm reclining on our concrete back patio, which I have decided to henceforth refer to as "the lanai" as an homage to The Golden Girls. I'm munching on cheese balls and sipping a vodka & cranberry (the vodka is this stuff from Transylvania - ooo, spooky!). Around me I hear the robins chirping and a dog barking. Our resident blue jays are working on their nest in our magnolia tree. And to my left, some lovely tulips are in full bloom, while across the way, a red azalea is bursting forth in a fiery display.

This can only mean one thing - summer is coming! And to prepare me for this, Entertainment Weekly has released that most crucial of issues - the summer movie preview. What a great thing to read while the squirrels try to figure out where ScottE hid the bird feeder.

Anywho, as I read through, I was struck by several upcoming films, and others left me cold. Thus I present to you a sampling, broken into a few major categories.

1. Movies that I should be excited about, but I'm not:

- Indiana Jones - Yes, I was an Indy fan back in the day. And it does feature Cate Blanchett as some kind of Nazi dominatrix. So why am I not thrilled? Maybe it's that it's been so long and I've forgotten how fun it can be. Maybe I think Ford is getting too old. Maybe I'm just creeped out that he's still with Calista Flockhart.

- Iron Man - One of the more underappreciated comic books from the past, I guess I'm just not thrilled by the trailers I've seen. I do think Robert Downey Jr. is a good choice (the lead character is an alcoholic, after all). But where's that "Ooh, ahh!" excitement?

2. Movies that any one in their right mind is excited about:

- Sex and the City - Duh! Sadly I'll be out of town the weekend of the premiere, so either I have to score a sneak preview invite, or I plan a full-fledged Cosmo party event for when I get back. Man, how I miss these girls!

- Prince Caspian - The first Narnia movie was very, very good - and the second book is my favorite. when I saw the preview recently, I couldn't erase the grin from my face. Woot!

- Wall-E - It's Pixar, and there's a cute robot with big eyes. Considering I was so moved by that post-apocalyptic non-human short film awhile back, this one will spell by doom.

- Mamma Mia! - Meryl Streep + Christine Baranski + Julie Walters + ABBA music = ZOMG awesome!!! Did I mention that my British husband Colin Firth is in it? *swoon*

3. Movies I want to like, but I'm just not sure I can:

- The Happening - This is the latest from M. Night Shyamalan, who has the ability to scare the crap out of most anybody. I like the cast (Mark Wahlberg & Zooey Deschanel), but is it too creepy?

- Pineapple Express - I've had so much fun at Judd Apatow movies, but is it possible I'm burned out?

- Transsiberian - This sounds like an intriguing thriller about a harrowing train ride from Bejing to Moscow. I'll see it if ScottE goes with me!

4. Movies that I shouldn't be so excited about, and will be filed under "guilty pleasures:"

- Get Smart - The TV show was corny, but I still think Steve Carell is genius, and I have a total heterosexual crush on Anne Hathaway.

- The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 - OK, I'll admit it - I rented the first one and I LIKED IT. Yeah, I did! And I'm not a 17 year-old girl! Sue me! Also, Amber Tamblyn is awesome.

- The House Bunny - What looks like a very predictable movie in which a former Playboy bunny becomes housemother to the loser sorority shouldn't be good. But it stars the hilarious Anna Faris (of the Scary Movie franchise), who cracks me up to no end. And I like The Girls Next Door.

- Hamlet 2 - A movie about a bad high school theater director which features Elisabeth Shue as herself. I've loved her since the days of Adventures in Babysitting; sign me up, and don't fuck with the babysitter!

Short DVD Reviews - Part 7

2008-04-16T22:03:00.005Z

Wow, it's been a long time since I've posted these! A lot to catch up on. As always, I promise you reviews of our latest Netflix rentals in 25 words or less!

Junebug - Amy Adams got an Oscar nomination, and deservedly so. A small but pleasing drama.

Waitress - The Felicity girl sure can cook pies! And this simple tale was a real blue ribbon winner.

Sicko - Michael Moore's latest documentary was provocative in its examination of our abysmal health care system. But I just didn't feel that it went far enough.

Mask - Cher, Eric Stoltz, and lots of motorcycles. A nice movie that doesn't quite stand the test of time.

Transformers - It was loud and shiny. But when Optimus Prime was hiding in the rosebushes, I had given up.

Sweeney Todd - This is the original stage production starring Angela Lansbury. She is so very funny, but there were parts I actually liked better in the movie.

To Catch a Thief - A disappointing Hitchcock film, I lost interest after the first 15 minutes. Skip it and rent Notorious or Suspicion instead.

Across the Universe - Julie Taymor is a great visionary, but this was simply the storyline of Hair reset to Beatles music. Not good.

The Rules of Attraction - First of my two "Fred Savage is hot" obsession movies. Unfortunately the movie itself meanders and has no point.

The Last Run - Second Fred Savage movie, this one he stars in. He has a lot of sex (hott!), but the plot is just awful.

Sin City - Can someone explain why this was supposed to be awesome? We shut it off after 20 minutes.

For the Bible Tells Me So - A compelling documentary on the vilification of the gay community by the church. This one will spark interesting discussions.

Paris, Je T'aime - A fascinating experiment - 18 directors tackle 18 stories in 18 Paris neighborhoods. Mixed results, naturally - but some are utterly charming. And the scenery!

Cavedweller - A horrid adaptation of Dorothy Allison's excellent book. I defy you to deduce where the title comes from with what little plot made it in.

Greenfingers - This charming film about gardening prisoners features both Clive Owen and Helen Mirren. What's not to love?

Derailed - ScottE figured out the "twist" in the first third of the movie. All that was left was to learn the details. Lame!

Calendar Girls - This sweet movie about bold Yorkshire housewives posing nude is very funny to start, but lapses into some predictable melodrama. Still, it's worth renting.

[Pictured - the real calendar girls from which that movie was based!]

Battlestar Galactica - The Premiere

2008-04-11T00:30:00.005Z

BSG is finally back! It was a real short wait at our house after the marathon, but I know you diehards out there have been waiting for well over a year. Was it worth it? I think it was.

In a wise move, the writers picked up immediately where we left off, with Starbuck's return and Apollo's mix of joy and confusion. As the episode progressed, I found several events worth discussing:

1. Starbuck entered a time warp? While everyone has been mourning her "death" for months, she says she was only gone for 6 hours. Oh, and her Viper didn't have a scratch on it. Is it any wonder everyone but Lee thinks she's a Cylon?

2. Anders and the eye scan! The most intriguing question of the week - was Anders able to call off an entire fleet of Cylon raiders with just a look and a breath? Or do the raiders recognize one of their own?

3. Starbuck to Anders: "If I found out you were a Cylon, I'd put a bullet between your eyes." Um, awkward?

4. The great Earth debate - who has better directions? President Roslin maintains that they must head one direction and follow the scriptures, but Kara's wild headaches indicate it's the other way. Too bad there isn't a convenient Texaco station in the Lion's Head Nebula.

5. Baltar is the new prophet for monotheists. Gaius must be loving the Cylon's god - he not only heals apple-cheeked youth, but he provides slutty women and women that kick ass. Of course, the controversy amongst the fans - what's with the dudes? I'm thinking the Cylon god is into free love and bisexuality (remember Gina during Razor?).

I can hardly wait for the next episode! It will be particularly interesting to find out what's happening with the Cylon fleet, and if the final five are any closer to being detected. Caprica Six says they're near by - is Roslin on the scent?

In other news, Joyous pointed out to me that Tricia Helfer (the gorgeous Number Six) was the host of Canada's Next Top Model. Could I love her any more if I tried? Check out this link for yourself!

Step It Up and Dance - the premiere

2008-04-08T00:23:00.006Z

Oh, those crazy kids at Bravo. They just can't stop churning out new career-based reality shows. The results are really mixed.

For every brilliant success (Project Runway) and mostly enjoyable show (Top Chef), they foist a lot of crap on us. Work Out was awful, and Blow Out was worse. But that's not even the bottom of the heap. Anyone remember Flipping Out or Top Design?

So it was with trepidation that I approached their latest offering, Step It Up and Dance. Would it be more Project Pirouette? Or is this just going to be a Stepping Out?

At the start, I was worried. The host is Elizabeth Berkley. You know, the actress most famous for being in one of the most craptacular films ever, Showgirls. But when I saw that the show's "mentor" (read as: wanna-be Tim Gunn) is Jerry Mitchell, who is very hot on Broadway as a choreographer - he's done Hairspray, and the super-fabulous Legally Blonde - I was mollified a bit.

First, let's talk about the structure of the show. It's modeled somewhat on Top Chef, in that the contestants first compete in a short challenge, where immunity may be up for grabs. Although here it's harsher. The dancers compete in the "Audition Challenge" and the losing half is marked for doom - one of them will definitely be eliminated. So part of the mystery as to who will go each week is narrowed down in the first 20 minutes. ScottE wasn't crazy about that aspect, and I have to agree.

Anywho, after that they rehearse in their 2 groups for the final performance in front of the judges, which will include a guest judge (this week it was Mel B from the Spice Girls, who is cool, but was a bit too Paula). I can tell you from experience that observing a dance rehearsal isn't always thrilling ("Is the hand on the 7 count?"). But admittedly it's more fun than watching someone sew...

