Diary of a Fangirl: Halloween Extravaganza! Part 1

This entry will cover a plethora of things, such as favorite vamps, actors who should play vamps, best Halloween costumes for 2012, horror films to watch on the 31st, etc.  There may be a part two, but for now...


HORROR FILMS FOR HALLOWEEN

This is the lsit of films I'd recommend if you want a good scare, or a good laugh.  Let's face it--some horror films are just plain goofy.  But for the most part, this list is full of classics.

Carrie, Halloween, From Dusk Till Dawn, Freddy vs. Jason, Nightmare on Elm Street, Dawn of the Dead, The Exorcist, Jaws, Insidious (it will fuck you up), Night of the Living Dead, The Shining ("I'm not gonna hurt cha--I'm just gonna bash your brains in."  Oh, Jackie boy...), The Bad Seed (creepiest little girl in a film, for sure), The People Under the Stairs (messed up my childhood; a tad ridiculous to watch as an adult), Fear (Mark Wahlberg does psycho well!).

COSTUMES

Okay, so the two obvious ones are the Gangnam Style guy and Big Bird.  My personal dream costumes are Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal, and Lucy Ricardo (though not a polka dot dress.  Honestly, I'm not even sure how that became one of her staples).  But here are some you may want to consider if you're in a pinch and on a budget:

Vampire!

Buy a pair of decent fangs for twenty bucks or less, and put on some stuff at home, like combat boots, something involving leather, chains, and or black, a corset, a really cool coat, outrageous eye makeup, black nail polish, and maybe some fake blood for your mouth.

Forest Gump

Pretty much, all you need is a light blue button down, a pair of khaki pants and a red baseball cap.  90s classic, uber geeky, and yet, wicked cool.

Where's Waldo?

A red and white striped shirt and a pair of skinny jeans, and a snowball red and white hat with some hiking boots.  Oh, and a sack of crap and a walking cane.  Cheapish costume.

Mummy

Get some wrap gauze or white streamers and go to town.


Memorable Costumes I've seen over the years:

Wilson the neighbor from Home Improvement, Professor Henry Jones, an 8 foot tall Predator, Carmen Sandiego (when are they making a film for that?), and a little kid dressed as Flavor Flav.



    

Diary of a Fangirl: Robert Englund & Freddy Kreuger

In honor of Halloween, I must share this wonderful moment I had in an elevator during Flashback Weekend's Horror con last year in Rosemont.

First let me say how much of a fan I am of Freddy Kreuger.  Odd and kinda creepy maybe, but he is an integral part of pop culture and horror.  More specifically, Robert Englund's Freddy, for no one can do it better.  It's like, don't even try it, reboots.

Anyway.

So, I was really there for the Wizard World Con, but stayed in the hotel that happened to host Flashback Weekend.  Robert Englund was one of the honored guests.

After a long day at my convention, I got into the elevator to go to my room, only to be followed in my Mr. Englund himself.  Once he was in with a couple of other con goers and the doors closed, he said in his Freddy voice, "Down, kiddies!  Down into the elevator you go!"

It was so random and so AWESOME.

Bonus: I saw Wes Craven having dinner this year in the same hotel on the last day of the con.  I wish I'd asked for his autograph or something.  Bah.

    

Diary of a Fangirl: "The Next Big Thing" Blogchain

The awesome Jean Marie Bauhaus tagged me in this "freeze-tag style blog hop that’s going around Authorville."

Basically, if you get tagged, fill out the questions on your own blog about your upcoming writing project, then tag five additional authors, linking to their blogs or websites.  Oh, and email them to let them know they were actually tagged :p

I'm currently putting the pen to the page for a short story for Noma Black, but my next book will be a prequel to Fangirl.  More on that...now!

THE TEN QUESTIONS: 

1. What is the working title of your book? 
Loverboy (as in that awesome song by Queen)

2. Where did the idea come from for the book? 
It's actually the prequel to my first book, Fangirl.  I wanted to explore the character of Weston Moore.  Character study's intrigue me, so I'm looking forward to it.

