Reel Vixens

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

2009-05-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

I had few expectations when I walked into the newest Ben Stiller family comedy franchise, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. As long as I had a seat in the theater (I did) and the movie ran from start to finish on time (ehh, better luck next time) it would have sufficed. I am quick to admit watching the original Night at the Museum provides me an excellent nap, and whenever it's on HBO, I still find myself dozing off twenty minutes in. Although it is a great concept, and something that attracts the inner 6 year-old, the original just never excited me.

I was pleasantly surprised when I was quickly drawn into the wonderfully whimsical world that lives after hours in the New York Museum of Natural History. Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) quit his security guard job at the Museum two years prior to pursue his dream of inventing infomercial gadgets. He returns the night before the Museum closes for upgrades and renovations, and discovers this is also the last night for the magical museum figures to walk the halls. As they do not match the Museum's new "modern" initiative, the aging pieces are being sent, unknowingly, to the Smithsonian Institute's National Archives. As the night comes to an end and the pieces repack themselves into their crates, Larry bids a silent farewell and returns to his new life--never expecting the frantic call for help from Jedediah (Owen Wilson) a few days later. Larry rushes to Washington D.C. to help his friends fight off the evil Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria) who has finally been brought back to life by the magical stone his father entrusted his younger brother with--the source that awakens all the other museum pieces. With the help of many Smithsonian favorites and a spunky and show-stealing Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams), Larry must battle for the freedom of all the museum pieces, before Kahmunrah makes his return a permanent one!

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian is truly a family affair, matching historical figures with a sense of lively adventure. Now every time I go to the Air and Space Museum, I will secretly hope the Wright Brother's plane takes flight overhead.

Amy Poehler in new "Office" Spinoff???

2008-07-17T08:38:00.001-07:00

It's reported Amy Poehler is in talks to star in the new "The Office" spin-off in the works for NBC television. The new show currently scheduled for Thursday nights, will premiere in the winter with a boost from NBC's Super Bowl coverage.

You'll be missed

2008-01-22T15:04:00.000-08:00

Heath Ledger is one of my favorite actors. His ability to fully absorb any character he takes on has always left me impressed. His passing marks the end of an eclectic career. He will be missed.

Source

And They Oscar May Go To...

2008-01-22T12:15:00.000-08:00

Ahh, my favorite time of the year! It's fantastically wintry outside, I can bundle up on the couch with a good book (The Fine Art of Small Talk to be exact), and watch all the movies that didn't dare show their faces in the summer! Apparently, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences agree with me and have FINALLY announced their nominations for the 80th Academy Awards. Now, we all must hope that the show does not face the same fate as last week's Golden Globes (press conference anyone?). But I like to think happy thoughts that the Strike will be over soon...

Anyway, I've included the list of nominees, and I've made it my mission to see all of the "biggies" before February 24th.

'No Country for Old Men' and 'There Will be Blood' led this year's Oscar nominations with eight each, while Michael Clayton (Widescreen Edition) made a surprisingly strong showing with noms in five of the top categories: Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress and Original Screenplay, while former front-runner 'Atonement' made a strong showing with seven nods but missed the Best Director and lead acting categories. Away from Her won an expected nod for Julie Christie but got a pleasant surprise with an additional nod for director Sarah Polley's screenplay. Ratatouille got an expected nod for Best Animated Film but also scored an additional three nominations.

