You would think that after working in the industry for several years, I wouldn't be surprised by it anymore, but I just don't get it, still. I don't understand the lack of loyalty, the self centered-ness, the disrespect that runs rampant.
Personally, I am an extremely loyal person. Once I become a fan of an actor/musician/ect, they pretty much have my support through all. I've been know to travel to see them preform, or make an adjustment to my sched in order to go support them in something last min. Some people may think of it as obsessive, but really it's just my version of being supportive. Everything is very professional, and even though over the years a more friendly relationship has developed with certain actors, I am still hesitant to call them "friends". Each and everyone of them knows that if they needed something, I would do everything in my power to help.
The point of the matter is I believe in loyalty and Karma, do unto others and all of that. In my years of working in the entertainment industry I have worked for two different agencies. The fist one, was tiny, the have since grown larger, but by industry standards, at least their NYC office is minuscule. The second, is a great deal larger, though by no means one of the BIG names. We may not be William Morris, but we have plenty of up and comers and names you'd probably recognize. Both agencies worked hard for their clients.
Here's what blows my mind though, actor's (or in some cases their guardians') utter lack of loyalty and their disrespect for the people who got them to where they are. I can not tell you the number of times I've seen an actor book a job, or two, that seems to be getting some heat, then drop their agent and/or manager for someone "bigger". It is almost as if every actor who books one thing looses all common sense. Don't even get me started on those who end the relationship with an email as opposed to manning up and doing it in person, or at the very least, picking up the phone.
First off, dumping the people who believed in you and fought to get you where you are, the first chance someone bigger comes to you is bad Karma. Don't get me wrong, I think it's perfectly fine to leave your rep if they are not working for you. If they are neglecting you, which they never should be, not listening to your wants/needs or if you have gone as far as you possibly can with them. However, to leave them, just as you start to gain momentum, because someone "Bigger" began showing interest? That is the dumbest move an actor can make.
Let's face it, the smaller agency you started with knows you. When I worked at my first agency, and worked on a desk not only did I speak with the clients nearly everyday, I also knew a wealth of information on them. I knew their schedules, who worked where on the survival jobs, various random skills they had, who slept in, who was an early riser, who was horrible at directions, ect. And when a client started to get heat they were the number one priority.
Though my position has changed, I still know a great deal about our clients and again those starting to gain momentum are always a top priority. If you leave for a bigger agency, you are more likely than not going to become just another name on their list. And when the lists includes names like George Clooney and Julia Roberts...you're gonna be much further down that list then you want to be.
Please don't misconstrue this, I have no problems with the BIG agencies. They do great work, I'm sure, but coming from a background of smaller companies, a move like that just doesn't make sense to me.
As I said before, I just don't understand why people think in order to make it be a success they need to sell their souls, that bigger is better and whatnot.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Franklin & Bash "Go Tell it on the Mountain": AKA: Saying Goodbye...
Last night I heard a phrase that made me sadder than I have in a long time, regarding pop culture at least, "Look for all new episodes of Franklin & Bash next summer."
NEXT SUMMER?!? I was perfectly aware that last night was their season finale, but when you put it that was it just seems so far away. It left me with a void in my life, whatever will I do till then? How will I survive a full year with out the plucky antics of Franklin & Bash, or more importantly without a weekly dose of Zack and Travis? Honestly, is there a support group for this kinda thing? Ok, enough mellow dramatics, on to the show.
So as we were shown in last week's teaser, Stanton is arrested for the murder of his best friend Gibson Hawk, who "disappeared" on a summit climb of Mt. McKinley.
Peter and Bash are meeting with Ultimo, a wrestler of a luchador league and his daughter, Amelia about a case. Jarred obviously has a thing for Amelia. The owners of the league claim Ultimo is too old and they want him to throw a fight and be damasked on television. He refuses, claiming the mask and the character are part of who he is.
The boys are summoned to the office, where they meet New York partner Brett Cayman, who informs them all that Stanton is in jail for murder. Of course, Peter and Jarred are on the case, with the addition of Karp.
Thankfully everything gets resolved, because honestly, if I had to wait a whole year to find out what happens I would have been pissed. So here we have it the first ever season finally of Franklin & Bash. The show is still silly irreverent, innuendo laced fun. The fact that they've done a complete 180 on Karp and the boys' relationship was evident in this final episode more than others. Peter was quick to defend Karp's skill to the evil Brett (who has some ulterior motives for helping out), and Karp has no complaints as to Peter and Jarred handling his uncle's case.
Hanna was finally back this week, and she and Infield had a heartwarming chat near the end of the episode, about how he wants her to be his successor, if and when he decides to step down. Even though she asked him to explain why, I'm not really sure the reason, but you know good for Hanna.
Jarred finally got some action, huzzah! I mean we got a taste of him getting it on with Hanna, but that was in the first episode, Peter has gotten far more loving in that time. Also Jarred getting action employs short girls!!! As a short girl myself this makes me giddy.