3. What genre does your book fall under? 
I don't know yet, honestly.  I think it will appeal to women, for the most part.  But it will be from the guy character's perspective from A to Z.  Probably not first person, though.  Writing Fangirl in first person was a bitch and a half, let me tell you.

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? 
So far, the only character I know for sure who is in the movie book is Weston.  When I first wrote him, I imagined Michael Fassbender--

Holy jeebus...

But, I could also see Tom Hiddleston playing the role.  

If I have Weston's mom in the book, I'd want her to be played by Jessica Lange (Fassbender) or Meryl Streep (Hiddleston).

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? 
"It's a lonely road to the top."

Honestly, I don't know...just pulled that cliche up there out of my ass.

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Self-published like the first, I imagine.  Unless something drastic happens in the next six to eight months where I magically have an agent. 

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? 
It...hasn't been written yet.  It's still in my head, but I'm going to start writing it soon.

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? 
Maybe Jackie Collins' "American Star" with a dash of "Ordinary People."

9. Who or What inspired you to write this book? 
As mentioned above, the book is a prequel.  We don't know much about Weston beyond what Khloe knows in Fangirl, so I wanted to delve more into his character and learn about him myself.  What are his origins?  How did he get to where he is?  Why is he so gosh darn tender hearted?  We shall finally see!

10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? 
I think there is a need as of late for well rounded and intriguing characters, and I hope to achieve that with Weston Moore and give him to the audience of readers.


I’m tagging the following five authors to be the Next Big Thing:

1.  Ana Blaze
2.  Noma Black
3.  Carla Krae 
4.  Rosalie Stanton
5.  Patricia Rosemoor

and, cause why the hell not--

The Jackie Collins

Diary of a Fangirl: Meeting Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles Part 2

I gave my tickets and the J2 photo to Jared's assistant who said "Oh-oh, this is not official!"  Jared quickly looked at the photo and his smile disappeared. He looked at Jensen but he was already signing for the next fan so Jared called out, "Hey man!"  Jensen looked at him and smiled at Jared. Jared calmed down, looked at the photo and said, "If Jensen signed it, I'll sign it." 

He signed both the J2 photo and an official episode still. While he was signing it I said, "It was a dare."

When he finished, he asked, "What was it about?" 

I said, "Well, the folks on the Internet said I'm too big of a pussy to get a signature on that one."

I guess he must have liked my answer because he shrugged, and said, "Nah, you're cool," gave back the photos and winked at me.

That was my first experience with them. Jared was trying to keep a distance from fans, doing his thing in a very professional way, while Jensen was all about making fans more comfortable, at least first time con-goers. 

Sunday: I found out I  and a travel mate had won the lottery for an entry to Jensen's Q&A talk. 

Before that, we had the single photo ops with him. We were all reminded not to ask for any hugs, not to touch the actors, and just stand next to them, which made me very disappointed. I wanted to have a photo with him on which we are looking at each other's eyes, so after my first Jensen photo was taken, I asked him, "Could you look me in the eyes, please?"  

He looked at me and smiled. 

I told him this is how I wanted the photo taken. He didn't take his eyes off my face just kept smiling. The photographer asked him what was going on and he said, "Oh, we're just looking at each other." He was still looking at me as he answered. The photographer said, "Yeah, and?"  Jensen said, "Oh, that's the way we want the photo taken," and he kept on staring into my eyes. Photo guy asked, "Yeah, but are you ready to have the photo taken?"  Jensen said, "Yes."  He smiled at me again and the pic was finally taken. I swear we were looking into each other's eyes for so long, it seemed like hours.

