Diary of a Fangirl: Much Ado About Nothing

Through a series of serendipitous events, I happened across a couple of tickets to a pre-screening of Joss Whedon's "Much Ado About Nothing."  I've never read the play or seen any adaptation of it, so I went in totally cold.  For those who are just as clueless as I was, it's a modern spin on Shakespeare's play by the same name, where friends conspire to pair up two folks who loathe each other, and a side story of two other folks who are in love, but are broken up by lies and deception by those around them.  Yeah.

Being a Whedonite for some number of years, I've heard the various tales about how Joss would have cast members read Shakespeare at his house, and I'm glad he finally got to bring it to life.  However, I do wish I'd been able to see more Buffy/Angel alum (and reading this just...broke my heart).  Although, I am glad Felicia Day was nowhere in sight.

Everyone was great in this film, but I have to say (and I'm happy to say) that Alexis Denisof.  Stole.  The. Show.  The man was just...brilliant, and good god, have I missed him on screen, and was ridiculously happy to see his gorgeous face on the silver screen.  The man has such a range, people!  And it's about time people beyond fandom got to witness it.  Additionally, what a brilliant stratagem of Joss or the Powers That Be or whoever held onto this film until post "The Avengers" success.  I think this might actually get seen by the masses, and I am happy for it.

The directing was great and the acting was well done.  The film is quite funny, and will leave those familiar with the source material more than happy, and those who aren't well entertained.

It's been awhile since I've read or seen anything Shakespeare, and this film was true to Shakespeare's script (except for one of Benedict's lines which was not PC).  I must admit that my ears had to adjust to the language.  But once you do, it goes on fine.  Also, insults in those days were so much more colorful, inventive, and insulting than they are today.  We should go back to that.

[Literature!! I love you.]

In short, when this film comes to your down, go and take a gander.  You won't be disappointed.




    

Diary of a Fangirl: The Heat

If "Bridesmaids" and "Pineapple Express" had a baby, and that baby had a baby with "21 Jump Street," the end result would be "The Heat."

Don't dig the airbrushing.

I'm sure it's not the first strictly female buddy comedy, but I swear I can't think of another, which means it's either been too long, or hasn't been one that was relevant enough for mention.  But people, this is IT.

I have to be honest and say that I had low expectations going in, but was more than pleasantly surprised.  I laughed out loud; I laughed heartily; I laughed so much that my eyes leaked a little bit.

Bullock's Ashburn and McCarthy's Mullins are superb comedy gold.  Ladies, yes we can make a hilarious and fun buddy/sisterly bromance comedy thing.

Bullock portrays an FBI agent, and McCarthy is an officer--both ostracized in their fields for having boobs, pretty much.  Bullock is the nerd, and McCarthy is the aggressive one.  Stereotypical, sure, but there is nothing stereotypical about this film, I assure you.

This film drops June 28th, and I have to say, it's good for the Rogen/Franco camp that it wasn't released when their film was because man...I have a feeling that this film is funnier.


    

Diary of a Fangirl: This Is The End

I think this summer is going to be where comedy reigns as King.  Also, I'm including the first half hour of "After Earth" on that list (albeit the funny in that film was totally unintentional).

"This Is the End" was hilarious, and went in totally unexpected directions.  There's no way you can guess the last three point five minutes, I guarantee it.

This is another buddy film, which writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg seem to be great at.  And while there are several BFFs of Seth's (the character of Seth Rogen, that is) in the film, the two main ones are Jay, who's visiting in town, and James Franco, who clearly favors Seth above all others.  There's more than a gentlemanly bond going on, which makes it funnier.  Jay comes off as a petulant girlfriend, jealous of Seth's other friends, while James reveres Seth above, well, anyone.  Jonah as well is very..well just watch it.  Actually, it reminded me of "SuperBad."  In fact, I've decided to add my semi-analytical take on it at the bottom of this entry.

I will say that I wish we had more of the party scene at Franco's house.  It was...interesting, to say the least.

