In the second installment of Samantha Brown's Passport to China, Samantha goes to the Sichuan Province.
She goes to visit Buddha--a giant one carved against the mountainside. She climbs to the top of the mountain and thirty-minutes later, she finds what looks like the line for Space Mountain in Disney Hong Kong. Actually, it's the line to go back down the mountain to the bottom of the Buddha statue. Samantha unknowingly went on a big Chinese holiday, explaining the long line. She gets the bottom and even through the camera lens, you can tell it is HUGE. Samantha continues to explore China's religions (odd comment for a Communist country) by visiting a daoist temple to practice some tao chi. We used to do tao chi in my Global I class in high school. Our teacher would make us stand up and do some moves to calm down as he had our classes all in the afternoon. He figured we were all worked up so we wouldn't be able to learn. It was actually quite refreshing and we'd remind him if he forgot to start the class off with it.
Samantha also takes a cooking lesson and tells us that Chinese cooking isn't what we're used to in America. Same goes true for Italian. I had a heck of a time trying to find chicken parm. I finally got when I returned home and went to my favorite Italian restaurant. I didn't even open the menu. If you want a taste of real Chinese food without going to China, go to Epcot. The restaurant there serves the type of food Sam was learning to cook.
Afterwards, she takes her translator Joel out for a shopping spree. The Chinese, she learns, love a good bargain and the vendors expect you to haggle. She goes to a block just full of stores, mostly antiques. She finds something and with Joel's help, finds a good price for the cups. It was interesting because she liked the original price--about 40 American dollars. And for two actual China cups, that IS a good price. Also, I don't know when these Passports were filmed--not within the last three months as Sichuan was the province rocked by that horrible earthquake back in May--but if it is relatively recent, looks like China's not a bad place to go to get bang for the American buck. Side bar over, Samantha eventually bargains her way down to around 30 American dollars.
But the big part of this episode: the PANDAS! My cousin absolutely loves Panda bears and it's easy to see why. They look so cuddly. Samantha visits a place whose main purpose to preserve the panda, stop them from becoming extinct. She's able to visit with these cute one-month old panda twins, who are sleeping in an incubator while Mom takes a break. They look adorable. Samantha was right--unless they moved, it was easy to mistake them for stuffed animals. Next, she put on a surgical gown to go into a pen with one-year old pandas affectionally known as "Kindergarteners." One of them nearly got a good swipe at our favorite traveler. She then visited the 4 years-old or "Teenagers" but wasn't able to go in. They were eating. Samantha was also able to feed the panda, throwing apples in for them to eat. To top this experience off, Samantha was able to hold a panda, who dwarfed her. Lucky.
The commericals in between pleaded for money for the panda refuge as it suffered damage during the earthquake.
And in one of the last parts I want to highlight, Samantha went to a mall that looked like it came out of The Jetsons and got her picture taken. That looks like it would be fun. She said it's a big trend in China for the women to go and get dolled up for a portrait sitting. Samantha wore a beautiful red and gold traditional Chinese outfit before getting her hair done. They added a weave, matching Samantha's hair (in a part where she admits she isn't a natural blonde). While she looked beautiful, stick with short hair, Sam!
Looking at that street of stores Samantha visited, it reminds me. I never found the part of Charing Cross road that's just lined with bookstores. If there are any Brits reading this on the world wide webs, please give me directions for the next time I'm in London (whenever that might be)!
So, tomorrow, Xian. (I've seen the episode. It's great, but I want to get in another viewing in case I missed something).
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Time for a Little Catch Up
As I mention below, the Travel Channel had a marathon of Samantha Brown episodes. So, to highlight some of my favorite aspects from the shows I missed:
New Hampshire: It was nice to see Samantha's family! And that breakfast place which serves Green Eggs and Ham sounds delicious--and I'm not a breakfast person.
Miami: Despite the fact that the hotel room looked like a padded cell, it was huge and beautiful. If I stayed there, I wouldn't leave the room! Which would thus negate the purpose of vacationing in Miami, right?
San Francisco: Umm, who wants to go to a restaurant where they won't even tell you the menu? I mean, I guess it's adventurous, but I am not an adventurous eater. I like what I like and I'd like to make sure the restaurant has it. Besides, what if someone is allergic to what you serve? Like a peanut allergy where even it was in the same kitchen as the peanut oil it could be dangerous. Sounds good, but I'll go to a place with menus.
And seeing Sam's family in New Hampshire and her friends in Miami makes me wonder: what does hubby do while she's away? I know she's married as she's mentioned leaving him at home. Will he ever accompany her? I mean, they'll have to send her to a romantic spot some time!
New Hampshire: It was nice to see Samantha's family! And that breakfast place which serves Green Eggs and Ham sounds delicious--and I'm not a breakfast person.
Miami: Despite the fact that the hotel room looked like a padded cell, it was huge and beautiful. If I stayed there, I wouldn't leave the room! Which would thus negate the purpose of vacationing in Miami, right?
San Francisco: Umm, who wants to go to a restaurant where they won't even tell you the menu? I mean, I guess it's adventurous, but I am not an adventurous eater. I like what I like and I'd like to make sure the restaurant has it. Besides, what if someone is allergic to what you serve? Like a peanut allergy where even it was in the same kitchen as the peanut oil it could be dangerous. Sounds good, but I'll go to a place with menus.
And seeing Sam's family in New Hampshire and her friends in Miami makes me wonder: what does hubby do while she's away? I know she's married as she's mentioned leaving him at home. Will he ever accompany her? I mean, they'll have to send her to a romantic spot some time!
Wonders of China
In honor of the 2008 Olympics being held in Beijing, the Travel Channel has dedicated this entire week to programming about China. And my favorite traveler has gone to China. In a three-part Passport to China, Samantha Brown shows us different things to do in China.
In the first part, Samantha goes to Beijing. She visits Tiananmen Square, where Communist China was born and where the famous protest was held. It's very large square--Brown says it is the length of 90 (!) football fields. She does a cute "Hello...Hello...Hello" as the camera flashes to different parts of the square. She meets a friend who gives her a tour of the square, where everything starts off with "The People's..." like "The People's Memorial."
Interesting side note: One of my journalism professors was actually at Tiananmen Square the day of the protests. She and a bunch of American journalists captured the events and then quickly got out of the country. As they passed through airport security with the footage, they reminded each other "You don't speak Chinese." So as security yelled at them, they each said, "I don't speak Chinese," and boarded their planes. Quite a risk, but one journalists have to take to get the news out.
Samantha next goes to the Forbidden City or the ancient palace of the Chinese emperors. It looks so beautiful. I wouldn't mind living there. She also visits a Chinese acrobatic show, trying to do some of the tricks. I took one look at the child who had bent backwards with her feet stretched out in front of her face and said, "Ouch." I know I'm not flexible enough to pull that off, and neither was Samantha. I agree with her--it's a lot better to watch it then be in it. She spends a day at the ancient Chinese emperors' summer home which is just outside the city and worlds away. It's on a river, set among trees and looks like an ideal summer home.
To cap off the episode, Samantha goes to the Great Wall of China and is greeted by...souvenir vendors. She's surprised. I mean, seriously, for someone who has been everywhere INCLUDING Disney World where nearly every ride exits into a gift shop? She takes a cable car up to the wall and walks along one of the great wonders.
Part Two: Sichuan (Pandas!) tomorrow
Part Three: Xian on Friday.
Right now, the Travel Channel is making my gray day sunnier by having a Samantha Brown marathon. Looks like I'll be able to do mini-recaps for those Great Weekend episodes I missed.
In the first part, Samantha goes to Beijing. She visits Tiananmen Square, where Communist China was born and where the famous protest was held. It's very large square--Brown says it is the length of 90 (!) football fields. She does a cute "Hello...Hello...Hello" as the camera flashes to different parts of the square. She meets a friend who gives her a tour of the square, where everything starts off with "The People's..." like "The People's Memorial."
Interesting side note: One of my journalism professors was actually at Tiananmen Square the day of the protests. She and a bunch of American journalists captured the events and then quickly got out of the country. As they passed through airport security with the footage, they reminded each other "You don't speak Chinese." So as security yelled at them, they each said, "I don't speak Chinese," and boarded their planes. Quite a risk, but one journalists have to take to get the news out.
Samantha next goes to the Forbidden City or the ancient palace of the Chinese emperors. It looks so beautiful. I wouldn't mind living there. She also visits a Chinese acrobatic show, trying to do some of the tricks. I took one look at the child who had bent backwards with her feet stretched out in front of her face and said, "Ouch." I know I'm not flexible enough to pull that off, and neither was Samantha. I agree with her--it's a lot better to watch it then be in it. She spends a day at the ancient Chinese emperors' summer home which is just outside the city and worlds away. It's on a river, set among trees and looks like an ideal summer home.
To cap off the episode, Samantha goes to the Great Wall of China and is greeted by...souvenir vendors. She's surprised. I mean, seriously, for someone who has been everywhere INCLUDING Disney World where nearly every ride exits into a gift shop? She takes a cable car up to the wall and walks along one of the great wonders.
Part Two: Sichuan (Pandas!) tomorrow
Part Three: Xian on Friday.
Right now, the Travel Channel is making my gray day sunnier by having a Samantha Brown marathon. Looks like I'll be able to do mini-recaps for those Great Weekend episodes I missed.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Get Your Scorecards Out!
Okay, so for those watching Secret Life of the American Teenager, let's try to keep track of how everyone is connected. So:
There's Amy, whose family consists of Amy's Dad, Molly Ringwald and Sister. Now, Amy's Dad used to be married to Josie Bisset who is now married to John Schneider and mom to Grace and Brother. Grace was dating Jack until he cheated on her with Adrian, who has some sort of relationship with Ricky. Ricky tried to help Grace and Jack, but it backfired and the pair broke up. Now Ricky seems to be pursuing Grace while Jack and Adrian get closer. Also, Ricky impregnated Amy, who is dating Ben. Now, Amy's Dad is cheating on Molly Ringwald with Adrian's Mom.
Got it?
I like to joke that we can play Six Degrees of Separation here on the Island as it seems everyone seems connected somehow, but even this is a bit ridiculous.
Amy and Ben go for a picnic. He feeds her some chicken wings as a couple with a baby pass by. Ben drops to his knee and proposes. Amy starts crying as she figures out Ben knows about her pregnancy. They talk and Ben tries to convince Amy to marry him and he'll claim the kid is his. She balks, knowing she isn't ready for marriage let alone to raise a kid. "I'm 15!" she cries. Ben comforts her.
Meanwhile, Amy's Dad is leaving--and not for a work-related trip to Vegas like he told Amy. Ashley (Sister) pleads with him to stay, promising she's do what he wants--start dressing modestly, getting good grades, getting new friends, etc. He tells her to start acting like the adult she wants to be treated as. Ashley yells that he can't just leave, not now and Molly comforts her while wondering why Dad can't leave "especially now." Amy returns home and Ashley almost has to pound it into her sister's head that Dad isn't just going to Vegas. Amy is a bit obtuse here, but I guess we can give her a break since she's pregnant and her boyfriend of...umm, anyone know how much time has passed on this show?..weeks just proposed.
Ricky sits awkwardly with Grace's brother, who is just kinda awesome. The two seem to be having an interesting conversation before Ricky decides to go home. John Schneider and Josie Bisset are glad he went to Church, though if I remember correctly from the end of the last episode, those two were "sick" and didn't go. Anyway, Ricky and Grace seem to be getting closer though a conversation later in the show makes me wonder how the writers want to progress with his character. It would be sweet if he ends up having a relationship with Grace that shows him it isn't always about sex, but that seems to be the end he's heading for.
Jack gets homework help from Adrian, who tells him off for not reading the book. She agrees to help him write a book report as her mom comes home. Mom is off as she's a flight attendant but she tells Adrian that her "friend" will be staying with them for a couple weeks. And who is this friend? Amy's Dad! Adrian doesn't look too thrilled, probably because she realizes she and her mother are the Latina stereotypes. Jack comes back in and they talk about his family. Apparently, his step-dad is the preacher at Church and he started dating Grace so that her family would keep donating money. Jack is becoming more of jerk every episode.
At school, rumors start flying that Amy is pregnant. We find out about this courtesy of Grace's friend, who apparently is Grant High Rumor Central. Amy tries to figure out who told, refusing to believe her friends let it slip. Ben's friends show up, tell him the rumor, he claims it is his, he shoves 20 dollars at him. The friends feel bad and don't want the money. And then, the girl says, "He's going to try to marry her." Awesome. Amy panics and talks to her friends, saying she is considering abortion. One friend (Madison?) ix-nays it again, whispering she is Catholic. Well at least they give a reason why she is so against it! Both girls encourage Amy to tell her mom, but Amy's having none of that and reveals Dad left.
Speaking of Dad, he calls and Amy pretends that he's just in Vegas. Dad's upset but Adrian's Mom is there to comfort him. Then Aunt Julie calls. Amy tells her she took care of it and to stop calling. Aunt Julie sits down, concerned for Amy's health and the possible abortion she might've underwent. The counselor calls Amy into his office and they talk about her future. She plans on taking that French horn all the way to Julliard and the New York Philharmonic. You go, Amy! All in all, this sounds like my counseling session my freshman year of high school. Amy leaves and Ben walks in. The counselor reveals he had called Amy in, hoping she'd confirm the pregnancy rumor. Ben tries to deny it, but the counselor reveals it. As he tells Ben to be ready for an 18 years commitment, Ben's reaction makes him realize the baby is Ricky's. He comforts Ben with the great line: "High school sucks. I was a fool to think I could change that."
In the end, Amy walks out of an empty school hallway before class ends, talks with Molly while Ricky walks into his psychologist's office and declares: "There's a rumor going around that I got some girl pregnant."
Next week: Amy's Dad and Molly Ringwald finally learn about Amy's pregnancy.
There's Amy, whose family consists of Amy's Dad, Molly Ringwald and Sister. Now, Amy's Dad used to be married to Josie Bisset who is now married to John Schneider and mom to Grace and Brother. Grace was dating Jack until he cheated on her with Adrian, who has some sort of relationship with Ricky. Ricky tried to help Grace and Jack, but it backfired and the pair broke up. Now Ricky seems to be pursuing Grace while Jack and Adrian get closer. Also, Ricky impregnated Amy, who is dating Ben. Now, Amy's Dad is cheating on Molly Ringwald with Adrian's Mom.
Got it?
I like to joke that we can play Six Degrees of Separation here on the Island as it seems everyone seems connected somehow, but even this is a bit ridiculous.
Amy and Ben go for a picnic. He feeds her some chicken wings as a couple with a baby pass by. Ben drops to his knee and proposes. Amy starts crying as she figures out Ben knows about her pregnancy. They talk and Ben tries to convince Amy to marry him and he'll claim the kid is his. She balks, knowing she isn't ready for marriage let alone to raise a kid. "I'm 15!" she cries. Ben comforts her.
Meanwhile, Amy's Dad is leaving--and not for a work-related trip to Vegas like he told Amy. Ashley (Sister) pleads with him to stay, promising she's do what he wants--start dressing modestly, getting good grades, getting new friends, etc. He tells her to start acting like the adult she wants to be treated as. Ashley yells that he can't just leave, not now and Molly comforts her while wondering why Dad can't leave "especially now." Amy returns home and Ashley almost has to pound it into her sister's head that Dad isn't just going to Vegas. Amy is a bit obtuse here, but I guess we can give her a break since she's pregnant and her boyfriend of...umm, anyone know how much time has passed on this show?..weeks just proposed.
Ricky sits awkwardly with Grace's brother, who is just kinda awesome. The two seem to be having an interesting conversation before Ricky decides to go home. John Schneider and Josie Bisset are glad he went to Church, though if I remember correctly from the end of the last episode, those two were "sick" and didn't go. Anyway, Ricky and Grace seem to be getting closer though a conversation later in the show makes me wonder how the writers want to progress with his character. It would be sweet if he ends up having a relationship with Grace that shows him it isn't always about sex, but that seems to be the end he's heading for.
Jack gets homework help from Adrian, who tells him off for not reading the book. She agrees to help him write a book report as her mom comes home. Mom is off as she's a flight attendant but she tells Adrian that her "friend" will be staying with them for a couple weeks. And who is this friend? Amy's Dad! Adrian doesn't look too thrilled, probably because she realizes she and her mother are the Latina stereotypes. Jack comes back in and they talk about his family. Apparently, his step-dad is the preacher at Church and he started dating Grace so that her family would keep donating money. Jack is becoming more of jerk every episode.
At school, rumors start flying that Amy is pregnant. We find out about this courtesy of Grace's friend, who apparently is Grant High Rumor Central. Amy tries to figure out who told, refusing to believe her friends let it slip. Ben's friends show up, tell him the rumor, he claims it is his, he shoves 20 dollars at him. The friends feel bad and don't want the money. And then, the girl says, "He's going to try to marry her." Awesome. Amy panics and talks to her friends, saying she is considering abortion. One friend (Madison?) ix-nays it again, whispering she is Catholic. Well at least they give a reason why she is so against it! Both girls encourage Amy to tell her mom, but Amy's having none of that and reveals Dad left.
Speaking of Dad, he calls and Amy pretends that he's just in Vegas. Dad's upset but Adrian's Mom is there to comfort him. Then Aunt Julie calls. Amy tells her she took care of it and to stop calling. Aunt Julie sits down, concerned for Amy's health and the possible abortion she might've underwent. The counselor calls Amy into his office and they talk about her future. She plans on taking that French horn all the way to Julliard and the New York Philharmonic. You go, Amy! All in all, this sounds like my counseling session my freshman year of high school. Amy leaves and Ben walks in. The counselor reveals he had called Amy in, hoping she'd confirm the pregnancy rumor. Ben tries to deny it, but the counselor reveals it. As he tells Ben to be ready for an 18 years commitment, Ben's reaction makes him realize the baby is Ricky's. He comforts Ben with the great line: "High school sucks. I was a fool to think I could change that."
In the end, Amy walks out of an empty school hallway before class ends, talks with Molly while Ricky walks into his psychologist's office and declares: "There's a rumor going around that I got some girl pregnant."
Next week: Amy's Dad and Molly Ringwald finally learn about Amy's pregnancy.
Oh, And If You'll Give Me One Second...
It feels weird not doing a Legally Blonde the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods recap. I enjoyed those! Oh well, I guess I should start counting down to America's Next Top Model.
Anyway, I went to pick up my sister today and when I turned on the radio, there was a Legally Blonde the Musical commercial on! They were advertising Bailey and talking about the show. They played a few clips, including "Legally Blonde Remix." I'm wondering if that was actually Bailey singing since it didn't really strike me as Laura Bell's voice. I guess I'll go see it again with Bailey in it. I've seen other shows three times (coughBeautyandtheBeastcough).
Also, Seth's column this week talked about watching the final episode with Bailey and her sister. Apparently, they didn't tell the sister Bailey had won! Read the column for her reaction and some stories from the creators of [title of show].
Anyway, I went to pick up my sister today and when I turned on the radio, there was a Legally Blonde the Musical commercial on! They were advertising Bailey and talking about the show. They played a few clips, including "Legally Blonde Remix." I'm wondering if that was actually Bailey singing since it didn't really strike me as Laura Bell's voice. I guess I'll go see it again with Bailey in it. I've seen other shows three times (coughBeautyandtheBeastcough).
Also, Seth's column this week talked about watching the final episode with Bailey and her sister. Apparently, they didn't tell the sister Bailey had won! Read the column for her reaction and some stories from the creators of [title of show].
Saturday, July 26, 2008
London Calling
This past week, Samantha Brown's Passport to Great Weekends sent my favorite traveler to London for a weekend. And it made me miss London even more. It was great to see the city again and I admit I geeked out a bit when they showed sites I had been to (like a brief flash of the Millennium Bridge. My class and I crossed that bridge a hundred times while in London). She went to a few places I had been to as well. Brown went to the Tate Modern, which a group of us went to. Everyone had been praising the Tate Modern so much, I was excited to go until I got in. It was then that the fact it was modern art hit me. I'm not the biggest fan of modern art. In fact, I'm that person who is standing there while everyone says "I see a cloud. I see a mother crying over her lost child" thinking, "It's a gray lump. I can do a gray lump and you don't see me calling it art." But there were a few Impressionist paintings and a Degas ballerina, so I enjoyed those. And the Pop Art section too. Brown also went running through Hyde Park, which I became familiar with as my hotel was just down the block. It is so beautiful. If anyone goes, check out the fountains. The British love their fountains.
Brown also went to New Hampshire, but I missed it. Hopefully I'll catch it again. I also hope they send Samantha to Boston before I go in a couple of weeks. Maybe she'll give me some ideas on where to go!
Brown also went to New Hampshire, but I missed it. Hopefully I'll catch it again. I also hope they send Samantha to Boston before I go in a couple of weeks. Maybe she'll give me some ideas on where to go!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Hairspray 2?
Okay, I love "Hairspray"--both the 88 movie, 2003 musical and 07 movie. I thought they were all well-done, and the latter two had some great songs. However I shuddered when I saw this as the top story on Playbill Online. A sequel? Why? I think the story wrapped up nice and neat. What could they conquer next? Velma's revenge? Tracy joining the hippie movment? I honestly don't know where the story will go.
Well, at least they are planning the sequel as a movie and not a musical. Musical sequels don't work--Bring Back Birdie, The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public, Annie Warbucks. This is one reason why I don't think Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom sequel will do well either (the other reasons later). But then again, making a sequel to such a good, beloved, campy movie like Hairspay may not fly well either. Grease 2, anyone?
Though...Grease 2 is in the so bad, it's good category. My sister and I love to watch it for that reason. And "I'll Be Your Girl for All Seasons" and "Turn Back (The Hands of Time)" are pretty good. "Reproduction"? Not so much. And it might be hard to get Michelle Pfeffer back for a sequel--she was in Grease 2 after all.
Well, at least they are planning the sequel as a movie and not a musical. Musical sequels don't work--Bring Back Birdie, The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public, Annie Warbucks. This is one reason why I don't think Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom sequel will do well either (the other reasons later). But then again, making a sequel to such a good, beloved, campy movie like Hairspay may not fly well either. Grease 2, anyone?
Though...Grease 2 is in the so bad, it's good category. My sister and I love to watch it for that reason. And "I'll Be Your Girl for All Seasons" and "Turn Back (The Hands of Time)" are pretty good. "Reproduction"? Not so much. And it might be hard to get Michelle Pfeffer back for a sequel--she was in Grease 2 after all.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Cheerleaders Can Kick Butt
At least that's the moral of this week's "Secret Life of an American Teenager." Cheerleader Grace has been sneaking out with Jack courtesy of Ricky. However, Jack leaves her at an abandoned corner so Ricky had to leave Adrian, who won't give him his shirt back, to go pick her up. While she's waiting, some drunk, pervy middle-aged guys start heckling her, she prays, picks up a beer bottle and threatens them with it. Ricky arrives, the guys run off and Grace hopes to put this all behind her...
Except it's on the morning news and it's all anyone's talking about. Okay, I know it's odd to see a cheerleader swinging a bottle at people, but would people honestly make fun of her for that or be impressed that she could defend herself? I'm with the brother here, who keeps insisting that Grace is brave. She however keeps repeating she's bad. That she shouldn't have fought back (It's called self defense! Are the writers honestly saying that a woman should just stand there and not fight back?). I get the guilt over the fact she is now busted for sneaking out, but still. Grace dumps Jack while Adrian gets jealous over Grace. She gives up cheerleading, John Schneider is upset but eventually lets her do cheerleading again. Then it's revealed he told his wife about Amy's pregnancy and he stresses she can't talk to even him about it due to confidentiality. Then why did you tell her in the first place? My pediatrician most likely didn't go home and tell his wife about me--and she was my doctor as well!
Meanwhile, Amy's Dad is relishing the fact that Grace has embarrassed her family. Once again, she DEFENDED herself. How is that embarrassing? Even the security guards, if they had half a brain, would realize she was doing that. Why isn't anyone trying to find the men who did it? Why do they get a pass and sympathy for being "attacked" by a cheerleader? Fortunately, Amy realizes how immature her Dad is and leaves as her sister comes down. I must say my favorite exchanges are between Amy's Dad, Molly Ringwald and the Sister over the Sister's new conservative wardrobe: "Why are you dressed like a nun?" "I have a court date." "Are you wearing a costume?" "Are you having sex?" "That's between me...and my lover." I must say though, I liked the sister's outfit. Both parents realize Sister is covering for someone and Amy confesses to Dad that she's the one who had sex. He refuses to believe it and Molly thinks she's covering for Dad's sexcapades. They fight and it looks like Dad's moving out. Meanwhile, Ben gets clingy and upset when Amy wants to talk with her friends--one who finally tells Amy to grow up. Ben does make up, offering food and his dad figures out Amy's pregnant. Ben's reaction is good: "She can't be...I mean...We only kissed once!"
Jack takes Adrian to Church, where they meet up with Grace and Ricky. And is the preacher the dad from "Even Stevens"? Cool! Though, to be honest, I wouldn't have been surprised if it turned out to be Lucy Camden.
And when will Amy tell her parents she's pregnant? When it comes out and is celebrating it's first birthday? And if the entire media went crazy over a teenager defending herself against a bunch of drunks, what will happen when they find out a freshman is pregnant?
Except it's on the morning news and it's all anyone's talking about. Okay, I know it's odd to see a cheerleader swinging a bottle at people, but would people honestly make fun of her for that or be impressed that she could defend herself? I'm with the brother here, who keeps insisting that Grace is brave. She however keeps repeating she's bad. That she shouldn't have fought back (It's called self defense! Are the writers honestly saying that a woman should just stand there and not fight back?). I get the guilt over the fact she is now busted for sneaking out, but still. Grace dumps Jack while Adrian gets jealous over Grace. She gives up cheerleading, John Schneider is upset but eventually lets her do cheerleading again. Then it's revealed he told his wife about Amy's pregnancy and he stresses she can't talk to even him about it due to confidentiality. Then why did you tell her in the first place? My pediatrician most likely didn't go home and tell his wife about me--and she was my doctor as well!