At the beginning of the coffee lounge, Jensen offered everybody to grab a coffee from the table, but I remained seated with my huge Red Bull in my hand. Jensen looked at me and said, "I see you're good."  He tried to answer as many questions he could, talk about his career, his friendship with Jared, how he wanted to support him after his breakup. It was so nice seeing a more private side of him, something that was not PR; not something he would do on stage. 

Unfortunately, a fan that was sitting right next to him was really aggressive and interrupted me. I started to ask a question a few times, but at the end, I didn't get to ask anything.  The mod really sucked.  She should have stopped this fangirl by telling her to let others ask as well. 

At the end of the session when the mod said, "Last question," I started asking again, but was interrupted by a girl who asked about "My Bloody Valentine 3D," and Jensen looked at me and made an 'I'm sorry' face.

The Saturday afternoon Jared photo was so rushed, there were no words at all.  I could have stood next to a cardboard Jared.

Sunday: 

I had some extra autographs to get from both guys, and the first one was Jared's after Jensen's panel. Jared was like an energizer bunny--really happy. 

Until I came up. 

He totally looked pissed at me, which I did not understand.  When he started signing I said, "I'd like to ask a question."  He said, "Yeah, shoot."  I said, "Would you ever consider going to a drum and bass party in Vancouver?"   He looked up at me.  "I don't even know what a drum and bass is."  The assistant guy next to him started laughing, and then I explained that it is an electric dance music genre that comes from the UK.  Then he said, "I don't really do parties."

He gave me back the signed photos. The whole situation looked like I needed to explain myself so I decided not to step away although he started signing the next fan's photo.  I told him, "You know, my fiancé is a drum and bass producer and DJ.  His album is coming out this October, and he is going to do a promotion tour next March in the US and Canada, so I just wanted to know if you might show up there."  He looked at me again, smiled and said, "Whoa, that's really something.  Congratulations to your fiancé!  But sorry, I still don't go out to parties.  I don't have the time." [The assistant corrected him when Jared said party and he said "rave" instead.]

It looked like when I started talking about my fiancé, it calmed him, as in I didn’t seem to be the kind of fan who believes in being soul mates with their idols and waits for marrying them. J I thanked him for answering me--"That's a shame, but thanks for your answer anyway."  

"You are welcome," he replied, and I stepped away.

Later, I had another Jared photo session. When he noticed me, he gave me his trademark dimpled smile and the photo was taken. While my hand was on his right shoulder, I said, "Thank you" to the photographer.  He had let me retake my Jared photo after the Saturday one being disastrous.  But Jared reached for my hand and said, "No, thank YOU."  I looked back at him and smiled, then walked away.

Jensen had his Sunday autograph sessions in the afternoon, so I went to get it. He was really tired and he was signing everything that was being put under his hand without even looking up. When I was next, he looked up at me, smiled at me as if he recognized me and said, "Hi, how are you today?"  I said, "Good, thanks.  Tired, but I bet you are as well."  He smiled again, and looked at the photo.  He almost started signing a lighter part of it with a black pen, but he changed his mind, took the silver pen and signed Dean Winchester's handgun instead.  He handed back the photo and I said, "Thank you, and goodbye."  He answered, "Bye," looked at me and blinked hard with both eyes at the same time. It was a really nice gesture.

Part 3 is soon to come!


Want to share your best fangirl/fanboy moment?  Submit to Jillian.Robi@gmail.com today!  
Want to read a great fangirl story?  Check out Fangirl--available on paperback and Kindle!


     

Diary of a Fangirl: Taken 2

I saw "Taken 2" this weekend, and I have to say...

It was way better than first.  And if you didn't like the first, I have to say that this film was good all on its own.  This one, unlike the first, involved the whole family--the two parents were taken, and the daughter is a big help in kicking off the rescue.

Folks, if you ever wanted to see a family affair kind of film, then this is the one for you!

There's also plenty of action, punching, shooting and explosives, albeit not gratuitously.  It honestly makes for a good date night movie, or family night movie.  Weird, I know.