Things this movie has that makes it awesome:

• Sleepovers
• Possessions
• Video confessionals
• Semi-sequel/film within a film (which was extra awesome)
• The natural chemistry of real life friends

The trailers give this much away, but the film is basically about how five (sometimes six) friends survive during an apocalyptic event as James Franco's house.  Is it zombies?  Is it an apocalypse?  Is it Godzilla?  Is it aliens?  Is it something else entirely??  You'll just have to watch and see.

And now, some spoilers:

• I will never look at Michael Cera the same way again
• What the crap happened to Paul Rudd?
• I was hoping there would be a Marvel type of ending, where the characters who didn't make it ended up eating shawarma in Hell or something.
• Channing Tatum as a sex slave...gosh, he has a great ass.
• A gigantic penis.  Well, I can't say I'm surprised guys.  Wasn't surprised Jonah was the one who got it, though.

"SUPERBAD"

...Was really Super Good. Okay, I can't be the first person that typed that out.

[Warning: A review from an analytical standpoint with a few spoilers.]

Anyway, I saw this movie at least a week ago--maybe two. And, there were some funny laugh out loud moments, and it starts out as the typical teenaged guys trying to get laid before their senior is over, but first let me say that I was totally thrown that these guys were seniors in high school. This is probably due to the fact that they looked like they were actually eighteen or so (and I'm sure the Evan character really is), and I've been so jaded to those in their mid to late twenties playing teens. Those guys, as I watched them, I kept thinking "shouldn't they be playing eighth or ninth graders?"

Anyway, like I said, this film was posed under the guys of being another teen flick, but in reality, ran a lot deeper...The "teen film" genre was just the shallow end of the deep pool that is "Super Bad."
I haven't read or seen any real commentaries on this film, because I didn't want it to taint this review. But I have this to say--

"Super Bad" was not a "bromance," which is what I did see on the cover of the Red Eye. For those of you not in the know, a bromance or bromantic couple is two hetero guys who are BFFs, and the fact that they care for one another is overt. A good example would be Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson's characters in "Wedding Crashers," or Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in the "Rush Hour" series (though they clearly didn't start out that way). But in this film, well, it was just a plain romantic comedy.

The two main characters, Seth and Evan, clearly have a love for one another that surpasses the love of two best friends- even if they are male. There are multiple indicators throughout such as the following: The fact that Seth had a penchant for drawing penises- different shapes and sizes, etc., that Seth feels that a vagina by itself is boring- he needs to see one with the insertion of a penis. Methinks he just wants to see the penis, and not feel too gay about it. In fact, this little comment alone makes me think he may be the only heterosexual man to not enjoy lesbian porn... The jealously and resentment that Seth feels when he learns that Evan and Foggel (the third wheel of this relationship/friendship) will be rooming together in college, and the fact that Evan tried to keep it a secret from Seth, knowing that it was in fact some sort of betrayal, and wishing to spare his feelings.

The drunken night they spend at Evan's place after the party. There's a brief fade out, after drunken "I love yous" given by the two, and then it's morning. Seth looks anxious, quickly wanting to leave, which is odd considering the entire film, it is his agenda to stick by Evan, and keep them together. Particularly so since Evan will be going away to a different college. Evan then looks at him like the wounded girl when the guy abandons the bed the next morning, or in "the harsh light of day," and Seth laughs it off. Then he proceeds to tell Evan that his mom has "great tits," as if to stave off the awkwardness. In my opinion, it just made it all the more awkward, and made it seem that in that moment, Seth had to prove his straightness.

Then, in the ending, the sad, lost lovers look they give each other as they separate at the mall with two girls of "interest," and then the film is over, with its montage of drawn penises.

This film was clearly a gay romantic comedy, in which the guy did not get the guy (like "My Best Friend's Wedding," but only gay), but the girl that he only thought he wanted (for both Seth and Evan). I admired the film and its gumption and courage, though I almost felt a bit disappointment...but then I realized, that the writers and the director supplied for us all that we needed to see the film for what it really is, and that it's not their fault that most people are not too quick on the uptake, and the films meaning went over most peoples heads. This movie had foreshadowing, metaphor, and a ton of unspoken language that would surpass the casual observer's eyes.

For these reasons, I give this film three stars and two thumbs up.

Seth and Evan join Dr. Christian Troy and Dr. Sean McNamara as well as Spike and Angel in the unofficial gay couples in TV and cinema. There are many others...But one must really look in order to see it.

              
              

Diary of a Fangirl: Joan Rivers/Sarah Palin Wife Swap

I keep seeing the commercials for the new Wife Swap with Joan Rivers and Sarah Palin, and I have to say I'm intrigued.  Mostly because it involves Joan Rivers, but intrigued all the same.

But after giving it some thought...I realized that they went about this all wrong.  They swapped the wrong ones.

It would have made more sense not only age wise, but comedy wise had they switched Sarah with Melissa, and had Sarah Palin under the same roof as Joan Rivers.  I mean, can you imagine?  I can, and hot damn, I wish I didn't have to guess--that shit should be taped and ready to run.

ETA:  They're switching Joan and Bristol which makes even less sense, but hey!  It puts Sarah and Joan under the same roof, which is what I wanted anyway.  But seriously, who wants to see the Bristol/Melissa parts of the ep?  Who really cares?  I'm just saying.

So yeah, they mis-cast the switch tremendously, but I'm still curious to see how the show will turn out, as well as the families.  I think Joan can bring some value to the Palin household, just saying.

Heh, or Whoopi Goldberg. Wow, I'd pay to see that...

Who else should they cast for Celebrity Wife Swap you say?  Kris Jenner and Mama June.  Yes, that must happen.



    

Diary of a Fangirl: World War Z

This evening I went to a screening of "World War Z," sponsored by B96 and Paramount pictures.

My expectations for the event itself were not high, but I was definitely intrigued with the film from what I'd seen in the trailers.  Well, I dare say my expectations were exceeded thrice fold on both accounts.

The premier started with an assembly line--first you check in with your ticket, then you get a color coded wristband, then a t-shirt, a card giving Twitter instructions, and a voucher for free popcorn and drink.  There were all of these "fancy" security guards--all in suits, and some with bow ties (a guy with a pink one stood out to me).  The B96 people were set up on the main floor, passing out cups and more shirts, playing trivia games.

They had a green screen set up by the theatre doors.  I got this nifty pic to add to my selection of souvenirs (well, the picture made it plural).

And then there was a lot of waiting.  As I looked around, I took in the suits and the lights set up and the camera man that was next to me initially.  I thought, "Someone is coming."  And then I thought, "Nah, they wouldn't bring Brad for this...must be some studio head or some B96 personality I don't care about."  But then--it happened.

I SAW BRAD PITT.  IN HIS FLESH.  I BREATHED HIS AIR.  JEEBUS HE WAS BEAUTIFUL.

He came running into the room, slightly out of breath, and GORGEOUS.

Crappy cell phone pics are crappy.

Brad Pitt: The Holy Grail of Celeb Sightings

Hetero-guy shaped person next to me: "Huh. I guess he is kind of beautiful."

I still get chills just thinking about it.

Okay, so the film itself:

It was as Brad promised--damn near non-stop action.  Well done action at that.  The film is PG-13, but I think they could have gone for R.  That being said, I think it was still very well done.

I didn't read the books, and I know how people can be so sensitive about adaptations (although, they fail to realize it is in fact an adaptation), but coming in cold, I have to say that I loved this film.  I'd watch it again.  Zombies are "in," and this film is right up there.  And with Brad Pitt's star power behind it...I'm sure it's going to be a summer slam dunk.

That being said, I've heard that the reason why he was there (and a few other premiers) is that the studio heads think the film will be a flop, and want to push it as hard as they can.  It's a shame they don't believe in their product, because it's fabulous.  It has action, pulls at the heart strings, looks realistic, and adds to the zombie genre.

To top off the night, I got interviewed by Channel 7 News.  My heart was still pounding--it was an exhilarating evening.  Unfortunately, I don't have video, but here are a couple of pics:

Next Up: A review of "The Heat."


