Yay Wall-E! One robot really can save us from ourselves - I love robots! And cockroaches make such loyal companions - yay cockroaches. Humans are not too bright but they at least want to change.
That trite summary aside, Wall-E is one of the best animated movies I have seen in a long time. It is beautiful and it can get its message through loud and clear without too much dialogue. Indeed, it takes quite some time before there is any dialogue at all and it's wonderful. It also has such a warm heart to it and it doesn't talk down to its audience - kids will think the robots are cute but adults will enjoy the intelligent humor and message. With all the loud nonsense there is on the screen right now (read about Wanted et. al. below), it was so nice to be able to sit in the theater and truly have fun. Just skip the name brand actors, the loud action, the crude comedy and head straight for the only film that will stay with you for longer than five minutes - go see Wall-E.
Monday, June 30, 2008
What the hell was that?
So Wanted... let's see... weavers are crafty (yes I said crafty) and they can tell the future by reading misweaves in fabric. They also want people dead for unspecified, leave it to fate reasons. So they formed an army of assassins 1000 years ago to take care of it. Okaaaay... But did we really need those rats? Now that's just gross.
Oh and my sister says she doesn't believe it's physically possible to curve a bullet. Physically possible in a physics kind of way. I don't know - ask her.
Oh and my sister says she doesn't believe it's physically possible to curve a bullet. Physically possible in a physics kind of way. I don't know - ask her.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
I LOVE Eddie Izzard
I admit that he takes some digressions and not every routine works but his Stripped tour show at Radio City last night was on the whole freakin' hilarious. I laughed so hard during the two hours of the show that I developed a serious cramp. There's just something about his delivery, facial expressions, voices and wandering ideas that just kills me.
Personal favorites from last night include a routine about a giraffe trying to alert another giraffe to an approaching tiger (which he admits comes from the wrong continent) when all giraffes can do is cough - so naturally they have to turn to charades. I also really enjoyed the ninja sheep who shave themselves with rusty razor blades to intimidate wolves and the misunderstood tenth commandment thou shall not cover thy neighbor's oxen (seriously, if you hide your neighbor's ox under a quilt you'll head straight to hell). Also, don't forget to check out Darwin's seminal work, "Monkey Monkey Monkey Monkey Monkey You" - apparently it caused quite a stir in the monkey community.
Unfortunately his next two New York shows are sold out but see if he's coming somewhere else near you so you can catch this great show. Hopefully it will also come out on DVD - fingers crossed.
In the meantime, enjoy one of my favorite bits from the hilarious beyond compare Dressed to Kill:
Personal favorites from last night include a routine about a giraffe trying to alert another giraffe to an approaching tiger (which he admits comes from the wrong continent) when all giraffes can do is cough - so naturally they have to turn to charades. I also really enjoyed the ninja sheep who shave themselves with rusty razor blades to intimidate wolves and the misunderstood tenth commandment thou shall not cover thy neighbor's oxen (seriously, if you hide your neighbor's ox under a quilt you'll head straight to hell). Also, don't forget to check out Darwin's seminal work, "Monkey Monkey Monkey Monkey Monkey You" - apparently it caused quite a stir in the monkey community.
Unfortunately his next two New York shows are sold out but see if he's coming somewhere else near you so you can catch this great show. Hopefully it will also come out on DVD - fingers crossed.
In the meantime, enjoy one of my favorite bits from the hilarious beyond compare Dressed to Kill:
Yay!
The Yankees won 9-0 in the night game. Let's hope Sidney Ponson can keep his game and his behavior on the up and up because that was damn impressive.
Don't worry - I promise that I will not have a daily Yankees report. Unless there is a demand for one of course - place your demands in the comments section.
Don't worry - I promise that I will not have a daily Yankees report. Unless there is a demand for one of course - place your demands in the comments section.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Oy.
Damn Pittsburgh Pirates. I will conveniently blame their scheduling intractability for the fact that my Yankees just got routed by the Mets. It's going to be a long weekend.
Why is Neil LaBute so shallow?
I went to see Neil LaBute's latest play Reasons to be Pretty at the Lortel last night. As the Times review promised, the acting was great - I particularly enjoyed Allison Pill as a woman who rejects her boyfriend when he makes a comment about her looks. I also have to say that for a Neil LaBute play, it was surprisingly light on the misogyny and the outright cruelty which was a welcome change. The play moved, the scenes were interesting and my friend Zoe was even moved to a tear.
I just can't help but think though that someone should perform a kind of intervention for LaBute and inform him there is more to life and relationships than just looks. I understand that that was the message he was trying to promote in the play but I wasn't convinced that he really understood it. All of the major motivations in his work seem to come down to issues of surface (such as the issue of looks in The Shape of Things) and after awhile that can get tedious. A fellow play-goer with whom I rode the bus after the show announced that he found the whole exercise boring and they should all just get over it. Although I did enjoy the play based on the acting, I am inclined to agree that the subject matter is a bit trite. If LaBute ever decides to write about something that goes further than skin-deep, I'd be interested to see it.
