Best Movie of the Year...so far!

"Slumdog Millionaire" is the best of the movie of the year. It was tough to come to this conclusion because I had just seen "Dark Knight" for the third time this year (absolutely breathtaking in Blu-Ray). But it was an easy choice if I put aside my love for the Batman universe and focus on the pure joy of what movies are supposed to do. They are supposed to make you laugh, cry, enthrall, surprise, and entertain throughout. "Dark Knight" is so grand in its scheme that it needed an IMAX theater to fully capture its essence. But "Slumdog Millionaire" enraptures you in a more fundamental process that is much more human and relative to you and me. Of course, the story is much more relative given the recent attacks in Mumbai (the film's central setting), but the themes and relationships between the characters are endearing and universal. It has the gritty camera and splashy editing of "Dark Knight." However, it has the raw human emotions that a comic book hero can never truly explain.

Jon and Kate Plus 8

I've been a fan of this show since 2005 and I can't believe I haven't written about it before. Because now, it seems like I'm just on the "Jon and Kate" bandwagon. Anyway, this show is great reality television. I only enjoy two reality shows, "Top Chef" (because I have the biggest crush on Padma and Tom's Craft Steak) and this show. I am a little angry that they have expanded it to one hour rather than 1/2 hour episodes but I still love it. Jon and Kate's banter, the annoying Maddie, the dorky Aden, and, of course, my favorite, Alexis. She is just so cute. As the oldest of the infamous 6, she seems to have gotten all the pale skin from Kate but the calm intensity of Jon. She never cries, never whines, and always looks so cute when she brushes her hair off her face. If I were to steal one (which is of course illegal and wrong but I know you have all thought about it at one point or another), I would take Alexis.

It's Britney Bitch

I've always been a fan of Britney Spears. I flew to Las Vegas after my high school girlfriend dumped me just to see her (I ended up having a great time and sat next to Gabrielle Union). I saw her a second time which ended up being her last concert tour. She's an entertainer and I've always believed that she was a product, but a product that I enjoyed. As such, I was deeply saddened to see that product fall apart during the past few years culminating in that 2007 VMA performance. But after watching that wonderful documentary on MTV last night, I realize her faults and can only sympathize. Nonetheless, she should stop complaining and just move on. Some handle it better than others. Britney is a product and her success rests on her ability to produce. It's time she started producing...

Twilight

I've seen this before. It starred Sarah Michelle Gellar and was more witty and comical, never taking itself too seriously. I've never read the books by Stephanie Meyer but I can assure you that it probably doesn't have the charm that Buffy, Giles, Xander, and Willow displayed when on the WB then the UPN. With the same budget, I guarantee that Joss Wheedon would have made a much more entertaining film. I remember watching the epidsode where Buffy was forced to kill Angel and then went into exile. I was so heartbroken and that was only two years ago when I saw the episode on DVD. I get it though...Robert Pattinson...he's so dreamy...yada yada yada. But what could be hotter than Sarah Michelle Gellar and a "pre-Bones David Boreanaz?

Beverly Hills Chihuahua is No. 1 at Box Office

Really? C'mon, really? Again?

Friday Night Lights

Why is nobody watching this show? I admit that it had a bit of a hiccup last season with a little melodrama, but it's still the best teen drama on television. Way better than that 90210 and Gossip Girl crap. This show is pure style from the story lines to the camera work and wardrobe. I loved the movie but this show has better actors in Kyle Chandlier (more cutthroat and believable as a football coach than Billy Bob) and such intricate characters. Although its own Direct TV, its still accessible via streaming websites. There are only four shows that I watch on television (Entourage, 30 Rock, and the Office are the others) and this is my favorite.

Target Smell

When I recently visited Target to buy some paper towels, I was immediately struck by the interesting smell that came from the store. It was so sterile and distinctive, the smell that you immediately associate with a hospital. I put the smell aside and got all the items that I needed (and didn't need). I went home happy with my purchases only to realize that I didn't get what I went to Target for in the first place. So when I visited a different Target, I was once again struck by that same smell. I couldn't understand how that same odor, so distinctive and pungent could be duplicated. Then I did some serious thinking, the kind of thinking that could only be achieved at a Target, and realized that there must be some sort of "Target Scent." I bought some popcorn and a drink for $1, found paper towels, and left.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua is No. 1 at Box Office

Really? I mean, c'mon, really?

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

I just watched this movie last night and found myself absolutely relaxed letting this movie unfold over the course of a brisk 90 minutes. I thoroughly enjoyed "Raising Victor Vargas" after my brother had told me about this little independent movie that captured adolescence and that awkward transition through puberty. Peter Sollett, the director of "Raising Victor Vargas," captures what it's like to be a teenager making that awkward transition into adulthood in "Nick and Norah." It's a very beautiful movie that seems to capture everything about the teenage romance. With a great soundtrack to accompany the film and two actors with amazing chemistry, this movie really surpassed any expectations. Michael Cera is shaping out to be the new definition of the romantic lead while Kat Dennings proves the hype is real. The movie made me smile and I haven't done that in awhile.

The Dark Knight

When I first saw that Heath Ledger was chosen to play the Joker, I was a little worried. I was too worried that he might not take the role seriously and underplay Batman's greatest villain. But I am now on the bandwagon for the posthumous Oscar for Heath Ledger. The movie is absolutely fantastic and even better on IMAX and that shouldn't hurt his chances for an Oscar. A movie like "Dark Knight" only succeeds when the villain is as good as the hero (i.e. the original Batman and Spider-Man 2). My only flaw with the film is the length (probably to set up the next Batman film) and Christian Bale. He's great as Batman, exuding brood and anger behind the mask. But as Bruce Wayne, I've never been more bored. I guess the Armani suits aren't as comfortable as the Batsuit because he does not look comfortable.