OSCAR Nominees

BEST MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEAR

Atonement

Juno

Michael Clayton (Widescreen Edition)

No Country for Old Men

There Will be Blood

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING

Julian Schnabel, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Jason Reitman, 'Juno'

Tony Gilroy, 'Michael Clayton'

Joel and Ethan Coen, 'No Country for Old Men'

Paul Thomas Anderson, 'There Will Be Blood'

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

George Clooney, 'Michael Clayton'

Daniel Day-Lewis, 'There Will Be Blood'

Johnny Depp, Sweeney Todd

Tommy Lee Jones, In the Valley of Elah

Viggo Mortensen, Eastern Promises (Widescreen Edition)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth - The Golden Age (Widescreen Edition)

Julie Christie, Away from Her

Marion Cotillard, La Vie en Rose (Extended Version)

Laura Linney, The Savages

Ellen Page, 'Juno'

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Casey Affleck, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Javier Bardem, 'No Country for Old Men'

Philip Seymour Hoffman, Charlie Wilson's War

Hal Holbrook, Into the Wild (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Tom Wilkinson, 'Michael Clayton'

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Cate Blanchett, I'm Not There

Ruby Dee, American Gangster (Three-Disc Deluxe Edition)

Saorise Ryan, 'Atonement'

Amy Ryan, Gone Baby Gone

Tilda Swinton, 'Michael Clayton'

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Christopher Hampton, 'Atonement'

Sarah Polley, 'Away From Her'

Ronald Harwood, 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly'

Joel and Ethan Coen, 'No Country for Old Men'

Paul Thomas Anderson, 'There Will be Blood'

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Diablo Cody, 'Juno'

Nancy Oliver, Lars and the Real Girl

Tony Gilroy, 'Michael Clayton'

Brad , Ratatouille

Tamara Jenkins, 'The Savages'

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

Persepolis

'Ratatouille'

Surf's Up (Widescreen Special Edition)

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

Beaufort (Israel)

The Counterfeiters (Austria)

Katyn (Poland)

Mongol (Kazahkstan)

12 (Russia)

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION

'American Gangster'

'Atonement'

The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials Book 1)

'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'

'There Will Be Blood'

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY

'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford'

'Atonement'

'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly'

'No Country for Old Men'

'There Will Be Blood'

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN

Across the Universe (Two-Disc Special Edition)

'Atonement'

'Elizabeth: The Golden Age'

'La Vie en Rose'

'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

No End in Sight

America at a Crossroads: Operation Homecoming - Writing the Wartime Experience

Sicko (Special Edition)

Taxi to the Dark Side

War Dance

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT

'Freeheld'

'La Corona (The Crown'

'Salim Baba'

'Sari's Mother'

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN FILM EDITING

The Bourne Ultimatum (Widescreen Edition)

'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly'

'Into the Wild'

'No Country for Old Men'

'There Will be Blood'

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

Dario Marianelli, Atonement

Alberto Iglesias, The Kite Runner

James Newton Howard, Michael Clayton

Michael Giacchino, Ratatouille

Marco Beltrami, 3:10 To Yuma - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

From Once: "Falling Slowly," Music and Lyric by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

From Enchanted: "Happy Working Song," Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz

From August Rush: Music From The Motion Picture: "Raise It Up," nominees to be determined

From 'Enchanted': "So Close," Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz

From 'Enchanted': "That's How You Know," Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND EDITING

'The Bourne Ultimatum'

'No Country for Old Men'

'Ratatouille'

'There Will be Blood'

Transformers (Two-Disc Special Edition)

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND MIXING

'The Bourne Ultimatum'

'No Country for Old Men'

'Ratatouille'

3:10 to Yuma (Widescreen Edition)

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKEUP

'La Vie en Rose'

Norbit (Widescreen Edition)

Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS

'The Golden Compass'

'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End'

'Transformers'

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM

'I Met the Walrus'

'Madame Tutli-Putli'

'Even Pigeons Go to Heaven'

'My Love'

'Peter and the Wolf'

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

'At Night'

'Il Supplemente (The Substitute)'

'Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets)'

'Tanghi Arghenti'

'The Tonto Woman'

Fanboys and girls unite for Cloverfield...but should they?

2008-01-17T17:30:00.000-08:00

My awesome brother Daniel wrote this review of Cloverfield, J.J. Abrams' audition piece for next year's new Star Trek movie. So, check it out. I've also included the trailer for Cloverfield. I would have included the trailer for Star Trek, but I couldn't find it. If you know where it is, hook a sister up!

