Kelly Monster

I know, I know, who doesn’t love The Secret World of Alex Mack? I certainly do.

I remember writing down in my fifth grade planner what T.V. shows were on what nights. Who knew what was for homework? And who cares? The Secret World of Alex Mack was always written in big, bold letters, right under The Wonder Years.

I love any storyline where the main character has fallen into spilled chemicals, and then produces wicked awesome powers from stewing in some yellow ooze. Cool. Did I mentioned that this character was a child who fell in the chemicals?  Yes, my generation demanded only the highest quality of entertainment. She could do lots of things, she could shoot electricity out of her fingers. This came in handy for a lot of things.

The best of all of Alex’s powers however was when she could turn herself into water, even though because of bad special effects, she looked more like a puddle metallic silver. Whatever it was, it looked awesome. That would be my super power, turn into a giant glob of metal. Done.

What does this story teach us? Bathe in chemicals, you’ll get super powers.

Hilary Duff made a comment recently about how none of her fans even know who Faye Dunaway is. This was in response to Faye Dunaway’s near shock and surprise that a remake of  the 1967 movie Bonnie and Clyde is being remade and Hilary Duff is set to play Bonnie Parker, the role Dunaway played years ago. Duff’s comment saddened me, does the younger generation not know about Faye Dunaway? In my humble opinion, one of the greatest actresses of all time? With the invention of YouTube? And the fact that our world has access to whatever entertainment they choose to watch, no matter what decade that entertainment happens to come from?

And then I remembered. When I was in the fourth grade, my favorite T.V. show was from the 1790’s: Happy Days. So there must be some hope for this world.

Even if you think it’s impossible to love Ron Howard more than you already do after seeing him on the Andy Griffith Show, you’re wrong, he will steal your heart all over again on Happy Days. Now most people believe this show fell apart the moment Fonzie jumped a shark, water skiing in Hawaii. In fact that’s where the term “jumped the shark” comes from. (When T.V. shows clearly should have  been canceled, but that show is still on the air, that show has “jumped the shark”) The show really ended when Ron Howard’s character left the show. Ritchie Cunningham joins the army, and I stopped watching.

This show is an American institution. Who doesn’t want to grab a burger at Arnold’s or watch Fonzie jump over a line of cars on his motorcycle? That’s what I need in a good sitcom.

I also need a good sitcom to come up with it’s own insults, yes Battlestar Gallactica wasn’t the only show, and Happy Days came up with the term “sit on it.” Not the worst thing you can say to another human being, but once you hear it on this show you’ll become obsessed and die to hear it again. Joanie says it to Ralph, Ritchie says it to Potsie, Mrs. C. says it to…the Fonz?

Wow, I didn’t think anyone would live to say that.  Although the Fonz is supposed to be a hoodlum, he is the most polite delinquent you’ll ever meet.

Ralph makes bad jokes, and Potsie sings.

Anson Williams, who played Potsie, even put out an album a while back. I’ve never heard it, I can only picture Potsie singing.

This show is just a classic and I have to believe that it has stood the test of time, I still love watching season to season of a show made about the 50s in the 70s.

You know a show is good if: It was based off the movie American Graffiti, it makes you want to move to Wisconsin, there is a character on the show named Pinky Tuscadero, and if it produced the kind of spin-off like Joanie Loves Chachi.

So, because my ten year old self loved and was obsessed with a show made in the 70’s, I have faith that there is some little girl out there whose favorite actress is Faye Dunaway. I know mine was.

Finally brought myself to go see Avatar. I was not a big Titanic fan, so I needed some convincing. I mean James Cameron did give us The Terminator so he can’t be all bad.

Avatar was pretty , it really was worth seeing in 3D, but the story was less desirable. I loved watching the forest glow and the animated characters were so lifelike. When I saw Polar Express and Beowulf the eyes on the characters looked really dead, but the animation in Avatar looked like the characters were alive and had a pulse.

I was distracted at times because Sam Worthington’s Australian accent kept coming out of his American character’s mouth. This made me giggle but totally took me out of the world of the movie. Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver both delivered great performances, however.

I think this movie is great movie to watch in the theater, once it’s out on DVD I think a lot will be lost watching it on a smaller T.V. screen. I think in all fairness, if this movie didn’t look the way it does, many people wouldn’t give this movie a second glance.

I think I may have figured it out, James Cameron is a wizard and we are all under his spell.

