View Date: 10/17/09
This documentary is about a woman who was in a concentration camp during WWII. She and her identical twin sister came to the attention of Dr. Mengele, the Nazi doctor obsessed with human experimentation. As she and her sister were twins, they were spared from automatic gassing because he was particularly interested in experimenting on twins. Instead, they were submitted to a different type of torture and almost died at the hands of a man sworn to protect life.
The woman at the core of this movie was very vocal in her opinions, to the point of preaching with how many times it was described throughout the movie. I enjoyed hearing the story of her history, her twin's history, and the basics of how she lived her life after the war. However, it really got into detail about her life after the war and how she came to forgive the doctor for the atrocities he committed. Parts of that were interesting, but too much time was spent watching her repeat the same story incessantly.
10 words or less: Good idea, bad execution.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
One Crazy Summer
View Date: 10/18/09
This movie, starring John Cusack and Demi Moore, is a romantic summer comedy. John Cusack meet Demi's character as he gets to an ocean-side town for the summer. She is an off-beat artist, while he is working with a group of very interesting characters to say the least. He winds up blowing her off after they become friendly for the attractive popular girl who is just using him. In the end, all is right with the world, with hotels saved from the bad developer guys, and he chooses the right girl.
I know that I revealed more than I usually do. However, this film follows such a basic formula for 80s teen romances that I thought it was obvious. It wasn't even that great of a movie. I watched it mainly to continue to try to complete the entire Cusack repertoire. That would probably be one of the few reasons to watch this flick.
10 words or less: No need to watch unless completing a collection.
This movie, starring John Cusack and Demi Moore, is a romantic summer comedy. John Cusack meet Demi's character as he gets to an ocean-side town for the summer. She is an off-beat artist, while he is working with a group of very interesting characters to say the least. He winds up blowing her off after they become friendly for the attractive popular girl who is just using him. In the end, all is right with the world, with hotels saved from the bad developer guys, and he chooses the right girl.
I know that I revealed more than I usually do. However, this film follows such a basic formula for 80s teen romances that I thought it was obvious. It wasn't even that great of a movie. I watched it mainly to continue to try to complete the entire Cusack repertoire. That would probably be one of the few reasons to watch this flick.
10 words or less: No need to watch unless completing a collection.
The Basketball Diaries
View Date: 10/18/09
This movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Whalberg, is a movie about a group of basketball players who fall into a downward spiral into drugs. There is a group of four friends who just happen to be the best basketball players in the city. They start off using drugs casually as a form of enjoyment, and generally in social situations. However, as mentioned before, things start spiraling out of control after the loss of one of their team to illness. One member of the group resists the temptations and succeeds, but the rest's lives fall apart.
This was a gripping and gritty portrayal of teenagers' descents into addiction. It also shows the pain and hardship experienced by those associated with addicts. It explored the destruction of lives from all angles, and the struggles to try to regain lives after addiction. It was based on a true story of the writer of the book, who also wrote songs based on his past.
10 words or less: Dark, gritty movie featuring young now-huge actors.
This movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Whalberg, is a movie about a group of basketball players who fall into a downward spiral into drugs. There is a group of four friends who just happen to be the best basketball players in the city. They start off using drugs casually as a form of enjoyment, and generally in social situations. However, as mentioned before, things start spiraling out of control after the loss of one of their team to illness. One member of the group resists the temptations and succeeds, but the rest's lives fall apart.
This was a gripping and gritty portrayal of teenagers' descents into addiction. It also shows the pain and hardship experienced by those associated with addicts. It explored the destruction of lives from all angles, and the struggles to try to regain lives after addiction. It was based on a true story of the writer of the book, who also wrote songs based on his past.
10 words or less: Dark, gritty movie featuring young now-huge actors.
