Movie Review: The Good Guy

Let me start off by saying that this movie has been given a bad synopsis on IMDb.  With that being said, let me be a bit more accurate about the premise.

Tommy Fielding (Scott Porter) is a Wall Street hustler.  Under the tutelage of his boss, Cash (Andrew McCarthy), Tommy feels the pressure to be self-confident, aggressive, and independent.  Unfortunately, juggling several issues all at once is starting to get the best of his judgement.  His best man, Baker (Colin Egglesfield), just left for the competitor, his girlfriend, Beth (Alexis Bledel), still has to give him some horizontal mambo despite dating for 3 months, and newbie IT guy, Daniel (Bryan Greenberg), needs to be trained into superstud so he does not embarrass the Wall Street cool guys.  Resolution is what he has to deliver, and that's the crux of his problem.

So, does that sound anywhere close to the IMDb synopsis? Good. Now, let's get into this review going.

The Good

Courtesy of Belladona Productions/Whitest Pouring Films 

Tommy is a good bad guy.  Slimy does not do him justice.  Just when you thought he was a really good guy, he twists things around and being sympathetic toward him is wasted.  If you look up shallow in the dictionary, I think his face is plastered next to the term.

Anna Chlumsky as Beth's girlfriend, Lisa, was cute.  She was likable, understated, but appealing.  If I were to be a Manhattanite, I would want her to be my BFF.

The soundtrack is also good.  There isn't a soundtrack in album form to be purchased but it has the effect The Last Kiss has in its movie.  Two thumbs up.

The Bad

Alexis Bledel as Beth is... not good.  I feel that her acting chops are limited to her short stint as Rory Gilmore.  Unfortunately, that showed.  I don't know if her acting was fully her fault, or if the writers had a Rory Gilmore in mind and just put her into that traditional role.  Either way, I was tired of the act. Cripes, the book club thing screamed Gilmore Girls!  They might as well have thrown in Lane.  Oh yeah, they did...

Her name is Sofia (Jackie Stewart) and she was annoying.  From the grating voice to the lesbian (or anti-men) overture was just too much for the movie.  It's okay to call men cads, but it's overkill when you have to point out the obvious.

Bryan Greenberg as Daniel was also bad.  I don't know if he was suffering the same writing fate as Bledel's character had, but Daniel was shallow.  He was paralyzingly awkward that I felt like he needed to be euthanized to save him from this role.

The Ugly

Courtesy of Belladona Productions/Whitest Pouring Films

Oh where to start? I guess the "girl bonding" scenes are awfully cliched.  From book clubs to girls night-outs, including a mass bikini/brazilian waxing get together?  I don't know about you guys, but no matter how chummy I get with my girl friends, knowing how "bushy" they are down there isn't part of my getting-to-know-you list.

The cliched "playa" amongst the men. Again, if you want to portray men as cads, dig a little deeper than this card.  Bodily noises, scents, hygiene... here are topics to help offend the female populace.  Moving on...

The appearance of Wall Street the guys are leading on.  Let's put it this way: I bought Pacey Witter as a Wall Street baller when he didn't have a college class or degree under his belt.  How's that for comparison?

The ending.  The movie is about come-uppance and a bit about the parable of the hare and the tortoise, but none of these really resonate because the people that "win" in the end are so boring, I would have thought that watching paint dry was more interesting.  As far as the just desserts? The character doesn't learn a damned thing.

Stale Popcorn Rating: Free rental or TV viewing.  Again, the narrator of the story is good, and if you like music, you'll like the way it flowed throughout the movie.  The awww-shucks moments are few, not enough to leave you dewy-eyed, but it won't feel like a waste of time if you had it on while cleaning the house or doing another chore.

Movie Review: Dear John

Movie Review: Dear John

Photos by Sony Pictures

    Nicholas Sparks' story, Dear John, takes us through a story of love found, and lost. This story is also about redemption, love, and forgiveness.  Through the characters, John and Savannah, we realize that there is always something more than what's on the surface.

      I attempted to read this book at one point, and failed to finished it because the story seemed to drag. I have to also disclose that I was simultaneously reading Night at the Rodanthe, another Sparks story.  I was also unimpressed by the book so there might have been some association that lead me to give up on the book sooner than I should have at the point.

   I digress.  Dear John starts out with a flashback of Special Forces soldier, Sergeant John Tyree (Channing Tatum) talking about the US coin minting process.  He talks about the specialty of the demarkations.  As his voice-over continues, he says that the last thing he thought about before blocking out was "you".

     Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried) meets a younger John in 2001.  He was on leave from Germany. She was on spring break with a bunch of friends. After John rescues Savannah's bag after it got accidentally knocked into the water, their friendship begins.  For two years, the couple corresponded until September 11 happened, forcing John's hand in reenlisting much to his, and Savannah's chagrin.  Because of this added stress, Savannah was forced to write her final note, a Dear John.  John comes back months after to find out that Savannah married someone whom she genuinely loved, but maybe for the wrong reasons.

The Good

     Surprisingly, I found Amanda and Channing's chemistry very believable.  They are very relaxed with each other, making their relationship believable.

      Amanda also sang a song called Little House. Enchanting.

      Channing's relationship with his father, an undiagnosed autistic, was very painful to watch.

    The cinematography is very good.  The visuals are tight and inspiring.   The segment of the coins being minted was really interesting.  Scenic views of the North Carolina region was exceptional. The scene where John and Savannah end up kissing in the rain was very awwww- inspiring (pun intended).

     The soundtrack is also not bad.  The choice in music was very appropriate, if not, helped the tone of the movie.

The Bad

     Early in the movie, John takes Savannah out to dinner at a place that John doesn't really feel like patronizing.  He ends up talking to some people within the strip, and you're supposed to assume that there was a brawl that ended up hurting someone.  This should've been, I don't know, mentioned somehow rather than inferred?

      There were also choppy flashbacks of John when he used to be a brat.  I feel the scenes could've been segued better.

The Ugly

      The movie suffers from Sparks-itis.  The tear jerking moments are predictable, but if it's what you wanted, then the movie served its purpose.  The predictability factor can be tiresome if you've watched any of the other Sparks movies made.

        Also, the movie, ends differently from the book.  If you wanted the book ending, you can only view it on the DVD version.  Any online versions (Blockbuster or Netflix) does not give you this option.

Stale Popcorn Rating: If you're looking for a cry movie, this movie is your baby.  Rent it, and make sure you have a box of Kleenex next to you.  If you're a serial love story hoarder, you might want to buy this from the bargain bin.  However, if you are the "movie-should-match-the book" kind of person, fear not.  The movie is still rentable, but not worth to rushing out for to get it at the Red Box.  Yes, you have to rent the DVD out, but the ending voice-over is worth it.

                                 

Movie Review: Eat Pray Love

Self-help book lover? Then maybe, this book may be for you.

Eat Pray Love

This movie is based from the book of the same title by author Elizabeth Gilbert.  I admit, this is one of the few books I've not read, and after watching this movie, I never will.

The story is about Liz Gilbert (the author is played by Julia Roberts) who finds herself falling out of love with her husband, Stephen (Billy Crudup).  After a series of self- loathing events, she finds herself (and a new love) after traveling the world.

The Good

The countries visited.  Yes, this is how much I liked this movie. I start the good with advertising Italy, India and Bali. Although I've only visited Italy, the landscape captured on all 3 countries is breathtaking.

Billy Crudup as Stephen. From the movie, you get the gist that this man, although seemingly immature, showed that he was a man that was broadsided with Liz's announcement of a separation. His attempt to win her back was pretty good. If there is a man out there willing to give everything up to change a relationship, giving the relationship one more chance should be a gimme in his case, in my opinion.

Javier Bardem as Felipe.  Amazing actor for someone who definitely does not win any accolades for being the best-looking leading man.  Felipe is a man who's not afraid to fall for Liz despite putting his love life on hold for his children and (maybe) hope for a reconciliation from his ex-wife.  Watching him put everything on the line (albeit short on film) makes the movie almost palatable.

The Bad

Oh, where to start? The plot.  I don't know if the intent of the book or the movie was to show a selfish or conceited side of Liz Gilbert. If it was, then the movie caught that rather well.  I cannot sympathize with Liz's character. Really, grow up.  Finding "yourself" by doing a lot of self-loathing is unflattering.  Getting a lover when the divorce hasn't even been finalized shows a level of maturity that is questionable.  Liz was whiny, making the character very unappealing.

The Ugly

I could not tell whether the movie was too long because the plot was just unpalatable or because the journey to find one's self was only slightly referenced.  Self-indulgence on screen masked with a self-journey synopsis is just bad.

Stale Popcorn Rating: If you're a Julia Roberts fan, you may want to rent it.  It's not a flattering role, but any die-hard fan of hers won't be so disappointed.  Otherwise, it's a free rental/TV movie kind of affair.  Up the ante by doing something while watching the movie. That way you won't feel like asking the wasted time back.

Movie Review: When In Rome

Keeping with the Veronica Mars alums theme, the next movie in review is the "blink-and-you-will-miss" movie, When In Rome.

Photos owned by Summit Entertainment

The movie starts out with Guggenheim art curator, Beth (Kristen Bell), annoyed with her younger sister, Joan (Alexis Dziena).  Joan has fallen in love with Umberto (Luca Calvani) and now wants to marry in Rome before one of Beth's exhibits' deadline.  Being the workaholic she is, Beth tries to play maid-of-honor and art curator in the next 3 days.  When she finds out that her mobile signal in Rome is bad, and realizes that Best Man, Nick Beamon (Josh Duhamel), has cellular reception, she does almost anything to use his phone to check up on things in the US.

During her maid-of-honor duties and messing up a few Italian traditions (some of which isn't her fault), she finds herself liking Nick. But when she sees him with another girl, she becomes downtrodden. She leaves the church and decides to take a dip in the Fountain of Love, promising to save 5 souls from what Beth considers the "cruelty of love".

The Good: 

The chemistry between Beth and Nick. There is something between two characters that have played the rom-com card more than once. Despite the huge height difference, they make a cute couple. Their banter is easy-going and relaxed. The audience can buy them as a couple.

Stacy (Kate Micucci) as Beth's friend and assistant is hilarious. She's like Judy Greer: the perfect sidekick.

The Bad:

 Anjelica Huston as Celeste, the head curator of the Guggenheim. Her performance is tired, if not, uninspiring. Truly, this role is too small for her. She should've said no to making this movie.

Joan and Umberto: There was something about them as a couple that made me feel... skeezy. Really, making food and only wearing aprons (and nothing else) is just... gross.  It's either that, or I am a prude. Or self-conscious of my body that I won't ever cook in my birthday suit.

The Ugly: 

The suitors. I understand that the movie is a rom-com. But for a movie like this, did the casting crew really need to pick out the worst of the litter? There's Danny Devito, the old suitor, Will Arnett, the badly toupeed artist, Jon Heder, the goth-painted magician, Dax Shepard, the greasy-looking ad model, and Keir O'Donnell as Father Dino. They all are depicted as shallow individuals, if not, gross-looking individuals. I do understand that the movie's light-hearted theme is supposed to show what happens when good intentions go array, but this goes so off-tangent, the sweetness originally intended leaves a greasy taste in the mouth.

Stale Popcorn Rating: This is a toss-up between Free Rental and Not worth the gum you've stepped on.  Unless you have nothing left to watch on TV (that's including reruns), this movie is not worth your time. 

Movie Review: Letters To Juliet

There is no greater love story than Romeo and Juliet.

Many people may disagree with this statement, but truth to the matter is, the house of Montague and Capulet is the muse of many books, songs, and movies.

AMANDA SEYFRIED and CHRISTOPHER EGAN star in LETTERS TO JULIET. Photo: John P. Johnson. Copyright © 2009 Summit Entertainment LLC.

An adaptation of the couple's epic love is reflected in the 2010 chick-flick movie, Letters to Juliet.

