Reader, something strange happened. I received a letter (and that in and of itself if a weird happenstance these days, no?) in the mail earlier this week. The weird thing was that it was from me. From the future.
I know, right? Mind blown.
Allow me to share this time-bending letter to you now:
Dear Kate,
How are you ? Hopefully you are happy and healthy and living the dream!!! (Obviously not because you still aren't married to Zac Efron with a wonderful baby, 2 Emmy statues, or your gorgeous mansion.) I felt a disturbance in the force this week and I thought I might give you some advice to help ease your troubles. What are future-selves for,am I right?
Let's tackle some quick issues: you can go tanning if you want. You will always be illegally pale and if it makes you feel more confident do it. Just use moderation. Also, you can work out if you want, either way you look great. (Zac confirms.)
Now onto the real issues. There are some things that you are worried about right now and I while I am not sure about what revealing the future does to your current timeline, I will try to be as direct as I can.
Life is too short to be wasted on people and problems that can't or won't be fixed. Why waste valuable time on people that just don't want to be apart of your life. You have done a good job of eradicating some problem people and I can assure you that those will get what is coming to them. The other ones that haven't realized their mistake yet will and you will be too busy with your life and successes to even care about them.
Work is work. Always is and always will be. If you enjoy who you work for and with, that's all the really matters. (PS your idea about how you and Zac meet and fall in love? Spot. On.) We both know that we have a hard time letting things that are trivial not bother us. That still hasn't changed. Sorry.
Green is still our color. Work it. Your fashion keeps getting better. And Target continues to make bank off of us. Who's shocked.
I'm sure you want to know some spoilers regarding TV and movies. I would love to tell you them but... I'm actually going to pull a "Kate" and make you wait. You'll thank me. You still get to movies early though and believe me, that is a BIG thing. Don't ever stop.
Basically, you are still awesome. There are tough times coming, but aren't there always? Nothing comes easy and you and I (ha!) know that better than most. Don't give up on your dreams, ever. One of your greatest qualities (Zac says daily there are many. Isn't he the sweetest?!) is your ability to be idealistic as well as seeing the best in people and situations. Nothing should or can change that and that makes you you.
In the meantime, try not to stress out too much. Life is too short and you know that.
"To be nobody-but-yourself--in a world which is doing its
best, night and day, to make you everybody else--means to fight the hardest
battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting."
(I'll be seeing you--- Zac)
There it is. It's some solid, if generic, advice. I wanted to share it with you because people generally are facing the same struggles, they just don't know it.
AND DID YOU SEE THAT I'M MARRIED TO ZAC FRAKKING EFRON!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
The End is Near... or Here?
Dear Readers,
I have reached a strange point in my movie going life, the end of a saga. Not even the of something I am dreading really. Tomorrow is the final installment of the (seemingly) popular franchise, Twilight, with the second part (of an unnecessary split) of the final book, Breaking Dawn. And readers, I think I'm actually going to miss it.
Before my friends and family take action and try to have me checked for mental illness, I think I have a valid reason for feeling this loss. It's more the loss of the experience of finding a saga or collective or series that you might not find again. Every publisher and studio head is constantly searching the next Harry Potter, and while some have been lucky with Twilight and The Hunger Games, there is no clear future for fans of series.
Now before the rest of you revolt and cry Hobbit, I don't care. It's a separate entity in and of itself. That is an established series and already has a rabid fan base. Asking if there will ever be another phenomenon like the above triad of book series is a very serious reality for a multitude of reasons. The first is I am no longer a teenager. These books are not as readily available or on my radar to embrace and criticize and demand justification at every turn. I will have to be vigilant and aware and utilize my younger audience. The second is while there are some adult book series that are being made into motion pictures, such as the Fifty Shades book series, it doesn't have that same level of innocence (well duh Kate) and the camaraderie that accompanies the movie going experiences. The third reason is can lightning strike again? There have been a litany of attempts to recreate the same enthusiasm and more importantly the monetary success of the previous series.
Obviously, it can and most likely will happen. But there is nothing on the horizon. Yes there are still three movies left in The Hunger Games series but even that has a finality to it. When Harry Potter ended, we had two movies left in the controversial Twilight series and the first movie of The Hunger Games hadn't even released a trailer yet, which can be more exciting than the movie at times. (I'm looking at you Twilight. You know you let me down. Deal with it.) As I sit here, I am wracking my brain to think of another prominent young adult series that could take the world by storm... and I'm coming up empty.
Recently there was a minor announcement about the Star Wars series finally getting its completed trilogy in the saga. I have mixed feelings about this and I'm sure I can elaborate once I have more details. It's still a difficult situation to wrap my head around. While I'm thrilled, I'm also terrified. Utterly, completely terrified. This is my childhood and legions of fans childhoods hopes and dreams for the series being put front and center and it could all be destroyed faster than the Millennium Falcon getting to lightspeed.
So what do I have to look forward to? Nothing comes to mind and that makes me almost treasure tomorrow night's swan song on the Twilight series. Never again will I get to mock and rip apart an acting job more thoroughly and with such good company. Never again will I be able to critique and simultaneously defend a ridiculously written book and movie series. Never again will I get to watch horrible CGI attempt to recreate sparkly vampires and chiseled werewolves. Never again will I watch an actress (cough cough Kristen Stewart) make me hide and shake my head.
I guess what I'm really saying is thanks Twilight. You have unintentionally filled my life with laughter and absurdity for the past 7 years. I think I'll miss you least of all, but I'll still miss you. From a now famous exchange for the first book, I think I am one of the more dumb ones but at least I am in good company.
"And so the lion fell in love with the lamb." "What a stupid lamb." "What a sick masochistic lion."
I have reached a strange point in my movie going life, the end of a saga. Not even the of something I am dreading really. Tomorrow is the final installment of the (seemingly) popular franchise, Twilight, with the second part (of an unnecessary split) of the final book, Breaking Dawn. And readers, I think I'm actually going to miss it.
Before my friends and family take action and try to have me checked for mental illness, I think I have a valid reason for feeling this loss. It's more the loss of the experience of finding a saga or collective or series that you might not find again. Every publisher and studio head is constantly searching the next Harry Potter, and while some have been lucky with Twilight and The Hunger Games, there is no clear future for fans of series.
Now before the rest of you revolt and cry Hobbit, I don't care. It's a separate entity in and of itself. That is an established series and already has a rabid fan base. Asking if there will ever be another phenomenon like the above triad of book series is a very serious reality for a multitude of reasons. The first is I am no longer a teenager. These books are not as readily available or on my radar to embrace and criticize and demand justification at every turn. I will have to be vigilant and aware and utilize my younger audience. The second is while there are some adult book series that are being made into motion pictures, such as the Fifty Shades book series, it doesn't have that same level of innocence (well duh Kate) and the camaraderie that accompanies the movie going experiences. The third reason is can lightning strike again? There have been a litany of attempts to recreate the same enthusiasm and more importantly the monetary success of the previous series.
Obviously, it can and most likely will happen. But there is nothing on the horizon. Yes there are still three movies left in The Hunger Games series but even that has a finality to it. When Harry Potter ended, we had two movies left in the controversial Twilight series and the first movie of The Hunger Games hadn't even released a trailer yet, which can be more exciting than the movie at times. (I'm looking at you Twilight. You know you let me down. Deal with it.) As I sit here, I am wracking my brain to think of another prominent young adult series that could take the world by storm... and I'm coming up empty.
Recently there was a minor announcement about the Star Wars series finally getting its completed trilogy in the saga. I have mixed feelings about this and I'm sure I can elaborate once I have more details. It's still a difficult situation to wrap my head around. While I'm thrilled, I'm also terrified. Utterly, completely terrified. This is my childhood and legions of fans childhoods hopes and dreams for the series being put front and center and it could all be destroyed faster than the Millennium Falcon getting to lightspeed.
So what do I have to look forward to? Nothing comes to mind and that makes me almost treasure tomorrow night's swan song on the Twilight series. Never again will I get to mock and rip apart an acting job more thoroughly and with such good company. Never again will I be able to critique and simultaneously defend a ridiculously written book and movie series. Never again will I get to watch horrible CGI attempt to recreate sparkly vampires and chiseled werewolves. Never again will I watch an actress (cough cough Kristen Stewart) make me hide and shake my head.
I guess what I'm really saying is thanks Twilight. You have unintentionally filled my life with laughter and absurdity for the past 7 years. I think I'll miss you least of all, but I'll still miss you. From a now famous exchange for the first book, I think I am one of the more dumb ones but at least I am in good company.
"And so the lion fell in love with the lamb." "What a stupid lamb." "What a sick masochistic lion."
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Dear Adam Levine....
I had a vision readers. It came as most visions due, with no warning or even forethought. Adam Levine will be my Valentine's Day date this year.
I'm going to rewind a bit so that you can see what I saw.
Earlier this week, as I sat at my desk during lunch, I was looking at ticket prices for the 2012 Maroon 5 concert that my cousin Brittany and I were hoping to attend. The seats I wanted were not available on Ticketmaster any more so I decided to venture over to StubHub to compare. Low and behold I found the tickets I so desired: floor seats and about as close to the stage as I could imagine or at least afford. I instantly bought the tickets. Filled with excitement, I texted Brittany and told her we could actually look forward to Valentine's Day this year. We could hardly contain our excitement.
In my excitement I took to Twitter. With no thoughts of grandeur, I tweeted the following: Going to see Maroon 5 for Valentine's Day. Hey @adamlevine, would you be my Valentine. I laughed to myself, clearly Mr. Levine would never see my tweet or even more unlikely respond in any way, positive or negative. I carried on with my day.
But something was nagging me... why couldn't I get the lead singer of Maroon 5 to be my Valentine? Crazier things have happened. Look at the girl who serenaded Jason Segel for a date only to become an Internet sensation and actually have said date happen?? I realized that my approach would have to be unique enough to get recognized on a national or at least social media version of national level. So I started to plot....
My plan is quite simple. I just have to get Adam Levine's attention. There is no real sob story here, nor would I want there to be one. I have to be earnest and honest and blunt about my intentions. I also need the help of social media to get my idea launched. I plan to use my blog, my Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube accounts to get my message out and if you can share/like/comment/retweet any and all of these posts, it will only increase the chance that he might see my request.
So let me take this opportunity to address Mr. Levine personally:
My name is Katelin Bonk. I am 24 years old and love your band. I would not dare to say that I am your biggest fan, I would not want to take that honor away from someone else. I always enjoyed your band's music but didn't own any CDs until I discovered Hands All Over. That album changed my taste in music. It is in my top favorite albums of all time, that I am not lying about. So you can imagine how excited I was when I picked up your newest album, Overexposed. It took a while but I fell in love with that album as well. My favorite song is "Love Somebody". But I digress. I am a fan and a very loyal one once I become one. I was wondering what you would say to being my Valentine at the Detroit concert of your upcoming tour. I'm sure you get ridiculous requests all the time but I would love it if you would hear me out. My cousin and I are beyond excited to go to the show, regardless of this particular outcome. The reason I ask is because I've never had a REAL Valentine. I've had a couple male friends do me a solid and be my fake Valentine and I love them dearly for it. But I've never looked forward to the day to be honest. Being a romantic person and having no one willing to share it with you can be lonely. I've written a blog that tries to give you other ideas to get through the day, take a look! What am I looking for in asking this? Well, there are a couple ways this could go. 1. Getting a tweet on the day of the concert would probably blow my mind and make my day. 2. Dreaming a bit bigger, but a shout out at the concert during a romantic song would probably give me a heart attack, one I would be willing to have. 3. This is the biggest option and most unlikely but it comes with the biggest reward. Call me up on stage and sing to me.
I know, I know. These are all quite ridiculous requests. But in an age where social media is the driving force, what hard does it take to at least ask?
Adam, I am going to just ask this once or on the flip side bombard you with requests. I have a plan. I came up with a Twitter hashtag: #KateBonkWouldLikeAdamLevineToBeHerValentine. ( I admit that it's not clever and very long but I needed both of our names in it!!) I will be tweeting this hashtag everyday (105 and counting...) until the concert as well as an update here in my blog monthly. I also have a couple of other tricks on getting your attention but I am going to keep those to myself for the moment.
Mr. Levine, I realize the improbability of this question and request. If you never see or hear my posts or even if you do and you choose not to respond, my heart will not be broken. I will still scream at the top of my lungs at the concert (Dressed in red and black, probably some leather. Hey, can't blame a girl for trying!) and my cousin and I will still have the best time because we won't be alone on Valentine's Day. But if you do... just know that you're making one very loyal fan extremely happy.
So thanks Adam Levine.
#KateBonkWouldLikeAdamLevineToBeHerValentine #KateNeedsAVDayDate
I'm going to rewind a bit so that you can see what I saw.
Earlier this week, as I sat at my desk during lunch, I was looking at ticket prices for the 2012 Maroon 5 concert that my cousin Brittany and I were hoping to attend. The seats I wanted were not available on Ticketmaster any more so I decided to venture over to StubHub to compare. Low and behold I found the tickets I so desired: floor seats and about as close to the stage as I could imagine or at least afford. I instantly bought the tickets. Filled with excitement, I texted Brittany and told her we could actually look forward to Valentine's Day this year. We could hardly contain our excitement.
In my excitement I took to Twitter. With no thoughts of grandeur, I tweeted the following: Going to see Maroon 5 for Valentine's Day. Hey @adamlevine, would you be my Valentine. I laughed to myself, clearly Mr. Levine would never see my tweet or even more unlikely respond in any way, positive or negative. I carried on with my day.
But something was nagging me... why couldn't I get the lead singer of Maroon 5 to be my Valentine? Crazier things have happened. Look at the girl who serenaded Jason Segel for a date only to become an Internet sensation and actually have said date happen?? I realized that my approach would have to be unique enough to get recognized on a national or at least social media version of national level. So I started to plot....
My plan is quite simple. I just have to get Adam Levine's attention. There is no real sob story here, nor would I want there to be one. I have to be earnest and honest and blunt about my intentions. I also need the help of social media to get my idea launched. I plan to use my blog, my Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube accounts to get my message out and if you can share/like/comment/retweet any and all of these posts, it will only increase the chance that he might see my request.