New Moon (movie)
View Date: 12/1/09
This movie is the sequel to Twilight, based on the Twilight series of books by Stephanie Meyer. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll be brief during my descriptive section. It deals with lost love, very close friendships, and local legends. It introduces us to a new side of the local Indian tribe as well as the oldest coven of vampires.
I absolutely loved the books, and just couldn't put them down. Now, to be honest, I didn't really like the first movie. I didn't like Kristen Stewart in Twilight, and I didn't see the chemistry as much as I felt in the books.
This movie, on the other hand, I felt that the actors had really grown into their characters more. Taylor Lautner was excellent as Jacob, and Stewart seemed more at ease in her role. Robert Pattinson was very good at brooding, but was rather awkward at most other times. He did do a nice job when he was allowed to talk without having to be growly. I also really liked the close of the movie, and thought it was a good way to get people back for the next one. Overall, while not one of the best films of the year, I'm glad I saw it in the theaters.
10 words or less: Shirtless wet Wolfpack bodies on the big screen. YUM!
This movie is the sequel to Twilight, based on the Twilight series of books by Stephanie Meyer. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll be brief during my descriptive section. It deals with lost love, very close friendships, and local legends. It introduces us to a new side of the local Indian tribe as well as the oldest coven of vampires.
I absolutely loved the books, and just couldn't put them down. Now, to be honest, I didn't really like the first movie. I didn't like Kristen Stewart in Twilight, and I didn't see the chemistry as much as I felt in the books.
This movie, on the other hand, I felt that the actors had really grown into their characters more. Taylor Lautner was excellent as Jacob, and Stewart seemed more at ease in her role. Robert Pattinson was very good at brooding, but was rather awkward at most other times. He did do a nice job when he was allowed to talk without having to be growly. I also really liked the close of the movie, and thought it was a good way to get people back for the next one. Overall, while not one of the best films of the year, I'm glad I saw it in the theaters.
10 words or less: Shirtless wet Wolfpack bodies on the big screen. YUM!
SYTYCD
View Date: 12/2/09
Russell really does seem to be featured a lot in the group dances, not that I'm complaining. Tonight it was to Billy Joel's It's Still Rock and Roll to Me and choreographed by Tyce DiOrio. The dancers had steel fences to use as props, and had a whole section on them. Also heavily featured was Jakob, who rightfully deserves it. We also got a view of a passionate kiss between husband and wife Ryan and Ashleigh.
We got a nice recap of the dances from last night with some backstage peeks, then it went right into the votes. What was a little off was that they didn't get changed from the group routine before coming on-stage. The two female dancers in danger were Noelle and Kathryn, which left Mollee, Ellenore, and Ashleigh safe for another week. The guys were up next, with Ryan and Nathan were in danger, leaving Legacy, Russell, and Jakob safe until next week.
Legion of Extraordinary Dancers provided us with a sneak peek of a web project they have coming up for 2010. Basically picture amazing hip hop being performed to muzac-versions of popular songs. I'll be looking forward to seeing more of them in the future.
Next up were the solos. Ryan did the same one as last night, which was a really bad move in my opinion. Noelle, on the other hand, should have done that solo yesterday. It was so much better than that standard contemporary dullness she gave us last night. Kathryn is a beautiful dancer in a beautiful dress, but I couldn't tell if her solo was any different because it was the same ole' contemporary schlock. Nathan has probably come the farthest with his solos this season, possibly because he has done so many.
After the solos were complete, Snoop Dogg and Quest performed. It's always great to see former SYTYCD competitors back on the show in various roles, and seeing them dance with this group was even more of a treat. I can understand why Quest won ABDC, and why so many have at least auditioned if not competed in SYTYCD.
Finally, the audience votes determined who would stay and who would leave for the first time this season. Noelle was sent packing, which kept Kathryn safe for another week. Nathan was also sent on his way, with Ryan safe yet again. Actually, I think the right decisions were made this week, as these two would have been the ones I'd have sent home from this group.
10 words or less: It is a competition, and someone had to go.
