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.

-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!

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!!!!

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

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

1) How awesomely cute, funny, charming, talented, and underapppreciated Chris Lowell is!

Literally, no one I know has any idea who this guy is, other than “the cute guy from Private Practice”. I was obsessed with Veronica Mars, but I thought the third season kind of sucked it hard. People might disagree with me, but I think Chris Lowell’s character Piz was the sweetest, funniest part of the third season. Sorry to Logan+Veronica fans, I am a diehard Piz+Veronica fan. Anyone remember the short-lived, original dramedy “Life As We Know It”? Kelly Osbourne before she lost weight and became blond? Chris Lowell was the cutest guy in that show, hands down! The only dilemma is whether he looks cuter with long or short hair…I am so torn.

2) Annoying my roommates by OBSESSIVELY playing these amazing songs which they think are kind of mediocre.

-”I L U” & “Windstorm”, School of Seven Bells

-Anything by Vanessa Carlton.

-”Sitting Down Here” & “Playing My Game”, Lene Marlin.

-Anything by Hilary Duff.

-”Dream of Me”, Kirsten Dunst.

3) Heights is STILL one of my favorite movies ever. Seriously! Why can’t I convince any of my friends to watch it?

- This movie is a complex, thrilling yet urban and subtle human drama. Literally, you could watch it for the opening scene alone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pma2fEkFO-M

Jesse Bradford is actually cute AND talented in this movie. I really gained a new appreciation for him. Glenn Close is brilliant and dignified and broken. This is the only movie in which Elizabeth Banks does not annoy me. The camera work, the visuals of New York, and the story itself all add up to make a really unique movie unlike most others I have seen (and yeah, I watch a lot of movies).

4) Memorizing poetry is fun! Listen to me recite it! LISTEN.

-Okay, obnoxious and posery as it is, I love to memorize random poetry so I can feel cool and educated as I recite it perfectly from memory. Also, poetry is all about the beauty of language, and the only thing more fun than reading poetry is reciting it. Unfortunately, my friends don’t think it is especially fun to hear my recite random poetry with multiple errors. I recently mastered the wonderful ‘Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night”. That is such a lyrical poem to memorize, and literally love acting like a mad person and muttering this poem to myself.

http://www.bigeye.com/donotgo.htm

5) Gay/interracial romantic movies can be way way more interesting than straight ones.

-Okay, this may be due to my recite obsession with anything gay-themed (Shelter, Watercolors, the absolutely wonderful My Beautiful Laundrette), but I am going through a phase where heterosexual white love stories are just boring. I am SO not saying that the million amazing love stories out there are not worth watching over and over and over again (Um, ever heard of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth? ‘nuf said. Wait no, how about Brief Encounter!?). It is just that the standard, rom-com, white boy meets white girl and cutesy antics ensue plotline has been done to death. LIKE REALLY. Oh my god, does the world not have enough of self-obsessed mainstream unimaginative unsincere love stories out there? The thing about interracial/gay love stories is that they are something different. Maybe Something New does not have the most wildly original storyline, but the movie explores the complications of interracial attraction and relationships in a way you don’t usually see. This movie actually pushed some buttons! Also why I love gay movies to death. The dynamic of two men or two women is so refreshingly different. (And there is just something about two men kissing…:)

I lurve me some Jesse Eisenberg, and he did something actors don’t usually do…he SURPRISED me! I never thought I could dislike any Jesse Eisenberg character but I totally did in this movie. Well, not exactly…I felt a deep ambivalence towards his character. It might be obnoxious calling this movie Oscar worthy, because the whole system of the Oscars is false and self-congratulatory, but he deserves a damn Oscar nomination. The supporting actors were so fucking authentic and elite and human that they actors who played Eduardo (Andrew Garfield) and the Winklevoss brothers (Armie Hammer) deserve nominations as well. Another random recommendation if you have any free time…read Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin. I am really not up to a thorough review, but this books is EMOTIONALLY DEVASTATING and PAINFULLY BEAUTIFUL. Don’t worry, its sad in a very enjoyable sort of way. Okay, moving on. I am too lazy to write anything else that is coherent, so I am drudging up so lazy poetry from the summer to fill space. Let you eyes glaze over.

.

For fans of the mind-blowing film Inception, you might remember the epic retrieve-you-from-the-dream-song “Non Je Ne Regrette Rien”. If not, listen! I also realized that one of the characters in The History Boys sings her song “L’accordeoniste”, which is so catchy and wonderfully French. However true La Vie En Rose is, Edith Piaf was a talented, wild, dramatic musician who lived a tumultuous life. It is easy to listen to her music for hours on end, and feel as if you have been transported into some 1950′s French performance hall. Another, more obscure musical icon I discovered just a few days ago was Marika Papagika, a Greek-American singer from the 1920′s.

