View Date: 9/30/09
Tonight's episode was the auditions in New Orleans, and just from the previews it looked like we would be getting some great dancing. Nigel was in England getting an honorary doctorate, so Mary was joined by Adam Shankman and Lil' C for this city.
Day 1 of the auditions started off with a dancer showcasing New Orleans bounce, which was a style we haven't seen on this show before. He was very strong in his style and very entertaining, got a “buck” from Lil' C, and was amazingly sent straight through to Vegas (I really expected to see him go to choreography). Following him we got to see a whole slew of fantastic dancers who will be joining him in Vegas. Without Nigel, the judges seem to be a bit easier and are sending people to Vegas who would normally be sent to choreography, and even sending people through to choreography when they would normally just be going home. They even admitted that they were taking a huge risk on some of the dancers, but still sent them through along the way.
The second day brought us some amazing ballroom dancers which had the most amazing lifts ever seen on the show, who likened their style to ice dancing without the ice and skates. Following that was a surprising hip hop performance where the dancer was sent to choreography.
As an interlude, we were treated to a performance of Mary's Rules, with Adam Shankman demonstrating and accompanied by a video montage.
More great dancers were sent through to either choreography or Vegas, and we got to hear several more inspiring stories.
10 words or less: Next episode is our last audition. On to Utah!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
SYTYCD
View Date: 9/29/09
Tonight's episode was the Atlanta auditions. The guest judge for the Atlanta auditions was Lil' C, so we should be in for some interesting comments. We'll just have to see if anyone is “buck” tonight. The judges decided to scare the bejeebus out of the first dancer of the evening by telling him he wasn't going to choreography, then waited to tell him he was straight through to Vegas. The judges were disappointed throughout the first day of auditions with lack of performance, although there was great dancing involved.
The second day, they sent a one-handed dancer through to choreography, as well as a surprisingly good popper who kept hitting on every woman around. Many more of the dancers seemed to go through to choreography on the second day, but most of those shown did not make it though. One such person, who got eliminated after choreography, said that his salsa was more like guacamole.
Tomorrow night we will see the New Orleans auditions, which look to be very promising.
10 words or less: Atlanta, like Boston, has some very strong male dancers.
Tonight's episode was the Atlanta auditions. The guest judge for the Atlanta auditions was Lil' C, so we should be in for some interesting comments. We'll just have to see if anyone is “buck” tonight. The judges decided to scare the bejeebus out of the first dancer of the evening by telling him he wasn't going to choreography, then waited to tell him he was straight through to Vegas. The judges were disappointed throughout the first day of auditions with lack of performance, although there was great dancing involved.
The second day, they sent a one-handed dancer through to choreography, as well as a surprisingly good popper who kept hitting on every woman around. Many more of the dancers seemed to go through to choreography on the second day, but most of those shown did not make it though. One such person, who got eliminated after choreography, said that his salsa was more like guacamole.
Tomorrow night we will see the New Orleans auditions, which look to be very promising.
10 words or less: Atlanta, like Boston, has some very strong male dancers.
Fanboys
View Date: 8/26/09
Fanboys is a movie about a group of Star Wars fans who travel across the country to Skywalker Ranch (the home of George Lucas) to try to see The Phantom Menace before it is released. The group commences the trek once they find out that one of their own will not survive cancer and has only months to live.
Along the way, they take several detours, such as to Iowa to make fun of the Trekkies who gather at the birthplace of Captain Kirk. Seth Rogan plays several characters, and other known actors make appearances as well.
I loved this movie. There were many references to both Star Wars and Star Trek which would probably not be understood by non-fans. As I've said before, I'm a big ole geek, and was able to follow along well. I was also able to relate with the characters, as much for their eccentricities as for their personas. I laughed through the entire movie and kept saying things like “that is so perfect”. For example, the only music allowed in the van used for the trip per the owner is Rush, yet it was so appropriate for the characters and the movie. Loved it, loved it, loved it, but I don't think everyone would enjoy it so much, especially if they are not fans.
10 words or less: The hype is well deserved.
Fanboys is a movie about a group of Star Wars fans who travel across the country to Skywalker Ranch (the home of George Lucas) to try to see The Phantom Menace before it is released. The group commences the trek once they find out that one of their own will not survive cancer and has only months to live.
Along the way, they take several detours, such as to Iowa to make fun of the Trekkies who gather at the birthplace of Captain Kirk. Seth Rogan plays several characters, and other known actors make appearances as well.
I loved this movie. There were many references to both Star Wars and Star Trek which would probably not be understood by non-fans. As I've said before, I'm a big ole geek, and was able to follow along well. I was also able to relate with the characters, as much for their eccentricities as for their personas. I laughed through the entire movie and kept saying things like “that is so perfect”. For example, the only music allowed in the van used for the trip per the owner is Rush, yet it was so appropriate for the characters and the movie. Loved it, loved it, loved it, but I don't think everyone would enjoy it so much, especially if they are not fans.
10 words or less: The hype is well deserved.
The Amazing Race
View Date: 9/27/09
This was the beginning of the season, and we were first introduced to the teams. Included we have a team of gay brothers, female professional poker players, Harlem Globtrotters teammates, a former Miss America, and a person with Asperger's syndrome.
This season also introduced a challenge never before seen on the show. This time, the first challenge was introduced at the start line, where immediately after obtaining their clues they had to search through license plates for the one appropriate for Tokyo. The last team to find the correct license plate was eliminated. Eric and Lisa, the married yoga instructors, were eliminated even before getting on a plane for the first time.
After arriving in Tokyo, the teams had to make their way by taxi to a television studio and participate in a Japanese game show. Surprisingly, all of the teams participated in “The Sushi Roulette” together, where one member of each team had to eat whichever piece of sushi appeared before them. However, if the contestant received a “wasabi bomb”, they had two minutes to complete the roll and win their next clue. If they failed to complete the task in under 2 minutes, they had to go through another round until they were successful. After winning the clue, the team has to pick the correct group of color-coded Japanese tourists and make their way to a Shinto shrine, the pit stop for this leg of the race.
Megan and Cheyne (Shane), the red team, won the leg as well as a trip to Vale and Denver from Travelocity. The team that was last in the sushi challenge really made up time and came into the pit stop in sixth place. Unfortunately, Maria and Tiffany, the professional poker players, came in last and incurred a 2 hour penalty, and will have to complete a speed bump in the next leg, but found out it was a non-elimination leg and would still be racing.
Continuing on, the next leg of the race saw the contestants make their way to Ho Chi Minh City. They then had to make their way by bus through a flooded city to a trip across a river. They then had to collect mud and fertilize a fruit tree to get their next clue. After returning their boats, they then had to complete a local tradition of herding ducks as a road block, where only one team member participated. The teams had 10 minutes to herd their ducks, and if they failed they had to give up their spot to a waiting team and wait until another spot opened. The teams finally had to make their way to a riverboat, the pit stop on this leg of the race. The father-son farming team of Gary and Matt, who were duck herding fools, won the leg as well as kayaks for each of them. The beauty queen lived to see another leg, but Garrett and Jessica, dating on and off, were eliminated from the race.
10 words or less: It takes is luck, a strong stomach, and herding skills.
This was the beginning of the season, and we were first introduced to the teams. Included we have a team of gay brothers, female professional poker players, Harlem Globtrotters teammates, a former Miss America, and a person with Asperger's syndrome.
This season also introduced a challenge never before seen on the show. This time, the first challenge was introduced at the start line, where immediately after obtaining their clues they had to search through license plates for the one appropriate for Tokyo. The last team to find the correct license plate was eliminated. Eric and Lisa, the married yoga instructors, were eliminated even before getting on a plane for the first time.
After arriving in Tokyo, the teams had to make their way by taxi to a television studio and participate in a Japanese game show. Surprisingly, all of the teams participated in “The Sushi Roulette” together, where one member of each team had to eat whichever piece of sushi appeared before them. However, if the contestant received a “wasabi bomb”, they had two minutes to complete the roll and win their next clue. If they failed to complete the task in under 2 minutes, they had to go through another round until they were successful. After winning the clue, the team has to pick the correct group of color-coded Japanese tourists and make their way to a Shinto shrine, the pit stop for this leg of the race.
Megan and Cheyne (Shane), the red team, won the leg as well as a trip to Vale and Denver from Travelocity. The team that was last in the sushi challenge really made up time and came into the pit stop in sixth place. Unfortunately, Maria and Tiffany, the professional poker players, came in last and incurred a 2 hour penalty, and will have to complete a speed bump in the next leg, but found out it was a non-elimination leg and would still be racing.
Continuing on, the next leg of the race saw the contestants make their way to Ho Chi Minh City. They then had to make their way by bus through a flooded city to a trip across a river. They then had to collect mud and fertilize a fruit tree to get their next clue. After returning their boats, they then had to complete a local tradition of herding ducks as a road block, where only one team member participated. The teams had 10 minutes to herd their ducks, and if they failed they had to give up their spot to a waiting team and wait until another spot opened. The teams finally had to make their way to a riverboat, the pit stop on this leg of the race. The father-son farming team of Gary and Matt, who were duck herding fools, won the leg as well as kayaks for each of them. The beauty queen lived to see another leg, but Garrett and Jessica, dating on and off, were eliminated from the race.
10 words or less: It takes is luck, a strong stomach, and herding skills.