Additionally, part three is in the works.  Can't wait to see what they do with this franchise!


    

Diary of a Fangirl: Meeting Jared Padalecki & Jensen Ackles Part 1

Today's Guest Post is from Suzie:

Meeting Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles #1

I have been a big fan of Supernatural since its first season. One of the main reasons I started watching this show was its huge variety of guest stars I loved from other shows, especially from Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Battlestar Galactica.

I have heard of sci-fi conventions before, I knew there were cons not just for Star Trek, but for “smaller” shows, like Buffy as well, but since I live in a country where fans of sci-fi and supernatural shows are considered rather weird,  I didn't go to any convention myself. Besides, all these cons were outside the country I live in and I didn't know any other nearby fans.

After missing out the opportunity to meet Sir Patrick Stewart at the only convention that was ever held in my country (I still cannot forgive myself because I am a HUGE ST:TNG fan), I decided to buy myself a ticket to the next Supernatural convention, in Birmingham, UK. By that time, only Jensen Ackles was announced.  The other main star of the show, Jared Padalecki, was later announced as a bonus guest.

What you need to know about this show is that the friendship of the main two stars is legendary, and fans refer to them as J2. They usually attend conventions together, have stage talks together, and let’s just say they act on the fans love for their friendship and make a huge show of it.

Before the convention I went to, there was another one in Australia, where they auctioned off a t-shirt signed by them for some charity, and a fan made a photo of them, Jared wearing the t-shirt and Jensen signing it. The whole fandom said the way they looked at each other was so full of deep love; they were more than just co-stars, more like family, brothers, just like in the TV series. A few fans I met online asked me to get that particular photo signed by them, and I was like, okay, why not? It’s not an official photograph, but it’s worth a try.

At the convention, we got our J2 photographs and autographs on Friday, the first day.

First it was the J2 photo shoot. When we entered the photo studio room, I saw both guys sitting on a chair, deeply involved in a conversation. The photographer had to tell them to stop talking and asked if they were ready for the photo every single time a fan stepped to them. They looked like they wanted to be somewhere else where they could be alone and able to talk. Back then, I didn't know why, but on Saturday, Jensen said he spent the last 2 weeks in Europe while Jared was in the US, and he arrived only a few hours before the convention.

Back to the photo shoot... 

I stepped behind the boys.  They were talking again.  From what I gathered, Jensen was telling him some kind of story. They didn't even look at the fans, to be honest, so I said, "Hi guys," to politely remind them of me being there, and I remember I was looking at Jared and I thought, 'Whoa, his head is huge and his eyes are really blue-green.'

Then I looked at Jensen because I saw him looking at me.  He said, "Hi, how are you?"  He was eyeing me up, from toe to head and back.  I noticed he checked out my left hand with my engagement ring on it. His hands were on his thighs and he was just about to remove his left hand and starting to reach for me (I guess he wanted to pull me closer, I was standing one or two small steps away from them) when Jared looked at him and he cleared his throat really loud. Suddenly Jensen put his hand back on his thigh, his smile faded and the photographer said, "Guys, okay?" Jared leaned a bit closer and the photo was taken. I thanked them and walked away but I looked back at them as I picked up my handbag from the desk and I saw Jared looking at me with an angry face.

I was shocked because I totally had the impression Jensen had just been reminded not to touch a fan which I found odd since usually these guys are way friendlier at the US conventions. On all the US photo ops I have seen online, they were hugging their fans. 

After the photo session, the J2 autographs were up next.  Since I received that request about daring to get this "t-shirt signing" photo signed (my fan friends said I would chicken out since it was an unofficial photo), I was really excited about the whole autograph session. I was queuing up really early and I told my Jared fan friend to go first so she can get her Jared autos while I receive my Jensen ones. The staff was really unorganized, and they took my autograph tickets at the entrance instead of having them taken by Jared and Jensen's assistants.  So, when I was up next, Jensen looked at me, gave me a huge smile (Jared was sitting 2 meters away at another desk, still signing for my friend) and said, "Hello again."

