Girl On Film

Happy Holidays! From Dexter?

2010-12-23T14:33:00.000-05:00

So on Faceplace, Dexter posted the above photo. I wish they were wearing Santa hats and long sleeves. Well, happy holidays to everyone!

Dynasty picture just to prove my point

2010-12-13T18:49:00.002-05:00

Those were the days. If only I had shoulder pads that high.

Holy Dynasty Gossip Girl!

2010-12-13T18:32:00.002-05:00

This picture is so Dynasty, it's hilarious! I'm old enough to remember that show. Gossip Girl is sort of plateauing now. It's not terrible but they need to drop Taylor Momsen like a hot potato. They are already treating her like Chrissy from Three's Company with all the single shots of her on the phone rather than in real scenes. Plus, poor Chuck Bass is starting to lose his bite. Sigh.

Rebirth?

2010-11-28T16:22:00.002-05:00

I'm thinking about starting up this bad boy again, just for fun with no particular theme or direction. While I contemplate this new beginning, enjoy this image of Santa and baby Jesus.

Here's my Christmas Playlist so far

2010-11-26T16:55:00.003-05:00

My Christmas Mix for 2010:

Back Door Santa - Jet
Santa's Beard - They Might Be Giants
Don't Shoot Me Santa - The Killers
All I Want For Christmas is You - My Chemical Romance
Blue Christmas - Johnny Cash
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - U2
The Christmas Song - Owl City
Sleigh Ride - KT Tunstall
Silent Night - Damian Rice
Winter Wonderland - Phantom Planet
Winter Song - Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson
White Christmas - Katy Perry
Spotlight on Christmas - Rufus Wainwright
The Little Drum Machine Boy - Beck
Run Run Rudolph - Chuck Berry
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - Jackson 5
Merry Jingle - Greedies
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow - Dean Martin
Jingle Bell Rock - Billy Idol
Zat You Santa Claus? - Louis Armstrong
Donde Esta Santa Claus? - Guster
Deck the Halls - Los Straightjackets
You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch - Aimee Mann
Christmas Time (Is Here Again) - The Beatles

Alright I suck

2009-02-24T19:35:00.003-05:00

Luckily I don't have any regular readers. I watched the Oscars. The show itself sucked but the winners were good. Yeah Slumdog Millionaire and Sean Penn. I've been pretty good at viewing most of the winners except Benjamin Button which I hear is Forrest Gump redux, oy vey. We have Frozen River coming soon which I hear is excellent.

In good news, the Philly fest is back on so hopefully I'll be working some shifts but who knows this year with everything being so late. Will update more later.

Waah

2009-02-11T23:09:00.004-05:00

So I've been neglecting the blog. What can I tell you, I have personal things going on. But I promise to write more as I miss it. Plus hello, the Academy Awards are in two weeks! I'm off to see the Reader and then it's only The Curious Case of Benjamin Button that I have left to see for the best picture nods.

So far, I've seen lots of movies and I'm not ready to speculate quite yet as to what I want to win. I'll do in the next two weeks.

V returning, really?

2008-10-11T18:26:00.003-04:00

I read this story about V returning to the small screen. Did we really need to see a revamped version? Well I guess everything 80s is new again with Knight Rider coming back (ugh.) Don't think I haven't been pop cultured out. I've been trying to catch up on all my favorite T.V. shows. Ugly Betty and CSI were particularly good this week.

Finally, let's go Phillies. We're this close to the World Series. Do you believe?

Woo Hoo

2008-10-05T16:39:00.003-04:00

Let's Go Phillies! I have to shut the T.V. off and finish my book club book but really, awesome game. It's nice to see Philadelphia have some kind of hope in these troubling times. In other thoughts, House is not as good this season but Dexter is better. Project Runway needs to get rid of annoying Kinley. O.k. enough random thoughts.

O.k. one more - don't forget to register to vote.

Emmys are tonight!

2008-09-21T16:06:00.004-04:00

I hope that Mad Men and Damages win a bunch of awards. My other hopefuls:

Michael C. Hall for Dexter (although last season wasn't as good as the first season) or Hugh Laurie for House.

America Ferrera for Ugly Betty.

Go Kathy Griffin for outstanding comedy special and My Life On the D-List. Why haven't I seen her live yet? Oh right, she's always in Atlantic City and no one I know likes her (plus I don't drive:)

Top Chef for outstanding Reality Competition Series.

Haxan amongst other things

2008-09-15T21:44:00.001-04:00

Hum, how to describe Haxan. A 1921 "documentary" about witchcraft. For some reason, they have the real inquisition and general witch torture stuff in this film. Those Swedes/ Danish filmmakers can be very odd. Very dry but beautifully realized, not a film for everyone.

I give this 3 out of 5 devil butt kisses.

Hairspray

2008-07-05T13:37:00.003-04:00

I'm not really a musical past 1970 kind of gal but Hairspray isn't bad. Nikki Blonsky was excellent as Tracy Turnblad, a Baltimore teen who sings about wanting to change the world and get on the dance hit, The Corney Collins Show. The music is enjoyable and the plot pretty consistent with the original movie (although I still prefer the cynical 1980s John Waters' classic.) Queen Latifah is great as Motormouth Maybelle. Michelle Pfeiffer did an admirable job as the evil Velma Von Tussle as did Britney Snow as her prissy daughter Amber. James Marsden was really cast well for the Collins part and Amanda Bynes wasn't terrible as the best friend. I thought John Travolta was trying too hard as Tracy's mother but I do give him credit for dancing in a fat suit. My question is, what is the big effing deal about Zac Effron. Yeah, he's cute but blah. Overall the film could have been cut by a good 15 minutes but it was a good 4th of July distraction.

I'm giving this 3 out of 5 Hons.

Night Listener

2008-06-30T20:09:00.004-04:00

Based on a novel by Armistead Maupin, a radio host, Gabriel Noone played by Robin Williams, is drawn in by a manuscript the horrific tales of sexual abuse of a young boy. He slowly befriends the boy over the phone and the boy's adopted mother. After a while, Noone's friends start to become suspicious since no one has ever met or seen this boy. Noone becomes obsessed and starts his journey to Wisconsin to track down the elusive Peter. Not wanting to give away the entire plot, the film is surprisingly good and Williams does a good job not going too over the top.

I'm giving this 3 out of 5 mysterious phone calls.

I'm still trying to work my way through Marie Antoinette. I'll let you know how that goes.

Birthday resolutions

2008-06-29T18:20:00.002-04:00

Strangely New Year's and my birthday make me wanna make resolutions. I need to write more blog entries. I've been watching movies but I've been twittering about them because it's so much easier. Bad twitter but it's really so good. Also, I've been trying to watch more movies out of my norm. I'm going to try and meditate more. I want to read my book club books faster. Finally, I want to focus to find my true potential in life, being overweight and working in my current profession can't be the person I was meant to be.

Too Too Busy

2008-05-15T21:09:00.004-04:00

Here's what I've been thinking and watching lately.

American Idol - Down to the Davids. Hope David Cook wins. I hated that Aerosmith song.

Top Chef- Hope Antonia wins. Pretty good season this year.

House - Finally picking up after some so-so episodes. Hope Amber dies.

America's Next Top Model - Didn't watch this season but when is a size 8 "Plus Size?"

Not really motivated to see the blockbusters yet. Indiana Jones looks a little poopy. I will see Sex and the City and probably regret it. But it was my show, yo.

In political news, it's time Hillary to say adieu gracefully. You fought the good fight now bow out for goodness sakes:)

I'm back, well sort of.

2008-05-05T19:38:00.003-04:00

With moving finally out of way, we're back to hopefully blogging soon. I've been catching up mostly on old stuff on the DVR but will get back to movies and other stuff really soon. I watched the Oprah interview with Tom Cruise who comes off less crazy than normal. Nice effing house, jeez, I need to be rich sometimes.

One thing I am doing is reading Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin (the first of the Inspector Rebus novels) which is great. Not your typical thriller. Also, I watched Emma with Kate Beckinsale which was excellent (it's from 1996 so she's 12 or something.) Also, check out this week's All Songs Considered with Portishead. Great playlist.

Philly Film Fest 2008 update

2008-04-11T21:58:00.003-04:00

Working and moving so no real time for movies this year. Worked John Leguizamo award ceremony. He was very nice, charming and good to the fans. Hori Smoke Sailor Jerry was also last night. Got good feedback from that film so I guess go see it:) I have two more shifts and no movies planned except Jekyll and Hyde which should be awesome. This has been a very disappointing festival as I haven't really gotten to see much. My short reviews are listed on twitter so follow that:)

2008 Film festival in full effect

2008-04-07T20:28:00.001-04:00

I'm working shifts etc. so I've only seen three movies so far. I'm twittering these but I promise to write up some full reviews soon.

Holy Primary

2008-04-03T20:53:00.007-04:00

Here in PA, we're actually the focus of the Democratic race. I've never seen so many ads which are almost all the same. I have to say that Hillary has never looked physically better. It's a good haircut. I still don't know who I'm voting for but apparently, it's all about the white man vote (isn't it always?) It's weird feeling like the only undecided out there but I can't be the only one, right?

In lighter news, the Philadelphia film festival has begun and I'm scared for my life people. For Saturday, I'm looking at Beloved and maybe Pistoleros.

One more non-related point, $128 to $253 for floor seats to George Michael. There's NO ONE I would pay that kind of money. I paid less for Madonna and I thought it was too much. Good gravy George.

Snoozy Cultural Gabfest

2008-04-01T19:53:00.003-04:00

I'm a big fan of the Slate Political Gabfest. It's witty and interesting and all about the political landscape, which I love. Emily Bazelan, one of the hosts, is originally from the area, so Philly in the house. The Cultural Gabfest however takes all the joy out of this wonderful podcast. It's pretentious and most disappointing, boring. Slate, what were you thinking?

In other news, what's with the airing of the Alvin and Chipmunks DVD commercials. Enough already. I think CGI chipmunks are freakin' creepy.

Am I a 16 year old girl?

2008-03-26T20:30:00.003-04:00

I'm beginning to think so. Hell, I thought the Hills was the most entertaining show I've seen in a long time. I love chain smoking Parisians and Lauren's "dilemma" of what to do with her burned ball gown. We should all have such problems. But I do love the show, even if, for some reason, they keep Heidi and Spencer on the show. They are just blahsville.

I caught American Idol as well. Pretty mediocre. What's with "God Bless the U.S.A."? I know I'm going to sound un-American but I've never liked that song. It's so OTT. I'm still routing for David Cook or Michael Johns. I'll try to concentrate on non-reality stuff soon with the film festival coming up. I'll post a list of potential viewings. I know for sure that I'm seeing Deadline USA with Humphrey Bogart.

Yeah Ace Hardware

2008-03-22T20:32:00.005-04:00

All I've been doing the past week is trying to catch up on my DVRed programs and packing. Just a little buying tip, Ace Hardware sells the best cheap gardening gloves (good for gripping heavy boxes.) So yeah to them.

In DVR land (as Comcast doesn't let you bring your box with you when you move - whatever.) We started watching La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc which is just beautiful. I finished watching Lipstick Jungle which turned out to be pretty good and I still have a zillion episodes of Prison Break to watch (yes, I'm the one viewer of that show.)

In guilty pleasure land, I've been watching bits of America's Best Dance Crew on MTV. Go Jabbawockeez:)

Where are all the posts?

2008-03-20T22:27:00.002-04:00

I'm getting ready to move and I've been twittering a lot. I've taken to doing mini-reviews on there. Skip Separate Tables. Snoozeville people. David Niven is good but the rest of the story is blah. I'll blog about the Kingdom soon and of course the film festival. Very excited about them showing Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (the silent one) with live music by Golden Ball. I'll be working the Prince so stop by and see me:)

My and SNL's tribute to Project Runway winner Christian

2008-03-10T20:03:00.000-04:00

Don't Tell Me

2008-03-05T18:49:00.004-05:00

I have to DVR Project Runway tonight so no one is allowed to tell me the winner but I predict Christian will be "in."

In non-Runway news, my thoughts go out to the Swayze family as Road House great, Patrick is apparently ill with pancreatic cancer. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.

Oscars - this is as far as I got

2008-03-03T20:45:00.002-05:00

For the lowest rated Oscars, there were actually a few surprises and some really wonderful moments. Chiefly, Tilda Swinton's win for best supporting actress. I've always liked her because she's such a maverick but yet manages to balance Hollywood roles with her more avaunt-guard ones.

Javier Bardem's speech was lovely when he, while not a surprise, won best supporting actor. I always support when who aren't native English speakers, talk in their own language. Plus, for me, he was the best dressed of the night. Three cheers for Javier.

The rest of the night felt like the usual fare. Some bits were funny (the ridiculous montages) and others were not (the baby awards - oy vey!) I was mildly shocked by Marion Cotillard's win for La Vie En Rose (which I haven't seen so I can't comment on.) I felt the younger actresses dressed to old for the occasion (Miley Cyrus and Ellen Page.) I was happy for the Cohens and Diablo Cody winning best adapted and best original screenplays respectively.

All in all in satisfying night (and blessedly short.)

Too tired to blog about the Oscars in full

2008-02-25T20:31:00.004-05:00

I liked that there were surprises, Once won best song and I think the Cohens' wins were well deserved. Jon Stewart was funny. More later. Enjoy these captions.

American Idol, Nip/Tuck and Lipstick Jungle

2008-02-20T21:08:00.005-05:00

Oh God Lord. What's up with the batch of guys this year on AI? At least the rockers are cute but the songs are boring. I like that Australian guy though. I hope he makes it.

Nip/Tuck ended on a very tragic note, lots of stabbing, car crashes and guns. Weird. When did it become Law and Order SVU? It's hard for me to believe Sharon Gless as a psycho but I'm anxious to see where they take the next season. This was far better than last season.

Finally, Lipstick Jungle is actually pretty good. It's no Sex and the City but it will do. Kim Raver is the shining star for me in this one. She's found a show that suits her acting style. Tough but really an emotional mess. Pretty good stuff. Brooke Shields is o.k. as the busy mom but can get a little preachy. Lindsay Price's character is a bit of a throwaway character. She needs to be fleshed out. Plus, Andrew McCarthy does some excellent eye acting in it.

Slings and Arrows

2008-02-16T20:42:00.005-05:00

This gem of a Canadian show is a must watch for the discerning TV viewer. It was playing on IFC and is now available on DVD. Really funny show about the running of Shakespeare festival. The artistic director dies but comes back to haunt the new maverick one, played brilliantly by Paul Gross. Not only does he have to resurrect the Hamlet production (the play drove him crazy seven years ago) but he must deal with insecure actors and the infamous gift shop. The whole story line is interesting and the entire cast, an entertaining bunch. The writing is excellent and a welcome return of Mark McKinney makes his stint on Studio 60 seem like a bad dream. I'm only through season one but so far, I'm very impressed.

Eh, I'm a bad blogger

2008-02-11T20:20:00.000-05:00

Things have been a bit nutty 'round these parts with apartment hunting et al. If you're in Philly and know of a good two+ bedroom place, let me know. Watched the Grammys, thought they were pretty good (yeah to Morris Day and the Time. I want a guy that hauls around a mirror for me.) Glad that Amy Winehouse won even though I'm sick of that song. She looked alive and fairly healthy, guess rehab is doing her some good.

Most importantly, the writers' strike is over and the Oscars are back on. Thank God. Speaking of the Oscars, I have seen every nominated film save Michael Clayton, which I think it pretty good. Just saw the Savages. Hope to squeeze in the Diving Bell and the Butterfly at some point. I also hope to have some more reviews soon.:)

SAG, SAG, blah blah

2008-01-28T21:39:00.000-05:00

It ain't the Oscars, I'll tell you that. Watched E! last night and their embarrassing covering with Debbie what's-her-name. She really didn't know any of the movies etc. The most awkward interview was with Javier Bardem who I thought might actually kill Giuliana Rancic.

I thought all the older ladies looked fab including Ms. Julie Christie (did she have work done?) and Glenn Close. The awards themselves were so freakin' boring. Oh please writers' strike end so I can have my beloved Oscars back.

I'm sorting through all the Academy Award nominees and catching up on all the movies. There will be reviews soon.

Heath Ledger R.I.P.

2008-01-22T20:16:00.000-05:00

All I can say is how sad. We'll miss you Heath. I hope you're in a better, happier place. This totally overshadows my whole Oscar rundown which will be in a few days as they've blocked blogger at work!

Here's some stinkers for you

2008-01-08T19:30:00.001-05:00

Rotten Tomatoes is featuring the worst reviewed films on their website. Worth a look and I was surprised by #1.

Lamesville Golden Globes!

2008-01-07T21:40:00.000-05:00

So because of the writer's strike, the Golden Globes televised thing is cancelled. Instead, they are having a lame ass news conference, snoresville people. Why even have that? Just put out a press release already.

And congrats to Nicole Kidman on being pregnant, maybe the papers weren't wrong Tom Cruise about you being sterile (I'm kidding, don't sue me.) BTW, don't you love the drawing? I didn't do it myself, it's from here.

2007 Singles of the Year

2007-12-31T18:08:00.000-05:00

In no particular order:

Falling Slowly - Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová
Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson - Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood
Back in Your Head - Tegan and Sara
Never Again - Kelly Clarkson
Alfie - Lily Allen
Selfish Jean - Travis
1234 - Feist
Comfy in Nautica- Panda Bear
You! Me! Dancing! - Los Campesinos
Elephant Gun - Beirut
I Know I'll See You - A Place to Bury Strangers
Icky Thump - The White Stripes
Drivin' Me Wild (Ft. Lily Allen) - Common
Paper Planes - M.I.A.
D.A.N.C.E (original) - Justice
Tamborine - Eve
Suga Mama - Beyonce
Toxic - Mark Ronson & Nick Catchdubs
Piece of Me (Bryan Reyes Radio Edit) - Britney Spears

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2007-12-25T17:16:00.000-05:00

Space - the final frontier?

2007-12-16T19:57:00.000-05:00

I fell upon the phenomena of songs about Major Tom - originally from Bowie's Space Oddity. I decided to make a long, overdue ipod mix about space and what aliens are probably listening to in space.

Among the gems is a strange song from the Carpenters' album "Passage" called "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft." It sounds like a Carpenters' song on acid and was produced by a guy who did a Moody Blues album. Also featured is the terrific if somewhat terrifying Dolly Parton version of Stairway to Heaven. It always needed a gospel choir. As always if you want a copy, let me know:)

Star Wars Theme Song - John Williams

Space Oddity - David Bowie

Major Tom (Völlig Losgelöst) - Peter Schilling

Mrs. Major Tom (Feat.Larissa Gomes) - K.I.A.

Hallo Spaceboy (PSB remix) - David Bowie

Comfy in Nautica - Panda Bear

Universal traveller - Air

One Two Three No Gravity (Dettinger Mix) - Closer Musik

Rocket Pad - Apples In Stereo

Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft - The Carpenters

Universe - Eric's Trip

Microgravity - Biosphere

Rocket Man- Elton John

Stairway To Heaven - Dolly Parton

Hanging On A Star - Nick Drake

The Space Race Is Over - Billy Bragg

Galaxy Song - Monty Python

So Long & Thanks for All the Fish (Reprise)- Neil Hannon

No One Likes Being Played

2007-12-13T21:38:00.000-05:00

Finally finished my 2007 mix. I had to exclude "Beautiful Liar" which just didn't make the 20 track cut. I will post this soon but I was surprised by my own choices and I'm glad it was so varied. It is very female centered this year so go ladies.

In other news, the Golden Globes were announced. Glad to see Damages got some nods and Michael C. Hall for Dexter. I have my predictions (which will be posted as well.) I'm going to start actually seeing movies again starting with Juno or maybe Atonement. I hope to see some of you too.

Saucy!