The story starts out with fact-checker Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) and her restauranteur fiancee, Victor (Gael Garcia Bernal), heading to Verona, Italy for a pre-honeymoon. Sophie sees the trip as one of the last opportunities to spend with Victor before he opens up his restaurant. Apparently, Victor does not get the memo. Instead, he schedules the holiday to meet up with vendors prior to opening shop.

Dejected, Sophie finds herself wandering Verona alone. Through her travails she finds her way to Juliet's balcony. She is surprised to find women writing to the patron saint of unrequited love. She lingers, hoping to write something to Juliet herself. While composing her note, she notices a lady collecting the letters from the wall. Sophie's curiosity piqued, she follows the letter collector, befriends her, and finds out that the letter collector is a member of the Secretaries of Juliet, a coalition of women that answer the letters to the wall.

Fascinated, Sophie finds herself part of the group once she finds a letter that has been hidden in the wall for over 50 years. Later in the week, Charlie (Christopher Egan) confronts Sophie for responding to his grandmother Claire's (Vanessa Redgrave) letter.

... And as you can guess, this is where the story really starts.

The Good:

1. Amanda Seyfried as Sophie is charming and sweet. She exudes joie de vivre in the purest form. She is the epitome of the good girlfriend. She rarely loses her cool even when frustrated. Instead, she is level-headed, and to a fault, too forgiving of her self-centered fiancee.

2. Victor's character is very easy to dislike. I give kudos to Gael Garcia Bernal for being over the top with his character. At times, his exaggerated movement makes him more one-dimensional, but I guess it is the best he could do with the limited time he has on-screen.

3. Vanessa Redgrave as Claire was magnificent. She is very serene and poised. Her moments of being vulnerable made me feel for her.

4. Christopher Egan. Watching his facial reactions reminds me of the late Heath Ledger. Even his Aussie accent (that was supposed to be Brit) reminded me of Heath.

5. The few poignant moments that stood out: the hair-brush scene was my favorite.

With that being said...

The Bad:

1. read comments about Victor. The over the top performance, as I indicated, can be tiresome.

2. Charlie. His whole Darcy impersonation got old quickly. Okay, we get you're a crotchety grandson. We get that you think your grandmother is insane for wanting to find her true love. Get. Over. It.

3. The search for Lorenzo could have been shorter. We get it, there are a gazillion Lorenzos in the area. Showing us 3 or 4 incidents gives us the idea.

The Ugly:

1. Editing: Lordy, the CGI needs work. The unity and flow of scenes should have been reviewed. There was a scene where Sophie drives with the top down, but as she emerges from the car, there isn't a hair out of place.

2. Dialogue: Sophie and Charlie had moments where the directors could have capitalized. In one instance, Charlie enters Sophie's room and catches her writing on her laptop. They banter, and the interaction between them isn't forced. There should have been more moments like this throughout the movie.

3. Length: I am a sucker for romance movies, but this movie could have been cut off at the hour and fifteen mark.

Stale Popcorn Scale: Free Rental or TV movie. Paying for it (and you're over the age of 12) is just not worth it.

Turning A New Leaf

Good things have to come to an end. The reasons oftentimes changes, but in this instance, the purpose of this blog has evolved greatly from its initial roots.

When I started blogging, this spot was my haven. My Ickle friends and I used this medium to throw ideas into a pot, make it stew, and eventually, get ideas on how our fanfics were going to evolve. Oh, those were the days.

Every once in a while, I would try and add a blog about music or movies... Or everyday life. In the end, I was sated in sharing my ideas.

Now that my days are saturated with my child, a busy gym and family life and going back to school (ironically, this blog started when I was in the midst of starting another degree!), I have neglected this blog.

I have not decided what to do with the blog yet, but I am sure I am not done with it for now. Will this blog turn into a foodie blog? Maybe. A book review site? That's a possibility. Right now, I know it's not going to be where I would be throwing out ideas in regard to stories I would eventually write.

I will keep links to my writing (both PG and NC-17), but I have to admit that maybe, my writing days have sailed. If any of you have ideas on what I should do with this blog, let me know. I need any and all ideas I can get.

Vegas Trip 2010

Ah, Vegas. It definitely is a town that is best known for its night life.

For some, its alluring night sky is what makes them come to this place. Alas, that isn't me at my point in life. But somehow, I am glad that I get to see the town in a less weary light. I got to see it through my son's eyes.

It's interesting how much "free" goes a long way when tourism is your main business. There are a few I am glad to say I went to see. Some I feel it's a long-shot sell to call it "entertainment".

This is a first of a series of posts that is a "must-see" freebie versus the "miss-it" even if it's free. Honestly, there isn't much that's probably on the "miss-it" column so I guess I should start with that and save you the brouhaha.

The winner of the "Miss It" award is... (drumroll)

Treasure Island's "Sirens of T.I."

The show replaces the original show called "Buccaneer Bay" which was a swashbuckling extravaganza a-la "Pirates of the Caribbean" that I truly enjoyed the first time I visited Las Vegas. Hoping to impress my 3-year old who likes pirates and pyrotechnics, I thought he'd love this show.

Well, he did not.

"Sirens of T.I." became the mainstay performance of TI since 2003. Wanting to cater to a more adult (and at that, male) population, the pirate versus pirate acrobatics had been replaced by a horrendous audition of what could have been a Pussycat Dolls audition (or maybe a Rock of Love competition... they all seem to flow in the skank category).

The 15-minute production (that felt like hours) had lousy dialogue, a lame plot, a dance routine that is trying hard to be sexy (and ends up looking like a 50 cent production, and I don't mean the rapper... I mean, the budget) and adult theme gyrations that I felt about a third of the audience should not be privvy to, not because I am a prude, but because it's inappropriate for viewing to kids under the age of 12. Look, if the show is only at 11 PM, that is a different subject matter. But when the show is on at 8? Maybe we have to rethink this public show of inappropriate behavior.

If it's pyrotechnics you're after? Walk a little farther to The Mirage where there is a volcano that erupts every hour. At least the music is better.

