Air Date: 10/29/09
View Date: 10/31/09
This week's episode again started off with a peek into the strategizing at each camp, as well as the misery being experienced due to the weather. Galu still had to elect a new leader, and the guys decided to elect Shambo to get her on their side. Luckily the guys had the numbers to make it happen. Monica started questioning her status in the tribe with the election because she thought Shambo was going home next. The guys don't have any faith in Shambo, but wanted her on their side.
The reward challenge was a matching game. The tribe members searched for thirteen matching pairs of survival items, and would be awarded a point for each match. However, the tribe leader could keep the item uncovered by forfeiting the point for the match. The reward was travelling by sailboat for the day with a feast. Galu found the first two matches and decided to keep the firestarting kit, then later kept a tarp. The matches continued, with everyone keeping the points to try to win the reward. In the end, Galu won the reward, but also sent a member to the Foa Foa camp who would not participate in the reward. Team members, particularly the girls, did question Shambo's decision to send Laura and her leadership in general.
Laura started palling around Foa Foa and pulling others from doing work around camp. Russell planted the seed of starting an alliance with her and Natalie, while Natalie really buddied up with her.
At the immunity challenge, the tribe members had to paddle out to retrieve 6 sets of fish shaped puzzle pieces. Once all sets had been retrieved, three members would complete a puzzle, with immunity going to the winner. Foa Foa wondered if the leader necklace was bad luck and left it at home. Jeff indicated that, as long as they had a leader, the necklace was just symbolic. Foa Foa got off to a great lead, and tend to be pretty competitive with purely physical challenges. Rather than paddling, teams swam and pushed their boats out tot he pieces, but rowed back to the shore. Three members of each tribe worked on the puzzles while the other members untied puzzle pieces. Galu won the challenge, even after Foa Foa came up with the pattern first. Jaison seemed to give up during this challenge, both after the collection and during his working on the puzzle.
After the challenge, Russell started questioning his plans to knock out Liz and began thinking about Jaison. Jaison did realize that he might be at risk due to his performance at the challenge. At tribal, Russell indicated that he was really hoping for the merge to even have a chance at winning. Liz was voted out, and Jeff indicated that they weren't very good at challenges, but were getting really good at blindsides.
10 words or less: Waiting for the merge next week.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
SYTYCD
View Date: 10/27/09
The first episode of the season, which provided us with an introduction to the new dancers in their own style, will be reported on at a later date once I see the entire thing. Tonight is the first competition episode. Due to the baseball playoffs, no results show will be seen this week. Instead, the judges eliminated two dancers tonight. Another sad bit of news was that Billy Bell, who was one of my favorite dancers from the auditions, had to drop out of the competition due to illness. He was replaced with Brandon Dumlao. Noelle also injured her knee this week and would not be able to dance, being replaced by her choreographer for this week's performance.
We were graced by our permanent table of judges tonight in Nigel, Mary, and Adam. The first pairing was Channing and Phillip performing a Jason Gilkison jive number. I thought this was a cute number, and Phillip's experience in tap gave him the right performance quality. I agree with Mary that it was not bad, but it left me wanting to see what else was to come.
Next up was Ashleigh and Jakob, who danced a Tyce DiOrio Broadway number. The steps were technically performed very well. Jakob was almost too perfect in his moves, particularly in his leaps and extensions. I actually enjoyed Ashleigh's performance, and thought she brought the right amount of sexiness to Tyce's routine.
Ariana and Peter were up next, performing a Tabitha and Napoleon hip hop routine. The routine started off really slow, but that was by no means the dancers' fault. It just didn't WOW me. They seemed rather uncomfortable, and they didn't really mesh well. They seemed really out of step at points, and their levels of movement were very different. What I mean is, he seemed to do a much more subtle hip hop, while she was hitting harder but more sloppily. He seemed to capture more of what the choreography seemed to mean, but it just wasn't very good all around.
The next couple was Noelle and Russell dancing a Foxtrot by Tony and Melanie. I really love Russell as he has amazed people every step along the way. Because Noelle cannot dance tonight due to a knee injury, Russell danced with Melanie, his choreographer. Seeing him on that stage, you would never know he was a krumper. I love the Foxtrot, and he look like he was made to dance it. This was the quality of dance that I was waiting for. The judges had some issues with the footwork, but they did commend his lines, extensions, and performance.
Bianca and Victor were up next, with a Travis Wall contemporary piece. Victor is a contemporary dancer, while Bianca is a tapper. I am sooooo glad they brought Travis back as a choreographer this season. There is a definite piece of him in everything he designs. I thought it was danced beautifully, and could really see the story that was intended come out through the dance. I also agree with Nigel that the pair was the most connected of all the couples we have seen so far tonight.
Karen and Kevin danced a Tony and Melanie Cha Cha. Karen is a Latin ballroom dancer, while Kevin is a hip hopper. I think it is hilarious that they danced to the Glee version of Push It, as in performed by the cast of Glee. I thought he tried really hard, but this was totally her dance. She looked totally at ease with this dance. He was gorgeous, but it was really hard to pull my eyes away from Karen. Karen was the first of the year to be put on Mary's Hot Tamale Train.
Ellenore and Ryan danced a contemporary jazz routine choreographed by Sonya. Sonya claimed that she had never been so inspired until the day she met this couple. If I didn't know better, I would never believe that Ryan is a ballroom dancer. He reminds me of Ade from last season because he is so powerful. It was a really good routine and seems like a really good pairing.
Pauline was to be dancing with Billy, but will now be partnered with Brandon. They danced a smooth waltz choreographed by Jason Gilkison. I usually not a huge fan of the smooth waltz, but the dancing itself was lovely. I looked like it could have come out of a romantic movie. Also, these two had some major chemistry between them. And considering he joined the show a day and a half ago, the performance was amazing.
Kathryn and Legacy were up next, with a Dave Scott hip hop routine. I totally expected Legacy to rock this performance, but he did even better than I thought he would. Kathryn, for being a contemporary dancer, was wonderful. Loved the story and thought that it worked really well with the music. Great hitting from both of the dancers throughout the routine, and they really brought out the humor in the piece. I also agree with Adam that they had great chemistry, and they can learn a lot from each other.
Mollee and Nathan were the last couple to perform, and they did so with a Doria Sanchez disco routine. There were lots of great tricks, but I could have used more from her. She did well, but she didn't seem to have the right groove throughout. Very showy, just like disco is supposed to be. He was a great partner, mostly because he was a great base for the tricks. The routine came across as effortless. I couldn't quite put my finger on what I didn't latch on to, but something just struck me as wrong.
The judges then had to nominate 4 dancers to be at risk tonight, when they would be judged on everything they knew of them since meeting them. The dancers selected were Ariana, Brandon, Pauline, and Russell. The announcement of Russell got huge boos and gasps from us at home. He was the only one I was really surprised about from that grouping. These four performed their solos, of which I enjoyed those of Pauline and Russell the best due to the energy involved. The other two dancers performed very well, but of the four, I would prefer to see Ariana and Brandon go home.
From the girls, Ariana was eliminated from the show, mainly due to a lack of charisma and love in her performances. Next up, the judges eliminated Brandon due mainly to an unfortunate sequence of events that got him into the top 20. Because of his circumstances, Nigel will be talking to the powers that be to see if he can come back next season. So next week, there will be a new coupling with Pauline and Peter.
10 words or less: Too close for Russell. Hope to see Brandon next season.
The first episode of the season, which provided us with an introduction to the new dancers in their own style, will be reported on at a later date once I see the entire thing. Tonight is the first competition episode. Due to the baseball playoffs, no results show will be seen this week. Instead, the judges eliminated two dancers tonight. Another sad bit of news was that Billy Bell, who was one of my favorite dancers from the auditions, had to drop out of the competition due to illness. He was replaced with Brandon Dumlao. Noelle also injured her knee this week and would not be able to dance, being replaced by her choreographer for this week's performance.
We were graced by our permanent table of judges tonight in Nigel, Mary, and Adam. The first pairing was Channing and Phillip performing a Jason Gilkison jive number. I thought this was a cute number, and Phillip's experience in tap gave him the right performance quality. I agree with Mary that it was not bad, but it left me wanting to see what else was to come.
Next up was Ashleigh and Jakob, who danced a Tyce DiOrio Broadway number. The steps were technically performed very well. Jakob was almost too perfect in his moves, particularly in his leaps and extensions. I actually enjoyed Ashleigh's performance, and thought she brought the right amount of sexiness to Tyce's routine.
Ariana and Peter were up next, performing a Tabitha and Napoleon hip hop routine. The routine started off really slow, but that was by no means the dancers' fault. It just didn't WOW me. They seemed rather uncomfortable, and they didn't really mesh well. They seemed really out of step at points, and their levels of movement were very different. What I mean is, he seemed to do a much more subtle hip hop, while she was hitting harder but more sloppily. He seemed to capture more of what the choreography seemed to mean, but it just wasn't very good all around.
The next couple was Noelle and Russell dancing a Foxtrot by Tony and Melanie. I really love Russell as he has amazed people every step along the way. Because Noelle cannot dance tonight due to a knee injury, Russell danced with Melanie, his choreographer. Seeing him on that stage, you would never know he was a krumper. I love the Foxtrot, and he look like he was made to dance it. This was the quality of dance that I was waiting for. The judges had some issues with the footwork, but they did commend his lines, extensions, and performance.
Bianca and Victor were up next, with a Travis Wall contemporary piece. Victor is a contemporary dancer, while Bianca is a tapper. I am sooooo glad they brought Travis back as a choreographer this season. There is a definite piece of him in everything he designs. I thought it was danced beautifully, and could really see the story that was intended come out through the dance. I also agree with Nigel that the pair was the most connected of all the couples we have seen so far tonight.
Karen and Kevin danced a Tony and Melanie Cha Cha. Karen is a Latin ballroom dancer, while Kevin is a hip hopper. I think it is hilarious that they danced to the Glee version of Push It, as in performed by the cast of Glee. I thought he tried really hard, but this was totally her dance. She looked totally at ease with this dance. He was gorgeous, but it was really hard to pull my eyes away from Karen. Karen was the first of the year to be put on Mary's Hot Tamale Train.
Ellenore and Ryan danced a contemporary jazz routine choreographed by Sonya. Sonya claimed that she had never been so inspired until the day she met this couple. If I didn't know better, I would never believe that Ryan is a ballroom dancer. He reminds me of Ade from last season because he is so powerful. It was a really good routine and seems like a really good pairing.
Pauline was to be dancing with Billy, but will now be partnered with Brandon. They danced a smooth waltz choreographed by Jason Gilkison. I usually not a huge fan of the smooth waltz, but the dancing itself was lovely. I looked like it could have come out of a romantic movie. Also, these two had some major chemistry between them. And considering he joined the show a day and a half ago, the performance was amazing.
Kathryn and Legacy were up next, with a Dave Scott hip hop routine. I totally expected Legacy to rock this performance, but he did even better than I thought he would. Kathryn, for being a contemporary dancer, was wonderful. Loved the story and thought that it worked really well with the music. Great hitting from both of the dancers throughout the routine, and they really brought out the humor in the piece. I also agree with Adam that they had great chemistry, and they can learn a lot from each other.
Mollee and Nathan were the last couple to perform, and they did so with a Doria Sanchez disco routine. There were lots of great tricks, but I could have used more from her. She did well, but she didn't seem to have the right groove throughout. Very showy, just like disco is supposed to be. He was a great partner, mostly because he was a great base for the tricks. The routine came across as effortless. I couldn't quite put my finger on what I didn't latch on to, but something just struck me as wrong.
The judges then had to nominate 4 dancers to be at risk tonight, when they would be judged on everything they knew of them since meeting them. The dancers selected were Ariana, Brandon, Pauline, and Russell. The announcement of Russell got huge boos and gasps from us at home. He was the only one I was really surprised about from that grouping. These four performed their solos, of which I enjoyed those of Pauline and Russell the best due to the energy involved. The other two dancers performed very well, but of the four, I would prefer to see Ariana and Brandon go home.
From the girls, Ariana was eliminated from the show, mainly due to a lack of charisma and love in her performances. Next up, the judges eliminated Brandon due mainly to an unfortunate sequence of events that got him into the top 20. Because of his circumstances, Nigel will be talking to the powers that be to see if he can come back next season. So next week, there will be a new coupling with Pauline and Peter.
10 words or less: Too close for Russell. Hope to see Brandon next season.
Top Chef
Top Chef
View Date: 10/28/09
Quickfire Challenge: Tonight's guest judge was Paul Bartolotta, a famous Italian chef who is particularly well-known in Vegas. The chefs needed to take a classic TV dinner and reinvent it. However, they had to base their dish particularly on a specific classic TV show. The contestants drew knives to determine which show would be their inspiration. The pairings were as follows:
Kevin: Sopranos
Robin: Sesame Street
Eli: Gilligan's Island
Bryan: MASH
Jennifer: Flinstones
Mike I.: Seinfeld
Michael V.: Cheers
The dishes they used were really cool, and looked like a classic TV dinner tray. Some of the contestants had problems because they had never seen the shows before. The least favorite dishes were Jennifer's and Robin's. The favorite dishes included Kevin's and Bryan's. While both did very well, Kevin won, which surprises me based on the judges' reactions. His dish will be featured in a frozen line coming out by Top Chef.
Elimination Challenge: The chefs took over Tom Collichio's restaurant and his menu. Once the chefs got to the restaurant and started reviewing the steaks, Tom brought in a guest taster for the night, Natalie Portman. She dropped the bomb that, while she's an adventurous meals, she is also a vegetarian. Therefore, a chop house would need to go vegetarian for one night. That changed everyone's meals and all of the dishes needed to be totally rethought. Some of the chefs had a great deal of experience with vegetarian cooking, while others had a really hard time changing concepts at the last minute.
Robin was up first, but she had some problems with time and plating, not getting beans onto all of the plates. The plating was very beautiful, but the seasoning had some balance issues.
Eli was up next, and the judges thought it was a rather tasty dish.
Michael was also pressed for time due mainly to his approach to food being riskier than the other contestants'. The judges really liked the dish, but some were a little put off by the large lumps of banana in his polenta. There were more people tonight to call him Picasso, in that it was very pretty and very good if a little confusing.
Jennifer was nervous and really shaky, which was particularly noticeable when she sauced the individual plates at the table. The tasters considered it not quite substantial enough, and that it would have made a really good side dish.
Mike provided a plate of vegetables that did not have a protein. They liked the colors and the appearance, but decided it could have been executed better.
Bryan was also in a time crunch, and was not able to plate all of his components. There was lots of gutter talk around the table while the judges were describing their opinions of this dish.
Kevin was disappointed in his plating thinking that it looked sloppier than he wanted. The dish was very substantive, and the tasters thought it was a very manly vegetarian meal. Additionally, they felt that this was truly and entree, as it was not a light plate of vegetables.
First up to judge's table were Kevin, Michael, and Eli, who of course had the favorite dishes of the evening. Praise was given all around, then Natalie announced that Kevin was the winner for this challenge. Michael's competitive side was really coming out after coming from judge's table, because he was really not happy about Kevin winning for a “simple” dish. For winning this challenge, he won a suite of GE appliances.
As the least favorite dishes, the judges wanted to see Robin, Jennifer, and Mike. Mike was full of excuses, and still could not answer the judges' questions about why there was no protein on the plate. Robin really shot herself in the foot, because she just wouldn't stop talking. Tom called her on that as a sign of her being all over the map in her cooking. Jennifer was called out on not providing a very substantial dish, but she also really didn't give any excuses for her poor performance. That was a nice change, especially after seeing Mike's and Robin's reactions, but she did seem a bit defeated. In the end, Mike was eliminated from the competition. While the elimination was not a total surprise, I really thought Robin would be going home before Mike. Mike has not yet reached the level of the top competitors, but he did have talent.
10 words or less: When will Robin finally leave?
View Date: 10/28/09
Quickfire Challenge: Tonight's guest judge was Paul Bartolotta, a famous Italian chef who is particularly well-known in Vegas. The chefs needed to take a classic TV dinner and reinvent it. However, they had to base their dish particularly on a specific classic TV show. The contestants drew knives to determine which show would be their inspiration. The pairings were as follows:
Kevin: Sopranos
Robin: Sesame Street
Eli: Gilligan's Island
Bryan: MASH
Jennifer: Flinstones
Mike I.: Seinfeld
Michael V.: Cheers
The dishes they used were really cool, and looked like a classic TV dinner tray. Some of the contestants had problems because they had never seen the shows before. The least favorite dishes were Jennifer's and Robin's. The favorite dishes included Kevin's and Bryan's. While both did very well, Kevin won, which surprises me based on the judges' reactions. His dish will be featured in a frozen line coming out by Top Chef.
Elimination Challenge: The chefs took over Tom Collichio's restaurant and his menu. Once the chefs got to the restaurant and started reviewing the steaks, Tom brought in a guest taster for the night, Natalie Portman. She dropped the bomb that, while she's an adventurous meals, she is also a vegetarian. Therefore, a chop house would need to go vegetarian for one night. That changed everyone's meals and all of the dishes needed to be totally rethought. Some of the chefs had a great deal of experience with vegetarian cooking, while others had a really hard time changing concepts at the last minute.