Meanwhile, Amy's Dad is relishing the fact that Grace has embarrassed her family. Once again, she DEFENDED herself. How is that embarrassing? Even the security guards, if they had half a brain, would realize she was doing that. Why isn't anyone trying to find the men who did it? Why do they get a pass and sympathy for being "attacked" by a cheerleader? Fortunately, Amy realizes how immature her Dad is and leaves as her sister comes down. I must say my favorite exchanges are between Amy's Dad, Molly Ringwald and the Sister over the Sister's new conservative wardrobe: "Why are you dressed like a nun?" "I have a court date." "Are you wearing a costume?" "Are you having sex?" "That's between me...and my lover." I must say though, I liked the sister's outfit. Both parents realize Sister is covering for someone and Amy confesses to Dad that she's the one who had sex. He refuses to believe it and Molly thinks she's covering for Dad's sexcapades. They fight and it looks like Dad's moving out. Meanwhile, Ben gets clingy and upset when Amy wants to talk with her friends--one who finally tells Amy to grow up. Ben does make up, offering food and his dad figures out Amy's pregnant. Ben's reaction is good: "She can't be...I mean...We only kissed once!"
Jack takes Adrian to Church, where they meet up with Grace and Ricky. And is the preacher the dad from "Even Stevens"? Cool! Though, to be honest, I wouldn't have been surprised if it turned out to be Lucy Camden.
And when will Amy tell her parents she's pregnant? When it comes out and is celebrating it's first birthday? And if the entire media went crazy over a teenager defending herself against a bunch of drunks, what will happen when they find out a freshman is pregnant?
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
So Much Better
It came, it dazzled, it went. On to the finale of Legally Blonde the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods.
After being reminded of the journey the girls took to get to the finale, we return to the final casting office. Lauren has just been cut and the other three are waiting for their fate. The judges point out everyone's good points, their bad points and then announce the last person to be eliminated by them is...Rhiannon. She cries, hugs Bailey and Autumn and then leaves. Autumn and Bailey are told that Jerry Mitchell will be judging their final audition and the judges send them on their way.
The girls return to the loft, oddly empty now. They talk about how they've made it. Autumn starts to speak about how she knows she's confident, she knows she can do it and you know she is about to talk about how she has to make sure the judges see it. However, Bailey interrupts and says she's confident and knows she can do it. I guess Bailey thought Autumn was attacking her even though it was clear where the conversation was heading. I think Bailey, while talented, is a bit egotistical and still has a little maturing to do. Anyway, Autumn gets the call sheet and tells Bailey that they are going to the Palace Theater!
The girls get to the theater and are two giddy schoolgirls. They pass Laura Bell's dressing room and dream of the day it will be theirs. They go through fittings so the costumes and wigs will fit then go down to meet Haylie, Seth and Denis on the stage. The girls will be performing three songs (Ohmigod You Guys, Positive and So Much Better) on the actual stage, with the actual props, set pieces and some actual cast members. The girls practice running up the Delta Nu stairs for the end of Ohmigod You Guys and practice with the rest of the cast. Autumn and Seth talk after she practices Positive, reminding him--and us--of her disastrous audition a few weeks ago when she ran out sick. The girls rehearsal is over and they are sent home to practice.
The next day, they go to the theater and change into their first costumes. They both look like Elle! Haylie talks to them again, introducing them to their judging panel--now including director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell. She sends them back to their dressing rooms where we hear their half-hour call and then...in walks their parents! Bailey collapses while Autumn launches herself at her mother. There is hugging, tears, peeling Bailey off the floor, ignoring Bailey's sister and promises to do well for their parents. The girls are called onstage to do "Ohmigod You Guys."
Bailey is up first, starting with Elle's entrance. She was pretty good, but sounded off to me. But the judges seemed to like it. Autumn's next and it was pretty funny watching Tracy Jai Edwards run in twice within an edit timespan of five minutes shouting, "There she is!" As she sings, I swear Mitchell was on the verge of tears! Next, the girls perform Positive. Autumn is off on her dancing, usually a beat ahead of her Greek chorus. It did look odd, but she rocked the singing portions except in the beginning when she went a bit off on "Violence is never wise." Bailey was worlds' better when it came to dancing, I'll admit, and could sing but she too messed up the words.
Next, the girls have to rock "So Much Better." Both sang the hell out of the song. I liked some of the little touches Autumn added, like unzipping Richard (H) Blake's sweater. (I noticed they got him, but couldn't get either Christian Borle or Andy Karl to play Emmett. Who was that guy?) I did like Bailey's annoyed "What?" when being tapped by Emmett. In all honesty, while I'm rooting for Autumn at this point, it is clear Bailey is serious competition. And her dad's face when she sang "Its oh-oh-oh-oh-better" was priceless.
Autumn and Bailey appear before the judges for the last time and it's no-holds-bar. Mitchell and the others let them have it, such as pointing out Bailey's acting to the audience, not her castmates as well as Autumn's dancing and the fact she doesn't appear to be sorority girl. However, both are praised and called talented. Mitchell echoes a sentiment expressed by Heather Hach the episode prior when he says he wishes to take Autumn's voice and Bailey's dancing to create the perfect Elle. The girls are excused as the judges deliberate. And they showed a picture of Autumn pre-dye job. And I must say, she looks better as a blonde.
Our two Elle wannabes return to the stage. Haylie has the judges' final decision. After a few annoying "tense" moments, she reveals the next Elle Woods is...Bailey! I must say, my one voter was correct. Unless s/he knew the answer in advance. Seth, are you really reading this? Anyway, I know I said I would be upset if Bailey won, but I must admit she is talented so it's unfair to compare her to Saleisha "Tyra, I went to your camp! And modeled on your show! And this show!" Towers. My only problem has been noted already--she has the energy to play Elle as the ditsy sorority girl, but I don't know if she can carry it through to the end of the show where Elle matures into a strong woman.
Bailey sings the rest of "So Much Better" and as she gets to the part the chorus joins in, we get a surprise. The other nine eliminated girls, from Cassie O. down to Autumn, are her chorus. They focus on Lauren, Cassie O, and Lindsey before the girls turn around to spell out "Elle Woods." After singing, the judges join Bailey on stage to celebrate.
Bailey starts her performances tomorrow (July 23). Her single of "So Much Better" should be available on iTunes now. And there are happy endings for Autumn, Rhiannon and Lauren. Autumn will be joining the Legally Blonde ensemble and understudying Bailey while Rhiannon and Lauren will be joining the touring company. Lauren will be the Elle understudy while Rhiannon will play Margot. Break a leg, girls!
After being reminded of the journey the girls took to get to the finale, we return to the final casting office. Lauren has just been cut and the other three are waiting for their fate. The judges point out everyone's good points, their bad points and then announce the last person to be eliminated by them is...Rhiannon. She cries, hugs Bailey and Autumn and then leaves. Autumn and Bailey are told that Jerry Mitchell will be judging their final audition and the judges send them on their way.
The girls return to the loft, oddly empty now. They talk about how they've made it. Autumn starts to speak about how she knows she's confident, she knows she can do it and you know she is about to talk about how she has to make sure the judges see it. However, Bailey interrupts and says she's confident and knows she can do it. I guess Bailey thought Autumn was attacking her even though it was clear where the conversation was heading. I think Bailey, while talented, is a bit egotistical and still has a little maturing to do. Anyway, Autumn gets the call sheet and tells Bailey that they are going to the Palace Theater!
The girls get to the theater and are two giddy schoolgirls. They pass Laura Bell's dressing room and dream of the day it will be theirs. They go through fittings so the costumes and wigs will fit then go down to meet Haylie, Seth and Denis on the stage. The girls will be performing three songs (Ohmigod You Guys, Positive and So Much Better) on the actual stage, with the actual props, set pieces and some actual cast members. The girls practice running up the Delta Nu stairs for the end of Ohmigod You Guys and practice with the rest of the cast. Autumn and Seth talk after she practices Positive, reminding him--and us--of her disastrous audition a few weeks ago when she ran out sick. The girls rehearsal is over and they are sent home to practice.
The next day, they go to the theater and change into their first costumes. They both look like Elle! Haylie talks to them again, introducing them to their judging panel--now including director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell. She sends them back to their dressing rooms where we hear their half-hour call and then...in walks their parents! Bailey collapses while Autumn launches herself at her mother. There is hugging, tears, peeling Bailey off the floor, ignoring Bailey's sister and promises to do well for their parents. The girls are called onstage to do "Ohmigod You Guys."
Bailey is up first, starting with Elle's entrance. She was pretty good, but sounded off to me. But the judges seemed to like it. Autumn's next and it was pretty funny watching Tracy Jai Edwards run in twice within an edit timespan of five minutes shouting, "There she is!" As she sings, I swear Mitchell was on the verge of tears! Next, the girls perform Positive. Autumn is off on her dancing, usually a beat ahead of her Greek chorus. It did look odd, but she rocked the singing portions except in the beginning when she went a bit off on "Violence is never wise." Bailey was worlds' better when it came to dancing, I'll admit, and could sing but she too messed up the words.
Next, the girls have to rock "So Much Better." Both sang the hell out of the song. I liked some of the little touches Autumn added, like unzipping Richard (H) Blake's sweater. (I noticed they got him, but couldn't get either Christian Borle or Andy Karl to play Emmett. Who was that guy?) I did like Bailey's annoyed "What?" when being tapped by Emmett. In all honesty, while I'm rooting for Autumn at this point, it is clear Bailey is serious competition. And her dad's face when she sang "Its oh-oh-oh-oh-better" was priceless.
Autumn and Bailey appear before the judges for the last time and it's no-holds-bar. Mitchell and the others let them have it, such as pointing out Bailey's acting to the audience, not her castmates as well as Autumn's dancing and the fact she doesn't appear to be sorority girl. However, both are praised and called talented. Mitchell echoes a sentiment expressed by Heather Hach the episode prior when he says he wishes to take Autumn's voice and Bailey's dancing to create the perfect Elle. The girls are excused as the judges deliberate. And they showed a picture of Autumn pre-dye job. And I must say, she looks better as a blonde.
Our two Elle wannabes return to the stage. Haylie has the judges' final decision. After a few annoying "tense" moments, she reveals the next Elle Woods is...Bailey! I must say, my one voter was correct. Unless s/he knew the answer in advance. Seth, are you really reading this? Anyway, I know I said I would be upset if Bailey won, but I must admit she is talented so it's unfair to compare her to Saleisha "Tyra, I went to your camp! And modeled on your show! And this show!" Towers. My only problem has been noted already--she has the energy to play Elle as the ditsy sorority girl, but I don't know if she can carry it through to the end of the show where Elle matures into a strong woman.
Bailey sings the rest of "So Much Better" and as she gets to the part the chorus joins in, we get a surprise. The other nine eliminated girls, from Cassie O. down to Autumn, are her chorus. They focus on Lauren, Cassie O, and Lindsey before the girls turn around to spell out "Elle Woods." After singing, the judges join Bailey on stage to celebrate.
Bailey starts her performances tomorrow (July 23). Her single of "So Much Better" should be available on iTunes now. And there are happy endings for Autumn, Rhiannon and Lauren. Autumn will be joining the Legally Blonde ensemble and understudying Bailey while Rhiannon and Lauren will be joining the touring company. Lauren will be the Elle understudy while Rhiannon will play Margot. Break a leg, girls!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Your Attention Please!
For anyone who has been reading my Guide to Fanfiction, I've decided to move it. It can now be found at mackenziew.wordpress.com. I've decided it would be better suited over there and I can keep this blog to mostly my opinions about other things, lately TV. The original posts will remain on this site, but all future ones will be on that site.
I'll also take this time to say that I do want to read your opinions. I want this to be a two-way street. So don't hesitate--post away! (Though be forewarned--if I find any posts rude or offensive, I will not tolerate it). Right now, there is still about a day left to vote for who you want to be the next Elle Woods! (Laura Bell Bundy had her last performance tonight). Also, I want to know where you want to visit, both in the US and internationally!
I'll also take this time to say that I do want to read your opinions. I want this to be a two-way street. So don't hesitate--post away! (Though be forewarned--if I find any posts rude or offensive, I will not tolerate it). Right now, there is still about a day left to vote for who you want to be the next Elle Woods! (Laura Bell Bundy had her last performance tonight). Also, I want to know where you want to visit, both in the US and internationally!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Once You've Taken a Dreamflight, The Earth's an Inspiring Sight
Anyone remember Dreamflight in Disney World? It was replaced by Take Flight and now is home to the Buzz Lightyear Astro Spin.
So in my last post, I mentioned the Top 10 Places I would like to visit in the continental United States (though if I had done all 50 states, Alaska would've been on there). So, now let's imagine that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to travel internationally nor is the American dollar the laughingstock of the currency world (I just found out the Canadian dollar is worth more than ours. Huh?). Where would I go?
Here are my top 10 international destinations.
