Monday, August 31, 2009

Slumdog Aliens



I saw "District 9" this weekend and it was really good!

It is shot in documentary style and, along with the great script, really pulls you in quickly for quite a wild ride. The alien creatures look cool and interact with the humans very realistically no matter what chaos is going on around them at the time.



The movie keeps you guessing throughout, which is a rare thing these days.

I give it two pincers way up!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Avatar



James Cameron's next bigscreen epic, Avatar, hits theaters on December 18th. It's hard to believe that it's been 12 years since we've seen a movie directed by him (a little flick called "Titanic"). This new one, based on a popular video game of the same name, looks like quite the visual spectacle.



Of course, what will make it or break it is....the eyes.

Movies like "Polar Express" and "Beowulf" have used similar technology in an attempt to realistically animate human expression. However, the results have usually been mixed and, so far, the characters end up having "dead eyes"....that creepy, empty look that makes people seem like the walking dead or Janice Dickinson.







However, James Cameron is famous for being a creative task-master, so I have a feeling he'll figure out a way to "WOW" us anyway. If the film is half as good as this concept art and trailer....then, we might be in for a very pleasant surprise.

Hopefully, we'll be able to see it in their eyes.



Of course, fans of the game and Sci-Fi geeks worldwide have already started complaining about the movie. It's to be expected from this group...they can be quick to judge and relentless in their critique.

Someone even created this HILARIOUS video that shows that even Hitler is upset with the new trailer.



I know how he feels.

I was just as riled up after seeing the "Bewitched" movie.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

thirtysomething



I was twentysomething when "thirtysomething" first aired on TV and, now that I'm fortysomething, I am so glad that the show has finally come out on DVD.

I seem to gravitate towards ensemble "whiney" dramas (as some critics and the cro-magnon of mind seem to refer to shows that focus on the mundane aspects of life) and this was one of the first that I felt a connection with from a young age.



The writing and directing for the show was top-notch and each of the actors got equal screentime and storylines throughout the seasons, which is rare.

Although these folks seemed to spend a lot of time discussing "regular" stuff that some find boring (childcare, relationships, jobs, lost youth), I found myself relating to how they dealt with it and rooting for them to succeed when things got tough.

But, most of all, I liked that they were a supportive "family" for each other.



Having moved away from home at a young age, I think I recognized how I, like the characters on the show, had also started to form a tight family of friends who, to this day, are still a very signficant part of my life. Over the years, we've struggled with the "regular" stuff too and dealt with it the best that we could and supported each other when things didn't go as planned.

People may not always like to discuss or deal with the real life stuff, but how we manage it determines the quality of life that we end up living into our ninetysomethings (if we're lucky).

I would like to be one of the lucky ones.

The cast of the show got together on Good Morning America yesterday, if you'd like to catch up with them for a few minutes.



All these years later, they each appear to be doing just fine, which gives me an odd sense of relief...

And hope.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Three's Company



Between changing diapers and avoiding direct questions about his sexuality, Ricky Martin has started Twittering recently and has sent out some new images of he and his brood.

Considering how popular he used to be in the media, I'm constantly surprised how many people have no idea that he had twins through a surrogate last year.



Either he has a great publicist...or a really lazy one.

Monday, August 24, 2009

By that much...

Many of these folks were all this close to meeting their maker...



We should all be so lucky.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Meet and Greet

If that was me...



There would be a LOT more than bubbles coming out of the lower part of that wet suit.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Muscle Wereys



It appears that the marketing team behind the upcoming sequel in the Twilight saga, "New Moon", is spending a lot of their creative budget focusing on a new group of worked-out werewolves that will be featured, especially the character of Jacob (Taylor Lautner).



Initially, the producers were considering recasting the actor for the new film because his character is supposed to play a bigger part, both emotionally and physically. At the time, they weren't confident that, the then 16-year-old, Taylor could meet the challenge.



From the looks of these photos, I'd say he found a bit of time in the past year to get to the gym and prove them wrong.

Besides all of the howling were-hunks coming up, I'm actually looking forward to seeing Dakota Fanning in the film as the evil vampire Jane of the Volturi Clan (I'm assuming they must be Euro-vampires).



She has made a career out of playing the cutest kids in cinema, so it's good to see her finally get to play a not-so-wholesome character that she can really sink her teeth into.

"Good night! I'll be here all week long! Tip the waiters, try the veal!"

I don't care what anyone says about this series of teen-fanged films, I really enjoyed the last one and can't wait to see "New Moon" in November and, quite likely, the third sequel, "Eclipse" that is coming out in June.

