The Prettiness of Grimm

I have been a busy little bee, watching great films, documentaries, jammin’ to ma music, and reading interesting things. For some reason, I have been heavily in to the dark, contemplative, British, gruesome, cinematographically intriguing type fare. Before I list my wondrous new loves in film/music/lit-RA-ture, let me just say that my taste has tended to the pretty and yet, grim. Sidenote: Before I give my suggestions, I must comment on the fail that is my Youtube account. I started a channel to make a few videos that deal with things from my everyday life to movies and TV I love. So far, I have come to realize it is hard to make concise, effective videos that really convey your passion for, well, your passions. I think channels like “videoclerks” and “StupidforMovies” are much better at conveying their cinematic love.

http://www.youtube.com/user/videoclerks

http://www.youtube.com/user/StupidForMovies

And this way of communicating through the Internet kind of reaches a new level on Youtube. It is personal and impersonal at the same time. While I thoroughly enjoy Youtube vids of all kinds, I think it takes a certain kind of person to make these videos, to be all over Twitter, to update Tumblr, etc. Because ultimately, we are missing the ”angst and ambiguity that real communication brings” (NPR). Can I really communicate through the Internet? Is this blog really saying something to you, my few and far between readers? In the end, I LOVE, LOVE the works of art that are films and TV shows and music, and I get the greatest joy from writing and/or talking about this love. If my blog (and maybe my Youtube account) can spread this love, then even better!

ANYWAY, I finally got around to watching several interesting movies and TV, including the mindblowing AMC show “The Walking Dead”, the rich film “Fish Tank”, the twisty, clever, and epically entertaining documentary “Exit Through the Gift Shop”, and revisited some lush songs.

Fish Tank

Jarvis's character and her love of hip-hop dance

Many people have heard of this unexpectedly craftful and well-acted family/teen/urban/subtle 2009 British drama, with the now movie-star Michael Fassbender and previous unknown (and not even previously an actress) Katie Jarvis. The story itself is simple; a troubled British teen living with her mean mother and younger sister becomes intrigued with her mother’s new boyfriend, who is seductive and likable yet somehow untrustworthy. As I watched the “plot” of this movie unfold, I was really surprised by the movie’s tone and focus. I was expecting a gnarly look at urban British life along the lines of Precious, but it was really not like that at all. It was actually a VERY subtle, lush look at the relationship of sorts that forms between Jarvis and Fassbender’s characters. The wonderful thing about Jarvis being untrained and naturally talented is that her performance is completely naturalistic. She is angry and vulnerable and tight-lipped, but in ways only a teen could be. Even at their worst, you can’t help liking all the characters. The film is also gorgeously shot. It is really a  hazy, lush, and gritty “interaction” piece. The mother is awful but human, and the younger sister is delightful foul-mouthed. The reoccuring themes of the chained white horse along the road that Mia keeps trying to free, and her love for hip-hop dance, both add to her desire for freedom and beauty in her life, yet the often futile attempts to get it. At the end, these “metaphors” are not heavy handed, and this movie is not hopelessly depressing. Mia herself provides all the hope you need in the end. (a note on the few sex scenes in this movie-one of the few films where sex scenes added to characterization, were not unnecessary, and were realistic)

Exit Through the Gift Shop

The deliciously mysterious street artist Banksy

Let me just say, if you love art in anyway you will LOVE this movie. And if you don’t really care for art, you will STILL LOVE this movie. This doc is definitely hard to accurately describe. It is basically about this crazy French guy who was obsessed with videotaping anything, so he stumbles open a “community” of street artists the stretch across the world. He eventually meets the super famous street artist/genius Banksy, who eventually realizes the documentary of sorts French guy is making is shit, so he turns the documentary into a film about the French guy (THIERRY, I remember), and how Thierry somehow becomes a street artist himself. Ignore the seeming convolution. This documentary is a mind-fuck in the best kind of way. It is a funny as hell, exciting, shocking, awe-inspiring look at street art today and it endless possibilities and dizzying heights. Banksy is a genius for turning this project into an Oscar nominated doc. While you watch this doc, you will be smiling and gasping with the ludriciousness of Thierry’s journey and the fact that this wondrous world of street art actually exists. And with Thierry’s rise to fame as a “street artist”, you will suddenly question the very meaning and definition of art itself. WHAT IS ART? IS THE JOKE ON US? IF THERE A JOKE? brillianttttttt.

By the mothe uckin way, I realize NOW I took a picture of street art while in Paris. In the tunnel under the road to get to the Arc de Triomphe, I think!

I took this mother uckin picture in PARIS

The Walking Dead

What has happened?

A stylized and yet realistic look at a zombie mad world. Great for zombie and non-zombie fans alike. Let me keep it brief. The show is stunning, will make your heart pound with suspense, will scare the crap out of you, will make you tear up, and will be satisfying gory. And at the same time, it is a drama on par with its Mad Men, Breaking Bad AMC counterparts. And the lead, played by the guy-who-was-in-love-with-Kiera-Knightley-in-Love-Actually, is a damn fine actor. The pilot IS thrilling, moving, gut-wrenching, quiet perfection.