So let me take this opportunity to address Mr. Levine personally:
My name is Katelin Bonk. I am 24 years old and love your band. I would not dare to say that I am your biggest fan, I would not want to take that honor away from someone else. I always enjoyed your band's music but didn't own any CDs until I discovered Hands All Over. That album changed my taste in music. It is in my top favorite albums of all time, that I am not lying about. So you can imagine how excited I was when I picked up your newest album, Overexposed. It took a while but I fell in love with that album as well. My favorite song is "Love Somebody". But I digress. I am a fan and a very loyal one once I become one. I was wondering what you would say to being my Valentine at the Detroit concert of your upcoming tour. I'm sure you get ridiculous requests all the time but I would love it if you would hear me out. My cousin and I are beyond excited to go to the show, regardless of this particular outcome. The reason I ask is because I've never had a REAL Valentine. I've had a couple male friends do me a solid and be my fake Valentine and I love them dearly for it. But I've never looked forward to the day to be honest. Being a romantic person and having no one willing to share it with you can be lonely. I've written a blog that tries to give you other ideas to get through the day, take a look! What am I looking for in asking this? Well, there are a couple ways this could go. 1. Getting a tweet on the day of the concert would probably blow my mind and make my day. 2. Dreaming a bit bigger, but a shout out at the concert during a romantic song would probably give me a heart attack, one I would be willing to have. 3. This is the biggest option and most unlikely but it comes with the biggest reward. Call me up on stage and sing to me.
I know, I know. These are all quite ridiculous requests. But in an age where social media is the driving force, what hard does it take to at least ask?
Adam, I am going to just ask this once or on the flip side bombard you with requests. I have a plan. I came up with a Twitter hashtag: #KateBonkWouldLikeAdamLevineToBeHerValentine. ( I admit that it's not clever and very long but I needed both of our names in it!!) I will be tweeting this hashtag everyday (105 and counting...) until the concert as well as an update here in my blog monthly. I also have a couple of other tricks on getting your attention but I am going to keep those to myself for the moment.
Mr. Levine, I realize the improbability of this question and request. If you never see or hear my posts or even if you do and you choose not to respond, my heart will not be broken. I will still scream at the top of my lungs at the concert (Dressed in red and black, probably some leather. Hey, can't blame a girl for trying!) and my cousin and I will still have the best time because we won't be alone on Valentine's Day. But if you do... just know that you're making one very loyal fan extremely happy.
So thanks Adam Levine.
#KateBonkWouldLikeAdamLevineToBeHerValentine #KateNeedsAVDayDate
Friday, October 12, 2012
Will The Real Slim Shady Please Stand Up?
The title of today's blog might lead you to think that I am about to drop some raps but the title is just a rouse to pull in more readers. Gotcha!!!
The real theme of today's post is inspired by a lovely and dear friend (I am not being sarcastic.*) We were discussing characters on TV shows and how I love the ones that are a word that rhymes with witchy. I postulated that I love those witchy characters so much is because in reality I am too nice and wish I could say the things they do or act how they act. My amazing friend** said that she can be witchy. NOTE: I never called her witchy. That just needs to be clear. I said the reason for her comparison might be that we, as viewers, are drawn to our opposites and dislike characters that resemble ourselves. Well, that's would I have said had I not been accused of calling my very pretty friend a witch. But I digress.
So the topic at hand is why we or I rather love characters that are seeming polar opposites. My though process on this is pretty rudimentary: I am what one would call a nice to a fault person. This is a positive as I have lots of friends and have the reputation of being a good person. However, being nice all the time has its downfall. People think they can walk all over you, take advantage, and treat you in a way and expect to get away with it because you are too nice to really come at them. Most of the time I would agree with this description of me. But like the Hulk, I have a secret.... I can get mad.
It comes as shock to people when the wrath of Kate comes down on them, and for good reason since it takes quite a bit to make me truly, completely angry. Yes, I am emotional so my immediate reaction might make it seem like I am mad. But the real, deep anger lies doormat and it takes a great deal for me to unleash it on my unsuspecting victims.
So when I see these characters on TV just unleash vicious comments, snarky comebacks, and evil revenge I get all happy inside. Finally!! Someone is unleashing their inner Hulk and it feels so good to watch! If I can't do it some else can. Do I get an unhealthy amount of satisfaction watching completely lovely and nice characters ripped to shreds with words? Absolutely. Do I care? Not one bit.
If I were to pick one character on TV right now that most embodies me I would honestly have to say Rachel from Glee. I don't say this because I think I can sing anywhere close to her level (I try. Really hard.) but because multiple people have told me that I remind them of her. I love her character and have since the pilot purely because of her no holds barred quest for the spotlight and her ruthless at times ambition. However, Rachel is usually a doormat and lonely and doesn't have the verbal viciousness of some of the characters that I gleefully await seeing each week for their ability to take down their "prey" with a sentence. On occasion both Rachel and I have these witty/snarky comments and we render our enemies speechless. But more often then not we end up singing a sad song in a montage, or in my case my car ride home.
*I'm being a teensy bit sarcastic.
** But she really is quite lovely. And not a all a witch. Despite what she says.
The real theme of today's post is inspired by a lovely and dear friend (I am not being sarcastic.*) We were discussing characters on TV shows and how I love the ones that are a word that rhymes with witchy. I postulated that I love those witchy characters so much is because in reality I am too nice and wish I could say the things they do or act how they act. My amazing friend** said that she can be witchy. NOTE: I never called her witchy. That just needs to be clear. I said the reason for her comparison might be that we, as viewers, are drawn to our opposites and dislike characters that resemble ourselves. Well, that's would I have said had I not been accused of calling my very pretty friend a witch. But I digress.
So the topic at hand is why we or I rather love characters that are seeming polar opposites. My though process on this is pretty rudimentary: I am what one would call a nice to a fault person. This is a positive as I have lots of friends and have the reputation of being a good person. However, being nice all the time has its downfall. People think they can walk all over you, take advantage, and treat you in a way and expect to get away with it because you are too nice to really come at them. Most of the time I would agree with this description of me. But like the Hulk, I have a secret.... I can get mad.
It comes as shock to people when the wrath of Kate comes down on them, and for good reason since it takes quite a bit to make me truly, completely angry. Yes, I am emotional so my immediate reaction might make it seem like I am mad. But the real, deep anger lies doormat and it takes a great deal for me to unleash it on my unsuspecting victims.
So when I see these characters on TV just unleash vicious comments, snarky comebacks, and evil revenge I get all happy inside. Finally!! Someone is unleashing their inner Hulk and it feels so good to watch! If I can't do it some else can. Do I get an unhealthy amount of satisfaction watching completely lovely and nice characters ripped to shreds with words? Absolutely. Do I care? Not one bit.
If I were to pick one character on TV right now that most embodies me I would honestly have to say Rachel from Glee. I don't say this because I think I can sing anywhere close to her level (I try. Really hard.) but because multiple people have told me that I remind them of her. I love her character and have since the pilot purely because of her no holds barred quest for the spotlight and her ruthless at times ambition. However, Rachel is usually a doormat and lonely and doesn't have the verbal viciousness of some of the characters that I gleefully await seeing each week for their ability to take down their "prey" with a sentence. On occasion both Rachel and I have these witty/snarky comments and we render our enemies speechless. But more often then not we end up singing a sad song in a montage, or in my case my car ride home.
*I'm being a teensy bit sarcastic.
** But she really is quite lovely. And not a all a witch. Despite what she says.
Monday, September 24, 2012
I'm Backkkkk and Crazier Than Ever
READERS!!!!!!! I'm back!!
I went on a self-imposed writing exile for the last two months. Not really. I just got really lazy. And lost my sense of wit. But I found it!!! I know, you were all deeply concerned. "Is Kate still funny?" "Are there movies out right now? Kate hasn't written about anything in a while." "Should we rescue her from the Bunker?" (That's what those in the inner circle call my viewing room/bedroom. Pretty cool, huh?!) Fear not. I am safe and sound.
During the past months, it's not like I didn't think about writing. Heck, I made some headway on a new script. But I just couldn't think of anything topical to cover weekly. Oh sure, I could have bored you with my opinions on some of Summer TV's finales. I could have detailed my amazing concert with Kelly Clarkson and The Fray and how we met and they signed my first TV script that they inspired. But that just seemed like filler.
What brought me out of solitary, you ask, and why today? Well folks, today is perhaps one of my favorite days of the year, just behind Christmas and my birthday. It's TV premiere week. And yes, I know FOX and NBC premiered some of their shows last week but this is the real deal. All summer long I have been waiting for this day.
Now you better sit down and relax because I'm about to get real deep with you. Lately, my quirks and antics have been under scrutiny. You see, they are not the norm. I recently considered dropping a large sum of money on the Complete Blu-Ray Collection of Harry Potter and was immediately deemed insane and irrational. I was so taken aback by this reaction it caused me to go even deeper into my exile and really think about how I come across to friends and acquaintances.
You know what I discovered? That I don't care. I don't care at all. You may think I am crazy and that I need help but I don't care. I am passionate about something that I love. Do I sit in line for seemingly endless hours to see a movie at midnight that I could easily watch the next day with no line? Absolutely. And I'm not even close to being done with that. Do I own over 500 DVD's, including over 25 seasons of TV? You betcha. And still counting.
Some of you may point out that this isn't that bad but rather its my age that causes concern. I am in mid-20's and am more mature than some adults I know. I will gleefully admit that I am a child at heart and I hope to never lose that sense of wonder and joy about something that means so much to me. I am also professional when the occasion calls for it while bringing that sense of fun to any environment. Some may call me crazy, and I have too, but the word that truly describes me is quirky.
Do normal people get excited about new TV and the return of their favorites shows? Of course. Do they get a box of wine and snacks to celebrate? Probably not. Regardless that is what I will be doing tonight and I will be having more crazy adventures sooner than you think. So if you enjoy my "crazy", please keep coming back for more frivolity. If not, well, I feel sorry for you. You clearly have forgotten about what it is like to truly embrace yourself and just enjoy the ride.
E.E. Cummings once wrote; To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle, which any human being can fight, and never stop fighting.
I went on a self-imposed writing exile for the last two months. Not really. I just got really lazy. And lost my sense of wit. But I found it!!! I know, you were all deeply concerned. "Is Kate still funny?" "Are there movies out right now? Kate hasn't written about anything in a while." "Should we rescue her from the Bunker?" (That's what those in the inner circle call my viewing room/bedroom. Pretty cool, huh?!) Fear not. I am safe and sound.
During the past months, it's not like I didn't think about writing. Heck, I made some headway on a new script. But I just couldn't think of anything topical to cover weekly. Oh sure, I could have bored you with my opinions on some of Summer TV's finales. I could have detailed my amazing concert with Kelly Clarkson and The Fray and how we met and they signed my first TV script that they inspired. But that just seemed like filler.
What brought me out of solitary, you ask, and why today? Well folks, today is perhaps one of my favorite days of the year, just behind Christmas and my birthday. It's TV premiere week. And yes, I know FOX and NBC premiered some of their shows last week but this is the real deal. All summer long I have been waiting for this day.
Now you better sit down and relax because I'm about to get real deep with you. Lately, my quirks and antics have been under scrutiny. You see, they are not the norm. I recently considered dropping a large sum of money on the Complete Blu-Ray Collection of Harry Potter and was immediately deemed insane and irrational. I was so taken aback by this reaction it caused me to go even deeper into my exile and really think about how I come across to friends and acquaintances.
You know what I discovered? That I don't care. I don't care at all. You may think I am crazy and that I need help but I don't care. I am passionate about something that I love. Do I sit in line for seemingly endless hours to see a movie at midnight that I could easily watch the next day with no line? Absolutely. And I'm not even close to being done with that. Do I own over 500 DVD's, including over 25 seasons of TV? You betcha. And still counting.
Some of you may point out that this isn't that bad but rather its my age that causes concern. I am in mid-20's and am more mature than some adults I know. I will gleefully admit that I am a child at heart and I hope to never lose that sense of wonder and joy about something that means so much to me. I am also professional when the occasion calls for it while bringing that sense of fun to any environment. Some may call me crazy, and I have too, but the word that truly describes me is quirky.
Do normal people get excited about new TV and the return of their favorites shows? Of course. Do they get a box of wine and snacks to celebrate? Probably not. Regardless that is what I will be doing tonight and I will be having more crazy adventures sooner than you think. So if you enjoy my "crazy", please keep coming back for more frivolity. If not, well, I feel sorry for you. You clearly have forgotten about what it is like to truly embrace yourself and just enjoy the ride.
E.E. Cummings once wrote; To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle, which any human being can fight, and never stop fighting.
Monday, July 30, 2012
A Moment of Insanity, Silence
Dear Readers,
It's been a while since I last dazzled you with my wit and humor. I had plans to write about The Amazing Spiderman and how it really was amazing. I had every intention of detailing my day long wait for the final chapter of Christopher Nolan's epic Batman trilogy with a review of The Dark Knight Rises (which was epic and made me cry and hate the movie and then love the movie). But none of that seemed relevant in light of the tragedy of the Aurora shootings.
How does one make sense or make light or even try to move on from something that horrific when they were never even involved? People told me the following days that they immediately thought of me because they know where I sit is where the gunman first fired. They asked me if I was afraid to go to the movies or even to dress up. Can I really tell them that I am not afraid when in reality I have such a vivid imagination that when I used to do my paper route at night I was sure people were following me and that vampires roamed the streets of Livonia?
While those are two opposite ends of the spectrum in regards to an active imagination, I can not tell you that I will be ever fully comfortable in a theater. I am always aware of who's behind me or in front of me. But will I let that stop me from going? Absolutely not. You can not take away my love of cinema by causing panic and fear or intimidation. Nor will I let any of you be intimidated.
To those who worry about me, I can't really do anything to assuage your fears. I will not stop going to movies, especially not midnight premieres. If someone should get the idea to terrorize my theater, I will do my best to get out in one piece but I also don't know if I would sit by either. If I had any opportunity to stop this sick person, I promise you I will.
We never know when its our time, that's kind of the point of the saying 'Live each day to the fullest'. If the people who survived the horrific events of that night learned anything it is that is so true. They made it out because of fate, God, or whatever reason, but they survived. I would hope that going to the movies is not completely ruined for them. The simple joy of immersing oneself in another world, place, time, or life is something that we need in an age of uncertainty, chaos, and destruction.
