Weekend Fat

Girls

2018-07-13T03:52:00.005-07:00

I just finished watching Girls! I might be a little late to the game on this one, but is that really a thing anymore with the ability to stream almost anything we want to whenever we want to? Anyway, I might have missed the timeliness of Girls, but the brilliance of it is not lost on me.

Let me preface this by saying, Lena Dunham's polarizing and at times ridiculous statements have never super impressed me, but I have always been intrigued by her. As a wannabe writer and TV fanatic, I just can't look away. In 2013, a friend of mine suggested that I watch the show, but I resisted, mostly due to lack of access at the time, and a growing unwillingness to watch any series that isn't fully complete. (Something I will definitely blog more about soon.) Last week, I was looking for something to clear my palette from the cerebral fiasco that is Westworld, and I remembered the recommendation from so many years ago...Girls.

In the beginning, I felt old. I definitely found myself relating more to Hannah's parents in the pilot as they cut her off financially 2 years after she graduated from college. I wasn't sure I would be able to move out of my "college instructor" mentality and truly appreciate the show for what it is. I mean, everything concerning the set-up of the show is pretty much the opposite of my experience. For example, I'm 39 now and was 25 in 2004. These girls are 25 in 2014. I grew up in the South and now live in California, Girls takes place in NYC. The characters seem to have an endless supply of money, I...never have and don't expect to any time soon. And while these girls are experiencing all the developmentally normal adventures of being twenty-something, I was working as a Children's Minister in a Southern Baptist Church when I was their age. The similarities do not abound. Still, it didn't take long until I found myself yelling out all-in cheers of support at the TV, "YASSSSSS" as the Girls navigate their way through early adulthood. I might not have been who they are at 25, but I found myself rooting for them as I watched. I can't relate to most of their behaviors, the setting, or pretty much any of the other trappings of the show...but who among us can't relate to fears about having to grow up.

Here's what I loved...

The Girls!
Early on, the 4 main characters seem to follow the basic conventions and narrow view of women presented in every show ever. There's Shoshanna, the naive virgin. Jessa, the hippie, free spirit. Marnie, the pretty one...no other description necessary. And Hannah the kinda pudgy, kinda weird, kinda nerdy, kinda funny girl. It only took a few episodes to realize that I'd been fooled...there is more than meets the eye with these characters. While there is no complete or cohesive back story on each one, we get enough of the puzzle pieces to know that there are layers and quirks in each of the characters, and underlying reasons for them. Shoshanna develops a "true north" personality, driven, independent and practical. Jessa turns out to be wounded, a little broken, and very sentimental. Marnie is also a rigid type A personality, who lacks self-awareness due to living in the "bubble" of her beauty which often leads her to embarrassing moments and failed relationships. They even show her on the toilet in multiple scenes, reminding you that even pretty girls poop. It's honestly, refreshing. Yeah, I said those two things beside each other. Since the story centers around Hannah primarily, her character is the most complex. Her development through the last season and into the series finale brings her to a fitting reality for a girl in her stage of life. The writing allows the characters to be more than meets the eye. I hated them all at some point, but each of them were my favorite too. The humanity of the show is where the hook is. No one is all good and no one is all bad. People aren't that simple. The show captures this concept perfectly.

The Friendships
I love the topic of friendship and could spend way too long on it, but what I enjoy about the friendships in the show is that it captures the flakiness of being a friend at that age. Trying to support others who are trying to figure themselves out, while trying to figure yourself out too is a lot to take on...balls will be dropped in the process. It can end up looking like the blind leading the blind. These friends don't hesitate to make each other mad by saying what they need to say. They call each other out on bad decisions or when they feel judged, but there's also a really nice thread of support that connects the characters. They believe in each other and push each other to be their best. That's a great view of friendship.

It's Funny!
The show is surprisingly funny. It's not your average sit-com, and I would call it a dramedy, but the things that made me laugh, made me laugh out loud. It happens about two or three times an episode and it always catches me off guard. I am a total humor snob, but the humor in Girls worked for me.

Witty References
The show is damn clever with its references. I mean, there's a target audience for sure, but it's more accessible than I expected it to be. It made me feel smart when it referenced something I'd heard of...like I was totally "in the know" but it also made me feel dumb at times, or at least left out. New York is its own culture, and if you're not a part of it, you just have to kind of step back and let it be. Not everything is for everyone, and that's okay.

The Boys!
I don't love that a show called Girls, also happens to revolve around the same 4 or 5 boys, but at least the guys are interesting characters too. They are sensitive but oblivious, awkward in their man-child skins, trying to keep up emotionally, but also tired of being in their heads. Many of them are just playing at manhood, not sure they are ready to fully commit to all that it means....which is a parallel journey to the girls in the show. I recently tried to watch Felicity, so I had my fears that the focus of the show would end up being the boys, but they find a good balance and I ended up really enjoying the evolution of a few of the men throughout the series.

But the boys also bring me to my first point of criticism of the show...I really did get tired of the same few guys rotating around the girls. I understand the powerful concept of attachment which often keeps people in bad relationships, but it was frustrating to see all the revisiting of the exes and trading of partners happening within this small group of friends. The characters live in New York and are involved and connected girls. I don't know if they would all hover around the same guys consistently, especially with the kind of drama between them that manifests as the show goes on. The only way I can really excuse this is that it's showing how hard it is to move past that first real romance. The one that you mess up because of timing, of being in different places in life, the one you'll never replicate, but always look for. Leaving allowance for that and the logistics of casting new people of course....

Another thing to note is that the show definitely has an elitist view. It's not on a Gossip Girl level of oblivion to how "the rest of us" live, but it's definitely not exploring the various socio-economic classes. Writers are told to write what they know, so in that way, I appreciate that Dunham isn't reaching into some world that she doesn't belong to. She was born to artist parents in NYC and is related to the Tiffany family. The show leans into the lives of the privileged, the educated, city-dwellers, and liberal hipsters. And yet, it's not really as pretentious as it seems like it might be. I didn't get too caught up in all of that because it was just a setting for these characters to exist in. And while the elitism has definitely shaped them and their perspectives, ultimately those things fade to the background and the characters become all that matter. The writers cover themselves very well to make sure it doesn't take on a tone of condescension. The characters don't take themselves too seriously, but instead, they turn moments in the show that would normally be obnoxious and out of touch into perfect doses of satire...playing up and exaggerating the details to serve as a reassuring wink of acknowledgment to the audience, reassuring us "yeah, don't worry...we know this isn't how everyone else lives."

I think my favorite thing about the show is the portrayal of the constant battle that most women face between total insecurity and projecting confidence. As a watcher of the show, you get to see the girls at their weakest, at their most insecure. You get to see the vulnerable moments even if the characters aren't sharing them with anyone else. And yet, these pits of despair they each trip into are punctuated by moments where the girls hold their own. They are confident, articulate, and mostly unwavering on their opinions. They are strong, to the point where they almost lose self-awareness about how they are affecting a situation. They end up in over their heads, at times displaying a disproportionate amount of confidence for what they actually bring to the table, and embracing the inevitable narcissism of the millennial generation (a favorite theme of mine from the show). These insecure and vulnerable moments feel true to the characters and true to what we know about young women and the demons they face.

This is nothing new to TV. Women are often portrayed as emotional wrecks. The difference with Girls is that where past generations would apologize or cower, backing off their strength for fear of losing something...a job, a boyfriend, an opportunity, or a preferred place in society, the characters in Girls pull out their confidence reserves and blast right through, refusing to be a passenger through life. They act on their convictions and stick to their opinions, as flawed as they may be, to the point of making situations awkward and people around them uncomfortable. And yet these are the best parts of the show. These are the parts of the show that reach through the screen to remind the audience that women aren't playing by the same rules anymore. And THAT is what had me screaming "YASSSSSS" at the TV. I found myself in awe and envy over the courage that comes with youth, and hopeful that maybe this show has influenced a generation of women who won't make themselves small, the way that so many women before them, have.

The Golden Age of Visual Narrative: A Defense of Watching TV

2017-06-06T01:16:00.001-07:00

As I type this, I'm sitting in my loft, which is also my library. The walls are lined with hip-high bookshelves and every inch of them is full. I love the way it looks. It looks like I'm the kind of smart person who has shelves upon shelves of books. It looks like I'm as informed by Neil deGrasse Tyson as I am enlightened by Thomas Merton.

It looks like I actually read.

But I don't.

Don't get me wrong, I do read. Just not like I want to. And I really do want to, intend to. Like I tell my students, when I do read, I feel accomplished. I love the feeling of my fast fingers as they turn the final page, and the way my eyes spasm as they search along the print sending my brain the signals it needs to process what I've just read, I feel proud. Reading is physical, it's discipline, it's respectable, it's expanding.

But when I'm done writing this, I won't walk over to my fiction section (yes, that's right, I organize my books by genre) and grab the mystery I've been meaning to read. I won't even reach for the book on my table right in front of me, the memoir I've been crawling through for the last 3 months. Nope. I'll head downstairs and I will spend my night with the people I love. The ones who inspire me, who make me sad, the ones I laugh at, and sometimes with.

I will turn on my TV and get lost for hours, even days, in a story eerily like the one I'm living, only a more sanitized and contained version. And somehow, that will be enough for me. And most likely for you too.

I have said this to my friends and students many times, but I truly believe we are living in the golden age of visual narrative. The list of contributors as to how we got here, is long, but honestly that's a different more technical essay than the one I'm wanting to write here, so I'll let you research that on your own. I want to deal with the idea of what is happening within storytelling right now. The stories that are being told through episodes and seasons of television are delivering some incredible content.

I should say up front that I take in a lot of TV. I watch almost everything at some point. I have some guidelines and preferences of course. My ideal way to watch is to binge an entire series of something. I hate it when there is no end in sight. I will most likely never finish Grey's Anatomy as it's just gone on too long, and also, because I'm a purist and like it when the characters are consistent. I don't like waiting for the next episode to release. That being said, a few of my recent favorites have made me wait from week to week, and I have survived. The ability to binge watch has changed the way we watch TV. It has transitioned us from a weekly rotation of stories to one story at a time, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the experience of the story being told. Combine that experience with the sentimental realism at the core of the majority of shows currently being made, and you're basically working your way toward a simulation.

Of course, none of that would matter if the right content weren't being produced. At the heart of this golden age, is a sophisticated and calculated character design. The laugh tracks are gone, the stage lighting and studio sets are vacant. These new characters live in the real world. They talk like we do, they are flawed and misguided, and they evoke our empathy with their brokenness. They develop deep and wide and seem to feel what we feel. But the writing only works if the actors can deliver the emotional content being explored with subtlety and nuance in a believable way. We have to think we know them. We have to think we are them.

Carrie Coon as Nora, one of my recent favorite characters, in The Leftovers.

The brilliance behind the right casting is that when these stories shift into something other-worldly or fantastical, we follow the actors and their characters with ease into these unknown places because we trust the heart of what is being communicated to us. This is how we end up with shows like The OA, The Leftovers, and Westworld...all of which are barely rooted in realistic circumstances, yet draw the watcher in through solid narrative, relatable characters, and the promise of an emotional payoff.

Is it better than reading? I'm an English teacher, and so this shouldn't be a tough question. But it is. Because as a teacher, I'm a lifelong learner, and I recognize that language evolves, trends in narrative change, methodologies develop. What doesn't change is that stories have something to say, and usually that something is meant to be accessible to all of humanity. Yet the only thing we truly share access to as humans are the feelings we feel. Our emotional banks seems to hold the same currency across all lines of diversity, if we are making frequent deposits and withdrawals. So if the goal of storytelling is to deliver an emotionally universal message that validates the experiences and challenges the perspectives of a person, or opens their minds to more possibilities than what they currently know, does the medium matter?

Some will always say that it does. Watching TV is lazy. It's passive. It's escapism. But I believe many current TV shows require a level of critical thinking from us that many books don't. Take for example House of Cards, season 5, a recent dig at Jimmy Carter is made, but in order to get the dig, one would have to understand the public opinion of Jimmy Carter's presidency, as well as his work with Habitat for Humanity. Without those connections, the line of dialogue lands, but it lands one-dimensionally. The line at its intention commands action from the watcher. A quick thumb through the Rolodex of presidents in your mind, a critical comment you heard a conservative friend make once a few years ago, a tweet commending Carter's charity work. The connections click almost instantaneously and the line of dialogue now lands in all dimensions, creating context that contributes to the plot of the show. And this happens in almost every scene at least once if not more.

To prove that this is not isolated to drama, let's talk about The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Titus, one of the best characters ever created, thinks his boyfriend is cheating on him and decides to go Lemonading. We are treated to a serenade of Titus' clever Beyonce parodies throughout the rest of the episode, but without having viewed Lemonade, the parodies are shallow and fail to produce the intended satirical results. The cultural context is crucial to the comedy.

I realize this is nothing new to TV, but it is more frequent and less niche. It used to be reserved for SNL or Mad TV watchers. But now it even shows up in prime time, not letting us look away from the spotlight on societal trends, even when we want to. Binge watching this kind of content creates a much more invested experience as those connections fire rapidly, working our memory, calling upon references, searching for the synchronicity of it all.

The good news is that we don't have to choose between reading and TV. We truly have the best of all world when it comes to our narrative access at the moment. Even Twitter threads have found a place in narrative! I know that's a big ask, so I won't even go there in this blog. But how about this? Maybe it's time to stop thinking of TV as something that eats away our brains. Maybe there is work to be done in TV watching. A critical thinking connection-making kind of work. Or maybe it's something more intuitive and sacred. A therapy kind of work, where the storyteller whispers to us, "You're going to get to relive that grief without it being yours this time....you're going to experience that love without the heartbreak this time...you're going to make the right choice time...." The big and small mysteries of whether our beloved characters will validate our lives with their stories, keep us going episode by episode, all the way to the inevitable ending. Which really seems like a loose metaphor for life. The primary difference being that you can watch again and again, the solidifying similarity being, it doesn't matter, nothing will change.

"When I say it out loud it all falls apart." -Thoughts on The OA

2017-01-15T15:20:00.000-08:00

On Friday at my friend Amy's recommendation, I started watching The OA. I finished it close to 9 hours later.

Then yesterday, I watched it all over again.

And today...I'm considering watching it again.

As an English teacher, I do think my vocabulary is probably more expansive than the average person, but I am also very aware that I rarely even begin to utilize the capacity of words that I know exists within me. Instead I come to the table of description like an excited pre-teen, overusing words like awesome, great, brilliant, love, and most recently, fantastic. These words are all just different heights of the word good, capturing slightly different aspects and excitement levels of whatever song, movie, book, or TV show that I've recently experienced and happen to be sharing about.

I have deep regret over this today as I type, because I have misused, and possibly even abused language in my previous descriptions of pop-culture. I should have been more specific, more measured, and more grounded in my enthusiasm for whatever it was I had just taken in. I cried wolf too many times.

My regret comes today because, like the boy who cried wolf, I want you to believe me this time. And I'm afraid I've wasted all of my words on lesser things. So I'm going to try to present my thoughts about The OA in this blog with more consideration than my usual tag-lines of: "Amazing! So good! Brilliant!" Though be sure, all of that and much more is true about this show.

Given that I have a blog that is dedicated to pop-culture, you can assume that I spend a lot of time engaged with it. I will watch just about anything, though I definitely have my preferences. If you're new here and trying to calibrate my tastes, my all time favorite comedy is 30 Rock and my all time favorite drama is Six Feet Under. Both are acquired tastes that many people don't see through to completion. So if Full House is your "go to" comedy and SVU is your idea of drama, (both of which I have watched), then I can't promise you'll enjoy The OA. It's definitely a risk.