The casting over this season has been spectacular, and last night was no exception. Tricia Helfer was awesome as power hungry Brett, and Danny Trejo as the Spanish wrestler made my night. I may or may have cried out "Predator Meat!" at the sight of him...only those of you who have seen Predators will fully understand that.
Over the past few months the show has become one of my favorites. Definitely classified as must see for me. The chemistry and timing is perfect, and with all the doom and gloom on tv lately, don't get me wrong I adore shows like NCIS and Criminal Minds, but it's nice to have a silly fun show you can laugh at on the air. Plus any show that allows us to see grown up versions of Zack and Travis is fantastic in my book.
Honestly I can not wait til it returns....
NEXT SUMMER?!? I was perfectly aware that last night was their season finale, but when you put it that was it just seems so far away. It left me with a void in my life, whatever will I do till then? How will I survive a full year with out the plucky antics of Franklin & Bash, or more importantly without a weekly dose of Zack and Travis? Honestly, is there a support group for this kinda thing? Ok, enough mellow dramatics, on to the show.
So as we were shown in last week's teaser, Stanton is arrested for the murder of his best friend Gibson Hawk, who "disappeared" on a summit climb of Mt. McKinley.
Peter and Bash are meeting with Ultimo, a wrestler of a luchador league and his daughter, Amelia about a case. Jarred obviously has a thing for Amelia. The owners of the league claim Ultimo is too old and they want him to throw a fight and be damasked on television. He refuses, claiming the mask and the character are part of who he is.
The boys are summoned to the office, where they meet New York partner Brett Cayman, who informs them all that Stanton is in jail for murder. Of course, Peter and Jarred are on the case, with the addition of Karp.
Thankfully everything gets resolved, because honestly, if I had to wait a whole year to find out what happens I would have been pissed. So here we have it the first ever season finally of Franklin & Bash. The show is still silly irreverent, innuendo laced fun. The fact that they've done a complete 180 on Karp and the boys' relationship was evident in this final episode more than others. Peter was quick to defend Karp's skill to the evil Brett (who has some ulterior motives for helping out), and Karp has no complaints as to Peter and Jarred handling his uncle's case.
Hanna was finally back this week, and she and Infield had a heartwarming chat near the end of the episode, about how he wants her to be his successor, if and when he decides to step down. Even though she asked him to explain why, I'm not really sure the reason, but you know good for Hanna.
Jarred finally got some action, huzzah! I mean we got a taste of him getting it on with Hanna, but that was in the first episode, Peter has gotten far more loving in that time. Also Jarred getting action employs short girls!!! As a short girl myself this makes me giddy.
The casting over this season has been spectacular, and last night was no exception. Tricia Helfer was awesome as power hungry Brett, and Danny Trejo as the Spanish wrestler made my night. I may or may have cried out "Predator Meat!" at the sight of him...only those of you who have seen Predators will fully understand that.
Over the past few months the show has become one of my favorites. Definitely classified as must see for me. The chemistry and timing is perfect, and with all the doom and gloom on tv lately, don't get me wrong I adore shows like NCIS and Criminal Minds, but it's nice to have a silly fun show you can laugh at on the air. Plus any show that allows us to see grown up versions of Zack and Travis is fantastic in my book.
Honestly I can not wait til it returns....
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| Karp and Infield |
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Alphas "Rosetta": AKA: Ryan Cartwright is amazing!
Oh Syfy, you are by far one of my favorite networks. Bringing such gems as Hollywood Treasures, Face Off, Ghost Hunters and my new personal favorite, Alphas.
This weeks episode strayed from the typical Alpha of the week pattern, and took us deeper into the "Red Flag" story line. "Red Flag" is essentially a group of rogue Alphas, who much like Magneto's followers in X-Men, believe they are at war with Non-Alphas. They are basically presented to us at least as a terrorist group, willing to hurt and/or kill anything or anyone in their way.
In the beginning of last night's episode, Gary, while at home, rediscovers "THE SIGNAL". The one from the pilot episode, the one belong to that Alpha who sent the ghost to kill Rosen. The team, along with their new D.O.D. handler and a swat team, prepare to over take the house they tracked the signal down to, where Rachel heard "three heart beats" inside. One of which belongs to, Kosar, who Rosen believes is responsible for the attack on him, as well as being the head of "Red Flag".
Clearly they can not catch him in the first ten minutes, or it would be a pretty boring show, and so with the help of another Alpha who's is with him, who's power seems to be a sort of Spidy sense, where the hairs stand up on his arms when there is trouble afoot, Kosar escapes into the night.
The team soon discovers who the third heartbeat belonged to, Anna, a low-functioning autistic woman. Rosen leaves Gary and Nina with her while he and the rest of the team go in search of Kosar. But as Gary soon discovers, there is more to Anna then everyone sees. Although she can not sign or speak, she can understand ALL languages and has even created one of her own, which Gary is able to see in electromagnetic waves. Dr. Rosen, believes she may be the key to discovering where Kosar, and "Red Flag" are planning. Gary begins working with Anna to decode email messages left on a tablet left at the house.