Fast and Furious

It's funny to think that they are actually making this movie. Just a few years ago, no one from the original cast wanted to be involved in this series, only to see Bow Wow take charge and an Asian director pump new life into the series making the best film out of the four. While it's good to see Justin Lin rewarded for his efforts, I'm sad to say that this is pretty pathetic for Vin and Paul. Like Sly Stallone and Mr. Willis, these two must retread old sequel territory. But even those movies had better titles, "Rambo" is straightforward and to the point. "Live Free and Die Hard" is clever and with a twist. For "Fast and Furious," Vin and Paul are no longer nouns. Instead, they are adjectives.

The Art of 40 Days

Lent is coming down to an end this Sunday when Easter is celebrated. During the past 40 days, it's usually customary for the Catholic to give up something in order to better discipline us and make us more in the likeness of God. Over the past 14 years that I've practiced this custom, I've given up a wide variety of habits, foods, and extracurricular activities. Perhaps my greatest achievement was during my sophomore year in high school. During my sophomore year in high school, I decided to stop watching "Dawson's Creek" amidst the February sweeps. It was a good time on the show also. Ratings were on a high especially because the Dawson-Joey relationship was on the rocks because of the introduction of Jack McPhee. Looking back that was the hardest time I've ever had being a Catholic. If I only knew that Jack would later admit to being gay, I probably wouldn't have cared as much as I did at the time.

Deal or No Deal

When you're looking for life lessons and moral plays, you wouldn't think to look towards Howie Mandel. But "Deal or No Deal" provides a lesson about greed and selfishness more so than any other television or film today. Recently, Howie is on his "Million Dollar Mission" where he puts out 10 cases full of one million dollars. Slowly, the contestant must decide to either continue in pursuit of a million dollars or leave with the offer from the banker. Not to say that the banker's offer is chump change. They are usually in the 200 or 300 grand category. But time after time, the contestant chooses to take the other route and go for a million dollars. It's a wonderful morality play each week and I sadly admit that I love it.

I'm not alone; Celine Dion has publicly stated that "Deal or No Deal" is her favorite show. So take that beyotch!

Heath Ledger

Back in 2000 when "The Patriot" came out, I remember saying that "Heath Ledger was going to be a big star." Although he was never a big star (maybe "The Dark Knight" would have changed that), Heath was undoubtedly a big actor and certainly one of the best of our generation (with Gosling). He was the best thing in "Brokeback Mountain" and "The Monster" (the thought of Billy Bob Thornton doing Halle Berry was just too disturbing). I have yet to see "I'm Not There" or "Dark Knight" but he was certainly on an upswing. It was very disheartening to see him pass away and not be able to see what he could become.

The Art of Coffee Sipping

It's funny how people drink coffee or tea or any other beverage for that matter. People always need to take two sips especially when they are doing other things. For example, I was in class the other day and a woman in front of me was drinking from her coffee mug. She took one sip, paused, and then took another sip. Later on in lecture, she held her coffee mug in her hand, took a sip, paused and took another sip. This "sip, pause, sip" action continued throughout the lecture and then I realized that I too "sip, pause, sip." I became so conscious of this mechanism that I researched further and noticed that everyone does this especially when reading the newspaper, studying, or looking at the computer. One sip is never good enough because we have to pause and collect our thoughts about our beverage and then take another sip. Fascinating.

Bastard Children

bas·tard [bas-terd –noun
1. a person born of unmarried parents; an illegitimate child.

What's with Hollywood's obsession with getting pregnant before getting married? Nicole Ritchie, Halle Berry, and now Jessica Alba. I can sympathize with Ritchie (who wants to be married to Joel Madden of Good Charlotte?) and maybe with Alba (who's the father again?) but it just boggles my mind as to why they all have to happen at the same time. I think the Writer's Strike is having a greater effect than they realized. Since these actors aren't working, they all figured, "I want to have a child!" Damn writers!

Poor James Marsden

I saw "Enchanted" over break and I once again saw James Marsden play the lovable guy that loses out to the more handsome and stronger (for lack of a better word) male lead. Marsden (who looks surprisingly like Chris Pine) has always played that guy and it's so sad. I think it all started with "The Notebook" when he lost Rachel McAdams to Ryan Gosling. And then the trend started...Cyclops then Richard White from "Superman Returns." He's being typecast as the good guy that can never get the girl. At least, he's finally going to get some action with Katherine Heigl in "27 Dresses" if the trailer is a good indication of the movie (which it always is in romantic comedies).

Rambo

This is pathetic. I know that Bruce Willis found some success with his Die Hard revival last summer. But everyone likes Die Hard. Not everyone likes Rambo. Also, Sylvester Stallone already used his "bring back an old action hero after 15 years" with Rocky in 2006. If you've seen the posters and commercials, it seems as if they are going after the Gen X kids who are into wrestling and people like John Cena or the rock. No one will see this movie and I hope it dies so that I don't have to see Stallone's botox infused face ever again.

The Writer's Strike

This is starting to make me very angry. The fact that this has been dragging for almost three months is remarkable. What are they fighting for? Is it artistic freedom? or money? It's sad because the writers are looking more like selfish and shortsighted morons. Each day that this strike continues more of the lower paid employees of television shows and film crews are out of work. There are more of those people than pathetic writers. More importantly, the viewers including myself are sick and tired of "American Gladiators," "Deal or No Deal," and other reality shows. I want a full season of 24 and Lost. While I understand that writers deserve more credit for their work (and it always irks me when the credits say "A Film By" and then list the director when the writer is probably more deserving of that credit), but writers must look at the bigger picture and realize their image will never be the same the longer this drags on. Look what happened to baseball...