    
    

Diary of a Fangirl: The Original Character Meme

Hey gang,

Sorry it's been awhile.  It was a hiatus that snuck up on me.  But I'm back now.  Should have some good movie reviews coming up--I'll be attending a couple of pre-screenings.  Additionally, I had this interview while I was away, so at least I've been semi-productive.

I'm working on my next book, and a buddy of mine gave me this great meme to explore characters.  Now, let me introduce you....

The Original Character Interview Meme

 Pick an original character from any work you choose, then answer the following questions in character...


 1. Care to introduce yourself? The name's Nic. I'm a near billionaire megalomaniac, apparently. The "apparently" is for the megalomaniac bit. Personally, I would just call it superiority.

2. Job or Occupation? Let's just say I'm a very successful entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry.

3. If you had a vacation, what it'll be? Not much time for those as of late. There's always work to be done.

4. If you traveled in time, what history would you change? That's tough. My past has made me who I am, but some of it's pretty...I think I'd want my childhood back.

5. Look! A mecha that looks kinda like you! *points to the mecha* Huh. Now there's a handsome son of a bitch.

6. What are you going to do with it? Reprogram it to to adhere to my will if it isn't already.

7. Fwoosh! *throws the character's favorite food on their face* *Takes a napkin and wipes face calmly* The citrus port cherry sauce on these roasted duck breasts are bound to stain my custom button down. But mostly that China plate it was served on hurt my face. But don't worry your pretty little head over it--you'll be paying for that when this is done.

8. What's your favorite music genre? Scattered across the board, but I do have a fondness for grunge and Cobain.

9. What is your favorite mythical creature? Given the world that I live in, it's hard to think about myths. And for the record, all of our creatures are created by good ol' fashioned science. No myths required.

10. What's your favorite musical instrument? Let's just go with a certain type--strings. There's something deep, and intense and sometimes sexual with string instruments. Especially a viola.

11. What's your favorite weather? When it's storming outside. Easier to think around then. The rest of the city grows quiet because no one likes to be out in the rain, especially when there's thunder and lightning. But it doesn't bother me.

12. Do you believe in... Santa Claus? *stares coldly* You're really testing my patience here.

13. Look at the person on this mirror! *pulls in a mirror, which shows the Opposite Version of the character* This, is the anti version of yourself, from another universe! So the Bizarro World does exist. Congrats, Larry David. And Jesus, what a disgusting, little troll of a man you have there.

14. Have a cake! *cakes the character with a big cake that contains the character's favorite flavor* *grabs cake before it can be thrown at him* Homemade cream cheese icing. Haven't had that in ages...Yellow cake with cream cheese icing. That's... *grows deathly quiet and looks away*

15. What's the worst and humiliating thing that happened to you? *sighs* You know, I spent a lot of money forgetting those things. But...I'd have to say it was when I was in that juvenile detention center, which is just a nice way of saying kiddie prison.

16. If you had a pet, what it's gonna be? A dog, probably, but I'd prefer to not have any kind of emotional attachments, thanks.

17. What's your favorite song? "Heart Shaped Box."

18. Who's your favorite artist? Depends on what type you're talking about. Cobain was an artist. But, for a bit of variation, let's go with Escher.

19. What will you do if you found a treasure chest containing treasure? Depends on what type of treasure it was, I guess. But it's not as if I need the money. So it'd have to be something unique and rare in order to capture my interest. I apply this same rule to women.

20. What creature have you always wanted to be? I'm fine with being an extraordinary man, thanks.

21. Here's another mirror! *pulls in another mirror, which shows the Steampunk Version of the character* This is the steampunk version of yourself, from a universe of the age of steam! Are you high?

22. Do you believe in someone or something? No. I'll leave all that altruistic crap to the "heroes" of the world, thanks.

23. Want me to end this meme now? I was actually about to cut it short myself.

24. Ya sure? Positive.

25. Then tag someone before you leave... via cannon!!! *shows a fancy cannon aiming to an open window, which leads to a large, comfy mattress* I would, but work--it calls me.