The best way I can describe The OA is like this: If Lost and Flatliners and Stranger Things had a TV show baby, it would be The OA. For me it's the most reminiscent of Lost. The characters are strong, the music is good, the story is incredible, but there's this other-worldly element to it. I was hesitant at first, because once the writers of Lost confessed that they had no plan, it made me cynical toward anything with a "fantasy" component to it. They let us down, and that was rude and irresponsible to the fans and the story. So naturally, I did some reading and found out that The OA's creators started with a storyboard that led them through different dimensions, lives, and timelines. They storied it all out to completion before they ever wrote an episode. This should alleviate any lingering distrust for those of you who have been burned before. Not that EVERY loose end gets pleasantly wrapped up, but that there is POTENTIAL for it to be wrapped up. Everything is on purpose, even if it isn't addressed in the first season. And THAT is damn good writing.

While there is talk of a second season, the first season can and does stand alone. That's a feat in itself for a show like this. There are only 8 episodes to work with in order to give the season enough completion but also, to stop the season with enough potential to keep going forward in a second season. In some ways this feels like a very long movie. I would highly suggest watching it that way if you can. The gift that Netflix gives us is that we get to experience things in their entirety all at once if we'd like to. Be sure that this is a gift. Think of it like listening to an album instead of just one song. Fleetwood Mac's album, Rumours, gave us the song Dreams, but you can't really understand and fully appreciate Dreams unless you understand The Chain. Maybe Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon is the best example of this. Albums are meant to be consumed as a whole, and I think The OA is too.

The OA isn't everyone's cup of tea. In fact, according to Twitter and comments on articles I've read, a lot of people have abandoned it. For this reason, I recommend that it is best viewed in solitude. There are some things that happen that you might feel silly about or maybe you won't know how to feel, and having someone else in the room going through that same thing will probably result in awkward giggling or comments, that I honestly believe will pull you out of the show and belittle the intensity and experience of it.

Even though I think you should watch alone, I think you should definitely have a support group ready after you watch. Not because it's such a horrifying ending, but because I have never wanted to talk about a show as much as I want to talk about this one. For those of you who know me, this is me begging you to understand that THERE REALLY IS A WOLF THIS TIME. I'm sure I've said it before, but this show has left me with a deep desire to connect to others who appreciate, enjoy, and ideally, are as overwhelmed by it as I am. I'm ready when you are....

I want to address a few key moments, and while I don't intend to give outright spoilers, I don't want to ruin any of it for those of you who haven't watched and intend to.

I will limit myself because I could truly go on and on, but I will save some material for actual discussions. Here are a few of my favorite parts/things about the show:

1. Whoever thought to run credits almost 50 minutes into the first episode as Prairie starts to tell her story is a genius. I wasn't sure what was even happening. But when she begins her story and the music changes and suddenly you're flying over a snowy Russian landscape, it feels transcendent. I have never seen anything like that in a show before, and it drew me fully in.

2. Prairie (played by Brit Marling), clearly exists on another level, and her voice while she tells her story and her facial expressions are so perfectly acted. Marling had a hand in the creation of the story and her investment shows.

3. My friend Amy, who recommended the show, described it as "intimate." And I completely agree. At times, I felt like I was intruding on the characters. The connections they develop made tears stream down my face uncontrollably and unexpectedly. I had no idea I would be moved the way I was, or that I COULD be moved the way I was. And through that feeling, I am so very aware of the need for intimacy in life, something that transcends the day to day catching up and pleasantries, and reaches deep down into me, stirs me and settles me simultaneously. It's a call to the deep, not in some religious way that overshadows faith, but in a coming home kind of way. The dialogue, the movements, it's all pushing you to access some part of yourself you've probably hidden away. Which is why it feels intimate. It's almost like the show is revealing that it knows you are capable of this, and it's calling you to show that side of yourself, it's reminding you that everyone has the capacity for this intimacy.

4. That leads me to my favorite scene, which is in episode 5 toward the end. The song Downtown by Majical Cloudz plays during the scene, and at some point I just got lost in it. I won't spoil it, but this is probably the point in the show where people either bail or fall in. I fell in. And I've had the song Downtown on repeat, that is when I haven't been watching the show itself.

5. The ending is terrifying and gorgeous and breathtaking and full-circle enough, but full of curiosities all at the same time. Even though I was crying, I felt such a hopeful peace while I watched. I want to explain a little more about the feeling I'm talking about.

This feeling can most closely be associated with the feeling I get at a Baseball game when everyone sings the National Anthem or when 9/11 happened, or even when Coldplay performs Fix You and the crowd sings the end together. The feeling I had, and still have, is more about the connectedness of humanity. The way we are constantly striving for that level of intimate connection and we all have it to offer and it's right there to reach out and grab, but we get in the way with pride and fear and even the mundanities of day to day life. We have told ourselves to ignore the need for that feeling, in order to survive, to not have to feel the deep hurts that come from really knowing and loving each other. But we sacrifice the beauty of being truly known and loved when we run from that feeling. Yeah, the show evoked all of that for me. (If you're reading this and you think I might need to be committed, can you just give me a 30 min heads up so I can go take a shower before they come for me?)

I could go on and on, and if you're my friend and you decide to watch, just know this might rival my obsession with Hamilton...you should probably just get out while you can...because I want to discuss this show. With ANYONE and EVERYONE who is willing. In my classes I often talk to my students about the necessity to be versed in both politics and pop-culture because it's all connected. The key to making something meaningful is sharing it with someone else. The conversations that come because of shows like The OA are the gifts from the artists who created them. For those of you who think that pop-culture is somehow the lesser of possible cultural interests a person could have, you're doing it all wrong. If this were a book, we would be celebrating it and bragging about having read such a masterpiece, but for some reason, visual formats have to work harder and some never get the same kind of appreciation, or if they do, it takes decades. The conversation about the art is what builds its legacy.

In the 1993 movie, True Romance, Patricia Arquette's character, Alabama, says she likes to get a piece of pie and talk after she's seen a movie. If a character in an old Tarantino film, who has just watched a few kung-fu movies, can engage in a conversation about it afterward...I'm sure you and I can too.

(Bonus points to anyone who can make a connection between True Romance and The OA)

Listen, I usually lean into things that are accessible to all. I like my poetry horoscopic and my horoscopes nice and vague. But in the case of The OA, I will just go ahead and acknowledge that not all of you will enjoy it. Please know that it is still very accessible to you, just maybe not today, or not in the room with the person who is sitting there with you now, or not in the midst of your multi-tasking. But if you will suspend your disbelief, open yourself up just a little, and let yourself get lost in it, I think you will find that The OA has more to offer than you can possibly imagine.

Did I do it? Did I get my words right this time?

Summer Nights

2016-07-16T02:37:00.002-07:00

I'm not sure about you, but I have really been enjoying my summer. I'm teaching, but it's a much lighter load than my usual semesters, so I end up having these long stretches of time to enjoy myself. I thought I'd do a blog of recommendations for those of you looking for ways to spend your lazy days!. Here are some things I've watched/read/listened to recently that I think are worth your time!

WATCH

The Good Wife...she's really not that good.

1. The Good Wife-All 7 seasons are finally out on Hulu, and I binged my way through in about 3 weeks. Aside from incredible acting, this show manages to deliver a strong story arc from beginning to end. Once I realized that it's really just a law show, I expected it to become rather formulaic, but it avoided that trap and actually delivered some fresh and creative takes on the same court cases that show up time and time again. While I wasn't pleased with the last half of the last season, (it feels a little rushed and the characters I grew to love just seem to disappear) I can forgive it because as a whole this show is pretty complex. I gave it a solid 8 on IMDB.

2. Love-I had about 6 people Snapchat me to tell me that they thought I would like this show, and they were right. While I'm really trying to commit to only watching shows that are completed, I have a few exceptions on the list and this is one of them. You can find it on Netflix and there is only 1 season so far. This is Judd Apatow's latest endeavor, so if you already know that you don't enjoy him, probably just stay away. However, Love is quirky and probably one of the more true to life shows I've seen in a while. I don't want to say too much about this one except that I think it's down to earth and I like that it doesn't rush itself. You might find that you want more from it...and isn't that the thing about love...? I gave it a 7 on IMDB.

3. The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story- Every time I bring this up, someone says, "I don't have to watch it, I lived it." Yeah yeah. Sure. But set your cynicism and ego aside and see what you can learn over 20 years after we all watched the famous Bronco chase down the freeway. Hindsight is everything, and Ryan Murphy (Glee/American Horror Story) brought his A-Game to the table for this show. In fact, it just received 22 Emmy nominations right behind Game of Thrones. I actually have one of my classes watching the show and doing a weekly analysis of the cultural contents then compared to today, along with an exploration of argument philosophies used throughout the case. The class as decided that sadly, not much has changed in 20 years. But amazingly, the show provides some context for the world we are living in and how we got here. The acting is superb. It's like watching a very well-crafted train wreck where you already know the outcome, but cannot look away. I have actually watched the 10 episodes 4 times now, and I am enthralled each time. I gave this a 10 on IMDB.

4. Chelsea-Over the last decade I have slowly grown to love Chelsea Handler. I thought she was a little too "out there" for me at first, but then I realized, that her persona is not a character she's working, it's just who she is. (Insert comments about my naivety here, but I stand by this statement). And I do respect authenticity. Chelsea is a representation of the progression of women in comedy. Gone are the days of Carol Burnett's slapstick and Ellen's stand up. Even Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are by most standards rule followers, toeing the line, but always knowing where the line is. Amy Schumer and Chelsea Handler have no idea where the line is and they honestly don't care. And it infuriates most people. Women have basically stopped playing by the rules and it's pissing people (mostly men) off. If you don't believe me, just read the comments from men about the new Ghostbusters movie, they are so scared we are going to take over! And Chelsea just might do that. Her show is on Netflix with a new episode released weekly. It's raw and funny and insightful and intriguing. Each episode is stand alone and introduces a new topic that she wants to learn about. The learning is not thorough, but that's by design. It's a short show and we have short attention spans. While the media continues to insult Chelsea, she has no problem surrounding herself with celebrity friends and other people who will gladly give her 10 minutes to discuss whatever thing she's exploring. She loves sex and alcohol and hates Trump. But there's a lot she doesn't understand, and that is what this show is about. Enlightenment. I gave this show an 8 on IMDB.

READ

2014 was Gone Girl, 2015 was The Girl on the Train, now this. Writers, you know what to do!

5. The Girls by Emma Cline-My friend Joni spotted this title in a Good Housekeeping magazine back in May and texted that we should read it, I pre-ordered it that day. It released on June 14th and has been dubbed the book of the summer. Last I checked it was #3 on the Hardcover Fiction NYT Bestsellers. I read this in 5 hours. I could not put it down. It's beautifully written about a period of time I dream of often: Northern California in the late 1960's. It follows 14 year old Evie who finds herself in the midst of changes in her own life, which makes her perfectly ripe for falling into a new group of friends and their leader, Russell. As the book goes on, the reader realizes that the story is reminiscent of the Manson "family". Emma Cline is 27 and this is her first book. The way she explores the relationship between girls and their need for acceptance from others is so hard to read because every woman has been there at some point in their lives. It's a beautifully haunting book that enters into terrifying territory through a simple relationship, reminding the reader that anyone could be one friendship away from danger. I gave it a 5 on Goodreads.

6. All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation by Rebecca Traister-I am slowly reading my way through this epic nonfiction work by Traister, a New York Magazine contributor. I heard about it on one of my favorite podcasts, "Call Your Girlfriend." The podcast had a meet-up in San Francisco, and Traister was there reading live from her book. The passages she read were addictive, discussing the way women are fulfilled in life, and the need to stop comparing our lives to what we are told they should be. When she stopped reading, I wanted more. I started reading this about a month ago, and it's a lot to wade through. Every single world is measured so carefully and is so validating that each chapter is like digesting a huge steak. It takes time to process and understand. It's also a little infuriating. The way that women have been set up to fail from the start of our country is damning to the fundamentals of Christianity as well as the ideals of equality and freedom that the USA so loves to claim and cling to. But the beauty of the book is that Traister is not mad. She's a reporter, and as I tell my students all the time, if you have good research, you can let the research speak for itself. Perhaps the most important thing the book offers is that there is no one right way to be a woman. The average age of marriage for women is up to 29 now and climbing. There are more single women than ever in our country, and that number is climbing too. Traister's book allows women to look past the assigned checklist of life (College, Job, Marriage, House, Babies) and validates that there are millions of us doing it a little differently. As a single 37 year old who loves to hang out with friends and travel, Traister's book is giving me permission to be happy now in this life rather than hoping any day now when I start my checklist, my happiness will begin. It should be noted that Traister is not anti-marriage (she is married, herself), nor is she anti-male. She's just pro-woman, and that's great to read. I gave it a 5 on Goodreads.

7. Jasmine by Bharati Mukerjee- I actually chose this book for one of my classes, but as I read it, it spoke to me more deeply than just another supplemental text for a class. While I do think the book starts out a little slow, once the reader starts to find out about the journey Jasmine has been on from her home country of India to her current place in life, Iowa, I couldn't put it down. It's a fiction book, but could easily be the story of any person coming to America for the first time. Aside from a good narrative, the book offers subtle commentary on what it means to inundate oneself to the American way of life, as well as the parts of humanity that are not dictated by birth or border. I was pleasantly surprised with it and found myself crying as I turned the last pages. I gave it a 4 on Goodreads.

LISTEN

Who tells your story?

8. Hamilton: An American Musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda-You'd have to be living under a rock to have managed to miss the hype surrounding Hamilton, but I'm gonna just go ahead and jump right on that bandwagon now. I purchased the full recording about 10 days before the Tony's, and I am so glad I did. I haven't stopped listening yet. I have always been amazed by people who not only write music, but write incredible lyrics, and actually twist all of that into a story. Add another layer to this production, because it's not a story Miranda could make up from scratch, he had to commit to the (mostly) true history of Alexander Hamilton's life. Sheer brilliance. It's as timely as it is inspirational, and it's damn catchy too. In case you were thinking that maybe it's been oversold, I'm here to tell you, the hype is legit. Go listen now!

9. Lemonade by Beyonce- I should be clear, I'm referring to her music in this entry, not the visual album. So, I've been meaning to blog an entire blog on this, but I've decided to fit it into this one instead. I will admit that while I respect the influence Beyonce has had on the world, I have not been a big fan of her music in the last decade. But when Lemonade dropped, I picked it up to try again. Especially with all of the rumors circulating and cultural references being made--I am nothing if I'm not a fan of connectivity in the world. I had this on repeat for about a month after I listened. The album is a reminder that Beyonce doesn't have to grunt, whisper, or repeat herself to make music, she can really sing. It's a diverse album with a lot of unpredictable style and varied tracks on it, and it offers an empowering message. It's not Katy Perry's Roar or Sara Bareilles' Brave, which seek to build you up, Beyonce's message is more about breaking you out. I know there are rumors that the implication of Jay-Z cheating on her was a publicity stunt for selling the album, and if that's the case, I have to say Beyonce is taking a risk that no one has come close to taking with their stardom so far; deliberately spitting in the face of her fans to see if they will ride the rollercoaster with her. And most likely, they will. I'm afraid I would have to get off of that ride if that proves to be the case. There's a line between marketing strategies and blatantly lying to people to make money, and Beyonce is in a unique position to influence for good. But my gut (remember, we've already established that I'm naive) says that the time and heart Beyonce put into this album come from a real and raw place, which is what ultimately makes it so appealing and enjoyable. Anyone can be drunk in love, but it takes investment to offer a real piece of yourself to your fans.