I just can't help but think though that someone should perform a kind of intervention for LaBute and inform him there is more to life and relationships than just looks. I understand that that was the message he was trying to promote in the play but I wasn't convinced that he really understood it. All of the major motivations in his work seem to come down to issues of surface (such as the issue of looks in The Shape of Things) and after awhile that can get tedious. A fellow play-goer with whom I rode the bus after the show announced that he found the whole exercise boring and they should all just get over it. Although I did enjoy the play based on the acting, I am inclined to agree that the subject matter is a bit trite. If LaBute ever decides to write about something that goes further than skin-deep, I'd be interested to see it.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
We Interrupt This Programming
I know this is not really on the topic of the blog but I hope you will all indulge me with a political aside here.
So I voted Obama in the primary and I'm walking all over town displaying my Obama button but this week Obama has completely tried my patience. The reason why I voted for Obama in the primary was because I viewed Hillary Clinton as a sell-out; she would say or do anything she needed to to get elected. And while I completely recognize that that is the name of the game and it has to be done to some extent in order to win, I think Obama has gone too far on three occasions just this week:
1. The New York Times had a story this week about how Obama is in favor of subsidies to corn farmers and development of corn ethanol while McCain would like to reduce sugar import tariffs and explore sugar ethanol. It is a scientific fact that corn ethanol is worthless and only sugar ethanol is a viable energy source. South America in fact has made great strides in sugar ethanol - the only thing that would come out of developing corn ethanol is more money in corn farmers' pockets. Now I'm not trying to rail against corn farmers since they're just trying to make a living but how on earth can Obama support developing a worthless alternate energy! Bush is in favor of corn ethanol for pete's sake!
2. The Supreme Court yesterday ruled that it is unconstitutional to execute someone convicted of rape, even if it is a particularly heinous child rape. Now I obviously agree that it is a horrible, horrible crime but there is nothing anyone will ever be able to do or say that will convince me that the death penalty is ever appropriate. Recognizing that the death penalty is popular in this country (this country, Iran, China, and all dictatorships everywhere), I understand that a politician can't come out too much against the death penalty (although by god I wish they did). However, why does Obama have to come out against the Supreme Court decision to restrict the death penalty to murderers? Couldn't he have at least said that he respected their decision? I understand that he did make strides to protect against the execution of the innocent in Illinois but why criticize the court now?
3. And if you were going to criticize the court on a decision, why on earth pick yesterday's over today's that says D.C. can't take a real, hard stab at controlling its gun problem? Yesterday, he's against the liberal court's judgment on the eighth amendment but today he respects their views on the second? His full statement is:
“I have always believed that the Second Amendment protects the right of individuals to bear arms, but I also identify with the need for crime-ravaged communities to save their children from the violence that plagues our streets through common-sense, effective safety measures. The Supreme Court has now endorsed that view, and while it ruled that the D.C. gun ban went too far, Justice Scalia himself acknowledged that this right is not absolute and subject to reasonable regulations enacted by local communities to keep their streets safe. Today’s ruling, the first clear statement on this issue in 127 years, will provide much-needed guidance to local jurisdictions across the country.
“As President, I will uphold the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun-owners, hunters, and sportsmen. I know that what works in Chicago may not work in Cheyenne. We can work together to enact common-sense laws, like closing the gun show loophole and improving our background check system, so that guns do not fall into the hands of terrorists or criminals. Today’s decision reinforces that if we act responsibly, we can both protect the constitutional right to bear arms and keep our communities and our children safe.”
I understand that he is trying to get his gun control message through and he can try and twist today's decision all he likes but if he was really interested in protecting the streets he should be just as critical today as he was yesterday. Scalia has zero interest in acting responsibly to find a solution to our gun problems. Honestly, the most responsible thing Scalia could do is try taking the long route home from court on foot late at night - let's see then what he thinks about gun control.
Political rant over - and now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
So I voted Obama in the primary and I'm walking all over town displaying my Obama button but this week Obama has completely tried my patience. The reason why I voted for Obama in the primary was because I viewed Hillary Clinton as a sell-out; she would say or do anything she needed to to get elected. And while I completely recognize that that is the name of the game and it has to be done to some extent in order to win, I think Obama has gone too far on three occasions just this week:
1. The New York Times had a story this week about how Obama is in favor of subsidies to corn farmers and development of corn ethanol while McCain would like to reduce sugar import tariffs and explore sugar ethanol. It is a scientific fact that corn ethanol is worthless and only sugar ethanol is a viable energy source. South America in fact has made great strides in sugar ethanol - the only thing that would come out of developing corn ethanol is more money in corn farmers' pockets. Now I'm not trying to rail against corn farmers since they're just trying to make a living but how on earth can Obama support developing a worthless alternate energy! Bush is in favor of corn ethanol for pete's sake!
2. The Supreme Court yesterday ruled that it is unconstitutional to execute someone convicted of rape, even if it is a particularly heinous child rape. Now I obviously agree that it is a horrible, horrible crime but there is nothing anyone will ever be able to do or say that will convince me that the death penalty is ever appropriate. Recognizing that the death penalty is popular in this country (this country, Iran, China, and all dictatorships everywhere), I understand that a politician can't come out too much against the death penalty (although by god I wish they did). However, why does Obama have to come out against the Supreme Court decision to restrict the death penalty to murderers? Couldn't he have at least said that he respected their decision? I understand that he did make strides to protect against the execution of the innocent in Illinois but why criticize the court now?