Leaving the movie theater after seeing Cloverfield a voice near me exclaimed, “That was the best movie of the year!” I agree with him. However, this was my first movie of the year. Filmed using a hand video camera, Cloverfield is a first person account of a surprise farewell party which is violently interrupted. First by a mysterious shipping accident near the Statue of Liberty, then by an explosion and Liberty’s head crashing in front of the partygoers. Events unfold before the world’s toughest and most versatile camera operated by Hud (T.J. Miller) who’s best friends with brothers Rob and Jason Hawkins (Michael Stahl-David and Mike Vogel). With the group is Lily Ford (Jessica Lucas) as Jason’s fiancé and Beth McIntryre (Odette Yustman) who reluctantly comes to Rob’s surprise party hoping, and fearing, the visit.

I expected more when the movie began with a government/DoD subtitling describing how the following events where recorded from the Cloverfield incident in the Central Park sector in New York City. Hopefully, this meant a third person perspective would pull everything together. It did not and I was left struggling to understand the dialogue and make out the visuals from Hud’s very amateurish cinematography.

The characters are introduced through video postcards to Rob as a final present before his promotion sends him to Japan. During this we’re introduced to Marlena Diamond (Lizzy Caplan) who dated Rob some time ago, but the relationship crumbled when Rob received his promotion. For tension, Hud records the confrontation, Marlena’s angry departure, and Jason and Hud explaining to Rob that when in love you have to make a relationship work and not worry about physical distances or timing. Then the earthquakes and fires begin.

Because Cloverfield is first person POV, it struggles to show character development, and ultimately what is at stake for each of them. To do otherwise would make the perspective meaningless or require silly story gimmicks, ala the 2005 remake of War of the Worlds. At its core, Cloverfield is about survival. Everywhere they go they realize their situation is more perilous and outside anyone’s control. And, as a final attempt at shock value most of the recognized New York City structures are eventually decimated, coincidentally when the gang nearby!

Cloverfield is directed by Matt Reeves and written by Drew Goddard. Reeves wrote some movies in the 1990s but mostly worked as a producer and director of TV shows such as Felicity. Goddard joined up with J.J. Abrams after writing for TV’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel . He wrote and produced several episodes of Alias and Lost. Cloverfield airs throughout the US on January 18^th.

Movie Review- STOLEN LIFE

2007-11-05T12:43:00.001-08:00

STOLEN LIFE tells the story of a PI named Pi, played by video game actor Chris Jones, sent to investigate a robot work force that had gone missing on an asteroid for three years. He arrives on the asteroid to find that they had not disappeared, but had been shut down. Pi spends the film investigating the crew to find out why they were shut down and who was behind the decision. Throughout the film Pi learns that his guide, Kieru (played charmingly by Claudia Black) is hiding information about the asteroid mission from him. Pi discovers that since the crew is all sentient robots, they work behind his back to keep him from knowing the true objective of the asteroid mission. STOLEN LIFE’s main objective is to explain that once a creature, be it human or robot, gains sentient feelings, he can choose the route of his life. The creature can feel, think, and ultimately express opinions. The longer they are sentient, the more time they can keep others from telling them what to do.

Although the animation is not Pixar quality, and the writing style needs tightening, STOLEN LIFE’s story did follow the established noir rules. Pi’s hardboiled detective investigated what he could of the crime, and Kieru’s femme fatale distracted and misled him as much as she could. Claudia Black’s personification of Kieru was the best part of the film. The animation did not allow for facial expression, but Claudia brought heart and soul to her character. She was able to express the worry for her crew and her fear they would be found out without the help of facial tweaks. Black gave you hope that the crew was not really evil, but honestly trying to help space travelers by offering them a port to rest and refuel.

Interested in buying STOLEN LIFE? Go to the Nanoflix website and order your very own copy!

Dirty Sexy Money...and Todd FREAKING Manning!