The Selfish Mother's Day List

To most moms, Mother's Day is a tease.

It is a Hallmark day.

Truly, Mother's Day is a daily event. It's not necessarily the kind of day a "mom" may want to spend, but if she were to end up daydreaming, the family crashes. I mean, food won't get cooked. Dishes won't be washed. Heaven forbid you have a pet and it won't get fed or watered. Not to mention all those school and after school activities the family would be missed if mom wasn't there to plan and schedule things out.

Don't forget the dental and medical appointments. Oh, trash day. Making sure birthdays are planned, paid for and dated on the calendar. Cards sent out. Invites. Groceries.

So, really, mother's day is really a day of chores. One up if she's a working mom. She actually has to be "professional" even on days she wears mismatched socks or stockings. Or mismatched shoes. Or make-up that 's only half on because she was interrupted mid-application of blush by the flying Cheerios the kids are chucking on each other. Or the days she has to put on a smile shortly after she realizes that the kids did something so horrendous, they deserve to be taken out of this universe.

Ah, so the man (or husband) -made holiday known as Mother's Day dawns upon on the first Sunday of May.

Most husbands (if they do remember it's Mother's Day) would rally up the kids (maybe other husbands too) and come up with a game plan.

Most husbands would go to the local jewelry store and pick out what's being advertised as the Mother's Day present of the year. Can you hear the little "yay" mom would cry out when she realizes that she and a gazillion other moms would be receiving the same day? Not so special, huh?

Others would get the kids together to have a "breakfast in bed" celebration. Lovely notion until mom realizes that there's cooked egg on the range, half a glass of orange juice had been spilled and not mopped up, and flour, sugar, and heaven knows what else had been traipsed on the carpet and floor, leaving a lovely streak for ants to follow. Was that the hubby or significant other cussing because he spilled the maple syrup on the dog? Yaaaay. She knows what she's cleaning up after she's had breakfast.

Then there's the standby: flowers. Just hope that dad didn't spend an arm and a leg at the grocers for the half wilted flowers that may end up in the trash at the end of the day. I know, it's the thought that counts, right?

Well, as a mom of one, I have 5 very selfish wishes for the next Mother's Day (if not, succeeding Mother's Day celebrations as well. At that, I would rename Mother's Day to Mother's Day-Off, because truly, that's what I want a break from; the chores). I won't deny that I like flowers. Gosh, I'd prefer to have it more often than just Mother's Day, in fact. I won't also turn down jewelry. But you really can't want such accoutrement if it hasn't been offered since your wedding day or you have no occasion to use said baubles. And yes, I prefer breakfast on the table where I can corral the mess before it spreads. With that being said, here's my list.

My Top 5 Wishes Are:

5. Leave Me Alone. Seriously. Alone. Having the ability to decide to just sit and read, or have a coffee and leaf through the glossy pages of a trashy magazine is heaven compared to refereeing a fight between father and child. If I choose to do chores on this blessed occasion, it would be because I chose to do so. Foolish mommy, I know, but there's much to be said about that alone time.

4. Scrapbooking/Blogging/Writing Time. Ahh, the feel of keyboards keys, or a pen, or a pair of pinking scissors would be nice. I know I am still working on my wedding album. It's just been almost a decade since I've said, "I Do". Now if I can just show proof before my son gets married...

3. A Housemaid. Or Houseman. Even for a day. If just for once, the windows would get cleaned, floors would be mopped, laundry be washed and folded and put away properly. The beds would be made, the trash be taken out, the tubs and toilets would be scrubbed. The newspapers would be in the recycling bin, the tabletops dusted. The refrigerator restocked, the carpets vacuumed and heaven forbid have a pet and they be groomed, walked and if in a cage or aquarium, cleaned all before the day ends. See? The thought makes you salivate, eh? Bonus if he looks like a cabana man... And the hubby won't mind the staring.

2. A day in the spa. Spouse optional. Hmmm... Spa...

1. Sleep. Uninterrupted, unadulterated sleep. No one outside banging on your door, no kid climbing under the sheets at oh dark hundred. No spouse stealing the sheets or asking for a booty call. Sleep.

So how's that for a Mother's Day (Off) list? What's your dream?

It's So Hard (To Say Goodbye)

... to Mary.

And since the little one is off to places unknown (well, across the pond, also known as England) for 3 months, then off to do some missionary work, I've compiled a little mixed tape (CD) for her.

I'm Leaving On a Jet Plane by Chantal Kreviazuk

Because I thought the song Daniel was inappropriate... And because you already know this song. CK is one of the 2 groups that are repeat offenders in this mix. Her voice is a mixture of poignance and purity.

Kokomo by The Beach Boys

Being in England will make you wish you were somewhere with the tropical breeze... even if you meet your English bloke.

Photograph by Weezer

Torn between this song and Nickelback's Photograph, the catchy tune that says:

If you want it

You can have it

But you've got to learn

To reach out there and grab it

makes you realize that you have to want things badly enough to make things work.

Big Bad World by Plain White T's

It's a big bad life

All that we can do is try to make it right

Tomorrow something new,

So if a big rain cloud follows you around

Don't let it get you down.

Enough said.

Leavin' by Jesse McCartney

The pop lyrics and beats are enough to get the Debbie Downer blues away. Yes, that is significant enough. :D

I'll Be (acoustic version) by Edwin McCain

Everyone needs to have a fan of their lives. I'll be yours.

Pinch Me by Barenaked Ladies

No one could better describe what you may be feeling than this song:

It's like a dream you try to remember but it's gone, then you

Try to scream but it only comes out as a yawn, when you

Try to see the world beyond your front door.

Take your time 'cause the way I rhyme's gonna make you smile, when you

Realize that a guy my size might take a while, just to

Try to figure out what all this is for.

Split Screen Sadness by John Mayer

As the lyrics may have said: we'd be waiting on the porch 'til you come back home, and we'll check the weather wherever you are because we want to know if you can see the stars tonight.

Plus, it's a JM song. I cannot make a mixed tape without putting in a JM song.