Robin was up first, but she had some problems with time and plating, not getting beans onto all of the plates. The plating was very beautiful, but the seasoning had some balance issues.
Eli was up next, and the judges thought it was a rather tasty dish.
Michael was also pressed for time due mainly to his approach to food being riskier than the other contestants'. The judges really liked the dish, but some were a little put off by the large lumps of banana in his polenta. There were more people tonight to call him Picasso, in that it was very pretty and very good if a little confusing.
Jennifer was nervous and really shaky, which was particularly noticeable when she sauced the individual plates at the table. The tasters considered it not quite substantial enough, and that it would have made a really good side dish.
Mike provided a plate of vegetables that did not have a protein. They liked the colors and the appearance, but decided it could have been executed better.
Bryan was also in a time crunch, and was not able to plate all of his components. There was lots of gutter talk around the table while the judges were describing their opinions of this dish.
Kevin was disappointed in his plating thinking that it looked sloppier than he wanted. The dish was very substantive, and the tasters thought it was a very manly vegetarian meal. Additionally, they felt that this was truly and entree, as it was not a light plate of vegetables.
First up to judge's table were Kevin, Michael, and Eli, who of course had the favorite dishes of the evening. Praise was given all around, then Natalie announced that Kevin was the winner for this challenge. Michael's competitive side was really coming out after coming from judge's table, because he was really not happy about Kevin winning for a “simple” dish. For winning this challenge, he won a suite of GE appliances.
As the least favorite dishes, the judges wanted to see Robin, Jennifer, and Mike. Mike was full of excuses, and still could not answer the judges' questions about why there was no protein on the plate. Robin really shot herself in the foot, because she just wouldn't stop talking. Tom called her on that as a sign of her being all over the map in her cooking. Jennifer was called out on not providing a very substantial dish, but she also really didn't give any excuses for her poor performance. That was a nice change, especially after seeing Mike's and Robin's reactions, but she did seem a bit defeated. In the end, Mike was eliminated from the competition. While the elimination was not a total surprise, I really thought Robin would be going home before Mike. Mike has not yet reached the level of the top competitors, but he did have talent.
10 words or less: When will Robin finally leave?
Project Runway
View Date: 10/29/09
This week, the designers started out waiting for Heidi with their backs facing the runway. When she approaches, they are allowed to turn around and are surprised by seeing their best looks from the season. Their task is to create a companion look to their first piece. Of the remaining designers, Logan is the only one whose best look wasn't a winning look for a challenge. However, he did note that he was happy by the look they chose for him. The designers have one day to complete this challenge.
While shopping at Mood, Irina spent quite a bit of time standing at the counter having already checked out while the other contestants continued to scramble around the store. Logan had an interesting concept to expand on his zippers from his first look. Therefore, he bought 40 zippers, and said that the outfit would be very much metal and trim.
There was lots of griping and bitching this week in the workroom and about other people's designs as they came down the runway. As there were only 6 people left, the judges talked to everyone. The preferred looks were from Irina, Carol-Hannah, and Althea, while those who were had the least-fabulous looks were Logan, Christopher, and Gordana. The judges also seemed to really rip apart the outfits tonight that they didn't like, sounding really petty. Just because they didn't agree with the designer's concept doesn't mean that other people wouldn't. Althea won this competition, and Irina was thoroughly pissed because she swears that the sweater idea was copied. Logan and Gordana were the bottom two, with Logan being asked to leave.
10 words or less: All the hotness just went out the door with Logan.
This week, the designers started out waiting for Heidi with their backs facing the runway. When she approaches, they are allowed to turn around and are surprised by seeing their best looks from the season. Their task is to create a companion look to their first piece. Of the remaining designers, Logan is the only one whose best look wasn't a winning look for a challenge. However, he did note that he was happy by the look they chose for him. The designers have one day to complete this challenge.
While shopping at Mood, Irina spent quite a bit of time standing at the counter having already checked out while the other contestants continued to scramble around the store. Logan had an interesting concept to expand on his zippers from his first look. Therefore, he bought 40 zippers, and said that the outfit would be very much metal and trim.
There was lots of griping and bitching this week in the workroom and about other people's designs as they came down the runway. As there were only 6 people left, the judges talked to everyone. The preferred looks were from Irina, Carol-Hannah, and Althea, while those who were had the least-fabulous looks were Logan, Christopher, and Gordana. The judges also seemed to really rip apart the outfits tonight that they didn't like, sounding really petty. Just because they didn't agree with the designer's concept doesn't mean that other people wouldn't. Althea won this competition, and Irina was thoroughly pissed because she swears that the sweater idea was copied. Logan and Gordana were the bottom two, with Logan being asked to leave.
10 words or less: All the hotness just went out the door with Logan.
SYTYCD
Air Date: 10/26/09
View Date: 10/31/09
This was a special episode that showcased the top 20 dancers as a means of America meeting them before having to vote on them. We got to see the dancers perform in their own style in a non-elimination round. The set is new for the regular season but was used for the finale of last season. There have been mixed fan reviews about the new set, especially because it looks very large and does not have stairs or anything the dancers could use.
The first dance was choreographed by Wade Robson and was conceived by him and his wife, Amanda. I always loved the chosen song, especially after it was used in Pulp Fiction. The costumes were amazing, and the choreography really showed off the dancers with them being split into relatively small groups for the majority of the number. No one was really out there or stood out like a sore thumb. It was a great way to start the show.
The dancers were split into small groups based on their individual styles. First up were the hip hop dancers, where we had a krumper, a pop and locker, and a B-boy, three totally different styles that don't rely on choreography. The routine was choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon, who had a lot of fun at the beginning of rehersals dancing with people who were well-versed in their own style. The individual styles were fantastically highlighted, and the dancers really shown. Legacy was more amazing than I thought he would be after watching him through the auditions, and Russell was wonderful as usual. Kevin was very good, but to me he just doesn't stand out as much as the other two yet.
The first of two contemporary numbers was choreographed by Tyce DiOrio and included Channing, Nathan, Jakob, and Ariana. It was a very lovely routine, and reminded me of a Mia Michaels number. Again, it showcased the dancers technical skills as well as their grace, everything that contemporary dancers are known for.
Next to dance were the tappers, Bianca, Phillip, and Peter. Derick K. Grant, a new choreographer, was brought in to create this style that has not been seen on this show before. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love tap. These guys were amazingly in sync, and were showcased in really fun solos. I'm surprised at how well Peter did, as we really didn't see much of him during the auditions. It was a very nice routine by a new choreographer. Nigel made a good point that, because tap cannot be taught in such a short amount of time, the tappers will need to perform everyone else's styles of dance, but no one would be performing theirs.
Jazz was next, with Mollee, Pauline, and Ellenore performing a Sonya number. This was designed to be a sexy number, mostly expressed through confidence, and these ladies definitely were that. Of all of them, I thought Pauline really brought it, but the other girls did admirably as well. This was one of the most “normal” routines ever designed by Sonya, and it was a nice change.
Victor, Billy, Noelle, and Kathryn were our second set of contemporary dancers, choreographed by Mandy Moore. A truly beautiful piece with some nice partnering. Being that I watched this after it aired, I know that Billy had to drop out of the competition, and Noelle injured herself and may not be able to continue to compete. The show will be seriously be hurt by losing those two dancers, Billy in particular.
Finally, the show ended with the the Latin ballroom dancers, including Ryan, Ashleigh, and Karin. The routine was choreographed by Jason Gilkison, who at first didn't realize he was working with the show's first married couple. Ryan is one hot beast, and Ashleigh has improved over Vegas week. But by far, the better girl is Karin.
10 words or less: Looks like it will be a great season.
View Date: 10/31/09
This was a special episode that showcased the top 20 dancers as a means of America meeting them before having to vote on them. We got to see the dancers perform in their own style in a non-elimination round. The set is new for the regular season but was used for the finale of last season. There have been mixed fan reviews about the new set, especially because it looks very large and does not have stairs or anything the dancers could use.
The first dance was choreographed by Wade Robson and was conceived by him and his wife, Amanda. I always loved the chosen song, especially after it was used in Pulp Fiction. The costumes were amazing, and the choreography really showed off the dancers with them being split into relatively small groups for the majority of the number. No one was really out there or stood out like a sore thumb. It was a great way to start the show.
The dancers were split into small groups based on their individual styles. First up were the hip hop dancers, where we had a krumper, a pop and locker, and a B-boy, three totally different styles that don't rely on choreography. The routine was choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon, who had a lot of fun at the beginning of rehersals dancing with people who were well-versed in their own style. The individual styles were fantastically highlighted, and the dancers really shown. Legacy was more amazing than I thought he would be after watching him through the auditions, and Russell was wonderful as usual. Kevin was very good, but to me he just doesn't stand out as much as the other two yet.
The first of two contemporary numbers was choreographed by Tyce DiOrio and included Channing, Nathan, Jakob, and Ariana. It was a very lovely routine, and reminded me of a Mia Michaels number. Again, it showcased the dancers technical skills as well as their grace, everything that contemporary dancers are known for.
Next to dance were the tappers, Bianca, Phillip, and Peter. Derick K. Grant, a new choreographer, was brought in to create this style that has not been seen on this show before. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love tap. These guys were amazingly in sync, and were showcased in really fun solos. I'm surprised at how well Peter did, as we really didn't see much of him during the auditions. It was a very nice routine by a new choreographer. Nigel made a good point that, because tap cannot be taught in such a short amount of time, the tappers will need to perform everyone else's styles of dance, but no one would be performing theirs.
Jazz was next, with Mollee, Pauline, and Ellenore performing a Sonya number. This was designed to be a sexy number, mostly expressed through confidence, and these ladies definitely were that. Of all of them, I thought Pauline really brought it, but the other girls did admirably as well. This was one of the most “normal” routines ever designed by Sonya, and it was a nice change.
Victor, Billy, Noelle, and Kathryn were our second set of contemporary dancers, choreographed by Mandy Moore. A truly beautiful piece with some nice partnering. Being that I watched this after it aired, I know that Billy had to drop out of the competition, and Noelle injured herself and may not be able to continue to compete. The show will be seriously be hurt by losing those two dancers, Billy in particular.
Finally, the show ended with the the Latin ballroom dancers, including Ryan, Ashleigh, and Karin. The routine was choreographed by Jason Gilkison, who at first didn't realize he was working with the show's first married couple. Ryan is one hot beast, and Ashleigh has improved over Vegas week. But by far, the better girl is Karin.
10 words or less: Looks like it will be a great season.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Project Runway
View Date: 10/22/09
This week, the designers had one day to complete a Michael Kors challenge. Kors provided the contestants with pictures and descriptions of some of the locations that have inspired his designes in the past. The designers had to create works inspired by the locations provided. Irina chose Aspen, Gordana had Park Avenue in New York, while Althea picked St. Tropez. Carol-Hannah was able to grab Palm Beach, while Christopher chose Santa Fe, Nicolas picked Greece, and Logan got stuck with Hollywood.
On the runway, Irina, Gordana, and Carol-Hannah were the judges' favorites. They praised Gordana's high end style, particularly the intricate beaded necklace that was removable to wear with other outfits. Carol-Hannah really captured the essence of Palm Beach, with her patterned flowing dress and the twist and braid details that really added some pop. Irina created a three piece ensemble that had fitted pants inspired by ski pants, a belted sweater with a large cowl neck, and a faux fur vest that totally captured the style of an Aspen ski lodge. The least favorites of the night included Christopher's Santa Fe-inspired outfits, as the colors were deemed to be not vivid enough and the pieces were out of proportion. Logan's was acceptable, but was said to be rather boring. He chose to make a casual T-shirt and skinny jeans for a young, hot actress. The judges thought it was OK, but thought he could have been much more creative. Nicolas's design appeared to have absolutely nothing to do with Greece.
Irina won the challenge yet again, but her design was truly inspired and really captured the essence of her location. Logan was safe, so Christopher and Nicolas were in the bottom two. Nicolas was sent home, with Christopher surviving the bottom two for yet another week.
While I do think Christopher should have been sent home weeks ago, Nicolas has annoyed me from the very beginning. Christopher certainly deserved to be sent home, but I am definitely not upset that Nicolas was sent home.
10 words or less: Good riddance, Nicolas.
This week, the designers had one day to complete a Michael Kors challenge. Kors provided the contestants with pictures and descriptions of some of the locations that have inspired his designes in the past. The designers had to create works inspired by the locations provided. Irina chose Aspen, Gordana had Park Avenue in New York, while Althea picked St. Tropez. Carol-Hannah was able to grab Palm Beach, while Christopher chose Santa Fe, Nicolas picked Greece, and Logan got stuck with Hollywood.
On the runway, Irina, Gordana, and Carol-Hannah were the judges' favorites. They praised Gordana's high end style, particularly the intricate beaded necklace that was removable to wear with other outfits. Carol-Hannah really captured the essence of Palm Beach, with her patterned flowing dress and the twist and braid details that really added some pop. Irina created a three piece ensemble that had fitted pants inspired by ski pants, a belted sweater with a large cowl neck, and a faux fur vest that totally captured the style of an Aspen ski lodge. The least favorites of the night included Christopher's Santa Fe-inspired outfits, as the colors were deemed to be not vivid enough and the pieces were out of proportion. Logan's was acceptable, but was said to be rather boring. He chose to make a casual T-shirt and skinny jeans for a young, hot actress. The judges thought it was OK, but thought he could have been much more creative. Nicolas's design appeared to have absolutely nothing to do with Greece.
Irina won the challenge yet again, but her design was truly inspired and really captured the essence of her location. Logan was safe, so Christopher and Nicolas were in the bottom two. Nicolas was sent home, with Christopher surviving the bottom two for yet another week.
While I do think Christopher should have been sent home weeks ago, Nicolas has annoyed me from the very beginning. Christopher certainly deserved to be sent home, but I am definitely not upset that Nicolas was sent home.
10 words or less: Good riddance, Nicolas.
Survivor
Air Date: 10/22/09
View Date: 10/25/09
The episode started off with a look into the tribes. Both tribes have been hit with miserable downpours for the past 5 days. Everyone is soaked, waterlogged, cold, and miserable. Well, everyone is miserable except for Foa Foa's Russell, who seems to be enjoying himself immensely. Is this just another one of his mind games? Only time will tell. The Galu tribe was not happy that Russell, the tribe leader, did not grab the tarp when he could, but they did respect that he continued working very hard around camp while everyone else holed up trying to stay warm. Others did worry that he was working too hard, especially when he stumbled trying to enter the shelter. They were more worried that he would fail in the challenges or seriously put the tribe at risk.
The reward challenge was for a prize of hot pizza. There was a twist, with both teams needing to go to tribal council. The teams had to push one team member in a large ball while blindfolded. The person in the ball was the only member that could see and was in charge of navigating. The balls were to be pushed to a table-top ball maze, also blindfolded, that would need to be conquered to win the reward.
Galu's Russell was getting more exhausted as the challenge progressed, and needed to be helped to his position at the table maze. Russell completely collapsed, passed out right on top of the maze, and the medics were called right in. He kept insisting that he was OK, but the challenge was stopped and Jeff let everyone take off their blindfolds. Jeff completely stopped the challenge, and announced that both tribes were to vote someone out that night. Russell was to be monitored and would return if he was deemed medically stable.
All the talk that afternoon on both tribes was Russell's status and if he would be OK. Galu seemed to be completely lost without without their leader. During Russell's monitoring, his heart rate plummeted upon sitting, and was having huge blood pressure fluctuations. Russell was incredibly upset about the medics' decision to pull him from the game, but even Jeff wouldn't let him return after seeing him pass out twice in a short amount of time. Most likely, Russell's problems were due to dehydration.
Of course, lots of talk was about the votes at tribal that night. Jaison commented that every time Foa Foa gets close to succeeding at something, it seems to be ripped out from under them. They were very close to winning the challenge, and because of the medical situation they couldn't get their revenge as they saw it for losing so many times. On Foa Foa, talk was about sending one of the girls home. On Galu, the girls wanted to send Shambo home without question. The guys, on the other hand, were discussing sending one of the other girls home, with the main focus on Monica. The guys didn't see Shambo as a threat, and also recognized her efforts and success in the challenges. The guys did give Shambo hints that she should vote for Monica, and the guys brought her into their confidence.
At tribal, Jeff informed everyone that Russell was pulled from the game, and also told them some of the details of his condition. Foa Foa, while on one hand glad that the strongest Galu member was out of the game, Russell said it very eloquently that he would rather beat someone on the field of battle than have someone taken out this way. Then, when they were all sitting at tribal, it started pouring again, and everyone looked absolutely miserable. Due to the fact that they did not complete a challenge for the first time in Survivor history, there would be no vote. Yet there was still trash talk between the two teams. The last order of business was that, now that Galu's leader was out of the game, they had to take the leader necklace back to camp and assigned a new one.
10 words or less: Seeing Russell taken out by medical was heartbreaking.
View Date: 10/25/09
The episode started off with a look into the tribes. Both tribes have been hit with miserable downpours for the past 5 days. Everyone is soaked, waterlogged, cold, and miserable. Well, everyone is miserable except for Foa Foa's Russell, who seems to be enjoying himself immensely. Is this just another one of his mind games? Only time will tell. The Galu tribe was not happy that Russell, the tribe leader, did not grab the tarp when he could, but they did respect that he continued working very hard around camp while everyone else holed up trying to stay warm. Others did worry that he was working too hard, especially when he stumbled trying to enter the shelter. They were more worried that he would fail in the challenges or seriously put the tribe at risk.