10. Japan. Their television, products and cars have invaded our country, let's go visit theirs! And of course, I myself had an anime phase so it'll be interesting to go there. The drawback? I'm blonde and when I was in Little Japan AKA Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, those Japanese were VERY fascinated with my natural hair. I had to get used to people touching me. I'm from New York City. We don't touch strangers.
9. Greece. I'm a Greek girl and would love to go and see this beautiful country. However, when (and if) I do go, I'm not Greek. American, sure, they love us! Greek-American? We're traitors, deserters! We left and we're not welcome back! Other than that, should be fun. Bring on the food!
8. Egypt. A place where civilization thrived. A chance to see the Pyramids of Giza, the last of the 7 Wonders of the World. A link to the past. Downside? HOT!
7. Amsterdam. This seems like a popular European destination, probably for the legal pot. If I go, I'll have to be careful as I've heard tales of people accidentally consuming some food laced with marijuana. Also a must-see: the Anne Frank house. Especially since I aced directing and staged a scene from The Diary of Anne Frank.
6. Brazil. I don't know. I just want to go.
5. Australia. Well, I didn't make it for World Youth Day this year, but I would love to visit the land down under--especially while we're having our winter and they're in the summer months. I'd go to Sydney, see the opera house, go to the beach, maybe go into the outback. See a koala, our school mascot, as well as a kangaroo!
4. Italy. Good food, beautiful country...I'd go to Rome, see the museums, eat their food, go to the Vatican, see St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, maybe the Pope. I'd also like to go to Milan, Venice, Sicily and Assisi.
3. Norway. I know, probably not the usual jetsetter fare. But the World Showcase is full of not-so-subtle tourism advertising and Norway worked on me. Of course, I wouldn't go during the cold months. But the country looks beautiful and full of relaxing things to do. Of course, the video also hasn't been updated since the mid-80s, but it's still lovely!
2. France. I spent five years learning to speak the language, now I want to see the country! I want to see the Champs Elysee, le Louvre, Notre-Dame de Paris, the Bastille, the Latin Quarter. I want to order in French. I want to see Versailles. I want to go to Normandy, see where my grandfather landed. And I want a croissant and hot chocolate for breakfast!
1. Ireland. Besides being Greek, I'm also Irish and they are much more welcoming. It would be great to go to the Emerald Isle. See Dublin. See the counties. Eat some Irish food, some potatoes and go to the pubs.
As mentioned in my post below, I've been to England. And though I only included countries I haven't been to on this list, I would love to go back to London. Anyway, what are your choices? Do share!
So in my last post, I mentioned the Top 10 Places I would like to visit in the continental United States (though if I had done all 50 states, Alaska would've been on there). So, now let's imagine that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to travel internationally nor is the American dollar the laughingstock of the currency world (I just found out the Canadian dollar is worth more than ours. Huh?). Where would I go?
Here are my top 10 international destinations.
10. Japan. Their television, products and cars have invaded our country, let's go visit theirs! And of course, I myself had an anime phase so it'll be interesting to go there. The drawback? I'm blonde and when I was in Little Japan AKA Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, those Japanese were VERY fascinated with my natural hair. I had to get used to people touching me. I'm from New York City. We don't touch strangers.
9. Greece. I'm a Greek girl and would love to go and see this beautiful country. However, when (and if) I do go, I'm not Greek. American, sure, they love us! Greek-American? We're traitors, deserters! We left and we're not welcome back! Other than that, should be fun. Bring on the food!
8. Egypt. A place where civilization thrived. A chance to see the Pyramids of Giza, the last of the 7 Wonders of the World. A link to the past. Downside? HOT!
7. Amsterdam. This seems like a popular European destination, probably for the legal pot. If I go, I'll have to be careful as I've heard tales of people accidentally consuming some food laced with marijuana. Also a must-see: the Anne Frank house. Especially since I aced directing and staged a scene from The Diary of Anne Frank.
6. Brazil. I don't know. I just want to go.
5. Australia. Well, I didn't make it for World Youth Day this year, but I would love to visit the land down under--especially while we're having our winter and they're in the summer months. I'd go to Sydney, see the opera house, go to the beach, maybe go into the outback. See a koala, our school mascot, as well as a kangaroo!
4. Italy. Good food, beautiful country...I'd go to Rome, see the museums, eat their food, go to the Vatican, see St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, maybe the Pope. I'd also like to go to Milan, Venice, Sicily and Assisi.
3. Norway. I know, probably not the usual jetsetter fare. But the World Showcase is full of not-so-subtle tourism advertising and Norway worked on me. Of course, I wouldn't go during the cold months. But the country looks beautiful and full of relaxing things to do. Of course, the video also hasn't been updated since the mid-80s, but it's still lovely!
2. France. I spent five years learning to speak the language, now I want to see the country! I want to see the Champs Elysee, le Louvre, Notre-Dame de Paris, the Bastille, the Latin Quarter. I want to order in French. I want to see Versailles. I want to go to Normandy, see where my grandfather landed. And I want a croissant and hot chocolate for breakfast!
1. Ireland. Besides being Greek, I'm also Irish and they are much more welcoming. It would be great to go to the Emerald Isle. See Dublin. See the counties. Eat some Irish food, some potatoes and go to the pubs.
As mentioned in my post below, I've been to England. And though I only included countries I haven't been to on this list, I would love to go back to London. Anyway, what are your choices? Do share!
Oh the Places You'll Go!
So, it's summertime. You know what that means--summer vacations! We're all talking about them. I'm filling in for someone on hers. My family is talking about ours (which I will hopefully be able to go on) to Boston. And if there are any regular readers of this blog (seriously, are you out there?), you know of my love affair with the Travel Channel. They are having a contest where you can win a weekend for two anywhere in the continental US. If I were to win, where would I go? Hmm...
You know what we need? A top ten list!
10) Chicago. I'm a city gal as my temporary employer pointed out when I confessed my favorite trip was to London. I'd love to go this city, to walk around and see what Chicago has to offer. And to have a slice of pizza to see if it is just as good as our New York pizzas.
9) San Francisco. The city by the bay. It would be great to see this city, once the center of the hippie movement. To go exploring, to see the Golden Gate and of course, that famous hill.
8) Vermont. While I'm a city girl at heart, there are days I like to get out to the wilderness. Enjoy the beauty of nature. Go on a hike. Or visit a river or a lake. I love going near water.
7) Denver. Right near the Rockies, also famous for it's beauty as well. And a major city! What more could you ask for?
6) Myrtle Beach. I've been here before, but it's been awhile. And it's such a lovely vacation spot, one of the most relaxing places I've ever gone. I think perfect for a quick weekend rejuvenation. Plus, I have family near by. It'd be great to see them again.
5) Any place in Texas. The Lone Star state would be a lovely place to go. Samantha Brown went to Austin in one of her episodes (she also went to Myrtle Beach as well). Houston would be nice as well. And I'd love to see the Rio Grande as well as the Alamo.
4) Minnesota. I was part of a youth group and I made lots of friends from this state. So many, my parents just assumed everyone I talked about was from there and were usually surprised when I would say some place else. It'd be great to see their home state. And while I'm not a mall rat, who could turn down a trip to the Mall of America?
3) Los Angeles. I was there briefly when I was five. Stayed in the Plaza Hotel and was a bit pampered--I waited for the doorman to open the door for me and ordered room service all by myself. I'd love to go back there, despite the traffic. And maybe extend our weekend, hop (or crawl) over to Anaheim and go back to Disneyland.
2) Miami. I've gone to Florida many times. However, I've usually only stayed in the Orlando and Tampa areas. I would love to see this famous party town, go to the beach and visit Little Havana. (Note: If anyone is in the Tampa area, go to Tarpon Springs near Holiday, about a half-hour to 45 minutes away from Tampa. It's a largely Greek area, great shopping and great food).
1) I must admit that Samantha Brown has been a big influence on this list, but these are really the places I would like to see. And the number one place? New Orleans! I'm a Francophile, so it would be great to go down and see the French influence as well as the others. And jazz is always good, right? Besides, we need to support New Orleans as much as the rest of the country supported New York following 9/11.
Well, those are my top ten. What are yours? Do tell. And if anyone responds, I'll post your places as well!
You know what we need? A top ten list!
10) Chicago. I'm a city gal as my temporary employer pointed out when I confessed my favorite trip was to London. I'd love to go this city, to walk around and see what Chicago has to offer. And to have a slice of pizza to see if it is just as good as our New York pizzas.
9) San Francisco. The city by the bay. It would be great to see this city, once the center of the hippie movement. To go exploring, to see the Golden Gate and of course, that famous hill.
8) Vermont. While I'm a city girl at heart, there are days I like to get out to the wilderness. Enjoy the beauty of nature. Go on a hike. Or visit a river or a lake. I love going near water.
7) Denver. Right near the Rockies, also famous for it's beauty as well. And a major city! What more could you ask for?
6) Myrtle Beach. I've been here before, but it's been awhile. And it's such a lovely vacation spot, one of the most relaxing places I've ever gone. I think perfect for a quick weekend rejuvenation. Plus, I have family near by. It'd be great to see them again.
5) Any place in Texas. The Lone Star state would be a lovely place to go. Samantha Brown went to Austin in one of her episodes (she also went to Myrtle Beach as well). Houston would be nice as well. And I'd love to see the Rio Grande as well as the Alamo.
4) Minnesota. I was part of a youth group and I made lots of friends from this state. So many, my parents just assumed everyone I talked about was from there and were usually surprised when I would say some place else. It'd be great to see their home state. And while I'm not a mall rat, who could turn down a trip to the Mall of America?
3) Los Angeles. I was there briefly when I was five. Stayed in the Plaza Hotel and was a bit pampered--I waited for the doorman to open the door for me and ordered room service all by myself. I'd love to go back there, despite the traffic. And maybe extend our weekend, hop (or crawl) over to Anaheim and go back to Disneyland.
2) Miami. I've gone to Florida many times. However, I've usually only stayed in the Orlando and Tampa areas. I would love to see this famous party town, go to the beach and visit Little Havana. (Note: If anyone is in the Tampa area, go to Tarpon Springs near Holiday, about a half-hour to 45 minutes away from Tampa. It's a largely Greek area, great shopping and great food).
1) I must admit that Samantha Brown has been a big influence on this list, but these are really the places I would like to see. And the number one place? New Orleans! I'm a Francophile, so it would be great to go down and see the French influence as well as the others. And jazz is always good, right? Besides, we need to support New Orleans as much as the rest of the country supported New York following 9/11.
Well, those are my top ten. What are yours? Do tell. And if anyone responds, I'll post your places as well!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Huh?
So, I watched yet another episode of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager." It's so bad, it's kinda good in a way. However, there are some points where I think the writers put zero thought into how it makes sense. For instance:
Molly Ringwald is upset that her daughters' doctor (who shall be referred to as Aunt Julie, since that's the character she played on 7th Heaven) took on a partner. Okay, my pediatrician took on partners and my Mom never threw a fit over it. It's not like she's handing the practice over. Just get appointments on the days Aunt Julie is there. But to add to this, Molly is pissed off that Aunt Julie's new partner is John Schneider, the guy who married her husband's ex-wife! WHAT? Since ABC Family doesn't understand the concept of "spoilers" when writing character bios, we know that Amy's Dad was a cheater and that's most likely why Josie Bisset ended their marriage. We're also told that Molly found out she was pregnant with Amy when she was young and married Amy's Dad, meaning the relationship may not have been incredibly old at the time. And if Josie Bisset waited for John Schneider to finish medical school and also have two children OLDER than Amy, then Molly wasn't the one who broke up the marriage. So, why care that it's him who is the partner?
The writing still falls flat. Who would say "I like sex" to their school counselor? If someone in my school said that, they would be in serious trouble. Of course, I went to Catholic school but I can't see public school being that much more liberal on the topic. Also, why do the best friends get squicked out when the brother says "fetus"? They're 15, not 12. They may not be old enough to care for a fetus, but they can certainly say the term. Besides, if the brother is old enough to drive, it means that both he and his sister have the same maturity level. Or did someone on the writing staff forget that girls mature faster than guys?
I'll probably tune in next week. Looks like Amy will finally tell dear ole Mom and Dad about the baby. And maybe Molly can finally show some real acting chops.
Molly Ringwald is upset that her daughters' doctor (who shall be referred to as Aunt Julie, since that's the character she played on 7th Heaven) took on a partner. Okay, my pediatrician took on partners and my Mom never threw a fit over it. It's not like she's handing the practice over. Just get appointments on the days Aunt Julie is there. But to add to this, Molly is pissed off that Aunt Julie's new partner is John Schneider, the guy who married her husband's ex-wife! WHAT? Since ABC Family doesn't understand the concept of "spoilers" when writing character bios, we know that Amy's Dad was a cheater and that's most likely why Josie Bisset ended their marriage. We're also told that Molly found out she was pregnant with Amy when she was young and married Amy's Dad, meaning the relationship may not have been incredibly old at the time. And if Josie Bisset waited for John Schneider to finish medical school and also have two children OLDER than Amy, then Molly wasn't the one who broke up the marriage. So, why care that it's him who is the partner?