Music collector Ian Nagoski was interviewed on NPR (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129381403) for his collection of obscure vinyl, and he discussed this forgotten musical figure. Apparently, Papagika was wildly popular in the 20′s, but her immigrant brand of music has been “erased” from the American musical landscape. There was a whole musical community from the Mediterranean that made great music no one knows about today. Papgika’s music in particular, when listened to on youtube, is grainy, eclectic, and often times haunting. Her music probably inspired the likes of modern day musicians like Beirut. Here are two samples of this music from another time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK4c-twfn8M&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux_whsihlM0

Okay, in a GIANT shift to a decidedly more modern brand of music in the absolutely wonderful Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World.

Okay, I am not just ranting about the hip, totally cool music from fake bands in this movie. I am ranting about the entire movie. Whatever naysayers naysay, they are wrong. This movie is crazy, and futuristic, and hip, and funny, and romantic, and colorful, and subtly subversive. First off, great actors, from the yes, adorable, Michael Cera, to the zany Jason Shwartzman, to the wry and hilarious Kieran Culkin (“I wanna have your adopted babies!”). Okay, the fact that Kieran Culkin was in this should convince you alone. Didn’t? How about Oscar nominee Anna Kendrick? And the crazy funny and constantly uncaring college intern chick from Parks and Recreation?

Whatever you might think about this movie, go see it and prepare for a blast of originality. This film not only uses visual effects to blast our senses, it uses visual effects to add a magical, comic-book dimension to ordinary life. So, this (hopefully) soon to be cult hit is MY NEW OBSESSION.

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.

Salute to the always epic Scottish band The Twilight Sad for my subtle little spoof. Sadly enough, this summer is already a bummer. How disappointing…this is what happens when you have work to do all the time when you should be relaxing. And forget medical school applications…who knows how those will get done! At least I have movies to make life a bit more bearable. At least I can start obsessively planning my trip to London and more next summer. It IS happening! Money, check (sort of), extreme motivation, check, determination, check! I have had an unhealthy obsession with all things United Kingdom, and basically European, since I first went to london when I was 8. I only stayed a night, and then a week when I was 14. But I’ve always known England was just one of those places I was meant to be. The current plan is to hit up London, Scotland(castles, green hills, the accent, oh my!), Paris, maybe Rome…and the rest I plan on deciding when I get there! Anyway, for CURRENT enjoyment needs to be met, I have a list of some interesting movies I have seen, and ones I want to see:

There Will Be Blood

This is one of those movies you watch in perplexed and disturbed bewilderment. Don’t worry folks, that is a good thing. This movie can really be described in one word; masterful. It feels like Paul Thomas Anderson, director, shaped this movie from iron, giving each shot unrelenting strength, making each scene haunt the viewer. Daniel Day-Lewis plays an oilman in the early 20th century, who uses his cunning and fight to get rich on oil. I knew this movie was brilliant, but its aims are not intentionally clear. I actually read several reviews of this movie after I watched, because it fascinated me that much. The only fault I could find was the last half hour dragged a bit for me. Daniel Day-Lewis performance is shattering and frightening. He has an amazing way of speaking, the deliberate yet natural way of a man destined for madness. Through the  brutality of the oil business, we see Daniel Plainview (what a great name) turn psychotic, particularly when faced with the insidious preacher played by Paul Dano, yet at other times desperate when, covered in oil, he clutches his “adopted” son after a fiery explosion. I fail miserably at doing this movie justice, so all I can say is watch it.

Up

Okay, I wasn’t to keen on watching this movie, but I realized I was extremely lame after watching it. This movie is awesome! By far the best and most joyful Pixar movie of recent memory, Up is a beautiful and fun film. The first half hour is the most affecting. I did not expect the moving story of a young adventurous who meets his soulmate, and after they grow older, get married, and have a wonderful life, she dies! What?! And the old man decides to live out their dream to go to Paradise Falls in her memory! Their life is played out in various, wordless scenes; their wedding, building their house, and all the memories of their life beautifully rendered in detailed computer animation. What amazed me was the way light was used in this movie; everything shined and glowed. When the old man escapes in house by releasing a million or so balloons, it will leave you breathless. This movie is beautiful to watch and full of heart and adventure.

Gabriel/Legion

I love any movie that attempts to deal with biblical versions of heaven, hell, angels, and demons. That is why I have seen Constantine 20 times. That and Keanu Reeves. That is why I plan on watching Legion and the little known Australian film Gabriel. Not much to say on these since I haven’t seen them, but hopefully Paul Bettany’s adorableness can overcome a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 0%. Seriously Rotten Tomatoes? Update soon!