10. Tell Me I'm Fat by This American Life- I listen to TAL weekly as a podcast on my drive to work, but this episode (#589) had me listening to it three times, jotting down names of books and people mentioned as I replayed it each time. As our culture begins to move into a more accepting place regarding what a body should look like, it's discussions like the one in this episode that will eventually move us to total change. Listening to a fat girl talk about coming out as fat, sharing the problems with finding clothing, and revealing that she is at her happiest, her most confident, is vital in a nation where the average woman is a size 14. On the other hand the podcast reveals the doubts of a woman who has recently lost over 100 pounds and finds herself married to someone who would not have loved her if she had not been skinny, forcing her to question everything. As a fat woman, I have spent too many years hating and shaming myself in this skin. I want to be healthy and strong, and I am. I am probably the most confident I have ever been, and I have no intention of altering my body in dangerous ways or never eating cake again just so other people might be more comfortable when they look at my skin. This episode is validating but challenging too, and incredibly painful to hear during some sections.

What are you watching/reading/listening to this summer!?

Why I Cry When Music Idols Die

2016-04-24T21:45:00.000-07:00

It started back in January. I rolled over to the sound of the buzzing alarm on my phone and searched for the snooze button. I am not a snoozer really, but I will allow myself those 9 minutes between the initial waking and the getting out of bed to quickly look at what I've missed in the world while I was asleep. I pulled up Facebook first and clicked over to the trending topics. Personal notifications are like candy...they are the people I know saying something I care about, liking or commenting on my links and pictures, they're the dessert. But the trending topics must come first. I need to know if it's worth it to get out of bed each day. I always look at the trending topics and think, maybe today is the day the giant Interstellar wave or Melancholia is going to destroy earth. If that's the case, I have bourbon to drink and people to call. Teaching is not an option on a day like that. Trending topics tell me what I have missed that our society has decided matters. And so on this particular day when I clicked over to see the stats on the latest mass shooting, or what Kardashian was in the news, I never expected to see that David Bowie had died.

I felt my eyes well up immediately. I thought about my cousin who introduced me to Bowie when we were children. My 36 years flashed before my eyes and I saw myself as a child watching Labyrinth, driving along in my rusty Datsun as a teenager with Heroes blasting, and more recently, celebrating his music in some of my favorite movies and television shows of the last few decades, The Wedding Singer, Moulin Rouge, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and American Horror Story just to name a few. Even though I was born in 1979 and missed several of Bowie's more celebrated phases, his music was still working its way through my life in 2016.

My 9 minutes were up, and though the world wasn't ending with some massive wave or planet crashing into Earth, the news of Bowie's death felt just as devastating and final as any of those apocalyptic situations might.

I showered, got ready, and drove my hour commute while singing Heroes through uncontrollable sobs, the entire way. My mom was in town, and that night we watched as tribute was paid. I'm crying now just thinking of it.

Last week was no different. When the news of Prince's death made its way to me (this time via text), I cried. I cried so hard. I was so grumpy and mad at the injustice of it, though death shows no prejudice. I flashed back to all the upbeat pop songs I enjoyed in my childhood, the way Prince was clearly doing a "new" thing in regards to perception, fashion, branding, and from what I could tell in my limited teen knowledge of these things, he even seemed to be playing with gender and sexuality in a way that made him almost impossible to label. But it didn't matter that no one could label him, because everyone loved his music. I have spent the weekend discussing Prince with my friends, most of whom are older than me, and they were as devastated by his passing as I was. Shocked, sad, and yet, we were all so confused as to why this matters to us in ways that make us feel grief so big and real.

So I thought about it, and here are a few of my theories:

1. Nostalgia.-These artists take us back to a time when life was not as hard or complicated. Innocence was in tact, mistakes had yet to be made. I didn't have many regrets as an 8 year old, and not even as an 18 year old. We were more carefree than we are now. And not just because of age, but because the world was different. Not to say that it was better, it was just so different and given that all change is perceived as loss, it only makes sense that we would long for those years of simplicity. It's the curse of humanity...it's what Gatsby is about. It's what everything is about. Almost all of us want to go back in time to relive, change, or simply just relish in a moment. Music transports us to those times, and we are able to almost feel the same feelings that we once felt. Unburdened and pure.

2. Music is not what it once was.-This is not to say that all music today sucks. I want to be clear on that. However, with technologies like autotune and apps that play the guitar for you, it's easier than ever to produce music. But make no mistake, it is a production. It's not always art, it's lights and choreography, and sometimes it's barely music. Bowie and Prince (among others of that time) had to be all in. They were pursuing their dreams, not dabbling on the side hoping for YouTube views and Facebook likes. They had to learn to play instruments, and usually taught themselves. They had to write music and constantly reinvent themselves along with the culture. Marketing today is easier than ever with social media. Everyone has their 15 minutes of fame, but these musicians worked hard for it. And they were and remain impressive. A few years ago I heard Fleetwood Mac perform and it was truly a performance. They played for almost 4 hours straight, despite being in their 70's, and didn't miss a note. This is in great contrast with Justin Bieber who performed 6 songs and an encore in Fresno a few weeks ago. Fleetwood Mac told stories of sharing one room and a queen sized mattress between the 5 of them and hoping that Stevie's mom would send some cash soon so they could eat. They lived and breathed music and not because it made them money, but because it was their calling. It was art, and art is worth the risk. It's worth the sacrifice. Like I said before, I'm not opposed to music of today. I love some of the up and coming singers like James Bay, Matt Simons, and that Zayn song Pillowtalk is downright catchy. I am so ready (and a little scared) to hear Beyonce's Lemonade in its entirety. But let's be real...Art paves the way for art. And without Liberace, Bowie, and Prince, there would be no Lady Gaga. One day we will see who Gaga is paving the way for, but it will only be a re-invention, a revamping of what has come before, which is completely expected and wonderful. We can celebrate the revision, but we should honor the foundation.

Lady Gaga's honored Bowie, and also wrote a nice tribute to Prince. She gets it.

3. We are all feeling something together.-My good friend profoundly shared this sentiment with me last week when I posed the question to her about why I cried over Prince, and she is spot on. In no way is Prince's death on par with 9/11 in terms of tragedy, nor would I compare it to other things I have grieved in my life. But the unity of sadness that stretches across our nation and even world in times like these is undeniable. We are all reminiscing, we are all singing in unison. The technology of our day is even participating. Google and Snapchat responded with Purple Rain filters and images. Weather channels changed their graphic colors from green rain to purple for the day. Prince's 2007 Super Bowl performance went viral...again. iTunes moved his music and movies to their front pages because of the onslaught of purchases. We united in grieving together. And while it would be nice if we could find a way to do this on the daily for refugees, the poor, and the persecuted in our world...this feels like a start. For a few hours, billions of people were having a political/agenda-free shared experience, connecting over music and memories. And honestly, I think that is something we all crave more than we can bring ourselves to admit.

As Prince said, "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life." I think the implication of these words are that we get through it, together.

Hurts So Good

2014-04-30T15:01:00.002-07:00

I just watched the newly released trailer for The Fault In Our Stars.

You guys, I can't.

I'm already crying. And yet, on the day the movie comes out, I will go, probably first thing in the morning to see it. I know this movie is going to make me miserable. It's going to make me have lots of feelings about life and love and death, lots of hopes and regrets, lots of thoughts on injustice and overall questions of why these things happen. But I will be there, tissues in hand, ready to have red eyes the rest of the day.

One time someone told me that they hate watching sad movies because life is too hard as it is. I get that. But I tend to disagree. In fact, if anything, I think I use sad movies as an acceptable excuse for me to cry about real life. On the daily, it doesn't seem socially appropriate to cry about the things that really make me want to cry. But if I watch a sad movie, the tears can release, and I can just blame it on the movie. Anyone feeling me on this? Or am I the only one out there who willingly watches sad movies?

Oh well. Here's an abbreviated list (cause, let me tell you, I cry at a lot) of movies that are guaranteed to make me cry every time.

1. Beaches: I love how loud and self-involved and diva-like Bette Midler's character is through the entire movie. I love the realness of their friendship, complete with arguments and periods of silence. But the gem of the movie is at the end when she uses all of that attitude and gumption to get Barbara Hershey out of the hospital and to the beach, and that damn song plays, and I just lose it.

2. Fried Green Tomatoes: If you ever want to hear me audibly and uncontrollably sob, this is the movie to show me. The movie only works because it shows the depth of the friendship that Ruth and Idgie have. This is one of my pet peeves with Thelma and Louise...which I could get to in another blog. But the point is, that we see these two grow up together and go through some really hard stuff. So the care they have for each other is obvious and has been shown time and again throughout the story. There are a lot of tough moments, but at the end when Ruth is dying and she asks Idgie to tell her a story, GAH. I love Idgie's reluctance. She recognizes the heavy moment and knows she should probably say something important, but she can't deny her friend's request. She finishes her story and sees Ruth and the rest is a blur due to the fact that I'm always crying so hard at that point, I have no real idea what happens exactly at the end.

The original drunk kitchen.

3. Inception: This may seem like a weird choice for a crying movie. And maybe it's really a trick of the music, but even with the crazy (and what some would call confusing) plot, and the action packed snow scene that lasts a little too long, there is a sentimentality running through this movie that is genius. The entire goal is to have a man change his mind about something. With all the guns and chases, in the end when Robert opens the safe and sees the paper windmill, I lose it. Yes, it's all fabricated. I know, I know. But it just goes to show that the heart is what makes change. Even though that's my favorite moment, I also love Leo's speech to Mal at the end about why he has to let her go. It's so raw.

4. The Pursuit of Happyness: I love NOTHING more than a story about an underdog who gets what he deserves. I can't help it. I root for people who don't have the same advantages as others. And especially if they are willing to work to change their lives! Anyway, this story is painful on so many levels, but the payoff is fully there at the end when he gets the job. The look on Will Smith's face is one of the best acted moments in cinema history. I cry right along with him every time.

Also, this moment.

5. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: I could never put a normal rom-com in this list. Sure, I have some that move me, but if I'm gonna pick a romance, it's not gonna be a conventional one. ESOTSM captures what it's like to go through a break up, what it's like to fall in love, and what it's like to want to forget someone. It's an enlightened movie that circles back on itself and somehow manages to fill me with hope and hopelessness all at the same time. The moment that makes me cry every time is when Jim Carrey's Joel is having his memories extracted, and there is one where he and Kate Winslet (Clementine) are in bed, and he says, "Please let me keep this memory. Just this one..."

Honorable Disney Mention: UP. The first ten minutes are torture.
Honorable Sports Mention: Any sports movie really. The scene is the same in all of them.
Honorable Traditional Rom/Com Mention: While You Were Sleeping. The end when she confesses.
Honorable Period Piece Mention: Sense and Sensibility. Emma Thompson is so composed the entire movie, then she loses it.

Do you like a good cry? What are your "go-to" movies that bring you to tears?

Freaks and Geeks: A Show Worthy of a Weekend Fat Revival

2014-04-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

I can't promise that I'm bringing this blog back, but I need a place to discuss Freaks and Geeks. After a whole lot of ~~prodding~~ harassment from a few friends and access to my cousin's Netflix account, I have finally completed what might be one of the best shows about High School ever made. It is not only captivating with characters and plot, it deals with so many of the agenda based issues that Glee attempted without being heavy-handed, AND it serves as the precursor to so many other shows that are on TV today. Here are some things/moments I loved from the show.

1. The characters are not beautiful. I mean, of course they are all pretty good looking, but they aren't shiny and happy. They are angsty and curvy with clothes that don't fit and asymmetrical faces. Even though they are actors, they make a great attempt at real people. They are flawed. GOSH are they flawed. Angry, obsessive, mean, confused, giving into peer-pressure, socially awkward, not self-aware, spoiled, and more. And yet, even with all of these various personality flaws, they are not caricatures. I found myself rooting for each of them to rise above whatever kept them down. To study harder, speak up, calm down, soften up, try harder, practice more, because even though these characters are not beautiful people, they are like me and you. We can do hard things, and I found myself believing it for them too.

2. Lindsay's transformation/coming of age. It would have been really easy to make Lindsay's character the vehicle for all of the lessons that needed to be learned in the show. And while there are moments where she is forced to come face to face with the choices she is making, she never strays so far from herself that she can't remember who she really is. As much as she wants to be cool or fit in with the Freaks, she brings her own flavor to it, even if it pisses the other characters off or puts her at risk of being ousted.

We're all unhappy. That's the thing about life. That's the horrible thing about life.

3. Jason Segel is adorable. Whether you like it or not, Jason Segel is a TV actor. His movies may make a splash, but his ability to develop a character through the arc of a TV show is where his strength in acting is. He is doing himself a disservice when he does ridiculous movies. HIMYM and this show are proof that he can bring incredible depth to what writers probably wrote as a pretty basic trope.

4. The episode when Sam wants an Atari and Neal gets one. We find out (spoiler) that Neal's dad is having an affair. Sam sees him out with another woman and is appalled and confused. Neal's dad tries to cover it up by saying he wanted to keep it secret so he could buy Neal the Atari. Neal is thrilled of course when he gets the game console. But at the end of the episode Sam's dad buys him one too just for the heck of it. Sam and Lindsay's parents constantly want the attention of their kids, especially the dad. And the moment when Sam get the Atari, the way he hugs his father is beautiful. It's as if he has a full appreciation of the fact that his dad is a man of integrity, even if an annoying one at times. It's rare that children see their parents for who they are and are able to really commit their emotions to them. But that moment is a perfect and sweet example.

I heard Stevie Nicks is a witch. She casts spells on people. I heard she cast a love spell on Lindsay Buckingham!

5. The best unintentional series finale ever. (Obviously there are spoilers ahead) Somehow in these 45 minutes, the characters get to try on new lives. (Which is the entire basis of High School Musical and Glee) James Franco ends up playing Dungeons and Dragons with the Geeks. Jason Segel has disco fever. And even though we don't realize it until the very end, Lindsay finally really rebels. But she doesn't do it in a mean or spiteful way. Instead of attending the academic event she's destined for, she and Kim (Busy Philipps) get into a van and follow the Grateful Dead around for 2 weeks. It's a sweet merging of personalities and lives that happens without force. Just like in real life, once you graduate, you become more of who you really are. The stereotypes melt away, and you're free to try on who you always wanted to be. Lindsay's last words to her mom are spoken in an unforgettable way, but the joy on her face when she meets up with Kim is hopeful. It's a really strangely perfect ending.

I could go on. I know I'm late to this party, but if you're coming into your Summer without a ton to do, watch this show. You won't regret it. When I finished it on Wednesday night, I looked up the Grateful Dead's American Beauty album and closed my eyes while it played in the background. It seemed like the most appropriate thing to do considering there was no van available for me to jump into with my best friend.

What are your favorite moments of the show? Favorite characters? Tell me what you loved!

Freeway: 10 Exits For You To Consider Taking

2013-06-24T08:10:00.001-07:00

If you'd asked me what I thought would be the thing that inspired me to blog on Weekend Fat again...I would have said one of these things:

John Mayer declares his new life of celibacy.
Leo and Kate finally profess their undying love for each other and live happily ever after.
Marcus Mumford proposes to me.

None of those things have happened...and yet here we are.

The other day on Hulu, they released a list of "Road Trippin" movies. Now when I think of movies with road trips I think of Forces of Nature, Thelma and Louise, Elizabethtown, Little Miss Sunshine, Almost Famous, and of course, Road Trip. But Hulu didn't mention those movies...instead the first one on the list was called: Freeway.

There will be blood.

Freeway stars Reese Witherspoon, Kiefer Sutherland, Brooke Shields, Brittany Murphy, Dan Hedaya, Michael T. Weiss, Amanda Plummer, and Guillermo Diaz (Huck from Scandal). Even if you think you don't know some of those names, I promise you have seen all of those people in something. Also, Oliver Stone was the Executive Producer.

The movie came out in 1996 and the basic plot summary is as follows: Troubled teen girl from troubling home gets in trouble. A more extensive plot summary would tell you that this teen girl meets up with a serial killer on her way to her grand mother's house...the movie describes itself as a "Modern Day Little Red Riding Hood." Indeed. Reese does wear a lot of red in the movie.

I sat down yesterday with some hours in front of me to watch TV and thought, sounds promising. Good actors, decent movie decade, action/redemption story...sure...why not...

HERE IS WHY NOT.

1. Whatever image you have of Reese Witherspoon in your head will be destroyed forever. The language that comes out of her mouth in this movie was shocking. SHOCKING I SAY! The F word the N word the C word the P word the X word...oh you didn't know there was an X word....WELL THERE IS. If Reese was anything like this when she was pulled over in Atlanta, it's surprising that she's not behind bars. Gone is the Southern Belle that fills your favorite RomCom roles...enter this monster who overacts EVERY SINGLE WORD and does so in a way that makes you cringe. It's truly horrifying to watch.

2. While it might not change your view of Kiefer, given that he does play a scumbag rather well, he is especially repulsive in this movie.

3. Sexual content. Look...you know I don't get upset about these kinds of things usually...and the movie itself doesn't have a lot of sex in it, but the way sexual acts are talked about in the movie made me extremely uncomfortable. I'm not sure if it's the heinous things that Reese's character has to go through, or the way everyone in the movie seems to be overacting therefore bring some kind of unintended comedy to what should be a very serious topic...but something about the way these things get addressed just made me feel dirty.

I know, it just seems wrong.

4. Brooke Shields. There is exactly 1 movie role that Brooke Shields is qualified for...Blue Lagoon. Which was 33 years ago (yeah, I said it 33). In Freeway, her role as supportive wife to Kiefer, her serial killer husband, is less than believable, and quite honestly, when she blows her brains out at the end, it's a relief.

5. Brains blown all over the wall. I already mentioned language and sex, but this movie has some violence that kind of pushes the envelope for me too. And sometimes the blood just comes out of no where! Like there's a slap, and then a ton of blood and then a gunshot. Which brings me to...

6. Horrible editing. I can't say I normally notice things like this. I am a content kind of girl. I look at the plot and characters before I look at the way a movie is assembled. But there are just so many obvious, glaring holes in this one. At times the continuity is so bad that it's almost like the characters have teleported, moved without walking, due to poorly pieced together takes.

7. Brittany Murphy. Look, I am a huge Brittany Murphy fan. While her acting career was short, I think she really nailed some great roles. What troubles me about this movie is that it was after her breakout part in Clueless. I think her agent must have said, "hey, it's got Reese in it!" and based on her recent Alicia Silverstone success, she jumped on it. Only...she shouldn't have. She plays a huffing-addicted lesbian who comes on to Reese during her brief stay in the juvenile prison. Only, I think Reese's contract must have had a "no lesbian make out" clause in it, which is a little interesting given the amount of racial slurs she blurts out in the movie. But it was the 90's...where some things were still more acceptable than others. ANYWAY...Brittany ends up making out with Reese's neck, which is horribly awkward. The only thing I can think is that this little role opened up the door for her much more substantial visit to crazy town in Girl, Interrupted. God bless the broken road...

8. A lot of guns get pointed at a lot of heads in Freeway. Which is possibly a metaphor/over-the-top symbol for someone holding a gun to the heads of these actors, producers, and even Danny Elfman (music man), threatening them to make this movie or else. I've heard George Clooney talk about making Oceans 11, 12, and 13, so he could make Syriana. Maybe this was like that...these actors all had things they wanted to do, but their contracts required this first. Or maybe there was an actual gun to their heads. My guess is that the holder of the gun was Mary Vernieu. She's the casting director of the movie. And her credits are beyond amazing. Most recently she's responsible for the casting of Silver Linings Playbook, Black Swan, The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Looper. Did she call in some favors? What does she have on these people?

9. If you've read this blog before, you know that I am a Christian. I even went to seminary. In one of my classes, we were taught how to convert people. How to approach people with the message of the Gospel. I find that class extremely ridiculous now, but one of the methods they taught as a "last ditch effort" was basically saying to someone, "look, what do you have to lose? believe in Jesus and when this life is over if it's all true, you go to heaven...if it's not true...then what does it matter.?" Solid faith right there. ANYWAY. The only method that could possibly be less effective is the one where Reese is holding a gun to Kiefer's head and asks him if he accepts Jesus as his Lord and Savior. There's just so much wrong with this scene already. It's random and dirty, and then it tops off with this gem. I can't...even....

I mean, what have you got to lose?

10. I can think of approximately 8452 things you can do instead of watching this movie. Right off the top of my head. I won't list them all here, but just spit balling how about: sleeping, watching the random episode of 666 Park Avenue that showed up on my Hulu Queue this weekend, cleaning out your closet, driving to the nearest state line just for the hell of it, mending the hole in those pants on your dresser, and going for a run...in the 100 degree weather...through swarms of killer bees.

If I haven't convinced you, then you're probably like me. Your interest has been piqued and you cannot be swayed. It's free. It's on Hulu. And it sounds too...something...to be true. Here's the number 1 and possibly only reason you SHOULD watch....

So I am no longer alone in this.

Who is the wolf in this scenario?

Whoops...Another Month Went By....

2013-03-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

It's been over a month since I last blogged on Weekend Fat. Weekend Fat has become something like a plant to me. I know it's there, and I see it, and I like it. I like how it adds to the environment and how it lifts my mood. And on my way out the door, I think...I need to water that. But I'm on my way out the door. And it's just a plant, it's resourceful, it will find a way. Except that then a month goes by and I realize the soil is all cracked, the leaves have turned yellow, and I can pour all the water I want on it, but it's probably not coming back. So I don't pour water on it. I sit in my chair and keep watching TV or keep going out to eat with friends, or reading at Starbucks, because ultimately those things bring me more joy now than the plant once did.

Weekend Fat was great for me during my stay in China. It gave me something to do daily in a place where I had NOTHING to do. It kept me connected and kept me writing and meeting "deadlines." But life is happening now, and it's a good life. And even though I think about Weekend Fat daily, multiple times even...when I sit down to write, I'm overwhelmed. There's just too much to tackle!

Do I talk about Bates' Motel and how prequels are some of the only territory left to explore on TV. (I bet even Walking Dead will do a season or begin flashbacks soon as to how the zombies came to be.) Or maybe I talk about the fact that the "Strangers on a Train" storyline has shown up on every crime drama on TV in the last month! Do I discuss just how adorable Adam Levine is and confess that I can't stop looking at those pics of him online...you know the ones. Or do I tell you to NEVER WASTE YOUR TIME on the movie LAWLESS even though it has some of the best actors ever in it. Or maybe I could just start a countdown to the Great Gatsby release.

But it's TOM HARDY and JESSICA CHASTAIN!

See!!! Too much. And you know what makes it worse? I feel defeated. I have a thought about what to write, and I fail to act on it in that very moment, and I swear to you, within 12 hours, my FB newsfeed is full of Jezebel, AWL, Huffington Post articles discussing THE VERY THOUGHTS I JUST HAD. But by the time I get to writing them, they've been written. I don't want to be redundant.

What I won't say is that I'm busy. Anyone who knows me and has ever allowed me to lecture them (thanks friends) knows that I cannot stand the words Busy and Tired. Those are excuses. Busy is something we create to make ourselves feel important and to put people off. So I will not tell you I am too busy for Weekend Fat. I am not. At All. I could find lots of hours in my week to keep the blog going...but the truth is that it's no longer a priority for me. That's the real truth of busy-ness people. It's a prioritizing thing. We make time for what we want to make time for. And the honest to god truth of it is that, I just don't want to make time for this at the moment. Now, call me and let's TALK about Lawless (or let's don't) and we can enjoy a wonderful conversation. If China taught me one thing, it's that actual access to actual people is better than any "audience." Social networks and the internet have their role, they just tend to take a backseat to face to face connection for me at the moment.

I will lecture you about the problem with "Tired" some other day.

So unless something brilliant or bothersome pushes me into blogging again, I gotta say for now, I'm just not that into it. Of course it's still getting hits and some attention. As of this post the blog has had almost 100,000 individual viewers. That's in less than a year. The posts between myself and my friend Julie about Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie remain the most popular posts (meaning people are Googling about them all the time) though Anne Hathaway is in 3rd place with her recent "popularity/infamy." The most shared post was about Magic Mike. The most widely read posts mention The Walking Dead.

Thanks for your support and attention to Weekend Fat over this last year. We will just have to wait and see where it leads in time....

Amber

P.S. In case you were wondering, Melancholia is still haunting me.

Why YOU Deserve to be at The Oscars

2013-02-25T11:42:00.001-08:00

I'm delusional. I'm also a narcissist. These two traits often lead me to thoughts that go something like this:
"I can eat that entire pizza with no consequences. I mean I'm really not that overweight."
"If I were on Gray's Anatomy, Dr. Avery would be into me."

"I could totally do a cartwheel right now."

You can see how things get out of hand quickly. But last night as I watched the Oscars, I couldn't help but think...I could totally be there. And not just me, YOU too. We...should be at the Oscars. Here are a few reasons:

I've always depended on the kindness of celebrities.

1. You could give a better acceptance speech.
If you're a fan like me, you've seen the best and the worst of the speeches over the years. The memorable, and the ridiculous. Sally Field, Marlon Brando, Adrien Brody, Roberto Benigni, and Jack Palance are all key players in your mind when it comes to the fiasco that is the Oscar acceptance speech. These actors, after having a least a month to come to terms with the fact that they might have to formulate some words of thanks for winning such a prestigious award, somehow fail to deliver 90% of the time. We all know the drill. Begin with an emphatic statement and/or quote from the movie you were in. Thank the Academy, acknowledge your fellow nominees, thank the cast and crew, give an endearing remark about your family that reminds us you're a real person, and thank God if applicable to your religious leanings. End with an emphatic quote if you didn't open with one, if you did, then end with a nice pleasantry, a sincere smile, and an audience embracing hand gesture. Do not mention the music that's "gonna start playing any minute," it wastes precious time and we all know you're under the gun. Don't linger on any one of your other nominees, it seems trite and patronizing. Don't leave out your significant other (looking at you Swank). And don't mention Canada and what hard work it is to be married to Jennifer Garner! Come on Affleck...sounds like Celebrity Problems to me.

I love his beard, and I don't mean Jennifer Garner.

2. You know what to wear (and what not to!)
Marilyn Monroe once said, "Hollywood is the only place where you can die from encouragement." When you're a celebrity, people blow smoke up your ass. No one wants to be the person to tell Christina Hendricks to cover up her boobs or Angelina to tuck her leg back in. These actors and actresses don't have a friend in the world. Because, my friends tell me. "Leave your hair long. Don't go blonde again. Lay off the pizza." Their lack of affirmation communicates a lack of acceptance, and I pay attention to both their criticisms and their silence. Not because I think they are mean, but because I know they care. This has led me to a place where I wear clothes that generally compliment me. I know what colors wash me out. I know what I can't pull off. Because I'm a real person. As lovely as my friends are to me, they have no reason to lie. My self-awareness combined with my friends, punctuated by mother's sideways glance over her glasses asking, "You're gonna wear that?" are usually enough to steer me in the right direction. It must be lonely at the top...and there are obviously no mirrors up there either.

I want to laugh at their jokes!

3. You're ready for the "cut to" shot.
If only we could live our lives on multiple cameras. I watched House of Cards last night, and I would love a world where I could turn to the camera and give my aside, enriching my actions and environment. Award shows are known for their sudden "cut to" shots of celebrities that are being roasted at any given moment. Some of these people handle the moment with style and grace, but most of them look like a deer in the headlights. I think it's safe to say that you and I would be ready for the "cut to" shots. The pose, a stoic mouth turned slightly upward and smiling eyes that could read anything from "I'm gonna kill that bitch for saying that" to "How cute that I made it into the jokes." Bonus points for turning to the person sitting next to you and whispering your own joke in front of the camera. Make the people at home wonder what on earth you said to evoke THAT laugh from Julianne Moore!

Still standing...and hosting.

4. Elton John's Oscar party has NOTHING on yours.
My dream is to one day host an Oscar party that people will talk about for years to come! Maybe you already do that. Maybe your Pinterest is full of the kinds of ideas that turn a Shindig into a Brouhaha! With obscure Oscar trivia, movie posters of all the best pictures from the last 85 years and, a soundtrack straight from the stage, you can't go wrong. Add a red carpet to your front yard, and hire a local blogger, and you're good to go. Hosting this level of party should put you on the map to attend, if not co-host with Reginald Kenneth Dwight. (If you don't know who that is, you are not invited.)

Best moment of the night.

5. You're sitting where they once were.
Everyone loves a rags to riches story. Sure you might be a 34 year old, sitting on the stationary bike in the house where you grew up watching the Oscars with your mom while she plays solitaire on the iPad that you bought with severance money a few years ago...or not, just saying...you might be...but the truth is that most of the people walking across the stage were once where you are at this moment. Maybe minus a few of those details. The Oscars inspire us and show us in the most dramatic fashion, that dreams can come true.

10 Reasons Parenthood Should Be Renewed

2013-02-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

So the latest statement from NBC on Parenthood's renewal is something like, "We'll just wait and see how it goes." This is incredibly frustrating for those of us who are fans of the show. NBC is notorious for making horrible decisions with TV (which is kind of what 30 Rock was really all about), but to me, they have a good thing going with Parenthood. Sure, the ratings aren't as big as they hope, but unless they have a Walking Dead up their sleeve or plan on bringing Matthew from Downton Abbey back from the dead in a spin-off (Romelle, I'm looking at you for a title), they should be content with the consistent viewership of the show. Word of advice to those of you who are wanting to bring it back, don't watch ANY OF THE NEW NBC SHOWS. If any of them rank higher than Parenthood, it could get the axe. So just don't do it. Move over to Fox or Bravo or even ABC, but don't give NBC a reason.

Here are 10 reasons NBC should bring Parenthood back:

Real men...massage...each...other?

1. Male Role Models-For years we have watched as helpless fathers on sit-coms plant themselves in front of the TV and declare ignorance at anything to do with housework, kids, or romance. They spout off their one-liners and everyone laughs, but we all know that the women are running the show. I happen to believe art imitates real life, but after so many decades of viewing this kind of interaction, it's hard to know what came first...the chicken or the egg. Adam, Joel, Zeke, and even Crosby are not the fathers of the 80's and 90's. They love their wives, work hard, are invested in the lives of their children, and are not afraid to show passion even if it brings tears. They are far from perfect, but they try, listen, and are active participants in their families rather than background comedic relief. More of this please.

Save the drama for your...oh wait...you are the mama.

2. Sarah's Redemption-Sarah is no Lorelai, that's for sure. Still you can't help but love her. At first it just seemed like she'd been dealt a raw deal. Divorced mom of 2 teens moving in with her parents to get her life together. But now we know that Sarah is one of "those people." You know the kind. There are 2 types of drama. The drama that just happens in life, and the kind we create for ourselves. Sarah creates her own drama. Dave Ramsey, financial guru, has a theory that if you have $1000 in savings, that things that would otherwise be emergencies (doctors visits, broken down cars, stopped up toilets, etc.) are not emergencies. Without that money in savings, you create more debt or cause a crisis in other areas of life (no grocery money, gas money, late bills, etc.) This is how I feel about Sarah emotionally. She has no healthy emotional reserve to dip from, and so she just spins from crisis to crisis making bad choices that lead to more bad choices. With the ridiculousness of her choosing Hank over Mark, she is wide open to really get her life in order this next season. It's a clean slate, and we want to see her make the most of it. There are no gay characters on Parenthood yet, and in staying true to her wandering spirit, I wouldn't be surprised if Sarah's next relationship is with a woman.