I LOVED that this episode was focused on Ryan Cartwright's character of Gary Bell, partly because I started watching the series because of him, but mostly because it gave him a chance to truly shine. Watching him interact with Anna, someone who was like him, showed a whole other level to his personality and his way of thinking.
I admit to being the type of person who associates actors with certain characters, forever. A prime example being the amazing Maggie Smith. I have seen her in countless films, Hook, The Harry Potter series, The Secret Garden, just to name a few, and have loved her in all, however to me she will always be Mother Superior from Sister Act. I love David Boreanaz on Bones, but he'll forever be Angel to me. It's not a criticism on how their acting it's just how my brain works. It likes connecting things, I think it may have something to do with working in the industry.
However, watching Ryan as Gary last night, there were no traces of Mr. Vincent Nigel-Murry in my mind, I was completely immersed in his character. I forgot the outside world, and was completely focused on what he was going through, I was sitting there trying to read him and what his possible reaction to the situation might be.
At the end of the episode we were given a twist, which I will not spoil for those who have yet to watch, and the reveal that "Red Flag" is much bigger than we previously believed. The war is coming, and I'm waiting with bated breath to see where all this is headed.
Also, I have just stumbled upon the fact that an upcoming episode is entitled "Bill and Gary's Excellent Adventure", and am positively giddy about that.
 |
| Ryan Cartwright as Gary Bell. |
This weeks episode strayed from the typical Alpha of the week pattern, and took us deeper into the "Red Flag" story line. "Red Flag" is essentially a group of rogue Alphas, who much like Magneto's followers in X-Men, believe they are at war with Non-Alphas. They are basically presented to us at least as a terrorist group, willing to hurt and/or kill anything or anyone in their way.
In the beginning of last night's episode, Gary, while at home, rediscovers "THE SIGNAL". The one from the pilot episode, the one belong to that Alpha who sent the ghost to kill Rosen. The team, along with their new D.O.D. handler and a swat team, prepare to over take the house they tracked the signal down to, where Rachel heard "three heart beats" inside. One of which belongs to, Kosar, who Rosen believes is responsible for the attack on him, as well as being the head of "Red Flag".
Clearly they can not catch him in the first ten minutes, or it would be a pretty boring show, and so with the help of another Alpha who's is with him, who's power seems to be a sort of Spidy sense, where the hairs stand up on his arms when there is trouble afoot, Kosar escapes into the night.
The team soon discovers who the third heartbeat belonged to, Anna, a low-functioning autistic woman. Rosen leaves Gary and Nina with her while he and the rest of the team go in search of Kosar. But as Gary soon discovers, there is more to Anna then everyone sees. Although she can not sign or speak, she can understand ALL languages and has even created one of her own, which Gary is able to see in electromagnetic waves. Dr. Rosen, believes she may be the key to discovering where Kosar, and "Red Flag" are planning. Gary begins working with Anna to decode email messages left on a tablet left at the house.
I LOVED that this episode was focused on Ryan Cartwright's character of Gary Bell, partly because I started watching the series because of him, but mostly because it gave him a chance to truly shine. Watching him interact with Anna, someone who was like him, showed a whole other level to his personality and his way of thinking.
I admit to being the type of person who associates actors with certain characters, forever. A prime example being the amazing Maggie Smith. I have seen her in countless films, Hook, The Harry Potter series, The Secret Garden, just to name a few, and have loved her in all, however to me she will always be Mother Superior from Sister Act. I love David Boreanaz on Bones, but he'll forever be Angel to me. It's not a criticism on how their acting it's just how my brain works. It likes connecting things, I think it may have something to do with working in the industry.
However, watching Ryan as Gary last night, there were no traces of Mr. Vincent Nigel-Murry in my mind, I was completely immersed in his character. I forgot the outside world, and was completely focused on what he was going through, I was sitting there trying to read him and what his possible reaction to the situation might be.
At the end of the episode we were given a twist, which I will not spoil for those who have yet to watch, and the reveal that "Red Flag" is much bigger than we previously believed. The war is coming, and I'm waiting with bated breath to see where all this is headed.
Also, I have just stumbled upon the fact that an upcoming episode is entitled "Bill and Gary's Excellent Adventure", and am positively giddy about that.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Franklin & Bash "Bachelor Party": AKA: Zack, Travis AND Dawson, My Little '90's Pop Culture Lovin' Heart Be Still
Last night was the episode we'd all been waiting for, or at least I was, the episode guest starring the one and only Dawson Leery...er, I mean James Van Der Beek. As skillfully predicted, by moi, ok, ok it was pretty obvious, he played Janie's fiance, Nathan.
Case One: Nathan, has been arrested for solicitation, during his bachelor party, and has come to Peter for representation. In order to prove he is fully over Peter agrees to take the case.
Case Two: Jarred takes on a wrongful termination case of a teacher from his old high school. Apparently the guy she met over the summer, took her for drinks and then ended up sleeping with her, was in her class that fall. Ooops.
