Simplekindoflovely's Journals

Fall TV Shows- What You Should Be Watching!

The beginning of the Fall TV season has to be one of my favorite times of the year. With this year's blast that was once summer blockbuster movies now in the past, I can always rely on television to keep me entertained and sane while I attempt to juggle school, work, and everyday tasks throughout the rest of the school year. What can I say other than it gives me something to look forward to.

This season looks as though it's shaping up to create some amazing television. Now, I know you may be thinking that some TV shows have already started, well they have! So if you haven't started watching some of the best shows on television, i.e. Gossip Girl, Project Runway, Glee, and Top Chef, then I suggest you best be getting on that. Hulu or Fancast that SHIZ!

In today's TV land it's pretty easy to catch up on all of the latest and greatest TV shows, even when some of them are played in the same time slots, so I guess I'm here to give my (film production student) opinion on what to watch for this fall TV season and when's the best time to watch it.

Sunday Nights

In my opinion, the best two TV shows on Sunday nights are Desperate Housewives and Dexter, both premiering on September the 27th at 9 PM. No I don't prefer to watch those two pesky/ooey gooey reality TV shows The Amazing Race and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. I'm not that kind of girl! I prefer to maniacally laugh at Bree Van DeCamp tripping over her perfect life all the while witnessing Dexter do what is "right" by murdering other murderers. My suggestion? Watch Dexter first, and then go back to watch Desperate Housewives.

BTW: If you've never seen Dexter do not fret. It is really easy to get into as it is 7 kinds of addicting. Yes 7. All you need to know is that is about a covert serial killer who works for the Miami Police and that Showtime doesn't hold anything back.

Monday Nights

Mondays totally suck in the real world, but on the small screen they're almost as good as Thursdays! There's The Big Bang Theory (Sheldon rocks!!!), How I Met Your Mother (Neil Patrick Harris!!!), HOUSE, (all premiering next week) and did I mention Gossip Girl (premiered on Monday)? If you know and watch any of these shows then you know how amazing they are. HOUSE has the capability of grabbing you in regardless of whether you've watched any past episodes, and The Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother are probably two of the best sitcoms on TV. Way better than that Dancing With the Stars NONSENSE! Beyond that, I don't really feel the need to go into detail with Gossip Girl, because if you were unaware of it's greatness before this season, then you seriously don't deserve to watch it. My suggestion is this, watch HOUSE at 8 and Gossip Girl at 9, then get your funny on with Big Bang and HIMYM afterwards.

P.S. For serious though, I highly recommend The Big Bang Theory. If you've never seen it before, it is totally legit. Rock, Paper, Lizard, Scissors, Spock!

Tuesday Nights

If there is any night to be too bogged down with homework, then pick Tuesday nights. There's really not much on unless you enjoy 90210 or Melrose Place and looking at yourself in the mirror. I mean... narcissism television. Besides that the ratings on those shows are so low, they'll be lucky to make it to mid-season. Better luck next time Miss Ashley Simpson-Wentz!

Wednesday Nights

For Hump Day, I'm going to make things simple for you, because when once see all the shows you SHOULD watch on Thursday night you might get a little dizzy. For Wednesday nights, keep it basic with America's Next Top Model on at 8 and Glee on at 9 (Both already premiered but are easily found online). After all who doesn't need a healthy TV diet of High School Musical-esque teenagers paired along with a bunch of screaming models on ANTM?!

P.S. If you're into food, then I also you pick up watching the mildly addicting Top Chef: Las Vegas which will replay at 10.

Thursday Nights

Oh Geez! I have no idea where to begin on Thursday nights! There are too many good TV shows that you simply cannot watch them all. So alas, I can only give you the cream of the crop along with a couple of newbies. First off, two new TV shows that I recommend in the Thursday lineup are Flash Forward (Premieres 9/ 24) and the overly amped Vampire Diaries (Already premiered, but once again easy to catch up with online). I've actually seen the series premiere of Flash Forward and I can tell you that it looks beyond interesting. Essentially, everyone in the world blacks out for 2 minutes and 17 seconds and in that time they see their future. I won't lie to you, I don't really know anything about The Vampire Diaries, but what do know is that it got some amazing ratings for it's first week and there has to be some good reason beyond the fact that it is another Vampire series. Only time will tell how it shapes up against Twilight and True Blood, but something tells me it will keep it's head above water.