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands.

3. Amber's Happiness -So, even though Sarah is a screw up, her daughter Amber has really come into her own lately. She's independent, smart, and savvy. Even though she was so in love with Ryan, she chose not to be caught up in his drama and was willing to part with him until he figured his shit out. Now that he's pushed past some of that, it's time for us to see her happy with him. I'd love for the next season to end with Ryan and Amber's wedding. I would ALSO like to see Amber pursue a degree in Child Development/Psychology. Her talent working with Max should not be a dropped storyline, but come back into play on a larger scale. Just because she didn't get into Berkeley doesn't mean SFSU wouldn't take her!

Wisdom lies here.

4. Camille Braverman, The Matriarch-Bonnie Bedelia brings grace and strength to every character she's ever played. Camille Braverman is no exception. She is a free spirit, but responsible, nurturing, but not controlling, and encouraging, but has high standards of behavior. This season with Kristina's breast cancer, we got to see the relationship between these two up close. At times it was awkward and hard not to feel bad for both of them as they sorted out the push and pull of helping, not wanting help, needing help, and finally receiving help. Camille, who is often the character with the least dialogue, communicated efficiently and emotionally and finally pierced through Kristina's outer shell to let her know that she is loved. I'd love to see more of these moments, and learn more about Camille. Just don't kill her off. I do worry that a death is coming if Parenthood stays on the air. You can only dance with cancer, car wrecks, and construction sites for so long.

5. Promoting Family-I am a single woman in my 30's with no kids. While I am pretty content in this life, watching the Braverman clan celebrate, mourn, and do life together is enough to make me want to start popping out kids right now. Lots of them! There are many shows that center around family, but few of them do it as well as this one. It never looks easy, but it always looks worth it. Isn't that how most of the best things in life flesh out? I also love that this is a liberal family who lives in Berkeley (a.k.a. Satan's lair), and still manages uphold a strong sense of family (Wait, I thought liberals were trying to destroy the family...). Even if they make decisions that you and your family wouldn't, at least they talk about their issues and deal with them. There is no perpetuation of pretend perfection happening here, which is what I find to be the thing that tears most families apart...no matter what side of the political spectrum they land on or where they live. All of this is really not what's important. What is important is that Parenthood has made family cool again. So many dramas focus on the work place or groups of friends, (or if you're Dallas, you focus on the horror of being related to horrible people) but Parenthood promotes family, even if it looks different than yours.

Victor's adoption process was one of my very favorite story lines.

6. Models of Parenting-I love that the show gives us not 1, not 2, but 5 different examples of how people parent. Add in the in-laws (like Jasmine's mother) and that number increases. When I worked in a job where people came to me to discuss things like parenting, I would often walk to my bookshelf and point to the books on raising kids. I usually pointed out a few of my favorites, but in the end, I pointed out that there are hundreds. If there were only one way to parent, there would be only one book on how to do it. But with changing economy, social pressures, and technology, to name a few, parents must take new aspects of life into consideration as they make decisions for their kids. I like that Parenthood showcases these different styles. Sarah wants to be friends with her kids. Jasmine and Crosby like to take time to explain things to Jabbar. Joel and Julia often end up in good cop/bad cop situations. Adam and Kristina choose their battles (and very few of them) with Max who has Asperger's. And then there's Zeke and Camille, who are kind of perfect when it comes to parenting their adult children. What I love is that the writers of the show aren't afraid to let these families bloom through the situations they've put them in, which allows for what seem like very real life consequences of spoiled brats, emotionally withdrawn teenagers, back talking, and at times, all hell breaking loose.

7. Realistic Siblings-If you are an only child, you may wanna skip this section. It might make you slightly depressed. I have a younger brother, Austin. Someone once told me that when I talk about him, I have a special tone of admiration in my voice reserved for just him. I adore him. But as I have watched him become a man, and he has watched me become a woman, the nature of our relationship has changed. Where we once centered all of our conversations around movies and television, playing pop-culture games, our relationship has matured with us. We have begun to formulate opinions about each others lives and actions. Some things that he does puzzle me, I am sure he feels the same way about my decisions. Yet, there is NO ONE on the PLANET that is more like me than he is. From the blood running through our veins to our mannerisms, no one can deny we are siblings, and our basic responses to most things are similar if not at times, identical. There is such a great comfort in this for me. Maybe the most fascinating thing that Parenthood has done is actually being able to create this kind of interaction between four unrelated actors. Zeke and Camille "birthed" these children who share different parts of their hippie spirit and ambition. Julia and Adam got the drive to succeed, Crosby and Sarah are the creative free spirits. Yet, when the four of them talk, they NAIL the dialogue and mannerisms of siblings. Their interaction is seamless. And aside from the way they interact (the best scenes are always the ones just between the 4 of them), their relationships are believable. Even though Adam and Sarah are different in most ways, he still goes to her for things because they are closer in age, not wanting to show Julia that he's less than perfect. Crosby adores and respects Adam, but needs and resents him at times. Julia and Sarah have very little in common personality wise, yet Sarah is so proud of Julia and all she's accomplished. These relationships are brilliantly written and acted, and hopefully they make people think about the treasure of having siblings. (Just for fun, did you know that Sarah and Adam date in real life?)

Amber's face is pretty much what I look like while listening to the music on Parenthood.

8.Music-As if Bob Dylan's Forever Young played through the opening of this show each week isn't enough to make you happy, the show is FULL of great music. Andrew Bird, The Avett Brothers, Neko Case, Leonard Cohen, Jack White, Fleetwood Mac, Iron and Wine, Missy Higgins...need I go on? All of these great artists and a ton more have had their songs showcased throughout episodes. In fact, you might not realize it but each episode of Parenthood averages 5 songs. It used to be that Grey's Anatomy was the go-to show for up and coming artists and for us to find good music. They may have set the trend, but Parenthood has taken it and run with it. Hardly an episode goes by when I don't Shazam a song to see what it is. (Which brings me to this gem of a website: www.tunefinder.com They have EVERY song in EVERY episode of EVERY show you could possibly want to know about. Brilliant.) The thing I enjoy about the music of Parenthood is that it's not just new stuff, it's old stuff too, representative of the generations in the show. Aside from the music in the show, the show has a storyline revolving around music with the Luncheonette. I'd love to see them get to a place where they are bringing in more artists to perform. Bon Iver was on last season!

9. Perfect Dialogue-As a wannabe writer, I pay a lot of attention to language and how we communicate. I picked up pretty early on that Shonda Rhimes has a monologue in almost every episode of her shows where a character begins a speech with "You don't get to...." It didn't take me long to recognize the repetition and parallelism in the way she writes. Sit-coms have it easy because the goal is to deliver a joke, but trying to create natural conversation between characters while conveying the years of emotions built up from being related and have it hold up for 48 minutes each week and move the plot forward is difficult. But the writers of Parenthood are brilliant, and accompanied by actors who have really taken to their style. These "family" members talk over each other and like each other in a way that I've never seen on TV before. No character is exempt from these traits. There is so much truth to the fact that we begin to talk and develop similar mannerisms as the people we spend time around, and Parenthood impresses me each and every week with the interactions between characters.

"..and dear God, let me keep my job so I can buy a cute baby sloth for my beautiful wife."

10. What's Your Other Option?-Listen up NBC...if you cancel Parenthood, what are you going to replace it with? Another crime drama? Another medical show? Another sit-com that you keep threatening to cancel? Or maybe, God forbid, another "reality" show. The worst thing about NBC, is that they don't recognize a good thing when they have it. From Ann Curry to Dan Harmon, to any sit-com that never got past the first three episodes because it didn't bring in millions of viewers, NBC execs have their fingers on the trigger making watching TV there almost like eating at a buffet. From week to week they may not have the prime rib or pot roast that you love, but at least they have fried chicken, and by that I mean, SNL, so you keep coming back. Tina Fey isn't set to write TV again for a few years, and so I doubt there's anything that NBC could offer in the place of Parenthood that would cause me to watch. Come on NBC...make us proud....

Here's hoping Parenthood gets renewed!

What reasons do you have for wanting to see it come back?

So You Finished Season 3 of Downton Abbey...

2013-02-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

First of all...welcome. I've been expecting you. Having sat quietly on that horrific ending of Season 3 for the last 2 months, I can honestly say that it's been tough watching your Facebook posts of celebration over marriages, babies, Bates' freedom, and Thomas not being a complete asshat. But alas, the celebration is over.

Matthew is dead.

Wait, I think I saw him breathe!

I've seen lots of anger at Julian Fellowes on Facebook and received quite a few texts regarding this most recent plot ~~twist turn~~ dead end. And it is in fact, tragic and maybe a bit reactionary. But my questions are not for Fellowes, they're for Dan Stevens.

What kind of guiding principles do you have that lead you away from THE most watched show in PBC history? Stevens insists he has other things coming down the pipe, some stage shows in New York, some writing opportunities, maybe a movie or two. He swears that he didn't want to be just the next big TV star. But my gut says he just put a nail in the coffin of his short-lived stardom.

The NICEST thing Fellowes could have done for him was to kill him off, because it keeps us sympathetic for him. Had Matthew left Mary, we would HATE him. Plot-wise it had to happen that way. Mary has a son, Matthew is practically Judas...serving his poetic purpose in a much larger story.

Ok, let's do this, I have to make a stop by Downton Abbey for what is basically becoming a British Horror Story.

Stevens' decision to leave goes directly against something I recently read from Tina Fey that I have adopted into my own guiding philosophy. Fey says:

The fun is always on the other side of a yes. Say yes, and you'll figure it out afterward. This has helped me to be more adventurous. It has definitely helped me be less afraid.

"We're offering you a job here at 'Saturday Night Live' -- can you move here within a week?"

"Ummm, yes I can."

"You know, you haven't been here that long, but do you want to move up and try to be one of the head writers?"

Feeling completely terrified inside, but saying, "Uhhh, yes, okay, yes, for sure."

"Do you wanna do 'Weekend Update' with Jimmy?"

Petrified. "Yes, thank you, of course!"

There are limits of reason to this idea of saying yes to everything, but when I meet someone whose first instinct is "No, how can we do that? That doesn't seem possible," I'm always kind of taken aback. Almost anyone would say, "It's Friday at two in the morning. We don't have an opening political sketch. We can't do it." Yeah, of course you can. There's no choice. And even if you abandon one idea for another one, saying yes allows you to move forward.

I remember observing the tendency people have to say "no" first when I was on staff at a church. No matter what was thrown out as a new idea, the fact it was new meant that there was built-in resistance. I was disgusted that our members and staff were investing themselves by thinking about the church and trying to make it better, only to be shut down around every corner. Fey's advice and experience resonates with me on a very personal level. Saying "no" guarantees one thing...that nothing changes. You stay as poor, as rich, as successful, as stuck, as happy, and as depressed as you are at that moment. A yes, guarantees movement every time.

Does this look like the face of the next big superstar?

Steven's might get by for a few more years on his floppy blonde hair and his sultry eyes, but I find it hard to believe that he will ever compete with the likes of Channing Tatum and Ryan Gosling on the big screen. I understand the concept of "leave 'em wanting more" but I also understand the concept of job security and being the most adored character on a super popular TV show. Ok...I don't understand that last part at all, but man...if I did, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't say no.

How long can Downton go on like this? Who will leave next? Why is this happening!? IS THIS REAL LIFE!!!???

The Following: Even Serial Killers Have Friends

2013-02-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

If you know me at all or if you've read this blog, then you know I LOVE a good scare. But sometimes a movie or television show in this genre will reach into a dark place that feels...too scary, too real. Kevin Bacon's new show, The Following is pushing that boundary with me.

Can we just all agree that if we see someone wearing an Edgar Allen Poe mask, we run?

The premise of the show is as follows: Kevin Bacon is a former detective turned writer. Let me just stop there for a moment and reiterate a crucial detail that makes this show legit. Bacon is a FORMER DETECTIVE TURNED WRITER. This is not Castle. This is not some random fiction writer with no credentials helping to solve crimes. Nope. THAT show is ridiculous, and I will not stand for it. But THIS...this makes sense. Moving on...Bacon's character has to come back into the crime solving scene to face a former nemesis and serial killer who happens to have a cult following outside of prison. The story arc for this season is that the serial killer has had his ex-wife's (and Bacon's romantic interest) son kidnapped. Bacon and fellow officers are looking for him, but have very few clues to go on, as this crime has been well thought out and crafted over time. But the episodic formula is that each week someone close to Bacon is the victim of the cult followers. This of course is sprinkled with flashbacks of how each cult member came to serve the serial killer, as well as "random" members of society being victimized.

It's intriguing to say the least. Because you never know who is working for the serial killer. They could be policemen, teachers, nannies, students, even detectives. Pretty sure that'll preach.

Scariest pixie cut ever.

Anyway, all that is fine and dandy and not that different from any other crime drama. BUT...this one dances up to a line of sadism that is cringe worthy. The pain that is inflicted on the victims from week to week is surprising and drastic. Last week's episode featured electromagnets placed on a person with a pacemaker's chest. Eyes have been gouged, mothers have been stabbed, and my personal fear...a man was lit on fire. The thing is, the pain isn't limited to the victims. The cult followers are also susceptible to the torture. When one man ends up caught and in the hospital, he eats the gauze...let me repeat, HE EATS THE GAUZE around his wound until it chokes him.

Of course, maybe the most traumatic kind of pain is emotional. The three followers who are keeping the kidnapped child, have a strange threesome/romantic triangle thing going which creates its own kind of head games. But one of the three has never actually killed anyone. He allows a girl escape and the other two find out. Rather than killing her FOR him, they just bring her back and set her up again, slightly wounded and ready for him to try it again, to kill her. These types of mental/emotional challenges must be overcome to bring about the kind of devotion necessary for a cult to exist and succeed.

Why is it whenever I write about cults, I am reminded of a church I once attended?

The best revenge story since The Cask of Amontillado.

Anyway, The Following is really good. But it will push your limits. It will make you squirm and gasp at times. The show has the potential to go on for a long time. I predict ending this first season with a trade of some kind. Get the kid back for the wife. Or let the serial killer go free for the kid. Once that happens, the game will change, and new characters will come in. Whatever choices they make, I imagine that there is no end to the sadistic tactics that we as watchers will endure.

Are you watching The Following? What do you think?

Submitting to Valentine's Day

2013-02-14T06:59:00.003-08:00

You guys know I'm not a huge Romantic Comedy fan. In fact, what I would really like to do is write a blog defining the Romantic Comedy. If I were to do that, some of my favorites would end up being Waitress, Eternal Sunshine, Garden State, and Lars and the Real Girl. But in honor of Valentine's Day, I submit to Cupid, Venus, Eros, and Hallmark to bring you my favorite Rom Coms. Enjoy this, it won't happen often!

1. While You Were Sleeping- This is my mom's favorite movie, so maybe it's her influence, but it's seriously a great movie. Sandra Bullock is adorable, and the side characters, in this case, the family, are perfect. Side characters are usually the "comedy" in Romantic Comedy, so they play an important role. I appreciate the interaction of this family almost as much as I appreciate Sandra Bullock's over-sized sweaters and the fact she works at a toll booth. By the time Bill Pullman declares his love for her, everyone else, both in the movie and the audience, is already in love with her.

You fell in love with me?

2. Return to Me- I've never been a huge David Duchovny fan, but Minnie Driver is wonderful. The premise of this movie is a heart breaker, literally. But again, it's the comedic relief of the elderly people who hang out at the restaurant that give this movie depth. Aside from their one-liners, they bring wisdom to the movie that Driver and Duchovny are in need of as they navigate what could be some tough waters. Plus, it has Bonnie Hunt who is like the key to success when it comes to Rom Coms. Which brings me to...

I wish this were Dylan McDermott.

3. Jerry Maguire- Don't judge me for liking a movie where Tom Cruise is the star. This movie is so much more than a love story. That's what it ENDS UP being about, but there is so much that happens before that and around that. If anything, it's about a man coming to terms with the dualities that exist within him. The formula isn't obvious, even if it does have a funny kid in it. Getting to the heart of the matter, this movie really captures the awkwardness of liking someone but not loving them yet, but wanting to secure your place with them, but not wanting to commit. The dialogue in the movie is classic, which we all know because it contains some of the most mocked and repeated lines in movie history. My personal favorite being...this one...

How much does the human heart weigh?

4. Roxanne- Look, if you haven't seen this, go watch it now. Based on "Cyrano de Bergerac," Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah are a super odd combination, but the movie just works. This was probably one of my first Romantic Comedy experiences, and I remember being so happy that someone who was less than perfect ended up with the girl! Steve Martin is amazing in this movie. There's a scene where people are making fun of his nose and he joins them. I love that use of humor to shame them and to show his brilliance and confidence.

I love your nose, Charlie!

5. Never Been Kissed-I like to think that I share a connection with Drew Barrymore. We have the same birthday, so there's something to that right? When I saw her in Never Been Kissed, I knew we shared a connection. She pulls off awkward and dorky waaaaay too well not to actually be awkward and dorky in real life. Unfortunately, the movie is guilty of what I consider to be one of the most annoying things about Romantic Comedies...the lack of communication. Most Rom Coms would only last about 15 minutes if just one line of dialogue was added to them to explain whatever misunderstanding launches the rest of the dramatic plot. But this one is just so fun. Michael Vartan is gorgeous, and even adult Josie finds herself giving into the peer pressure of acting a certain way. Plus...it has this line in it about Josie wearing white jeans after labor day, and someone responds, "I don't think you're supposed to wear white jeans after 1983." Boom.

Josie Grossie!

6. The Wedding Singer-Speaking of Drew Barrymore, the best soundtrack to a 90's movie came from this one. When Adam Sandler leaves his over-the-top characters at home, he can actually act, and this movie is so sweet. From his teaching voice lessons, to epitomizing the 80's in all their glory, The Wedding Singer is a classic. I love the transition of these two people as they find themselves drawn together and how they both try to act with integrity in that. But mostly I love how many great lines and references this movie has in it. And don't get me started on the clothes!

Church tongue.

7. Forces of Nature-I'm the first to admit that this next one is not a classically great movie. But I love something about it. Maybe it's the free spirit in me. Maybe it's the combination of Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock (which doesn't even measure to Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds in The Proposal). But it just seems that the stakes are high in this movie or something. And I like the implication of the title, that some things just can't be stopped. And I really like the rain at the end of the movie. I think what I'm trying to say, is that in spite of Affleck's bad comedic timing, and a less than perfect movie with what some people call a bad ending, I like the theme. That the grass might be greener on the other side, but it doesn't mean you have to go live on that grass, you can just water what you have to make it greener.

8. Romancing The Stone-Remember when Michael Douglas was considered sexy? And Kathleen Turner, wow! This was one of my very favorite movies for a long time. I felt like it combined Indiana Jones with romance, and I loved it. I loved that she was a writer and he was a rebel. Consequently, I watched the "sequels" to this one, The Jewel of the Nile and arguably, The War of the Roses. There's not really any quality to this, it's just fun!

A hopeful romantic.

9.Can't Buy Me Love-Before he was McDreamy, he was Ronald Miller. Ronald. In my opinion, this is the movie that MOST teen/high school Rom Coms are based on these days. From the rise to popularity, the dishonesty behind it, the ridiculous dance at the prom, slow clapping, lunch room fighting, and inevitable shunning, this movie has it all. I like the way it shows Ronald's change from being a nerd to being popular, and how he has to abandon his friends to get there. Of course this leaves him alone, which is where you deserve to be after lying, abandoning friends, and trying to be someone you're not. The ending's good though. It also has Amanda Peterson in it, who really never acted in anything substantial again, even with her adorable dimples.

I 'll probably be out of the country.

10. Anything Julia Roberts-Listen...you might not like her lips or her laugh, but I adore her. I think she is pretty close to flawless when it comes to acting. In her real Hollywood life, she has had very few mishaps that have landed her in controversy. She is known for her grace, integrity, and honesty in a career that strives to suck those things from you. And there is really no fighting it...she is the queen of the Romantic Comedy. Don't talk to me about Meg Ryan (honorable mentions, You've Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle) or Sandra Bullock. And don't make me laugh at you by for mentioning Katherine Heigl. Anne Hathaway is on her way out of this genre, and Kate Hudson has about 50 more movies to do before she catches up with Roberts...not to mention, she needs to work on quality.

From Pretty Woman when we all pretty much fell for her, to Larry Crowne and (almost) EVERYTHING in between, she is my favorite Rom Com actress. My personal favorite is My Best Friend's Wedding because I think she is at her best in that movie. But a close second for me is Runaway Bride. The cast of that movie is so at ease, and it's full of Easter eggs for fans of Roberts and her past movies. Here's a little sampling of JUST her Rom Com listing. It is not extensive NOR does it include her brilliant roles that fall outside the genre. Conspiracy Theory, Stepmom, Pretty Woman, America's Sweethearts,Something To Talk About, Steel Magnolias, Mystic Pizza, Larry Crowne, Mona Lisa Smile, My Best Friend's Wedding, and Notting Hill. JUST TO NAME A FEW. My favorite scenes of her include The Notting Hill "I'm just a girl..." speech. Pretty Woman shopping trip and Pretty Woman "I say who!" speech. Runaway Bride scene with Joan Cusack where she makes the platypus face. And Mona Lisa Smile (which by the way has one of the most amazing casts of any movie ever) scene where she lectures them on the portrayal of women in advertising and contemporary art. (You can find the link at You Tube under "Mona Lisa Smile What For?") Anyway, there's not much romance or comedy in that one, but you get the point, she's wonderful.


If you love someone you say it. Right then, out loud. Or else the moment just...passes you by.

Ok...your turn!

What is your FAVORITE Romantic Comedy and Why?

"We'll Put on a Performance Like They'll Never Forget!"

2013-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

In case you can't tell from the title of this blog, I'm still hate-watching Smash. I've had it with the over the top drama that begs the question, does the content serve the form or the form serve the content? I mean, this IS a show about the drama of Broadway. Is the ridiculous drama meant to immerse us into that culture? Or could the show possibly be approached from a slightly different form that would allow us to appreciate the drama of the actual musical within the show. As it stands now, the scenes that are musical numbers seem LESS strained than the interactions between characters and bipolar plot twists. Talk about some high highs and some low lows...

How can these people afford to sit around and wait for Jennifer Hudson to save their show?

Glee has desensitized us from being turned off by characters bursting into song. Nashville has worked music into the drama of their show seamlessly. But Smash...well...it plays like...a musical. Which to some people is bad enough. Remember when you took your friend to see Evita and they were like..."What! There was no talking!" It happens. The thing is, I'm a person who loves musicals. But I like GOOD musicals. Smash is not too different from the off-off---OFF Broadway shows that it's referring to in the film. The only thing is that...those musicals don't get NEAR the attention or talent that is given to this one. It would never have such a "high-powered" financial backer like Anjelica Huston's character. Nor those writers with so much success under their belts.

You're gonna love me.

Now when I say talent, I am being very hesitant and even selective. I mean...Ivy. She is the only enjoyable part of this show. Watching Debra Messing with a perma-frown is no fun after her years as Grace...and where is her hair? Jennifer Hudson's appearance was simply to boost the show back onto our radar. And don't EVEN get me started on Katherine McPhee. Is there like a "Fembot American Idol Club" that she and Carrie Underwood are members of? You can be pretty all day long, but can you carry on a conversation? Can you raise your eyebrows in time with your emotions? Come on! I worry that someone like Idina Menzel is going to get pegged for this show...but I seriously hope she will remember her RENT days and jump over the moon, laughing at "the man" (the man being Smash) all the way. Of course, her level of talent might be what it takes to save this show. Do we want it saved?

Frenemies. More of this please.

Aside from the talent, the writers of this show should be ashamed of themselves. No one gets away with rhetorical dialogue without a laugh track or a Shonda Rhimes backing. Stop writing the obvious and throw us for a loop. Let Ivy lean into her badness. Let Katherine lose her ridiculous faux innocence that no one even buys because we all know in real life she's a bitch, and let's get on with this thing. Enough with the affair scandals. We want to see you focus on 2 things: The Musical and The Competition. And by the way, this season better end with the musical being on GO, so that next season (oh geez, I just said that...) can be about the drama of actually making a musical. And here's the thing...if the show will get it's act together...then I guarantee we could be seeing an ACTUAL SMASH MUSICAL on Broadway in a few years. Stranger things have happened. Right?

Look, I gave up on Revenge. I gave up on Once Upon a Time. Smash...you're next if you don't watch out. Now..get out there and give me a performance that I'll never forget!

Are you (still) watching Smash? What do you think?

Jennifer Lawrence Deserves an Oscar and a Hug

2013-02-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

The other night, I watched Silver Linings Playbook. I'd heard that it was "my kind" of movie, and indeed it was. It was actually a lot funnier than I expected, and a lot sweeter. But it was also very raw in places. The best acting took place in facial expressions and exchanged glances between characters. The dialogue was...ok. But that's kinda how real life is isn't it? I mean, rarely am I having conversations using elevated language in my day to day interactions...except when I talk to Meredith...then all bets are off.

She's making homemades!

I've always struggled with Bradley Cooper. I mean, don't get me wrong, he's very nice to look at. I don't even mind his perma-sweat look that he sported in the Hangover movies.What I DO mind is the fact that he was actually IN the Hangover movies. We all make mistakes. Silver Linings was not one of them for Cooper though. He nailed the part, and if you've ever known someone with Bipolar then you know he nailed it. If you aren't sure if you know anyone with Bipolar, now you can be sure...just watch his performance.

De Niro was great too, but I mean...that's like saying chocolate is good. OF COURSE IT IS.

For me the best performance was given by Jackie Weaver (not to be confused with Jamie Gertz's character on The Neighbors), who played the wife/mom of the family the movie centers around. Her lines were minimal, but spot on. Her mannerisms were...amazing. She nailed everything about her role...from accent to eyebrow raises to her nervously cautious but hopeful smiles.

Wait just a minute...when did Julia Stiles become an extra.

Even though Weaver was incredible, Jennifer Lawrence stole the show. Her presence on the screen is just so powerful. I would say that's the same for any movie I've seen her in so far. She's so into her characters that she makes everyone else look like they're phoning it in. She has a confrontational scene with Robert De Niro that blew me away. Not only did she hold her own, she was so clearly the best actor in the room. I was in awe of her the entire movie.

The other night I actually had a dream that J Law was my best friend. We were camping together and she was advising me what to wear to some party I was attending. I woke up with the sweetest most satisfied feeling...having J Law as a bestie would probably give you that permanently. So she was already on my mind this week, but seeing her performance just made me love her even more.

I wasn't gonna focus on this, but I have to say something. I don't get why her size is ever even talked about. Her face is kind of heart shaped like Mini Driver or Reese Witherspoon. But there is nothing abnormal at all about her body, unless curves are the new abnormal. Can we women just agree to stop praising stick figures who look like they are malnutritioned? In my opinion, the most beautiful women have curves. That's what makes us look like women instead of 11 year old boys. Here, someone hold my soapbox, so I can finish this blog.

Wait, what's wrong with the way she looks? Oh...you can see her hips? Dammit J Law...get your shit together!

The thing that I worry about more than anything for Jennifer Lawrence is that she will get hard. She's obviously a target for some people. Rather than choosing to believe the best about her when she accepted her Golden Globe declaring, "I beat Meryl!" (A line from First Wives Club), the media questioned her ego. Nothing about her screams ego to me. The media has even tried to perpetuate some crazy feud between her and Jessica Chastain, who commented recently that this is purely nonsense. She seems to be handling things well. But then, that's what happens to celebrities. They seem like they're doing ok then they shave their heads and start dating John Mayer. The last thing I want to see is Jennifer Lawrence giving a bitter, Jodie Fosteresque speech later in life about the impossibility of privacy in Hollywood and how hard it is to grow up in the spotlight. Until then, I think she's on her way to being a seriously timeless actress.

fun. is Just That.

2013-02-11T06:15:00.001-08:00

I don't know how you felt about the Grammy's last night...but I loved them. It was like someone took the most listened to songs on my ipod from the last year and shuffled them. I was torn from category to category because so many of my favorites were nominated. In the end I was thrilled to see Gotye win for what might end up being his one-hit-wonder, but is seriously such a great song. I was of course happy for Mumford and Sons winning for Babel, seriously a great album. And having become a recent fan of fun. I was really happy to see them get some attention. They are like Styx meets Queen. Their tight harmonies and creative music combined with really good lyrics have put them at the top of my list this month. Their music is thoughtful, inspiring, and...well, fun.

Carry on, fun.

What blew me away about the show last night, was the talent on the stage. I love the direction that music is going. With the exceptions of: 1. Taylor Swift who should NEVER BE ASKED TO PERFORM LIVE AGAIN. She's just not good live. And was she trying to channel Lady Gaga? Alice in Wonderland? Ugh. and 2. Fembot Carrie Underwood, who must be related to Romney...can't dance or even move to the beat so they gave her a glowing dress that did all the work for her. I thought everyone else blew it away.

Hold on, Alabama Shakes. Your turn is coming.

Mumford and Sons is just INCREDIBLE. I love that Kelly Clarkson is still around and nailing it. She can sing and she has personality (take notes Underwood). Bruno Mars and Sting were super entertaining. I loved Elton, Ed Sheeran, Alabama Shakes, Maroon 5, Alicia Keys, The Lumineers, Justin Timberlake, and fun. The performances were beyond entertaining, but what I was the most encouraged by is that music, at least according to the Grammy's, seems to be moving to a place where you have to actually be musical again. Vocals matter, instruments are back. It's not hard to see based on last night that this alternative/folk/grassroots sound is pushing out those performers who hide behind lights and dancers. And as a music lover, that is thrilling!

What did you think of the Grammy's?

What was the best performance?

Was there anyone you couldn't stand watching?

Did You Hear...Katy Perry Likes Garbage Snacks.

2013-02-11T05:45:00.002-08:00

Have you ever seen that SNL skit on Weekend Update where Bobby Moynihan plays the "Second-Hand News Correspondent" and doesn't get anything right ever? Here's the clip if you wanna see it.

Anyway, that was me in my last post.

Here are the things I got wrong:

Jennifer Aniston isn't married yet. I think I messed up on this because such a huge deal was made out of her ring, and then they had that party around Christmas...and somewhere in my slight disinterest, I just made assumptions that this thing was full on go. So when I heard they'd started counseling only after a few months of marriage, I got snarky. I am all for counseling, but the timing seemed strange. Now of course, it makes perfect sense...though I might stop referring to it as "Marriage Boot Camp" if I were them.

