You Been Actin' Like You're Too Cool

     If you haven't ever seen Pirate Radio, you're missing out.  Tonight, I was super productive and watched the whole movie (that I recorded on Universal HD)--one of the few super awesome channels we get.  Ladies and gentlemen, I just have to say not many movies make me laugh out loud numerous times and throw my fists up in the air in support of victory.  And by not many movies, I mean no movie does, but this did.  I will admit that at the end of the movie I seriously almost shouted "Rock and Roll" with the characters on screen--I didn't but I did do a little clap.  I will not spoil the ending for you, if I haven't already, but I will say, Pirate Radio is awesome.  It's a must see, highly underrated movie where Derek from Smash makes an appearance.  For those of you who don't watch Smash, you're missing out on a great actor.
     The other day, I had the privilege of setting up a photobooth at a senior party for a lovely lady who just had a birthday.  I'm pretty sure everyone involved had a blast!  I know I had fun just watching them pose!

Title: "High School Lover" by Cayucas

The Grizzlies Left Their Great Big Teeth and Their Claws At Home

     Another week, another book.  I've been trying to put off buying another book for a while since I finished The Rook (I think I made it a whole week before I finally gave in).  Right now I'm reading the first of the Jack Reacher series (the novels that inspired the movie that stars Tom Cruise).   So far it's been pretty interesting and nothing like the movie looks like it's going to be, but in the movie's defense there are a good many different books to pull from, so who knows what troubling story they are going to actually pull from.

     Before I read The Rook, I was intrigued by a movie trailer of The Mortal Instruments: The City of Bones which meant I had to read the book to see if I was interested.  At first I thought the book was interesting and pretty decent.  The essence of every story is evil versus good so there are only so many ways that can play out, especially in such a fantasy-driven world.  However, there were a few plot twists in the book that felt a trifle strange (or maybe cliched is a better word) and it completely changed my feelings towards the book.  I'm looking forward to the movie, I'm sure it will be a complex and beautifully created world and all the action will play out well on screen.  The character development, the one thing I love most about books, just wasn't there.  So even though it is a series, you won't find me reading the rest of them.  

     But I would highly recommend the movie Brave, it is as sweet and heartwarming as you can get.  And the little triplets are the cutest little things ever!

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Title: "Avalanches (Culla's Song)" by A Fine Frenzy

Take the Time to Build Yourself

     If you're looking for a book that you won't be able to put down, look no further than Daniel O'Malley's The Rook: A Novel.  This mystery, thriller, science fiction/fantasy story really has a hard time fitting into a specific genre.  It's main genre that I can really nail down is butt-kicking.  Seriously, I have not gotten this excited about a book (and haven't been immediately ashamed about said excitement) since I can't remember when.  Basically, it's a story of amnesia, extreme preparedness (it has actually been inspiring in my real life job), supernatural and corruption.  My favorite part--it's set in ENGLAND.  Of course, that would be why I absolutely love it, right?  (Just kidding, but seriously.)
     It's gotten rave reviews on Amazon and it is a new book (just out in January of 2012).  What's really surprising (but not really) is that it is written by a man and the main character is a well-written, well-developed woman.  Oh, and even though it's set in England, O'Malley went to college here in the States and currently lives in Australia (where he grew up).  I throughly enjoyed The Rook and can't mention it highly enough.  The planning that probably had to go into writing this book blows my mind.  Seriously, the writer has my full respecTt.  I'm just so glad that I found this book.  I would encourage anyone to read it, especially if you enjoy plot twists and action packed adventure.  It is also a moderately long book, so it will be perfect for holiday travel.

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Title: "Every Little Thing" by Soft Swells