Books—Wait, I read? Hell Yuh. Things I have read since my last book update: White Horses by Alice Hoffman, Walk on Water by Michael Ruhlman (gripping non-fic tale of pediatric heart surgeons), Unknown Soldier-Easy Kill, Maurice by E.M. Forster, The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and more David Sedaris with Me Talk Pretty One Day.

Read the book gorramit!

The Lovely Bones is a masterpiece of devastating loss that also manages to awaken you to the blinding beauty of being alive. Don’t have much to add to the acclaim, it is a masterpiece. Which does drag a bit the last hundred pages in terms of pacing. This is the kind of book that is consistently stunning in the actual writing; there are sentences that are so effective and moving you will literally want to cry. I can’t imagine the movie version did it justice. Even though I haven’t seen the movie, I know if it had done it justice it would have gotten every Oscar out there.

Music- I forgot all about you, The Flaming Lips. A fantastic interview on NPR this past weekend reminded to listen to their music again. “Do You Realize” is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.

A Savory Selection of Sweet Summer Entertainment

Yes, I know the summer is going to be over in about a month for many of us. For some, another year of college awaits. For some, grad school (YIKES ME!), and for others the wonderfully fruitful job market beckons. I have spent my summer mainly reading, watching TV and movies, swimming, listening to music, and weakly attempting to prepare for medical school (also enjoying Youtube). But seriously, how do you even prepare for medical school. Excuse my french, but FFFFFFF-EEEEEEERRRRR. I wanted to share some of my especially beloved tv shows/books/music/movies/etc. that were great in getting me through hot, boring days. Perfect summer selection commence!

-British Dramas, specifically MISFITS

I have always been a great fan of everything British, as anyone who knows me can attest. So, of course, I have spent a bit of time watching several British shows this summer and have been delighted by some and underwhelmed by others. I mentioned the wonderfully delightful BBC Sherlock Holmes in another post, so check it out. If you love witty British humor and subtle & psychological character development, a great pick that is quite short. I was actually quite disappointed by the British detective drama Luther. Idris Elba himself is too cool for words and Ruth Wilson actually sparkles as a charming murderer, but this show does not give its great actors enough complexity. It is the kind of show that thinks its central character(Elba’s Luther) is more compelling and shaded then he actually is. However, if you love Idris Elba, it might be worth checking out.

But to get to my real point, the best teenage/sci-fi/dramedy I have seen in a long time has got to be the compelling, gritty, and raunchtastic show Misfits. It has been often described as a mix of Skins and Heroes. As a very very very loose description I can go along with that statement. It is essentially a show about five social “misfits” who are in community service for various petty crimes. One day they are caught in an electrical storm and somehow end up with super powers. The show follows their antics as they try to deal with their powers and the problems these powers bring, as well as navigating their dynamics with each other. The reason this show isn’t a simple mix of Skins and Heroes is; while the show does have the celebration of teenage hedonism, it is grittier and less glamorized then Skins; also, while it does have some of the epic, grand destiny sensibility of Heroes, it does not have the comic-book, almost stylized self-seriousness of Heroes. Above all, this show revels in its own morbid hilarity. There is violence and death galore; its horrible and hilarious and a part of their lives they have to accept. And the script is razor sharp, constantly biting, and obscenely unrelentingly funny. These young adults are real and not always noble. Basically, watch this show if you like young people being crazy, funny, romantic, and gritty, and also if you are a sci-fi fan. Unlike Heroes, which just dragged itself along after Season 1, Misfits is the rare show that gets better every single episode. Note: The most magnetic character, Nathan, is played without abandon by Robert Sheenan. Many fans were upset to learn he was leaving after Series 2. However, I believe this is a show that got even better in Series 2, and several other characters have become equally compelling as Nathan. It is very unfortunate he is leaving the show, but I think that Misfits can still be worth watching.

(ALSO also, endlessly impressive soundtrack)

Is Non-Fiction Historical Reading EVER Fun? Hell Yes.

I stumbled upon one of the best books I have ever read last week. I found that I really wanted to be less stupid and maybe read an intelligent nonfiction book, so I randomly picked “The Mindset Lists of American History” off the self at my local library. This book is essentially an analysis of American History for 1898 to, yes, 2020-30 ish (can’t remember). The catch is, this book started from the idea to make lists of the American people’s mindsets in various decades in history. What was considered normal in 1898, versus 1950? The authors McBride and Nief made lists of the ideas, technologies, and social norms that governed American is different times, explained the mindsets of Americans, and guessed at what we would think is normal in 20 years. The thing that makes this book so interesting is that it is written in the first person. You feel like you are hearing someone talk about their life in that time. The book covers things from the everyday (“In 1983, there have always been the Grateful Dead”, “In 1898, folks have always been intrigued by trained fleas, Siamese Twins, and ‘egresses’ “) to the grand dramas and social issues of the day (“In 1957, subversives could be anywhere”). This book is compulsively readable and exciting. I was actually waiting in anticipation to see how America would change. An entertaining and intelligent read.

