I don't know that I have a whole lot to say this week. Let's see...
Saw Hellboy II Thursday night and enjoyed it immensely. The SFX were just incredible and the humor was just perfect for me. I missed the voice talents of David Hyde Pierce as Abe, but I totally get why he stepped back from the film, and Doug Jones really didn't do a bad job. So that was fun.
I'm going to see The Dark Knight on Tuesday and I'm pretty stoked about that. Also on Tuesday Stargate Continuum comes out, so that's sweetness. We ALSO get new episodes of Eureka on Tuesday. Man, should be a good day all around I guess.
Excellent episodes of Stargate Atlantis, Pysch, and Monk on Friday. I was slightly ticked that for an episode based on a 1995 class reunion they kept playing remixes of 80's songs and making Breakfast Club references on Psych. Mostly because I don't know what was up with that, but oh well.
Doctor Who was frakking PHENOMENAL this week. It was the first of the two part season finale, so I really can't wait to see how that wraps up. Everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE was in it. We were just missing River Song. I guess they decided that if we aren't going to get another new full season until 2010, they wanted to go out with a bang.
I was hit with the compulsion to buy a buttload of musicals from Amazon this week. I got West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Hello Dolly, Guys and Dolls, the Music Man, and My Fair Lady. Yeah. I realized yesterday though that I should have grabbed Calamity Jane while I was at it, but there's always the next time I go insane...
So that's what I've been up to, television and movie-wise.
I hope you've all had a great week and have another one on the way.
Peace out,
C
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Great, now it's stuck in my head...
Well, I went and saw Mamma Mia! last night. It was completely ridiculous, but man I laughed my bum off the entire dang time. So, it was the amusing kind of ridiculous.
The casting was just excellent, and I think that is really what saved this movie from making me wish I had money back. I think something like 99.999% of the humor was more physical or in the way the actor delivered the line than in anything else. I mean seriously, you've got Meryl Streep playing opposite Colin Firth, AND Pierce Brosnan, AND Stellan Skarsgard. Plus, even though I couldn't get past the fact that the actress playing the daughter did not look a day over 17 to me (though she's apparently only five years younger than I am), she really did quite an impressive job. Then there's Christine Baranski. She is a freaking genius. Even the supporting cast pulled their weight quite well. Also, as my friend K pointed out, there was the added bonus that the Greek Chorus was a chorus made up of actual Greeks. Nice little touch, that.
As far as the story goes, it was kind of lackluster and simple, but it worked I guess. There was enough going on to keep me entertained, which is really all I can ask for in a movie that I otherwise have no expectations of whatsoever. I had a hard time figuring out who, if anyone, was actually doing their own singing. I am pretty sure Amanda Seyfried was and Colin Firth wasn't. Pierce definitely was because he was AWFUL, but clearly having fun with it, so I am willing to let it go. The songs themselves in most places seemed just kind of crammed in, but what can you expect from a musical built completely around one group's body of work. The shocking thing is how many of the songs actually did work with the story.
So anyhoo, if you like musicals, and the music of Abba doesn't make you want to gouge your eyes out, go ahead and give this a try. As long as you're not someone who takes themselves too seriously and can endure a movie that will just merely make you laugh and that isn't really shooting for any achievements in quality.
Other tidbits:
After I watched the movie, I came home to view the final installment of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. I was fairly amused by realizing how vastly better the quality of the music, the singing, and the overall performances were in my little low-budget one-off web series than in the big budget theatrical event, but you know, whatever. I don't want to give any spoilers away for the last act of this wonderful little web series for those who haven't seen it yet (and don't dawdle too long! It's only available for free online until midnight tonight, though still available for purchase on iTunes at least), but I will say this--Joss Whedon has created one hell of a supervillain origin story. I have already seen pleas online for Joss to give us more in some format, preferably as more blogs--though I can also see it continuing on in comic book format as well. Of course, that would eighty-six the musical aspect of it, and we don't want that if we can avoid it.
At the theater last night, during the pre-preview commercials, I got to have a little geekgasm moment when there was a commercial for Stargate: Continuum. Man, how cool is it to see that on the big big screen? Pretty darn cool I've got to say. I am so excited! Alternate universe/timeline stories have always fascinated me, and Stargate usually does a pretty decent job of pulling them off, so it should be good stuff.
Other than that, I am working my way through season one of Heroes on DVD and my hubby and I are going to try to catch Hellboy II this week if we can. Then I just have to figure out a time to coordinate seeing The Dark Knight with other interested parties. Lots to watch...