Also, as a couple of side stories, Karp was being interviewed by a law magazine and the body of Infield's old law partner was fount on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The question, and the really the reason to watch, was not to find out whether or not they'd win their cases, but seeing how it all played out. In case any of you are wondering, yes they did win.
Although he never really went away, I feel like James Van Der Beek has just recently launched a come back. Mostly because as of late he's been popping up in things I actually pay attention to. First on Mercy, then Ke$ha's Blow video, don't ask..., taking over the role that was written for Lance Bass in the upcoming ABC series Apartment 23, I'm still a little bitter about that, and now on Franklin & Bash.
He was the perfect choice for this role of course, Dawson Leery was tame, predictable and maybe even a bit boring when compared to the legendary Zack Morris. Plus they have similar physical characteristics so it's easy to believe Janie could fall for both of them. As Jarred beautifully pointed out in an imaginary conversation between Peter and Nathan. Though, if her and Peter have only been broken up for a year, and she and Nathan are already engaged...she must have started dating Nathan pretty quickly after breaking it off with our Bash.
It should definitely be noted that Breckin Meyer was on his game last night. There were several instances where I burst out laughing out loud over his line delivery.
It was nice to see a little more of the Infield/Karp relationship. How Karp isn't just with the firm because he is Infield's nephew. That Infield respects him as a lawyer as well.
I find it interesting that in the pilot they totally painted Karp out to be the bad guy, willing to do anything, even sacrifice the little guy, to win a case. He is portrayed as some one who is going to make our boys miserable, yet throughout the rest of the series, they seem to have done everything they can to make him a sympathetic character. Ambitious, and driven, yes, but with many insecurities that make him as he is. The fact that he tries to impress the interview by wearing denim and flannel is evidence of that. Awe, flannel being worn in the Dawson episode? Well done!
Since, ultimately Peter, in a classy move, convinces Nathan to go through with the wedding, I can't help but think they're going to have to bring in some fresh blood for next season. Clearly once she's married Peter will have to stop going after Janie. Well, I suppose he COULD still attempt to break them up and win her back, but it would be weird and smarmy. Jarred and Hanna's relationship seems dead in the water, by the way where was Hannah this past episode? Was she still visiting family? How long was it between episodes?
Anyway, I have a feeling just hitting on a random girl each episode may wear thin, so they are gonna have to bring someone new in for either Peter or Jarred, or both. I nominate myself. Sorry, that's the 8 year old me talking again. I would totally do it, though.
Over all, it was a great episode, despite the obvious set ups for next week's episode, maybe the best one thus far. There is only one thing that bothered me, no girl in their right mind would leave Zack for Dawson.
Sadly, next week is the season finale, though we can all rejoice in the fact that they have been picked up for a second season. Huzzah! Infield is arrested for murder and it looks like it is up to our boys to get him off.
Case One: Nathan, has been arrested for solicitation, during his bachelor party, and has come to Peter for representation. In order to prove he is fully over Peter agrees to take the case.
Case Two: Jarred takes on a wrongful termination case of a teacher from his old high school. Apparently the guy she met over the summer, took her for drinks and then ended up sleeping with her, was in her class that fall. Ooops.
Also, as a couple of side stories, Karp was being interviewed by a law magazine and the body of Infield's old law partner was fount on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The question, and the really the reason to watch, was not to find out whether or not they'd win their cases, but seeing how it all played out. In case any of you are wondering, yes they did win.
Although he never really went away, I feel like James Van Der Beek has just recently launched a come back. Mostly because as of late he's been popping up in things I actually pay attention to. First on Mercy, then Ke$ha's Blow video, don't ask..., taking over the role that was written for Lance Bass in the upcoming ABC series Apartment 23, I'm still a little bitter about that, and now on Franklin & Bash.
He was the perfect choice for this role of course, Dawson Leery was tame, predictable and maybe even a bit boring when compared to the legendary Zack Morris. Plus they have similar physical characteristics so it's easy to believe Janie could fall for both of them. As Jarred beautifully pointed out in an imaginary conversation between Peter and Nathan. Though, if her and Peter have only been broken up for a year, and she and Nathan are already engaged...she must have started dating Nathan pretty quickly after breaking it off with our Bash.
It should definitely be noted that Breckin Meyer was on his game last night. There were several instances where I burst out laughing out loud over his line delivery.
It was nice to see a little more of the Infield/Karp relationship. How Karp isn't just with the firm because he is Infield's nephew. That Infield respects him as a lawyer as well.
I find it interesting that in the pilot they totally painted Karp out to be the bad guy, willing to do anything, even sacrifice the little guy, to win a case. He is portrayed as some one who is going to make our boys miserable, yet throughout the rest of the series, they seem to have done everything they can to make him a sympathetic character. Ambitious, and driven, yes, but with many insecurities that make him as he is. The fact that he tries to impress the interview by wearing denim and flannel is evidence of that. Awe, flannel being worn in the Dawson episode? Well done!