Not The Same by Ben Folds

The lyrics to this song makes me laugh and think about religion all the time. I hope it gives you the same giggle fits I do when hearing this ditty.

Flying Home by Chantal Kreviazuk

This song was intended to be about someone's passing, but in your case, it's the change from being in the bosom of your family and friends, and now being released in the real world. Just don't lose yourself in all the mud and the muck.

Cannonball (radio mix) by Damien Rice

Stones taught me to fly

Love taught me to lie

Life taught me to die

So it's not hard to fall

When you float like a cannonball

BTW, he's Irish. If you get to Ireland, and see him, the best present you can get me is his autograph. :D

Bad Day by Daniel Powter

You know you're gonna have bad days. Hope this song gets you out of that rut.

Home by Daughtry

I didn't have the track from Wizard of Oz, but I thought this song spoke the same way. You know we're always here for you to come home to when all is said and done.

Thank You by Dido

For the opportunities, highs and lows, friendship, family, and the gift of time.

Barely Breathing by Duncan Sheik

Remember that when things get overwhelming, take a deep breath. Barely breathing won't get you anywhere faster, or make you work any better.

Here's to the Night by Eve 6

Put your name on the line along with place and time

Wanna stay, not to go, I wanna ditch the logical

Here's a toast to al those who hear me all too well

How To Win Friends and Influence People by Everclear

The irony to this song is that you're a people person, and everyone loves you for it. Just be aware that there are people out there that would like to bring you down. Don't ever give them the satisfaction. Get up, and dust yourself off when you slip. The rest of us will be there for you when you need a leg up.

She Says by Howie Day

We'll be listening when you need to rant, talk, cry.

Rainy Day by Plain White T's

Repeat offender, number 2. Why this song? Because England can be cold. And wet. And rainy. Need I say more?

Brand New Colony by The Postal Service

A song about friendship when you're down. (Yes, I realize I've put a lot of songs that would remind you of the Lancaster area, but this is your first time on your own!!! Just don't want you to think you're all alone.)

Also, a song that is supposed to remind you of your work and the product of your labors.

Deep Inside of You by Third Eye Blind

You're going to change a lot of people's lives. You are going to change, too, because of those opportunities. Don't get jaded.

I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie

Redundancy. You get the drift. Plus, DCFC is a good band to have around when you're just finding alone time for introspection.

Thnks fr th Mmrs by Fall Out Boy

No one can predict the future, so remember each moment. Savor it, relish it, learn from it. You may never have the same experience again.

There you have it, Mary. I am not deluding myself that you would like the CD with the exception of the first song, but I hope that if you come across the tracks, you'd realize that somewhere out there, Fievel, I mean, I am here (as well as the rest of your family and friends) championing you to the end. Have a safe and fun trip. It's gonna be one heck of a journey.

New Moon Review: The Good, The Bad, And the Ugly

Movie: The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Director: Chris Weitz

Rating: PG13

My Rating: 4/5

photos are owned by Summit Entertainment

Blog Note: Entirely spoilerish if you have not read the book. Otherwise, I will be commenting on what may be somewhat considered as the technical aspect. Tread lightly if you want to be surprised.

Let me start by saying that New Moon is moons different from its first movie, Twilight. With a bigger budget and a brand new director helming what could possibly be the most difficult of the 4 books within the Twilight Saga to be immortalized on the silver (or dare I say 'digital') screen, I thought it was pretty good.

The book in itself was dark and torturous. Bella, the heroine, had to struggle with a break-up (Edward), a renewed friendship (Jacob), and a decision to commit to someone eternally, both in the physical and metaphorical sense. Most readers of the series found the book to be slow. Heaven forbid that you're on the Team Edward side. You are basically tortured with the fact that Edward breaks up with Bella and has to find solace in the arms of the potential suitor, Jacob, who in his own ways has his own secrets to keep.

The movie starts pretty much where the book starts: a vision where Bella sees herself running through throngs of people dressed in red. She didn't know why, or how, but her dream was so surreal, it had left her unnerved.

This part was actually captured well. I knew that when I read this book in June, I couldn't wait to delve into the book and find out what her vision was all about. This segment kept the tone of the movie akin to your own personal experience of waking up to a dream you're finding reason to believe that may be a foreshadowing or something to muck up to plain craziness.

The story quickly delves into Bella's birthday celebration, and her party at the Cullens'. I giggled a bit at the papercut scene just because we've all had papercuts. Have you ever bled that much when you get one? I don't think so. Anyway, the overt blood sort of reminded me of the old SNL skit where Dan Akroyd pretends to be Julia Child and chops off her finger, sputtering blood everywhere. It was a little over the top, but hey, I usually yell out a profanity followed quickly by sticking my finger in my mouth. Guess Bella had a better pain tolerance compared to my wimpy state.

Anyone who had read the book would've known that the present that provided the papercut was a ticket to travel to anywhere for Edward and Bella. Somewhat, this wasn't explained, and at the height of the drama in the movie, it kind of made you wonder where Bella got tickets at hand to go rescue Edward.

Anywhoo, the incident of course brought division to the Cullen household, forcing Edward to cut Bella out of his life to "save" her from him and his family. Of course, this didn't sit well with Bella. Months upon months of her lament was depicted by spinning images of the seasons passing her by. Personally, I thought the song used was perfect. The mood Bella presented was painfully depicted. Other than those two observations, I thought this section needed a little help. Edward was wooden (not just the "I don't care" emo crap). He looked constipated. Robert Pattinson looked like he was emoting to a ball. He can't seem to emote to the person in front of him. The lines were cheesy (even the Romeo and Juliet part earlier in the scene... cheesy!!!). If there was a scene that I wish they could rewrite, this would be it. The acting was just... off.

Anyway...

To break her melancholy, Charlie tells her to live. Bella lies, tells him she's off to hang out with Jessica, blah, blah, blah. She realized that she sees Edward when she does something dangerous (ie. stupid). Like a kid, she does things to trigger the Edward vision, including purchasing 2 motor bikes that she eventually takes to Jacob for repair.

