View Date: 9/30/09
Tonight's episode was the auditions in New Orleans, and just from the previews it looked like we would be getting some great dancing. Nigel was in England getting an honorary doctorate, so Mary was joined by Adam Shankman and Lil' C for this city.
Day 1 of the auditions started off with a dancer showcasing New Orleans bounce, which was a style we haven't seen on this show before. He was very strong in his style and very entertaining, got a “buck” from Lil' C, and was amazingly sent straight through to Vegas (I really expected to see him go to choreography). Following him we got to see a whole slew of fantastic dancers who will be joining him in Vegas. Without Nigel, the judges seem to be a bit easier and are sending people to Vegas who would normally be sent to choreography, and even sending people through to choreography when they would normally just be going home. They even admitted that they were taking a huge risk on some of the dancers, but still sent them through along the way.
The second day brought us some amazing ballroom dancers which had the most amazing lifts ever seen on the show, who likened their style to ice dancing without the ice and skates. Following that was a surprising hip hop performance where the dancer was sent to choreography.
As an interlude, we were treated to a performance of Mary's Rules, with Adam Shankman demonstrating and accompanied by a video montage.
More great dancers were sent through to either choreography or Vegas, and we got to hear several more inspiring stories.
10 words or less: Next episode is our last audition. On to Utah!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
SYTYCD
View Date: 9/29/09
Tonight's episode was the Atlanta auditions. The guest judge for the Atlanta auditions was Lil' C, so we should be in for some interesting comments. We'll just have to see if anyone is “buck” tonight. The judges decided to scare the bejeebus out of the first dancer of the evening by telling him he wasn't going to choreography, then waited to tell him he was straight through to Vegas. The judges were disappointed throughout the first day of auditions with lack of performance, although there was great dancing involved.
The second day, they sent a one-handed dancer through to choreography, as well as a surprisingly good popper who kept hitting on every woman around. Many more of the dancers seemed to go through to choreography on the second day, but most of those shown did not make it though. One such person, who got eliminated after choreography, said that his salsa was more like guacamole.
Tomorrow night we will see the New Orleans auditions, which look to be very promising.
10 words or less: Atlanta, like Boston, has some very strong male dancers.
Tonight's episode was the Atlanta auditions. The guest judge for the Atlanta auditions was Lil' C, so we should be in for some interesting comments. We'll just have to see if anyone is “buck” tonight. The judges decided to scare the bejeebus out of the first dancer of the evening by telling him he wasn't going to choreography, then waited to tell him he was straight through to Vegas. The judges were disappointed throughout the first day of auditions with lack of performance, although there was great dancing involved.
The second day, they sent a one-handed dancer through to choreography, as well as a surprisingly good popper who kept hitting on every woman around. Many more of the dancers seemed to go through to choreography on the second day, but most of those shown did not make it though. One such person, who got eliminated after choreography, said that his salsa was more like guacamole.
Tomorrow night we will see the New Orleans auditions, which look to be very promising.
10 words or less: Atlanta, like Boston, has some very strong male dancers.
Fanboys
View Date: 8/26/09
Fanboys is a movie about a group of Star Wars fans who travel across the country to Skywalker Ranch (the home of George Lucas) to try to see The Phantom Menace before it is released. The group commences the trek once they find out that one of their own will not survive cancer and has only months to live.
Along the way, they take several detours, such as to Iowa to make fun of the Trekkies who gather at the birthplace of Captain Kirk. Seth Rogan plays several characters, and other known actors make appearances as well.
I loved this movie. There were many references to both Star Wars and Star Trek which would probably not be understood by non-fans. As I've said before, I'm a big ole geek, and was able to follow along well. I was also able to relate with the characters, as much for their eccentricities as for their personas. I laughed through the entire movie and kept saying things like “that is so perfect”. For example, the only music allowed in the van used for the trip per the owner is Rush, yet it was so appropriate for the characters and the movie. Loved it, loved it, loved it, but I don't think everyone would enjoy it so much, especially if they are not fans.
10 words or less: The hype is well deserved.
Fanboys is a movie about a group of Star Wars fans who travel across the country to Skywalker Ranch (the home of George Lucas) to try to see The Phantom Menace before it is released. The group commences the trek once they find out that one of their own will not survive cancer and has only months to live.
Along the way, they take several detours, such as to Iowa to make fun of the Trekkies who gather at the birthplace of Captain Kirk. Seth Rogan plays several characters, and other known actors make appearances as well.
I loved this movie. There were many references to both Star Wars and Star Trek which would probably not be understood by non-fans. As I've said before, I'm a big ole geek, and was able to follow along well. I was also able to relate with the characters, as much for their eccentricities as for their personas. I laughed through the entire movie and kept saying things like “that is so perfect”. For example, the only music allowed in the van used for the trip per the owner is Rush, yet it was so appropriate for the characters and the movie. Loved it, loved it, loved it, but I don't think everyone would enjoy it so much, especially if they are not fans.
10 words or less: The hype is well deserved.
The Amazing Race
View Date: 9/27/09
This was the beginning of the season, and we were first introduced to the teams. Included we have a team of gay brothers, female professional poker players, Harlem Globtrotters teammates, a former Miss America, and a person with Asperger's syndrome.
This season also introduced a challenge never before seen on the show. This time, the first challenge was introduced at the start line, where immediately after obtaining their clues they had to search through license plates for the one appropriate for Tokyo. The last team to find the correct license plate was eliminated. Eric and Lisa, the married yoga instructors, were eliminated even before getting on a plane for the first time.
After arriving in Tokyo, the teams had to make their way by taxi to a television studio and participate in a Japanese game show. Surprisingly, all of the teams participated in “The Sushi Roulette” together, where one member of each team had to eat whichever piece of sushi appeared before them. However, if the contestant received a “wasabi bomb”, they had two minutes to complete the roll and win their next clue. If they failed to complete the task in under 2 minutes, they had to go through another round until they were successful. After winning the clue, the team has to pick the correct group of color-coded Japanese tourists and make their way to a Shinto shrine, the pit stop for this leg of the race.
Megan and Cheyne (Shane), the red team, won the leg as well as a trip to Vale and Denver from Travelocity. The team that was last in the sushi challenge really made up time and came into the pit stop in sixth place. Unfortunately, Maria and Tiffany, the professional poker players, came in last and incurred a 2 hour penalty, and will have to complete a speed bump in the next leg, but found out it was a non-elimination leg and would still be racing.
Continuing on, the next leg of the race saw the contestants make their way to Ho Chi Minh City. They then had to make their way by bus through a flooded city to a trip across a river. They then had to collect mud and fertilize a fruit tree to get their next clue. After returning their boats, they then had to complete a local tradition of herding ducks as a road block, where only one team member participated. The teams had 10 minutes to herd their ducks, and if they failed they had to give up their spot to a waiting team and wait until another spot opened. The teams finally had to make their way to a riverboat, the pit stop on this leg of the race. The father-son farming team of Gary and Matt, who were duck herding fools, won the leg as well as kayaks for each of them. The beauty queen lived to see another leg, but Garrett and Jessica, dating on and off, were eliminated from the race.
10 words or less: It takes is luck, a strong stomach, and herding skills.
This was the beginning of the season, and we were first introduced to the teams. Included we have a team of gay brothers, female professional poker players, Harlem Globtrotters teammates, a former Miss America, and a person with Asperger's syndrome.
This season also introduced a challenge never before seen on the show. This time, the first challenge was introduced at the start line, where immediately after obtaining their clues they had to search through license plates for the one appropriate for Tokyo. The last team to find the correct license plate was eliminated. Eric and Lisa, the married yoga instructors, were eliminated even before getting on a plane for the first time.
After arriving in Tokyo, the teams had to make their way by taxi to a television studio and participate in a Japanese game show. Surprisingly, all of the teams participated in “The Sushi Roulette” together, where one member of each team had to eat whichever piece of sushi appeared before them. However, if the contestant received a “wasabi bomb”, they had two minutes to complete the roll and win their next clue. If they failed to complete the task in under 2 minutes, they had to go through another round until they were successful. After winning the clue, the team has to pick the correct group of color-coded Japanese tourists and make their way to a Shinto shrine, the pit stop for this leg of the race.
Megan and Cheyne (Shane), the red team, won the leg as well as a trip to Vale and Denver from Travelocity. The team that was last in the sushi challenge really made up time and came into the pit stop in sixth place. Unfortunately, Maria and Tiffany, the professional poker players, came in last and incurred a 2 hour penalty, and will have to complete a speed bump in the next leg, but found out it was a non-elimination leg and would still be racing.
Continuing on, the next leg of the race saw the contestants make their way to Ho Chi Minh City. They then had to make their way by bus through a flooded city to a trip across a river. They then had to collect mud and fertilize a fruit tree to get their next clue. After returning their boats, they then had to complete a local tradition of herding ducks as a road block, where only one team member participated. The teams had 10 minutes to herd their ducks, and if they failed they had to give up their spot to a waiting team and wait until another spot opened. The teams finally had to make their way to a riverboat, the pit stop on this leg of the race. The father-son farming team of Gary and Matt, who were duck herding fools, won the leg as well as kayaks for each of them. The beauty queen lived to see another leg, but Garrett and Jessica, dating on and off, were eliminated from the race.
10 words or less: It takes is luck, a strong stomach, and herding skills.
Survivor
Air Date: 9/24/09
View Date: 9/27/09
So we started off knowing that Russell was completely evil. And he was starting trouble already right at the beginning of this episode with the only other person who has expressed distrust vocally toward him, who just so happens to be a police officer. To top everything off, Russell believes that there is an immunity idol even before anyone receives a clue to its existence. Lo and behold, he found the damn thing without help and without even knowing it really existed.
In the immunity challenge, the teams had to fight for three balls, which then would be passed to other tribe members who would try to make baskets in the other team's basket. Foa Foa scores the first point while the members switch positions. This is an incredibly physical challenge, and the players are warned by Jeff about cheap shots. Ben gets kicked out of the challenge for a cheap shot to Russ's ankles. Galu won reward and immunity, and Ben won the dubious honor of being the first player in history to be kicked out of a challenge. To top everything off, Mike's performance in the challenge warranted review by the medical team. Turns out, he had very, very low blood pressure and was removed from the game by the medical staff.
Back at Galu, Shambo went spear fishing with no success. Not only that, she also lost some of the gear. In the interviews, some of her teammates indicated that she really screwed herself over and would probably be eliminated soon. One of the members of Galu accompanied Foa Foa back to their camp and was provided with a clue to the immunity idol, not knowing that it was already found. Additionally, she had a very big mouth and definitely did not make any friends at the other camp. Then, Ben proceeded to chop wood throughout the night while everyone else was trying to sleep. That definitely didn't ingratiate himself to the others. And then he really showed no regret during tribal council. Unfortunately, Betsy was taken down because she dared to challenge Russell, and was perceived as a weak link because she was the oldest and viewed as the slowest.
10 words or less: Someone needs to take Russell down.
View Date: 9/27/09
So we started off knowing that Russell was completely evil. And he was starting trouble already right at the beginning of this episode with the only other person who has expressed distrust vocally toward him, who just so happens to be a police officer. To top everything off, Russell believes that there is an immunity idol even before anyone receives a clue to its existence. Lo and behold, he found the damn thing without help and without even knowing it really existed.
In the immunity challenge, the teams had to fight for three balls, which then would be passed to other tribe members who would try to make baskets in the other team's basket. Foa Foa scores the first point while the members switch positions. This is an incredibly physical challenge, and the players are warned by Jeff about cheap shots. Ben gets kicked out of the challenge for a cheap shot to Russ's ankles. Galu won reward and immunity, and Ben won the dubious honor of being the first player in history to be kicked out of a challenge. To top everything off, Mike's performance in the challenge warranted review by the medical team. Turns out, he had very, very low blood pressure and was removed from the game by the medical staff.
Back at Galu, Shambo went spear fishing with no success. Not only that, she also lost some of the gear. In the interviews, some of her teammates indicated that she really screwed herself over and would probably be eliminated soon. One of the members of Galu accompanied Foa Foa back to their camp and was provided with a clue to the immunity idol, not knowing that it was already found. Additionally, she had a very big mouth and definitely did not make any friends at the other camp. Then, Ben proceeded to chop wood throughout the night while everyone else was trying to sleep. That definitely didn't ingratiate himself to the others. And then he really showed no regret during tribal council. Unfortunately, Betsy was taken down because she dared to challenge Russell, and was perceived as a weak link because she was the oldest and viewed as the slowest.
10 words or less: Someone needs to take Russell down.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Harold
View Date: 8/23/09
This film stars Spencer Breslin as a teenager who has premature male pattern baldness and has been bald for years. He is routinely mistaken for a grumpy old man, not just for his baldness but also his choice in clothes and his mannerisms. He begins attending a new high school after his mother accepts a job in a different town. There, where no one knows him, he is ridiculed mercilessly. He befriends his school's janitor, played by Cuba Gooding, Jr.
My daughter and I watched this film together, and both enjoyed it. However, now that I am writing this up quite a bit later, I am having trouble remembering anything really about it. I can picture the cover picture, but can't recall details. As mentioned above, it was enjoyable while watching it, and the story did a good job showcasing the horrors of teens who are different.
10 words or less: Enjoyable but not memorable.
This film stars Spencer Breslin as a teenager who has premature male pattern baldness and has been bald for years. He is routinely mistaken for a grumpy old man, not just for his baldness but also his choice in clothes and his mannerisms. He begins attending a new high school after his mother accepts a job in a different town. There, where no one knows him, he is ridiculed mercilessly. He befriends his school's janitor, played by Cuba Gooding, Jr.
My daughter and I watched this film together, and both enjoyed it. However, now that I am writing this up quite a bit later, I am having trouble remembering anything really about it. I can picture the cover picture, but can't recall details. As mentioned above, it was enjoyable while watching it, and the story did a good job showcasing the horrors of teens who are different.
10 words or less: Enjoyable but not memorable.
Bigger Stronger Faster
View Date: 8/22/09
This documentary is about a family in which the sons are athletes. Of the three sons, two regularly use steroids, while the third, who is also the filmmaker and the youngest brother, had tried them. The film proceeds to show the a history of performance enhancer use as well as drawing the viewer's eye to the personal side of steroid use. It also tries to show both sides of the story of banning performance enhancers: why they have been banned and why people will risk suspension from their sports to use them.
I thought that this was a decently-made film of a rather journalistic nature. In that I mean that both sides of the story were told. Because of the personal use by the filmmaker as well as the family history, I could have understood if there was a bias, but none were obvious. The personal stories made it more relatable, and seeing other family members' reactions to finding out about the use was particularly enlightening.
10 words or less: Personal stories, yet shows both sides of doping.
This documentary is about a family in which the sons are athletes. Of the three sons, two regularly use steroids, while the third, who is also the filmmaker and the youngest brother, had tried them. The film proceeds to show the a history of performance enhancer use as well as drawing the viewer's eye to the personal side of steroid use. It also tries to show both sides of the story of banning performance enhancers: why they have been banned and why people will risk suspension from their sports to use them.
I thought that this was a decently-made film of a rather journalistic nature. In that I mean that both sides of the story were told. Because of the personal use by the filmmaker as well as the family history, I could have understood if there was a bias, but none were obvious. The personal stories made it more relatable, and seeing other family members' reactions to finding out about the use was particularly enlightening.
10 words or less: Personal stories, yet shows both sides of doping.
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