Until next time folks, take care,
C
The casting was just excellent, and I think that is really what saved this movie from making me wish I had money back. I think something like 99.999% of the humor was more physical or in the way the actor delivered the line than in anything else. I mean seriously, you've got Meryl Streep playing opposite Colin Firth, AND Pierce Brosnan, AND Stellan Skarsgard. Plus, even though I couldn't get past the fact that the actress playing the daughter did not look a day over 17 to me (though she's apparently only five years younger than I am), she really did quite an impressive job. Then there's Christine Baranski. She is a freaking genius. Even the supporting cast pulled their weight quite well. Also, as my friend K pointed out, there was the added bonus that the Greek Chorus was a chorus made up of actual Greeks. Nice little touch, that.
As far as the story goes, it was kind of lackluster and simple, but it worked I guess. There was enough going on to keep me entertained, which is really all I can ask for in a movie that I otherwise have no expectations of whatsoever. I had a hard time figuring out who, if anyone, was actually doing their own singing. I am pretty sure Amanda Seyfried was and Colin Firth wasn't. Pierce definitely was because he was AWFUL, but clearly having fun with it, so I am willing to let it go. The songs themselves in most places seemed just kind of crammed in, but what can you expect from a musical built completely around one group's body of work. The shocking thing is how many of the songs actually did work with the story.
So anyhoo, if you like musicals, and the music of Abba doesn't make you want to gouge your eyes out, go ahead and give this a try. As long as you're not someone who takes themselves too seriously and can endure a movie that will just merely make you laugh and that isn't really shooting for any achievements in quality.
Other tidbits:
After I watched the movie, I came home to view the final installment of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. I was fairly amused by realizing how vastly better the quality of the music, the singing, and the overall performances were in my little low-budget one-off web series than in the big budget theatrical event, but you know, whatever. I don't want to give any spoilers away for the last act of this wonderful little web series for those who haven't seen it yet (and don't dawdle too long! It's only available for free online until midnight tonight, though still available for purchase on iTunes at least), but I will say this--Joss Whedon has created one hell of a supervillain origin story. I have already seen pleas online for Joss to give us more in some format, preferably as more blogs--though I can also see it continuing on in comic book format as well. Of course, that would eighty-six the musical aspect of it, and we don't want that if we can avoid it.
At the theater last night, during the pre-preview commercials, I got to have a little geekgasm moment when there was a commercial for Stargate: Continuum. Man, how cool is it to see that on the big big screen? Pretty darn cool I've got to say. I am so excited! Alternate universe/timeline stories have always fascinated me, and Stargate usually does a pretty decent job of pulling them off, so it should be good stuff.
Other than that, I am working my way through season one of Heroes on DVD and my hubby and I are going to try to catch Hellboy II this week if we can. Then I just have to figure out a time to coordinate seeing The Dark Knight with other interested parties. Lots to watch...
Until next time folks, take care,
C
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Calling all Whedonites!
Just wanted to share a bit of fun with you all in case you hadn't heard about or seen it yet.
If you're a fan of Joss Whedon, Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, musicals, or silly superhero stories, then do I have the web series for you!
Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog
Even the name is a beautiful thing! This is a three webisode story created by Joss Whedon and brothers to stave off boredom during the writers' strike, but man it has blossomed into something wonderful. Act one went up on Tuesday and Act two is available today, with the third and final act to follow on Saturday. You can view it online for free at the link above. You can also purchase all three webisodes for a whopping $4 on iTunes and thus have this beautiful creation to keep.
Dr. Horrible is the story of the titular wanna be super villain who is trying to take over the world while fighting off his super hero nemesis all so he can get the girl from his laundry mat that he is crushing on. It's all terribly amusing and extremely well put together.
If you're still not sure, here's a quick preview for you to check out on YouTube.
Seriously, it is great stuff. Give it a go.
Also, while I'm on the subject of how awesome NPH is, here's a fun little ditty I was directed to by Whedonesque. Enjoy.
Have a great one folks!
TTFN,
C
If you're a fan of Joss Whedon, Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, musicals, or silly superhero stories, then do I have the web series for you!
Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog
Even the name is a beautiful thing! This is a three webisode story created by Joss Whedon and brothers to stave off boredom during the writers' strike, but man it has blossomed into something wonderful. Act one went up on Tuesday and Act two is available today, with the third and final act to follow on Saturday. You can view it online for free at the link above. You can also purchase all three webisodes for a whopping $4 on iTunes and thus have this beautiful creation to keep.