The assistant asked if I was getting only one autograph and when I said no, they made me walk back to the entrance to pick my second ticket that was taken from me by the staff member at the door.

Jensen smiled at me again and said, "I'll wait."

I walked back to him (I was wearing high heels, so it was a slow walk) and then put the J2 photo in front of the assistant. She looked at it and said, "Uh-oh."  Jensen took it out of her hand and at first, he didn't know what it was.  I said, "Please don't refuse signing it.  It was a dare."  Then he chuckled and said, "Well, I can't say no to a dare, can I?"  He looked at the photo again, took the silver sharpie in his hand and signed it.

Then he signed the other photo as well. As he handed the autographs back I told him, "It was a funny moment, wasn't it?" and I pointed at the pic. He answered, "Right, it was really funny."

Then I said, "Thank you very much and have a nice weekend!" 

He answered, "Thanks, but YOU have a nice weekend too!" 

I waved a little and walked to Jared...

To Be Continued!


Want to share your best fangirl/fanboy moment?  Submit to Jillian.Robi@gmail.com today!  
Want to read a great fangirl story?  Check out Fangirl--available on paperback and Kindle!


    

Diary of a Fangirl: Argo

Yesterday, I had the chance to see "Argo."  Starring Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman and Alan Arkin, this film is a definite must see (and see again!).

I think this film will not only get Ben Affleck an Oscar nomination, but also, a win for best director.  The editing, the acting, the directing--everything was flawless.  Artistically, I even loved how Affleck shot it in regular film, cut the frames in half, and blew the images up to 200% to increase the graininess, giving it a 1970s' feel.

This film was gripping.  It made me both frightened and uncomfortable.  In regards to thrillers, this film was definitely an A+.

Additionally, I want to see Bryan Cranston in more films.  I love him in Breaking Bad, but I want to see more of his brilliance on the big screen.

    

Diary of a Fangirl: Two Best Friends

So, there's this new web series that I wanted to discuss called Two Best Friends, which actually stars me and my best friend!

It literally is just the two of us, a camera, and a cheap editing program, but we put a lot of work and love into this project.  Also, it's unscripted, sometimes based on truth, and hopefully hilarious.  Or at least funny--we'll take funny.


    

Diary of a Fangirl: The Celebrity Apprentice -- All Stars

So, the cast of the Celebrity Apprentice has been announced.  And it turns out that this season will be an "All Stars" season, which I feel is entirely too soon.  The cast will include, Bret Michaels (former winner), LaToya Jackson, Omarosa Manigault, Lil Jon, Lisa Rinna, Dennis Rodman, Claudia Jordan, Trace Adkins, Brande Roderick, Penn Jillette, Dee Snider, Marilu Henner, Stephen Baldwin, and Gary Busey.

So, this is where my fantasy cast comes in, as I've done previously for a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot and for Christian Grey in the upcoming Fifty Shades of Grey film.

The fellas would include: Charlie Sheen, Snoop Dogg, Flavor Flav, Rob Schneider, George Michael, J.C. Chasez, and the lesser known Tailor Made (George Weisgerber) from I Love New York  2/I Love Money 2, for his cut throat strategies during competitions.  I've been doing a rewatch of those "of Love" shows recently.  And tangent, VH1--can you bring those back, please?  At least the reruns...

The ladies would be: New York/Tiffany Pollard (and how hilarious would that be with Flavor Flav and Tailor Made?), Chyna Doll, Adrianne Curry, Sarah Palin, Vicki Lawrence, Patti LaBelle, and Jodie Sweetin.

I have a few other combinations and lists, but this was the most solid one, I think.  So, what about you, gentle readers?  Who would you want to see?


    

Diary of a Fangirl: Meeting Seth Green

Today's Guest Post is from Sam:

I got in line for NYCC at 4am to get a ticket for the Robot Chicken signing. 

Me and my mom got one.  When they released us around 9:30, we went and queued outside the room. When we went inside, they took our ticket and handed us a poster. Everyone that was there was really nice. 

I've been a fan of Seth Green for 8 years. He was really nice and energetic. He signed the poster [everyone else did as well], and also a small Robot Chicken poster card. On the card he wrote 'BOK' and signed 'xoxo' before his name. We shook hands and then we took a picture with the whole table of guests. 

The camera I brought takes a while to shoot.  The nice staff tried taking a picture, but it didn't work the first time. I'm standing there next to Seth more than a minute. It was kind of funny, and they made a joke about it.

There was a professional photographer there and he took a couple pictures of us. I then told the staff to let go and try again. It worked that time. After that, my mom was meeting them, and I was talking to myself about how I wished I could of brought my professional camera. Seth heard me and asked what camera I had, so I told him I have a T1i Rebel.  He wanted to know if I was into animation or just regular photography. I told him just regular photography and that I was in college for it. 

He thought that was really cool. 

I asked if he wanted my business card. He said "Yeah!" and gladly took it.


Want to share your best fangirl/fanboy moment?  Submit to Jillian.Robi@gmail.com today!  
Want to read a great fangirl story?  Check out Fangirl--available on paperback and Kindle!

    

Diary of a Fangirl: Arrow

I have to admit: When I set my DVR to record Arrow, my expectations for me giving a crap while watching it were low.

It may have been because I'd become so disappointed in Smallville that I really didn't care to see any variation of spin-off.  But I have to say, I was not only pleased with the pilot for this series, but I can't wait to see where the season goes.

Oftentimes with new series, the pilot is shaky, and the viewer has to decide if they want to see it through.  With Arrow, quite the opposite happened.  The lead actor, Stephen Amell, is solid, and makes for a powerful Oliver Queen/Arrow.  Seasoned vet Susanna Thomson plays his mother (who, spoiler alert, could potentially be one of Arrow's antagonists).

I think part of what makes this series special is that it has evolved into more of a character study as opposed to a hero trying to do what's right.  What happened to Oliver on that island?  What has changed in him in the course of five years, and what kind of man is he now?

I look forward to finding out.

Note: I kind of wish I'd kept my Arrow SDCC bag now, and, I thought his mom's skirt was kinda short in the first scene that we saw her in.  Did that stick out to anyone but me?


    

Diary of a Fangirl: Jimmy John's Beach Club Sub

Today, I was out and about with my uncle, and we stopped at Jimmy John's for lunch.

I'd gone there about a year ago, and tried to the Vito, recommended by a coworker, and honestly folks?  I was underwhelmed.  So much so that I hadn't been back.  But today, my uncle felt like a sub, and asked me if I wanted anything.  In my head, I was quietly thinking about Subway, but I decided to give it another go.

The sandwich board was a tad overwhelming, and after learning there were no chicken breast sandwiches, I just went with what he was getting--the Beach Club.  He decided to get his Umwich style (sans bread), but the bread there looked too good and delicious to pass up.  I decided to get mine sans mayo and I have to say...

WOW.

That is totally my new favorite sandwich!  I felt like going back up there to get one for dinner.  I didn't, but the next time I'm in a sandwich mood?  I'm heading to Jimmy John's for that bomb ass Beach Club.  Yep.

    

Diary of a Fangirl: Fangirl Beginnings

While looking at some old photos, it's occurred to me that I've been a fangirl ever since I was a child.

My mom took me to Disney World several times when I was a kid, and there was something that fascinated me about being part of the film history--The Judge's steam roller, seeing the house of The Golden Girls, standing in front of E.T...

And then there was the stuff I did at home, like owning every Barbie Mattel item on the planet (or damn near).

When I got older, I kind of wasn't an active participant in fandom.  Not until sophomore year of high school, during the last season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I attended my very first convention.  I got to talk to David Boreanaz, took a pic with one of the vampires from the show, and went to a concert for James Marsters' band, Ghost of the Robot.  Didn't know a fraction of what I know now about cons (and boy I wish I had--missed out on so much.  Could have made my Spangel dreams come true and took a photo with James and David at the same time, or James and the bleach blond hair), but it's of no consequence now.  I haven't looked back since.

I've had some great memories as a fangirl.  I look forward to the years to come.

    

Diary of a Fangirl: The Mindy Project

Episode three of The Mindy Project aired today, and this show truly has it all--

A token person of color (who's also the lead and representing the curvy girls--what what?), a hot British guy (or, the character is British, anyway.  Not sure of the actor), douchebag guy who's a potential love interest, the "wacky neighbor," and the blonde BFF who's also a mom (there's a trope in there somewhere, I'm sure).

This show also has a plethora of laughs.  I look forward to The Mindy Project's run on TV (provided Fox doesn't somehow screw it up) for many seasons to come.  Also, I hope Mindy returns to The Office for the series finale.  Cause it'd seem wrong without her (and Ryan) being there.

And yeah--total irrational ship, I know.

    

Diary of a Fangirl: More thoughts on "Looper"

Some further notes/thoughts on the film, and it's a tad more analytical... 

“Looper” is the kind of movie that will make a geek’s heart sing.  I should know, being an uber-geek and all.  It has time travel and great laws for time travel, takes place in the future (though not the future in which time travel has actually been invented), stars Bruce Willis—who has done a plethora of sci-films, not to mention a few that involved time travel or meeting his younger self—and also stars the incredible young talent (and hotness) that is Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

The gist of the film is basically a hit man for a mob (who does his hits in the past, with folks on the mob’s list from the future) is sent his future self to take out.  Of course, this doesn’t go well.

What we have here is a film that has a protagonist who is also an antagonist (as opposed to “the” antagonist—no shortage of those), and the viewer goes along on the ride of trying to suss out who is in the right, where the change should be made.  Each character—both future-Joe and past-Joe have their own point of views and valid points, which makes it harder to see which way the story ultimately ends up.

“Looper” while being a great story is also an interesting spin on a character study, and as a writer, this is something that I appreciate greatly.  To take something old and put a new spin on it is a hard feat these days in the industry which is currently whoring itself to remakes and reboots.  “Looper” is truly an original and incredibly refreshing to watch.  In fact, I want to watch it again.  Right now.

What “Looper” also gives us is believable (and quick) world building.  It’s thirty-two years in the future, minor telekinesis is common, hit men (i.e. loopers) are paid in silver bars, hovering motorbike things and other mechanical objects (though not cars), and some kind of new drug you can take through eye drops [Note: If there’s a drug like that now, I’m totally unaware of it].  Most importantly, the film adheres to the “Back to the Future” laws of time travel (a film which made the most sense in regards to time travel, frankly, and executed its laws flawlessly over three films)—if you show up to the past and interact with yourself and interfere with events that are meant to happen, bad things will happen.  It’s simply unavoidable.

Now, what shouldn’t be unavoidable?  You seeing this film.  It truly is one of those “must see—NOW” films.

    

Diary of a Fangirl: Mariah Carey and American Idol

I cannot say how happy I am that American Idol has finally gotten a real voice to judge these contestants.  Mariah Carey is a POWERHOUSE.

I saw the clip of Nicki Minaj essentially being loud and ignorant, snapping off on Mariah by threatening her person and her life--

Nicki Minaj Cusses Out Mariah Carey During 'American Idol' Audition - Watch More Celebrity Videos or Subscribe

but I'm glad Ms. Carey maintained her poise and behaved in a professional manner.  Can't wait to see her as a judge on this new season, and I say this as someone who hasn't had the desire to watch this show since Simon Cowell left.