Since, ultimately Peter, in a classy move, convinces Nathan to go through with the wedding, I can't help but think they're going to have to bring in some fresh blood for next season. Clearly once she's married Peter will have to stop going after Janie. Well, I suppose he COULD still attempt to break them up and win her back, but it would be weird and smarmy. Jarred and Hanna's relationship seems dead in the water, by the way where was Hannah this past episode? Was she still visiting family? How long was it between episodes?
Anyway, I have a feeling just hitting on a random girl each episode may wear thin, so they are gonna have to bring someone new in for either Peter or Jarred, or both. I nominate myself. Sorry, that's the 8 year old me talking again. I would totally do it, though.
Over all, it was a great episode, despite the obvious set ups for next week's episode, maybe the best one thus far. There is only one thing that bothered me, no girl in their right mind would leave Zack for Dawson.
Sadly, next week is the season finale, though we can all rejoice in the fact that they have been picked up for a second season. Huzzah! Infield is arrested for murder and it looks like it is up to our boys to get him off.
 |
| I have a tiny issue with the fact that Dawson is the only shirtless one, aside from that this is an epic shot. |
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Alphas "Anger Management": AKA: The Worst Power Ever...
So last night's episode further illustrated how dangerous some Alphas can actually be. Sure Marcus could do some pretty crazy shit, but he could also, if he so chose, used his power for good. Or at the very least for not evil. Although he did kill a series of people, he did it as a means of survival. The people killed were going to hurt him, and while I'm not entirely sure why that made it better in my mind, it did.
But Matthew Hurley? He makes me think maybe facilities such as Binghamton are necessary. Yes, I realize how awful and inhumane that sounds, but seriously, the kid shoots pheromones out of his finger tips which cause people to get ridiculously angry/violent and attack/potentially kill people. It's not an involuntary action either, not like he gets scared or angry and oh no, he's leaking pheromones. No, he releases them deliberately and controlled. We get to witness just how bad it could get with what happened to Don Wilson, furthermore think of how awful it must be to be the DOD Agent who did it to him? Imagine having to live out the rest of your life knowing you brutally took another person's life, and worst of all, you didn't for no reason of your own.
The way the "riot" in the Alphas office was shot was amazing. The scene was choreographed beautifully, the lighting, the music, all combined made for a truly terrifying sense of chaos and lack of control.
While I don't believe in them locking up Alphas for being Alphas, I look at Matthew as the equivalent to someone, without special abilities who has killed. It's a little easier to swallow him being locked away then.
Other developments of this episode, Rachel, while under the influence of the pheromones, explodes during a phone call with her mother & claims she is moving out. Nina offers her a place to stay, since she lives in a 3 bedroom loft in SoHo, rent free. Again, can we say coolest power ever?
Hicks seems to be honing his abilities. They've given him what I like to call "Shawn Spencer Psych Vision". If you watch the show Psych, you know exactly that I'm talking about, where the camera zooms in on what he's focusing on, and whatever it is is highlighted.
Also, we can see that he's beginning to actually care about the team members, evidenced beautifully by the fact that he is the only one to help Gary with his buzzing problem.
I think last night's episode did the important job of illustrating that not all Alphas are good & made the necessity for Binghamton Special Research Facility more apparent. This is not your typical good vs. evil super hero story. Things are not simple black and white, just like in real life, there are many shades of grey. I'm curious to see where the show is heading next, and how the characters deal with what is being thrown at them.
But Matthew Hurley? He makes me think maybe facilities such as Binghamton are necessary. Yes, I realize how awful and inhumane that sounds, but seriously, the kid shoots pheromones out of his finger tips which cause people to get ridiculously angry/violent and attack/potentially kill people. It's not an involuntary action either, not like he gets scared or angry and oh no, he's leaking pheromones. No, he releases them deliberately and controlled. We get to witness just how bad it could get with what happened to Don Wilson, furthermore think of how awful it must be to be the DOD Agent who did it to him? Imagine having to live out the rest of your life knowing you brutally took another person's life, and worst of all, you didn't for no reason of your own.
The way the "riot" in the Alphas office was shot was amazing. The scene was choreographed beautifully, the lighting, the music, all combined made for a truly terrifying sense of chaos and lack of control.
While I don't believe in them locking up Alphas for being Alphas, I look at Matthew as the equivalent to someone, without special abilities who has killed. It's a little easier to swallow him being locked away then.
Other developments of this episode, Rachel, while under the influence of the pheromones, explodes during a phone call with her mother & claims she is moving out. Nina offers her a place to stay, since she lives in a 3 bedroom loft in SoHo, rent free. Again, can we say coolest power ever?
Hicks seems to be honing his abilities. They've given him what I like to call "Shawn Spencer Psych Vision". If you watch the show Psych, you know exactly that I'm talking about, where the camera zooms in on what he's focusing on, and whatever it is is highlighted.
Also, we can see that he's beginning to actually care about the team members, evidenced beautifully by the fact that he is the only one to help Gary with his buzzing problem.