2007-12-10T13:28:00.000-05:00

How about that episode of Dexter last night? Will crazy Lila (Jaime Murray aka yet another Wonder Woman contender) really get her way and Dexter will start loving her again? She's crazy hot like Gun Crazy hot. Who will die? Let it be Doakes. I find him so annoyingly self-righteous. I can't wait for the season finale so I start watching all the stuff on my DVR as the writer strike lingers on. I'll just start watching more movies, reading or God forbid go outside.

Speaking of Spice, how about the Spice Girls' tickets priced at $172. The cheap seats were $77! Good lord.

In an unrelated note, I need your help. Please send me your top picks in music, movies and TV this year. I'm participating in the annual Excellent poll and I feel like I'm missing a few entries. I can tell you for sure that Once will be on there which will top the latest Bourne film as my favorite movie of the year.

Yeah writer's strike

2007-12-03T12:53:00.000-05:00

With the writer's strike on, I'm finally getting to catch up on all the old movies and T.V. episodes I'm missing.

TV

Dexter (who missed the strike) is getting more riveting if not a tad unbelievable. I do like the addition of crazy oversexed Lila who will try anything to get him back. I wasn't sure if I was going to like Dexter in NA but it seems to have a transformative effect on him. So if you haven't been watching, do so now.

A good standby this season, House, which I thought was getting kind of crappy but with the firing of his original staff and the hiring of his new staff through a torturous game has been fun. It's good to see more Kal Penn (not doing bong hits and riding a unicorn.) I think he's an underrated actor. Plus, good old Drs. Wilson and Cutty round out the roller coaster ride by being the voices of reason.

I'm the only one who seemingly hasn't abandoned Prison Break. I just watched the fall finale which was excellent. You would think that a show about breaking out of prison would be old unless it's now set in Panama and no one is what they seem. Poor Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) is stuck in long sleeves the whole season which has got to be killer. This show is all about sweating, I swear. Will LJ be saved, will Scofield, after being dragged out of prison, be able to escape his new one. Will Lincoln lighten the hell up? Who knows? I'll have to wait until January.

Film

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance - I'm not a big western fan but John Ford can make you forget that you're watching one particulary, if it has John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart in it. It's all about a man, Jimmy Stewart, whose whole legacy began with an incident with a outlaw named Liberty Valance (played visciously by a young Lee Marvin.) Ford weaves a story of an innocent young lawyer who gets caught it in the politics of a small town. John Wayne (Tom Donifon) is excellent as horseman who just wants to keep his share of the land. Another great performance is handed by the drunk local newspaper editor Dutton Peabody (Edmund O'Brien) who just wants to write a good story while chugging several drinks.

4 out of 5 westerns for people who don't like westerns.

What does Heaven Look Like?

2007-11-16T21:07:00.000-05:00

The Dark Chocolate Creme Brulee at Chick's Cafe at 614 S. 7th Street. Really excellent food, great wine. The too-die-for creme brulee looked a bit like the picture but with carmelized bananas. My co-diners were highly impressed and I believed rolled their eyes back in their heads. Highly recommended restaurant. The only drawback was it was a bit pricey but the beets with goat cheese, the gorgonzola and the olives were all really good and worth the price.

I'm giving this 4 out 5 Amelie moments.

woo hoo - Project Runway is back

2007-11-14T15:06:00.000-05:00

I was just finished watching a marathon of Project Runway this weekend. I was lamenting about how I missed it and low and behold, voila, it appears like a magic T.V. fairy. The bf and I will be tuned in. Make it work people!

You are so grounded

2007-11-02T13:37:00.000-04:00

As if the wildfires weren't bad enough, one of them was allegedly started by a 10 year old boy. Can you imagine being the boy or the parents of said boy? Should they press charges or how do they proceed? Were the other dozen fires preventable or just nature taking its course. I'm sort of numb to all the destruction being done to California since there's so much bad news coming out this week. But here's a place you can donate to.

I had no idea how hard hit San Diego was hit since there's so much news about Malibu (all those rich starlets you know.) Well, I guess I can just send my well wishes to all the folks (including the zoo and all our furry friends) out there and remember, don't play with matches.

In other disaster news, please send your support to the Mexican state of Tabasco which is 70% underwater (crazy right?)

This and That

2007-11-01T12:53:00.000-04:00

Can you believe that it's NOVEMBER already? So what's been going on? 'Twas Halloween last weekend and we watched Shaun of the Dead which holds up brilliantly as well as the first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I miss that show. There's nothing really like it on TV.

I've been checking out the Bryant Park Project podcast which is excellent and pithy and discusses everything from national news to quirky stories from around the world. Good way to start your morning.

Hold onto your safety pins people because Project Runway starts November 14th. I can't wait. I've been starved of a show that is clearly creatively driven. Plus, I miss Tim Gunn. He's like the well-dress uncle I never had.

Finally, Robert Goulet died as well as the former manager of The Ramones, Linda Stein. They will be missed.

R.I.P. Deborah Kerr

2007-10-18T12:49:00.001-04:00

You were always a classy lady even when dealing with crazy nuns, kings and sand. You will be missed.

Updates, Reviews etc.

2007-10-15T12:44:00.000-04:00

What I’m Watching on the Tube:

Worth Checking Out:

With all the buzz, I checked out a bunch of shows in the past two weeks.

The winner is Gossip Girl (photo courtesy of Yahoo.) Wonderfully soap operay and well acted, it’s taken the place of Desperate Housewives for me. It’s all about rich kids in Manhattan and their trials and tribulations but it’s also smart and fun.

The Truth About Food, running on Discovery Health, is all about how different food can make you faster, better, stronger etc. Not extremely scientific (only 500 volunteers) but enjoyable and interesting.

Also, still great is Ugly Betty which is comforting to me and of course, my beloved Dexter. Is it strange to route for a serial killer to get away with it?

Also, as a side note – how did Hung win Top Chef? Dale was robbed I tell you, robbed.

Has Potential

The Women’s Murder Club with Angie Harmon. It definitely more middle of the road acting but with a plethora of bad cop dramas, this one is refreshing.

The War – Trudging through this Ken Burns’ documentary, beautifully done but long as hell. Although it is teaching me something new so I guess there’s something to be said about that.

Skip It

What’s the deal with Pushing Daisies? I found the plot hard to follow and a bit ridiculous. It so wants to be 6 Feet Under but was ultimately whitewashed. Don’t believe the hype.

CSI – what’s happening? I was all excited by the miniature killer and then this stupid love story. Gil, you should know better than to let emotions get the better of you. The last episode with the exorcism was LAME. Fix it writers.

Law and Order SVU, you’re killing me. Stop with the twists already or I’m leaving.

What I’m listening to:

The 1920’s radio network (wbtag.com) It reminds me of home – my parents are big 20s nuts but its relaxing and somehow fresher than the recycled crap coming out right now.

What Films I’m Viewing:

Making the Apple look like Gone with the Wind, the Wicker Man remake is truly one of the worst films I’ve ever seen. It’s Doom Generation bad. Lacking the sort of weird sweetness and overt nudity of the original, Nicholas Cage should be ashamed of himself. He’s a tortured cop with a bee allergy going to search for a girl on an island who makes it’s living on honey. I don’t know if the script was rewritten about 100 times or what but it was bad. There are horrible flashbacks, weird but not fun rituals and with a completely unsatisfying ending. It wasn’t even Showgirls kitschy.

½ out of 5 off -screen leg breakings.

Murder My Sweet – The way films should be made, short and with great dialogue. This Raymond Chandler story has all the bad but hot dames and the thugs who love them packed in. Dick Powell is great is Marlowe (a great departure from his good guy image and reportedly Chandler’s favorite of the detective on-screen portrayals) and makes you like this sleazy-yet-does-right-despite-himself detective. He’s really got himself in a pickle with stolen jade, framed for murder and a lug that lovesick and needs Marlowe’s help to find the girl that got away.

I’m giving this 4 out 5 slippery showgirls.

Go Phillies and the best season premiere so far

2007-09-28T22:24:00.000-04:00

So, Philadelphia could potentially be number 1 for something good other than the skyrocketing murder rate. So go Phillies.

Also, in TV reviews, CSI provided the best season opener of all the ones I watched (and I watch a lot of TV this week.) Was Sara going to live? Why did the serial killer do it? All fascinating and well played. I'm wrapped up in the season finales of Top Chef and Burn Notice. I hope that Casey wins TC. I hate Hung and his technical cuisine. Burn Notice finally has the right mix of wry humor and action so yeah for them.

Most exciting is the premiere of Dexter this Sunday.

Impending Guild Strikes next year and Once

2007-09-16T09:32:00.000-04:00

I was snooping around imdb and a) found out they are letting Cameron Crowe make another movie and b) the Writers, Directors and Screen Actors Guilds may all go on strike next year. That will really suck if it comes to fruition. Other stuff to come out of the memo are proposed projects including G-Force (wretch), Atlas Shrugged (say what?), Justice League (maybe) and a ton of sequels and remakes because again Hollywood has no creativity apparently including: Fast and the Furious 4, Narnia 3 & 4, 20,000 Leagues, Punisher II, Birdcage 2, Clash of the Titans and the Day the Earth Stood Still just to name a few. Lord help us all.

In other news, I finally got around to seeing Once and loved it. Probably my favorite movie of the year. Not to go into too much detail since everyone and their mother has written about it but I wouldn't be surprised to see the soundtrack get nominated for some Oscars. Easily 4 out of 5 it's not a musical.

10-Track Mind - My ipod might be a little gay

2007-09-13T18:31:00.000-04:00

Inspired by a recent clog post - you put your ipod on shuffle and write about the first 10 songs. You can't skip them even if you hate them. I went one step further and constructed a cd mix with 20 plus songs. Please feel free to submit your own lists. My ipod really does have a mind of its own so here goes the top 10:

1)Next Time Round-I'm not a huge Elvis Costello fan but I like Blood and Chocolate- an album for the broken hearted. This song is no exception. "You'll be someone else's baby but I'll be underground."

2) Junk the Morgue - Not the best song from St. Etienne's So Tough album, it's still ethereal yet catchy.