Russell really does seem to be featured a lot in the group dances, not that I'm complaining. Tonight it was to Billy Joel's It's Still Rock and Roll to Me and choreographed by Tyce DiOrio. The dancers had steel fences to use as props, and had a whole section on them. Also heavily featured was Jakob, who rightfully deserves it. We also got a view of a passionate kiss between husband and wife Ryan and Ashleigh.
We got a nice recap of the dances from last night with some backstage peeks, then it went right into the votes. What was a little off was that they didn't get changed from the group routine before coming on-stage. The two female dancers in danger were Noelle and Kathryn, which left Mollee, Ellenore, and Ashleigh safe for another week. The guys were up next, with Ryan and Nathan were in danger, leaving Legacy, Russell, and Jakob safe until next week.
Legion of Extraordinary Dancers provided us with a sneak peek of a web project they have coming up for 2010. Basically picture amazing hip hop being performed to muzac-versions of popular songs. I'll be looking forward to seeing more of them in the future.
Next up were the solos. Ryan did the same one as last night, which was a really bad move in my opinion. Noelle, on the other hand, should have done that solo yesterday. It was so much better than that standard contemporary dullness she gave us last night. Kathryn is a beautiful dancer in a beautiful dress, but I couldn't tell if her solo was any different because it was the same ole' contemporary schlock. Nathan has probably come the farthest with his solos this season, possibly because he has done so many.
After the solos were complete, Snoop Dogg and Quest performed. It's always great to see former SYTYCD competitors back on the show in various roles, and seeing them dance with this group was even more of a treat. I can understand why Quest won ABDC, and why so many have at least auditioned if not competed in SYTYCD.
Finally, the audience votes determined who would stay and who would leave for the first time this season. Noelle was sent packing, which kept Kathryn safe for another week. Nathan was also sent on his way, with Ryan safe yet again. Actually, I think the right decisions were made this week, as these two would have been the ones I'd have sent home from this group.
10 words or less: It is a competition, and someone had to go.
SYTYCD
View Date: 12/1/09
Tonight was the first performance show featuring the top ten dancers, who will be going on tour after the end of the season. The pairs were split, and each new couple had to perform two paired routines. Additionally, each of the dancers had to perform solos in their own style.
Note: I did miss the first part of the show and reviewed it on tape. However, the tape ran out prior to me getting home, so I will comment on only the dances I was able to see for myself.
Note 2: I didn't like not getting the peek into the studios during the rehersals. I really missed the background glimpses of the routines, and getting a peek into the choreographers' minds about their inspiration.
Noelle and Ryan #1: Tabitha and Napoleon hip hop routine. This was a take on the office romance theme, or even just a little messing around where you work. There were some great props in use throughout the routine, but some of the best parts didn't use any. There were some very interesting moves, and the dancers had great chemistry.
Ashleigh and Legacy #1: Gary Steward contemporary. I didn't really feel this coupling, and it was also off to see this type of contemporary routine. Usually they are not put to techno music, and it was really rather slow. Good end pose, though.
Mollee's solo: Surprised to learn that Mollee was in all three HSM movies. Mollee seems to always give great solos, and tonight was no different. She is so unlike most female contemporary and jazz dancers seen on this show. She uses upbeat music, and is more than just spins and leg lifts. She may not be the best dancer on the show, but she can put together a solo. You can always tell how much she loves to dance when she's up there by herself.
Russell's solo: Krumping can be really hard to do solo, but he succeeds every time. I love watching him perform, and think he should stay in the competition for a long time. He also seems to be one of the most personable competitors this season.
Kathryn and Nathan #1: Spencer Lith Broadway. She was the spitting image of a classic movie dancer- great costume, great makeup, perfect dancing. My eyes were so focused on her that I barely noticed Nathan on the stage. The few times I made myself look at him, he seemed to be doing very well.