I think last night's episode did the important job of illustrating that not all Alphas are good & made the necessity for Binghamton Special Research Facility more apparent. This is not your typical good vs. evil super hero story. Things are not simple black and white, just like in real life, there are many shades of grey. I'm curious to see where the show is heading next, and how the characters deal with what is being thrown at them.
 |
| Malik Yoba as Bill Harken & Warren Christie as Cameron Hicks in Alphas Ep 3 "Anger Management" |
Monday, July 25, 2011
Captain America: The First Avenger: AKA Kicking Ass in the Days of Old
I have to admit, aside from X-men, I am not all that well versed in the Marvel universes. Not entirely sure as to why, probably because DC Comics had more awesome cartoons on when I was younger, Batman The Animated Series anyone? But regardless of not really knowing his back story, I was excited to get home Friday night to see opening day Captain America: The First Avenger.So for those of you who are as unfamiliar with the Cap's story as I was, here's the sitch. Puny little Steve Rogers, constantly getting into fights which he refuses to run from, wants desperately to be in the Army. He keeps getting rejected, until he meets a scientist, Dr. Abraham Erskine, who after over hearing his determination, passes him through for a special experimental program. Though definitely not the strongest or fastest by any means, Steve proves himself the bravest, most determined and deserving, was there ever any doubt? Steve is picked to be the human guinea pig for a serum that will make him into a super soldier.
But as all Super Heroes must go there is tragedy, action and an almost romance. Standard stuff, now that you've got a bit of background, let's talk about this newest incarnation.
The Good
1) The Casting. Props go to Sarah Finn and Randi Hiller, the casting as a whole was spot on.
Chris Evans makes the perfect golden boy. Though his CGI "wimpy" body was a little weird to look at, it's all worth it for that shirtless shot of him after the transformation. Can we say Yum? Plus, despite being delicious looking, he's totally believable as a sweet, shy guy who lacks skills with the ladies.
Tommy Lee Jones as a hard ass, Colonel Chester Phillips. On a whole, I think he's a fantastic actor, who's had a great career. This role shows exactly what he does best, that kinda almost jerky guy who just wants what's best and who will come through in the end.
Stanley Tucci as a compassionate scientist with vision. Another amazing actor with a great career. He's so great that most of the time I forget who he is while watching him on screen. For example while seeing him in this movie I had a vauge idea of who he was, but it wasn't until after the movie that I was able to fully able to seperate the man from his character.
Hayley Atwell, who claimed to have based her Peggy Carter on Ginger Rogers stating "She can do everything Captain America can do, but backwards and in high heels". Now that's just AWESOME.
2) The explosions. Come on, it's a Super Hero movie, there's got to be explosions. And Captain America delivers several awesome ones.
3) The fact that there was a woman with rank who also kicked ass. I'm a sucker for a strong female character, since there, in general, are so few. So to have The Captain's love interest be more than just a pretty face was really cool. Throw in the fact that she actually was involved in the last battle, holding her own made me a happy lil lady.
The Not So Good
1) The backgrounds. Perhaps if I had seen it in 3D I wouldn't have noticed as much, but seriously, most of the time the backgrounds looked like paintings. It reminded me a lot of the backgrounds in Newsies, that's not a good thing. I realize this may have been done on purpose for effect, but with all the money they had, it would have been nice to have a bit more realistic scenery.
2) The battle scenes. I'm torn on this point, because on a whole they were pretty kick ass. That being said, I was a little disappointed in the fact that most of them were shown in montages. I would have liked to see a little more.
3) The ending. Ok, so it wasn't that the ending was bad, and watching the movie you kinda knew it had to end that way, still I enjoy happier endings...
The Rando
1) The costumes/hair/makeup. I will admit right now to be a sucker for the hair & make up of the women of the forties. The neatly coiffed hair, the pale skin, the deep red lips, seriously I would LOVE to pull that look off. Also the Red Skull makeup looked kick ass. The perfect blend of strange & interesting.
2) The Avengers teaser at the end of the credits. While I admit to always having a slight interest in seeing the upcoming film, mostly due to the involvement of Joss Whedon, it wasn't until watching the teaser that I actually got excited for it.
3) Being that I am also a theatre geek, I got a chuckle out of the fact that Wonderland was all over the Marquis Theatre in the background of the present day scene, which sorta dates the filming, if you know theatre because Wonderland only ran for like a nano-second.
All and all Captain American was a pretty good film, full of action, adventure and fun. Groundbreaking? Not so much, but I'm definitely getting more and more excited to see The Avengers.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Franklin & Bash "Bangover": AKA: The Sexy Episode
Last night I turn on my tv to find our dear sweet Franklin & Bash engaged in a light saber duel. Seems only fitting since yesterday was the star of San Diego Comic-Con 2011, which my geeky little heart weeps at not being there for by the way. The judge however, played by Kathy Najimy, was not so amused. Apparently, Sister Mary Patrick has lost her sense of humor. She decides to hold then in contempt for 72 hours, and so they can not use this as a business opportunity they are on house arrest.