Dr. Horrible is the story of the titular wanna be super villain who is trying to take over the world while fighting off his super hero nemesis all so he can get the girl from his laundry mat that he is crushing on. It's all terribly amusing and extremely well put together.
If you're still not sure, here's a quick preview for you to check out on YouTube.
Seriously, it is great stuff. Give it a go.
Also, while I'm on the subject of how awesome NPH is, here's a fun little ditty I was directed to by Whedonesque. Enjoy.
Have a great one folks!
TTFN,
C
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Three Cheers for Atlantis!
Yay! It's that time of year, Atlantis is back, huzzah!
I don't really have a whole lot to say about the first episode of season five aside from the fact that I really enjoyed it. I've got it saved in my DVR so I can watch it again once I've finished my rewatch of season four.
I do have to say that I was a little apprehensive when I realized they were going to have McKay end up delivering Teyla's baby, but it was done in a pretty humorous way. I also did enjoy it for the behind the scenes humor as well--as those two each had a child born very recently (Hewlett's kiddo may have been born after that episode was filmed, but Baz was very close to making his entrance into the world at the time). It had to be an interesting scene to film from that perspective.
Also, I have got to say, Teyla is one tough broad. I mean, I realize she had some pretty big other concerns while she was in labor--like trying to escape the Hive ship of the sadistic Wraith/Human hybrid who has a very unhealthy obsession with Atlanteans in general and Teyla in particular. But good lord, popping that kid out just didn't seem to phase her at all. Good thing too, because McKay really wasn't in a position to do much to help her besides catch the kid.
Anyhoo, all in all though, I'd say it was a really good wrap up of last season's cliffhanger ending while still managing to set up some of the story lines for the season to come. I just wish they hadn't decided to let Carter be so Carter in this episode. I understand they wanted to give her a strong finish, but I think it would have been easier to let her go if they had continued to under-utilize her for just one more episode. Sigh.
Yesterday I started rewatching season four, and that just has me even more jazzed up for the season to come. This is, seriously, such a good show. I know there are a lot of people that put it in the "ridiculous" category, and I won't deny that it is certainly that. But there's nothing wrong with a little bit of ridiculousness. Especially when it is accompanied by a fun premise, some pretty interesting stories, awesome effects, spectacular cast chemistry, and pretty darn solid character development.
Even though I love many shows that could be considered better television than Stargate Atlantis (like Battlestar or Doctor Who), it is still my favorite show, because no other show pulls me in quite this much. I won't lie, I wish I was on the Atlantis team, I can't help it. So here's for season five! I can't wait to see what happens next!
In other news, I finished season five of Babylon 5 yesterday. I've gotta say, I was not disappointed. There were a few really odd episodes thrown in the mix this season, and I am really not happy with the path they took my favorite character (Lennier) down, but other than that, I really felt they wrapped it up quite well. I am very glad I invested the funds and time into discovering this series. I look forward to that time down the road when I get to give it a second watch through. I will be curious to see how some earlier episodes play out with the knowledge of what is to come.
Well, that's all I've got for today. I hope you guys have a great week. Enjoy the second half of summer!
Laters,
C
I don't really have a whole lot to say about the first episode of season five aside from the fact that I really enjoyed it. I've got it saved in my DVR so I can watch it again once I've finished my rewatch of season four.
I do have to say that I was a little apprehensive when I realized they were going to have McKay end up delivering Teyla's baby, but it was done in a pretty humorous way. I also did enjoy it for the behind the scenes humor as well--as those two each had a child born very recently (Hewlett's kiddo may have been born after that episode was filmed, but Baz was very close to making his entrance into the world at the time). It had to be an interesting scene to film from that perspective.
Also, I have got to say, Teyla is one tough broad. I mean, I realize she had some pretty big other concerns while she was in labor--like trying to escape the Hive ship of the sadistic Wraith/Human hybrid who has a very unhealthy obsession with Atlanteans in general and Teyla in particular. But good lord, popping that kid out just didn't seem to phase her at all. Good thing too, because McKay really wasn't in a position to do much to help her besides catch the kid.
Anyhoo, all in all though, I'd say it was a really good wrap up of last season's cliffhanger ending while still managing to set up some of the story lines for the season to come. I just wish they hadn't decided to let Carter be so Carter in this episode. I understand they wanted to give her a strong finish, but I think it would have been easier to let her go if they had continued to under-utilize her for just one more episode. Sigh.