3. And if you were going to criticize the court on a decision, why on earth pick yesterday's over today's that says D.C. can't take a real, hard stab at controlling its gun problem? Yesterday, he's against the liberal court's judgment on the eighth amendment but today he respects their views on the second? His full statement is:
“I have always believed that the Second Amendment protects the right of individuals to bear arms, but I also identify with the need for crime-ravaged communities to save their children from the violence that plagues our streets through common-sense, effective safety measures. The Supreme Court has now endorsed that view, and while it ruled that the D.C. gun ban went too far, Justice Scalia himself acknowledged that this right is not absolute and subject to reasonable regulations enacted by local communities to keep their streets safe. Today’s ruling, the first clear statement on this issue in 127 years, will provide much-needed guidance to local jurisdictions across the country.
“As President, I will uphold the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun-owners, hunters, and sportsmen. I know that what works in Chicago may not work in Cheyenne. We can work together to enact common-sense laws, like closing the gun show loophole and improving our background check system, so that guns do not fall into the hands of terrorists or criminals. Today’s decision reinforces that if we act responsibly, we can both protect the constitutional right to bear arms and keep our communities and our children safe.”
I understand that he is trying to get his gun control message through and he can try and twist today's decision all he likes but if he was really interested in protecting the streets he should be just as critical today as he was yesterday. Scalia has zero interest in acting responsibly to find a solution to our gun problems. Honestly, the most responsible thing Scalia could do is try taking the long route home from court on foot late at night - let's see then what he thinks about gun control.
Political rant over - and now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Rescue Me in new bite size pieces!
So I caught the first "minisode" of Rescue Me on FX last night and was pleased to find that it featured Steven Pasquale as Sean, my favorite character. The minisode was funny and reminded me how much I enjoy the supersize version of Rescue Me. I think it will still be a painful crawl to the next full episode in March 2009 but these will keep amused for the next few weeks anyway.
If you've never seen Rescue Me, the clips may be a good way to get a quick feel for it. They are all online at crackle.com/rescue me.
If you've never seen Rescue Me, the clips may be a good way to get a quick feel for it. They are all online at crackle.com/rescue me.
Breaking News
According to Morgan Spurlock's docuseries 30 Days, devout Mormons are homophobic and are unlikely to change their minds about the evils of gay parenting even if they spend a month with two dads and their children. Shocking news.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The Times of Harvey Milk
I went to see the Academy screening of the 1984 Best Documentary the Times of Harvey Milk last night and if you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend it. I knew some of the history but since the assassinations of Milk and the mayor occurred the day before my fourth birthday, I can't say I knew the story well. The documentary did an excellent job of portraying the mood of the city at the time and as well as all that Harvey Milk did to bring gay rights issues to the forefront. The footage of the candlelight vigil after the assassinations and the riot after the verdict was very engaging. It is the perfect movie to check out this pride week.
I also recommend seeing it before the Gus Van Sant/Sean Penn Milk biopic comes out since it is always helpful to know the facts so you can separate out the distortions.
I also recommend seeing it before the Gus Van Sant/Sean Penn Milk biopic comes out since it is always helpful to know the facts so you can separate out the distortions.
Weeds recap
Does anyone else think this show is getting a little too far astray? It pained me to see Celia all done up in her prison makeup and hair, the makeup smudged with tears. The way Doug and Isabel visited her in prison just seemed too cruel. At least there is a glimmer of hope that she will be released - I don't think I could have continued to take it.
I also have to say I'm a little bored of Nancy running Guillermo's errands. Hopefully she will get back to the business of being in charge soon - that's a much more exciting role for her.
I also have to say I'm a little bored of Nancy running Guillermo's errands. Hopefully she will get back to the business of being in charge soon - that's a much more exciting role for her.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Get Silly
So I did see Get Smart this weekend as planned. How bad could it be, right? I mean I like Steve Carrell, Alan Arkin, Anne Hathaway, I liked the old TV show - surely the movie couldn't go too far astray?
I wouldn't say that it was far astray but the movie generally felt bland. There were certainly a few funny incidents, such as the ballroom dancing scene featured in the previews, but overall, I found it just silly rather than actually laugh-out-loud funny. Perhaps I found it lacking in energy because I myself was lacking in energy at the 10pm show after a long day but I felt as if the movie just didn't have enough zaniness and enough punch. There were also some random moments I just didn't quite get - why was Bill Murray in a tree? Maybe I just don't remember the show as well as I thought - there was a group of law students in the audience who were clearly fans of the show and they were having a raucous good time.
I wouldn't say that it was far astray but the movie generally felt bland. There were certainly a few funny incidents, such as the ballroom dancing scene featured in the previews, but overall, I found it just silly rather than actually laugh-out-loud funny. Perhaps I found it lacking in energy because I myself was lacking in energy at the 10pm show after a long day but I felt as if the movie just didn't have enough zaniness and enough punch. There were also some random moments I just didn't quite get - why was Bill Murray in a tree? Maybe I just don't remember the show as well as I thought - there was a group of law students in the audience who were clearly fans of the show and they were having a raucous good time.