In true Franklin & Bash style they decide to alleviate the boredom of being stuck at home by throwing a killer party. Seriously, how do I get to go to one of these parties? They look awesome. During the party Infield's niece Lily shows up, having skipped her flight back to London in order to see our boys, well in order to see Peter. The girl clearly wants him, who doesn't though, and is coming on strong. To his credit, and with some friendly reminding by Jarred about what happened the last time he banged a family member of his boss, Peter resists.
Meanwhile, Carmen has gone to her room to discover Dante her ex/current boyfriend waiting for her. She mumbles some feeble protests about how him being here violates both their paroles and how the last time was a mistake and how he needs to go, and then they go at it like wild animals. Apparently, as she later explains to our boys, she's addicted to the sex with Dante.
Moments later the cops show up, and they have a dog with them, why they have a dog with them, not really sure. Apparently one of the boys tracking devices has gone off, and adorable Jarred explains he took some trash cans to the curb. The cops want to search the place, but Jarred reminds them they need a warrant. No matter, it all becomes a mute point when the dog starts barking and dashes off to find a large stash of marijuana in a bag, which we learn belongs to Lily. That's right folks, we just found our first case of our two case formula.
Upon hearing the police on hearing the sirens Dante bolts, promising Carmen he will come back for her.
Cut to the next morning where our boys are frantically trying to get a hold of Karp to go get Lily out of jail, where she has been being held since last night. We find out that Karp was the one who was supposed to drive her to the airport, but he got caught up working on a case and so he put her in a cab. Also, there seems to be a temp bustling around the cave cleaning. Already she annoys me. Carmen joins the boys and Pindar in a daze, which the boys think is a hangover, but the rando temp correctly diagnoses as a "bangover".
Lily, who is studying to be a lawyer now finds herself in court, the judge being none other that Tommy Chong, once again demonstrating the awesomeness that is Pagano/Manwiller casting. For those of you who don't get the joke, a) shame on you, b) Tommy Chong was one of the stars of the Cheech & Chong movies, basically its the equivalent to having Kumar, of the Harold & Kumar series, presiding over the case. Oh look, the DA is Janie, what a coincidence.
Lily is forced to turn in her passport and released on bail. Karp wants her to come stay with him while she's here, but she insists that she would die of boredom there and gives Franklin and Bash's address as where she will be staying. Janie seems more then a little disturbed by that.
Back at the Franklin & Bash Cave, we learn Lily has a friend back in London, who is going through chemo, which is why she had the pot on her, since California pot is much more potent than London pot. Carmen finds a backpack full of money left in her room by her booty call boy, and Infield stops by to get some advise on a video game case he is working on from Jarred.
The boys, Carmen and Pindar scramble to hide the money and Peter takes Lily to his room to hide. Obviously the end up sleeping together, despite Peter's initial protests. Once again, I regress to a gushing preteen, over the hotness that is Zack Morris all grown up, as a sexy, sexy lawyer. Mmmm.
At some point, after Infield leaves, the cops show up, yet again, and in bigger numbers, this time for Carmen. Having proof that she violated parole by calling/texting Dante they take her in.
Side bar, I'm happy they are employing more actors, but was it really necessary to have that many cops show up to take Carmen in? I mean seriously, it wasn't like she did something violent to violate parole, don't you think two would have sufficed?
Jarred goes to get Peter who comes out of his room wearing only boxers & his guitar...yes that's right ladies, after sex he was playing guitar for her. Um...yes please.
Carmen is taken away, we now finally have our case two! Huzzah!
Apparently all the Infield Daniels lawyers are busy and there is no one able to take Carmen's case. No one but Pindar that is...
Janie stops by the cave with muffins for Peter, and susses out that he slept with Lily and gets upset/pissed. Ok, wait a minute there, she broke up with him & has basically been gloating/throwing it in his face, in every episode of the series thus far, that she is engaged to another man, and now she's upset about him sleeping with someone else? Nope, sorry Hunny, it doesn't work like that. You were stupid for dumping him, but what did you seriously expect him to remain single & celibate forever? Yeah, no.
Clearly, after some Franklin & Bash style trickery and schemeing both cases get won. I mean it wouldn't be Franklin & Bash if they lost. The episode ends with the boys at The Max Version 2.0, playing another game of would you rather, as all good things should.
What's more important as that we got a glimpse into some characters backgrounds. We finally got to learn a little more about Carmen, that she met her boyfriend through a con. Ok it's not much but it's a start. Pindar, in extreme cases can get it together enough to leave the nest. And we learn that Janie still has feelings for Peter, strong ones considering she was willing to drop a drug charge in exchange for [insert character's name here] to be banned from returning to the US for 10 years, just to keep her away from him. I mean, come on, that alone speaks volumes about her character.
Furthermore I am practically giddy over next weeks episode. We finally meet Janie's fiancee, who as I predicted is being played by James Van Der Beek, who apparently has hired Peter to get him off of a solicitation charge. This my friends, has the potential to be deliciously awkward...