Two returning shows that I also recommend are 30 Rock (premieres 10/15) and Project Runway (already premiered, catch up with it at mylifetime.com). I will have none of that The Office crap! Because no matter how hard you try to convince me, Tina Fey will forever be greater than Steve Carell! So please, do me the favor of choosing the far superior comedy 30 Rock based on the fact that it is always Emmy-nominated for a reason... It RULES! Also, Project Runway is boss on so many different levels, where else can you watch high fashion in the making? You can totally fit Project Runway in if you try. As Tim Gunn always says, "Make it work!" cause you totally can.

Friday Nights

It's tough when you know there is a good TV show that you want to watch on a Friday night. Most of the time these shows get overlooked because people would much rather leave behind those four walls they call home on the weekend to recoup enough energy for the next week. With that being said, go out and enjoy your Friday night, but on Saturday morning when your still in your PJs sitting around watching cartoons, I suggest that instead you watch the Dollhouse (premieres 9/25) and Ugly Betty (premieres 10/9) episodes you (should have) recorded the night before. Never heard of Dollhouse? Then you seriously best jump on the band wagon of this Joss Whedon (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) written show. Essentially, it's about a futuristic laboratory that implants artificial personalities into their contracted "dolls" for them to perform some pretty amazing stuff. It certainly is one sci-fi thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat begging for more! Ugly Betty on the other hand, is super sweet and sassy as Betty/America Ferrera fights her way to become a fashion editor for a magazine. Ugly Betty raises the sweetness level on television.

What TV shows are your favs? Got any suggestions for everyone else? For me?

"Daylight" by Matt and Kim

Daylight is THE song of the summer because of everything that it embodies. First of all, it has an unbeatable beat that gets your toes a tapping and your voice a humming. Second of all, the lyrics are all about having a good time during summer, which always seems to include going to the beach, taking a long road trip, just being plain carefree, and most of all happy as described in the lyrics.

"and in the daylight we can hitchhike to maine

i hope that someday see without these frames

and in the daylight i don't pick up my phone

cause in the daylight anywhere feels like home"

If you are a free-spirited person a-lovin' your summer then start listening to AND vote for "Daylight" by Matt and Kim to make it even better!

UPDATE!

Okay so here's the dealio.

I'm going to Chicago for Warped Tour on Saturday and so I thought it would be totally awesome to do a meet up with whomever may be there from buzznet! So if anyone is going shoot me a message and we'll figure out how to meet up!

Beyond that I'm excited to say that I might just maybe going to Vegas next weekend on a very expensive spur of the moment type thing. Anywho, I just wanted to share my excitement because I think I might have a second chance at seeing No Doubt, but with the newly formed version of Panic at the Disco. @$100 a pop or more, but it will be worth it. Also, I have decided that I am going to try and see The Cab for a second time which would be totally spectacular considering the fact that it is their hometown.

All I can say is GAAHHHH....!!!!! I'm really excited.

Whip it Good!

"Dun Duh Dun Duh Duh,

Crack that Whip!

Give the past a slip

Step on a crack

Break your momma's back..."

-Devo

Contrary to the sound of the title, the new movie Whip It! is not a movie about the failed 80's New Wave group Devo. Bummer. (Ellen Page would look cute in one of those hats!) It is, however, a movie about an ex-beauty pageant contestant named Bliss who decides to exchange her crown for some skates (of the roller derby variety).

Despite my disappointment that it isn't a movie about the 80's, it does involve some familiar 80's throwbacks. Take for instance, the fact the roller skating was more popular then, people regularly dyed their hair blue, and the fact that Ellen Page (aka Juno) was born in the 80's.

Ellen Page plays Bliss, a teenager from a small town in Bodeen, Texas who is tired of living the life her mother chose for her as a beauty pageant contestant. When she stumbles across a local roller derby competition, she decides to join team Hurl Scouts (I kid you not, they've got badges and everything!) against her mother's wishes. She is taken under the wing of her rowdy mentor Malice in Wonderland (played by SNL staple Kristen Wiig) as she works her way into fighting shape earning the name Babe Ruthless. I'm not making this up. Those real roller derby gals can be ironic and dirty at the same time!

Other Hurl Scouts in the troop include Drew Barrymore as Smashley Simpson, and the dynamic recording artist/actress Eve as Rosa Sparks. Bwhahaha Smashley Simpson! I wonder if Barrymore plays her character up as a woman who strings along a man named Pete with her alleged drunken ex-girlfriend bashing and poor lip synching. But let's not forget Juliette Lewis who plays Dinah Might one of the Hurl Scout's rivals (finally she's back after a 3 year drought!) and Jimmy Fallon as MC!