I actually liked the Jacob and Bella scenes together NOT because of Jacob-loving on my behalf, but because the chemistry on-screen between these two characters was more organic. Of course, this probably translated well compared to Twilight just because Jacob was both limited on screen time and the connection between Bella and Jacob at this point was more friendship. In this movie, Jacob exploits his friendship with Bella and tries to make their relationship jump to another level.

The friendship between Sam and Jacob, and the wolfpack in general was given a cursory touch. Jacob telling Bella he's afraid of Sam was heartfelt.

Part of me was torn to see that the movie didn't quite delve into the Quileute story as it did in the book, but I did understand that time constraints would've made the movie drag.

Anyway, the date at the movies with Mike, Jacob and Bella takes place. If there was one part of the movie for me to swoon, it was this. Mike goes puking and Jacob tries to put the moves on Bella. I have to credit Kristen Stewart for making it look like she was really torn about staying loyal to a jackass boyfriend that had abandoned her, and finding out "what could be" with a potential new love.

Of course, it's also in this scene that Jacob "gets sick".

Bella goes through the same motions of losing Jacob when he doesn't return her calls. When her dad and Harry go fishing, she goes to the reservation to check up on Jacob. Behold, she sees him wet and half-naked and not wanting to talk to her. Fast forward to Jacob going to her place and pleading with her to remember the story from the beach in Twilight. When she figures it out, she goes back to the reservation, pisses Paul off until he transforms. Bella runs away, only to be defended by Jacob who transforms in front of her.

First, I would like to point out that Alex Meraz as Paul was great. He does this wicked wink at Bella that would make me swoon if I were her. Second, a lot of people gave the CGI work on the werewolves an F. I thought it served its purpose. No, it didn't have the refined look of Gollum in Lord Of The Rings but the wolves were big. The graphics were better than some of the bigger budgeted films I've seen recently. Surely, when this movie is viewed 10 years from now, we'd groan worse than when we saw it the first time. But you know what? The wolves were depicted well enough that it didn't take you out of the story. Lastly, when the flashbacks of the pack devouring Laurent were shown, they were mean and scary, just like they left me shuddering when I read the book.

As Chief Swan and his merry men walk through the forest, Victoria makes her quick appearance. The importance of the scene, of course, was to show that she was still around and that she would be the reason Harry would have a heart attack and die.

Loved the fact that Victoria's outfit was toned down. She doesn't look like a deranged Stevie Nicks wannabe. The effects on how fast and strong she is was well choreographed. Definitely won't mind seeing this 300-like special effects.

The segment was quickly followed by Bella's cliff jumping moment. Again, I thought this was photographed well.

After the incident, Bella finds Alice at her home. Of course, Jacob is overly protective of Bella at this point. He warned her that if the Cullens are back, the pack couldn't protect her from Victoria because of the treaty.

The conversation among these three characters was probably one of the better written sections. Alice was concerned, Bella was agitated... only to be asked why she smelled like "dog". Jacob steps in and the three have a very tense moment. (Then the procurement of said plane tickets!)

The Italy scene was very picturesque. Loved the way it was shot. Loved the way they captured Bella running through the fountain to get to Edward before he exposes himself. (Rather surprised at the lack of sighs when RP disrobes to reveal himself to the society!!!)

The Volturi scene, albeit short, was powerful and disturbing. Michael Sheen as Aro was menacing. He portrayed "vampire" with such flourish. I also had to admit that Dakota Fanning (whom I am not a big fan of) as Jane had the innocent look that just oozed evil. Her expression when trying to inflict pain on Bella was wicked. The action scene rocked! I didn't recognize Daniel Cudmore as Felix. He did major poundage!!!

My only knock in this segment was Alice's vision of Edward and Bella as a transformed vampire. It reminded me of the Old Spice commercial: cheesy character with gap vests and jackets. And Bella's Alice in Wonderland outfit? Get real!!! Could've done without that scene, guys.

When everything's said and done, the world of Team Edward is once again safe. Cullen moves back to Forks to be with Bella. But Jacob gives Cullen a warning. He, too, tries to convince Bella to think again about her relationship with Edward. When she tells Jacob that she loves him but not in the way she does Edward, Jacob tells her, " Que Quowie" (Stay with me forever).

Then the movie ends with a cliffhanger. (You know what it is if you read the book.)

Things I wish would be better on Eclipse:

1. Edward's make-up: AWFUL!!! I thought he was supposed to be luminescent, not marble drab. And if you're the walking dead, why would you have ruby-red lips? I have to give props to the CGI team that made the sparkling less distracting. Thumbs up on that aspect.

2. Bella and Edward dialogue: Just because Edward is old that his colloquillism cannot be written better. With KS and RP being real-life lovers, their dialogue needs to transform their on-life persona.

3. Jacob's dazzling white teeth: Asset as an actor. As a person playing a wolf, distracting. The brilliance can be so out of place.

TV's Back Tomorrow!

Suddenly, my No TV policy will be lifted starting Wednesday when Glee comes back on. But officially, new programming starts tomorrow. Here's a listing of what's back. Greek has already started, so if that's what you're following, you're already behind, yo.

The Surprising Comeback Kid

Growing up in the 80s and 90s is very interesting, especially when it comes to the music scene. I've seen the evolution of El Debarge (to the Debarge), the rise and fall of Michael Jackson, the re-invention of Madonna, the media shift from Pop to Alternative (hello, Pearl Jam!), and the marriage of alternative, rock and pop mishmashing to become a sound we cannot even put in a category.

Now in the day and age of the iPod and the ability to buy individual songs, dictating what the media should report on based on instant poll updates on the internet, I was rather surprised at this morning's event: the open arms welcome to none other than Whitney Houston.

Whitney Houston, an artist with a pure voice, rocked the 80s with "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and captured the 90s with Dolly Parton's song "I Will Always Love You" for the soundtrack to The Bodyguard. Then, she spun out of control as she became part of her family's reality show, "Being Bobby Brown". Her volatile relationship with her then husband, Bobby Brown, and her dabble with drugs all of a sudden made her a laughing stock. The topper was her "baptism" in the Black Hebrew tribe. All of a sudden, the once supportive media made her look like a loon.