Noelle's solo: Standard female contemporary solo with a really bad aerial cartwheel in the middle. Not much more to say about it.
Ellenore and Jakob #1: Tony and Melanie Quickstep. This was a cute routine, and the steps seemed to be executed pretty well. I did notice some bobbles by Ellenore, but overall I thought it was good. I also liked the slight bit of story involved in that they were performing in a Quickstep contest.
Ryan's solo: Honestly, it was one of his better solos, but I'm not sure how the Scorpions are going to go over with the audience.
Kathryn's solo: Another pretty standard female contemporary solo. Can you tell I'm getting pretty tired of these?
Mollee and Russell #1: Mandy Moore Lyrical Jazz. I love the fact the Mandy Moore uses music I've heard before in her routines. This was a beautiful number and seems to be a great partnership. The choreography was unique for this style, and these two could really pull it off.
Nathan's solo: This time a male contemporary solo with a little more to it. I think Nathan has learned from his previous weeks at the bottom.
Noelle and Ryan #2: JT and Tomas Smooth Waltz. The routine was rather pretty for a waltz, but I am really not a fan of this style. Ryan is an excellent partner due to his training, and Noelle is an elegant dancer in almost everything she does.
Ellenore's solo: I loved this quirky little dance. She really separates herself from the other contemporary and jazz dancers not just by her dance moves but also by her music selections. I really wish she would be able to use it more in her partner routines.
Ashleigh and Legacy #2: Dave Scott hip hop. Not really sure what to think about this routine. It really didn't seem like there was a lot of dancing, and Nigel said as much. This coupling didn't work in this routine for me.
Kathryn and Nathan #2: Tony and Melanie Rhumba. Compared with how much I dislike the waltz, I usually really enjoy the rhumba. Kathryn tried hard to be sexy, but I just didn't buy it at all from Nathan. I also agree with the judges that I didn't feel chemistry from these two.
Legacy's solo: It always amazes me how unique he can be. While we've seen most of the moves before, he puts them together in unique ways. He does perform moves that haven't been seen on this show before. This time, he performed to a song very atypical of his B-boy style, and you could really see a musicality in his performance. You could see just by this one routine just how much he has already grown over the season.
Ellenore and Jakob: Sonya contemporary. So maybe I spoke (or typed) too soon when commenting on Ellenore's solo. It looks like all she needed was to work with Sonya. This was so totally her number, and Jakob is just purely a phenomenal dancer. I could totally believe the roles they were playing, and felt the kind of chemistry I was supposed to from this routine. It is so nice to hear Nigel race as much as he did, and I totally agree. Excellent! It even garnered a standing ovation, a wave, and all sorts of crazy dancing from the judges.
Ashleigh's solo: Not the best solo I've seen, but pretty good for a ballroom dancer. If her fringe could have been shorter, I think it may have been better and showed off her actual moves more.
Mollee and Russell #2: Pasha and Anya Jive. These guys seemed to have fun out there, even if the major lift in the middle of the routine was really awkward. Russell's ballroom skills have drastically improved, and the judges also seemed to like it. I agree with Nigel that these two are really great performers. The partnership worked well, and these guys did show a significant amount of chemistry.
Jakob's solo: Standard slow emo-like music for a male contemporary dancer, and of course beautiful lines. But honestly, with how great a dancer we all know he is at this point, the solo was pretty weak.
10 words or less: First routines generally better than seconds.
Tonight was the first performance show featuring the top ten dancers, who will be going on tour after the end of the season. The pairs were split, and each new couple had to perform two paired routines. Additionally, each of the dancers had to perform solos in their own style.
Note: I did miss the first part of the show and reviewed it on tape. However, the tape ran out prior to me getting home, so I will comment on only the dances I was able to see for myself.
Note 2: I didn't like not getting the peek into the studios during the rehersals. I really missed the background glimpses of the routines, and getting a peek into the choreographers' minds about their inspiration.
Noelle and Ryan #1: Tabitha and Napoleon hip hop routine. This was a take on the office romance theme, or even just a little messing around where you work. There were some great props in use throughout the routine, but some of the best parts didn't use any. There were some very interesting moves, and the dancers had great chemistry.
Ashleigh and Legacy #1: Gary Steward contemporary. I didn't really feel this coupling, and it was also off to see this type of contemporary routine. Usually they are not put to techno music, and it was really rather slow. Good end pose, though.
Mollee's solo: Surprised to learn that Mollee was in all three HSM movies. Mollee seems to always give great solos, and tonight was no different. She is so unlike most female contemporary and jazz dancers seen on this show. She uses upbeat music, and is more than just spins and leg lifts. She may not be the best dancer on the show, but she can put together a solo. You can always tell how much she loves to dance when she's up there by herself.
Russell's solo: Krumping can be really hard to do solo, but he succeeds every time. I love watching him perform, and think he should stay in the competition for a long time. He also seems to be one of the most personable competitors this season.
Kathryn and Nathan #1: Spencer Lith Broadway. She was the spitting image of a classic movie dancer- great costume, great makeup, perfect dancing. My eyes were so focused on her that I barely noticed Nathan on the stage. The few times I made myself look at him, he seemed to be doing very well.
Noelle's solo: Standard female contemporary solo with a really bad aerial cartwheel in the middle. Not much more to say about it.
Ellenore and Jakob #1: Tony and Melanie Quickstep. This was a cute routine, and the steps seemed to be executed pretty well. I did notice some bobbles by Ellenore, but overall I thought it was good. I also liked the slight bit of story involved in that they were performing in a Quickstep contest.
Ryan's solo: Honestly, it was one of his better solos, but I'm not sure how the Scorpions are going to go over with the audience.
Kathryn's solo: Another pretty standard female contemporary solo. Can you tell I'm getting pretty tired of these?
Mollee and Russell #1: Mandy Moore Lyrical Jazz. I love the fact the Mandy Moore uses music I've heard before in her routines. This was a beautiful number and seems to be a great partnership. The choreography was unique for this style, and these two could really pull it off.
Nathan's solo: This time a male contemporary solo with a little more to it. I think Nathan has learned from his previous weeks at the bottom.
Noelle and Ryan #2: JT and Tomas Smooth Waltz. The routine was rather pretty for a waltz, but I am really not a fan of this style. Ryan is an excellent partner due to his training, and Noelle is an elegant dancer in almost everything she does.
Ellenore's solo: I loved this quirky little dance. She really separates herself from the other contemporary and jazz dancers not just by her dance moves but also by her music selections. I really wish she would be able to use it more in her partner routines.
Ashleigh and Legacy #2: Dave Scott hip hop. Not really sure what to think about this routine. It really didn't seem like there was a lot of dancing, and Nigel said as much. This coupling didn't work in this routine for me.
Kathryn and Nathan #2: Tony and Melanie Rhumba. Compared with how much I dislike the waltz, I usually really enjoy the rhumba. Kathryn tried hard to be sexy, but I just didn't buy it at all from Nathan. I also agree with the judges that I didn't feel chemistry from these two.
Legacy's solo: It always amazes me how unique he can be. While we've seen most of the moves before, he puts them together in unique ways. He does perform moves that haven't been seen on this show before. This time, he performed to a song very atypical of his B-boy style, and you could really see a musicality in his performance. You could see just by this one routine just how much he has already grown over the season.
Ellenore and Jakob: Sonya contemporary. So maybe I spoke (or typed) too soon when commenting on Ellenore's solo. It looks like all she needed was to work with Sonya. This was so totally her number, and Jakob is just purely a phenomenal dancer. I could totally believe the roles they were playing, and felt the kind of chemistry I was supposed to from this routine. It is so nice to hear Nigel race as much as he did, and I totally agree. Excellent! It even garnered a standing ovation, a wave, and all sorts of crazy dancing from the judges.
