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.

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."

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.

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!

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...

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

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.