It seems disrespectful to mention the shooter in this blog but I do have something to say about his choice to embody the Joker in his moment of insanity. People do crazy things for many reasons. When I say 'moment of insanity' I say this fully believing that he was a sane individual with a sickness. He chose his outfit and his appearance on purpose. On purpose. To blame an actor's incredibly realistic portrayal of a madman as his inspiration is just as mad as to blame violence in movies and video games. People make specific decisions and use these excuses. It is in the person's personal makeup to do these acts of violence and not in the scapegoats that they blame it on.
The reality of this shooting is that people died for no reason. No reason other than a sick man's desire to be famous for an unspeakable act of terror. Heroes are rising and some will never be recognized the way others will. Christian Bale visited the victims last week and I believe this really shows his appreciation to his fans and just his generosity and truly loving spirit. We all lock in on this image and focus on it instead of other heroes from that night but since Bale portrays these people's hero, Batman, I believe that he really can do something special for these people. By acting like a regular Joe, he really has transformed himself into a hero.
As Commissioner Gordon told his son in The Dark Knight, "A hero. Not the hero we deserved but the hero we needed. Nothing less than a knight. Shining." Bale can be that hero the he himself spoke of as well, "Gotham needs a hero with a face."
"Sometimes people deserve more. Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded."
It's been a while since I last dazzled you with my wit and humor. I had plans to write about The Amazing Spiderman and how it really was amazing. I had every intention of detailing my day long wait for the final chapter of Christopher Nolan's epic Batman trilogy with a review of The Dark Knight Rises (which was epic and made me cry and hate the movie and then love the movie). But none of that seemed relevant in light of the tragedy of the Aurora shootings.
How does one make sense or make light or even try to move on from something that horrific when they were never even involved? People told me the following days that they immediately thought of me because they know where I sit is where the gunman first fired. They asked me if I was afraid to go to the movies or even to dress up. Can I really tell them that I am not afraid when in reality I have such a vivid imagination that when I used to do my paper route at night I was sure people were following me and that vampires roamed the streets of Livonia?
While those are two opposite ends of the spectrum in regards to an active imagination, I can not tell you that I will be ever fully comfortable in a theater. I am always aware of who's behind me or in front of me. But will I let that stop me from going? Absolutely not. You can not take away my love of cinema by causing panic and fear or intimidation. Nor will I let any of you be intimidated.
To those who worry about me, I can't really do anything to assuage your fears. I will not stop going to movies, especially not midnight premieres. If someone should get the idea to terrorize my theater, I will do my best to get out in one piece but I also don't know if I would sit by either. If I had any opportunity to stop this sick person, I promise you I will.
We never know when its our time, that's kind of the point of the saying 'Live each day to the fullest'. If the people who survived the horrific events of that night learned anything it is that is so true. They made it out because of fate, God, or whatever reason, but they survived. I would hope that going to the movies is not completely ruined for them. The simple joy of immersing oneself in another world, place, time, or life is something that we need in an age of uncertainty, chaos, and destruction.
It seems disrespectful to mention the shooter in this blog but I do have something to say about his choice to embody the Joker in his moment of insanity. People do crazy things for many reasons. When I say 'moment of insanity' I say this fully believing that he was a sane individual with a sickness. He chose his outfit and his appearance on purpose. On purpose. To blame an actor's incredibly realistic portrayal of a madman as his inspiration is just as mad as to blame violence in movies and video games. People make specific decisions and use these excuses. It is in the person's personal makeup to do these acts of violence and not in the scapegoats that they blame it on.
The reality of this shooting is that people died for no reason. No reason other than a sick man's desire to be famous for an unspeakable act of terror. Heroes are rising and some will never be recognized the way others will. Christian Bale visited the victims last week and I believe this really shows his appreciation to his fans and just his generosity and truly loving spirit. We all lock in on this image and focus on it instead of other heroes from that night but since Bale portrays these people's hero, Batman, I believe that he really can do something special for these people. By acting like a regular Joe, he really has transformed himself into a hero.
As Commissioner Gordon told his son in The Dark Knight, "A hero. Not the hero we deserved but the hero we needed. Nothing less than a knight. Shining." Bale can be that hero the he himself spoke of as well, "Gotham needs a hero with a face."
"Sometimes people deserve more. Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded."
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
When I Met Nora
Friends, we've lost one of great writers/directors/voices of our time. Nora Ephron passed away yesterday. This is a huge loss, not just for women for whom Ephron was a trailblazer, but for writers and filmmakers in general. Her body of work is not epic in scale, rather she wrote 15 screenplays, produced 10 of those, and only directed 8 of the films. But the epicness of her work comes from the hits that to this day resonate with new and old generation alike.
I remember the first Nora Ephron movie I saw. It was winter break of '98 and a couple of my cousins went to go see You've Got Mail. I fell in love but I wouldn't know how much until I was in college and the movie was on EVERY WEEKEND. I am not exaggerating, along with The Wedding Planner and 10 Things I Hate About You. I rediscoverd my love of that movie. "Aren't daisies the friendliest flower?" Who knew that school supplies could be such an aphrodiasic?
After about two years, I finally saw that Sleepless in Seattle was going to be on so I TiVo'd it and saved it for a Saturday night. As I lay in my bed, quietly tearing up, I realized that despite its absurd premise, this movie was a classic and how could I have never seen it before. Yes, it's a tearjerker but its also comedic gold: "Didn't you see Fatal Attraction?" "You wouldn't let me!" "Well I saw it and it scared the shit out of me! It scared the shit out of every man in America!" I think that is when I fell in love with Tom Hanks, all because of Ephron's words and vision.
Now it took me another couple of years to see When Harry Met Sally but when a movie is hyped up so much you worry that if you don't like it, you will lose out on this amazing experience that everyone got to have. Luckily, I too fell for Sally with Harry and the classic scene is ahem... well we all know how hilarious that was and we all secretly wish we could reenact it at our local diners. No? Is... is that just me? Hmmm...
I've seen Bewitched, Michael, Hanging Up, and Julie and Julia and her stamp is still there. But I think what resonates the most with people is the wit, heart, simplicity of the aforementioned trio of films. Obviously they all have Meg Ryan in common as well and she was America's Sweetheart for a reason. My secret dream movie reunion would be a couple romcom with Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts/Richard Gere and I had always assume Ephron had that thought in the back of her mind too and was working on the script.
A dream, yes, but that is what Ephron gave us: the possibility of happy-ever-after and that it all works out in the end despite the obstacles in front. May they be the age-old men and women can't be friends, or the impossibility of love at first sight or listen, or rather that hate and animosity can lead to friendship and true love.
I happen to think that all of the above is true, if only because she showed me that it can happen. As she once said, "Most of us live our lives devoid of cinematic moments." Well, at least we have the ones you created to fill the void.
I remember the first Nora Ephron movie I saw. It was winter break of '98 and a couple of my cousins went to go see You've Got Mail. I fell in love but I wouldn't know how much until I was in college and the movie was on EVERY WEEKEND. I am not exaggerating, along with The Wedding Planner and 10 Things I Hate About You. I rediscoverd my love of that movie. "Aren't daisies the friendliest flower?" Who knew that school supplies could be such an aphrodiasic?
After about two years, I finally saw that Sleepless in Seattle was going to be on so I TiVo'd it and saved it for a Saturday night. As I lay in my bed, quietly tearing up, I realized that despite its absurd premise, this movie was a classic and how could I have never seen it before. Yes, it's a tearjerker but its also comedic gold: "Didn't you see Fatal Attraction?" "You wouldn't let me!" "Well I saw it and it scared the shit out of me! It scared the shit out of every man in America!" I think that is when I fell in love with Tom Hanks, all because of Ephron's words and vision.
Now it took me another couple of years to see When Harry Met Sally but when a movie is hyped up so much you worry that if you don't like it, you will lose out on this amazing experience that everyone got to have. Luckily, I too fell for Sally with Harry and the classic scene is ahem... well we all know how hilarious that was and we all secretly wish we could reenact it at our local diners. No? Is... is that just me? Hmmm...
I've seen Bewitched, Michael, Hanging Up, and Julie and Julia and her stamp is still there. But I think what resonates the most with people is the wit, heart, simplicity of the aforementioned trio of films. Obviously they all have Meg Ryan in common as well and she was America's Sweetheart for a reason. My secret dream movie reunion would be a couple romcom with Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts/Richard Gere and I had always assume Ephron had that thought in the back of her mind too and was working on the script.
A dream, yes, but that is what Ephron gave us: the possibility of happy-ever-after and that it all works out in the end despite the obstacles in front. May they be the age-old men and women can't be friends, or the impossibility of love at first sight or listen, or rather that hate and animosity can lead to friendship and true love.
I happen to think that all of the above is true, if only because she showed me that it can happen. As she once said, "Most of us live our lives devoid of cinematic moments." Well, at least we have the ones you created to fill the void.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Unless I'm Wrong, And I'm Never Wrong...
You guys, its here. Summer.....
(breathing heavily because I just performed the opening musical number from HSM 2, What Time Is It?) Sorry, had to be done. In all seriousness, it is summer and I love this season more than any other. Sun, shorts, dresses, sandals, bonfires, swimming, and lots of other summer fun. But you know what I love most of all? Summer TV!!!!
A different breed than the specimens of Fall TV, STV belongs to the cable networks and most would argue that it is becoming a rival of beloved FTV shows. STV contains mostly "frothy, mindless" TV, and you would be right if you only watched the reality shows of summer like ABC's Wipeout. While that show is worthy of that description, there are so many better and more quality shows that the networks are putting forth for your viewing pleasure.
Here are my personal choices:
USA shows: I don't watch every show the cable network comes out with, but I do watch the majority. Quality scripts, excellent acting, pretty people, and plenty of cliffhangers fill the channels programming. Common Law, White Collar, Suits, Burn Notice, and Psych make my life happier. At the heart of all of these shows are the relationships between the main characters and it draws you in further than most TV shows.
TNT- Not to be out done, the channel has gotten in the game slowly but surely. It started a couple of years of ago with the sleeper hit Leverage, followed by Rizzoli and Isles, and last years biggest winner Franklin and Bash. The drama is a bit more relatable but the fun and stakes are still high as ever.
Pretty Little Liars- I know what you are going to say because I have said the exact same thing to people when I tell them I watch this show. It's ridiculous. It's completely unrealistic. Oh, and its awesome. I watch to mostly complain and makes comments on the completely out there fashion sense these girls have, but also to be completely scared out of my mind. Honestly, the storylines are so absurd you can't help but be sucked in deeper and deeper each week. Don't judge until you watch an episode and are terrified of the dolls in your room might have human eyes staring back at you. You just don't know.
Big Brother- I used to dream that I could be on this show. And let's be honest, I would totally own it. But, my love for the show declined as the show relied on gimmicks and horrible casting. But.... I miss the ridiculousness that is this show and I think I just might have to give it another try.
There a couple of news shows that I have done to be considered for my summer viewing pleasure: Bunheads, Perception, Saving Hope, Dallas, and Political Animals. I will reserve judgement but come on, when have I been wrong before? Plus, at the end of summer we get the best STV experience: The Olympics. I seriously can't wait, especially since Quidditch will be played. Yep, you read that right. Quidditch.
Believe in magic, you Muggle!
(breathing heavily because I just performed the opening musical number from HSM 2, What Time Is It?) Sorry, had to be done. In all seriousness, it is summer and I love this season more than any other. Sun, shorts, dresses, sandals, bonfires, swimming, and lots of other summer fun. But you know what I love most of all? Summer TV!!!!
A different breed than the specimens of Fall TV, STV belongs to the cable networks and most would argue that it is becoming a rival of beloved FTV shows. STV contains mostly "frothy, mindless" TV, and you would be right if you only watched the reality shows of summer like ABC's Wipeout. While that show is worthy of that description, there are so many better and more quality shows that the networks are putting forth for your viewing pleasure.
Here are my personal choices:
USA shows: I don't watch every show the cable network comes out with, but I do watch the majority. Quality scripts, excellent acting, pretty people, and plenty of cliffhangers fill the channels programming. Common Law, White Collar, Suits, Burn Notice, and Psych make my life happier. At the heart of all of these shows are the relationships between the main characters and it draws you in further than most TV shows.
TNT- Not to be out done, the channel has gotten in the game slowly but surely. It started a couple of years of ago with the sleeper hit Leverage, followed by Rizzoli and Isles, and last years biggest winner Franklin and Bash. The drama is a bit more relatable but the fun and stakes are still high as ever.
Pretty Little Liars- I know what you are going to say because I have said the exact same thing to people when I tell them I watch this show. It's ridiculous. It's completely unrealistic. Oh, and its awesome. I watch to mostly complain and makes comments on the completely out there fashion sense these girls have, but also to be completely scared out of my mind. Honestly, the storylines are so absurd you can't help but be sucked in deeper and deeper each week. Don't judge until you watch an episode and are terrified of the dolls in your room might have human eyes staring back at you. You just don't know.
Big Brother- I used to dream that I could be on this show. And let's be honest, I would totally own it. But, my love for the show declined as the show relied on gimmicks and horrible casting. But.... I miss the ridiculousness that is this show and I think I just might have to give it another try.
There a couple of news shows that I have done to be considered for my summer viewing pleasure: Bunheads, Perception, Saving Hope, Dallas, and Political Animals. I will reserve judgement but come on, when have I been wrong before? Plus, at the end of summer we get the best STV experience: The Olympics. I seriously can't wait, especially since Quidditch will be played. Yep, you read that right. Quidditch.
Believe in magic, you Muggle!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Bella-Lite and the Thorsman
Mirror mirror, on the wall will I ever be to watch Kristen Stewart on the big screen and not see her whiny, twitching, face?
That is the real question that I find asking myself this afternoon. After last night's midnight screening of Snow White and the Huntsman, that thought lingers on my brain mere hours after her unsure smile closed the movie out.
First and foremost that movie was not worth waiting in line for 7 hours. It's OK Kate, everybody makes mistakes sometimes. You'll catch a better movie next time. ( My current calendar for midnights are Rock of Ages, Magic Mike, Spiderman, and The Dark Knight Rises. I'll be there at varying hours ahead of time so consult me before you meet me up there.) Besides my antics with the AMC staff, I was genuinely looking forward to this movie. The promotional trailer captured what felt like a human essence without the fairytale-ness of the previous installment.
I was drawn to Charlize Theron's Queen and the no-brainer that is Chris Hemsworth as the titular Huntsman. But my main concern was Kristen Stewart. I didn't think she could pull it off, especially when I learned she would be speaking in a British accent, and the only time I thought she looked worthy was during the quick glimpses of her in armor during the trailer. Could I forget her dreadful performance as Bella Swan?