Music

I love liking new things. This summer in particular, I have really stepped out of my “comfort” zone with my musical explorations. I think if you have any true love of music, you really have to try and listen to other things, really try, because that can upon shockingly fresh musical experiences to you. Part of this was done through Misfits, funny enough. The show has an excellent selection of “British club music” in many scenes, and Dubstep, something I don’t know much about. I had previously decided dubstep sucked, but I was wrong. This song in particular just freaking kills!

Also, though not really out of my comfort zone, I discovered great band called Bastille, and have so far listened to two top-notch songs by them that are swift and catchy and deep.

Cooking

I just cooked the most epically random food ever. Sweet Potato and Banana Casserole, Grapefruit Chicken (I don;t even eat chicken), and Oatmeal & Apple Crisp). Prepare for epic failing. I may have skipped certain missing ingredients like “eggs” and “brown sugar” and “nutmeg”. I am sure I approximated the intended flavor anyway.

(http://southernfood.about.com/od/sweetpotatocasseroles/r/bln411.htm)

(http://allrecipes.com/recipe/grapefruit-chicken/detail.aspx)

(http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/apple-oatmeal-crisp/detail.aspx)

Entertainment Weekly Coverage of Comic-Con

It is good. And look at this awesome picture of some of the Game of Thrones actors in….modern attire! (plus gourgeous individual shots)

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20399642_20512173,00.html#20991769

Plus Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Cast

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20399642_20405688,00.html?stitched#20816084

Paul Cast ( SIMON PEGGGGGGG)

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20399642_20405688,00.html?stitched#20816073

Vampire Diaries Cast

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20399642_20405688,00.html?stitched#20816067

The Girls of Community + Pierce

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20399642_20405688,00.html?stitched#20816054

AND, just look through the whole damn slideshow!

 

WOW! I haven’t seen you in awhile. NO, I have not been avoiding you…This is Awkward

SOOOOO. I added those unnecessary o’s to ease my way back in my blogosphere. I have missed you, like an old lover inexplicably abandoned. So much shit has gone down in my life I feel like I could seriously have a compelling reality show. First and foremost, I am going to med school in NYC. Yes, wtf. This is so awesome that a month and half after learning I would be living in the big apple I still haven’t absorbed the info. What will it be like? Will I become a pretentious, indifferent urbanite hipster? PLEASE YES. Most likely I will meet cool people, study a lot, and sleep less than I do now. I have to say I grew so much in my last semester in college. It was an insane orgy of emotions, new friends, new experiences, partying, studying last minute and getting really stressed, and maturing. Basically, I felt like the last semester of my college experience was the only authentically “college” part of the whole damn four years. I fucked up, I did amazing shit, I took chances.  Sike, I didn’t fuck up ANYTHING. And baby, this shit is only beginning. Ok, part of this new me is maybe toning down the cursing. Maybe. Anyway, lots of struggling with personal acceptance, but once you accept who you are *wink” it all goes from there. Went to Europe with my Mom…yes, damn that awful combination of something wondrous and my mother. Love her, but the woman is Steve-O level crazy. We are different people who should not spend every minute together for three weeks. But despite that, Europe was ridiculous. Hit up London, Paris, Piacenza (northern italy), Florence, Rome. London is my favorite place ever, basically. And when i got back I realized, America has its own unique charm as well…I actually missed it a tad. And the last two weeks-ish since I got back has basically been a reading/Youtube orgy. Stop using orgy, dammit. I read more than I have in years…Nightlife by Isaac Asimov & another guy, some brilliantly funny book by David Sedaris about death, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Age of Innocence by Edith Warton, the first 6th of Pillars of the Earth, and first 3rd of White Horses by Alice Hoffman. Yep, random and interesting reading. I subscribed to about four channels on Youtube, including my new favorite people luanlegacy, someonetoshoutfor, itskinglseybitch, anthonylangford, and I think that is it. Funny awesome guys who love everything gay just like me. My obsession with gay men is so typically sad. Granted, I don’t want to be a gay man like some of you ladies (that requires having a penis). I just appreciate them greatly. But I seriously need to stop being so sexist and check out the probably great selection of gay female cinema, including “Aimee and Jaguar”, and interesting looking movie/book about a love affair between two women in Nazi Germany (I think?). AND it’s a true story. I do love “Imagine You and Me”, that movie is just too romantic! Continuing on with my directionless, convoluted post, what has been new on my movie & music radar??? Let’s see:

A Rare Smile from Sherlock!