Money is the Anthem

     Saturday night I watched the most incredible movie, Atlas Shrugged, Part I.  Going into the movie I wasn't so thrilled, I didn't know what to expect.  I had tried to read Ayn Rand's Fountainhead in high school and it left a foul taste in my mouth.  I wanted to like it and the parts that I read I did like, it just took me forever to read it and it was, oh just over 700 pages (of really tiny font).  I was reading it for a writing contest (to write an essay on it) and I realized I was never going to be finished before the deadline.  So I returned the book to my English teacher and did what any sensible person would do read the plot summary on Wikipedia.  I'm not proud of it, but I did learn what happened.  Needless to say, I had had my first second experience with Rand (the first was from reading Anthem, which I really enjoyed).  Since then I've always wondered how people would make a movie of either the Fountainhead or Atlas Shrugged (which is even bigger than Fountainhead).
     When I finally gave in to watching Atlas Shrugged (or even just clicking on the movie poster on Instant Netflix), I realized that the title of the movie read:  Atlas Shrugged, Part I.  And the movie that's in theaters now was obviously titled Part II.  Curious me had to instantly look everything up on imdb.  That's when I got the shock of my life, Paul Johansson (a favorite actor of mine who played the infamous Dan Scott on One Tree Hill) directed and starred in this movie.  From then on out I knew it was going to be good.  The fact that Dagny (one of the main characters) was played by Taylor Schilling (from the not so hit TV show, Mercy, and the movie The Lucky One) was just a huge bonus.  Who ever decided that Atlas Shrugged, Part I shouldn't be advertised and Part II should be was a complete sillyhead.  From the plot to the acting to the cinematography, the whole movie is sublime.  I wish I had known about it sooner.  I really do.
     But from what I've seen of the trailer for Part II, the acting and the main characters aren't so strong.  Maybe I'm just biased right now because of the high Part I has me on, but its the way I feel.  I even want to read the book!  And I don't read books after I seen the movie.
     If you're wondering what the movie is about, I guess I could give you a quick summary.  The government takes complete control of the economy (which super stinks, btw, prices of gas are on average $35/gallon or something ridiculous like that).  The government decides that everything should be equal (it's unfair for one person to own more than 1 company, everyone should have equal wages, etc.).  But mostly the people who are running the government are self-entitled, self-interested morons.  They spin the media so that new things are "dangerous" especially if it has a chance at succeeded (if Rearden Steel won't sell their  new formula for steel that is over twice as durable and light than regular steel, then Rearden Steel is unsafe!).  The main characters, Dagny Tagget and Henry Rearden, try their hardest to fight the system and succeed no matter what gets thrown at them while some of their hardest and best workers are disappearing.  All with the one question:  "Who is John Galt?"
     It's an extremely intricate, extremely beautiful commentary on socialism and a busybody government that happens in the not so distant future (2016).  While Ayn Rand wrote the novel in 1957 (I'm sure that seemed like an eternity until the future she wrote about), I'm sure the commentary was pretty relevant to her time (and even more so now).  I think that may be why the release of Part II was so advertised (and still is) because of the upcoming political election.  When they made Part I, there was always a trilogy in the plans, I just wish they had signed on the whole cast for all three movies.  It doesn't make sense to me to switch the actors/actresses when the characters are all supposed to be the same.  Maybe the cult following they were expecting just didn't pan out.  Okay, I can think of a lot of maybe possibilities.  I'll go into watching the movie with an open-mind, but I'm already predicting I'll like the first one alot better (just because of the actors/actresses).
     You can see what I mean below, if you want to compare the 2 trailers.  (The blondes are supposed to be Dagny Taggart and I have yet to figure out who is Henry Rearden in Part II, but I think it's pretty obvious in Part I.)

Atlas Shrugged, Part I trailer

Atlas Shrugged, Part II trailer

And because you know I love pictures of my main man, here's Oscar cheesing for the camera.

Update 10/23/12:  I forgot to post this photo in the original blog post.

Title: "National Anthem" by Lana Del Rey

(skip to 2:05)

(Also just a disclaimer, not my favorite song/video, but it seemed a little relevant.)

Living for the Fame

     If you're like me, you get a little excited when the TV networks start releasing their new lineups.  I don't count the days but as soon as I see that they have released the names, I start looking for trailers for each of the shows.  So far, I haven't been disappointed.
     It's no secret that I'm addicted to a few TV shows.  I'm super excited that most of the shows that I love are not being cancelled.  According to the Glamour blog, Obsessed, here is a list of my favorites that are returning in the Fall.  (If you want to see a complete list broken down by network click here.

Favorite Shows Returning for Another Season:

Smash

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About the production a Marilyn Monroe musical (from an idea to Broadway) complete with musical numbers and dancing. 

Grey's Anatomy

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A high-stakes show about the process of becoming a surgeon, very dramatic and very consuming.  Follows Meredith Grey and her class as she progresses through her training starting from her first day as an intern.  (Makes me cry almost every episode and just wrapped up it's 9th season tonight.)

Private Practice

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Spin-off from Grey's Anatomy, just as high-stakes and just as dramatic only in a different setting (L.A.).  This show is more driven by the idea of family (both at work and at home).   (It also makes me cry almost every episode, but this show just wrapped it's 5th season and according to Glamour's blog, this next season is rumored to be it's last.)

Once Upon a Time

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Fairytale characters are cursed to our world without magic, happy endings, or memories of their past lives.  Stuck in Storybrooke time stands still until Emma (the one that can break the curse and the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming) comes to town for good.  Constantly changing between present day and back in their own time, the stories are captivating and always have a special twist.  (Not to mention that Snow White, played by Ginnifer Goodwin, is a fellow native Memphian.)  

Revenge

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Revenge is a show so complicated I doubt I could even explain it to you.  I guess an important thing to know is a rich family framed an innocent man for their crimes (had him imprisoned as a terrorist and then eventually killed) and his daughter is taking them all down one by one.

Scandal

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Can't forget this new baby from the writer of Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice about a practice of "fixers" led by one woman who has a sordid past with the nation's current president.  Oh yeah, there is plenty of scandal to go around.

New Shows to Look Out For:

I am not about to give a bunch of shows thumbs up just yet.  I have no idea what kind of shows they will actually turn out to be like, but I've tried to watch most of the trailers that I could find via youtube and the networks' websites.  This way I can give you a sample of a few without you having to wade through a bunch of garbage.  Hey, I value your time too.

From ABC:

Nashville

I think I'm going to watch at least the first show maybe just to see Hayden Panettiere's diva character, but the rest just seems a little over done.  Minus the fact that it is in a city that is like 4 hours away from me and I actually did go to one of the places seen in the trailer.

Mistresses

I can't seem to figure this one out either.  I think it's supposed to take the place of Desperate Housewives, but I'm not sure it has the spice. I'll probably watch an episode just to test the waters.  (Plus I'm a huge Alyssa Milano fan.)

666 Park Avenue

The only reason I'm giving this a chance is because of the bald actor (he's from Lost and kind of awesome).  We'll see if this gets too scary for my taste.

Last Resort

This one looks like a Lost-ish show and I'm excited about it.  Plus its about our government and conspiracies and who doesn't love a good bout of paranoia every now and then?

From NBC:

Revolution

Electricity just turns off and won't turn back on?  Doesn't that sound like your worst nightmare.  Now this actually has J.J. Abrams executively producing it.  (In case you don't know who that is he has also produced Lost and a million and one other movies/TV shows.  He also writes, directs, and does anything and everything in between it seems.)  This show should be jam packed with twists and turns, you won't know what to do with yourself.  (I'm looking forward it, in case you can't tell.)

Animal Practice

Justin Kirk.  The end.  Animal Practice needs no other review from me.  (Except maybe an explanation.)  The actor who plays Dr. Coleman is one of the most talented, most underrated actors out there.  He's been in Weeds since the very beginning as the comic relief when things get to serious.  AND I seriously adore the little doctor monkey.  I want one!

The New Normal

I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to like this but I think I do.  The Grandmother is just too funny as well as whats-her-name off of the Real Housewives of Atlanta.  I'm pretty sure it's NeNe.  We'll see if the actual show is as funny as the trailer.

Chicago Fire

So I wasn't going to add this, but I had to.  I'm not much for shows about fires.  I have watched about maybe 5 episodes of Rescue Me.  The firefighters always seem to be putting themselves into really awful situations so I stopped watching.  BUT these guys are H-O-T. One used to be a werewolf on The Vampire Diaries, and they don't just pick anyone to be on their show.  The other guy used to be on House.  Wonder why he isn't anymore.  But anyway, my point is that if the show really is all about these two guys, I might watch more than one episode.  However, they could just be trying to hook us ladies with a fine looking fellow.   I guess we'll have to see.

From CBS:

Made in Jersey

Okay, so I'm rather excited about this show.  It's an inspirational tale of a first-generation college girl from Jersey trying to make it in the Big City as a lawyer at a big firm.  She stands out, but she's passionate and that makes her great.  Basically it's the American Dream all rolled up.  It might be cheesy but I think we as a nation could stand for a cheesy reminder of why we love this country so much and why we need to fight to protect what we have.

Elementary

Sherlock Holmes put into today's world.  How would he fair?  Well I guess we'll find out how well the writers can logically change almost everything fundamental about him and still call him Sherlock Holmes.
Let's count the changed things shall we:  in New York, Watson is now a woman named Joan whom he just met, pretty sure there was a mention of being addicted to drugs, but he's still solving crimes in his odd manner and that's all that matters right?

Partners

While I am slightly disappointed that the Sophia Bush project I'd been hearing about included her in a smaller role than the one she had been playing on One Tree Hill, I can't wait to watch her in a show again.  (As a fellow Kappa alum, her triumphs are my triumphs.) Okay enough with the bragging and everything else.  This genuinely looks like a great TV show.  Funny and witty without being over the top.  I'm ready for it.

From the CW:

The Beauty and the Beast


Like always the CW never really gives you enough to go off of to see if this is going to be good.   It could potentially be great, but it could also potentially be disastrous.  I'm hoping for the former and not the latter, but we'll eventually see when it comes time.

From Fox:

The Mob Doctor

So this looks interesting, not to mention I'm a fan of main actresses (if you're trying to place her she's from TBS's My Boys).  I hope this is going to be good.  It looks like there is a little bit of everything and I'm ready for it.

The Goodwin Games

The family you have now is the only family you're going to get.  I love the premise of this show.  And I love the blonde actress (she's from Ugly Betty).  Plus I love the idea of a treasure hunt type deal which this basically is.

One trailer that did make me completely nervous:
Keeping Up with the Kardashians
(not that I really watch it, but WOW!)

There is a full breakdown of everything worrisome over on the Glamour blog.
Some of the things actually made me laugh because they were so ridiculous.
I guess after a while it gets harder and harder to top yourself.

I hope I haven't overwhelmed you with all of these trailers.  There are definitely a good many I didn't show, but I feel like I could have been a little choosier with what I picked.  Or drawn it out a little more.  Oh well, here's the fall previews.  But there are many other shows that I am not particularly a fan of already.  I hope you're looking as forward to fall as I am.  Summer is always so slow TV wise and all my favorite shows are wrapping up with their season finales this week.  Which makes me just a little sad.
     I think I captured some fun and wonderful pictures of Oscar today, but this post is already way overloaded so I'll post them tomorrow.  Hope you've had fun watching the trailers for Fall 2012's TV season.  I'm ready for it to be here already.

Title: "Video Games" originally by Lana Del Ray sung here by Ben Howard