Warning: There are a lot of abs in this trailer. Viewer discretion is advised.



If you're gonna throw some hairy hotties, a ferocious Fanning and splendiferous scenery at me...

I'm in.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Mayor McCheese

Look who wants to run the city of New York...



I'm sure he'll find plenty of people willing to "support" him.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Sleep tight



Knowing my odd fascination with creepy dolls in museums, a friend sent me a link to a husband and wife team who make a living painting creepy kids, adults and animals.







I'm sure they're lovely people and, obviously, are very creative. However, I can only imagine what kind of art is hanging on the walls throughout their house and guest room.

Imagine settling into your bed for the night with this staring down at you...



Pleasant dreams.

Friday, August 14, 2009

The Jr. Department



Look who's on his high horse...

vh1 has a new dating reality show starting this Sunday, but this time, they've chosen a "regular" guy who obviously couldn't find a woman without their help. It's called "My Antonio" and I think the description pretty much explains itself.



Exiting the surf dripping wet, Antonio Sabato Jr. will introduce himself to each hopeful with a simple greeting and a kiss of their trembling hand. The story unfolds in a season long narrative arc akin to a nighttime soap opera -- complete with shocking plot twists and turns.

From an overzealous matriarch (Antonio's momma, Yvonne) who cannot let go of her son, to a mysterious lover from Antonio's past who thrusts herself back into the competition to win back his heart, My Antonio will feel like "Dallas" or "Dynasty" -- except that it's real life. Antonio Sabato Jr. puts everything on the line to find his ultimate love.



It's refreshing to see that we are finally getting a "real life" show like "Dallas" and "Dynasty", complete with twists, turns and everyday gals who are just hoping to find true love with an everyday guy over the course of a couple of weeks in front of tens of viewers.

I'm surprised no one has thought of that before.

And speaking of the gals, here's how this colorful team of hopefuls are described...

These stunning and sophisticated beauties will gather by special invitation to compete for Antonio's heart.



These gals really do look sophisticated in their lowcut shirts, lined up like cattle behind a man who, I'm certain, will definitely end up finding the true love of his life based on the fifteen minutes of quality screentime that he gets to spend with each of them over the course of a couple of weeks.

We've all been there, haven't we?



The show is so relateable and real...I can't imagine that it won't be a hit. It looks like vh1 is really stepping up to create shows that focus on inner-beauty over just a hot body and killer smile. Like this other reality show that is also running on their network...



How did I miss this show about Mr. To?

And the ad is so right...I don't even know him. However, from his introspective pose, I feel complelled to record this show too and find out more.

Who knows, you might even enjoy Mr. To too.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Come Fly Away



JetBlue airlines just came out with a great flight promotion if you've got some vacation time in September to travel for four weeks.

Enjoy unlimited travel with our All-You-Can-Jet Pass! For just $599* you can take JetBlue anywhere you like, as often as you like, from September 8 to October 8, 2009. Use your All-You-Can-Jet Pass for business, for pleasure, to visit your favorite cities or to meet with a client. You might as well just do it all! With more than 50 cities to choose from, and for just $599, it's a deal you can't pass up.

If you've got several people you've been meaning to visit in various parts of the country...this might be the perfect way to see them all for one price.

The travel side of my brain is very excited!

The bank account side of my brain has that same look that my mother had when I said I was going to leave Ohio and go to acting school in California.

This should be interesting...

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Face the music

To all of those attention-starved Facebook people out there who think that it's okay to post whatever happens to cross their minds throughout the day...



Duh.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Obama in New Hampshire

I watched President Obama talk about Health Care Reform in New Hampshire today and, honestly, how much clearer can he be? He dispelled the many rumors that have been swirling around and answered questions directly from people who had them.

I wish the angry and uninformed would just ignore all the rumors and hearsay that are bunching them up into a collective tizzy and, instead, just get their information directly from the source.

It's a pretty simple concept with remarkable results.

I also liked the question about the need for a focus on mental health care coverage in this country.

A lot of people (and the country) would benefit from that.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Bon Appetit!



I saw the new Meryl Streep movie, "Julie and Julia" this weekend. It was wonderful! One of the most enjoyable movies I've seen in a while...and I don't even cook.

But don't go in with an empty stomach.

Otherwise, with all of the amazing gourmet meals being prepared in front of you throughout the film, you'll be salivating uncontrollably for two hours, which is never attractive.