Check out some other thoughts from some of my gals from the Filmgirl Force:

Action Flick Chick

Film Gurl

Just Chick Flicks

Reel Artsy

Zenbitch

I haven’t felt this emo since I went through that Dashboard Confessional stint in High School.

My So-Called Life was a little bit of an emotional roller coaster for me. I wanted to see the show because I love Claire Danes and because I have a soft-spot for 90’s television. Claire Danes also won a Golden Globe for her performance in this show, so I was interested.

Initially I couldn’t get into it. I felt like it was way too over the top. I mean trust me High School is a certain torture chamber that I can’t believe society subjects children to, but I mean sometimes watching this show I just wanted to slip some of the characters some Prozac. The only character that seemed remotely happy was Rayanne Graff and she had some major drinking problems.

I will say, by the middle of the series (which wasn’t very long, it was cancelled after one season) I was hooked. Then  all of a sudden this storyline comes out of nowhere that completely horrified me, I won’t tell you what it is because surprises are the spice of life, but I just couldn’t recover.

I also have never heard the word “like” used so many times in my life. And believe me, I live in Hollywood, that’s twenty minutes from The Valley–I’ve heard it used a lot.

The last episode didn’t wrap a whole lot up, which sometimes happens, I understand, but the only explanation I can come up with is that the show must of been canceled before they could give their audience a satisfying ending. Or maybe they were going for torture, that’s cool, but it was torturous.

Bottom line: Claire Danes is a great actress, I’m glad this show did good things for her career. She deserves it.

I dunno maybe I’m being unfair to this show because I watched such an amazing show before this, Twin Peaks, and My So-Called Life couldn’t possibly live up to TP’s high standards. But for the most part, My So-Called Life = meh.

Just in case you were wondering what I wanted for my next birthday, this is it.

Orange, please.

Thank you Vat19.com for making a dream become a reality.

A Gummy Bear Vision Come To Life

Today, January 12th  2009, Conan O’Brien has released a statement saying that he will not host the “Tonight Show” if NBC continues with it’s decision to change it’s time slot from 11:35 pm to 12:05 am.

NBC gave Conan quite the difficult decision, actually it was an ultimatum , to either accept the new time slot or leave the network. Pretty harsh stuff, NBC.

Though this news is definitely shocking, The “Tonight Show” has seen it’s fair share of controversy in the past. When Johnny Carson stepped down as the host of the “Tonight Show” in 1992 many assumed that Carson’s position would be given to David Letterman, due to the fact that Carson had practically promised it to him. NBC made a startling decision by giving the show to comedian Jay Leno. Though it was no secret that Letterman was crushed by this decision, it seems that David Letterman finally has the last laugh. He is trumping all late night talk shows in the ratings with the “Late Show with David Letterman.”

Though I am sad to see Conan go, I think his reasons to walk are completely understandable. He cares about the integrity of the “Tonight Show,” which he believes will dwindle once the show loses the time slot that it has held for years, for decades for that matter. He is also looking out for Jimmy Fallon, whose time slot would also be bumped if Conan chooses to move the time slot of his show.

Hats off to you Conan, this had to be a tough one for you. Hopefully NBC will not ignore the buzz this situation is creating all over the web.

Twin Peaks was only on the air for two seasons, but it is by far one of the best shows to ever grace the small screen.

I knew very little about this series going into it, all I knew is that David Lynch co-created it with Mark Frost. I am a HUGE David Lynch fan, so I was excited to say the very least.

The series is about a small town in upstate Washington called Twin Peaks. Just like a lot of small towns in David Lynch stories, this small town is far from quiet and peaceful. Twins Peaks has quite the seedy underbelly: Drug trafficking, prostitution, murder, adultery–You know, just your average small town life.

The pilot episode is by far the best episode of the entire series. When we first arrive in Twin Peaks, we find out that a girl named Laura Palmer has been raped and murdered, wrapped in plastic and dumped in the lake. When she is discovered, special agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) of the FBI has been brought into help the local sheriff, Harry S. Truman (yes that’s his real name), with the case. Of all of the creative choices David Lynch made in this series, the casting of Kyle MacLachlan is the decision that I support the most. My heart melts whenever he is on screen, which is a lot. Hottie alert!

But back to Laura Palmer, her mysterious death has caused quite an upset in the town. Such an upset that almost everyone reacts the same way when  they find out she is dead. Hmmm, it’s a little hard to explain. Let me show you.