The reward challenge was for a prize of hot pizza. There was a twist, with both teams needing to go to tribal council. The teams had to push one team member in a large ball while blindfolded. The person in the ball was the only member that could see and was in charge of navigating. The balls were to be pushed to a table-top ball maze, also blindfolded, that would need to be conquered to win the reward.
Galu's Russell was getting more exhausted as the challenge progressed, and needed to be helped to his position at the table maze. Russell completely collapsed, passed out right on top of the maze, and the medics were called right in. He kept insisting that he was OK, but the challenge was stopped and Jeff let everyone take off their blindfolds. Jeff completely stopped the challenge, and announced that both tribes were to vote someone out that night. Russell was to be monitored and would return if he was deemed medically stable.
All the talk that afternoon on both tribes was Russell's status and if he would be OK. Galu seemed to be completely lost without without their leader. During Russell's monitoring, his heart rate plummeted upon sitting, and was having huge blood pressure fluctuations. Russell was incredibly upset about the medics' decision to pull him from the game, but even Jeff wouldn't let him return after seeing him pass out twice in a short amount of time. Most likely, Russell's problems were due to dehydration.
Of course, lots of talk was about the votes at tribal that night. Jaison commented that every time Foa Foa gets close to succeeding at something, it seems to be ripped out from under them. They were very close to winning the challenge, and because of the medical situation they couldn't get their revenge as they saw it for losing so many times. On Foa Foa, talk was about sending one of the girls home. On Galu, the girls wanted to send Shambo home without question. The guys, on the other hand, were discussing sending one of the other girls home, with the main focus on Monica. The guys didn't see Shambo as a threat, and also recognized her efforts and success in the challenges. The guys did give Shambo hints that she should vote for Monica, and the guys brought her into their confidence.
At tribal, Jeff informed everyone that Russell was pulled from the game, and also told them some of the details of his condition. Foa Foa, while on one hand glad that the strongest Galu member was out of the game, Russell said it very eloquently that he would rather beat someone on the field of battle than have someone taken out this way. Then, when they were all sitting at tribal, it started pouring again, and everyone looked absolutely miserable. Due to the fact that they did not complete a challenge for the first time in Survivor history, there would be no vote. Yet there was still trash talk between the two teams. The last order of business was that, now that Galu's leader was out of the game, they had to take the leader necklace back to camp and assigned a new one.
10 words or less: Seeing Russell taken out by medical was heartbreaking.
Top Chef
View Date: 10/21/09
Quickfire Challenge: This Quickfire was a high stakes challenge. It was also another first for the show, in that it was a tag team single dish team challenge. Four members were chosen per team, with Jen and Michael V. choosing members for their perspective teams. Each team member was to cook for 10 minutes each, while the other members were blindfolded. No speaking was allowed between team members. Jennifer chose Kevin, Mike I., and Laurine, while Michael chose Bryan, Eli, and Robin. In the end, Jennifer's “red team” won the battle and was awarded $10000 to share between the team members. The twist this time was that, if they felt lucky, they could let the money ride. If they were able to win the Elimination Challenge, each member would receive $10000. The red team decided to let it ride.
Elimination Challenge: This week, the ever-popular Restaurant Wars was upon us. The teams formed in the Quickfire remained the same for Elimination round. This time, they didn't have to decorate their restaurant as they would be using the one already established by the guest judge for the round. However, the person in charge of the front of the house would also be required to make and be responsible for a dish.
Eli worked the front of house for the blue team, and created on of the first courses. Michael prepared both a first and second course. Bryan prepared a second course (entree) and a dessert, while Robin prepared a dessert. While there was some bickering in the kitchen and Michael tried to make everyone obey his commands, things ran relatively smoothly. The comments were generally good from both judges and tasters. The desserts went over famously, which was a nice change of pace for this show. Overall, this was a really good Restaurant Wars restaurant.
Laurine worked the front of the house for the red team, and was responsible for a third course of lamb. This team decided not to make a dessert. Mike I. prepared two cold dishes as the first course. Jen made two fish dishes as the second course, while Kevin made a pork dish and finished Laurine's lamb dish as the third course. The judges were quite disappointed in almost every part of this meal, and the team did not get very favorable responses from the tasters, either. Laurine was very bad at the front of house, and the lamb dish was much rarer than the judges would have liked, mostly from not resting long enough. The pork dish was the best of the bunch, and the cold dishes were OK. The fish dishes were disasters.
Kevin came out of the challenge saying that it was probably the worst cooking of their careers. Mike indicated that if the other team won, they must have done horribly because the red team was awful. In the end, the blue team won, and Michael Voltaggio won. Michael also got to take the $10000 the other team had let ride, which he offered to share with his team. The red team obviously lost the challenge, and Laurine went home for a very poor front of house service and a failed lamb dish.
10 words or less: Only one obvious choice left to go home.
Quickfire Challenge: This Quickfire was a high stakes challenge. It was also another first for the show, in that it was a tag team single dish team challenge. Four members were chosen per team, with Jen and Michael V. choosing members for their perspective teams. Each team member was to cook for 10 minutes each, while the other members were blindfolded. No speaking was allowed between team members. Jennifer chose Kevin, Mike I., and Laurine, while Michael chose Bryan, Eli, and Robin. In the end, Jennifer's “red team” won the battle and was awarded $10000 to share between the team members. The twist this time was that, if they felt lucky, they could let the money ride. If they were able to win the Elimination Challenge, each member would receive $10000. The red team decided to let it ride.
Elimination Challenge: This week, the ever-popular Restaurant Wars was upon us. The teams formed in the Quickfire remained the same for Elimination round. This time, they didn't have to decorate their restaurant as they would be using the one already established by the guest judge for the round. However, the person in charge of the front of the house would also be required to make and be responsible for a dish.
Eli worked the front of house for the blue team, and created on of the first courses. Michael prepared both a first and second course. Bryan prepared a second course (entree) and a dessert, while Robin prepared a dessert. While there was some bickering in the kitchen and Michael tried to make everyone obey his commands, things ran relatively smoothly. The comments were generally good from both judges and tasters. The desserts went over famously, which was a nice change of pace for this show. Overall, this was a really good Restaurant Wars restaurant.
Laurine worked the front of the house for the red team, and was responsible for a third course of lamb. This team decided not to make a dessert. Mike I. prepared two cold dishes as the first course. Jen made two fish dishes as the second course, while Kevin made a pork dish and finished Laurine's lamb dish as the third course. The judges were quite disappointed in almost every part of this meal, and the team did not get very favorable responses from the tasters, either. Laurine was very bad at the front of house, and the lamb dish was much rarer than the judges would have liked, mostly from not resting long enough. The pork dish was the best of the bunch, and the cold dishes were OK. The fish dishes were disasters.
Kevin came out of the challenge saying that it was probably the worst cooking of their careers. Mike indicated that if the other team won, they must have done horribly because the red team was awful. In the end, the blue team won, and Michael Voltaggio won. Michael also got to take the $10000 the other team had let ride, which he offered to share with his team. The red team obviously lost the challenge, and Laurine went home for a very poor front of house service and a failed lamb dish.
10 words or less: Only one obvious choice left to go home.
SYTYCD
View Date: 10/21/09
Tonight the top 20 dancers were announced. The episode started off with showing us the remaining 38 contestants sitting in the room awaiting the final decisions. The first dancer that found out his fate was Nathan, who was the underage dancer in Season 5 who was given a ticket straight through to Vegas for Season 6. The news was very good for him, with Mia telling him that he would be competing this season. The male ballet dancer who auditioned in LA in very short yellow shorts was let go from the competition with the request that he come out of himself a little more. Katherine, a girl we did not get to see much of yet, was the first girl to make it through to Season 6.
Channing, Ariana, and Elena were included in the female dancers making it through to the competition. Billy, who made Adam cry during his second solo in Vegas, made it to the top 20 and will need to ask Julliard to hold his scholarship for him while he competes. Amber did not make it through, more from her performance and lack of personality showing through her dancing than her technique. Russell, the krumper, made it through to the top 20 with flying colors and huge praise from Mia Michaels and the other judges. Kevin, a hip hop dancer, likewise made it through.
This season, 3 tap dancers made it to the final cuts in Vegas week. Bianca, who we saw last year and “challenged” Ryan Kasperzak during the auditions, became the first tapper in the history of the show to make it to the top 20. Philip, who had toured and roomed with Ryan, also made it to Season 6. Peter, the third of the tappers to get his decision, also made it through. So, not only will we see our first tap dancer on the show, we will have 3 in the Top 20.
Victor, after seeing several dancers sent on their way, made several changes to his appearance during Vegas week taking into account the judges' comments. After giving him some grief, the judges informed him that he would be moving forward, as would the next dancer, Jacob. Molly, a young female contemporary dancer that had hurt her ankle during Vegas week but was able to continue, made it through with the advice that she needs to dance older.
Pauline, who was injured during the Broadway round in Vegas, was surprising sent through to the top 20. Noel, Molly's best friend, was up next and received good news from the judges, and both she and Molly were beyond thrilled. B-boy Legacy was up next in front of the judges, and also made it through after some major joshing by the judges. Paula, who had been cut in a previous season at this point, will be joining the top 20.
Finally, it was down to 4 people left, all ballroom dancers, and including the married couple. First to go in to see the judges were the guys, Gene and Ryan. Ryan, who was definitely a strong dancer all the way through the auditions and Vegas, was announced to be going through to the next round. Karen, who also auditioned with her husband, was up against Ryan's wife Ashley for the final female spot. Karen was announced to be the final female dancer, as she did out-perform Ashley all week long. Yet somehow, Ashley was allowed to also go through to the Top 20 because Paula turned down her spot because she was offered a contract for a movie.
So with that, the Top 20 for Season 6 was set. While not all of the names are right in this posting, future entries will have everyone accurately identified.
10 words or less: Looks to be a great season.
Tonight the top 20 dancers were announced. The episode started off with showing us the remaining 38 contestants sitting in the room awaiting the final decisions. The first dancer that found out his fate was Nathan, who was the underage dancer in Season 5 who was given a ticket straight through to Vegas for Season 6. The news was very good for him, with Mia telling him that he would be competing this season. The male ballet dancer who auditioned in LA in very short yellow shorts was let go from the competition with the request that he come out of himself a little more. Katherine, a girl we did not get to see much of yet, was the first girl to make it through to Season 6.
Channing, Ariana, and Elena were included in the female dancers making it through to the competition. Billy, who made Adam cry during his second solo in Vegas, made it to the top 20 and will need to ask Julliard to hold his scholarship for him while he competes. Amber did not make it through, more from her performance and lack of personality showing through her dancing than her technique. Russell, the krumper, made it through to the top 20 with flying colors and huge praise from Mia Michaels and the other judges. Kevin, a hip hop dancer, likewise made it through.
This season, 3 tap dancers made it to the final cuts in Vegas week. Bianca, who we saw last year and “challenged” Ryan Kasperzak during the auditions, became the first tapper in the history of the show to make it to the top 20. Philip, who had toured and roomed with Ryan, also made it to Season 6. Peter, the third of the tappers to get his decision, also made it through. So, not only will we see our first tap dancer on the show, we will have 3 in the Top 20.
Victor, after seeing several dancers sent on their way, made several changes to his appearance during Vegas week taking into account the judges' comments. After giving him some grief, the judges informed him that he would be moving forward, as would the next dancer, Jacob. Molly, a young female contemporary dancer that had hurt her ankle during Vegas week but was able to continue, made it through with the advice that she needs to dance older.
Pauline, who was injured during the Broadway round in Vegas, was surprising sent through to the top 20. Noel, Molly's best friend, was up next and received good news from the judges, and both she and Molly were beyond thrilled. B-boy Legacy was up next in front of the judges, and also made it through after some major joshing by the judges. Paula, who had been cut in a previous season at this point, will be joining the top 20.
Finally, it was down to 4 people left, all ballroom dancers, and including the married couple. First to go in to see the judges were the guys, Gene and Ryan. Ryan, who was definitely a strong dancer all the way through the auditions and Vegas, was announced to be going through to the next round. Karen, who also auditioned with her husband, was up against Ryan's wife Ashley for the final female spot. Karen was announced to be the final female dancer, as she did out-perform Ashley all week long. Yet somehow, Ashley was allowed to also go through to the Top 20 because Paula turned down her spot because she was offered a contract for a movie.
So with that, the Top 20 for Season 6 was set. While not all of the names are right in this posting, future entries will have everyone accurately identified.
10 words or less: Looks to be a great season.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Amazing Race
View Date: 10/18/09
The teams started off having to fly to the Persian Gulf and find the world's tallest building, meaning they have to figure out they are flying to Dubai. Once there, they have to make their way to the top of the building to get their next clue. First, they had to get to a fountain to sign up for a shuttle for the next day.
All teams wound up on the same flight from Bangkok to Dubai, and it came down to a footrace. Once there, they found their Route Info, which also contained the only Fast Forward for the race. The Fast Forward consisted of having to drive a racecar around a track in under 45 seconds. The first team to complete that task would be able to proceed directly to the finish for the leg. All other teams had to find marked cars in the parking garage and drive themselves to a wildlife reserve, the only one in the area. There, they encountered a Roadblock, which only one team member could complete.
The Roadblock consisted of having to search the desert to find urns filled with water partially buried in the sand and fill a water sack. Once the sack was filled, they were to deliver it to a herdsman and his camels. The main trick was that not all urns contained water. Luckily, the urns that contained water had more than enough for one sack, and several teams were able to use the same one.
In the meantime, Meghan and Cheyne completed the Fast Forward first and were able to take a ride in a Maserati directly to the pit stop for this leg of the race.
All of the other teams then had to make their way to an indoor ski area called Ski Dubai for their next clue. As the female poker players were leaving, they ran over something in the parking area and broke their radiator. A replacement car would be provided, but the team would have to wait for the delivery.
Back at Ski Dubai, the couples got a nice break from the scorching heat and got a Detour clue. They could either Build a Snowman, where they had to carry snow from inside to outside and try to build a snowman before the heat melts it into a slushy mess. In Find a Snowman, teams had to sled down a large hill and then dig through large piles of snow trying to find small snowman toys. Most teams chose Find a Snowman, most likely influenced by the heat outside. However, because of the difficulty finding the snowmen dolls, several teams then chose to Build a Snowman trying to save some time.
The teams then had to drive themselves through the city and make their way to the pit stop. The first team that made it without using the Fast Forward was Brian and Erica. The Globtrotters are still well in the race, as are the Father and Son farmers from Montana. Lance and Keri were the last team to arrive due to some horrendous navigation skills and they were FINALLY eliminated from the race.
10 words or less: Good riddance! It's about time for them to go.
The teams started off having to fly to the Persian Gulf and find the world's tallest building, meaning they have to figure out they are flying to Dubai. Once there, they have to make their way to the top of the building to get their next clue. First, they had to get to a fountain to sign up for a shuttle for the next day.
All teams wound up on the same flight from Bangkok to Dubai, and it came down to a footrace. Once there, they found their Route Info, which also contained the only Fast Forward for the race. The Fast Forward consisted of having to drive a racecar around a track in under 45 seconds. The first team to complete that task would be able to proceed directly to the finish for the leg. All other teams had to find marked cars in the parking garage and drive themselves to a wildlife reserve, the only one in the area. There, they encountered a Roadblock, which only one team member could complete.
The Roadblock consisted of having to search the desert to find urns filled with water partially buried in the sand and fill a water sack. Once the sack was filled, they were to deliver it to a herdsman and his camels. The main trick was that not all urns contained water. Luckily, the urns that contained water had more than enough for one sack, and several teams were able to use the same one.
In the meantime, Meghan and Cheyne completed the Fast Forward first and were able to take a ride in a Maserati directly to the pit stop for this leg of the race.
All of the other teams then had to make their way to an indoor ski area called Ski Dubai for their next clue. As the female poker players were leaving, they ran over something in the parking area and broke their radiator. A replacement car would be provided, but the team would have to wait for the delivery.
Back at Ski Dubai, the couples got a nice break from the scorching heat and got a Detour clue. They could either Build a Snowman, where they had to carry snow from inside to outside and try to build a snowman before the heat melts it into a slushy mess. In Find a Snowman, teams had to sled down a large hill and then dig through large piles of snow trying to find small snowman toys. Most teams chose Find a Snowman, most likely influenced by the heat outside. However, because of the difficulty finding the snowmen dolls, several teams then chose to Build a Snowman trying to save some time.
The teams then had to drive themselves through the city and make their way to the pit stop. The first team that made it without using the Fast Forward was Brian and Erica. The Globtrotters are still well in the race, as are the Father and Son farmers from Montana. Lance and Keri were the last team to arrive due to some horrendous navigation skills and they were FINALLY eliminated from the race.
10 words or less: Good riddance! It's about time for them to go.
Marley & Me
View Date: 10/18/09
This movie is based on the autobiographical book by the main (human) character. It chronicles the tale of his family's ownership of a frantic yellow lab, Marley. Marley was dubbed “the world's worst dog” by his family, and gets into a load of trouble routinely. Yet he is much loved, particularly by the kids who come along after the adults are trained by Marley. It covers the entire course of Marley's life, from before he goes home with them to the end of his life.
I had previously listened to this book so I knew what to expect. Of course, they had to cut out quite a chunk of the story, but it was still a very good movie. Even though I knew what to expect at the end, I was completely bawling for at least the last half hour of the film. Because of this, I had held off seeing this until I could handle the emotions better, and I was still a mess. I thought the casting was exceptional, and the picture was very well made.
10 words or less: Very good, but extremely sad ending.
This movie is based on the autobiographical book by the main (human) character. It chronicles the tale of his family's ownership of a frantic yellow lab, Marley. Marley was dubbed “the world's worst dog” by his family, and gets into a load of trouble routinely. Yet he is much loved, particularly by the kids who come along after the adults are trained by Marley. It covers the entire course of Marley's life, from before he goes home with them to the end of his life.
I had previously listened to this book so I knew what to expect. Of course, they had to cut out quite a chunk of the story, but it was still a very good movie. Even though I knew what to expect at the end, I was completely bawling for at least the last half hour of the film. Because of this, I had held off seeing this until I could handle the emotions better, and I was still a mess. I thought the casting was exceptional, and the picture was very well made.
10 words or less: Very good, but extremely sad ending.
Something is Killing Tate
View Date: 10/17/09
This independent movie is about a man who survives a suicide attempt. It jumps back and forth between the present with visits of his loved ones and the past which continued to haunt him. It was filmed primarily in black and white, with bits of color thrown in. This filming scheme was particularly true in the flashbacks. He truly was haunted by his past, and for good reason. A friend who reveals he knows more about Tate's condition that originally known, helps him face his past and correct it as much as possible.
This movie not only struck a nerve but also made me really feel for the character of Tate. He was so miserable throughout the film, and his flashbacks were routinely cut short before you found out the traumatic portion. Then, in one flashback, I though I finally understood some of his reasons for his current troubles, but it turns out that it was only partially the cause. The end provided a twist that I was not expecting. It was a very moving movie, with a very memorable ending.
10 words or less: I will remember this movie for a long time.
This independent movie is about a man who survives a suicide attempt. It jumps back and forth between the present with visits of his loved ones and the past which continued to haunt him. It was filmed primarily in black and white, with bits of color thrown in. This filming scheme was particularly true in the flashbacks. He truly was haunted by his past, and for good reason. A friend who reveals he knows more about Tate's condition that originally known, helps him face his past and correct it as much as possible.
This movie not only struck a nerve but also made me really feel for the character of Tate. He was so miserable throughout the film, and his flashbacks were routinely cut short before you found out the traumatic portion. Then, in one flashback, I though I finally understood some of his reasons for his current troubles, but it turns out that it was only partially the cause. The end provided a twist that I was not expecting. It was a very moving movie, with a very memorable ending.
10 words or less: I will remember this movie for a long time.
Spy School
View Date: 9/14/09
This movie took place in an elementary school, where a kid who always tells lies discovers a plot to abduct the president's daughter at a school dance. No one believes him, and even his best friend temporarily discontinues her support. Yet his suspicions are well-founded, and he works to protect the president's daughter.
This was a pretty bad movie. After my daughter watched it for the first time, she asked me why it was called Spy School, and I really couldn't give her a good answer. I think the title may have given both of us a better idea what to expect. It was nice seeing Rider Strong again, but she and I both expected more.
10 words or less: The title gave a sense of false advertising.
This movie took place in an elementary school, where a kid who always tells lies discovers a plot to abduct the president's daughter at a school dance. No one believes him, and even his best friend temporarily discontinues her support. Yet his suspicions are well-founded, and he works to protect the president's daughter.
This was a pretty bad movie. After my daughter watched it for the first time, she asked me why it was called Spy School, and I really couldn't give her a good answer. I think the title may have given both of us a better idea what to expect. It was nice seeing Rider Strong again, but she and I both expected more.
10 words or less: The title gave a sense of false advertising.
8 Heads in a Duffel Bag
View Date: 9/12/09
This movie, starring Joe Peschi, was the story of a mob hitman who has to deliver 8 heads of mob enemies to his boss. Due to time constraints, he needs to check his bag on his plane ride across the country. As would be the case, his bag gets mistaken for someone else's and he loses the heads. When the heads are discovered, all hell breaks loose, with the two parties both trying to get the heads to the correct parties. Additionally, the police and other mob members get involved, which of course complicates things.
This movie was rather stupid. It was a boring plot, and the parts that were supposed to be suspenseful really weren't. I continued to watch it solely to get through it and say that I completed it.
10 words or less: Boring and common.
This movie, starring Joe Peschi, was the story of a mob hitman who has to deliver 8 heads of mob enemies to his boss. Due to time constraints, he needs to check his bag on his plane ride across the country. As would be the case, his bag gets mistaken for someone else's and he loses the heads. When the heads are discovered, all hell breaks loose, with the two parties both trying to get the heads to the correct parties. Additionally, the police and other mob members get involved, which of course complicates things.
This movie was rather stupid. It was a boring plot, and the parts that were supposed to be suspenseful really weren't. I continued to watch it solely to get through it and say that I completed it.
10 words or less: Boring and common.
Spaced
View Date:
Season 1 completed 9/12/09
Season 2 completed 10/12/09
This is a British television series written and starring Simon Pegg. It tells the story of a cartoonist who works at a comic store and an unemployed writer, both in their twenties, who pose as a married couple to get an apartment. After moving in together, they have to keep up the ruse to keep their abode. We get to meet their friends and see into their lives and awkward situations they get themselves in to.
I love, love, love Simon Pegg. He steals any scene he is in when it comes to movies. He totally made Shaun of the Dead, and stole each one of his scenes in Star Trek. When I found out about this series, I knew I had to see it. I think the first season was better than the second, but the completion of Season 2 was a perfect ending for the series. As with all series, some of the episodes were significantly better than others. The Star Wars episode particularly stands out, but the finale was also remarkable. If you like British humor and are a child of the 1990's, this is a great series. However, just as a note, this series does contain a large number of pop culture references, which may not make sense to people not familiar with that era.
10 words or less: Perfect vehicle for Simon Pegg, mostly because he wrote it.
Season 1 completed 9/12/09
Season 2 completed 10/12/09
This is a British television series written and starring Simon Pegg. It tells the story of a cartoonist who works at a comic store and an unemployed writer, both in their twenties, who pose as a married couple to get an apartment. After moving in together, they have to keep up the ruse to keep their abode. We get to meet their friends and see into their lives and awkward situations they get themselves in to.
I love, love, love Simon Pegg. He steals any scene he is in when it comes to movies. He totally made Shaun of the Dead, and stole each one of his scenes in Star Trek. When I found out about this series, I knew I had to see it. I think the first season was better than the second, but the completion of Season 2 was a perfect ending for the series. As with all series, some of the episodes were significantly better than others. The Star Wars episode particularly stands out, but the finale was also remarkable. If you like British humor and are a child of the 1990's, this is a great series. However, just as a note, this series does contain a large number of pop culture references, which may not make sense to people not familiar with that era.
10 words or less: Perfect vehicle for Simon Pegg, mostly because he wrote it.
The Story of O
View Date: 9/12/09
This film is based on the book by the same name. It is a story of woman who is taken to a castle by her boyfriend and is initiated into S&M, sexual slavery, etc. The film shows her progress through this “bootcamp”, her life afterward back in society, and what she then submits to while still maintaining her outward appearances.
This film is a French film of the 1970's, and it definitely shows. There was lots of nakedness, including full frontal and graphic sex scenes, even though they were obviously simulated. This could have been a porn is the sex scenes had been real. I read the book approximately 10 years ago, and it seemed to hold pretty true to the original work. It was a satisfactory movie based on the time when it was produced.
10 words or less: Graphic movie based on graphic original material.
This film is based on the book by the same name. It is a story of woman who is taken to a castle by her boyfriend and is initiated into S&M, sexual slavery, etc. The film shows her progress through this “bootcamp”, her life afterward back in society, and what she then submits to while still maintaining her outward appearances.
This film is a French film of the 1970's, and it definitely shows. There was lots of nakedness, including full frontal and graphic sex scenes, even though they were obviously simulated. This could have been a porn is the sex scenes had been real. I read the book approximately 10 years ago, and it seemed to hold pretty true to the original work. It was a satisfactory movie based on the time when it was produced.
10 words or less: Graphic movie based on graphic original material.
Modify
View Date: 10/16/09
This film was a documentary regarding body modification. It covers the commonly-viewed aspects of body modification, such as tattoos and piercings. However, it also covers other topics that many people do not consider body modification, including plastic surgery and body building. It consisted of interviews with many people involved in the body modification business, including customers, doctors, and people who undergo the modifications.
The filmmaker interviewed the cat man and the lizard man who, if you have seen any shows on tattooing before, are very well known. They also interviewed the “fathers of body modification”, those people who created many of the techniques used in body piercing, hanging from hooks, and intense temporary and permanent piercings. They also interviewed the people who developed various subdermal implants, electrocautery, and cutting techniques. Also covered were sex change operations and more extreme alterations such as tongue splitting.
Now, I have watched many shows about body modification and tattooing in the past. However, this was different in that we saw actual completion of rather extreme procedures. It was very much like a car wreck for me; it was so gruesome, I couldn't do anything but watch. I cringed through most of the film due to the extremely graphic nature of the procedures shown. I have never seen these alterations actually performed on film, and was enthralled to say the least. I have had piercings and tattoos myself, but the people showcased certainly have gone to extremes.
10 words or less: Caution to the weak-stomached viewer.
This film was a documentary regarding body modification. It covers the commonly-viewed aspects of body modification, such as tattoos and piercings. However, it also covers other topics that many people do not consider body modification, including plastic surgery and body building. It consisted of interviews with many people involved in the body modification business, including customers, doctors, and people who undergo the modifications.
The filmmaker interviewed the cat man and the lizard man who, if you have seen any shows on tattooing before, are very well known. They also interviewed the “fathers of body modification”, those people who created many of the techniques used in body piercing, hanging from hooks, and intense temporary and permanent piercings. They also interviewed the people who developed various subdermal implants, electrocautery, and cutting techniques. Also covered were sex change operations and more extreme alterations such as tongue splitting.
Now, I have watched many shows about body modification and tattooing in the past. However, this was different in that we saw actual completion of rather extreme procedures. It was very much like a car wreck for me; it was so gruesome, I couldn't do anything but watch. I cringed through most of the film due to the extremely graphic nature of the procedures shown. I have never seen these alterations actually performed on film, and was enthralled to say the least. I have had piercings and tattoos myself, but the people showcased certainly have gone to extremes.
10 words or less: Caution to the weak-stomached viewer.
Survivor
Air Date: 10/15/09
View Date: 10/17/09
We started off this episode by seeing the aftermath of Galu's first tribal council back at their camp. Because of her vote, Monica is now aiming for Shambo and wants her gone. We were then shown a brief look into the Foa Foa tribe, who were hyped up after the win and presented mixed opinions about tree mail. Liz starts trying to manipulate Russell's next vote, but he instead perceives her as a threat and aims to take her out.
During the reward challenge, Jeff spun a wheel and a member from each tribe tossed a ball Like a game of roulette. This would choose the ingredients, which Jeff would then blend together into a survivor smoothie. If the tribe member was able to get the smoothie down, whether or not they beat the other team, they got a point for their team. The winner of the challenge was rewarded with a Survivor barbecue. I was personally totally disgusted just by watching the smoothies being made. During the the last glass, Ashley from Foa Foa fails to finish her glass after some major heckling from Galu. Russell decides to send Shambo on the spy mission as payment for losing the chicken, even after she tries to argue with him to send someone else.
Ashley was shown feeling horrible for losing the challenge for Foa Foa, then we get to see Galu try to prepare the barbecue. Russell of Galu is having real problems starting the fire, and Dave refuses to help at first. Shambo, on the other hand, was absolute pissed because she didn't get to participate in the barbecue. Shambo shared the immunity idol clues with Foa Foa, and no one can find it. It was guessed that either Ben or Russell had the immunity idol, and Russell straight out lies to the tribe about having it. Liz confronts him about it, and he gets very defensive and threaten-y about it.
That night, the tribes get hit with incredible amounts of rain, which makes the girls on the Galu tribe almost regret choosing blankets over the tarp in a previous challenge. During the immunity challenge, Shambo returns to her original tribe. One man and one woman from each tribe has to hold on to a rope connected to a net. The other members of the tribes then attmpt to shoot coconuts into the opposing team's nets until they cannot hold on anymore. Galu is incredibly successful in getting those coconuts into the net, which knocks Russell of Foa Foa out. Before anyone from Galu gets eliminated, Liz succumbs to the almost perfect aim of Galu and sends Foa Foa to tribal council once again. However, everyone, including members of the other tribe, are amazed by Liz's performance.
Everyone is miserable, and their hands and feet are looking really bad. The rain has really taken a tole on everyone, and they take a different strategy towards scrambling. They first try to discuss as a group who everyone wants to vote for. After that, Ashley makes the suggestion that everyone packs their bags and everyone votes for whoever they want rather than trying to strategize, which is agreed upon by the group. At tribal, Jaison reveals that he was on the US national team in water polo to his tribe, which he had not yet made known to the group. With everyone voting on their own tonight, Ashley was eliminated unanimously, primarily based on challenge performance.
10 words or less: Foa Foa really needs to catch a break.
View Date: 10/17/09
We started off this episode by seeing the aftermath of Galu's first tribal council back at their camp. Because of her vote, Monica is now aiming for Shambo and wants her gone. We were then shown a brief look into the Foa Foa tribe, who were hyped up after the win and presented mixed opinions about tree mail. Liz starts trying to manipulate Russell's next vote, but he instead perceives her as a threat and aims to take her out.
During the reward challenge, Jeff spun a wheel and a member from each tribe tossed a ball Like a game of roulette. This would choose the ingredients, which Jeff would then blend together into a survivor smoothie. If the tribe member was able to get the smoothie down, whether or not they beat the other team, they got a point for their team. The winner of the challenge was rewarded with a Survivor barbecue. I was personally totally disgusted just by watching the smoothies being made. During the the last glass, Ashley from Foa Foa fails to finish her glass after some major heckling from Galu. Russell decides to send Shambo on the spy mission as payment for losing the chicken, even after she tries to argue with him to send someone else.
Ashley was shown feeling horrible for losing the challenge for Foa Foa, then we get to see Galu try to prepare the barbecue. Russell of Galu is having real problems starting the fire, and Dave refuses to help at first. Shambo, on the other hand, was absolute pissed because she didn't get to participate in the barbecue. Shambo shared the immunity idol clues with Foa Foa, and no one can find it. It was guessed that either Ben or Russell had the immunity idol, and Russell straight out lies to the tribe about having it. Liz confronts him about it, and he gets very defensive and threaten-y about it.
That night, the tribes get hit with incredible amounts of rain, which makes the girls on the Galu tribe almost regret choosing blankets over the tarp in a previous challenge. During the immunity challenge, Shambo returns to her original tribe. One man and one woman from each tribe has to hold on to a rope connected to a net. The other members of the tribes then attmpt to shoot coconuts into the opposing team's nets until they cannot hold on anymore. Galu is incredibly successful in getting those coconuts into the net, which knocks Russell of Foa Foa out. Before anyone from Galu gets eliminated, Liz succumbs to the almost perfect aim of Galu and sends Foa Foa to tribal council once again. However, everyone, including members of the other tribe, are amazed by Liz's performance.
Everyone is miserable, and their hands and feet are looking really bad. The rain has really taken a tole on everyone, and they take a different strategy towards scrambling. They first try to discuss as a group who everyone wants to vote for. After that, Ashley makes the suggestion that everyone packs their bags and everyone votes for whoever they want rather than trying to strategize, which is agreed upon by the group. At tribal, Jaison reveals that he was on the US national team in water polo to his tribe, which he had not yet made known to the group. With everyone voting on their own tonight, Ashley was eliminated unanimously, primarily based on challenge performance.
10 words or less: Foa Foa really needs to catch a break.
Project Runway
View Date: 10/15/09
This week, with only 4 weeks until the finale, the designers find themselves competing with no more opportunities for immunity for the rest of the season. The designers go to find Tim Gunn and find him with Bob Mackie. Now, I don't know much about fashion, but I know who Bob Mackie is. The designers needed to create a dramatic stage look in the style of Bob Mackie for Christina Aguilera. The designers were also relieved to hear that they had $300 and two days for this challenge.
On the runway, Irina was safe with her lingerie look, and Gordana was saved due solely to her immunity. Carol-Hannah was complimented for her black on black dress, while Shirin's black and white dress was called very witch-like. Althea was praised on her long-trained silver dress, and Christopher was criticized for poor construction and having seen the look before. Nicolas presented a white, feathery dress (but in my opinion much too similar to his past designs), while Logan's zebra print was called cavewoman and safe.
The designers with preferred outfits were Nicolas, Carol-Hannah, and Althea. Those with the least-favorite dresses were Shirin, Christopher, and Logan. In the end, Carol-Hannah won the challenge, while Shirin was sent home.
10 words or less: Another week that Christopher survived and didn't deserve to.
This week, with only 4 weeks until the finale, the designers find themselves competing with no more opportunities for immunity for the rest of the season. The designers go to find Tim Gunn and find him with Bob Mackie. Now, I don't know much about fashion, but I know who Bob Mackie is. The designers needed to create a dramatic stage look in the style of Bob Mackie for Christina Aguilera. The designers were also relieved to hear that they had $300 and two days for this challenge.
On the runway, Irina was safe with her lingerie look, and Gordana was saved due solely to her immunity. Carol-Hannah was complimented for her black on black dress, while Shirin's black and white dress was called very witch-like. Althea was praised on her long-trained silver dress, and Christopher was criticized for poor construction and having seen the look before. Nicolas presented a white, feathery dress (but in my opinion much too similar to his past designs), while Logan's zebra print was called cavewoman and safe.
The designers with preferred outfits were Nicolas, Carol-Hannah, and Althea. Those with the least-favorite dresses were Shirin, Christopher, and Logan. In the end, Carol-Hannah won the challenge, while Shirin was sent home.
10 words or less: Another week that Christopher survived and didn't deserve to.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Grey's Anatomy
Air Date: Thursday, 9pm, ABC
As I'm sure everyone knows by now, this show is about a group of surgeons at a Seattle hospital. It starts by focusing on a single group of interns under one resident and follows their them through their progression on their way to becoming great doctors. Of course, we see into their love lives, hospital politics, and their various trials and tribulations. Additionally, we get to see their interactions, both personally and professionally, with the attending surgeons and residents of the hospital.
This show is now in its 6th season. We have seen the main set of interns through cancer, death, loves and losses. We have seen doctors come and go, and now they are merging with the hospital across town. This is leading to major issues, complications, etc., and it's making for some very interesting story lines.
This show has gone through several ups and downs, but that's to be expected when a show has made over 100 episodes. I really like the current cast, and find the pairings wonderful. The cast was always nice to look at, but just about everyone they bring on is just better looking than the last. Shonda Rhimes develops some great characters, storylines, and dialog. This is still a must-see show for me. We'll see how long that lasts, but right now there is no end in sight.
10 words or less: Watched from the beginning, and just getting better.
As I'm sure everyone knows by now, this show is about a group of surgeons at a Seattle hospital. It starts by focusing on a single group of interns under one resident and follows their them through their progression on their way to becoming great doctors. Of course, we see into their love lives, hospital politics, and their various trials and tribulations. Additionally, we get to see their interactions, both personally and professionally, with the attending surgeons and residents of the hospital.
This show is now in its 6th season. We have seen the main set of interns through cancer, death, loves and losses. We have seen doctors come and go, and now they are merging with the hospital across town. This is leading to major issues, complications, etc., and it's making for some very interesting story lines.
This show has gone through several ups and downs, but that's to be expected when a show has made over 100 episodes. I really like the current cast, and find the pairings wonderful. The cast was always nice to look at, but just about everyone they bring on is just better looking than the last. Shonda Rhimes develops some great characters, storylines, and dialog. This is still a must-see show for me. We'll see how long that lasts, but right now there is no end in sight.
10 words or less: Watched from the beginning, and just getting better.
Flash Forward
Air Date: Thursday, 8pm, ABC
This is a new show premiering in fall 2009. Everyone in the world blacks out for 137 seconds. Worldwide destruction occurs, and the government seeks the reason why. However, it wasn't just a standard black out experienced. People saw their futures, 6 months from that date. It is not known whether these visions will come true, but some wholeheartedly believe them, while others are more skeptical. The government continues tracking leads, particularly based on one of the agent's vision.
This is one of the new shows I have picked up this season. Of course, it comes on the most popular weeknight of TV for me, Thursday. And yet, I have gotten sucked in to the story. It reminds me, as it does others, of the first season of Lost. I like many of the actors involved in the show, but Joseph Feinnes' acting really annoys me. It annoys me in general, not just in this show.
Overall, I really like this show. It is definitely a series that won't make sense unless watched from the beginning. Otherwise, you will wind up very lost. Luckily, ABC has all of the episodes online so you can catch up if needed.
10 words or less: If you like Lost, check this out.
This is a new show premiering in fall 2009. Everyone in the world blacks out for 137 seconds. Worldwide destruction occurs, and the government seeks the reason why. However, it wasn't just a standard black out experienced. People saw their futures, 6 months from that date. It is not known whether these visions will come true, but some wholeheartedly believe them, while others are more skeptical. The government continues tracking leads, particularly based on one of the agent's vision.
This is one of the new shows I have picked up this season. Of course, it comes on the most popular weeknight of TV for me, Thursday. And yet, I have gotten sucked in to the story. It reminds me, as it does others, of the first season of Lost. I like many of the actors involved in the show, but Joseph Feinnes' acting really annoys me. It annoys me in general, not just in this show.
Overall, I really like this show. It is definitely a series that won't make sense unless watched from the beginning. Otherwise, you will wind up very lost. Luckily, ABC has all of the episodes online so you can catch up if needed.
10 words or less: If you like Lost, check this out.
The New Guy
This movie is a family favorite, to the point that we own it and even still watch it. It is a story of an uber-geek and his friends/bandmates as they enter their senior year of high school in Texas. However, this year, they are tired of being just “blips” on the radar and set out to change their social status. This, of course, backfires, and the main character ends up causing a scene in a mall and going to jail. There, with the help of some inmates, he changes his appearance and attitude. He switches schools (he was expelled from his previous one) and starts a new life, as a cool kid.
I love this movie. Even though I have seen it dozens of times, I still appreciate the humor. This past time, I wound up watching a special edition. It was really weird watching a new version of movie I already know so well, seeing scenes that aren't supposed to be there and how they change the whole story. Of note, there are several excellent young actors involved in this movie, including the much loved Zooey Deschanel.
10 words or less: Hilarious, raunchy teen comedy. A family favorite.
I love this movie. Even though I have seen it dozens of times, I still appreciate the humor. This past time, I wound up watching a special edition. It was really weird watching a new version of movie I already know so well, seeing scenes that aren't supposed to be there and how they change the whole story. Of note, there are several excellent young actors involved in this movie, including the much loved Zooey Deschanel.
10 words or less: Hilarious, raunchy teen comedy. A family favorite.
Dangerous Living
View Date: 10/15/09
This is a documentary about homosexual culture in countries where it is not now accepted, focusing primarily on the developing world. During the 1990's, several countries had vibrant homosexual cultures, even in the Muslim world. Yet this increased exposure also lead to governments enacting new or harsher laws and other punishments against gays and lesbians.
This gave a very interesting view into a lifestyle that, for many, has become visible and even accepted. There are plenty of people in the USA that do not accept homosexuality, but they do not (yet) go to the extremes that other countries do. This film, at times, portrays homosexuals as the modern day Jews in the persecution to which they are exposed. These people are persecuted, raped, and killed for being who they are.
I applaud the people featured in this film. They are living their lives in the wake of violence and persecution. Yet, with every news story that is released, more people come out and expose themselves to the same possible actions.
10 words or less: The cruelty in human nature astounds me.
This is a documentary about homosexual culture in countries where it is not now accepted, focusing primarily on the developing world. During the 1990's, several countries had vibrant homosexual cultures, even in the Muslim world. Yet this increased exposure also lead to governments enacting new or harsher laws and other punishments against gays and lesbians.
This gave a very interesting view into a lifestyle that, for many, has become visible and even accepted. There are plenty of people in the USA that do not accept homosexuality, but they do not (yet) go to the extremes that other countries do. This film, at times, portrays homosexuals as the modern day Jews in the persecution to which they are exposed. These people are persecuted, raped, and killed for being who they are.
I applaud the people featured in this film. They are living their lives in the wake of violence and persecution. Yet, with every news story that is released, more people come out and expose themselves to the same possible actions.
10 words or less: The cruelty in human nature astounds me.
Jericho, Season 2
View Date: Completed 9/10/09
This was the second season of the series that was brought back by fan demand. It picked up shortly after the end of the first season, and therefore after the war between Jericho and the neighboring city. We saw the government come in and take over the town, and the town citizens fight back to keep their freedom. Additionally, there is still the hidden nuclear bomb that is being hidden by one of the town members that the government wants back to cover their tracks.
This season definitely wasn't as good as the first. I watched every episode of the first season, but there was a big change in cast between seasons. I thought that really hampered the series, in addition to the lack of love from the network. They changed the time it was aired, and I could never remember it was on.
The story became somewhat hard to follow, and didn't have the same suspense of the first season. I was all for bringing the series back, and was quite upset when it was canceled originally. After catching parts of the second season, I totally understood why it was canceled a second time. I highly recommend the first season, and would watch the second for completeness.
10 words or less: Disappointing, but wrapped up some of the story.
This was the second season of the series that was brought back by fan demand. It picked up shortly after the end of the first season, and therefore after the war between Jericho and the neighboring city. We saw the government come in and take over the town, and the town citizens fight back to keep their freedom. Additionally, there is still the hidden nuclear bomb that is being hidden by one of the town members that the government wants back to cover their tracks.
This season definitely wasn't as good as the first. I watched every episode of the first season, but there was a big change in cast between seasons. I thought that really hampered the series, in addition to the lack of love from the network. They changed the time it was aired, and I could never remember it was on.
The story became somewhat hard to follow, and didn't have the same suspense of the first season. I was all for bringing the series back, and was quite upset when it was canceled originally. After catching parts of the second season, I totally understood why it was canceled a second time. I highly recommend the first season, and would watch the second for completeness.
10 words or less: Disappointing, but wrapped up some of the story.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
View Date: 9/8/09
This movie, by Judd Apatow, starred Steve Carrell as a man who, as indicated in the title, was a virgin quite late in life. His coworkers at an electronics store find out and try different approaches to getting him laid. Meanwhile, he finds a woman on his own, and they all give him advice on what needs to be done to seal the deal with her.
I know my explanation above is pretty weak, but this movie is hilarious. Several times, I was laughing so hard I was crying. The waxing scene had me practically peeing my pants, and the behind-the-scenes look in the extras section was even better. I totally understand why everyone loves this movie so much, and will watch it again and again.
10 words or less: Laughed so hard I was crying. Oh, Kelly Clarkson!
This movie, by Judd Apatow, starred Steve Carrell as a man who, as indicated in the title, was a virgin quite late in life. His coworkers at an electronics store find out and try different approaches to getting him laid. Meanwhile, he finds a woman on his own, and they all give him advice on what needs to be done to seal the deal with her.
I know my explanation above is pretty weak, but this movie is hilarious. Several times, I was laughing so hard I was crying. The waxing scene had me practically peeing my pants, and the behind-the-scenes look in the extras section was even better. I totally understand why everyone loves this movie so much, and will watch it again and again.
10 words or less: Laughed so hard I was crying. Oh, Kelly Clarkson!
Auschwitz: Inside the Nazi State
View Date: Completed 10/15/09
This was a rather detailed series presented in 6-parts about the history of the most infamous of all Nazi concentration camps of World War II. It originally aired on PBS, and is very typical of a PBS documentary series. It provided the history of this particular camp, as well as a general history of the ethnic cleansing aims of the Nazi regime. There were interviews with survivors as well as guards. The prisoners were not only of Jews, but included Polish political prisoners and Hungarian and Romanian gypsies.
While very educational, this series was also very dry. I had trouble staying awake through a full episode, and don’t think I actually made it. I also wound up not watching the interviews with experts regarding current genocide actions that were discussed after each episode. While this won’t get a glowing review from me, it is very good for history buffs, particularly those interested in WWII or the Holocaust in particular. Just make sure to allot enough time to watch.
10 words or less: Educational but dry.
This was a rather detailed series presented in 6-parts about the history of the most infamous of all Nazi concentration camps of World War II. It originally aired on PBS, and is very typical of a PBS documentary series. It provided the history of this particular camp, as well as a general history of the ethnic cleansing aims of the Nazi regime. There were interviews with survivors as well as guards. The prisoners were not only of Jews, but included Polish political prisoners and Hungarian and Romanian gypsies.
While very educational, this series was also very dry. I had trouble staying awake through a full episode, and don’t think I actually made it. I also wound up not watching the interviews with experts regarding current genocide actions that were discussed after each episode. While this won’t get a glowing review from me, it is very good for history buffs, particularly those interested in WWII or the Holocaust in particular. Just make sure to allot enough time to watch.
10 words or less: Educational but dry.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Top Chef
View Date: 10/14/09
Quickfire Challenge: The guest judge for the challenge is Charlie Palmer, who both Bryan and Michael worked with in the past. He is a master of American cuisine, and several of these chefs are rather intimidated to be cooking for him. The challenge would be based on pairing, but particularly of uncommon ingredients. The challenges have to pair something with Alexia Crunchy Snacks, which are made with real vegetables. The best dish of the day belonged to Eli, whose dish seemed much more complex than the other dishes. The other enjoyable dishes were those of Kevin and Bryan, while those that did not work well were those of Ash, Jen, and Robin.
Elimination Challenge: The next challenge revolved around pork and pinot noir, specifically cooking for a Pigs and Pinot event being hosted by Charlie Palmer. The chefs drew knives to determine which part of the pig they would be cooking. Jen drew a wild card knife where she got to choose which part of the pig she would cook, picking pork belly. The chefs then went over to Charlie's restaurant to learn about and taste various pinot noirs. The chefs then chose one of 9 pinots to pair with their dish. The contestants would be responsible for preparing 150 tasting portions of their dish.
With the four hours given to cook, the tension was high in the kitchen. Additionally, people are getting very frustrated with Robin and it is carrying over to all aspects of the show. We also got to see some brotherly love and competition between the Voltaggio brothers which seemed to unnerve the other chefs a bit. After the event, there were some dishes that were obviously disliked by judges and guests alike. However, there were also many very good dishes, and several guests even expressed their indecision because there were several excellent options.
The favored dishes were no surprise, as they were from the frontrunners this season. We had Jen's pork belly, Bryan's short ribs, Kevin's tenderloin, and Michael's dish. The winner, as chosen by Charlie Palmer, was Kevin, the self-proclaimed pig man. He even showed off his pig tattoo to show just how into these ingredients he was. Of course, they were asked to send in their colleagues Ash, Robin, and Laurine. Robin was called out for not having enough pork on her dish, as well as a weird texture to her sauce. Ash did not develop his flavors enough to go with his wine, and should have made his original dish rather than second guessing himself. Laurine failed in the execution of her dish because she did not make the dish that she was proclaiming in the proper manner, and therefore did not make what she was calling it. In the end, Ash was sent to pack his knives.
10 words or less: Another one bites the dust, and it was a good one.
Quickfire Challenge: The guest judge for the challenge is Charlie Palmer, who both Bryan and Michael worked with in the past. He is a master of American cuisine, and several of these chefs are rather intimidated to be cooking for him. The challenge would be based on pairing, but particularly of uncommon ingredients. The challenges have to pair something with Alexia Crunchy Snacks, which are made with real vegetables. The best dish of the day belonged to Eli, whose dish seemed much more complex than the other dishes. The other enjoyable dishes were those of Kevin and Bryan, while those that did not work well were those of Ash, Jen, and Robin.
Elimination Challenge: The next challenge revolved around pork and pinot noir, specifically cooking for a Pigs and Pinot event being hosted by Charlie Palmer. The chefs drew knives to determine which part of the pig they would be cooking. Jen drew a wild card knife where she got to choose which part of the pig she would cook, picking pork belly. The chefs then went over to Charlie's restaurant to learn about and taste various pinot noirs. The chefs then chose one of 9 pinots to pair with their dish. The contestants would be responsible for preparing 150 tasting portions of their dish.
With the four hours given to cook, the tension was high in the kitchen. Additionally, people are getting very frustrated with Robin and it is carrying over to all aspects of the show. We also got to see some brotherly love and competition between the Voltaggio brothers which seemed to unnerve the other chefs a bit. After the event, there were some dishes that were obviously disliked by judges and guests alike. However, there were also many very good dishes, and several guests even expressed their indecision because there were several excellent options.
The favored dishes were no surprise, as they were from the frontrunners this season. We had Jen's pork belly, Bryan's short ribs, Kevin's tenderloin, and Michael's dish. The winner, as chosen by Charlie Palmer, was Kevin, the self-proclaimed pig man. He even showed off his pig tattoo to show just how into these ingredients he was. Of course, they were asked to send in their colleagues Ash, Robin, and Laurine. Robin was called out for not having enough pork on her dish, as well as a weird texture to her sauce. Ash did not develop his flavors enough to go with his wine, and should have made his original dish rather than second guessing himself. Laurine failed in the execution of her dish because she did not make the dish that she was proclaiming in the proper manner, and therefore did not make what she was calling it. In the end, Ash was sent to pack his knives.
10 words or less: Another one bites the dust, and it was a good one.
The Final Season
View Date: 9/7/09
This was a very interesting movie based on a true story about a small town high school baseball team who is a perennial state champion. However, nothing can ever be as simple as that and be made into a movie. Several power players are forcing the high school of this team to merge with another. Based on the stories of other schools that have been merged, the traditions of the small school are always lost and the towns suffer.
The coach of the baseball team is forced into retirement to try to ease the way into the merger. A young former assistant of the beloved coach is hired as his replacement because no one believes that the team will win with him in charge. The small town fights tooth and nail to prevent the merger, and the baseball team strives to win even without local support at the beginning of the season.
I really enjoyed this movie. Of course, this is a very typical movie that I enjoy, namely inspiring sports movies based on real life that also tell you the ultimate outcome of the participants after the movie. There were some great actors involved, including a longtime favorite Sean Astin. I highly recommend this movie for a great sports movie, a great inspiring movie, and a great movie all around.
10 words or less: A great and inspiring small town sports movie.
This was a very interesting movie based on a true story about a small town high school baseball team who is a perennial state champion. However, nothing can ever be as simple as that and be made into a movie. Several power players are forcing the high school of this team to merge with another. Based on the stories of other schools that have been merged, the traditions of the small school are always lost and the towns suffer.
The coach of the baseball team is forced into retirement to try to ease the way into the merger. A young former assistant of the beloved coach is hired as his replacement because no one believes that the team will win with him in charge. The small town fights tooth and nail to prevent the merger, and the baseball team strives to win even without local support at the beginning of the season.
I really enjoyed this movie. Of course, this is a very typical movie that I enjoy, namely inspiring sports movies based on real life that also tell you the ultimate outcome of the participants after the movie. There were some great actors involved, including a longtime favorite Sean Astin. I highly recommend this movie for a great sports movie, a great inspiring movie, and a great movie all around.
10 words or less: A great and inspiring small town sports movie.
Glee
Air Date: Wednesdays, 9pm, Fox
This dark comedy revolves around the glee club of a high school in Ohio. It starts off as a group of misfits, but then expands as the star quarterback discovers a love of singing (and is blackmailed by the glee club advisor). In addition, the head of the cheerleaders, also known as The Cheerios, is out to destroy the glee club, and is doing absolutely everything she has to to do so. We see all of the stereotypes of high school, including the drama geek/singer, uber-jocks, gay male, etc. we also get to see the interactions of the teachers and their loved ones. Overall, there are some really messed up relationships for both the kids and the adults, ones that would rival any soap opera.
I'm a sucker for musicals, but let me tell you that the music in this show is amazing. The main actress created roles in Broadway musicals, and by the way she sings, you can tell her talent is for real. On one recent episode, Kristen Chenowith guest starred and showed off her amazing singing voice. Let me tell you, this girl who plays Rachel was able to compete with her, and I love Ms. Chenowith. The other kids are also very impressive, particularly the actress who plays Mercedes. She also has an amazing voice, and could be the next Aretha Franklin.
I love this show, and make sure to watch it every week. Yes, the story gets crazier and crazier every week, but that just makes it more of a must see. The amazing Jane Lynch goes so over the top with her character, you never know what will come out of her mouth next.
If you haven't seen this show yet, do so now. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Go watch, and join the millions that have already been sucked in.
10 words or less: Join the madness. It's contagious!
This dark comedy revolves around the glee club of a high school in Ohio. It starts off as a group of misfits, but then expands as the star quarterback discovers a love of singing (and is blackmailed by the glee club advisor). In addition, the head of the cheerleaders, also known as The Cheerios, is out to destroy the glee club, and is doing absolutely everything she has to to do so. We see all of the stereotypes of high school, including the drama geek/singer, uber-jocks, gay male, etc. we also get to see the interactions of the teachers and their loved ones. Overall, there are some really messed up relationships for both the kids and the adults, ones that would rival any soap opera.
I'm a sucker for musicals, but let me tell you that the music in this show is amazing. The main actress created roles in Broadway musicals, and by the way she sings, you can tell her talent is for real. On one recent episode, Kristen Chenowith guest starred and showed off her amazing singing voice. Let me tell you, this girl who plays Rachel was able to compete with her, and I love Ms. Chenowith. The other kids are also very impressive, particularly the actress who plays Mercedes. She also has an amazing voice, and could be the next Aretha Franklin.
I love this show, and make sure to watch it every week. Yes, the story gets crazier and crazier every week, but that just makes it more of a must see. The amazing Jane Lynch goes so over the top with her character, you never know what will come out of her mouth next.
If you haven't seen this show yet, do so now. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Go watch, and join the millions that have already been sucked in.
10 words or less: Join the madness. It's contagious!
SYTYCD
View Date: 10/14/09
Tonight we continued with Vegas week for Season 6. we started off the episode with a jazz routine by Laurine Gibson. We saw a husband and wife team be split when the husband was eliminated. In general, this was a really rough round, and we saw several cuts of people highlighted throughout the auditions. The krumper once again made it through with flying colors, and everyone finds it hard to believe that he hasn't had any other training.
The next round was one of my least favorites from every season. Groups of dancers had to choreograph a routine to a randomly selected piece of music. The first group did a really fabulous Broadway routine, which included Russell, the krumper. Luckily, we didn't have to watch too much of it, and only had to watch one other complete routine.
Next round was contemporary with Mia Michaels choreographing. I do find it a little odd that Mia gets to be a judge during a round that she choreographed. Of course the contemporary dancers did pretty well in this round, but the hip hop dancers also really brought a lot of talent. Legacy was the last dancer showcased in this round, and he was very overwhelmed by emotion. Surprisingly, he survived the round, even with dancing not as well as others even to the inexperienced eye.
Up next was the final round of choreography, with a Broadway routine by Tyce DiOrio. For this round, the guys and girls were split into two groups. The girls were up first, and we got to see a probable broken ankle in the first group to perform, but it wound up being just a bad sprain. 17 girls made it through the last round of choreography, then it was on to the guys. 7 guys were cut, and the remaining dancers proceeded to perform in their own style one last time for the judges.
10 words or less: Next time we'll meet the top 20.
Tonight we continued with Vegas week for Season 6. we started off the episode with a jazz routine by Laurine Gibson. We saw a husband and wife team be split when the husband was eliminated. In general, this was a really rough round, and we saw several cuts of people highlighted throughout the auditions. The krumper once again made it through with flying colors, and everyone finds it hard to believe that he hasn't had any other training.
The next round was one of my least favorites from every season. Groups of dancers had to choreograph a routine to a randomly selected piece of music. The first group did a really fabulous Broadway routine, which included Russell, the krumper. Luckily, we didn't have to watch too much of it, and only had to watch one other complete routine.
Next round was contemporary with Mia Michaels choreographing. I do find it a little odd that Mia gets to be a judge during a round that she choreographed. Of course the contemporary dancers did pretty well in this round, but the hip hop dancers also really brought a lot of talent. Legacy was the last dancer showcased in this round, and he was very overwhelmed by emotion. Surprisingly, he survived the round, even with dancing not as well as others even to the inexperienced eye.
Up next was the final round of choreography, with a Broadway routine by Tyce DiOrio. For this round, the guys and girls were split into two groups. The girls were up first, and we got to see a probable broken ankle in the first group to perform, but it wound up being just a bad sprain. 17 girls made it through the last round of choreography, then it was on to the guys. 7 guys were cut, and the remaining dancers proceeded to perform in their own style one last time for the judges.
10 words or less: Next time we'll meet the top 20.
The Amazing Race
View Date: 10/11/09
The teams started off after their pit stop in Ho Chi Minh City by travelling to Phenm Pehn, Cambodia. Once there, they had to head to a cafe and find the assignment leader, from whom they retrieved a photo. From the photo of Jackie Kennedy they had to locate the hotel which contained a duplicate of the picture to obtain their next clue.
There, they picked up a detour, cover or wrap. In Cover, they had to convince a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 kids, to purchase 4 helmets for 10 dollars. Once paid, they had to bring back the money to get their next clue. For Wrap, the teams had to go to a Russian marketplace and obtain a an intricately designed scarf. They then had to wander through the very expansive marketplace and find a woman wearing an identical scarf, then return her to the original stall to obtain their next clue. Most teams chose Wrap, but the lawyers in last place chose Cover on the advice of a local in the hotel.
The teams then had to make their way on foot to their next location, approximately 2 km away. A road block, one person had to learn how to be a monkey as taught by the “monkey master”, and successfully complete three monkey maneuvers to earn their next clue. Once completing their monkey tasks, the teams raced their way to the pit stop.
Zev and Justin won this leg. Unfortunately, they couldn't find their passports after checking in with Phil. If they can't find their passports prior to the last team checking in, they will be eliminated from the race. Being that they couldn't find it, even after recalling their taxi and going back over their footsteps, they were eliminated from the race.
10 words or less: Lesson learned: Don't lose your passport.
The teams started off after their pit stop in Ho Chi Minh City by travelling to Phenm Pehn, Cambodia. Once there, they had to head to a cafe and find the assignment leader, from whom they retrieved a photo. From the photo of Jackie Kennedy they had to locate the hotel which contained a duplicate of the picture to obtain their next clue.
There, they picked up a detour, cover or wrap. In Cover, they had to convince a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 kids, to purchase 4 helmets for 10 dollars. Once paid, they had to bring back the money to get their next clue. For Wrap, the teams had to go to a Russian marketplace and obtain a an intricately designed scarf. They then had to wander through the very expansive marketplace and find a woman wearing an identical scarf, then return her to the original stall to obtain their next clue. Most teams chose Wrap, but the lawyers in last place chose Cover on the advice of a local in the hotel.
The teams then had to make their way on foot to their next location, approximately 2 km away. A road block, one person had to learn how to be a monkey as taught by the “monkey master”, and successfully complete three monkey maneuvers to earn their next clue. Once completing their monkey tasks, the teams raced their way to the pit stop.
Zev and Justin won this leg. Unfortunately, they couldn't find their passports after checking in with Phil. If they can't find their passports prior to the last team checking in, they will be eliminated from the race. Being that they couldn't find it, even after recalling their taxi and going back over their footsteps, they were eliminated from the race.
10 words or less: Lesson learned: Don't lose your passport.
Splitsville
View Date: 9/6/09
This was a family movie about a group of kids who band together when they discover that their parents are all getting divorces. They are being ridiculed by the kids with non-broken homes, and discuss ways they can use their situation to their advantages in different aspects of their lives. Other kids in their class whose parents were still together wanted to join their group, so they devised plans to break up their parents.
This was a cute movie, especially for kids. The children in the movie were supposed to be somewhere between third and fifth grade, which allowed younger kids to relate. I thought it showed that kids may not always know their parents' marriage may be breaking up, nor is it their fault. Another lesson expressed in this movie is that it's not always the best idea to influence your friends so their lives match yours, nor is it always a good idea to follow your friends' ideas.
10 words or less: A cute family movie with good lessons to be learned.
This was a family movie about a group of kids who band together when they discover that their parents are all getting divorces. They are being ridiculed by the kids with non-broken homes, and discuss ways they can use their situation to their advantages in different aspects of their lives. Other kids in their class whose parents were still together wanted to join their group, so they devised plans to break up their parents.
This was a cute movie, especially for kids. The children in the movie were supposed to be somewhere between third and fifth grade, which allowed younger kids to relate. I thought it showed that kids may not always know their parents' marriage may be breaking up, nor is it their fault. Another lesson expressed in this movie is that it's not always the best idea to influence your friends so their lives match yours, nor is it always a good idea to follow your friends' ideas.
10 words or less: A cute family movie with good lessons to be learned.
Blasphemy
Author: Douglas Preston
Completed: 9/4/09
This book is a story about a government experiment where a computer makes people believe it is “God”. The program had been delayed for several months, and was disgracing the government by conservative public speakers being very vocally against it. There were tensions with the local Native Americans because the workers did not support the local economy as they previously indicated they would. There is also a person who enters the group working on the project placed there by the government to report back on the progress as well as act as a liaison with the locals.
I listened to this book, and it literally took me months to finish. I really didn't enjoy this book. I thought it was very slow, not very exciting, and it just couldn't hold my attention. Usually I remember things I read, listen to, or watch very well, at least a very basic description. However, with this piece, I could barely remember what had happened the last time I was involved with it. Very disappointing.
10 words or less: Boring.
Completed: 9/4/09
This book is a story about a government experiment where a computer makes people believe it is “God”. The program had been delayed for several months, and was disgracing the government by conservative public speakers being very vocally against it. There were tensions with the local Native Americans because the workers did not support the local economy as they previously indicated they would. There is also a person who enters the group working on the project placed there by the government to report back on the progress as well as act as a liaison with the locals.
I listened to this book, and it literally took me months to finish. I really didn't enjoy this book. I thought it was very slow, not very exciting, and it just couldn't hold my attention. Usually I remember things I read, listen to, or watch very well, at least a very basic description. However, with this piece, I could barely remember what had happened the last time I was involved with it. Very disappointing.
10 words or less: Boring.
Men Seeking Women
View Date: 9/7/09
This movie, an early Will Ferrell film, is about 3 male friends who do not have much luck with women. They make a bet with each other that the first person who lives with a woman for three months would win. We get to see them date and fail in many relationships. We also get to see three very different views on how to win the bet, and how men view women.
I thought this was a somewhat poor movie, but that was also in part due to the picture quality of the film. Not only that, but the characters were very stereotypical and very simple. The story was cute but had no substance. I couldn't really cheer for anyone because I had no connection to the characters. If you're a huge Will Farrell fan and want to see his entire collection, go ahead and watch this. Otherwise, skip it.
10 words or less: Watch only if covering Farrell's complete catalog.
This movie, an early Will Ferrell film, is about 3 male friends who do not have much luck with women. They make a bet with each other that the first person who lives with a woman for three months would win. We get to see them date and fail in many relationships. We also get to see three very different views on how to win the bet, and how men view women.
I thought this was a somewhat poor movie, but that was also in part due to the picture quality of the film. Not only that, but the characters were very stereotypical and very simple. The story was cute but had no substance. I couldn't really cheer for anyone because I had no connection to the characters. If you're a huge Will Farrell fan and want to see his entire collection, go ahead and watch this. Otherwise, skip it.
10 words or less: Watch only if covering Farrell's complete catalog.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
SYTYCD
Air Date: 10/7/09
View Date: 10/10/09
Vegas week started off with a bang, with over 150 dancers competing for a chance to be part of the top 20. The judges for the week included Tyce Diorio, Adam Shankman, Debbie Allen, Mary Murphy, Nigel Lithgoe, and Mia Michaels. The first dancer we saw was the dancer who was given a ticket straight through to Vegas for this season during the Season 5 auditions because he was too young last time. During the first round, the dancers took the stage to perform a piece in their own style, and no feedback was provided by the judges. However, they did make cuts after each 10 performances. In this first round, we got a peek at the New Orleans bounce dancer as well as some of our tappers. While most of our previously-featured dancers were sent through to the next round, there were a few who were cut. During the first round, 41 people were cut, while the rest were sent through to the hip hop round.
Tabitha and Napoleon choreographed the hip hop round, where even some of the B-boys struggled when they needed to pick up choreography. The hip hop round sent over 20 more dancers packing, and Ryan Kasperzak (the brother of Season 5's Evan) was almost one of them.
90 dancers appeared for the Cha Cha round the next day with choreography by Louis van Amstel, assisted by Season 3's Anya. We had a gushing bloody nose during practice, our first major injury of the season. During the practice for the round, the krumper we enjoyed during the auditions was doing very well, and was aided by his ballroom dancer partner. Honestly, I think he was the best of his group, and the judges gave his partner and him special accolades. We got to see our first dancer fight for their life, with Legacy and John performing solos. The guy with the almost broken nose was sent through to the next round, but Ryan was cut after a stirring speech from Nigel.
During the “Dance for your Life” round, John received 4 no's and will not be continuing in the competition. Legacy was the last dancer to perform, and was already being touted as the best B-boy ever in the history of this show. Legacy received a unanimous positive vote and moved through to the next round with some constructive criticism from the judges. The ballroom round did claim some other fan favorites, including the New Orleans bouncer and the guy with the argyle pants.
10 words or less: Some heartbreaking and some breathtaking moments.
View Date: 10/10/09
Vegas week started off with a bang, with over 150 dancers competing for a chance to be part of the top 20. The judges for the week included Tyce Diorio, Adam Shankman, Debbie Allen, Mary Murphy, Nigel Lithgoe, and Mia Michaels. The first dancer we saw was the dancer who was given a ticket straight through to Vegas for this season during the Season 5 auditions because he was too young last time. During the first round, the dancers took the stage to perform a piece in their own style, and no feedback was provided by the judges. However, they did make cuts after each 10 performances. In this first round, we got a peek at the New Orleans bounce dancer as well as some of our tappers. While most of our previously-featured dancers were sent through to the next round, there were a few who were cut. During the first round, 41 people were cut, while the rest were sent through to the hip hop round.
Tabitha and Napoleon choreographed the hip hop round, where even some of the B-boys struggled when they needed to pick up choreography. The hip hop round sent over 20 more dancers packing, and Ryan Kasperzak (the brother of Season 5's Evan) was almost one of them.
90 dancers appeared for the Cha Cha round the next day with choreography by Louis van Amstel, assisted by Season 3's Anya. We had a gushing bloody nose during practice, our first major injury of the season. During the practice for the round, the krumper we enjoyed during the auditions was doing very well, and was aided by his ballroom dancer partner. Honestly, I think he was the best of his group, and the judges gave his partner and him special accolades. We got to see our first dancer fight for their life, with Legacy and John performing solos. The guy with the almost broken nose was sent through to the next round, but Ryan was cut after a stirring speech from Nigel.
During the “Dance for your Life” round, John received 4 no's and will not be continuing in the competition. Legacy was the last dancer to perform, and was already being touted as the best B-boy ever in the history of this show. Legacy received a unanimous positive vote and moved through to the next round with some constructive criticism from the judges. The ballroom round did claim some other fan favorites, including the New Orleans bouncer and the guy with the argyle pants.
10 words or less: Some heartbreaking and some breathtaking moments.
Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy
View Date: 10/1/09
This Lifetime movie was about a young, professional woman who discovers that, at age 27, she has breast cancer. After obtaining several opinions, she decides that she will undergo a full mastectomy with reconstruction. She chooses to wear red lipstick to her surgery as a sign of strength and empowerment, and it helps her get through the tough times of her upcoming fight against cancer.
I enjoyed this movie, even though I cried throughout most of the second half. I thought the acting was quite good for being a made-for-TV movie, and it really made me feel for the characters. I was able to relate to the situations presented, even though I have never been through cancer myself. If you want a heartwrenching story that is full of strength and courage, this movie is for you.
10 words or less: One of the better Lifetime movies I've seen.
This Lifetime movie was about a young, professional woman who discovers that, at age 27, she has breast cancer. After obtaining several opinions, she decides that she will undergo a full mastectomy with reconstruction. She chooses to wear red lipstick to her surgery as a sign of strength and empowerment, and it helps her get through the tough times of her upcoming fight against cancer.
I enjoyed this movie, even though I cried throughout most of the second half. I thought the acting was quite good for being a made-for-TV movie, and it really made me feel for the characters. I was able to relate to the situations presented, even though I have never been through cancer myself. If you want a heartwrenching story that is full of strength and courage, this movie is for you.
10 words or less: One of the better Lifetime movies I've seen.
Whip It!
View Date: 10/4/09
This movie, starring Ellen Page, is Drew Barrymore's first directing attempt. It is about a young woman who finds both a passion and a talent for roller derby, yet whose mother wants her to participate in beauty pageants. She joins the worst roller derby team in the league and becomes the leagues star, all behind her parents back. Once her parents find out, all hell breaks loose, as is usually the tale.
I really enjoyed this movie, as did my family. Sure, it was a little hokey and the overall story a little stale, but the energy and the action really made this film stand out. Another significant aspect of this movie was the soundtrack. Evidently, there were 75 songs in 111 minutes of the movie, yet none overpowered the story. Ellen Page was perfect for the lead role, and Juliette Lewis made one of the biggest impressions. I did come to a conclusion about Drew Barrymore: no matter how much I like her, she really isn't a very good actress.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and will probably watch it again in the future.
10 words or less: Strong, ruthless women are hot!
This movie, starring Ellen Page, is Drew Barrymore's first directing attempt. It is about a young woman who finds both a passion and a talent for roller derby, yet whose mother wants her to participate in beauty pageants. She joins the worst roller derby team in the league and becomes the leagues star, all behind her parents back. Once her parents find out, all hell breaks loose, as is usually the tale.
I really enjoyed this movie, as did my family. Sure, it was a little hokey and the overall story a little stale, but the energy and the action really made this film stand out. Another significant aspect of this movie was the soundtrack. Evidently, there were 75 songs in 111 minutes of the movie, yet none overpowered the story. Ellen Page was perfect for the lead role, and Juliette Lewis made one of the biggest impressions. I did come to a conclusion about Drew Barrymore: no matter how much I like her, she really isn't a very good actress.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and will probably watch it again in the future.
10 words or less: Strong, ruthless women are hot!
The Lost Boys: The Tribe
View Date: 10/8/09
This sequal to the 80's movie “The Lost Boys” starred the actor who played Stifler's younger brother in American Pie presents Band Camp, as well as Corey Feldman. It is another story about vampires, this time a whole tribe of extreme sports fanatics. They are being led by a former surfer, and attempt to recruit another former surfer and his sister, new members of the town. Of course, there is a challenge, as Corey Feldman plays the towns vampire hunter as well as surfboard shaper.
This movie was really bad. Corey Feldman totally overacted his part, and tried to use a much deeper voice to portray seriousness, yet totally failed. The story was awful, and I only finished watching to say that I actually finished the movie. The movie was so ridiculous that it was funny when it wasn't meant to be.
10 words or less: Bad, bad, very bad.
This sequal to the 80's movie “The Lost Boys” starred the actor who played Stifler's younger brother in American Pie presents Band Camp, as well as Corey Feldman. It is another story about vampires, this time a whole tribe of extreme sports fanatics. They are being led by a former surfer, and attempt to recruit another former surfer and his sister, new members of the town. Of course, there is a challenge, as Corey Feldman plays the towns vampire hunter as well as surfboard shaper.
This movie was really bad. Corey Feldman totally overacted his part, and tried to use a much deeper voice to portray seriousness, yet totally failed. The story was awful, and I only finished watching to say that I actually finished the movie. The movie was so ridiculous that it was funny when it wasn't meant to be.
10 words or less: Bad, bad, very bad.
Caffeine
View Date: 10/9/09
This movie was a day in the life of a cafe in England, where all of the employees are having pretty rough days. One is waiting for a call from his publisher, while another breaks up with her cheating boyfriend. The dumped boyfriend tries to get back into his ex's life, while it is another's day to watch her institutionalized grandmother on her only day out of the hospital for the month. But the employees are not the only people in the restaurant having difficult days. You get a peek into the lives of several of the patrons and the problems they are currently dealing with.
This movie reminded me very much of Waiting with an English accent. There were some rather humorous moments, particularly involving the crazy grandmother and the visions taking place throughout the movie. Yet other times, the film dragged, and it took me quite a while to really get into the picture. Once I developed an understanding of the characters a bit more, I was able to really start to enjoy the story. I don't know if I'd watch this movie again, but I ended up enjoying it this time, and did appreciate the actors involved (Callum Blue, Breckin Meyer, Mena Suvari).
10 words or less: Just a little old lady with a shotgun. No worries.
This movie was a day in the life of a cafe in England, where all of the employees are having pretty rough days. One is waiting for a call from his publisher, while another breaks up with her cheating boyfriend. The dumped boyfriend tries to get back into his ex's life, while it is another's day to watch her institutionalized grandmother on her only day out of the hospital for the month. But the employees are not the only people in the restaurant having difficult days. You get a peek into the lives of several of the patrons and the problems they are currently dealing with.
This movie reminded me very much of Waiting with an English accent. There were some rather humorous moments, particularly involving the crazy grandmother and the visions taking place throughout the movie. Yet other times, the film dragged, and it took me quite a while to really get into the picture. Once I developed an understanding of the characters a bit more, I was able to really start to enjoy the story. I don't know if I'd watch this movie again, but I ended up enjoying it this time, and did appreciate the actors involved (Callum Blue, Breckin Meyer, Mena Suvari).
10 words or less: Just a little old lady with a shotgun. No worries.
Survivor
Air Date: 10/8/09
View Date: 10/10/09
The episode started with seeing the Foa Foa tribe after tribal council, and seeing how Jaison reacted to a very tense confrontation at tribal. The next day, the tree mail indicated that the leader of each tribe must take 2 members of their tribe on a special quest with the possibility of obtaining additional food. The two tribes show up to a large circle with a chicken on one side and a treasure chest on the other. Not knowing what to do because Jeff is not there, immediately the contestants head toward the chickens. One person opens the treasure chest and finds instructions for the challenge, which is essentially a bocce ball game. The winner, which is the tribe closest to a randomly-placed stick, wins reward. Although Foa Foa was leading the entire game, one great last ball won the game for Galu, who went home with the chickens.
Back at Galu, while the reward challenge was going on, yet another immunity idol was found without actually knowing that it was there, although Shambo did share the clues based on the other camp. Once the others return, we get to see Russell and Natalie deepening their alliance, while Shambo winds up losing one of the chickens while retrieving eggs.
At the immunity challenge, the teams have to race across a net run carrying blocks, which they then have to stack blocks. After that is complete, they have to make their way across a robe bridge and get more blocks with which they then have to build a higher stack. The first team to finish the completion of their second stack wins immunity. Galu was in the lead throughout the first segment of the race, but Foa Foa did make up a lot of time crossing the rope bridge. Jaison provided a big height advantage to Foa Foa, which they tried their best to use to their advantage. After coming back and using their teams advantages, Foa Foa won immunity and did not have to vote another team member off. Galu looked totally dejected after losing their first challenge, which I found kind of funny after they had won so many. Based on the troubles around camp, almost anyone could have had votes against them.
At tribal as well as around camp after the challenge, talk revolved around what was more important: challenge performance or work around camp. Monica was being discussed as she was seen as the reason the challenge was lost, while Yasmin was discussed as not doing anything around camp. In the end, Yas was voted out, which upset Russell, the team leader, because he thought performance at challenges was the most important factor.
10 words or less: Russell (Galu) doesn't have the respect / power in his tribe.
View Date: 10/10/09
The episode started with seeing the Foa Foa tribe after tribal council, and seeing how Jaison reacted to a very tense confrontation at tribal. The next day, the tree mail indicated that the leader of each tribe must take 2 members of their tribe on a special quest with the possibility of obtaining additional food. The two tribes show up to a large circle with a chicken on one side and a treasure chest on the other. Not knowing what to do because Jeff is not there, immediately the contestants head toward the chickens. One person opens the treasure chest and finds instructions for the challenge, which is essentially a bocce ball game. The winner, which is the tribe closest to a randomly-placed stick, wins reward. Although Foa Foa was leading the entire game, one great last ball won the game for Galu, who went home with the chickens.
Back at Galu, while the reward challenge was going on, yet another immunity idol was found without actually knowing that it was there, although Shambo did share the clues based on the other camp. Once the others return, we get to see Russell and Natalie deepening their alliance, while Shambo winds up losing one of the chickens while retrieving eggs.
At the immunity challenge, the teams have to race across a net run carrying blocks, which they then have to stack blocks. After that is complete, they have to make their way across a robe bridge and get more blocks with which they then have to build a higher stack. The first team to finish the completion of their second stack wins immunity. Galu was in the lead throughout the first segment of the race, but Foa Foa did make up a lot of time crossing the rope bridge. Jaison provided a big height advantage to Foa Foa, which they tried their best to use to their advantage. After coming back and using their teams advantages, Foa Foa won immunity and did not have to vote another team member off. Galu looked totally dejected after losing their first challenge, which I found kind of funny after they had won so many. Based on the troubles around camp, almost anyone could have had votes against them.
At tribal as well as around camp after the challenge, talk revolved around what was more important: challenge performance or work around camp. Monica was being discussed as she was seen as the reason the challenge was lost, while Yasmin was discussed as not doing anything around camp. In the end, Yas was voted out, which upset Russell, the team leader, because he thought performance at challenges was the most important factor.
10 words or less: Russell (Galu) doesn't have the respect / power in his tribe.
Project Runway
Air Date: 10/8/09
View Date: 10/10/09
The challenge for this episode was to redesign wedding dresses for a group of divorced women who want to change their wedding dresses to something for their new lives as single women. Irina got to choose of her client first, with the other designers choosing randomly. The ladies with the largest dresses were generally chosen first. This was to be the last immunity challenge, and they had one day to complete the design. Additionally, at Mood, the contestants could only purchase 2 yards of fabric, then anything else needed for their design.
One of the issues many of the designers encountered was poor quality fabric. Shirin seemed to have the most problems, being that she had the least fabric (she didn't get to choose her dress) and the most flamboyant client who had some rather outlandish ideas.
Side note: I think this was the first time I've ever seen Heidi wear pants.
The favorite designs for this challenge were those of Shirin, Irina, and Gordana, while the least favorite dresses were those of Epperson, Christopher, and Logan. Gordana rightfully won this challenge with an absolutely rocking dress. Coming down to Logan and Epperson, Epperson was sent home, which probably has been coming for several weeks now.
10 words or less: Christopher's silver garbage bag should have sent him packing.
View Date: 10/10/09
The challenge for this episode was to redesign wedding dresses for a group of divorced women who want to change their wedding dresses to something for their new lives as single women. Irina got to choose of her client first, with the other designers choosing randomly. The ladies with the largest dresses were generally chosen first. This was to be the last immunity challenge, and they had one day to complete the design. Additionally, at Mood, the contestants could only purchase 2 yards of fabric, then anything else needed for their design.
One of the issues many of the designers encountered was poor quality fabric. Shirin seemed to have the most problems, being that she had the least fabric (she didn't get to choose her dress) and the most flamboyant client who had some rather outlandish ideas.
Side note: I think this was the first time I've ever seen Heidi wear pants.
The favorite designs for this challenge were those of Shirin, Irina, and Gordana, while the least favorite dresses were those of Epperson, Christopher, and Logan. Gordana rightfully won this challenge with an absolutely rocking dress. Coming down to Logan and Epperson, Epperson was sent home, which probably has been coming for several weeks now.
10 words or less: Christopher's silver garbage bag should have sent him packing.
Top Chef
View Date: 10/7/09
Quickfire Challenge: Tonight's quickfire was a high stakes quickfire, but the stakes were not identified until after the challenge. The guest judge tonight was Tyler Florence, and the chefs had to base a dish on three words as provided by a slot machine. I believe the words were a color, a flavor, and a region. Kevin won this challenge, and it was revealed that he could either choose $15000 or immunity in the elimination challenge, of which he chose the money. Jennifer had a bit of a bad challenge, which may have partly been because she was sick.
Elimination Challenge: The chefs all head home, and find out that they will be hosting a dinner party for a group of famous chefs and the judges. The famous chefs each had a bag of ingredients, which the contestants would have to use to create, in pairs, a single family-style dish. Additionally, they were to be cooking for only 3 hours in their residence. The pairs include Michael V./Ash, Robin/Mike I., Jennifer/Kevin, Eli/Ashley, and Bryan/Laurine.
The preferred dishes of the evening were Bryan and Laurine's halibut dish, as well as Kevin and Jennifer's beef dish. Kevin and Jennifer's dish won, and Jennifer's tomato gravy earned her the win. Michael V., Ashley, Eli, and Ash were called in for the least favorite dishes for the evening. Ashley was sent home for some very salty gnocchi and some undercooked prawns.
10 words or less: Way too close for Michael V. tonight.
Quickfire Challenge: Tonight's quickfire was a high stakes quickfire, but the stakes were not identified until after the challenge. The guest judge tonight was Tyler Florence, and the chefs had to base a dish on three words as provided by a slot machine. I believe the words were a color, a flavor, and a region. Kevin won this challenge, and it was revealed that he could either choose $15000 or immunity in the elimination challenge, of which he chose the money. Jennifer had a bit of a bad challenge, which may have partly been because she was sick.
Elimination Challenge: The chefs all head home, and find out that they will be hosting a dinner party for a group of famous chefs and the judges. The famous chefs each had a bag of ingredients, which the contestants would have to use to create, in pairs, a single family-style dish. Additionally, they were to be cooking for only 3 hours in their residence. The pairs include Michael V./Ash, Robin/Mike I., Jennifer/Kevin, Eli/Ashley, and Bryan/Laurine.
The preferred dishes of the evening were Bryan and Laurine's halibut dish, as well as Kevin and Jennifer's beef dish. Kevin and Jennifer's dish won, and Jennifer's tomato gravy earned her the win. Michael V., Ashley, Eli, and Ash were called in for the least favorite dishes for the evening. Ashley was sent home for some very salty gnocchi and some undercooked prawns.
10 words or less: Way too close for Michael V. tonight.
School of Rock
View Date: 9/3/09
Jack Black stars in this movie about a rocker who gets fired from his band, and whose roommate’s girlfriend wants to kick him out of the shared apartment unless he can come up with some rent money. As he is trying to sell his guitars, he intercepts a call for his roommate for a substitute teaching position at one of the area’s most prestigious elementary schools. Being that he has no teaching experience himself, he uses very unusual methods, which are not approved of by the principal. With the students, he creates a band, complete with roadies, backup singers, and song writers, whose ultimate goal, dubbed as a class project, is to compete at Battle of the Bands. But look out when the parents find out what he is actually doing!
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I had started watching it on TV one day, but was unable to watch the end. This was a fantastic role for Jack Black, and I got to see other familiar faces such as Miranda Cosgrove from iCarly and Adam Pascal from Rent. The story was believable enough to allow me to suspend my disbelief and really get into the movie. I could watch this again and again, and may become one of my well-loved flicks.
10 words or less: It’s amazing what kids can do with some questionable influence.
Jack Black stars in this movie about a rocker who gets fired from his band, and whose roommate’s girlfriend wants to kick him out of the shared apartment unless he can come up with some rent money. As he is trying to sell his guitars, he intercepts a call for his roommate for a substitute teaching position at one of the area’s most prestigious elementary schools. Being that he has no teaching experience himself, he uses very unusual methods, which are not approved of by the principal. With the students, he creates a band, complete with roadies, backup singers, and song writers, whose ultimate goal, dubbed as a class project, is to compete at Battle of the Bands. But look out when the parents find out what he is actually doing!
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I had started watching it on TV one day, but was unable to watch the end. This was a fantastic role for Jack Black, and I got to see other familiar faces such as Miranda Cosgrove from iCarly and Adam Pascal from Rent. The story was believable enough to allow me to suspend my disbelief and really get into the movie. I could watch this again and again, and may become one of my well-loved flicks.
10 words or less: It’s amazing what kids can do with some questionable influence.
No Country for Old Men
View Date: 9/1/09
This picture was the latest of the Coen Brothers movies when I saw it. It tells the story of a murderous man trying to get money back from someone, and the lengths that go into getting or keeping the money.
This critically acclaimed movie picked up numerous awards last year. Some people were touting it as the best movie of the year, period. I disagree. I thought it was slow, and it didn’t grab my interest. The plot was OK, but just OK. It didn’t have the same uniqueness or even the ridiculousness of Fargo, which is by far the best Coen Brothers movie I’ve seen. This movie, in its setup and gore, could have been a Tarantino movie. He would have done a much better job with the story and the characters, and there would have been a killer soundtrack to go along with it. As it was, it just didn’t work for me.
10 words or less: A Tarantino movie without the awesome soundtrack.
This picture was the latest of the Coen Brothers movies when I saw it. It tells the story of a murderous man trying to get money back from someone, and the lengths that go into getting or keeping the money.
This critically acclaimed movie picked up numerous awards last year. Some people were touting it as the best movie of the year, period. I disagree. I thought it was slow, and it didn’t grab my interest. The plot was OK, but just OK. It didn’t have the same uniqueness or even the ridiculousness of Fargo, which is by far the best Coen Brothers movie I’ve seen. This movie, in its setup and gore, could have been a Tarantino movie. He would have done a much better job with the story and the characters, and there would have been a killer soundtrack to go along with it. As it was, it just didn’t work for me.
10 words or less: A Tarantino movie without the awesome soundtrack.
Adventureland
View Date: 8/31/09
This movie is about a young man whose parents force him to get a summer job to pay for college once his father becomes unemployed. After trying several other options, he begins working for an independent amusement park at the game booths. While there, he befriends various other employees, in particular a young woman who is having a fling with the married repairman. Friends are gained and lost, trusts are betrayed, and decisions about life are made.
I was somewhat disappointed in this movie. I really like many of the actors, including Kristin Stewart and Ryan Reynolds. Jesse Eisenberg came across to me as a poor man’s Michael Cera. But I think another thing that made this movie less than desired was the setting. Taking place in an amusement park was fine, but it was an amusement park from the 1980’s. It just made the whole thing seem off to me somehow. Perhaps another aspect that lead to my disappointment was that I was very excited to see this film. Perhaps I set myself up for disappointment by expecting too much out of it and thus not being able to appreciate it for what it was.
10 words or less: Rather disappointing, and even a little slow.
This movie is about a young man whose parents force him to get a summer job to pay for college once his father becomes unemployed. After trying several other options, he begins working for an independent amusement park at the game booths. While there, he befriends various other employees, in particular a young woman who is having a fling with the married repairman. Friends are gained and lost, trusts are betrayed, and decisions about life are made.
I was somewhat disappointed in this movie. I really like many of the actors, including Kristin Stewart and Ryan Reynolds. Jesse Eisenberg came across to me as a poor man’s Michael Cera. But I think another thing that made this movie less than desired was the setting. Taking place in an amusement park was fine, but it was an amusement park from the 1980’s. It just made the whole thing seem off to me somehow. Perhaps another aspect that lead to my disappointment was that I was very excited to see this film. Perhaps I set myself up for disappointment by expecting too much out of it and thus not being able to appreciate it for what it was.
10 words or less: Rather disappointing, and even a little slow.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Survivor
Air Date: 10/1/09
View Date: 10/6/09
The episode started off with more scheming and plotting by Russell, and peeks into both tribes revealed members who were very unpleased with life around camp. It now seems like Russell is aiming for Ashley, which just baffles me, because he's just picking off his alliances.
With the delivery of the tree mail giving the clue for the next challenge, a bag of bathing suits also arrived which uplifted the competitors spirits. At the challenge, with both immunity and reward up for grabs, the teams had to go out and retrieve crates from a battle zone, and then stack them so no colors repeated on any side of the stack. Additionally, this challenge was for six players per side, so both teams got to sit people out. Galu won yet again, and Russell from Galu got to make a crucial decision between comfort and function. He chose comfort, and the girls on his tribe were very happy. The guys, on the other hand, were upset that function was not chosen. Shambo was then selected to join Foa Foa until tribal council to observe, etc.
Shambo found a group much more to her tastes in Foa Foa. While she was becoming familiar around camp, the discussion revolved around who would be going home and in what order. It was between Ben and Ashley, with Russell having 4 votes to kick Ashley out. Jaison is getting incredibly upset with keeping Ben around, and the other guys gang up on him trying to convince him to maintain guy power in camp. Jaison had better watch out, though, because he seems to be giving Russell a bit of a hard time on this, and that doesn't seem to work out well for anyone.
Tribal council was a showdown between Ben and Jaison. Jaison had it right when he called Ben a bully, and even pointed out very typical bully behaviors. Ben wouldn't listen to a single argument, and everyone else tried to say out of it as much as possible. In the end, Ben was surprised by being voted out. It was likely his outbursts at tribal council that changed a few minds, or firmed up a few plans, because he was voted out unanimously.
10 words or less: It's about time. But someone needs to take down Russell.
View Date: 10/6/09
The episode started off with more scheming and plotting by Russell, and peeks into both tribes revealed members who were very unpleased with life around camp. It now seems like Russell is aiming for Ashley, which just baffles me, because he's just picking off his alliances.
With the delivery of the tree mail giving the clue for the next challenge, a bag of bathing suits also arrived which uplifted the competitors spirits. At the challenge, with both immunity and reward up for grabs, the teams had to go out and retrieve crates from a battle zone, and then stack them so no colors repeated on any side of the stack. Additionally, this challenge was for six players per side, so both teams got to sit people out. Galu won yet again, and Russell from Galu got to make a crucial decision between comfort and function. He chose comfort, and the girls on his tribe were very happy. The guys, on the other hand, were upset that function was not chosen. Shambo was then selected to join Foa Foa until tribal council to observe, etc.
Shambo found a group much more to her tastes in Foa Foa. While she was becoming familiar around camp, the discussion revolved around who would be going home and in what order. It was between Ben and Ashley, with Russell having 4 votes to kick Ashley out. Jaison is getting incredibly upset with keeping Ben around, and the other guys gang up on him trying to convince him to maintain guy power in camp. Jaison had better watch out, though, because he seems to be giving Russell a bit of a hard time on this, and that doesn't seem to work out well for anyone.
Tribal council was a showdown between Ben and Jaison. Jaison had it right when he called Ben a bully, and even pointed out very typical bully behaviors. Ben wouldn't listen to a single argument, and everyone else tried to say out of it as much as possible. In the end, Ben was surprised by being voted out. It was likely his outbursts at tribal council that changed a few minds, or firmed up a few plans, because he was voted out unanimously.
10 words or less: It's about time. But someone needs to take down Russell.
SYTYCD
View Date: 10/6/09
Tonight was the last audition episode, and this time they were in Salt Lake City. Joining Nigel and Mary for this city was Mia Michaels.
Our first dancer of the night was an excellent B-boy who was sent through to choreography after a strong performance. We got to see more heartfelt stories and many very talented female dancers, even a burlesque performance. That performance in particular left the judges speechless, even Mary, but she was sent through to choreography. We finished the auditions with a stunning ballroom number, where the female performer was sent straight through.
Day 2 started with a rather unusual performance that was part hip hop, part performance art, and mostly just a whole bunch of shaking. The guy did have a comeback for every jibe the judges threw at him, but just couldn't step up with the dancing. We were treated to several spectacular ballroom performances, even though we only got a small glimpse of some.
All in all, 152 dancers are through to Vegas. Tomorrow night's episode starts off Vegas week. Some of the performances look amazing, and some look just amazingly bad. Looks like we have a lot to look forward to.
10 words or less: Next on to Vegas!
Tonight was the last audition episode, and this time they were in Salt Lake City. Joining Nigel and Mary for this city was Mia Michaels.
Our first dancer of the night was an excellent B-boy who was sent through to choreography after a strong performance. We got to see more heartfelt stories and many very talented female dancers, even a burlesque performance. That performance in particular left the judges speechless, even Mary, but she was sent through to choreography. We finished the auditions with a stunning ballroom number, where the female performer was sent straight through.
Day 2 started with a rather unusual performance that was part hip hop, part performance art, and mostly just a whole bunch of shaking. The guy did have a comeback for every jibe the judges threw at him, but just couldn't step up with the dancing. We were treated to several spectacular ballroom performances, even though we only got a small glimpse of some.
All in all, 152 dancers are through to Vegas. Tomorrow night's episode starts off Vegas week. Some of the performances look amazing, and some look just amazingly bad. Looks like we have a lot to look forward to.
10 words or less: Next on to Vegas!
The Amazing Race
View Date: 10/4/09
During the overnight break for the contestants, the pit stop, a local riverboat, picked up anchor and traveled to Vietnam, to a location unknown to the contestants. Once they set off, they had to travel to Ho Chi Minh City by taxi and retrieve their next clue from a golden water dragon puppet. The teams retrieved a stamp from the water dragon, determine that the picture on the stamp was the post office and go there to get their next clue.
The clue at the post office lead to a detour, where the contestants had to choose between two tasks. Child's Play had the players transporting a concrete animal and several colored balloons to a playground, during which the 5 balloons were picked up along the way. Word Play entailed the teams going to the top of a tall tower and searching the traffic below for 6 Vietnamese letters, then get help from the locals to form the word Vietnamese word for freedom. Completing either task earned the teams their next clue. Most teams chose Child's Play, and encountered broken dollies, broken animals, and lost balloons. Only one team chose Word Play and struggled with one of the letters.
Teams then had to travel to a busy intersection where they would find their next clue. The teams have to watch a demonstration and then proceed to recycle several VCRs. Once complete, they received their next clue which lead to the pit stop. The winners for this leg of this race was The Globtrotter's, who won in a footrace with Megan and Chayne. The older dating couple of Marcy and Ron were the last team to arrive at the pit stop and were eliminated.
10 words or less: Tie between Globtrotter's and Father/Son team.
During the overnight break for the contestants, the pit stop, a local riverboat, picked up anchor and traveled to Vietnam, to a location unknown to the contestants. Once they set off, they had to travel to Ho Chi Minh City by taxi and retrieve their next clue from a golden water dragon puppet. The teams retrieved a stamp from the water dragon, determine that the picture on the stamp was the post office and go there to get their next clue.
The clue at the post office lead to a detour, where the contestants had to choose between two tasks. Child's Play had the players transporting a concrete animal and several colored balloons to a playground, during which the 5 balloons were picked up along the way. Word Play entailed the teams going to the top of a tall tower and searching the traffic below for 6 Vietnamese letters, then get help from the locals to form the word Vietnamese word for freedom. Completing either task earned the teams their next clue. Most teams chose Child's Play, and encountered broken dollies, broken animals, and lost balloons. Only one team chose Word Play and struggled with one of the letters.
Teams then had to travel to a busy intersection where they would find their next clue. The teams have to watch a demonstration and then proceed to recycle several VCRs. Once complete, they received their next clue which lead to the pit stop. The winners for this leg of this race was The Globtrotter's, who won in a footrace with Megan and Chayne. The older dating couple of Marcy and Ron were the last team to arrive at the pit stop and were eliminated.
10 words or less: Tie between Globtrotter's and Father/Son team.
Glass
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Completed: 8/27/09
In this sequel to Crank, Ellen Hopkins once again provides an intimate look into the world of a methamphetamine addict. It picks up shortly after the previous book and continues telling the narrative in verse. We see the recovering addict relapse and fall even deeper into her addiction. Even when she tries to do the right thing and come down when she knows she will need to be alert and in her right mind, everything seems to fall apart.
This was yet another wonderful book by Ms. Hopkins. I truly enjoy her poetry, which is something I don't say about many people. I look forward to reading her next book, and the upcoming third in this series.
10 words or less: Had to remind myself it was based on truth.
Completed: 8/27/09
In this sequel to Crank, Ellen Hopkins once again provides an intimate look into the world of a methamphetamine addict. It picks up shortly after the previous book and continues telling the narrative in verse. We see the recovering addict relapse and fall even deeper into her addiction. Even when she tries to do the right thing and come down when she knows she will need to be alert and in her right mind, everything seems to fall apart.
This was yet another wonderful book by Ms. Hopkins. I truly enjoy her poetry, which is something I don't say about many people. I look forward to reading her next book, and the upcoming third in this series.
10 words or less: Had to remind myself it was based on truth.
Project Runway
Air Date: 10/1/09
View Date: 10/3/09
In this episode, the designers were to create looks in the color blue that would work with Macy's new INC line. The winner would then be commissioned to create a holiday dress to be sold at Macy's. The designers were to be working in teams. They all sketched their ideas, and the representative from Macy's chose her five favorite designers, who then became team leaders. Those designers chose their teammates. The team leaders were Althea, Carol-Hannah, Irina, Christopher, and Louise. This was also a 1 day challenge, and no immunity would be awarded to the winner. Additionally, more than one designer may be eliminated during this challenge.
Althea and Logan went immediately through to the next round. Louise/Nicolas and Christopher/Epperson had the lowest scores, while Carol-Hannah/Shirin and Irina/Gordana had the highest scores. Irina won the challenge particularly for her patterned dress, and will be designing a dress to be sold at Macy's. It came down to Louise and Christopher for elimination, and Louise was the only one eliminated.
10 words or less: Don't totally agree with the judges tonight.
View Date: 10/3/09
In this episode, the designers were to create looks in the color blue that would work with Macy's new INC line. The winner would then be commissioned to create a holiday dress to be sold at Macy's. The designers were to be working in teams. They all sketched their ideas, and the representative from Macy's chose her five favorite designers, who then became team leaders. Those designers chose their teammates. The team leaders were Althea, Carol-Hannah, Irina, Christopher, and Louise. This was also a 1 day challenge, and no immunity would be awarded to the winner. Additionally, more than one designer may be eliminated during this challenge.
Althea and Logan went immediately through to the next round. Louise/Nicolas and Christopher/Epperson had the lowest scores, while Carol-Hannah/Shirin and Irina/Gordana had the highest scores. Irina won the challenge particularly for her patterned dress, and will be designing a dress to be sold at Macy's. It came down to Louise and Christopher for elimination, and Louise was the only one eliminated.
10 words or less: Don't totally agree with the judges tonight.
Project Runway
Air Date: 9/24/09
View Date: 9/30/09
This week's competition has the remaining designers traveling to a movie sound stage to find out about their next challenge. Once they arrived, they had to pick a movie genre and design an outfit and a character that fits the movie type. Irina, as the winner of last week's challenge, got to choose first, followed by each of the other designers randomly. Western was the least-desired genre. Other options included Science Fiction, Period Piece, Film Noir, and Action/Adventure. This was a 1-day challenge for the designers, which stressed them out considerably.
Runway day came, and some of the designers were way more stressed than others. Irina had Film Noir, as did Althea and Louise. Carol-Hannah and Logan both had Action/Adventure, while Shiri and Epperson wound up with Western, Christopher and Gordana created for Period Piece, while Ra'mon and Nicolas had Science Fiction as their genre.
The top designers of the night included Christopher, Nicolas, and Epperson, while the bottom three designers were Gordana, Louise, and Ra'mon. Nicolas won the challenge with an ice queen dress, and won immunity for the next challenge. It came down to Ra'mon and Louise, with Ra'mon leaving.
I'm a bit surprised this season that I don't have a clear-cut favorite, whereas I had my favorites picked out by the end of the second episode last time. I do have people that I definitely want to see go home, but no one that I'm really rooting for. Ra'mon would probably be the closest, and Logan just because he's absolutely hot.
10 words or less: Finally, the outfits were supposed to look like costumes.
View Date: 9/30/09
This week's competition has the remaining designers traveling to a movie sound stage to find out about their next challenge. Once they arrived, they had to pick a movie genre and design an outfit and a character that fits the movie type. Irina, as the winner of last week's challenge, got to choose first, followed by each of the other designers randomly. Western was the least-desired genre. Other options included Science Fiction, Period Piece, Film Noir, and Action/Adventure. This was a 1-day challenge for the designers, which stressed them out considerably.
Runway day came, and some of the designers were way more stressed than others. Irina had Film Noir, as did Althea and Louise. Carol-Hannah and Logan both had Action/Adventure, while Shiri and Epperson wound up with Western, Christopher and Gordana created for Period Piece, while Ra'mon and Nicolas had Science Fiction as their genre.
The top designers of the night included Christopher, Nicolas, and Epperson, while the bottom three designers were Gordana, Louise, and Ra'mon. Nicolas won the challenge with an ice queen dress, and won immunity for the next challenge. It came down to Ra'mon and Louise, with Ra'mon leaving.
I'm a bit surprised this season that I don't have a clear-cut favorite, whereas I had my favorites picked out by the end of the second episode last time. I do have people that I definitely want to see go home, but no one that I'm really rooting for. Ra'mon would probably be the closest, and Logan just because he's absolutely hot.
10 words or less: Finally, the outfits were supposed to look like costumes.
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