2007-09-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

So far my new favorite show of the season is Dirty Sexy Money. I was not expecting to like this show, because well, I didn't think Peter Krauss could do more than look pretty. Clearly, I was mistaken. Within the first 15 minutes of the pilot I had already stopped my TIVO to set a season pass.

The show follows New York City's richest family, the Darlings, and their newest family lawyer (and son of their previous lawyer) as they deal with being too rich for their own good. Nick George tried to turn his back on the Darling family after his father's recent death, but it was virtually impossible when Tripp Darling (Donald Sutherland) dangled a $10 million endowment for a foundation in his father's name in his face. Nick prides himself on being moral and thoughtful, however he falls prey to the Darlings just as easily as his father did 40 years before. The pilot deals mainly with his decision to stay and his conclusion that someone killed his father.

I LOVED the show, but my favorite part was 3/4 of the way into the episode. Nick has fled the Darling parent's anniversary party after a catastrophic night, only to be chased down by Attorney General Patrick Darling in his limo on the way to meet his "tranny hooker" lover. Nick refuses to tell Patrick's paramour to buzz off, even after Patrick plies Nick with a sob story that he is unable to tell the woman himself. Suffice it to say, Patrick is left to share the message with Catalina himself. A little campy, but it fits perfectly with ABC's Ugly Betty. This show is just too much!!

PB&J...ohmyfreakinggod

2007-09-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching the season premiere of The Office, and it was everything I hoped it would be. The writers were definitely on their game, stretching their imaginations in ways to simultaneously make me laugh, make me awe, and then make me vomit my Alfredo sauce. Thanks for that one Greg Daniels!!

Fun Run opens with a tour of Michael Scott's condo and the big reveal that Jan is still shacking up with her Scranton honey. It was fantastic to see Jan Levinson sprawled out across Michael's bed, completely unaware of the camera's intrusion into the house. Also fantastic, Michael hitting Meredith with his car and then coming into the office late only to tell everyone that the doctors did everything they could to save her...and that she is going to be fine. OHMYGOD, Stanley's response "what's wrong with you?" was the greatest thing I have EVER heard on The Office. Yes, better than Jim confessing his love to Pam in Casino Night. Now, I could spend the entire day talking about JAM, or PB&J, but I'm not going to. Okay, just this--how great was it to see them outed by the frustrated camera crew? So great...

Let's move on to my other favorite couple (however unstable) Dwight and Angela. They have some of the funniest chemistry on TV, but they are still so sweet and believable. I especially loved Dwight's quick acceptance to feed Angela's cat, even though two seconds later you could sense that Sprinkles wasn't going to last long after Dwight's visit. I loved so much in this episode, which I guess you could say is because it has been an excruciatingly long summer of waiting. I do have to agree, however, with some critics who are saying that the episode felt a little long in spots. I have not been a fan of the three one hour long "episodes," because often they sound impressive, but then they seem to drag on. Yes, Fun Run was really just two episodes in one, but I much preferred the second part with the actual RUN, than the mowing down of Meredith. We have three more Thursdays with hour-longs, and they will be phenomenal just because it is The Office. Fun Run provided me with an hour of excellent entertainment, and left my appetite watered for next week's episode Dunder Miflin Infinity.

If Time is Bendable, Can You Get It Back?

2006-11-25T19:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I know, a little late, but it’s the thought right? Thanksgiving was pretty crazy at my house; we had a huge dinner and an unexpected houseguest. Mom, Daniel, and I made everything in advance for the big day, so day of went fairly smoothly. We’ve been eating leftovers for the last few days, and I think if I never see a turkey again, it will be too soon.

Right now, Mom and I are on the road for our big Tour De Reyes, Part Deux expedition. We are driving from Plano to Ephrata, Pennsylvania—with a few stops along the way. I’m super excited because I get to see some college buddies and family. It’s great to finally see some SBC peeps, one of whom I haven’t seen since last December. I’m also taking the opportunity to check out where James works to consider applying for a position there. I’ve been battling with the decision to move away from Dallas, so checking out some options are key. Other than that, we are just driving, working, and having a great time away from the houseguest.