She disappeared into obscurity as she tried to get her life back. Seven years later, she released her album I Look To You.

As I watched Good Morning America, I realized that despite the fact that I am not a big Whitney Houston fan, I was rather surprised at how her anticipated return had brought so many people together. So much so that I think Madonna wouldn't be able to pull the same magnitude of diversity. Never have I seen so many African-American gay men show up (and not it be the Gay Pride Parade), Asians, Africans (one came all the way from Ghana!), Latin Americans, and anyone in between.

Her die-hard fans were so sincere. Yes, there are the crazies, but there was a genuine feeling of open arm return-- like a hug.

Now if only everyone shared the same feeling for their fellow human beings, not just someone popular as Whitney.

As for Whitney, begrudgingly I'd say, welcome back.

TV This Fall and Movies I May Catch... Eventually

After all the finales had been shown, the major "free TV" markets have tried to manipulate the schedule this fall in hopes of regaining viewer trust, and of course, the winter Olympics.  With that being said, the NBC lineup hopes to profit from viewership. Trying the tactic of split scheduling, NBC tries to save money by ordering shorter seasons for shows that may have lost viewership (like Heroes), and yet save face by showing viewer faves but not making money (Chuck). Also, with Jay Leno moving an hour earlier than his usual slot, now occupied by Conan O'Brien, NBC will probably have to figure out how to keep its young demographic from leaving the channel.

The ABC lineup is trying to be the new happy-happy, joy-joy channel.  Peppered with a lot of new comedy shows (and late season shows like Better of Ted, the dramedy, Castle, and the returning Scrubs, who apparently was able to get Bill Lawrence to come back--sort of, along with Zach Braff, whose season ending was brilliant), this channel may be the best balanced of the main channels. Keeping Dancing With the Stars in its line-up and Supernanny (who watches this show?), reality is alive and kicking. TV regulars like Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice are still going strong in its current time slot, while Ugly Betty is given the ugly Friday viewing hole.

CBS does some rearranging for some of its shows but it keeps a solid comedy Monday as it keeps How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men and Big Bang Theory together. Numb3rs got renewed, as well did Ghost Whisperer, which is now paired with the dropped NBC show, Medium.  The CBS lineup isn't bad if you like your cop/NCIS shows the way they are.

FOX tries to keep its eclectic collection of shows from House and Lie to Me, to Fringe, and Dollhouse, who got a SAVE on the last minute. Despite issues concerning Kiefer Sutherland, 24 is still a go for the upcoming season. Of course, it keeps its lowest common denominator excited with So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol.  Glee, a show I curiously watched last Tuesday, was actually funny. So, if you're trying to find something new to watch (or rearrange your schedule on TiVo or DVR), here's the current listing of the FOX lineup.

Lastly, the CW lineup. Is CW still considered a channel? As Variety pointed out, it's resurrecting TV when I was a kid.  With 90210 and Melrose Place 2.0 being put on the lineup, not much is worth watching in this channel than my favorite, Supernatural.  CW dropped its comedy lineup, and its usual urban demographic love for more "look-at-me, look-at-me" shows. Smallville is still in the grid, as well as the Leyton-less One Tree Hill. Vampire Diaries may be the only show I may even be interested to visit once SN is done with its hour viewing.

Whew, that just took forever. I never thought I'd be done!

Now for movies I may watch. Here's what critics have to say:

Terminator Salvation

Drag Me to Hell

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

and lastly, Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds.

All information within the links are courtesy of Variety. Without them, I am clueless...

Let me know if you have any suggestions, comments, and thoughts on any of these movies, and others I may enjoy watching. Till then, enjoy your long weekend!

Winding Down TV

TV scriptwriters, where did you go?

When the writers' strike took place 2 years ago, I was hoping THIS event would revolutionize (if not make writers) write scripts WE, the viewers, would care about.  

Sadly, this has not been the case.

Bloggers had become the writers for shows like In the Motherhood. Reality TV is still generating ratings, and Heroes, for what it's worth, tried to relaunch itself 3 times, and yet, failed to get viewers to come back and watch. Here's how this season ended.

I am disappointed. Samantha Who? may now be canceled, one of the wittier and funnier comedies this past season. I don't know if Better off Ted will survive the cut.  Chuck, the show that had the most awesome ending last night still has to be renewed (did you buy your Subway sandwich and leave a "Save Chuck" note in the comment box?) Castle may have a chance of being picked up since it held up its share of viewers (albeit only coming second to CSI: Miami). I don't know if I'm the only one who still watched The Unusuals.

The Big 4 are struggling and they're not helping their cause by filling their slots with brain-dead shows, and 24/7 crime dramas. 

I think it's time for me to join the No TV cause and just catch shows on DVD or online. Otherwise, I will be stuck wishing for better TV.

So, what do you suggest I read this summer???

The Watchmen: A Book and Movie Review

Book: The Watchmen
Author: Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
Type: Graphic Novel
Rating: 4.7/5

Movie Director: Zack Snyder
Rating: 4.5/5

Reading The Watchmen is a commitment. I don't mean that you have to stop everything on the spot to read it, but it definitely is a novel that you can't be watching TV or listening to music while reading. Its characters are flawed. The situations they are in are very specific and daunting. You have to read past the asshole-ishness of the characters to enjoy the book, and that takes commitment. It is what makes this book and movie a great philosophical study.

The year is 1985 and Richard Nixon has been reelected to the Presidential seat for the 5th time.

The novel opens up with Rorschach (played by Jackie Earle Haley) documenting the death of the Comedian (played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan), a man who is hard to sympathize with. The Comedian was a bastard by everyone's standard: he killed pregnant women, he torched villages, he attempted rape on one of his fellow "superhero". So his shocking death was one Rorschach found disturbing. As he documented the deaths of his comrades, he found it his duty to warn the last of the living: Ozymandias (Matthew Goode), Dr Manhattan (Billy Crudup), his girlfriend Silk Spectre II (Malin Akerman), and former buddy, Nite Owl II (Patrick Wilson).