The answer to that is no. Much to my dismay, there were reminiscent Bella traits that crept their way into our fighting Snow White. Gone was the eye blinking, stuttering, pained looking girl who is firmly implanted in my least favorite character of all time- only to be replaced with a heaving, and I do mean heaving, too innocent for her situation, not the 'fairest of them all' beauty. I might be judging her too harshly but I am not alone in my mocking or dislike. I can personally guarantee that my entire viewing party did not come see that movie for her and plenty of snorting in derision and snickering occurred. I would forget at times that I disliked her so much but then she would revert back to Bella-Lite and I would hang my head.
I feel I must defend other aspects of the movie. Visually stunning and with a very moving score, the film was solid. Theron nails the desperation of a woman forced into a life she never had the opportunity to change and her eyes alone should win her an Oscar for the psychotic emotion that poured out of them. I know that I will add her dialogue to my quote repertoire; it dripped with viciousness and haughtiness of great villains of old.
There is a minor love aspect to the film as well that is clearly an attempt to appease the Twilight fangirls. Hemsworth as the Huntsman plays Snow White's foil for the entire film and when he does attempt to change his attitude, Snow White coolly dismisses him. Sam Claflin plays William, her childhood friend and presumably future romantic interest until he believes her to be dead as a child. I won't ruin the (completely non-dramatic) decision between the two men, but we all know my heart has long been lost to Hemsworth. He adopts an Irish or Scottish brogue for the film (he is originally from Australia) and I really don't care what it is but it sounds awesome. He reminded me of Thor in the fighting scenes, and I do believe that was done purposefully.
All in all, the film rates a B+ minus in my book. I would and will probably see it again in theaters and I will own it. Why? Because repetition makes the heart grow fonder. And since Kristen Stewart seems to staying around for a while, I should try to get past my hatred of Bella Swan.
Maybe the evil Queen can spell it to be so...
That is the real question that I find asking myself this afternoon. After last night's midnight screening of Snow White and the Huntsman, that thought lingers on my brain mere hours after her unsure smile closed the movie out.
First and foremost that movie was not worth waiting in line for 7 hours. It's OK Kate, everybody makes mistakes sometimes. You'll catch a better movie next time. ( My current calendar for midnights are Rock of Ages, Magic Mike, Spiderman, and The Dark Knight Rises. I'll be there at varying hours ahead of time so consult me before you meet me up there.) Besides my antics with the AMC staff, I was genuinely looking forward to this movie. The promotional trailer captured what felt like a human essence without the fairytale-ness of the previous installment.
I was drawn to Charlize Theron's Queen and the no-brainer that is Chris Hemsworth as the titular Huntsman. But my main concern was Kristen Stewart. I didn't think she could pull it off, especially when I learned she would be speaking in a British accent, and the only time I thought she looked worthy was during the quick glimpses of her in armor during the trailer. Could I forget her dreadful performance as Bella Swan?
The answer to that is no. Much to my dismay, there were reminiscent Bella traits that crept their way into our fighting Snow White. Gone was the eye blinking, stuttering, pained looking girl who is firmly implanted in my least favorite character of all time- only to be replaced with a heaving, and I do mean heaving, too innocent for her situation, not the 'fairest of them all' beauty. I might be judging her too harshly but I am not alone in my mocking or dislike. I can personally guarantee that my entire viewing party did not come see that movie for her and plenty of snorting in derision and snickering occurred. I would forget at times that I disliked her so much but then she would revert back to Bella-Lite and I would hang my head.
I feel I must defend other aspects of the movie. Visually stunning and with a very moving score, the film was solid. Theron nails the desperation of a woman forced into a life she never had the opportunity to change and her eyes alone should win her an Oscar for the psychotic emotion that poured out of them. I know that I will add her dialogue to my quote repertoire; it dripped with viciousness and haughtiness of great villains of old.
There is a minor love aspect to the film as well that is clearly an attempt to appease the Twilight fangirls. Hemsworth as the Huntsman plays Snow White's foil for the entire film and when he does attempt to change his attitude, Snow White coolly dismisses him. Sam Claflin plays William, her childhood friend and presumably future romantic interest until he believes her to be dead as a child. I won't ruin the (completely non-dramatic) decision between the two men, but we all know my heart has long been lost to Hemsworth. He adopts an Irish or Scottish brogue for the film (he is originally from Australia) and I really don't care what it is but it sounds awesome. He reminded me of Thor in the fighting scenes, and I do believe that was done purposefully.
All in all, the film rates a B+ minus in my book. I would and will probably see it again in theaters and I will own it. Why? Because repetition makes the heart grow fonder. And since Kristen Stewart seems to staying around for a while, I should try to get past my hatred of Bella Swan.
Maybe the evil Queen can spell it to be so...
Friday, May 18, 2012
Fifty Shades Intrigued...
It's currently one of the most talked about books in the US. Have you heard of it? You probably have and if you aren't really sure think back to all those times you saw people actively hiding what they were reading. Like it was a super secret dossier on an international spy. If you still don't know what I am referring to, then you haven't heard about the "adult" book series Fifty Shades.
I can't tell you where the interest came from or when it started or why they were brought to the publics attention. I can tell you however that they are... risque is the nicest term I can think of that seems appropriate. I have read the whole series, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, and Fifty Shades Freed. They are certainly captivating. Yep. Captivating indeed.
I'm not going to sell you on the books; I think the hype for them is already doing a good job of that. I'm more interested in if and when they make them into a movie. The plot of the book revolves around Ana, a college graduate, who unwittingly attracts the attention of a young billionaire, Christian Grey, who may or may not have some more explicit tendencies. As I read them I kept wondering where the plot was going to go because plot points that I thought would be the finale or even in the next novel popped up in the 4th chapter. The story lets the characters evolve into fully fleshed (ummm... pun intended?) out people with deep, deep, deep layers of back story.
Originally written (supposedly) as fan fiction for the Twilight novels, the books have evolved into their own level fandemonium. Of course with recent media attention there has been mentions of a movie. The movie would be... revealing. I honestly don't know how they could make or market a film with the level of intense physical relationship that is on display in the series. There is more to the books than the instances but that is the current draw of the books, the tabooness of it.
While I'll leave that major obstacle to the producers of the (hopefully-soon-to-be-made) film, I would like to direct your attention to who I believe should play the title character, Christian Grey. A deeply flawed and scarred young man in his late twenties, Christian is a man of perfection especially in the looks department. He is known for his "mercurial" mood swings and his commanding presence. Ladies and gentleman, I would like to present Ian Somerhalder as the perfect actor to portray our beloved Fifty.
Somerhalder is 34 years old but plays an eternally youthful vampire on one of my favorite shows, The Vampire Diaries. (If you aren't already watching the show I demand that you drop everything and watch all three incredibly written and acted seasons.) Somerhalder embodies everything that the Christian Grey character is and I would bet you millions of dollars that if he were given the chance to play this role, he would be recognized with multiple acting awards.
As for his female counterpart, Ana, I have no real wish list actress. My top three would be Amanda Seyfried, Felicity Jones, and the long shot Nina Dobrev who plays his love interest on the TV show and is his real life girlfriend. (This is the only reason I am not hunting him down myself.) It's still to be announced that a movie is being green lighted but if it does, Somerhalder has already expressed interest into what would surely be the role he was born to play.
So, did I pique your interest in the slightest? If so, please go read the books. If not, well... tough.
XOXO
A Fifty Follower
I can't tell you where the interest came from or when it started or why they were brought to the publics attention. I can tell you however that they are... risque is the nicest term I can think of that seems appropriate. I have read the whole series, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, and Fifty Shades Freed. They are certainly captivating. Yep. Captivating indeed.
I'm not going to sell you on the books; I think the hype for them is already doing a good job of that. I'm more interested in if and when they make them into a movie. The plot of the book revolves around Ana, a college graduate, who unwittingly attracts the attention of a young billionaire, Christian Grey, who may or may not have some more explicit tendencies. As I read them I kept wondering where the plot was going to go because plot points that I thought would be the finale or even in the next novel popped up in the 4th chapter. The story lets the characters evolve into fully fleshed (ummm... pun intended?) out people with deep, deep, deep layers of back story.
Originally written (supposedly) as fan fiction for the Twilight novels, the books have evolved into their own level fandemonium. Of course with recent media attention there has been mentions of a movie. The movie would be... revealing. I honestly don't know how they could make or market a film with the level of intense physical relationship that is on display in the series. There is more to the books than the instances but that is the current draw of the books, the tabooness of it.
While I'll leave that major obstacle to the producers of the (hopefully-soon-to-be-made) film, I would like to direct your attention to who I believe should play the title character, Christian Grey. A deeply flawed and scarred young man in his late twenties, Christian is a man of perfection especially in the looks department. He is known for his "mercurial" mood swings and his commanding presence. Ladies and gentleman, I would like to present Ian Somerhalder as the perfect actor to portray our beloved Fifty.
Somerhalder is 34 years old but plays an eternally youthful vampire on one of my favorite shows, The Vampire Diaries. (If you aren't already watching the show I demand that you drop everything and watch all three incredibly written and acted seasons.) Somerhalder embodies everything that the Christian Grey character is and I would bet you millions of dollars that if he were given the chance to play this role, he would be recognized with multiple acting awards.
As for his female counterpart, Ana, I have no real wish list actress. My top three would be Amanda Seyfried, Felicity Jones, and the long shot Nina Dobrev who plays his love interest on the TV show and is his real life girlfriend. (This is the only reason I am not hunting him down myself.) It's still to be announced that a movie is being green lighted but if it does, Somerhalder has already expressed interest into what would surely be the role he was born to play.
So, did I pique your interest in the slightest? If so, please go read the books. If not, well... tough.
XOXO
A Fifty Follower
Friday, May 4, 2012
Simply 'Marvel'ous
Captain's Log 05/03/12
6:05 AM: I wake up, and know today is the day. I hurriedly pack my armour and masks and leave for work.
1:15 PM: Today is Thor's day. I don his regal head gear and acquire the mighty hammer of Asgard. A photo op takes place.
2:07 PM: My boss throws the hammer at another employee. A game of frisbee erupts with Captain America's shield. Another photo op occurs. I start to feel the age old anxiety. So I wait.
4:15 PM: Having shed my mortal clothing, I am wearing my Avengers apparell and the nervous tick in my eye starts twitching. 'Are there already lines? Will I be too late?' I must leave this fortress and go to headquarters.
4:34 PM: I have arrived and still maintain my status as 'That weird girl who gets to midnight showings way too early'. My reputation has proceeded me. At last, I am calm. That is a comfort as I have a long wait a head of me.
8: 27 PM: My first friend arrives and I know it won't be long until the hoardes of unfaithful followers follow her in. I enjoy the silence while preparing for the storm.
9:36 PM: The din is deafening. Ameteurs attempt to walk right into the theater. Oh ye mortals, do you really think it would be so easy? I am in my element, standing tall and on guard.
10:27 PM: After an easy battle for the seats, the rest of our crew has assembled. A game of "Favorites" ensues... to disasterous results. Tears are shed. Friendships are called into question. Lines are drawn. Will we ever be the same again?
11:57 PM: My excitement consumes me. I am restless and jittery. The lights dim. Previews are shown. And then... the Marvel logo appears. It's time.
So clearly I was kind of excited to see The Avengers. And was it all worth it?
Absolutely. Without question. One of the best movies I have ever seen, it had everything: drama, intrigue, humor, a romantic spark or two, rousing speeches, ironic dialogue, and a poignancy that can only be accomplished by the movies writer and director, Joss Whedon.
I aspire to be Joss Whedon. He is my numero uno person I look up to in the business. And I wanted this movie to prove to the entire world, not just the critics and cult followers, why I love him so much. And boy oh boy, did he deliver.
The snappy dialogue from the previous Marvel installments (Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America) was there and in spades. The pacing and the cinematography were on par with the previous movies and managed to step it up to a whole new level of intensity. The movie blended the previous storylines and made everything fit together like little puzzle pieces.
The biggest surprise to me was my overwhelming newfound love for Bruce Banner/The Hulk. I attribute this to the witty, insightful dialogue and portrayal of Whedon and Mark Ruffalo respectively. If Whedon were to write a script for The Hulk as his own movie, I would be there in a heartbeat. The two together had a finger on the pulse of what The Hulk is really like and it made the movie. Another movie I would fully endorse if Whedon wrote the script would be a combo flick with Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), who are the B- characters in regards to the Avengers as a whole. I previously had no desire to know or care about the Black Widow in Iron Man 2, but after last night and her chemistry (romantic or not is still left in the air) with Hawkeye I would pay to see that movie.
Let's not forget the men who jumped started this whole franchise. Iron Man, Thor, and Captain American shone. And fought. And made the team what it was. Honestly, I think I fell more in love with Tony Stark/Robert Downey Jr. than I thought possible but Thor/Chris Hemsworth and Steve Rogers/Chris Evans weren't out of the race by any means. Whedon found a way to have them all step up to the leader circle and still maintain their individual identies and become a cohesive unit.
The other two characters, Nick Fury and Loki, also did their jobs and they did their jobs well. Tom Hiddleston went bat crazy and it was a glorious thing to watch. He was mercilous and slimy and it was just a joy to see fall farther and farther from his brother's help and his salvation. Samuel Jackson was able to do more than make pithy comments and he didn't waste his screen time. The remaining players, Agent Hill (played by How I Met Your Mother's Cobie Smulders) and Agent Coulsen ( a personal favorite played by Clark Gregg) did more than walk around. They were legitimate assets to the SHIELD Initiative. I am going to go out on a limb and say that we might be seeing Agent Hill in Captain America 2... but that's just a personal theory.
I couldn't have asked for a better viewing audience who clapped and cheered at their favorite hero's arrival or triumph in battle. I can guarantee you will be cheering to when you head in to see The Avengers.
Avenger Assemble.
6:05 AM: I wake up, and know today is the day. I hurriedly pack my armour and masks and leave for work.
1:15 PM: Today is Thor's day. I don his regal head gear and acquire the mighty hammer of Asgard. A photo op takes place.
2:07 PM: My boss throws the hammer at another employee. A game of frisbee erupts with Captain America's shield. Another photo op occurs. I start to feel the age old anxiety. So I wait.
4:15 PM: Having shed my mortal clothing, I am wearing my Avengers apparell and the nervous tick in my eye starts twitching. 'Are there already lines? Will I be too late?' I must leave this fortress and go to headquarters.
4:34 PM: I have arrived and still maintain my status as 'That weird girl who gets to midnight showings way too early'. My reputation has proceeded me. At last, I am calm. That is a comfort as I have a long wait a head of me.
8: 27 PM: My first friend arrives and I know it won't be long until the hoardes of unfaithful followers follow her in. I enjoy the silence while preparing for the storm.
9:36 PM: The din is deafening. Ameteurs attempt to walk right into the theater. Oh ye mortals, do you really think it would be so easy? I am in my element, standing tall and on guard.
10:27 PM: After an easy battle for the seats, the rest of our crew has assembled. A game of "Favorites" ensues... to disasterous results. Tears are shed. Friendships are called into question. Lines are drawn. Will we ever be the same again?
11:57 PM: My excitement consumes me. I am restless and jittery. The lights dim. Previews are shown. And then... the Marvel logo appears. It's time.
So clearly I was kind of excited to see The Avengers. And was it all worth it?
Absolutely. Without question. One of the best movies I have ever seen, it had everything: drama, intrigue, humor, a romantic spark or two, rousing speeches, ironic dialogue, and a poignancy that can only be accomplished by the movies writer and director, Joss Whedon.
I aspire to be Joss Whedon. He is my numero uno person I look up to in the business. And I wanted this movie to prove to the entire world, not just the critics and cult followers, why I love him so much. And boy oh boy, did he deliver.
The snappy dialogue from the previous Marvel installments (Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America) was there and in spades. The pacing and the cinematography were on par with the previous movies and managed to step it up to a whole new level of intensity. The movie blended the previous storylines and made everything fit together like little puzzle pieces.
The biggest surprise to me was my overwhelming newfound love for Bruce Banner/The Hulk. I attribute this to the witty, insightful dialogue and portrayal of Whedon and Mark Ruffalo respectively. If Whedon were to write a script for The Hulk as his own movie, I would be there in a heartbeat. The two together had a finger on the pulse of what The Hulk is really like and it made the movie. Another movie I would fully endorse if Whedon wrote the script would be a combo flick with Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), who are the B- characters in regards to the Avengers as a whole. I previously had no desire to know or care about the Black Widow in Iron Man 2, but after last night and her chemistry (romantic or not is still left in the air) with Hawkeye I would pay to see that movie.
Let's not forget the men who jumped started this whole franchise. Iron Man, Thor, and Captain American shone. And fought. And made the team what it was. Honestly, I think I fell more in love with Tony Stark/Robert Downey Jr. than I thought possible but Thor/Chris Hemsworth and Steve Rogers/Chris Evans weren't out of the race by any means. Whedon found a way to have them all step up to the leader circle and still maintain their individual identies and become a cohesive unit.
The other two characters, Nick Fury and Loki, also did their jobs and they did their jobs well. Tom Hiddleston went bat crazy and it was a glorious thing to watch. He was mercilous and slimy and it was just a joy to see fall farther and farther from his brother's help and his salvation. Samuel Jackson was able to do more than make pithy comments and he didn't waste his screen time. The remaining players, Agent Hill (played by How I Met Your Mother's Cobie Smulders) and Agent Coulsen ( a personal favorite played by Clark Gregg) did more than walk around. They were legitimate assets to the SHIELD Initiative. I am going to go out on a limb and say that we might be seeing Agent Hill in Captain America 2... but that's just a personal theory.
I couldn't have asked for a better viewing audience who clapped and cheered at their favorite hero's arrival or triumph in battle. I can guarantee you will be cheering to when you head in to see The Avengers.
Avenger Assemble.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
What A Duck*** And Other Insights
It's a tale as old as time. Boy meets girl. Boy falls in love with girl. Boy has to endure romantic movies for the rest of time. Wait? What?
Oh, that's right. That isn't how "the story" goes, but it is how real life works. Sorry fellas.
I was sitting in the theatre for the midnight showing of "The Lucky One" starring my OTL*, Zac Efron, this past weekend and was soon surrounded by teenagers and my age couples. (By the way, kudos ladies on pulling that double pointer off. I tip my imaginary hat off to you.) No sooner than the credits stopped and the introduction of characters were done did the snickering and commenting begin.
First tip guys: we realize you are never going to do any of things these characters do nor will you be as attractive as say a Zac or even a Ryan Gosling. We accept it. We don't judge. We also know that these guys and actions are not very realistic. So there is no need for the snide comments. Zip it.
Guys, we are really simple creatures. We enjoy a good romance. Are they all good? Absolutely not. Are they mostly cheesy? You bet. Will the lead male going shirtless for a ridiculous reason make us squeal in delight. Probably. (Although us grown women like to pretend we are above that kind of behavior.) Even though we know no real guy would ever say a line like 'You should be kissed every day, every hour, every minute', we won't object either. I wouldn't object to the scene that followed that either but I digress.
You boys think that if you go see these movies with us you will be rewarded and sometimes you might be right. But half of the time girls see these movies with their girlfriends so that they can discuss all of the ridiculous points above so as to not bother you. I personally would go see an action/horror/thriller any day of the week. ( I would only mention the hot guy factor once. I promise.) So suck it up. Be a man. Rub some dirt in it.**
I do love when the guys in the theater get sucked into the movie though. During "The Lucky One", the main 'villian' does a pretty awful thing and from behind me I heard one of the previously snickering boys proclaim, "What a duck."*** Two seconds later, I heard almost the exact phrase from another snickering boyfriend. You can't make moments like that up.
So to sum up: Boys suck it up and enjoy the moment. You might find yourself on the receiving end of romantic feelings, all for the price of two movie tickets, a drink, and some popcorn. And girls, don't expect any Ryan Goslings or Zac Efrons to take the place of your (probably really awesome) boyfriend. It's just not fair.
*One True Love
** Name that movie! Hint: Channing Tatum
***He didn't say duck.
Oh, that's right. That isn't how "the story" goes, but it is how real life works. Sorry fellas.
I was sitting in the theatre for the midnight showing of "The Lucky One" starring my OTL*, Zac Efron, this past weekend and was soon surrounded by teenagers and my age couples. (By the way, kudos ladies on pulling that double pointer off. I tip my imaginary hat off to you.) No sooner than the credits stopped and the introduction of characters were done did the snickering and commenting begin.
First tip guys: we realize you are never going to do any of things these characters do nor will you be as attractive as say a Zac or even a Ryan Gosling. We accept it. We don't judge. We also know that these guys and actions are not very realistic. So there is no need for the snide comments. Zip it.
Guys, we are really simple creatures. We enjoy a good romance. Are they all good? Absolutely not. Are they mostly cheesy? You bet. Will the lead male going shirtless for a ridiculous reason make us squeal in delight. Probably. (Although us grown women like to pretend we are above that kind of behavior.) Even though we know no real guy would ever say a line like 'You should be kissed every day, every hour, every minute', we won't object either. I wouldn't object to the scene that followed that either but I digress.
You boys think that if you go see these movies with us you will be rewarded and sometimes you might be right. But half of the time girls see these movies with their girlfriends so that they can discuss all of the ridiculous points above so as to not bother you. I personally would go see an action/horror/thriller any day of the week. ( I would only mention the hot guy factor once. I promise.) So suck it up. Be a man. Rub some dirt in it.**
I do love when the guys in the theater get sucked into the movie though. During "The Lucky One", the main 'villian' does a pretty awful thing and from behind me I heard one of the previously snickering boys proclaim, "What a duck."*** Two seconds later, I heard almost the exact phrase from another snickering boyfriend. You can't make moments like that up.
So to sum up: Boys suck it up and enjoy the moment. You might find yourself on the receiving end of romantic feelings, all for the price of two movie tickets, a drink, and some popcorn. And girls, don't expect any Ryan Goslings or Zac Efrons to take the place of your (probably really awesome) boyfriend. It's just not fair.
*One True Love
** Name that movie! Hint: Channing Tatum
***He didn't say duck.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Restraining Order: Optional
A shriek is heard from a suburb. The camera pulls out to reveal the city, then the state, then the Americas, and finally the World. You know, like how they dramatically do in TV and movies.
This is what would have occurred had Zac Efron tweeted me back two weekends ago. And no, I am not exaggerating my reaction or the fact that he actually would have been responding to me. In an effort to promote his upcoming film, The Lucky One, Zac created his very own real Twitter account ( I have to unfollow two fake ones now.) and created an event: ask Zac a question and he would answer them live. So of course I sent stimulating and riveting questions. Cut to Saturday night: I'm sitting on my bed refreshing the page every minute to see if he would respond directly to me. Alas I was left unanswered.
In an age where a good majority of celebrities and athletes and just about any popular figure have instant access to their fans, it is not unheard of to get a response back to a question these days. Most recently Kat Graham of the hit TV show The Vampire Diaries followed my Twitter. Not because I am hilarious or insightful but because I responded to her Twitter feed that I liked her new music video. (It is really the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. And I can't stop listening. No judgement.) I also posed a question to Scrubs and Cougar Town creator Bill Lawrence and he responded.
You can often find me saying, 'I can't wait to meet so-and-so!' and it's true, I can't wait. But now the thought is in my mind, 'How will I act when I meet them?'. It's a serious question, considering how much I love most of these people. If my non-response from my beloved Zac Efron resulted in my (slightly screaming) outburst of "Why Zac? Why? Why no tweet?!" (to which my dad can verify) then what will happen when I finally meet him?
I honestly don't know. I would like to say that I would be cool and collected. In all reality I will probably start crying. Now that is super attractive. Unless he digs it. Who knows. This would most likely be the response to any of my favorite celebrities.
So maybe I need some options to fall back on. Here's what I've come up with so far:
- Start by telling them how much I love them. (They all like flattery. They have very big egos. But don't tell them that.)
- List an obscure, non-mainstream movie or TV show that you love them in and tell that it's your favorite role. (That one might actually work.)
- Ask for a picture. (Don't they like getting their picture taken?)
- Offer to buy them a drink for you being so crazy. (What? I'm single. And he might be rich and looking.)
- Tell them a completely made-up or true story of your experience trying to see them. (They might take pity on you, congratulate you, or file a restraining order. Those are good odds.)
For right now we don't have to worry about my reactions. Those are all for you my lovely readers.
PS Can we not tell Zac about the HSM cut-out I got as a gift? Thanks!
PPS Um.... or my Zac Efron doll.
This is what would have occurred had Zac Efron tweeted me back two weekends ago. And no, I am not exaggerating my reaction or the fact that he actually would have been responding to me. In an effort to promote his upcoming film, The Lucky One, Zac created his very own real Twitter account ( I have to unfollow two fake ones now.) and created an event: ask Zac a question and he would answer them live. So of course I sent stimulating and riveting questions. Cut to Saturday night: I'm sitting on my bed refreshing the page every minute to see if he would respond directly to me. Alas I was left unanswered.
In an age where a good majority of celebrities and athletes and just about any popular figure have instant access to their fans, it is not unheard of to get a response back to a question these days. Most recently Kat Graham of the hit TV show The Vampire Diaries followed my Twitter. Not because I am hilarious or insightful but because I responded to her Twitter feed that I liked her new music video. (It is really the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. And I can't stop listening. No judgement.) I also posed a question to Scrubs and Cougar Town creator Bill Lawrence and he responded.
You can often find me saying, 'I can't wait to meet so-and-so!' and it's true, I can't wait. But now the thought is in my mind, 'How will I act when I meet them?'. It's a serious question, considering how much I love most of these people. If my non-response from my beloved Zac Efron resulted in my (slightly screaming) outburst of "Why Zac? Why? Why no tweet?!" (to which my dad can verify) then what will happen when I finally meet him?
I honestly don't know. I would like to say that I would be cool and collected. In all reality I will probably start crying. Now that is super attractive. Unless he digs it. Who knows. This would most likely be the response to any of my favorite celebrities.
So maybe I need some options to fall back on. Here's what I've come up with so far:
- Start by telling them how much I love them. (They all like flattery. They have very big egos. But don't tell them that.)
- List an obscure, non-mainstream movie or TV show that you love them in and tell that it's your favorite role. (That one might actually work.)
- Ask for a picture. (Don't they like getting their picture taken?)
- Offer to buy them a drink for you being so crazy. (What? I'm single. And he might be rich and looking.)
- Tell them a completely made-up or true story of your experience trying to see them. (They might take pity on you, congratulate you, or file a restraining order. Those are good odds.)
For right now we don't have to worry about my reactions. Those are all for you my lovely readers.
PS Can we not tell Zac about the HSM cut-out I got as a gift? Thanks!
PPS Um.... or my Zac Efron doll.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
I Can't Get No Satisfaction
Readers, it's been a while. Let's all take a moment to really appreciate that I'm back. (Beat. Beat.) I know, I know. Just keep the sobbing to a minimum ok? That's drawing attention.
Today's topic is two-fold. I am a writer. (No, really. Stop laughing. It's rude.) As a writer I appreciate the fact that someday people will be watching my words and thoughts come to a reality. I also must accept the fact that some people will disagree with me. I am not perfect. (Close to it though.) Therefore, I must treat my fellow with the same respect.
Pleasing an entire viewing audience will never happen. It just won't. There will always be some point of contention or a viewer that doesn't like something you did. I think that's a good thing. If no one cares about the quality of TV they are watching then what's the point. TV can survive on reality shows. We all know that is not the case. Some say I care too much and I would have to agree. However, I feel it is my right to do so as I one day hope to get into the industry. If the quality of TV is based on reality shows and other ridiculous nonsense then my shows have no hope. Good TV breeds better TV.
An example of people caring about TV can be found in the fans of The Vampire Diaries. As a fan, I have yelled, screamed (quite literally just ask my dad), cried, and laughed with this show. There are plot points I don't understand but I still care about where these characters end up. The majority of the credit for that goes to Writer/Excutive Producer Julie Plec. Plec goes one step further and lets the fans in on her life and on the life of the show via Twitter. Most of the actors do the same.
Most people use Twitter to express their love of the show/characters/moments/couples but there are others that take to the social networking site to criticize and demoralize these people, especially Plec, personally. While I may not agree with every decision she makes ( I mean, Damon is losing everyone! Please just give him some happiness.) I respect her and her quality of TV more than any disagreement I might have.