Other than celebrating Turkey day, I have watched a few movies. I saw Casino Royale, Happy Feet, The Fountain, and Stranger Than Fiction. Although not all disappointing, they didn’t capture my fancy. Casino Royale featured a great performance by Daniel Craig, but I found the plot boring and unimaginative. AND, there were no toys!! How can you have a James Bond movie with no toys? Honestly!

While Casino Royale lacked a strong plot, Happy Feet forced environmental issues down my throat. Now, I am always one for political themes, but using cuddly penguins as a ploy—that’s just mean. I seriously went into the movie expecting a 90 minute penguin dance sequence, but I was quickly proven wrong. I did enjoy the movie, but because it was a cartoon the filmmakers had to put in a happy ending. No easy cure for global warming and animal habitat destruction exists. Telling kids that all international disputes can end because a dancing penguin warns the people at Sea World that Antarctica is melting is lofty and misleading. Had it just been a movie about a penguin on a great journey, and all the people he meets along the way, it may have left me happier.

The Fountain? Now that was a waste of time. They only nice thing about the movie was Hugh Jackman. I love Darren Aronofsky, as well as Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, but watching this movie was better than Ambein—works automatically and never addicting. Mean, I know, but it really was awful. the film was too easy to figure out, and if Aronofsky had bashed me over the head with religious and literary symbolism one more time I would have puked. Yes, Darren, I do need to have symbolism spelled out for me sometimes, but when your character is obviously Frankenstein trying to stop death, we all know what happens.

Finally, Stranger Than Fiction. I was really excited to see this movie. It wasn’t Little Miss Sunshine, but it made me laugh. Daniel didn’t like it much, since he thought it was going to be more Old School funny, but he was sweet to sit through it. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Will Farrell did wonderful jobs, but I loved seeing Emma Thompson in an unlikable role. It’s refreshing to see a movie that blurs reality and fiction together so well, and leaves you comfortable when the two worlds collide.

Song of the Day: Apple Red Happiness. A great little ditty I learned when I was sent away to Jesus camp long ago. I hated those summers…

Movie of the Day: White Christmas. Yes, the movie came first and then the song.

Why Gwen likes to watch comedies

2006-11-11T21:13:00.000-08:00

So, my dad's birthday was this weekend. He always complains that we don't watch movies in the theatres anymore, so we decided to take him to a movie of his choice tonight. He chose Flags of Our Fathers. Now, I really really tried hard to convince him to see Stranger Than Fiction, but I lost. The movie was crazy intense, and way more violent than I ever needed to see. It made me very depressed, and I got very close to walking out during the Iwo Jima scenes. I really enjoyed when the three heroes were back in America trying to sell war bonds, but the flashbacks just hurt so much to watch. I'm glad I saw it, but I just don't think I can handle war movies right now. A nice comedy would have felt so much better.

To make up for it, I'm now going to watch this week's ep. of Grey's Anatomy and just try to not think about blown up body parts and reluctant heroes.

I'm also currently looking for movie suggestions. If you have any, please send it my way and I'll be happy to give it a try and write a review about it.

Movie of the Day: Flags of Our Fathers, even though it was one of the most violent films I have seen since Irreversible, it was beautifully shot, exceptionally well acted, and completely moving. The film brought me to tears multiple times, and left me understanding how difficult it must be to be considered a hero by so many, when you don't believe it yourself. These men died protecting their friends, not necessarily trying to make a bigger impact.

Song of the Day: "Scene is Dead" by We Are Scientists

Attempts: Day One

2006-11-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

For the past two weeks I have been obsessed with House, M.D. I have watched the past two seasons back to back, and I just want more. I wonder what my next obsession will be, since I'm almost done with the second season. Any suggestions?