3) Gimmie My Radio. Ah, when the Donnas were still little punk rock girls. Reminiscent of a really good Ramones song, it's all about a bad kid and rockin' out. I dare you to dance around the house or your cube when you hear this super fun ditty.

4) Catch and Release - The dearly departed Bigger Lovers' pop tunes have always been infectious even if it's about love troubles and desperation.

5) Here's Where the Story Ends - Hands down one of my favorite songs of all time. I can't tell you have many mixed tapes in high school ended with this Sundays' song. It invites you in like a beautiful fall night.

6) Bet She's Not Your Girlfriend - Also one of my favorite songs, the Pet Shop Boys made this bouncy dance number based on Neil Tennant's friendship with the hot girl in school. "Hands Off, You're Just Not Good Enough." Come on, people, it's the Pet Shop Boys at their best.

7) Saturday Night - Maybe like me, you were exposed to the Bay City Rollers classic due to So I Married An Axe Murderer (Piper down, Piper down.) It brings warm fuzzies and it's great to dance to.

8) Angels - I'm not quite sure but I think my ipod is in love with Robbie Williams. I have a few albums (yes, I'm the fan in America.) This song was the big hit the UK as is well expected since it's syrupy. But it was quite pleasant walking around the city listening to this so there's something.

9) Last Dance - Uh, o.k. ipod it's o.k. to come out. Actually Last Dance is amazing and that Donna Summer can sing but man is it long.

10) Harvest Breed- Speaking of repressed, enter Nick Drake. Like all of his songs, this one is more than just notes strung together. They are gorgeous short stories woven around lovely music.

Here's the rest:

11) Thank You (falettinmeBe mice elf agin) - Sly and the Family Stone

12) Streets of Laredo - Johnny Cash

13) Summer Holiday - The Jessica Fletcher's

14) Bitter Sweet Symphony (Live 8) - Richard Ashcroft and Chris Martin

15) The Winner Takes It All - ABBA

16) The Wrong Band - Tori Amos

17) Cold- The Cure

18) Tom & Mary - Ben Folds Five

19) Left To My Own Devices - Motormark

20) Back In Your Head - Tegan and Sarah

Tim Gunn is a God

2007-09-12T19:53:00.000-04:00

I caught the first Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. I was so inspired that I actually went through my closet. Is the show perfect? No, it's a high end What Not To Wear but the tips are fabulous. Well worth the watch but I might invest in the book. I find Veronica Webb (the cohost) a little annoying.

3 out of 5 Hideous!

Big Shout Out to Kathy Griffin for winning best reality show. I love her and want her to be my bff.

Big hugs to Britney Spears. This is what happens when you no longer have a good team keeping you from going on when you're not ready (are you listening Tom Cruise?) I would kill to have her "gut" but spray tan does not real abs make. I feel bad for her actually and I think she was like a deer without headlights. I hope her career is not over. She needs to hang with Mariah's peeps. Remember that Brit Brit is only 24 with two kids so give her a break.

Damages

2007-09-09T19:18:00.000-04:00

So I DVRed Damages on FX while on vacation and so far, it's pretty good. I just wish they get rid of Rose Byrne as Ellen Parsons. She doesn't really hold her own against Glenn Close (Patty) who is excellent. Bitchy but not over the top. The real surprises here are the good performances by Tate Donovan, Anastasia Griffith (as the potential sister-in-law Katie) and evil Ted Danson. Even my favorite underated actor, Peter Facinelli, makes an appearance as the not really one night stand.

I like that the flashback sequences are the ones that look more modern while the present sequences are primarily black and white. Everyone has an agenda and no one is too sympathetic. I like that in a drama. Plus, they slowly reveal clues rather than present them all up front. The show does need some script work, particulary with the Parsons character and I could care less about Patty's family drama but it's a good solid show worth checking out.

3 out of 5 ugly bookends.

Indiana is Iraq?

2007-09-05T20:12:00.000-04:00

I just got back from Indiana and it's exactly like Iraq:)

GD insomnia some updates

2007-09-02T09:02:00.000-04:00

I've been super busy, trying to prepare for AIDS Walk, working on school project (any Illustrator experts out there?) and flying to and from Chicago. BTW, US Airways is not a terribly good airline. It's not slander, it's the truth. So anywho, here's what I've been watching:

Reality TV

The Hills. Yes, I know it's made for 20 year old but I like it plus the Aftershow is pretty funny.

Top Chef. Fiery contestants but why is it that I never want to eat the food they make?

Scott Baio is 45 . . . and Single. The show has ended but it made me kind of like him and confronted pissed off exes is very brave.

Random TV

The Bob Saget: That's Not Right. I'm only half way through but he's trying too hard to be dirty. The Full House stuff is hilarious though.

Burn Notice. This show is finally getting good. I heart Bruce Campbell.

DVD

Dexter. Actually better the second time around, the story of a hot serial killer with a hope and a dream. Rent it people but if you don't like gore then maybe not:)

Movie

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) - I'm not usually into WWII movies but this one is so well acted that I couldn't help it. Alec Guinness plays a stubborn yet honorable British officer, Colonel Nicholson whose men are forced to work in a Japanese work camp on a bridge. Guinness spends most of his time in a horrible cage, locked away because he refuses to work because he's an officer. He must go tete-a-tete with the wonderful actor, Sessue Hayakawa, to build the bridge right and secure proper working conditions for his men.

Meanwhile, there's surly William Holden as Commander Shears who has been a POW for a long time. But he finally escapes and is forced to go back to blow up the bridge before they will let him go back to America. The only drawback to this film is that is very long but David Lean's direction and the plot line make you forget about all that.

This deservedly won several Academy Awards including one for best actor for Guinness.

This gets 4 out of 5 broken bridges.

Please donate to my AIDS Walk Team!

2007-08-19T23:10:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again. I walk 8+ miles, you sponsor me, people with HIV and AIDS win:) Just click on the link above or see me when you're out and about. I'll also be sponsoring a happy hour/fundraiser but hopefully some of you can walk with me this year.

Hello Photoshop, it's nice to meet you

2007-08-13T12:20:00.000-04:00

Here's Keira Knightley in her new Coco Chanel spot. Too bad, it's been masked, warped and clipped, nice drop shadows though. Man, she irks me. But she's does look hot (even if that isn't her body:)

Is this terrorism or art? Ipod Playlists

2007-08-07T12:34:00.001-04:00

I was actually doing some research at work about the University College London and ran across this picture.

The artist has some fascination with crystals but to me it looks like a) the wicked witch is going to appear or b) terrorist gas attacks. It just seems a little insensitive. The weirdest thing is that she's the first artist-in-residence in the UCL Chemistry department. Wow, I'm so glad I didn't go to grad school.

Just some other notes, I'll be writing up some album reviews and I'm currently compiling a Ipod playlist of all songs featured on 120 minutes and Halloween music. If you have any suggestions for the later, let me know. If you want a copy of the 120 playlists when I'm done, let me know.

Scary or not?

2007-08-03T09:36:00.000-04:00

I just bought Sleepaway Camp, a little story about a boy and girl, Angela, who are part of a horrific boating accident in which their family is killed. Then they go to camp 5 years later (give or take.)

But poor Angela is now afraid of water and all the campers have decided to pick on her. Camp takes a real downslide when campers and workers started to be killed off in horrific (yet hilarious ways.) There is a twist ending that you have to see to believe.

I'm giving this a 3 1/2 out of 5 death by stock pot.BTW, I took this picture in Philly. I think this is what Angela looks like now. . .

I write scripts to serve as skeletons awaiting the flesh and sinew of images. Ingmar Bergman RIP

2007-07-31T13:55:00.000-04:00

How do you sum up how you feel about the director that shaped your entire view of film? Yes I know Bergman was very old but his films to me represented all that was beautiful and grotesque. They were more than words on a page or flickering images on the screen.

They were raw human emotions on display for the viewer to see. You wanted to look away but you couldn't because it was just so perfectly executed.

My first experience with Bergman was with Fanny and Alexander which I watched when I was 8. I'm not kidding. I was so transfixed that throughout my lifetime, I've seen this movie dozens of times. It's like going home, sometimes dark and creepy but always gorgeously lit:)

His extensive body of work treated the film goer to some of the best actors and actresses in the world and for that I am grateful. So I hope that he is up there in heaven making the most beautiful pictures with Orson Wells and Billy Wilder. You'll be missed . . .

Support Kyle and City to Shore

2007-07-31T09:50:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite co-workers, Kyle, is participating in City to Shore this year, 150 mile bike ride (crazy right) so please donate so that he can meet his goal of $1000!

Also, one of my awesomest friends, Angela, is in the race (she keeps trying to bribe me into riding but I don't like sweating:) Here's her donation page as well.

A little bit of this, A little bit of that

2007-07-30T00:31:00.000-04:00

I begin with one of my favorite bands, Mates of State, looking beautiful in the "I would rather go naked than wear fur" ad. I'm not always a huge PETA fan but I don't like fur either (unless it's necessary like living in Alaska:) A big shout out to the Divine Ms. N who is enjoying fishing and the like in our beautiful AK.

I did tons of stuff this weekend including, on Sunday, seeing Sicko (wait for the review, I always have to do fact checking with Michael Moore movies) but just in general, I thought it was pretty good. I can tell you straight out (since I get the BBC podcasts) that the British system isn't exactly what it's cracked up to be but more later.

Friday, I had another successful Girls Rock Philly fundraiser ($200 and counting.) Bombay Collins are amazing.

Saturday, I went to see my friend Eric's band Umlaut who are fantastic live. Lots of confetti and coordinated outfits. They are very fun and a breath of fresh, non-indie air.

What is wrong with you John Lannan?

2007-07-27T09:49:00.000-04:00

I normally never talk sports but my secret passion, baseball and in particular Chase Utley. The Philadelphia Phillies just marked their 10,000 loss. So pitcher John Lannan couldn't just play fair and take pity on us . How dare you break the hand of the dreamy Chase Utley, he's half of the reason why I go to baseball games, poophead. How could you also Ryan Howard too?

Curses on you rookie. I hope you get jock itch. Get well Chase!

A Big Get Well Hug

2007-07-26T16:24:00.000-04:00

I would like to send my personal get well wishes to one of my favorite singers, Etta James. She is currently being hospitalized for complications from stomach surgery. I first saw her on a tribute at the Kennedy Center in 1995 where she gyrated and practically scared the pants off the old, stuck up senators. It was pure love after that.

If you haven't checked out any of her stuff, it's amazing. Start with the Essential Etta James released by Chess Records. It does feature At Last but also tracks like W-O-M-A-N , All I Could Do Was Cry, Losers, Weepers and Stop the Wedding. The later is particularly sad because it was sang to a guy (Harvey Fuqua) that she really loved but treated her like crap. I haven't seen her live yet so pull through lady.
Feel better Etta:)

speaking of bad pictures

2007-07-24T12:34:00.000-04:00

Good lord. What happened to Lindsay Lohan? I probably look like crap when I was trashed at 21 but I didn't have people that do my hair and makeup. I knew that alcohol ankle bracelet was for show only. What kind of culture are we living in where alcohol monitors (not given to the person by the court) are now fashion accessories?

Speaking of trashy, I watched the new Chelsea Handler show, Chelsea Lately, on E last night. She is funnier than say David Letterman or Jay Leno (which isn't that hard.) It's kind of disjointed but offers promise. However, she put poor Joel Stein (entertainment columnist) next to Greg Brady and Lani Love. He just got talked over.

She did do the first tolerable interview with Kim Kardashian. I don't really mind Ms. Kardashian unlike some of her party pals. She seems almost ladylike. Just remember kids, don't videotape yourself doing naughty things.

Finally, I'm dying to see the You Tube/CNN Dem debate. I saw that it was on but I was at class. Apparently, Hillary got all flustered by the off the cuff questions. There may have been someone dressed as a snowman too.

Seriously, this is the best picture they could find?

2007-07-23T15:02:00.001-04:00

I haven't thought about Manuel Noriega in years but I guess he's being released in September and is now fighting extradition to France. He was apparently employed in some capacity by the CIA and sort of crowned himself president of Panama. He's famous for being blasted with music (reportedly Panama by Van Halen) to get him to come out of hiding when Bush Sr. invaded Panama. But seriously, this is the best picture the AP could find? He could be a stand in for Edward James Almos though. I wonder if they have a deposed dictator wing in federal prison? Speaking of which, what's happening with Castro? He was sick, his brother took over and then poof, he was gone. Maybe it's like that awful Kevin Kline movie Dave where they hire him to play the president who is in fact dead. I saw that piece of crap in the theater.

In other news, my Emmy picks should be coming soon. There are a gizillion category including Best Commercial? I will say this, what is the deal with Grey's Anatomy? I've never been able to sit through an entire show. I like the cast except for the Ellen Pompeo woman. I find her to be quite annoying and her acting tepid at best. Also, unwatchable, Brothers and Sisters. Yawnsville. My hopes are all on Ugly Betty and Project Runway (go team.)

Finally, a shout-out to Tammy Faye Messner and her family as she finally succumb to cancer last week. I caught her semi-recently on the IFC show with her son on it. She was a bit eccentric but I've always had a soft spot for the woman who had air-conditioned dog houses and biggest fake eyelashes I've ever seen. I hope there's lot of mascara in heaven.

Did anyone else read this?

2007-07-17T17:29:00.000-04:00

This is very disturbing. More than one person a day is a victim of violent crime in Philadelphia. Say what?

Spencer update and Scott Baio

2007-07-17T10:16:00.001-04:00

Poor Spencer got back from the hospital yesterday, doped to the freakin' gills. It was like Drugstore Coyboy. He's not eating too much and Mike and I had to force liquids with a baby eye dropper. I felt nauseous after getting the bill from UPenn which I haven't quite figured out how to pay yet (it's more than a breadbox, I'll tell you that.) I don't have pictures yet because frankly, he looks sad and his surgery area is pretty gnarly. But it looks a little like a frozen turkey. Although I like the bandage they put on his tail, very Boy George circa 1983.

Speaking of turkeys, I caught VHI's Rock of Love and Scott Baio is 45 and still single. The former isn't as offensive to women as Flavor of Love but only by one very bleached blonde hair. The sheer number of implants on screen could probably be used as floatation devices to save most people on an airplane. Scott Baio's series actually isn't half bad. I too dated Scott Baio but the 90s after Pam Anderson (I'm kidding:) Anyway, at least he has a sense of humor about it. One series I wouldn't mind being on is the World Series of Pop Culture. I think I would be pretty good (except I totally bombed on the Friends category, for shame.)

Save Spencer

2007-07-12T09:46:00.000-04:00

Poor cat has to go into the hospital. I should raise a fund like in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. He heads into Perineal Urethrostomy surgery tomorrow. Basically, he's getting girl parts since his boy stuff isn't working properly. So keep my little man in your thoughts especially when I have to send my other cats to work the streets to pay for Fatty's new parts.

Various and KRS-One

2007-07-11T13:19:00.000-04:00

I have so much stuff to post but when to find the time? I start another class on Monday. BTW, if any of you would like a black and white copy or PDF of a girl on the film - the mag - Let me know.

I've been watching the tribute/fundraising concerts just like the rest of you. I must say, I love Take That but when did the lead singer of Suede start singing for them? If I have a benefit show, the Cure, the reunited Smiths, Jay-Z (only the good stuff,) Lush, Chapterhouse and the reunited Talking Heads must all play.

Other than that, I've been watching more t.v. since it's too hot to go outside including my new favorite show on Discovery, Most Evil. They rate serial murderers on an "evil scale" between 1 and 22. Philly's very own Gary Heidnik scored a 22. Oh and yeah on the Sex and the City movie.

Also, in a final sad note, KRS-One, the rap pioneer's son apparently committed suicide.

Burn Notice

2007-07-05T16:35:00.000-04:00

USA is offering up a new series, Burn Notice. The pilot introduces Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan) a sort of likeable former spy who has been fired without notice. He’s been dropped off in Miami, his home town and told not to leave the state as his on some CIA or FBI watch-list. It takes a while to heat up but once Notice gets going, it’s an enjoyable hour. A major plus is the always slimy but loveable Bruce Campbell, a fellow ex-spy who has a gambling and womanizing problems, of course. Even Sharon Gless (yes of Cagney and Lacey and Queer as Folk) pops up as his hypochondriac mother. The weakest link is annoying ex-girlfriend, Gabrielle Anwar, who has these unbelievable huge lips, which are so distracting that they actually take away from the dialogue. Also, although she’s British, her Irish accent is terrible. This show needs a little fine tuning but it holds a lot of promise.

3 out of 5 make shift recording devices.

Kathy Griffin: My Life on the Dlist

2007-07-05T13:42:00.001-04:00

Thank God for cable T.V. The second season of Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List is currently airing on Bravo. The first season was a little humdrum but there’s something special about this year’s show. Yes, she’s funny and sardonic but she’s nice in spite of herself. The passing of her father, her divorce and her dating woes have more her more human and even more hilarious. For years, Kathy Griffin has been the mean clown on the red carpet. She was the one who made the joke about child actress Dakota Fanning being in rehab (and she refused to apologize – my kind of girl.)

Now she’s brash but also thoughtful and engaging. Integral to the show are her tour manager and her assistants who help keep her neuroses in check. It’s rare to find a reality show that offers heart with a little humiliation (that doesn’t involve anyone eating a bug or wrestling in mud.) Try this great summer find which is well worth the watch.

4 out of 5 A-Listers.

Waitress

2007-07-02T14:45:00.000-04:00

So I'm finalizing my indesign magazine class project and I'm still getting over this death cold but I'm writing a couple of articles for the magazine which will appear here as well. First up, a review of Waitress.

Amongst all big explosions, flashy action heroes and special effects, comes a little movie, Waitress. The plot is centered on a pie diner, a master pie maker Jenna, played by the effervescent Keri Russell. Directed by the late, much missed Adrienne Shelly, this is a really well made, sweet comedy.

The love story begins with a trip to the doctor’s office. Jenna finds out she’s pregnant by her abusive husband (Jeremy Sisto). She finds herself falling for the new dreamy married doctor (Nathan Fillion from Serenity.) It’s strange to root for an extra-marital affair but these actors are so likeable, you can’t help yourself. The best part about this movie is that it’s filled with great character actors like Cheryl Hines, Adrienne Shelley, Lew Temple and Andy Griffith (who is fantastic as the grumpy diner patron Joe.) Shelley is being wooed by a persistent yet adorable Oggie (Eddie Jemison.) All these subplots would be distracting but just like a good pie, are essential ingredients. Please go see Waitress if you need a little escape from the big bombastic blockbuster.

I give this 4 out of 5 slices of pie heaven.

Prom Mixes

2007-06-14T09:51:00.000-04:00

As a favor to a friend, I made two prom mixes (some of these were her request.) I can't believe how much some of these suck and how many of these are still being played at proms. It's a mixture of new and old. I would have put that Mims songs on there but he used the "N" word too much. Yes, Forever Young might be the worst song ever recorded.

Just a FYI, I Will Always Love You was my prom song - yuck. I went stag and wore a handmade $35 skirt and shirt. I wore those until they died a few years ago. I actually looked pretty good (and not dated like those two girls who wore the white and black poofy dress from Merry Go Round. It was practically a cat fight.) Feel free to share your own prom memories.

Disc I

Footloose - Kenny Loggins

Dancing Queen - ABBA

Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

Kids In America - Kim Wilde

Just Like Heaven – The Cure

Pretty in Pink - The Psychedelic Furs

Love Is A Battlefield - Pat Benatar

Promiscuous Girl- Nelly Furtado Feat. Timbaland

Gold Digger – Kayne West featuring Jamie Foxx

I Melt With You- Modern English

Push It - Salt N Pepa

Glamorous -Fergie

Forever Young – Alphaville

Stairway To Heaven - Led Zeppelin

I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston

Last Dance- Donna Summers

Disc II

Get Into The Groove - Madonna

Don't Stop Believing - Journey

Living On A Prayer - Bon Jovi

Pour Some Sugar On Me - Def Leppard

In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel

If You Leave - OMD

Eternal Flame The Bangles

Rehab – Amy Winehouse

Hey Ya - Outkast

Crazy In Love - Beyonce

Let's Go Crazy - Prince And The Revolution

My Love - Justin Timberlake Feat. T.I. & Timbaland

Hollaback Girl- Gwen Stefani

Don't Matter - Akon

It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday – Boys II Men

Sister Christian - Night Ranger

Is Dan Rather Sexist or Right?

2007-06-12T13:32:00.001-04:00

I've seen the Katie Couric broadcast it does suck. And in all fairness to Rather, she did sit on the desk for a while and wear semi-revealing skirts (I not saying she was asking for it.) I do agree with him that she did tried to make CBS more like Today than a news show. But let's face it, CBS has the oldest viewers or at the least that's the industry's perceptions.

I wouldn't have used the word "tart" but "cutesy." CBS president, Les Moonves will defend her now but watch in a two or three years when they have a 1 share. Her butt will be canned so fast, her head will spin. There have been rumblings of considerable unrest at the Couric and CBS camps. Firings and finger pointing - it ain't pretty. No one watches network news anymore except in times of real crisis. I mean I know there's a war going on but geez, how is Paris going to survive in jail?When I went to look up news industry gossip, the first 10 sites mentioned Paris Hilton. This country is totally f**ked right now when it comes to priorities. Getting off my soap box now (although please Katie put down the botox needle.)

Oh Yeah - Dexter is coming

2007-06-11T15:38:00.000-04:00

FINALLY - they are releasing Dexter. the first season on DVD in August. I'm actually reading Darkly Dreaming Dexter right now. It's even better than the first season of 6 Feet Under (also starring Michael C. Hall whom I hope gets recognized at the Emmys.) Oh how I love this show. Who couldn't like a serial vigilante killer who abhors messy murder scenes.

Too bad I don't have Showtime and I have to wait to go to my mom's house for Christmas to watch the whole season. But it's worth it. I'll have to lock myself in over the labor day holiday, drink my wine and soak in lots of murder and mayhem. Maybe I'll have a Dexter party. Of course I only know one person who will come . . .

In other TV news, they are finally airing the final episopes of Standoff and Studio 60. Standoff is still a great show, Studio 60 is not. I really don't want to watch another boring argument about why Christianity is good or not. Watch Standoff while you still can. I'll miss you Ron Livingston.

In a Lonely Place and the Searchers

2007-06-06T12:59:00.001-04:00

Both of these films highlight the ultimate loners. In a Lonely Place, starring Humphrey Bogart, is about a grizzled and hot-tempered screenwriter. When he's accused of murder, his alibi is his alluring neighbor, played by Gloria Grahme.

The movie isn't really about murder at all but how people are willing to accept abusive behavior in order to be around genius or because they are in love. But there is unexpected strength in one of the characters, which is very unlikely in a movie of this era. Perhaps this is because the movie was produced by Bogart's company Santana (along with Barefoot Contessa.) It's well worth a watch especially for the really good film noir dialogue and for the anti-hero Dixon Steele (Bogart.)

This gets a 5 out of 5 fist fights.

The Searchers is considered one of the, if not the, essential John Wayne/John Ford collaboration. Beautifully shot and well acted, the story takes place over 5 years when Wayne as Ethan, is driven by revenge after his relatives are wiped out by Comanches and his two nieces are abducted. As the movie goes on, Ethan's true nature is revealed, a complicated and hate-filled man, a stark contrast to Wayne's normal hero personae.

It's one of the first westerns of 1950s not to completely disrespect all the Native Americans (of course most of them are white guys wearing brown shoe polish but at least Ford tried.) It does show that you can't always lump the whites as good guys and the Indians as bad guys. The climax is of course when Ethan locates one of the missing girls played by Natalie Wood and must confront his own prejudice. The closing and opening shots of this film are famous and with good reason. I am not a western fan but this is just plain good story telling.

4 out of 5 Scars.

Pirates of the Caribbean and the Starter Wife

2007-06-05T13:17:00.000-04:00

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is a very odd film of epic proportions. I was confused whom this was made for because children are not going to through the weird Waiting for Godot moments with Johnny Depp losing his mind. The love story between Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley, as always, is insufferable. But thank God for everyone else. Geoffrey Rush, Bill Nighy and Depp were all fantastic as cut throat pirates. Even the little villain, Lord Cutler Beckett (Tom Hollander) was good.

If they had cut 30 minutes from that film (mostly gratuitous pirate counsel, the aforementioned Godot, the wedding and some of the fighting scenes,) it would have been much better. I can’t believe that this movie was shown to test audiences or maybe it was and it was originally nine hours long. I would also like to go on record as saying I hate Orlando Bloom as an actor. I’m sure he’s a lovely human being but yawnsville. He’s not strong or charismatic enough to be the hero. Keira is so close but needs to stop coming off as a petulant child. I would like to hope that this will be the build-up to the inevitable fourth (and hopefully final) installment.

I’m giving this 3 out of 5 for spectacular you-sunk-my-battleship scenes.

One thing I will rave about is The Starter Wife on USA. I think this is their summer series and it’s nice to see Debra Messing back in comedic form. I stopped watching Will and Grace towards the last couple of seasons because it lacked the same funny flair. However, Starter is a light and funny and helps get me through my lack of Ugly Betty episodes. Messing plays a shafted studio wife that must start life anew at her best friend’s summer home (played deliciously by Judy Davis.)

Also, her estranged husband (I'm assuming based on Brian Grazer since his wife wrote the book) reminds me of what my friend’s boss must be like. If you looking for deep meaning, then go some place else but I promise you that you want something sometimes ridiculous, warm and funny, then you won’t be disappointed.

I’m giving this 4 out of 5 Nobu reservations.

Spelling Bee, Nancy Reagan, Jeremy Sisto and movie viruses

2007-06-01T14:02:00.000-04:00

I love the Spelling Bee. It's riveting and heartbreaking. It must be what a sports fan feels like when s/he is watching the playoffs. Congrats to that Evan kid. I can't believe a 13 year old is taking a college level calculus class next year. I could barely pass my algebra class. What do you do when your kid is smarter than you? My new favorite word is vituline, meaning of or pertaining a calf or veal.

During commerical breaks, I watched a bit of the Nancy Reagan interview on Larry King. I can't believe I just wrote that sentence. Anyway, there's a bit at the end where she talks about her really missing her husband more now than she did when he was alive. It was a riveting and sad reflection of loss. It felt odd to feel sympathetic towards someone's husband that I have no share political beliefs with. But apparently, he asked for forgiveness for John Hinkley which is pretty good actually. I've been thinking a lot about forgiveness lately. It really is a poison.

In less, deep thoughts, Jeremy "Rolling With the Homies" Sisto has been added the flagging Law & Order (the OG.) I don't know who is even on that show even more. What happened with original show that I used to watch it ALL the time.

And in honor of the jackass who flew with TB to Europe and then back again, I'm bringing a list of the best movie viruses. It figures he's a personal injury lawyer. It scares me a little that he was flagged but people just waived him right through at the airport. Oy vey. So much for international security.

Girls Rock Philly Needs Your Help

2007-05-24T11:21:00.000-04:00

Hey all:

I'll be donating money and maybe some time (I wonder if cats count as in-kind donations:)

Philly’s next generation of amazing female artists needs your help to be heard!

Dear Friend,

As you may already know, this summer girls ages 10 to 18 will have the opportunity to participate in Girls Rock Philly – a week-long alternative music day camp for young women interested in playing and performing original music with their peers. This is the first time Philadelphia will host such an experience – following in the footsteps of such cities as Portland, London, Chicago and New York – and we are now reaching out to friends and supporters like you to help make this happen.

The Girls Rock Camp will run from Monday, August 6 to Friday, August 10 at Girard College in downtown Philadelphia. Local professional musicians and educators will staff this week-long experience and teach instrument and voice instruction, as well as workshops on image and identity, art and self-defense. Counselors and band coaches will guide campers through the process of forming bands, working in teams, writing original music and lyrics, and performing at the Girls Rock Philly final matinee showcase on Saturday, August 11.
Girls Rock Philly is committed to providing a meaningful experience to our estimated 75 campers and 60 adult female volunteers from all over the region. However, rocking out is hard work and requires lots of support!

Specifically:
· We need volunteers.
Do you want to share in an amazing week of empowerment and music? Be a counselor, workshop instructor, band coach, or nurse to our campers. Go to www.girlsrockphilly.org/getinvolved and apply before June 30.

· We need sponsors and in-kind support.
Do you own a business and want to be recognized as a camp supporter by hundreds of local girls, parents and volunteers? Do you have music gear or equipment, food, or dining supplies to donate to camp week? If so, check out the attached list of sponsorship options and contact us at info@girlsrockphilly.org if interested.

· Most importantly, we need donations!
GRP has set a goal of $6,000 to provide 15 scholarships at $400 each to girls who otherwise could not afford to attend camp. We hope to raise another $10,000 to offset camp planning and implementation costs. We are thus asking for support of our efforts to build a new community of young female artists in Philadelphia through individual contributions to Girls Rock Philly.

To give, go to www.girlsrockphilly.org/donate for directions on how to donate by check or online via our nonprofit fiscal sponsor, Girls Rock Chicago. All contributions are 100% tax-deductible.
In the meantime, please contact me with any questions at info@girlsrockphilly.org. We hope to see you at camp or at our showcase on August 11!

Yours,
Beth
Director
Girls Rock Philly

GD DVR

2007-05-23T23:15:00.001-04:00

So I have to sit through "Wind Beneath my Wings" and the butchering of Beatles songs by Taylor Hicks to see the winner of American Idol and the damn thing cuts off. But my girl Jordin won. I'm sure I can watch the replay. What's up Kelly Clarkson? You said that you were trying to leave your AI past behind but you're in THREE numbers. Girly, those boots made you look like a hooker. Must be because you're hanging out with that former Evanescence guy whose producing your album. I wonder how they bribed Green Day into performing on the show?