Yesterday I started rewatching season four, and that just has me even more jazzed up for the season to come. This is, seriously, such a good show. I know there are a lot of people that put it in the "ridiculous" category, and I won't deny that it is certainly that. But there's nothing wrong with a little bit of ridiculousness. Especially when it is accompanied by a fun premise, some pretty interesting stories, awesome effects, spectacular cast chemistry, and pretty darn solid character development.
Even though I love many shows that could be considered better television than Stargate Atlantis (like Battlestar or Doctor Who), it is still my favorite show, because no other show pulls me in quite this much. I won't lie, I wish I was on the Atlantis team, I can't help it. So here's for season five! I can't wait to see what happens next!
In other news, I finished season five of Babylon 5 yesterday. I've gotta say, I was not disappointed. There were a few really odd episodes thrown in the mix this season, and I am really not happy with the path they took my favorite character (Lennier) down, but other than that, I really felt they wrapped it up quite well. I am very glad I invested the funds and time into discovering this series. I look forward to that time down the road when I get to give it a second watch through. I will be curious to see how some earlier episodes play out with the knowledge of what is to come.
Well, that's all I've got for today. I hope you guys have a great week. Enjoy the second half of summer!
Laters,
C
Sunday, July 6, 2008
It's that time of Summer again...
Summer shows are starting back up!
This week we've got Burn Notice on Thursday (USA) and STARGATE ATLANTIS on Friday!!!! Huzzah! I am so very excited about SGA, if you can't tell. I also noticed that SciFi is airing the pilot of Joan of Arcadia at seven on Friday, so I thought I might give that a try if they're going to be running the episodes of that. I caught a few episodes once a few years ago while it was still on the air and I remember it being a pretty decent show.
Then next Monday we get new The Closer (TNT)--finally! Oh man, that is such a great one. I can't wait to see what Brenda does this season. I'll also be curious to see how things play out with Sergeant Gabriel, because it seemed like there was still fallout from his suspension when the season wrapped up last year.
And if that wasn't enough next Friday we get new Monk and Psych (USA) and then on the 29th is new Eureka (SciFi). July is just a great month for cable television. It's a good thing I've also got plenty of crochet and house projects lined up to keep me busy while I watch, or I'd feel like a complete bum!
This month is also shaping up to be pretty decent for movies as well. Thursday I saw Wanted, which was actually pretty fun. Saw Wall-E again on Friday, because it is just that good. Then we've also got Hellboy II and The Dark Knight coming up soon. I also would like to check out Get Smart if my hubby and I can figure out a time go to see it together. There is also the possibility I will go see Mamma Mia! at some point. I have issues with a musical based on Abba's music, but the more I see of the previews, the story doesn't look too bad. And the cast--well, I pretty much have to see it based on the cast alone.
So there you go. Those are the shows and movies on my mind at the moment.
There's no lacking for entertainment in my world these days. That's a pretty happy thing, I've gotta say.
I hope all is well with everyone and that you have a great week!
Take care,
C
This week we've got Burn Notice on Thursday (USA) and STARGATE ATLANTIS on Friday!!!! Huzzah! I am so very excited about SGA, if you can't tell. I also noticed that SciFi is airing the pilot of Joan of Arcadia at seven on Friday, so I thought I might give that a try if they're going to be running the episodes of that. I caught a few episodes once a few years ago while it was still on the air and I remember it being a pretty decent show.
Then next Monday we get new The Closer (TNT)--finally! Oh man, that is such a great one. I can't wait to see what Brenda does this season. I'll also be curious to see how things play out with Sergeant Gabriel, because it seemed like there was still fallout from his suspension when the season wrapped up last year.
And if that wasn't enough next Friday we get new Monk and Psych (USA) and then on the 29th is new Eureka (SciFi). July is just a great month for cable television. It's a good thing I've also got plenty of crochet and house projects lined up to keep me busy while I watch, or I'd feel like a complete bum!
This month is also shaping up to be pretty decent for movies as well. Thursday I saw Wanted, which was actually pretty fun. Saw Wall-E again on Friday, because it is just that good. Then we've also got Hellboy II and The Dark Knight coming up soon. I also would like to check out Get Smart if my hubby and I can figure out a time go to see it together. There is also the possibility I will go see Mamma Mia! at some point. I have issues with a musical based on Abba's music, but the more I see of the previews, the story doesn't look too bad. And the cast--well, I pretty much have to see it based on the cast alone.
So there you go. Those are the shows and movies on my mind at the moment.
There's no lacking for entertainment in my world these days. That's a pretty happy thing, I've gotta say.
I hope all is well with everyone and that you have a great week!
Take care,
C
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