The writing still falls flat. Who would say "I like sex" to their school counselor? If someone in my school said that, they would be in serious trouble. Of course, I went to Catholic school but I can't see public school being that much more liberal on the topic. Also, why do the best friends get squicked out when the brother says "fetus"? They're 15, not 12. They may not be old enough to care for a fetus, but they can certainly say the term. Besides, if the brother is old enough to drive, it means that both he and his sister have the same maturity level. Or did someone on the writing staff forget that girls mature faster than guys?
I'll probably tune in next week. Looks like Amy will finally tell dear ole Mom and Dad about the baby. And maybe Molly can finally show some real acting chops.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
This is NOT a Personal Essay!
Only one week of "Legally Blonde the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods" left? Now what am I going to do? America's Next Top Model doesn't start for another two months...
Anyway, Autumn and Lauren are waiting for the girls to come back from the casting office. Both predict Natalie will return (and I kept hoping she'd walk through the door and reveal last week's ending was just a bad dream) and Lauren believes Rhiannon will be the one sent home. The door opens and the girls are shocked to see Bailey and Rhiannon come in. Lauren's reaction to Natalie's elimination is pretty similar to my own, sans the following rant at the TV. Bailey goes on about how unbelievable it was that she ended up in the casting office which doesn't go over well with Autumn and Lauren, both who have survived the office themselves. It appears that Bailey is now taking over for Cassie S as the house bitch.
The girls get a call sheet and meet Haylie Duff at a maze of mats and equipment. With her are two Legally Blonde cast members who also trained her for her debut in Hairspray. They put the girls through the paces. Each girl has to give a monologue (It sounds like they mostly did the scene during Harvard Variations where Elle introduces herself, yet Rhiannon says "Why would you lie about being in the shower?" which is from later in the show, during the trial). The girls deliver it while the guy twirls them and lifts them up. Autumn nails it. Next the girls sing and then are given pink tap shoes. The woman says the movements are easy and then proceeds to do one very complicated dance. Autumn looks ready to kill herself, but she holds her own. While getting tips, she realizes she can just fake it so it looks like she's doing it, which pisses off Bailey after she overhears it. Of course, now that Natalie is gone, Bailey is the best dancer there so she might see it as a slight on her talent.
Haylie tells the girls that there is no challenge winner and it cuts to a not-so-intense commercial break because you just know she's going to say "You are all winners!" And lo and behold, she does. The girls go back to the loft where they see a table set up, complete with flowers. A delicious dinner is served and the girls chat about when they knew they wanted to be on Broadway. Autumn listens and remembers when she was naive enough to think she'd make it big on Broadway in no time. Like others, she hasn't had her big break yet (umm, not counting this show). She warns the girls not to get their hopes up too high and Bailey snaps back that they are staying positive. Autumn has a point and doesn't come off like those experienced models on Top Model (coughLisacough) who insert unsolicited advice. The tense moment is broken when the waiter brings them four Tiffany boxes. Inside are the special heart necklaces Elle wears in the show. The girls go nuts.
Before sending them to their dinner, Haylie informs the girls that they will be performing "What You Want!" as their audition piece. So, the girls meet up with Denis, Seth and the cast members from the previous day to work on it. Rhiannon doesn't make it through the final part without sounding like she needs an oxygen tank from the dance section. Autumn realizes she can fake the tap section pretty well and blows them away with her vocal. Bailey has to work a bit harder. They bring in actual Legally Blonde cast members (including the girl who plays Pilar) to work with as well. And to top it off, the girls will have to do a quick change during their audition. The girls keep working hard, including Autumn and Lauren. Rhiannon and Bailey feel they are prepared enough and Bailey is actually pissed that Autumn and Lauren keep working, saying it is making her nervous.
The girls make it to their audition and perform. Like the day before, Rhiannon gets winded due to the dance section. Lauren does pretty good but the judges do say it can be easy to see she is thinking it through. Bailey goes to do her quick change and realizes someone has given her Lauren's hat by mistake. She oversteps the quick change and has to perform with the large hat. If there was a crew member hoping to sink her, his or her plan backfired big time as the show of imperfection made the judges LURVE her. Autumn does remarkably well, holding her own in the dance section. The judges though, give her mixed reviews. My favorite part? Seth constantly yelling out "This is NOT a personal essay!" from the piano bench.
The judges deliberate and Heather Hach says she wishes they could take the best parts of the four contestants to create the perfect Elle Woods. Haylie reveals that all the girls have to go to the casting office. There, Lauren gets the cut for being too young. Honestly, Bailey looks and acts just as young. She's just safe because of the hat incident. After Lauren leaves, Bernie reveals that Jerry Mitchell only wants two girls in the final audition so one other girl will be eliminated that night...and will be revealed in the next episode. I know Bailey is safe so I hope Autumn is too. But if Bailey takes the whole thing, I will be more upset than when Saleisha "Tootie, Tyra's Poster Child" Towers won America's Next Top Model Cycle 9.
And Playbill.com reported that the winning Elle will get her own single of "So Much Better" released after she wins the show. She will also take over as Elle two days after the airing. Here's the article: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/119446.html.
If anyone is reading this, please share who you want to win!
Anyway, Autumn and Lauren are waiting for the girls to come back from the casting office. Both predict Natalie will return (and I kept hoping she'd walk through the door and reveal last week's ending was just a bad dream) and Lauren believes Rhiannon will be the one sent home. The door opens and the girls are shocked to see Bailey and Rhiannon come in. Lauren's reaction to Natalie's elimination is pretty similar to my own, sans the following rant at the TV. Bailey goes on about how unbelievable it was that she ended up in the casting office which doesn't go over well with Autumn and Lauren, both who have survived the office themselves. It appears that Bailey is now taking over for Cassie S as the house bitch.
The girls get a call sheet and meet Haylie Duff at a maze of mats and equipment. With her are two Legally Blonde cast members who also trained her for her debut in Hairspray. They put the girls through the paces. Each girl has to give a monologue (It sounds like they mostly did the scene during Harvard Variations where Elle introduces herself, yet Rhiannon says "Why would you lie about being in the shower?" which is from later in the show, during the trial). The girls deliver it while the guy twirls them and lifts them up. Autumn nails it. Next the girls sing and then are given pink tap shoes. The woman says the movements are easy and then proceeds to do one very complicated dance. Autumn looks ready to kill herself, but she holds her own. While getting tips, she realizes she can just fake it so it looks like she's doing it, which pisses off Bailey after she overhears it. Of course, now that Natalie is gone, Bailey is the best dancer there so she might see it as a slight on her talent.
Haylie tells the girls that there is no challenge winner and it cuts to a not-so-intense commercial break because you just know she's going to say "You are all winners!" And lo and behold, she does. The girls go back to the loft where they see a table set up, complete with flowers. A delicious dinner is served and the girls chat about when they knew they wanted to be on Broadway. Autumn listens and remembers when she was naive enough to think she'd make it big on Broadway in no time. Like others, she hasn't had her big break yet (umm, not counting this show). She warns the girls not to get their hopes up too high and Bailey snaps back that they are staying positive. Autumn has a point and doesn't come off like those experienced models on Top Model (coughLisacough) who insert unsolicited advice. The tense moment is broken when the waiter brings them four Tiffany boxes. Inside are the special heart necklaces Elle wears in the show. The girls go nuts.
Before sending them to their dinner, Haylie informs the girls that they will be performing "What You Want!" as their audition piece. So, the girls meet up with Denis, Seth and the cast members from the previous day to work on it. Rhiannon doesn't make it through the final part without sounding like she needs an oxygen tank from the dance section. Autumn realizes she can fake the tap section pretty well and blows them away with her vocal. Bailey has to work a bit harder. They bring in actual Legally Blonde cast members (including the girl who plays Pilar) to work with as well. And to top it off, the girls will have to do a quick change during their audition. The girls keep working hard, including Autumn and Lauren. Rhiannon and Bailey feel they are prepared enough and Bailey is actually pissed that Autumn and Lauren keep working, saying it is making her nervous.
The girls make it to their audition and perform. Like the day before, Rhiannon gets winded due to the dance section. Lauren does pretty good but the judges do say it can be easy to see she is thinking it through. Bailey goes to do her quick change and realizes someone has given her Lauren's hat by mistake. She oversteps the quick change and has to perform with the large hat. If there was a crew member hoping to sink her, his or her plan backfired big time as the show of imperfection made the judges LURVE her. Autumn does remarkably well, holding her own in the dance section. The judges though, give her mixed reviews. My favorite part? Seth constantly yelling out "This is NOT a personal essay!" from the piano bench.
The judges deliberate and Heather Hach says she wishes they could take the best parts of the four contestants to create the perfect Elle Woods. Haylie reveals that all the girls have to go to the casting office. There, Lauren gets the cut for being too young. Honestly, Bailey looks and acts just as young. She's just safe because of the hat incident. After Lauren leaves, Bernie reveals that Jerry Mitchell only wants two girls in the final audition so one other girl will be eliminated that night...and will be revealed in the next episode. I know Bailey is safe so I hope Autumn is too. But if Bailey takes the whole thing, I will be more upset than when Saleisha "Tootie, Tyra's Poster Child" Towers won America's Next Top Model Cycle 9.
And Playbill.com reported that the winning Elle will get her own single of "So Much Better" released after she wins the show. She will also take over as Elle two days after the airing. Here's the article: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/119446.html.
If anyone is reading this, please share who you want to win!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Who Knew History Could Be Exciting?
The other night I finally sat down to watch "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets." Now, I'm a fan of American history, though they were leaning more on the Civil War and Lincoln Conspiracy than my preferred American Revolution.
Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) and his father, Patrick (Jon Voight), go on a quest to clear their ancestor's name as one of the Lincoln assassins. Riley and Abigail (Diane Kruger) are once again along for the ride, though Abigail and Ben have been having some relationship issues. They go to France and England, followed by the man who turned in the proof (Ed Harris) and being monitored as well by the FBI. They realize that they are going to Cibola, the fabled city of gold. To find it, Ben tricks the president down into a secret passage to ask him about the Book of Secrets--information only the presidents know. He tells Ben where it is (the Library of Congress) and he needs his mother's (Helen Mirren) help in translating it. Will he find the lost city?
I know the answer of course, as do others who've seen the movie. But I don't like giving endings away. The movie moved pretty quickly and never dragged. It sucked you in. And in true Disney sense, you were so entertained, you didn't realize you were learning (see Epcot). Everything work together, though I was confused as to the final location of Cibola. Why there? Seriously. Good work on the cast's part and Helen Mirren had great chemistry with Voight. I heard there's already a National Treasure 3 in the works. Wonder what they'll tackle this time...
Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) and his father, Patrick (Jon Voight), go on a quest to clear their ancestor's name as one of the Lincoln assassins. Riley and Abigail (Diane Kruger) are once again along for the ride, though Abigail and Ben have been having some relationship issues. They go to France and England, followed by the man who turned in the proof (Ed Harris) and being monitored as well by the FBI. They realize that they are going to Cibola, the fabled city of gold. To find it, Ben tricks the president down into a secret passage to ask him about the Book of Secrets--information only the presidents know. He tells Ben where it is (the Library of Congress) and he needs his mother's (Helen Mirren) help in translating it. Will he find the lost city?
I know the answer of course, as do others who've seen the movie. But I don't like giving endings away. The movie moved pretty quickly and never dragged. It sucked you in. And in true Disney sense, you were so entertained, you didn't realize you were learning (see Epcot). Everything work together, though I was confused as to the final location of Cibola. Why there? Seriously. Good work on the cast's part and Helen Mirren had great chemistry with Voight. I heard there's already a National Treasure 3 in the works. Wonder what they'll tackle this time...
Friday, July 11, 2008
Who You Gonna Call?
Ghost Hunters International! Okay, not as catchy as Ghostbusters, I'll admit.
GHI is the spin-off of Sci Fi's hit series, Ghost Hunters. A TAPS team was assembled and sent to investigate hauntings overseas. GH regulars Andy, Brian and Donna joined Rob and newcomer Shannon. They met up with Barry, an Irish investigator the TAPS team had worked with previously, to explore European hauntings. The first part of the season ended back in March with the second part starting this past Wednesday. Shannon is inexplicably gone but former TAPS regular Dustin has come in her stead. I just wish there had been an interviewing saying why Shannon had gone.
The gang flew to New Zealand to investigate Larnach Castle in Dunedin. Deborah explains that the owner, Larnach, lost two wives then found wife # 3 cheating with his son. He shot himself in Parliament. She says she's been pushed, people smell port and tobacco in an empty room, see orbs among other things. All through this, I'm wondering why they keep captioning the poor woman. Yes, she has an accent but I can understand her perfectly! After listening to the stories, the gang sets up their cameras and microphones. They go lights out.
Now, TAPS and GHI don't look for evidence more than they look for ways to disprove the haunting. Andy realizes the porous wood is releasing the port and tobacco smells the people have reported. Brian realizes the steps are designed in a way that would cause people to trip if they weren't careful and feel as if they were pushed. But they do capture a picture that seems to have a shadow in the shape of a man staring at them that they can't explain. And both Brian and Barry claim to have seen someone within minutes of each other.