Also worth noting is that Whip It! marks Drew Barrymore's directorial debut, so it will certainly be interesting to see how she both acted and directed the movie. With her flair for femininity, this movie is bound to be a bruiser for the ladies to see with some hard-hitting, strong female characters. Whip It! appears to have all of the makings of a great teen flick about taking your own path in life and I think it will speak volumes to all of us here on Buzznet who are always striving to do so. So what do you think? Will you go see it when it rolls into theaters on October 9th?

Check out the trailer below! It really says all I cannot.

P.S. What would your roller derby name be?! Pick one out here and report back to us!

Your Harry Potter: HBP Hook-Up!

Grab your wands and climb up on your broomsticks fellow Potterheads, because the sixth release from our beloved Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, soars into theaters today! [cut=Yeahhhh!]

Forget Twilight! The cast of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is finally bringin' sexy back. The kiddies are all grown up and the teenage hormones are raging as HP and the gang's sixth year at Hogwarts lights up the big screen. I'm talking about crushes, conflict, and Ron's first go at quidditch all simultaneously colliding while Harry once again tries to be the hero.

While He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named....oh hell I'll say it "Voldemort," sends his death eaters amuck on both the wizarding and muggle world, Harry thinks Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it used to be. He suspects Malfoy is performing Voldemort's bidding when he sees him sneaking about the castle and he wants to put an end to it. At the same time he is preoccupied with helping Dumbledore prepare for Harry's imminent battle with Voldemort. Together they look for the key to unlocking Voldemort's defenses and call upon the help of a new potions master Horace Slughorn, played by Jim Broadbent, who holds crucial information towards their task.

Surely, that's not all J.K. Rowling would allow Harry to suffer. He also has to maintain his homework, friendships, and quidditch shape all at the same time! For instance, Harry develops feelings for Ron's sister, Ginny, but Ginny is already involved with Dean Thomas. Oh teenage angst! Then there's the Ron, Lavender, and Hermione's love triangle that Harry often finds himself in the middle of. On top of that, Harry also becomes obsessed with an old potions book with mysterious notations scribed by the Half-Blood Prince. You would think all of that trouble would be enough, but in the end, we discover that someone very close to Harry di... oh wait! I can't spoil the ending!

Beyond the addition of Professor Slughorn, other new characters include Fenrir Greyback the werewolf, Ron's new obsession Lavender Brown (much to Hermione's dismay), and Hermione's hot date Cormac McLaggen.

But let's not forget those characters who are just now coming into the spotlight. Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood are certainly starting to get some screen time of their own. Especially Ginny who may just do some snogging sometime down the road with a certain famous wizard.

Now I'm not one to ruin a movie's ending, especially having read the books, but I think those of us who have read them can agree that Half-Blood Prince has one hell of a plot. It will surely set the ground work for the seventh and final book which will be split into two films (set to release in July 2010 and November 2011). After Warner Brothers postponed this movie last fall, and then later announced it wouldn't be in IMAX until two weeks after its release, I believe it's safe to say I'm glad the film is finally here and that all of the dramz can finally sort itself out.

Thus far, HP6 is getting rave reviews and some are even saying it's the best Harry Potter yet. So I suggest you best get your lazy summer self up off of the sofa and head over to your local movie theater, because if you don't I may just have to pull out my wand and perform the cruciatus curse on you.

Forgive me, that's one creepy face.

Finally, check out these links below. Trust me Potterphiles, you will not be disappointed. I've hooked you up with some interesting tidbits from Potterland, including some spicy dance moves, a behind the scenes take on the new film, as well as other pop culture connections.

---->Watch some of the B-Roll from the new movie released recently on the internet. WARNING: If you have not read the books and do not know the story line, then beware of spoilers! I'm talking about a behind the scenes look that may just take away the magic of the movie before you see it. Nevertheless, each of these videos gives us a cool insight into the new film. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3.

---->Remember Cormac McLaggen? He is going to be Hermione's date to the Slug Club Christmas Dance in the sixth movie, and he is to be played by model Freddie Stroma who is my pick to be the next Rpattz. OMG he likes to dance in his underwear! Already an upgrade from the pouty Pattinson! Watch him do his sexy dance below! *SQUEAL!*

---->Ever noticed a similarity between Harry Potter's fate and say Luke Skywalker's? Well, I have and thus I have tracked down this helpful blog written on the SpitefulCritic.com that connects the stories of such films as The Matrix, Star Wars, Star Trek, and Harry Potter. I for one find it all very interesting... What do you think? Are the plots similar? Does Harry Potter/ Danny Radcliffe look good with a light saber or what? Now all he needs is for Voldemort to heavily breath to him, "Harry, I am your father." But alas, we know that isn't true.

---->Test Your Harry Potter IQ at EW.com. Some of the questions are difficult, but I'm pretty sure you'll do just fine. No cheating spells!

----> See if you can catch the mistakes. This website shows you the most obvious mistakes in all of the HP movies. Wait a minute....the magical world isn't magical?!?!

---->Ever wanted to taste the wizarding world's cuisine? Stroll on over to mugglenet to experience the tastes of Madam Rosmertas'. MMMMmmmmm Butterbeer... making Harry Potter a drunkard since Year 3.

Finally, as always, com back here to tell the rest of Buzznet what you think of the new HP movie. Did you love it or hate it? Is Corman McLaggen hotter than Cedric Diggory? Should Ron and Hermione be together? Would you buy Luna's crazy sunglasses? What do you think of Professor Slughorn? But most of all, was it worth the wait?

Please do not write any spoliers in your reply. Some of us didn't see it at midnight.

P.S. If you're really obsessed with Harry Potter, don't forget to watch J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life which will air in the US Thursday night at 8 on ABC.

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Harry Potter Prep for July 15th Book 2

It’s as simple as this. As Harry Potter grows and matures throughout his seven years at Hogwarts so does J.K. Rowling’s writing of his story. Don’t get me wrong, she was brilliant with his story from the start, but as she adds to it, there is a definite increase in the depth of each book. For examples, the first book ends at around 300 pages, the second at 340, but from there on out the numbers skyrocket as Harry, Ron, and Hermione get into more trouble. So there must be way more to the later books.

Anywho, I still don’t have a lot to comment on about the second book. I have also read this one way too many times. But I will say I love the hints that Ron and Hermione will get together, but after rereading it and knowing about Ginny and Harry I was hoping there would be more hints towards their future. After all, didn’t J.K. Rowling plan out all 7 novels before writing them? That’s how she knew Dumbledore was gay, right? IDK

Now it’s time for some questions. I’ve made these questions up to test your Harry Potter IQ from the second book. Let’s see how well everyone remembers. No cheating!

Questions!:

What subject did Dumbledore teach before he became headmaster at Hogwarts?
Whose trophy did Ron polish in his first year after he threw up slugs on it?
Name those who were petrified.
What objects kept each person who was petrified from dying?
Why can Harry speak Parselmouth?
Name the titles of Professor Lockhart’s books.
How does Hermione steal the ingredients for the Polyjuice potion from Professor Snape?
From what official body does Harry receive a warning in the summer holidays?
Where does Harry Potter end up when he uses the floo powder?
How many years ago was the Chamber of Secrets opened?

Also, here are the answers to the last quiz. You can reread the questions here.

The Mirror of Erised. The first time he sees his family, the second time he sees the sorcerer’s stone in his pocket.
The sorcerer’s stone is used for alchemy, it can turn metal into gold, and it can make the elixir of life, which makes it possible for immortality.
The three-headed dog’s name is Fluffy, put to sleep by music, Qurirrel uses an enchanted harp, and Harry uses a flute that Hagrid gave him for his birthday.
Ron’s missing chocolate frog cards are Ptolemy and Aggrippa
Number 4, Privet Drive, Little Whingley, Surrey, England.
Dudley receives 37 gifts, but then gets promised 2 more after he starts crying.
Alas! Earwax.
Dumbledore sees himself receiving a pair of socks.
Dudley goes to Smeltings.
Sir Nicholas de Mimsy Porpington.

Good Luck!

July Movie Guide

Summer is quickly melting away and there isn't a single thing I can do about. It seems like I was writing the June Movie Preview just last week! But alas, July has finally come (My birthday's on the 25th!) and so has another round of fun at the movies.

*Note: The buzz-o-meter is my way of rating my excitement to see each of these movies on a scale of 1-10.

Out today: July 1- Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Voiced by: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Dennis Leary, Simon Pegg, Queen Latifah

The first time I went to see Up in 3-D (Yes, I went multiple times....) I caught the teaser trailer for what is essentially Ice Age 3. It followed Scrat (The squirrel above) choosing between a sexy female squirrel and his beloved acorn, an item he takes very seriously. Of course, he hands over the acorn to the girl and gets duped taking a nose dive down a giant cliff. If you don't know what I'm talking about, just know that it was very cute and endearing. After all, Scrat is the best part of Ice Age. Beyond him, Dawn of the Dinosaurs looks like it's close to running out of jokes about saber tooth tigers, wooly mammoths, and whatever the hell that character Sid is supposed to be. However, adding Dinosaurs into the mix just might lead the movie in the right direction. Who knows, maybe it will be more like Land Before Time! (Ducky anyone?...)

I give it a 5, just because of Scrat.

Out today: July 1- Public Enemies

Staring: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, the stunning Academy Award Winner Marion Cotillard, Channing Tatum

Public Enemies has been on my radar for quite some time now, and only for the best of reasons. First of all....uh hello....it's Johnny Depp. Pretty much anything the guy touches turns to gold because he IS THAT GOOD. Period. He truly has become one of Hollywood's greatest actors in my eyes and I'm not just saying that cause he's good-looking! I mean who doesn't love chiseled cheek bones, a lazy smile, his southern charm, and Oops! I forgot I was supposed to talking about the movie! The second reason, I've been waiting on Public Enemies is because it's plot hails from my hometown. Just last year, Johnny Depp himself flew into the Indianapolis (IN) airport to play the famous gangster/bank robber John Dillinger who was held here (In real life) behind bars. You see, back in the day, John Dillinger was Public Enemy Number One, robbing banks, breaking out of jail and so forth, so there is really no reason why this movie won't be kick ass (Especially with added Christian Bale and Channing Tatum whipped cream on top!). Yummy.

Yep, it's definitely a niner!

July 10- Bruno

Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen otherwise known as Borat or Ali G

I personally was not a fan of Borat. Did I laugh during it? Yes. But I wasn't exactly clamoring to see it ever again. So what can I say about Bruno? Well for one thing, he sure does seem to be raising some hell and as far as I can tell by the preview, Bruno appears to be way funnier than Borat ever was. I mean, how did Sacha Baron Cohen come up with this guy, this gay austrian fashion reporter? Did he look at Perez Hilton for inspiration and then think "Hmm...Nope, not gay enough!" deciding to give the character an accent and a passion for D&G?

Anyways, wherever Cohen's inspiration came from, he is certainly taking on another hefty, politically charged comedy shot mostly guerilla style (I've heard Paula Abdul had no idea who he was!). His impromptu meetings with celebs and common folk alike makes Bruno appear as though it's well worth the price of admission and despite the fact that I didn't like Borat I would definitely "swap this movie for an ipod."

Kudos for a movie with gay rights!

Bruno gets a 7! Dats Hawt!

July 10- I Love You, Beth Cooper

Starring: Hayden Panettiere, Paul Rust

Hayden Panetierre is one little cutie, but damn is her name hard to spell. She stars as well...Beth Cooper in this teen flick about a nerdy high school valedictorian who proclaims his love for the hottest girl in school during his graduation speech. Afterwards she shows up at his house to help him to let his hair down, so to speak, giving him the best day of his life. This story line kinda makes me wish I was a nerdy teen with a hot boy at my front door. I already have half of that, but I'll let you guess which half.

Umm, I think it's a definite rental, so I give it 4.

July 15- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton, etc., etc.

I really shouldn't need to explain to you the magnitude of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, but I'm going to do it anyway. I feel as though I grew up alongside Harry Potter, reading about his every ache and triumph as I myself progressed throughout the years. That's why I'm super excited to see the Half-Blood Prince, because that means Harry (in the movies) has finally caught up to me in age and thus I can sympathize with him as I watch Harry, Ron, and Hermione's hormones kick in. (Keep in mind that Harry was on the scene long before Stephanie Meyer stole the tween novel spotlight with Twilight. So his hormones are definitely juicier than Rpattz's.) Also, I think it will be really interesting to see the dynamic between Dumbledore and Harry as they try to unlock Voldemort's defenses. Oh! and Harry and Ginny, and Ron and Hermione, and Professor Slughorn, and the rest of the gang. Very exciting/interesting indeed!

This is my pick of the month for a midnight premiere. I can't wait to see all of the fake lighting bolt scars when I enter the theater! My only wish is that I could see it in IMAX the day it comes out. If you haven't heard yet, it won't come out in IMAX until two weeks after it has been released. Bummer for reals.

Wouldn't dream of giving it anything but a 10.

P.S. Here's my shameless self-promotion. Click here for some Harry Potter prep before the new movie comes out. I'll be posting tricky questions and answers from each of the books.

July 17- (500) Days of Summer

Starring: Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Every once in a while a film comes along and surprises me. In a good way. I have a feeling this is going to be one of those films. First, it was the official selection at Sundance, which is a BIG deal. Second, Zooey is just too charming, and third have you seen the trailer!? It is beyond cute! I honestly don't know too much more about it, beyond the fact that I really want to see it.

I give it a 6, but it has room to grow on me.

July 24- G-Force

Voices by: Bill Nighy, Will Arnett, Nic Cage, Sam Rockwell, Jon Favreau, Penelope Cruz, Steve Buscemi, Tracy Morgan.

I have little to say about G-Force. I personally feel as though the live-action/CGI animal movies could use a rest. I mean, what are they? Gerbils? Hamsters? Guinea Pigs? We've already had Cats, Dogs, and the combination of the two. All I can picture is everyone crowded around the Disney board room, throwing around some ideas, and one person stands up shouting "Oh! Oh! Oh! *raises arm* Pick me!" "Yes, Miller," responds the Head of Disney. And then Miller, or whomever says, "I've got it! Crime fighting Guinea Pigs!" (Me=*cringes*)

On a side note, I am completely flabbergasted that this is Disney.

It's a 3, because I did laugh once at the preview.

July 24- Orphan

Starring: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sasgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman.

Just when you thought you'd seen enough creepy little girls in your life, here pop's up another one! Just look at that death star! and those pigtails! EEP! Did I mention that her name is Esther? Unless this scary movie comes with a good plot (which is doesn't sound like it), I'm not buying into it. How many times have you seen a movie where a new person joins a family, be it a new step mother, brother, uncle, whatever, and then said person starts to haunt everyone else? It's been done before! I'm already over it.

Ehh... a 2 is being nice.

July 24- The Ugly Truth

Starring: Katherine Heigl, Gerard Butler, Kevin Connolly, Cheryl Hines

Ever since Katherine Heigl came out with Knocked Up, I knew I would love her for life. I don't know what it is about her, but she has this charm and a knack for comedy which really makes me want to see this movie. Well, that and the fact that the guy she is initially after (not the THIS IS SPA-AA-RTTAA!!! dude) is totally hot. I think I'm going to have to go see this one for a girl's night out for my birthday (which is the 25th), because it is definitely a battle of the sexes movie which I'm not totally sure guys will appreciate. So if you're a girl, go for the feminism. If you're a male, go for Heigl.

It's an 8. I don't just go see any movie on my birthday.

July 31- Aliens in the Attic

Starring: No one important, unless you count Ashley Tisdale (Which I don't).

This movie looks dumber than a box of rocks, and the aliens are fugly (I hope I'm allowed to say that), which is why I gave it a 0 out of 10. If you really want to go and see it, then be my guest, but don't come whining back to me about it.

Oh yeah, and just because no one probably knows what it's about, I'll be nice and give you a plot. It's about aliens who move into these kid's house, planning to destroy the world. That and Ashley Tisdale's fake hair.

No need to explain.

July 31- Funny People

Starring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman

In my first semester of film school, I took a pre-production class in which we would have hands on assignments that simulate what it would be like to prepare for making a real movie. One of those assignments was to go to a prop house and pick out furniture for a fake set. So, I went to the Warner Brothers prop house, meandered the long aisles, and came across tagged props for the movie Funny People (If a prop is tagged it means they would be using it in the movie). Being the fanatical person that I am, I took a picture of myself sitting on one of the tagged sofas knowing that one day this movie would come out and I would have my claim to fame! OMG I totally sat down on that couch!

I'm positive Funny People will be just what it's title entails, and that is funny. After all, it is Jud Apatow's third movie as director and his last two, Knocked Up and Superbad, were definitely hit out of the park. Who knows what kind of chaos will ensue with both Rogen and Sandler aboard?!

Can't hardly wait, thus it's a nine!

Okay, I've had my say, now it's your turn! What are your picks for July? What can you wait to see?

Will the real Harry Potter fans please stand up?

Harry Potter Prep for July 15th

With the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie release fast approaching, I took it upon myself to reread all 7 novels in the Harry Potter series to better prepare myself for July 15^th. The only problem in this plan is that I have no time to myself and therefore mustering the tenacity to read these books again has been quite a daunting task. I will be posting my reactions to each of the seven books (that is if I finish them) as well as a short recap and some trivial questions from the books to boot.

Year 1: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

This is the one HP book that I have read the most. In anticipating any new release of a movie or book from the series I would always attempt the task I have at hand now, and that is reading all of the books in order. Of course, I gave up on many occasions (and will most likely give up again) and as a result I would only make it past the first book. So don’t be too surprised when I tell you that it only took me two-and-a-half hours to reread the first book of the series, mainly because I could have practically recited it by memory.

Sorcerer’s Stone is the key to the rest of the books in the series. Without it, I think I would be lost in Harry’s wizarding world, and quite possibly at my wit’s end in trying to understand the concept of things such as platform nine-and-three-quarters, quidditch, and transfiguration class. With that being said, it is necessary that I reread it, but at the same time it’s storyline is probably my least favorite. Harry Potter finds out that he is not only a wizard, but a famous one at that. He meets new friends Ron and Hermione, goes to Hogwarts for the first time, finds an enemy in Malfoy, yadda yadda yadda, discovers there is a plot to steal the sorcerer’s stone, saves the sorcerer’s stone from professor Quirrel/Voldemort (weird head thingy), and because of him and his heroics Gryffindors win house cup. And that’s all in a day’s work.

As for my commentary on this one, I think I’ve about run out of things to say. But I will comment on how clever J.K. Rowling can be. I think the reason I like these kids books so much is because every tidbit included in the book always comes together really nicely in the end. I guess I mean to say she is the queen of foreshadowing.

Now it’s time for some questions. I’ve made these questions up to test your Harry Potter IQ from the first book. Let’s see how much everyone remembers. No cheating!

1. What is the name of the Mirror that lies at the end of the chamber of secrets? What does Harry see in the mirror the first time he finds it? What does he see in the mirror while he is in the Chamber of Secrets?

2. Name ALL of the powers of the sorcerer’s stone.

3. What is the name of the three-headed dog? How do you put them to sleep? What does Quirrel use to put them asleep and what does Harry, Ron, and Hermione use to put them asleep?

4. What card is Ron missing in his chocolate frog collection?

5. What is the Dursley’s full address?

6. How many presents does Dudley receive for his birthday?

7. At the end of the novel, what flavor of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans did Dumbledore eat?

8. What did Dumbledore see in the Mirror of Erised?

9. What is the name of Dudley’s school?

10. What is Sir Nearly Headless Nick’s full name?

Transformers Returns! Will it be "More than meets the eye?"

I’m not your typical film student. I don’t go frolicking about from art cinema to art cinema exclaiming my love for the latest indie film. (Don’t get me wrong, I still watch those films and thoroughly enjoy about one-fourth of them, but let’s face it, the majority of them are pretty boring.) Instead, I eagerly await each and every mainstream release, counting down the days until I can set my sights on the unbelievable stories before me. In other words, while I do enjoy an occasional art film, my heart truly belongs to the monumental, ball-busting, blockbusters of summer, which of course includes a little film by the name of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

Given the fast rate at which advanced ticket sales for Transformers: ROTF are selling, there is no doubt that it is the most highly anticipated film of the summer if not for the entire year. So unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m pretty sure you’re every bit as excited as I am to once again see Optimus Prime and friends pummel the Decepticons. But before you take off running for a movie theater near you (unless you’ve already gone to the midnight premiere), I’ve got the lowdown on everything Transformers including the high-octane plot, some sexy actors, and the potential for the third film.

In Transformers 2, the battle over Earth has ended, but the war for the universe has just begun! Starscream takes over Megatron's command, regrouping the Decepticons for another attack on Earth intending to take Sam Witwicky (aka Shia LaBeouf/ Louis Stevens) prisoner after he discovers the truth behind the origins of the Transformers. All the while, the Autobots discover that Megatron's dead body has been stolen from the US Military (Which we all know means trouble). Sounds like a war for all ages! Throw in some hormones, college, and Egyptian pyramids?!? and we have for ourselves one epic popcorn movie!

Or do we? The earliest reviews are in, and they're mixed at best. The Wall Street Journal says the new sequel is "a pile of glittering junk." Roger Ebert, who knows how to trash a movie in style, says, "If you want to save yourself the ticket price, go into the kitchen, cue up a male choir singing the music of hell, and get a kid to start banging pots and pans together."

The question is, does the eye candy make it fun enough that you forgive its flaws?