SVU and fargin' hilarious

2007-05-22T23:49:00.000-04:00

Actually the Law and Order SVU season ender was pretty good. So far, the most satisfying of all the program finales that I've seen this year. It's nice to see that Steven Weber has a job since Studio 60 was cancelled. Although why is it that Ludacris always has to play a drug dealer? Anyway, the end was a little OTT but I do love myself some Ice-T and Christopher Meloni. I haven't seen BD Wong in a while. Maybe he got written off the show when I blinked. It was way more realistic than say CSI's which got a little out of control with the Miniature Killer. But it's a great marketing scheme. Ugly Betty is still a great show but the heavy handed use of West Side Story and the shooting of her sister's fiancee was a little much. I guess the Lost finale is tonight. I DVRed it but I mean how much stuff can you blow up on Gilligan's Island?

This will cheer up your day (stole it from dlisted.) We definitely have some note leavers at my work. I, of course, threatened my co-workers that they would walk the plank if they kept stealing the silverware.

Are Divorce Laws Unfair to Celebrity Men?

2007-05-21T16:14:00.000-04:00

I was reading a bit about the Michael Crichton divorce today (his wife got $31 million wire transferred into her account immediately and 17 horses -- plus 11 cars etc.) and ran across this article. I think all divorces are not created equal.

Do I think Nicole Kidman deserved $90 million from Tom Cruise? Yes. I mean she had to sleep with him for 9 1/2 years, gross. Do I think that Amy Irving deserved $100 from Steven Spielberg, probably not? But then again, you shouldn't write your pre-nup on a napkin. You decide.

Both Funny and Sad

2007-05-18T18:01:00.000-04:00

My poor cat Max has a boo boo on his paw (actually it was fargin' disgusting) but he managed to get his bandage off in 10 minutes. So he ended up with an Elizabethan Collar. Elizabeth I would have been very proud.

What the GD was that?

2007-05-17T09:54:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's true, I watch American Idol. I get a lot of crap for it but at least no one has to eat bugs or face off in an Inferno. I normally don't care who wins or goes home but I ask you, how did that beat-boxing disgrace Blake Lewis make the finals? I guess he's "cute" but good lord. I hate Maroon 5. Did I miss the Maroon 5 is a good band memo. I hate them even more when Blake has to beat-box/mouth mix their crap song. America, I'm very disappointed in you. Did I think Melinda Doolittle would win? Um no. But she's like whole wheat toast, solid and good for you but a little bland. Blake is the burnt toast my grandma used to make me and then scraped off the icky parts. I hope Jordin Sparks wins. She's like cinnamon toast, a little too sweet but good all the same.

Also, a little shout-out to all my Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars watching friends. May your shows rest in peace. I just read the CW line-up. The oldest lead character on their network will be 21.

shiny shiny

2007-05-16T19:48:00.000-04:00

I actually have an official business card that I'm sure to print out at Kinko's at some point. Yeah, InDesign class.

So besides laying low during the allergy season, I've been watching Planet Earth (absolutely amazing. I could have done without the bugs but even they were exquisitely filmed) and a really good PBS documentary on the Mormons. It's available on-line and well worth the watch if you missed it. Also, I love Philly politics. The mayoral debates were quite simply a hoot. I'm glad Nutter won but my co-worker is right. He is turtle-like but slow and steady wins the race?

The bf and I finally watched Syrianna. S-L-O-W. Too many plot lines, I had no idea what was going on half of the time. The George Clooney part was completely obtuse. I love him but he must have won the Academy Awards due to the fact that he's so well liked.

I'm giving this a 2 1/2 out of 5 burning oil fields.

Bah Humbug

2007-05-09T19:00:00.000-04:00

It's bloody allergy season and we're all in foul moods. I was reading about the militant Mickey Mouse and that put a little smile on my face. I never trusted that rodent.

We watched Spiderman III. I don't know why it's getting such a bad rap. I thought the villains were better this time around, especially Venom (I do like me a little Topher Grace. He's nerdy dreamy.) I wish they had more villain time. I heard Marvel forced them to use Venom and I think they were correct. The romantic stuff made me react like a 6 year old boy - yuck. Can we lose Kristin Dunst and Aunt May already? Dunst in particular is so freakin' annoying. Be prepared for goth Peter Parker - it's funny bad. Two words - dance number. He looks like the bass player from Fall Out Boy. Plus, Spidey gets his ass whopped and I like that. Also, I'm betting on a Spider-Man 4 with or without Sam Raimi.

I'm giving this 3 1/2 out of 5 pointy teeth.

Presidential Nominees Debates

2007-05-07T21:16:00.000-04:00

Sure, sure I've been watching films but more entertaining might be the Democratic and Republican presidential nominee debates. I'm going to hell for this but I think Mitt Romney, yes the Mormon guy from Massachusetts, is kind of hot. I'm not voting for him but he's cute. In fact, he inspired me to watch the Mormon documentary on PBS just to find out exactly what they are all about. I'm not joining Donny and Marie but it's good to informed.

I would say after listening to all the arguments, I'm going with John Edwards (this is early folks so it could be anyone's game.) On the Republican side, I guess the most 'liberal" is Guiliani but he'll get skewered by the hardcore right. I did notice a significant difference between the two televised debates. Chris Matthews is a hard ass that takes no crap but 10 candidates to ask questions to is really tough. Plus the Internet question guy was just plain dumb and distracting. And what kind of question is, "What Don't You Like About America?" All that kissing butt of the Reagans was enough to make me wretch.

On the Dem side, why did they keep ask Bill Richardson all the Hispanic and Cuban questions? I used to kind of like him but with the NRA endorsement, uh maybe not. Also, I don't get the appeal of Obama - yeah he's attractive but what does he really have to say? My cat Max is attractive, maybe he should run on a pro-kitten platform. Well I'm waiting to watch my DVR of the Philly Mayoral debates. I hear they are very spicy. I have NO idea who I'm voting for this year but I'll be an informed voter, I swear to you.

You are Here features who will probably be on CW, the lead looks a lot like Chad Michael Murray, next year. It's like Go but with instead of a fast car, you get a tricycle. There is some contrived plot about a DJ who is love with a girl but of course her friend (played by the lovely Katie Cassidy - yes daughter of David) is in love with him. Yawn.
Bad drugs are taken and bad things happen. I will give it this - Bijou Phillips actually manages to not irritate me, which is a miracle. Skip this film.
Photo Courtesy of the Philadelphia Film Festival

1 out of 5 brainless adventures.

They are slow but more film festival reviews are coming . . .

2007-04-25T19:05:00.000-04:00

So I still haven't finished blogging about all the film festival stuff as I was too busy working it. It was harder this year for some reason but I learned more about the operations of things and also some more box office stuff so that's something positive:)

Most of the documentaries I saw were excellent. Particularly good was the Town That Was, a very moving picture about the town of Centralia,PA -- the mining town that caught fire nearly 40 years ago. Now there are only 11 residents. I sort of admire their spirit. It highlights a series of catastrophic mistakes made by the town and by government.

The short preceding it was about Bill Gates and his obsession with collecting photographs in a company called Corbis. It's absolutely fascinating.

I'm giving both of these 4 out of 5 creepy mines.

The Killer Within, the murder took place at Swarthmore college and the film played the day before VA tech, was supposed to give you incite behind why kids just snap and act out in homicidal ways. It accomplished some of that in terms of saying that just because he killed one person, didn't mean that Bob Bechtel, now a psychology professor, was going to kill again (and he hasn't.) But he's not sorry at all and after being examined by many experts, he's failed to really admit to it other than to say that was bullied. So it left me a bit empty. Released by Discovery Films, I'm sure that this will at least play on cable.

I give this 3 out of 5 psycho psychologists.

News overload

2007-04-19T16:43:00.000-04:00

I just haven't felt like posting anything like movie reviews in the past few days. I'm glued to the t.v. and trying to soak up all the data I can about Virginia Tech. I hope that this will promote stronger security on campus and a greater look at the failing mental system in this country. I still feel a little guilty watching American Idol etc. because it's escapist but at the same time, your brain can't handle all the sadness and the grief. Tonight, I'm going to see the Waitress so hopefully, I can post about that and other stuff tomorrow. I want to give a brief shout out to a friend whose apartment was broken into last night:) I'm sending you lots of good vibes today.

So, Long my Heart and Severance

2007-04-17T11:41:00.000-04:00

So on with the reviews. I decided to see the German film, So, Long my Heart, set in an old folks home. It was sweet not known very often to occur in most German cinema. But don't worry, our main character, Holger Tewe (Tom Jahn) is a sex addict. But the loveliest scenes occur when Holger is caring for the elderly patients, in particular, a woman who imagines death as a band of musicians. That is really worth the whole picture for me. It's slowly paced and no one ends up in love but I was more interested in seeing through the eyes of the aged.

Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Film Festival

I'm giving this 4 out 5 handsome German pop singers.

Severance, although getting rave reviews at the festival, was a bit of a let down. It wasn't nearly as funny as it was billed to be. I was just listening to NPR and the level of torture now featured in films and t.v. has significantly risen since the beginning of the Iraq war. I have not been desensitize to it so there were plenty of flinching moments for me, particularly the evisceration of the victims and the gratuitous nudity and use of weapons. I know it's supposed to be a parody and there were some laugh out loud moments. It was more Hostel than Shawn of the Dead. I am giving this 3 out of 5 for effort but 2 out of 5 for setting a woman on fire.

Just some quick thoughts

2007-04-16T23:14:00.000-04:00

First I would like to say that I realize how fragile life really is, with or without the news pouring in about Virginia Tech. I guess seeing a documentary about abortion, Lake of Fire (which made me still pro-choice but also have a greater understanding for the other side )and going to a funeral today really didn't help either. I'm sure that we are all trying to find the right words to say how messed up the world has been lately. But I must say that if I died tomorrow I would grateful for all the loving people I have in my life.