This type of backlash is usually directed at movies of a similar fandom. (Seque. Nicely done Kate.) The most recent book to movie adaption is The Hunger Games. Let me first say that I loved the books. I don't think it could ever compare to my love of Harry Potter mostly because that series has so much history in my childhood. The Hunger Games feels more personal to me than the Twilight series or maybe just because the caliber of writing is much better. The first movie definitely delivered the emotional blows and the message from the book. The acting was well-above most and the casting was pitch-perfect. But I have two complaints...
SPOILER (Plot developments discussed. Don't read further if you haven't read the books or seen the movie!)
I don't know whose idea it was to make the movies center around the love triangle but that is not the main focus of the books. I understand that Liam Hemsworth is a swoonworthy individual (I have and probably still will. No judgement here.) but to diminish the plot by forcing his screen time in the first movie was not necessary. Peeta and Katniss needed to develop their incredibly complicated relationship without cutting to Gale's pained face mere seconds after any moment between the two tributes. ( You probably have no idea what I'm talking about so I'll just wrap this up real quick.) Overall, loved the movie but it's not about who Katniss chooses, it's about how these characters survive and if they can keep themselves intact and not change.
No one will ever be fully satisfied with a TV show or a beloved book/movie series. It's impossible. So you try to make the best product for the majority of the audience. They say hate is stronger than love. Maybe that's a good thing for TV/movies.
Today's topic is two-fold. I am a writer. (No, really. Stop laughing. It's rude.) As a writer I appreciate the fact that someday people will be watching my words and thoughts come to a reality. I also must accept the fact that some people will disagree with me. I am not perfect. (Close to it though.) Therefore, I must treat my fellow with the same respect.
Pleasing an entire viewing audience will never happen. It just won't. There will always be some point of contention or a viewer that doesn't like something you did. I think that's a good thing. If no one cares about the quality of TV they are watching then what's the point. TV can survive on reality shows. We all know that is not the case. Some say I care too much and I would have to agree. However, I feel it is my right to do so as I one day hope to get into the industry. If the quality of TV is based on reality shows and other ridiculous nonsense then my shows have no hope. Good TV breeds better TV.
An example of people caring about TV can be found in the fans of The Vampire Diaries. As a fan, I have yelled, screamed (quite literally just ask my dad), cried, and laughed with this show. There are plot points I don't understand but I still care about where these characters end up. The majority of the credit for that goes to Writer/Excutive Producer Julie Plec. Plec goes one step further and lets the fans in on her life and on the life of the show via Twitter. Most of the actors do the same.
Most people use Twitter to express their love of the show/characters/moments/couples but there are others that take to the social networking site to criticize and demoralize these people, especially Plec, personally. While I may not agree with every decision she makes ( I mean, Damon is losing everyone! Please just give him some happiness.) I respect her and her quality of TV more than any disagreement I might have.
This type of backlash is usually directed at movies of a similar fandom. (Seque. Nicely done Kate.) The most recent book to movie adaption is The Hunger Games. Let me first say that I loved the books. I don't think it could ever compare to my love of Harry Potter mostly because that series has so much history in my childhood. The Hunger Games feels more personal to me than the Twilight series or maybe just because the caliber of writing is much better. The first movie definitely delivered the emotional blows and the message from the book. The acting was well-above most and the casting was pitch-perfect. But I have two complaints...
SPOILER (Plot developments discussed. Don't read further if you haven't read the books or seen the movie!)
I don't know whose idea it was to make the movies center around the love triangle but that is not the main focus of the books. I understand that Liam Hemsworth is a swoonworthy individual (I have and probably still will. No judgement here.) but to diminish the plot by forcing his screen time in the first movie was not necessary. Peeta and Katniss needed to develop their incredibly complicated relationship without cutting to Gale's pained face mere seconds after any moment between the two tributes. ( You probably have no idea what I'm talking about so I'll just wrap this up real quick.) Overall, loved the movie but it's not about who Katniss chooses, it's about how these characters survive and if they can keep themselves intact and not change.
No one will ever be fully satisfied with a TV show or a beloved book/movie series. It's impossible. So you try to make the best product for the majority of the audience. They say hate is stronger than love. Maybe that's a good thing for TV/movies.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
TiVo and Juliet: A Modern Love Story
Oh my dear readers, today is Valentine's Day. Love is in the air.
I have a special story for you today, a true love story. A tale as old as time. A story about love, loss, and love again. It's simple enough. Girl meets TiVo. TiVo is forbidden. Girl and TiVo embark on a forbidden relationship. Ready?
Once Upon a Time...
Our story begins with a plucky heroine named Princess Juliet*. Juliet loved all things television. She was ahead of her time, using multiple VHS tapes for days of the week and a couple extra for the 4 TV's that were available in her castle. She longed for a device that would allow her to tape all of her shows at once.
On the eve of her 18th birthday, her fairy godmothers' heard her pleas and cries. The next morning Juliet received her wish: her very own TiVo!!! Overjoyed, she ran to tell the Queen. The Queen however was not to be persuaded. The Queen was sure that the beloved TiVo would distract Juliet from her studies and social life (that she still doesn't have to this day. I mean...) and forbid the Princess Juliet from ever seeing TiVo again.
Dismayed and inconsolable, the princess ran to her tower and cried herself to sleep. The King tried to intervene but could not prevail. Over the course of the next few weeks, Juliet roamed the halls with an empty look in her eyes. On the eve of her departure to... erm... college, Juliet knelt by her bed and asked her fairy godmothers' for help.
The next day flew by as these kind of days do. The Princess was unpacked and settling into her room when she discovered a brown box that had no markings on it. Curious, she opened it. TiVo!!!! Her prayers had been answered!!! While clutching her true love she found a note in the box. It read, "Dear Princess Juliet, we have heard your pleas. You may live with your true love for one year. At the stroke of midnight a year from now, you must pay the bill or TiVo will vanish forever. But beware, should the Queen find out about your love, all will be lost."
And so, a year went by. There were close calls with the Queen and King to keep the relationship a secret. Pounds were shed through nervous sweating on the day's the Queen visited. But TiVo was never found. Juliet had found a way to hide her love. (Under laundry or in a nearby acquaintances room. Um...) On the eve of the year mark, having saved all year for a longer life extension, Juliet paid the bill for 3 more years. It was a miracle.
The 3 years passed as so many true love stories do: in a blur with only the happy memories to be remembered. Juliet would forget the times where TiVo tried to tape Oprah after she expressly disliked it. Sometime during the 4th year of their clandestine love, the Queen became ill. The princess rushed home to help her sickly mother.
Juliet was tired of keeping her love from the Queen. Over the years, her friends had tried to catch her in a lie in front of the Queen and she could no longer deal with the pressure. With the Queen sedated on her throne (watching her very own cable saved by her very own DVR), Juliet let it slip that she had been seeing TiVo for some time. The Queen, who to this day Juliet is unsure of whether the Queen suspected the love affair, was too weak from fatigue to fight their love.
Juliet was overjoyed! Her love was made public and a celebration was thrown. Alas, like all great love stories the ending was not to be a happy one. Upon her return to her kingdom, a new and improved DVR system started wooing our Juliet. U-Verse won her heart and Juliet was forced to box up TiVo. To this day, TiVo sits in the castle's basement.
A true love story if I've ever heard one.
I have a special story for you today, a true love story. A tale as old as time. A story about love, loss, and love again. It's simple enough. Girl meets TiVo. TiVo is forbidden. Girl and TiVo embark on a forbidden relationship. Ready?
Once Upon a Time...
Our story begins with a plucky heroine named Princess Juliet*. Juliet loved all things television. She was ahead of her time, using multiple VHS tapes for days of the week and a couple extra for the 4 TV's that were available in her castle. She longed for a device that would allow her to tape all of her shows at once.
On the eve of her 18th birthday, her fairy godmothers' heard her pleas and cries. The next morning Juliet received her wish: her very own TiVo!!! Overjoyed, she ran to tell the Queen. The Queen however was not to be persuaded. The Queen was sure that the beloved TiVo would distract Juliet from her studies and social life (that she still doesn't have to this day. I mean...) and forbid the Princess Juliet from ever seeing TiVo again.
Dismayed and inconsolable, the princess ran to her tower and cried herself to sleep. The King tried to intervene but could not prevail. Over the course of the next few weeks, Juliet roamed the halls with an empty look in her eyes. On the eve of her departure to... erm... college, Juliet knelt by her bed and asked her fairy godmothers' for help.
The next day flew by as these kind of days do. The Princess was unpacked and settling into her room when she discovered a brown box that had no markings on it. Curious, she opened it. TiVo!!!! Her prayers had been answered!!! While clutching her true love she found a note in the box. It read, "Dear Princess Juliet, we have heard your pleas. You may live with your true love for one year. At the stroke of midnight a year from now, you must pay the bill or TiVo will vanish forever. But beware, should the Queen find out about your love, all will be lost."
And so, a year went by. There were close calls with the Queen and King to keep the relationship a secret. Pounds were shed through nervous sweating on the day's the Queen visited. But TiVo was never found. Juliet had found a way to hide her love. (Under laundry or in a nearby acquaintances room. Um...) On the eve of the year mark, having saved all year for a longer life extension, Juliet paid the bill for 3 more years. It was a miracle.
The 3 years passed as so many true love stories do: in a blur with only the happy memories to be remembered. Juliet would forget the times where TiVo tried to tape Oprah after she expressly disliked it. Sometime during the 4th year of their clandestine love, the Queen became ill. The princess rushed home to help her sickly mother.
Juliet was tired of keeping her love from the Queen. Over the years, her friends had tried to catch her in a lie in front of the Queen and she could no longer deal with the pressure. With the Queen sedated on her throne (watching her very own cable saved by her very own DVR), Juliet let it slip that she had been seeing TiVo for some time. The Queen, who to this day Juliet is unsure of whether the Queen suspected the love affair, was too weak from fatigue to fight their love.
Juliet was overjoyed! Her love was made public and a celebration was thrown. Alas, like all great love stories the ending was not to be a happy one. Upon her return to her kingdom, a new and improved DVR system started wooing our Juliet. U-Verse won her heart and Juliet was forced to box up TiVo. To this day, TiVo sits in the castle's basement.
A true love story if I've ever heard one.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Valentine Schmalentine
::sniff sniff:: Do you guys smell that? It's an awful smell. You really can't smell it? Hmmm. Maybe it's just me. It smells like love. Blech.
It's that time of year again. February. The lovely roses are red, violets are blue month. Yay.
I know, that's incredibly cynical of me. I should embrace the love. But I just can't. Valentine's Day does nothing to warm the cockles of my ice cold heart. Why not? There are a lot of reasons. Primarily is the fact that being single in a couple dominated society and having their happiness shoved down my throat doesn't make me warm and fuzzy. Another reason is that I believe a couple's love should be expressed every day not just for 2 weeks in February.
"Now Kate, aren't you going to see The Vow tonight?" Yes, yes I am. I plan on ogling Channing Tatum. I hear he takes his clothing off. That's the only reason... well not the only. Fine. You caught me. I love Valentine's Day. I wear red and its other family members to work. I have heart shaped earrings. I own most sappy love stories and currently my emotional state of happiness depends on a love triangle on a TV show.
I'm not the only one you know. There are plenty of V-Day Haters who are secretly Lovers out there. Why do we hide behind the hate? Have you ever been invited to a wedding but didn't have a date? It's time for the couples dance but alas you are not Cinderella and your Prince Charming doesn't appear to sweep you off your feet. Instead you stand on the sidelines, watching. (Or leaning against the hopefully open bar with a glass of wine in your hand.) You don't need to be reminded of what you don't have. It's so much easier to be bitter and embrace the hate.
What to do? Well, you have several options. (All of which I have attempted.)
1. Wallow- grab a (couple) bottle(s) of wine, get in your comfy clothes, and watch sappy romances. Or read a trashy romance novel. My suggestions would be The Notebook, Sleepless in Seattle, PS I Love You. You can even invite some of your fellow single ladies and make it an event.
2. Ignore- What day is it? Hmmm, I had no idea!! Plan something to take your mind off of your sorrows. Paintball is a great option. Cleaning is another good alternative. (This is a weak option. You won't forget. Sorry readers.)
3. Embrace- Ask a friend to be your Valentine. (I've done this twice. Thanks Derek and Travis!) Get a group of people to go to dinner and a movie/bowling/ice skating and make it about being together as a group instead of lovey dovey couples.
I know these aren't the best options. Nothing is really going take your mind off of the romance. Find your own cure and just go with that. Someday your prince will come. Or you could do what I do: wear black and watch horror movies. Nothing says love like an ax murderer banging on your door.
It's that time of year again. February. The lovely roses are red, violets are blue month. Yay.
I know, that's incredibly cynical of me. I should embrace the love. But I just can't. Valentine's Day does nothing to warm the cockles of my ice cold heart. Why not? There are a lot of reasons. Primarily is the fact that being single in a couple dominated society and having their happiness shoved down my throat doesn't make me warm and fuzzy. Another reason is that I believe a couple's love should be expressed every day not just for 2 weeks in February.
"Now Kate, aren't you going to see The Vow tonight?" Yes, yes I am. I plan on ogling Channing Tatum. I hear he takes his clothing off. That's the only reason... well not the only. Fine. You caught me. I love Valentine's Day. I wear red and its other family members to work. I have heart shaped earrings. I own most sappy love stories and currently my emotional state of happiness depends on a love triangle on a TV show.
I'm not the only one you know. There are plenty of V-Day Haters who are secretly Lovers out there. Why do we hide behind the hate? Have you ever been invited to a wedding but didn't have a date? It's time for the couples dance but alas you are not Cinderella and your Prince Charming doesn't appear to sweep you off your feet. Instead you stand on the sidelines, watching. (Or leaning against the hopefully open bar with a glass of wine in your hand.) You don't need to be reminded of what you don't have. It's so much easier to be bitter and embrace the hate.
What to do? Well, you have several options. (All of which I have attempted.)
1. Wallow- grab a (couple) bottle(s) of wine, get in your comfy clothes, and watch sappy romances. Or read a trashy romance novel. My suggestions would be The Notebook, Sleepless in Seattle, PS I Love You. You can even invite some of your fellow single ladies and make it an event.
2. Ignore- What day is it? Hmmm, I had no idea!! Plan something to take your mind off of your sorrows. Paintball is a great option. Cleaning is another good alternative. (This is a weak option. You won't forget. Sorry readers.)