Sherlock, new BBC adaptation: A bit cheese-esque at times, this three part series is mostly just funny and clever as hell. And randomly moving. And has two perfect actors playing Sherlock and Dr. Watson with legitimate chemistry and complexity. Somehow, just when you think Sherlock is going overboard with the whole high-functioning-sociapath-thing, he actually has humanity. And just when you think Dr. Watson is too self-serious, he is somehow zany, innocent, and scarred all at once. Sidenote: I watched this right after I came back from Europe, and I recognized like five specific spots they filmed in as places I had visited. The best was the scene in the graffiti skater place in Southbank. Click dashed line for bigger version of my awesome picture from there:

SOME of the many riveting characters

Downton Abbey: Complex, subtle, unique, addictive. I NEED SERIES 2. If you like masterpiece theater-esque programming with social/ class exploration, romance, and well-executed drama this series will be like orgasmic cake. AND unlike Jane Austen, many of the characters actually live outside the exclusive upper class world of 19th century England (I do love Austen, so don’t be mad). But these “lower class” people aren’t all depressed and boring; they are complex and dignified and full of soul. Oh the quiet dignity! Just talking about it makes me want to watch it again! Downton Abbey is a grand achievement.

Fantastic Mr. Fox: Whimsical, emotional, modern, ironic, funny, and too smart for its own good. When I say adults and not so stupid children will LOVE this stop-motion adventure about foxes, I actually mean it.

The face of wistful regret

Handsome Harry: A movie about a Vietnam veteran who visits a dying Navy friend in this hospital and subsequently goes on a journey to find each member of a group of friends who beat the shit out of a fellow officer when they served. As we learn about Harry and each of his old friends lives after 20 years, and see mysterious flashbacks to their jazzy, nostalgic past in Vietnam, we begin to understand more of the story behind the inexplicable, savage event that shaped the rest of their lives. Guilt, music, homophobia, and regret all swirl into this subtle, focused story. I actually stopped watching 15 minutes because I didn’t realize the story would get so interesting and heartbreaking. And the movie has an unnatural amount of star power talent; Jamey Sheridan, Steve Buscemi, Aidan Quinn, John Savage, Campbell Scott, Titus Welliver. (a poetic review, much better than mine, available on npr.org: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126174228)

Not the only character, obviously, but she is SO GOURGEOUS

Game of Thrones: I don’t know how to describe how mindblowing this show is. Imagine a fantasy, historical show that smoked crack and became a beast of politics, action, sex, violence, and rich characters. Yeah, that didn’t even do it justice. WINTER IS COMING! And I never even read the books and I love it this much. Standouts on the show: everyone. The acting is just RIDICahlus. Peter Dinklage is as good as he was in “The Station Agent”, even though the character is a bit different. Nikolay Coster-Waldau and Lena Headey are understated but scary as hell. Sean Bean is a heroic pillar. And a slew of great young stars who act like they have always been these characters.  This show has fucking epic young actors. I have a crush on John Snow (Kit Harington) and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke). If you have ever liked anything on HBO, you WILL like this. It’s only ten intense, exciting episodes, you can do it!

You sexy twats.

Made in Chelsea: Pure guilty pleasure. Basically, the British version of the Hills. I love it ironically. Mostly.

P.S. I am about to live in a state where gay marriage is legal. YEAH NEW YORK!!!!

Favorite 31 Things of 2010

I have to make something clear about the many thoughts I have shared on this blog…none of them are really that original. Surprise! But this post in particular is directly inspired by the recent “50 Favorite Things of 2010″ list featured on NPR. At the end of the day, aren’t all of my thoughts inspired by NPR? So, here are 31 things that gave me unadulterated, unconditional joy in this strange and wonderful year. The only way to live is to love things and people obscenely and without reason, so here is my unfiltered list! (considering my last post was also a list, I admit I like them)

1) “Silver Lining”, Rilo Kiley.

You know when you listen to a song and everything falls away for a few minutes? Like, halfway through, you already want the song to start over again? That would be this amazing Rilo Kiley song I somehow managed never to hear before. Hip and elegant and earthly and heavenly. I can’t stop listening to this song even though I might get sick of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVtSSCzASR0&feature=feedlik

2) Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

I already talked about this movie in another post, but again: it is a pop-art visual fun endearing edgy adventure! And Kieran Culkin is in it (Igby Goes Down!)

3) Giovanni’s Room, by James Baldwin

This book is seriously devastating. Okay, not a great recommendation, but no matter how depressing it is it is still haunting to read. Beautiful and short novel that is a must-read. One of my favorite lines: “this was but one tiny aspect of the dreadful human tangle occurring everywhere, without end, forever.”

4) Amy Kuney’s music

I don’t know who this chick is, but she writes damn good original music. Hopefully the next star to emerge from YouTube? I love it when amateurs are better than the professionals. Below is one of her many good songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy3tyqEA4Cc&feature=feedlik

5) Running Wilde

Sadly this show is going to/ is already canceled. Lots of people did not like it but I thought it was totally charming and irreverent. I like to think this gem of a comedy will be appreciated in ten years.

6) Easy A

The return of the hilarious & kind of subversive teen comedy! What have we had in recent memory is Mean Girls and She’s The Man. And neither of them had the hilarious Emma Stone.