Gotta love David Lynch.

Once you get into Twin Peaks you’ll be hooked forever. You’ll become a regular Twin Peaks junkie. I know I am. You will do anything to find out what really happened to Laura Palmer, you’ll fall in love with all of the characters (Even David Lynch makes an appearance, greatest cameo ever!), and after you watch all of the episodes you can–you’ll be begging for more.

That is why I am so glad that David Lynch didn’t stop at the series. He made a prequel movie called Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. It’s great for Sheryl Lee, who played Laura Palmer, because she was kind of dead the entire series. Not a whole lot of acting room for her there. But in Fire Walk With Me, we get to see Laura Palmer live her last seven days on this earth before she dies. What a wild child! I thought I sort of got an idea of what she was like through Twin Peaks the series, but I had no idea at all.

Sheryl Lee was great! I just wish that they hadn’t cast someone else in the place of Lara Flynn Boyle’s character, Donna. I guess Lara was signed onto another project at the time, but she was certainly missed. Don’t expect me not to notice that Lara Flynn Boyle turned into that chick from The Cutting Edge. Other than that, it was great.

Though part of me wishes that this series had been on for longer, it’s probably good that it ended in it’s prime. Some T.V. series go on for too long, to the point where you want to gouge your own eyes out because the show you once loved has turned into something that you are embarrassed to tell your friends that you watch.

The series finale of this show might make you gasp out loud. I know I did. That last plot twist hit me like a wet fish slapped across my face. Oww!

If this show sounds too dark for you, don’t worry, there is a lot of comedic relief. A lot of moments like this:

In Twin Peaks, they sure love their coffee! And I love me some Twin Peaks. Thank you, David Lynch, you’ve done it again!

I didn’t have a whole lot of expectations going into this movie, I figured I was in good hands though considering that Jason Reitman gave us both Juno and Thank You For Smoking, two excellent movies.

This movie was well written, witty, and at times almost uncomfortably truthful.

This movie was really about the characters, and how they evolved.

George Clooney plays Ryan Bingham who fires people for a living, all over the country, so he pretty much lives on an airplane. I would love to have a job like that, I mean, a job that allows you to travel–firing people all the time would be horrible.

Because he lives out of a suitcase, Bingham is kind of a loner whose relationships are usually on a casual basis. He never intends to settle down. The fewer attachments he has to things, the better.

My favorite character (besides Zach Galifianakis’s cameo, I love that guy) was Natalie. She is new at the firing firm that Ryan Bingham also works for. She is young and full of ideas, and so she suggests that instead of firing people in person, that they do it through teleconferencing. This is a good idea in theory, but because she has never been in the field, she doesn’t realize that this is a bad idea. I loved her spunk, she believed that if she went to college, graduated at the head of her class, and got a good job that she would eventually find the man of her dreams and settle down. She even knows how many kids she is going to have. Things don’t exactly turn out the way she planned. In fact almost nothing goes the way she thought it would. Sometimes when you follow all the rules, the Universe smacks you in the face with different plans. Told you this movie was painfully honest.

Natalie is almost the polar opposite of Ryan Bingham, and I loved seeing the two characters interact. They both needed a little bit of what the other was serving up.

This movie was so thought provoking that I wasn’t even sure if I liked it or not. Don’t get me wrong I no problem with intelligent films, or thinking for that matter I just think the best movies are the ones you have to mull over for a couple of days. The verdict is finally in, and I loved it. It is probably one of the best films I’ve seen all year. This movie was so relevant, people all over the country are losing their jobs and this movie really captured the emotions you go through when something like that happens. Working in film production like I do, there are times when you are out of work—you know, between episodes and what not— so this film hit home for me. Not knowing what is going to happen after you finished up a job, wondering when you’ll find one again. It’s tough.

The subject matter of this movie sounds grim, but it was uplifting in some ways and hilariously funny at others. This movie takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, like all good films should.

Want to hear more about what people are saying about Up in the Air? Take a trip over to Reel Artsy to hear what my fellow filmgirl force member, Karen, has to say about it.

Still not enough? Film Gurl of the filmgirl force has a lot to say too.