I'm not sure where I read this next mistake, or maybe I dreamed it. You know, dreams are made up of like 80% of your deepest desires. And so I was under the impression last night that Adele and Barbra Streisand were going to do a duet on the Grammy's. It made perfect sense to me given the Elton and Sting appearances. But as the credits rolled, I sat there with my mouth open in frustration. Not only was I very aware that I'd have to make corrections in this blog, but I'd kinda held back my excitement waiting for this epic performance that never happened. Sigh. I did read that both women will be performing at the Oscars...but that's all I'm gonna say about it for now. I hate being wrong.

In other "how did I miss this" news...I thought Katy Perry and John Mayer had broken up. Oh well...at least one there's no mistaking one thing...

Katy Perry has boobs.

There Are Things To Say...Weekend Fat Is Back.

2013-02-07T10:09:00.003-08:00

Upon my return to the States, I thought I might enjoy a little break from blogging to give me time to adjust into a new routine....and I did. But now there's just too much to say. So I'm back. Now, let's dive in...

Last night I saw a new trailer for the Gatsby movie, and I'm pretty sure I squealed. I still have my doubts about a few things. Will it be too Moulin Rouge-ish? How did they get Leo to look even younger? Can Carey Mulligan play aloof? Why isn't Tom Hardy in it? But overall, I'm pretty excited.

Can you repeat the past? We're certainly gonna try!

Adele and Barbra Streisand are performing a duet at the Grammy's this weekend. Babs hasn't performed there in 36 years; which means my mother wasn't even old enough to drink when she last took the stage. I hope she finds a respectful and encouraging audience at the show, which shouldn't be a problem since she's singing WITH Adele. I'm sure Adele can adele Streisand's career for this generation, since she's a superhero and all.

A star is born.

Maybe it was the Absinthe in my Sazerac, or maybe it was the fact that I was completely bored by the Superbowl (didn't know they still had Superbowls when the Saints aren't participating), but somehow I missed the fact that the lights went out for...apparently, a while. What I did NOT miss that night was the disgusting sound of a nerd kissing a supermodel, the irony of a farmer appreciation commercial in a country that wants to crack down on immigration laws, and the overwhelming feeling to throw my hands up when Destiny's Child performed.

Angel style.

My friend Julie's gonna hate me for this, but I have to pick on Jennifer Aniston. Did you know she and her new husband are already in counseling? They want to get some of those lingering things from past relationships dealt with. Look, I'm ALL FOR counseling. But maybe do that kind of counseling BEFORE you get married??? Also, when is she gonna announce that she's having a baby already? We all know that's what this is all about. Rumor has it that Angelina's pregnant again. Take that Aniston.

Glowing.

In other news, Anne Hathaway's hair is growing back out. Thank goodness we don't have to hear her whine about this anymore. We will know whether or not she's serious about being a "real" actress based on what she does with it from here on out. It's kind of an understanding that unless you're Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep, or Jennifer Lawrence, you'd better keep your hair short to avoid those Rom-Com roles. Of course, if she lands an Oscar maybe that's enough to get her into the "people in Hollywood we can respect" club. It does bother me that she's been heard "complaining" about all the attention surrounding Les Mis and the Oscar nominations. She says she's stopped going to lunch. How devastating. So here's the deal...half of me likes her for being authentic even if it is authentically ridiculous. But the other half of me really wants someone to teach her something about being graceful. Did you know there are actually people called, "Hathahaters?" In spite of it all, I'm actually rooting for you this time around Anne...

Oh geez.

Goodbye

2013-01-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

It seems appropriate that I wanted to write about goodbyes today. Not only am I leaving China, in fact I'm probably in the air as your read this. But I am also taking a little hiatus from Weekend Fat. Not long hopefully, just enough to get adjusted to being back in the States and a new schedule. So here are a few of my favorite, and most devastating movie goodbyes....prepare yourself for a little cheese.

I always forget about this age difference.

Fried Green Tomatoes
"Tell me a story Idgie..." And she does. Idgie knows her best friend Ruth is dying, and even though it seems ridiculous and trite in the moment, she complies and tells her a story. I'm sure she wanted to say important things, more substantial things, but honestly, when you're best friends with someone like Idgie and Ruth are, there's nothing you can say that the other person doesn't already know. By the time she's done with her story, Ruth is dead. From there she collapses beside the bed and cries. It rips my heart out every time.

Beaches
Sticking with the BFF theme, another one that kills me is this last scene. I love the way that C.C. uses her overpowering personality to get Hillary released from the hospital so she can take her to the beach, which is also where they became friends. At that point Bette Midler's anthem, Wind Beneath My Wings, begins and we see the two of them sitting in chairs during a beach sunset. C.C. glances over at Hillary and we can see in her eyes that Hillary is gone.

Titanic
Try to ignore the LIE that Rose tells about never letting go and try to pretend that's a metaphor, not literal. Just listen to what Jack says to Rose. He speaks survival into her future, and by doing so, he acknowledges that one of them, him, might not make it alive. The moment is the climax of a movie so well acted by Winslet and DiCaprio that you can't believe they'd make it through all they have only to end up have the frigid death separate them. This goodbye is so horrible that there are entire websites dedicated to theories of how these two could have kept Jack alive.

He's far enough gone to talk to a volleyball, but not far enough gone to chase one.

Cast Away
Admit it...when Wilson floats away, you cried. Tom Hanks' screams after his only friend in the world and even though it's a volleyball, the audience is so invested in the relationship that you can't help but feel for them as the ocean separates them. Even knowing that this probably means rescue for the cast away...it's hard to watch him go.

Father of the Bride
You think she's gone...that she's already moved on, but then the phone rings, and this moment between Kimberly Williams and Steve Martin is short, sweet, but totally touching after a movie full of hilarity and turmoil, giving us the full range of emotions that accompany the transition that is watching your daughter get married.

Say Anything
When Diane says goodbye to her father in prison, you expect it to be more emotional. But then...why should we? Diane is not the overly emotional girl in this movie..she's level headed. After her father's betrayal and lies, she confronts him and hands him a pen which is sentimental and not all at the same time.

This exact moment.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
You might argue that this is not a goodbye, but it certainly feels like one to me. Joel and Clementine spend this movie running away from what will be an inevitable goodbye...and when it finally comes in the form of a relived memory of their first day together, they express wishing they could change the way it went the first time. As a house and the memories crumble around them, Joel walks out the door, wishing he'd stay...Clementine tells him to stay this time and make a new ending. Before the last piece of the memory is gone, she whispers to him "Meet me in Montauk." Of course, he does...and they unknowingly begin the whole thing again.

The Sound of Music
The Von Trapp children make saying goodnight fun!

Honorable Mentions
ET-I will be...right here.
Casablanca-Here's looking at you kid.
The Empire Strikes Back-I love you. I know.
Gone With The Wind-After all...tomorrow is another day.
Truman Show-Good morning. And in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, & goodnight.

See ya!

Which goodbye brings you to tears every time?

Which one is the most memorable for you?

27 movies in 4 days....ready...GO!

2013-01-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of what I watched during my hibernation. Due to the amount of movies I have watched, I will keep my reviews to a few words. If you want more information, leave a comment here or on Facebook and we can discuss further. And thanks for your suggestions! I took some of them, but mainly I watched whatever I could get for free!

Day 1:

Bernie-Jack Black. Based on a true story. What more do you need to know? Seriously, this is dark comedy at its best and lands somewhere along the lines of Grey Gardens. Plus, Shirley MacLaine kind of reprises her role as Ouiser. Watch it!

Butter-I am calling this my favorite movie of the year because it’s hilarious but has a lot of heart. Jennifer Garner, Ty Burrell, Hugh Jackman, Ashley Greene, Alicia Silverstone, Olivia Wilde, and Rob Corddry among others. They are all great, but hearing Jennifer Garner in her Palin-esque personality say the F word so hatefully and frequently is perhaps the funniest thing I’ve heard all year. Do not miss this movie.

Dark Knight Rises-I know, I was late to the game on this one. I liked the movie, it was well done, though kind of long in some parts, but then that’s just Christopher Nolan. Speaking of which, did anyone else feel like they were watching Inception part 2? I mean, he definitely has his favorite actors. My basic thoughts are: Predictable. Not enough banter. Anne Hathaway will never be as mean or as sexy as Michelle Pfeiffer was as Catwoman. Do we have to see a Robin movie or can we just imagine it? And I could use more of Tom Hardy’s beautiful face. I’m glad I saw it, but I’m also glad that trilogy is over.

People Like Us-Predictable but sweet family drama. I kind of love Elizabeth Banks. And the kid in it is adorable. Worth watching.

Day 2:

Your Sister’s Sister-Complex relationship entanglement drama complete with frustrating cliffhanger. Rosemarie Dewitt is great in this, but I wanted more from Emily Blunt. It’s a decent watch.

Requiem For A Dream-Watching people spiral downward can only be more horrible if you feel like you’re spiraling with them. Well done Aronofsky. Depressing. As. Hell. Watch at your own risk.

Sinister-Dear all ladies who are in horror films...by the time you have actually moved into the new house, it’s too late to argue about moving into the new house. Does no one communicate in advance anymore? That argument should have taken place months before boxes were packed. You know I like scary movies, if you do too, watch this one, but keep your expectations in check.

Being Flynn-Based on the book, “Another Bullshit Night in Suck City” by Nick Flynn, this movie is legit. The story is about a distanced father and son who connect (or don’t) over their mutual love and talent for writing. The premise is good, but the movie was slow. DeNiro is wonderful, and I can never say no to Julianne Moore. Great soundtrack. Sidenote...I had no idea that Nick Flynn and Lili Taylor were married. Awesome.

Jeff Who Lives at Home-Best opening ever. Jason Segal is growing on me just because I’ve started watching HIMYM. The movie has very little direction...like Jeff, who lives at home. Susan Sarandon’s storyline is probably the most interesting of them all. I think I just hate seeing movies with potential, not reach it. It’s supposed to build up to the end, but the ending is so meaningful compared to the rest of the movie that it’s like if The Hangover had the ending of Shawshank Redemption or something. I wish you could slap a good ending on a movie and call it a good movie. At least it wasn’t the other way around. That’s the worst! Watch it for the last 20 minutes.

Hick-Chlöe Grace Moretz is quickly becoming one of my favorite actresses. Everything she does, she does brilliantly. And she’s the best part of this movie, though Blake Lively does impress after her Gossip Girl history. This movie is just mediocre. It’s good enough, but nothing really that unique or great happens. And when something does happen, it seems like everyone is too young in the movie for it to be happening to them. Meh.

All Good Things-Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst, who by the way have NO chemistry play a married couple in this movie. Kristen Wiig has like one line though that steals the movie. Because, even though it’s not a comedy at all, ANYTHING Kristen Wiig says is going to be hilarious. Seeing Ryan Gosling play an old person and a woman is more disturbing than the events that take place in this movie. It wants to be The Life of David Gale or Primal Fear, but instead it’s just...old Ryan Gosling! It’s based on a true story, which mostly just proves that Texas is weird.

Day 3:

Midnight in Paris-I’ve seen this one before, but I needed something dialogue driven while I was packing some things, so I put it on. You can’t help but pick up on the Woody Allen in it, but I love the premise and literary references, so I would definitely recommend it.

Jesus Henry Christ-Toni Colette is usually enough to make me love a movie, but this one fell short for me. It had a few cute moments, but it’s like one of those movies that is trying to out-quirk other movies. It really doesn’t ever go anywhere either. It kills me that writers think they can try to put a small little full circle moment at the end of a movie and think we will all swoon and call it brilliant. This is kind of like that.

In The Loop-Aside from the angry British cursing, this was a nice little mockumentary. But in all fairness and honesty, I fell asleep during it. It was drawn out and I wasn’t sure what or who I was supposed to care about. Sorry, I’m not perfect.

The Five Year Engagement-I actually really loved the start of this movie. It feels more honest than a lot of Rom-Coms do. Emily Blunt and Jason Segal actually manage to have some chemistry in this, which is shocking if you think about it. I think it’s totally representative of what a lot of people in this generation go through with relationships, especially once you get into your career. I liked this a lot. It was painful at times, but good with a cute ending. Also Van Morrison songs play throughout the movie, so that’s a win.

Day 4:

Wanderlust-The hippies are the best part of this movie. I’m never that impressed with Jennifer Aniston, and I haven’t loved Paul Rudd since Clueless. This starts off pretty legit, but descends into the usual Paul Rudd movie madness and silliness. If you like old naked people and predictable endings, this one’s for you.

The Words-I love movies about writers. And there are a lot of them. Funny how hard it is to actually make a living as a writer, yet it’s Hollywood’s go to movie profession. This movie is kind of like Inception is that it’s a story within a story within a story. It’s well acted. It’s a solid premise that brings up a few ethical questions about how to live with the choices we make. The ending is rather abrupt and leaves something...anything...to be desired considering the build up.

Skyfall-Meh...James Bond movies are some of my mother’s favorites. And there is something fun about the formulaic, though each movie likes to act like it’s going to be different, it’s going to throw you off course. My favorites are Live and Let Die, Die Another Day, and A View to a Kill. This one is lacking something I love about the others. The bad guy didn’t really have a “lair.” And cyberterrorism is just not that fun or intense to watch on a movie. Not enough gadgets, the bad guy wasn’t bad enough, the Bond girl was really no where around for over half the movie, and honestly, I was a little bored. I liked when he took his jaw out...more of that please. I might have to give this one another shot when I’m in a James Bond mood.

Looper-Futuristic movie about time travel where everyone has a gun and drives like they live in China. BUT aside from Joseph Gordan Levitt’s exaggerated eyebrows, this movie is pretty good. The premise is slightly convoluted, but it’s not even that essential to the plot. That’s probably blasphemy in some Sci-Fi realm, but I’m just telling it like it is. The kid in it is creepy, and Emily Blunt with a backwoods accent is also a little strange. Still, worth watching.

Day 4:

End of Watch-Blair Witch style police movie. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena are amazing, and I always think Anna Kendrick is adorable. But this movie has impending doom all throughout, so when it finally happens, it’s expected but still sad...and there’s a little surprise in there too that makes it even more tragic. This is a seriously good movie though. Worth watching.

Anonymous-The story explores the idea that maybe Shakespeare didn’t really write what he is believed to have written. It’s obvious that this movie was someone’s darling project that they edited and formed over time before finally being able to flesh it out. And the way it plays out is in broad strokes where it almost seems to BE a Shakespearian play. The thing is, I was hoping for something differently. I was hoping for a mystery surrounding whether or not Shakespeare wrote his plays. This is much more about royalty and romance and murder and betrayal. It’s not too bad, but it’s not what I’d hoped for either. If you like history, the Turdor period especially, then you’ll like it. But if you were hoping for more literature, sorry. Also, WHY do period pieces have to be extra long and have 800 characters in them? Just...focus people.

How To Steal A Million-Audrey Hepburn reading Hitchcock in the movie is perhaps one of my favorite moments in an old movie...almost meta, definitely clever. Peter O’Toole always looks like a woman to me. In short, the movie is about art forgery, an art heist, and romance. But don’t think Thomas Crown Affair. This is just a cute movie with a good plot and some good dialogue, though it goes a little long for the amount of stuff that actually happens. Still, it was a nice break from all the intense modern movies I’ve been watching!

The Kids Are All Right-I’ve been putting this one off for a while because someone gave me some spoilers, but I love Julianne Moore so I figured it’s time. I think what I love about it is that so often our culture sets apart heterosexual couples and homosexual couples, but this movie shows that people are people, relationships are relationships. We can hurt and betray and make mistakes no matter our sexuality...simply because we are human. I’m not gonna lie, this movie made me uncomfortable on several levels, mainly in the way it shows how easily people can be swayed. But I really loved the movie all the same.

Day 5:

Liberal Arts-Ted from HIMYM is 35 and kind of falls for the younger sister of Mary Kate and Ashley Olson, who is really into literature and that’s exciting for him. The story is a good one, but not a new one. Facing the questions...when is it time to grow up, what does that even mean? And is age just a number? My favorite line in this movie revolves around the idea that someone 16 years younger than you could motivate you to growth. People are so often closed minded about younger generations, but I love the idea that we all fit together like a puzzle, and our ages complement each other.

Back to the Future-I mean, I’ve seen it hundreds of times, but it’s been a while. The trilogy was cheap on iTunes and I couldn’t resist. I cannot believe how much this movie has held up over the years. It is just so good at every turn. I watched this today to give my brain a break from all the other deep movies I’ve been watching, and so I could also watch the snow outside of my window and not miss anything major in a movie I haven’t seen. Classic.

Cosmopolis-The premise of this movie is that a rich guy wants a haircut from his preferred barber across town, but with the president and a warning of an assassination attempt on his life, it’s going to take all day for him to get there in his limo. He insists, and we get to watch him as he interacts in his limo with everything from advisors to women to his doctor. The movie seems to have been made to show the ridiculousness of the 1%. But Robert Pattinson is too young to pull off what they were attempting here. His face and mannerisms are refined enough, but it’s hard to imagine that someone that young would navigate the world in that way, even if they are a billionaire. Maybe I’m naive. I hung in there, and parts were fascinating, but overall, this movie was too proud of itself or something. Plus, another non-ending ending makes me frustrated.

Taken 2-I was cynical about this one going in, thinking...really...like his daughter could get taken AGAIN? So I was pleased to find out that the premise was slightly different than the first movie. It was a good old action movie.

Beasts of the Southern Wild-Morgan Freeman might have some competition for narration gigs after this movie. I could listen to this little girl talk all day. And every line she says sounds like the greatest piece of wisdom you’ve ever heard. The movie itself is eye candy, aesthetically pleasing even as it depicts some of the poorest people in the country. This movie will rip your heart out, I’m just warning you.

So listen...I could go on about movies I’ve got on my list, but I pretty much plan on watching more stuff right up to the end of my time here in China (which is just over 24 hours), and this has to publish at some point. If you were on the fence about watching one of these, I hope my “short” reviews helped you make a decision!

Anne Hathaway Is Growing On Me

2013-01-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

This might upset my friend Romelle, but lately, I find that Anne Hathaway is slightly more bearable than she was a few months ago. Of course by bearable I mean that instead of hating everything that comes out of her mouth, I only hate every other thing that she says.

I am a serious actress.

Annaway...can we call her that? Anyway...Annaway apparently lost a lot of weight, like near death ratios on her already thin frame for Les Mis. Now, no one asked her to do this. In fact, Tom Hooper, the director kept telling her to knock it off. But she kept pushing herself. About this decision to lose weight, Annaway says, “No one liked what I was doing. By the end, people were hugging me, and they would get emotional because I felt so frail.” Sigh...oh dear. See, this is the thing that she said that I don’t like. Describing yourself as frail is kind of a no. And implying that other people were emotional because of your frailty is also a no. Now if other people call you frail and express emotion over it, that’s fine. So Annaway says this kind of thing and I can’t help but roll my eyes. Especially because she's being billed as the star of Les Mis when she's not even in it that long and the reviews of her singing is subpar...and NO ONE EVEN ASKED HER TO ALMOST DIE. Geez. Based on the news surrounding the movie, you'd think the movie was about her weight loss.

But then she goes on to say that she lost the weight and pushed herself to improve her career. Now Annaway has been on screen for a while, but she hasn’t done a lot that could make her be considered a serious actress. So after the frail comment she says this, "I see the sort of work that people like Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett and Kate Winslet can do, and I want to do that level of work so badly...I don't believe I'm as gifted as them. So the only thing I can control is how hard I work at it — how much do I commit to it? How far will I take it?"

Does this make me look cute?

Okay...you guys...I kind of love her for this. I love that she compliments and recognizes these actresses as better than herself. It shows humility, self-awareness. She’s not as cute as Gwyneth so she can’t afford to be blissfully ignorant. But self-awareness can always earn my respect and understanding.

This is not all that Annaway has done lately. She had an awkward moment recently at the New York premier of where someone got a shot of her during a “wardrobe malfunction” (ie. she "forgot" her panties!) Come on. COME ON ANNE! It's the biggest premier/most serious acting job you've had in years...either wear panties or practice getting out of the car for your friends a thousand times to make sure you've got this. Lord.

However, her response to Matt Lauer, who never misses an opportunity to look like an ass, was fabulous. “It was obviously an unfortunate incident and it kind of made me sad that we live in an age when someone takes a pic of you in a vulnerable moment and sells it rather than deletes it. I'm sorry that we live in a culture that commodifies unwilling participants. It makes me think about the character I play in Les Mis actually. She is someone who is forced to sell sex to benefit her child, so let's get back to Les Mis.”

I am totally pulling this off.

Nicely done Annaway! You adequately shamed the person taking the photo, society, AND Matt Lauer, WHILE promoting your movie, which is why you are there to begin with! The score is evened again.

But then I found out that she cried ridiculously when she cut her hair and saw herself after the cut. Inconsolable cries. Did she think she’d look like Carey Mulligan with a cute little pixie? No way. Annaway has ears and pointy elfish features. What did she expect? But tears? This makes her out to be such a princess, so concerned with appearance...and every woman knows that not EVERY woman can pull off a pixie cut! Who does she think she is? Downward she goes again...

See, it's a love/hate thing. And maybe that's ultimately good. She's a real person. She does stupid shit and says stupid things. She also allows herself some self-awareness and humility when appropriate. She isn't perfect and isn't really trying to come off like she is, but she is striving to be better where she can. I can respect that. I'm not sure where her career will go from here, but I hope for her sake she gets a chance to attempt one of those Streep/Winslet roles, and that she rises to the occasion.

What's your favorite Anne Hathaway movie?

Love her? Hate her? Verdict pending?

The Best of 2012

2012-12-31T14:00:00.000-08:00

These are in no way REALLY the "best" of the year, but here are a few of my best things from 2012.

This. Kid.

Best Reality Show-Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
Don't talk to me about Duck Dynasty. This is the real deal.

Best New Show-Nashville
I love it. It makes me want to revisit the city, it makes me want to listen to country music. The drama is great, the acting is great, the music is great, and I get swept up in it each week.

Best Drama-Parenthood
This should win for consistency if nothing else. Each and every episode delivers, which is rare. Usually there are hits and misses, but this one is on the money from week to week.

Best Comedy-30 Rock
Two Broke Girls, Modern Family, Raising Hope...I love them, but Tina Fey and this darling show will have my loyalty for the little time it has left on the air.

Best Song-We Are Young by Fun
It's a feel good song, it's upbeat, the lyrics are good, and it's smart. I could listen to this all day, and there have been days that I have.

Best Album-Babel by Mumford and Sons
Mumford and Sons is my go to music for the Fall and Winter. This new album by them is as good as their last, if not better. I can't wait to see what they do next!

Best Movie-Life of Pi
I watched A LOT of movies this year, but if I had to choose the best one FROM this year, I'd say it was this one. It was a creative and solid story as well as, suspenseful, action packed, funny, sentimental, and even carried a little twist ending.

Best "Breakout" Star-Olivia Wilde
Olivia Wilde is in no way new to stardom, but she is new to movies, and this year she did a lot of them. The Words, Butter, People Like Us, and more. She played drastically different roles in each of them and did a great job. I am not sure she will ever hold down a leading lady spot, but I would love to see her try.

Everyone will know her name.

Best Underage Star-Chloe Grace Moretz
She's not new, but the more I watch her, the more I am super impressed. I can't wait to see her in Carrie coming in 2013!

Best "I Changed My Mind About Her" Star-Carey Mulligan
I wrote a blog earlier in the year about Mulligan and my doubt about her being cast as Daisy on Gatsby. While we are still waiting to see how she does in this movie, I have seen so much of her this year that I have changed my mind about her. She's beautiful, brilliant, vulnerable but strong, and when she's on screen I can't help but be enthralled by her. I admit, I judged her too quickly.

Best Celebrity Moment-Any Rebel Wilson interview
Best Celebrity Moment 2-Any Emma Stone interview
Best Celebrity Moment 3-Any Kristen Bell interview
These three are always perfectly adorable and hilarious during their interviews, unlike weirdos Kristen Stewart, Nicole Kidman, and Melanie Griffin. Watching those three on live TV is horrifying.

Well played.

Best Politician Moment-Obama playing Spiderman with a kid.
Adorable. Take note politicians, we live in an internet age. If you want to win an election, you MUST be likable on the internet.

This friendship is one of my favorite.

Best Politician Moment 2-Texts with Hillary Memes
She's just the coolest.

Best Bad Story Turned Good-The Bullied Bus Driver
I could mention Christian Bale's visit to the families of the dead and injured who were show in the theater during The Dark Knight Rises, but the bus driver story really stuck with me. When I read about the horrible things that this woman had to endure driving a bus of brats to and from school daily, I felt sick. To make things worse, she went home to a somewhat sad life each night. When America got wind of the video on the bus, people reached out to this woman with money, gifts, kind words, and more. She has since retired from driving on her over $600 grand worth of donations, some of which she gave to charity. I love when the good in humanity sees the bad and works to make up for it.

How does he look so scary!

Best Bad Guy Hair-Javier Bardem. Always.

He looks weird with clothes on.

Best Sports Moment-I didn't pay attention since Auburn was so bad. But probably something to do with Michael Phelp's abs.

Best Book-We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
This is one of the most haunting and well written books I have ever read. It's not from this year, but I did read it this year, so that's something.

Best App for iPhone-Pocket
I love this app cause I can just move everything I want to read and put it into one place. So when I'm sitting in a waiting room or wherever (I'll just say it, the bathroom), I can catch up on blogs, articles, and more! I'm a dork, I know, but this has been a really great thing to have this year in China!

What is on your BEST of 2012 list?

Weekend Fat Year End Review

2012-12-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

There is no way that I could begin to summarize all of the pop-culture happenings of this year. Mainly because if you know me at all you know, I don't do well with the whole summarizing thing.

So here are just a few highlights and lowlights of the year. Please feel free to add your own in the comments.

Women and Sex
Whether it was 50 Shades of Grey, Magic Mike, or political discussions of birth control and "legitimate" rape, women and their sexuality was probably one of the most talked about subjects of the year.

You can't deny she's having a good year.

Anne Hathaway
Even though she's not in my list of favorites, it's undeniable that she made her mark this year. Even her Catwoman performance received rave reviews. Now with her near death experience in Les Mis, I'm sure there will be talk of an oscar. I'm not sure I'm convinced that she's all that great, but more on that later this week.

Memes
Memes are in full effect now. Meme generators are available and easy to use...even for those who are not so tech savvy. All they are waiting on is some unassuming politician, unaware celebrity, or some other oblivious figure to say something stupid.

Channing Tatum
He was named the sexiest man of the year, though my vote will probably always go to Ryan Reynolds. Aside from that he made A LOT of movies this year. Magic Mike, The Vow, 21 Jump Street, Haywire, and many more coming up soon.

Celebrity Deaths
It's probably that the older you get, the more aware you are of the people who are dying, so it's not actually more people dying, it's just that the names mean something to you now. This year was a year like that for me. Beginning with Whitney Houston and including Zig Ziglar, Ravi Shankar, David Oliver Relin, Larry Hagman, Andy Williams, Michael Clarke Duncan, Neil Armstrong, Phyllis Diller, Sally Ride, Robin Gibb, Dick Clark, Andy Griffith, Adam Yauch, Davy Jones, Donna Summer, and a lot more. The world seems a little stranger, slightly scarier with some of these people no longer in it.

Who do you want by your side when the zombies come?

The Walking Dead
People love zombies. This show started out with a loyal and small fan base, but blew up into the mainstream this year. Everyone I know is watching it and loving it. Zombies remain the most interesting apocalyptic theory around. Do you have your plan in place?

Downton Abbey
When we aren't busy living vicariously through the Walking Dead cast, we are fantasizing over Downton Abbey. This show picked up a ton of watchers this year. I only hope it can keep up the momentum in light of upcoming tragic events. Ugh...I promise I won't give spoilers...but...sigh...

Socialism
No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, you can't deny that the term "socialism" came up a lot in 2012. Fortunately, this was the most Googled/looked up/researched word on the internet in 2012. Kudos to people for not just throwing it around, but actually taking the time to figure out what it means. Let's take that mentality and run with it people...keep learning.

Best ~~release from captivity~~ break-up ever.

Babies, Break-Ups, and Break Downs
This isn't the entire list, but all you really need to know is that Beyonce and Adele had babies. Katie and Tom broke up. As Amy Poehler and Will Arnett. And Amanda Bynes joined the ranks of Lindsay Lohan, who is still spiraling downward.

Guns and Freedom
Who is to blame, the shooter or the gun? The debate resurfaces each time we experience something tragic. The arguments get tangled up as we speak of freedoms we stand for and freedoms we want to take from others. Unfortunately, no matter where you fall, most of these arguments just points out our contradictions, hypocrisies, and double standards more than it does convince, inspire, or move anyone to change.

As I mentioned above, these are only a few that stood out to me this year? What would you add as being the big news of 2012?

Amber and Max: TV Names

2012-12-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

Maybe it’s just the shows I watch, but I’ve noticed an abnormal amount of characters named Max and Amber on TV lately. I thought it’d be fun to talk about them...maybe rank them. I realize this is not at all inclusive list of every Max or Amber that’s ever been on TV, but it’s current. It just so happens that some of them exist on the same shows.

Amber

Remember her from Hope Floats? One Fine Day? When a Man Loves a Woman?

Parenthood-Amber has had her ups and downs, but in the last season or so has really emerged as one of the more stable and consistently likable characters. One of my most recent favorite scenes with her in it was when Adam confided in her first about Christina’s Breast Cancer. It was this sweet and vulnerable moment that he chose to share with his niece of all people.
Likability: 9

Introducing...Clara Mamet

The Neighbors-Such an interesting casting choice, and yet I’m pleased overall with her presence on the show. She plays a perfectly cynical teenager, smarter than her parents on most things, and less than thrilled to be living among Aliens. She is very plain looking, not frilly or perfectly skinny, but from time to time she gives this smile that is warm and melting.
Likability:7

Max

I tried to pick a cute picture to make you like him more.

Parenthood-Now that Asperger’s has been taken out of the medical dictionary, I am interested to see how Parenthood handles Max and his behavior. It has definitely taken a back seat in recent episodes. As much as everyone I know is in love with this show, they want to kill Max. But I would suggest that maybe it’s not Max that they should be mad at. Maybe it’s Christina and Adam! The show is called PARENTHOOD...let’s get some going over there man. I get that it might be difficult, especially with a child who is not like other children, but COME ON.
Likability: 2 (on a good day)

Adorable.

The Neighbors-Max is seriously one of the cutest kids on TV. His facial expressions are adorable. He is cool, but still enough of a kid to pull off cute. He is an annoying brother, but also (as this week showed) a scared little kid at times. I’m not sure they’ve said what age he is, but I would put him at about 9. If you’re not watching this show, I’m telling you, you’re missing out, and Max is part of what you are missing.
Likability: 7

She wins.

Two Broke Girls-Aside from Kat Dennings being just gorgeous, her character is hilarious. She gets to say all the dirty jokes. She’s in control, cusses like a sailor, is independent, and hard in all the right ways. But she’s also all woman. She’s curvy, gets excited about candy, bakes cupcakes, and squeals with her best friend. Basically, I want to be her.
Likability: 10