Ashleigh's solo: Not the best solo I've seen, but pretty good for a ballroom dancer. If her fringe could have been shorter, I think it may have been better and showed off her actual moves more.
Mollee and Russell #2: Pasha and Anya Jive. These guys seemed to have fun out there, even if the major lift in the middle of the routine was really awkward. Russell's ballroom skills have drastically improved, and the judges also seemed to like it. I agree with Nigel that these two are really great performers. The partnership worked well, and these guys did show a significant amount of chemistry.
Jakob's solo: Standard slow emo-like music for a male contemporary dancer, and of course beautiful lines. But honestly, with how great a dancer we all know he is at this point, the solo was pretty weak.
10 words or less: First routines generally better than seconds.
Top Chef
View Date: 12/2/09
Tonight was Part 1 of the finale, and the chefs were no longer in Vegas but had moved to the Napa Valley. In my opinion, this may be the best top 4 in the history of this show, and they definitely deserve to be there. Any of the remaining chefs can win this, so it should be a great competition. The four met up at a train station, but had no idea what was going on until a pregnant Padma got off the train with Michael Chiarello.
Quickfire: For the last quickfire challenge, the chefs had to cook with Napa's main crop, grapes. They were to cook on the train and serve to the judges. This was also a high stakes challenge, the winner of which would receive a Prius. Kevin expressed concern at the beginning due to his tendency toward motion sickness. The train's movement caused problems for all the contestants. They were also concerned because the Napa Valley Wine Train is known for excellent cuisine. The winner of the challenge and the Prius was Michael for using many parts of the grape in his dish.
Elimination: The chefs made their way to Rutherford Hills Winery. They had to cater the winery's annual crush party for 150 people, and each contestant had to prepare two dishes. One had to be vegetarian, while the other had to feature a local protein. Aside from salt and pepper, all ingredients had to be grown locally. The chefs were, as always, crunched on time, and several took some serious risks in their dishes.
The judges were able to find both good and bad in the offerings of each chef, but they still had a decision to make. The winner of the challenge tonight was Bryan, which put him directly through to the finals. Jennifer was sent home, making it an all male finale. Honestly, the decision makes sense. The three guys really stepped it up the second half of the season, while Jen faltered several times.
10 words or less: The three best chefs are definitely moving on.
Tonight was Part 1 of the finale, and the chefs were no longer in Vegas but had moved to the Napa Valley. In my opinion, this may be the best top 4 in the history of this show, and they definitely deserve to be there. Any of the remaining chefs can win this, so it should be a great competition. The four met up at a train station, but had no idea what was going on until a pregnant Padma got off the train with Michael Chiarello.
Quickfire: For the last quickfire challenge, the chefs had to cook with Napa's main crop, grapes. They were to cook on the train and serve to the judges. This was also a high stakes challenge, the winner of which would receive a Prius. Kevin expressed concern at the beginning due to his tendency toward motion sickness. The train's movement caused problems for all the contestants. They were also concerned because the Napa Valley Wine Train is known for excellent cuisine. The winner of the challenge and the Prius was Michael for using many parts of the grape in his dish.
Elimination: The chefs made their way to Rutherford Hills Winery. They had to cater the winery's annual crush party for 150 people, and each contestant had to prepare two dishes. One had to be vegetarian, while the other had to feature a local protein. Aside from salt and pepper, all ingredients had to be grown locally. The chefs were, as always, crunched on time, and several took some serious risks in their dishes.
The judges were able to find both good and bad in the offerings of each chef, but they still had a decision to make. The winner of the challenge tonight was Bryan, which put him directly through to the finals. Jennifer was sent home, making it an all male finale. Honestly, the decision makes sense. The three guys really stepped it up the second half of the season, while Jen faltered several times.
10 words or less: The three best chefs are definitely moving on.
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