View Date: 8/6/09
Tonight's episode is the final elimination of Season 5, where we get to find out who has been voted America's Favorite Dancer. Like last night's performance episode, they were in the Kodak Theater. Cat looked absolutely radiant tonight, perfect for a finale. The dancers performed many of the favorite routines of the season of the various judges and choreographers. All of the choreographers featured this season were present, with seven judges on the panel.
They started off with The Wiz group number that had the entire top 20 dancers. Another phenomenal performance of this number, which I loved when it originally aired. The work with the picture frame was exquisite, although I was a little startled when the costumes reminded me more of The Lion King than The Wiz.
Recaps galore tonight, all the way back to the auditions. They showed the best and most heartbreaking moments of the season from the auditions through last night's episode. They had a thorough recap of the first half of the finale to make sure we remembered why we voted the way we did.
First up is Adam Shankman's favorite routine. He chose a Tabitha and Napoleon number from the first episode featuring Jeanine and Phillip. As Adam said, this routine started jeanine's rise to the top, and featured the fan favorite Phillip. I think this routine is even better tonight, and shows just how much Jeanine has grown throughout the competition. Additionally, Phillip didn't look nervous, which was a very pleasant change.
Next we got to see Nigel's favorite dance, Brandon and Janette's Argentine Tango. The passion was just as incredible this time around. It looks like these two were made to do that dance.
Debbie Allen was up next. Her favorite routine was Asuka and Vitolio's Waltz. I wasn't a huge fan of this number the first time around, but that may have been due to the notion that I thought these two dancers should be eliminated. Looking at it again, I probably still wouldn't have picked it as one of the best numbers of the year, but it was rather pretty.
Mary Murphy's favorite number was Travis's contemporary routine as danced by Jeanine and Jason. Travis should be nominated for an Emmy for this next year. And she just keeps getting better and better. And they received the first standing ovation of the night from the judges. They even revisited the infamous kiss at the end, made more emotionally charged with Jeanine's confession last night.
Next judge up was Mia Michaels. She picked a surprising number in a samba by Max and Kayla from the first episode. I really thought she would pick the breast cancer number, which she still may later if given the chance. Kayla did and still does look exceptionally hot in this routine, and Max was always a fantastic partner.
We got to see highlights of a special night out for the final four. The lucky group got to see the first screening of Fame starring the former SYTYCD participant Kherington Payne and judge Debbie Allen.
Debbie then picked another favorite number, a group dance choreographed by Dimitri, Tabitha and Napoleon. The top 16 dancers participated in this smoldering fusion number with both hip-hop and Latin ballroom elements. Love the water bit for the girls, and some of the moves for the guys were almost too risque for television.
We got a guest performance by SYTYCD Australia winner choreographed by Sonya. In that one piece, she showed a lot more versitility than most ballerinas, and received only the second standing ovation by the judges.
Lil' C picked the Jai Ho Bollywood number, all the way. This was the one performed by Jason and Caitlin. Tonight's version didn't seem to have as much energy as the original.
The top four dancers were then invited out onto the stage for the first elimination of the evening. The person in fourth place after last night's votes was Kayla, which was a bit of a surprise. She was always a judges' and choreographers' favorite. I would have probably placed her in third tonight, even though she was my least favorite of the four. She was a better dancer than Evan, but the judges' comments from last night may have backfired.
Adam Shankman's next selection was the butt dance, choreographed by Mia Michaels and performed by Randi and Evan. It wasn't as surprising or shocking as the first time, but still and excellent performance and garnered another standing ovation from the judges.
Mary Murphy chose last night's Paso Doble with Jeanine and Brandon. I really can't get enough of this routine. The music is such an interesting selection for this style. I actually had just watched it again immediately prior to the finale. Yet no matter how many times I see it, it is breathtakingly powerful. And Louis van Amstel is having a great night.
Another person to be eliminated, and this time it was Evan in third place. I think this is totally appropriate, and the winner will be one of the two best dancers from this season, not just one of the favorite dancers. I love Evan's style and charisma. He should go far, and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets offers from Broadway very soon.
Another favorite moment of Nigel's was when Mary admitted to using Botox. The dance, however, was Mia Michael's addiction routine featuring Kayla and Kupono. This was almost a frightening routine, with Kupono playing a very malevolent drug and Kayla being a struggling addict. I think I saw the addict's struggle even better this time, and this one will probably be nominated for awards next year as well.
The Rage Boys Crew guest performed next. These are young boys who perform hip-hop. I may not have remembered their name, but I definitely remembered their dancing.
Tyce DiOrio's favorite routine of the season was a Doriana Sanchez routine featuring Janette and Brandon. Janette finally seems like she's having some fun tonight (and that could be knowing that Kayla won't win). This routine was very memorable to me as the first disco routine on this show that I actually really liked.
The final favorite routine was the choice of Mia Michaels, and was the obvious last dance pick. Of course, it is the breast cancer routine performed by Melissa and Ade. No other pairing could have performed this dance as well, and their trust in each other has never been more obsious. Melissa flew higher, Ade provided the power and support, and they have never looked better.
The top eight dancers performed their group number from A Chorus Line. I'm running out of words to describe just how good the dancing is tonight. This version was just a bit different, because the judges came out dressed similarly to the dancers and strutted their stuff. Some of them made you realize how good they really are, how much they truly stand out, how sharp their movements are, and thus why they push their dancers so hard. Usually the routines in the in the finale recaps just aren't as good as when the dancers were performing to stay in the competition. I have to disagree with that tonight. Almost every routine was sharper, if possible.
Finally, America's Favorite Dancer was revealed, but not before the standard recap of highlights for each dancer. They both truly deserve to be there, and have proven themselves throughout the season. The biggest vote in SYTYCD's history was Jeanine. She truly improved throughout the competition, not just dominated from the beginning. Her personality really played a hand in her popularity, and even cracked jokes through her happy tears. Just a tad surprising with how great Brandon is, to the point where even she was surprised.
10 words or less: Can't wait for September 9 for the next season.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Nights in Rodanthe
View Date: 7/27/09
This film stars Diane Lane and Richard Gere as adults who come together at a bed and breakfast in North Carolina. She is tending the inn for her best friend, while he is the only guest. As they are the only two staying at in the large house, and it is quite far away from all other people, they get to know each other. Eventually, they truly connect during a hurricane. The two stay in touch through letters even after they go their separate ways, their love deepening with time. There is an unfortunate twist at the end.
This movie is based on a Nicholas Sparks book, and this was the first adaptation I saw from one of his works. I didn't realize just how gut-wrenching it would be. I was absolutely sobbing for the last half hour. I thought the movie could have been a lot better. Actually, I expected a lot more from this movie after seeing the trailers and really wanted to see it. It definitely did not live up to my expectations. I will not be seeing this again.
10 words or less: Not a good movie for these wonderful actors.
This film stars Diane Lane and Richard Gere as adults who come together at a bed and breakfast in North Carolina. She is tending the inn for her best friend, while he is the only guest. As they are the only two staying at in the large house, and it is quite far away from all other people, they get to know each other. Eventually, they truly connect during a hurricane. The two stay in touch through letters even after they go their separate ways, their love deepening with time. There is an unfortunate twist at the end.
This movie is based on a Nicholas Sparks book, and this was the first adaptation I saw from one of his works. I didn't realize just how gut-wrenching it would be. I was absolutely sobbing for the last half hour. I thought the movie could have been a lot better. Actually, I expected a lot more from this movie after seeing the trailers and really wanted to see it. It definitely did not live up to my expectations. I will not be seeing this again.
10 words or less: Not a good movie for these wonderful actors.
Stardust
View Date: 7/26/09
This movie is a fantasy made for children about a fallen star who is hunted by witches who want to kill her and eat her heart in order to be young and beautiful once again. Meanwhile, a young man goes searching for the fallen star to win the heart of his love. The young man finds the fallen star first, in the form of a beautiful young woman who happens to be quite feisty.
The two then proceed on a journey across the countryside so he can go and show her to the girl who's heart he is trying to win. On the way, they run into trouble with witches, pirates, and others. In the end, there are epic battles, hearts won and lost, and families formed.
This was a really good movie. The actors involved include Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert DeNiro, and Claire Danes. The bad guys were very bad, the good guys were good, and yet there were characters whose morals were ambiguous. Some of the funniest parts included the scenes with the pirates (mostly due to DeNiro's character), and the princes battling each other. If for nothing else, see this movie for the pirates. But I highly recommend this film for all ages. Parts may be too scary for the very young, but this is an outstanding children's film that parents will enjoy too.
10 words or less: DeNiro as a gay pirate. Enough said.
This movie is a fantasy made for children about a fallen star who is hunted by witches who want to kill her and eat her heart in order to be young and beautiful once again. Meanwhile, a young man goes searching for the fallen star to win the heart of his love. The young man finds the fallen star first, in the form of a beautiful young woman who happens to be quite feisty.
The two then proceed on a journey across the countryside so he can go and show her to the girl who's heart he is trying to win. On the way, they run into trouble with witches, pirates, and others. In the end, there are epic battles, hearts won and lost, and families formed.
This was a really good movie. The actors involved include Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert DeNiro, and Claire Danes. The bad guys were very bad, the good guys were good, and yet there were characters whose morals were ambiguous. Some of the funniest parts included the scenes with the pirates (mostly due to DeNiro's character), and the princes battling each other. If for nothing else, see this movie for the pirates. But I highly recommend this film for all ages. Parts may be too scary for the very young, but this is an outstanding children's film that parents will enjoy too.
10 words or less: DeNiro as a gay pirate. Enough said.
Top Chef: Masters (Bravo)
View Date: 8/5/09
Chefs: Michael Chiarello, Art Smith, Anita Lo, Hubert Keller, Rick Bayless
Quickfire Challenge: The challenge today is all about burgers. The chefs need to create a gormet burger with a side dish. The judges for this challenge include former contestant Spike (who also owns a burger joint), Morgan Spurlock the documentarian, and the owner of the a DC burger joint beloved by the first lady. Michael and Rick tied with 4 stars a piece.
Elimination Challenge: The chefs had to prepare a vegan lunch for actress Zooey Deschanel and her friends following her dietary restrictions. As mentioned above, she is a vegan, but is also gluten intolerant and does not eat soy. Each chef is responsible for one course, which the chefs get to divide amongst themselves. Michael Chiarello won this challenge with a quinoa pasta dish that opened the eyes of the vegans present. The chef eliminated today was Art Smith due to a poor showing on a vegan dessert.
10 words or less: Beautiful cooking, but looking forward to Masters being over.
Chefs: Michael Chiarello, Art Smith, Anita Lo, Hubert Keller, Rick Bayless
Quickfire Challenge: The challenge today is all about burgers. The chefs need to create a gormet burger with a side dish. The judges for this challenge include former contestant Spike (who also owns a burger joint), Morgan Spurlock the documentarian, and the owner of the a DC burger joint beloved by the first lady. Michael and Rick tied with 4 stars a piece.
Elimination Challenge: The chefs had to prepare a vegan lunch for actress Zooey Deschanel and her friends following her dietary restrictions. As mentioned above, she is a vegan, but is also gluten intolerant and does not eat soy. Each chef is responsible for one course, which the chefs get to divide amongst themselves. Michael Chiarello won this challenge with a quinoa pasta dish that opened the eyes of the vegans present. The chef eliminated today was Art Smith due to a poor showing on a vegan dessert.
10 words or less: Beautiful cooking, but looking forward to Masters being over.
Definitely, Maybe
View Date: 7/25/09
This movie stars Ryan Reynolds as a divorcing man who tells the story to his daughter of how he and her mother got together. However, he changes the names and even some of the facts of the story because he won't tell her outright, but she can try to guess. This story-telling episode begins because the elementary school taught sex ed, and his daughter started asking very pointed questions.
This was my second time seeing this movie, and I enjoyed it just as much this time around. I enjoy watching the primary actors in this movie, and Ryan Reynolds in a romantic comedy is one of my favorite things. The ladies involved were all unique and amazing in their own way. Abigail Breslin was perfect as the daughter. So basically, the casting was exactly right, with the actors fitting the characters like the pieces were written for them.
The story itself was wonderfully written and entertaining. While this is a romantic comedy, it was not as formulaic as many. The story itself kept me interested throughout, and the daughter's character was adorably precocious.
10 words or less: Enjoyable Ryan Reynolds movie with strong women.
This movie stars Ryan Reynolds as a divorcing man who tells the story to his daughter of how he and her mother got together. However, he changes the names and even some of the facts of the story because he won't tell her outright, but she can try to guess. This story-telling episode begins because the elementary school taught sex ed, and his daughter started asking very pointed questions.
This was my second time seeing this movie, and I enjoyed it just as much this time around. I enjoy watching the primary actors in this movie, and Ryan Reynolds in a romantic comedy is one of my favorite things. The ladies involved were all unique and amazing in their own way. Abigail Breslin was perfect as the daughter. So basically, the casting was exactly right, with the actors fitting the characters like the pieces were written for them.
The story itself was wonderfully written and entertaining. While this is a romantic comedy, it was not as formulaic as many. The story itself kept me interested throughout, and the daughter's character was adorably precocious.
10 words or less: Enjoyable Ryan Reynolds movie with strong women.
Blow Dry
View Date: 7/25/09
This movie is about a hair styling competition in England. There are some amazing actors in this, such as Alan Rickman and Natasha Richardson. There were a few American actors in this British flick, but only one of them used a British accent throughout the film.
I found myself laughing much more than I expected while watching this. The main story line was a little weak, but the actors brought so much to it. It could have been mundane and like many other films, but the over-the-top bad guy was played to perfection, the dying mother was heartbreaking, and the relationship between the kids was uncertain. It wasn't a spook like other movies may have devolved to, but it also wasn't the serious roles that these actors are best known for.
Overall, this was a memorable movie that I will most likely watch again.
10 words or less: A lot better than I expected.
This movie is about a hair styling competition in England. There are some amazing actors in this, such as Alan Rickman and Natasha Richardson. There were a few American actors in this British flick, but only one of them used a British accent throughout the film.
I found myself laughing much more than I expected while watching this. The main story line was a little weak, but the actors brought so much to it. It could have been mundane and like many other films, but the over-the-top bad guy was played to perfection, the dying mother was heartbreaking, and the relationship between the kids was uncertain. It wasn't a spook like other movies may have devolved to, but it also wasn't the serious roles that these actors are best known for.
Overall, this was a memorable movie that I will most likely watch again.
10 words or less: A lot better than I expected.
SYTYCD
View Date: 8/5/09
Tonight is the first part of the season 5 finale. In this show, Evan, Kayla, Brandon, and Jeanine will each be dancing with everyone else. They are in a much larger performance hall (the Kodak Theater) with a new set tonight to accommodate the largest live audience the show has ever had. They started out with a different opening tonight, and many of the former competitors were shown in the audience. Cat looks adorable as usual, and her hair is looking particularly great tonight (Mom- Her hair looks crappy).
The guest judge tonight is Adam Shankman, which is always a pleasure. I really like him as a judge as he is always for the dancers and gives great critiques, both good and bad.
Group routine: The group performed a Wade and Amanda Robson sports-themed number. The guys were portraying football players while the girls were the cheerleaders the guys were hitting on. The girls got to take on a dominant role in this dance with a very cute story number. It was dances spectacularly, the props were used very well, and I laughed out loud several times. Jeanine really does this kind of sexy well.
Jeanine and Evan: This couple performed a Sonia routine. Some very interesting moves were seen, including Evan jumping on Jeanine's back. I couldn't find a single thing wrong with this number, and could really see the story come through the dance. Evan is really coming on at the right time, and is really turning out to be a really good contemporary dancer. The choreography was amazing, and really showcased the dancers. Jeanine was wonderful as well.
(Mom- Evan shows how strong he has become because he can keep up with everybody. He's had that goofy clown-like persona, and he can't quite get rid of it to come forward even more. But he is winning people over because he is so damn cute.)
Brandon's solo: The powerful classical music is perfect for him. Although it did look a little frantic, his choreography was stellar and a perfect match to the music.