3. Embrace- Ask a friend to be your Valentine. (I've done this twice. Thanks Derek and Travis!) Get a group of people to go to dinner and a movie/bowling/ice skating and make it about being together as a group instead of lovey dovey couples.
I know these aren't the best options. Nothing is really going take your mind off of the romance. Find your own cure and just go with that. Someday your prince will come. Or you could do what I do: wear black and watch horror movies. Nothing says love like an ax murderer banging on your door.
Monday, January 30, 2012
This is a Woman's World
There is a revolution and it's happening right now!!!! Believe it!!! Do you know what it is? It's a crazy theory that women are suddenly relevant in the entertainment world. ::chirp chirp::
That's what I thought.
I was watching the SAG Awards last night and while blown away by the talented ladies who won and those who didn't, I couldn't help but remember all the coverage "women" got this past year. "Women" who apparently overcame their situation as the less desirable option of entertainment. Did you know that women can be funny? I'm shocked!!!
I feel like this started with the movie Bridesmaids. Let me say that while I credit the very talented and funny women are indeed funny and talented, I didn't LOVE the movie the way the rest of the entertainment world did. My favorite scene was perhaps one of the most inappropriate scenes in the history of bathroom humor. I'm sucker for that kind of humor, don't ask me why. But overall, the movie ran long and was kind of predictable.
So many entertainment sites and magazines featured articles about the "newly found box-office power of women" and I couldn't help but be incredibly insulted. What are you trying to imply? That all of a sudden women can act just as well as men? Or that the women audience just discovered movies and TV? Because that's what it sounds like to me.
Viola Davis of The Help was truly a standout this year and she was incredibly moving while giving her acceptance speech last night. But something she said bugged me. She mentioned that not only people of race and women can rise out the prejudices put before them but anyone who is being held back. (Or something to that effect. I can't remember her speech word for word guys. I failed you, I know.) Are women really in such a dire situation that we need to rise above bias?
When I think of the best actresses right now, my list is varied with women of all races and ages. Just because I wasn't born in the golden age of film doesn't mean that I don't know who Marilyn Monroe is or because I wasn't even born in the 70's I can't know and love that Meryl Streep is the greatest actress of our generation. I would also argue that Anne Hathaway and Emma Stone are slowly but surely working their way up to the elite status of Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts as America's Sweethearts while still tackling dramatic film roles.
Is the real cause for the issue of women seemingly becoming a force in the industry that there is a lack of actual issues? Oh hey, here's an issue: movie attendance is the lowest in the history of movie going. Maybe we should all take a closer look at how much the theaters are charging. I have discussed this before and I don't' know if you took my advice or not.
I'm 23 and can name many talented actresses from my generation and from the past. I will not deny that the women brought it this year. They brought it hard. Who didn't cry when they saw The Help? Who doesn't love Emma Stone, Meryl Stone, or for that matter Melissa McCarthy? I would like to add that McCarthy didn't just become funny. She brought it for 7 seasons on Gilmore Girls and then followed that up with a memorable turn in Samantha Who? and then movies The Back-Up Plan and Life As We Know It. The woman didn't get funny over night people!!! I wholeheartedly think she deserves all the credit and accolades she is receiving but people are acting like she is a newbie.
I know that I shouldn't be getting upset over women getting recognition, it's more the fact like we've always been talented and now it's a big deal. Is this year going to be the year of the guys? Who knows. My point is that women are not facing some kind of adversity to be talented. Maybe the studios need to better market their product. I don't feel any pressure being a woman in the industry, I just feel pressure in general. It's a dog-eat-dog world in Hollywood no matter what sex you are.
(Unless you know something different. Do you know something? Tell me! I need all the help I can get!!)
That's what I thought.
I was watching the SAG Awards last night and while blown away by the talented ladies who won and those who didn't, I couldn't help but remember all the coverage "women" got this past year. "Women" who apparently overcame their situation as the less desirable option of entertainment. Did you know that women can be funny? I'm shocked!!!
I feel like this started with the movie Bridesmaids. Let me say that while I credit the very talented and funny women are indeed funny and talented, I didn't LOVE the movie the way the rest of the entertainment world did. My favorite scene was perhaps one of the most inappropriate scenes in the history of bathroom humor. I'm sucker for that kind of humor, don't ask me why. But overall, the movie ran long and was kind of predictable.
So many entertainment sites and magazines featured articles about the "newly found box-office power of women" and I couldn't help but be incredibly insulted. What are you trying to imply? That all of a sudden women can act just as well as men? Or that the women audience just discovered movies and TV? Because that's what it sounds like to me.
Viola Davis of The Help was truly a standout this year and she was incredibly moving while giving her acceptance speech last night. But something she said bugged me. She mentioned that not only people of race and women can rise out the prejudices put before them but anyone who is being held back. (Or something to that effect. I can't remember her speech word for word guys. I failed you, I know.) Are women really in such a dire situation that we need to rise above bias?
When I think of the best actresses right now, my list is varied with women of all races and ages. Just because I wasn't born in the golden age of film doesn't mean that I don't know who Marilyn Monroe is or because I wasn't even born in the 70's I can't know and love that Meryl Streep is the greatest actress of our generation. I would also argue that Anne Hathaway and Emma Stone are slowly but surely working their way up to the elite status of Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts as America's Sweethearts while still tackling dramatic film roles.
Is the real cause for the issue of women seemingly becoming a force in the industry that there is a lack of actual issues? Oh hey, here's an issue: movie attendance is the lowest in the history of movie going. Maybe we should all take a closer look at how much the theaters are charging. I have discussed this before and I don't' know if you took my advice or not.
I'm 23 and can name many talented actresses from my generation and from the past. I will not deny that the women brought it this year. They brought it hard. Who didn't cry when they saw The Help? Who doesn't love Emma Stone, Meryl Stone, or for that matter Melissa McCarthy? I would like to add that McCarthy didn't just become funny. She brought it for 7 seasons on Gilmore Girls and then followed that up with a memorable turn in Samantha Who? and then movies The Back-Up Plan and Life As We Know It. The woman didn't get funny over night people!!! I wholeheartedly think she deserves all the credit and accolades she is receiving but people are acting like she is a newbie.
I know that I shouldn't be getting upset over women getting recognition, it's more the fact like we've always been talented and now it's a big deal. Is this year going to be the year of the guys? Who knows. My point is that women are not facing some kind of adversity to be talented. Maybe the studios need to better market their product. I don't feel any pressure being a woman in the industry, I just feel pressure in general. It's a dog-eat-dog world in Hollywood no matter what sex you are.
(Unless you know something different. Do you know something? Tell me! I need all the help I can get!!)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The State of TV Address
The Ultimate Showdown. David versus Goliath. Good vs. Evil.
You know what I'm talking about. Network versus Cable TV. Obviously.
This is a serious issue guys. Take it seriously. And I am an expert on the subject. (Seriously. I am!) Only in the past 15 years has Cable TV truly had an impact on our TV watching lives. Growing up, I only had 9 channels (and that's including 9 and 38) to begin my love affair with television. I think I did a fair job of it considering. Anyways, I really began to feel the effects of CTV (I don't feel like typing Cable TV every time so that's what we are going to go with, ok readers? I know, lazy. Deal wit it.) in high school when all the cool kids were talking about what happened on last night on Laguna Beach. (No one really cares, LC! Get off my screen!!!) When applying for college, the first thing my dad and I checked was if cable was free. No joke. (Thanks for understanding Daddy!!)
Once in college, I had the whole universe of CTV to explore and increase my addiction with, and in all fairness I still maintained a 3.8 overall GPA plus numerous curricular activities as well as 4 plus jobs. (Booyah College! Owned you!) Oh, the wonders of CTV! Movies on the weekends, new TV shows to obsess over, and I believe I speak for every Harry Potter fan that Harry Potter Weekends are the greatest thing invented. Just saying.
Now for a girl who devoted 10 VHS tapes to the nights of the week and a couple "Whatever" tapes, the channels and programming were endless. Enter stage left: my first true love TiVo. I'll keep the details hush hush (mostly because for the entire relationship it was a secret from well... I still can't say for fear of a painful death by my mother. Oh. Guess I spilled the beans on myself. I think I'll make a separate blog about our Romeo/Juliet love affair.) but I was saved. Cue angels singing and light streaming through the clouds. This is no exaggeration.
My family remained in the dark ages until my senior year when my dad called me. "Guess what I'm doing right now?' "What?" "Watching cable!! Muwahahahhahahahahha!" He seriously laughed like a maniac. After that, it wasn't a stretch to convince my parents to get DVR and despite my mom's reservations, the whole house fell in love. We are now proud U-Verse aficionados. (Your welcome family.)
Here is my point, even if it seemed like I was never going to get to it: there is an unfair advantage to be a cable show or network. I do have proof to back me up, so fear not.
Point 1. There is more money for CTV. The budget for cable shows is quite larger than your network shows, which is why some pricier shows last longer on cable where on network TV they are cancelled too quick or unfairly.
Point 2. CTV have a larger spectrum of what is allowed and what isn't. Now I understand this back in the day when it was still an option to have cable. But now there is no option, you have to have cable to even watch your network channels. Also parents are less concerned or maybe less attentive to what their children should or shouldn't watch. The time slot should determine content but even that is going to the wayside. Granted you still have to pay for the true cable channels (HBO, Showtime, etc.) which have no restrictions on... anything really.
Point 3. Interruptions. Nothing, and I mean nothing irritates me more than an impromptu interruption or even a planned one. I'm talking about a minor car chase, the President landing in your local city, or even a State of the Union address. Why? For years, soap operas would constantly be interrupted during the most crucial plot reveal for some inane reason. (But never Oprah. Heaven forbid we all missed out on her words of wisdom. I don't like Oprah if you can't tell.) Even planned events halt regular programming, but not on CTV. Nothing stops that regular programming. Mr. President, read my lips: I DON'T CARE. GET OFF MY CHANNEL. I realize that might be a harsh statement but when every major network channel (2, 4, 7) airs this speech it drives me nuts.
Point 4. This past year's Golden Globes nominations frustrated me to my very core. Almost all of the TV nominations and winners were from CTV. Are you seriously telling me that no actor or actress on network TV gave a worthy performance? I don't think so. Best Television Series for Drama, all cable nominees. (What about Castle? Or here's a crazy thought, The Vampire Diaries which consistently has some of the best acting on TV?) Best Actress, 3 out of the 5 were from CTV. Best Actor, 5 out of 5. Are you seriously telling me that no actor in a network show didn't bring it? Really?? Both Supporting Categories were 4 for 5. It just boggles my mind.
Don't get me wrong, I have many cable shows that I LOVE. But they never get the credit or the accolades they deserve. I know I sound like a kid who never gets picked first for anything, I just wish there was some kind of balance between the two. There probably never will be. I just have to accept it. I probably won't but at least I got it off my chest.
If only the President had his speeches on a TV channel that was specifically for politics... wouldn't that be something?
You know what I'm talking about. Network versus Cable TV. Obviously.
This is a serious issue guys. Take it seriously. And I am an expert on the subject. (Seriously. I am!) Only in the past 15 years has Cable TV truly had an impact on our TV watching lives. Growing up, I only had 9 channels (and that's including 9 and 38) to begin my love affair with television. I think I did a fair job of it considering. Anyways, I really began to feel the effects of CTV (I don't feel like typing Cable TV every time so that's what we are going to go with, ok readers? I know, lazy. Deal wit it.) in high school when all the cool kids were talking about what happened on last night on Laguna Beach. (No one really cares, LC! Get off my screen!!!) When applying for college, the first thing my dad and I checked was if cable was free. No joke. (Thanks for understanding Daddy!!)
Once in college, I had the whole universe of CTV to explore and increase my addiction with, and in all fairness I still maintained a 3.8 overall GPA plus numerous curricular activities as well as 4 plus jobs. (Booyah College! Owned you!) Oh, the wonders of CTV! Movies on the weekends, new TV shows to obsess over, and I believe I speak for every Harry Potter fan that Harry Potter Weekends are the greatest thing invented. Just saying.
Now for a girl who devoted 10 VHS tapes to the nights of the week and a couple "Whatever" tapes, the channels and programming were endless. Enter stage left: my first true love TiVo. I'll keep the details hush hush (mostly because for the entire relationship it was a secret from well... I still can't say for fear of a painful death by my mother. Oh. Guess I spilled the beans on myself. I think I'll make a separate blog about our Romeo/Juliet love affair.) but I was saved. Cue angels singing and light streaming through the clouds. This is no exaggeration.
My family remained in the dark ages until my senior year when my dad called me. "Guess what I'm doing right now?' "What?" "Watching cable!! Muwahahahhahahahahha!" He seriously laughed like a maniac. After that, it wasn't a stretch to convince my parents to get DVR and despite my mom's reservations, the whole house fell in love. We are now proud U-Verse aficionados. (Your welcome family.)
Here is my point, even if it seemed like I was never going to get to it: there is an unfair advantage to be a cable show or network. I do have proof to back me up, so fear not.
Point 1. There is more money for CTV. The budget for cable shows is quite larger than your network shows, which is why some pricier shows last longer on cable where on network TV they are cancelled too quick or unfairly.
Point 2. CTV have a larger spectrum of what is allowed and what isn't. Now I understand this back in the day when it was still an option to have cable. But now there is no option, you have to have cable to even watch your network channels. Also parents are less concerned or maybe less attentive to what their children should or shouldn't watch. The time slot should determine content but even that is going to the wayside. Granted you still have to pay for the true cable channels (HBO, Showtime, etc.) which have no restrictions on... anything really.
Point 3. Interruptions. Nothing, and I mean nothing irritates me more than an impromptu interruption or even a planned one. I'm talking about a minor car chase, the President landing in your local city, or even a State of the Union address. Why? For years, soap operas would constantly be interrupted during the most crucial plot reveal for some inane reason. (But never Oprah. Heaven forbid we all missed out on her words of wisdom. I don't like Oprah if you can't tell.) Even planned events halt regular programming, but not on CTV. Nothing stops that regular programming. Mr. President, read my lips: I DON'T CARE. GET OFF MY CHANNEL. I realize that might be a harsh statement but when every major network channel (2, 4, 7) airs this speech it drives me nuts.