I love Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International because it's a ghost show that won't scare me. They aren't going to use tricks or filmed segments to boost up the fear fact (I'm looking at you, A Haunting). Sometimes, things happen, sometimes, they don't. But the team members are always entertaining themselves. Whether it's Steve being scared of something, Dustin and Brian reacting to a large spider, or Jason and Grant sitting in a supposedly haunted room just talking, it's wonderful to watch.
So tune in! Maybe some of you nonbelievers will be converted. Sci Fi channel at 9 PM.
GHI is the spin-off of Sci Fi's hit series, Ghost Hunters. A TAPS team was assembled and sent to investigate hauntings overseas. GH regulars Andy, Brian and Donna joined Rob and newcomer Shannon. They met up with Barry, an Irish investigator the TAPS team had worked with previously, to explore European hauntings. The first part of the season ended back in March with the second part starting this past Wednesday. Shannon is inexplicably gone but former TAPS regular Dustin has come in her stead. I just wish there had been an interviewing saying why Shannon had gone.
The gang flew to New Zealand to investigate Larnach Castle in Dunedin. Deborah explains that the owner, Larnach, lost two wives then found wife # 3 cheating with his son. He shot himself in Parliament. She says she's been pushed, people smell port and tobacco in an empty room, see orbs among other things. All through this, I'm wondering why they keep captioning the poor woman. Yes, she has an accent but I can understand her perfectly! After listening to the stories, the gang sets up their cameras and microphones. They go lights out.
Now, TAPS and GHI don't look for evidence more than they look for ways to disprove the haunting. Andy realizes the porous wood is releasing the port and tobacco smells the people have reported. Brian realizes the steps are designed in a way that would cause people to trip if they weren't careful and feel as if they were pushed. But they do capture a picture that seems to have a shadow in the shape of a man staring at them that they can't explain. And both Brian and Barry claim to have seen someone within minutes of each other.
I love Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International because it's a ghost show that won't scare me. They aren't going to use tricks or filmed segments to boost up the fear fact (I'm looking at you, A Haunting). Sometimes, things happen, sometimes, they don't. But the team members are always entertaining themselves. Whether it's Steve being scared of something, Dustin and Brian reacting to a large spider, or Jason and Grant sitting in a supposedly haunted room just talking, it's wonderful to watch.
So tune in! Maybe some of you nonbelievers will be converted. Sci Fi channel at 9 PM.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
That's Fine With Me
Mea Culpa. I was so caught up yesterday in how much Legally Blonde the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods was like Top Model, I forgot an important appearance! The current Elle Woods herself, Laura Bell Bundy, surprised the girls before their photoshoot. She sat with the girls and talked about being Elle. She gave out tips and also cried. Everyone cries on this show, I notice. Does someone have stock in tissues? But it was nice to see her.
And onto "The Secret Life of the American Teenager"--a title almost as long as the one above! Amy has decided that denial is the best route but it is quickly tossed aside as her best friends make the mistake of mentioning Amy's tryst with Ricky as Ben's friends passby. They tell Ben, who calls Amy to ask her. But he ends up taking it back, she denies it even more and then they profess their love. After one date. So did Romeo and Juliet and look how they turned up! Amy forgives her best friends, who are confident no one knows about the baby. Meanwhile, Ricky (Baby Daddy) is trying to talk to Amy--as just friends--while Adrian and he try to mend their relationship. Grace is still dealing with the fallout from Jack's betrayal, but she ultimately forgives him. She promises to get her parents' permission to date him again and makes him promise not to pressure her for sex. He agrees, but good luck getting the parental okay. Both Mom and Dad--especially Dad--are not ready to forgive and would rather Grace move on. Makes me wonder if Grace is sticking with Jack not so much out of a love but from a subconscious desire to rebel against her father. Of course, I could be reading too far into this show. And in other news, Amy's parents seemed to be falling apart.
The show still hasn't hit it's stride and the dialogue was only slightly better this week. Amy's infodump role--informing us that Grace's mom was her dad's ex-wife but they weren't sisters--seemed a bit unnatural. I think the best scenes this week involved Grace's family. First, the conversation between her and her mother (Josie Bisset) and then Dad and Jack. John Schneider is definitely one of the best aspects of this show as is Josie Bisset. If only they would give Woodley some more to do. I know she can do it--view the Felicity movie (American Girl, aired on the WB in 2006 and is out on DVD, often repeated on Hallmark) or "Cockroaches and Chocolates" episode of CSI: NY where she played the daughter of an ambassador. Oh well, Secret Life is still my guilty pleasure.
And onto "The Secret Life of the American Teenager"--a title almost as long as the one above! Amy has decided that denial is the best route but it is quickly tossed aside as her best friends make the mistake of mentioning Amy's tryst with Ricky as Ben's friends passby. They tell Ben, who calls Amy to ask her. But he ends up taking it back, she denies it even more and then they profess their love. After one date. So did Romeo and Juliet and look how they turned up! Amy forgives her best friends, who are confident no one knows about the baby. Meanwhile, Ricky (Baby Daddy) is trying to talk to Amy--as just friends--while Adrian and he try to mend their relationship. Grace is still dealing with the fallout from Jack's betrayal, but she ultimately forgives him. She promises to get her parents' permission to date him again and makes him promise not to pressure her for sex. He agrees, but good luck getting the parental okay. Both Mom and Dad--especially Dad--are not ready to forgive and would rather Grace move on. Makes me wonder if Grace is sticking with Jack not so much out of a love but from a subconscious desire to rebel against her father. Of course, I could be reading too far into this show. And in other news, Amy's parents seemed to be falling apart.
The show still hasn't hit it's stride and the dialogue was only slightly better this week. Amy's infodump role--informing us that Grace's mom was her dad's ex-wife but they weren't sisters--seemed a bit unnatural. I think the best scenes this week involved Grace's family. First, the conversation between her and her mother (Josie Bisset) and then Dad and Jack. John Schneider is definitely one of the best aspects of this show as is Josie Bisset. If only they would give Woodley some more to do. I know she can do it--view the Felicity movie (American Girl, aired on the WB in 2006 and is out on DVD, often repeated on Hallmark) or "Cockroaches and Chocolates" episode of CSI: NY where she played the daughter of an ambassador. Oh well, Secret Life is still my guilty pleasure.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Back to the Sun, Back to the Shore
In case anyone is wondering, it's been over 24 hours and I'm still upset about last night's episode of "Legally Blonde the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods" (The Soup is right. It is a long title). I think I actually yelled at my TV.
(Note: I missed the first six minutes of the show. Mea culpa.)
Wanna be on top? When I tuned in, the girls were in a hair salon for makeovers! I thought I had tuned into one of the reruns of America's Next Top Model! Natalie and Autumn, our two brunettes, went blonde while the natural blondes (everyone else) got trims. Some makeovers. Though Bailey's freakout over her shorter hair and Autumn trying to keep the contempt for her new style hidden almost made up for the lack of meltdowns in the previous three cycles of Top Model. What do those girls think we watch makeover week for? However, Bailey's freak out doesn't match Cassandra from Top Model's Cycle 5 and I highly doubt anyone will ever live up to Jaeda from Cycle 6 and her consistent "OMG! They cut my hair! I hate it!" And like Top Model, the girls went straight to a photoshoot where they had to impress wearing the same dress and shoes. They were told to stand out. I half expected Mr. Jay Manuel to come out and direct the shoot. In the end, for daring to make a choice, Natalie wins the challenge. Seriously, is this Top Model or Legally Blonde?
And why did Natalie and Autumn have to go blonde? Is it a requirement now? Aren't there wigs?
Natalie wins the chance to spend some quality time with Andy Karl (Kyle the UPS Guy and others/Emmett Understudy). I squeed over the fact that he would be gracing our screens. He's incredibly handsome, incredibly talented and gets entrance applause by just holding out a UPS package. Also, he rocks those khaki shorts. (Trivia: Andy Karl is married to fellow castmate Orfeh (Paulette) who we have seen already). Before the lucky gal goes off and as Autumn stews that it came down between Natalie and Bailey and not her, Haylie Duff reveals that the girls will be singing the title song (Legally Blonde) with Andy! (I guess they couldn't get Christian Borle. Shame).
After Natalie's time with Andy Karl, the girls report to the studio to practice with the ahmahzing Seth Rudetsky. He helps them with the song and each girl has an emotional break through. Some girls realize that, like Elle, they have been judged for their looks. Autumn equates it with being in the casting office. Natalie says it speaks to her as she can't believe she is really here and that they believe in her because she can't believe it. I've watched Top Model enough that I should've recognized the hints. The girls are sent home in anticipation of the next day's audition.
Side note: I've said that Seth is my favorite Playbill.com columnist and this week's Onstage & Backstage he goes into some back stage details of the show. Also, he said something that made me wonder if he was reading any blogs about the show and if mine was one of them. So I'm going to stroke my ego a little and say that about my comments regarding Broadway actors and their absences was based on many an interview I've seen/read with some of the Great White Way's
legends from years past. And now I'm going to take a pin to my ego as it is also a usual topic bantered about on the Broadwayworld.com message boards.
Anyway, on to the girls. Autumn and Lauren gave good performances, as did Natalie. I don't see where the judges thought she was weak. Rhiannon and Bailey gave decent performances as well. This is one of the hard times where they've weeded out the less-talented and you can't pick a bad performance. (See "I'd Do Anything" and the final 5 Nancys). In the end, Rhiannon, Lauren and Natalie were sent down to the casting office. And after one week of what they viewed as a subpar performance, the judges idiotically cut Natalie. It was like poor Aimee's elimination after one bad photoshoot this past cycle.
Next week: Bailey rubs some people (namely, Autumn) the wrong way and the girls perform "What You Want" as the final 3 are determined. We only have two weeks left?
(Note: I missed the first six minutes of the show. Mea culpa.)
Wanna be on top? When I tuned in, the girls were in a hair salon for makeovers! I thought I had tuned into one of the reruns of America's Next Top Model! Natalie and Autumn, our two brunettes, went blonde while the natural blondes (everyone else) got trims. Some makeovers. Though Bailey's freakout over her shorter hair and Autumn trying to keep the contempt for her new style hidden almost made up for the lack of meltdowns in the previous three cycles of Top Model. What do those girls think we watch makeover week for? However, Bailey's freak out doesn't match Cassandra from Top Model's Cycle 5 and I highly doubt anyone will ever live up to Jaeda from Cycle 6 and her consistent "OMG! They cut my hair! I hate it!" And like Top Model, the girls went straight to a photoshoot where they had to impress wearing the same dress and shoes. They were told to stand out. I half expected Mr. Jay Manuel to come out and direct the shoot. In the end, for daring to make a choice, Natalie wins the challenge. Seriously, is this Top Model or Legally Blonde?
And why did Natalie and Autumn have to go blonde? Is it a requirement now? Aren't there wigs?
Natalie wins the chance to spend some quality time with Andy Karl (Kyle the UPS Guy and others/Emmett Understudy). I squeed over the fact that he would be gracing our screens. He's incredibly handsome, incredibly talented and gets entrance applause by just holding out a UPS package. Also, he rocks those khaki shorts. (Trivia: Andy Karl is married to fellow castmate Orfeh (Paulette) who we have seen already). Before the lucky gal goes off and as Autumn stews that it came down between Natalie and Bailey and not her, Haylie Duff reveals that the girls will be singing the title song (Legally Blonde) with Andy! (I guess they couldn't get Christian Borle. Shame).
After Natalie's time with Andy Karl, the girls report to the studio to practice with the ahmahzing Seth Rudetsky. He helps them with the song and each girl has an emotional break through. Some girls realize that, like Elle, they have been judged for their looks. Autumn equates it with being in the casting office. Natalie says it speaks to her as she can't believe she is really here and that they believe in her because she can't believe it. I've watched Top Model enough that I should've recognized the hints. The girls are sent home in anticipation of the next day's audition.
Side note: I've said that Seth is my favorite Playbill.com columnist and this week's Onstage & Backstage he goes into some back stage details of the show. Also, he said something that made me wonder if he was reading any blogs about the show and if mine was one of them. So I'm going to stroke my ego a little and say that about my comments regarding Broadway actors and their absences was based on many an interview I've seen/read with some of the Great White Way's
legends from years past. And now I'm going to take a pin to my ego as it is also a usual topic bantered about on the Broadwayworld.com message boards.
Anyway, on to the girls. Autumn and Lauren gave good performances, as did Natalie. I don't see where the judges thought she was weak. Rhiannon and Bailey gave decent performances as well. This is one of the hard times where they've weeded out the less-talented and you can't pick a bad performance. (See "I'd Do Anything" and the final 5 Nancys). In the end, Rhiannon, Lauren and Natalie were sent down to the casting office. And after one week of what they viewed as a subpar performance, the judges idiotically cut Natalie. It was like poor Aimee's elimination after one bad photoshoot this past cycle.
Next week: Bailey rubs some people (namely, Autumn) the wrong way and the girls perform "What You Want" as the final 3 are determined. We only have two weeks left?
Monday, July 7, 2008
Out There...There's a World Outside of Yonkers
That's how "Wall-E," the latest Pixar-Disney collaboration, opens. With Michael Crawford (The Phantom of the Opera) singing Jerry Herman's "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" from Hello, Dolly (the movie version). Wall-E, a CGI robot captures my heart by the fact he enjoys a musical. Now, for a family friendly movie produced by the two top names in family entertainment, this movie is not for small children. In fact, it's slightly depressing and a few of my friends (high school age, college age and beyond) have admitted to crying during it.
Wall-E is the last robot on earth, built to remove the trash the human race has built up. They, meanwhile, are cruising around the universe while this happens. The other robots all break down, their parts used as spares by Wall-E. He, meanwhile, only has a cockroach (the only sign of non-metallic life) for a companion. And he's very resilient bug at that too. Wall-E accidentally crushes him a few times. And I'll admit, after witnessing the empty terrain--devoid of life or anything else for Wall-E to interact with--I was overjoyed to see that little cockroach pop back up just fine and dandy. It hits you with the basic human fear of being alone. I may not be much of a people person, but I would not want to be alone. Wall-E has developed a personality and becomes a collector of odds and ends. He uses Christmas lights to light his house, collects forks and spoons (but doesn't know where to place the spork, so he puts it between the two) and watches Hello, Dolly. While he works, he plays "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" and "It Only Takes a Moment." In that scene, where Cornelius (Crawford) and Irene Molloy realize they are in love and hold hands. Wall-E wants to hold someone's hand.
(I must also point out that I find it very funny that the cockroach lives in a Twinkie. Shows you the things that will never go)
And then a spaceship appears and leaves a robot, named EVE. Wall-E becomes enamored and stalks EVE. She is a robot on a mission but goes to Wall-E's place with him. She looks at all his odds and ends, actually solving the Rubik's cube. When Wall-E shows her a plant he found, she shuts down. Wall-E tries to wake her and then takes care of her (even playing Pong with her) until the spaceship returns. He goes with it, telling his cockroach buddy to wait where he was, and travels to the spaceship humans have been living on...for 700 years. They are in an endless mall, all supplied to keep them happy. They don't walk and rely on robots for everything. Naturally, they are quite fat. Wall-E comes and shakes up two humans' lives--Mary (Kathy Nijamy) and John (Pixar favorite John Ratzenburger)--who realize they really aren't living. They don't even realize they have a pool!
Note: The scene where two humans zipping by talking to each other via video phone though they are next to each other reminds me of all the AIM conversations I had with my college roommate while she was next to me. Come on, you've all done it or else there wouldn't be a Facebook group.
As the captain realizes that Earth is liveable again, he needs Wall-E's and EVE's help to save mankind from its idle lifestyle and the robots.
Now, there are about twenty tense minutes in the movie where you are unsure if our hero will make it to the end of the movie. These are the worst for little kids and the ones in the theater my family went to were crying mostly during this. And many parents were shuffling them out of the theater.
It was a cute movie, it was just sad. Fortunately not Bambi "Another Disney Mom Bites the Dust" sad, but more than Finding Nemo "Another Disney Mom Bites the Dust" sad. And to the older, as I said, it speaks to that fear of isolation we all have. However, once Wall-E is surrounded by EVE, MO (who steals the movie in my opinion), the other robots, the captain, Mary and John, it picks up as he is no longer alone. Also, it might be wise to distract yourself when you get too depressed into picking up in jokes or references. There are many references to Apple products that I'd probably pick up more on if my only Apple product wasn't my iPod. I do know the Apple MacInTalk program voices a character, which is cool. And I myself saw a symbol on the space ship that reminded me of the logo for the old EPCOT ride Horizons.
This movie also features some real life action parts. The scenes from Hello, Dolly were taken straight from the movie and not turned into CGI. Also, Fred Willard plays the CEO of the corporation responsible for the humans going into outerspace and is not CGI. It was quite good. And anytime I can see and/or hear Michael Crawford is a good time. His voice, even when faking an American accent, is great. If you haven't heard it, listen to his version of "Music of the Night." All those who only know Gerard Butler...you'll realize why many phans complained about his version after listening to this.
So, I say if you are a family of older children (7 or up, I draw the line), go and see the movie. If you have little children (younger than 7), I'd wait until it comes out on DVD or airs on Disney before showing them the movie.
Wall-E is the last robot on earth, built to remove the trash the human race has built up. They, meanwhile, are cruising around the universe while this happens. The other robots all break down, their parts used as spares by Wall-E. He, meanwhile, only has a cockroach (the only sign of non-metallic life) for a companion. And he's very resilient bug at that too. Wall-E accidentally crushes him a few times. And I'll admit, after witnessing the empty terrain--devoid of life or anything else for Wall-E to interact with--I was overjoyed to see that little cockroach pop back up just fine and dandy. It hits you with the basic human fear of being alone. I may not be much of a people person, but I would not want to be alone. Wall-E has developed a personality and becomes a collector of odds and ends. He uses Christmas lights to light his house, collects forks and spoons (but doesn't know where to place the spork, so he puts it between the two) and watches Hello, Dolly. While he works, he plays "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" and "It Only Takes a Moment." In that scene, where Cornelius (Crawford) and Irene Molloy realize they are in love and hold hands. Wall-E wants to hold someone's hand.
(I must also point out that I find it very funny that the cockroach lives in a Twinkie. Shows you the things that will never go)
And then a spaceship appears and leaves a robot, named EVE. Wall-E becomes enamored and stalks EVE. She is a robot on a mission but goes to Wall-E's place with him. She looks at all his odds and ends, actually solving the Rubik's cube. When Wall-E shows her a plant he found, she shuts down. Wall-E tries to wake her and then takes care of her (even playing Pong with her) until the spaceship returns. He goes with it, telling his cockroach buddy to wait where he was, and travels to the spaceship humans have been living on...for 700 years. They are in an endless mall, all supplied to keep them happy. They don't walk and rely on robots for everything. Naturally, they are quite fat. Wall-E comes and shakes up two humans' lives--Mary (Kathy Nijamy) and John (Pixar favorite John Ratzenburger)--who realize they really aren't living. They don't even realize they have a pool!
Note: The scene where two humans zipping by talking to each other via video phone though they are next to each other reminds me of all the AIM conversations I had with my college roommate while she was next to me. Come on, you've all done it or else there wouldn't be a Facebook group.
As the captain realizes that Earth is liveable again, he needs Wall-E's and EVE's help to save mankind from its idle lifestyle and the robots.
Now, there are about twenty tense minutes in the movie where you are unsure if our hero will make it to the end of the movie. These are the worst for little kids and the ones in the theater my family went to were crying mostly during this. And many parents were shuffling them out of the theater.
It was a cute movie, it was just sad. Fortunately not Bambi "Another Disney Mom Bites the Dust" sad, but more than Finding Nemo "Another Disney Mom Bites the Dust" sad. And to the older, as I said, it speaks to that fear of isolation we all have. However, once Wall-E is surrounded by EVE, MO (who steals the movie in my opinion), the other robots, the captain, Mary and John, it picks up as he is no longer alone. Also, it might be wise to distract yourself when you get too depressed into picking up in jokes or references. There are many references to Apple products that I'd probably pick up more on if my only Apple product wasn't my iPod. I do know the Apple MacInTalk program voices a character, which is cool. And I myself saw a symbol on the space ship that reminded me of the logo for the old EPCOT ride Horizons.
This movie also features some real life action parts. The scenes from Hello, Dolly were taken straight from the movie and not turned into CGI. Also, Fred Willard plays the CEO of the corporation responsible for the humans going into outerspace and is not CGI. It was quite good. And anytime I can see and/or hear Michael Crawford is a good time. His voice, even when faking an American accent, is great. If you haven't heard it, listen to his version of "Music of the Night." All those who only know Gerard Butler...you'll realize why many phans complained about his version after listening to this.
So, I say if you are a family of older children (7 or up, I draw the line), go and see the movie. If you have little children (younger than 7), I'd wait until it comes out on DVD or airs on Disney before showing them the movie.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Piddle, Twiddle and Resolve
Before we start on the real reason for this post, I'm sure you've all noticed the new design. I was lying in bed the other day, sleep escaping me and I got to thinking. I realized my original title really didn't fit with what I write in this blog and my summary must've been confusing as it was just a mess. So, I came up with a new title, new picture, better summary and I hope this one will stay. I do like comments and would like to know your opinion! So...Onwards!
I hope everyone is enjoying their 4th of July celebrations. My family has already been to two barbecues. I watched the Macy's Fireworks and then on to what I think may be one of the most faithful adaptations of a musical (of course, I've never seen a staged version of it though): 1776.
The musical tells a familiar story: how the Declaration of Independence came to be. It was written by Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards, a history teacher, and won the Tony for Best New Musical in 1969. The music is pretty decent, but the book is much stronger. Though I dare anyone to listen to "The Lees of Old Virginia" and not get it stuck in your head for hours after. There are other good songs too:
"He Plays the Violin." Sung by Martha Jefferson as she explains to Adams and Franklin how Jefferson won her over and keeps the romance in their relationship.
"Cool Considerate Men." Sung by Dickenson after Adams and Franklin leave, praising those who want to keep the status quo. It is a bit of a tongue-in-cheek jab at the conservatives. Trivia: This song was cut from the original movie and legend says it was at the request of producer Jack L. Wagner's friend President Nixon (a Republican, by then the more conservative American party). However, the DVD and most TV airings restore the song. Also a good watch just for Stephen Nathan's expression as the Courier when he enters Congress' room to see all these men dancing.
"Momma Look Sharp." Sung by the Courier after Congress adjourns for the day. The audience has been enveloped by Congress, trapped in the room with them, seeing only them. The Courier breaks through this and brings the rest of the country in, as he sings about his friends who died at Lexington and Concord.
"Molasses to Rum." Sung by Edward Routledge as the Congress debates Jefferson's Declaration. Routledge, Adams and Jefferson argue about a passage regarding slavery. Routledge sings this to show that New England is just as guilty as the South in regards to the practice. It is a dark song, but brilliantly sung and acted.
I hope everyone is enjoying their 4th of July celebrations. My family has already been to two barbecues. I watched the Macy's Fireworks and then on to what I think may be one of the most faithful adaptations of a musical (of course, I've never seen a staged version of it though): 1776.
The musical tells a familiar story: how the Declaration of Independence came to be. It was written by Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards, a history teacher, and won the Tony for Best New Musical in 1969. The music is pretty decent, but the book is much stronger. Though I dare anyone to listen to "The Lees of Old Virginia" and not get it stuck in your head for hours after. There are other good songs too:
"He Plays the Violin." Sung by Martha Jefferson as she explains to Adams and Franklin how Jefferson won her over and keeps the romance in their relationship.
"Cool Considerate Men." Sung by Dickenson after Adams and Franklin leave, praising those who want to keep the status quo. It is a bit of a tongue-in-cheek jab at the conservatives. Trivia: This song was cut from the original movie and legend says it was at the request of producer Jack L. Wagner's friend President Nixon (a Republican, by then the more conservative American party). However, the DVD and most TV airings restore the song. Also a good watch just for Stephen Nathan's expression as the Courier when he enters Congress' room to see all these men dancing.
"Momma Look Sharp." Sung by the Courier after Congress adjourns for the day. The audience has been enveloped by Congress, trapped in the room with them, seeing only them. The Courier breaks through this and brings the rest of the country in, as he sings about his friends who died at Lexington and Concord.
"Molasses to Rum." Sung by Edward Routledge as the Congress debates Jefferson's Declaration. Routledge, Adams and Jefferson argue about a passage regarding slavery. Routledge sings this to show that New England is just as guilty as the South in regards to the practice. It is a dark song, but brilliantly sung and acted.
Part of the movie's brilliance is it's suspense. The audience knows how the movie ends--the Declaration of Independence is ratified and signed. Yet there is a stretch of tense moments, especially following "Molasses to Rumm," where you wonder if it will happen at all. Most of the original cast reprised their roles in the movie, particularly William Daniels as John Adams and Ken Howard as Jefferson. (Howard da Silva was the original Franklin but had to bow out early in the run due to health problems. Rex Everhart took over the role and is heard on the original cast recording as Franklin. Da Silva was able to return for the movie). It was funny the first time I watched 1776. It was in my Global I class and there was a group epiphany. "Oh my God, John Adams is played by Mr. Feeny!" And then we all finally got a Boy Meets World in-joke. Both John Dickinson and Edward Routledge were played by Donald Madden and John Cullum, respectively, and supplemented the cast brilliantly. The arguments between Dickenson and Adams were well acted.
If you were unable to see this movie, I suggest renting it. It is a great watch and isn't just a dull history lesson. It is also quite quotable, so I leave you with my favorite quote. It is an explanation given by Mr. Lewis to John Hancock as to why New York was always abstaining--courteously! It shows times haven't changed.
"Mr. President, have you ever attended a meeting of the New York Legislature? Everybody talks fast and loud and nothing ever gets done."
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Juno + Seventh Heaven =
The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Quite a mouthful. Now, I haven't been able to see Juno yet, though I do want to, but I can tell from the trailers it was a lot more clever and better done than this new offering from Seventh Heaven creator Brenda Hampton and ABC Family.
The premise of the show revolves around high school freshman Amy who discovers she is pregnant after a one-night stand at band camp with the school manwhore. Why she does so isn't explored and I hope it is because as the recapper at Zap2it.com pointed out, from what we learn about Amy, it is highly out of character. She is a sweet girl who plays the French horn and who her parents consistently stress is a "good girl." So what would drive this good girl to sleep with this guy? And we learn why he's such a manwhore before we learn why our heroine slept with him. He was abused by his father when he was younger. Anyway, while Amy freaks out over her pregnancy, new student Ben becomes completely smitten with her.
Besides Amy-Ben-Stud (I'll eventually remember his name), we are also introduced to Grace, her boyfriend, Adrian and a whole bunch of sex issues. Grace and her boyfriend have promised to wait till after they are married, which won't happen until she finishes medical school like her parents. Grace even wears a chasity ring to remind them of their promise just as boyfriend gets horny. Now, I'm a Christian yet don't feel the need to reveal it every five minutes like Grace is forced to. It is shoved down your throat and in a way I'm sure Hampton didn't intend, makes fun of the whole concept. Boyfriend is thus tempted by Adrian, the school slut who has a complicated relationship with school stud, and they are caught making out in front of a church party. By Grace's brother (who has Down's syndrome).
And both Ben and Amy have two friends each. One of Ben's friend seems to be a walking poll about teenage sexual habits that no teen would spew. And I do understand Amy's decision to tell her friends before her parents but I'm surprised at how quickly the idea of abortion was brushed over. Of course that would end the premise very quickly. And I'll admit I'm pro-life, but I would've rather the ix-nay for the abortion to come from Amy herself and not because one of her friends quickly hushes up the idea. Or at least for them to explore the option and to show why abortions aren't the solution. Also, the bathroom scene where Amy and her friends were trying to go to the doctor without her parents knowing, was anybody else screaming "FREE CLINIC!" or was it just me? Because even at 15, I knew about free clinics. Or even planned parenthood. I knew about them and how to look them up in the phone book. But then we wouldn't have that scene where Amy is surrounded by little kids in her pediatrician's office and then gets handed a baby to watch. Umm, who does that? I was never handed a baby to hold unless I was related to him or her.
The acting is pretty good and often saves the dialogue. I must echo some other reviewers: has any of the writers ever MET a teenager? Were they even teenagers at one point? I was a teen not too long ago and I have a teen sister. It does not sound like anything that would've come out of our mouths. Molly Ringwald is good as Amy's mom, but she's unfortunately shoved into the oblivious parent corner and can't do much. Hopefully the show explores her range as Amy finally tells her parents about her pregnancy. Shailene Woodley is the main reason I'm tuning in, as I loved her as Felicity in the American Girl movie based on that series of books and when she guest starred on CSI: NY. She does an excellent job as Amy, the conflict clear in her mannerism and facial expressions. And John Schneider and Josie Bisset were two of my favorite things this episode.
I'll probably keep tuning in for Woodley, Schneider and Bisset. Who knows, maybe the Camdens will stop by for a lecture. Because I don't think Hampton is above bring one of them on. Right now, the show is on the "bad" side, but maybe it'll improve once it hits it's stride.
The premise of the show revolves around high school freshman Amy who discovers she is pregnant after a one-night stand at band camp with the school manwhore. Why she does so isn't explored and I hope it is because as the recapper at Zap2it.com pointed out, from what we learn about Amy, it is highly out of character. She is a sweet girl who plays the French horn and who her parents consistently stress is a "good girl." So what would drive this good girl to sleep with this guy? And we learn why he's such a manwhore before we learn why our heroine slept with him. He was abused by his father when he was younger. Anyway, while Amy freaks out over her pregnancy, new student Ben becomes completely smitten with her.
Besides Amy-Ben-Stud (I'll eventually remember his name), we are also introduced to Grace, her boyfriend, Adrian and a whole bunch of sex issues. Grace and her boyfriend have promised to wait till after they are married, which won't happen until she finishes medical school like her parents. Grace even wears a chasity ring to remind them of their promise just as boyfriend gets horny. Now, I'm a Christian yet don't feel the need to reveal it every five minutes like Grace is forced to. It is shoved down your throat and in a way I'm sure Hampton didn't intend, makes fun of the whole concept. Boyfriend is thus tempted by Adrian, the school slut who has a complicated relationship with school stud, and they are caught making out in front of a church party. By Grace's brother (who has Down's syndrome).
And both Ben and Amy have two friends each. One of Ben's friend seems to be a walking poll about teenage sexual habits that no teen would spew. And I do understand Amy's decision to tell her friends before her parents but I'm surprised at how quickly the idea of abortion was brushed over. Of course that would end the premise very quickly. And I'll admit I'm pro-life, but I would've rather the ix-nay for the abortion to come from Amy herself and not because one of her friends quickly hushes up the idea. Or at least for them to explore the option and to show why abortions aren't the solution. Also, the bathroom scene where Amy and her friends were trying to go to the doctor without her parents knowing, was anybody else screaming "FREE CLINIC!" or was it just me? Because even at 15, I knew about free clinics. Or even planned parenthood. I knew about them and how to look them up in the phone book. But then we wouldn't have that scene where Amy is surrounded by little kids in her pediatrician's office and then gets handed a baby to watch. Umm, who does that? I was never handed a baby to hold unless I was related to him or her.
The acting is pretty good and often saves the dialogue. I must echo some other reviewers: has any of the writers ever MET a teenager? Were they even teenagers at one point? I was a teen not too long ago and I have a teen sister. It does not sound like anything that would've come out of our mouths. Molly Ringwald is good as Amy's mom, but she's unfortunately shoved into the oblivious parent corner and can't do much. Hopefully the show explores her range as Amy finally tells her parents about her pregnancy. Shailene Woodley is the main reason I'm tuning in, as I loved her as Felicity in the American Girl movie based on that series of books and when she guest starred on CSI: NY. She does an excellent job as Amy, the conflict clear in her mannerism and facial expressions. And John Schneider and Josie Bisset were two of my favorite things this episode.
I'll probably keep tuning in for Woodley, Schneider and Bisset. Who knows, maybe the Camdens will stop by for a lecture. Because I don't think Hampton is above bring one of them on. Right now, the show is on the "bad" side, but maybe it'll improve once it hits it's stride.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Positive
I'm still mad about last night's elimination. Come on!
The episode opens as the girls get a shock to see Autumn return to the loft by her lonesome. They all hug her, hug each other and realize it is the final six girls. The competition is going to heat up! Meanwhile, Emma is still battling her bronchitis as the girls get a call sheet.
The girls go to a dance studio where they meet the associate and assistant choreographers, who teach them some dance moves. We learn that Autumn really isn't a dancer while Natalie excels at it. And Emma has to keep taking breaks because of her coughing and running nose. The guys give the girls these pink, stiletto go-go boots and then take them to Brooklyn to dance on a cobblestone street in the middle of winter. The girls rise to the challenge but not without some pain and frozen extremities. Natalie excels at the challenge and is thus chosen as the winner. She brings Rhiannon along with her as they have a yoga lesson with Kate Shindle who plays "Vivienne" in the show. (FYI: Shindle was also a Miss America and can be heard as "Lucy" on the Jekyll and Hyde Resurrection CD). She gives the girls some advice about playing Elle as she sees the character, saying Elle has her own perspective on life that she doesn't compromise. The girls seem impressed and Kate is impressed she was able to come up with something like that. I know the feeling, where you say something and then realize how profound it actually is. And then you don't want to give yourself a pat on the back, but if you can pull it off in such a way that both parties are laughing, it's not bad.
The Elle Wannabes learn that they will be performing the dance break in the song "Positive" where Elle tries to show Warner she is more fun than boring Vivienne. However, it is a very high energy dance heavily influenced by hip-hop. The girls learn it but are shocked when the rehearsal is cut short, part of their challenge. They have to go home to practice, practice and practice the routine to nail it. But they find another casting call sheet with a questionnaire attached. They ask the girls to come together to answer the questions with one unanimous answer--things like the "Worst Dancer," "Worst Singer," etc. The girls haven't even started debating when they are already crying. The girls on Top Model would eat these girls alive--even the nice ones! Lauren cries that it is specifically against her as she would be the answer for all these questions. My, I can't tell if she's suffering from low self-esteem or is a bit egotistical. Maybe both. After the commercial break, Autumn takes control and declares the questionnaire "not in the spirit of Elle Woods." She and the girls rewrite the questions to be more "positive" and then cry more as they vote for each other. We should invest in tissue stocks.
Afterwards, they continue to practice the dance moves. They report to the audition and perform. Most of the girls fall flat. Emma tries to use the "I'm sick" excuse, which flies as far as Autumn's "I had a bad day" last week. Autumn works herself sick, runs off the stage and promptly throws up. Which the sound guy left the microphone on for as the camera focuses on the stall she's in. We're not stupid. If you show her running into the woman's room, clutching a stomach or her mouth, we'd get the message. She returns, fortunately having completed her audition, and watches the other girls. Natalie nails the routine again and is praised by the judges, who immediately tell her she is on the list and is safe for next week. At the end, Haylie Duff reads those who are safe. Joining Natalie are Bailey, Lauren and Rhiannon. Autumn and Emma are sent to the casting room.
Both girls were there because they weren't the best dancers as well as sick. The judges use this to highlight that they will be working 8 nights a week and can't blame being sick for a lousy show. Emma admits that today would've been a day she would've called in her understudy and the judges get on her case. Once again, I would like to point out that many of Broadway's legends say that the stars today don't have the same work ethic as them and reflect Emma's mindset. In the end, she is the one who is sent home. And I'm still mad.
I was so mad, I can't even remember what the preview was. Oh well--I like surprises, except when they involve my favorites being axed.
The episode opens as the girls get a shock to see Autumn return to the loft by her lonesome. They all hug her, hug each other and realize it is the final six girls. The competition is going to heat up! Meanwhile, Emma is still battling her bronchitis as the girls get a call sheet.
The girls go to a dance studio where they meet the associate and assistant choreographers, who teach them some dance moves. We learn that Autumn really isn't a dancer while Natalie excels at it. And Emma has to keep taking breaks because of her coughing and running nose. The guys give the girls these pink, stiletto go-go boots and then take them to Brooklyn to dance on a cobblestone street in the middle of winter. The girls rise to the challenge but not without some pain and frozen extremities. Natalie excels at the challenge and is thus chosen as the winner. She brings Rhiannon along with her as they have a yoga lesson with Kate Shindle who plays "Vivienne" in the show. (FYI: Shindle was also a Miss America and can be heard as "Lucy" on the Jekyll and Hyde Resurrection CD). She gives the girls some advice about playing Elle as she sees the character, saying Elle has her own perspective on life that she doesn't compromise. The girls seem impressed and Kate is impressed she was able to come up with something like that. I know the feeling, where you say something and then realize how profound it actually is. And then you don't want to give yourself a pat on the back, but if you can pull it off in such a way that both parties are laughing, it's not bad.
The Elle Wannabes learn that they will be performing the dance break in the song "Positive" where Elle tries to show Warner she is more fun than boring Vivienne. However, it is a very high energy dance heavily influenced by hip-hop. The girls learn it but are shocked when the rehearsal is cut short, part of their challenge. They have to go home to practice, practice and practice the routine to nail it. But they find another casting call sheet with a questionnaire attached. They ask the girls to come together to answer the questions with one unanimous answer--things like the "Worst Dancer," "Worst Singer," etc. The girls haven't even started debating when they are already crying. The girls on Top Model would eat these girls alive--even the nice ones! Lauren cries that it is specifically against her as she would be the answer for all these questions. My, I can't tell if she's suffering from low self-esteem or is a bit egotistical. Maybe both. After the commercial break, Autumn takes control and declares the questionnaire "not in the spirit of Elle Woods." She and the girls rewrite the questions to be more "positive" and then cry more as they vote for each other. We should invest in tissue stocks.
Afterwards, they continue to practice the dance moves. They report to the audition and perform. Most of the girls fall flat. Emma tries to use the "I'm sick" excuse, which flies as far as Autumn's "I had a bad day" last week. Autumn works herself sick, runs off the stage and promptly throws up. Which the sound guy left the microphone on for as the camera focuses on the stall she's in. We're not stupid. If you show her running into the woman's room, clutching a stomach or her mouth, we'd get the message. She returns, fortunately having completed her audition, and watches the other girls. Natalie nails the routine again and is praised by the judges, who immediately tell her she is on the list and is safe for next week. At the end, Haylie Duff reads those who are safe. Joining Natalie are Bailey, Lauren and Rhiannon. Autumn and Emma are sent to the casting room.
Both girls were there because they weren't the best dancers as well as sick. The judges use this to highlight that they will be working 8 nights a week and can't blame being sick for a lousy show. Emma admits that today would've been a day she would've called in her understudy and the judges get on her case. Once again, I would like to point out that many of Broadway's legends say that the stars today don't have the same work ethic as them and reflect Emma's mindset. In the end, she is the one who is sent home. And I'm still mad.
I was so mad, I can't even remember what the preview was. Oh well--I like surprises, except when they involve my favorites being axed.
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