I have always been a die hard Sherlock Holmes fan, my all time favorite of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s tales was The Adventure of the Speckled Band.So I was excited to see that a movie was being made about one of the greatest characters in history, but I was also a little skeptical. These books were hardly packed full of the type of action that Guy Ritchie threw in to the mix, but surprisingly it worked.

Robert Downey Jr. was excellent, Jude Law was surprisingly a great Watson. (I mean come on, Jude Law is not the first name that comes to mind when you mention the name Dr. John Watson) Rachel McAdams was alright. I wasn’t floored by her performance, but she did well enough. I give her one thing though, she really kicked some British boo-tay that’s for sure.

The plot was fun and quick paced, I was never bored or wondering when the movie was going to be over, because that is always a bad sign. The ending totally set up a sequel, and since this movie isn’t doing too badly at the box office I think it’s safe to say that we haven’t seen all of the Sherlock Holmes film  franchise. It looks like in the next film Sherlock will be facing off with his greatest nemesis of all–Professor Moriarty. So excited for that.

Good action flick. Good mystery. Good film.

It’s usually a tradition of mine to watch as many Christmas specials as possible and I think this year I have watched the most. My brain is almost exploding with Santa, elves, and magic.

The claymation Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is always a staple around this time of year, and it’s usually the first special of the season that I watch. I think this story is really about being predjudice against something, or someone you don’t understand.

This is Rudolph, he was born with a nose that lights up like a red christmas tree bulb, you would think that they would accept him with open arms into the community he lives in- Christmas Town. But instead, he’s treated like a leper. Even Santa doesn’t want anything to do with him, sad really, I thought Santa would be so much more forward thinking.

And you think Rudolph was treated unfairly, just take a look at this guy…

This is Herbie and he is just a victim of stereotype. All Herbie has ever dreamt of is being a dentist, not like he wants to grow up to become a serial killer. So what’s the big deal? Everyone in Christmas Town believes the only thing an elf can do is make toys.

But Rudolph and Herbie don’t need anybody else, so they’re going to be independent– together.

And along the way they meet:

A snow bumble, don’t get caught in his teeth!

They also bump into:

Yukon Cornelius, the greatest prospector of the north. It’s weird the way he is always licking that pick he carries, but I love it!

And:

An entire island of misfit toys! I’d take that spotted elephant any day.

Who knew you could get so much enjoyment out of a lump of clay? Thanks, Rudolph.

The second Christmas special I watched this year was not as fantastic as the first.

The Star Wars Holiday Special. Uh hem.

The first twenty minutes are completely in wookie, and then there’s the Life Day song at the end. Oh yeah, in the future Christmas is called life day, and Princess Leia sings about it.

It was long, but this is the first Christmas I had even heard of this special. I didn’t watch it in one sitting, but I had to catch all of the cameos! Even Bea Arthur is in this special. I would never watch it again but I love that The Star Wars Holiday Special exists. Too bad George Lucas doesn’t feel the same.

The Garfield Christmas special is a must.

Who doesn’t love Garfield? Well here he is in his prime, he isn’t computer animated and his lips aren’t moving. Which, if I can vent for a moment. The recent Garfield movie that just came out depicted Garfield’s mouth moving as if Jon Arbuckle can hear him. I don’t think Jon could ever hear Garfield. I think the audience is just let in on Garfield’s inner monologue. So there.

In this Christmas special you can be ensured some laughs. A disgruntled Garfield vowing that “whoever made Christmas trees should be drug out in the street and shot.” should be a line of dialogue in every Christmas special. Really giving the kids what they want.

I couldn’t find the California Raisin’s Christmas special anywhere, but I looked for a good two weeks. Give me a heads up if you know anything about it’s whereabouts.

The Charlie Brown Christmas Special gives you a warm feeling inside, so put down that egg nog!

This special is touching, you won’t cry your eyes out like in Snoopy Come Home, but touching none-the-less.

I watched  Fat Albert’s Christmas Special, which I didn’t know existed until this year. What a delight it was!

The story was lacking a little in this one, but what does that matter anyway? When you have characters named Tightwad Tyrone, not at all.

These are just a few of the specials I watched this year. What are some of your favorites? There are too many good Christmas specials to watch, December doesn’t seem long enough to cram them all in. But I intend to, whether it be claymation, animation, or live action– I’ll be there watching. Christmas time is serious people, if you don’t eat all of the cookies you can, stuff your face with Christmas candy, or watch all of the Christmas related entertainment you can—Christmas time just might pass you up until next year.