Survivor
Air Date: 9/24/09
View Date: 9/27/09
So we started off knowing that Russell was completely evil. And he was starting trouble already right at the beginning of this episode with the only other person who has expressed distrust vocally toward him, who just so happens to be a police officer. To top everything off, Russell believes that there is an immunity idol even before anyone receives a clue to its existence. Lo and behold, he found the damn thing without help and without even knowing it really existed.
In the immunity challenge, the teams had to fight for three balls, which then would be passed to other tribe members who would try to make baskets in the other team's basket. Foa Foa scores the first point while the members switch positions. This is an incredibly physical challenge, and the players are warned by Jeff about cheap shots. Ben gets kicked out of the challenge for a cheap shot to Russ's ankles. Galu won reward and immunity, and Ben won the dubious honor of being the first player in history to be kicked out of a challenge. To top everything off, Mike's performance in the challenge warranted review by the medical team. Turns out, he had very, very low blood pressure and was removed from the game by the medical staff.
Back at Galu, Shambo went spear fishing with no success. Not only that, she also lost some of the gear. In the interviews, some of her teammates indicated that she really screwed herself over and would probably be eliminated soon. One of the members of Galu accompanied Foa Foa back to their camp and was provided with a clue to the immunity idol, not knowing that it was already found. Additionally, she had a very big mouth and definitely did not make any friends at the other camp. Then, Ben proceeded to chop wood throughout the night while everyone else was trying to sleep. That definitely didn't ingratiate himself to the others. And then he really showed no regret during tribal council. Unfortunately, Betsy was taken down because she dared to challenge Russell, and was perceived as a weak link because she was the oldest and viewed as the slowest.
10 words or less: Someone needs to take Russell down.
View Date: 9/27/09
So we started off knowing that Russell was completely evil. And he was starting trouble already right at the beginning of this episode with the only other person who has expressed distrust vocally toward him, who just so happens to be a police officer. To top everything off, Russell believes that there is an immunity idol even before anyone receives a clue to its existence. Lo and behold, he found the damn thing without help and without even knowing it really existed.
In the immunity challenge, the teams had to fight for three balls, which then would be passed to other tribe members who would try to make baskets in the other team's basket. Foa Foa scores the first point while the members switch positions. This is an incredibly physical challenge, and the players are warned by Jeff about cheap shots. Ben gets kicked out of the challenge for a cheap shot to Russ's ankles. Galu won reward and immunity, and Ben won the dubious honor of being the first player in history to be kicked out of a challenge. To top everything off, Mike's performance in the challenge warranted review by the medical team. Turns out, he had very, very low blood pressure and was removed from the game by the medical staff.
Back at Galu, Shambo went spear fishing with no success. Not only that, she also lost some of the gear. In the interviews, some of her teammates indicated that she really screwed herself over and would probably be eliminated soon. One of the members of Galu accompanied Foa Foa back to their camp and was provided with a clue to the immunity idol, not knowing that it was already found. Additionally, she had a very big mouth and definitely did not make any friends at the other camp. Then, Ben proceeded to chop wood throughout the night while everyone else was trying to sleep. That definitely didn't ingratiate himself to the others. And then he really showed no regret during tribal council. Unfortunately, Betsy was taken down because she dared to challenge Russell, and was perceived as a weak link because she was the oldest and viewed as the slowest.
10 words or less: Someone needs to take Russell down.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Harold
View Date: 8/23/09
This film stars Spencer Breslin as a teenager who has premature male pattern baldness and has been bald for years. He is routinely mistaken for a grumpy old man, not just for his baldness but also his choice in clothes and his mannerisms. He begins attending a new high school after his mother accepts a job in a different town. There, where no one knows him, he is ridiculed mercilessly. He befriends his school's janitor, played by Cuba Gooding, Jr.
My daughter and I watched this film together, and both enjoyed it. However, now that I am writing this up quite a bit later, I am having trouble remembering anything really about it. I can picture the cover picture, but can't recall details. As mentioned above, it was enjoyable while watching it, and the story did a good job showcasing the horrors of teens who are different.
10 words or less: Enjoyable but not memorable.
This film stars Spencer Breslin as a teenager who has premature male pattern baldness and has been bald for years. He is routinely mistaken for a grumpy old man, not just for his baldness but also his choice in clothes and his mannerisms. He begins attending a new high school after his mother accepts a job in a different town. There, where no one knows him, he is ridiculed mercilessly. He befriends his school's janitor, played by Cuba Gooding, Jr.
My daughter and I watched this film together, and both enjoyed it. However, now that I am writing this up quite a bit later, I am having trouble remembering anything really about it. I can picture the cover picture, but can't recall details. As mentioned above, it was enjoyable while watching it, and the story did a good job showcasing the horrors of teens who are different.
10 words or less: Enjoyable but not memorable.
Bigger Stronger Faster
View Date: 8/22/09
This documentary is about a family in which the sons are athletes. Of the three sons, two regularly use steroids, while the third, who is also the filmmaker and the youngest brother, had tried them. The film proceeds to show the a history of performance enhancer use as well as drawing the viewer's eye to the personal side of steroid use. It also tries to show both sides of the story of banning performance enhancers: why they have been banned and why people will risk suspension from their sports to use them.
I thought that this was a decently-made film of a rather journalistic nature. In that I mean that both sides of the story were told. Because of the personal use by the filmmaker as well as the family history, I could have understood if there was a bias, but none were obvious. The personal stories made it more relatable, and seeing other family members' reactions to finding out about the use was particularly enlightening.
10 words or less: Personal stories, yet shows both sides of doping.
This documentary is about a family in which the sons are athletes. Of the three sons, two regularly use steroids, while the third, who is also the filmmaker and the youngest brother, had tried them. The film proceeds to show the a history of performance enhancer use as well as drawing the viewer's eye to the personal side of steroid use. It also tries to show both sides of the story of banning performance enhancers: why they have been banned and why people will risk suspension from their sports to use them.
I thought that this was a decently-made film of a rather journalistic nature. In that I mean that both sides of the story were told. Because of the personal use by the filmmaker as well as the family history, I could have understood if there was a bias, but none were obvious. The personal stories made it more relatable, and seeing other family members' reactions to finding out about the use was particularly enlightening.
10 words or less: Personal stories, yet shows both sides of doping.
Top Chef
View Date: 9/23/09
Quickfire Challenge: Tonight's guest judge is Beard Award winner Michelle Bernstein. The challenge is to make a dish that showcases the angel and devil sides of their cuisine. The winner of the quickfire received immunity in the elimination challenge. Least favorites included Ash, Bryan, and Laurine. Favorites included Michael, Eli, and Robin, with Robin being the ultimate winner. Thus, Robin will not be going home again this week, against many of the other chefs' wishes.
Elimination Challenge: Penn and Teller, the magicians, entered the kitchen explaining the classic ball and cup hiding trick. Because they deconstructed the trick and showed how it was done, the chefs will be deconstructing a classic dish chosen by drawing knives.
The favorites of the night were Ashley's pot roast, Jennifer's meat lasagne, Michael's Caesar salad, and Kevin's chicken mole. Kevin won for truly embracing the essence of deconstruction, and further won a set of Calphalon cookware. The least favorite dishes included Laurine's fish and chips, Ron's paella, and Ash's shepherd's pie. In the end, Ron was sent to pack his knives and go.
10 words or less: Some look hard to beat, even at their weakest.
Quickfire Challenge: Tonight's guest judge is Beard Award winner Michelle Bernstein. The challenge is to make a dish that showcases the angel and devil sides of their cuisine. The winner of the quickfire received immunity in the elimination challenge. Least favorites included Ash, Bryan, and Laurine. Favorites included Michael, Eli, and Robin, with Robin being the ultimate winner. Thus, Robin will not be going home again this week, against many of the other chefs' wishes.
Elimination Challenge: Penn and Teller, the magicians, entered the kitchen explaining the classic ball and cup hiding trick. Because they deconstructed the trick and showed how it was done, the chefs will be deconstructing a classic dish chosen by drawing knives.
The favorites of the night were Ashley's pot roast, Jennifer's meat lasagne, Michael's Caesar salad, and Kevin's chicken mole. Kevin won for truly embracing the essence of deconstruction, and further won a set of Calphalon cookware. The least favorite dishes included Laurine's fish and chips, Ron's paella, and Ash's shepherd's pie. In the end, Ron was sent to pack his knives and go.
10 words or less: Some look hard to beat, even at their weakest.
SYTYCD
View Date: 9/23/09
This week the judges were in Boston, and started off with a bang. We got to see a whimsical young man in Teddy, who was one of the most unique male dancers we have seen in a long time, complete with bow tie. The judges sent a B-Boy straight through in the quickest judging time ever. Boston seems to be full of fantastic guy dancers, and several were sent straight through on day 1. Many wonderful dancers were sent through to choreography, as well as an amazing krumper who is trained in several other styles.
Day 2 of auditions started off with a smoking hot married ballroom couple who were both sent straight through to Vegas. Unfortunately, Tyce got really bitchy and with it, really mean, even when he liked a routine. Mary and Nigel even had a name for that attitude, Dr. Evil. Luckily, that didn't stop many people being put through to choreography and then through to Vegas.
10 words or less: Next week, Atlanta.
This week the judges were in Boston, and started off with a bang. We got to see a whimsical young man in Teddy, who was one of the most unique male dancers we have seen in a long time, complete with bow tie. The judges sent a B-Boy straight through in the quickest judging time ever. Boston seems to be full of fantastic guy dancers, and several were sent straight through on day 1. Many wonderful dancers were sent through to choreography, as well as an amazing krumper who is trained in several other styles.
Day 2 of auditions started off with a smoking hot married ballroom couple who were both sent straight through to Vegas. Unfortunately, Tyce got really bitchy and with it, really mean, even when he liked a routine. Mary and Nigel even had a name for that attitude, Dr. Evil. Luckily, that didn't stop many people being put through to choreography and then through to Vegas.
10 words or less: Next week, Atlanta.
Survivor
Air Date: 9/17/09
View Date: 9/23/09
This was the first episode of the season, and we saw the arrival of the 20 strangers on Samoa. The contestants arrived already split into tribes, and the first task was to pick leaders without knowing anyone. The leaders, after receiving a necklace identifying them as such, then had to decide who would participate in the first challenge. The yellow team is Foa Foa, while the purple team is named Galu.
The first challenge, with the prize of fire in the form of flint, involved swimming, strength, agility, and intelligence. Jayson surprised several of his teammates by being an African American male who was a very strong swimmer. What his team did not know was that he played water polo in college. His strong swimming pushed the yellow team into the lead, which was extended by Russell and Marisa on the next two legs. Liz finished it off with a victory for the yellow team. The purple team all competed admirably, with Shambo making up tons of time and pulling very close on the last leg. None of them gave up and finished their individual legs to the best of their abilities.
The teams headed off to their camps and started making their camps livable. The Galu leader, as chosen on the beach, actually took over the leadership role once they arrived back at camp. Unfortunately, they did have a group of very vocal men on the team that tended to argue about all the construction work around camp. The Foa Foa tribe saw the leadership role change for the time being to a self-proclaimed redneck who had a great deal of camping and survival experience. Also on the yellow tribe, Russell started making trouble right away. At this point, only one person, a female police officer, saw through him. He is going to make a hell of a lot of trouble until he gets voted off, especially once his tribe figures out that he wants to make life as miserable as possible for everyone else.
The first elimination challenge was a team obstacle course. The Galu tribe had some very ingenious ideas for conquering the obstacles, and worked incredibly well together. The Foa Foa tribe had some major difficulties at the beginning of the challenge, but stole some of Galu's ideas and were able to catch up pretty well. In the end, Galu won immunity as well as fire, and Foa Foa won a trip to tribal council. At the end of the day, Marisa was heading home, and Ashley had a close call.
10 words or less: Russell is just pure evil.
View Date: 9/23/09
This was the first episode of the season, and we saw the arrival of the 20 strangers on Samoa. The contestants arrived already split into tribes, and the first task was to pick leaders without knowing anyone. The leaders, after receiving a necklace identifying them as such, then had to decide who would participate in the first challenge. The yellow team is Foa Foa, while the purple team is named Galu.
The first challenge, with the prize of fire in the form of flint, involved swimming, strength, agility, and intelligence. Jayson surprised several of his teammates by being an African American male who was a very strong swimmer. What his team did not know was that he played water polo in college. His strong swimming pushed the yellow team into the lead, which was extended by Russell and Marisa on the next two legs. Liz finished it off with a victory for the yellow team. The purple team all competed admirably, with Shambo making up tons of time and pulling very close on the last leg. None of them gave up and finished their individual legs to the best of their abilities.
The teams headed off to their camps and started making their camps livable. The Galu leader, as chosen on the beach, actually took over the leadership role once they arrived back at camp. Unfortunately, they did have a group of very vocal men on the team that tended to argue about all the construction work around camp. The Foa Foa tribe saw the leadership role change for the time being to a self-proclaimed redneck who had a great deal of camping and survival experience. Also on the yellow tribe, Russell started making trouble right away. At this point, only one person, a female police officer, saw through him. He is going to make a hell of a lot of trouble until he gets voted off, especially once his tribe figures out that he wants to make life as miserable as possible for everyone else.
The first elimination challenge was a team obstacle course. The Galu tribe had some very ingenious ideas for conquering the obstacles, and worked incredibly well together. The Foa Foa tribe had some major difficulties at the beginning of the challenge, but stole some of Galu's ideas and were able to catch up pretty well. In the end, Galu won immunity as well as fire, and Foa Foa won a trip to tribal council. At the end of the day, Marisa was heading home, and Ashley had a close call.
10 words or less: Russell is just pure evil.
Project Runway
View Date: 9/17/09
This week, the designers had to create classy, high-brow designs literally out of paper, newspapers to be exact. Some people had excellent designs, including the winning design reminiscent of a Chanel coat. I particularly liked the feathered skirt look. The losing designs were really pretty bad. Johnny deserved to go home, and thankfully the judges thought so too.
The other big event of the show was Johnny’s lie. After receiving his review from Tim Gunn, saying it looked too much like an arts and crafts project, he completely scrapped his dress. He then proceeded to make an even sloppier dress, and blamed his lack of time to complete it on a “sputtering steam iron”. His ruse was disputed by everyone, including the judges, and even came out during the Q&A session on the runway. Personally, I think he just couldn’t take the criticism and gave up, then was mad at himself and tried covering his tracks. Either way, he was sent home, so no more Johnny.
10 words or less: Bring on the next challenge!
This week, the designers had to create classy, high-brow designs literally out of paper, newspapers to be exact. Some people had excellent designs, including the winning design reminiscent of a Chanel coat. I particularly liked the feathered skirt look. The losing designs were really pretty bad. Johnny deserved to go home, and thankfully the judges thought so too.
The other big event of the show was Johnny’s lie. After receiving his review from Tim Gunn, saying it looked too much like an arts and crafts project, he completely scrapped his dress. He then proceeded to make an even sloppier dress, and blamed his lack of time to complete it on a “sputtering steam iron”. His ruse was disputed by everyone, including the judges, and even came out during the Q&A session on the runway. Personally, I think he just couldn’t take the criticism and gave up, then was mad at himself and tried covering his tracks. Either way, he was sent home, so no more Johnny.
10 words or less: Bring on the next challenge!
Buffy/Angel/Firefly Comics
Based on the various works of Joss Whedon
Completion dates:
Buffy: Slayer, Interrupted: 8/28/09
Buffy: The Death of Buffy: 8/29/09
Serenity: Those Left Behind: 8/30/09
Buffy: The Long Way Home: 8/31/09
Buffy: A Stake to the Heart: 9/1/09
Tales of the Slayers: 9/18/09
Tales of the Vampires: 10/1/09
Serenity: Better Days: 10/14/09
Buffy: No Future for You: 10/15/09
Angel: After the Fall, Volume 1: 10/25/09
These graphic novels, all based on the various works of Joss Whedon, are compilations of the comics related to the series. Some were even written by the man himself. The Serenity book takes place between the series and the movie. Some of the Buffy novels take place between the original movie and the start of the series, while others occur during the course of the series and elaborate on scenes long-time viewers are already familiar with. Buffy: The Long Way Home is considered to be the start of Season 8 of the show which was never able to make it to TV. Finally, some are related to the various series without actually presenting any of the main characters from the shows.
Having watched all of these series from start to finish, I enjoyed each of these books. They were very well done, particularly the ones created by Whedon himself. They were entertaining, short, and easy-to-read, yet highly enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed Tales of the Slayers, as it was able to delve into the history we all knew existed but were never able to see.
I will continue to read and update this post as I complete the other books.
10 words or less: A must for any Joss Whedon fan.
Completion dates:
Buffy: Slayer, Interrupted: 8/28/09
Buffy: The Death of Buffy: 8/29/09
Serenity: Those Left Behind: 8/30/09
Buffy: The Long Way Home: 8/31/09
Buffy: A Stake to the Heart: 9/1/09
Tales of the Slayers: 9/18/09
Tales of the Vampires: 10/1/09
Serenity: Better Days: 10/14/09
Buffy: No Future for You: 10/15/09
Angel: After the Fall, Volume 1: 10/25/09
These graphic novels, all based on the various works of Joss Whedon, are compilations of the comics related to the series. Some were even written by the man himself. The Serenity book takes place between the series and the movie. Some of the Buffy novels take place between the original movie and the start of the series, while others occur during the course of the series and elaborate on scenes long-time viewers are already familiar with. Buffy: The Long Way Home is considered to be the start of Season 8 of the show which was never able to make it to TV. Finally, some are related to the various series without actually presenting any of the main characters from the shows.
Having watched all of these series from start to finish, I enjoyed each of these books. They were very well done, particularly the ones created by Whedon himself. They were entertaining, short, and easy-to-read, yet highly enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed Tales of the Slayers, as it was able to delve into the history we all knew existed but were never able to see.
I will continue to read and update this post as I complete the other books.
10 words or less: A must for any Joss Whedon fan.
School of Life
View Date: 8/22/09
This film, featuring Ryan Reynolds, is the story about a middle school that is entranced by the arrival of a new teacher and his unusual but exciting teaching methods. But it turns out that this teacher, played by Reynolds, is hiding a secret that could change everyone’s outlook. Another teacher, whose son is also attending the school and is very excited by the new arrival, finds out the secret and eventually mellows to become a more likeable teacher and parent.
I found this movie by searching for Ryan Reynolds, and picked it pretty much solely for his presence. In the end, I really enjoyed it, and found it a nice change of pace from most of the school-based movies that take place in high schools. The father-son dynamic is explored between three generations, and other serious topics such as disease and death are discussed. Of course there is a lesson learned by at least one character in the end, but it didn’t have a truly happy ending in the traditional sense.
10 words or less: Nice chance of pace for a school-set movie.
This film, featuring Ryan Reynolds, is the story about a middle school that is entranced by the arrival of a new teacher and his unusual but exciting teaching methods. But it turns out that this teacher, played by Reynolds, is hiding a secret that could change everyone’s outlook. Another teacher, whose son is also attending the school and is very excited by the new arrival, finds out the secret and eventually mellows to become a more likeable teacher and parent.
I found this movie by searching for Ryan Reynolds, and picked it pretty much solely for his presence. In the end, I really enjoyed it, and found it a nice change of pace from most of the school-based movies that take place in high schools. The father-son dynamic is explored between three generations, and other serious topics such as disease and death are discussed. Of course there is a lesson learned by at least one character in the end, but it didn’t have a truly happy ending in the traditional sense.
10 words or less: Nice chance of pace for a school-set movie.
Disfigured
View Date: 8/22/09
Disfigured is the story of a recovering anorexic woman who tries to join a fat awareness group. After being rejected by the group, she works to befriend one of the less aggressive members of the group by providing advertising for a new walking group being established. With persistent effort, the women become friends and, in the process, learn to appreciate both themselves and each other.
I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. I am not sure if it was because I am an overweight person myself, or if it was fully due to the storyline and the two main characters. The film really showed the struggles of people of all sizes, and the emotion that often accompanies weight-related issues.
10 words or less: Relevant film about the struggles with weight-related issues.
Disfigured is the story of a recovering anorexic woman who tries to join a fat awareness group. After being rejected by the group, she works to befriend one of the less aggressive members of the group by providing advertising for a new walking group being established. With persistent effort, the women become friends and, in the process, learn to appreciate both themselves and each other.
I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. I am not sure if it was because I am an overweight person myself, or if it was fully due to the storyline and the two main characters. The film really showed the struggles of people of all sizes, and the emotion that often accompanies weight-related issues.
10 words or less: Relevant film about the struggles with weight-related issues.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Top Chef
View Date: 9/16/09
Quickfire Challenge: With Tim Love as the guest judge for this round, the fans chose the ingredient from several odd southwestern ingredients. Cactus was chosen by the fans, which most of the chefs did not have much experience with. Additionally, this was a high stakes quickfire, so the winner received $15000 but no immunity. From the expressions on Chef Love's face, he didn't seem to love anybody's dish, and most of the time seemed to be ready to spit out the food. Mike I. won, which makes sense because he was one of the few chefs who had worked with the ingredient before. Amazingly, Mattin was also in the top group with his cactus pickled in tequila.
Elimination Challenge: The chefs had to prepare a high-end dish outdoors for a group of ranchers. They could prepare any dish of their choosing, and they would spend the night prior to to cooking at the ranch in tents. The chefs then learned that they would be cooking with 4 fire pits, cast iron cookware, and a chuckwagon pantry. To top everything off, we got a good shot of the outhouse. We really got to learn more about the background of the chefs, which we haven't really gotten into as much in previous seasons.
Side note: The poll tonight was a complete no-brainer for me. I would definitely choose the Voltaggio brothers as tent mates. One, Ashley and Mattin are both a little too excited about being there for me. But mostly, I definitely wouldn't mind sleeping between the brothers for a night. Based on the results, it looks like I'm not alone there.
The day of the challenge was described as being as hot as the surface of Venus. Some of the chefs had some serious issues dealing with cooking over an open fire, while others had major issues with the heat. Many of the dishes were below the standards of previous dishes because the chefs seemed nervous about the cooking conditions. We learned that Mattin's dish was the one spit out by Tom in the previews, and the other dishes seemed to be either really bad or pretty darn good.
At Judge's Table, Laurine, Ashley, Michael, and Bryan were named the chefs making the top dishes. Those brothers are going to be damn hard to beat this season. The winner tonight was Bryan's pork loin dish, which leads to his third win in elimination challenges. The bottom dishes were from Robin, Ron, and Mattin. Mattin was the one to be eliminated, and it was the right choice for this challenge.
10 words or less: Don't make the judges physically ill or you will go.
Quickfire Challenge: With Tim Love as the guest judge for this round, the fans chose the ingredient from several odd southwestern ingredients. Cactus was chosen by the fans, which most of the chefs did not have much experience with. Additionally, this was a high stakes quickfire, so the winner received $15000 but no immunity. From the expressions on Chef Love's face, he didn't seem to love anybody's dish, and most of the time seemed to be ready to spit out the food. Mike I. won, which makes sense because he was one of the few chefs who had worked with the ingredient before. Amazingly, Mattin was also in the top group with his cactus pickled in tequila.
Elimination Challenge: The chefs had to prepare a high-end dish outdoors for a group of ranchers. They could prepare any dish of their choosing, and they would spend the night prior to to cooking at the ranch in tents. The chefs then learned that they would be cooking with 4 fire pits, cast iron cookware, and a chuckwagon pantry. To top everything off, we got a good shot of the outhouse. We really got to learn more about the background of the chefs, which we haven't really gotten into as much in previous seasons.
Side note: The poll tonight was a complete no-brainer for me. I would definitely choose the Voltaggio brothers as tent mates. One, Ashley and Mattin are both a little too excited about being there for me. But mostly, I definitely wouldn't mind sleeping between the brothers for a night. Based on the results, it looks like I'm not alone there.
The day of the challenge was described as being as hot as the surface of Venus. Some of the chefs had some serious issues dealing with cooking over an open fire, while others had major issues with the heat. Many of the dishes were below the standards of previous dishes because the chefs seemed nervous about the cooking conditions. We learned that Mattin's dish was the one spit out by Tom in the previews, and the other dishes seemed to be either really bad or pretty darn good.
At Judge's Table, Laurine, Ashley, Michael, and Bryan were named the chefs making the top dishes. Those brothers are going to be damn hard to beat this season. The winner tonight was Bryan's pork loin dish, which leads to his third win in elimination challenges. The bottom dishes were from Robin, Ron, and Mattin. Mattin was the one to be eliminated, and it was the right choice for this challenge.
10 words or less: Don't make the judges physically ill or you will go.
The Aggressives
View Date: 8/21/09
This documentary is about butch lesbians, particularly those who choose to dress masculinely. Those profiled tend to take the more dominant (traditionally masculine) role in their relationships. Several were living as males, and some competed in the masculine divisions of shows. The filming followed them through several months, and did a follow-up some time later.
As is often the case, I found some of the stories much more interesting than others. But in general, this film just couldn't hold my attention. I had a really hard time getting through it, and had to force myself to keep watching.
10 words or less: Just couldn't keep my attention.
This documentary is about butch lesbians, particularly those who choose to dress masculinely. Those profiled tend to take the more dominant (traditionally masculine) role in their relationships. Several were living as males, and some competed in the masculine divisions of shows. The filming followed them through several months, and did a follow-up some time later.
As is often the case, I found some of the stories much more interesting than others. But in general, this film just couldn't hold my attention. I had a really hard time getting through it, and had to force myself to keep watching.
10 words or less: Just couldn't keep my attention.
SYTYCD
View Date: 9/16/09
Tonight was the audition episode in Phoenix. It started off with a very enjoyable hip-hop routine that sent the guys through to choreography. A slew of female contemporary dancers impressed the judges and were given tickets straight through to Vegas, including the first girl of the day to audition. We had a heartfelt story of a deaf young woman that was sent through to choreography, which was fair based on her talent.
We had more same-sex ballroom dancing, but this couple was much more skilled than the couple we had seen previously and were put through to choreography. We also got to see our first Bollywood disco number of the show's history to wrap the first day's auditions. After the choreography round, the deaf dancer as well as both members of the same-sex ballroom dancers were through to Vegas.
The second day of auditions started with a very enthusiastic and hyper young man who really only had one good move but danced his heart out and was sent through to choreography. The highlighted B-Boy, Legacy, choreographed with Lauren last year and was sent straight through to Vegas.
10 words or less: Next week, off to Boston.
Tonight was the audition episode in Phoenix. It started off with a very enjoyable hip-hop routine that sent the guys through to choreography. A slew of female contemporary dancers impressed the judges and were given tickets straight through to Vegas, including the first girl of the day to audition. We had a heartfelt story of a deaf young woman that was sent through to choreography, which was fair based on her talent.
We had more same-sex ballroom dancing, but this couple was much more skilled than the couple we had seen previously and were put through to choreography. We also got to see our first Bollywood disco number of the show's history to wrap the first day's auditions. After the choreography round, the deaf dancer as well as both members of the same-sex ballroom dancers were through to Vegas.
The second day of auditions started with a very enthusiastic and hyper young man who really only had one good move but danced his heart out and was sent through to choreography. The highlighted B-Boy, Legacy, choreographed with Lauren last year and was sent straight through to Vegas.
10 words or less: Next week, off to Boston.
No Reservations
View Date: 9/14/09
This movie, starring Catherine Zeta Jones, Abigail Breslin, and Aaron Eckhart, is a movie about an uptight chef who becomes the guardian of her sister's only daughter after a tragic car accident. While she is out on personal leave setting up life with her niece, a new chef is hired into her kitchen without her knowledge. Since she is very anal when it comes to her life and particularly her kitchen, she goes quite ballistic when she finds out what the restaurant's owner did in her absence.
As is standard for romantic comedies, she bonds then forms a romantic relationship with the new chef, who also helps her find common ground with her niece. Following the formula, they encounter troubles along the way, but the end result is obvious.
This was a cute movie. Abigail Breslin was adorable as always, and there was some chemistry between the two romantic leads. I would probably watch it again if it was on TV, but most likely wouldn't seek it out.
10 words or less: Cute yet formulaic romantic comedy.
This movie, starring Catherine Zeta Jones, Abigail Breslin, and Aaron Eckhart, is a movie about an uptight chef who becomes the guardian of her sister's only daughter after a tragic car accident. While she is out on personal leave setting up life with her niece, a new chef is hired into her kitchen without her knowledge. Since she is very anal when it comes to her life and particularly her kitchen, she goes quite ballistic when she finds out what the restaurant's owner did in her absence.
As is standard for romantic comedies, she bonds then forms a romantic relationship with the new chef, who also helps her find common ground with her niece. Following the formula, they encounter troubles along the way, but the end result is obvious.
This was a cute movie. Abigail Breslin was adorable as always, and there was some chemistry between the two romantic leads. I would probably watch it again if it was on TV, but most likely wouldn't seek it out.
10 words or less: Cute yet formulaic romantic comedy.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Crank
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Completed: 8/20/09
This novel, written in verse, is the story of a teenage girl who gets introduced to crystal meth by her father and falls deeply into its grasp. According to the author's notes, it was loosely based on the author's experiences with her own daughter's addiction.
The story starts with the image of a good girl, a junior in high school who never really did anything outrageously bad. She goes to spend time with her estranged father and gets introduced to the drug scene as a whole, mostly through her new boyfriend. After returning to her mother's home, the drug, represented as a monster, becomes more and more irresistible. Additionally, her addiction takes on an identity of its own, causing her to do things she never would have done otherwise. The tale progresses until a baby enters the picture.
As with all of Ms. Hopkins' works, I greatly enjoyed this book. I did sense that this was her first book, especially after reading her other works. Her story-telling matured as she continued to write, though started at a high level to begin with.
10 words or less: Yet another strong showing by the author.
Completed: 8/20/09
This novel, written in verse, is the story of a teenage girl who gets introduced to crystal meth by her father and falls deeply into its grasp. According to the author's notes, it was loosely based on the author's experiences with her own daughter's addiction.
The story starts with the image of a good girl, a junior in high school who never really did anything outrageously bad. She goes to spend time with her estranged father and gets introduced to the drug scene as a whole, mostly through her new boyfriend. After returning to her mother's home, the drug, represented as a monster, becomes more and more irresistible. Additionally, her addiction takes on an identity of its own, causing her to do things she never would have done otherwise. The tale progresses until a baby enters the picture.
As with all of Ms. Hopkins' works, I greatly enjoyed this book. I did sense that this was her first book, especially after reading her other works. Her story-telling matured as she continued to write, though started at a high level to begin with.
10 words or less: Yet another strong showing by the author.
Project Runway
View Date: 9/10/09
Designers: Qristyl, Nicolas, Irina, Gordana, Shirin, Logan, Christopher, Epperson, Johnny, Althea, Louise, Ra'mon, Carol Hannah
Tonight, the designers were given the challenge of creating fashions for their models (as clients) that was eye-catching and suitable for a model/industry event. This is also the designers' first one-day challenge. Time was definitely a major factor in this challenge.
Side note: Logan is one sexy beast. I can look at him all day long.
The judges were a little surprising tonight, as Heidi was the only familiar face. The others were all guests from the industry. The best and worst designs of the day belong to Carol Hannah, Logan, Epperson, Johnny, Qristyl, and Althea. Tops tonight was Althea, who received immunity for the next challenge as usual. Knocked out tonight was Qristyl, who produced a very plain and boring black dress.
10 words or less: Way too close a call for Logan.
Designers: Qristyl, Nicolas, Irina, Gordana, Shirin, Logan, Christopher, Epperson, Johnny, Althea, Louise, Ra'mon, Carol Hannah
Tonight, the designers were given the challenge of creating fashions for their models (as clients) that was eye-catching and suitable for a model/industry event. This is also the designers' first one-day challenge. Time was definitely a major factor in this challenge.
Side note: Logan is one sexy beast. I can look at him all day long.
The judges were a little surprising tonight, as Heidi was the only familiar face. The others were all guests from the industry. The best and worst designs of the day belong to Carol Hannah, Logan, Epperson, Johnny, Qristyl, and Althea. Tops tonight was Althea, who received immunity for the next challenge as usual. Knocked out tonight was Qristyl, who produced a very plain and boring black dress.
10 words or less: Way too close a call for Logan.
Persepolis
View Date: 9/10/09
Persepolis is a movie based on an autobiographical graphic novel. This animated feature was performed in French with English subtitles. It follows the history of Iran through the eyes of a growing girl from 1978 to present. This time period covers the fall of the Shah, the Iran/Iraq war, through the present oppressive regime.
I have seen various pages from the graphic novel, and it appears to stay true to the original work. I felt the present depictions being in color with the memories solely in grayscale was particularly poignant. It showed how bleak life could be, even for a young girl, even for a person from a distinguished and educated background. In fact, her family's involvement in politics, including a distant relation to the Shah, greatly influenced her childhood in a negative way.
The method of animation made it very obvious that this was adapted from a graphic novel, and also really helped it stay true to the book. I felt miserable at the girl's loss of freedom, joyful when she was happy or stood up for herself, and was able to identify with the depths of her depressions. Yet with all of the drama, there were some moments that made me chuckle out loud, such as her entrance into puberty.
I thought this movie was very well done. I was able to feel the turmoil of a young girl torn between freedom and family, safety and war/revolution, known and unknown. I was able to empathize with her through each death and love, setback and step forward. I can definitely understand why this movie was so critically acclaimed.
10 words or less: Unforgiving look at a young Iranian girl's life.
Persepolis is a movie based on an autobiographical graphic novel. This animated feature was performed in French with English subtitles. It follows the history of Iran through the eyes of a growing girl from 1978 to present. This time period covers the fall of the Shah, the Iran/Iraq war, through the present oppressive regime.
I have seen various pages from the graphic novel, and it appears to stay true to the original work. I felt the present depictions being in color with the memories solely in grayscale was particularly poignant. It showed how bleak life could be, even for a young girl, even for a person from a distinguished and educated background. In fact, her family's involvement in politics, including a distant relation to the Shah, greatly influenced her childhood in a negative way.
The method of animation made it very obvious that this was adapted from a graphic novel, and also really helped it stay true to the book. I felt miserable at the girl's loss of freedom, joyful when she was happy or stood up for herself, and was able to identify with the depths of her depressions. Yet with all of the drama, there were some moments that made me chuckle out loud, such as her entrance into puberty.
I thought this movie was very well done. I was able to feel the turmoil of a young girl torn between freedom and family, safety and war/revolution, known and unknown. I was able to empathize with her through each death and love, setback and step forward. I can definitely understand why this movie was so critically acclaimed.
10 words or less: Unforgiving look at a young Iranian girl's life.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Top Chef
View Date: 9/9/09
Quickfire Challenge: The challenge was to create a dish using escargot (snails) in a unique way. Not only is this a high stakes quickfire, the winner will get immunity and the loser will be eliminated. They had 45 minutes to complete the challenge. The favorites were from Mike I., Kevin, and Jennifer, with the winner being Kevin's. The least favorite dishes were those of Jesse, Ashley, and Robin. Instead of getting eliminated immediately, they got to compete in a cook-off creating an amouse bouche (sic) with anything in the kitchen. Jesse was eliminated, which wasn't altogether surprising because she has been in the bottom often.
Elimination Challenge: All the chefs except Kevin drew knives that contained either French sauces or popular proteins in French cuisine. The chefs were going to be cooking in pairs combining a protein and a sauce, and cooking for very famous French chefs. Kevin didn't have to cook, and he was to join the tasting panel, which was intimidating in and of itself. The chefs got to decide the pairings as a group.
I did think it was kind of humorous that, due to the chefs on the tasting panel, a translator was needed. Robin and Ron started off with a frog legs dish, followed by Mike I. and Bryan cooking trout and bernaise sauce. We then had Eli and Laurine with lobster and sauce Americaine. The fourth course was Mattin and Ashley preparing seared poussin with voulete sauce. Jennifer and Michael V. prepared rabbit with chasseur sauce, which is evidently a woodsman sauce. To finish off the meal, Hector and Ash prepared chateaubriand (beef) with a peppercorn sauce.
The top dishes of the night were those of Bryan/Mike I., and Mike V./Jennifer. Those brothers sure are cleaning up during this competition, and Jennifer has been at the top throughout, particularly in the quickfire challenges. Bryan won the challenge tonight, and his brother did not look particularly pleased about it. Not only did he win, but he also won time working with the guest judge in Vegas for a week. The least favorite dishes were those of Ashley/Mattin and Hector/Ash. Hector was eliminated based on his poor performance with the beef.
10 words or less: Sad to see Hector go, but not a favorite.
Quickfire Challenge: The challenge was to create a dish using escargot (snails) in a unique way. Not only is this a high stakes quickfire, the winner will get immunity and the loser will be eliminated. They had 45 minutes to complete the challenge. The favorites were from Mike I., Kevin, and Jennifer, with the winner being Kevin's. The least favorite dishes were those of Jesse, Ashley, and Robin. Instead of getting eliminated immediately, they got to compete in a cook-off creating an amouse bouche (sic) with anything in the kitchen. Jesse was eliminated, which wasn't altogether surprising because she has been in the bottom often.
Elimination Challenge: All the chefs except Kevin drew knives that contained either French sauces or popular proteins in French cuisine. The chefs were going to be cooking in pairs combining a protein and a sauce, and cooking for very famous French chefs. Kevin didn't have to cook, and he was to join the tasting panel, which was intimidating in and of itself. The chefs got to decide the pairings as a group.
I did think it was kind of humorous that, due to the chefs on the tasting panel, a translator was needed. Robin and Ron started off with a frog legs dish, followed by Mike I. and Bryan cooking trout and bernaise sauce. We then had Eli and Laurine with lobster and sauce Americaine. The fourth course was Mattin and Ashley preparing seared poussin with voulete sauce. Jennifer and Michael V. prepared rabbit with chasseur sauce, which is evidently a woodsman sauce. To finish off the meal, Hector and Ash prepared chateaubriand (beef) with a peppercorn sauce.
The top dishes of the night were those of Bryan/Mike I., and Mike V./Jennifer. Those brothers sure are cleaning up during this competition, and Jennifer has been at the top throughout, particularly in the quickfire challenges. Bryan won the challenge tonight, and his brother did not look particularly pleased about it. Not only did he win, but he also won time working with the guest judge in Vegas for a week. The least favorite dishes were those of Ashley/Mattin and Hector/Ash. Hector was eliminated based on his poor performance with the beef.
10 words or less: Sad to see Hector go, but not a favorite.
SYTYCD
View Date: 9/9/09
The show started with a brief recap of the past five seasons, showing some of the favorite dances as well as a synopsis of the winners for each season. Then, as usual, they showed various highlights for the upcoming auditions.
This was the start of the sixth season, and we started off with auditions in LA. The guest judge for this audition was Adam Shankman. We also learned that Anya and Pasha from Season 3 will be instructing the choreography when the judges want to see what else the contestants can do.
As always, there were some amazing performances, and some that were truly bizarre. Of course, there were heartfelt stories to go along with several of the performers. The most wonderful surprise of the night was a tap battle, or trading, between Bianca and Ryan, both of whom made it to Vegas last season. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant, and it left Adam Shankman speechless. Even with how great it was, I would have loved to see Bianca take Nigel up on his challenge at a battle. It was also freaking hilarious watching the judges chair-dance to “All That Jazz”. And that was all just on Day 1.
The second day produced more beautiful routines, particularly the female dancers. The final audition of the afternoon was Ryan's roommate from a tour of Fosse. Yes, we got to see yet another amazing tap dancer perform, which I absolutely love. There's nothing else in the world like great tapping.
10 words or less: Love this show. Love it, love it, love it.
The show started with a brief recap of the past five seasons, showing some of the favorite dances as well as a synopsis of the winners for each season. Then, as usual, they showed various highlights for the upcoming auditions.
This was the start of the sixth season, and we started off with auditions in LA. The guest judge for this audition was Adam Shankman. We also learned that Anya and Pasha from Season 3 will be instructing the choreography when the judges want to see what else the contestants can do.
As always, there were some amazing performances, and some that were truly bizarre. Of course, there were heartfelt stories to go along with several of the performers. The most wonderful surprise of the night was a tap battle, or trading, between Bianca and Ryan, both of whom made it to Vegas last season. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant, and it left Adam Shankman speechless. Even with how great it was, I would have loved to see Bianca take Nigel up on his challenge at a battle. It was also freaking hilarious watching the judges chair-dance to “All That Jazz”. And that was all just on Day 1.
The second day produced more beautiful routines, particularly the female dancers. The final audition of the afternoon was Ryan's roommate from a tour of Fosse. Yes, we got to see yet another amazing tap dancer perform, which I absolutely love. There's nothing else in the world like great tapping.
10 words or less: Love this show. Love it, love it, love it.
The Express
View Date: 8/19/09
This biographical film is the story of Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in college football. He joined Syracuse with the encouragement of Jim Brown, who had failed to win the coveted trophy the year before. Ernie goes through many difficult times, considering he is one of only a handful of African Americans on campus, and one of three on the football team. But as is the case in many of these stories, things turn around and he is accepted by the team and his coach, who all change for the better. After winning the award, he is drafted by the Cleveland Browns to play in the backfield with his mentor Jim Brown. Unfortunately, during camp, he is diagnosed with leukemia, and never sees any action in a professional game. He suits up for one pre-season Browns game, where he is presented to the crown under a spotlight. His number was retired by the Browns without ever having played in a game.
From the short biography I read of Ernie on-line, the movie appears pretty accurate. Dennis Quaid does an excellent job as a gruff, racist head coach who slowly starts to respect Ernie and guides and protects him as much as possible through football. The end made me cry, and I had to look up the story after the movie to see just how true it was. It was a great way to start off college football season, and was a great movie overall.
10 words or less: Amazing story of personal strength and growth.
This biographical film is the story of Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in college football. He joined Syracuse with the encouragement of Jim Brown, who had failed to win the coveted trophy the year before. Ernie goes through many difficult times, considering he is one of only a handful of African Americans on campus, and one of three on the football team. But as is the case in many of these stories, things turn around and he is accepted by the team and his coach, who all change for the better. After winning the award, he is drafted by the Cleveland Browns to play in the backfield with his mentor Jim Brown. Unfortunately, during camp, he is diagnosed with leukemia, and never sees any action in a professional game. He suits up for one pre-season Browns game, where he is presented to the crown under a spotlight. His number was retired by the Browns without ever having played in a game.
From the short biography I read of Ernie on-line, the movie appears pretty accurate. Dennis Quaid does an excellent job as a gruff, racist head coach who slowly starts to respect Ernie and guides and protects him as much as possible through football. The end made me cry, and I had to look up the story after the movie to see just how true it was. It was a great way to start off college football season, and was a great movie overall.
10 words or less: Amazing story of personal strength and growth.
Stripped
View Date: 8/19/09
This is a documentary about the exotic dancing business. The filmmaker decides to try stripping to make some extra money, and goes along with some of her stripper friends. Throughout the course of the movie, you get the backstory of 5 or 6 strippers, how they got into the business, and if they want out. It goes behind the scenes at various clubs, and even talks about the money that can be made and how the amount changes depending on how long you have been in the business. It also describes how a stripper's perspective on various aspects of life, such as money, men, and relationships, changes during their time in the business.
I thought this movie was OK. The quality of the filming was mediocre, and the camera work reminded me of the trailers for The Blair Witch Project. The story seemed to jump around quite a bit, and not in a good way. Actually, I thought the most interesting part was finding out what had happened to each of the girls featured after the filming was complete, and not all were happy stories. Overall, an OK glimpse into the world of strip clubs, but not recommended.
10 words or less: Shoddy film making made this hard to watch.
This is a documentary about the exotic dancing business. The filmmaker decides to try stripping to make some extra money, and goes along with some of her stripper friends. Throughout the course of the movie, you get the backstory of 5 or 6 strippers, how they got into the business, and if they want out. It goes behind the scenes at various clubs, and even talks about the money that can be made and how the amount changes depending on how long you have been in the business. It also describes how a stripper's perspective on various aspects of life, such as money, men, and relationships, changes during their time in the business.
I thought this movie was OK. The quality of the filming was mediocre, and the camera work reminded me of the trailers for The Blair Witch Project. The story seemed to jump around quite a bit, and not in a good way. Actually, I thought the most interesting part was finding out what had happened to each of the girls featured after the filming was complete, and not all were happy stories. Overall, an OK glimpse into the world of strip clubs, but not recommended.
10 words or less: Shoddy film making made this hard to watch.
Identical
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Completed: 8/19/09
This story, written in verse, tells the story of twin teenage girls. One is a good girl who has been sexually molested by her father for years, and serves a subservient role in the family, acting as the female head of the household in lieu of an absent political mother. The other is jealous of the attention her father is giving her sister, and acts it out through drugs, sex, and generally troublemaker actions. Each girl knows the other's secrets, but neither moves forward to really save the other.
When I was reading this, I was thinking that it was OK and yet another story by this author. Then came the surprise twist at the end and it totally threw me for a loop. I can usually see a twist coming, or at least suspect that there may be one. This one blindsided me and clarified the little tickles in my brain about the girls' totally identical appearances. Even though I don't usually like surprises, it really worked in this book.
10 words or less: A wickedly good surprise twist at the end.
Completed: 8/19/09
This story, written in verse, tells the story of twin teenage girls. One is a good girl who has been sexually molested by her father for years, and serves a subservient role in the family, acting as the female head of the household in lieu of an absent political mother. The other is jealous of the attention her father is giving her sister, and acts it out through drugs, sex, and generally troublemaker actions. Each girl knows the other's secrets, but neither moves forward to really save the other.
When I was reading this, I was thinking that it was OK and yet another story by this author. Then came the surprise twist at the end and it totally threw me for a loop. I can usually see a twist coming, or at least suspect that there may be one. This one blindsided me and clarified the little tickles in my brain about the girls' totally identical appearances. Even though I don't usually like surprises, it really worked in this book.