All of the original cast and crew returns, but let me offer a quick reminder. Michael Bay, the KING of action flicks, directs this spectacle, making digital robots come to life. Obviously, Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox(y) will helm the film as lovebirds Sam Witwicky and Mikaela Banes, and will be supported by the likes of Josh Duhamel (Fergie's delish hubbie), John Turturro, and Tyrese Gibson. In addition, funnyman Rainn Wilson (Dwight from The Office) and predicted ROTF breakout star Isabel Lucas join the cast.

Whatever you think of the movie's artistic merit, there's no question that this franchise is big business. Even though the second installment of Transformers is just opening today, producers have already given the third a green light. So don't fret after the excitement over ROTF calms down, because there is already more on the way (It is currently projected the third film will come out in either summer of 2011, or 2012). It is currently unknown, however, whether director Michael Bay and the rest of the cast will return (They'll all do it for enough money, and I say give it to them!).

May I suggest the title Transformers 3: More Than Meets the Eye?

In related news, after the great success of the original Transformers movie in 2007, Hasbro has decided to go into the movie business. They teamed up with both Paramount and Universal Studios to put out other movies based on their beloved toys and games. Sounds kinda sketchy to me, but at the same time, I think they may be onto something. The next release in Hasbro's regime is G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, but the others are just now going into production. Games such as Monopoly, Candyland, Ouija, Battleship, and Clue are currently being written into story lines, and Stretch Armstrong is searching for a director.

What do you think? Would you watch them?

I'm personally down with a Monopoly and Ouija movie, and G.I. Joe already looks intriguing (Although, it's probably only because I think Channing Tatum is hot).

So after all of you younglings venture to the movie theater this week (Especially those of you crazy enough to see the 2 hours and 30 minute movie at midnight), come back here to share your review and tell us what you think. Will the new Transformers movie be "More than meets the eye?"

Hotties Galore!

I don't personally read too many magazines. Nowadays it seems like I don't have to (especially because most of the juicy gossip can be found across the interwebz the day it happened as opposed reading it in print a week later). I can't tell you how many times I surf the net and discover new information only to later read about the same story in my magazines later. Truth be told, it gets a little confusing. For instance, as I was perusing the internet today I spied the new cover of In Touch weekly with a picture of Kate Gosselin "beating" her daughter (Talk about a headline! <<>>) but I won't see it in stores for another week. I remember the good old days when I would run to the mailbox after school on Fridays, open up the elongated door, and see a brand new issue of People Magazine laid out before me. Reading those issues was an exciting weekly event because you could once again feel good about your own life after finding out Brad and Jennifer are getting a divorce. Now, however, Hollywood gossip can be refreshed on the internet every second and I growing a little tired of it.

Anyways, enough of my tirade and general discussion of deja vu. What I'm really here to discuss are this week's issues of Entertainment Weekly and People Magazine. In my opinion, these are the ONLY two Hollywood based magazines ever worth a gander and it just so happens that this week both of their covers are finally bringing the heat of summer. I'm talking about Ryan Reynolds' rock hard, bounce a quarter on them, god-like abs and Chace Crawford's deep ocean blue, twinkly, sapphire eyes.

Reynolds graces the cover of Entertainment weekly solo promoting his new movie The Proposal. I personally never found him attractive in any of his films, but I gotta say there is something quite fetching about that puppy dog face and those swimmies. I may have to convert into a fan, and maybe murder his wifey Scarlett Johansen so I can have a shot with him.

Look at how cute and scrumptious!

While Ryan is hot, I think People will win me over this week with their Bachelor's issue. Cause HELLO! Ryan is so totally married and is only one man to drool over while People was smart in piping in 45 hot males still on the market. MMMmmm I'm talking about Chace Crawford. I think I loved him from the moment I first saw him on Gossip Girl. He's just got that dopey, unpretentious look about him that screams sexy. (Kudos to People for not overlooking him by simply putting Rpattz on the cover to sell copies.)

But wait there's more! Their other picks for Hottest Bachelors include the obvious vote for Rpattz, Chris Pine (the Love of my life!), Shia Labeouf (Other love of my life! after I convert to Mormonism), Adam Lambert (wonder if they wrote this before or after he came out...), Kellan Lutz (a.k.a. Emmett Cullen, please google a picture of him shirtless, you won't be disappointed), John Mayer (agreed!), and The Rock. I'm not so sure I agree with their other picks which include Brody Jenner, Lance Bass, Bret Michaels (WTF!?!), and the rapper Common.

Who do you think is the hottest bachelor? There are so many! I can't possibly choose on my own!