Photo of the Day
From the New York Times, a shot of Jason Giambi at yesterday's game - something about the combination of the little broken bat and the facial expression is just perfect.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
A Final Fond Farewell
So thanks to my wonderful, wonderful mom who went to check one last time if tickets were available, my sister and I were able to go to Damian Woetzel's farewell performance with the New York City Ballet last night. We had the worst two seats in the house (up in the fifth ring right up to the stage - you have to lean out over the edge to catch a bird's eye view) but they were in the house which was certainly a step in the right direction. A collection of big wigs were there to see the star make his last appearance - I saw Philip Glass, Frances de la Tour and Michael Eisner in the lobby (a much taller man than I expected!).
I was there in part for the dancing of course but also for the opportunity to see him properly feted - the crowd roaring in applause at the end of each number made him feel loved and appreciated I'm sure. I'm also a sucker for the end of the farewell performance when the leading ladies and other colleagues come out one by one to present him with roses and, in Christopher Wheeldon's case, a laurel crown. Then the confetti and rose petals fall while the entire company fills the stage with applause. His final piece for the evening was Prodigal Son so he accepted all the flowing attention in a costume of rags which made him seem humble in his repeated bows. Prodigal Son is certainly not my favorite ballet (what is up with that woman in the cape?) but I was very glad to be there.
I do have to note that during the Prodigal Son (where he is nearly naked) from the fifth ringm I could see each one of his ribs sticking out from his chest. Here's hoping that when he retires he can enjoy a few decent meals!
I was there in part for the dancing of course but also for the opportunity to see him properly feted - the crowd roaring in applause at the end of each number made him feel loved and appreciated I'm sure. I'm also a sucker for the end of the farewell performance when the leading ladies and other colleagues come out one by one to present him with roses and, in Christopher Wheeldon's case, a laurel crown. Then the confetti and rose petals fall while the entire company fills the stage with applause. His final piece for the evening was Prodigal Son so he accepted all the flowing attention in a costume of rags which made him seem humble in his repeated bows. Prodigal Son is certainly not my favorite ballet (what is up with that woman in the cape?) but I was very glad to be there.
I do have to note that during the Prodigal Son (where he is nearly naked) from the fifth ringm I could see each one of his ribs sticking out from his chest. Here's hoping that when he retires he can enjoy a few decent meals!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
I'm so motherf@&*in' happy I could cry!
I only caught the last quarter and a half (or the last three-eighths) of the Celtics bombardment of the Lakers last night so I'm not sure how the Celtics quite managed to get so ridiculous a lead. As the game wound down though and the cameras' focus started to switch to the players celebrating on the sidelines, that's when the fun really started. Assuming that my volume control wasn't suddenly on the fritz, ABC had to wipe out so much of what the players were saying that the telecast was practically silent! Their lips kept moving through the silence so I'm not sure how much was accomplished but man were those guys f@&*in' delirious with joy. The crowning moment had to be when ABC was trying to interview Kevin Garnett after the game and he was crying so hard that the only words he could find were of the off-color variety. At least he pulled it together in time to tell the journalist how good she looked.
Only 47 games left!
I was at the Yankee game last night for the fourth time this season - Giambi had two home runs and A-Rod had a home run and some amazing defensive plays - yay! My family and I had a great time and as usual, I enjoyed being at the stadium and taking in the game. However, I have to say that the MetLife countdown clock is starting to get on my nerves. At the end of every fifth inning, someone in a hidden booth somewhere in the stadium pulls a lever and the little electronic number display in the outfield moves down by one, signifying that there are only x number of official games left to be played at the current stadium. As Wade Boggs pulled the lever last night taking us from 48 to 47, I couldn't help but wonder what the countdown really signifies. With the Yankees middling behind the Red Sox and Devil Rays, are we just counting down to the first missed post-season appearance in a dozen years? Are we counting down to the moment when the old, cherished stadium becomes irrelevant and ignored? To the moment when the new stadium will not be able to accomodate thousands of fans who can't afford a $25,000 luxury box? Each player has a commemorative patch on their sleeve, the All-Star game is going to celebrate the stadium's demise in style but it's not as if the Yankees have to leave that stadium. If the stadium is so beloved and you want to celebrate it, why build the behemoth luxury box laden stone fortress across the street? I know that if you build it they will come but will it really be better? Aside from bettering the Steinbrenner's pockets that is.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The Return of the Botwins
I did enjoy last night's season premiere of Weeds although I'm a little concerned that some of the characters I have come to enjoy will be shafted to the sidelines. It was nice to see Doug and Dean smoking up then teaming up with Isabelle and Sanjay to protect Nancy and bring down Celia but I'm not quite sure where that leaves all those characters - are they homeless? In that case, I guess they will just be hanging around that gym all season.
I'm glad that Albert Brooks has joined in the fun - it's nice to see him do something he hasn't written for a change. His line that combining the smells of gas and German food might be offensive to the Jewish-survivor-granmother-in-a-coma was pretty funny.
I'm not quite sure how Nancy is going to do as a cross-border drug runner but I guess we'll find out. Here's hoping that her life becomes more funny than flat out crazy this season.
I'm glad that Albert Brooks has joined in the fun - it's nice to see him do something he hasn't written for a change. His line that combining the smells of gas and German food might be offensive to the Jewish-survivor-granmother-in-a-coma was pretty funny.
I'm not quite sure how Nancy is going to do as a cross-border drug runner but I guess we'll find out. Here's hoping that her life becomes more funny than flat out crazy this season.
Why am I still watching this?
So last night on The Mole the contestants had to walk around Santiago in their underwear and beg for clothes. The three women teamed up had a hard time because none of the men or Catholic schoolboys of Santiago wanted to see them cover up. Clay declined to participate - I thought he was the Mole but that seems like a pretty obvious copout. Mark could be the Mole I suppose and he would be doing a great job at it. Then again...
Oh god, somebody help me quit!
Oh god, somebody help me quit!
Tony acceptance speech history
Made by Lin-Manuel Miranda - "Mr. Sondheim look I made a hat where there never was a hat and it's a Latin hat at that" - awesome. Check the full speech out below:
Farewell old friend
Tomorrow night, Damian Woetzel of the New York City Ballet will dance his farewell performance. Since that performance completely sold out to donors and subscribers, I went to see him dance on Saturday night in Robbins' A Suite of Dances (set to selections from Bach's Cello suites). Although the piece is not a showstopper, it is very graceful and playful and Woetzel was excellent in it. Watching him effortlessly glide across the stage, it struck me how much I will really miss him and I got a bit teary. The applause at the end seemed to last forever and flowers were repeatedly thrown at his feet (although one was aimed too high and hit his shoulder). Let's hope that he will find a way to continue to make an impact in the ballet world.
As an aside, living in New York one frequently encounters "celebrities" and most of the time I just take curious note of it and move on. However, one night, riding the subway home, I found myself pushed into the car into a spot standing directly in front of Damian Woetzel. Although I am sure he wouldn't have minded some attention and although no one else on the car would have recognized him, I was so starstruck that I literally could not speak. Hopefully if I ever encounter him again I will find my voice and tell him how much he will be missed.
As an aside, living in New York one frequently encounters "celebrities" and most of the time I just take curious note of it and move on. However, one night, riding the subway home, I found myself pushed into the car into a spot standing directly in front of Damian Woetzel. Although I am sure he wouldn't have minded some attention and although no one else on the car would have recognized him, I was so starstruck that I literally could not speak. Hopefully if I ever encounter him again I will find my voice and tell him how much he will be missed.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Everything is Beautiful at the Ballet
Wendy Whelan is so lithe and graceful that she dances like a breath of air. Every time I watch her dance I am simply mesmerized (particularly with her signature performance in the Christopher Wheeldon ballet after the rain). Last night, I had the great pleasure of seeing her in Alexei Ratmansky's new piece Concerto DSCH. I am not always a fan of Ratmansky's choreography but the new piece was wonderful. Wendy Whelan and Tyler Angle (substituting for an absent Benjamin Millepied) had such beautiful, tender pas de deux moments while Ashley Bouder, Gonzolo Garcia and Joquin De Luz were given the opportunity to show off their amazing spinning/jumping technical skills while lending a comic air to the piece. It had the right balance of everything - playfulness, romance, beauty, fine music, outstanding dancers - who could ask for anything more?
The rest of the program was also fun - Wheeldon's Rocco Variations and Bigonzetti's Oltremare from the winter season certainly held up to a repeat viewing although Martins' River of Light was a bit much. The special award of the night though had to go to Amar Ramasar - he had prominent roles in the Bigonzetti, Martins and Ratmansky pieces and was outstanding in each one. I very much look forward to seeing him dance more in the future!
The rest of the program was also fun - Wheeldon's Rocco Variations and Bigonzetti's Oltremare from the winter season certainly held up to a repeat viewing although Martins' River of Light was a bit much. The special award of the night though had to go to Amar Ramasar - he had prominent roles in the Bigonzetti, Martins and Ratmansky pieces and was outstanding in each one. I very much look forward to seeing him dance more in the future!
Now for a short art break
I went on Wednesday night to see a gallery show of drawings done by a high school classmate of mine named Jason D'Aquino. The drawings are mostly miniatures on matchbook covers done with amazing detail. You can see them at http://www.fusegallerynyc.com/08daquino/daquino08.html and check out the show if you're in the East Village.
Some Enchanted Evening
So I know I've fallen a bit behind on the blogging but it's been a whirlwind, exhausting week and I'm just trying to keep up! Tuesday night I went to see South Pacific at Lincoln Center. The production was excellent and the cast was delightful - Kelli O'Hara is always so cute and sunny, she was a perfect Nellie and Paul Szot as Emile had a rich, winning voice. I certainly had fun and would recommend the show.
I had forgotten that the big plot points in the show are driven by the gut rascism of the main American characters. Naturally, Nellie is able to overcome it and get her man but watching them struggle (oh my god, an interracial relationship!) makes the show seem dated to me. Although I know that there are still plenty of people out there who unfortunately would have misgivings (as Avenue Q says, everyone's a little bit rascist) so maybe the message is still on target. Anyone have a thought on that?
I had forgotten that the big plot points in the show are driven by the gut rascism of the main American characters. Naturally, Nellie is able to overcome it and get her man but watching them struggle (oh my god, an interracial relationship!) makes the show seem dated to me. Although I know that there are still plenty of people out there who unfortunately would have misgivings (as Avenue Q says, everyone's a little bit rascist) so maybe the message is still on target. Anyone have a thought on that?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
I do want to be silky smooth!
So my sister and I decided on impulse last night to see what hijinks the Zohan is up to. While I'm not quite sure why he was messing around with so many older women (say it ain't so Mrs. Garrett!) and there was a gratuitous use of hummus, his tearful declaration that he just wants the world to be silky smooth is something I can get behind. Wouldn't we all be happier and better off if we just had nicer hair?
Another film highlight - my sister laughed hysterically when the players and crowd took a "disco break" in the middle of a hacky-sack® tournament. It was quite amusing although John McEnroe didn't need to lose his shirt over it.
The movie does have a very obvious and neatly packaged message (why can't we all just get along?) that gets a little heavy-handed in the end. Message aside, I still left the film with a few nagging questions. Now I have never been to the Middle East so those of you who have tell me: Are Israelis and Palestinians really obsessed with hacky-sack® and disco? Is it true that Israel has no access to post 1980s style books? Is hummus an effective hair-styling tool? I wonder...
Another film highlight - my sister laughed hysterically when the players and crowd took a "disco break" in the middle of a hacky-sack® tournament. It was quite amusing although John McEnroe didn't need to lose his shirt over it.
The movie does have a very obvious and neatly packaged message (why can't we all just get along?) that gets a little heavy-handed in the end. Message aside, I still left the film with a few nagging questions. Now I have never been to the Middle East so those of you who have tell me: Are Israelis and Palestinians really obsessed with hacky-sack® and disco? Is it true that Israel has no access to post 1980s style books? Is hummus an effective hair-styling tool? I wonder...
Oops
I found out this morning that Iron Man (aka Robert Downey Jr.) is in The Hulk. It's probably a very brief scene and not worth paying the price of admission but had I known I might have been more tempted last night to see it for free. Oh well - that's what cable's for.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Summer Movie Madness
My sister and I have lately been parsing the upcoming movie releases to determine what Saturday morning movie treats we have coming down the pike. Although we are still not settled for this Saturday (dare I mess with the Zohan? find out what's Happening?), I am looking forward to the following:
June 21st: Sorry Love Guru, Steve Carrell just cracks me up and I loved Get Smart when I was a kid (afterschool reruns always a treat).
June 28th: Even if my Angelina-loving friend Khue isn't around to drag me, I will still have to see Wanted - I'm a sucker for that James McAvoy. I have to admit that I'm also intrigued by Wall-E although I can't imagine listening to those robot sounds if there's no other dialogue.
July: I'll take Hancock, Batman and Mamma Mia please (for a change of pace!) and if Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly can keep up any of their Talladega Nights chemistry, I may be tempted to check out Step Brothers as well.
August: Usually a pretty slow month for movies, I have seen some previews for some August fare that has really cracked me up. My sister and I have already decided that we have to see Pineapple Express (I do like Seth Rogen), Tropic Thunder (for Robert Downey Jr. alone - that guy is hilarious) and without question Hamlet 2. Although we've seen the Hamlet 2 preview many times now, the Rock Me Sexy Jesus song gets us every time. In fact, I've decided to join the Rock Me Sexy Jesus Fan Team (thanks Focus Features). Check out the preview and decide if you would like to be on the fan team too:
June 21st: Sorry Love Guru, Steve Carrell just cracks me up and I loved Get Smart when I was a kid (afterschool reruns always a treat).
June 28th: Even if my Angelina-loving friend Khue isn't around to drag me, I will still have to see Wanted - I'm a sucker for that James McAvoy. I have to admit that I'm also intrigued by Wall-E although I can't imagine listening to those robot sounds if there's no other dialogue.
July: I'll take Hancock, Batman and Mamma Mia please (for a change of pace!) and if Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly can keep up any of their Talladega Nights chemistry, I may be tempted to check out Step Brothers as well.
August: Usually a pretty slow month for movies, I have seen some previews for some August fare that has really cracked me up. My sister and I have already decided that we have to see Pineapple Express (I do like Seth Rogen), Tropic Thunder (for Robert Downey Jr. alone - that guy is hilarious) and without question Hamlet 2. Although we've seen the Hamlet 2 preview many times now, the Rock Me Sexy Jesus song gets us every time. In fact, I've decided to join the Rock Me Sexy Jesus Fan Team (thanks Focus Features). Check out the preview and decide if you would like to be on the fan team too:
I just can't bring myself to see The Hulk
So if I left the office right now, I could get into a free screening of The Hulk tonight. I've been pre-screened and confirmed, all set to go. However, as much as I would love to leave the office, there is still something stopping me from going. Even though the movie is free, I just do not want to see The Hulk.
Maybe it's because I still have Ang Lee's misfire lingering on the brain or maybe it's because the preview made it look like a lot of fighting CGI monsters (yawn) or maybe it's because I'm just plum superheroed out right now (and could it really top Iron Man? I think not). Even if the movie gets good reviews (which would surprise me), I feel comfortable in my decision to sit this one superhero film out and conserve my superhero strength for Hancock and Batman.
Maybe it's because I still have Ang Lee's misfire lingering on the brain or maybe it's because the preview made it look like a lot of fighting CGI monsters (yawn) or maybe it's because I'm just plum superheroed out right now (and could it really top Iron Man? I think not). Even if the movie gets good reviews (which would surprise me), I feel comfortable in my decision to sit this one superhero film out and conserve my superhero strength for Hancock and Batman.
Friday, June 6, 2008
You'll have a gay old time!
I went last night to see the New York Gay Men's Chorus perform (my friend Patrick is a second tenor). The show included quite an eclectic range of music - Latvian songs, African songs, jazz standards, a madrigal, Rufus Wainwright, Gwen Stefani among them. In the small hall, the large sound of the chorus really shone through - they are such a musically powerful group.
The show also included an appearance by the Youth Pride Chorus, a group of 12 city teenagers all with beautiful voices and big stage personalities. Even my friend Zoe, who firmly stated she is not a fan of the song, had to admit she got teary when the kids sang Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful." It was quite a moment!
One of the songs on the program was "Take the A Train" and as soon as I started paying attention to the lyrics I cracked up laughing. The previous night, coming back from Yankee Stadium, I was helping some out-of-towners get back to 96th st. and when the D train got to 125th and an A train was on the local track, the out-of-towners were confused as to which way to go. So as the chorus sang, take the A train, hurry, get on, I just pictured myself herding the tourists on to the local A train and marvelled at how apropo the song could be!
The show also included an appearance by the Youth Pride Chorus, a group of 12 city teenagers all with beautiful voices and big stage personalities. Even my friend Zoe, who firmly stated she is not a fan of the song, had to admit she got teary when the kids sang Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful." It was quite a moment!
One of the songs on the program was "Take the A Train" and as soon as I started paying attention to the lyrics I cracked up laughing. The previous night, coming back from Yankee Stadium, I was helping some out-of-towners get back to 96th st. and when the D train got to 125th and an A train was on the local track, the out-of-towners were confused as to which way to go. So as the chorus sang, take the A train, hurry, get on, I just pictured myself herding the tourists on to the local A train and marvelled at how apropo the song could be!
Oldie but a goodie
I caught a few scenes of Clerks this morning, a movie that I loved when it came out while I was in college. I was lucky enough to catch this scene in particular, my favorite - I know it's geeky but it makes me smile every time:
I'll just keep watching this clip and try to forget that Kevin Smith went on to make Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Clerks II, Jersey Girl, etc. At least Reaper's been fun thus far.
I'll just keep watching this clip and try to forget that Kevin Smith went on to make Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Clerks II, Jersey Girl, etc. At least Reaper's been fun thus far.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Rabbit and Rogue
That is the actual title of the new Twyla Tharp ballet for ABT although it may as well be a commentary on the two lead dancers themselves. Ethan Stiefel, who I know fancies himself the rogue, looked quite at home in his black zippered unitard, challenging the rabbit at every opportunity. Herman Cornejo made a wonderful rabbit, bounding across the stage effortlessly - he owned the piece. In one sequence, after one of the pas de deux couples exited, Herman Cornejo flashed across from one corner to the other in a series of lightening fast turns - if I had blinked I would have missed it. Gillian Murphy, David Hallberg and Paloma Herrera were also very good but Cornejo stood out over everyone else.
The strangest thing about the piece was just how much it reminded me of the Twyla stunner In the Upper Room. Although that piece is set to Philip Glass, Danny Elfman's score for Rabbit was very Glass-esque - I have to believe that he saw In the Upper Room while he composed the score and deliberately sought to emulate it. There were moments where the music diverged from Glass patterns and Elfman's movie sound shone through but that did little to erase the earlier work from my mind. I certainly enjoyed Rabbit but I was hoping that Elfman's music would have brought something completely new to the table.
I also have to point out that Etudes, which made up the first half of the program, is exactly the reason why I usually choose NYCB over ABT. ABT performs so many of what I will call society-polite ballets - they can be beautiful and have technical showstopper moments but overall they are just so boring. My least favorite is the "meet and greet" move where the dancers approach each other, wave an arm, move on to the next dancer, wave an arm - just dance already! The spring ABT season is the worst offender - if you have never seen one of their full length ballets then it is worth going once but I just can not sit through Swan Lake, Giselle, Bayadere over and over again. Although NYCB is starting to get more repetitive with its locked in programs, at least each performance offers enough variety that I feel there is always something new to enjoy.
The strangest thing about the piece was just how much it reminded me of the Twyla stunner In the Upper Room. Although that piece is set to Philip Glass, Danny Elfman's score for Rabbit was very Glass-esque - I have to believe that he saw In the Upper Room while he composed the score and deliberately sought to emulate it. There were moments where the music diverged from Glass patterns and Elfman's movie sound shone through but that did little to erase the earlier work from my mind. I certainly enjoyed Rabbit but I was hoping that Elfman's music would have brought something completely new to the table.