7) The Rotten Tomatoes Show clips on Hulu

Okay, never watched the show all the way through, but watched tons of hilarious clips of the Rotten Tomatoes take on the movie universe. Cue example!

http://www.hulu.com/watch/170516/the-rotten-tomatoes-show-julia-roberts-in-three-minutes-or-less#s-p1-sr-i2

8) Rediscovering Joan of Arcadia

An underachieving slacker with a heart played by the witty Amber Tamblyn and her many conversations with God; great concept? YES. LOVED this show in high school (as in never did anything else but watch it on friday nights), and fell in love with it again. Second time around is sometimes better; never really appreciated the tenderness of the relationship between Joan’s mom and Kevin, Joan’s paraplegic brother (Jason Ritter, in a snarky and soulful performance)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeVrXGOt5ig&feature=related

9) Speaking of, anything Jason Ritter is in!

This guy is amazing. Seriously, there is something about him. Every role he inhabits has this earnest energy that makes him totally magnetic. In everything I have seen him in he has shined through as the most memorable character; the scandalously named but sweet “Good Dick”, a total heartthrob teacher in “Parenthood”, a wildly uncontrollable & manipulative & charismatic criminal in “The Education of Charlie Banks”…he has a lot in his future!

10) The Social Network

All hail Jesse Eisenberg. And everyone else in this movie. And Aaron Sorkin. This movie is on the path the a possible Best Picture, but I think its strength lies in its youthful and fiercely intelligent depiction of our age’s entrepreneurs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PrLjaS9SRY&feature=related

11) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1

My favorite Harry Potter movie. Daniel Radcliffe & Emma Watson are finally growing on me.

12) Prep School Blues

Maybe the age of youtube, twitter, and facebook has made putting yourself out there too easy and too much. But it has also allowed creative, brilliant, and unknown people to come together and make art, and share it with the world. Prep School Blues is an online series that surprised, no, shocked me with its level of sophistication and acting. Despite a few melodramatic hiccups, not unexpected, this show is plain cool.

http://www.youtube.com/prepschoolblues

13) Big sweaters

Not much to explain here. My roommate says I am going through a “grandma” phase.

14) The “It Gets Better” campaign.

Out of uncomprehending tragedy, humanity can sometimes surprise you and build something rare; hope. Cheesy, I know, but if clips like this don’t make you cry a little then why are you reading my blog!? Life can be awful and life can be amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IcVyvg2Qlo

15) Glee…mostly

Glee has had an interesting season. When Glee is great it is really great, but when its not it is really disappointing. But Glee has two things really going it. First, Kurt, played with praise worthy dignity, vulnerability, and umph by Chris Colfer, is consistently one of the best characters on the show. Second, the bee-stung lips, surfer boy hair, and rock-hard abs of the charming Chord Overstreet. OFFICIALLY the hottest guy on Glee. Oh yeah, third…Darren Criss!!!!!

16) U.K. Version of The Office

Like the American Office but with more delicious awkwardness and Britishisms. And Tim and Dawn are almost cuter than Jim and Pam.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/130652/the-office-uk-downsize#s-p3-so-i0

17) “Ghost”, Fefe Dobson

Unnaturally catchy. Rock on Fefe! With a new album and a new(ish) sound, Fefe is hotter than ever a vengeful rocker chick in this hilarious/scary video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXrFBsYKrgE

18) Tyler + Caroline on Vampire Diaries

I seriously heart Matt, and am hoping for Matt and Caroline to reunite. But in the meantime, I am loving the surprising chemistry between the new werewolf and whiny vampire.

19) Jase + Mani in the British miniseries “Sinchronicity”

Okay, I am going to admit I only watched the “gay storyline” scenes available on YouTube, but these uploads are enough. Watch two hot British guys with unbelievable chemistry fall in love. And the character who plays Mani has more intense hazel-eyed exotic allure than most people can handle. And Jase is tall, dark, handsome, and totally cuddly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWnTLMD_t1w&feature=&p=364FBC22DDFEA608&index=0&playnext=1

20) Robyn

Not my type of music but actually love some of her songs; “Dancing On My Own”, “Who’s That Girl”, “FemBot”. This is music to dance to.

21) Rediscovery of U.K. Version of Queer as Folk

Brilliant (said in British accent). Watching series over again and its even better the second time! Great acting and a defiant spirit make this allegory of gay men who frequent a special street in England extremely watchable. And has to have the best declaration of self ever made.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uomwSbZRzU

22) Googling Space Nebulas.

It’s cool. Try it.

23) The return of Kirsten Dunst!

I have loved Kirsten since Jumanji, and I am glad she has come back with her unique brand of boho chic, talent, and twinkly-eyed charm. Looking forward to  her upcoming films “All The Good Things” with Ryan Gosling, and “Upside Down” with Jim Sturgess. Great costars!

24) The Station Agent

A folksy charming heartbreaking movie about a dwarf who grudgingly makes friends in his new town. Peter Dinklage is an f-ing great actor, and this is a film with subtle meaning. Patricia Clarkson is simply beautiful.

25) Oscar Wilde

I would so love to talk to this guy. Not often you find writing that is still funny over 100 years after it was written. And what a fascinating life.

26) Adam Goldberg

Hot in a bearded tattoed way. And in two of the most clever, hilarious movies I’ve seen this year; “(Untitled)” and “Two Days in Paris”.

27) Remembering why I love Patrick Fugit after watching Bickford Shmeckler’s Cool Ideas

I hope this guy comes back with some good movies. I had to watch this movie after seeing it on Comedy Central/Showtime for the tenth time. He has been in much better, but this odd, kinda silly, funny movie shows Patrick at his boyish best. I want my own Patrick Fugit.

28) Any episode of the second season of Community

This show is brilliance. Just watch the Christmas episode.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/199579/community-abeds-uncontrollable-christmas

29) Edith Piaf

Her song “Je Ne Regrette Rien” was the dramatic warning to escape dreams in Inception. Her life is an interesting one, showcased by the intriguing and kind of long film La Vie En Rose. I somehow never heard of her, though she is one of the most famous singers of the 20th century. Check her out; she is classic.

30) Overturning of Prop 8/ Don’t As Don’t Tell

We are moving in the right direction. Even though we are moving WAY too slowly.

31) ”The purpose of art is not a rarified, intellectual distillate – it is life, intensified, brilliant life.” Alain Arias-Misson

Kings Revisited

Over the past few years, many new promising and not so promising shows have aired on NBC-and gone as quickly as they came. Which makes it understandable why the wildly original drama Kings was lost in the shuffle. Kings is a modern retelling of the biblical story of King David, set in a kingdom very similar to any 21^st century Western city. The hour long drama follows a young David, as he goes off in to battle to fight for his country, the “Kingdom of Gilboa”. He is unwittingly flung into the public spotlight after he saves the Prince of Gilboa from the enemy camp. The show follows David as he navigates the brutal and tricky world of politics and royalty he becomes a part of. The one thing that stands out about Kings, from the first few scenes of the pilot, is its sheer daring and refreshing originality. The show combines many elements unseen on any other television show in recent memory. Kings is deeply rooted in the biblical story of David, yet not religious in any sense of the word. The show uses biblical elements to give weight to the alternative universe it is set it. Clear from the set designs, beautiful image after beautiful image, artful dialogue, and otherworldly feel of the drama, the producers of Kings were aiming to create something epic. The grandiose feel of the show worked against it, however, as it premiered in March 2009 to abysmal ratings.

Despite the accusations of “pretentiousness” the show endured (not entirely unfounded), the lack of any sort of audience was quite surprising considering the outstanding and varied cast. Top of the ladder is Ian McShane, of Deadwood fame, as the psychotic, loving, ruthless, conflicted King of Bilboa. McShane does some of the best work of his career as the King of Bilboa, stepping into the shoes of a role only he could fill. The concept of this show required actors who could be convincing as a true royal family. McShane is utterly convincing as a man who is forced to give up part of his humanity to keep his kingdom together, a man who slowly loses sense how terrible the terrible things he does are. The actor’s deep set, dark eyes and craggily face convey the years of pressure his character has endured. McShane is able to deliver the King’s grand speeches with a stunning force and sting. Once scene in particular, where the King quietly and furiously confronts his son’s “disgusting” homosexual “dalliances”, is frightening and brutal. Several other actors in the show come a close second. Dylan Baker is the even more brutal brother-in-law of the king, who is the Dick Cheney to McShane’s George Bush. Baker’s performance is hilarious and scary at the same time. Other memorable perfomances from the short lived drama include Susanna Thompson as the icy Queen. The most under-rated actor in the show would have to be Sebastian Stan, as the self-loathing and jealous Prince, he takes out his bitterness on everyone around him, particularly his savior David. Stan is quite a promising young actor, who might be remembered as the lovable and reckless rich kid in The Education of Charlie Banks, but is probably better known for his relationship with Leighton Meester (otherwise known as Blair Waldorf from the CW’s Gossip Girl).

David has been known in many ways throughout history, film, and legend. In Kings, the creators chose to depict David as a prophet figure; a decent, good, brave, intelligent, and incredibly handsome young man at the brink of greatness. Yes, the show does depict David with every single one of the previously mentioned virtues. And his few flaws are only designed to endure us to him more. For the TV audience used to the House M.D.’s of the television universe, such a wholesome character may have turned viewers off. The terrible and unclear marketing of the show prior to its airing may not have helped either. Despite the, at times, cloying aspects of David, it is hard not the find him enduring, and yes, inspiring. Australian actor Christopher Egan, who recently starred in Letter to Juliet with Amanda Seyfried, brings a refreshing openness and innocence to the character which only the deeply cynical could turn from.

The pilot sets up the entire arch for Kings, and many of the characters. David with his family at their lovely farm, David going off to fight a neighboring kingdom with his brother, David saving the Prince’s life, David being swept up by the media, etc. However, the show proceeds at a delicate yet dramatic pace that makes it a compelling and appropriate first episode. At times, watching Kings is like glimpsing some vaguely familiar dream world-everything is the same but somehow different. One of great scenes from the pilot is from the first ten minutes. Eamonn Walker, the intimidating and striking African-American actor (in a show that could have used more), plays the Reverend Samuels. In one of the first scenes he meets David, when he asks him to fix his car. This is one of the few moments in the show that alludes to the homosexual aspect of David and Samuel’s relationship. The simple repair of Samuel’s engine and his payment with an old watch is an exchange loaded with biblical and sexual tension. The show, unfortunately, did not do much more to expand that homosexual undercurrent, or even develop David and Samuel’s relationship fully. The show may have been less grandiose and more interesting if it had played with this relationship more. David’s marriage to Michal in the Bible is turned into a more conventional and predictable romance with the Princess.

In the end, the continuously falling ratings of Kings caused it to be canceled after four episodes, and the rest of the episodes were aired on Saturdays. In the end, the show ended up with one, 13-episode long season, sufficient to build up a storyline and resolve it, with a nice ending filled with potential. This engrossing drama, unfortunately, came at the wrong time. People don’t seem to be in the mood to endure any more high concept television shows. Maybe if the show had aired now, after the end of the pop culture phenomenon Lost, it would have gotten more attention. Kings, unlike most high concept shows of recent history (FlashForwards, V, Heroes), was felt truly biblical; not just in its storyline, but in its implications. What would it be like to live in a world with kings and queens? What would it be like to have to rule a country? This show makes you think, but also lets you fall into its cacophony of images; gorgeous buildings, royal decadence, and blood soaked battefields.

I got Soul But I’m not a Soldier

This semester can been described in one word; draining. The epic snow week, followed by lots of tests and papers crammed into less time have left all of us stressed. As I try to figure out my schedule for next semester, the outlook is bleak. I look forward to being a senior, because then I’ll have an excuse not to care. Studying is a drag. You know what’s better? “The Good Wife” and Netflix becoming my number one website on Google Chrome! Excellent, my obsession can’t be denied. The Good Wife is one damn fine show. Seriously good acting, and a subtlety rare on similar law shows. The politics of human interaction are real and tangible in this show. The wonderful Josh Charles again displays his general awesomeness in this show as a successful, fairly cut-throat and clean-cut partner at a law firm. Its a testament to his skills that his lawyer on “The Good Wife”, and his rugged, uneducated, and angry husband on “In Treatment” are equally believable.

In my various attempts to avoid productivity, I finally watched “An Education”. Yes, it is as great as they say. Carey Mulligan somehow manages to be empathetic as a mildly self-absorbed (who isn’t at our age?) , passionate, confused, blooming young woman. Her character is truly a young woman; young in her passion and intelligence, and unsuspecting curiosity. She, by the end of the movie, has started towards to path of womanhood. This movie is about how we are blinded by the brilliance of the world, and when we venture out, inexperienced and unwise, we can get shattered. If we learn to put ourselves back together again, we are adults. Interestingly enough, I thought this movie was not depressing, but really empathized with being a young woman.

For all the times I have used Netflix for the powers of good (to watch the likes of Happy-Go-Lucky, a joyful movie), I have used in for the powers of guilty pleasure (Legend of the Seeker, an entertaining show, ESPECIALLY when Richard is shirtless…drools). But all the limitless movies!!! Finally, I was watching Princess Diaries the other day (powers of guilty pleasure), and I realized the love interest is the lead singer of Rooney. I listened to the band’s music, its fun and charming. I plan on listening to them more!

Tea and a Biscuit

As we students approach or have arrived at the beginning of a new semester, we need to breathe. It’ll be okay. Freaking out is meant for finals. Now is the time to enjoy school. I for one have a new attitude this semester. Okay, I have a “new” attitude every semester, but now it’s legit: no freaking out, a.k.a., stressing out. a.k.a., generally being miserable. Sure, maybe I need to study really really hard to get straight A’s this semester to increase my GPA, but I am not going to panic. SERIOUSLY. We all do better when we are not stressed. So, I need certain things to ease me into studying again. Unhealthy amounts of tea. And good music. Started listening to the new John Mayer album, Battle Studies. Not bad! I have only been listening to “Assassin”, which is great in a “I can listen to this over and over until I hate it” way. Also, interesting song from newish artist Theophilus London; you may have heard it on the obnoxious faux music snobbery of MTV U’s Video Hour or Dean’s List, “Humdrum Town”. At first I thought it was good, on second listen I really liked it. And a excellent track off Imogen Heap’s latest album sounds like her best, “Tidal”. Sometimes I love songs just for the first 20 seconds. This song is great the whole way, and has flourishes of manipulation of sound that only Imogen Heap’s music mind can create. There are some songs that I do love really only for the first 20 seconds. “Just Don’t Pretend”, by 16 Frames, “Sweet Disposition” The Temper Trap”. Can you think of songs that you listen to just for that sweet intro? In other news, a great new show to occupy you this semester; The Deep End. I was expecting it to be completely idiotic, but it was very watchable. There are enough talented actors in this show to give me confidence. The guy from Jack and Bobby! Eggs from True Blood! Rachelle LeFevre! Mac from Veronica Mars! And many more.  The first episode covered a lot of territory without being stuffed with too many plots. And yes, slightly less sex than Grey’s Anatomy but no unbearable and self-involved characters (*cough* Meredith). I’ll watch this show! Now, on to ordering books for classes in two days.

too many Cookies!

Sitting around during break is inevitably going to make me fat. All I eat is chocolate and bread. And I am not french. I think my tastes are slipping. I embrace escapism like a drowning person grasps a wooden board in the ocean. I used to watch documentaries and listen to NPR and read memoirs, but now all I want to do is watch romantic comedies. Granted, I still think the Wedding Planner is excruciating, but I love escapism none the less. So maybe I will settle for good escapism, like The Jane Austen Book Club. I LURVE that movie. BTW, I was looking at my last post and I realized I left off one of the sexiest characters on True Blood, though most people may not have noticed this sexy beast of a man. Ed Quinn. I don’t even remember if that man was a good actor, I just know that he was a hunky hunk of manliness. DAMN. I would literally watch Eureka just because he is in it. I’ll try not to be completely gratuitous and have any picture be of his face. There are certain things I get a sad, sick pleasure out of. Staring at Ed Quinn. Watching ridiculously idiotic romantic comedies. Eating Belgian chocolate covered cookies. Watching clips of the Zach Galifianakis show. Pretending I am not wasting the precious moments of my short life…and then indecently violating my family’s Netflix account. And then writing in my blog! It gives me a semblance of meaning.

Oh no I stubbed my toe

I have recently discovered the breathe of fresh air that is Mr. Hudson, the hip-hoppy ish-new Kanye-West endorsed-British-blond as Lady Gaga- singer. I first listened to the single off his new album “Straight No Chaser”, “Supernova feat. Kanye West”, and liked it. Didn’t see what the big deal was, though. The song grew on me, and as I listened to the rest of the album, I loved it. Then I developed an unhealthy obsession with the track, “There Will Be Tears”. It’s amazing what you can do with talent, rhythm, a good voice, and splashes of autotune. Lines like this somehow sound brilliant:  ”We were trying to move forward love/ but it’s tricky through a brick wall love”; “Oh no I stubbed my toe” . Why is this song so short? Mr. Hudson should be amazingly famous. He has the formulaic individuality package down, with actual individuality to back it up. Or at least he is really good at faking it. Whatever, I buy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJa6VbWoLKc&feature=related

In unrelated news, I need to read more. I read The Soloist two weeks ago, and I forgot how much fun it is to read a brilliant book. GREAT read, I suggest it for everyone who loves music and thinks homelessness sucks. Seriously, this novel was frustrating and inspiring at the same time, and I finished it in one day. As usual, instead of reading more great books, I watch a lot of TV. I tend to start watching a lot of shows, and get annoyed a season or two in. Some shows can be extremely frustrating like that. Other shows I finish in a week and wait desperately for new episodes. In the annoying category is Six Feet Under. I really liked this show at first, and dug its HBO shock value and unique morbid quality. But then all the doom and gloom and death got annoying. And I accidently read a spoiler for the third season and quit the show all together. Even though I love Peter Krause, only so much death and lying and drama can be tolerated. The show did not allow new characters in, which I think is really important for any show on for many seasons. When Molly Parker arrived as an earthly beautiful rabbi, I thought, Finally! A new love interest! Rejected. A show I did LOVE was True Blood. I watched the first 5 episodes over a year ago and kinda hated it. I picked up with the show, and by the second season it was brilliant! This show is consistently great now. I particularly loved Michelle Forbes as a goddess of sin (or whatever she was), and that young Danish actor as the 2000 year old Godric. And who doesn’t love Eric? Anyway, I need a new show to occupy me in between working on my personal statement for medical school.

Peace suckers!

So, I decided to give myself a day off. Came home Thursday night and skipping my class on Friday. Why not? WHY NOT!! I am a rebel. I am fucking James Dean. Yeah, anyways, I have been getting so lazy lately that I hope I can keep up this whole “get-straights-A’s-so-I-can-get-into-medical-school-so-all-this-studying-will-have-been-for-something” thing. I wasted about 6 hours in the last two days watching FlashForward, which is officially my new obsession. Okay, I PROMISE it’s not just because John Cho is so intensely gorgeous.

This show is genuinely thrilling, provocative, and makes you think. How would you live your life after a global disaster where everyone has seen their future in 6 months? Accept the future as fact? Dread it? Obsess over it? Wonder if our lives are scripts that have already been written? Very intriguing stuff. The show was beginning to get frustrating with everyone  being little whiny bitches about their doomed futures until the end of the latest episode; one character who had a really bad flashforward kills himself. But his flashforward said he would be alive in 6 months! The future isn’t written in stone?! Great acting, and John Cho + Gabrielle Union = coolest interracial couple ever. Bonus, the British guy from The Wedding Date, Singles, and Swingtown! So that is what I have been doing instead of crapping my pants over Biochem. Time well spent. This magical day off and this weekend may require a lot of studying, but it’s still awesome. I am home right now, in front of a fireplace, and realizing I have been a little homesick. Despite my monosyllabic responses to my parents, I do love them. And it took my nearly two and a half years in college to realize that. Or maybe I just want to watch FlashForward on our flatscreen.