Rorsach contacts Oz, and tells him the troubling news. Panic stricken, Oz promises to look into the case. Rorsach, on his own, tries to find the Comedian's nemesis, Moloch the Mystic (Matt Frewer), to see if he has any connection to the former superhero's death.

Along the way, we find out that Jon Manhattan and Laurie are not getting along well as Jon becomes more separated from the human race after his plasmic change, and Laurie was wanting human bonding that Dr Manhattan cannot provide. Silk Spectre II finally takes off and seeks middle aged and balding friend, Nite Owl II.

As Laurie and Dan meet, Dr Manhattan heads to a TV studio where he gets interviewed. He finds out that his former friend, and girlfriend, and a few people he associated with have cancer and that their conditions were linked to him and his change of state.

Its story, as individual characters, and as a group, shows that everyone, with the exception of Manhattan, has a fear of aging, death, and leaving a legacy. Will that legacy be about birth? Or friendship? Or a trademark of peace? Or revealing that the peace that was formed was a farce?

Alan Moore has layers upon layers of anger, grief, and disillusion written in the story that makes you wonder why at this current day and age, we still suffer from the same ill fate these characters suffer.

The movie was well directed by Zack Snyder. Almost frame by frame, line by line (with a few switches here and there for continuity's sake, and I guess a change of script lines to avoid complete plagarism or offending people who would be offended by the word-- sperm), it was an homage to the novel.

The gore in the movie was akin to that of 300. It was essential, but comic-bookish enough not to make you squirm. I could have done with less shots of the anatomically correct Dr Manhattan as he swings in the breeze, but I like the fact that Snyder had the cojones to keep it in (heehee) the movie to silence the purists. The V-shaped codpiece when he's in his gigantic form was enough tasteful... I was relieved.

I am glad that "Tales of the Black Freighter" and "Under the Hood" are separate from the almost 3-hour movie. Although they are essential (and a great read in the novel itself), it would have made the movie more of a bloaty piece of work rather than a sturdy film. Later to be released as a separate DVD, it definitely would be a great companion to The Watchmen DVD.

If there was one thing I wasn't too thrilled about the movie was the person who played President Nixon. The make-up was horrendous, and the character was very hard to understand. Was he supposed to really represent a former skeleton of himself? Or was that the best the casting crew can do since Frank Langella was already taken?

Overall, you really can't say anything bad about the movie or the book. However, it would be wise to read the novel first before visiting the theater. It surely will take out the Church giggle you'd want to squeak out the moment you see Manhattan, or the rage when you see the Comedian, or the, "Oh dear" statement when you see Nite Owl II or other "why" questions you may have if you decide to see the movie without the book.

Terminator 4 Scoopage

Can't wait to thaw myself in a movie theater this spring, and the one movie I thought I'd lose myself in is Terminator 4: Salvation.

But May 10 is too far for now, so I give you spoilers.

I found this article through Wired Magazine, featuring McG's vision of the future that would be featuring none other than hottie, Christian Bale, who's sole purpose in living is saving the world as John Connor. If that's not creepy/cool enough, how about learning that University of PA may be the next Skynet? And if that's not enough drama for you, how about listening to Christian Bale/John Connor tear a DP a new one? Can you hear an F-Bomb dropping every 6 seconds? I don't know about you, but hearing it made me want to watch a movie with a lot of cussing all of a sudden.

Maybe Ah-nuld can wrap this puppy up and give John a good mouth soaping...

Monty Python Channel- Hurrah!

My life isn't that interesting, and maybe that's one of the reasons why I really never committed to journals. Even with a journal prompter, it is hard to find something I (and in this case, you, my friend, who's reading this posting) relevant.

Amy posted her latest chapter in her story, Peer Pressure, and I remember fondly an incident that involves The Lumberjack Song-- a song that has become legendary thanks to the love-it-or-hate-it Monty Python.

Don't know what I am talking about? Or you want to hear the song? Well, search no more. Apparently, there is a Monty Python Channel. Visit it, and stay tuned. You just don't know what you're missing.

Dawning of a New Day

My thoughts on the Obama inauguration...

Getting Back on TV

Being a mom has definitely taken me away from the idiot box known as the TV. I am currently suffering from Chuck and Supernatural withdrawal but I still keep tabs on shows either currently on, or about to be canceled.

Let's stick with what's on, shall we?

Scrubs- used to watch this show religiously until the Jman was born, and other shows started piling up on my VCR (yes, I don't TiVo or DVR) or my computer. Since it's on The Comedy Central and other channels as fillers, I wasn't really searching for it, per se. With it moving to ABC, however, I caught up with the current batch. I still love the main cast. Hate the new residents, hate Courtney Cox. Can't wait to watch tonight's set of episodes.

How I Met Your Mother- Seriously? Barney crushing? It was too much! Love NPH and the gang. Can't believe Kim Kardashian is getting so much TV time. Ugh.

Ugly Betty- I think that this season's sucky. I can't believe I am still watching it when I cannot stand Whillie. The fact that I love Betty's "You go, girl!" attitude, I would admit that I would eventually step up and ask someone for some fashion advice, even if it means her nephew puts her clothes together. It's better than watching her look so frumpy every time. Amanda and Marc are the two that keep me glued especially now that Gio is gone. I still think Freddy Rodriguez should've stayed, but with him constantly playing second fiddle, I would've done the same thing: bounce. Apparently, Christina (Ashley Jensen) wants out of her contract. Same thing-- I would bail if I was given such a crappy gig.

I don't know if TV is better since the writer's strike, but I can admit that Tina Fey's rant at the Golden Globes is one of the better writings I've heard since her Sarah Palin parodies-- which I really don't consider "being written" since SP had said the same words herself-- before the skits have been taped!

On the canning front, Prison Break is ending! Good riddance!

Alright, show's over. Get working!

I Won!!!

Never thought I'd reach the finish line.