As for the contestants, they range in experience and dance styles. The go-go dancer injured herself really fast, and went home. Which is fine, because if you're too stupid to take off your "goin' to the bar to pick up guys" boots before a dance-off challenge, you're an idiot. Also, as a go-go dancer, her only champion would have been Elizabeth Berkley anyway!

Amongst the rest there are a couple of bitchy annoying queens (neither of which are all that impressive), and the girl with less experience who cries all the time (I'm guessing she danced with Ricky in the past). Also we have the token straight guy who doesn't want us to forget that fact, and the ballet dancer who can't do hip-hop very well. Cody shows the most promise to me, and he ain't bad to look out. And will someone please tell Michelle to stop sucking in her cheeks like a dancing fish?

To top it off, there's the good-bye kiss-off. Elizabeth says, "The show is over. It's time for your last dance." Oh, ugh. But it's worse - we then see the eliminated contestant (in this case, Adriana) perform a slow meditative dance alone in a studio. It's all very much like that scene in A Chorus Line where Cassie has the supremely ugly poodle hair.

On the whole, the show was neither awesome, nor was it horrid. If I'm home and it's on, I'll probably watch. But let's just say I'm not scheduling a season pass on TiVo, unless the show gets a lot more exciting. Step it up, Bravo!

Top Model Mélange à trois

2008-04-03T23:31:00.008Z

All right, I admit this is not a post about the bedroom escapades on America's Next Top Model. But it is a quick recap of the last three weeks on the show! So strap on your 3 inch heels, and let's go back to the Big Apple, shall we?

When we last left the girls, they were standing around wearing underwear made of raw meat. Amis was off the crazy scale and sent packing. Ten girls remained.

The first episode in our series for this recap was all focused on posing. And you know what that means - Benny Ninja was back. He brought along supermodel Vendela, who appears to be around mostly to offer harsh criticism, and not say anything nice. This eventually led to a team pose-off challenge which was judged by club gays and drag queens. Dominique announced that she felt so at home there, which...yeah! Let's give her a point for self-awareness (even if it wasn't for the reason she's thinking). The challenge was won by team Marvita-Whitney-Claire-Stacy Ann-Kat. They all got to go to the "swag tent" which I was not aware is a constant location, but whatever. They got a lot of expensive possibly useless stuff, including pink guitars. Claire was judged best poser of all, so she won a trip to Bora-Bora. Methinks that Tyra has increased the budget on this show!

Also of note in this episode was the great debate between Dominique and Whitney - let's call it Model War I - Whit vs. Dom. Short version - Dom said something bitchy, and Whit called her out on it. Dom somehow makes a giant leap into calling Whit a racist. Which is just so wrong! Although I think that Whit doesn't offer the best counter-arguments throughout ("My best friend is black!"), she is automatically right, because Dom is just nuts. She's starting to enter Jade territory!

After all that practice posing, the girls are taken to a photo shoot where they...do close-up shots. Did a producer sleep on the job? Whatev - at least it's interesting. The girls pose with high-fashion make-up and geometric shapes on their faces, and then just before shooting, colored paint is dripped down their faces. They also hold a purse for some reason. It sounds nuts, but visually it's stunning. Most of them do great, except Marvita who looks like a chimpanzee trapped in a cage.

At panel, the judges are pretty happy with the results, but particularly horrified by the fact that Fatima didn't shave her armpits. Eww! That is so not fierce. Long story short, the first photo goes to Stacy-Ann for some odd reason, and the bottom two are Whitney and Marvita. Whitney is called out for not taking the competition that seriously, which seems odd and is totally the work of the evil Vendela. Marvita is called out for disappearing into the wallpaper. Whitney gets the photo, and Marvita is sent packing with a lot of swag to go live on the streets again, or whatever. She was so promising at first, but I think that horse face was working against her.

In the next episode, we learned that Claire's worried because her breast milk is starting to dry up despite her best attempts to keep lactating. It's really sad, because you can tell that she craves this career so much, but this opportunity came at perhaps the worst time. But she's determined to do this so her sacrifice won't be in vain. I know it seems like her intentions are off, but I still love her.

Particularly because of what happened next. We learn that Dominique for some reason doesn't know how to set her alarm properly, and it's gone off an hour early several times, waking up the other girls. Oh, and she doesn't wake up to turn it off. The girls? Not amused. Claire calls her out on it, and thus starts Model War II - Claire vs. Dom. The big debate here is respect - Claire says that Dom isn't showing it to the other girls, so why should they respect her? Even Anya agrees, so you know that Dom is totally out of line. As the debate gets prolonged, Whitney and Lauren enter the fray, on Claire's side. It's kind of awesome, because Dom is so awful, and can't stop referring to herself in the 3rd person and saying how everyone is jealous of her. Hate! Lauren screams, "You are CRAZY!" Amen, girl.

Unfortunately the 3 girls later act really childish and hang around Dom's bed, trying to keep her awake even though she claims she is sick and politely asks them to leave. I mean, the bitch is crazy, but don't act like fools, girls.

Next the girls got training from Tyra on how to pose by pretending you're in pain. It doesn't really make a lot of sense, but the girls do their best with such instructions as, "Your lips are really chapped! Pose!" What they didn't know is that it was secretly a challenge. Anya won, and got to go have a photo shoot taken by Nigel Barker. He beds her, but not in that way, as she poses nude on a bed. He is so totally gross sometimes. If he wasn't so good-looking and British, I'd hate him.

For the main photo shoot, the girls head to Brooklyn and portray different styles of music, which are clearly chosen to be antithetical to their usual styles - i.e. Lauren is given Britney-style pop, and Fatima is given heavy metal. The results are pretty mixed - Whitney (grunge) and Katarzyna (emo) excelled, while Claire (Grand Ole Opry-style country) and Aimee (R&B) struggled.

At panel, the judges are particularly happy with the short & choppy wig Kat was wearing. So Tyra announces she'll be giving Kat a shorter haircut next week. Awesome. Eventually photos are given out, and Whitney quite rightly gets the first one. The bottom two are Claire (eek!) and Aimee. Claire, you've got to open up to looks beyond intense high-fashion - have fun with it. Aimee, there is so much you could have done with R&B, and yet you were boring as hell. Claire gets the photo, and Aimee is sent home which is not at all surprising. No way in hell she was going to win this thing.

Now for this week's episode - spoilers ahead if you haven't seen it! We open with Model War III - Lauren vs. Fatima. It's a silly argument over the fact that Lauren threw out the dregs of Fatima's coffee. It's so silly I can't even describe it. Fatima is petty, and so I'm on Lauren's side.

In an unusual twist on past seasons, the girls are sent on group go-sees. It's not nearly as intense, as it's pretty easy to navigate New York City, especially when you've got 3 compatriots. And they only have to go to 3 locations. The winners turn out to be team Stacy Ann-Claire-Dominique-Whitney, and they get to do a photo shoot for Seventeen. Stacy-Ann is thrilled to hear that she booked the most jobs, which is a shocker!

This week's photo shoot is crazy and fantastic, as the girls emulate a theater troupe called Fuerza Bruta. It's hard to describe, but I'll try. A huge plastic sheet is suspended above the room, with lights above it. The girls then smash themselves around on the plastic in some water with wild colors. The results are other-worldly. Claire struggles as she jumps on the plastic and thinks she's injured her neck. Lauren has trouble with her contacts and just can't deal with the water. Others like Kat (who did get the short haircut) and Whitney take to the water like fish.

At panel, we see some astonishing photos that range from fiery elf (Anya) and water nymph (Fatima) to surprised spirit (Whitney) and sun-blotting figure (Stacy-Ann). Fatima is judged to be the best, which is fine, although I think that Whitney took the most risks, and Anya was the most beautiful. The bottom two are Claire and Lauren, which I think is crap, as Stacy-Ann and Dom sucked, in my opinion. Whatev - onto the critiques. Claire, the judges think you're becoming one-note. Lauren, you still walk like Frankenstein. Claire is sent home, which is such utter crap, I don't know what is happening with those judges. I guess I'm happy that she got to book it home to be with her baby. But still - Lauren's walk appears to be incurable, so I really thought if one of them had to go home, it should have been her.

Next week - it's the dreaded halfway clip show. The CW is calling it "all new" but you won't be fooled, will you?

Battlestar Marathon - Complete

2008-04-02T00:39:00.007Z

It took several days, but we were finally able to complete the final seven episodes of the Battlestar Galactica season three, which was capped off with the SHOCKING revelation of 4 of the final 5 Cylons! Oh, and that Starbuck died. Except she didn't. Maybe? What the frak?

As if that wasn't enough, the TV movie (or extra episodes depending on your perspective) "Razor" was ready and waiting. And boy, was it worth it. Not only did we get to find out why Admiral Cain was such a frakkin' bad ass, we also discovered she was totally lesbionic. k.d. lang, she's gay! And number Six is bi! Oh, and Grandpa Goo the hybrid warns us that Starbuck is not what she seems.

It is only three - count 'em - THREE days until the season four premiere! So say we all!

On a side note, if you're thinking about picking up on the show now and don't have time to watch past seasons, just watch this hilarious clip and you'll know all you need to know.

Newsflash - Britney doesn't suck!

2008-03-26T00:02:00.004Z

Yes, it's true. Britney Spears appeared in this week's episode of TV's best comedy, How I Met Your Mother.

And she wasn't terrible! Granted, her line at the end about having sex doesn't exactly help her party girl image, but on the whole she was...not bad. (If you want to watch the full episode, just click on the link above.)

The episode is great regardless, capped off with the sweetest speed date of all time. Sarah Chalke just rocks! Could she possibly be the woman with the yellow umbrella?

Battlestar Marathon - Day 1

2008-03-23T14:38:00.009Z

The Objective:

The long-awaited fourth and final season of Battlestar Galactica premieres on the Sci-Fi channel on Friday, April 4th.

The Challenge:

We were behind on the storyline! Up until now we've only been able to Netflix seasons 1 through 2.5 on DVD. At long last, season 3 arrived on DVD (just a couple days ago) and I received it as a lovely birthday gift from ScottE.

The Mission:

Watch all 15 hours in just two weeks, which is hard to do when you're busy professionals preparing for an impending housewarming! And Joyous was in on this as well, as she's the one who got us hooked in the first place.

The Preparation:

First we rented from Netflix "The Story So Far" which was a little recap of everything we'd seen already. It was a good reminder of what has happened, although the video itself was odd - almost like someone had videotaped it off the TV? I felt sure it was pirated or something! But the disc looks legit, so whatever.

Day 1 Report:

Joyous came over at 10 a.m. We assembled our snacks, and ScottE had prepared a lasagna to keep our strength up. And thus, we settled in to watch the first 13 episodes. So much fun, even if it was a bit exhausting! The biggest debates of the day were whether or not we'd vote for Laura Roslin (most of the time, yes - but not when she's talking genocide of the Cylon race), the hair of Lucy Lawless (is it too Farrah Fawcett?), and whether or not Gaeta is gay (it's all in the name).

It's tough to pick my favorite episode so far, but I'll have to go with "Exodus, Part II." Of course a 2-parter has an edge, but it was hard not to get a little misty when the members of the resistance were finally rescued and back on Galactica. Topping it off with the revelation that Kacey was indeed part of a mindfrak on Starbuck was great.

But the best overall line is without question Tyrol saying that he would "dance around naked with porn magazines to defy them." Hott!

Next Steps:

We've still got seven episodes to go, which we'll be catching up on over the next week. We also will be watching "Razor," the special episode that was shown recently to get people geared up for season four which chronicles the backstory on what happened with Pegasus. That one is already sitting on the TV cabinet, courtesy of Netflix. Also I'll be spending way too much time looking through the BSG wiki...

Stay tuned for further updates, as we delve deeper into the lives of the 12 Colonies! In the meantime, I offer this photo, which explains part of the reason we love this show so much.

What's in my book bag

2008-03-20T09:00:00.002Z

My new commute is a bit longer, which is allowing me to read books a lot faster. Thus I present not 1, but 3 book reviews!

Hero by Perry Moore

ScottE turned me onto this one. It's a book that satisfies both my childhood dreams of being a superhero, and my passion for a well-written coming out story. A fast, satisfying read. Yes, it's on the level of "young adult" fiction, but when it's this fun, who cares?

Monopoly The World's Most Famous Game--and How It Got That Way by Philip Orbanes

This interesting read was a gift to me from Joyous. Part history lesson and part story of America's most popular board game. Particularly fascinating is the role Monopoly played in a world war! You'll have to read it to believe it.

The Dead Fathers Club by Matt Haig

Em (the Marquise of Wynnewood) got me this one for my birthday. Once I got over the frustrating writing style (stilted prose with no punctuations other than periods), I was able to settle into this unusual read. It's told from the perspective of an 11 year old kid, and quickly you realize that it's a retelling of Shakespeare's Hamlet. So ultimately you know where it's headed (or so you think), which adds an intriguing layer.

Where's the beef? It's under my blouse

2008-03-19T21:40:00.006Z

Previously on America's Next Top Model, the girls modeled the latest in lingerie, in between arguments over who has a bigger butt, and who's more of a racist. All in a day's work in a models' house, really.

As we open this week, Dominique is truly full of herself. She has enormous (unfounded) confidence, and somehow thinks the fact that Tyra is color-correcting her hair is a badge of honor. Ah, the song of the deluded. I feel like Dom would be good friends with Jade. Meanwhile, Fatima thinks that Amis is crazy but not in a good way.

The girls end up at a fire station, and are met by real firemen, which makes the models squeal like little girls. I kind of understand that reaction, for once. Anywho, Ms. J shows up to say that this is a lesson in quick-change artistry. Who can change their outfit quickly, and then walk it well? Fatima is the only one to fail the dress-up, as she didn't put on her shoes. Or chose not to - it's a bit unclear.

The girls do their walk, and not much has changed since the auditions. Claire struts well. Fatima is too stiff. Dom thinks she's good, but she's not, to which Whitney interviews, "I've known drag queens that walk better than Dominique." HA! Awesome, and also true. And then Lauren. Oh, Lauren. She sure can take a photograph, but her walk may be worse than Heather's.

Back at the house there is a hullabaloo, because Aimee is from a very conservative (i.e. Mormon) background, and doesn't feel comfortable changing naked in front of others, and asks for privacy in the bathroom while she showers. For some reason Marvita turns it into an argument, and Whitney steps in to speak for Aimee. So then Fatima stirs it up to turn people against Whitney. Shades of Bianca!

Next the girls walk in a fashion show for Bryan Bradley, and they once again have mere moments to change and then have to walk. This results in a wardrobe malfunction for Whitney (who flashes her boob, a'la Caridee). But sadder is Fatima, who can't even button her damn sweater properly.

The runway is judged by Ann Shoket of Seventeen, and Jaslene! Jas must have been taking diction lessons, as you can actually understand every word out of her mouth. Anywho, Jaslene asks Lauren if she even wants to be there, as her walk was terrible. Lauren thinks that's way harsh. But Kat is the one who wins, rightly so. Kat gets a prize of appearing in a photo shoot for Seventeen alongside Jas. She gets to take two friends, who are rather surprisingly Marvita and Amis. Really? I think this says something about how little we know about the house dynamics yet.

And now for the most bizarre Top Model photo shoot ever. The girls are in the meatpacking district (OK, fine) wearing bikinis made of...beef. Wait, what? Seriously? What cracked-out producer came up with this one? OJ tries to call the shoot "provocative." I call it "undercooked."

Whatever, the girls pose and no one pukes. OJ finds it particularly hard to work with Amis, while he thinks Lauren is naturally creative.

Panel! Prizes, judges. Guest judge is Bryan Bradley (which is too bad, as I secretly was hoping for Jaslene). Oh, and Amis totally woke up like 10 minutes before panel, and threw on what I can only assume are rags she found in a dumpster. She's not kooky weird, she's just suck-ass weird.

Stacy-Ann is first, but disappears into the shot.

Whitney is both fun and editorial as she looks a little shocked in the picture. Well done.

Aimee looks like she's just standing on a meat subway. She's steak tartare.

Kat works it again, showing off her meat clothes, even.

Fatima has this ugly snarl on her face that makes it hard to notice much else. Tyra is not happy.

Anya still is nuts with that accent and her lack of eyebrows, but she sure is taking good pictures.

Claire is missing a bit in the face, but she has a crazy good angular body.

Dom did something risky, sitting up on a pile of beef, but she has foreshortened her body, and looks a bit slutty to me.

Ms. J immediately calls out Lauren for her bad runway walk. But of course her picture is totally fierce - she's a natural!

Amis looks like crap in person and in her picture. Yuck!

Marvita has this nice strong look everywhere but her face. Considering she looks like she could kill someone when she's arguing in the house, why can't she do that in a photo shoot?

The judges deliberate. Nigel is getting on the Whitney train. Paulina has no love for Aimee, but does for Anya.

Eleven beautiful girls, ten photos. First photo goes to...Anya! A bit surprising, but I think Tyra is spreading the love around. Whitney, Kat, Claire, Dom, Stacy-Ann, Lauren (who would have been first had it not been for the walk), Marvita and Aimee are given photos. Will Fatima (dang!) and Amis step forward?

Fatima, you may think you're all that, but you ain't, girl. Amis, the judges think you don't have focus. Amis looks really confused (case in point). The photo goes to Fatima, of course. Amis, go home you nut job who never should have made the finals!

Coming up - fighting brews in the house again! Maybe this is the infamous food fight that's been reported in the news? Oh, and Benny Ninja is back. Yeah, sorry, I can't do anything about that.

Project Runway - a look back at the finale

2008-03-19T13:10:00.005Z

I really didn't have much to say about the finale, which is why I haven't posted sooner. All in all, it was pretty fierce. And totally not a hot mess!

Of the 3 collections, my favorite would be Jillian's. I liked the uniformity of her idea, and that her clothes were very wearable. Also, she totally had Jaslene walking in her show!

But I did admire Christian's artistry. Yes, his work is over-the-top avant-garde, but it certainly leaves an impression. Throughout the season I went from loving him to hating him, and back to loving him. He was so happy to win, and that's cool.

Rami, on the other hand, was just all over the place. I'm not sure what he was trying to do with his collection there were certainly a few pieces that I liked a lot, though.

Now I'm throwing in this picture of Nina Garcia and Heidi Klum, as they just look cute and fabulous!

And if you haven't seen them online, Chris and Sweet P had some fabulous "decoy" shows. In fact, I thought Chris' was so good he could have won the whole thing! He also had a couple Top Model gals in his show - Danielle (cycle 6) and Bianca (cycle 9)!

So in closing, enjoy this clip if you haven't seen it, and let's hope the next season is just as fun!

Lost Breeds Confusion

2008-03-19T02:06:00.003Z

In the last few weeks on Lost, we've seen a lot more confusion over various timelines - in other words, it's been a real...well, you know.

First we watch Desmond dealing with 2 personalities (both of which are him in different time periods - the wrong ones) as he struggles to deal with some rift in the time-space continuum near the island. Fortunately he's able to rectify the situation with a desperate call to Penny. Loving her, by the way.

Meanwhile, we discover that things on the freighter are anything but peachy, considering swimming with chains is a favored activity. Of course the big reveal is that Michael is there! Does he really think he is someone else? Or is he Ben's spy on the boat? Or both?

Not to mention, Juliet was totally doing it with Goodwin. And Ben has...possessiveness issues.

Then we had a poignant episode as we follow Sun giving birth in the future while she decides her own fate in the present. She has the baby, and Hurley comes to visit. But while we think the whole time Jin is rushing to the hospital to see her, in fact he was going to see another patient, and has "only been married 2 months." Just when you wonder if he somehow left Sun in the flash-forward, you learn that in fact he has died (no!), as Hurley and Sun go to visit his grave. So in fact, it must have been a flash-back layered over the flash-forward, while my brain oozed out of my ear.

Oh, and Juliet? That was cold! Dang, beeyotch!

All in all, this was my favorite Sun/Jin episode, and one of my all-time favorites, period. The layered time periods was a clever ruse, and the acting was superb. If Yunjin Kim doesn't get an Emmy nod this season, I'm going to pull a Juliet on the voters!

Anywho, if you've been neglecting Lost this season, you are totally missing out. It's truly entered a renaissance, and I am on the edge of my seat to see what's been happening with Michael. And Walt!

Oh, and am I the only one dying to find out what happened to Claire that makes Kate end up with Aaron in the future?

Top Model Cycle 10 - Catching Up

2008-03-12T03:52:00.005Z

Welcome back to America's Next Top Model, fierce ladies! Due to internet constraints, I've been a bit behind, but let's do a quick catch-up recap, shall we?

In the beginning, the girls entered "Top Model Academy" also known as pre-judgement from the Js. The girls undergo a runway test while wearing a Catholic schoolgirl's uniform (straight guy's fantasy) and carry a heavy backpack. As is typical at this stage, at least half are totally awful. Then they move onto a "class photo" which strangely involves a fur stole. Uh...what? Because so many high school girls wear fur? Whatev.

Anywho, several are eliminated (they "FAIL") along the way, and only a few are up for final selections. Tyra takes 13 (including 2 girls with names that sound like "Amy") but she decides to keep a 14th, for reasons that are beyond me (Dominique? Really?). I'm just a little sad Kristen didn't make it through, as she's from a suburb of my college town. (Shout out to the 'Zoo!)

I should also mention in the auditions that Marvita is back (just missed the cut last time, but she's in therapy...every Thursday), there was Jenna who wanted to trick out her Impala, Claire has a baby and drinks her breast milk (it's a conservation thing), and Kim is the dumbest bank teller ever.

Anywho, 14 make it through. They then attend a "homecoming" event which is both fun (Former contestants as cheerleaders - hey to Joanie! And the twins! Jael is still alive!) and tragic (Tyra over-acts once again). The long and the short of this incident is that cycle 10 is returning to the show's roots - in New York City. Certainly better than Pasadena!

Once in NYC, the girls first learn that one of the Amy girls has changed her name to Amis (which she insists is in the Bible, which it isn't - that's Amos). Then we head out to their loft apartment. Which apparently the caused extreme damage to over the course of the show! Also we learn a lot about Fatima, who was born and spent her childhood in Somalia - where she was a victim of genital mutilation (not funny). And we hear that Marvita was once homeless but has now overcome her anger issues (becomes funny).

The Js show up and take the girls on a tour of NYC. Then they end up in Times Square for a fashion show - by Badgley Mischka! Hey - this show may actually have credentials now! We also learn that Kim thinks super-expensive fashion is frivolous. Sacrilege! Meanwhile, Whitney is fabulous.

Tragically, this season the Tyra Mail is delivered on a scrolling message board, which the girls feel the need to read in unison. Annoying! This isn't a Montessori School!

In the fashion show, Marvita just looks at the ground, not unlike what I do on the way to work each day. Kim is also pretty lousy. Meanwhile Whitney the plus-sized model kind of rocks it.

Later, the girls meet that weird guy from Elite, and supermodel Paulina Porizkova! She is honestly harsh in assessing the girls' potential as models. To Dominique (the one who looks like a total transvestite), Paulina says that she looks like a drag version of Robin Wright Penn. True! Paulina is already kind of awesome.

For the fashion shoot, the girls pose as homeless girls - with actual recovering homeless girls. Tacky? You decide! This of course gives an edge to both Marvita and Fatima (who have both lived on the skids in the past). But in other news, these 2 sistahs hate each other.

Eventually it's time for judging. Twiggy is gone (remember?), so Paulina steps in as the new judge - ooo, burn! Along the way we learn that Polish-born Katarzyna (henceforth known as "Kat") is too beautiful for words, Whitney is fierce, and Atalya is forgettable (who?). And then in a shocker, Kim confesses that she doesn't really support the fashion industry - she just doesn't believe you should pay so much for clothes. Sacrilege! Tyra asks if she really wants to be there. She doesn't. And so, she's let go. Dang! Also, Ms. J is now wearing a vest with velcro-attached names for each girl. He/she unceremoniously rips off Kim's name right after she walks out. Harsh! And also, awesome.

But Tyra isn't letting the girls off that easy - there is still an elimination. It comes down to Amis (who sucked and has a dumb made-up name) and Atalya (who?). Amis is given a pass. Atalya, who was scared to be away from home (she is from the far-off hamlet of Brooklyn) is happy to go home and see her family.

The next episode can be summed up pretty fast - Allison thinks she has all kinds of experience, and thinks Fatima is a beeyotch. This is expressed in a passive-aggressive and borderline racist manner.

The girls get their makeovers (which are not earth-shattering, although Fatima cries over her weave), and head to a photo shoot to promote the new lingerie line by Elle Macpherson. While Allison touts her Pilates and vast experience (which means she sucks), newcomer Lauren (this cycle's Megg) is so wrong she's right.

The judges bring it down to transvestite-looking Dominique and conceited Allison. We are spared the narcissist, and too-tan Dominique makes it through.

So how will I handicap the remaining girls? Here are my thoughts:

Amis - Although she's got bad skin and looks awkward, the fact that she's been so trashed on so early might mean she stays for awhile. But I think she's a hot mess and won't last long.

Aimee - A.K.A. "The Forgettable." I know she's got a pretty face, but I keep confusing her with the far more attractive Kat, which is never a good sign.

Anya - She's from Hawaii now, but her true origins are a mystery, because her accent is bizarre. Seriously, where is this bitch from? Tyra loves her, but I'm not impressed.

Whitney - Our plus-sized girl for this season is fierce in a way that no other real woman has been on the show before. I'm not wild about her Wynnona Judd haircut after the makeover, but I'm hopeful she'll make it close to the finals!

Marvita - A bitch on the edge. She will either win this, or have a breakdown and punch out one of the girls. The sick part of me hopes for the latter.

Stacy Ann - She has an annoying voice and for some reason always wanted to know how to do a lap dance. This clearly means she's destined to be a stripper, so let's leave it at that.

Claire - My current favorite, this young mother has an edgy look that is just different enough to be truly exciting. I love her, and can't imagine hating her (yet).

Lauren - She's the punk rock girl who has the motor skills of a 1 year old child. But that "so wrong she's right" thing can take her far. I predict she's around for awhile until it's clear she "doesn't want this badly enough."

Fatima - She has the ultimate sob story, but she also seems to be a bit of a pretentious beeyotch. She will either win, or be the closest thing we have to a Jade this cycle. (And don't we all miss Jade just a bit?)

Dominique - Maybe she's a man. Maybe she fake-and-bakes too much. Whatever the issue, I think she's so unattractive. Here's hoping she's eliminated very soon.

Katarzyna - Kat has traditionally gorgeous features, and her Polish background makes her a bit mysterious. She's my dark horse pick for the cycle, but is in danger of the "no personality" elimination.

So what do you think? Who is destined to be America's Next! Top! Model?!?!?

2008-03-05T02:04:00.005Z

Vantage Point

Sometimes I see a movie, and I want so much for it to really work and satisfy me. Perhaps I set my expectations too high, - I had such hopes for Vantage Point. Unfortunately, it just didn't deliver.

The concept was intriguing - a presidential assassination told from the viewpoint of six different people involved. Slowly the underlying plot is revealed, and the film barrels towards a resolution.

The gimmick of the differing perspectives didn't really work, I think because so little new information was gleaned from each person's "chapter." It was a bit like a slow season of Lost, where you're spending too much time trekking around the island, and not enough getting to the point. And I can tell you the audience in our theater REALLY didn't like the gimmick (laughter and booing abounded).

The other thing that bothered me was the preponderance of truly horrid acting. The President's advisors in particular were just awful. "Make the call! You have to do it now!" Fortunately a few performances - Matthew Fox and Sigourney Weaver did the best with what they had.

And did anyone really believe that Forest Whitaker's character could run fast enough to keep up with the cop?

Oscar Ceremony Recap

2008-03-03T00:35:00.002Z

Yes, I know the ceremony was a week ago - but I was living in an unwired wasteland!

Overall, I found this year's ceremony to be rather enjoyable, although it continues to run far too long. I say - more speeches, and ax most of the annoying montages! The only one people really care about is the memorial montage (which still left out several luminaries this year, including Joey Bishop). That being said, here are a few reasons that I was still happy to watch:

1. The strike was over! That seemed to allow everyone to relax and enjoy, and it also put more of a spotlight on the screenwriters this year.

2. Jon Stewart hits more than he misses. No argument that several jokes fell flat, but considering how little time there was for the writers to prepare, it's a miracle that it was funnier than According to Jim.

3. Pleasant surprises and upsets. I was thrilled to see Marion Cotillard walk away with Best Actress (and to be so effusive in her speech), doubly so because Julie Christie was wearing something most hideous. Sure, the technical awards usually go to blockbusters, but this year three of the big four went to The Bourne Ultimatum, which was actually an excellent film (unlike the completely forgettable Transformers).

4. Singers stole the show again. The Best Song category is such a wildcard (remember how nuts it was when Three 6 Mafia won?) and the performances of said songs are always spotty at best. This year was no exception in the performance area (Amy Adams - good, Kristin Chenoweth - not), but the winners were nothing but charm. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova gave a spine-tingling rendition of "Falling Slowly" and followed it up with warm speeches that left the audience smiling; especially when the producers gave Irglova the chance for a "do over" on her speech. Love them!

5. I rocked the Oscar pool - for once. Usually my picks are all over the map, and I'm lucky to get even half right. But to get 19 right, AND beat the prognosticators at Entertainment Weekly? I gotta be proud.

So what did you think of the show? Lots of fun, or too much Jack Nicholson?

We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog

2008-02-29T02:34:00.000Z

At long last, our move is complete, and I'm back online. I'm sure you've been missing me, right?

So much to catch up on! Here's a brief rundown of what I'll be discussing in the coming days:

Oscar telecast wrap-up
Review of Vantage Point
Top Model casting special and premiere
Runway finale part 1
Lost's latest time-bending you-know-what
3 book reviews

Wow - that's a lot! Stay tuned, and let's talk, m'kay?

Oscar Picks!

2008-02-17T22:09:00.002Z

The Oscars are on! Because the writers are finally getting their due. So that means that I can in good conscience post my Oscar picks for 2007. There's a lot I have missed this year (sadly the Shorts in particular), but I'll do my best with my predictions. Feel free to post your own here, and we'll see who does well on Sunday!

Best Picture

Having seen Atonement, I can attest that it doesn't stand a chance here. And although I really liked Michael Clayton and am holding out hope for Juno, conventional wisdom is that this year the focus will be between No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood. Considering I haven't seen Country, my gut says it will win.

Best Actor

Let's be honest - this is Daniel Day-Lewis' award to lose.

Best Actress

For awhile now it's been said that Julie Christie was a lock, because she was so luminous in Away From Her (she was) and it's been so long since she graced the screen. Ellen Page is very good, but will she pegged as typecast? On this one I'm following my heart and saying that Marion Cotillard will reign supreme for her stunning careeer-spanning depiction of Edith Piaf.

Best Supporting Actor

This is the one major category where I'm behind the curve, as the only performance I've seen is Tom Wilkinson in Michael Clayton (and he was very good). But everyone on the planet says that Javier Bardem is a lock, so I'll go with the sure bet.

Best Supporting Actress

An interesting race this year, as a lot of the talk has been about Cate Blanchett, but then Ruby Dee got a surprise award from the SAG. Amy Ryan has also been getting raves, and I was very impressed by Tilda Swinton. The only sure best here is that Saoirse Ronan won't win (she's not in half the movie, and isn't stellar anyway). I'll put my money on Cate this year.

Best Director

PT Anderson is "cool" in Hollywood, but I think the Coen brothers are considered cooler.

Best Documentary Feature

All I've seen in this category is Sicko, which was good but not amazing. The buzz is on No End in Sight so that gets my vote.

Best Documentary Short Subject

Freeheld is a heart-tugger about a lesbian - how can I not vote for that?

Best Animated Feature

Nice things have been said about Persepolis, and it's defintiely on my must-see list. Ratatouille, however, is a hot dish.

Best Foreign Language Film

No clue here, but I hear that Austria's The Counterfeiters is about the Holocaust, which gives it a decent chance.

Best Cinematography

Much has been said about a very long tracking shot midway through Atonement. Is that enough? I'm going to go for There Will Be Blood, where the camera work was a big part of what made it so stunning.

Best Original Screenplay

My worry is that Juno won't win anything else, but this will still be a nice prize for Diablo Cody to take home.
Best Adapted Screenplay

It's a nice honor for young Sarah Polley to be nominated here, but again, the momentum is all for the Coen brothers and No Country for Old Men.

Best Visual Effects

Transformers is probably the safe bet, but I'm going to stake my claim that inserting CG animal daemons into every shot (not to mention a polar bear battle) will give The Golden Compass an edge.

Best Animated Short

Ugh, I'm so sad I have to miss these. I'll say that Peter and the Wolf will give voters some childhood nostalgia.

Best Live Action Short

And for this one I like the name The Tonto Woman. And it's a western theme, which is for some reason very hot this year.

Best Art Direction

There are some sumptous scenes in many of these films, Atonement being a prime example. There Will Be Blood is very nice to look at, although its bleakness may turn off voters. I'm going to say that this is the one vote that will go for Sweeney Todd for its consistently dark tone.
Best Costume Design

At last - the one category in which I've seen all five nominees! Unfortunately the choice isn't easy (and I'm surprised There Will Be Blood was shut out). Will it go to the big musical - Sweeney Todd? Or the French film? That green dress in Atonement? All acceptable choices, but I'll go with tradition and say the showy historical drama wins - Elizabeth: The Golden Age.

Best Film Editing

I defy the conventional wisdom, and say this should go to The Bourne Ultimatum. One of the film's greatest strengths is the razor-sharp editing that keeps you in the moment, but doesn't make you nauseous.

Best Sound Mixing

This one generally goes to the loudest movie, so it's Transformers.

Best Sound Editing

Expect a twofer for Transformers.

Best Original Score

Thankfully there was no nomination for that grating score in There Will Be Blood! I'm going out on a limb and voting for Atonement, which was enhanced by the driving music full of...typewriters. Seriously!

Best Original Song

Enchanted was sweet but the music was forgettable, and the 3 songs should split the vote. So I've got my fingers firmly crossed for "Falling Slowly" from the the wonderful Once.

Best Makeup

It would be a crime if this didn't go to La Vie En Rose, which took a twenty-something actress and had her convincingly playing a young chanteuse and an older woman dying of liver cancer.

So how about you folks? How do your picks stack up?

On a side note, we're going to be without any reliable internet access for about a week. So this will be my last post for a bit.

Black Blood

2008-02-17T19:57:00.003Z

There Will Be Blood

We decided it was time to see this critical darling in time for the Oscars. "What is all the fuss about?" we wondered. Is Daniel Day-Lewis really that good?

In short - yes, he is. He fully inhabits the dastardly character of Daniel Planview, an oil profiteer at the start of the 20th century. Plainview appears to be of one mind throughout - the best profit at any cost, no matter who needs to get stepped on along the way. But his Achilles' heel is the love he has for his adopted son, H.W., which he wouldn't care to admit.

Overall my feeling towards the film is lukewarm. On the one hand, it's a realistic insight into the trials and travails of living on rough terrain in the days when towns were just being constructed. The costumes and sets are well rendered, the cinematography is striking in its bleakness, and most of the acting is strong.

But the vexing issue is the plot, written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. I can handle the fact that it's in a way episodic. We don't learn how Plainview got to be so good at his work, and we don't know what ultimately becomes of him (although you can certainly guess). Still, the pieces of story are haphazardly thrown together. It can certainly be frustrating if you're used to a constant narrative through line. I think this type of storytelling works better when the various plot points focus on different characters, such as Anderson's far superior Magnolia.

Also annoying to me was the confusion over Eli and his brother Paul. If you're not really paying attention, you could assume (as I did) that they were one and the same person, which is perplexing to say the least. It's not until halfway through the film that it becomes clear who's who and at that point my brain was a bit fried. Regardless, Eli was so annoying, I admit I was rooting for the bowling pin at the end.

All in all it's a film worth watching, and it's not nearly as violent as some reviews have made it out to be. The only violence we really see is the cunning with which Day-Lewis attacks this role. And in a week, will earn his Oscar.

Tyra Eats the Big Apple

2008-02-09T20:17:00.000Z

The word on the streets (of Hollywood, that is) heralds that the writers' strike may finally be coming to an end. Not that we'll have much to salvage in the current TV season, but most importantly it means that Lost can keep progressing! After this past week's accelerated introduction of the Chopper Crew, can you imagine it cutting off after 8 episodes? The horror!

But in the meantime, reality television plows on, filling in the void. The best part of that is that Top Model is back on the 20th! And the show has returned to its roots in New York City. Hollah!

Don't click the link if you don't want to be spoiled as to who the starting pool of bitches will be, but I did notice one key face. Remember tough girl and Grace Jones doppelganger Marvita from the auditions last season? Well it appears she has returned a'la Jaslene to take a crack at it again. It is definitely a shame she was cut last time, as we were left with the #1 nimrod, Mila.

In the meantime, you can enjoy clip shows that help us revisit all the most choice Top Model moments. Remember how crazy Monique was about food in the house and using the phone? Or how crazy and unreasonable Bre became about her damn granola bars? And that Joanie was the most awesomest ever?

Of course they didn't mention Jade in part 1 last week, so you know she's getting her own big highlight in part 2. Because she was the craziest beeyotch ever. Ah, memories!

The Oceanic 6

2008-02-03T15:38:00.000Z

Lost is back! What - have I not mentioned that lately?

Anywho, the premiere got off to a rollicking start, and the best part is that for once a season wasn't Jack-centric for the first episode! Yep, this time it was focused on Hurley, dude. He certainly was screaming a lot, wasn't he? And as usual, we saw some interesting things, and were left with new questions.

The flash-forward was in full effect right away, which was cool. Now that we have 3 different time lines going on, I think my brain will implode if we see all of them in one episode. Talk about a mindfuck!
Hurley screamed that he was one of the "Oceanic 6!" We know that Jack and Kate are two of them - who are the other 3? I assume there's at least one more male (Kate's quote in the season 3 finale - "I have to go home, he'll wonder where I am."). Any bets?
Hurley was also being asked a few times if "they were still alive." What is the secret about the island that the Oceanic 6 don't want people to know about? That more than 6 actually survived?
Was Hurley just hallucinating, or was that somehow actually Charlie visiting him through some crazy time-space continuum thing?
Now Hurley has also seen Jacob's shack. Whose eye was that? I think it was Locke's.
Naomi's not dead! Oh wait, yes she is.
So now we have two camps - those following Jack to an uncertain future with the "freighter folk" and those who are heeding the warnings of Locke and Charlie. Although I get that Rose feels a certain devotion to Jack, isn't it surprising she wants to leave the island that has healed her?

It sounds like next week's episode will be even juicier, so I can't wait!

Here's my question of the week, as my brain is a little fried from all the twists and turns. Setting aside Ben, Alex, Alex's boyfriend and Juliet who are with the Losties, how many of the Others are left, and are any of them people we would remember? Where are they, and what are they doing? Oh - and is Mikhail still alive?

In other news, I did not like Eli Stone. Lame.

Coming Attractions

2008-01-31T03:04:00.000Z

Sometimes when I'm stopping by IMDB, I go on a little link-to-link journey and it's interesting where it ends up. When I just checked the other day, I was delighted at what I found.

At last one of my favorite book series is being turned into a film! It's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, a lovely "mystery" series in Botswana that's really more about the curiosities of peoples' personalities.

It looks like this will be a TV movie, first released on the BBC. Interestingly, the lead character (Precious Ramotswe) will be played by singer Jill Scott (pictured here with the author). But what is AWESOME is that my favorite character, Grace Makutsi will be played by my best friend, Anika Noni Rose, late of Dreamgirls! Woot! I can hardly wait.

Oh, and in case you've been living under a rock - Lost premieres tomorrow! So what if it's only going to be 8 episodes in a row - I just want to see it!

3 Oscar Reviews

2008-01-29T02:26:00.000Z

Atonement

The age of the sweeping Ivory-Merchant period film has come and gone. But that doesn't stop other directors from trying. Witness the attempt made by Atonement.

We've got the rich cinematography, impressive costumes and emotional acting. Unfortunately the plot falls short. In fact, by the time we got to the "twist ending" I was scratching my head and saying, "Really? That's it?"

Still, it was pleasing enough to keep my interest to the end. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy give admirable performances although their passion for each other is a tad muted. Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan is certainly precocious, but I wasn't blown away. I was far more impressed by Romola Garai as the older Briony, and Vanessa Redgrave as the eldest.

Trivia tidbit - Oscar-nominated writer/director Anthony Minghella plays the man interviewing Redgrave!

Michael Clayton

Thanks to all its nominations, this film is back in theaters and I'm really glad I saw it. Let me figure out how to explain the movie.

OK - remember Erin Brokovich? Small legal firm takes on evil corporation that's been poisoning innocents, eventually winning the day? Michael Clayton is pretty much the opposite. Tilda Swinton heads the evil corporation, and Tom Wilkinson is the head litigator that's been keeping the case in legal limbo for 6 years. When he cracks and grows a conscience, George Clooney the "fixer" for the firm is sent to clean up the debacle.

The film starts at the end, and then we go back to see how we got there. While some may not like that device, it worked for me, keeping me guessing as to how we'd get there. And unlike most movies I've seen recently, our group was buzzing and debating about it well after the end. It's the kind of complex film that sits well on the Oscar platform, and I'd be happy to see it win Best Picture.

The acting nods are all well-deserved. Clooney artfully balances cleaning up his work messes while his own life is a real mess. (And can we get a round of applause for that fine ass of his?) Swinton is actually quite funny particularly as she practices her interview answers. But the best performance comes from Wilkinson, sitting on the precarious edge between sanity and the truth.

La Vie En Rose

This was a Netflix rental, but considering it's up for 3 Oscars, it merits a more thorough review than my usual 25 words.

This biography of the premier French chanteuse Edith Piaf plays with a dual timeline narrative, showing us Edith's growth to becoming a star, while we alternately witness her final days before she succumbed to liver cancer. The script is a bit lacking, yet we get a solid understanding of the woman behind the song.

Despite any shortcomings in writing or direction, the movie is owned, INHABITED by Marion Cotillard. She commands the stage at one moment, is drunk and broken the next, and later bitterly remorseful. Her whole performance can be read in her big saucer-like eyes. Although I knew she wasn't doing the singing, at times it was hard to imagine I wasn't witnessing the real thing.

Although Julie Christie will be tough competition, I'd be thrilled to see the "little sparrow" take home that Best Actress award - incredibly well-deserved. (And while we're at it, let me throw my hat in for the remarkable make-up. Good luck, Didier Lavergne and Jan Archibald!)

The Oscars - Will They or Won't They?

2008-01-23T03:10:00.000Z

It's that time again, folks - Oscar time! Which is not quite as exciting as it normally would be for me.

First of all, we have that whole, "Will there be a ceremony?" confusion and angst. By now you've certainly read many articles and blogs debating the topic. For awhile I had thought the ceremony was doomed, but recent rumors about a settlement with the DGA makes me wonder otherwise. We shall see. As for me, I'm investigating alternate locations to watch the ceremony, as we will have just moved into our new place, and let's just say I don't have complete faith in Comcast.

The other real issue is that the movies this year have been less than thrilling. While a few have certainly been exciting, that doesn't make them Oscar bait (i.e. The Bourne Ultimatum). So instead we've had a year of many "small" films which apparently are about old violent men. Seriously - I think the biggest accessories at the Oscars this year will be weaponry!

But enough of this doom and gloom talk - let's discuss those nominations. Because no matter what else you think about what will happen this year, you have to admit the noms themselves were quite interesting. Let's get right to the big categories.

The most buzzed about surprise nomination was in the Best Actor category, for Tommy Lee Jones. I haven't heard much about the performance, but those that have seen it say the nomination is well-deserved. But you can set aside that, as the prognosticators say Daniel Day-Lewis has this one wrapped up. I'll have to go see There Will Be Blood to judge for myself. It was nice, though, to see Johnny Depp get a nod for Sweeney Todd - a bloody movie that was anchored by his performance.

Amongst the Supporting Actors, a couple were not surprises - Javier Bardem (I guess for that horrid haircut?) and Philip Seymour Hoffman (for the bad mustache?). Personally I was tickled to see Hal Holbrook score a nom, as he's always been a curmudgeon that I love (and you know I just want to see Dixie Carter walk the red carpet).

Although there was talk about Cate Blanchett scoring a double-nomination, I was still surprised to see her get one for Best Actress. She certainly deserved it for almost single-handedly carrying Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Ever since we saw Away From Her on a plane, I knew that Julie Christie was a lock. And yet I find I'm happiest to see Ellen Page up there - that's when I started to get really excited for Juno's chances! I had hoped to maybe see a nomination for Amy Adams in Enchanted, but I assume with time she'll be up for more. La Vie En Rose and The Savages are top on my list of movies to see next, so I'll be able to really judge this category soon.

The nomination we all knew Cate Blanchett would get was for Supporting Actress. I haven't even seen I'm Not There, and I'm convinced she's inhabited by Bob Dylan's essence! The nomination for Saoirse Ronan was a bit generous (a fine performance, but not extraordinary - more on Atonement in my next post). I'm happy for Ruby Dee, who is a legend and would give a kick-ass acceptance speech.

I've heard great things about Persepolis (and saw an impressive preview yesterday), but is there any question that Ratatouille was the year's Best Animated Feature?

Normally I'd not be talking about Best Song at this point, but this year I have a reason! Once you set aside the 3 songs from Enchanted (charming, but not why the movie was great) and that one from that movie no one saw, there is but one choice. And that, my friends, is the divine "Falling Slowly" from Once. To see Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova perform that song and then claim the Oscar will be utter bliss. The movie was criminally overlooked for other awards, so please give it this one!

This was a banner year for women, with a record 4 of 10 Screenplay nominations going to the ladies! This could be the best shot for a Juno win (Original Screenplay). The Adapted Screenplay category is a crapshoot - any guesses out there?

With the Best Director nominees, you can assume Julian Schnabel is out. I can't even predict amongst the other 4, but I know people like those Coen boys...

And for Best Picture - I love Juno! Oh wait, that wasn't the question. Well, I love it anyway and would do a dance (slightly awkward and self-conscious accompanied by acoustic guitar) if it won. The others are so...old men and guns! I can't imagine how hard it will be for the NRA to choose which film to support.

So let's cross our fingers that the producers cave and give the WGA what it deserves and the Oscars go on as planned!

Amazing in Anchorage

2008-01-21T16:36:00.000Z

At long last, The Amazing Race has come to an end. And for once, the finale had not a single team that was completely detestable. That was because shrieking harpy Jennifer and her not-cursing partner Nate were eliminated. On her birthday. Ha! I think it was payback for the dumbasses saying they were looking forward to eating "all that great Thai food" in Taiwan.

Thus we were left with 3 teams racing to the finale. Nate and his grandfather Don have been pretty cool, although a bit dull for my taste. But Don is the oldest person ever to complete the race, and that's impressive. They came in 3rd place, because Nate committed the age-old sin of not reading a clue properly in the final destination city of Anchorage.

Our runners-up were Ron & Christina. She's certainly been a trooper, putting up with her father's highly inappropriate browbeating for weeks. But it does appear (at least from the editing) that he got better once they left India, and maybe he really learned something about parenting. One would hope that when he's seen the broadcasts, he'll really come to understand how bad his behavior had been.

But our winners were TK & Rachel! Their good attitude and supportive partnership helped them survive a Speed Bump along the way (a fate that those loveable goths couldn't overcome) in the previous leg. And it was Rachel's calm and rational thinking that led her to solve a diabolic final puzzle, giving her team the edge to make it to the finish. After such a horrid "All-Stars" season, it was great to see the nice guys actually finish first. Considering I was fond of them even at the start of the race, it's a bit of a miracle!

If a Model Stomps in an Empty Palace

2008-01-04T02:02:00.000Z

Mea culpa - I've been putting off my America's Next Top Model finale recap for weeks because I didn't like it very much. But with the New Year - I resolve to recap episodes, even if they suck it! So let's get on with it.

Previously on Top Model, Bianca was a bitch and learned that karma is, too. And I predicted that it was highly unlikely that Saleisha would lose the title.

As is the custom, the top 3 move right into a commercial and photo shoot for Cover Girl, knowing that the winner will have her ads appear in some issue of a magazine that none of us is likely to see. This time around the product is some kind of fruity lip stuff. Chantal will be lemon, Saleisha will be tangerine and Jenah is berry. Coincidentally, I love berries above all other fruits.

Anywho, there is the usual struggling with lines, but none of the girls really suck. But we get lowlights of Jenah's challenges (as foreshadowing) as well as Saleisha's (to add "dramatic tension").

Suddenly we're at panel. Prizes! Judges! The guest judge is a Chinese designer, and as is the custom, the 2 finalists will "stomp to the death" in his "fashion show." Note the quotation marks - they'll be important later.

The girls are first asked to each name who they think has the most and least potential. All of them have seen enough of the show to know that "myself" is the only acceptable answer to the most potential question (see also: Dionne, Michelle). Saleisha and Chantal take this opportunity to double-team Jenah, saying things like, "I wouldn't want my sisters to look up to her." Um...OUCH! Seriously, those two went a bit too far in their criticism.

Naturally this means that when Jenah goes up for her critique, she has a small breakdown, sending Tyra into her full-on Typrah mode. Typrah draws out of Jenah all her hurts, like the fact that Jenah practically raised her little sisters. Typrah closes this moment with the cheezy line, "Remember when you were trying to find yourself at the Great Wall? I think you just did it."

The photos are all pretty good, so before you know it, Tyra is standing in front of 3 beautiful girls, holding only 2 photos. First photo goes to Chantal, which is pretty much ridiculous. Will Saleisha and Jenah please step forward?

Saleisha, the judges came up with a faux criticism that you "still may not be high fashion enough." Jenah, we need you to not be in the final 2 so Saleisha can win. And thus Saleisha gets the photo.

Jenah takes her defeat rather graciously. I was really pissed, but I imagine if anyone can carve out her own career in fashion without Tyra's spoon-fed help, it will be Jenah.

So...the final 2 go get ready for their fashion show. They learn that there will be all kinds of performers including men on stilts. Make-up is applied, and some surprisingly fierce outfits are put on. Time for the show!

First, a bunch of performer extras go and line the "runway" in a big palace. Then we get slow-motion shots of the judges all walking the runway to their places. And although cheezy - I kind of enjoyed seeing them all work the runway as they might have in days gone by. Finally, the audience comes in. Oh wait! There is no audience. Seriously. This fashion show? Is being performed for four people. And a bunch of paid performer extras. How is this a "fashion show?" Answer - it is not. Like the final outcome of this season, it was all manufactured.

Anywho - they walk. Saleisha works her hips, Chantal works her height. On Chantal's final pass, a man on stilts who was probably given 500 yuan by Tyra "trips" on Chantal's garment. Chantal has the basic human emotion of compassion and looks back to see he's all right - and then finishes.

Final judging! A recap of the "fashion show" causes Twiggy to say that Saleisha's walk was a bit too bouncy. But it's Chantal's apparent blunder that gets more criticism. Setting that aside, let's compare portfolios!

And here we have the ultimate demonstration of why this final 2 sucks. They only compare 3 photos. Three! Usually they look at 6 or so. But they could only do 3, as there were only 3 photo shoots where Saleisha looked like a model. Which is exactly why they kept Jenah out of the finals - her portfolio would have blown away any competitor except maybe Heather.

Whatever, let's cut to the chase - Saleisha is the winner. She screams and cheers for herself, and I throw up a little in my mouth. And of course even more evidence has surfaced that perhaps Saleisha was given preferential treatment. Ugh. Most unsatisfying finale since the tattoo neck won Project Runway.

Here's hoping that the next cycle turns out better! And with the writers' strike, it will be here before you know it.

Best of Entertainment in '07

2007-12-31T19:20:00.000Z

Everyone else has a year-end list, so why not me? Here are my favorites of the past year.

Best Movie - Juno

Yes, there was a lot of crap at the movies this year. But also a few great ones. We had some hilarious films from the House of Apatow (Knocked Up, Superbad), The Simpsons finally hit the big screen, the Bourne trilogy ended with a bang, and an animated rat cooked up something special. And yet the film I saw most recently is my favorite. Juno has all the elements of a great film - an excellent cast, a clever script, smart directing and a groovy soundtrack.

Best DVD Rental, Movie - United 93

A film every American who lived through 9/11 should see. Give yourself the chance to grieve and heal the wounds that run so deep.

Best DVD Rental, TV - Battlestar Galactica

From a single rental, a new obsession was born. Now can ANYONE tell us how to get our hands on a video set for season 3?

Best Album - Back to Black, Amy Winehouse

Yes, her personal life has been one continuous train wreck. So what? She still delivered an amazing album with a sound that intoxicates. And I owe her - the most new visitors to my blog came looking for the lyrics of "Rehab"!

Best Song - "Umbrella", Rihanna

The song of the summer should be grating on my nerves by now. The fact that it's not indicates that it's a groove that is a new classic. Turn on your iPod and hit play (ay-ay-ay)!

Best TV, Reality - America's Next Top Model

Before you cry, "Sacrilege!" I recognize that Top Model is not usually the best reality show out there. But in a year where we only got the beginning of a Project Runway season, and The Amazing Race was dominated by a horrid "All-Stars" season, Top Model delivered the most consistent entertainment for me. Jaslene was the cha-cha diva, Dionne was hilarious and had the most ridiculous made-up name (Wholahay!), Heather taught us about Asperger's, and Tyra continued her descent to being bat-shit crazy. Work it!

Best TV, Comedy - How I Met Your Mother

The Office certainly gets my honorable mention this year, but HIMYM is still tops in our home.

Best TV, Drama - Lost

As if I'd say anything else? Even with a wildly inconsistent 3rd season, it's still been the best thing out there. As long as the Dum-Dum Duo stay dead.

Best Book - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling

I've seen a lot of critics that left this one off their top 10 lists for the year. But I think that it is not only a wildly entertaining read, but how can you not recognize a book that ends a series so perfectly? Every loose end was tied, and Rowling revealed the master plan she had all along. Pure satisfaction.

[In working on this list I realized I've read virtually no non-fiction this year. I guess 2007 was my Year of Escapism.]

Best New Musical - Xanadu

A show is truly funny when everyone is in on the joke, and the cast plays it to the hilt. Laugh until you hurt!

OK, so that's my list - what did I miss, gentle readers?

Blood is Thicker than Water

2007-12-26T17:41:00.000Z

Sweeney Todd

You have to say this for Tim Burton - the man likes his macabre visuals. What better director to bring the grisly musical by Sondheim to the silver screen? And I do mean silver - the film is painted almost entirely in shades of black and white. Except the red, that is. LOTS of red. Buckets of blood! If you enjoy a gorefest complete with complex harmonies, this is the one for you!

As for performances, Johnny Depp is a natural as Sweeney - cold, menacing, with one shoe out of the asylum. Helena Bonham Carter is admirable as Mrs. Lovett, although her singing style is a bit like an injured bird, and not a larger-than-life personality.

Overall this is an enjoyable movie if you can handle all that blood. It's quite faithful to the original musical, so show tune afficiandos won't be disappointed.

Juno

This movie is quite unusual - it begins as a whip-smart comedy but settles into a moving drama (with humor still ever-present). It's hilarious, it's touching, and I think it's the best film of 2007.

Once you move past the uncomfortable premise (16 year-olds having unprotected sex, resulting in an unwanted pregnancy), you'll quickly fall in love with the razor-sharp wit of Ellen Page as Juno. Her performance is extraordinary, and I look forward to seeing more of her work in the future! She's surrounded by a dream cast.

Juno lives with a father she adores (J.K. Simmons), a stepmother (Allison Janney) with whom she shares a true love-hate relationship, a best friend (Olivia Thirlby) who is a great sounding board, and a kind-of boyfriend (Michael Cera) who epitomizes dork chic (constantly clad in running shorts, headband and wristbands).

Eventually Juno decides to give the baby up for adoption to a couple she picked out of a pennysaver. She elects a yuppie duo in nearby St. Cloud - a working woman who longs to be a mother above all else (played remarkably by Jennifer Garner) and a man-child father (Jason Bateman) that Juno befriends.

It's hard to describe how good a movie this is until you see it. Go enjoy this Christmas miracle!

Where Have You Been?

2007-12-26T17:37:00.000Z

Unfortunately, I've been pretty under the weather with the flu for almost a week. And I picked it up right after ScottE got over his stomach virus! Not the happiest time in our household, to be sure.

But I'm going to try and pull it together and get a post or two done before I head home for the holidays. I hope you and yours have been having a wonderful time.

Short DVD Reviews - Part 6

2007-12-17T00:49:00.000Z

As always, I promise you reviews of our latest Netflix rentals in 25 words or less!

Something New - Joyous recommended this melodrama. Race relations are the overtone, but a charming romance is what makes it enjoyable. Ideal for my inner black woman.

Frida - Julie Taymor directs this visually interesting but ultimately dull biopic of Frida Kahlo. Go to a museum instead.

Dial M for Murder - My latest foray into the Hitchcock oeuvre. Grace Kelly is stunning, but the plot drags.

Bride and Prejudice - A combination Bollywood musical and Hollywood romance, I found it underwhelming. Sayid from Lost is in it (briefly), though.

Junebug - Remarkably charming film in the "awkward family" genre, it is worth seeing to note why Amy Adams got that Oscar nomination (and Alessandro Nivola's butt).

The Flower of My Secret - Almodovar film that shows promise, but fails to deliver. The best moments come from the funny mother.

Team Derailer

2007-12-12T01:41:00.000Z

When we last left the fashionistas of Project Runway, Carmen was bid adieu for designing an outfit for Tiki Barber that lacked a shirt. A look that would no doubt win him raves at The White Party, but not so much for The Today Show.

In the present, Sweet P secretly is kind of glad that Carmen is gone. Meanwhile, Rami looks adorable lounging in his sleepwear.

Model choice time. Jack does swap his model for Ricky's (bizarre, as I think she's awkward), but doesn't take Marion or Carmen's, so they are sent away. Heidi says that the challenge will be delivered by a familiar face that has old friends. Sweet P (who is fast overtaking Elisa as the resident crazy) thinks they'll be designing for senior citizens. Well, why not? It's about time someone updated the muumuu.

Tim meets the designers in the workroom with the lovely Nina. I don't know why I think she's just endlessly fabulous, but I do. Anywho, she unveils possibly the coolest challenge in ages (kudos to the producers working on them). Nina mentions that over the years, Elle has covered all the latest fashion trends, many of which we can't imagine were ever popular. Each of the designers will pick one of the trends. Then they divide themselves into groups of 3. Each group will come up with a collection of 3 looks, incorporating and modernizing the fashion don'ts of yesteryear. Tim also says that each group must designate a leader (i.e. scapegoat).

The designers sketch for an hour before heading to Mood. Chris' team is Steven and Sweet P. They will work on shoulder pads, dancewear, and baggy sweaters. Jillian's team (wisely selected, I think) is Rami and Kevin. They will work on overalls (which is totally funny, as Jillian is wearing overalls), poodle skirt and 70's flare (i.e. bell bottoms). Ricky's team of Victorya and Elisa will work on underwear as outerwear, neon and cut-outs. Christian's team of Jack and Kit will work with him on pleather, zoot suit and fringe. Sketching! Shopping! In a foreshadowing moment, Sweet P asks Steven if such-and-such fabric would work. Steven says, "No, Chris says it looks like a grandmother's couch." So the question is - did they buy it anyway?

But I'm getting ahead of myself. In the workroom, the teams set to work. Chris says that he's excited for the chance to show that he's more than a costume designer. Meanwhile, Ricky says that he speaks to Elisa in a language he thinks she'll understand - which he equates to modern dance teachers who look like they're high on pot. OK - I know some teachers are weird, but if I thought my instructor was baked, I'd be out of there. Not safe! Towards the end of the day, Jillian is getting concerned about Kevin's pace. On the one hand, I think she's being a bit of a nervous nellie, but I also think she is trying her best to offer calm direction.

To lighten the mood in the workroom, Steven tries a Tim impression. Not bad, but you are no Santino, my friend. Victorya continually talks about her team and offers direction...in other words, she's totally being the team leader. Conversely, Ricky just takes it. So she's a bulldozer, and he's a puss. The models come in for early fittings, which is a rare bonus. Interestingly, Chris' team is basically done. And Sweet P thinks that Steven's garment is the one that stands out. Kevin's problem is that his model is too big. Y'know - a size 2. Victorya decides on the fly to totally change her design. Ricky just looks askance.

He later tries to "confront" her which involves just making small notes, which Victorya passive-aggressively brushes off. Jillian expresses her concerns with Kevin's time management to Rami. He points out that she's got to be firm with him as the team leader. Later, Tim comes in and is happy with Christian's team. But he's not seeing cohesion in Chris' team, and particularly says that his jacket (which looks like a grandmother's couch as bolero jacket with shoulder pads) should be rethought. And he thinks that team Ricky isn't looking finished enough. Victorya jumps in to say, "If I had time, I would have unified the silhouettes." In other words, she's still bullying and totally being team leader. And Ricky bends over. He FINALLY confronts her. They fight passive-aggressively, which is as annoying as you can imagine.

Runway! Heidi introduces the judges, including guest judge Donna Karan. Wow. Big names comin' out!

Team Jillian's looks are very modern, showing bits of each trend in each look. In one look, they turn the poodle skirt into a flared collar to give a unique look. It's all nice.

Chris' jacket is indeed hideous. She looked better without it. Sweet P's is a nice camel number with a big belt and a black turtleneck. Steven's looks just like a sleeveless robe over tights. Lame!

Christian's team emphasized the stripes of a zoot suit to make their looks stand out. It's all great, but Kit's is by far the best, I think. 3 patterns that could clash, but look great.

Team Ricky is a hot mess. Neon pieces that have nothing to do with each other. They all look like they are missing something.

Heidi announces that one team scored so far above the others, that they are immediately declared winners - Team Jillian! Nice for them. I admit I liked her team's overall cohesion best, although I think Kit and Sweet P had the most interesting looks. Team Christian is also in.

Now, I must complain here. Because we spent so much time with the horribly annoying war of Ricky vs. Victorya, we don't get any time to hear the judges talk about the top teams' outfits, or what those designers have to say. It was very disappointing. All we saw was a quick runway look. Boo! But I include my favorites here for you to enjoy.

Anywho, onto the bottom 2 teams. Chris' team isn't showing cohesion. Donna and Nina don't like Steven's and don't see the dancewear inspiration. Donna and Michael love Sweet P's dress (which just about makes the P break down in joy). The concern is that Chris' jacket didn't modernize the shoulder pad look. They pads still look dated.

Ricky's team is called out for having a good start of a concept, but that things don't look finished. Victorya's dress is fit well, and Elisa's is creative. But Nina is not happy that Ricky is yet again showing something so unpolished. Elisa tries to be supportive, bless her heart. And then the Ricky vs. Victorya fiasco is aired, and I'm so over it, let's move on...

Each person has to pick who should go home. It's all how you'd expect. V and Ricky pick each other. Elisa picks herself. Steven says Chris, and Chris agrees. Sweet P goes crazy and gets lashed at by Heidi. She picks Steven.

The judges deliberate, and obviously are just talking about the bad (again, I'm not happy with this). Nina is still really disappointed in Ricky. But what they really can't deal with is Chris' jacket.

Elisa and Sweet P are in. Then Steven and Victorya. Ricky - you are not showing finished work. Chris, your jacket was old-fashioned and ugly. Ricky...is in. Suck! I was so ready to be rid of his whiny ass. Instead cuddle bear Chris is sent back to create new garments of vegetables. We'll miss you, Chris!

Next week - something is off about the models? Jack shares something that makes people weep, which I assume is related to his HIV-positive status. This can't be good!