Secondly, on a lighter note, I hit the 10 film mark yesterday. I must say that I have been duly impressed with myself on picking pretty good movies. Most of the ones I thought I would see, I didn't but I wasn't disappointed. I really liked all of the Pennsylvania based documentaries I've seen this year. I hope to post my reviews tomorrow.

What you've all been waiting for

2007-04-09T23:26:00.000-04:00

My first set of film reviews. I've been working and finishing up class stuff. So far, I've only managed to catch two films but I have plenty more on tap this week. Just a quick tip, check the website before buying your tickets to see the ratings (it kept me from the Castro documentary)

Forever is an excellent documentary, directed by Heddy Honigmann, about the famous French cemetery, Père Lachaise that houses Oscar Wilde, Marcel Proust and of course, Jim Morrison. But more fascinating are the people that visit these graves or tend to those of their loved ones. The camera does do some background footage of the famous faces but the more interesting ones are the tour guides and the visitors. Particularly riveting is a young Japanese woman who connects to her dead father through Chopin. FYI, the picture is courtesy of the Philadelphia Film Festival.

I am giving this 4 out 5 kisses at the cemetery gates.

I also watched the collection of The Disney Cartoon, Nine Decades of Magic, ranging from the silent "Alice's Wonderland" up through the Dali/Disney collaboration, "Destino." The Dali is particularly strange (and probably a bit offsetting for kids" but the Dali fanatic might find it interesting. As a collection, it lacks cohesion because it is put together chronologically but it's well worth the look into some of the individual pieces such as the Donald Duck Nazi parody, "Donald Duck: Der Fuehrer's Face" or the strange PSA for the Audubon Society, "It's Tough to Be A Bird." Apparently, most of these will be available at Christmas as part of a DVD set.

3 out of 5 naughty duck Nazis.

Here's my film schedule for the rest of fest (subject to change of course)

Friday April 13, 2007

Slumming (Ritz East) 12:30 p.m.
Cages (Ritz East) 2:45 p.m.
Severance (Bridge) – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday April 14, 2007

War Child (Ritz East) - 12:30 p.m.
Comedy of Power (Ritz East) - 2:30
Cashback (The Bridge) - 5:15
Soft Pretzels, Cheese-Steaks and Other Acts of God (International House – Shorts programs) I House - 7:00 p.m.

Sunday April 15, 2007

Ten Canoes (Ritz East) - 12:30
Life and Lyrics (Bridge) - 2:45
Lake of Fire (Constitution Center) - 6:45 p.m

Tuesday April 17, 2007

The Good Life – (Ritz East) - 7:15 p.m.

Philly Film Festival Volunteers Needed!

2007-04-04T15:45:00.000-04:00

If you have problems getting through, let me know.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS:

In order to put together any festival of this caliber, we rely primarily on the help of volunteers. But, if you don’t feel like volunteering out of the goodness of heart, do it for the tickets. Volunteer for the film festival = see movies for free!

With opening night almost here, we still need ushers for the Philadelphia Film Festival. Find out how easy it is to earn free tickets and a festival t-shirt. Ushering is an easy - but ESSENTIAL – volunteer job. You will tear tickets and hand out ballots with a friendly disposition, representing the festival to all of our attendees!

Shifts generally begin an hour before the first show of the day and end 1/2 hour after the last show. When there is a matinee, we schedule a shift change at approximately 5pm or so.

Rewards: In exchange for your time, you will receive a complimentary pass to exchange for a ticket to the film of your choice.

Extras: For shifts beginning at 3:30 and running the whole day, earn TWO comps for the FULL shift, or arrive by 6pm to earn one comp for the rest of the evening. (Can’t make it in time to help for the first evening show? In many cases, we can still schedule up to three volunteers to arrive after 6pm!)

More Extras: Earn double comps on Sundays – Work any shift on Sunday and receive TWO comps for the shift!

Follow this link to see the full schedule: http://www.phillyfests.com/downloads/VolunteerGrid.xls. All slots in yellow need to be filled. Please email your information contact information and scheduling requests to Pari Patel at volunteer@phillyfests.com.

Let's hear for the girl

2007-04-02T13:55:00.000-04:00

Film festival fever is soon upon us. I only know of two for sure films I'm watching, The Philadelphia Story and the Good Life. Also, I'm taking Tuesday April 17th completely off if anyone wants to play hookey and watch movies all day. I'll keep you posted on any good buzz.

In other news, Girls Rock Philly is having a benefit for an all girls rock camp on First Friday, April 6th (or Good Friday for those of you who celebrate that thing we call Easter.) Check out their website. More information is included in this flyer. Please feel free to email me what movies you might want to check out and maybe we can meet:)

The Philadelphia Film Festival is Coming Soon

2007-03-16T21:08:00.000-04:00

Mark your calendar kiddies, I'll be making a general appearance at the first volunteer sign up for the festival at the Bridge, March 17th at 10:30 a.m. but I may be at more. Here's all the news that fit to print. I encourage you all to volunteer or at least see a couple of movies. Fantasia is coming on a big screen (how COOL is that.) I'm working that night but I might sneak it for the Night on Bald Mountain part -it's my fave. I don't have the complete schedule yet of everything that I'll be seeing but I'm sure to take a day off to watch all the films that I want to see.

Zodiac etc.

2007-03-05T20:57:00.000-05:00

I've been locked away in a computer lab doing actual homework so I haven't had too much time to write. The bf and I saw Zodiac this weekend. Man, is that a long movie. Anyway, I really enjoyed Mark Ruffalo as Inspector David Toshi, the dogged detective determined to find the elusive Zodiac killer. Anyone with an animal cracker addiction is o.k. by me. I will say that Jake Gyllenhall didn't annoy me which is pretty amazing. Do I think that he deserved top billing, maybe not. Even the presence of human sloth Chloe Sevigny surprisingly was not a distraction to the plot. She looked a lot of pictures of my mom from the 1970s.

The film seemed more like a Scorsese tribute than a David Fincher extravaganza. which in my estimation is a good thing. No extreme camera angles for the sake of camera angles. It was great to see Anthony Edwards back on screen. I think he's, hopefully, going to find more work as a character actor. The plot is basically the long, realistic search for a killer (check out nutbar's handwriting on the left.) No quirky (a.k.a. "put the lotion in the basic.") As someone who was obsessed with serial killers in her youth (quel surprise,) I felt the portrayal of the mass murderer was very accurate. They tend to be normal, average people that blend right in. This is why they are so scary.

Oscar Picks

2007-02-25T13:51:00.000-05:00

Best Picture
I'm going with The Departed on my pool but I think it's going to be Babel.

Best Actor
This is pretty much a lock for Forest Whitaker for Last King of Scotland

Best Actress
Again, a lock, Helen Mirren for the Queen

Actor in a Supporting Role
Eddie Murphy, Dream Girls (although there are rumors that Norbert may have put in kink in his plans to win this so Marky Mark might take this. Ah, yeah, can you feel it baby?)

Actress in a Supporting Role
Jennifer Hudson - Dreamgirls (Adriana Barraza is the Dark Horse.)

Director
Martin Scorsese - The Departed. Seriously people, if Clint Eastwood gets it, I'm breaking someone's knees.)

Foreign Film
Pan's Labyrinth

Adapted Screenplay
I have this weird feeling that Borat:Cultural Learning of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan is going to win. Dark Horse: Notes on a Scandal.

Original Screenplay
The Queen

Art Direction
Pan's Labyrinth (dark horse = Dreamgirls)

Cinematography
Pan's Labyrinth (Dark Horse = Children of Men)

Sound Mixing
Flags of Our Fathers

Sound Editing
Letters for Iwo Jima (Apocalypto guy who's never won could finally get it though.)

Original Score
Babel (Dark Horse - Pan's Labyrinth)

Original Song
Listen - Dreamgirls

Costume Design
Dreamgirls (Dark Horse - Marie Antoinette)

Documentary Feature
An Inconvenient Truth

Documentary (short subject)
Two Hands

Film Editing
Babel (Dark Horse - United 93)

Makeup
Pan's Labyrinth

Animated Short Film
Maestro

Live Action Short Film
West Bank Story

Visual Effects
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Animated Feature Film
Happy Feet

Godfather for Girls?

2007-02-16T22:58:00.000-05:00

Most of my female friends like a good story of betrayal and gossip. Notes on a Scandal has both. Dame Judy Dench is amazing as the wickedly delightful frenemy. Poor naive Cate Blanchett is caught in her web and realizes to late that she's been used. Perhaps, she shouldn't have had an affair with her 15-year-old student. Juicy stuff folks.

Just as the Oscars is the Superbowl for women, betrayal and melodrama movies are the woman's Godfather equivalent. NOAS is the Dangerous Liaisons of the naughty '00s. It has a creepy lesbian undertones (not that I'm saying lesbians are creepy) like Rebecca. Bill Nighy does a rare dramatic turn and is quite good as the dejected husband.I'll do a more through Oscar review later but run don't walk to see it. I'm giving this 5 out of 5 scary history teachers.

Also, Hugh Grant is single. So yeah.

Tie Me Up Tie Me Down

2007-02-14T17:44:00.000-05:00

I finally re-watched it. I figured if I was going to sell for over $50, I wanted to make sure it was of the best quality. At the time, I really liked it but 15 years later, it's so amateur compared to the rest of Almodovar's work. Volver is a loving portrait of women while this one, not so much. It's beautifully shot but the plot is dated now. Maybe the appeal is hot, young Antonio Banderas and there's tons of nudity in it. The print looks great on my High Def TV though:) It's weird when you think that you really liked this movie for 15 years and then you re-watch it. It's been happening a lot lately. If you or a friend would like, I can cut you a deal. That also goes with anything on my half.com list. I'm just trying to raise money for my move people:)

Wu Tang is For the Children

2007-02-09T16:25:00.000-05:00

My first piece of rock writing in probably 10 years is posted here. At the very least watch the video of ODB speech. Man is that hilarious.