I'm not annoyed by Keanu Reeves (a pleasant surprise).
The beginning exposition/setup scene was fantastic. It got me ready for the story to come by showing, not telling (classic grade school writing advice, no?) with a non-bus scene I totally didn't expect.
Keanu Reeves uses the phrase “Will the Mystery Guest please sign in?” LOL Indirectly related to game shows, as I noted above.
Patrick Fischler (!) is in the beginning scene, playing a man named Bob...I'm almost sure of it! That man is everywhere!
Alan Ruck as the tourist relaying what Keanu Reeves is saying. Upon Keanu's revelation that's there's a whole mess of C4 strapped to the bus, he utters an extreme expletive, which causes Alan to pause and relay “Oh, darn!” LOL
Friday, May 1, 2009
"You Should Know I've Had My License Revoked" "For What? "Speeding."
This is unrelated to game shows (well, it's kind of related, but I'll get to that later). I'm currently watching the movie Speed. I saw a thing on Mythbusters about it, and though the myth was busted, it made me want to see the movie. I remember when my Mom watched it for the first time (she loves action movies). We were at my Grandma's house. She and my aunts and uncles were watching it while Grandma and I were playing cards at the dining room table. All we heard from our perspective was a lot of screaming. I distinctly remember my Grandma Judy saying that we could be extras in this movie- all we had to be able to do was scream! LOL So, I started watching the movie at about 1:10 this morning, (it's 1:47 now, so I better get back to it) and I've already discovered several things I love.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
17 Again
The facts are these...
1. I saw the movie "17 Again" tonight.
2. I was hoping to drift peacefully to sleep and dream about Zac Efron.
3. I cannot sleep. I stay up late frequently, but not this late...er, early.
4. I'm not going to get back in bed until I know I'm exhausted enough to actually sleep.
5. As usual, it has been far too long since I blogged.
6. I've seen too many negative reviews of "17 Again" and would like to offer a different perspective... (What else am I going to do?)
"17 Again" is not an original premise; let's just get that out of the way. At least one article I read insinuated the story was a rip-off of "Big" (though, of course, it was actually the reverse). Another whined that Zac Efron didn't have the husky "old soul" voice of Lindsay Lohan to pull off the adult-in-a-teenage-body illusion in Freaky Friday. I think a lot of things have aged Lindsay Lohan's soul and Zac Efron is lucky his is still young.
I will also start by saying that I went into this movie heavily biased in its favor. I swooned over Matthew Perry on "Friends" and Zac Efron in "Hairspray". I absolutely LOVE body switching movies, and I could watch all of them, from the classic "Big " to the obscure early Katherine Hiegl flick "Wish Upon A Star", a dozen times. This is partly because I enjoy the predictable (but always just a little bit different!) hilarity that will ensue, but also because I'm interested to see how well actors will embody the person they swapped with. (I've never seen "Face Off", but I'm fairly certain I'd be thrilled with it for this reason.)
With that, I give you a list of questions to determine if, like me, you'd enjoy "17 Again". If you answer yes to at least 3 of them, you should rent it. If you answer yes to more than half, get thee to a theater.
1. Do you enjoy looking at Zac Efron?
2. Would you like to see the comedic stylings of Mrs. Judd Apatow (Leslie Mann)?
3. Have you missed Matthew Perry? (Half a point for this one, since he's in only a few scenes).
4. Do you like "Freaky Friday(s)", "Big", etc. but not hold them in untouchable reverence?
5. Do you enjoy seeing high school bullies get their comeuppance?
5a. Are you okay with this and other high school cliches?
6. Were you beginning to wonder if Brian Doyle Murray was still alive?
7. Do you appreciate heartwarming family stories?
8. Does the masterpiece "Bust A Move" by Young MC make you want to sing/dance/smile?
9. Are you curious how this movie manages to incorporate Elvish subtitles?
If none of the above reasons do anything for you, I've saved my strongest argument for last:
Thomas Lennon, who plays Perry/Efron's best friend, is positively hilarious. He steals just about every scene he's in. I personally think his character alone would be worth the price of admission.
"17 Again": Cliche? Sure. Sweet and funny? Definitely. Thomas Lennon? Awesome.
1. I saw the movie "17 Again" tonight.
2. I was hoping to drift peacefully to sleep and dream about Zac Efron.
3. I cannot sleep. I stay up late frequently, but not this late...er, early.
4. I'm not going to get back in bed until I know I'm exhausted enough to actually sleep.
5. As usual, it has been far too long since I blogged.
6. I've seen too many negative reviews of "17 Again" and would like to offer a different perspective... (What else am I going to do?)
"17 Again" is not an original premise; let's just get that out of the way. At least one article I read insinuated the story was a rip-off of "Big" (though, of course, it was actually the reverse). Another whined that Zac Efron didn't have the husky "old soul" voice of Lindsay Lohan to pull off the adult-in-a-teenage-body illusion in Freaky Friday. I think a lot of things have aged Lindsay Lohan's soul and Zac Efron is lucky his is still young.
I will also start by saying that I went into this movie heavily biased in its favor. I swooned over Matthew Perry on "Friends" and Zac Efron in "Hairspray". I absolutely LOVE body switching movies, and I could watch all of them, from the classic "Big " to the obscure early Katherine Hiegl flick "Wish Upon A Star", a dozen times. This is partly because I enjoy the predictable (but always just a little bit different!) hilarity that will ensue, but also because I'm interested to see how well actors will embody the person they swapped with. (I've never seen "Face Off", but I'm fairly certain I'd be thrilled with it for this reason.)
With that, I give you a list of questions to determine if, like me, you'd enjoy "17 Again". If you answer yes to at least 3 of them, you should rent it. If you answer yes to more than half, get thee to a theater.
1. Do you enjoy looking at Zac Efron?
2. Would you like to see the comedic stylings of Mrs. Judd Apatow (Leslie Mann)?
3. Have you missed Matthew Perry? (Half a point for this one, since he's in only a few scenes).
4. Do you like "Freaky Friday(s)", "Big", etc. but not hold them in untouchable reverence?
5. Do you enjoy seeing high school bullies get their comeuppance?
5a. Are you okay with this and other high school cliches?
6. Were you beginning to wonder if Brian Doyle Murray was still alive?
7. Do you appreciate heartwarming family stories?
8. Does the masterpiece "Bust A Move" by Young MC make you want to sing/dance/smile?
9. Are you curious how this movie manages to incorporate Elvish subtitles?
If none of the above reasons do anything for you, I've saved my strongest argument for last:
Thomas Lennon, who plays Perry/Efron's best friend, is positively hilarious. He steals just about every scene he's in. I personally think his character alone would be worth the price of admission.
"17 Again": Cliche? Sure. Sweet and funny? Definitely. Thomas Lennon? Awesome.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
What's Going On
I don't want this blog to turn into my soapbox for American Idol, but I think that's somewhat inevitable this time of year. First, some general notes:
1. I miss Alexis Grace. She was definitely not due to go home last week.
2. I'm sick of Kara DioGuardi. She should have gone home last week.
I didn't see the whole show. (I had to watch clips on YouTube after the fact.) But, I got to see the important stuff. I'll try to keep this short, but we all know what happens when I try to do that.
People I'm Not At All Pleased With:
Scott: He's a sweet guy, and I think he plays the piano brilliantly. His slow start to "You Can't Hury Love" was very nicely done. But when he started singing, I could hardly keep watching. I feel bad, because it's a tremendous accomplishment for him to be here, and no one wants to diss someone with a disability. But, he deserves to be held to the same standard as others, and I don't think his voice is up to par.
Michael: Also a likable guy. Once my friend burned a washcloth in the microwave and called herself an idiot. I responded, "A burnt washcloth does not an idiot make." Well, neither does likability make an Idol. It's certainly a big part of the equation, but vocals must account for at least half. I'm also a little bitter because I feel he stole Alexis' place on the tour this season. Also, I think "Ain't To Proud To Beg" is waaaaay overplayed, and by greater artists than Mr. Sarver.
Megan: Her voice is kinda cool and different, but also kinda...not good. I'm sure she'd rock 1940's week (and you know how I love anything retro), but it seems that she can't sing many later songs very well. I'll pull a Paula: I loved her dress tonight, though.
People I'm Underwelmed By
Lil: I think Lil can do better than she's been doing. But I'd also be less critical of her if she weren't such a judges' favorite. I don't think "Heatwave" showcases what she could really do.
Danny: He also suffers from the "Judges" Favorite" syndrome. And I don't think "Get Ready" was in anyway the right song. I didn't see Simon's comments, but I hope he said that to both Lil and Danny even though he really likes them. He's still got a cool, raspy quality to his voice that I like, but I want to see him wow me, especially with all the judge praise he receives.
People I've Always Liked And Still Do
Kris: What a cutie. He seems genuinely nice. Just the type of normal guy that needs a show like American Idol to give him a platform for his talent. He didn't knock my socks off tonight, but I loved his slow start and that he played guitar. Simon, please don't tell him to be conceited.
Alison: LOVED her performance. They must have known how good it would be and let her close the show because of it. I saw one review that said they couldn't understand her. I did notice that in the rapid-fire lyrics at the end, but it's not a big deal. That was a sensational song for her rough, rocky voice. During so many performanes (see some of the above categories) I was just waiting for them to be over. This one was so enjoyable, I could hear it again...but I hope I don't, because that would mean she was in the singing-for-her-life position, and she definitely shouldn't be this week.
Anoop: When I saw he was singing "Ooh Baby Baby", I think I expected a little bit more. I'm not sure what. He did a very nice version, and I still want to see what else he can do.
Matt: I've liked him ever since "Georgia" during Hollywood Week. I still wanted him to get another chance after he butchered "Viva La Vida". No one can beat Marvin, but Matt performed "Let's Get It On" beautifully.
And finally...
People I Kind Of Hated Before But Have Gradually Warmed Up To And Genuinely Enjoyed Tonight
Adam: Well, with a category that specific, there can really only be one. My only negative critique is that I thought he stayed up in his falsetto a little too much. Peaks and valleys of high and low notes might have added interest to the performance, I think. Other than that, I loved it. His pitch is so perfect. It's hard to hold those soft, high notes without falling or cracking. I also loved his coversation with Smokey, how he seemed truly interested in what inspired the song. And I loved his look tonight. The suit was so sharp and I loved the retro pompadour... He really does look like Elvis. However, while his look suited me, I know that' snot his thing. Even though I don't like whatever Emo style he did before, I know that's him, and he should honor that.
But for tonight...gosh, he looked like Elvis, and I liked it.
1. I miss Alexis Grace. She was definitely not due to go home last week.
2. I'm sick of Kara DioGuardi. She should have gone home last week.
I didn't see the whole show. (I had to watch clips on YouTube after the fact.) But, I got to see the important stuff. I'll try to keep this short, but we all know what happens when I try to do that.
People I'm Not At All Pleased With:
Scott: He's a sweet guy, and I think he plays the piano brilliantly. His slow start to "You Can't Hury Love" was very nicely done. But when he started singing, I could hardly keep watching. I feel bad, because it's a tremendous accomplishment for him to be here, and no one wants to diss someone with a disability. But, he deserves to be held to the same standard as others, and I don't think his voice is up to par.
Michael: Also a likable guy. Once my friend burned a washcloth in the microwave and called herself an idiot. I responded, "A burnt washcloth does not an idiot make." Well, neither does likability make an Idol. It's certainly a big part of the equation, but vocals must account for at least half. I'm also a little bitter because I feel he stole Alexis' place on the tour this season. Also, I think "Ain't To Proud To Beg" is waaaaay overplayed, and by greater artists than Mr. Sarver.
Megan: Her voice is kinda cool and different, but also kinda...not good. I'm sure she'd rock 1940's week (and you know how I love anything retro), but it seems that she can't sing many later songs very well. I'll pull a Paula: I loved her dress tonight, though.
People I'm Underwelmed By
Lil: I think Lil can do better than she's been doing. But I'd also be less critical of her if she weren't such a judges' favorite. I don't think "Heatwave" showcases what she could really do.
Danny: He also suffers from the "Judges" Favorite" syndrome. And I don't think "Get Ready" was in anyway the right song. I didn't see Simon's comments, but I hope he said that to both Lil and Danny even though he really likes them. He's still got a cool, raspy quality to his voice that I like, but I want to see him wow me, especially with all the judge praise he receives.
People I've Always Liked And Still Do
Kris: What a cutie. He seems genuinely nice. Just the type of normal guy that needs a show like American Idol to give him a platform for his talent. He didn't knock my socks off tonight, but I loved his slow start and that he played guitar. Simon, please don't tell him to be conceited.
Alison: LOVED her performance. They must have known how good it would be and let her close the show because of it. I saw one review that said they couldn't understand her. I did notice that in the rapid-fire lyrics at the end, but it's not a big deal. That was a sensational song for her rough, rocky voice. During so many performanes (see some of the above categories) I was just waiting for them to be over. This one was so enjoyable, I could hear it again...but I hope I don't, because that would mean she was in the singing-for-her-life position, and she definitely shouldn't be this week.
Anoop: When I saw he was singing "Ooh Baby Baby", I think I expected a little bit more. I'm not sure what. He did a very nice version, and I still want to see what else he can do.
Matt: I've liked him ever since "Georgia" during Hollywood Week. I still wanted him to get another chance after he butchered "Viva La Vida". No one can beat Marvin, but Matt performed "Let's Get It On" beautifully.
And finally...
People I Kind Of Hated Before But Have Gradually Warmed Up To And Genuinely Enjoyed Tonight
Adam: Well, with a category that specific, there can really only be one. My only negative critique is that I thought he stayed up in his falsetto a little too much. Peaks and valleys of high and low notes might have added interest to the performance, I think. Other than that, I loved it. His pitch is so perfect. It's hard to hold those soft, high notes without falling or cracking. I also loved his coversation with Smokey, how he seemed truly interested in what inspired the song. And I loved his look tonight. The suit was so sharp and I loved the retro pompadour... He really does look like Elvis. However, while his look suited me, I know that' snot his thing. Even though I don't like whatever Emo style he did before, I know that's him, and he should honor that.
But for tonight...gosh, he looked like Elvis, and I liked it.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Wow, That Was A Long Break
Fittingly, this post will also focus on American Idol. I decided to publish my song choices for the Idol contestants. I wish I'd done it last week too, but none of them were right anyway...except my prediction that, against all wisdom, someone might sing "Rockin' Robin". This week celebrates the Grand Old Opry, and I think there's some good potential as long as the contestants play fast and loose with the arrangements. Note: I've specifically not picked any Carrie Underwood songs. I don't believe songs recorded by any former Idol should be performed by current hopefuls... Remember how LaKeisha Jones took on BOTH Carrie and Fantasia in Season 6? It's just a bad idea.
Alison Iraheta- "Wild Angels" by Martina McBride. This seems like one that could be given some rocker chick flair.
Megan Corkery- "Crazy" by Patsy Cline. This is my favorite song pick. I genuinely hope Megan picks this song. Patsy's song-stylings would really suit Season 8's quirkiest performer. I would also be delighted if Megan sang "Here You Come Again" by Dolly Parton, but that's just because I love that song.
Lil Rounds- "If Lovin' You Is Wrong, I Don't Wanna Be Right" by Barbara Mandrell. The first time I heard this song was during an awkward scene between Greg and Marcia in The Brady Bunch Movie, and it was the Luther Ingram sexy soul version. I think performing the song version of this song would serve her very well. I think she could also succeed with McBride's "Broken Wing", but that's my second choice.
Alexis Grace- "Fancy" by Reba McEntire. This was the first pick I made. I think it would really suit the kind of style she's been showing so far. Perhaps Reba is just a good fit for Alexis, becuase after listening to the other Reba song on this list ("Why Haven't I Heard From You?") I think it would also work for Miss Grace.
Danny Gokey- "How Do I Live" by Trisha Yearwood or "Anyway" by Martina McBride. Both of these are the soaring types of ballads that I think Danny likes to do.
Adam Lambert- I feel like Adam is good at singing songs with the kind of fast cadence that would vex other singers. So, I've got three choices for him: "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" by Travis Tritt, "Summertime Blues" by Alan Jackson, and "9-5" by Dolly Parton.
Matt Giraud- I wanted to find something for Matt that he could change up completely. So I went with "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" by Hank Williams. This might be a bit of an odd choice, but it could be really cool if it worked. I'd also enjoy seeing him sing/play "Baby Now That I've Found You" by Alison Krauss. The original version of the song is by the 60's group The Foundations (of "Build Me Up Buttercup" fame), so de-countrifying the tune would be easy.
Scott MacIntire- I'm going to be a bit stereotypical here and go with "It Was Almost Like A Song" by Ronnie Milsap. I also think it suits Scott's mellow style. "I Still Believe In You" by Vince Gill would be a nice choice, too.
Anoop Desai- I hope he does a good job this week. He needs something with a litte oomph to it, so I'll go with "Honkytonk Badonkadonk" by Trace Adkins. I can't think of a second song idea.
Michael Sarver- You'd think he'd be the easiest to pick for on country week, but not so. So many songs would sound karaoke in their original style. I think this problem might be unavoidable, but I'll go with "You're Gonna Miss This", also by Trace Adkins.
Kris Allen- I really love the song "When You Say Nothing At All" by Alison Krauss. I also love Kris Allen LOL I think it would be a lovely song choice for just about anyone, but I'd love to see him play his guitar with it.
Well, I've finished just in time to watch the show! We'll see what happens...
Alison Iraheta- "Wild Angels" by Martina McBride. This seems like one that could be given some rocker chick flair.
Megan Corkery- "Crazy" by Patsy Cline. This is my favorite song pick. I genuinely hope Megan picks this song. Patsy's song-stylings would really suit Season 8's quirkiest performer. I would also be delighted if Megan sang "Here You Come Again" by Dolly Parton, but that's just because I love that song.
Lil Rounds- "If Lovin' You Is Wrong, I Don't Wanna Be Right" by Barbara Mandrell. The first time I heard this song was during an awkward scene between Greg and Marcia in The Brady Bunch Movie, and it was the Luther Ingram sexy soul version. I think performing the song version of this song would serve her very well. I think she could also succeed with McBride's "Broken Wing", but that's my second choice.
Alexis Grace- "Fancy" by Reba McEntire. This was the first pick I made. I think it would really suit the kind of style she's been showing so far. Perhaps Reba is just a good fit for Alexis, becuase after listening to the other Reba song on this list ("Why Haven't I Heard From You?") I think it would also work for Miss Grace.
Danny Gokey- "How Do I Live" by Trisha Yearwood or "Anyway" by Martina McBride. Both of these are the soaring types of ballads that I think Danny likes to do.
Adam Lambert- I feel like Adam is good at singing songs with the kind of fast cadence that would vex other singers. So, I've got three choices for him: "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" by Travis Tritt, "Summertime Blues" by Alan Jackson, and "9-5" by Dolly Parton.
Matt Giraud- I wanted to find something for Matt that he could change up completely. So I went with "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" by Hank Williams. This might be a bit of an odd choice, but it could be really cool if it worked. I'd also enjoy seeing him sing/play "Baby Now That I've Found You" by Alison Krauss. The original version of the song is by the 60's group The Foundations (of "Build Me Up Buttercup" fame), so de-countrifying the tune would be easy.
Scott MacIntire- I'm going to be a bit stereotypical here and go with "It Was Almost Like A Song" by Ronnie Milsap. I also think it suits Scott's mellow style. "I Still Believe In You" by Vince Gill would be a nice choice, too.
Anoop Desai- I hope he does a good job this week. He needs something with a litte oomph to it, so I'll go with "Honkytonk Badonkadonk" by Trace Adkins. I can't think of a second song idea.
Michael Sarver- You'd think he'd be the easiest to pick for on country week, but not so. So many songs would sound karaoke in their original style. I think this problem might be unavoidable, but I'll go with "You're Gonna Miss This", also by Trace Adkins.
Kris Allen- I really love the song "When You Say Nothing At All" by Alison Krauss. I also love Kris Allen LOL I think it would be a lovely song choice for just about anyone, but I'd love to see him play his guitar with it.
Well, I've finished just in time to watch the show! We'll see what happens...
Monday, February 23, 2009
I'll Post More...After the Break
American Idol has been off to a somewhat slow start for me this season, but I absolutely LOVE to watch people sing, and a good theme night makes Tuesday a highlight of my week. I found this through an ad on Facebook: It's an American Idol fantasy-football-esque game. You pick your three favorite singers for the week. It would be nice if they found a way to make it a little more complicated, but it could be a nice diversion.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Caf-Pow!
I haven't posted a quiz result in a while, and this one is perfect:
It's from one of my favorite television shows; It has a nice pictorial result; I got the result I wanted without trying to rig it ;-) (Always a good thing.)
It's from one of my favorite television shows; It has a nice pictorial result; I got the result I wanted without trying to rig it ;-) (Always a good thing.)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Diet Coke
While watching American Idol tonight I noticed Diet Coke's new slogan: Just for the taste of it. Anyone alive in the late 80's/early 90's remembers that this is a retro slogan they've repurposed. I personally love the recall of old taglines...especially when accompanied by old jingles (no guarantee of that happening in Diet Coke's case). But, an interesting American Idol, old-Diet-Coke-campaign connection is none other than Miss Paula Abdul. According to YouTube, she did this ad in 1991. Besides being fun and random, it's also a really cool advertisement. I don't know if it was originally a Super Bowl commercial, but if not, it's almost worthy of it.
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