Marcel the Shell

It's my birthday.

I'm going to Disney y'all.

Glee has jumped the shark

What’s happened to Glee?  In May of 2009, Fox aired the pilot of a new show that was edgy, but featured remarkable vocal performances by a bunch of unknown actors.  Nearly all the songs were a cappella, and sounded unproduced, which was incredibly impressive for a television show.  The characters were flawed, yet in some way identifiable, and multidimensional.  The glee club’s advisor, Will Schuester, was likable even as he forced students to join the club by planting drugs in their backpacks. The students were not caricatures, but had personality.

Critics loved Glee, and were ripe with anticipation for the series to start in the fall.  In September when the show officially premiered it took a while for viewers to tune in, but once they did, it was clear the show was a hit.

Then came the themed shows, which were followed by the guest stars, and somewhere along the way the writers just gave up trying to create a compelling storyline, or develop the characters at all.  The quality of the musical performances hasn’t exactly declined, but they are auto-tuned, overproduced, covers, for the purpose of selling them on iTunes.  They no longer fell genuine, or as raw as they did at the beginning of the first season.  The students’ reasons for singing are no longer organic and no longer flow with the plot.

I don’t think I can continue to tolerate this show.  This week’s episode, "Special Education," was the final straw for me.  The glee club’s climb to sectionals was not as dramatic as last year, and there was no meaning behind the songs they chose.  The romantic story arc is messy, and superficial, with the students only experiencing minor heartbreak when discovering their partner’s infidelity.  Will Schuester’s reaction to the discord within the group, is to shout at them and remind them they’re a team?  It’s hard to care about what direction that story will go.  The only part of the plot that has been fleshed out is Kurt’s problem with the school bully, but even that has fallen flat with the same issues occurring every week.

I will say that Sue Sylvester is still as funny as she was in the first episode.  That Adidas tracksuit is the only good thing left.

Just because...



Sons of Anarchy

Please note: That is a juicebox of Jameson.

Last night was the season finale of Sons of Anarchy and it could not have been a more gratifying end to Season 3.   For those who are unfamiliar with the show, it’s a fabulous serial drama on FX about a West Coast biker gang.  Before you cast judgment, let me say that I was skeptical at first, but show creator and writer, Kurt Sutter has done a wonderful job creating a show on par with other cable dramas like The Wire or Mad Men. 

Three seasons in, there still seem to be a number of interesting stories in Sons that have yet to be told.  Without giving too much away, fans of the show agree that this season was slow.  However, Sutter played the long con on his viewers, and ended with one of the better season finale twists I’ve seen.  He has set things up perfectly for the inter-family struggle in season 4.

Now that Sons is over, I need to find a new show to latch onto.  Unfortunately, this Sunday three more of my shows are having their season finales: Boardwalk Empire, Walking Dead and Dexter.  While I’m quite sad to be losing 4 of my shows in one week, I will say that story lines benefit when each season is limited to only 12-13 episodes.  They’re all far and away better than anything that’s on network prime time.



J'adore

It's finally December.  Christmas season is officially in full swing.  Below are some fun gift ideas I found while doing my holiday shopping:

 

By Archive 1887, the Bob Dylan "Harmonica" shirt is $55 and available on their website, or at Barney's Co-op.  The faded tee would go great under a cropped leather jacket, and with sky-high heels.

 

For those who enjoy coffee table books, Taschens and Assouline truly have the best selection and are top quality.  One book that stood out to me this holiday season, was Beaton: The Art of the Scrapbook. Cecil Beaton photographed American icons like Marilyn Monroe, Pablo Picasso, Audrey Hepburn and Marlon Brando from the mid-fifties through the early seventies.  Assouline presents his private scrapbooks, filled with personal collections of the man who helped invent the cult of personality.

Lanvin has released a set of playing cards with multicolored face illustrations and signature designs.  The two packs of cards come in a designer-stamped box.  It's a wonderful gift for any fashionista who enjoys playing cards.  The cards are available at Net-A-Porter.com.

Sometimes gifts are completely useless, but totally fun.  The Solar Queen is one of those gifts, especially for expats. A solar panel concealed in the Queen's bag brings life to her hand, recreating the iconic wave for which she is so well known.  The Solar Queen can be ordered from the Museum of London.

Waffle makers are out.  Donut makers are in.  Sunbeam has a new donut maker that cooks five donuts in minutes.  A great gift for breakfast lovers.

 

Though they are a bit on the pricey side, these stingray cuffs, with hand carved cameos by Amadeo are unique pieces that can dress up any casual outfit, complement a little black dress for a cocktail party, or add an elegant touch to an evening gown for a formal event.

