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.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
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?
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