Movie of the Week: Stranger Than Fiction

Song of the Week: "In The Sun" by Joseph Arthur

I heart Jon Stewart

2006-10-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

I have officially decided that Jon Stewart is not a good MC. Don't get me wrong, I love the man--have ever since his late night show on MTV in the early 90s. But, he just cannot handle the pressure of Emceeing an entire show. Last night, instead of staying up late to watch Veronica Mars and Gilmore Girls, I decided it would be a good idea to watch my TiVoed Comedy Central's: Night of Too Many Stars. Unfortunately for Jon and Co. I passed out 10 minutes in. I'm not sure if it's Jon's fault, I think I'm personally going to blame Adam Sandler and his lameness (and my before bed cocktail). I have yet to finish it, but I am guessing it will end up being my weeklong nightime entertainment.

Back to Jon, maybe his problem is formating. For instance, he does very well when he has an audience full of people wanting to hear him make "fake" news. I use "fake," because like most people, I actually believe Jon and Stephen Colbert more readily than I would ever believe other news people. It's his self-deprecating style, I suppose. I have to watch the news every day, and some days you just want someone to cackle like Bush or fumble over Mahmoud Ahmadinejad name, instead of hearing about how we should all cower in fear or how the Republicans are working with the Oil Industry to lower the gas prices right before the election. (and don't get me started on Pediphila amongst certain groups... I'm looking at you Foley!) And, apparentally many people feel the same way.

So, Mr. Stewart, stick to what you are good at--satire. Stay away from over-exposure. I, like many others, want you to be around for a long time, but remember you are only one man. Bush has impersonators, maybe it's time for you to get one too. Hell, isn't Colbert free, he only has one show, he doesn't have as many Emmys, and he looks almost as good in a tux as you...

Okay, I totally did not mean for that to turn into a rant and open letter to Jon Stewart. Oh well.

So, speaking of politcal satire, I was one of a very small group of people who saw Man of the Year this weekend. I really enjoyed it, however Daniel and I decided that it's not a movie to see twice--at least not right away. Barry Levinson makes great movies, and this was no different. Robin Williams gave a great subtle and endearing performance, and Christopher Walken wasn't evil or crazy. But the highlight of the film was Lewis Black. Sometimes when you see comedians do stand-up you forget that they have acting potential too. Black was outstanding as the cynical producer-cum-political advisor. He had the best lines in the entire movie, and he wasn't even playing the political commentator.

Man of the Year gets 4 out of 6 Vixens for not only being funny but for also being smart. Extra points to Lewis Black for saying "that guy smiles too much, he's making me uncomfortable."

Song of the Day: "Make a Girl Cry" by Band Marino. I was supposed to see them in two months, however they have recently changed their performance date, so alas, no BM for Gwen. Ehh...enjoy them anyway (http://www.myspace.com/bandmarino)

Turning over a new leaf

2006-06-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

Ah, yes. I am alive. I have been away for, oh, a year it seems. I graduated from Sweet Briar, and did not get into Law School. But I'm actually very relieved by the last part. I'm currently looking for a job, but am enjoying a summer break.

I've been watching tons of movies since I've been home. Right now, I'm watching the classic Gilda staring Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford. I found this to be a perfect time to catch up on the films that I studied at school.

Well, I will report more tomorrow. I just wanted to post something today. I will leave you with favorites for the day...

Movie of the Day: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Johnny Depp and purple velvet...I don't think I need to say more.

Song of the Day: Miami by Taking Back Sunday. Their new album Louder Now is the best release by this gaggle (oh yeah, I said gaggle) of Long Island post-punk rockers. Check it out.

Well, I am alive

2005-10-15T02:10:00.000-07:00

So, what has it been, three months? Not much has happened, really. I took my LSATs (I get my grades back at the end of the month, until then, I'm not talking about them). I also started my last year at SBC. Well, that is if I get my ass in gear and write my damn papers. I have a crazy case of lazy ass disease. Hopefully it is not contagious.