Kayla and Brandon: This couple performed a Tyce DiOrio routine Broadway routine from All That Jazz. It was a table routine! I just love when they use props. My eye was constantly drawn to Brandon, and I don't think it was just because of his sequined coat. Kayla was good as well, but I don't think she shined as much as him.
Jeanine's solo: Another classical music selection, this time of the Tango variety. It was a different, unique routine that really stood apart from most of the female contemporary solos. Her turns were amazing, and she showed remarkable control throughout the piece. She received a standing ovation from the judges, which always amazes me, because they are not easily moved to that.
Evan and Brandon: This duo performed a Lorieann Gibson pop-jazz number. Battle routines are usually good when it comes to the top two guys. Nice music selection with Janet Jackson's Nasty Boys. It even has an homage to Ms. Jackson's brother's Bad video. While both guys performed admirably, Brandon just gave it more. His limbs were stretched longer, his jumps were higher, and everything was just more. I agree with Adam in that Brandon won that battle. Although the bit where Mary asked Evan what the nastiest thing he had ever done was funny as hell. And Brandon's face while Cat was pinching Evan's cheeks was priceless.
Kayla and Jeanine: The girls got to perform a Mia Michaels routine. What really blows is that I have no idea what happened during it. Our local Fox station had a malfunction and we only got to see the last 15 seconds or so of the number. Evidently, according to the judges, it was a remarkable dance about the process of going through this competition, from the auditions to the finals. They evidently kept shedding clothing as a way of shedding layers to get to the finals. Nigel said that Jeanine is peaking at the right time, and I must agree. I hope they show this number again tomorrow because I'd really like to see it.
Evan's solo: Very cute, very charming, and very fun. He comes across as very sweet, and he is right that no one has seen his style on this show before. (Mom- He is this year's Twitch in a totally different way, in that he is so unique. I don't like the way they're picking on him. It is very obvious that the judges, or at least Nigel, doesn't think he should be there. I do think he should be fourth of the four of them, but they just seem to be tearing him down one time after another, and I don't think that's right in a finale. He has done everything everyone else has. Maybe not as well as they have, but he has done it.)
Kayla and Evan: This couple performed a Tony and Melanie jive number. If they hadn't said this was a jive routine, I would have thought these two were dancing in a country bar. Actually, I really like that. It was very different for this show, and I think the first time I heard country music on this program. I found it very entertaining and enjoyable. You really couldn't tell that Kayla is so much taller than Evan. I don't agree with Mary that Kayla stole the show, because I couldn't keep my eyes off Evan. I am glad that Nigel finally gave Evan a good review.
Kayla's solo: Interesting music choice for her, but not as dynamic as we have seen from others tonight. It was kind of weak, which her solos have been all season. She is an amazing dancer, but she has stayed the same all season to me.
Jeanine and Brandon: This couple performed a Louis van Amstel Paso Doble. He can definitely do the very masculine ballroom roles to perfection. They both just looked absolutely fierce out there. That was stunning, and another standing ovation for these two. The music was a wonderful and unique choice which made this routine all the more memorable. Even the lighting and camera work were perfect for the number. These dancers should be the top two tomorrow night. Neither did anything wrong tonight, and they were better than ever before. This dance earned Mary's only scream of the night. That was the perfect way to end the last competitive performance night of the season.
10 words or less: It's all about Brandon and Jeanine tonight.
Tonight is the first part of the season 5 finale. In this show, Evan, Kayla, Brandon, and Jeanine will each be dancing with everyone else. They are in a much larger performance hall (the Kodak Theater) with a new set tonight to accommodate the largest live audience the show has ever had. They started out with a different opening tonight, and many of the former competitors were shown in the audience. Cat looks adorable as usual, and her hair is looking particularly great tonight (Mom- Her hair looks crappy).
The guest judge tonight is Adam Shankman, which is always a pleasure. I really like him as a judge as he is always for the dancers and gives great critiques, both good and bad.
Group routine: The group performed a Wade and Amanda Robson sports-themed number. The guys were portraying football players while the girls were the cheerleaders the guys were hitting on. The girls got to take on a dominant role in this dance with a very cute story number. It was dances spectacularly, the props were used very well, and I laughed out loud several times. Jeanine really does this kind of sexy well.