10 words or less: A wickedly good surprise twist at the end.
Rock Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
View Date: 8/18/09
This movie, featuring John C. Reilly, is the farsical tale of a musician's rise and fall in the music industry. It touches on several cliche's and stories made famous by the likes of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and the Beatles. In fact, several of these artists make "cameos" in the life of Dewey, with often hilarious results.
I really didn't want to see this movie, and only watched it because it was ending its run On Demand and on instant Netflix viewing. Yet now, I am so glad I did, and have raved about it to several people. I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe, even in the first 5 minutes. The music was quite excellent, and the "apperances" by the more famous musicians (as played by actors with a lot of name dropping) had me rolling. To top everything off, the movie actually gave a rather detailed musical history lesson from the 1950's until now.
10 words or less: So glad I actually watched this. Time well spent.
This movie, featuring John C. Reilly, is the farsical tale of a musician's rise and fall in the music industry. It touches on several cliche's and stories made famous by the likes of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and the Beatles. In fact, several of these artists make "cameos" in the life of Dewey, with often hilarious results.
I really didn't want to see this movie, and only watched it because it was ending its run On Demand and on instant Netflix viewing. Yet now, I am so glad I did, and have raved about it to several people. I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe, even in the first 5 minutes. The music was quite excellent, and the "apperances" by the more famous musicians (as played by actors with a lot of name dropping) had me rolling. To top everything off, the movie actually gave a rather detailed musical history lesson from the 1950's until now.
10 words or less: So glad I actually watched this. Time well spent.
Everest: Beyond the Limit, Season 2
Completed: 8/17/09
This show is the second season of the Discovery Channel series that documents one team's expedition to Mt. Everest. Some team members returned from the previous season in another attempt to conquer the mountain. Additionally, you met several new team members who's goal is to proceed into an area where no living creature can survive for long.
It was very nice to see some familiar faces again and really root for their success. It was also nice to see that Russell, the team leader, truly sticks to his word and does not let someone proceed up the mountain if they are not physically able to do so. His convictions, as explained in the bonus shows, are what make his team the safest way to conquer Everest. He may seem like a hardass sometimes, but everything he does is to protect his clients and his team.
10 words or less: A new season is starting in December. Can't wait.
This show is the second season of the Discovery Channel series that documents one team's expedition to Mt. Everest. Some team members returned from the previous season in another attempt to conquer the mountain. Additionally, you met several new team members who's goal is to proceed into an area where no living creature can survive for long.
It was very nice to see some familiar faces again and really root for their success. It was also nice to see that Russell, the team leader, truly sticks to his word and does not let someone proceed up the mountain if they are not physically able to do so. His convictions, as explained in the bonus shows, are what make his team the safest way to conquer Everest. He may seem like a hardass sometimes, but everything he does is to protect his clients and his team.
10 words or less: A new season is starting in December. Can't wait.
Impulse
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Completion Date: 8/17/09
This novel, written in verse, is the story of three teens who have all tried to commit suicide and meet each other in a psychiatric hospital. The story is told from the perspective of the three teens, each of whom arrived at the facility at different times but proceed through the program at approximately the same times. Each has their own problems to deal with, their own reasons for wanting to kill themselves, and their own path to healing. As they struggle to get better, they begin to rely on each other in the hope that they can face the outside world someday.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I did Ms. Hopkins' other novels. I felt that I could really relate to these characters, as I have felt many of the same feelings. I don't know how people of a different, older generation would appreciate this book, but it really struck a chord with me. The verse was perfectly situated for this story. It also shows that, no matter how normal someone may look, or how good their life may look, or even how stable their persona may appear, everything may be different if you dig a little deeper.
10 words or less: A story that touches the heart of teen angst.
Completion Date: 8/17/09
This novel, written in verse, is the story of three teens who have all tried to commit suicide and meet each other in a psychiatric hospital. The story is told from the perspective of the three teens, each of whom arrived at the facility at different times but proceed through the program at approximately the same times. Each has their own problems to deal with, their own reasons for wanting to kill themselves, and their own path to healing. As they struggle to get better, they begin to rely on each other in the hope that they can face the outside world someday.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I did Ms. Hopkins' other novels. I felt that I could really relate to these characters, as I have felt many of the same feelings. I don't know how people of a different, older generation would appreciate this book, but it really struck a chord with me. The verse was perfectly situated for this story. It also shows that, no matter how normal someone may look, or how good their life may look, or even how stable their persona may appear, everything may be different if you dig a little deeper.
10 words or less: A story that touches the heart of teen angst.
She's All That
View Date: 8/16/09
This perennial favorite is the story of an ugly duckling that receives a makeover and becomes one of the most popular kids at school. This transformation comes about due to a bet between popular male friends that one cannot transform a girl into prom queen. Combating the new-found popularity of the young woman is the guy's ex-girlfriend, who feels she was destined to become prom queen.
Many people who appeared in this film have gone on to do other films or television, including Paul Walker, Freddie Prinz Jr., Rachel Leigh Cook, and Usher. Sure, it has a sappy and predictable storyline, but it is still a good time on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
10 words or less: Always a favorite.
This perennial favorite is the story of an ugly duckling that receives a makeover and becomes one of the most popular kids at school. This transformation comes about due to a bet between popular male friends that one cannot transform a girl into prom queen. Combating the new-found popularity of the young woman is the guy's ex-girlfriend, who feels she was destined to become prom queen.
Many people who appeared in this film have gone on to do other films or television, including Paul Walker, Freddie Prinz Jr., Rachel Leigh Cook, and Usher. Sure, it has a sappy and predictable storyline, but it is still a good time on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
10 words or less: Always a favorite.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Project Runway
View Date: 9/3/09
Designers: Qristyl, Epperson, Johnny, Irina, Mitchell, Ra'mon, Shirin, Carol Hannah, Althea, Louise, Nicolas, Gordana, Logan, Christopher
Challenge: With Shirin's win last episode, she had immunity for tonight's challenge. The designers went on a field trip to the beach where they encounter Tim Gunn wearing flip-flops with his suit. The designers were instructed to create a fun and fashionable sun and surfware challenge. It was then announced that the designers were to work in pairs, and 7 team captains were chosen. Shirin chose Carol Hannah, Logan chose Christopher, Nicolas chose Gordana, Mitchell chose Ra'mon, Althea chose Louise, Qristyl chose Epperson, and Johnny wound up with Irina. The designers then had the opportunity to talk with various surfer girls to get their input. The teams had $50 and 15 minutes to shop for their supplies.
Tim came in later that night with a message from Heidi and the judges that each team had to create a second look. The second look had to be an avant garde look that goes with the surfware design, and both will be shown. They will get to go back to the store the next day with a $200 budget and 20 minutes, but only one team member will be going.
Mitchell/Ra'mon and Johnny/Irina were the top two teams. The low scores went to the teams of Qristyl/Epperson and Nicolas/Gordana. Yay, Ra'mon won, even with Mitchell as a detriment. With the win, he also gets immunity for the next challenge. Mitchell was eliminated, and rightfully so being that he didn't do any work.
10 words or less: Good job judges for making the right decision.
Designers: Qristyl, Epperson, Johnny, Irina, Mitchell, Ra'mon, Shirin, Carol Hannah, Althea, Louise, Nicolas, Gordana, Logan, Christopher
Challenge: With Shirin's win last episode, she had immunity for tonight's challenge. The designers went on a field trip to the beach where they encounter Tim Gunn wearing flip-flops with his suit. The designers were instructed to create a fun and fashionable sun and surfware challenge. It was then announced that the designers were to work in pairs, and 7 team captains were chosen. Shirin chose Carol Hannah, Logan chose Christopher, Nicolas chose Gordana, Mitchell chose Ra'mon, Althea chose Louise, Qristyl chose Epperson, and Johnny wound up with Irina. The designers then had the opportunity to talk with various surfer girls to get their input. The teams had $50 and 15 minutes to shop for their supplies.
Tim came in later that night with a message from Heidi and the judges that each team had to create a second look. The second look had to be an avant garde look that goes with the surfware design, and both will be shown. They will get to go back to the store the next day with a $200 budget and 20 minutes, but only one team member will be going.
Mitchell/Ra'mon and Johnny/Irina were the top two teams. The low scores went to the teams of Qristyl/Epperson and Nicolas/Gordana. Yay, Ra'mon won, even with Mitchell as a detriment. With the win, he also gets immunity for the next challenge. Mitchell was eliminated, and rightfully so being that he didn't do any work.
10 words or less: Good job judges for making the right decision.
Top Chef
View Date: 9/2/09
Chefs: Jennifer C., Laurine, Preeti, Ash, Jesse, Hector, Ashley, Ron, Robin, Mike I., Bryan, Mike V., Mattin, Kevin, Eli
Quickfire Challenge: The guest judge for this challenge was Mark Peel. The chefs were challenged to create an out-of-this-world dish using potatoes. Mark's least favorite dishes were from Eli, Ron, and Jesse. Favorites were Jennifer, Ash, and Ashley. The winner of the Quickfire was Jennifer, who also gains immunity for the elimination challenge. She certainly is racking up the wins.
Elimination Challenge: The special guest brought in to describe the challenge was Colonel Dave Belote. The chefs had to prepare a meal for 300 of the country's finest air force airmen. The chefs all cooked as a single team, but they would not find out their ingredients or cooking apparati until the next day. The group decides that there would be one head chef (Jennifer because of her immunity) and the others would split into pairs to cook together.
After entering the kitchen, they find that they will be working with canned foods, but in a kitchen without pots or burners. There are lots of concerns about cooking time, and cookware in general, but the group seemed to pull it off.
Once again, the guest judge is Mark Peel. The top dishes were Mike/Michael's pork belly and Eli/Kevin's pork and potato salad. The pork belly started as a smoked slab bacon that was then worked up as a pork belly. They also did a Greek shrimp salad. The winner of the challenge was Michael V. with his pork belly. Preeti/Loreen and Mike I. were sent back in as the least favorite dishes. As the judges pointed out, Mike looked downright pissed when brought back to the bottom group. The girls seemed a little confused, but neither really seemed to remember that this was a competition. Tonight, Preeti went home. Of the bottom three, I pretty much understand why she was chosen. I think it was a combination of the bad dish she made tonight, being in the bottom last week, and just not understanding the judges' comments.
10 words or less: Padme's getting really feisty this season.
Chefs: Jennifer C., Laurine, Preeti, Ash, Jesse, Hector, Ashley, Ron, Robin, Mike I., Bryan, Mike V., Mattin, Kevin, Eli
Quickfire Challenge: The guest judge for this challenge was Mark Peel. The chefs were challenged to create an out-of-this-world dish using potatoes. Mark's least favorite dishes were from Eli, Ron, and Jesse. Favorites were Jennifer, Ash, and Ashley. The winner of the Quickfire was Jennifer, who also gains immunity for the elimination challenge. She certainly is racking up the wins.
Elimination Challenge: The special guest brought in to describe the challenge was Colonel Dave Belote. The chefs had to prepare a meal for 300 of the country's finest air force airmen. The chefs all cooked as a single team, but they would not find out their ingredients or cooking apparati until the next day. The group decides that there would be one head chef (Jennifer because of her immunity) and the others would split into pairs to cook together.
After entering the kitchen, they find that they will be working with canned foods, but in a kitchen without pots or burners. There are lots of concerns about cooking time, and cookware in general, but the group seemed to pull it off.
Once again, the guest judge is Mark Peel. The top dishes were Mike/Michael's pork belly and Eli/Kevin's pork and potato salad. The pork belly started as a smoked slab bacon that was then worked up as a pork belly. They also did a Greek shrimp salad. The winner of the challenge was Michael V. with his pork belly. Preeti/Loreen and Mike I. were sent back in as the least favorite dishes. As the judges pointed out, Mike looked downright pissed when brought back to the bottom group. The girls seemed a little confused, but neither really seemed to remember that this was a competition. Tonight, Preeti went home. Of the bottom three, I pretty much understand why she was chosen. I think it was a combination of the bad dish she made tonight, being in the bottom last week, and just not understanding the judges' comments.
10 words or less: Padme's getting really feisty this season.
Project Runway
View Date: 9/1/09
Air Date: 8/27/09
Designers: Althea, Logan, Mitchell, Irina, Nicolas, Christopher, Gordana, Malvin, Ra'mon, Qristyl, Louise, Shirin, Carol Hannah, Johnny, Epperson
Challenge: The designers were given the challenge to design a chic pregnancy look for Rebecca Romijn. (This season was filmed almost a year ago. It is pretty obvious in this episode because out beautiful guest judge gave birth to her twins in December 2008.)
Chris won the challenge in the last episode, so he has immunity this time. The design could be designed for any type of event, and Rebecca's only real request was that it have a beautiful, form-fitting silhouette that would accentuate her female shape. The designers also have a $100 budget for this challenge.
Filling in for Michael Kors this week was Monique Lhullier. All of the judges this week have been pregnant, so they all have a unique perspective for this challenge. The top three were Louise, Althea,m and Shirin. The bottom three were Ra'mon, Malvin, and Mitchell. In the end, Shirin won the challenge and with it immunity. Malvin was sent packing, losing yet another really “out there” designer.
10 words or less: Say goodbye to another kind of bizarre designer.
Air Date: 8/27/09
Designers: Althea, Logan, Mitchell, Irina, Nicolas, Christopher, Gordana, Malvin, Ra'mon, Qristyl, Louise, Shirin, Carol Hannah, Johnny, Epperson
Challenge: The designers were given the challenge to design a chic pregnancy look for Rebecca Romijn. (This season was filmed almost a year ago. It is pretty obvious in this episode because out beautiful guest judge gave birth to her twins in December 2008.)
Chris won the challenge in the last episode, so he has immunity this time. The design could be designed for any type of event, and Rebecca's only real request was that it have a beautiful, form-fitting silhouette that would accentuate her female shape. The designers also have a $100 budget for this challenge.
Filling in for Michael Kors this week was Monique Lhullier. All of the judges this week have been pregnant, so they all have a unique perspective for this challenge. The top three were Louise, Althea,m and Shirin. The bottom three were Ra'mon, Malvin, and Mitchell. In the end, Shirin won the challenge and with it immunity. Malvin was sent packing, losing yet another really “out there” designer.
10 words or less: Say goodbye to another kind of bizarre designer.
Survivorman
View Dates
Season 1: 8/16/09
Season 2: 8/29/09
This is a series about a man, Les Stroud, who sets up various scenarios to survive in the wilderness for a week at a time. Usually he is not provided with any supplies outside of what would be available based on the scenario that was set up. For example, when he set up a motorbike running out of gas in the desert of the western USA, he had a utility tool and his motorbike.
This is a very enlightening series that can give many really good survival tips. He demonstrates several different ways to catch food, start a fire, and find water over the course of two seasons. My only comment is that watching the whole series in a short amount of time, it tends to get repetitive. At times it somewhat seems unbelievable, even though it is obvious that he is really out there.
10 words or less: Good show, but not all in a row.
Season 1: 8/16/09
Season 2: 8/29/09
This is a series about a man, Les Stroud, who sets up various scenarios to survive in the wilderness for a week at a time. Usually he is not provided with any supplies outside of what would be available based on the scenario that was set up. For example, when he set up a motorbike running out of gas in the desert of the western USA, he had a utility tool and his motorbike.
This is a very enlightening series that can give many really good survival tips. He demonstrates several different ways to catch food, start a fire, and find water over the course of two seasons. My only comment is that watching the whole series in a short amount of time, it tends to get repetitive. At times it somewhat seems unbelievable, even though it is obvious that he is really out there.
10 words or less: Good show, but not all in a row.
Top Chef
View Date: 8/31/09
Air Date: 8/26/09
Chefs: Jesse, Eve, Bryan, Kevin, Jennifer C., Ashley, Laurine, Mattin, Michael V., Hector, Preeti, Robin, Mike I., Eli, Ron, Ash
Quickfire Challenge: This was a high stakes challenge, where the winner got not only immunity but also $15000. The chefs approached a craps table and rolled the dice. The number attained was the number of ingredients the chefs had to use to prepare a dish in 30 minutes. Salt, pepper, and oil were the only freebies. Todd English, the guest judge, chose Michael V. as the winner, which made him happy to beat his brother.
Elimination Challenge: This is a battle of the sexes where the girls have to cook for a bachelor party, and the guys have to cook for the bachelorette party. Also, the meals have to be paired with the couple's favorite shots. Todd English was again the guest judge for this challenge. While there were a few chefs did have philosophical issues with this challenge due to them not being able to get married, they put their issues aside and presented a united front. Overall, the guys seemed to get better comments from the judges during the tasting portion, but both seemed to get good reviews from the guests.
Bryan, Hector, Eli, and Michael V. got called in, and were announced to be the winning team as well as the best dishes from the winning team. The challenge came down to the two brothers, but Bryan's sweet and sour macaroon won the day. Obviously, the girls lost, and the judges wanted to see Eve, Preeti, Jesse, and Ashley as the bottom 4. Eve was sent packing her knives for her fairly tasteless shrimp dish.
10 words or less: A little surprised by who was eliminated.
Air Date: 8/26/09
Chefs: Jesse, Eve, Bryan, Kevin, Jennifer C., Ashley, Laurine, Mattin, Michael V., Hector, Preeti, Robin, Mike I., Eli, Ron, Ash
Quickfire Challenge: This was a high stakes challenge, where the winner got not only immunity but also $15000. The chefs approached a craps table and rolled the dice. The number attained was the number of ingredients the chefs had to use to prepare a dish in 30 minutes. Salt, pepper, and oil were the only freebies. Todd English, the guest judge, chose Michael V. as the winner, which made him happy to beat his brother.
Elimination Challenge: This is a battle of the sexes where the girls have to cook for a bachelor party, and the guys have to cook for the bachelorette party. Also, the meals have to be paired with the couple's favorite shots. Todd English was again the guest judge for this challenge. While there were a few chefs did have philosophical issues with this challenge due to them not being able to get married, they put their issues aside and presented a united front. Overall, the guys seemed to get better comments from the judges during the tasting portion, but both seemed to get good reviews from the guests.
Bryan, Hector, Eli, and Michael V. got called in, and were announced to be the winning team as well as the best dishes from the winning team. The challenge came down to the two brothers, but Bryan's sweet and sour macaroon won the day. Obviously, the girls lost, and the judges wanted to see Eve, Preeti, Jesse, and Ashley as the bottom 4. Eve was sent packing her knives for her fairly tasteless shrimp dish.
10 words or less: A little surprised by who was eliminated.
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