I also got to see Better Than Ezra! I finally met them, well 2/3s of them. Travis and Tom. So nice, even though I only said like two words. I would show a picture, however my dear friend Trigger could not figure out how to push the button (channeling Dane Cook right now! If you have no idea what I am talking about, I will make you a copy of his new album). But I did get to "try" to take a picture with them twice, where I will tell myself that they touched my butt. However, this may not be the complete truth...but it's my world!

I also started my new radio show with Tess. We are the best, everyone thinks so--well, really just us. We play all the new stuff, and we have an almost consistant fan base. We are just going up from here man! So if you are in the Lynchburg area, tune in on Mondays to 89.9 FM

I'm going to try to update more, but I am too lazy and too opposed to blogs sometimes. Although, I will leave you with my favorite part--Favorites of the weeks...and this week has a least favorite of the week too. Politics are a bitch.

Movie of the week: Old School. I have been wanting to watch this forever, and I can't find my copy. If you are a attractive young gentleman (sexy-nerdy type a plus) with a copy, email me. We'll set up a time.

Song of the week: Dance, Dance by Fall out Boy. Cliche, but I am addicted to the song. Okay, I also love Hey Now Now by the Cloudroom. Two this week. Bonus!

Hate of the week: SGA...oh, did I just say that? Yeah I did bitches! However, I should thank them at the same time, since the budget(or lack of allocation) cleared my schedule for next semester. So, thanks SGA. Y'all are the BEST!

Gotta testify, come up in this spot, looking extra fly. For the day I die, I'm touch the sky..." My man Kanye West

Gwen

What has the world come to?

2005-07-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

So, I'm at home today, baking some cookies for a cook-out tonight. (Yes, I live in the suburbs and I'm going to a fish-fry dammit!) And, while I'm waiting for the next batch to finish, I decide to Google one of my stay-true searches: Gideon Yago. Now, anyone who knows me has experienced the unfortunate situation where I go on and on about this guy. And, it was only a matter of time before he made his way onto this here blog. Well, turns out that he will have his very own reality-based TV show on MTV in the next season. I could lie and say this is awful, my man being put weekly into America's households, but I'm actually pretty excited.

Supposedly it is about him taking a camera around and interviewing people in crisis. Now, since True Life happens to be one of my favorite MTV shows, this new show seems to be in its shadow. Oh well, we will just have to wait until the fall to find out!

In other news, work sucks. Not really new information, but it has kept me from staying up and watching movies. I did have to opportunity to see Bewitched when I was down in Austin visiting Jen. Alas, it has as bad as one would expect. I'm trying to convince Daniel to see March of the Penguins with me sometime this weekend, but since it is his birthday on the 3rd, we may not be able to.

Well, cookies are done, and now I have to take a shower. But, if you guys get bored, google me and see what happens!

G

Movie of the day: Young Adam, although I haven't finished it yet, it is very good so far!

Song of the day: Everything I Once Had by the Honorary Title

New Orleans Rockstar...

2005-06-05T06:42:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, Deadwood. The quotes from that show keep me entertained. Anyway, I was suppossed to post two days ago after my concert, but life got in the way. Friday night Daniel and I went to see one of our favorite bands Better Than Ezra. Now, either you will know this band or not, but I love them--5 times I've seen them now. Jen and I saw them back in the day (Winter of 2002) and I've been in love with them ever since. The show was great, and we were close enough to notice Kevin's crazy faces.

I bought their new CD on Tuesday, and I spent the rest of the week listening to it in anticipation for the show. I wanted to know the words, because going to a concert and not knowing the words just sucks.

Well, before BTE played, we had to stand through Adam Richman. Now this kid confused me. He came out with a freakin' mohawk--which I thought was cool. Right away I imagined he would be this hard rocking guy, totally not the case. He comes out with this mohawk, full on faux-punk style, and plays WHAT??? Singer-Songwriter shit. I spent his whole show completely confused. Thanks Adam Richman, I will not buy your album anytime soon.

BTE rocked the place, although they didn't play long enough I believe. When Jen and I saw them they played a two hour set, I want to go back to those days. Oh, well. I got their live album
You all should check it out over at Amazon. Go through Fresh Fiction though, so Mom gets a cut of the profits--gotta pay for my education some how and, I ain't prostituting.

Anywho, gotta run. Lex wants to play, and I have to take a shower. Later all. My apologies for lack of movie review this time, but in the next few days I will have something for everyone.

Gwen

PS. Well, okay, you pulled my leg. I watched We Don't Live Here Anymore the other day. This movie was okay, but seemed a lot like any other movie dealing with adultry. It was good only for Mark Ruffalo, who I adore.

What I'm watching: Scrubs: the Complete First Season

Song of the Day: Burned, by Better Than Ezra

Star Wars, Tea, and Eddie Izzard

2005-05-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

As we speak, I am in the middle of an all night movie/TV marathon. So far we have watched Eddie Izzard's Circle, Good Eats on the Food Channel, and are working on the first two Star Wars. I love the part in Empire where Luke shoves himself in the camel thing--Brilliantly disgusting!!! But, I hate Lucus because he feels the need to add all this SHIT into the original films--they were great without the out-of-place special effects.

Anyway, gotta get back t o Empire. Checkin' out!

G

Movie of the Day: ...Uh, I think it is Empire Strikes Back

Song of the Day: I Seen All Good People- Yes

Waiting, always waiting

2005-05-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Good morning all. It is way too early for me, but as a daughter of Suburbia I have certain responsibilities I must perform. This morning's is waiting around for our cleaning people to come. Lex and I are locked in the kitchen drinking coffee and eating dog food. (Me the coffee, Lex is enjoying the tasty dog food)

Anywho, last night, before the circuits in my room started shorting, I began watching I Heart Huckabees. Very funny movie so far, but it could just be the philosopher in me. I will definitely need to buy this movie in the near future. Jason Schwartzman is on his game in this movie making random comments, while his subtle style steals scenes from anyone else on screen. I know I know, I'm late to watch this, but without a car at school it was impossible for me to see until it came to DVD.

Tonight Madacascar starts!!!!!!!!!! As you can possibly tell by the numerous exclamation points, I am a wee bit excited--"The Penguins are psychotic!" Hopefully Daniel and I can make a trip to the theatre to see it tonight. He also wants to see Layer Cake, which I really wanted to see, but now not so much. Eh, I'll probably just rent it. There are tons of movies coming out in the next few weeks. I will fill you all in with my opinions--wanted or not--as I see them!

Movie of the day: I Heart Huckabees--didn't see that one coming did ya?????

Song of the day: When You Heard You by the French Kicks. Well, this song is actually yesterday's song, but it will work for today too.

Gwen

Hello Ground!

2005-05-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

Hello world! Okay, so I hate blogging, but as my lovely mother says, it is an important tool of the new world. Anyway, I hope that this switch to Blogger will be my last hop, since I have gone to more than three providers in the last year for this damn blog. Most blogs I read use this format, so there ya go.

Anyway, say hello to the new ReelVixens.com! I will update you all in the next few days. Since I am home for the next three weeks, hopefully I will have lots of stories and other ramblings to post here. I just bought my tickets for Better Than Ezra on the 3rd at Gypsy Tea Room!!! I'm soooooo excited. I'm also on assignment to see how their live show goes over--To see if we want to book them next semester or not. I'm voting for yes, if you couldn't tell. =)

Well, I have to get going, I appologize for the blah blah blahing. I'm going to get a digital camera in the next few weeks, so maybe a picture or two will make its way here. Later days!

Gwen

Movie of the day: Hitchhicker's Guide to the Galaxy

Song: Sugar, We're Going Down by Fall Out Boy---I don't like the song, it's just stuck in my cranium.