The movie follows and parallels two true stories.

One storyline follows Amy Adams rut-stuck office worker who decides to cook an entire book of Julia's recipes in one year and blog about it. The other follows Julia Child during the time when she first started to cook and how that changed her life, and many others, forever.



Amy is fun, but it's Meryl, as Julia Child, who takes the cake (oh...cake sounds good right now).

I didn't really know much about Julia Child before the film, other than her history as a tall, warbly-voiced television chef that Dan Akroyd parodied on SNL many years ago. But, Julia really had a very interesting life and a wonderfully loving husband (played by the always delightful Stanley Tucci). Besides the food, their relationship was one of my favorite parts of the movie.

So, have a nice meal and, afterwards, take yourself out to see "Julie and Julia".

It's the perfect dessert.

Friday, August 7, 2009

You're Abe Froman...



Very sad news about John Hughes...

John Hughes, the producer, writer and director whose 1980s films such as "Sixteen Candles," "The Breakfast Club" and "Some Kind of Wonderful" offered a sharp-eyed look at teenagers and their social habits, has died, according to a statement from his representative. He was 59.

Hughes, who was also a prolific screenwriter and producer, was at his peak in the 1980s, when his films -- which starred young actors such as Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall and Jon Cryer -- dominated the box office and were hailed by critics for their thoughtful teen protagonists, rarely portrayed with such sympathy in comedies at the time.

He was responsible for some of my favorite movies of the time. I loved "Breakfast Club", "Sixteen Candles", "Weird Science", "She's Having a Baby" and "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles". They each have a multitude of classic lines that, to this day, I can still quote verbatim.

He will definitely be missed.

One of my all-time favorite scenes is the car rental scene from "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" with the always hilarious Edie Mclurg as the rental agent.

It's a "bit" profane, but few scenes in movies since have ever been so funny.

This clip also offers a Dutch version (following the English). Regardless of the language spoken, the scene is just as funny.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Puttin' grandpa down

Rachel Maddow did a very good segment on how "average Americans" are being riled up against health care reform by corporations choosing to spread fear, lies and misinformation in order to protect their businesses that profit from our current health care mess.



As irritated as I get with the "kooks" I see on the news spewing their misinformed views in outrage, there is a part of me that just feels sorry for them and, ultimately, us.

Based on the information that they believe to be true (because they don't feel the need to research the facts), they have every right to be angry and should be protesting the wrongs that they perceive are being forced upon them.



However, because the corporate PR machines are manipulating them with the wrong information, they end up looking like uneducated ass-hats in front of millions of people and adding fuel to the unstable mental fires of others who teeter dangerously close to the edge of reason.

And, more often than not, many of these kooks aren't stupid people.

They're just frustrated people who, unfortunately, were mislead by a few "concerned citizens" pretending to care about them (which they don't) who, in fact, really just want to take advantage of their fragile emotional state for their own financial agendas.

Life is already challenging enough for the average American.



Manipulating the minds of the weak and desperate for corporate gain is just wrong.

Unfortunately, it's the American way...

That needs to change.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

When health freezes over

It's such a shame, when so many other countries in the world have health care plans that cover everyone, that many people appear to have so much opposition to creating a similar system here in the states.

Of course, it always comes down to politics and how much money the people who make the decisions are getting paid from the very companies who would be impacted (mainly the unregulated profit-machines known as our insurance companies).



I bet if you let the people in the hospital and doctor's office waiting rooms around the country make the decision, rather than a small group of high powered people already covered by medical plans who also happen to be getting paid large sums of money from the insurance and drug companies...

We would have had a health care plan in place decades ago.

If you want to keep up with all the latest info on Health Care reform direct from the White House as it develops, click here to visit their site.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Feliz Cumpleanos!



Happy Birthday Oscar!!

Who knew you shared a birthday with President Obama? I'm sure Michelle Obama is about to invite us to come join them at the White House celebration tonight...

While we wait for that call, here's Annie Lennox singing you a special song that mixes a lot of her solo hits into one fun mashup.



You are a shining light.

Monday, August 3, 2009

300 STARZ

It looks like the STARZ cable channel has created a "300-esque" series, "Spartacus: Blood and Sand", complete with a CGI warrior world, Lucy "Xena" Lawless, and a variety of form-fitting Folsom casual wear for the pec-tacula lead actors.



The show debuts in January, a month where most people need to wear just a little more clothing to keep their nether regions toasty.

Maybe the warriors wear special leather Slankets during the chilly winter months...