In true Franklin & Bash style they decide to alleviate the boredom of being stuck at home by throwing a killer party. Seriously, how do I get to go to one of these parties? They look awesome. During the party Infield's niece Lily shows up, having skipped her flight back to London in order to see our boys, well in order to see Peter. The girl clearly wants him, who doesn't though, and is coming on strong. To his credit, and with some friendly reminding by Jarred about what happened the last time he banged a family member of his boss, Peter resists.
Meanwhile, Carmen has gone to her room to discover Dante her ex/current boyfriend waiting for her. She mumbles some feeble protests about how him being here violates both their paroles and how the last time was a mistake and how he needs to go, and then they go at it like wild animals. Apparently, as she later explains to our boys, she's addicted to the sex with Dante.
Moments later the cops show up, and they have a dog with them, why they have a dog with them, not really sure. Apparently one of the boys tracking devices has gone off, and adorable Jarred explains he took some trash cans to the curb. The cops want to search the place, but Jarred reminds them they need a warrant. No matter, it all becomes a mute point when the dog starts barking and dashes off to find a large stash of marijuana in a bag, which we learn belongs to Lily. That's right folks, we just found our first case of our two case formula.
Upon hearing the police on hearing the sirens Dante bolts, promising Carmen he will come back for her.
Cut to the next morning where our boys are frantically trying to get a hold of Karp to go get Lily out of jail, where she has been being held since last night. We find out that Karp was the one who was supposed to drive her to the airport, but he got caught up working on a case and so he put her in a cab. Also, there seems to be a temp bustling around the cave cleaning. Already she annoys me. Carmen joins the boys and Pindar in a daze, which the boys think is a hangover, but the rando temp correctly diagnoses as a "bangover".
Lily, who is studying to be a lawyer now finds herself in court, the judge being none other that Tommy Chong, once again demonstrating the awesomeness that is Pagano/Manwiller casting. For those of you who don't get the joke, a) shame on you, b) Tommy Chong was one of the stars of the Cheech & Chong movies, basically its the equivalent to having Kumar, of the Harold & Kumar series, presiding over the case. Oh look, the DA is Janie, what a coincidence.
Lily is forced to turn in her passport and released on bail. Karp wants her to come stay with him while she's here, but she insists that she would die of boredom there and gives Franklin and Bash's address as where she will be staying. Janie seems more then a little disturbed by that.
Back at the Franklin & Bash Cave, we learn Lily has a friend back in London, who is going through chemo, which is why she had the pot on her, since California pot is much more potent than London pot. Carmen finds a backpack full of money left in her room by her booty call boy, and Infield stops by to get some advise on a video game case he is working on from Jarred.
The boys, Carmen and Pindar scramble to hide the money and Peter takes Lily to his room to hide. Obviously the end up sleeping together, despite Peter's initial protests. Once again, I regress to a gushing preteen, over the hotness that is Zack Morris all grown up, as a sexy, sexy lawyer. Mmmm.
At some point, after Infield leaves, the cops show up, yet again, and in bigger numbers, this time for Carmen. Having proof that she violated parole by calling/texting Dante they take her in.
Side bar, I'm happy they are employing more actors, but was it really necessary to have that many cops show up to take Carmen in? I mean seriously, it wasn't like she did something violent to violate parole, don't you think two would have sufficed?
Jarred goes to get Peter who comes out of his room wearing only boxers & his guitar...yes that's right ladies, after sex he was playing guitar for her. Um...yes please.
Carmen is taken away, we now finally have our case two! Huzzah!
Apparently all the Infield Daniels lawyers are busy and there is no one able to take Carmen's case. No one but Pindar that is...
Janie stops by the cave with muffins for Peter, and susses out that he slept with Lily and gets upset/pissed. Ok, wait a minute there, she broke up with him & has basically been gloating/throwing it in his face, in every episode of the series thus far, that she is engaged to another man, and now she's upset about him sleeping with someone else? Nope, sorry Hunny, it doesn't work like that. You were stupid for dumping him, but what did you seriously expect him to remain single & celibate forever? Yeah, no.
Clearly, after some Franklin & Bash style trickery and schemeing both cases get won. I mean it wouldn't be Franklin & Bash if they lost. The episode ends with the boys at The Max Version 2.0, playing another game of would you rather, as all good things should.
What's more important as that we got a glimpse into some characters backgrounds. We finally got to learn a little more about Carmen, that she met her boyfriend through a con. Ok it's not much but it's a start. Pindar, in extreme cases can get it together enough to leave the nest. And we learn that Janie still has feelings for Peter, strong ones considering she was willing to drop a drug charge in exchange for [insert character's name here] to be banned from returning to the US for 10 years, just to keep her away from him. I mean, come on, that alone speaks volumes about her character.
Furthermore I am practically giddy over next weeks episode. We finally meet Janie's fiancee, who as I predicted is being played by James Van Der Beek, who apparently has hired Peter to get him off of a solicitation charge. This my friends, has the potential to be deliciously awkward...
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