Point 4. This past year's Golden Globes nominations frustrated me to my very core. Almost all of the TV nominations and winners were from CTV. Are you seriously telling me that no actor or actress on network TV gave a worthy performance? I don't think so. Best Television Series for Drama, all cable nominees. (What about Castle? Or here's a crazy thought, The Vampire Diaries which consistently has some of the best acting on TV?) Best Actress, 3 out of the 5 were from CTV. Best Actor, 5 out of 5. Are you seriously telling me that no actor in a network show didn't bring it? Really?? Both Supporting Categories were 4 for 5. It just boggles my mind.
Don't get me wrong, I have many cable shows that I LOVE. But they never get the credit or the accolades they deserve. I know I sound like a kid who never gets picked first for anything, I just wish there was some kind of balance between the two. There probably never will be. I just have to accept it. I probably won't but at least I got it off my chest.
If only the President had his speeches on a TV channel that was specifically for politics... wouldn't that be something?
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Losing My Religion
I am quite irritated this morning. I am a fan of TV. Duh. But more so I am of a fan of the TV universe which I know you will be surprised to discover lies outside that flat screen. The TV universe has many different planets. The studios, the executives, the critics, the fansites, and the viewers all make up this lovely solar system. They all interact with each other, intersecting and criss-crossing like one of those "Who's Dated Who?" charts where everyone is somehow connected.
I frequent two websites on a daily basis (Entertainment Weekly and TVFanatic) and receive updates and troll for spoilers on two others (Zap2It and TVLine). I love to read recaps of my shows on the first two websites in the morning or at lunch to relive the awesomeness that occurred the night before, see new theories about plot, and to catch any tidbits I might have somehow missed. (This doesn't happen often, but it does happen.) I don't always agree with the reviewer but I generally appreciate their viewpoints.
Last night had what I am going to call a "controversial" episode of Glee. No, they didn't have any same sex plot lines, no bullies or drugs or violence, or any of the other PSA topics that the show has covered. I believe it's controversial because of the two recaps I just read and I have to say that I am really disappointed.
TVFanatic's review was done by their Editor-In-Chief Matt Richenthal. He ripped it to shreds. I'm not going to go in detail as to why he hated it ( but you can read it for yourself here: http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/01/glee-review-messy-love-storytelling/) but let's just say I completely disagree. The second recap I read was by the EW blogger Joespeh Lynch(http://tvrecaps.ew.com/recap/glee-season-3-episode-10/)and) and his feelings on the episode mirror my own: the episode was very good.
Let me be clear: I realize that Glee is not the best show in the world and for one reason alone, the plot is often second to the songs. And that's OK. Did you hear me Ryan Murphy!? I don't care about your plot because after 3 seasons of all-over-the-map storytelling, nothing you do can surprise me. I prefer the haphazard style of Season 1. Maybe that was because the episodes were only written by a staff of 3 (Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, and Brad Falchuk) and each had their own sense of style when writing an episode.
This season, in a move to appease the critics and allow Murphy and Co. time to kickoff American Horror Story, Glee has a staff of writers that have done a decent job of storyline continuity until last night. And it felt like coming home again. It harkened back to the glory of Season 1, where some episodes were driven by songs and plot was second.
And the songs were spectacular. If you watch the show and didn't have a tear in your eye during Lea Michele's best performance since Season 1, "Without You" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqIM5A_Cd0I&feature=g-all-u&context=G25fe758FAAAAAAAABAA) or the grandiose finale number by the New Directions of "We Found Love" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBGg8n5v6z0&feature=context&context=G25fe758FAAAAAAAABAA) then you need to have your heart checked. What made me love these performances even more was that I didn't like the original versions before the show and after listening to them on repeat for the last week (because I am awesome at getting them beforehand) I can't stop listening to them.
Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion. I know many people hate Glee and that's fine. Richenthal even said that he knows people don't like to read scathing reviews of TV shows that they love. Then Mr. Editor-In-Chief, it appears to me that your love of Glee has been long gone. It wouldn't hurt to pass that recap onto someone who still loves the show, despite it's faults. After an episode that was so reminiscent of earlier great ones, it hurt to read a review that tore everything I loved to shreds.
After all the show told us its mission statement in the pilot: The very definition of glee is about opening yourself up to joy. If you can't find joy in Glee anymore, then it's time to move on.
I frequent two websites on a daily basis (Entertainment Weekly and TVFanatic) and receive updates and troll for spoilers on two others (Zap2It and TVLine). I love to read recaps of my shows on the first two websites in the morning or at lunch to relive the awesomeness that occurred the night before, see new theories about plot, and to catch any tidbits I might have somehow missed. (This doesn't happen often, but it does happen.) I don't always agree with the reviewer but I generally appreciate their viewpoints.
Last night had what I am going to call a "controversial" episode of Glee. No, they didn't have any same sex plot lines, no bullies or drugs or violence, or any of the other PSA topics that the show has covered. I believe it's controversial because of the two recaps I just read and I have to say that I am really disappointed.
TVFanatic's review was done by their Editor-In-Chief Matt Richenthal. He ripped it to shreds. I'm not going to go in detail as to why he hated it ( but you can read it for yourself here: http://www.tvfanatic.com/2012/01/glee-review-messy-love-storytelling/) but let's just say I completely disagree. The second recap I read was by the EW blogger Joespeh Lynch(http://tvrecaps.ew.com/recap/glee-season-3-episode-10/)and) and his feelings on the episode mirror my own: the episode was very good.
Let me be clear: I realize that Glee is not the best show in the world and for one reason alone, the plot is often second to the songs. And that's OK. Did you hear me Ryan Murphy!? I don't care about your plot because after 3 seasons of all-over-the-map storytelling, nothing you do can surprise me. I prefer the haphazard style of Season 1. Maybe that was because the episodes were only written by a staff of 3 (Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, and Brad Falchuk) and each had their own sense of style when writing an episode.
This season, in a move to appease the critics and allow Murphy and Co. time to kickoff American Horror Story, Glee has a staff of writers that have done a decent job of storyline continuity until last night. And it felt like coming home again. It harkened back to the glory of Season 1, where some episodes were driven by songs and plot was second.
And the songs were spectacular. If you watch the show and didn't have a tear in your eye during Lea Michele's best performance since Season 1, "Without You" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqIM5A_Cd0I&feature=g-all-u&context=G25fe758FAAAAAAAABAA) or the grandiose finale number by the New Directions of "We Found Love" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBGg8n5v6z0&feature=context&context=G25fe758FAAAAAAAABAA) then you need to have your heart checked. What made me love these performances even more was that I didn't like the original versions before the show and after listening to them on repeat for the last week (because I am awesome at getting them beforehand) I can't stop listening to them.
Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion. I know many people hate Glee and that's fine. Richenthal even said that he knows people don't like to read scathing reviews of TV shows that they love. Then Mr. Editor-In-Chief, it appears to me that your love of Glee has been long gone. It wouldn't hurt to pass that recap onto someone who still loves the show, despite it's faults. After an episode that was so reminiscent of earlier great ones, it hurt to read a review that tore everything I loved to shreds.
After all the show told us its mission statement in the pilot: The very definition of glee is about opening yourself up to joy. If you can't find joy in Glee anymore, then it's time to move on.
Friday, January 13, 2012
The Hulk Never Looked This Good
Readers, I have a problem. Lately I find myself angry at people who do stupid things. I feel like the Hulk: my face scrunches up and I'm pretty sure I turn a lovely shade of green. It's not attractive. (I think it's impressive that I can do this without being exposed to a gamma bomb gone wrong.) I have been trying to find other methods to control or release my anger but all my ideas seem a bit... off.
When I think of getting back at these individuals, several ideas come to mind. I just feel that they only work in certain realities and that this reality is not going to accept or appreciate my choices.
1. Dropping an anvil on them- While Wile E. Coyete attempts this unsuccessfully, I like the concept. I think the trouble will be to actually find the anvil. With my new Hulk strength, picking it up should be no problem.
2. Slipping Drano into their coffee- This might be a bit extreme. I know that it worked for Christian Slater and Winona Ryder though... and that movie ended well. Didn't it?
3. Revenge (Slow style)- My newest addiction is the TV show Revenge and boy has Emily Van Camp taught me many new tricks. I just need to change my identity, my hair color and style, get full background information on my targets, a couple billion dollars to not have to hold a full-time job, and become a socialite. That's easy peasy.
4. Insults- The Queen of Mean, aka Sue Sylvester of Glee, has brought such joy to her verbal knives. Example "All I want is just one day a year where I'm not visually assaulted by uglies and fatties. Seriously, Ohio, these retinas need a day off." I just need to work on my style. Although, she is just so good I might end up quoting her.
5. Murder- One of my favorite movies is American Psycho. I find Christian Bales' psychosis fascinating. The way he goes on about Phil Collins and then WHACK! She's dead!!! Brilliance. But... I'm not a big fan of blood. I don't think that will work out.
I guess I'm out of options. That's probably what you get when you think TV/movie characters are real people. Lesson learned. Excuse me while I go Hulk out. (Yep, I really can do that.)
When I think of getting back at these individuals, several ideas come to mind. I just feel that they only work in certain realities and that this reality is not going to accept or appreciate my choices.
1. Dropping an anvil on them- While Wile E. Coyete attempts this unsuccessfully, I like the concept. I think the trouble will be to actually find the anvil. With my new Hulk strength, picking it up should be no problem.
2. Slipping Drano into their coffee- This might be a bit extreme. I know that it worked for Christian Slater and Winona Ryder though... and that movie ended well. Didn't it?
3. Revenge (Slow style)- My newest addiction is the TV show Revenge and boy has Emily Van Camp taught me many new tricks. I just need to change my identity, my hair color and style, get full background information on my targets, a couple billion dollars to not have to hold a full-time job, and become a socialite. That's easy peasy.
4. Insults- The Queen of Mean, aka Sue Sylvester of Glee, has brought such joy to her verbal knives. Example "All I want is just one day a year where I'm not visually assaulted by uglies and fatties. Seriously, Ohio, these retinas need a day off." I just need to work on my style. Although, she is just so good I might end up quoting her.
5. Murder- One of my favorite movies is American Psycho. I find Christian Bales' psychosis fascinating. The way he goes on about Phil Collins and then WHACK! She's dead!!! Brilliance. But... I'm not a big fan of blood. I don't think that will work out.
I guess I'm out of options. That's probably what you get when you think TV/movie characters are real people. Lesson learned. Excuse me while I go Hulk out. (Yep, I really can do that.)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
One is the Loneliest Chapter
Muahahahahaha... I don't really have anything scary to add. I was just practicing my laugh. My terrible death laugh (or whinny in some circles.) Today felt like an excellent day to give you Chapter Two in my "experiment". And so here... we... go...
Chapter Two
It was amazing. More wonderful than he could have dreamed. Exhilerating. The smell of his triumph washed over him. "Mother will be so pleased."
Lily woke up and smiled. Grinning like a baffoon, she swung her legs off of her bed and walked into her bathroom. "Hey there, pretty lady. Why are you so happy today? Well, I am officially an employed actress. Ahahahaha!" Laughing gleefully, she doubled over onto her bathmat and laughed until it hurt. Today was a good day.
Next door, someone was not feeling the happy mood. Aaron, head shoved underneath his pillow, attempted to murder his alarm clock. His first attempt was successful and sighing he pulled his blanket higher. Almost back asleep, his clock across the room shrilly sent off his backup alarm. "I hate you Lily Black, you and your stupid safety alarm." A pillow shot off his bed and narrowly missed his alarm, but not his lamp which fell off of his dresser and smashed into tiny pieces. "I really hate that woman."
Lily was eating her celebratory French toast when her back door slammed open. "Good morning sunshine. How's the hangover?" she sweetly asked Aaron who held up a hand as he stalked over to her coffee pot. She sniffed the air at an unpleasant odor that wafted in through the open door. "Aaron, shut the door. It smells like someone died outside." Ignoring her request, he continued her laborious attempt to awaken his system without his head falling off his shoulder. "Fine, I'll get it." Bounding up, she walked over to the door and with an evil grin, slammed it shut. "Gahhhhh!" Lily laughed like a maniac and kissed his cheek. "It'll feel better after you eat." "I'll better when I murder you in your sleep." "Rude. Eat up!"
In the depths of his hiding spot, he crawled to the gathering arena. He knew he would be rewarded, it was his first mark after all. How could they not be pleased? And the smell... foul and evil; he could still smell it from here. Yes, he would be rewarded.
Coming into the opening he saw the whole council and the elders were gathered. He paused, feeling a ripple of uneasiness amongst the group. For the first time, his confidence faltered. Surely he was mistaken. He had accomplished his first mark and had done as the council had instructed. He had followed all the instructions and rules. Hadn't he? The elder member closest to him was speaking to his mother and they turned at the crackling of leaves behind them.
"Elders. Council members. Mother. It is done. She has been marked."
"We know. We received the confirmation an hour after your attack. Well done."
"Thank you. It means a great deal that you are pleased. But..."
"Yes?"
"Well... why are you here esteemed Elders? Surely a lowly member such as myself doesn't deserve your presence, though it is regarded with the greatest of respect and privilege."
" Enter the arena and we shall tell you why we have gathered."
Looking at his mother, he stepped forward.
"Alright you lightweight, I have to head to my very first reading!!" Lily locked her door behind her as Aaron climbed down her porch steps. Tossing her keys into her shoulder bag she leaped gracefully off and landed in a complicated pose. Aaron, obviously not impressed, shoved her aside and continued walking down the path. "I will get back at you for last night, if it's the last thing I do. I promise you. And I always make good on my promises." Catching up and sliding her arm into his, she nodded. "Oh, I know you do. I just can't help that you have the lowest tolerance of anyone I've ever met. And that when you have 2 bottles of wine, you start to recite lines from Harry Potter, accents and all. It just makes me love you even more." "Anything for you then I guess. Seriously, good luck today. Stop by the office on your way home and tell me all about it, ok?" "Deal. I can't wait to see Julia's face when I sit at the head of the table. Ah, sweet victory. Good lord, what is that smell?" "I don't know but it reeks like death and judging by the wind, you are going to walk right through it." "Boo." Unlinking their arms, she pulled out ear buds and put them in. The rest of the neighborhood was treated to some Aretha as Lily demanded some respect.
Leaving the arena, he felt confused and bits of the conversation ran rampant in his head.
"More marks... the time has come... they will know that we are here... for them."
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