AMC is the new HBO

This Sunday is the season one finale of The Walking Dead and it’s expected to get more viewers than any of the previous episodes.  The AMC zombie drama drew in 5.6 million viewers for last week’s fifth episode.  Last Sunday was not only a series high for The Walking Dead, but it has become AMC’s most-watched original series.  The zombie series bested critical darlings, Mad Men, which averages 3 million viewers per episode, and Breaking Bad which brings in around 1.5 million.  On November 8, AMC announced it had ordered a 13-episode second season.

4 score and 7 years ago, I drank your milkshake

It was announced last week that Daniel Day-Lewis would replace Liam Neeson in Steven Spielberg's biopic, Lincoln.  Though production is still far off, I can hardly wait to see this film.  It's based on historian Doris Kearns Goodwin's Pulitzer prize-winner, Team of Rivals.

Though Neeson was an interested choice, Daniel Day-Lewis will bring a certain level of intensity to the role.  Day-Lewis is an expert at playing the conflicted, nineteenth-century male, see Gangs of New York, There Will Be Blood.  Lastley, his bone structure is uncannily similar to Lincoln's.  Minus the Marfan syndrome.

Oh, and it's directed by Spielberg.  I'd like to see what films will be going up against Lincoln for the Oscar.

Irvin Kershner, 1923-2010

Irvin Kershner, director of The Empire Strikes Back, passed away this morning. Kershner balanced George Lucas’s taste for special effects with character depth, by extracting Luke, Leia and Han Solo’s emotional side.  In a time before CGI was a staple of filmmaking, Kershner made use of 1970’s era special effects to craft a film that dazzled audiences. 

In October, Vanity Fair profiled Kershner ahead of The Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back's release.  Kershner provides insight into what it was like working with Lucas, the technological restraints they had making the movie, and how the film has been received over the years.  It’s a beautiful coffee table book, that’s a wonderful addition to anyone’s bookshelf.  Thanks to Lillian for the tip.

Almost December

I tried to wait until December to post this, but I simply could not resist. 

I love Christmas.  It's the one time of year that everyone agrees to be in a good mood, and the decor is just the right balance of tacky and elegant.  Right now, my favorite Christmas tune of 2010 is Otis Redding's "White Christmas."

 



And the nominees are...

Of the ten films I listed as my top choices for the Best Picture Oscar nominations, all but three (Black Swan, The Fighter, True Grit) have been released.  I have listed here the reasons why I believe each of the films will get an Oscar nod, and which three I think are the top contenders to win it all.

I really loved The King’s Speech, but I’m a complete sucker for period dramas.  Colin Firth stars as King George IV in the 1930’s just as England is entering World War II.  The prince enlists the help of a speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush) to help him overcome his stammer, an affliction that crippled him into adulthood.  This film has all the hallmark qualities of an Oscar winning film.  It’s British, takes place during the Second World War, and features a protagonist who must overcome some impediment.  This is one of my top choices for the win. 

Directed by Danny Boyle, 127 Hours is a biopic about hiker Aron Ralston (James Franco) who becomes trapped in an isolated canyon after a boulder pins his arm to a canyon wall.  The film very easily could have been a snooze, with very little action or special effects, but Franco’s performance is truly stellar.  He will undoubtedly be acknowledged in the Best Actor category.  The one man show, mixed with Boyle’s expert storytelling skills is the sort of stuff the Academy loves to reward. 

The Social Network was by far one of the most fun movies to watch this year.  The script was written by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing) so the dialogue was fast-paced, and quick-witted.  The edgy musical score was done by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.  David Fincher directed, and was about to find the right balance between light-hearted, comedic moments in the script, and the darker side of how Facebook was created.  As someone who was in college when Facebook first came out, the film had a feeling of familiarity, but was not at all formulaic.  This is my second choice to win the top prize.

The rest of my picks after the jump...

Oh to be in love! To be married.

Last week TIME magazine and Pew Research had a very interesting special report on the state of marriage in the United States. 

The surveys found that marriage is no longer a necessary part of American life.  Men and women today have sex, cohabitate, have children, and companionship all without involving marriage.  Nearly 40% of us think marriage is obsolete, yet the institution remains revered and desired. 

Americans still venerate marriage enough to want to try it.  About 70% of us have been married at least once, according to the 2010 census.  The Pew poll found that although 44% of young Americans believe marriage is headed for extinction, only 5% do not want to get married. 

Promising publicly to be someone’s partner for life used to be something people did to lay the foundation of their independent life.  It was the demarcation of adulthood. Now it’s more of a finishing touch, the last brick in the edifice.  According to the survey the median age of men getting hitched for the first time is 28.2, and for women it’s 26.1.  It’s gone up about a year every decade since the 1960’s.

TIME found that the college-educated wait until they’re finished with their education, and their careers are launched, while the less educated wait until they feel comfortable financially.  But that comfort keeps getting more elusive...

If you're trying to lose weight...

...do not eat these.

These Moravian Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Cookies are nothing short of amazing.  They're available at Williams-Sonoma for $18.00 a tin.  Delightfully delicious for after dinner, or dipped in hot chocolate.