Jeanine and Evan: This couple performed a Sonia routine. Some very interesting moves were seen, including Evan jumping on Jeanine's back. I couldn't find a single thing wrong with this number, and could really see the story come through the dance. Evan is really coming on at the right time, and is really turning out to be a really good contemporary dancer. The choreography was amazing, and really showcased the dancers. Jeanine was wonderful as well.
(Mom- Evan shows how strong he has become because he can keep up with everybody. He's had that goofy clown-like persona, and he can't quite get rid of it to come forward even more. But he is winning people over because he is so damn cute.)
Brandon's solo: The powerful classical music is perfect for him. Although it did look a little frantic, his choreography was stellar and a perfect match to the music.
Kayla and Brandon: This couple performed a Tyce DiOrio routine Broadway routine from All That Jazz. It was a table routine! I just love when they use props. My eye was constantly drawn to Brandon, and I don't think it was just because of his sequined coat. Kayla was good as well, but I don't think she shined as much as him.
Jeanine's solo: Another classical music selection, this time of the Tango variety. It was a different, unique routine that really stood apart from most of the female contemporary solos. Her turns were amazing, and she showed remarkable control throughout the piece. She received a standing ovation from the judges, which always amazes me, because they are not easily moved to that.
Evan and Brandon: This duo performed a Lorieann Gibson pop-jazz number. Battle routines are usually good when it comes to the top two guys. Nice music selection with Janet Jackson's Nasty Boys. It even has an homage to Ms. Jackson's brother's Bad video. While both guys performed admirably, Brandon just gave it more. His limbs were stretched longer, his jumps were higher, and everything was just more. I agree with Adam in that Brandon won that battle. Although the bit where Mary asked Evan what the nastiest thing he had ever done was funny as hell. And Brandon's face while Cat was pinching Evan's cheeks was priceless.
Kayla and Jeanine: The girls got to perform a Mia Michaels routine. What really blows is that I have no idea what happened during it. Our local Fox station had a malfunction and we only got to see the last 15 seconds or so of the number. Evidently, according to the judges, it was a remarkable dance about the process of going through this competition, from the auditions to the finals. They evidently kept shedding clothing as a way of shedding layers to get to the finals. Nigel said that Jeanine is peaking at the right time, and I must agree. I hope they show this number again tomorrow because I'd really like to see it.
Evan's solo: Very cute, very charming, and very fun. He comes across as very sweet, and he is right that no one has seen his style on this show before. (Mom- He is this year's Twitch in a totally different way, in that he is so unique. I don't like the way they're picking on him. It is very obvious that the judges, or at least Nigel, doesn't think he should be there. I do think he should be fourth of the four of them, but they just seem to be tearing him down one time after another, and I don't think that's right in a finale. He has done everything everyone else has. Maybe not as well as they have, but he has done it.)
Kayla and Evan: This couple performed a Tony and Melanie jive number. If they hadn't said this was a jive routine, I would have thought these two were dancing in a country bar. Actually, I really like that. It was very different for this show, and I think the first time I heard country music on this program. I found it very entertaining and enjoyable. You really couldn't tell that Kayla is so much taller than Evan. I don't agree with Mary that Kayla stole the show, because I couldn't keep my eyes off Evan. I am glad that Nigel finally gave Evan a good review.
Kayla's solo: Interesting music choice for her, but not as dynamic as we have seen from others tonight. It was kind of weak, which her solos have been all season. She is an amazing dancer, but she has stayed the same all season to me.
Jeanine and Brandon: This couple performed a Louis van Amstel Paso Doble. He can definitely do the very masculine ballroom roles to perfection. They both just looked absolutely fierce out there. That was stunning, and another standing ovation for these two. The music was a wonderful and unique choice which made this routine all the more memorable. Even the lighting and camera work were perfect for the number. These dancers should be the top two tomorrow night. Neither did anything wrong tonight, and they were better than ever before. This dance earned Mary's only scream of the night. That was the perfect way to end the last competitive performance night of the season.
10 words or less: It's all about Brandon and Jeanine tonight.
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