I also have to point out that Etudes, which made up the first half of the program, is exactly the reason why I usually choose NYCB over ABT. ABT performs so many of what I will call society-polite ballets - they can be beautiful and have technical showstopper moments but overall they are just so boring. My least favorite is the "meet and greet" move where the dancers approach each other, wave an arm, move on to the next dancer, wave an arm - just dance already! The spring ABT season is the worst offender - if you have never seen one of their full length ballets then it is worth going once but I just can not sit through Swan Lake, Giselle, Bayadere over and over again. Although NYCB is starting to get more repetitive with its locked in programs, at least each performance offers enough variety that I feel there is always something new to enjoy.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Line of the Day
From Clay, an attorney from Pennsylvania featured as a contestant on last night's premiere of The Mole: "Being an attorney, I don't usually jump waterfalls." I think out of context it sounds nice and vague and symbolic of something important- I'm going to try and use it as much as possible.
I have to point out that they were actually bungee-jumping waterfalls. I also have to point out that the history teacher contestant didn't seem to realize that cameras, jeans and revolvers were invented some time after 1704. That's it, I was half asleep as I watched it but Mark the history teacher has to be the Mole. [I reserve the right to change my mind should for some ungodly reason I decide to keep watching this nonsense.]
I have to point out that they were actually bungee-jumping waterfalls. I also have to point out that the history teacher contestant didn't seem to realize that cameras, jeans and revolvers were invented some time after 1704. That's it, I was half asleep as I watched it but Mark the history teacher has to be the Mole. [I reserve the right to change my mind should for some ungodly reason I decide to keep watching this nonsense.]
Monday, June 2, 2008
Boredom and the City
Wouldn't it be great if they made Sex and the City action figures? Then you could voice the dolls saying "I love you," "I hate you" and "I'm sorry" in a variety of combinations and ways. You could prop up the Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte dolls and have Carrie try on different outfits for them. You could hold all four dolls together and pretend they are walking down the streets of New York. And all of that would be exactly as plot-driven and interesting as nearly all of the Sex and the City film.
I don't think it's necessarily the actors fault that they come off like plastic dolls but every line feels forced and devoid of feeling. I don't even need to give you any plot spoilers because the plot points are so boring and contrived they're not worth discussing. The final episode of the TV show wrapped up everything so nicely that all the movie can do is break everything and then try and glue it back together the way it was which makes the exercise pointless and anticlimatic.
There is plenty of forced filler as well. Just to squeeze everyone in, they shoehorn secondary characters Anthony Marantino and Stanford Blatch into all the big party scenes, creating the illusion that those characters have some sort of friend relationship, completely ignoring the fact that they're supposed to hate each other. They also throw in Jennifer Hudson but all she does is read Carrie's mail and rent handbags - she doesn't get a single scene with any other character. New York faves like Joanna Gleeson and Daphne Rubin-Vega (listed as baby-voiced lady in the credits) each have one brief scene and while it's nice to see them I'm not sure that was necessary. Candice Bergen also gets her one scene but again, there seems to be little point. Significantly more screen time is given to Charlotte's little daughter who tags along everywhere (even staying up late with the girls at a slumber party), repeats the word sex more than once and likes to listen to fairy tales. She is adorable but if Harry had babysat a little more and allowed other characters more time that would have been OK too.
The movie does start to pick up toward the end and the last forty-five minutes feels more like an episode of the TV show that everyone loved. It's a shame that that just couldn't have been an HBO special with the first 105 minutes dropping to the cutting room floor.
One last point - they say that the movie didn't get off the ground earlier because Kim Cattrall wanted more money. I would like to believe that she was just holding out for better lines - her one-liners are scene-stealers. If only the other three had also presented the same demand.
I don't think it's necessarily the actors fault that they come off like plastic dolls but every line feels forced and devoid of feeling. I don't even need to give you any plot spoilers because the plot points are so boring and contrived they're not worth discussing. The final episode of the TV show wrapped up everything so nicely that all the movie can do is break everything and then try and glue it back together the way it was which makes the exercise pointless and anticlimatic.
There is plenty of forced filler as well. Just to squeeze everyone in, they shoehorn secondary characters Anthony Marantino and Stanford Blatch into all the big party scenes, creating the illusion that those characters have some sort of friend relationship, completely ignoring the fact that they're supposed to hate each other. They also throw in Jennifer Hudson but all she does is read Carrie's mail and rent handbags - she doesn't get a single scene with any other character. New York faves like Joanna Gleeson and Daphne Rubin-Vega (listed as baby-voiced lady in the credits) each have one brief scene and while it's nice to see them I'm not sure that was necessary. Candice Bergen also gets her one scene but again, there seems to be little point. Significantly more screen time is given to Charlotte's little daughter who tags along everywhere (even staying up late with the girls at a slumber party), repeats the word sex more than once and likes to listen to fairy tales. She is adorable but if Harry had babysat a little more and allowed other characters more time that would have been OK too.
The movie does start to pick up toward the end and the last forty-five minutes feels more like an episode of the TV show that everyone loved. It's a shame that that just couldn't have been an HBO special with the first 105 minutes dropping to the cutting room floor.
One last point - they say that the movie didn't get off the ground earlier because Kim Cattrall wanted more money. I would like to believe that she was just holding out for better lines - her one-liners are scene-stealers. If only the other three had also presented the same demand.
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