Lamestream media

UPDATED: Oprah's Favorite Things: The final chapter

I was devastated in 2008 when Oprah replaced the traditional Favorite Things giveaway with a recession-friendly version of the show.  Last year, the talk show host opted against airing the special altogether.  The holiday season did not seem complete without it.

This afternoon and continuing on Monday, Oprah redeems herself with a special two-part final edition of Oprah's Favorite Things.  The double episode is being heralded as the BIGGEST in Oprah show history, and I can hardly wait.  All will be set right in the world.

In honor of the final Favorite Things show, I am posting Saturday Night Live's Oprah giveaway.

UPDATE: Oprah gave away tens of thousands of dollars worth of stuff, including a cruise, diamons, and car.  Below are the various reactions from the audience.

Oscar Derby

I think it's safe to say it's Oscar season.  The award ceremony may be about three months away, but the year's best movies are being rolled out and film buffs everywhere are rejoicing.

This will be the second year that the Best Picture pool is extended from five to ten nominees. There wider range of nominees allows the Academy to include commercial favorites, which draws in more viewers and higher ratings for the telecast.  Unfortunately, that means every year there are going to be movies like The Blind Slide that end up in contention.  Is the broader catagory better or worse for cinema?  That is up for debate.

This year there are some great films in the mix, and I'd be pleased if the following ten get nods this year.

Thoughts on each film forthcoming.

Royal Engagement

Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement this afternoon, and I couldn't help but notice how lovely her dress was as they answered questions for the press.  It's a selection from one of her favorite designers, Issa.  The dress's bright navy is particularly flattering to her complexion, and hair color.  Middleton wore a dress of a similiar color last month, when she attended a friend's wedding with William.

As a brunette, I search far and wide for jewel tones when I'm shopping.  Blacks and neutrals are suitable enough, but just do not compare to bright, rich colored dresses like the ones that Middleton has been spotted in. 

Below is a royal engagement inspired selection.  The Notte by Marchesa dress would be a beautiful investment piece to be worn at any formal event.  And though Middleton's ring is priceless, the Ileana Makri gold and diamond ring adds interesting sparkle to the royal blue silk-chiffon gown.  Both items can be found on Net-A-Porter.com.

Daisy Buchanan

I haven't read The Great Gatsby since I was a junior in high school, so I was relatively unaffected when it was announced that Hollywood was working on the latest adaption of the book. 

My interest in the movie was peaked when I learned Baz Luhrmann would direct, and Leonardo DiCaprio would star as Gatsby. Luhrmann has a highly stylized method of filmmaking, which is visually dazzling.  Example: Romeo & Juliet or Moulin Rouge.  Need I say anything about DiCaprio's acting abilities?

Then came news that Blake Lively was in the running to be Daisy Buchanan.  F. Scott Fitzgerald has been dead for 70 years, and he must be insulted that she was even being considered.  She's an attractive actress, but hardly skilled enough to match DiCaprio, or do justice to a script that requires more than whining and pouting her lips.

The cinema gods clearly did not stand for that nonsense.  Today Luhrmann announced on Deadline that Carey Mulligan would be his Daisy Buchanan.  At the top of the post is a photo of Mulligan during her screen test for Gatsby.

I have been rooting for Mulligan since I saw An Education when it opened last year.  It was heartbreaking to watch her lose an Oscar to Sandra Bullock with a southern accent.  This year she was in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and Never Let Me Go.  She's always gracious during interviews and polished on the red carpet.  She doesn't seek out media attention the way other starlets do.

Let all film geeks celebrate that this news means there is still hope out there, and not every movie must involve Megan Fox and director Michael Bay.

Underrated

I don't pride myself on my taste in music the way I do with movies or television.  I know I don't care for House music.  Otherwise, I'm pretty open to most genres, but tend to gravitate towards classical, or hip-hop/rap.  I'd say that I'd characterize my iPod as Mozart mixed with Lil Wayne.

When I make decisions about my music purchases, I don't really listen to lyrics, ever.  But, I do seek out new sounds and unique melodies.  I've grown tired of hearing the same Katy Perry song everytime she releases a new single. 

For this reason, I truly love Kid Cudi's music.  His first album Man on the Moon- The End of Day was very reminicent of Kanye's freshman album.  "Soundtrack 2 My Life" and "Pursuit of Happiness" will never grow old to me.

Cudi's sophomore album, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager came out last week and is equally amazing.  Each song is different from the next.  They mix classical instruments with solid bass lines.  That description is the extent of my musicality.  His songs "Erase Me," "Mojo So Dope," "Revofev," and "Scott Medcudi vs. the World" are by far my favorite tracks, but the entire album is very strong.

Give it a listen.

History buffs

The changing borders of Europe over the past ten centuries in five minutes: